Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015 Edition

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015/ Rabi’ul Awwal 11, 1437 AH

States can’t pay salaries in three months - Masari pAGE 4

. . . putting the people first

Biafra: FG slams treason charges against Kanu

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Reps meet Buratai over Zaria killings

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Vol. 21 No. 74 N150

Thursday, Friday, Monday declared public holidays

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As Buhari budgets N6.08 tr for 2016...

Education leads with N369.6b, defence N294.5b •To recruit 500, 000 teachers, introduce free education •Proposal’ll mortgage Nigeria’s future - PDP •No, it’ll redeem our campaign promises - APC

President Muhammadu Buhari laying 2016 Budget before the members of the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

618 Days after Will the abducted Chibok schoolgirls ever be rescued?

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Photo: Mahmud Isa

Fuel subsidy must go, says Oyegun

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23,

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

19-22

Stockwatch

23

S/Report 24-25 Property 27 Motoring 28 Arts 30

2015 budget implementable, says Al-makura Page 17

Metro 31-33 S/World

35

Digest 40 Feature 37-38 Sports 41 Columnist 48

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Education leads with N369.6bn, Defence N294.5b

By Ali Abare Abubakar, Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Umar Mohammed Puma

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday presented the N6.08 trillion budget proposals for 2016 to a joint Session of the National Assembly, with education topping allocation for the 2016 fiscal year.

Buhari said his administration has decided to devote a significant portion of recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. “ We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.”, the president tpld the National Assembly.

He also said in fulfillment of his promise to align expenditure to long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development, the increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202.0 billion; Special Intervention Programs – N200.0 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N53.1 billion.

“These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy.”, Buhari

said.

A significant aspect of yesterday’s budget presentation was that the president indicated that 500, 000 teachers will be recruited next year by the Federal Government in collaboration with States and Local Governments.

He revealed that the recruitment of the teachers captured under N300billion voted for special intervention programme in the budget, is part of the federal government plans of tackling the problem of unemployment in the country during the 2016 fiscal year.

He said the teachers to be recruited would be drawn from the army of unemployed graduates in the country and holders of Nigeria Certificate in Education ( NCE) for teaching at primary school level in rural areas.

“As an emergency measure, to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, we also will partner with State and Local Governments to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders.

These graduate teachers will be deployed to primary schools, thereby, enhancing the provision of basic education especially in our rural areas”, he said.

President Buhari similarly has assured that there will be free education for science, technology and education students in tertiary institutions across the country.

He explained that, “through the office of the Vice President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent

conditional cash transfer program for the poorest and most vulnerable. This program will be implemented in phases. Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation.”

Under the special intervention fund, the President also disclosed that the federal government intends to partner with State and Local Governments to provide financial training and loans to market women, traders and artisans, through their cooperative societies as important platforms of creating jobs and providing opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The N6.08trillion budget as submitted by President Buhari is predicated on $38 oil price bench mark, 2.2million barrel of oil production per day and N197 to a dollar as exchange rate.

Other highlights are N1.8trillion voted for capital expenditure as against N557billion it was in the outgoing year, N2.65trillion for recurrent expenditure and N3.86 trillion targeted revenue, leaving a deficit of N2.22 trillion.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the N6.8 trillion 2016 federal budget presented by the President as a big fraud and executive conspiracy tailored towards mortgaging the future of

the nation.

The party queried President Buhari’s decision to borrow N2 trillion, the biggest in the history of the nation as the height of recklessness and deceit from a government that trends on propaganda.

The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh on Tuesday berated the Federal Government for trying to use their bogus welfare programme and phantom capital projects as cover and conduit to syphon the funds to satisfy partisan interests, particularly to settle huge campaign debts.

But in a swift reaction, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the unprecedented N6.08 trillion ‘Budget of Change, assuring that that many of the promises made to the Nigerian electorate by the Party in the course of the 2015 presidential campaign are contained in the proposed 2016 National Budget.

APC’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, stated that the present administration’s pro-people policies will be implemented full blast in the coming 2016 financial year.

He said: “In fulfillment of APC’s election promises to the Nigerian electorate, the Party welcomes the proposed Social Welfare programmes contained in the proposed 2016 National Budget submitted to the National Assembly. President Buhari has proposed N500 billion to pay unemployed Nigerian graduates (post-NYSC grant) and feed school children, amongst other social welfare programmes in 2016.”

Fuel subsidy must go - APC

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John OdigieOyegun has said that the gradual removal of subsidy is necessary and inevitable in view of emerging and current realities.

Odigie-Oyegun made the disclosure when he received a delegation of the APC National Coalition for Peace and Mobilization (NACOPEAM) on a courtesy visit to him at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

He said the current administration inherited an “infected system of subsidy” run by corrupt cartels. “In one way or the other, subsidy must go”, the APC National Chairman stated at the meeting.

He said a situation where government spends almost a trillion Naira yearly on the corruption-tainted subsidy regime is unacceptable and can no longer be sustained.

According to the APC Chairman,

oil cartels and their cronies resisting change have continued to blackmail and sabotage government on the issue of subsidy, a development that has resulted in the lingering nationwide fuel scarcities despite serious government efforts.

He described the fuel scarcities the country grapples with as a “national disgrace” Odigie-Oyegun said there is need to restructure the country’s oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and inefficiencies.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components may not necessarily result in increase in the pump price of petrol.

The APC National Chairman said the presidential directive to the PPPRA will result in a more efficient and realistic pricing system for petroleum products and also result in constant availability of fuel.

Earlier, the NACOPEAM National President, Comrade

Ahmed Saleh said the fuel scarcities impacted negatively on the Party.

“The unbearable fuel queues along filling stations is indeed avoidable. The situation is impacting negatively on the integrity of the party and this noble administration of positive change.” he said.

Saleh also called on the “total overhauling” of heads of federal government Commissions, Parastatals and Agencies.

“During electioneering campaign, the APC went around the lenght and breath of Nigeria informing the citizen on the ills and mal-administration of the past regime. However, there is need for total overhauling and new trusted heads of commissions, paratatals and agencies to be appointed for effective, efficient and result oriented service to the Nigerian citizens. With this our noble observation, we believe the nation will move forward and the government will be free from administrative sabotage.”

Meanwhile, President Mohammadu Buhari on Tuesday

apologised to Nigerians over the long queues being experienced at petrol stations across the country.

The president made the apology while presenting the 2016 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.

He said government was making efforts to bring an end to the shortages.

The president expressed optimism that the measures could be achieved and would lower the burden that the traditional cash calls had imposed on the budget.

He further said it would reduce the burden on cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up the country’s national reserves.

He said his administration would not lose focus on the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which had been marred by corruption and inefficiency.

According to him, he has directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

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News

Reps meet Buratai over Zaria killings

By Umar Muhammad Puma

I

n their bit to resolve the crisis between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ite and the security operatives, Members of the House of Representatives yesterday held a closed door

meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai over army’s clash with the Shiite a fortnight ago in Zaria.

Chairman of the committee Rep Aminu Sani Jaji (APC, Zamfara) told some journalists after the meeting that they had to engage the army chief in order to know what actually transpired on

that day.

He said they had met with the Director General of the Department of State Security Lawal Daura last week on the matter and that they planned to meet with the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase before or after Christmas.

He said they had made

attempts to meet with leaders of the sect but to no avail as they could not trace any of them, saying they even sent a delegation of members to Zaria for that purpose but in vain.

He however said they would find a way of reaching the sect leaders in order to meet them

soon to hear their own side of the story, adding that their meeting with Buratai would continue as yesterday’s was the first in a series.

He said their mission was to investigate the matter and get back to the House on the matter, which they would do in the next two or three weeks.

Muslim woman donates food items to Christian widows in Kaduna From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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Kaduna state Governor, Malam Nasiru Ahmed el-Rufai (middle), signing 2016 Budget into law, yesterday at Government House, in Kaduna. With him are Deputy Governor, Architect Bala Bantex (left), Speaker, Kaduna state House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Shagali (right), and others.

Photo: Bashir Bello

ETI appoints Charles Kie as Ecobank MD Designate

E

cobank Nigeria has announced the appointment of Mr Charles Kie, an Ivorian national, as the new Managing Director Designate of the bank.

The bank said in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos that the appointment would take effect on Jan. 1, 2016, but would be subject to the approval of the CBN and meet other regulatory requirements.

The statement said Kie was selected after a selection process which included internal and external candidates.

The bank said that until Kie’s

appointment, he was the ETI’s group executive responsible for leading the bank’s corporate and investment banking business across 40 countries, 36 of which were in Africa.

“Charles Kie represents ETI on the Board of Directors of EBI.SA, the Ecobank subsidiary in France as well as Ecobank Development Corporation (EDC), the investment banking arm of the Ecobank Group.

“Kie joined Ecobank in October 2011 as Chief Operating Officer of the then Ecobank Capital and was subsequently appointed the Head of the Group’s Corporate Banking

business.

“Between 2008 and 2011, Charles Kie was Group CEO of Groupe Banque Atlantique, based in Togo and Cote d’Ivoire.

“Groupe Banque Atlantique (now majority owned by Banque Centrale Populaire of Morocco) had operations in eight countries in West Africa and one in Central Africa as well as a representative Office in Paris (France).

“Kie also had a successful career with Citibank between 1997 and 2008, rising to the position of CEO of Citigroup West Africa between 2004 and 2008.

“Kie, a graduate of Ecole Superieure de Commerce d’Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire), has an MBA from the London School of Economics and an MSc from the University Of Clermont Ferrand France.

“He has attended the Harvard Business School - Advanced Management Programme.

“An Ivorian national, Kie is fluent in both English and French,” the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kie will succeed Mr Jibril Aku whose fiveyear tenure as Managing Director ends on Dec. 31. (NAN)

OKonjo –Iweala’s mother’s kidnapper admits taking N12m ransom From Osakhare Asaba

A

Erese,

27 year old Peter Nweke on Tuesday admitted that his gang was paid N12 million ransom when he and the members of his gang abducted Mrs. Kamene Okonji, mother of former Coordinating Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala in 2013.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Celestina Kalu told newsmen in Asaba that the suspect

Peter Nweke who hails from Umumba Ndiagu in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, admitted in fresh interrogation on how he and his gang members collected the N12 million ransom.

The suspect according to the Police image maker, said that he was contacted one Ifeanyi Chukwuemeka from Issele-Uku in Delta State who linked him to one of the Okonjo’s family members that helped them to perfect the kidnap.

He said the suspect claimed that Chukwuemeka disguised as a corps members seeking for assistance and entered the compound before they made away with Mrs. Kamene Okonjo.

Accordingly, Nweke also told the police that the gang abducted a pastor’s wife and her friend as well as her brother in Uguoba, Oji River in Enugu State last October 2014, saying that they demanded 4 million, they later got N1.2 million from the victim.

Mrs. Kalu however

disclosed that the antikidnap unit of the state police command who escaped to Cotonou after the kidnap of Mrs. Okonjo, adding that the suspect resurfaced in 2015 with another gang which included Ifeanyi Chukwuemeka and Alli Sali from Adamawa both residing in Sabon Kashua, Asaba in Delta State.

She said “The suspect have been in kidnapping business for 4 years and that poverty drove him into the crime” disclosing that investigation was ongoing.

oward building a harmonious relationship and promote love ,togetherness and religious tolerance, a Muslim woman has donated a big Christmas tree to Church of Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry in Sabon Tasha Kaduna in Chikun Local Government Area of kaduna state.

The tree which is meant to decorate the church with beautiful tree light, wreaths, stocking, garment, ornament, the gesture, according to the statement, is also to strengthening peaceful coexistence, better understanding of different faith among Muslims and Christians in Nigeria.

Presenting it, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar, chairperson of Women hood School of Health Science and Technology kaduna, lead a team of some Muslim women to the church leader, where the Christmas gift and some other items were presented to the widows that are faced with challenges of feeding their children at this season, and also to assist them in decorating the Christmas Tree with light to beautify the church.

Speaking, Maryam said, “ i have observed that the Christmas tree is very vital to the life of every Christians in this planet, and that iswhy I bought it to them, and I donate it to the church only, for every member to see it, so as to enable Christian know that Muslims are their brothers, and to join them in celebrating birth of our noble prophet Isa (AS) or Jesus”.

She further said that, apart from donating Christmas tree, we decorate it at the pastors house, we also distribute Food items to some widows at the churches, we do this with the sole aims of assisting our sisters widows with Food to cook at the Christmas, because Christmas is a season filled with joy, fun and merriment, a season of yuletide”, cshe said, adding that “at the moment I entered a shop at the central market asking them of a Christmas tree, everyone was wondering and asking what would a Muslim woman got do with the Christmas tree, so many people were asking me of it, but I know it’s important to every Christians in the world ,that is why I bought it for my brothers and sisters, to enabled them know that Muslims are their brothers, and we wish them happy Xmas and happy new year” Hajiya maryam Abubakar also disclosed that last year, she feed about500 Christian inmates in the spirit of Christmas and New Year celebration to show love to Christians who are incarcerated.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

News

Police promote 986 senior officers

By Joy Baba Yesufu

T

Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) registering Nigerian returnees from Cameroon at the NEMA IDPs camp, yesterday in Fufore, Adamawa state.

Photo: NAN

States can’t pay salaries in the next 3 months – Masari alerts

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

G

overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has raised alarm that due to the slump in oil price and dwindling revenue accruing to the states, almost all 36 states may not be able to pay workers salaries in the next three months.

Masari stated this yesterday in Kadandani Village in Rimi local government of Katsina State while laying the foundation

of construction of three blocks of 12 classrooms donated by a philanthropists to the community.

“You can see that up till now no state has started the payment of salaries. With the way things are going most states with the exception of at least ten cannot pay the monthly wage bill” he stressed.

The governor therefore declared that for state like Katsina the government and its people must look inwards to develop the non oil sector, adding that the time for over reliance on oil as a source

of revenue was over.

Masari however, noted that the budget he would present before the State House of Assembly would allocate 80% of revenue to the education sector for the development of primary and secondary education sector.

The governor advised the community to continue to run the community school, adding that its take-over by the state government would only worsen performance of its students in public examinations.

He similarly disclosed that any worker employed in the education or health sector would have the name of area to be posted on his appointment letter to guard against workers rejecting rural posting.

The philanthropists, Alhaji Salisu Continental said the construction of the classrooms and its donation to his community was part of his effort in supporting his community towards improvement of education.

Kebbi CBN appeals to rice farmers to collect payments From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

T

he Kebbi State Branch Controller of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Hajiya Nana Asmau Baba has made a passionate appeal to the rice farmers who registered with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to hasten on the collection of their payment.

She made this appeal yesterday

while fielding questions from newsmen through telephone interview adding that out of the 100 percent rice farmers who had registered with BOA only 54 percent of them have collected their money.

“You see only 2,710 that registered from Kebbi state, its only few of them that were able to collect their payment loan, we want people to hurry up and collect their money

“she added.

She further pointed out that the disbursement of the loan by BOA is going at a low space, stressing the needs that it is aimed at ensuring only genuine rice farmers benefits from the scheme.

The branch controller, who further attributed the delay if the payment as the lack of computerized of the Bank system,

assured the beneficiary the 5000 farmer who have also registered with the sterling Bank would also get their payment very soon.

“CBN’s would ensure that those farmers who had under the compulsory training of the CBN Anchor Borrowers programme are the legitimate beneficiaries of the scheme” she added.

he Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of 986 senior police Officers.

The Commission also appointed Mr. Emmanuel C. Ibe, the Director of Administration and Finance as its acting Secretary.

These were highpoints of the Commission’s 14th plenary meeting held in Abuja where 12 Police Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM), were also resolved.

The Commission approved the promotion of CP Shuaiba L. Gambo to the next substantive rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police while DCP Jonah Jackson Mava, Olusola Babajide David, Titus Sumba Lamorde, Chika Abubakar Maidama and Abdullahi Chafe Ibrahim were elevated to the next rank of Commissioner of Police.

The Commission also approved the elevationof16AssistantCommissioners to Deputy Commissioners, 21 Chief Superintendents to Assistant Commissioners and 3 Superintendents to Chief Superintendent. It also approved the promotion of 9 Deputy Superintendents to Superintendents and 931 Assistant superintendents to Deputy Superintendents.

According to a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations, two acting DCPs, four acting ACPs and one acting CSP were also confirmed. All the promotions take effect from the 16th of December 2015.

The Commission also resolved 12 Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM), approving the reduction in rank of two officers, severe reprimand for another two and reprimand for four. One officer is to receive a letter of advice while three others were exonerated.

Meanwhile the Commission approved the appointment of Emmanuel C. Ibe as acting Secretary to the Commission. Mr. Ibe until his appointment was the Director of Administration and Finance. He is coming into his new office with an intimidating profile. He was Special Assistant to the former Chairman of the Commission, and presently the Chairman of the Nigerian of Institute of Management, NIM, Federal Capital Territory. Mr. Ibe is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (chartered) and a Member of the Institute of Directors (IoD), Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

2016 budget will address infrastructure deficit – Statistician

D

r Mohammed Tumala, President, Nigerian Statistical Association, has expressed optimism that the 2016 budget of N6.08 trillion will address infrastructure deficit in the country.

Tumala told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that the budget would also enhance inclusive growth.

He said that the amount budgeted for capital expenditure would help to achieve sustainable development.

NAN reports that capital expenditure takes about 30 per cent of the entire budget.

The capital expenditure takes N1.8 trillion, marking a significant over 300 per cent increment from the 2015 vote of N557 billion.

Tumala said that the budget was much clearer than the previous proposals in terms of ways to finance the implementation. ``This is a budget of hope and the government is optimistic of implementing it. ``The Federal Government

has adopted the Zero budgeting system; this is about prioritising the most important projects to achieve development. ``This kind of budget will minimise abandoned projects in the country when implemented,’’ he said.

He also advised the Federal Government to adopt using identification to implement the N5,000 social welfare package for vulnerable Nigerians and the School Feeding Programme.

He said that modality to

implement the package could be challenging because of data to support the programme.

Tumala, however, expressed hope that the programme was achievable with political will and enrollment of the right people. ``I think every Nigerian is supposed to have National Identity Card; this can serve as a way of identifying those that will benefit from welfare package. ``Also, some people can use their Bank Verification Number (BVN) for identification,’’ he said.

In addition, he advised the government to evolve a clear condition under which people could benefit from the package.

NAN reports that the budget was set on assumptions of a benchmark price of 38 dollars per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016.

It focused on non-oil revenues by broadening the tax base and improving on the effectiveness of the revenue collecting agencies.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

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News

Yuletide: Security beefed up in Plateau

From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

O

peration Safe Haven (OPSH) restoring peace in Plateau State said it had posted security agents at various flash points in the state to ensure the safety of lives and properties

during Maulud and Christmas celebrations.

Major General Tagbo Ude who is the OPSH commander in Plateau addressed troops following a show of force in preparation to deal with criminality in the State during the upcoming celebrations,

adding that the aim of the show of was to ensure a peaceful festive period.

His words, “I thank you for your relentless effort in ensuring peace returns to Plateau State.

You have a duty to ensure that the good people of Plateau State sleep with their two .”

The event which lasted for almost three hours witnessed members of the armed forces working with OPSH from all the sector commands, the State Security Service, the Nigerian Police, Prison service as well as Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

L-R: Kebbi state Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, presenting 2016 Budget Proposal to Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmumin Kamba, yesterday in Birnin Kebbi.

Photo: NAN

JIBWIS expresses worry over Biafra agitations, Shiite clash From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

F

ollowing the clash between the Nigerian army and Islamic Movement better known as “Shiite”, the National Chairman Council of Ulama of Jamaatul Izalatul Bidia Wa Ikamatu Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir has expressed worry over the incident, just as he added that the Biafran agitation was a threat to the unity of the country.

Jingir expressed his concern

yesterday during a chat with journalists at his residence in Jos, the state capital.

The Islamic cleric who described the pro Biafran protest as a deliberate attempt to undermine war against Boko haram group also called on the Federal Government to impartially investigate the incident and do justice to the parties involved.

Jingir however, in strong terms condemned the clash between Shiite group and Nigeria military

and pro-biafran agitations, calling on the government to also take proactive step to bring an end to impunity in the country.

He noted that the 30 months of civil war was a good example of what Nigeria had gone through, adding that the experience was enough to be careful about our attitudes and actions to avoid further crisis .

He said, “ I am calling on Nigerians on the hostility against security agents. I urged you to shun all forms of violence and

avoid bad attitude because peace is the only way out. Politicians are now hiding under different guise desperately trying to plunge the country into instability. Nigerians must unite and support the present government for the peace and development of our country”.

The Islamic leader further called on religious leaders, scholars and opinion leaders across the country to desist from hate sermon in their religious centre and avoid inciting comment capable of resulting to violence.

… As FG slams fresh charges against Nnamdi Kanu

T

he Federal Government has slammed fresh criminal charges against the leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, after he was released unconditionally by a Federal High Court on December 17.

Mr. Kanu’s counsel, Vincent Obeta, told PREMIUM TIMES the Federal Government filed the fresh charges on December 18 at the same court that granted him bail.

The fresh six-count charge, Mr. Obeta said, concerns allegations of treasonable felony, maintaining an unlawful society and illegal possession of items, among others.

The charges were filed by the office of the Attorney General

of the Federation, and signed by the federal Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Diri.

The allegations include a plot by Mr. Kanu and some persons now at large to cause crises that might force the President and Commanderin-Chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, to concede certain parts of Nigeria to a purported Biafra nation.

Mr. Kanu was also alleged to have been maintaining unlawful society and retaining items belonging to IPOB, among others.

The allegations, the charges said, contain offences punishable under sections 41 (C), and 63 of the criminal code act; as well

as section 47(2) (a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act. The other two persons jointly accused in the fresh charges are Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola had, in a December 17 ruling, faulted the action of the State Security Service in detaining Mr. Kanu for over two months, without trial.

Mr. Kanu’s release by the federal court came a day after a Magistrate Court sitting in Abuja struck out all suits filed against him.

Magistrate Shuaibu Usman struck out all criminal charges leveled against Mr. Kanu after counsel to the State Security

Services, Moses Idakwo, filed for discontinuation of the matter on the instruction of his client.

Mr. Usman said since the SSS, through its lawyer, had filed for a discontinuation of the case, he had no option than to discharge the accused.

But rather than release the Radio Biafra director following the separate rulings by the two courts, the SSS slammed fresh charges against him.

Mr. Kanu, who was arrested by the SSS as he returned to Nigeria, has been in detention since October.

Calls for his release led to demonstrations in several south east states.

Kano govt approves contributory health scheme

By Doyin Ojosipe

K

ano State government has approved the establishment of the State contributory Healthcare Scheme for the immense benefit of workers and other citizens in the State.

This was disclosed by the State Head of Service, Muhammad Awwal Na`iya at the opening of 1 Day workshop for Senior Stakeholders on contributory Healthcare Scheme in Kano State held at Tahir Guest Palace, Nassarawa GRA. Kano Public Relations Officer ,Office of the Head of Civil Service, Kano State, Mustapha Ibrahim Fagge in a statement yesterday said Awwal Na`iya stated that it is gratifying to say that when the scheme is fully implemented would at an interim cover workers in the state service, primary school teachers and local government employees.

“Subsequently, the private sector and informal sector would follow suit. While other citizens in the state can also have access to the scheme under the guidance of the proposed State Agency.”, he said.

He then highlighted some achievements of this government which include sustained payment of salaries, construction of Housing Scheme for workers in collaboration with Labour Union, entrenchment of the SERVICOM concept, introduction of promotional examination as well as Renovation of office premises etc.

On his part the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kabeer Ibrahim Getso disclosed that contributory Healthcare financing is now a global accepted method of financing healthcare with the aim of achieving a state where Majority of the population can have access to beneficial health packages, without being pushed into poverty.

Dr. Getso also stated that the state government is doing other things within available resources to improve healthcare services in the State. Some of which include: Resumption of work on the construction and equipping of Giginyu Hospital and Zoo road Paediatric Hospital, reactivation of ICU Units at Murtala Muhammad Specialists Hospital as well as improving and sustaining free maternal and child Healthcare program in the state and local government facilities.

In his remarks the Coordinator National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Alhaji Shuaibu Ahmed Indabawa who dwelt intensively on the modalities and level of the progress of the Scheme in Kano so far, thanked the Head of Service and the Commissioner of Health for their concerted effort to see that the scheme scale through in the executive council meeting.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

PAGE 6

News

FG declares Thursday, Friday, Monday Public Holidays

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Federal Government has declared Thursday 24th, Friday 25th and Monday 28 as Public Holidays to celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Maulud, Christmas and Boxing Day. Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau made the declaration yesterday on behalf of the government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Bassey Okon Akpanyung.

Dambazzau enjoined Nigerians to live in peace with one another and support President Buhari’s effort in building a peaceful and united nation.

He further called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and unity in the country.

Insecurity hindering foreign investments in Nigeria, says Official From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Second Deputy President of the Kadunaa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Hajiya Muheeba H. Dankaka has identified the current security challenges in the country as the major problem confronting foreign participation in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists on the preparation of the 37th Kaduna International Trade Faire scheduled for 26th February to 6th March, 2016 Hajiya Dankaka who is also the Vice Chairperson of the 37th Fair charged president Mohammadu Buhari to sustain the momentum of stamping terrorists out of North East, North Central and North West which have large deposit of mineral resources.

“Because of persistent plague of terrorism and tribal conflict foreign minners were scared out of Nigeria, especially in North East, North Central and North West. So, the 31st deadline President Mohammadu Buhari gave the security agencies to stem out insurgency in those affected arrears was a welcome idea,” She said.

Hajiya Dankaka advised President Buhari to sustain the Artisanal policy on mining which was initiated by President Jonathan regim, adding that it was meant in enccouraging one local government, one mineral prospect.

On the forthcoming trade, Hajiya Dankaka said adequate security arrangement have been made to secure lives and properties before, during and after the fair, adding that trade fairs are not meant for profits.

“Trade Fair is not to make money. It is basically an avenue for trade links. We creat the platform for businessmen and women, countries and states around the globe to meet and initiate partnership in their respective businesses,” She said.

L-R: Bauchi state Governor, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, and Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, during the Grand North-East Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the Nexus between War Against Corruption, Good Governance and Security organized by NOA, National Troupe of Nigeria and Bauchi state Government, yesterday in Bauchi.

Edo scraps Customary Court of Appeal

T

he Edo Government on Tuesday repealed the Act establishing the Customary Court of Appeal in the state.

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, who signed the Ammendment Bill into law, said that the Customary Court of Appeal had ceased to exist in the state.

He said that with the development, the judges in

the court were automatically transferred to the State High Court, thereby increasing the number of the State high court judges from 24 to 30.

He explained that more judges were needed in the high courts for quick dispensation of justice.

The governor noted that it was unthinkable that not less

than 6000 cases were hitherto pending before only 24 judges of the high court.

Oshiomole said that the new high court judges would now have the opportunity of hearing diverse cases and not just the appeals from the customary courts and the area courts.

He noted that, although, the law requires that the judges be

sworn-in, they would retain their seniority.

The governor stressed that the amendment was in the best interest of the state.

He explained that appeals from the area courts and the customary courts would be entertained by judges of the High Courts as assigned to by the Chief Judge. (NAN)

Lack of funds stalls manufacturing of Nigerian made satellite – Centre

D

r Spencer Onuh, the Director, Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) on Tuesday said lack of funds stalled the centre’s plan of manufacturing Nigerian made satellites.

Onuh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that satellite technology remained the driving force behind most developed and developing economies. ``Nigeria empowers other developed countries by buying their satellites and this trend can be reversed when local satellites are developed in the country,’’ he said.

He said that the CSTD had been on the establishment of the Spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) Centre.

He said that the AIT centre would serve national and international space programmes for spacecraft assembly, integration and test activities.

He said that the AIT

infrastructure was capable of supporting the Nigerian space sector to manufacture its own local satellites and sell to other countries at a reasonable fee for revenue generation.

He expressed worry that in spite of the huge benefit Nigeria stood to gain from manufacturing its own satellites; lack of fund had handicapped the centre from achieving the AIT design and operation. ``The AIT design centre is at the heart of space programme in Nigeria and that is one of the areas that is very painful to us that we have not made headway. `` The centre was mandated by the Federal Executive Committee to manufacture our own satellites, the road maps has been given to us. ``We are now waiting for the appropriate intervention from the government to help us meet that target because on our own we have built the capacity so we can do it. ``If Nigerian engineers and

scientist can design a satellite that is still orbiting and still capturing data, still downloading and receiving telemetry information, then they can also manufacture satellites. ``This is because I have trained personnel, engineers and scientists that can deliver made in Nigeria satellites but they cannot do it because these equipments are not there. ``The building and civil work for the AIT is on but we can’t even progress beyond that level because of lack of funding.’’

Onuh said that all Nigerian engineers and scientists needed was the tools and equipment in the AIT centre to commence work immediately.

He appealed to the Federal Government to make space science a priority project in the new dispensation in country so that Nigeria could join the spacedeveloped nations.

He said that apart from that, the AIT would also be useful to

tertiary and research institutes for conducting high impact scientific research, ``which is of global standard’’.

He said that the centre would also be testing components for other space agencies in other countries that were involved in satellite design and manufacturing and generate hard currency for Nigeria. ``This is why the AIT is key to us; when Nigeria went to UK for the first space training. Turkey and Algeria also went for the same training. The two countries returned home, they built their own satellites. ``This was because they were given a mini AIT centre; these guys are not more clever and intelligence than our engineers and scientist but because they were given the tools they excelled. ``So, the challenge before us is to build our own satellites and it’s an area we are appealing to the government to look into so we can achieve our goal,’’ he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

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News

Man docked for allegedly slapping woman

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People waiting to purchase petrol at the NNPC Mega Station, yesterday in Dutse, Jigawa state, as fuel scarcity intensifies.

Photo: NAN

Rights group secures release of 15 inmates in Bauchi.

From Ahmed Kaigama,Bauchi The Bauchi Human Rights Network (BHN) has secured the freedom of 15 inmates under light serving jail terms in the Bauchi prisons.

The coordinator of the BHN, Mr Sylvester Yibis disclosed this while addressing the freed prisoners in the presence of Prisons officials yesterday, saying the inmates were serving light sentences ranging from one year to three months for committing crimes such as stealing, impersonation, and wandering among others According to him, the project was the brain-child of over 45 different NGOs under the network.

Yibis who was in company of other officials of the network, explained that BHN decided to embark on the project basically to address the problem of the rising physical and psychological torture of suspects and inmates.

He said: “Physical torture is normally found in detention centres of police stations within the first to three hours of arrests.

It is almost hell for suspects most of whom are tortured in a bid to squeeze information from them.

Psychological torture on the other hand is when inmates are remanded in prison custody for so many years while they await trial” The Human right activities has assured that the network was collaborating with other organisations within and outside the state to ensure that the ex-prisoners were trained on vocational skills that would make them self reliant and not to return to crime.

Police parade 11 suspected criminals in Nasarawa

By Gambo Ahmed,Lafia

T

he Nasarawa state police command yesterday paraded 11 suspects arrested on various crime committed within the festive period in different parts of the state.

Parading the suspects before newsmen at the state Criminal Investigation Department,CID. the Command’s Image maker, ASP Ismaila Numan said the effort by men of the command was to ensure that

criminals were rid out of the state.

Highling on the offenses committed, ASP Numan said four set of the suspects were arrested at Masaka in Karu local government of the state with Acura Salon car snatched with two local made pistols, four suspects who believed to be cattle rustlers were arrested at Awe local government by the police with the help of vigilante group in the areas, well two suspected armed robbers were arrested along

Keffi-kaduna road by the military at a check point with a vehicle with to locally made pistols.

He continued:’’ the achievements so far recorded are from vehicles from armed bandits, six locally made pistols, one English barrette pistol, three live ammunitions and one AK 47 rifle within the period’’ According to him, the suspects would be charged to court adding that the command is set to combat crime as well as rid criminals from the state.

Labourer bags 4 months imprisonment for buying stolen motorcycles

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Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, on Tuesday sentenced a 24-year-old labourer, Ibrahim Mohammed to four months imprisonment for purchasing four stolen motorcycles.

The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, however, gave Mohammed an option to pay N60, 000 fine and warned him to desist from committing any crime.

Kagarko also ordered that all the stolen motorcycles in Mohammed’s custody should be returned to the court to enable the lawful owners to reclaim them.

The convict, a resident of Jahi village, Abuja was convicted for receiving stolen property.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Urom Otu, told the court that a police patrol team headed by SP Femi Adelayan from the FCT Command on patrol on Nov. 20, was alerted.

He said the team was informed of a robbery gang that operates along Airport Road, Dutse Alhaji, Kubwa, Lugbe and Galadimawa axis of the FCT. According to him, the said gang specialises in snatching

motorcycles, based on confession from one Mohammed Murtala, a member of the gang.

Otu said that Murtala gave Mohammed’s name as one of the buyers, who bought four of the motorcycles, knowing that they were stolen.

He further said that one of the motorcycles was recovered from Mohammed, an offence that contravened the provision of Section 317 of the Penal Code.

Mohammed who pleaded guilty, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.(NAN)

Yuletide: NSCDC pledges adequate security in Osun

T

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun on Tuesday assured residents of the state of adequate security during and after the Yuletide season.

The spokesman of the NSCDC in Osun, Mr Wale Folarin, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo.

Folarin said the corps had put in place adequate security measures to ensure peace before, during and after the Yuletide.

He described Osun as one of the most peaceful states in the country, saying this was a reflection of the security measures put in place to protect lives and property by security agencies.

“We have officers in all the

local governments, throughout the wards, in every nook and cranny of the state. `` We have officers in mufti gathering intelligence and providing security.

“Presently, we have mapped out some black spots and have posted our officers to such places to conduct surveillance.

(NAN)

he police on Tuesday arraigned one Abubakar Sani of Lugbe, Abuja, in the Gudu Upper Area Court for allegedly slapping a woman who was a fellow passenger with him in a taxi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant is standing trial on a two-count charge of criminal force and assault.

The Prosecutor, Urom Otu, told the court that one Gloria Christopher of Karshi village, Abuja, formally reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on Monday.

He said that while the plaintiff was in a taxi at Area 3 junction in Abuja, the defendant started insulting other passengers.

“When the plaintiff asked the defendant why he was insulting the other passengers, he came down from the taxi and slapped the her,” he said.

Otu said the defendant was also sighted by policemen at the scene and was arrested and taken to the Garki Police Station.

He added that the offence contravened Section 265 of the Penal Code.

NAN reports that the defendant, however, pleaded not guilty when his plea was taken.

The trial judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20,000 with a reliable surety in like sum.

He adjourned the case till March 9 for hearing. (NAN)

NDLEA docks man over alleged heroin trafficking

A 35-year-old man, Aniecheta Okoli, on Tuesday appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos, charged with heroin trafficking.

The accused is facing a onecount charge preferred against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, and his counsel, Mrs Lilian Omotunde, requested that he be granted bail.

Justice Saliu Saidu, the trial Judge, in response, granted the accused bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.

The judge ordered that one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused.

He adjourned the case till Feb. 25, 2016, for substantive trial.

The prosecutor, Mr Fingere Dinneys had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 5 He said that the accused was arrested at the arrival hall of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja.

The prosecutor said that a large wrap of heroin, weighing 45 grammes, was recovered from the accused during the screening of passengers.

He said that Okoli was consequently arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 11 (b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the offence of drug trafficking can attract as much as life imprisonment. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

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News

Sokoto compensates hajj stampede victims with N69m From Raji Bello, Sokoto

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okoto State has announced a monetary donation of N500,000 to each of the 138 families of the 2015 hajj stampede from state.

No fewer than 114 pilgrims from Sokoto were confirmed

dead, 22 are still missing while two are injured and still receiving treatment during the stampede.

Making the donation yesterday, while receiving the report of the 2015 hajj committee in Sokoto, the state governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the gesture was in fulfillment of the promise made when the

tragedy occurred in September this year.

He noted that, even though the government cannot compensate the families for the loss of their loved ones, The governor said the families have endured pains since the incident, and commended them for their patience and prayers.

He said government will continue to put in place measures that will enhance the hajj exercise by boosting safety and logistics of the pilgrims.

In his remarks, Leader of the state delegation to this year’s hajj exercise and Deputy Governor of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, said Sokoto pilgrims exhibited good

conduct while in the Holy Land.

He appealed to the government to sustain the state feeding programme for pilgrims at transit camps at home and abroad, and announced that Kware and Gwadabawa local government areas have received special awards for maintaining good sanitation in Saudi Arabia.

12 companies bid for Kaduna mass rail transit From Mohammad Kaduna

Ibrahim,

T

he quest by the Kaduna State Government to create a railbased mass transit system is closer to actualization as 12 companies have been prequalified as developers and operators of the system with French, German, Canadian, Indian and Chinese companies top the list of the companies seeking to clinch the five lots that will constitute the metropolitan rail network.

The government said Eighteen

companies had submitted bids in response to a government advertisement for expressions of interest by investors to build a rail-based mass transit network in metropolitan of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Senior Assistant to Governor El-Rufai on Media and publicity, Samuel Aruwan and made available in the state.

He said French giant Alstom, German heavyweight Gauff, several Chinese corporations and a consortium led by the Infrastructure Bank are among the bidders.

“ The State Executive Council has considered the report of the bid evaluation committee, and has approved that the 12 companies who scored highest in the bid evaluation should be invited to submit preliminary designs, business plans and evidence of financial capability within the next 21 days.

“Companies prequalified for the next stage are: China Railway 14th Bureau Group; Alstom, Gauff Gmbh, CCECC, SREI Infrastructure Finance, Atom Services, China Railway International Group, Sino-Hydro Corporation, the

Infrastructure Bank, China Camce Engineering, China Rail/Medhal and Daxi SA Charleroi.

“The designs and business plans submitted by these 12 companies will be further evaluated to select the preferred and reserved bidders for each of the five routes envisaged for the rail network.

“The proposed routes are: Green Line (Urban Rail A): Millennium City to Rigasa, through Katsina Road, Orange Line (Urban Rail B). Mararaban Rido via Sir Patrick Yakowa Way to Jabi Road• “ Red Line (Urban Rail

C), Mararaban Rido to Zaria Expressway via Ahmadu Bello Way• Yellow Line (Urban Rail D): Sabon Tasha to Mando through Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway• Pink Line (Urban Rail E): Kakau to Rigasa,” he said.

Aruwan added that the State Government has decided that the development of a rail-based mass transit network will be the legacy project in which the state will invest its share of the N10bn that every state has been allowed to borrow long-term from the CBN at 9% interest.

Tricycle operators protest hike in levies in Asaba From: Osakhare Erese, Asaba

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usiness and Working activities yesterday paralysed in Asaba, Delta State following protest by Tricycle operators popularly called keke riders over hike in levies by road union workers, otherwise known as “Agberos” .The protesters armed with placards: ‘We cannot pay these levies, it is too much for us, Gov. Okowa please come to our aid” shouted themselves down in Ibo songs, disrupting other vehicular movements in various streets of Asaba.

Deviants among the protesters who defiled the order of no more conveying of passengers were beaten blue black and tricycles impounded.

While hundreds of commuters resorted to trekking long distances, the leader of protesting tricycle operators, Benson Nnamdi said they embarked on the protest to press home their grievances on the hike levies by the Union leaders.

He said “we cannot pay N300.00, we used to pay N250.00 the Union leaders or Agboros did not put us on notice before increasing the levies, instead of us to work under such increase, we will park our keke(s)”.

It was reliably gathered the state government through the Ministry of Transport, partnered the union workers to increase revenue generation for the state. But the state commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan who spoke to our correspondent on telephone, confirmed that the increase in the tricycle operators levies was an agreement reached with their union leaders, saying that no going back on government decision.

He said “we will not go back on our decision, we agreed with their union leaders for them to be paying N300.00 instead of N250.00”.

R-L: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, during the 2016 Budget presentation

by President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Oil spills: ERA/FoEN hail Netherlands ruling against Shell

From Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

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he Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has hailed last Friday Dutch appeals court ruling which affirmed that Shell parent company could be held liable for oil spills at its Nigerian subsidiary, urging other Niger Delta communities to institute similar action against the company for years of pollution.

The court decision overturns a ruling by a lower court in 2013, which said the parent company could not be held liable.

Four farmers and fishermen, backed by Friends of the Earth, first filed the case against Shell in the Netherlands in 2008, demanding a clean up oil spills

in their communities, prevention of further spills and payment of compensation for the ruins caused by Shell.

In January 2013 a lower Dutch court threw out most of the lawsuit, saying the communities could not hold Shell’s parent company in Netherlands responsible for the pollution which has for years ruined their environment.

At the time, the judges said Shell’s Nigerian subsidiary was partly responsible and ordered it to compensate farmers and fishermen in one claim, in Ikot Ada Udo in Akwa Ibom State, but not in the three other claims from Oruma community and Goi in Bayelsa and Rivers respectively.

In the ruling, the court said that the farmers may take their

case against Shell to a judge in the Netherlands, meaning Dutch courts have jurisdiction in the case against Shell and its subsidiary in Nigeria. It was delivered by Judge Hans van der Klooster at the appeals court in The Hague.

Describing the landmark ruling, Geert Ritsema of Friends of the Earth International said: “There is now jurisprudence that means victims of human rights violations or pollution can sue Dutch multinationals in the Netherlands” ERA/FoEN Executive Director, Godwin Uyi Ojo said: “we have recorded yet another victory for communities that have been under the yoke of Shell. This ruling sets a landmark precedent that opens the doors for impacted

communities to sue Shell in Netherlands for the negligence of its subsidiaries in their part of the world”.

“Shell would have preferred that this controversy dragged for eternity until the farmers become weary and give up, but the decision of the appeal court has turned the table on them. The resilience of the farmers will earn them victory” Ojo recommended that other impacted communities now take their destinies in their hands, even as he added that, “we firmly believe that justice will finally be served for communities tossed here and there by Shell’s attempts to evade justice in communities where it pollutes with impunity.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

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NOA hails FG’s fight against terrorism

By Doyin Ojosipe

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r Moses Aba, the FCT Coordinator, National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Tuesday expressed appreciation at the efforts of the current administration in the fight against terrorism.

Aba, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that the efforts had drastically reduced the activities of the insurgents.

He called on Nigerians to be peaceful and vigilant as they celebrate Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

He expressed the hope that 2016 would witness growth in the country’s economy.

``When the economy regains its momentum; we will see investors coming in, industries will spring up here and there that will absorb our teaming youths. ``We will also see the stability in the polity of the country, its development and growth,” Aba On the performance of the agency in 2015, Aba said, ``the year has been an eventful one, not only for the agency but for the entire nation.’’ ``2015 was a year of major elections in the country - the elections to the various stages of governance; president, the governors, the Senate and Federal House of

Representatives. `` The agency can proudly say that it was a critical stakeholder that worked with other stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians have an election that was adjudged free, fair and credible. ``The agency carried out its mandate to make sure that the citizens of the country particularly, the electorates were sufficiently sensitised, educated and informed on the electoral process. ``There were innovations in the electoral process. For example the use of the card readers, which hitherto was not used in previous elections. ``The positive roles we

played contributed immensely to the success of the 2015 elections,’’ Aba said.

Aba said that the agency contributed to the stability of country’s polity through the successful elections. ``Before the elections, there were negative predictions from the enemies of this country; that Nigeria was going to fall apart and that the election was one of the ways that would make Nigeria disintegrate. ``The agency went into full mobilisation of Nigerians and restored confidence that the country would not disintegrate; and to the glory of God, Nigeria has remained one,’’ he said.

(NAN)

Lagos state Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Mr. Tunde Durosinimi-EttI (left), presenting gifts to Elder Tayo Soyode (middle), a recipient of Elderly Citizens Assistance Scheme, during the 16th edition of Lagos Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting and 4th edition of Elderly Citizens’ Assistance Scheme, yesterday in Lagos. With them is Convener, Senator, representing Lagos Central, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (right).

Photo: NAN

Extensive all year round irrigated agriculture imperative - FG

By Mohammed Usman

F

ollowing the move to give agriculture a priority, the federal government has said that extensive and all year round irrigated agriculture was imperative.

The minister of water resources, Eng. Suleiman Adamu, who made this disclosure at a 3-day retreat organised in Abuja for stakeholders in the water sector to chat a way-out for the water challenges, said that there was the need to develop other sources of National income as

a means of generating jobs and wealth creation, and the overall urgent need to restructure the economy.

“Agriculture shall be a major focus of this government.

Currently, only 15% of the 3.1 million Ha of irrigable land is equipped with facilities for all year round farming.”

“Extensive and all year round irrigated agriculture is imperative...”

The minister further said that the ministry has endeavoured to accomplish its mandate over the years, even as he reminded that

the mandate of the ministry was to “develop and implement policies, projects and programmes that will enable sustainable access to safe and sufficient water to meet the the social, cultural and economic development needs of all Nigerians, for all uses, in ways that contribute to enhancing public health, increased food production, eradicating poverty while maintaining the integrity of fresh water ecosyetem of the nation.”

He added that the overall sector development was being guided by the National

Water Resources Master plan(NWRMP) that was first produced in 1995 and updated in November 2013 by the ministry in collaboration with the Japan international cooperation Agency(JICA).

The retreat was aimed at strengthening weaknesses in the delivery of the ministry’s mandate and to develop a “Road Map” that will, based on the united Nations sustainable development Goals(SDGs) framework, enable sustainable positive impact in the water sector within a short period.

FIDA urges reforms to speed up justice, decongest prisons.

From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna . nternational Federation of Women Lawyers(FIDA) has challenged the Justice Sector Reforms Committee to decongest Prisons, speedy up justice delivery particularly on capital offences such as armed robbery and rape cases.

The Chairperson FIDA Niger State chapter, Fati Suleiman Takuma made the call when the association visited inmates of Minna old prison and medium security prison to encourage them to transform their lives and be a better person in the society.

Takuma said that most of the prisons in the state are over congested because of number of awaiting trails that have not been given faster justice delivery and directed the constituted authorities to wake up for their responsibilities.

According to her, “we are here to see how we can help and I believe the stakeholders are doing their best to see that most cases in our courts receive accelerated hearing to avoid prisons congestion.”

While donating food items to inmates of Minna old prison and medium security prison, she admonished them to transform their lives by utilising the acquisition centre to fullest so that they will be able self reliant after leaving the prison.

“The society did not reject you, make use of the acquisition centre to improve yourselves, learn one trade or the other so that when you are free your jail term you will have something to fall back at and be useful to the country.

“We are also here to tell all of you that you are loved not rejected or dejected so that when you come out of prison you will feel a normal person and go about your normal businesses. Please use this season to reflect and denounced your old ways.”

Chairperson said, “the less offences and crimes we have around us the better the society will be and things will work out fine for all of you.”

The acquisition centre in Minna old Prison and medium security prison have laundry workshop, computer info technology, cobbling and electronics, carpentry workshop and fashion designing.

Responding the Deputy Controller Minna old prison, Sanusi Dan musa applauded FIDA for their effort towards improving prisons in Niger state and urged other associations and stakeholders to emulate them.

Musa expressed regret that 90 percent out of the 386 inmates are awaiting trials while 10 percent have been convicted for various offences and called the concern authorities to speed up justice to decongest the prisons.

According to him,” Minna old prision was initially built to accommodate only 149 inmates but today we have 386 inmates. The authorities should look at capital offences particularly, arm robbery and rape cases and administer speedy delivery of justice.”

He however commended the Federal and State government for doing their best to see that Nigerian Prisons Service meet up the required standard.

I

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

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Almond nut prevents heart attack, diabetes - Expert

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rs Aisha Abdullahi, a Nutritionist with a private hospital in Asokoro, Abuja, on Tuesday said consuming almond nut helps reduce the risk of heart attack and diabetes, among other diseases.

She said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

According to her, people who consume almond nut five times a week have 50 per cent reduction in risk of developing heart related diseases as well as diabetes.

Abdullahi stated that almond nut added to daily diet helps lower bad cholesterol, protect against cancer as well as guard against damage of arteries.

She noted that consuming almond nut help lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals which made it a good snack for diabetic patients as well as others.

The expert also added that consuming almond nut provides the body with essential and healthy fats required which also aids in weight loss.

She further mentioned that almond nut contain riboflavin and L carnitine nutrients which help boost brain functions, stating that it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Abdullahi said: ``Almond nut is packed with nutritional values such as Vitamin E, B, Magnesium, fibre, copper, protein, calcium phosphorous and iron. ``Consuming almond nut helps nourish the nervous system, regulate blood pressure, diabetes and also promotes longevity. ``Almond nuts are rich in proteins that are alkaline forming which helps alkalize the body,

boost the immune system as well as prevent osteoporosis. ``Consumption of almond nut helps in maintaining a healthy bone, weight, healthy skin, good hair and dental care. ``Consuming almonds helps protect against stress, oxidative damage, and ageing due to its

high contents in antioxidants. ``It also lowers risk of weight gain, lower calorie intake and helps promote gastrointestinal health. ``Almond nut help prevent gall stones, reduced risk of cancer and helps in energy production,” she noted.

She, however, suggested

soaking the nut before consumption in order to get the nutrients, adding that its nutrients are released when soaked.

Abdullahi enjoined patients suffering from gall bladder stones and kidney disease to avoid excessive intake of almond nut. (NAN)

T

he Federal Government has developed a strategic framework for job creation and youth employment in Nigeria, setting up a coordinating hub within the office of the Vice President to implement the frameworks.

The Job Creation Hub, JCHub is to synergize the efforts of government to facilitate the creation of sustainable jobs for the millions of unemployed Nigerians as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to solving unemployment in the

By Ali Abare Abubakar

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country.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, Mr. Rahman Ade Ipaye, speaking at a high-level meeting between public and private stakeholders emphasized the importance of Industry to partner with government to outline a realistic Job creation Implementation plan that can take deal concisely with the urgency of the unemployment situation.

The meeting was to validate and gather input from both the public and private sector participants on the job creation strategic framework that is currently been finalized by the Job Creation Unit

of the Presidency working with global development experts – the Dalberg Global Development Advisors in collaboration with the UK Department for International Development (Dfid) and Ford Foundation.

Ipaye said the meeting was to map out ways the public, private and social sectors can play a key role in working together to drive job creation in Nigeria.

According to the Senior Special Assistant Job Creation and Youth Employment in the Presidency Afolabi Imoukhuede, the goal of the JCHub is to bring together stakeholders to pool resources, influence and knowledge of

exciting market opportunities and initiatives in a systemic manner, leveraging on Government’s renewed focus and investment.

Speaking after the meeting, the Special Assistant, Innovation and Entrepreneurship to the Vice President, Ife Adebayo, said the JCU is committed to synergising the efforts of all stakeholders in the job creation space as part of efforts to fulfill promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari to reduce unemployment.

He said the job creation framework would not be another planning document but an implementation road map to get Nigerians into work.

he pioneer officials of the Nasarawa State Polytechnic Alumni Association Lafia, led by the National President, Comrade Shuaibu Umar Abdul has commended the Rector, Associate Professor Silas Gyar as well as the management for the promotion of academic excellence in the institution.

This was contained in a release issued yesterday signed by the Public Relations Officer of the association, Shuaibu Mohammed.

According to the statement, the rector known as an enigma in the academia, has repositioned the institution in terms of qualitative teaching staff as well as give the polytechnic a face lift with the projects that are ongoing within the intelligentsia community.

Highlighting some of the achievements recorded by Silar Gar so far at the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, the alumni noted that most academic courses offered by the institution has been accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which is in line with the leadership style of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura.

The association however appealed to Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura, has given education top priority, to support the institution toward uplifting its engineering workshop to facilitate the accrediting of her engineering programme by the NBTE. Part of the statement reads: In view of the above, we the Nasarawa State Polytechnic Alumni Association are proud to have Associate Professor Silas Gyar at the helm of affairs in Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia who has been operating an allinclusive administration that has ensured peaceful and enabling environment for academic exercise to flourish.

“It is upon this, that the leadership of Nasarawa State Polytechnic Alumni Association is appealing to Nasarawa State Government to measure-up as usual with appropriate support to enable the institution put her Engineering workshop in shape in order to gain accreditation of the Engineering Programme in the institution, which will enable the commencement of Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in the institution”.

Management and Sustainable Development”.

According to Ameh, “With growing insalubrious housing conditions, poor sanitation, food service establishments that serve as attractants to animal pest, contact between man and pest in sub Saharan Africa is being enhanced by the day, and this has become a common feature in Nigeria with the consequences of disease infection, damage to property and stored food

products, human allergy to the pest and the nuisance their presence create.”

Ameh also noted that in reaction to challenging pest infestation, human activity have over the years negatively affected the environment, compromised health and safety of people as a result of irresponsible use of pesticides or over dependence on chemical products and unwholesome pest control activities.

He maintained that it has necessitated the need for pest control operators, environmental regulatory agencies, property owners and all concerned bodies and individuals to encourage or as matter of urgency enforce the practice of comprehensive Integrated Pest Management.

He however, informed that ‘Integrated Pest Management’ IPM, is an environmentally responsible multipronged

approach to pest control that combines a wide range of commonsensical methods in the prevention and reduction of pests with emphasis on the non chemical tools before other options.

“It is the use of all appropriate technology and management practices to bring about pest prevention and suppression in a cost effective and environmentally sound manner” Ameh concluded.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Plateau Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Thomas Chollom presenting hand-over notes to the new Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Ezekiel Daju, yesterday in Jos. Photo: NAN

FG develops strategic framework for job creation

From Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

Alumni hails Naspoly rector for promoting academic excellence

Expert calls for integrated pest management

By Ochiaka Ugwu

A

n expert in pest management, Mr. Stephen Ameh, has advocated for the adoption of the Integrated Pest Management strategy to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals contained in the regular pesticides.

He made this known recently in Abuja, in paper presentation titled “Integrated Pest

Page 11

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

EDITORIAL

he second round of the Geneva II conference on the nearby threeyear-old Syrian conflict got under way recently.

The first round of the talks ended a few weeks ago, without any substantial progress except the modest agreement to lift the military siege on the city oh Homs to allow humanitarians relief materials into the city and also let its elderly residents to leave. Even to, the insurgents staged attacks on the humanitarian convoys that went into the city.

No agreement on substantive issues like a ceasefire and modalities for a transitional authority was reached. The opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) with its tenuous authority over the various shades of the insurgency poses the most serious obstacle.

As the Syrian conflict has spawned an assorted range of insurgents, including Islamic extremists affiliated to the al Qeada, it is greatly doubtful who the Syrian National Coalition really represents. While the opposition took the lead seat in Geneva to negotiate with the government, it has itself expressed doubts whether it could get all Syrian opposition elements to accept any agreement it might reach with the government. However, in spite of evident difficulties, getting Syrians of all political persuasions to talk is a significant mileage in reversing the carnage that has terribly disfigured this pivotal Arab country.

Even though, so far the talks have not got anywhere near even

a framework for a substantive negotiation, we urge that the current momentum be sustained, since the alternative is an increasing resort

“

T

Finding a solution to Syrian conflict The demoralized insurgents have increasingly resorted to terror tactics to compensate for a weakening military position. to terror by the armed insurgents.

After all, the insurgents and their key regional backers-Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey-have their hopes dashed for failing to instigate US led NATO military strikes against the Syrian regime. The demoralized insurgents have increasingly resorted to terror tactics to compensate for a weakening military position. The West has become increasingly persuaded the disparate opposition would not hesitate to ply their trade of

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terror even in the West, as soon as they could gain a foothold on any formal state structure. A recent report showed how dangerous and disruptive the elements of European and American Jihadists who have gone off to fight in Syria, would be, on their return to their home countries.

The main driver of the Geneva II conference on Syria, Dr Lakhdar Brahimi, a veteran Algerian diplomat and special envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League, is experienced and very resourceful, with an immense capacity to produce results from a seeming political stalemate.

The SNC and their regional and western backers have always made a case for a transitional government in Syria, without president Bashar Assad. This is the main crux of their armed insurgency and having lost so much ground in the conflict, it is unrealistic for them to expect to secure at the conference table what they could get on the battlefield. Successful war leaders like President Assad cannot realistically be negotiated away on the conference table.

We urge less recriminations and more flexibility by both the government and opposition if they are concerned at the miserable fate of their compatriots, 100,000 of whom are already dead and millions more eke out living in refugee camps across the region.

A once model Arab nation, with a reputation for tolerance and inclusiveness, must not be allowed to bleed away.

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Chairman Malam Wada Maida, Oon, Fnge Director/Editor-in-Chief Rufa’i Ibrahim Hameed M. Bello

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PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Opinion

Buhari makes strong pitch for Lake Chad at Paris climate talks

By Anthony A. Kila

Ask President Muhammadu Buhariwhat he thinks is the chief reason for the violence and insecurity in Nigeria, including the Boko Haram terrorism in the north-east, bloody wars between cattle herdsman and farmers in central Nigeria, erosion in the east and the environmental catastrophe in the coastal regions and he will say, almost upon instinct that it’s the climate change.

The new Nigerian president who promised to tackle the problem of climate change in his inaugural speech has spun a compelling narrative on the disappearing Lake Chad, the environment around the Chad basin and how these have become the problem of the economy of the neighboring states through the failure of agriculture and joblessness which in turn have provided an easy recruitment into violent extremism.

It was a narrative so compelling that it literally arrested the attention of the world as 190 countries met in Paris to agree on the first global agreement on climate change.

President of the United States, Barack Obama took it from here, illustrating how the drying up of the lake is becoming a major factor in the migration of Africans to the west, and on account of which, he agreed with our President that the revival of the lake had become a global imperative. It will require 14 billion U.S. Dollars to divert East African rivers to empty into the lake, the kind of money President Buahri told world leaders that his country cannot pay.

He therefore asked for global assistance.

President Buhari’s speech at the conference centered on two major planks: one, Nigeria under him has the political will to secure its ecological interests and two, we will work with the rest of the world to protect the environment without compromising industrial development.

Starting with the Lake Chad, the President illustrated his awareness of the risk the changing climate presents to human security by recalling the richness of the waters and surrounding agriculture of the Lake Chad that attracted settlers, allowing the settled communities to enjoy education and comparable economic wellbeing. However, with prolonged drought and desertification, Lake Chad is now one-tenth of its original size,leading

to poverty due to the failure of agriculture and fishing causing instability in the region that the insurgency of the Boko Haram has been able to cash in upon. The lake that once spread its territorial waters onto the four countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission has now been reduced to a miserly presence on the Chadian territory, denying thereby direct access to its waters to Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon.

Traders in Baga, the major trading hub which the army just recovered from the Boko Haram said on a good day, five truck-loads of fish are now transported out of town, in stark contrast to the 100 a day that carried fish from the interstate market in the past.

Beyond the drought conditions of the Lake Chad, the President successfully showed the world Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change as manifested in the various ecological zones.

He cited the problem of soil erosion in the South as a consequence of “climatechange-related heavier and steadier than normal rainfall” that is worsening soil erosion in the subregion. “The recent increase in the number of reported severe landslides in the South-Eastern states of the country is an attestation to the possible climate change-induced changes in erosion intensity.”

The President also reported on the sealevel rise, stating that Nigeria’s coastline is already undergoing ” pronounced morphological changes as a result of natural extreme events, such as sea surges and tidal waves.” He projected that 35% of the highly-productive Niger Delta could be lost if nothing was done to stop the anticipated global warming-induced accelerated sea level rise of between half-a-meter to one meter. Much of Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital will be abandoned if the sea waters rise by one meter.

Forests and other ecosystems, he noted, which are already under significant pressure are being affected by the worsening climate change. In particular, he warned of persistent flooding and water logging that would make the coastal regeneration difficult and the Savannah region of Northern Nigeria becoming vulnerable to the reduction of rainfall. The recent violence wracking Kaduna, FCT, Plateau,Nassarawa and Benue states pitching herdsmen and

farmers was equally cited, its primary factor, no doubt being the weather.

The President listed a myriad of other implications arising for the climate change vulnerabilities of Nigeria including a major risk to access to potable water, increased energy demand for cooling; negative implications for tourism, one of the country’s fastest growing industries, as well as consequences for agriculture and food security.

In line with the principles of the Paris conference, Nigeria joined 179 other countries-which together are responsible for 97 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions- to submit voluntary commitments on how and when they plan to cut emissions.

In our specific case, the President submitted a two-stage proposal- an unconditional first phase to cut our own contribution to global warming by 20 percent, and this included a decisive plan to end the flaring of gas in our oil fields and a commitment to extending power supply to parts of the country that don’t enjoy electricity using solar energy and other renewable sources. On account of the latter, President Buhari accepted an invitation

by Narendra Modi to join an international alliance of 121 “solar-rich” countries to advance the use of this clean source energy.

The second phase of the Nigerian proposal described as equally bold would see the country cutting the emission by a total of 45 percent,however on condition of international support. The measures here include increased level of energy efficiency and a significant reduction in the use of generators while providing access to power to all Nigerians.

To do this, Nigeria has asked for support from the rich countries accused by Indian Prime Minister Modi of “powering their way to prosperity on fossil fuel” at the expense of the developing countries.

The moral underpin of the Paris conference states unequivocally that the rich countries must actually take responsibility for the current mess up of the global climate and lead the fight against global warming through several compensatory steps, one of which is a proposal to fund redemptive activities with an annual fund of 100 million U.S Dollars.

In addition to drawing from this,

Nigeria is asking for further international support in the form of finance and investment, technology and capacity building.

All these proposals are in a document Nigeria joined other countries to table as its “Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, INDC.” In these documents, the countries of the world each outlined their goals and action plans towards a redemption of the environment and the steps, going forward they will be taking to achieve sustainable development and delivering on government priorities.

In the case of Nigeria, President Buhari approved several policies and measures that will deliver immediate development benefits which are in addition to the climate benefits.

These policies and measures, according the government document, set out to alleviate poverty,increase social welfare and inclusion, as well as improving individual wellbeing in a healthy environment.

President Buhari made clear the political will on the part of the government at the center in Nigeria to tackle the catastrophic problems associated with climate change.

Some of these, as manifested by the dirty air in our cities deriving from the use of diesel generators, cars and trucks as well as the burning of wastes that in turn spew up toxic gases are matters he said government will tackle.

To achieve this massive transformation (oh,no! Transformation again?), the approved policy document sets out what it calls sector-specific strategies, policies, programs to reduce the impact of climate change through actionable measures by the federal government ,the states, local governments, civil society, private sector, communities and individuals.

In a nutshell, these measures will, hopefully improve awareness and preparedness for climate change impact; mobilize communities for climate change adaptation actions; reduce the impact of climate change on key sectors and vulnerable communities and integrate climate change adaptation into national,sectoral, state, local government planning and into the plans of universities, research and educational organizations, the civil society, the private sector and the media.

Broken down, there are strategies for agriculture (crops and livestock); fresh water and coastal water resources and fisheries; forests; biodiversity; health and sanitation; human settlement and housing;energy; transport and communications; industry and commerce; disaster, migration and security.

Equally, there are strategies for livelihoods which are about encouraging community participation including civil society organizations; the vulnerable groups who are not to be left out and strategies for education.

The overall participation by Nigeria at the Conference of Parties to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-UNFCCC) agreement at the Paris Conference on Climate Change showed a rare type of seriousness on the part of our country. This is in terms of both preparation, pedagogy and actual participation.

While this is a true reflection of President Muahmmadu Buhari’s self-professed seriousness of commitment to issues of the environment, it is also a testimony to the solid teamwork the new ministers, Mrs. Amina Ibrahim Mohammed and Ibrahim Usman Jibrin are injecting into the ministry responsible.

It is equally important to note that this ministry which enjoys a rare combination of bureaucrats, scholars and technocrats in its staff had spent not less than one year setting out scenarios and priorities for the country at the conference, a spectacular effort that won the appreciation of the ministers and the President. No doubt, Nigeria’s historic presentation at the climate change conference is a milestone at the start of a long, tortuous journey.

In the final analysis however, it is the resolutions taken and the actions that follow that will determine the success of Nigeria at the COP in Paris and the policies and actions that will be pursued. For now however, it is gratifying that the President’s appeal to the rich nations, the UN and other world bodies has been heard and heeded, somewhat to a degree, with world leaders including India’s Modi and Barack Obama coming in tow.

for the killings of their members in a politicised incident of suicide bombing and state-authorised killing, isn’t a wise approach.

No matter what, the Nigeria Army could’ve handled the recalcitrant Shiites with a certain speck of intelligence, learning from their disastrous response to the dissents of similarly provocative isolates in Maiduguri. That the rate and way the crackdown on Boko Haram cult, which began on June 11, 2009, escalated didn’t even serve as a lesson to our security personnel and policymakers is a confusing tragedy.

This Commando-style approach is the reason we have too many widows in our Army Barracks today.

Even the most technologically advanced countries who are quick to exhibit their military might haven’t succeeded in suppressing religious extremism through the use of force alone. We need force only when and where intelligence fails. We’re a country in the middle of a crisis and thus we must ally against all avoidable actions that may make more enemies for the state.

But I understand that, as votaries of the Maliki school of Sunni Islam that is the majority in this part of Africa, our abhorrence to perceived deviations of Shiism isn’t just political; it’s doctrinal. We abhor them because they misrepresent Islam, and thus deserve horrible deaths. But in spite of our perception of the Shiites as nuisance, no people destroyed the image of Islam as believers who subscribe to the precepts of Sunnism. Both Boko Haram and ISIS identified with

Sunni Islam. So did Osama Bin Laden, and all these misrepresent the image of Islam in the name of jihad.

Shiism is a nuisance, a heresy. But have their members been indicted in any act of terror in Nigeria to earn them a graduation into terrorism?

Shiism, like all religious or sectarian movements, is what it is in Nigeria because of this obvious dysfunction in our institutions. Such dysfunction we witnessed even recently in the government’s response to the confrontation between the Shiites and Nigerian soldiers, recording many casualties, including three sons of the national leader of the Shiites.

I’m not defending anyone, but if disorderly assemblies are what constitute nuisance in the practices of our religion, then we the selfrighteous and blame-apportioning believers are all guilty. We must be honest in our attributions of wrongs that accumulate to this mountain of troubles we want to destroy.

This republic must step out to draw the lines between freedom and transgression, to highlight the extent to which a citizen is allowed to exhibit his religiosity or partake in a freedom of worship not specifically clarified in the Constitution. The truth is, various sects of both Islam and Christianity in Nigeria are notorious for contravening the laws of the land. All block public roads while marking certain religious functions.

Many even have a paramilitary unit tasked with “defending” them from the rest of us. If the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff comes to pass through Kashim Ibrahim Way here

in Wuse II, Abuja when the largely Sunni Muslims gather for a Jummah prayer at An-Nur Mosque, he will be asked to turn back no matter the emergency he points to as reason he wants to use that public road.

Similarly, every Sunday, churches in my neighborhood in Life Camp, Abuja, block public roads and nobody, even the FCT Minister whose official residence is just about three blocks away from one of the churches is allowed to negotiate that public road. It’s the same story on Mambolo Street, Wuse Zone 2, every Sunday. It’s also the same on Kur Mohammed Avenue in Central Area on Sunday when church service holds at ThisDay Dome. A church mounts roadblocks to deny the residents of the district a right to use that road until the service is over, often with the connivance of our police force.

My point is, except we just developed brains overnight, Nigeria gave religious bodies these unrestrained powers to become “nuisance” wherever they function. What the Shiites do in their processions isn’t different from what our politicians do in their political rallies, where political thugs block roads, harass and hurt non-participating passers-by and motorists.

The first step we must take in demarcating the boundaries of religion is to know what “freedom of assembly” means. We must seek to understand, in our civics, why followers of Candidate Muhammadu Buhari would be allowed to shut down a city in the name of a political rally and Cleric Ibrahim El-Zakzaky

is perceived as a nuisance for the activities of his own loyal followers.

We need to clarify many things and define what is wrong and right according to our Constitution.

What frightens me even more is, If Nigeria Army had been what it’s designed to be, it would’ve gathered intelligence on, or foreseen, the happenings in Zaria before it allowed its boss, the Chief of Army Staff, to embark on that road trip. We have a military intelligence unit tasked with the responsibility of such secret operations. Why aren’t you thinking along that line and talking about it?

The COAS is not god, and for making more enemies for the state when his people are still unable to wipe out the existing, when we’ve too many widows in the barracks, he showed a lack of wisdom in executing that promise of the government to terminate the existence of Boko Haram this December.

The fact that the military seem to have no idea what was happening before the tragic encounter with the mob should be the first institutional lapse to look into in our enquiries, and in the state’s investigation. This may explain many things, because, if Nigeria were a sane country, the confrontation could’ve been avoided.

Making more enemies for the state in the month you promised to end the existence of their ilk is either a ploy to distract or manufacture an excuse for the failure to fulfill the promise. May God save us from us!

Mallam Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity..

Why “Zaria Massacre” Is a scary Deja Vu

By Gimba Kakanda

T

he cruelest analysts of the December 12 crackdown on Shiite mobs in Zaria are those who ignore the background of the sect’s past confrontations with both the authority and other parts of society not comfortable with their doctrinal alignments. The clash with Nigeria Army was a familiar experience, in the pattern of the July 26, 2014 unexplainably fatal “selfdefence” by the same Army.

Shiism didn’t suddenly become what’s perceived by rival sects as a nuisance, with their members condemned as heretics, on December 12. It’s a practice that only followed the script and rule of this institutionally dysfunctional nation that has given religious bodies an unwritten permission to build an independent sub-system which, with many others similar, compete for the destruction of this country.

I don’t seek to justify the zealotry of Shiite youth who mounted roadblocks on a public road, denying even a military boss access to it. It’s not the first time a youth, either under the banner of a religion, political party or civil society organisation adopted such method of civil disobedience to express a grievance, even if not perceived as legitimate in popular opinion.

No matter what, there’s always an alternative to a crackdown on a bunch of boys with sticks and knives. A rain of bullets on a ragtag group, in the season members of the group are yet to trust the authority

Gimba Kakanda Affairs Analyst.

is

Public

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

PAGE 13

Comment

Bauchi airport debacle: Matters arising

By Jaafar Jaafar

A picture, showing passengers disembarking from Aero Contractors’ plane with a ladder at Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport, Bauchi, has become an Internet sensation in Nigeria in the past day.

While some people accuse the Bauchi State government of failure, others accuse the federal government and the airline of the failure. The federal government as owner and watchdog/regulator of our airspace should take the lion share of the blame involved.

The aircraft in question belongs to Aero Contractors and it was not a scheduled flight. I learn it was chattered by some notable personalities to attend an event in Bauchi.

An aviation expert told me that the Bauchi airport was not “gazetted” by the federal government, and therefore it is not on the Nigerian Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).

Aviation handling companies (such as NAHCO, SAHCOL) that provide the stair trucks for boarding and disembarkment at Nigerian airports are private companies. The fact that only one airline with a smaller aircraft (with in-built airstairs) operates at the Bauchi airport shows

By Nnimmo Bassey

T

he decision of the Appeal Court at The Hague on 18 December 2015 that the four farmers whose lands and creeks were damaged

by Shell’s pollution can indeed sue the oil mogul in The Netherlands has come as refreshing news.

While this is a sweet step towards total victory, we are saddened that while the case drags on the polluted lands are yet to be remediated and the victims are still deprived of the use of their lands and creeks.

Shell’s oil spills in the Niger Delta are well known and the oil company’s claims that such spills are caused by third party interferences often ring hollow, if you know the real story. The history of the spin by Shell that oil spills from their facilities are caused by third parties has been on since the 1980s.

Although there was a spike in such interferences between 2005 and 2009 due to armed responses

that it may not be commercially viable for these companies to operate there. It is also the same issue in Dutse and other airports where there is low passenger traffic.

Knowledge of airport facilities is essential before a plane is despatched. For example, the main reason Airbus A380 doesn’t operate to Nigeria is because our airports do not have the facilities to handle that type yet. And it is not only Nigeria, but several other countries as well.

The flight operations department of an airline has to find out the facilities available in an airport before dispatching a flight. In Nigeria, the AIP is the major/legal source of information on all fully recognised airports.

Bauchi airport is not listed.

The question is: why did Aero

“

despatch a bigger plane there when they were aware that Bauchi airport was not fully operational and doesn’t have the facilities yet?

It is also the captains/ operators’ responsibility to ensure that his passengers embark and disembark his/her aircraft safely.

How and why Aero Contractors failed to do this is baffling.

It is not new, after all, in Nigeria. A few years ago, some cows were killed by a taxiing aircraft when a herd of cattle encroached on the Port Harcourt airport runway. In 2013, a 15-year-old stowaway, Ricky Daniel Oikhena, was lucky to survive after hiding in the wheel compartment of an Arik Air flight from Benin to Lagos – thinking that it was going to America.

Two years ago, Lagosians awoke to the sight of an aircraft

at Igando in the mainland area of Lagos.

A picture of Jos airport showing a terminal that was more of a Mama food joint went viral a few years ago, causing a similar buzz.

On October 24, 2013, Arik Air sold more travel tickets than the plane could carry. When passengers got wind of it after several hours of delay that crossed into the schedule of another flight, passengers struggled to board in a manner commuters do on BataBrigade bus route after work hours.

Cases of stealing luggage, pilfering, and aviation fuel theft are also not new to Nigeria.

The sight of people pushing an aircraft to the hanger is also not new. In Nigeria, don’t be surprised if you see an aircraft

Two years ago, Lagosians awoke to the sight of an aircraft at Igando in the mainland area of Lagos.

being pushed to a vulcanizer’s shack to patch its burst tyre, or an aircraft brainbox taken to the Kofar Wambai Market electronic technicians for soldering, or its kickstarter taken for recoiling at Kofar Ruwa market. Anything can happen in this country.

In August this year, I had a bitter experience at Gombe airport. Apart from being issued a handwritten boarding pass, the service at the airport was as poor as my Maths result.

The problems of the Nigerian aviation sector are compound.

Everything is sick. The airlines are ailing, while many of the personnel in the sector are corrupt, discourteous and untrained. Only in Nigerian airports are passengers forced to pay a porter to use a trolley.

Security operatives in Nigeria form a ring for extortion and covering up of drug pushers and other criminals.

I urge the minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to investigate the Bauchi disgrace and penalise the culprits. This will deter others and reduce something from the catalogue of the country’s aviation embarrassments.

Jaafar Jaafar is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Shell’s bad day in the dock

in the region, much of the spills are still attributable to equipment failure or poor maintenance.

In the particular set of cases filed in the court at The Hague in 2008, farmers from Ikot Ada Udo (Akwa Ibom State), Oruma (Bayelsa State) and Goi (Rivers State) all in the Niger Delta complained of devastating spills they suffered between 2004 and 2008. In Oruma it was an eruption from a pipeline buried to a depth of more than a metre underground.

At Ikot Ada Udo it was capped well head that spewed crude oil into the air, land and waters for months before Shell stopped it. Goi is a special case. The community has neither an oil well nor a pipeline crossing its territory. What Goi has a creek that is fed by an upstream river that brings crude oil spill from an oil facility. It also receives

tidal flows from Bodo a bit downstream. The crude oil spill and resulting fire that sacked this community came from Shell’s spills from other communities.

It was therefore a surprise that the Court of first instance only found Shell culpable over the oil spill at Ikot Ada Udoh and not for the ones at Oruma and Goi in its judgement of January 2013.

The farmers and Friends of the Earth Netherlands, with the support of Environmental Rights Action (ERA), approached the court of appeal demanding an overturning of decisions that cleared Shell of responsibility.

Shell also appealed against the verdict against them with regard to the case from Ikot Ada Udo. The Dutch Court decided against Shell’s claim that the court is incompetent to rule on the activities of it’s subsidiary in Nigeria.

With the dismissal of Shell’s competence argument, the substantive case can now proceed in earnest and the question of Shell’s guilt over the damage of the farmers’ lands will now be taken on.

Geert Ritsema, head of campaign at Friends of the Earth Netherlands, also known as Milieudefensie, applauded the verdict as a big blow to Shell’s seven years old argument that the Dutch court cannot rule on the oil pollution in Nigeria.

According to him, “these delaying tactics have now come to an end and Shell has to take responsibility for damage to the environment and the property of the Nigerian farmers.”

This is a very significant judgment. It cements the fact that a transnational corporation cannot avoid being held to account at home for their environmental crimes or misbehaviour in other

countries. The road to victory is still long, but this again is an example of a David and Goliath confrontation where the oil giant comes with assortment of judicial weapons and the poor farmers beat them with mere slings and stones.

Ken Saro-Wiwa must be chuckling at this turn of events. In his last testament before his execution 20 years ago, Saro-Wiwa declared that Shell will one day be in the dock. Now, the presence of Shell in the dock is not only happening but will pick up speed.

It is clear that Shell is stuck on losing track and it is best for the oil mogul to accept responsibility, clean up its mess and give the poor farmers the possibility of recovery from the ecocide visited upon their lands.

Nnimmo Bassey is Public Affairs Analyst.

a

PAGE 14

News Irrigation: Farmers laud FG’s agricultural support initiative

S

ome farmers in Hadejia, Jigawa, have commended the Federal Government over the distribution of seeds and inputs to irrigation farmers in the state.

A cross section of the farmers gave the commendation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Hadejia.

NAN recalls that the Federal Government had provided 1, 000 bags of improved seeds and other inputs for distribution to farmers in the state for dry season cultivation.

Other inputs provided included 130 water pumps, 50 grain thrashers and 250 knapsack sprayers for sale to farmers at subsidised rates.

The items were supplied under the wheat and rice irrigation scheme initiated by the Federal Government.

Malam Yunusa Musa, a farmer, said the gesture was commendable, adding that it would encourage productivity.

Also, Alhaji Idris Maiunguwa, the Treasurer, Jigawa Chapter of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), said that the agriculture support programmes initiated by the Federal Government would encourage farmers to produce more.

Maiunguwa said that the scheme would also enhance farmers’ access to seeds and inputs.

“Farmers are accessing seeds and inputs with ease. It will also deal with scarcity and protect farmers from exorbitant market prices,” he said.

The treasurer called for the adoption of proactive measures to expand the scope of the programme for sustainable development in the sector.

Maiunguwa added that the association had put in place effective measures to guard against diversion of the commodities.

“We are working with government to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the inputs.”

According to him, the association has registered over 150, 000 irrigation farmers in the state.

Maiunguwa urged farmers to ensure effective utilisation of the inputs to boost their production. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Declare state of emergency on education- NANS urges FG From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

N

ational Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has called on governments at all levels, particularly Federal government to declare a state of emergency in the education sector in the country.

The association made this call while presenting an award of

excellence to the Special Adviser to Kaduna State Governor on Interfaith, Engr. Mohammed Namadi Musa at the week end.

The leader of the association, Comrade Ayo Ayodele described the state of education in the country as unfortunate, saying without sound education the nation will not progress and citizens will remain in abject poverty.

He urged government to give more attention to education so as

to make life more meaningful to the teeming youth in the country While presenting the award to the Special Adviser, Comrade Kazeem described Engineer.

Namadi Musa, “as an icon of societal transformation given his contribution in promoting religious tolerance and community cohesion through dialogue in Kaduna State.

In his acceptance speech, Eng. Namadi Musa stressed the state

government commitments toward transforming the state especially improving education, health and infrastructural sector.

Engineer Namadi urged the people of Kaduna State to support the effort of Kaduna State Governor Malam El-Rufaí in maintaining peace in the state.

He dedicated the award to the entire students of Kaduna State for their contribution to the success of the present administration.

Live Turkeys moving about freely while waiting for buyers, yesterday at Wuse Market in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Community rues govt. over abandoned project

From Matthew Aramunde, Lagos The Ajola Oguntade community in Shashaland, in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State has rued the Lagos State government over roads and drainages constructions which has been abandoned for one year now .

The constructions said to have been awarded by the then Raji Fashola’s government in 2014,

were for the rehabilitation of the Elegbede and Efon Alaye streets in the community.

In a two page press statement jointly signed by Rev. Chaplin Oniyide Paul (JP) and Comrade Odebo chairman and secretary respectively, which they made available to the press, it revealed that several months ago, their joy knew no bounds when after drawing the attention of the Lagos

State government to the harrowing experience of the inhabitants of these areas who on regular basis, count their loses in material and human resources aftermath of the ravaging effect of flood after torrential rainfall, two construction companies Lajakin Nig, Ltd and Trust Technical Services were commissioned to rehabilitate the said troubled streets.

It further revealed that indeed

to their expectation, the companies lived up to their billings with the quality jobs they carried out on the two streets allotted them. However it noted that their joy and satisfaction is becoming a mirage, since the task that is yet to be completed, the contractors have suddenly stopping work on both streets, citing non availability of funds for their actions.

They are therefore calling on the Ambode led administration to make

funds available to the contractors as to enable them complete the lofty project because to them, the sight of abandoned tractors, earth moving machines and other constructing implements that now litter the streets, has continue to send sad memories of the traumatic period for which the community was initially compelled to make the clarion call for which the government then responded to.

NGO donates Christmas clothes to IDPs in Yola

From Umar Dankano,Yola

T

he Internally Displaced Persons in Adamawa state have been supported with clothing materials to celebrate Christmas and new year by a Non Governmental Organisation,Positive Awareness Against Drug Abuse Initiative(PADAI).

Making the presentation comprising of clothes for women and children at St Theresa Catholic

Church Camp in Yola, the secretary of the organization, Mallam Abdulkareem Salihu, said the gesture was to ensure that the IDPs were carried along in the festive period.

Salihu said the NGO which made similar donation to IDPs during sallah celebration felt it should extend same during Christmas so as to solid ate the trust and brotherliness between the two major religions in the country.

Salihu said the clothes were contribution of members from United States of America for the IDPs. While re-iterating the commitment of the NGO to continue to contribute to the welfare of the IDPs, Salihu said the NGO was established to fight drug abuse in the society and encourage youths to utilize their energy in nation building.

“PADAI is an organization whose responsibility is to assist in

eradicating and reorienting our youths against social vices.

“We believe that if our youths are off drugs, the issue of terrorism will soon be a thing of the past”, Salihu said.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the IDPs, the Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev Stephen Mamza, lauded the NGO for the gesture noting that they were the first so far to bring Christmas clothes to IDPs in the camp.

Mamza who said the camp

committee would ensure judicious distribution of the clothes to the IDPs, urged other organizations to emulate the gesture to enable the IDPs celebrate the Christmas like other Nigerians.

Also speaking, representatives of the IDPs, Mr Isa Takuma and Mrs Layatu Haruna, commended the NGO and others that have continue to remain their source of support and prayed for speedy end to the insurgency to enable them return to their respective communities.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

PAGE 15

For The Record President Muhammadu Buhari’s Historic 2016 Budget Speech PROTOCOLS

I

am honoured and privileged to present the 2016 Budget proposal. This is my first address before this joint session of the National Assembly. I have come here today, not only to address members of the National Assembly, but also to speak directly to the men and women who placed us here.

2.

I know the state of our economy is a source of concern for many. This has been further worsened by the unbridled corruption and security challenges we have faced in the last few years.

From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the North East whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore, as we plan for the future.

3.

By June 2014, oil prices averaged $112 per barrel. But as at today, the price is under $39 per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy.

Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs.

4.

Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy, and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.

5.

The answers to our problems are not beyond us.

They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them.

6. This Budget proposal, the first by our Government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth; and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians. We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

7.

In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come.

2015: A Year of Global and Domestic Challenges 8.

Today, it is widely

acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security challenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84% in the third quarter of 2015.

9. We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing.

10.

Upon the inauguration of this administration on 29th May 2015, we engaged key stakeholders from various sectors of our economy and interfaced with the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to understand the true state of our nation. What we found prompted us to take certain strategic decisions.

11.

On the economy, we injected new leadership at the helm of our revenue generating agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). We implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which, so far, has provided greater visibility of Government revenues and cash flows. We intervened to support States to navigate their fiscal challenges by restructuring their commercial bank loans and by providing facilities to enable them to pay salary arrears.

12.

We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption.

I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.

2015 Budget Performance 13.

Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, I now present a review of the 2015 Budget. That Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the US$.

14.

The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the North East, the Government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that Bill.

2016: Budget Assumptions 15.

After reviewing the trends in the global oil industry, we have set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per

President Muhammadu Buhari day for 2016. We have focused on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies.

16.

Also, with the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account, we expect significant improvements in the collection and remittance of independent revenues. To further support the drive for increased remittances, we will ensure that all MDAs present their budgets in advance, and remit their operating surpluses as required by section 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. 17.

We are determined to ensure that our resources are managed prudently and utilized solely for the public good. To set the proper tone, one of our early decisions was the adoption of a zero based budgeting approach, which ensures that resources are aligned with Government’s priorities and allocated efficiently.

This budgeting method, a clear departure from previous budgeting activities, will optimize the impact of public expenditure.

18. In addition to the proper linkage of budgeting to strategic planning, we are enhancing the utilization of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS) to improve financial management.

The recently established Efficiency Unit is working across MDAs to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, duplication and other inefficiencies. We engaged costing experts to scrutinize the 2016 budget proposals. They have already identified certain cost areas that can be centralized for economies to be made.

19.

We have directed the extension of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to all MDAs to reap its full benefits. We will also strengthen the controls over our personnel and pension costs with the imminent introduction of the Continuous Audit Process (CAP).

These initiatives will ensure personnel costs are reduced. Our commitment to a lean and cost effective government remains a priority, and the initiatives we are introducing will signal a fundamental change in how Government spends public revenue.

2016: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth 20.

The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs.

21.

We aim to ensure macroeconomic stability by achieving a real GDP growth rate of 4.37% and managing inflation.

To achieve this, we will ensure the aligning of fiscal, monetary, trade and industrial policies.

22. As we focus on inclusive growth, we are conscious of the current rate of unemployment and underemployment. This is a challenge we are determined to meet; and this budget is the platform for putting more Nigerians to work. I can assure you that this administration will have a job creation focus in every aspect of the execution of this budget. Nigeria’s job creation drive will be private sector led. We will encourage this by a reduction in tax rates for smaller businesses as well as subsidized funding for priority sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals.

23.

As an emergency measure, to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, we also will partner with State and Local Governments to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders. These graduate teachers will be deployed to primary schools, thereby, enhancing the provision of basic education especially in our rural areas.

24. We also intend to partner with State and Local Governments

to provide financial training and loans to market women, traders and artisans, through their cooperative societies. We believe that this segment of our society is not only critical to our plan for growing small businesses, but it is also an important platform to create jobs and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs.

25.

Furthermore, through the office of the Vice President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent conditional cash transfer program for the poorest and most vulnerable. This program will be implemented in phases. Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation.

The 2016 Budget 26.

Distinguished members of the National Assembly, I now present, the 2016 Budget proposals of the Federal Government. Based on the assumptions I presented earlier, we have proposed a budget of N6.08 trillion with a revenue projection of N3.86 trillion resulting in a deficit of N2.22 trillion.

27.

The deficit, which is equivalent to 2.16% of Nigeria’s GDP, will take our overall debt profile to 14% of our GDP. This remains well within acceptable fiscal limits. Our deficit will be financed by a combination of domestic borrowing of N984 billion, and foreign borrowing of N900 billion totaling N1.84 trillion. Over the medium term, we expect to increase revenues and reduce overheads, to bring the fiscal deficit down to 1.3% of GDP by 2018.

28.

In 2016, oil related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion. Non-oil revenues, comprising Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs and Excise duties, and Federation Account levies, will contribute N1.45 trillion. Finally, by enforcing strict compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and public expenditure reforms in all MDAs, we have projected up to N1.51 trillion from independent revenues.

29. Although we are working to diversify our economy, we will not lose sight of the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and plagued with inefficiencies. Accordingly, I have directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components.

We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per liter for now.

30. The current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations Continued on page 16

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Politics

Women in political process should make a difference - Aremu

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, during 2016 Budget presentation by President Buhari, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

Photo: Mahmud Isa

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Historic 2016 Budget Speech Continued from page 15 all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate.

Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders.

Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.

31.

I have also directed the NNPC to explore alternate funding models that will enable us to honour our obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields. We are confident that these measures can be achieved and will lower the burden that the traditional cash calls have imposed on our budget and cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up our national reserves.

32. To deliver our development objectives, we have increased the capital expenditure portion of the budget from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion, in the 2016 budget. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, for the first time in many years, capital expenditure will represent 30% of our total budget. In future years we intend to raise the percentage allocation for capital expenditure.

33.

This is a fulfillment of our promise to align expenditure to our long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development. This increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202.0 billion; Special Intervention Programs – N200.0 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N53.1 billion.

These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy.

34. We will invest to safeguard lives and property.

35. We will invest in equipping our farmers with the right tools,

technology and techniques.

36.

We will invest in empowering and enabling our miners to operate in a safe, secure and humane environment.

37. We will invest in training our youths, through the revival of our technical and vocational institutions, to ensure they are competent enough to seize the opportunities that will arise from this economic revival.

38. Indeed, the future looks bright. And I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223% year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country.

39.

In fulfillment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a 9% reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure, from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programs, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.

39.

As I mentioned earlier, the Efficiency Unit set up by this Administration together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of overheads by at least 7%, personnel costs by 8% and other service wide votes by 19%.

Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this Government, counts.

40.

We will devote a significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.

41.

Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, our 2016 borrowings will be principally directed to fund our capital projects.

Furthermore, the sum of N113 billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings.

42.

I am aware of the problems many Nigerians currently have in accessing foreign exchange for their various purposes – from our traders and business operators who rely on imported inputs; to manufacturers needing to import sophisticated equipment and spare parts; to our airlines operators who need foreign exchange to meet their international regulatory obligations; to the financial services sector and capital markets who are key actors in the global arena.

43. These are clearly due to the current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians who need it. I am however assured by the Governor of Central Bank that the Bank is currently finetuning its foreign exchange management to introduce some flexibility and encourage additional inflow of foreign currency to help ease the pressure.

44. We are carefully assessing our exchange rate regime keeping in mind our willingness to attract foreign investors but at the same time, managing and controlling inflation to level that will not harm the average Nigerians. Nigeria is open for business. But the interest of all Nigerians must be protected.

Indeed, tough decisions will have to be made. But this does not necessarily mean increasing the level of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians.

45.

So to the investors, business owners and industrialists, we are aware of your pains. To the farmers, traders and entrepreneurs, we also hear you. The status quo cannot continue. The rent seeking will stop. The artificial current

demand will end. Our monetary, fiscal and social development policies are aligned.

Conclusion 46. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the National Assembly, in spite of the global economic uncertainties; we must remain steadfast in our commitment to steer this country back to greatness.

47.

The Nigerian economy needs to move away from dependency on oil. Our growth must be inclusive. Nigerians must be part of the growth story. As a Government, we shall deliver security, jobs and infrastructure.

This is the right of all Nigerians.

48.

I know many people will say “I have heard this before”.

Indeed, trust in Government, due to the abuse and negligence of the past, is at an all-time low. This means we must go back to basics.

Our actions will speak for us. My team of dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerians is well aware of the task ahead and I can assure you that we are taking on the challenge.

49.

We will not betray the trust reposed in us.

50.

We will welcome and be responsive to your feedback and criticisms.

51.

We are here to serve.

And indeed, Nigerians will get the service they have longed for and which they rightly deserve.

52.

We as a Government cannot do it alone. We will require the support of all civil servants, the organized labour, industry groups, the press and of course, our religious and traditional institutions. This is a call for all of us to stand and serve our country.

53.

This Budget represents a major step in delivering a new opportunity for Nigeria.

It demonstrates our confident optimism that despite the challenging times, we have the will, resourcefulness and commitment to deliver prosperity to our people.

And by the Grace of Almighty God and the sheer will and determination of the Nigerian people, we will come out stronger and more united than ever.

54. Thank you and God bless

he Secretary General of National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) Comrade Issa Aremu has said that women in political process should make a difference by promoting issues in politics as distinct from personalities and candidates.

Aremu tasked them on addressing issues begging for attention which includes wealthgeneration, re-industrialization, poverty eradication, health, collapse of education, housing crisis, lawlessness and disorderliness, violence-free elections, anti-corruption, peace and fair and just world.

He stated this in a press statement made available to the media in Kaduna, yesterday.

Comrade Aremu who was responding to sympathizers’ massages on the demised of his late wife, Hamudalat Abiodun Abiye Aremu, said women should promote candid programmes instead of “juicy positions and cars-collection, buying.

Our sisters in the senate should promote selflessness and show that governance is about security and welfare of the citizens not elected officials”.

He added that instead of “fire for fire” in politics, women should promote “ideas for ideas”, “issues for issues” instead of politics as war, women should change the macho-image of politics to that of enterprise for development and welfare.

The labour leader also said that women are the solid rock in the success or otherwise of any many because after Allah he owes all his successes to his wife. According to him his late wife was whole a key driver part in the successes of abundance of children, wealth generation and my trade union struggles lasting effectively 26 years.

He said he has written 8 books on varying subjects which was co-authored by his late wife.

“The last e-mail I got from my wife contained our monthly budget. As usual the amount in hundreds of thousands was largely about social support for the relatives, neither for her children nor herself. Her birthday is today, she had not submitted a bill for any celebration.

“Indeed we were to surprise her. However the surprise of Allah is more spiritually unique.

My darling was totally selfless.

She was a bundle of generosity as enjoined by Almighty of Allah” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

PAGE 17

Politics

2016 budget impleme-ntable, says Al-makura

By Lawrence Olaoye

N

asarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-makura, has said the N6 trillion 2016 budget proposal presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari would be implemented.

The governor gave the assurance while fielding questions from State House correspondents yesterday.

Al-makura said that despite the free fall of the price of crude at the international market, the Buhari’s administration would source funds internally to finance the budget.

He said “God willing, we will implement this budget because you have to be optimistic. All the potentials are there for effective utilization of resources. But what has been the problem in the past was misapplication and outright maladministration with regard to resources accruing to the country.

“Given the position and focus of Mr. President and his sense of accountability, he knows exactly what he is doing or saying when he makes a budget of that magnitude.

It only goes to prove that all the corruption, all the stealing, all the squandering of riches that has been

the lot of this country will be a thing of the past. I believe that even if the budget is more than that, we will be able to accomplish it hence we are able to detect and identify areas where people in government are stealing blindly.

“We will be able to provide for the people of this country all the necessary facilities and utilities that they deserve given the potentials for the resources that we have. Mr. President’s attention is much more on revenue generation in other sources. So, forget about the issue of the benchmark of the naira, the falling prices of oil in the international market, there are many

other sources that this country can depend on to make us survive.

“We didn’t have oil in the 1960s, we had hides and skin, cocoa, groundnut and so many things. We are going back to the basics to ensure that every available opportunity for revenue generation will be tapped.

What is more is that the President is really serious and concerned about revolutionizing the petroleum industry. You can see it from the news that the Kaduna will start refining oil this week. So with this kind of prospect and signs of good hope, I believe whatever amount in the budget will be implementable and the people will

Adamawa senators pay solidarity visit on state party officials

L-R: Oyo state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, presenting 2016 Appropriation Bill to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Adeyemo, yesterday in Ibadan.

From Umar Dankano,Yola

T

he three Adamawa senators who were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress have paid a solidarity visit on the state secretariat of the party as a way of registering their loyalty to the party leadership in the state.

Leader of the team and senator representing Adamawa central senatorial district, Abdulaziz Murtala Nyako said the visit was aimed at thanking the leadership of the party in the state over the role it played towards the success of the party in the last general elections.

He added that as true party faithful there was no way they could abandon the party after using its platform to attain victory at the polls.

Nyako reiterated their determination to uplift the standard of the party and its officials in the state noting that the supremacy of the party must be acknowledged at all times.

He told the state party chairman, Shuaibu Yamusa that senators from the north east are currently pushing a bill for the establishment of the North East Development Commission in order to fast track development to the insurgency ravaged zone adding that the bill will be presented for third reading soon.

Nyako thanked the entire senators including those from opposition political parties for their support noting that without the support of all and sundry the move would have been frustrated.

In their separate remarks, Senator representing Adamawa South, Ahmed Abubakar MoAllah Yidi and his counterpart representing Adamawa North, Binta Masi Garba called on the party faithful to be patient and pray for President Muhammadu Buhari so as to succeed in ushering the country to the Promised Land.

get the desired dividends.”

Asked how he intended to tap alternative revenues for his state, he said “For me in Nasarawa State, we have two, three getaways to ensure effective revenue generation. One is the solid minerals. We are not just going to do the business as usual of just getting investors to come and prospect, we will also participate fully in the prospecting and exploitation of these minerals and give a lot of tax holidays and incentives so that we can have a lot of investors who will come and partake. Secondly, Nasarawa State has a large agricultural potential waiting to be tapped.”

Photo: NAN

Adamawa assembly passes law establishing rehabilitation agency From Umar Dankano, Yola

I

n an effort to push for the final resettlement of displaced persons back to their communities, the Adamawa House of Assembly has passed a law establishing the Adamawa State Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency to rehabilitate victims of insurgency.

The agency to be funded by the state government is also

to reconstruct the seven Local Government Areas of the state affected by the Boko Haram insurgency comprising of Maiha, Michika, Madagali, Mubi North, Mubi South, Hong and Gombi.

The law sponsored by Hon Hassan Barguma was passed after the third reading of the bill following the consideration and approval of a report on the bill by the House Committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Speaker of the House, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, who presided over the plenary where there was a heated debate on funding the agency before the passage, directed the Clerk of the House to prepare a clean copy of the law for the governor’s assent.

Commenting on the passage, sponsor of the bill, Hassan Barguma, expressed satisfaction saying the measure would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of

the affected communities and give them a source of belonging.

“I feel happy on the development and can now tell my people that help is on its way.

“I will now lobby the governor for his assent”, Barguma said.

In another development, the House of Assembly at the same plenary passed into law a bill establishing the Adamawa State Mining Company to regulate mining activities in the state.

Niger Gov. charges religious leaders on peace, tolerance From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

he Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has charged religious leaders in the state to eschew peace, tolerance and harmony among their religious followers as this will promote peace coexistence amongst different religious faithful.

Governor Bello while addressing religious leaders of various denominations in his office in Minna yesterday expressed the need for all, irrespective of their faith, to tolerate one another and continue to co-habit peacefully.

He said securing the lives of the people and protecting their property was the primary responsibility of this government

adding that achieving such could not be possible without the support and cooperation of the religious leaders.

Briefing journalists shortly afterwards, the representatives of Jama’atu Nasrul Islam (JNI), Alhaji Umar Usman and that of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Musa S. Dada appreciated the Governor for

taking a proactive step in the sustenance of peace and stability in the state.

The clerics assured that the message of peace, tolerance and need to be security conscious would be extended to their followers describing the governor as humble, truthful and Godfearing.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

PAGE 18

Politics

LG poll: I don’t short-change people as APC - Fayose

By Doyin Ojosipe

E

Senators and members of the House of Representatives, during presentation of 2016 Budget by President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Bayelsa faces austere period as state govt cries out From Isaac Money, Yenagoa

T

he Bayelsa state government has cried out, saying the state is witnessing austere period as it got N6.49 billion federal allocation.

This is coming on the heels of a backlog of yet to be paid salaries.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral ( rtd) John Jonah, who told journalists at this month’s transparency briefing in Yenagoa yesterday

said the state received a total of N 6, 494, 732, 109.20 kobo as revenue from the federal account for the month of October 2015.

The deputy governor who further lamented the austerity situation in the state noted that it has been difficult for the government to meet its obligations.

He disclosed that after a total sum of N2, 198, 490, 641.56 was deducted at source, the state was left with a net income of N 4, 296, 241, 554.64k for the month of

October, 2015.

According to him, deductions in the month included obligations for bonds, foreign loans, commercial agriculture credit schemes, and loans from commercial banks amongst others.

In addition, the state also received N 522, 608, 000.00 as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the month of September.

The state, according to him, expended a total sum of N 6, 091,

848, 790.30 incurring a deficit of N 1, 272, 999, 235.66, and sourced the deficit from commercial banks to augment the revenue to meet the financial obligations of the state.

However, the deputy governor said despite the harsh economic climate, the state remained committed to meeting the salary obligation of its workforce.

As at the time of this report, December salaries for civil servants in the state were still being awaited.

to be a direct result of the total abandonment of governance by the Dickson -led administration in favour of politics, and accused the government of scuttling yesterday’s sitting of the Magistrate Court in Yenagoa to hear the bail application of innocent APC leaders who were arrested on the instructions of the PDP in Oporoma on the morning of Saturday Dec 5th.

The party further alleged that “the Presiding Magistrate was seriously warned by powerful government officials from appearing in the Court to hear the bail application”.

“Even Defence lawyers were alleged to have been harassed by unknown people, who have apparently taken a cue from all the violence and gangsterism perpetrated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in various communities in the course of the on-going governorship election”.

Following this development, the APC called on the people of the state to hold Governor Dickson accountable for any breakdown of law and order, having allegedly brought large numbers of non Bayelsans into the state in the build-up to the election.

“Already, we have it on good authority that Governor Dickson and his PDP agents have again started bringing these thugs into the State ahead of the January 9th 2016 re-run in Southern Ijaw LGA and other polling units in six local government areas to repeat what they did on December 5 and 6.”

“The Sylva/ Igiri Campaign Organisation have been informed that some strange looking faces are being seen in some rural communities of Southern Ijaw, while some have been camped in different hotels in Amarata, Swali and Tombia areas of Yenagoa” While the PDP in a statement by the Director of Publicity, Restoration Campaign

Organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, alleged that it has uncovered fresh plans to rig the rescheduled elections at all cost.

He drew attention to an interview by the state’s REC, Baritor Kpagih, which though did not mention any names but revealed that money was offered to him by “certain interests” to skew the governorship election in favour of their candidate and that his refusal to be bribed had pitted them against him leading to name calling and threats to his life.

To this, Obuebite commended the courage of the REC, noting that even though he did not mention names, it was clear who he was referring to and that such revelations had justified PDP’s position that APC’s desperation for power had resulted in the destruction of respectable federal institutions such as the military, police, the presidency, INEC, EFCC, Judiciary, in a bid to get power at all cost.

APC tasks Gov Dickson on security A

s the spate of kidnappings rises by the day in Bayelsa state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Seriake Dickson, to live up to his responsibility and expectations of the people.

But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also accused the APC of planning to win the rescheduled elections at all cost.

The APC, in a statement from the Director of Media and Publicity, Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, charged Governor Seriake Dickson to live up to the expectation of the people of Bayelsa by performing his most basic responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property in the state instead of hounding perceived political enemies.

The APC said it is worried at the increasing rate of violent crimes including kidnappings across the state, which is believed

kiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state ought to cover their faces in shame for not being able to conduct local government election in their four-year stay in power and needlessly criticising the conduct of the election by his administration.

The governor also said the APC-led administration greatly short-changed the people of the state by running the affairs of the councils with caretaker committees while they were in government.

The governor spoke in AdoEkiti yesterday through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi.

The governor noted that the claim by APC leaders that Saturday’s local government election was shunned by the people of the state was not only far from the truth, but a futile face-saving lie from the opposition party.

“If the APC boycotted the election, it is their own funeral. What surprises can they spring if they had not boycotted the poll? I defeated them totally in governorship, presidential, National Assembly and the State Assembly polls. They are afraid of another disgrace that is why they opted to stay away.

“It is on record that the APC government never conducted local government election in this state.

When we came on board in 2003 we inherited caretaker committees and we subsequently conducted LG poll. During the administration of Segun Oni on the platform of the PDP, he conducted local election too.

“The Ayodele Fayose-led administration promised to conduct local government poll and did that within a year despite the various attempts made by the APC not to allow that to happen. Those saying the turnout was poor are only deluding themselves.

“There is no election where the turnout has ever been the same in every polling area. People come out according to the voting strength of such areas. The people voted overwhelmingly for the Peoples Democratic Party the way they have been doing in the last few years.

“Apart from the PDP, other parties that took part in the poll included the APA, UPP, Kowa Party etc. The fact remains that no matter what anybody says, in the face of the law, all registered political parties are the same.

“We now have 16 elected council chairmen, 177 councillors, at least four supervisory councillors in each of the councils, advisers, personal assistants and many more.

Compare that to the system when the APC only ran the councils with six-man committees,” he said.

The governor advised the opposition party to stop licking its wounds following consistent electoral defeat.

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

FG urged to invest on renewable energy

By Osby Isibor

I

n its quest to end the epileptic power supply across the country, the federal government has been advised to look into renewable energy sources as a better and viable alternative to our conventional sources of power.

An energy expert and the chairman/chief executive officer (CEO), AO Dermarg Nigeria Limited, Gen. Ademola Fadunsi

(rtd), gave the advice at the company’s 2015 Annual Praise and Thanksgiving service held in Abuja.

Gen. Ademola Fadunsi urged the government to do more to buttress the importance of renewable energy by exploiting the full potentials of the sector, rather than mere talk shows on renewable energy.

He emphasized the need for the federal government and its

agencies to lead the campaign for solar energy as alternative source of power in the country, considering the enormous benefits derivable from solar.

Gen. Fadunsi revealed that most installers or vendors of solar technology in Nigeria don’t have adequate knowledge of the technology; as a result most of their installations have failed over time.

This he said was responsible for the poor response of Nigerians in

embracing solar technology, even as he said that the customers most times go for cheap products.

Speaking on what the future holds for the company in 2016, Gen. Fadunsi said, “With the current dispensation and change of government, I think there are a lot of goodies in store for AO Dermarg as a corporate entity and as experts in solar energy technology. You and I are aware that for some time now even the federal government

has been talking about going solar and looking at renewable energy sources to wade off the epileptic situation we are into through the conventional sources of power.

“So, I believe hopefully the New Year we are going into holds a lot of goodness, a lot of packages and growth for AO Demarg. We hope for a better 2016 when the federal government must have started taking active step in embracing solar technology”.

Women shopping for Christmas celebration, yesterday at Mile 1 Market, in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Photo: NAN

Economy: Okowa calls for revamp of Nigeria’s Steel Industry From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

D

elta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has called for concerted efforts to revamp the steel sector for the overall development of the country.

Speaking yesterday in Asaba when he received the National President and members of Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSAN), Mr. Otori Maliki, accompanied by Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Delta State Council, Mr. David Ofoeyeno, Governor Okowa said that the

steel industry was very critical to the overall development of the country’s economy and should not be allowed to waste.

“The Steel industry is important and critical to the development of any economy and we cannot pay lip service to it; it is beneficial to our economy as it ensures our selfsufficiency,” he said, adding, “ to allow the steel complexes to continue to waste is a disservice to the country.”

Governor said: “we need to be pro-active as a nation, government has put in a lot of money on these steel complexes including the

railway line for the development of the economy, we have to ensure that the steel complexes are functional as this sector is crucial to the growth of Nigeria.”

The Governor used the occasion to wade into the trade dispute between members of ISSAN, Delta State Council and the management of Delta Steel Company (DSC), calling for patience to enable him intervene.

He observed that the new management of the company should be given the opportunity to commence operation, asserting that it would be in the best

interests of the workers, the state and the country if the company is operational than for it to be weighed down by industrial action.

While commending Labour for choosing the part of dialogue in their dealing with government, he charged them to continue to partner and support government for the benefit of the economy and the workforce.

He said, “I want to appeal to you to be more patient and dialogue with government so as to resolve the issues of the Delta Steel Company workers, I hope

we will be able to resolve it in good time, be a little more patient and I appreciate the fact that you have chosen the part of dialogue.”

Earlier, Mr Otori Maliki has informed Governor Okowa that ISSAN intended to embark on a strike to press home their demands for the payment of backlog of salaries and entitlements of workers at the Delta Steel Company while the state chairman of NLC who led the delegation, Comrade Ofoeyeno thanked Governor Okowa for “building the bridge of unity between government and the organised labour.”

Page 20

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Aviation

Ladder debacle: FAAN, Bauchi state differ on management of airport

Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

here appears to be an unending drama to what industry stakeholders described as the Bauchi ladder debacle as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Bauchi state government are drawn into disagreement over who is responsible for the provision and management of equipment and facility for passengers’ facilitation at the Bauchi state airport.

In an electronic mail on Monday night, FAAN had explained that the state government is responsible for the management

of the terminal while FAAN only provides statutory services such as aircraft marshalling, aviation security services and fire cover.

It affirmed that the Authority does not provide handling services for Aero Contractors and therefore does not understand why it should be held responsible for non-provision of appropriate equipment for passenger disembarkation.

However, a statement by the Special Adviser to the Bauchi state Governor on Media Mr. Yakubu Muhammad explained that the federal airport authority, not the state government is saddle with responsibility to manage and

maintain the airport.

Aero had also told journalists in Lagos that the Bauchi airport manager who had severally assured it of the presence of the now controversial air stair facilities at the airport failed to produce the air stair when the aircraft touched down with a groom and his guests last Saturday.

But FAAN claims its duty at the airport was not to produce such as it is not a ground handler, adding that lapses in Aero Contractors use of unauthorised equipment at the Bauchi airport should not be ascribed to it.

“Without prejudice to the directive given by the Honourable

Minister of State for Aviation, for immediate investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate incident, we wish to clarify that Aero Contractors’ use of unauthorised equipment (ladder) to disembark its passengers does not have anything to do with FAAN.” It spokesman Yakubu Dati said in the mail.

“The Bauchi Airport is managed by the Bauchi State Government and FAAN only provides statutory services at the airport such as aircraft marshalling, aviation security services and fire cover. The Authority does not provide

handling services for Aero Contractors and therefore does not understand why it should be held responsible for non provision of appropriate equipment for passenger disembarkation.

“We also do not understand why the absence of marshallers on the apron, as claimed by the airline, could cause the use of unauthorized equipment for the disembarkation of passengers from the aircraft”, Dati said.

He urged members of the public to discountenance any story linking FAAN, in any way, with the use of unauthorised equipment

by Aero Contractors at the Bauchi Airport over the weekend.

NAMA MD tasks aviators on accurate data as security agencies laud e-flight clearance

T

Arik

AMCON’s intervention remains a lifeline for domestic airlines

T

he management of Aero Contractors has stated that contrary to claims that the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON, mismanaged the airline, that the debt management company played a supportive role for majority of the existing airlines in the country.

A statement by SY & T, media consultant to Aero Contractors acknowledged the positive impact AMCON’s intervention continues to have on the aviation industry, despite various challenges confronting the industry.

“Without AMCON’s intervention, the airline may not be flying today.

The aviation industry has performed well over the years but like all other business segments, experiences some challenges as a fall back from the global financial

crisis and the fall in global oil prices”, Aero said in the statement.

The airline observed that myriad of challenges in the industry which is not limited to Aero alone, as well as the specialisation required in the industry, necessitated a structured and methodical approach to solving the challenges.

“In order to sustain customer’s confidence and its enviable position as the flagship of the Nigeria Aviation industry, and potentially Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the area of safety and on-time performance, Aero has invested hugely in replacing its ageing fleet. Orders have been made and we are awaiting delivery.

Staff issues are being addressed in line with industry best practices, and the airline does not plan to allow staff/unions to manage its

affairs”, the airline said.

The management of Aero stated further that the airline which has been known for quality of service will continue to ensure a thorough and timely training and re certification of its human assets to ensure the enviable safety of Aero Contractors.

The statement concluded that, “We cannot aim for less because the travelling public which has continuously supported Aero is deserving of no less than a safe, enjoyable and timely flying experience.

We hereby assure the flying public that the airline’s operation is not at any risk whatsoever as it continues to enjoy the support of its shareholders and the Board of Directors of Aero, and safety will continue to be at the core of our business.”

he Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr.

Ibrahim Abdulsalam has charged the Aviation Statistical Committee of the Federal Ministry of Transport to justify its existence by ensuring that data produced on Nigerian air transportation is credible, reliable and harmonized in order to meet international best practices.

Engr. Abdulsalam who made the remarks in a key-note address at the second meeting of the Aviation Statistical Committee for the year 2015 held in Otta, Ogun State maintained that a dynamic Nigerian aviation industry also requires timely, reliable and accurate statistical data for effective planning that would enhance safety of the nation’s airspace.

The NAMA boss who was represented by the General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics also assured that all the agency’s Air Traffic Management systems are operating at optimal levels, stressing that “the safety of the nation’s airspace has resulted in more airlines and flights operating in and out of the country in the last five years.”

Chairman of the committee, Mr Mandu Adedoyin advised members to come up with a mechanism that would enhance statistical development to effectively meet the needs of local and international users.

Meanwhile, the aircraft e-clearance web portal recently deployed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has continued to attract commendation and buy-in from stakeholders even as they say the internet solution will go a long way in reducing time constraints and also make for efficiency in processing entry and landing permits for non-scheduled foreign aircraft into the country.

Commendations were made during the demonstration of the e-clearance module to National Air Defence Corp and other security agencies by NAMA at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.

Military Airport Commandant,

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Group Capt. Simon Peter said “the aviation industry globally has gone digital and what NAMA has done by deploying the e-clearance portal is the way forward because apart from facilitating the process of getting the clearances, it also helps to improve the country’s rating on the ease of doing business,” He added that the internet solution will also improve security because all security agencies now have copies at the same time the checks are going on, so it make it easier, better and faster for us to work and I think it is a good way to go. You can be assured that the Nigerian Air Force is going to sustain collaboration with NAMA as they continue to enhance air traffic management capacity as well as airspace security.”

Chief of Staff, British Military Advisory and Training Team in Nigeria, Sqn. Ldr. Ian Partridge described the innovation as “a complete step change in the way many nations do their clearances for aircraft and the fact that you have done this in less than two years is quite outstanding.”

He described the digital clearance system as very thorough and “a fantastic initiative that they have come up with as you do not have to deal with all the paper work or drive between offices anymore.

“You have to do it all online and also maintain the integrity of the clearance process. It is going to revolutionize the process, going forward.” Partridge who is a Royal Air Force officer said his office is interested in how diplomatic clearances are approved granted.

He also revealed that Britain was willing to continue to support Nigeria as the nation strives to enhance its airspace capacity with innovations such as this “e-clearance system” Also speaking, the Director of Air Traffic Service, Nigeria Air Force, Wing Comdr. Nuhu Hassan described e-clearance as “a commendable breakthrough.”

He however called for a periodic review of the system by all stakeholders to enable them observe areas of possible improvement.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Pension/Insurance

Lagos State pays N1.9bn to 294 retirees as benefits

Self-driving-robot

L

agos State Government has settled another set of 294 retirees with N1.9bn retirement benefits under to Contributory Pension Scheme.

Disclosing this during the presentation of the retirement benefit bond certificates to the retirees in Lagos, the Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Oke, stated that the state government had continuously met its obligations in the payment of salaries to all workers of the state civil service.

“Today, we are crediting into your Retirement Savings Accounts the sum of N1.9bn.

“The times are hard, many things are contending with the state funds but we believe that our greatest assets as a state government are our workers. Your welfare, both in office and out of office, is germane to us; hence this administration has given priority to ensuring that retirees have quick access to their terminal entitlements,” he said.

As of November, he said a total number of 9,252 accrued pension rights of about N43bn had been paid by the state government.

Giving a word advice at the event, the Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, urged that the beneficiaries to be cautious when deciding what to do with their pension after retirement.

She also advised the retirees to consider their individual circumstances before choosing any of the two exit options of programmed withdrawal and the annuity.

Page 21

People preparing Christmas hampers for sale, yesterday at Wuse Market, in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Niger Insurance appoints Abukakar Chairman as Zakariyau bows out

N

iger Insurance Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Yusuf Abukakar as the Chairman of the Company.

Abukakar appointment became following the retirement of Alhaji Bala Zakariya and Mr. Frederick Nnamdi Udechukwu (Director) from the board of the Company which takes effective from 1 January 2016.

According to company, the board also approved the appointment of Umaru Modibbo and Dr. Stephen Dike as nonexecutive directors of the company.

Umaru H. Modibbo is a graduate of Business Administration from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (1983).

He started his working career with the Gongola State Ministry of Commerce and Industries in

1985 as a Commercial Officer II and joined the Gongola Investment Company Limited (1987-1991) and rose to become a Senior Investment Executive. In July 1991 he was appointed the General Manager/CEO of Tiddo Securities Limited, a dealing member of The Exchange. He qualified as a stockbroker and dealing clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in December 1991 and is an Associate member, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

Between March 1994 and April 1997, Mr. Modibbo was elected as a council member of The Exchange.

During that period, he served as a member on the Quotations and Disciplinary Committees of the Council of The Exchange.

He was also a pioneer Director of Central Securities Clearing

Systems (CSCS) Limited and also served as a member of The Nigerian Stock Exchange Investors’ Protection Fund.

Mr. Modibbo was appointed a member of the Transaction Marketing Committee of the National Council on Privatization. He was a member representing the North East Geo-Political Zone in the Federal Government Budget System Review Committee (JanuaryMarch 2000).

He has promoted several companies which include Sigma Securities Limited, a stockbroking firm which he headed as the Managing Director/Chief Executive between April 1997 to January 2011, Sigma Properties Limited, Sigma Bureau De Change Limited, Sigma Power Projects, Sigma Inspections Limited. He is the founder and Managing

Director/CEO of Sigma Pensions Limited. While Dr. Stephen Dike until his appointment was the Chairman of Advanced Management and Technology Solutions (AMTS) and Chairman of Montgomery Nigeria Limited.

He has extensive executive level management experience in public administration, support operations, information communication and technology (ICT), economic and business development, and financial management.

His expertise is in financial management, business development, strategic planning, public policies, market analysis, negotiations, project management, program evaluation, organizational restructuring and repositioning, process redesign and re-engineering and privatepublic partnerships.

companies is not true.

“You may all be aware of recent news publications in the media being orchestrated by shareholders of insurance companies putting the blame on the inability of their companies to pay them dividends squarely on the 1% insurance development levy and then fines and penalties paid to NAICOM. “We have refrained from joining issues with the shareholders on the pages of Newspapers because we want to believe that they are deliberately being misinformed, misled and used as stooges by management of some insurance companies to cover up their gross financial mismanagement of these companies.

The Commission sympathizes with the shareholders because they have a right to be aggrieved over the nil returns on their investments”, he explained.

Kari maintained that the commission has never charged

insurance firms levy outside the law, urging management of all insurance firms to make public the charges they have incurred from the commission which are outside the laws.

He said: “meanwhile, for the benefit of discerning shareholders of quoted insurance companies and the general public, I want to say that as a government agency that believes in the rule of law, NAICOM has never charged insurance institutions any levy outside the law that governs its operations.

Let me use this medium to invite management of all insurance companies to make public the charges they have incurred from NAICOM which are outside the extant laws governing the sector.

I also urge them to make public the sum total of charges each company has paid to NAICOM at the end of a financial year in relation to their Gross Premium Income that has culminated in their inability to pay dividends

to their shareholders.”

He added that one per cent insurance levy, was a statutory provision of the law and not a regulation of NAICOM and for the avoidance of doubt, section 16 (1)(b) of the NAICOM Act 1997 mandates all insurance institutions to remit one per cent of their gross premium to the Commission as insurance levy and that this system of funding of Regulators applies to most sector Regulators in Nigeria – The FIRS, CBN, SEC, NDIC, PenCom and more.

“It may also interest the shareholders and indeed the general public to note that insurance is a regulated business. Operators who choose to play in the sector must be prepared to do so in strict compliance with the extant insurance laws.

“Fines and sanctions for any default/infraction by an operator are clearly spent out in the respective laws to the

knowledge and understanding of the operators. The law may not be perfect, but as long as it remains the law, its provisions must be complied with and it is the responsibility of NAICOM, as the statutory regulatory agency of the sector to ensure every operator play by the rule,” he said.

He urged shareholders to demand explanations from their board of directors and management why such penalties are place on them; incur high management expenses; fail to take advantage of the huge potentials in the market and as well, the various market development initiatives introduced by NAICOM to expand their businesses, grow their revenue income and improve on their bottom-line to guarantee enhanced dividend pay out to their shareholders.

“We are looking at these details and may be making them public in due course.”

NAICOM blames insurance coys inability to pay dividend to gross financial mismanagement Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Commissioner for Insurance Mohammed Kari has blamed inability of insurance some firms to pay dividend to gross financial mismanagement among them.

Kari who made the observation accused insurance operators of using shareholders to cover their financial misappropriations.

Making the allegation at the 2015 Champion Newspaper Insurance Day/Luncheon held in Lagos, the commissioner said insurance companies misinformed and misled their shareholders in order to cover up their gross financial mismanagement.

He said that shareholders claims that one per cent insurance fines and penalties paid to the commission is responsible for non-payment of dividends by insurance

Page 22

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Business

NCCG for private sector, not-for-profit entities kicks off Q1 2016-FRC From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) Mr Jim Obazee has affirmed the operation of National Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) for private sector and not-for-profit entities come first quarter of next year.

Obazee made the disclosure at the opening of the ongoing 12th Annual Corporate Financial Reporting Summit and Dinner held in yesterday in Lagos.

According to Obazee the moment the council concludes the annual summit, it will

focused on setting the code for operation adding that that of the public sector would later follow still within the first six months of the year.

“Once we conclude this summit we will definitely progress with it. In the first quarter of next year, the private sector and not-profit entities will be in operation.

For the public sector code, we still intend to go to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) because there are already corporate governance structures within legislations of different government bodies, we need the government to make a pronouncement wherein there will be like a general harmonization that says that

irrespective of what you are must comply with the NCCG for public sector. That is to say we cannot begin to say when it will happen but within the first six months, we will be able to secure the nod of the government.

Obazee noted that the theme of the summit, ‘National Code of Corporate Governance: a new Dawn in Compliance “ was quite apt at this time when the steering committee on the NCCG has considered the comments received from before, during and after the public hearing within the year.

Highlighting the negative effect of weak corporate governance, Obazee warned that corporate governance failures have presently been

proven to be at the vey heart of the financial shenanigans, accounting scandals, corporate collapses among other financial crisis around the world.

This he said, informed the Federal Governments decision to adopt a NCCG which was aimed at raising the standard of running entities in Nigeria.

Earlier in his key note address, the Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment Okechukwu Enelamah listed benefits FRC Act 2011 to include provision of framework for managing risks, ailing stakeholders interests, sanctioning parties and improving corporate governance best practice.

Enelamah who was represented by a director in

the ministry, Mallam Hajiya Mamah noted that the present administration was poised to bring about genuine reforms and improve the ease of doing business in the country. “corporate governance is one major area requiring regulatory and institutional reform”, he explained.

In her good will message the immediate past Chairperson of FRC Laide Ibrahim said the NCCG was good for all both in the private and public sector. She called for continues awareness and advocacy which she said was paramount for the change of “our value system” adding that “without compliance no good corporate governance will go forward”,

Bauchi airport debacle, FG hammers Aero Contractors From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

F

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, Chief Executive Officer, COPE Foundation, Mrs. Ebun Anozie, and Director of COPE Foundation, Mr. Dapo Abe, during a courtesy visit to Skye Bank by officials of COPE Foundation, recently in Lagos.

AEDC begins Smart Metre installation in Minna

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

he Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has commenced the pilot smart metres installation in its Niger region said that the scheme commenced yesterday in Minna the state capital.

The AEDC Acting Managing Director, Mr Ernest Mupwaya at the event in Minna disclosed that a total of 1,000 metres would be installed at Tunga area of Minna.

“At this initial stage 1,000

metres will be installed for free for our customers in the Minna area.

The new metres are smart metres.

“The metres allows the customers and the company to monitor adequate use and amount of electricity allocated to each metre through a device attached to it and also our control room.

“Another things is that with the installation, a proper way is inbuilt to reduce methods of consumption.

We now have the opportunity to reduce load on transformers.

“All consumers will be placed on

different light points of either green or blue line and thereby eliminating solutions were all customers will jam one particular phase and over transformers,” he stated.

Mupwaya assured that the company would assess all challenges involved in this pilot scheme to evolve a more robust way of deploying the new metres to its catchment states of Abuja, Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa.

A customer, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, noted that the new smart metre would allow customer to get

a clear way to determine electricity use.

He said that the new metre would also reduce incidence of fire outbreaks in residences.

“I have been a regular visitor to NEPA (AEDC) office in Tunga with one complain or the other. Its normally not being able to load or no light after loading.

“With the explanations given, this new metre will allow me to quickly monitor my balance in the confort of my bedroom and recharge,” he said.

ive days after the disgraceful bulk passing among the trio of Aero Contractors, FAAN and the Bauchi state government the federal government finally hammered Aero airline and the pilot of the aircraft for allowing passengers to disembarked via a fire ladder.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday announced it has imposed an applicable sanction on Aero Contractors Airlines in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

In a letter conveying the sanction, the Director General of the Regulatory Authority, Capt.

Muhtar Usman, said the action of Aero Contractors Airline in allowing the use of a ladder to disembark passengers from a Boeing 737 – 500 aircraft in a nonemergency situation is contrary to its approved aircraft handling manual. It said “Therefore this is a violation of Part 9.2.4.2(b) of Nig. CARs which part attracts a civil penalty.

All relevant agencies made useful submissions during the course of the investigation.”

The DG continued in the letter that ‘’in view of the safety implications of your action you are hereby sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of Part 20.2.3(15) of the Nig.CARs.’’ Although the incident did not result in any mishap, the aircraft is airworthy and the Crew well qualified to operate the flight.

However, it is viewed as a breach and resultantly a fine running into millions of naira have been clamped on the airline to serve as deterrence and to forestall any similar infraction by any other airline operator.

In addition, the Captain of the flight was similarly fined for failing to comply with the provisions contained in the aircraft manual.

Furthermore, it said “the NCAA therefore wishes to reiterate its earlier warning that all airlines should endeavour to adhere strictly to Civil Aviation Regulations. “

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

PAGE 23

Stock Watch: Monday, December 21, 2015 Company

7UP

Previous Closing Price

185.06

184.5

Opening Price

184.5

High

Low

184.5

Close

184.5

Change

Trades

-0.56 25

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

233,796

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

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

ACADEMY 0.59 - - - 0.59 0 - ACCESS

4.46

4.46

4.64

4.46

4.5

0.04 321

28,060,764

126,589,999.78

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

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

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

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

AFRPAINTS 2.59 - - - 2.59 0 - -

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

AGLEVENT 1.02 0.97 -

-

1.02

8 48,971 46,330.44

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

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

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

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

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

AUSTINLAZ 2.09 - - - 2.09 0 - -

NPFMCRFBK

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

0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0

6

174,000 170,510.00

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

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

PREMBREW 2.95 - - - 2.95 0 - -

CAPOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

PREMPAINTS 10.93 - - - 10.93 0 - -

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

-

8.73

7 51,560 458,087.60

CHAMPION 4.17 4.17 -

-

4.17

11 146,282 587,170.36

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

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

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

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

CONOIL 27.41 26.04 -

ROADS 6.6 - - - 6.6 0 - -

-

27.41

8

13,350 330,799.00

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

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

SCOA 4.16 - - - 4.16 0 - -

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

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

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

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

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

DANGSUGAR

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

DEAPCAP 0.58 - - - 0.58 0 - -

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

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

JOSBREW 1.51 - - - 1.51 0 - -

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

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

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

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

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

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

NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - -

LEARNAFRCA

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

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

-

2.62

8 37,850 99,859.50

Top Gainers Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

Top Losers Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00

MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

FORTISMFB 5.42 - - - 5.42 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

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

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

INFINITY 1.42 - - - 1.42 0 - -

UTC 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

UNIONDICON 11.84 - - - 11.84 0 - -

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

MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - -

ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, December 23, 2015

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Special Report

South Sudan’s men of dishonour

B

oth government and rebel troops have been accused of atrocities in 21 months of war, but in the past few months the accounts from those who escaped the violence are horrifying.

They tell of women and girls being raped or abducted, families being burned alive in their homes - and at least one case of a child being hanged from a tree.

The abandoned farms and fields, the torched huts, and the complete lack of cattle in Leer, Unity State, are evidence of what appears to have been a scorched earth policy of destruction.

Leer is the hometown of rebel leader Reik Machar and was a stronghold for the military forces that backed him when the army split.

Now it is virtually empty, as tens of thousands of people have scattered into the marshes of the Nile flood plains and into an overcrowded United Nations camp.

The destruction is evident from the air - access on the ground for journalists has been limited.

The story of what happened has to be pieced together from the accounts of those forced from their homes, and it is testimony to a terrifying campaign of

The rules of war were broken long ago in South Sudan, but the recent spate of violence against civilians has introduced a new level of barbarity. violence.

“They spared no-one, neither a child, an old man nor an old woman,” Nyakuoth Manyal told me as she sat under a small, homemade shelter of wooden sticks and tarpaulin.

“They killed everyone.

There was no-one left in the village,” she said, as some of the children she had brought to the UN camp in Bentiu lay next to her listening.

They had spent weeks living under a tree, but a shortage of food forced them to walk for days to the UN camp they had heard about.

“They took away the cattle, and girls over 15 to make their wives. It was some Dinka and some Nuer who did it.”

These are the two biggest ethnic groups in South Sudan, represented by the

Nyal, in Unity State, is one of the last remaining areas held by rebel forces

political foes who sparked this civil war: President Salva Kiir who is Dinka, and former vice-president turned rebel leader Riek Machar who is Nuer.

In December 2013, violent clashes in the capital Juba soon spread across the country, sparking division in the army largely

along ethnic lines, with the majority of rebel forces being Nuer.

The government says it was an attempted coup, the rebels say it was a politically motivated attack on a rival political group.

There’s no independent clarification of what sparked the fighting, but there’s no doubt millions have been displaced and millions more are suffering sickness and hunger.

An ineffective ceasefire and an internationally

brokered peace agreement flawed by reservations and objections is doing little to resolve the crisis.

The evidence from Unity State suggests society is unravelling and with it the chances of peace and stability returning any time soon to the world’s youngest country.

Nyaguar Nhial said she and her family fled the fighting into the marshes, spending their days up to their necks in water with the children floating on reed

Tens of thousands are marooned in the marshes, where they have fled to escape the fighting

mats.

“Still the soldiers would be firing into the water,” she said, describing how they would wait until after dark before going venturing out onto high ground to sleep and then slipping back into the water before first light.

They spent two months living like this before hunger took its toll and they came to the camp for help.

“On the first day the soldiers arrived in the village they shot at everyone, sparing nobody,”

People in inaccessible areas have to rely on food drops to survive

said another woman, breastfeeding next to her, and who did not want to give her name.

“They didn’t even spare the girls - raping them, forcefully, so there was nothing they could do.”

They said some of the attackers were wearing military uniforms, others not, and repeated the claim this was not just Dinka killing Nuer, but this was becoming an intra-ethnic conflict of Nuer killing Nuer.

“

Ethnic violence is rarely clear-cut, and the Bul-Nuer clan, and their armed youth militia, have been blamed for joining government troops on an offensive into the rebel stronghold in Unity State.

South Sudan has cattle-rustling culture and their reward appears to have been the cattle, now absent from Leer, but present in large numbers in Bul-Nuer territory.

While violence is not unusual, well-defined lines have now been well and truly crossed, and traditionally safe places for women and children to shelter have been obliterated by the war.

Ethnic violence is rarely clear-cut, and the Bul-Nuer clan, and their armed youth

militia, have been blamed for joining government troops on an offensive into

The WFP says there is a serious risk of famine in South Sudan if humanitarian access is not improved

the rebel stronghold in Unity State.

South Sudan has cattlerustling culture and their reward appears to have been the cattle, now absent from Leer, but present in large numbers in Bul-Nuer territory.

While violence is not unusual, well-defined lines have now been well and truly crossed, and traditionally safe places for women and children to shelter have been obliterated by the war.

“Their coping mechanisms have not helped them this time around,” said David Littlejohn-Carillo, who leads the International Committee of the Red Cross mission in Unity State.

“It’s a deadly overlap: continued fighting fuelled by local rivalry, a political split on the national level with a large amount of weapons

and ammunition, and the weather factor.”

There is usually a lull in fighting during the rainy season where differences are settled, but there has been less rain this year which is bad for both crops and peacemaking.

Clans that were once allies are now turning on each other, as accountability appears to count for little - and levels of society from politician to pastoralist are disintegrating.

Every recent arrival at the Bentiu UN camp has a terrible story to tell - that is why they have come.

That is also why the camp has tripled in size in a few months and is now dangerously overcrowded with an epidemic of malaria and children dying of malnutrition.

A South Sudanese woman working for Unicef, the United Nations children’s fund, who didn’t want to be named, has been collecting testimony from some of those arriving at the camp.

What she found echoes the events described in reports by the UN, Human Rights Watch, and a leaked Africa Union report into atrocities.

“There were many children killed. They witnessed many women killed and they saw with their own eyes, in the areas where they lived, many girls and women raped, and some abducted - they took them with the cattle,” she said.

“According to the testimony of one family they saw four children killed three shot by guns and one not killed in a normal way, but hanged until the child died.”

The presidential spokesman for South Sudan, Ateny Wek Ateny, denied government troops had carried out atrocities but said an investigation was going on.

“We will not leave any stone unturned and we will bring those people to the books,” he said, if there is evidence atrocities were carried out.

“It is atrocities committed by South Sudanese against South Sudanese, so they are in the jurisdiction of our laws.”

Source: BBC

Page 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Property

Nigeria poised to become investor magnet – Expert C riticism of Nigeria as a place to do business is widespread but misplaced.

The scaremongers say the country is unstable, with a crumbling economy and threats from terrorist groups. They point to oil shortages, collapsing crude prices, the ferocity of the Boko Haram terrorist group and rampant corruption.

But these snapshots do not

paint a fair portrait of subSaharan Africa’s largest economy and overlook what the regional powerhouse offers to foreign corporations and investors.

President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn into office last week in the first peaceful handover of power between elected civilian leaders in the country’s 16-year democratic history. This is a sign of democratic progress and stability.

The improvements are underlined by the commitment of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to raise governance standards by tackling insecurity, economic mismanagement and systemic corruption.

Nigeria, the sixth-fastest growing economy in the world, is among the largest recipients of foreign direct investment in Africa.

Shell, Chevron and Nestlé

top the list of western companies committed to the country.

When its gross domestic product (GDP) was rebased recently, Nigeria overtook SA to become the largest economy on the continent.

With a new government, a booming economy and a popular mandate to tackle its pressing challenges, investors should not overlook Nigeria for fear of the

A typical Nigeria high rising

Lack of basic infrastructure, bane of economic growth —stakeholders

T

he lack of basic social i nf ra stru c tur e i n t h e country has been said to be the cause of the nation’s slow economic growth, stakeholders in facilities management have stressed.

The experts noted at the 4th Facility Management Roundtable that the country’s infrastructure remained underdeveloped compared to those of other fastgrowing emerging economies.

According to a former Attorney General and Commissioner

for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Supo Shasore, Nigeria’s core infrastructure stock is estimated at only 35-40 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product in contrast to the international benchmark of 70 per cent.

“This low value has been driven by historically low public and private spending on infrastructure. However, there are prospects in Nigeria for sustained growth driven by an improved performance of the key non-oil sectors – agriculture, Information

and Communication Technology, trade and services, and of course, real estate,” he said. Shasore, who was represented by the Managing Director of Cluttons Nigeria, Erejuwa Gbadebo, said the facility management industry was one of the few that was certain for growth in the foreseeable future in the country.

The Managing Director, Alpha Mead Facilities, organisers of the event, Mr. Femi Akintunde, said that a recent report stated that the country’s infrastructure spend

was estimated to hit $350bn by 2020, while another by PricewaterhouseCoopers estimated that real estate would contribute about $13.65bn of the country’s current $510bn rebased GDP by 2016.

According to him, the theme for this year’s Global Facilities Management Day is: ‘Building resilience for the future’, adding that given the current economic mood of the country and dwindling oil revenue, the theme was apt.

risks.

Nigeria continues to benefit from its extensive oil reserves, but diversification is starting to take place.

The percentage of GDP from the mining and oil sector has fallen from 38% in 2008 to 14%. Finance, real estate and business services have increased to 15% from 6% in 2008, and agriculture now exceeds the oil sector as a proportion of GDP. The infrastructure framework for supporting business should also improve under the APC’s leadership. Buhari has committed to expanding the road network in order to “unlock a value chain of opportunities”.

Lagos intends to be Africa’s “model megacity”. But equally important is Buhari’s commitment to security. Significant gains have been achieved since Nigeria’s combined military offensive with its neighbours forced insurgents back to limited strongholds along the Cameroon border. The situation remains fragile, but it bodes well for the north’s future.

Threats from former separatist militants in the Niger Delta are another concern. Buhari will need to proceed carefully in building alliances with local power brokers while extending state control to the marginalized region.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend), an umbrella group representing the region’s armed factions, has backed Buhari for his anticorruption drive, but some former militant commanders have been less supportive.

Moreover, many former Mend commanders have reportedly been involved in rampant crude oil theft and coastal piracy.

Oil theft is having a critical effect on government revenues, with about 100,000 barrels stolen a day, allowing criminal syndicates to earn a figure equivalent to the output of a smaller oil-producing nation.

The newly elected Buhari will begin in the right place by initiating judicial reform, aiming to hold to account those responsible for embezzlement and bribery.

Reform of the dysfunctional oil industry will no doubt prove to be the most serious challenge, as demonstrated by rising fuel shortages ahead of Buhari’s inauguration.

For the past two weeks, oil marketers in the nation have been on strike to demonstrate their ability to shut down the economy. The challenges the APC faces are daunting. But Buhari’s inauguration should be heard as a starter gun for foreign direct investment, to help Nigeria take up its long-awaited role as an engine for growth and democracy in Africa.

Culled from EIN news

Page 27

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Property

Home renovation: FMBN loan scheme commended D

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

r. Obas Ebohon, the Development Director, Developing World Built and Natural Environment Research Unit, Leicester School of Architecture, has commended the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for its home renovation initiative adding that it’s a welcome idea.

The FMBN said the scheme was aimed at providing Nigerians the opportunity to access mortgage loans for the renovation and would consider expanding the initiative to accommodate citizens in the low income cadre.

The bank noted in a statement that the initiative was specifically designed for contributors to the National Housing Fund, for those who desired to renovate or improve existing properties that were personally owned by them or through family ownership.

Dr. Ebohon, who spoke on the sidelines of a colloquium for architects in Abuja, said that the housing deficit in the country could only be addressed with shrewd policies that would be implemented to the letter.

He also, commended the mortgage bank for considering low income earners in its HRL scheme, but urged the bank to review the criteria on collateral security for such loans.

“The initiative is laudable and apt, especially when you consider the housing deficit that we have in this country. If shrewdly followed through, I think it will make a whole lot of sense.

“However, I will advise the FMBN to check its lending criteria because this may be a reason why the number of beneficiaries of its NHF scheme is still very low. If they are demanding collateral security that the ordinary person cannot afford, then there is something wrong. For example, a collateral security doesn’t have to be a standard across board.”

Similarly, the Managing Director, DuPoint Engineering Company, Mr. Dubem Peter, said the benefits of the HRL scheme were enormous, explained that its aim might be defeated if so much was required as collateral.

“Of course, it is a great idea that must be appreciated and commended by both industry players and those outside this sector. But one fact remains that they must not make the collateral or required security so high.”

Adding that ,the NHF scheme was established in 1992 to address the constraints to the mobilisation of long-term funds for housing finance and ensure that every Nigerian has access to housing loans at affordable interest rates through participation and contribution to the Fund.

Its overall objective is to

provide cheap source of loanable funds to nurture and sustain the mortgage industry and eventually facilitate affordable home ownership for the low and medium income groups in the country.

Section 14(2) of the NHF Act Cap N45 of 1992 stipulates that a contributor to the Fund can access a loan for the purpose of building,

“

purchasing or renovating existing homes/houses.

The FMBN stated that to achieve that goal, it had developed concessionary loan windows to enable Nigerians access mortgages for home ownership.

It noted “However, the realisation of this objective has been hampered by several challenges to housing finance

However, I will advise the FMBN to check its lending criteria because this may be a reason why the number of beneficiaries of its NHF scheme is still very low.

in Nigeria, which include lack of access to land, inadequate funding for the housing sector, inaccessibility of mortgage loans due to lack of proper title to properties, low income of prospective borrowers, which affects affordability, and cumbersome procedures for obtaining governor’s consent to “If I’m a poultry farmer and I come to you and say I want to borrow money, my collateral should be my business. Don’t tell me to start going looking for somebody to stand for me as a guarantor. Or don’t ask me to go and bring a title deal for land, which I don’t have.

“If I’m a poultry farmer and I come to you and say I want to borrow money, my collateral should be my business. Don’t tell me to start going looking for somebody to stand for me as a guarantor. Or don’t ask me to go and bring a title deal for land, which I don’t have.

“So, if I’m a poultry or tortoise

farmer, my collateral security should be my poultry or tortoise.

That is what happens abroad. But many times, what we see is that the hurdles that are put to access these loans are much. The bar is so high.”

It noted that these challenges had limited the number of contributors to the NHF who had benefitted from the scheme.

According to Hassan, the drivers are supposed to pay N50,000 fine and N100,000 towing fee but some prominent people have intervened and these have been reduced to N10,000 and N50,000, respectively.

“They cannot benefit from their lawlessness or profit from their illegality. They want to get the vehicles for free but the purpose of the law is to regulate human conduct and punish offenders.

That is how far we can go for them.

We have waved the demurrage for them but they can’t get the vehicles for free or others will begin to copy them,” he said.

Property of the Week

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Mazda MAZDA5 offers a pleasant ride M

Motoring

Page 28

inivans are undeniably versatile vehicles for growing families. They offer a pleasant ride, easy maneuverability, respectable gas mileage and, most important, room for children and all the stuff that comes with them. The 2014 Mazda 5 is unique among minivans, as it has remained relatively small and only has six seats. If you don’t need the seventh seat and added space in other minivans, the Mazda 5 still offers quite a bit of utility.

In spite of its smaller dimensions, the Mazda 5 has most of the typical minivan conveniences. It lightweight sliding doors provide make it simple to get kids in and out of the second row, and there are plenty of useful storage compartments.

The Mazda also has something that most minivans don’t: a certain level of fun. Not only is the smaller 5 easier to manage in crowded cities than l a r g e r minivans, its relatively sporty suspension and steering make it genuinely fun to drive, even if you’re just going to the grocery store.

That said, there are a few drawbacks to this minimalist minivan. For one, the only engine for the 5 is a 157-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

That’s enough power on tap for commuting and ferrying the kids to school, but the engine is noticeably taxed when you hit the highway with a full load of passengers. Besides that, passenger space is tight in the third row, and when it’s your week in the carpool rotation, you may bemoan the lack of a seventh seat. Finally, if you’re looking for conveniences like power-operated doors or safety equipment like a

rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring, you won’t find them here.

As a result, larger families with pets and bikes will be better served by mainstream vans like the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest and Toyota Sienna. On the flip side, if you don’t absolutely need a thirdrow seat, you’ll find that the Ford C-Max Hybrid and Honda CR-V are quite spacious and comfortable for four or five passengers, and return higher fuel economy (much higher in the Ford’s case).

With all that said, the 2014 Mazda 5 is still a very good option for shoppers seeking a compact vehicle that packs in a lot of convenience and three rows of seating.

The 2014 Mazda 5 is a three-row, six-passenger compact minivan available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels.

The Sport comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, automatic climate control (with rear vents and fan controls), a height-adjustable driver seat, 50/50-split rear folding seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system

with a CD player, USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.

The 5 Touring adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a trip computer and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity.

The optional Moonroof & Audio package adds a sunroof and satellite radio to the Touring.

The 5 Grand Touring comes

with all of the above, plus automatic xenon headlights, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, driver lumbar adjustment, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

The Mazda 5 also offers a few stand-alone options including remote ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Powertrains and Performance Every 2014 Mazda 5 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport trim, while a five-speed automatic is optional on the Sport and standard on everything else.

In Edmunds performance testing, a Mazda 5 Grand Touring accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds -- slower than most minivans and many compact SUVs. A Mazda 5 with the automatic transmission returns an estimated 24 mpg combined (22 mpg city/28 highway). With the manual transmission, it’s rated 24 combined (21/28).

Safety Every Mazda 5 comes with standard stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Rear parking sensors are optional, but items like a rearview camera, blind-spot warning system and forward collision w a r n i n g system -- all common safety features on larger minivans -- are not available.

In Edmunds brake testing, the 5 came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet -- a few feet longer than average.

The Mazda 5 is obviously smaller than what typically passes for a minivan today, but it still packs plenty of interior versatility.

Comfortable second-row captain’s chairs slide and recline, while the passenger-side seat features a nifty fold-out center table/storage net that can snap into place between the seats, then be stowed away later to create a walk-through to the third row.

Up front, the dash layout looks sleek, simple and modern, with the exception of a dash panel heavy with audio control buttons. But controls are easy to reach and use, which helps the 5 feel much more like a regular car from behind the wheel. The front seats provide respectable comfort, but longerlegged adults will definitely wish for more rearward seat travel.

Aided by wide sliding door openings, the Mazda 5’s third row offers easier access than just about any threerow crossover. The 50/50-split folding seats are best suited to kids, however. With just 30.5 inches of legroom back there, close quarters and a sloping roof consuming headroom, adult passengers won’t stifle their grumbles for long (the second row, by comparison, offers 9 inches more legroom).

Though the Mazda 5 may truly represent a “mini” van, it doesn’t lack cargo volume. Folding the third-row seats yields 44.4 cubic feet of room, while dropping the second row increases that to 97.7 cubic feet -- just 10 cubes shy of the full-size Nissan Quest’s total cargo capacity.

Source: Edmunds.com

Page 29

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Arts & Culture

French retrospective celebrates work of German artist Anselm Kiefer

F

rance’s Centre Pompidou opened a retrospective of the works of German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer on Tuesday with more than 150 works documenting his career from the late 1960’s to the present.

Visitors to the exhibition, the first of its kind in France for more than three decades, can stroll through 10 rooms of Kiefer’s art, which explores issues such as Germany’s history and the reawakening of memory.

“What one experiences in this exhibition is a feeling of gravity, emotion at a time when events are occurring which are both

international and in Paris, the issue of terrorism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia,” said curator

Jean-Michel Bouhours.

The retrospective runs through April 18, 2016.

German artist Anselm Kiefer attends a news conference to present his exhibition ‘Morgenthau Plan’ at the Gagosian Gallery in Le Bourget near Paris

Interest, prices for Southeast Asian art soar: Sotheby’s

A security guard walks past ‘’Pasukan Kita Yang Dipimpin Pangeran Diponegoro’’

W

hen “Bathing in the Shower” by the late Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan went under the hammer at Sotheby’s autumn auction in Hong Kong in October this year, the oil painting of three female bathers was sold for HK$9.7 million ($1.3 million).

That price was more than five times higher than the most expensive Southeast Asian painting sold at Sotheby’s first auction of the region’s work in 1996 in Singapore.

At the 1996 auction, Sotheby’s achieved S$3.77 million ($2.69 million) of sales - but prices for Southeast Asian art and sales volumes have since soared, Sotheby’s says.

With its Southeast Asian auctions now anchored in Hong Kong, the world’s biggest art market, Sotheby’s says its sales have improved sharply: last year it sold HK$350 million ($45.16 million) of art by the region’s artists.

Rival auctioneers Christie’s says that in November 2011 it sold six Singapore art works for a shade over HK$2.7 million, while at an auction in May of this year it sold 30 works for HK$19.8 million.

“Southeast Asian art is increasingly becoming an internationalised category and sees increased buying from other parts of Asia as well as from the West,” Kim Chuan Mok, head of Southeast Asian Paintings at Sotheby’s, said in

an interview.

Many of the collectors are from the region, and the rise of Southeast Asian art correlates with increased affluence, namely in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, Mok said.

He declined to give specific information on clients’ profiles but said many of them are drawn to works because of their diversity.

“You give Southeast Asian artists one theme and they all would come up with different things because of diverse influences,” Mok said.

“Which is unlike, for example, Chinese artists who have similar backgrounds and experiences.”

Koh Seow Chuan, an architect and avid art collector based in Singapore, said he has been acquiring Southeast Asian artworks for the last 50 years because of their unique attributes.

“They reflect the convergence of the great cultures of the world over the past 200 years”, he said.

Ryan Su, a Singapore trainee lawyer and art collector who owns the largest collection of Andy Warhol Polaroids in Asia, said collecting Southeast Asian art is a way to go back to one’s roots and can be a celebration of heritage.

“I started my art collecting by collecting Western contemporary art. This was only natural for me as I was living in the West. Upon returning to Singapore, I feel that the type of SEA Art that resonates

FROM THE LIVE STAGE

the best with me are works by the Nanyang School artists,” he said.

Southeast Asian art, compared to art in other regions, is also relatively affordable, making it a popular entry point for new collectors, Mok said.

“Collectors can get their hands on a quality Southeast Asian art piece by a bluechip artist for a fraction of the price paid for an artwork from the more mature and established categories,” Mok said.

It is important for artists in the region to be seen as a cohesive Southeast Asian brand to garner more international attention, he added.

Singapore is riding on this need for a collective Southeast Asian identity by investing heavily in art development with the intent of becoming the region’s art market hub. The island-city opened the National Gallery Singapore last week, featuring the largest public collection of Southeast Asian art.

While Indonesia dominates the region’s art market with a 54 percent market share based on total auction sales at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, Singapore provides the necessary infrastructure for an art market to flourish, Mok said.

The late S. Sudjojono’s “Our Soldiers Led Under Prince Diponegoro” held the record for Southeast Asian artists. The painting by the Indonesian artist fetched HK$58.36 million ($7.53 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in 2014.

with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

WAOH...WHAT A YEAR...

T

he year held so much promise. The only uncertainties were the national elections which no one was sure where and how it will go. But we are Nigerians, we pushed on with hopes built and cast on cement. There was so much promise in the air.

It has been an extremely tough year. Tougher than many of us have ever witnessed or seen. Economically, the year started on a dull note as a lot of the traditional big spenders held on to the funds at their disposal. The reason for this was the forthcoming elections – you do not spend money when you are not sure what was going to come forth. Even the traditional Father Christmas of spending – government became very stingy and hardly spent. A lot of people cried that the economy was going bad and had already gone bad.

But we were all optimistic that it was politics. A lot was at stake.

Especially when those who should know told us that there was nothing to worry about.

We went to the elections with our hearts in our mouths. But the will of the people triumphed and we all parted ourselves on our backs.

Then we thought a lot would improve. But the incurable pessimists amongst us told us to be cautious and not hope for too much too soon. They were right! We all hoped for too much too soon. Perhaps, when people had been pushed too far and not knowing what hope to hold on to, they would hold on to anything. We were at the point where we would hold on to anything even if it manifested as a straw or a mirage.

Then the revelations – Oh God, how did we arrive at this so sorry a pass. Men blowing money and opportunities a lot of countries crave and yearn for. Our leaders simply led us into a wilderness from which there was no retreat. The figures were simply mind blowing and in my tiny corner of the world, I was so dizzy I nearly fainted.

Deep in my mind, I know I fainted but woke up before I realized that I had fainted.

I remember a couple of years ago, in our annual and perennial search for funds and work, we had stopped and wished that we could get this endowment for the arts moving and functional. The figures being made public would have served the purposes of the endowment. Albeit only a fraction. But we were asked – where do you want us to get that kind of money? Now we know where such money can be found.

Now the chickens have come home to roost. We now know that there are only a few of our leaders who can stand up to be counted amongst men of honour. What manner of leaders are these who create and sustain a bazaar when men and women are dying endlessly? What manner of men are these who create a marketplace in their bedrooms when children go hungry and cry daily to sleep?

What manner of human beings are these who can sleep so joyously when there are no drugs for common ailments? What manner of men?

In the area of the arts, the bazaar has also stopped. We now realize that as we had predicted, all those noise and motions were simply political. Our artistes in all manner and shades went to the seat of power and they could and never could summon the mental energy to negotiate anything meaningful beyond the plate of rice, a glass of wine and the photo opportunities to show the unfortunates that they are close to the seat of power. A lot of us have simply remained jobless since after the elections. Gone are those impromptu flights to Abuja to meet with the powers that be. Gone also were those sharing days. When we mentioned it, a lot of us said it is a gradual thing. And now gradualism has turned to standstilism according to Martin Luther King, Jr. And for us as an organization, we are grateful for 2015. We learnt a lot of enduring lessons. We were shellacked, we were stomped, we were kicked, we were laughed at, we were choked but we are still here and patiently waiting for what 2016 will bring. In this era, we can only wait but the life of a nation knows no waiting. We are still anxious, we are still afraid of what the next twelve months will bring.

A Merry Christmas to us all and to all our soldiers out there in the front, we wish you a Merry Christmas and be assured that you are all in our hearts and we wish you all the very best.

Page 30

Arts & Culture

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Feature

Abubakar Gimba: A Conference of Moral Eulogy (ii) Continued...

The session began with the moderator throwing questions at the authors and perhaps it should be observed that Adam appeared more striking to the moderator, as he was always called out first to react to questions most of the time. He seemed like a celebrity even among celebrities. Ameh was always the last person to be asked a question. This trend obviously made Adam a little uncomfortable and he remarked that he is a convenient feminist and wondered why the only female among them was always the last to be referred to by the moderator. This elicited laughter, but the truth as this writer saw it was that, the moderator was particularly unsettled by the personality of Teresa Oyibo Ameh, more so that she was obviously the older person amongst the three.

While he could easily relate with Adam and Ogezi, he could not particularly do the same with Ameh’s motherly figure.

Adam stressed the need for gender equality eventually. Adam was the first to read a short story titled My Dream from his story collection, The Whispering Trees. Ameh read from The Twins Visit, and Ogezi from his The Embrace of a Leper. All the readings were well received as they elicited laughter and cheers from the audience. While reacting to why he chose fiction, Adam replied; “I didn’t choose fiction, fiction chose me.” He went ahead to offer explanation as to why he is more comfortable writing fiction, saying that he hate the news because it is awkward, even though it is his business as a journalist. He prefers fiction because it allows him to twist, mould or creates things to serve his wish and purposes.

Ameh on the other hand reacted to the question on why the disparity or preference for foreign children works by Nigerian parents, by positing that it could be so because “we have not given Nigerian children what they want.” She also said that there are fewer children books by Nigerian authors. Dr. Sule wanted to know if children story writers pay keener attention to the quality of language especially with regards to editing and proper use of grammar.

According to him, his concern was borne out of the desire of a father, who does not want his children’s idea of good English Language corrupted by terribly written books. He also wondered if she has considered writing children poems as well.

Ameh submitted that she takes concrete time to edit and proofread her works before they are published and advised parents to read the books they buy for their children in order to determine the quality of the work their children would be exposed to before giving it to them. On writing poems for children she posited; “one day, I might do something crazy like writing poems for children.” She said she would stick with children fiction for now. Ogezi while reacting to the question which bothered on the state

Abubakar Gimba of drama and performance in Nigeria made elucidating submissions as well as lame ones. First he said that theatre is an expensive enterprise and proposed the need for proactive measures such as quality funding and the establishment of theatres.

He also remarked thusly; “Our orientation to what constitute entertainment in Nigeria is lopsided” and attributed the dearth of drama/ performance to the “lack of thriving theatre companies.” He, however, made some unsound statements that this writer considers lame and finds repugnant such as his submission that Soyinka writes or wrote daft plays that couldn’t last on Broadway, and that Femi Osofisan as well as other renowned Nigerian dramatists write plays lacking theatrical opulence. It is sheer absurdity that Ogezi who is an award winning dramatist would make this type of remarks before a group of students and writers that “Soyinka won’t survive on the Broadway” because, according to him, “our plays are too academic in nature.” Or that plays by our academics do not have satisfying plots. Perhaps someday Ogezi may need to give a clearer explanation to his incongruous postulations.

One would expect that Ogezi would realise the difference between a work of drama written by a professional dramatist from mere philistinism. What would Ogezi say of Shakespeare’s plays enmeshed in deep artistry and poetics or of plays such as Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett? To posit that Soyinka whose literary reputation rests to a large extent on his dramatics won’t survive on Broadway to me is a lame thing to say. One would also think that the distinction between a dramatic text and its performance on a stage is conspicuous and dependent on the artistic dexterity of the director handling a particular play. Perhaps, Adam was equally bewildered by Ogezi’s comments when he later posited that writers write for different audiences. Adam said, “I write the kind of stories I want to read. If you want to read a good book and you cannot find it, write it.”

The Book Chat ended on a lively note with a question and

answer session. There was a brief recess that lasted roughly an hour as it was Friday and the Muslim participants had to be excused to attend the Juma’at prayers. It was after the Prayers that the workshop participants were divided into the genres of Poetry, Prose, Drama and Children literature respectively.

Abubakar Adam Ibrahim facilitated the Prose Class, Isaac Attah Ogezi the Drama Class, Teresa Oyibo Ameh the Children Literature Class while Sadiq M. Dzukogi and Paul T. Liam facilitated the poetry workshop due to the inability of the original facilitator Ahmed Maiwada to attend.

Because this writer could not be a part of the classes simultaneously, he can only talk about the Poetry Class which he co-facilitated.

Dzukogi took the participants that were mostly students on a poetic journey, by explaining what poetry is to him and his journey into poetry as well as how he penned his first piece that was regarded as poetry.

He asked the participants what they understood poetry to mean to them.

He also talked about obeying the muse and equally informed that he reads through observation or study of the environment as well as by feeling his flesh with his palms. He said he reads by studying nature. His focus was on idea generation and the ideals of poetry and he did his best to encourage the participants to write just about anything that strikes them.

He encouraged them to be strong even when they appear to be failing.

Paul T. Liam on the other hand engaged the precepts of poetry writing such as paying attention to details and emphasized the observance of the rules governing the creation of poetry. He informed that one could only become better by studying what others have done as well as by understanding the technicalities involved in writing poetry such as knowing how to use literary devices effectively. He recommended possible reading materials such as How Poetry Works,

by Phil Roberts, Aspects of the Novel, by E.M. Forster, The Creative Writing Course Book, edited by Julia Bell and Paul Magrs. In an attempt to concretise his submissions, Liam

requested that someone reads a poem and Boniface Ebenezer read a piece he dedicated to Gimba, but Dzukogi’s rendition of Unoma Azua’s poem, Untitled which he read from his cell phone was better received.

The piece provided a better option for the discourse than that of Ebenezer, so Liam discussed it instead and everyone loved its paradoxically subtle famine inclination.

In the poem, the persona is a male who seeks out a female, whose ring would grace his finger which contradicts the popular notion of a female being the one who usually awaits a man who will put a ring on her finger. (Liam’s interpretation).

A serious discussion ensued when a participant wanted to know whether sometimes Dzukogi and Liam experience that moment when they feel something special secretly within them. Both Dzukogi and Liam answered in the affirmative and submitted that, sometimes it is that personalised feeling of worth that keeps the hopes of the poet alive, especially in a society where little attention is given to the writer. Dzukogi also added that sometimes where it may seem that a poet or writer appears eccentric or detached from the rest of the world, it may be that such a writer or poet may actually be concealing some weaknesses or deformity from the rest of the world. He also said it could be that an individual is suffering from a psychological problem.

Meanwhile, in answering Dzukogi’s request for the definition of poetry, Liam submitted thusly: “Poetry for me is the unveiling of indepth hidden emotions or passion on an idea of great consequence to the individual.” Although, this writer couldn’t attend the other workshop classes because of time, he later learnt that they were all very successful and fun filled like the poetry class, which had the privilege of having as one of its participant, Madam Safiya Adam, a Lecturer with the Department of Mass Communication, IBBU. There was a group photograph of the conference and workshop participants outside the venue of the workshop-The Institute of Maritime Studies. The Gimba conference was a huge success, as was his life on earth.

Abubakar Gimba is a Nigerian Novelist, Poet, Polemist and a distinguished technocrat and bearer of Nigeria’s national honour, C.O.N. He died on February 25, 2015, at the age of 63. He trained as an economist at the Prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Gimba hails from Nassarawa Area of Lapai but lived and died in Minna, Niger State.

He authored several works such as Witness to Tears, Trail of Sacrifice, Sunset for a Mandarin, Innocent Victims, Golden Apples, These Land of Ours (poetry), Inner Rumblings (poetry), among several others.

Concluded

POEM OF THE WEEK

Sabou

Sabou, land of tall ancient minarets.

Echoes of the muezzins’ call to prayer.

Your scorching heat stings like a million Desert fleas behind the borders of Niger.

Your narrow gutters overflow with Dark frothy filth onto mud-patched streets.

See your ashen rag-clothed children!

Listen as they chant their daily rounds of begging, While in stately durbar, turbaned royalty Parade to the cheers of crowds revelling.

Hear the voices of the silenced at your walls.

Feel the pains of the maidens at your wells, Touch the worn out hands that ring The last drop of indigo at your pits.

Who shall restore the Star to its Sahel?

Amicus Corruption

By Fabian Kaduka They devour like tomorrow will never come Wining and dining with fellow debauch With guns and cigars flaming Billowing smoke like industry chimneys Their beetroot eyes, A sign of forgotten remorse Short-changed yet again we are The Promised Land no longer within sight Tongues of deceit, emptier promises, a rule of the day My ballot paper played the key role to the mystery I witness All dossiers of under dealings My yet to be servant ever implicated Hallways of the courts is ever present Fighting to purge himself from putrefaction His tainted construct a bitter pill to the subjects To him, a merchandise of his trade Time is soon fading We await the new rules of the game The new rules of deception to the gullible citizenry Where all the county-folk have scenes to act in their script We are again bought with soul and body And with our might we shall moil and toil at their mercy When at the tail end the valet sweeps to victory Stand tall and unite for time is up unite against the frailty of perversion and transgression For the merger will culminate into our emancipation from “their” grip.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

PAGE 31

Yuletide and Abuja commuters’ misery called ‘Petrol scarcity’ Feature

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

here is no gain saying that the current scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol like never before is biting hard on the people, due to its attendant pervasive nightmarish falloutsmanifesting in swelling prices of goods and services, huge loss of man-hour and even death. And as it stands, there is bumping despair among residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the situation would mar the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Barely 48 hours to Christmas, there are strong indications that the festivity may be ruined by erratic supply of petrol, which took a turn for the worse rarely a month ago- resulting in frustrating queues, boom in black market sales and dry pumps.

Overtime, the festive season has gained notoriety for sporting long queues at fuel stations, but unusual prelude to this year’s holiday suggests the nightmarish experience is of a kind; as the torment could be amplified.

Investigations revealed long queues are still present and steadily expanding at various filling stations within the city centre and along roads in Gwagwalada, Zuba, Nyanya and Kubwa axis of the nation’s capital. It was observed that most filling stations were not selling as they closed shop to motorists, looking for the product.

Further investigations revealed that at a few major petrol outlets sell within the region of the approved pump price of N85 and a little above, there are usually lengthy unending queues while some

Motorists waiting patiently on long queue at an NNPC Mega petrol outlet in outskirt of Abuja, yesterday. others purportedly stockpile the commodity, and sell to black marketers at night. However, there is growing suspicion that some of the major petrol outlets used the cover of darkness to sell the products to some desperate motorists at higher prices.

Consequently, the situation has forced most of the motorists

A petrol hawker soliciting for patronage, without his Jerri cans for fear of being arrested by the police, in Garki area of Abuja.

to park their vehicles at home while some residents have resorted to either stay indoors or trek during morning and evening rush hours to and from their various places of work. Ever since, there have been steady decline in number of vehicles plying the road, especially commercial operators along the major routes inside and outside the FCT have doubled or even tripled their fares to various destinations.

Expectedly, commuters in the nation’s capital and environs have continued feeling the impact of the situation, as reflected in hikes in transport fares, as the scarcity keep widening. And a lot of workers and businessmen have been experiencing unending difficulties on their usual route to work and places of operation, as they had to wait for hours at bus stations for vehicles.

The scarcity persisted, despite several assurances from government and other stakeholders in the sector that the current scarcity of petrol will

soon come to an end, following massive loading and movement of petroleum products from depots to petrol stations across major cities.

Most recently, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, has ordered relevant agencies of government to commence special supply of petroleum products across the nation during Yuletide.

Kachikwu’s directive was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by Ohi Alegbe, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. The order was directed at agencies like, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). It was explained that the special supply intervention would entail the ramping up of additional supply via massive truck-out to guarantee product penetration to the nooks and crannies of the country. And

it further noted that daily fuel truck out to Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Ibadan and Jos had been increased to enhance free flow of products across the country.

“NNPC is consolidating its strategic alliance with some major depot owners and oil marketers with strong regional logistics outlay in those areas to ensure maximum infiltration of products; the collaboration would be especially in the hinterland ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities,’’ the statement said.

The statement further cautioned members of the public against from hoarding, diversion and panic buying of petroleum product. Stressing that the diversion of petroleum product was an economic crime, the state oil corporation warned that it would not hesitate to hand over perpetrators of the act to security agencies for prosecution.

However, for most residents, the situation had already ruined Continued on page 33

PAGE 32

Photo Splash

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Sugar cane sellers attending to customers, yesterday in Mararaba.

Business activities going on at Orange Market, yesterday in Mararba.

Man hawking wares, yesterday at Nyanya, in Abuja.

Man pushing a wheel barrow loaded with fruits at Orange Market, yesterday in Mararaba.

Man pushing a cart loaded with planks, yesterday at Kugbo, in Abuja.

Photos: Mahmud Isa

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

PAGE 33

metro

Continued from page 31 the festivity for them, as they are going through real pains at the moment, even as they attributed lingering fuel situation causing a lot of social dislocation in the country on corruption and mismanagement.

According to a cross section of motorists they are still having difficult time at filling stations before they could get fuel to purchase the product. And to avoid the hardship from having queue in search of the scarce product, many of them always visit fuel outlets outside the Abuja metropolis, especially those situated along Zuba-Gwagwalada Road, Abuja-Lokoja Expressway and Abuja-Keffi Expressway, where the product are found with less struggle.

They however, bemoaned that most petrol outlets, especially in Zuba, Masaka, Suleija and even as far as Keffi, are selling between N120 and N150 per litre, which is far above the regulated rate.

Narrating his ordeal, a motorist, Musa Abu, who was seen on a long queue at an NNPC Mega filling station in Nyanya said at night times he meanders round filling stations in Utako and Gwarinpa Estate, in search of the product.

He said since the scarcity started, to buy petrol, he wakes up as early as 4:30 a.m. every day to join the queue at any filling station having the product, , even as most of them refused to sell.

He lamented that in spite of having to constantly deny himself enough sleeping time, in order to be make it early at the filling station for petrol, he ends up wasting no fewer than 5 hours to finally buy the product.

“It is disheartening that for the past a week plus, I have been denying myself adequate sleeping time, in search of petrol, still I end up getting to office very late.

“For whatever reason, the fuel scarcity is biting harder especially in the city, as the number of filling stations having and selling the product keeps reducing.

“That’s why stakeholders especially the government should urgently intervene, before the situation gets out of hand,” he

People waiting for hours to board vehicles yesterday, in Utako.

Yuletide and Abuja commuters’ misery called ‘Petrol scarcity’ stressed.

Not left out, traveler, Uche Ibechi, expressed discontent at how transporters, especially those who ply eastern and northern routes, hike fares arbitrarily, even when the pump price of petrol remains unchanged in some pertrol stations.

He therefore called on stakeholders in the transportation

sector to prevail on commercial drivers to bring down fares, as people are going through untold hardship.

For a concerned resident, Ukachi Ubani, who was seen around Wuse market axis, “It is very unfortunate that the government would allow the petrol scarcity that started several months ago to ruin the

Motorcyclists stranded in a long queue at a filling station in Mararaba, a suburb near Abuja.

forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations for the people, especially those wishing to travel during the period.

“With the hype that heralded the coming of the present administration I had expected to see changes in the way the issue is being handled, but it seems that the current government has no clue on how to solve the lingering problem, causing a lot of hardship on the people.

“The impact of the persisting petro scarcity cannot be overemphasized. So I think there should be conscious attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to tackle the monster called petrol scarcity, so as to make the people feel the reality of the change they have voted for.”

Another resident, Emma John, who was seen shopping for Christmas at the Utako UltraModern Market, off BegerJabi road, said even before the commencement of the current petrol scarcity, the prevalent harsh economic realities in the country had already subjected the people to untold hardship, According to him; “There is the urgent need for government to dole out welfare packages to the most vulnerable, in order to cushion the effect of the problem, especially during the

yuletide.

“Recently, the Federal Government gave bailout packages to some state governors, to enable them take care of their huge wage bills, so I think some of us should be considered for bailout, given the situation we have found ourselves, so as to help us have a hitch-free yuletide period.”

Expressing similar view, a roadside trader, Adebayo James, in Utako says “for me I never expected the current petrol scarcity to linger till this time, following the repeated assurances from the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, which prides itself as regime of the poor masses.

“Sadly, with the way things are going, there is no hope that the sufferings will end soon, so that portend serious danger to the survival of the same poor masses that this government promised to better their living standards.”

Though one of the reasons why the situation had persisted was due to poor handling of the petrol subsidy scheme by the successive past administrations, but the present government of should make conscious effort towards ending the recurring nightmare called Petrol scarcity, especially during the yuletide period.

Page 34

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23,

Money Sense

How to gain a competitive advantage in business

To have a competitive advantage, you must create an edge over your competitors. In the aggressive business world, especially in today’s economy, every advantage counts to establish your business in the top of your industry. Gaining a competitive advantage takes strategic planning and extensive research.

3 1

Your target market is “a specific group of consumers at which a company aims its products and services” (Entrepreneur). A target market is distinguished by socioeconomic, demographic, and common characteristics or needs that make them the best audience

2

Learn from your competition and your customers. Don’t be afraid of your competition, but rather use them as a learning tool and assess their business model. Learn your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses – imitate their strengths, and use their weaknesses to your advantage. Use companies that specialize in business information, such as Cortera, to construct and

to focus on selling to. To uncover Find out which businesses are going after your same target market. How do they differentiate themselves from other companies in the industry? Where are they located? To find this information, business directories can be used

analyze a competitive landscape of the target market. The business information you learn from your rivals will help you develop the competitive edge you need to surpass them in your industry.

Intimate customer knowledge is equally important as competitor knowledge. Gaining in-depth insights about your customer portfolio will allow you to maximize revenue potential,

Create an “economic moat”.

Take advantage of barriers to entry into the market, using them to dissuade competitors from challenging your marketing share. In some cases, an established company’s ability to

manipulate hurdles to enter and compete in its market becomes an effective tool against new competition, further entrenching the business and preserving its profit potential for the foreseeable future.

4

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5

Use business information resources. The information revolution is here – take advantage of it! It creates a

Tips • As markets change every day, focus strategy can be one that may helps your business be competitive against its competitors.

• Make certain changes in size, addition of features or change in promotional strategy to make your firm’s product look different.

• A small business may gain a competitive advantage by minimizing production and related costs, resulting in reducing the price to the level that other competitors will be moved out of business if they try to lower their prices to that level. www.wikiHow.com

world news

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Page 35

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Letter from Africa: What can Ghana learn from Norway? analysis In our series of letters from African journalists, Ghanaian writer Elizabeth Ohene considers what her country can learn from

M

y visit to the Norwegian city of Lillehammer a few weeks ago reaffirmed my conviction that the Scandinavians really are a class act.

Those who follow these things would remember that Lillehammer was the host city for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

I remember the images of a pretty town on television but then I know that the camera can portray my home city Accra as a pretty town when I know the reality to be somewhat different.

You can take it from me that Lillehammer is as picturesque and pretty as anything you have seen on television.

It is a small town of about 26,000 people and the first thing I wondered when I arrived at the train station was how they had managed to host the Winter Olympics. But I was soon to discover that organising big numbers in small places comes to them easily.

Indeed, as I looked on in amazement at the smooth running of the conference I was attending, I wondered about what lessons to take back with me.

And the more I looked on, it occurred to me, it was the might-have-been that was the most important.

Touchy subject I have written on other occasions about the unmanaged population growth of Ghana.

I have drawn attention to the fact that at Ghana’s independence in 1957, we had a population about the same as Norway. However, 58 years later, Norway still has a population of just over five million people and Ghana has almost 28 million people, according to the latest figures from the statistics department.

I know this is not a popular subject in Ghana and every time I have tried to raise it, I have been met with hostility from many quarters.

But I still think that there

must be a lesson somewhere we can learn in having a manageable-sized population.

If Norway had been growing at the same rate of population as we have been doing and they were also now about 28 million people, the country would not be as wealthy as it is today.

Even if they were increasing at half our rate of population growth, they would still not have the disposable income that they have today.

I acknowledge that it is not only in the rate of population growth that the Norwegians are different from us; but the orderliness and cleanliness that one finds in Norway must have something to do with there not being too much pressure on facilities. And then there is the critical problem of the proper and judicious use of public funds, for which the Norwegians are famous.

This is the country that has shamed the rest of the world by investing huge portions of its oil revenue for what it terms, “generations yet unborn”, in acknowledgement of the fact that the oil will be finished one day.

Indeed, when we discovered oil in Ghana, Norway was the country we turned to for advice on the management of the

revenue and our members of parliament have made endless journeys to learn how to use our oil revenue properly. It seems to me we are looking to the Norwegians for the wrong lessons.

Before Norway discovered oil, they had already finished with their basic infrastructure of roads, railways, ports, schools, hospitals and homes,

etc.

Here we are in 2015 and we are nowhere near even agreeing on where to start.

What is more, we think we should be increasing our numbers.

If there is any lesson to learn, it should be in managing the size of our population.

Now that Ghana’s own Cardinal Peter Turkson has

recently spoken out about population growth and the impacts of climate change, and mentioned “birth control”, maybe there will now be a conversation on population in Ghana.

But the chances of there being a small-sized, wellmanaged, pretty little town like Lillehammer in Ghana does not seem likely in my lifetime.

Like many African countries, Ghana has witnessed a population boom in recent years

Page

News From Africa

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23,

Burundi security forces accused of violent repression

China to open its first naval base in Africa

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The government says that those killed by the security forces (pictured above) on 11 December were responsible for attacks on installations

T

he security forces in Burundi systematically killed dozens of people during violent repression that took place in the capital Bujumbura on 11 December, Amnesty International says.

It says that some of the scores of people who died during the single bloodiest day of Burundi’s “escalating crisis” were killed extra-judicially.

At least 87 people were killed, including eight security force members.

The government has not yet responded to the Amnesty report.

But it said soon after the violence on 11 December that those killed were responsible for attacks on government installations.

Unrest has blighted Burundi since an attempted coup in May and

protests over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s continued rule.

The attempt to overthrow the president followed his decision to seek a third term in office, which he won in a disputed election in July.

Ethnic conflict between Hutus and Tutsis which began in Burundi in the early 1990s claimed an estimated 300,000 lives. ”The violent repression that took place on 11 December represented a dramatic escalation in scale and intensity from previous security operations,” the Amnesty report says. ”But the modus operandi of the operations - involving extrajudicial executions, systematic looting and theft, arbitrary arrests and targeting of perceived political opposition strongholds - was not qualitatively different from past

practice.”

Amnesty says that its report was compiled after a two-week fact-finding mission to the country.

Most of those killed on 11 December were residents of districts mostly inhabited by members of the minority Tutsi ethnic group, it says.

“They are considered by the authorities to be pro-opposition areas, as the protests that began in April against President Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term in office started in these neighbourhoods.”

Amnesty says that since the beginning of the protests in April, residents of Bujumbura have become accustomed to neardaily reports of corpses being found in the streets. ”Frequent

arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances, as well as what appears to be a systematic practice of extortion by the security forces... have also contributed to the rapid deterioration of the human rights situation in the country,” Amnesty says.

“Yet, even in this context, the events of 11 December marked a nadir,” the report says.

While the government faces “an extremely challenging security situation”, including armed attacks on the security forces, “it must confront these challenges in a manner consistent with human rights and the rule of law”.

“Ending the absolute impunity that the security forces currently enjoy is an essential first step,” Amnesty says.

Burkina Faso ‘issues warrant’ for exleader Blaise Compaore

A

n arrest warrant has been issued for ousted Burkina Faso leader Blaise Compaore over his alleged role in the 1987 murder of ex-President Thomas Sankara, judicial sources say.

Mr Compaore’s ally, Gen Gilbert Diendere, was recently charged in connection with the killing.

Both men have denied any wrongdoing. Mr Compaore is in exile in Ivory Coast after being forced to resign last year.

Mr Sankara, a left-wing radical, is considered a hero for many Africans. Mr Sankara, described as “Africa’s Che Guevara”, was succeeded by Blaise Compaore who stayed in power for 27 years, before being

Mr Compaore stepped down after a wave of street protests

ousted by street protests in 2014.

The exact circumstances

of Mr Sankara’s death have remained a mystery.

Remains thought to be those of Mr Sankara were exhumed earlier this year.

But a test carried out in a French laboratory found no usable DNA, reports Abdourahmane Dia of the BBC French service.

The result was handed on Monday to a judge who earlier this year ordered the exhumation of the corpse as part of an investigation mandated by the transitional government that took over from Mr Compaore.

Mr Sankara’s family said recently that an autopsy has found that his body was “riddled with bullets”.

During Mr Compaore’s rule the investigation into the murder made little progress.

hina recently announced a landmark agreement with Djibouti to establish Beijing’s first overseas naval base in its modern history. The agreement opens the door to the creation of a permanent Chinese military presence on the African continent - at a key geopolitical address bordering the Bab elMandeb Strait guarding the approaches to Suez along the Arabian peninsula and the interior of East Africa.

In remarks on November 26, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry sought to downplay the move’s strategic significance.

“In accordance with relevant UN resolutions,” explained spokesman Hong Lei, “China has deployed more than 60 vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off the Somali coast in 21 [antipiracy] escort missions since 2008. In the process of escorting, we encountered real difficulties in replenishing soldiers and resupplying fuel and food, and found it really necessary to have nearby and efficient logistical support.”

Notwithstanding such benign explanations, China’s establishment of a permanent facility in this region marks a critical step in the maritime expansion and strategic creation of a Chinese “blue water” navy capable of operating globally.

Washington’s support for China’s increased participation in international maritime security efforts, like the one operating off the Somali coast, is one thing. China’s growing appetite to contest Washington’s command of the seas, as it is doing in the South China Sea in particular, however, is something else entirely.

The competitive context - strategically as well as economically - of China’s move to establish a base on the African coast, where the US Navy has long-reigned supreme, is selfevident.

Senator Chris Coons, a senior member of the Senate foreign relations subcommittee on African affairs, said that the US has to be “vigilant in the face of China’s growing ambitions.

Overall, China’s presence in Africa is certainly something we need to pay more attention to, but not just in Djibouti.”

“Trade follows the flag” has been the calling card for global maritime powers for millennia. In China’s case, the extraordinary expansion of its global trade in recent years has been enabled by the patronage of an international system of trade and security dominated by the US.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Islamic State conflict: Iraqi forces ‘move into Ramadi’

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Asia & Middle East

India toughens law for juvenile crimes including rape

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I

raqi forces are advancing into the centre of Ramadi, after launching a major assault to drive Islamic State militants from the city, officials say.

Security sources told the BBC that troops and allied tribesmen, backed by US-led air strikes, had already retaken two districts, and entered two others.

They are heading towards the main government complex, and have come up against snipers and suicide bombers.

Ramadi fell to IS in May in an embarrassing defeat for the Iraqi army.

Last month, government forces completed their encirclement of the predominantly Sunni Arab city, about 90km (55 miles) west of Baghdad, cutting off militants inside the centre from strongholds elsewhere in Anbar province and in neighbouring Syria. Iraqi CounterTerrorism Service spokesman Sabah al-Numani said its troops, supported by soldiers, police and Sunni tribesmen, had begun the assault on central Ramadi at dawn and were advancing on the government complex. ”We went into the centre of Ramadi from several fronts and we began purging residential areas,” he told the AFP news agency.

“The city will be cleared in the coming 72 hours.”

“We did not face strong resistance - only snipers and suicide bombers, and this is a tactic we expected,” he added.

Sources in the Iraqi military’s Anbar Operations Command told the BBC that engineers had built temporary bridges over the River Euphrates, which flows along the north and west of the city centre.

This had enabled troops to enter directly the al-Haouz district, south-west of the government complex.

By Tuesday afternoon, government forces had retaken the al-Thubat and al-Aramil districts, and entered nearby alMalaab and Bakir, the sources said. If the battle to recapture Ramadi succeeds, it will be the second largest city after Tikrit to be taken back from the selfproclaimed Islamic State in the past 18 months. It would be a major boost for the morale of the Iraqi security forces and for those Sunnis opposing IS in Iraq.

That is not only because the city of Ramadi is predominantly Sunni and a key IS stronghold, but also because the forces fighting to take it back are spearheaded

by Sunni tribesmen. The Shiadominated paramilitary force known as Popular Mobilisation (al-Hashd al-Shaabi) has been involved in many battles against IS, but the government has chosen not to deploy it in Ramadi.

The real story behind the killing of Samir Kantar

Many in India have been demanding tougher punishment for juveniles

T

he Indian parliament has passed a bill which allows juveniles between 16 and 18 years of age to be tried as adults for serious crimes like rape or murder.

At present, those under 18 can be sentenced to a maximum of three years in a reform facility.

The move to change the law gathered momentum after the youngest convict in the notorious 2012 Delhi gang rape was recently released from detention.

The parents of the victim were among those campaigning to change the law.

On Tuesday, the Juvenile Justice Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha the upper house of the parliament.

The bill was approved by the Lok

Sabha - the lower house - in May. It will now have to be signed by the president to become law which, correspondents say, is a mere formality.

The new law will not apply to the youngest 2012 rapist, but it will be used in future cases involving juvenile offenders above 16 years.

Authorities say the number of juvenile crimes have been increasing - last year, 38,565 cases were registered, including many cases of rapes, murders and acid attacks.

The supporters of the new law say tougher punishment will act as a deterrent.

However, critics say that India is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which

mandates that all children under the age of 18 be treated equally, and say the new law will violate the convention.

Jyoti Singh, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, died after being brutally raped by five men and one minor on a moving bus in 2012.

The attack sparked a huge public outcry in India and forced the authorities to introduce tough new laws to deal with crimes against women.

Her mother Asha Devi said she was “satisfied” at the bill’s passing.

“But I am sad that my daughter did not get justice,” she added.

Four adult convicts in the case are appealing against death sentences.

A fifth died in prison.

Searching for the missing in China’s deadly landslide

R

escuers searching a Chinese industrial park swamped by a landslide recovered the first body on Tuesday, as anger mounted over safety failings that led to a disaster feared to have killed dozens.

An estimated 81 people were still unaccounted for at the site in the southern city of Shenzhen, state

broadcaster CCTV reported.

The mudslide was the latest in a series of fatal accidents in China and comes months after almost 200 people died in a massive chemical blast in the port city of Tianjin.

Hopes for those still missing in the mud faded even as heavy machinery raked through thousands of tonnes of

Many in India have been demanding tougher punishment for juveniles

soil and rubble that buried factories and residential buildings.

The body recovered Tuesday morning was the first confirmed death.

The mudslide was caused by the improper storage of waste soil from construction sites, according to the official newspaper of the Ministry of Land and Resources.

eirut, Lebanon - Amid an array of Lebanese, Palestinian and Hezbollah flags, thousands gathered in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday to attend the funeral of Samir Kantar, 54, a highprofile member of the Lebanese movement Hezbollah, who was killed in a suspected Israeli air strike in neighbouring Syria.

The crowd marched behind the coffin - shrouded in Hezbollah’s yellow flag - as residents and mourners alike threw flower petals from the neighbouring balconies.

“His death will not stop the resistance against the enemy,” said Abdallah, one mourner attending the funeral.

Hours later, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah vowed to avenge Kantar’s assassination, making it clear that the party [Hezbollah] has the right to respond to any act of Israeli aggression at a time and place of its choosing.

“The blood of Kantar is the same as the blood of any martyr in the resistance against Israel,” he said in an unusually sombre televised address. “[Kantar] is one of us, a leader in our resistance, and he was killed by the Israelis in all certainty.

“It is our right to respond to his assassination at the time, place and means we deem appropriate. We in Hezbollah will practise this right, God willing.” Kantar, who spent some 30 years in an Israeli prison and was released in 2008 as part of a prisoner swap with Hezbollah, was killed on Saturday night after suspected Israeli air strikes targeted the building he was staying in on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus.

Also killed in the strike was Farhan Shaalan, a Syrian Druze from the occupied Golan Heights village of Ain Qinya.

While many commentators have described the two men as members of Syria’s progovernment National Defence Forces militia, such targeted strikes, according to one analyst, indicate more highprofile roles for the men than merely shoring up the Syrian government’s military positions on the ground.

Kantar was reportedly working on the development of a Syrian resistance movement that would focus on the liberation of the Golan Heights from Israeli occupation in southern Syria. Al Jazeera spoke to a number of Syrian and Lebanese sources who knew both Kantar and Shaalan and were familiar with their work in Syria.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Page

Europe & Americas

Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of all-out ‘war’

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counter-accusations, blaming Armenia for the recent escalation.

“Ceasefire violations are taking place because of the illegal presence of Armenian forces in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan,” Hikmat Hajiyevm, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry spokesman, told the AFP news agency.

“Armenia has to withdraw from

the seized lands ... only afterwards the sustainable peace can be guaranteed in the region.” Ethnic Armenian separatists backed by Yerevan seized control of the mountainous NagornoKarabakh region - part of Azerbaijan during the Soviet period - during a war the early 1990s that claimed the lives of about 30,000 people.

Panama orders arrest of ex-leader Ricardo Martinelli

rmenia says a ceasefire with neighbouring Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh no longer exists, describing frequent skirmishes at the front line as “war”.

Artsrun Hovhannisyan, a spokesman of Armenia’s defence ministry, said on Tuesday that

Azerbaijan was using “all existing armaments: tanks, howitzers, and antiaircraft artillery” against Armenian soldiers in the disputed region.

“What we have today is a war,” said Hovhannisyan. “We must use the word ‘war’ as there is no ceasefire anymore.”

Azerbaijan responded with

Australia approves Abbot Point coal port expansion

Migrant crisis: One million P enter Europe in 2015

A

ustralia has approved the expansion of an existing coal port at Abbot Point near Bowen in north Queensland.

The controversial project will see Abbot Point become one of the world’s biggest coal ports.

The expansion will involve dredging one million cubic metres of spoil near the Great Barrier Reef which will then be dumped on land.

Conservationists have said the project will have a significant impact on the area’s wildlife and surrounds.

The expansion project is key to the success of a coal mine to be built by India’s Adani Mining - the Carmichael project. Adani expects to export coal from the expanded port.

Australian Environment Minister Greg Hunt approved the expansion of the project on Thursday. Environmental group WWF said 61 hectares of seabed would be “ripped up”, creating the dredge spoil.

“It’s disappointing that the minister has approved this project within the [Barrier Reef area], despite the damage it will do,” spokeswoman Louise Matthiesson said.

“Damaging dredge plumes will be created harming sea grass and potentially reaching nearby coral reefs,” she added.

In an original proposal for the port expansion, the dredge spoil was to be dumped at sea. However, in response to public pressure, that proposal was not approved.

The government said its Thursday decision to approve the expansion “explicitly excludes the disposal of dredge material offshore in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage property”.

Migrants and refugees continue to arrive through Greek islands like Lesbos, from where they are moved by ferry to Athens

T

he number of migrants and refugees crossing into Europe by land and sea this year illegally has passed one million, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) says.

This represents a fourfold rise on the total last year.

Most crossed by sea, with more than 800,000 travelling from Turkey to Greece. Half are migrants from Syria.

Eleven more migrants drowned on Tuesday, adding to the IOM toll of 3,695 dying or missing at sea.

Seven people were rescued by Turkish coast guards after the craft went down, apparently en route from Kusadasi in Turkey to the Greek island of Samos. One report said the dead were Syrians. The huge influx of migrants has caused significant political rifts within the EU, with some states inside the

border-free Schengen area putting up fences and reimposing frontier controls.

Hungary and Slovakia are taking legal action at the European Court of Justice to challenge EU plans to share asylum seekers across EU states.

Meanwhile, many migrants and refugees are pressing to be allowed to settle in richer northern countries like Germany and Sweden. Migration passed the symbolic milestone on Monday, the IOM said, with the total for land and sea reaching more than 1,006,000. Entries via six EU nations - Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Malta and Cyprus - are covered in the report. The IOM gathers its statistics from registrations, law enforcement agencies and its own monitors.

Its director general, William Lacy Swing, said it was not enough to just count the figures.

“We must also act,” he said.

“Migration must be legal, safe and secure for all - both for the migrants themselves and the countries that will become their new home.”

A joint IOM and UNHCR statement said found a “more coordinated European response” was beginning to take shape.

However, it said more needed to be done to improve reception facilities, accommodation and registration, and to identify those who do and do not qualify for refugee protection.

Save the Children campaigns director Kirsty McNeill said: “This is the test of our European ideal. When children are dying on our doorstep we need to take bolder action. There can be no bigger priority.” The EU last week agreed to increase the numbers of Frontex border agency staff in Greece, a key arrival point.

anama’s Supreme Court has ordered the arrest of former President Ricardo Martinelli, who governed the Central American country from 2009 to 2014.

Mr Martinelli is accused of using public funds to illegally spy on more than 150 prominent people.

Among those he allegedly spied on are trade union activists, politicians, lawyers, doctors and business people.

M r M a rt i n e l l i d e n i e d t h e allegations, saying they were part of a vendetta by current President Juan Carlos Varela. The court ordered the arrest because Mr Martinelli failed to appear at a hearing earlier this month.

He left Panama in January days before the Supreme Court voted in favour of having him investigated over separate corruption allegations.

He is believed to be living in Miami, Florida.

The court did not give any details about how his detention would be sought.

On Monday, Mr Martinelli tweeted [in Spanish]: “First round of the political trial: without having been properly documented, without charges, without proper notification and without sentence, my provisional arrest has been ordered.”

The Supreme Court launched an investigation into the alleged spying ordered by Mr Martinelli in June.

It came after dozens of people alleged they had their phones tapped and that the administration of Mr Martinelli prepared dossiers against them containing intimate information.

Among the alleged victims are high-ranking members of the opposition Revolutionary Democratic Party, as well as lawmaker Jose Luis Varela, who is the brother of current President Juan Carlos Varela.

Investigators said the wiretaps were carried out by members of Panama’s National Security Council.

Donald Trump mocks ‘disgusting’ Clinton toilet break

R

epublican frontrunner Donald Trump has mocked Hillary Clinton for apparently taking a toilet break during a televised Democratic debate.

“I know where she went. It’s disgusting,” he said to supporters at a rally in Michigan.

The former secretary of state returned to the stage late after an advert break during Saturday’s debate with her party rivals for the presidential nomination.

Mr Trump also said Mrs Clinton had been “schlonged” by Barack Obama in 2008.

Using a vulgar Yiddish term

that means a man’s penis, he was referring to Mrs Clinton’s defeat to the then senator in the primary contests that year.

“Even her race to Obama. She was going to beat Obama. I don’t know who’d be worse. I don’t know.

How does it get worse?

“She was favoured to win and

she got schlonged, she lost.”

Mrs Clinton’s spokeswoman, Jennifer Palmieri, tweeted: “We are not responding to Trump but everyone who understands the humiliation this degrading language inflicts on all women should. #imwithher” It is not the first time Mr

Trump has referred to women in a controversial way.

In August, he implied that he received tough questions from Fox News debate host Megyn Kelly because she was menstruating.

And he has previously described comedian Rosie O’Donnell as a “fat pig”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Page 39

Strange

world

Three homeless people SUE New York City claiming police threw out their birth certificates, Social Security cards

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

T

hree homeless people have filed papers to sue New York City, saying police wrongly tossed a birth certificate, Social Security cards and priceless family photos into a dump truck.

Jesus Morales and two others say they were sleeping in outside a school in Manhattan at about 5am on October 2 when police arrived, woke them, told them to move and tossed their stuff.

Some said they were kicked and shoved by the officers.

‘They grabbed my clothes and threw it all in the garbage truck,’ Morales, 42, said in Spanish on Monday at a news conference, attended by about a dozen homeless New Yorkers, to announce notice of the claim.

Morales said he’s been homeless nearly 16 years. ’I can’t even afford a room,’ he said. ‘We are many, and we don’t have money to live here.’

The notice of claim, the first step in filing a lawsuit against the city, was prepared by the New York Civil Liberties Union after they obtained security footage of the night through a Freedom of Information Law request.

Attorney Alexis Karteron said their belongings weren’t worth much, ‘but the emotional cost is priceless’. A spokeswoman for the mayor said the encounter between the homeless and police involved illegal trespassing on school grounds.

‘That said, we will review our protocols concerning the seizure and disposition of personal property to ensure that it can be reclaimed by its rightful owners,’ spokeswoman Karen Hinton said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Monday that the city has had success in persuading some who live in the camps to accept city services.

‘Think about the encampments - settlements of people living out in the open or living under a railroad tunnel.

Sleeping in the exposed air, often drug dens. This was not an acceptable way of life for those people,’ he said.

‘We’re not going to tolerate it - for them, let alone for the communities around them. What a horrible message it sends about quality of life.’ But homeless New Yorkers and advocates said they were concerned the mayor’s approach is too aggressive. Linda Lewis of Picture the Homeless questioned what would happen if all 55,000 homeless citizens were sheltered.

Jesus Morales and two others say they were sleeping in outside a school in Manhattan at about 5am on October 2 when police arrived, woke them, told them to move and tossed their stuff (file picture of a homeless person in New York)

‘Then what? There isn’t enough housing for them - where do they go after shelter?’ she asked.

Some homeless said they preferred the streets to shelters, where they felt unsafe. An audit by the comptroller’s office found too few employees oversee the nonprofit organizations that operate shelters.

Meanwhile, about 50

outreach workers from three nonprofit groups canvassed Monday as part of the city’s Home Stat outreach program.

Allison McCullough of the Goddard Riverside Community Center interacted with about 10 people by midday, and one conversation was cut short when police arrested a man on an assault charge. She said connecting on the street is a

Nelson Tito, a member of the camp where three dwellers are suing New York, on Monday

challenge.

‘People aren’t always forthcoming,’ she said. ‘It can take months. It can take years.’

She spoke with 30-year-old William Hardnet, who has been homeless since he was laid off from a cooking job at an Atlantic City casino six years ago.

‘I like their program so much more because they actually come out and interact with the

homeless,’ he said. ‘It shows that it’s coming from the heart.’

He said he prefers to sleep in a convenience store doorway than to go to a shelter. Still, he said, he plans to work with McCullough.

‘I would like for someone to come with me to see how it’s set up,’ he said. ‘I’m definitely trying to get inside this winter.’

Source: Dailymail.com

A homeless man eats a free meal that was given to people gathered in Tompkins Square Park on Monday

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23,

Page 40

Digest

No, you can’t be fat and fit, say the experts

By Sophie Borland Being fat but fit is a myth, scientists claim.

If you are overweight, doing lots of exercise will not prevent an early death.

Researchers say it is far more important to be slim, even if you are unfit.

For years experts have believed it is possible to be ‘fat but fit’ and still relatively healthy.

Heavier adults have assumed that those few extra pounds didn’t matter as long as they took regular exercise.

But findings from a Swedish study of more than 1.3 million men suggest they were wrong.

Professor Peter Nordstrom, from Umea University, looked at the records of men for an average of 29 years from when they were 18 to adulthood.

They had all joined the armed forces, which involved undertaking a fitness test on an exercise bike when they signed up.

The men had also been weighed and measured, which enabled researchers to calculate whether they were obese.

Professor Nordstrom and his team then looked at the men’s records to see who had since died from illnesses including cancer and heart disease.

They found that men who were fit were generally far less likely to die than if they were inactive.

But this effect was cancelled out if they were overweight.

And men who were slim and inactive were 30 per cent less likely to die than those who were fat but fit.

Professor Nordstrom, whose study is published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, said: ‘Unfit normal-weight individuals had a 30 per cent lower risk of death from any cause than fit obese individuals.

‘Low aerobic fitness in late adolescence is associated Myth-busting: A Swedish study has revealed the belief that you can be fat but fit is a myth, after it showed that if you are overweight, doing lots of exercise will not prevent an early death (file image).

Vital: Heavier adults have assumed that those few extra pounds didn’t matter as long as they took regular exercise (file image).

with an increased risk of early death.

‘Furthermore, the risk of early death was higher in fit obese individuals than unfit normal weight individuals.’

He said the findings contradicted the belief that ‘obese individuals can fully compensate mortality risk by being physically fit’.

Professor Nordstrom said that being slim – having a low body mass index (BMI), a measure of obesity – was more crucial in preventing early death than keeping fit.

‘These results suggest that low BMI early in life is more important than high physical fitness, with regard to reducing the risk of early death.’ he added.

Around two-thirds of adults in Britain are overweight or obese, and the UK’s rates are amongst the worst in Europe.

Ministers are due to announce a new strategy in the New Year specifically addressing childhood obesity following accusations they have failed to act.

This latest study contradicts

research published three years ago showing that the obese who were fit were in fact healthier than normal weight individuals.

Academics from the University of South Carolina in the U.S. looked at 43,000 men and women.

They found their risk of developing heart disease and cancer was the same as slim adults who didn’t exercise.

Experts are divided as

“

to whether being a healthy weight is more important than being fit.

Some argue that excess fat tissue triggers cancer, heart disease and diabetes regardless of whether someone takes exercise But others claim that being inactive is as harmful as smoking, and contributes to one in six of all deaths.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Around two-thirds of adults in Britain are overweight or obese, and the UK’s rates are amongst the worst in Europe.

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Simon fixes next week for marriage

>>Pg 42

Page

41

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Siasia denies pondering Musa, Mikel for Olympics

Adebayor set for Sheffield Wednesday >>Pg 43

Eagles skipper Ahmed Musa and Efe Ambrose (No 5) celebrate

By Albert Akota

C

hief Coach of Nigeria’s U-23 Dream Team VI, Samson Siasia has come out to deny the rumours that he would invite Russia-based Super Eagles’ captain Ahmed Musa and Chelsea’s of England star, John Mikel Obi to his team for the football event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The rule of the game gives each football team in the Olympics the chance to feature three overage players.

There have been rumours that Siasia is considering bringing in Musa, who plays as forward for Russian club CSKA Moscow and Mikel who is currently plying his trade

in the English Premier League to beef up his Dream Team VI for the Summer Games in Brazil.

“I wouldn’t have done that,” said Siasia, a former coach of the senior national team.

“The time has not come for picking overage players for the Olympics and there is no need and no plan to do that now.”

He, however, disclosed that at the appropriate time he would let Nigerians know his choice of players in that category.

“When the time comes, I will let the world know who among the overage players are going with us to the Olympics and who can fit into our programme,” he said.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles skipper Ahmed Musa had earlier said he is excited with the prospect of playing at the Rio 2016 Olympics

football event.

The Dream Team VI coach Samson Siasia has hinted at inviting the CSKA Moscow striker and Odion Ighalo as the overage players for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“I am delighted and happy to hear this news (Siasia considering him for Rio Olympics). I will be glad to play in the Olympics,” said Ahmed Musa, who will be a few months above the eligible age of 23 when the football event at Rio 2016 gets underway in August.

“It’s a big event and I am always ready to play for my country Nigeria whenever I am called upon.

Ahmed Musa has featured at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23,

Page 42

Sport

CHAN Eagles get 2-day Christmas break

By Albert Akota

T

he Home-based Super Eagles have been given a twoday break to enable them to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

Toyin Ibitoye who the Super Eagles’ Media Officer, announced this during interview in Abuja and said the break would begin on Dec. 24 to Dec. 25.

According to Ibitoye, the players are expected to return to camp on Dec. 26, for resumption of training on Dec. 27.

“There will be no training on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25; so, they have been told to go and spend the days with their family members if they wish to do so.

“But those who are not willing to travel can stay in the camp; those who travelled are expected to return on Dec. 26, while training resumes on Dec. 27’’, Ibitoye said.

He added that Dream Team VI players, Usman Mohammed and Bature Yaro arrived camp on Monday afternoon before joining the team’s training in the evening.

The players’ arrival

had increased the number of players in camp to 25, as defender Kalu Orji of Enugu Rangers was expected to join after Christmas.

Ibitoye, however, dismissed report in some quarters that Orji had been replaced due to injury.

He said: “I don’t know where the story of Kalu’s replacement emanated from; he is joining us after the Christmas break and nobody is replacing him.’’

“He has a little matter to solve which necessitated the time given to him to arrive in camp.’’

The 26 home-based Super Eagles players reported to the team’s camp on Dec. 14 in preparation for the 2016 CHAN scheduled to hold in Rwanda between Jan. 16 and Feb. 7.

The team is being handled by assistant coaches Salisu Yusuf and Belgian Jean Loscuito as well as goalkeeper trainer, Aloy Agu. Head Coach Sunday Oliseh is expected to join the team in South Africa in January for the last phase of camping for the championship.

Super Eagles

Simon fixes next week for S uper Eagles forward Moses Simon will marry his heartthrob Sarah in Ibadan on December 29.

Several Eagles officials are expected to grace the occasion.

The engagement was staged in Abuja earlier this year.

Bosso set to join El-Kanemi Warriors

L

adan Bosso is set to be unveiled as the new head coach of Glo Premier League side, El-Kanemi Warriors.

Bosso who left his former side Abia Warriors at the end of last season, recently held talks with the management of the club.

The deal could be an-

It has been a most eventful year for Kaduna-born Simon after he helped Gent to clinch the Belgian league championship and established himself in the Super Eagles.

He also featured at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Ladan Bosso

ALASKA

Eagles star Moses Simon will get married on December 29 in Ibadan

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS LIKITA ANZAKU. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ALASKA ANZAKU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid.ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

nounced before the end of the week.

Bosso is one of the most experienced coaches in the local scene in Nigeria.

His best record was at Wikki Tourists, where he led the Bauchi- based outfit to the Super Four in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Page 43

PUBLIC NOTICE IGALA GOSPEL INTERIOR MISSION

PUBLIC NOTICE MILLENIUM HOPE

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS. RUTH ALADI OMALI - CHAIRPERSON 2. MRS. HOPE EJIMA DAVID 3. AVM (RTD) SALIU AEAWODI 4. REV. DANIEL EDILI 5. PASROR (DR) ANDREW ABALAKA 6. MR. UGBEDE OGAJI 7. MRS. PATRICIA AJUMA DAGUNRO 8. BARR. PAUL AKOH EDILI - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO REACH OUT WITH THE LOVE OF GOD TO THE UNREACHED, HOPELESS AND FORGOTTEN IGALA PEOPLE LIVING IN THE INTERIOR AND IGALA HINTERLANDS. 2. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST TO ALL PEOPLE EXPECIALLY TO THE IGALA PEOPLE. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change of Trustees and Amendment of Constitution under Part C of the CAMA of 1990.

AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION The proposed amendment of portion of the Millenium Hope Constitution to be amended in Chapter two No.3 Paragraph C&D respectively are as follows: 3) BOARD OF TRUSTEES: C). The trustees of Millenium Hope shall be composed of two main categories, namely “Category A” & “Category B”. Category “A” is hereby reserved in perpetuity for only members of the nuclear family members of Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, Hajiya Hassana Ahmed Makarfi and Hajiya Asma’u Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and their descendants. Category “B” will consist of people who are of impeccable and credible records of service to the society from within or outside Kaduna State.

D) The Board of Trustees of Millenium Hope shall have Chairperson (Man) who will emanate form Category “A” Trustees in perpetuity.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) HAJIYA ASMA’U AHMED MOHAMMED MAKARFI - RETAINED 2) MOHAMMED AISHATU ALIKO

-RETAINED 3) AMBASSADOR MOHAMMED MARINA YUSUF - RETAINED 4) HAJIYA ASIYA ABBA ABDULLAHI

- RETAINED 5) MRS. BINTA AYUBA

- RETAINED 6) MOHAMMED HADIZA UMAR

- RETAINED 7) FAISAL AHMED MOHAMMED

- APPOINTED 8) KAMAL AHMED MOHAMMED

- APPOINTED 9) SALIM AHMED MOHAMMED

- APPOINTED 10) ABDULMALIK AHMED MOHAMMED

- APPOINTED Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja, wiyhin 28 days form the date of this publication.

Signed: ANTHONY A. IROAGALACHI ESQ

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE ROSE TONY CHUKWU EDUCATION FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that REMO CLUB 1937 has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for CHANGE OF NAME under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

FROM OLD NAME: REMO CLUB 1937 TO NEW NAME: REMO RESOURCE AND RECREATION CENTRE Any objection to the Above should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed C.C AGIDI 08038720979

PUBLIC NOTICE Family Sustenance And Development Initiative

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF ANTHONY NWAIGWE CHUKWU 2. MRS ROSE CHUKWU 3. UGOCHUKWU EMMANUEL CHUKWU 4. HELEN CHINYERE CHUKWU

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BARR. KAYODE LAWANI 08095336644

PUBLIC NOTICE CLUB-3RIPLE 10 This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Benedict Yashim Bakut 2.Barr. Aaron kajang Zamani 3. Babangida Bulus 4.ILiya Habu.

SIGNED: Secretary

SIGNED: Barr. Aaron .K. Zamani.

PUBLIC NOTICE MARY EZEKIEL FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE Widows Association of Adamawa State.

IT NO -21126

SIGNED: Secretary

SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE CRUCIFIED LIFE PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS CHURCH

PUBLIC NOTICE CHRIST MANIFEST LOVE AND EXCEEDING POWER ENDTIME MINISTRY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote and encourage farming for rural dwellers for self sustenance.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. JIDE AFOLABI 2. JULIET ISIDAHOMEN 3. FESTUS OMOJUWA 4. DELE AFOLABI

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To promote unity,mutual understanding peace love and good relationship amongst members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Brown Franklin Ikechukwu Emereuwa 2. Ihejirika Chinenye Christopher

This is to inform the general public that the above named Centre has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE EDUCATION. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS OLUKEMI ADESOLA OWOLABI - CHAIRMAN 2. MR. OLUMAYOWA AFOLABI OWOLABI - SECRETARY 3. MS. MOJIROLA OLUWATOBI OWOLABI 4. MR. MOYOSORE OLUWAGBEMIGA OWOLABI - TREASURER 5. MS. MOROLAYO OLUWAGBOTEMI OWOLABI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE ORPHANAGES FOR UNWANTED CHILDREN 2. TO PROVIDE SHELTERS FOR THE HOMELESS AND INDIGENT 3. TO PROMOTE EDUCATION OF THE GIRL CHILD. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE NATHANIEL EVANGELICAL PRAISE & SANCTUARY CENTRE

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

FROM Widows Association Of Adamawa State.

TO Adamawa Widows Organisation.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE 1, Hilda makanto 2, sarah apagu 3, dancha malgwi 4, chief mrs Edna aleydeino 5, Mr john Elias 6. alhaji Ahmed joda 7. Dr nwajim malgwi 8. Dr Martin bimba 9. Dr ladi hamalai 10. Mr Antony madwate -Removed THE NEWLY APPOINT. ED TRUSTEE: 1. HRH AISHATU MOHAMMED BARKINDO AIM AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE MILLENNIUM AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA ABUJA

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ADEKAMBI SALMON ADELANI 2. MRS. JOSEPH MARY ADEOLA 3. MR. OYEGOKE KAMORU 4. MR. NOAH AFOLABI TEMIDAYO 5. GBAROYE OMOTAYO LAAGBE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SIMEON PALMER UWAFULAMIRO ONYEGBULE 2. NGOZI CHISARAOKWU ONYEGBULE 3. OKEZIE CHIMEREUCHEYA ONYEGBULE 4. OCHOBI KELECHI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Chief Osuji Alwell Ogadinma- Chairman .

2.Frank Odenyi -Secretary 3. Halima Alice Nwokobia-Treasure 4. Mahammad Sani Sambo- vice chairman AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To Assist, promote and protect the welfare and interest of members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: Bar Tale Alabi

SIGNED: Secretary

SIGNED: Secretary

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23,

legal NOTICE

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Abubakar

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Peter

I formerly known as Agwu Mercy Chinemerem now wish to be known and addressed as Peter Mercy Chinemerem. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Akunna

Aliyu

IBRAHIM

I,was Formerly Known, called And Addressed As Godwin Josephine Uka, Now Wishes To Be Known Calls And Addresses As Akunna Josephine Uka. All Former Documents Remain Valid, authority Concern And General Public To Take Note.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23,

AYITOGO

I, formerly Known as, AYITOGO HAFSAT LUKMAN now wish to be Known and Addresses as AYITOGO HAFSAT AHMED All former documents remain valid. general public should please note.

BLESSING

Page 45

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MRS HAUWA

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I formally known as mmaduako vivian ukamaka now wish to be known addressed as osemene vivian nkechi. All former documents remain valid. Stanbic IBTC Bank and the general public should please take note.

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l FORMERLY KNOWN AS DORCAS OKPA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TABITHA ENYANG OKPA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. UBA BANK AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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PUBLIC NOTICE CHRIST ANNOITED CHAPEL OF MULTI GRACE INTERNATIONAL

PUBLIC NOTICE ST. JOHN CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS

The General Public is Hereby Informed that the Abovementioned Church has Applied to CAC for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Eniola Amos Akinrolabu 2. Pastor Akinradewo Olusegun 3. Pastor Olatunde Dare Emmanuel 4. Deacon Eniola Elizabeth Olakitan 5. Engr. Akingbulugbe Olaniji Henry 6. Deacon Ogunsawe Ereola Florence AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach and proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ the saviour to all nations.

Any Objections to the registration should be Forwarded to the Registrar-General CAC Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publications.

Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE MUS’AB IBN UMAIR ISLAMIC CENTRE The general public is hereby notified that the above-named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Shamsudeen Suleiman 2. Aliyu Umaru Ndakotsu 3. Salihu Mukhtar 4. Salihu Ada’u Muhammad 5. Abubakar Salisu Garba AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate themessage of Islam.

2. To promote, propagate and spread the values and ideas of Islam toward ensuring peace and harmony in Nigeria and the world.

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

Signed: BARR. CHIOMA NWOKO 07035833311

The general public is hereby notified that the above-named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Singer John Kura - Chairman 2. Tobi Kenneth - Secretary 3. Lawyer Richard 4. Obide Isaac 5. Sele Sonoma 6. Johnsinger Doohkeme 7. Omgbolo Ebipaegberi 8. Sergeant Tuluku 9. Etale Maurice 10. Freeman Eselemo-Ere AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To provide a ministry of word of God through the plantingof Chruches.

Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE FOUNDATION FOR SANITATION IMPROVEMENT

The general public is hereby notified that the above-named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alhaji Idirisu Farouk - Chairman 2. Tanko Noma 3. Hajia Asma’u Talatu Blell 4. Ja’afar Bala Farouq - Secretary 5. Hajia Ladi Rekiya Faruk 6. Mr. Augustine Onyekachi Ebisike 7. Ahmad Abubakar 8. Mr. Sunday Peter Igho 9. Idi Farouk Jnr. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote youth and women empowerment, promoting the use of alternative fuels, water and sanitation hygiene, preserving nature, propagation and support of world desertification, world water, environment day and world car free day, climate change and awareness support for environmental issues, development and support of young foresters clubs in schools, promoting kyoto protocol on environmental issues.

Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of an envelop containing original receipt issued by Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) with No. 05346296 of UBA draft valued One Hundred Thousand Naira only paid on the 9th June, 2010 in favour of AGIS belonging to Mr. Aliyu Nasir Othman Mnge. All efforts made to trace the missing envelop proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest Police Station.

PUBLIC NOTICE BLOCK MOULDERS ASSOCIATION OF ONDO The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to CAC for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Olugun Oluwafemi 2. Mr. Adekanye Sesan 3. Mr. Agbede Japhet 4. Mr. Aladejana Olarewaju 5. Mr. Lawal Paul 6. Alhaji Karimu Yaya

- Chairman - Secretary - P.R.O - Treasurer - Financial Secretary

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. Economic emancipation and progress of members by active participation in block moulder, quarrying of sand.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, CAC, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: BABA OLA TAR OMOYOLA ESQ

PUBLIC NOTICE WORD OF FAITH GROUP OF SCHOOLS CLASS OF 1995 ALUMNI

The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to CAC for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ikhazuangbe Clement Ijesusei 2. Ifueko Erewa-Meggison 3. Miracle Abuma Etakibuebu 4. Ajiri Matilda Otiede AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. Fostering intellectual spiritual and emotional ties among its members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, CAC, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: MBA DIANA 08035537059

PUBLIC NOTICE OLUSEUN ABIODUN HEALTH FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘’C’’ Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Abiodun Olawunmi 2. Abioudun Adedoyin 3. Omowunmi Akanbi 4. Bukola Ayanbule AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide medical assistance to eligible patients in Nigerian government hospital who are unable to afford the cost of health care.

2. To provide health care assistance to families with children that have been diagnosed with chronic illnesses that usually require life time management.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565 Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

UMAR I,was Formerly Known, called And Addressed As WAZIRI DANLADI, Now Wishes To Be Known Calls And Addresses As UMAR WAZIRI. All Former Documents Remain Valid, authority Concern And General Public To Take Note.

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23,

PUBLIC NOTICE HOME FOR ALL INITIATIVE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.DR. ZAINAB GIMBA THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE SPARKLE FOUNDATION FOR ORPHANS & THE LESS PRIVILEGED

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OLASIMBO OJUROYE 2.ABBIH OLOYEDE 3.RONKE AKERELE 4.OLUSOLA OKE 5.MORIAH PRIESTLEY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO BUILD AND MANAGE ORPHANAGE HOMES FOR ORPHANS AND DESTITUTES IN THE SOCIETY. 2.TO TAKE CARE OF THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF ORPHANS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. 3.TO EMPOWER WIDOWS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: BARR. E.C. ORJI ESQ SOLICITOR

PUBLIC NOTICE MACAULAY HERITAGE FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE SOCIETY FOR ADVANCEMENT OF CREDIBLE LEADERSHIP IDEAS AND OBSERVATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR GLADSTONE OLUFEMI MACAULAY - PRESIDENT 2.MR HENRY BASSEY - SECCRETARY 3.MRS MABEL BALOGUN THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE ETHICS AND REVIVAL OF OUR RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE. 2.TO PROMOTE POLICIES THAT WILL ENCOURAGE INTER-CULTURAL COLLABORATION, UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION. 3.TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC MORALITY AND ETHICAL VALUES. 4.TO PROVIDE ETHICAL AND MORAL UPBRINGING OF THE NATION’S YOUTHS AS FUTURE LEADERS. 5.TO ORGANIZE ANNUAL FESTIVALS THAT PORTRAYS OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE. 6.TO IDENTIFY,PROMOTE AND PRESERVE IMPORTANT HERITAGE SITES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: N. A. WEYINMI & CO (08033544839

PUBLIC NOTICE JESUS CHRIST WORD SALVATION ARMY MINISTRY INT’L

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR FAITH ODONGHANRO 2.EVANG. (MRS) NKECHI ODONGHANRO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. OLUMIDE AGBEDE 08138915859

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Professor isijokelu Moses ojeifo 2.Mr Justice Okwudili Osagede 3. Mrs Ngozi Patricia Ojeifo 4. Dr Babalola Ayodeji Adeniyi 5. Professor Rasheed Olufemi Awodoyin 6. Mr Emmanuel Ode Ehidiamen 7. Mr Muhammad Yelwa Ndaya THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To harness biodiversity conservation and environmental management for sustainable livelihood.

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR. BENJAMIN EBIKESEYE JOHNNY - CHAIRMAN 2.MR. EKENE OBGAJIE 3.BARR. OLORUNSAIYE OLA JOHN - SECRETARY 4.DR. ADULPHOS OSAROLLOR 5.HON. YUSUF S. ACHOR THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE GOOD LEADERSHIP IN OUR SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: O. J. OLORUNSAIYE & Co PLOT 2 ALGERIA STREET. WUSE ZONE 2, ABUJA. 08038019823

PUBLIC NOTICE CAVEAT EMPTOR THIS NOTICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS GIVEN THAT ALL BUYERS ARE WARNED TO DESIST FROM BUYING, LEASING AND CARRYING OUT ANY UNLAWFUL AND UNAUTHORIZED ACT ON PLOT NO. 2273 BLOCK 34/N BADARY AREA OF LAGOS STATE AMUWO ODOFIN RESIDENTIAL SCHEME WITH CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY NUMBER 9/9/1995C ANY TRANSACTION CARRIED OUT ON THE SAID LAND IS DONE AT HIS OR HER OWN RISK AND FOR ANY AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT A CAVEAT HAS BEEN DULLY REGISTERED. DATED THIS 16TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2015.

SIGNED: BOND ASSOCIATES AND SOLICITORS.

PUBLIC NOTICE Centre for social change and economic development Nigeria CAC/IT/NO 41447

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

THE NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Dasin 2.Rukaiyatu Hayatu THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THESAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS amendment of constitution SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE CERBERUS INITIATIVE FOR TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND BEST ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.CHIKELU CHIGBO ROWLAND - CHAIRMAN 2.MOZIE KAIMA FAVOUR 3.OBI KAMTODCHUKWU MADUNEME 4.JUDE CHINEDU AKAMADU 5.HAJIA FATIMA SAM-YUSUF 6.ONYEWUEKE PEACE CHIDINMA 7.EVELYN UWA OSAGIE 8.AMBASSADOR CHIKE ALEX AMIGBO 9.AJULUCHUKWU SAMUEL CHUKWUDI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.ENSURING STRICT ADHERENCE TO RULE OF LWA, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN THE ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT. 2.ENSURING FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES BY PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN MECHANISM. 3.ENSURING HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR OCCUPANTS OF, AND ASPIRANTS TO PUBLIC OFFICE. 4.PROMOTING REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED:CHIKELU CHIGBO ROWLAND - CHAIRMAN

PUBLIC NOTICE MAKE SOMEONE SMILE’S FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR. JETHRO DANIELS TARKUMBUR - CHAIRMAN BOT 2.MR. ISHOM STEPHEN GBAYA - MEMBER 3.MRS. CHRISTABEL TARKUMBUR - MEMBER 4.REV. DR. KURUGH MBANONGON ANTIEV - MEMBER 5.REV. DR. JACOB TERUNGWA IGYAR - MEMBER 6.MR. TERNA ABBOH - MEMBER 7.MR. JOSHUA TERHEMEN NONGOAMIN - MEMBER 8.BARR. SIMEON TERKURA GBAA - SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROVIDE CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SIMEON TERKURA GBAA

PUBLIC NOTICE ESTHER’S GROUP NON DENOMINATIONAL FELLOWSHIP FOR WOMEN

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EUNICE OIDEBAMAI ADETOLA 2. SUZANNE OMOYEWENSE OLUWOLE 3 ADERONKE ELIZABETH AFOLASHADE CHARLES-O’DWYER 4. MODUPEOLA LAPADE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To provide succour to hurting women in various areas and working together with relevant Non-Governmental Organisations.

2. To build them up to fulfil their God given purpose.

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OTEGA OVEDJE - PRESIDENT 2.OGHENEKAN KELVIN RUGBERE - SECRETARY 3.HAPPY R. RUGBERE 4.ABDULAZEEZ BRAIMAH 5.ODUDE ADEBAYO 6.ALEX FELIX AKPABIO 7.OKAFOR NNAEMEKA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO CREATE AWARENESS FOR A HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT. 2.TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF PEOPLE IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PAGE 47

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23,

PUBLIC NOTICE IKOYI CLUE 1938 IT NO: 13059 AMENDMENT OF RULES/CONSTITUTION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 2004 FOR AMENDMENT OF RULES/ CONSTITUTION.

BY WAY OF DELETION, ADDITION OF SOME OF ITS EXISTING RULES OF NEW RULES AS APPEARS HEREUNDER, TO WIT: RULE 27(d) (d)(i), (d)(ii), RULE 27(f), RULE 27 (g)(ii),(g)(v), RULE 29(a),(c), RULE 34(a).

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS AMENDMENT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TAMARA-EBI EYEKOROGHA ESQ 07065225256

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ISAKPA PHILLIP ANIEMU 2.OGELENYA ZOE YETUNDE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO CARRY OUT HUMANITARIAN ACTS FOR THE SOCIETY AT LARGE. 2.TO CATER FOR THE SOCIAL WELL BEING OF MEMBERS AND THE SOCIETY AT LARGE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: A. N. ZEPH ESQ 08037055488

PUBLIC NOTICE OGBONO DEALERS AND MARKETERS ASSOCIATION IT/CERT.NO: 15493 THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.CYRIL ODOH - RE-APPOINTED 2.JEROME UDECHUKWU -RE-APPOINTED 3.ONYEUGWU FIDELIS - RE-APPOINTED 4.CLEMENT AGBAOWU - REMOVED 5.EMMANUEL OGBOBE - REMOVED 6.GOODNESS GODWIN (MRS) - APPOINTED 7.AGBO JOSEPH - APPOINTED THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAINS THESAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ANICHE BENJAMIN 08068657263

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Dr Olukayode Adeyanju 2. Barrister agnes adeola Roy 3. Mr Godwin Tomakili - secretary 4.Mrs Anthonia Adeyanju THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.to cater for less privilege children in the society ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Otu mmanwu oganiru cultural association

INNER league committee of friends Abuja

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 . igwe onwu frank-chairman 2.afamefule felix-secretary 3.esubekam osita-member 4.igweanyiba Aloysius allswell-member 5.okobi hyacinth - member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.to presave igbo culture and traditions of otu mmanwu oganiru.

2.to defend and promote ideas and entertainment of our cultural values.

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

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

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

SIGNED : igwe onwu frank-chairman

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE ORANGE IMPACT FOUNDATION FOR AFRICA

PEACE-LINK FOR EDUCATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT CAC/IT/15,277

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR CERTIFIED TRUS COPY (CTC) LOSS OF DOCUMENT CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES REMAINS THE SAME. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAINS THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ELIJAH EKOI (ASST. SECRETARY)

PUBLIC NOTICE Odejimjim Social Club of Nigeria

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Odenigbo Amaechi Joe 2. Engr Felix Ezeh 3. Rogers Nwoke 4.Anyaegbunam Okoye 5.Roland Onwuegbusi 6.Emmanuel Chukwu 7. Godson Okoye(Legal Adviser) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.UGOCHUKWU PRECIOUS JAY- CHAIRMAN 2.OLUKUNBI ORIYOMI SOLOMON-MEMBER 3.UGOCHUKWU PECULIAR AMARACHI - SECRETARY 4.IKPE EMMANUEL ULOKO- MEMBER. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To promote and Orientate youth on Community service and volunteering initiative.

2.To engage Youths on the need for Social welfare participation in the Society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE AN EVENING WITH THE KING MINISTRY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Rev. Daniel Emeka Oraekie (2) Master Chekwube Nkemuaka (3) Hon. Nwoye Emmanuel Obiadimma (4) Prophet Onyebuchi Okeke (5) Mr Nweke Kingsley Arinze (6) Mr Samson Otado (7) Master Obinna Nweke (8) Mr iloegbunem chineneye I cent (9) Mr Ajaiye Sunday THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: (1) To foster peace among members.

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

This is to inform the general public that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE Divine Estate landlords Association, umubulu 2 Etche

PUBLIC NOTICE AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION Mbolo Transporters Association (CAC /it/no-67138)

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Engr. lambert Ihentigu 2. Asebame Bamidele Arnold 3. Engr Godwin Nwachukwu 4. Comr. Basil Uchenna Nwoke 5. Mr Chamberline Alozie Melody THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE DISTRICT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Oyeniyi Olaoye.

2. Mrs. Christiana Olaoye.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel especially to women.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: secretary

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

1 Aims and Objectives (adding )2 article -9. articles 10 to 15..

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: secretary

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNEsday, DECEMBER 23, 2015

QUOTABLE QUOTE Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy, and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.

—President Buhari

SPORTS Between buck passing and latest

Chelsea players responsible for Mourinho sack - Ancelotti

C

arlo Ancelotti believes that “a lack of motivation” among the Chelsea players cost Jose Mourinho his job at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho led the Blues to the Premier League title last season but they endured a shocking start to the 2015-16 campaign, losing nine of their opening 16 games, with a 2-1 loss at Leicester City last Monday week proving the final nail in the coffin for the Portuguese coach.

After the defeat at the King Power Stadium, Mourinho admitted that he felt “betrayed” by his players but Ancelotti who was sacked by Chelsea in 2011, a year after leading the west London club to a domestic double says that it is never easy to keep motivation levels high within a squad coming off the back of a successful season.

Arsenal can win EPL - Wenger

A

rsenal’s victory over Manchester City has given them the belief they need in the Premier League title race, says manager Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners have not won the title since 2004, but goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud were enough against City despite Yaya Toure’s late strike.

Arsenal is now four points clear of third-placed Manchester City, but remains two points adrift of leaders Leicester City.

With defending champions Chelsea 15th and seemingly out of contention, the north London side are now favourites to win the league.

They are unbeaten in their last six matches and five of Arsenal’s last six top-flight title wins have seen them in second place at Christmas, including two of their three Premier League titles.

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

where the buck stops

T

he saying “the buck stops here” derives from the expression “pass the buck” which means passing the responsibility on to someone else. The sign “The Buck Stops Here” was on President Harry Truman’s desk in his White House office to announce he is responsible for everything.

The latter expression is said to have originated from the game of poker, in which a marker or counter, frequently in days a knife with a buckhorn handle, was used to indicate the person whose turn it was to deal. If the player did not wish to deal he could pass the responsibility by passing the “buck,” as the counter came to be called, to the next player.

President Truman, saw a sign “passing the buck” while visiting a reformatory and asked the warden if a sign like it could be made for him.

The sign was made and mailed to the President on October 2, 1945. His intention is to remind himself and Americans that the buck indeed stops at his table. He must deal with it at all times – inherited or circumstantial.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) must do better than wrapping cloak of blame around the past Peoples Democratic Party led administration. The best they can do is far beyond throwing blames around. Already they should know that Nigerians can write an encyclopaedia on the maladministration that characterized the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan government.

It is indeed on record that the immediate past administration, amnesty international had to move their personnel from other countries to Nigeria to monitor the abysmal financial recklessness in the country. But we must not be bugged down by the loathful, wasteful past to score points. That approach only obliquely belittles strides of the incumbent president.

The point therefore is for a marshal plan to be unveiled alongside the giant strides of recovering looted funds, consolidation of workable initiatives and projections into areas where gaps are evident. The public image managers of the present administration should

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Wednesday Column

By Israel A. Ebije

President Harry Truman

therefore stop living in the past where they were in trenches as politicians in the opposition. They are now in charge.

Buhari may be adjudged slow, may be bandied about as a junketer, may be seen as ethnoreligious based leader, but the truth is, the task of patching the country battered by gluttonous politicians cannot be done hastily, cannot be seen free of sentiments and must be executed by building broken international relations.

It therefore means Buhari is the custodian of the “buck”, where players in the past couldn’t manage the game to a win. Now insurgency/ security malaise, economic backturn, secessionist agitations are his inheritance, which we all know are estates left behind by systemic leadership failure in the past.

The implication of passing the buck for those managing Buhari’s image is to tell the world he is struggling to get beyond the mire of past rottenness.

Soon, the past will fight back once Nigerians realize the much needed change government is hiding behind a curtain of blame game.

Fight against corruption is people based and pro-economic recovery but too much attention must not be showered at it.

Meaning, those involved shouldn’t be honored with media spotlight.

It is important to note that any publicity is good publicity. There is no telling which person or group of persons are sympathetic even to the most insane thief based on the unnecessary attention.

The war against corruption must however be total no matter whose ox is gored. The result of the entire process, the monetary value of recovered loot, quantum of punishment dished out and the effective economic utilization of recovered funds should be systemically handled to give credence to the whole exercise.

The incumbent must move carefully on the planned invitation of former president Goodluck Jonathan to answer to allegations regarding arms deal.

If Halliburtongate others are not going to be probed, then it is an octane loaded case that awaits a match to explode.

Many Nigerians are already claiming there are gaps in the fight against corruption, many are waiting for wrong moves like perceived selective probe. It is indeed instructive to state that the ongoing secessionist agitation is partly fuelled by the defeat of former president Jonathan, others.

Those known as the wailing wailers will leverage on any identified gap to cause trouble.

The emerging statement that corruption will soon fight back shouldn’t be seen from its humour point of view. It is indeed pertinent to intimate that once reckless buck passing continues, perceived selective fight against corruption persists, then regardless of what has been looted, the change mantra will be misconstrued.

Seven months after taking power in a very popular and most democratic process, the Buhari administration should be harping on projections that will cover the gaps created by the constant fall in crude pricing. Finding alternative to our present ‘oily economy’ and preparing for a better future for Nigerians.

Now is the time to take responsibility, no more frivolous blames. If there must be probe, then its must extend beyond Jonathans administration.

Leadership ineptitude in the past has been a baton passed on to the immediate past president. If past leaders must account for their mistakes, the dragnet must be wide enough to pick many before Jonathan.

It is also time to constantly announce to Nigerians positive economic projections, prescriptions against negative economic adventure and solutions to all forms of insecurity. It is indeed instructive to intimate that very soon, passing the buck indiscriminately will backfire abysmally.

Ebije can be reached via; ebijeo5@gmail.com, @ ebijeirael

DAN GAYE

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