Wednesday 26th March, 2014 Edition

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 13 No. 26

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

..

. putting the people first

Jimadal-Ula 25, 1435 AH

Commotion in Kaduna as police detonate bomb Northern govs to Jonathan:

N150

>>>>> Page 7

Unmask Boko Haram sponsors >> Pg 2

L-R: Kano state Governor, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Borno state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustafa, Kebbi state Deputy Governor, Malam Ibrahim Aliyu, Adamawa state Governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako , and Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), Niger state Governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, during the Northern States Governors Forum meeting, yesterday at the Niger Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

3/4 majority order splits Confab delegates l As conferees foil bid to gag press >> Pg 2 Fire guts CBN building in Lagos

Suicide bombers kill 11 in Maiduguri

>> Pg 3

>> Pg 3

Dambatta resigns as Unity Bank board chairman >> Pg 3

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

PAGE 2

News

CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 12 Op.Ed 13 Letters 14 Opinion 15 Metro 16,18 Business 19-22 Stockwatch 23 S/Report 24,25 Property 27 Arts

29

Northern govs to Jonathan: Unmask Boko Haram sponsors

By Umar Muhammad Puma

G

overnors of the 19 states in northern Nigeria have tasked the Jonathan-led federal government to unmask the identity of sponsors of the dreaded sect, Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna lid Da'awati wal Jihad, commonly referred to as Boko Haram.

The governors made the call at the end of a meeting of their umbrella body, the Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF), yesterday in Abuja.

The NSGF expressed grave concern over the increasing crime rate and general insecurity in the northern part of the country, especially the mayhem being perpetrated by the insurgents.

The forum, in a communiqué

read by its Chairman, Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state, said members also agreed to establish a Security Trust Fund in their respective states to articulate a coordinated approach towards fighting the insurgency in the region.

On the ongoing National Conference, the forum said it was intended to provide more inclusive and focused forum for candid discourse on the daunting challenges confronting the nation and its citizens, such as security, observance of rule of law and corruption.

Governor Aliyu also revealed that the forum developed a new agenda that would put northern delegates in a better position to promote the interests and aspirations of the North and the nation

at large.

On the recent symposium organized by the United States Institute for Peace (USIP), the forum said the USIP parley opened a strong platform for meaningful discussions and enhanced cooperation that would elaborately address security, social, economic and governance issues peculiar to the region.

The forum also constituted a committee that will articulate issues of common concern for a follow up and implementation with the US agency through the Nigerian embassy in America.

The committee has as members, Secretary to the Niger state Government (SSG), his counterparts from Zamfara, Borno, Kogi and the Niger state commissioner

for information, and the representatives of the Nigerian embassy in the United States.

Also in attendance at yesterday's meeting were Governor of Kano state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, his Kwara state counterpart, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and Kaduna state governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero.

Others are Adamawa state governor, Murtala Nyako, Zamfara state governor, Abdulaziz Yari, Kogi state governor Idris Wada, Acting Governor of Taraba state, Garba Umar and the deputy governors of Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi and Katsina, while Sokoto and Plateau governors were represented by their respective SSGs.

Confab: 3/4 majority order pitches Northern against Southern delegates

By Lawrence Olaoye

R Controversy over missing N19.7bn police equipment fund – Page 9

Int’l Digest

31 36

Politics 37-38 News Extra

39

Sports 41 Columnist 48

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esumed debate on the desirability of the 3/4 majority for passing resolutions or otherwise at the National Conference (Confab) pitched delegates from the North against their Southern counterparts at the plenary yesterday.

While conferees from both the northern and southern parts of the country had all agreed to abide by the order made by President Goodluck Jonathan that the delegates should try a much as possible to explore the option of consensus to arrive at decisions at the congress, the issue of attaining 75 percent vote, where consensus fails, divided the delegates along regional lines.

Delegates from the northern part of the country maintained that ¾ majority suggested by Jonathan should be adopted as the standard voting pattern while their southern counterparts insisted that the pattern known to the Constitution of the country and the world over is 2/3 majority.

Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, had called on the Chairman of the confab, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, to rule on the debate by putting the matter to vote to determine the popularity of the opposition to the 3/4 majority order by the president.

"Mr. President has proposed a 3/4 majority as the rule and if the majority of us here feel that

we should stick to that one, Mr. Chairman, listen to us. But there is need for us to follow the normal pattern all over the world, that is 2/3 majority, follow it. If he (president) has suggested this and majority of us here say no, he should listen. So, I am suggesting that this matter has come to the end.

We should discuss it. Let's put Nigeria first, the country belongs to all of us. So, put it to vote if you cannot decide it", he appealed.

Perhaps sensing that the 3/4 majority position may be defeated if put to vote, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed insisted that the conference is essentially not about majority or minority but about Nigeria and its people.

He said the underlining agreement between the convener of the confab and the delegates was that resolutions would be reached through consensus and that the issue of majority or minority should not be pursued so that the real intent of the parley would not be lost.

"We have the opportunity now to decide dispassionately and look at those issues and decide on which way we want Nigeria to go.

Therefore this conference is not about majority or minority; this conference is not about your region or my region; this conference is about Nigeria.

"I therefore implore delegates to know that this conference is to decide the way we want our coun-

try to go. The issue is not the issue of voting, it is not the issue of 2/3.

What we are talking about is consensus. Any issue the people assembled here cannot get through consensus, then we must as much as possible go close to consensus.

That is why people who put 3/4 put it there. Before they put it there, they must have thought carefully about it.

"This conference is not about majority and minority, otherwise we know the composition of these delegates. We deliberately accepted it because we thought that resolutions would be reached by consensus. If it is about majority and minority, we would not have accepted to be part of it. Let us forget our sentiments; let us not come here with agenda. Let us come here as Nigerians," he pleaded.

There was rowdiness immediately after his submission which nearly resulted into fisticuffs in the chamber.

But a former Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mr.Akin Arikawe, pointed out that sentiments have been introduced into the debate and moved that further deliberation and decision on the issue be carried forward. The motion was adopted and passed.

In their separate contributions, Fola Adeola from Ogun State and Atedo Peterside moved that the conference chairman meets with leaders of delegates from the six geo-political zones

for further deliberation on the issue and report back to the congress.

This position flowed from a contribution by Okon Osung (Akwa Ibom state) that, "we cannot discuss any other issue successfully except we are guided by our rules". He was supported by Professor Akin Oyebode from Ekiti state.

The chairman therefore ruled that discussion on the 3/4 impasse was suspended, assuring the delegates that he would meet with the zonal leaders and arrive at an acceptable conclusion.

Meanwhile, an attempt to gag the press was overturned overwhelmingly by delegates at the plenary yesterday.

A delegate, Mahmud Aminu, representing civil society organisations (CSOs), had complained about what he termed "slanted" reportage of conference proceedings by the media.

Aminu particularly, queried the reports of requests by some delegates for aides and the publishing of "sleeping" delegates at Monday's plenary in a national daily.

However, his observation was immediately rebuffed by most of the delegates, who said that the media had the right to report the proceedings of the conference to the public in their exact form.

Similarly, a clause in the rules and proceedings of the confab seeking to gag the press was expunged.

Gusau express satisfaction with fight against insurgency

By Joy Baba

T

he Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen Aliyu Gusau (rtd) has said the current operation in the north east in the fight against insurgency is going on well and government is ready to provide whatever it takes for the Armed Forces to bring this fight

to an end.

The minister stated this yesterday during his maiden visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

Gusau said he is satisfied with the level of the operations at the moment saying that what the ministry aims to do is encourage them.

He also said he has been briefed thoroughly by the Chief of Air Staff on the activities of the Air Force in the Niger Delta and the border patrols throughout the country and in the middle belt where the cattle rustlers are on the increase assuring that him and the Minister of State for Defence would be visiting some

of headquarters outside Abuja, to further assess what is happening there and to know what to provide to ensure their work is more effective.

In his address, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh urge all services to operate without any form of rivalry commending all the service chiefs for their cooperation so far.

PAGE 3

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

News

Suicide bombers kill 11 in Maiduguri From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

A

t least five policemen, three civilians and three suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect, were killed yesterday in a suicide bomb attack carried out by the insurgents in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

Similarly, several motorists who were passing when the incident occurred have sustained injuries and are being treated at the University of Maiduguri Teaching

Hospital, (UMTH).

Our correspondent reported that the incident occurred around 11.30am near Dalori Housing Estate along Maiduguri-Bama highway, has caused serious tension among the communities surrounding the area.

Sources said the attack happened when three suspected insurgents, driven an explosives-laden Volkswagen Golf car targeted a moving police patrol vehicle, before detonating high caliber of Improvised Explosive Devices, (IEDs).

It was further gathered that the driver of the bombers' vehicle quickly overtook the police vehicle attached to a federal highway patrol on a routine surveillance on the road.

Thereafter, the insurgents have suddenly rammed their car into patrol vehicle of the police, killing five officers on the spot and injuring others.

The terrorists also lost their lives in the blast. Our correspondent gathered that immediately after the blast, operatives of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army and youth volunteers, popularly

known as Civilian JTF mobilized to the scene of the and cordoned off the area.

This has caused serious pandemonium and traffic jam in all roads leading to scene as vehicular movements were suspended for over three hours.

Spokesman for the state police command, Mr. Gideon Jubrin confirmed the incident, saying that only eight persons lost their lives, comprising of five policemen attached to the federal highway patrol team and the three bombers died on the spot.

Dambatta resigns as Unity Bank board chairman

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Chairman, Board of Directors of Unity Bank Plc, Alhaji Nu'uman Barau Dambatta has resigned his appointment, Peoples Daily reliably learnt last night.

A source close to the bank told our correspondent that the former chairman tendered his resignation letter yesterday.

According to the source, the Board is expected to hold an emergency meeting today to deliberate on the development, in addition to other critical matters affecting the bank.

Dambatta, a seasoned public servant retired as Federal permanent secretary before his appointment as the board chairman of the bank.

The former board chairman was at different times Permanent Secretary in nine Federal ministries; including major ones such as Power & Steel, Transportation, Education and Works, before retiring in 2010.

Dambatta replaced Professor Akin Mabogunje, who retired from the board along with some directors in December, 2010 having served since the inception of the bank in 2006.

When contacted for confirmation on the resignation of Dambatta, the Head of Corporate Communications of Unity Bank, Theodora Ameachi, terminated the call immediately after our reporter's introduced himself to her on phone last night.

She also refused to answer his subsequent calls which got through to her cell phone.

The bank has gone through series of transitions with two managing directors, Ado Wanka and Rislaudeen Muhammad resigning under eight months.

L-R: Minister of Environment, Mrs. Lawrencia Laraba Mallam, Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adeshina, and Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during a meeting on grazing reserves with MDA stakeholders, at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Fire guts CBN building in Lagos From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he 13-story building housing the Lagos office of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) located on Customs Street on the Lagos Island was yesterday evening almost razed by fire.

According to a staff of the bank, the fire which started after the close of work around 5.40pm was sparked by a power upsurge in the branch supporting office located in on the first floor of the building.

The fire in the 50-year old building, which stands close to the new yet-to-be commissioned building, was eventually subdued by the joint effort of the federal and state fire services.

According to the spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Lagos, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, the fire was contained and "completely under control", adding that firemen were "clamping down the offices by breaking the windows and doors to check if any smaller fire is ongoing". The CBN, in a statement signed by the Head of

Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac A. Okorafor, confirmed that the fire broke out on the first floor of the bank building, at about 5.30 pm, saying it was promptly put out by a combined team of fire fighters from the apex bank and other institutions.

The statement said" "We wish to assure our numerous stakeholders that the records of the Bank are intact, as the Bank has an effective backup of all its records, as part of our disaster recovery infrastructure."

CBN retains 12% lending rate

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday announced that the prevailing 12 per cent lending rate in the country had been retained.

The Acting Governor of the apex bank, Dr Sarah Alade, made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the 94th Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja.

Alade, however, said that the committee had raised the Cash Reserved Requirement (CRR) of the private sector from 12 per cent to 15 per cent.

She said that the decisions of the committee on the lending rate and the CRR were reached through majority votes of members.

According to her, the committee unanimously voted for further tightening of monetary policy, but members were divided on the instruments.

On domestic economic and financial development, Alade noted that robust growth had been recorded, adding that non-oil sector had continued to be the main driver of growth since the last quarter of 2013, 8.76 per cent rise.

She said that inflation had remained “on the target range” noting that the downward trend in inflation commenced in December 2012 and continued up to February 2014.

“The year-on-year headline inflation fell consistently from 9.5 per cent in February 2013 to 7.9 per cent in November 2013 but rose marginally to 8.0 per cent in December 2013 and January 2014.

“In February 2014, however, it moderated to 7.7 per cent” she said Alade said that the committee expressed satisfaction over the sustenance of single digit of all measures of inflation, adding that members also restated commitment to sustaining the price stability objective. (NAN)

Boko Haram crisis displaced 250,000 people in 3 months – NEMA

T

he National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, yesterday said that three million people were affected and a quarter of a million displaced by insurgency in the North-East between January and March.

NEMA Director-General, Mohammad Sani-Sidi, made this known at the 7th National Humanitarian Coordination meeting organised by NEMA for donor agencies in the country in Abuja.

Sani-Sidi said NEMA in collaboration with the Red Cross and state Emergency Management Agencies in affected states, carried out a comprehensive multi-sector rapid assessment of humanitarian

situation in the areas.

Represented by Zanna Mohammad, NEMA’s Director of Administration, the DG said the assessment was carried out between March 3 and March 7. “The assessment report findings revealed that from January to March alone, insurgency and other humanitarian challenges have affected more than three million people.

“The insurgency left scores dead and displaced more than 249,446 people who are in camps or living with host communities,” he said.

He said the meeting was to review the humanitarian situation in states affected by the state of emergency.

He said although NEMA had intervened through the provision of food and non-food items, water and medicaments, the needs of the affected population are on the increase. He solicited the support of all donor agencies in alleviating the sufferings of those affected.

The Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UNOCHA, Choice Okoro, in Nigeria, said the organisation would spend 75 million dollars on humanitarian assistance in Nigeria.

She said 75 per cent of the amount would be used for humanitarian intervention in the North- East. (NAN)

Page 4 Report

By Joy Baba

P

resently, the whole of the country is clouded by fear of terrorists, championed by the Boko Haram sect and while the common masses being hunted look to the Federal Government for a way out, the Presidency and his security advisers are singing a discordant tune.

President Goodluck Jonathan seems not to be on the same page with his security advisers, as their recent statements in public seems contradictory. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Sambo Dasuki recently unveiled plans by his office and other security agencies to use the soft approach in tackling insurgency since the fire-brand approach seems not to be getting the desired result going by the resurgence of attacks by the terrorists using various tactics.

Dasuki said established facts have shown that push factors, conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism such as poverty, joblessness, prolonged unresolved conflict, social injustice, a growing youth bulge can lead to such radicalization.

He said his office is also concerned with push factors, which are often personal and frequently rest on pull factors such as unfulfilled desire for self-actualization, wanting to belong, individual grieviances or an identity deficit, one that confuses and creates a situation of conflict of identities based on religion, tribe or region.

He further said it is this identity of conflict that fuels the narrative of the Jama’atu ahlul Sunnah lidda’awati wal jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram, and has proven so attractive to some of our youth, adding that poverty in itself is not an automatic ticket to radicalisation so as not to justify any form of radicalism.

In highlighting the soft approach to fighting this menace, the NSA said his office has developed a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Program that is both vertical involving three tiers of government, federal, state and local and horizontal involving civil society, academics, traditional, religious and community leaders.

The first soft approach stream according to the NSA is the DE radicalization of convicted terrorists, suspects awaiting trial and those who might be released through court orders or such other government decision arising from the ongoing engagement and dialogue with repentant suspects.

“The second step is to believe that we can win the war against terror by mobilizing our family, cultural, religious and national values. Through fear and violence, extremist groups are bent on changing the way we see and relate with each other and the only way to defeat this is to remain united and confront the threat as one nation under God. The counter radicalization stream seeks to build community engagement and resilience through building

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, march 26, 2014

Boko Haram: Different language, same challenge

Aftermath of a recent Boko Haram attack in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital trust, creating awareness and resilience”.

The third and final stream he said is to build our capacity to communicate our national values better and institutionalizing this capability through strategic communication for the military and law enforcement, and public diplomacy for the civilian institutions.

He said the above is necessary “because at the heart of terrorism is a deadly communication plan that furthers the aims of the terrorists. Unfortunately terrorist groups have over time been clearer in communicating what they stand for than government has”.

Barely two days after this declaration by the NSA, President Jonathan, in Windhoek, Namibia,

“

said that the Federal Government would no longer treat the terror groups in Nigeria with kid gloves.

According to the president, “Federal Government had decided to be more forceful in curtailing the activities of the Boko Haram group that was unleashing terror in the some states of the NorthEast region.

“The issue of global terror is worrisome and in Nigeria, we believe that a terror attack anywhere in the world is a terror attack on everyone. It may be more in one country compared to the other; for instance, in the North-Eastern parts of Nigeria, three states out of 36 states, we are having incidence of terror.

“Initially, we handled it with kid gloves, but now we have de-

cided to be a little more forceful because we must thrash out these terror groups. We must not allow it to continue to slow down economic growth in that part of the country. With the terror attacks in that part of the country, the rest of the country feel it because Nigerians live everywhere. In these other parts, there is always the fear that if you do not tackle it, it will infiltrate in these other parts. We will work together to ensure that terror attack is stamped out globally and in Nigeria; we are committed”, he stated.

President Goodluck Jonathan had earlier on, before the NSA soft approach declaration, set up a committee to dialogue with the Boko Haram, in a bid to bring an end to bloodshed caused by the

The question on the lips of many Nigerian observers therefore, is: How come the NSA is preaching ‘soft approach’ and the President is singing ‘a little more forceful approach’? Which approach do they want Nigerians to tilt towards, since they are speaking hot and cold at the same time? Does it mean that they do not go into private consultation before addressing the public, hence their discordant tunes?

group in the north- east of the country.

The 7-member committee, chaired by Minister for Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, aims to negotiate with the group to drop their arms, and accept an amnesty package if they agreed to a ceasefire. The chairman said the committee would work in secret but didn’t mention the other members of the committee.

However, while the President’s setting up a committee is indicative that he is in tune with the soft approach like the NSA, in less than two weeks, he was talking about adopting a forceful approach outside the shores of the country.

The question on the lips of many Nigerian observers therefore, is: How come the NSA is preaching ‘soft approach’ and the President is singing ‘a little more forceful approach’? Which approach do they want Nigerians to tilt towards, since they are speaking hot and cold at the same time?

Does it mean that they do not go into private consultation before addressing the public, hence their discordant tunes?

This lack of coordination exhibited by those at the hem of affairs could be the reason this insurgency is still persisting and many observers are of the opinion that until they start singing with one voice, this malaise may continue.

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, march 26, 2014

PAGE 6

News

Alleged forgery: Edo Majority Leader docked, escapes remand

L-R: Senate President David Mark, receiving a petition from Co-Chair, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hajiya Hadija Suleman, during the FOMWAN visit to the Senate president, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

M

Photo: Mahmud Isa

LG poll saga: Fracas in Nasarawa Assembly as police arrest AG From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

T

here was pandemonium yesterday at the premises of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA), following an attempt by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Innocent Lagi, to serve a court order restraining the assembly from grilling the chairman of the state electoral body.

The AG, who arrived the Assembly premises in a green Range Rover, was denied access to the complex by guards manning the gates who informed him that the Majority Leader of the House, Godiya Akwashiki (PDP, Nasarawa

Eggon West) personally locked the entrance and left with the keys.

Our correspondent who was also by the gates when the AG arrived, saw Lagi, wielding two copies of the court order, made to scale the low perimeter fence surrounding the Assembly but was accosted by armed security men who attempted to pull him back.

After a brief altercation, Lagi jumped over into the Assembly complex but was soon accosted by security operatives who manhandled him back towards the gates before he was briefly held behind closed doors at the security post.

A commotion ensued after information got to the chamber of

the Assembly, with the Majority Leader, Akwashiki and Francis Orogu (PDP, Keana), descending on the AG, as the Majority Leader attempts to exchange blows with the AG, also a former lawmaker.

Lagi was later whisked away to an unknown destination in an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).

The AG who spoke to journalists shortly before he was taken away, said he was at the Assembly to serve the lawmakers copies of a court order restraining the legislators from summoning Dr. Abdullahi Modibbo Sallau, Chairman of NASIEC, to answer questions over the recently conducted local government elections.

Copies of the ex parte motion, alongside the order of interim injunction by Justice Suleiman Umar, the state Chief Judge, obtained by our correspondent, indicate that the state government sought the court to restrain the Speaker of the Assembly, the chairman of NASIEC, the Assembly and NASIEC, from interfering with the independence and powers of the NASIEC. Addressing newsmen over the matter, Majority Leader Akwashiki, said it was appalling for the chief law officer of the state to be involved in such a “shameful act”, saying the motive was suspicious and would be thoroughly investigated.

Obi and Akwanga local government areas were declared inconclusive, even though the returning officers had announced results in the affected areas.

Orogu in his submission said the commission chairman breached the electoral law by interfering with the process of collating and announcing results saying that the decision of the returning officer was final.

According to Orogu, “NASIEC conscripted criminals as professors to conduct the election”.

Similarly, Philip Gyunka (PDP, Akwanga South) said the commission should have announced the results for Obi and Akwanga local government areas as declared by the returning officers and allow aggrieved person go to

the tribunal.

On his part, the NASIEC chairman Dr. Abdullahi Moddibo explained that he had to invoke the doctrine of necessity in handling the case, citing insecurity as a reason for declaring the election inconclusive.

He said the returning officers from Obi and Akwanga local government came with two different results alleging that their lives were threatened.

As for Nasarawa local government area, Moddibo said the returning officer alleged threat to his life and absconded without declaring any result at the local government area.

Moddibo, who admitted that the commission erred by taking a decision to declare the election in Obi

and Akwanga inconclusive, however, maintained that the state electoral laws does not stipulate what to do in a situation where the lives of electoral officials were in danger.

Orogu, while moving a motion on the matter, said since the NASIEC chairman admitted that the electoral body erred by interfering with the procedure, he should go back and do the right thing by announcing the results declared at the local government by the returning officer within 24 hours.

Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Elisha Agwadu, who presided over the plenary session therefore, directed NASIEC to within 24 hours, ‘clear the air’ on the matter by announcing the results declared in the field and the winners inaugurated immediately.

to stay in that region which was recently absobed into Russia.

Isoh, in a telephone interview with the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, put the number of

Nigerians in Crimea at 240, out of which 175 are students studying medicine.

He said Nigeria’s embassy in Russia would now be in charge of consular services of Nigerians in Crimea.

Isoh, however, said that issues relating to passport registration would still be handled by the mission in Kiev.

The envoy, however, restated that no Nigerian was attacked in the recent protest

...Lawmakers direct NASIEC to announce pending results

From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

M

eanwhile, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA) has directed the State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) to announce results of election in three local government areas earlier declared as inconclusive by the electoral body.

This followed a motion by Mr. Francis Orogu (PDP, Keana) and seconded by Mr. Dogara Saaka (PDP, Kokona-East) yesterday at the Assembly, after the chairman of the NASIEC, Dr. Abdullahi Moddibo appeared to answer questions over the conduct of Saturday’s election.

The legislators, at the committee of the whole, demanded an explanation as to why elections in

ajority Leader, Edo House of Assembly, Hon. Philip Shaibu was yesterday docked at a state High Court sitting in Benin. Shaibu is standing trial on six-count charge instituted against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged forgery of his tax clearance papers which he used to contest election in 2011.

In the charge sheet with reference number 8/ ICPC/1/13, dated October 8, 2013 and signed by Dennis Idoko, ICPC’s assistant legal officer. However, the plea by the All Progressives Congress (APC) legislator representing Etsako West Constituency II and his bail application were deferred yesterday to April 14, 2014 to enable Counsel to the Accused, Ken Mozia (SAN) reply.

The prosecuting Counsel to ICPC, Igbadume Godson had argued that the bail application should be heard along with the six-count charge, said effort to reach Shaibu proved abortive, hence the delay.

Defence Counsel Ken Mozia (SAN) vehemently opposed the ICPC counsel application, stating that his Client was served at the court summon on Tuesday morning.

The trial Judge, Justice Esther Edigin adjourned the case to April 14 2014 to enable the Counsel to the accuse to respond to the charges and reply to the bail application be taken simultaneously.

One of the six-count charge reads, “making false statement knowingly to the officer of the Commission contrary to Section 25 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 25 (1) (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act”.

Nigerian students in Crimea to now get consular services from Russia

By Evelyn Okakwu

N

igeria’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Amb. F ra nk I s o h, h a s s a id that Nigerians in Crimea will require a new residence permit

in Ukraine.

He further said that in spite of the development, day-to-day life still remained the same, while urging parents to stay calm as their wards are not in danger. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, wedneseDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

PAGE 7

News

Commotion Village head, 6 others killed in Plateau communal clash From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos of Pai district of Pankshin LGA, wer people had severally attacked houses in our district.” in Kaduna It would be recalled that on Mr Nathan Shamshi Tanat, yes- villages of Pai district where peovillage head and six others terday in Jos. ple were killed and many wound- Friday last week, there was a clash were killed in a communal as police between the said communities The release denied that the ed. clash between members of Pai people lunched an attack on The release said, “Shiwer peo- following a land ownership tussle. and Shiwer communities of Shiwer community as alleged by ple are terrorists. They are our The youth leader in the release detonate IED Pai Pankshin and Kanke local govern- the spokesman of Shiwer people. version of “ Boko Haram” . They however called on all stakeholders

A

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

here was commotion in Kaduna yesterday following the discovery of an Improvised Electronic Device (IED) along Sir Kashim Ibrahim road by Sultan Road junction in the high brow residential area of the town. The explosive was said to have been dropped by a man on a motor bike.

However Police Bomb Squad of the Kaduna State Police Command successfully detonated the package before it could cause any harm.

The Kaduna Police Public Relation Officer SP Aminu Lawan who confirmed the incidence, said, “we got a distress call that a suspected polythene bag containing a questionable substance was dropped by a moving Okada man, so we quickly ordered our Anti Bomb squad team to the area.

“The area was immediately condoned off when it was discovered that the polythene bag contained high caliber IEDs, and our Anti Bomb Squad were able to successfully detonate the IEDs and the area was immediately brought under control.

“As I speak to you now, the area is calm and people are already going about their normal activities. Efforts to apprehend the suspect are on top gear” he said.

He also said men of the surveillance and CID personnel are already all over the place to monitor movements of persons with questionable characters within the area and advised that people should be more vigilant.

Our correspondent who visited the scene of the detonation reports that prior to the detonation, there was pandemonium within the area as people within the area hurriedly closed their shops, while vehicles also took to other routes and in the process rammed into each other.

It was also observed that several vehicles ran into each other in an attempt to escape, causing temporary traffic which lasted for some time before the situation was brought under control.

An eye witness within the scene who will not want his name in print said, efforts were made to apprehend the suspect who dropped the polythene bag containing the IEDs but he had gone very far before it was discovered and he could not be apprehended.

“When we saw the suspected polythene bag, we tried to see if we can catch up with the okada man that dropped it but he had ran far away and we could not catch up with him, it was then we called the police and it was discovered that it was an IEDs that was contained in the polythene bag” he said.

As at the time of filing this report, normalcy had returned to the area and people were seen going about their normal business, while earlier closed shops were opened.

ment areas of Plateau state.

This was contained in a press release signed by the youth leader

He described the Shiwer people as terrorist and a new version of “Boko Haram”, adding that Shi-

killed the village head of Ban and set fire on him. They also killed six of our youths and burnt down

concerned to urgently intervene on the matter to avoid further killing and destruction of properties.

Minister of Defence, Lt.-General Aliyu Gusau (5th left), Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (4th right), Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (5th right), with other officials in a group photograph, during the ministers’ visit to the Defence headquarters, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Suspected Fulani herdsmen kill another 20 in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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ersons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen yesterday killed more than 20 persons in Agena village in Gwer local government area of Benue State.

The attack is coming barely three days ago after there was a bloody fighting between Tiv youths and suspected Fulani marauders in Gbajimba, Guma local government area during which over 50 persons were re-

portedly killed on both sides.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the armed herdsmen besieged the village as early as 6 am while the locals were just waking up from sleep to commence their day’s activity, adding that the entire community has been sacked.

“We woke as early as 6 am and observed that the entire village has been surrounded by armed herdsmen. They were shooting at us as we scampered for safety. We do not

know where they came from or what we have done to deserve this unwarranted attack”, he said.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Public Relations’ Officer said so far, 7 corpses have been recovered and deposited in the mortuary.

He intimated that adequate police officers have been drafted to the area to restore peace and order while investigation into the incident has commenced.

Reports indicate that the armed Tiv militia, numbering in hundreds, attacked Giza early morning but were repelled by the combined efforts of the police and a team of mobile police-

men.

Police authorities confirmed that five people comprising of three of the attackers and two community members were killed in the early dawn attack.

...As suspected Tivs attack Nasarawa community, kill 5

S

uspected armed Tiv bandits yesterday morning laid siege on Giza, headquarters of Giza development area, with five persons reportedly killed.

Gunshots expel Gusau residents

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau esidents of Gusau, Zamfara state capital were on Monday evening thrown into panic when gunmen arrived and started shooting sporadically.

According to eyewitness accounts, some gunmen traced and robbed a petroleum dealer residing at Filin Yari area of Birnin Ruwa quarters of Gusau. The trader had, retired home with over three million naira with the aim of banking it the following day.

The man was however betrayed by his close associate who revealed to the robbers that he had taken the huge sum home.

Neighbours who gathered to try and prevent the robbery were however scared away as the robbers sped out of the victims hose on a motorbike shooting sporadically.

A few weeks back, armed robbers attacked a high ranked civil servant, Malam Yusuf Garba in Gusau low cost area. They left a letter promising to come back for a repeat operation.

Many busy roads of Gusau as well as high dense areas were deserted to the extent that only Police patrol vehicles and other armed security personnel could be seen in their efforts to store law and order across the state capital.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command, DSP Lawal Abdullahi, confirmed the incidence, adding that police have intensified efforts to fish out the culprits for justice.

R

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, march 26, 2014

PAGE 9

News

Fuel scarcity: Senate slams Okonjo-Iweala

over delayed subsidy payment

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has criticised the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for delaying the payment of subsidy claims to fuel importers, which has resulted in resurgence of queues in the fuel stations across the country.

Speaking yesterday during the 2014 budget defence by the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory

.As NNPC distributes 200m litres to depots Agency (PPPRA), the committee’s Vice Chairman, Danjuma Goje, said that information at their disposal has revealed that the ministry of finance delayed payment of subsidy claims to oil marketers.

He said that if the President is serious about tackling the fuel scarcity in the country, there should be prompt payment of subsidy claims to oil marketers for products which they have already supplied.

Goje, who condemned the delay

which has generated queues in the fuel stations, said that the minister of finance should, in the interest of Nigerians, do her works properly to avoid the challenges.

He called for measures to be put in place to accordingly sanction those who are guilty of any shortcomings in discharging their duties to Nigerians, irrespective of their positions in the country.

According to him, “We should guard against this practice where we

don’t do our work promptly. Once you have a loophole somewhere it takes days it takes time before that incident is overcome.

“It’s a shame that, even to import fuel fuel we are still having problems.

And if it is because somebody is not doing their job he should be fish out this individual who failed to do his job and punish them to serve as a deterrent”, Goje said.

However, responding to questions concerning the resumed fuel scarcity,

L-R: Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, Kaduna state Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, and Kaduna state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Damau, during the Kaduna state Traditional Rulers Council meeting, yesterday in Kaduna.

Photo: NAN

Court issues bench warrant on Shema’s aide From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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Controversy over missing N19.7bn police equipment fund

By Umar Muhammad Puma .As IGP, police ministry deny receipt of funds

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here was a mild drama yesterday at a hearing of the the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts probing the alleged missing N19.7 billion Police Equipment Fund, when Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, denied receiving the money allegedly paid to the police by the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, for purchase of helicopters for the police, among others.

The IGP who was represented

by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Air Wing, Ilesanmi Aguda, told the House committee to direct the queries on the whereabouts of the fund to the Ministry of Police Affairs, saying that he had “no knowledge” of the alleged payment from the CBN. Chairman of the committee, Solomon Olamilekan (APC Lagos), had disclosed at the meeting that the police ministry had also denied receipt of the fund from the CBN. “If the IGP and the police ministry deny receipt of the said

N19.7 billion, then the committee can rightly assume that the money is missing, until proven otherwise.

All the major actors involved in the alleged transaction including the CBN have a case to answer,” Olamilekan said.

The committee thereafter resolved to summon on Tuesday, the CBN governor, IGP and the police affairs minister to appear before it to explain the whereabouts of the “missing” Police Equipment Fund.

It will be recalled that Sanusi had in a written response to government’s

allegation of financial recklessness against him, stated that the police project, which also involved buying other security equipment, cost N19.7 billion, and that it was carried out “upon the instruction” of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Consistent with our policy of development, upon the instruction of His Excellency, the President, the CBN intervened by paying N19.7 billion to the Ministry of Police Affairs for the purchase of armoured helicopters and other security equipment,” Sanusi said.

Ritual killers mutilate 4-year old girl in Kebbi

From: Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

A

four-year old girl, Nana Fatima Mustapha, was abducted and later found dead, with parts of her body organs removed by people believed to be ritual killers.

The dead body of Baby Fatima was found yesterday behind Zinari Hotel in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi state capital, after days of

the Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Faruk Ahmed, admitted that the oil marketer were owed their subsidy claims, but said they were paid last week for the products earlier supplied.

He said this delay in payment of their subsidy actually made some of them to cut down the quantity of the product they import, especially given that they were unable to get the credit to sustain their import level.

According to him, “Before then some of the marketers were finding it difficult to secure credit lines in order to open letters of credit to bring their importation. But I understand that payments were made last week”.

Ahmed also said nine vessels are currently distributing about N200 million litres of fuel to the various petrol depots across the country, adding that the queues were largely as a result of panic buying by Nigerians due to rumoured plan by government to deregulate the oil sector.

searching, with some parts of her body such as the nose, tongue, eyes and private part removed.

Narrating the incident to our correspondent, the father of late Fatima, Mustapha Zaki, who works in the Office of the state deputy governor, explained thus: ‘’My four years daughter Fatima was playing outside in company of two friends who told us that about three people came to them and enticed them

with sweets, sending them home with the excuse that they will go with Fatima and buy her more sweets’’, he said.

Fatima’s father further explained that when the two girls could not explain who those people were, the search for his daughter begun. ‘’We searched everywhere and even informed the police. Two days later we were informed that her body was found behind Zinari

Hotel and some vital organs of her body like the nose, tongue and even private part removed’’, he said .

Confirming the incident to our correspondent, the Medical Doctor that examine her body, who works with Shayah Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Abubakar Attahiru Kaoje, said that her right eye boll, both lower and upper lips, and noise were all removed.

he Chief Magistrate’s Court 1 sitting in Katsina, yesterday issued a bench warrant on Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema’s security aide, ASP Ali Abubakar Bauranya, over his alleged failure to appear in court to answer charges of alleged assault filed against him.

The presiding magistrate, Kabir Shu’aibu, agreed with the counsel to the complainants that the accused without any reason or representation failed to personally appear in court.

The magistrate therefore noted that for failing to appear in court without any reason, the accused must be physically present on the next adjourned date which was the 1st of April 2014.

The security aide was earlier dragged to court by one Yahaya Kabir by way of direct criminal complaints through his counsel, Barrister A.D. Umar, over alleged assault on him by the accused on the 13th of March, 2014.

The complainant alleged that on the said date, during President Jonathan’s visit to Katsina state, the accused blocked him on the road while driving and ordered him to park, alleging that after parking, the accused smashed his car’s front, back, side and windscreen.

The complainant therefore alleged through suit no KT/CMC/14DC 2014 before the court that by the act of the accused, he was suing him for assault, criminal intimidation, criminal force, mischief and intentional insult.

He added that the offence committed by the accused was contrary to sections, 262, 264, 327, 396 and 399 of the penal code law.

Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, March 26, 2014

Page 10

News

Varsity students protest killing of colleague in Jos From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

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L-R: Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, and Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, during the governor a visit to the High Commission, on Monday in London.

Recruitment tragedy: Pro, anti Moro groups protest in Abuja

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

P

ro and anti Abba Moro groups yesterday protested at the Ministry of Interior, in Abuja, chanting discordant tunes.

Our reporter gathered that while the anti-Moro protesters were calling for the sack of the Minister, Comrade Abba Moro, over the death of several unemployed youths during the recent tragic Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment exercise, the Pro-Moro group called for understanding.

Information gathered during the protest indicated that the first group numbering about 40 stormed the ministry with tins of red paint to

register their anger over the failed Immigration recruitment which claimed the lives of 17 applicants.

The protesting youths repeatedly called for the removal and prosecution of the minister and splattered red paints at the front of the ministry while shouting “murderers, murderers”.

The group led by a lady, Azania Mohammed, said they represented “Concerned Nigerian Unemployed Youths” who want justice for those who died and applicants injured during the botched recruitment exercise.

Efforts by security personnel at the ministry to disperse the youths were unsuccessful as they insisted

on making some impression by writing “murderers” at the entrance of the building, precisely at the point that the minister uses when he enters office before splattering the remaining paint around the premises.

However, tension heightened when the second group led by Mr. Etuk Bassey Williams emerged from nowhere to counteract the paint-carrying opposing group.

On their part, members of the second group were appealing that the minister should be given fair hearing.

No arrests were made during the drama which lasted for about two and half hours, and the

minister was not at the office at the period but the demonstrators succeeded in halting activities at the Interior Ministry as workers milled around curiously to ascertain what the mission of the youths were and how far they were prepared to go with the protest.

A detachment of civil defence personnel zoomed into the Interior ministry in an open pick-up van but by the time they arrived, the protesters had dispersed.

Reacting on the issue, the Deputy Director of Information and Media Relations in the ministry, Sir. Edwin M. E. Opara, said the ministry will study the situation and issue a statement later.

Emefiele, Bulkachuwa face Senate today

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he nominated Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and the President, Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, would be screened by the Senate today to confirm their appointment by President Goodluck Jonathan.

This was indicated yesterday at plenary, during which their screening exercise, listed on the order paper, was referred to the Senate Committee of the whole, which is the entire Senate plenary.

However, the nomination of Adelabu Adebayo Adekola for the position of Deputy Governor of the apex bank, which was sent along with that of Emefiele by President

Jonathan last month, was referred to the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency.

Briefing journalists on the screening of the appointees, Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Eyinnaya Abaribe, disclosed that live coverage of the two screenings will be carried out by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) which according to him, will give Nigerians the opportunity to witness the exercise.

According to him, “I want to confirm that tomorrow (today), in line with the constitutional provisions and the Senate rules, we will do the screening and confirmation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s nominees: Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as President

of the Court of Appeal and Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Both events will be aired live on the Nigerian Television Authority.

I am very certain that it will give Nigerians the opportunity to witness, firsthand, the screening of the two individuals that are very vital to both the dispensation of Justice in Nigeria and management of our economy”, he added.

He argued that there is nothing unconstitutional in the screening of the nominee for CBN governor in spite of the fact that vacancy for the position will be available in June when the tenure of the suspended governor will expire.

He said there is nowhere in the Constitution where it is stated

that such a screening should be done at the end of the tenure of the incumbent.

“In fact, good sense means that we should screen somebody and go through all the processes so that on the date that the tenure of the incumbent ends, he could handover to his successor”, he Abaribe said.

“So we should not allow for lacuna in the process and that is why we are taking this process to make sure that there is no gap at all and of course, three months give us enough time for us to go through this process in such a way that whosoever Nigerians want as the new CBN governor, they will get it and will resume when the tenure of the current occupant ends”, he added.

tudents of the Solomon Lar University in Bokkos local government area of Plateau state yesterday angrily protested after the shooting of three students from the university by unknown armed robbers.

Our correspondent gathered from the institution that following the shooting by suspected armed men, one of the students died. It was also gathered that the two other students have been rushed to a hospital for treatment.

A source from the institution narrated that the incident took place at night on Monday within the premises of the hotel.

The source said no sooner had the news of the incident came to the notice of the everyone than protest was staged by the students of the institution, adding that the major that linkes Bakoss and Barikin Ladi was blocked during the protest.

When contacted for comment on the incident, the Public Relations Officer of PLASU, Mr. John Agams, his cell phone could not be reached.

‘Candle light’ destroys 7 houses in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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andle light caused a fire outbreak in Rafin Zurfi area of Bauchi metropolis, where it destroyed seven houses and properties worth millions of naira.

Our correspondent learnt that the fire started at about 9pm on Monday in one of the seven houses where three little children were playing with a candle.

According to an eyewitness, Miss Deborah Sunday, the candle was lit in order to keep the children from bumping into things in the room.

The witness said further that, “’unknown to the elder sister who was outside cooking, the candle became an object for kids to play with.

She called out to one of them and he left the younger ones inside not knowing that he had knocked down the candle from its stand unto the pillow. This resulted to the fire incident that consumed the whole building”, she stressed.

Another eyewitness who simply gave his name as Sammy said, after a period of 10 to 15 minutes the girl noticed flames coming through the window.

He added that one of the tenants got a wet cloth and went into the room where the children were trapped and took out the two little children.

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, march 24, 2014

Page 11

Money Sense

How you can start ornamental flower business

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here are a range of different businesses that you could begin and starting a florist business is one of them as it was one of the few known profitable businesses.

The first thing that you will need to do is to determine the type of floral business that you wish to start. The majority of people choose to open a retail florist business giving you the opportunity to interact with customers and design floral arrangements; however, another side to the floral business involves growing flowers and selling them to retail stores.

Once you have made the decision as to the type of florist business that you plan on opening, you will need to look for a location.

You should choose a location that is in a high traffic area, providing customers with easy access to your store. If you choose to start a wholesale business, it would be wise for you to choose a location where there is ample land to grow your flowers.

When starting a florist business you will require supplies and equipment to provide the proper care for the flowers and plants that you sell. This should be your main priority when running a flower shop; therefore, it is essential that you have the required materials to do this efficiently. If you plan on opening a retail business, you will need a cooler to prevent cut flowers from diminishing too quickly. If you plan on opening a wholesale business you will need a large amount of growing space such as a greenhouse. You should work out what you need in

Money Tip:

Consider healthy food delivery

M

ost people do not cook, either because they do not like to cook or because in these hard economic times, they spend a lot of their time working to make ends meet. This means that they will mostly consume junk food when they are hungry. If you are not a good cook, you can get a lot of cheap and healthy food recipes that, if carefully followed will produce great and mouthwatering dishes including drinks.

Simply make a few samples for tasting and visit several offices in your area and give people a taste of your home made, tasty and healthy food before you get into it. No one will reject good food and if you leave your contacts behind during the food tasting mission, you will soon begin to receive orders.

Quote

A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.

-unknown

advance, and fix a budget on your spending.

If you are new to the floral industry, you should consider taking a class such as horticulture, or spend time reading about flowers, this will provide you with extra knowledge about the flowers that you will be caring for. Even if you are already familiar with the florist industry, continuous

learning should still be one of your goals.

Depending on the size of your business, it may be necessary for you to hire staff to assist you with the day-to-day running of your store. Not only will you need staff to help you to look after your flowers and see to customers, you may also need staff for accounting, bookkeeping,

and legal issues.

Your business idea may be the best in the world; however, if people do not know that it exists, you will find it difficult to make a profit. You need an efficient marketing and advertising plan to gain visibility. There are two types of advertising, internet and print, you will need a fixed strategy for both. Internet advertising will

out of you, they will be willing to part with the books for as cheap as N100 per textbook or fill a paper bag for N1000.

One day, I scanned the textbooks and hopped on eBay to find out how much there going to by searching the ISBN. I was shocked! They were going for over a hundred dollars a piece on eBay! I soon realized that just because our University upgraded to the next edition, many other schools didn’t. The best part yet, even selling the books for, say N1000, the buyer is getting a great deal. I found out after talking to the buyers that some textbooks would have cost them N1700-N2000 new! A win, win for all!

I was able to make a decent amount of money off this process.

As time went on, it was obvious others had the same idea as the more profitable books became few and far between. My last year at University, I started to see a group on campus who were looking to purchase old textbooks from students. Was this the end? Is it the end?I’m several years removed from University so I’m curious to find out if University still resell

their books to their students.

So a few tips: 1. Avoid selling your books back to the bookstore or another group until you look at the value on eBay or their affiliate Half.com (or other market sites). You probably can get twice as much online if you are willing to take the time and effort to list and ship them.

2. When you resell your books, be sure to wait until the start of the semester when students are actually looking! All too often I see books flood on eBay when the semester is over. While there are holiday courses, your best bet is to wait until resume of semesters when demand is higher.

3. Just like selling books, buying books online can save you some much needed money. See if you can get a syllabus in advance to start your search for needed textbooks.

So check out your University bookstore today. Do they sell used books? Are they worth more to other students around the country? While a bit more difficult, the same criterion applies to thrift stores and garage sales.

require that you have a website built, and to increase your visibility through tactics such as search engine optimization.

Print advertisement requires that you have your details in as many newspapers and magazines as possible.

These are the steps you will need to take when starting a florist business.

Attention: University students can also make money while at school

I

know what it is like being a University student. It takes a lot of dedication to devote time to studies and because of that, not a lot of time to have a job. It’s a good wake up call to life by juggling many responsibilities and being on your own. So other than work, how else can University students make money at school?

Here is an idea…sell your books!

Inspired by Nut @ The Writer’s Coin, I want to share how you can make some good cash by selling used University textbooks. The University I attended had book rentals for University courses. While it may seem like we were lucky for not having to pay for books, the cost was already included in our tuition. There were still books that needed to be purchased.

It was very often that the University Librarian would take the old edition textbooks that were no longer used in classes and sell them to students. I can assure you, not many University students were running to get their hands on those big, thick Law books. Because the University got their use out of them, and will get money

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, March 26, 2014

EDITORIAL

ouse Public Accounts Committee is investigating an allegation that state oil monopoly, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has chartered a plane, Challenger 859, at the cost of N10 billion for the private use of its supervising minister, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, and her immediate household. It spends another 500,000 euros (N130 million) on monthly maintenance. The allegation was made by a House member, Rep Samuel Adejare, who said an investigation would reveal that the N10 billion was just a “tip of the iceberg”.

A very angry Adejare reasoned that “If government could be bankrolling this waste in the face of ever dwindling public resources,… it amounts to a misplacement of priority, impudence and breach of public trust, an action that offends the Fiscal Responsibility Act and all other laws on fiscal discipline in Nigeria.” His allegation came exactly after Sanusi blew the whistle on $20 billion oil revenue that the NNPC had been unable to account for. Instead of ordering a prompt inquiry, President Goodluck Jonathan suspended him as CBN governor, with just three months left of his tenure.

Diezani hasn’t officially reacted to Adejare’s allegation, but the NNPC management on Monday rushed to her defence. It agreed that indeed a chartered aircraft has been acquired but not for the

minister’s private use and it didn’t dispute the scandalous cost of the plane either. A statement by acting

“

H

Alison-Madueke and N10bn plane charter We welcome the House probe of this latest squander mania at the NNPC, hoping that this time the lawmakers will muster the will power to name names and clean up the cesspit of corruption that NNPC has become.

Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, said the law allows NNPC to “hold, manage and alienate moveable and immovable property... which will facilitate the discharge of (Its) duties…” Besides, “It is standard practice for large oil and gas corporations such as NNPC to make use of the most efficient means of transportation to ensure the effective and efficient coverage of critical oil and gas assets under its purview.”

Without knowing, the NNPC management has succeeded in indicting itself. If it uses the “most efficient means of transportation” and covers the ground “effectively and efficiently”, how come there is so much oil theft going on in this

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

country? With 100, 000 barrels of crude believed to be stolen daily – a conservative estimate -, the loss in revenues this year is feared to amount to $3.5 billion.

Secondly, there is a disturbing parallel between the purchases of bullet proof BMW vehicles by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for immediate past aviation minister, Ms. Stella Oduah, a scandal that led to her sack in February. Diezani Alison-Madueke must be made to face the music too.

In the light of the public conduct of the people President Jonathan has put in charge of the oil industry, particularly the NNPC, his description of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi-led CBN as “a government within a government” was inappropriate. The government agency that fits that description smugly is the NNPC, overseen by Mrs. Alison-Madueke. Under her, the corporation has become, in the words of opposition leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a veritable ATM which is used to steal the nation’s oil money.

We welcome the House probe of this latest squander mania at the NNPC, hoping that this time the lawmakers will muster the will power to name names and clean up the cesspit of corruption that NNPC has become. But we wouldn’t be surprised if the investigation turned out to be another spectacle.

Previously, Alison-Madueke had proved to be untouchable and she may surprise us once more.

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OUR VISION

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

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Head, Advert/Marketing Hussaini Abdulrahman, Cna

Editor, Daily Ahmed I. Shekarau

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Editor, Weekend Hameed M. Bello

Head, Lagos Bureau Adesoji Oyinlola

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

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

Opinion

PAGE 13

Death as employment strategy in my country

By Adeshina Afolayan

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igeria is a wonderful country, no doubt. But I am not concerned about its abundant mineral resources or climatic condition.

Of course, in that regard, we are spared the horrors of rampaging anthropomorphised disasters: Hurricane Katrina, Cyclone Andrew, Whirlwind Marino, Tornado Alley, Blizzard Brutus, Snowstorm Anaconda, and so on. Quaint, isn’t it? If these disasters were to have Nigerian counterparts, the result would be, well, hilarious in spite of the consequences: Cyclone Umoru, Hurricane Titi, Blizzard Akindele, Tornado Sule, Windstorm Boko, Sunstroke Asaroyoma!

I am not interested in natural disasters. Nigeria is a wonderful country for another reason: We are a country with a unique national problem solving dynamics. The problems that other nations break their back and strain their brains to crack are easily resolved here.

Consider this: The Nigerian ruling elites expunged History from the curriculum of its secondary schools. Wait for it!

Of course, your normal and most immediate reaction would be outrage and vituperation. But then, think: History is a wicked reminder of obnoxious pasts, and who wants that? Why should

we as a people be burdened by terrible and dusty tomes of terrible and dusty events gone bad and by?

Even the students intuitively understand this needlessness, and so refused to take history in school! Of course, there are better subjects—the colonialists, out of the goodness of their hearts, left the global English language.

Then there is Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and the almighty Mathematics. Even the Chinese language is about to make an appearance, as the counterpart of French, in a manner that further buries the primitive vernaculars (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulfude and those others). Aren’t the Chinese constructing our roads now? Don’t we owe them the courtesy of learning their language as a mark of gratitude?

So, no serious nation on earth pays attention to history. To achieve progress in development terms, we face forward, not backward. Even Professor Ernest Renan counsels that we can actually become a nation when we collectively immolate ourselves in forgetfulness.

Nigerians certainly should not be reminded about the horrors of the ugly Civil War, the primitive antics of ‘heroes’ and ‘sheroes’, and countless other irrelevant mistakes that are best forgotten.

Master strokes! The Nigerian ruling elites know their onions!

The same brilliant foresight has been applied to the employment logjam. Nigeria’s unemployment predicament is accelerating at a geometrical proportion.

And hence, we need solid reflection and strategic action plans that make Nigeria an employment haven in a global world breaking at the seams with countless youths flooding the unemployment market. Have you not seen Obama’s grey hairs? The guy has been trying to increase the employment profile of the United States since the global economic meltdown (do you still remember that term that burst on us some years back?) Well, Obama will do well to learn from Nigerians. We are the masters of shortcuts, quick fixes, intuitive foresights and strokes of genius!

This genius is actually simplistic…oh, I mean simple, in its brilliance: Use death as a strategy for employment! What better method to replenish life and stoke the fire of patriotism in Nigerians? At the recently concluded employment exercise, conducted by the Nigerian Immigration Services, several people—numbering around 520,000—were caught within the crush of a mighty jostling to fill less than 5000 vacancies. And some people lost their lives.

Well, we sympathise with those who lost their lives. But then, government is just trying to

fulfil its promise to close up the employment gap that has continued to grow yawningly.

And what better way to do this than to throw the opportunity open to eager Nigerians to avail themselves of a wonderful, orderly and logistically finetuned exercise that would have made history but for the forces of darkness and of the opposition bent on pulling down the Federal Government.

Government is the employer of choice in Nigeria. When Government employs you, then you get a life time chance to realise your potential! I have heard of a staff member—just one among countless unknown and smart others—in the NIS who comes to work for a week and take a month off to attend to other significant business outside of work. This self-actualisation strategy is honed to perfection in the various local governments scattered all over the country where government staff utilise government time and monies to develop themselves. Government usually doesn’t have much to do; so the public office is a government-approved space to display your smart initiatives.

This was the thinking behind the NIS employment exercise: Give as many unemployed Nigerians as possible the opportunity to stand in the hot sun to fill the vacancies released from the goodness of the

heart of government. And you are paying a token of a thousand naira for a lifetime—well, almost a life time—of engaged bliss.

That’s a small sacrifice to pay, don’t you think? And when the forces of darkness and of the opposition came with their spoiler job, government was ready with foresighted alacrity: for those who died, there will be three slots of instant employment each.

Do a quick math: Assume 30 people died, multiplied by three.

That gives 90 people. Not good enough. But assume the mori implicare principle (meaning ‘death as employment’) is applied to the over 4000 people murdered

by Boko Haram, what do we have?

12000 employed! Pure genius!

What other way to honour the memory of those gone than by bringing those still suffering on board the employment train?

Moro has trumped Diezani as the star protagonist in Jonathan’s administration.

The target we should set in employment profile is 1.5 million people employed. And that translates into just 500,000 deaths. A modest achievement, if you ask me. Thanks to Comrade Moro and his brilliant strategy.

Arise O Compatriots…Nigeria’s call obey!

Dr. Adeshina Afolayan teaches philosophy at the University of Ibadan.

.Following up on this I would participate in the burial of as many victims as possible and meet with the families of all victims as soon as is convenient for them after their events of mourning, to express my sympathy for these Martyrs, and to listen to their grievances and determine with them individually what compensation within the permits of the government will best suit each family. I will not insult them and the memory of the martyrs by throwing jobs at them. I am convinced that several of these respectable families will even in patriotic altruism, turn down monetary or employment compensation and rather stake their lots in an assurance of a better tomorrow for all Nigerians.

I would immediately refund the N1000 stolen to all the millions of candidates who applied for the Immigration scam process.

I will also compensate them from Federal funds with an

additional N50,000 for the national insult, their deprivation of jobs by my government, the embarrassment to their dignity and the compensation for their time wasted.

Next I would force all the cabal who are aided by my government and governments before me, who are in illegal possession of the nation’s oil blocs, land, etc. And who are benefactors of the fuel subsidy scams, the government supported oligopolies and the government assisted extortion of the masses, to immediately employ thousands of youth and pay them proper salaries, whether they have jobs for them or not. I don’t care if the youth will just sit in their courtyards— either employ 20,000 youth each for what you loot from the nation’s commonwealth or run from the country on self-exile or get ready to rot in jail.

I would establish a comprehensive employment

committee to look into the evident unemployment crises plaguing the nation. I will immediately trim all Federal ministries, budgets and frivolous projects to free funds to improve the lots of the unemployed. I will sell all the 10 Presidential private jets to utilize the recovered funds for job creation for our millions of youth and unemployed masses.

I will also ban all frivolous public expenses including travel for health purposes and other rubbish. Redirecting these unnecessary government expenses to Nigeria will create an environment for the development of our sectors and this will force the creation of jobs.

What about money looted from the treasury? I would immediately return the looted $20 billion which will all be invested in massive job creation.

Then I would resign for my incompetence, recognizing that since all my chosen cabinet officers have been proven dangerously incompetent and deserving of termination, Mike, Stella, Tukur, Mark, Abba, Diezani, Dasuki, Wike, Ngozi, etc, the problem is actually with me.

Finally, but very importantly, I will open a public commentary forum and listen to what you discuss and suggest and do the things you want us to do for the people.

Dr. Peregrino Brimah via drbrimah@ends.ng or Twitter: @EveryNigerian

If I were Mr. President...

By Peregrino Brimah

A

s a result of our critical view of the government, some have asked what people like us would do differently if we were the President. This specifically in relation to our rejection of the insult to the Martyrs of March 15th, “unemployment day,” who the government in our view further debased the memories of and added pepper to the injuries of their families by throwing jobs at them.

If I were president, here is an outline of what I would have done after the many died and many were cheated. I would first give an immediate public address empathizing with not only the families of the killed and injured, but all Nigerians on the national tragedy. I will apologize for the behavior of unscrupulous elements and officials of my regime who conceived and orchestrated such a dirty scam and carelessly directly led to the hurt and death of our great youth. I would apologize to the families, the husbands of the pregnant dead who lost their spouses and unborn children.

An important part of my speech would be my promise that no stone will be unturned in the investigation and prosecution of all culpable in the act. I will placate the people and re-assure them of my government’s commitment to their safety, their

dignity and their rights to secure decent livelihood, decently and their assurance of justice by my government by immediately announcing the unreserved suspension of the Interior Minister and the Comptroller general of Immigrations. I will promise that all others found culpable in the heinous operation will follow suit.

I would suspend and, if my powers and the preliminary investigation prompt, immediately sack the Interior minister and place him under house arrest. If as expected, investigations find him unquestionably guilty, he may be hung for the deaths of our great youth and leaders of tomorrow and for the insult to the nation in violation of his pledge to serve Nigeria and Nigerians for which he is over financially compensated.

Then I would declare March 15th a national Unemployment day

“

Then I would declare March 15th a national Unemployment day .Following up on this I would participate in the burial of as many victims as possible and meet with the families of all victims as soon as is convenient for them after their events of mourning, to express my sympathy for these Martyrs, and to listen to their grievances and determine with them individually what compensation within the permits of the government will best suit each family. I will not insult them and the memory of the martyrs by throwing jobs at them.

PAGE 14

Opinion

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

Nigeria’s Herods, Herodias and Salomes

By Bamidele AdemolaOlateju

I

write to you today as a people who are rejecters of truth. Truth is bitter, truth is constant, truth is dangerous, especially when spoken to power. Not everybody is waiting to hear the truth we proclaim on civic leadership, follower-ship and duty. There will always be rejection of the truth and of the messengers who proclaim it especially in Nigeria – a country of shameful wickedness. A people whose only claim to religion is simulated religiosity.

A country of Herods, Herodias and Salomes.

I am going to draw heavily from the Bible for this piece. I think it is fitting to draw a parallel on the reign of impunity and terror in Nigeria with that of Herod, his wife Herodias, his stepdaughter Salome and Herod’s choice in beheading John the Baptist. For every evil act committed against Nigeria and its people, we are getting the heads of the innocent ably represented by John on a platter.

Herod Antipas, with his family, the Herodians, ruled Palestine from 4 B.C.E. to 29 C.E. They had a reputation for being ruthless, abusive and corrupt. His father was Herod The Great who sent the wise men to look for the baby who was the “King of the Jews” (Mt 2:8) and arranged for the death of the infants (Mt 2:16-18).

Even though, Herod Antipas wasn’t his father’s top choice. He ended up as heir because most of his half-brothers have either been executed or imprisoned.

Despite the dreams of Herod the Great to have his son as “The king of Jews”, Herod Antipas didn’t get all of Palestine upon his death. The Romans divided it between him, Herod Archelaus

and Herod Philip. With this background, it is understandable why he had to prove that he could be a ruler that people would fear, obey and respect.

In 29 C.E. Herod Antipas visited his brother Herod Philip and fell in love with his wife Herodias, who happened to be his niece.

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Herodias agreed to marry him on condition that he divorces his wife Phasaelis. He did! His marriage to Herodias, spelled the beginning of doom for John the Baptist. St. John publicly criticized the marriage as incestuous on the objection that Mosaic Covenant did not allow for a man to marry his brother’s wife except in the case of Levirate marriage. He berated Herod publicly in his preachings and Herodias took great offense at his effrontery.

When the day came for Herod Antipas to celebrate his birthday, he threw a banquet and invited his courtiers, soldiers, and leaders of Galilee. The daughter of Herodias (Salome); his stepdaughter was asked to dance before them. He knew her nubile beauty would stimulate and impress his courtiers. It did! She danced very seductively and the courtiers salivated over her. The dance of Salome had the desired and expected effect upon Herod Antipas. He was stirred by the dance.

The applause after her performance was thunderous!

His judgment went rosy with

excessive wine and as a reward, he offered to give Salome the moon. “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” He vowed: “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” Yes, Up to half his kingdom as a reward for her titillating performance.

His rash offer turned out to be a bad mix for John the Baptist.

At the behest of her mother – Herodias, Salome said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.” Herod was caught off guard; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those court officials, the nobles, military commanders and the leading men from Galilee who sat with him, he sent for John to be beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and handed to Salome, who took it to her mother.

Herod, in that instance, was at the summit of hypocrisy, one of those who would suffer appearances before men instead of doing what is right. He was like our man who drank himself to stupor and he couldn’t address the African Union. He is an exemplar for illustrating

the corrupt influence of unbridled power and the link to faith in appearances and those who seek the praise of men.

Because the show of power for its own sake is often a convenient opportunity for manipulation; Herodias seized the

opportunity via her daughter to manipulate the situation to her benefit. Herod, in front of his guests, is trapped by the need to maintain appearances. He will not go back on his unthinking promise. Having been trapped under the exigencies of power, he had John beheaded.

The parallel runs with Nigerians because like Herod, we are unthinking, rash and given to irrational impulses. Like Herodias, we seek revenge, we enjoy the humiliation of innocence and the subjugation of the truth. Like Salome! We understand the macabre nature of our actions and the bloodied price our actions exacts. To reduce our exposure, so we ask that the heads we hack come on a platter. We often don’t want our hands soiled so we seek the barrier a platter provides – to collect the blood. We cooperate in the death and suffering of others but want our bloodied price – without the blood.

Shamefully, our past is drenched in blood, our present is blood stained, our future is perilous because the road to it is littered with battles. We face the threat

of self-immolation. Human existence has always been marked by the choice between good and evil. Any choice for evil is wrong under any circumstance and that is what is lost on Nigerians. When people commit crime against ourselves, it seems to affect their outlook on everyone else. When they do wrong, because they have done it, they consider themselves normal and they believe all normal people would have done the same. Evil is now the new normal.

Butchers are everywhere. From the butchers of the North-east, to the slaughter houses of Ibadan, the gory shrines of Okija and the orchestrated human sacrifices in the Nigerian Immigration Service. We applaud and protect our Herods, our Herodias and our Salomes as long as they are of our ethnic stock. That is why a woman will spend N10billion on maintaining a private jet while poor Nigerians are getting sacrificed daily on our bad roads.

Do you think you are not a member of the “platter party” hacking off the necks of others and having them presented on a platter? It is not only the Jonathans, Diezanis, Abba Moros that are hacking heads on the platter. The truth is there are hundreds of ways to hack the necks of those we lead, live and work with. When $20billion disappeared under your nose that was a hack to the neck.

When you divert public funds into private use – that’s a hack to the neck. When you buy body parts and whole humans for rituals to secure political power, money or position – that’ a hack to the neck.

Bamidele Ademola-Olateju is on olufunmilayo@ gmail.com and Twitter@ olufunmilayo

Transformation agenda: Is Nigeria getting better off now?

By Tamuno Dagogo

N

igerians have heard so much about the transformation agenda of President Jonathan and the desire of the President to improve all aspects and every sector of the economy of the nation and life of our people. This writer thinks that the President deserves commendation for dreaming of transforming our country.

In fact, it was for that purpose that he was elected and one thinks that it was for the same purpose that he sought the exalted office of President, and still seeks the latter.

However, the problem with the transformation agenda, looking at what is on ground in the country, is that it has no structure, no blueprint and no strategy of implementation and measurement. The agenda rather is left to the whims and

caprices of Jonathan’s aides, especially those the President considers as whiz- kids or those who are able through their pro- Jonathan postulations ingratiate themselves to him.

No serious leader leaves a development agenda to chance and a few bright stars.

So far, the agenda has not significantly transformed the nation in any way. All economic sectors are still in need of serious input and development while poverty is daily ravaging many Nigerians. Unemployment among all strata of the nation’s population is growing and solution is not in sight. Rather what we have are comical and fancy sounding programmes like YES, SURE- P which from media reports are conduit pipes for siphoning public money while it’s so- called participants roam about like refugees.

Another face of the

transformation agenda is that while millions of naira are being spent without clear results, the same officials continue to frighten the citizenry by releasing mammoth figures of funds needed to improve the same sectors for which money is being spent. A case in point is the power sector.

One commends the courage of President Jonathan for embarking on the power sector reforms though one is unclear whether the process will yield the desired result. Surprisingly again, we are told repeatedly, as in a sing- song, that the sector would require further infusion of about $900 billion before the nation can have adequate power! The question is: would this government and its western- certified expert’s drain the blood of Nigerians before the people can enjoy basic services taken for granted

in other countries, some African countries inclusive?

Nigerians are already paying too high a price for a transformation programme which has yet to lift majority of our people from unemployment and squalour.

We have heard so much about the plan of the government to transform the Nigeria Railways to improve general transportation in the country and relive the burden on the poor and over- burdened road network in the country.

We heard of billions of dollars earmarked for rail transformation, including buying of new locomotives and general modernisation. We were also told that the LagosKano railway line is in top shape and Nigerians in Lagos are already enjoying normal rail services. However, this writer was shocked recently to see a picture of a train in Lagos

with commuters hanging from all parts of the train, including people sitting on the roof or top of the train!

A well- thought out and systematically executed programme of development cannot yield the scene described above. There is too much hype and exaggeration of work being done under the transformation agenda even when we cannot see the substance. In the area of road infrastructure, while much claim has been made about progress in this area, a well- known columnist and analyst recently revealed that only about 20 per cent of the 191,000 kilometre road network in Nigeria is motor able and yet there is a prevailing culture of frenzy that progress is being made in the country.

Tamuno Dagogo wrote from Jabi, Abuja.

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

Comment

PAGE 15

NIS tragedy: Any hope for unemployed graduates

By Gidado Yushau Shuaib

A

s an undergraduate, I am apprehensive of tomorrow. After graduation would one get a job or die while searching for one?

As many have lately observed, we are now sitting on a time bomb with millions unemployed.

A 2012 survey by the National Bureau of Statistics put Nigeria’s youth unemployment figure at 54 percent. This means one out of every two young people who should be gainfully employed is unemployed.

That is frustrating and scary.

Imagine over 693,000 applicants all over the nation chasing 4,500 jobs in the Nigeria Immigration Service, out of which number 19 died during the job at test and hundreds fainted from stampede and exhaustion. They came looking for jobs, in a country that has mastered the art of hoarding jobs. They found death instead of the jobs. Many horrible pictures and videos from the incidents across the federation went viral online.

There is, therefore, a lot of condemnation over the exercise.

There are many questions demanding answers: How will the families of the victims be compensated? What is the future of our unemployed youths? What is government doing to address unemployment in the country? Government needs to recognize the plight of unemployed graduates and not waste time and money on issues that are not important to the development of this country.

We are not unmindful of the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan has rolled out a number of programmes to tackle unemployment like

“

YouWin and the SURE-P Scheme among others which are yet to provide the necessary infrastructure for their tenability. There is also a Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP) which was launched under President Umaru Yar’adua in 2009 but is stillborn. The efforts have been negligible compared to the scale of the problems on the ground. Of course the federal government should not take all the blame for unemployment woes. The states and local governments must also take responsibilities on job creation.

Governments at all levels should evolve a programme or a system that could be called YOUTHFUND where it can provide grants or soft loans as capital to youth to start up their own enterprises. With such gestures the beneficiaries would be able to fend for themselves and reduce the rate of crime and other menace caused by idleness of the unemployed youths.

There is no big deal working with government as there are innovative schemes which youths could benefit from and become independent and render services to the society at large.

Imagine over 693,000 applicants all over the nation chasing 4,500 jobs in the Nigeria Immigration Service, out of which number 19 died during the job at test and hundreds fainted from stampede and exhaustion.

They came looking for jobs, in a country that has mastered the art of hoarding jobs.

They found death instead of the jobs.

The youth should also take advantage of acquisition skills provided by the government to be self employed and contribute meaningfully to various sectors of the economy. The unemployed graduates shouldn’t be over ambitious in the sense of wanting to make it ‘big time’ but they could start from any small-scale business to fend for themselves.

By the way what is wrong in farming or driving a cab and even street cleaning for legitimate income. For sure, such jobs which some may considered odds are far better than robbery, prostitutions and criminal activities.

Meanwhile, considering the condemnations trailing the immigration recruitment exercise which resulted in the death and injury of some of the applicants, government should provide compensation for the families of the victims as well as reschedule the repeat of the exercise that could be easily done online.

Gidado Yushau Shuaib is at Baze University, Abuja (gidadoshuaib@yahoo.

Open defecation at Nguru motor park

By Ali Musa Yawale

I

t was a Wednesday, the day the weekly Nguru market fell due. By mid-day, the Nugru motor park was already crowded by people coming into town and leaving. Nguru town in Yobe state borders four local government areas, Kano state and Niger Republic. So, it records an influx of merchants through the motor park to buy and sell various products as well as, labourers on- and off-loading goods. The air was blowing hot accompanied by offensive odour from the human wastes that littered the surroundings of the motor park.

Few metres, away, one could see a good number of people squatting on available spaces urinating and defecating openly as there were no toilets provided at the motor park to cater for commuters and drivers.

Although the people knew that open defecation is immoral and pollutes the environment with attendant health hazards but, little was done to curtail the ugly trend.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2006 reported that about 60% of the people in Yobe state defecate in the open (bush around their houses, open field and farmland etc.). It reported that open defecation is the single largest contributory factor to diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and other sanitary related diseases.

The Water Supply Sector and Sanitation Reform Programme (WSSSRP) in 2010 launched vigorous campaign to “stop open defecation: use a latrine/toiletkick out cholera from Yobe” targeting school children and

parents. The programme claimed that in 2004 and 2005, about 13, 000 children died of diarrhoea arising from open defecation and lack of hygiene of not washing hands with soap and water after visiting the toilets.

However, officials at the station (motor pack) said after a long battle, it has explored a new avenue to curb the ugly habit and provide solution to the environmental and health threats caused by open defecation.

Alhaji Usman Shuaibu, Jarman Nguru, an official at the park said they went into partnership with Yobe State Community Social Development Programme (CSDP) on massive sensitization of the people against open defecation and, construction of toilets at the park. He explained that, the campaign had educated the people on how they consume these waste products through flooding waters that sweep the waste into their sources of drinking water (wells) thereby causing serious health problems to the community. “None of us had thought that the waste disposed do come back to us and consumed through water

“

sources and vegetables until, after the partnership with state community social development programme (CSDP),” Usman said.

Apart from the awareness campaign, our partnership with CSDP also provided for construction of VIP toilet facilities at the park where the community will provide 10 per cent of the cost of constructing the facilities while, the agency provides 90 per cent of the cost.

“We settled for the construction of four VIP toilets at the park at the cost of N1.963 million and, we introduced some levy on workers and other commercial partners within the motor park to raise the 10 per cent recommended by the agency.

“We collectively taxed ourselves and seek for donation from people to get the ten per cent required from us where were able to raise the sum of N196, 330.00 while the agency provided N 1,766,970.00 for the entire project”.

CSDP has so far executed micro projects amounting to 330 across the state with all of them completed in accordance with

international environmental mitigation measures such as VIP toilets, incinerators, drain and tree planting. Alhaji Shu’aibu Usman commended the agency for coming to their aids adding that they are now living comfortably without any fear of disease or cholera and advise people particularly those living in crowded areas to imbibe the habit of cleaning their environment for healthy society. “I must confess that the Agency has rescued us from the dangers associated with environment hazard hence thanks to them, Yobe state Government and world bank for this initiative which if sustained will go a long way in tackling most of the diseases bedevilling our communities” As part of the campaign against open defecation in October 2010, Yobe state Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam personally inaugurated some public toilets.

He described open defecation as a serious threat that poses danger to the lives of the people adding that the bad habit and the non-challant attitude on open defecation must be checked and controlled. “You are aware

At last, the park now has four functional VIP toilets providing people with the convenience needed to answer the call of nature. The neatness of the toilets had also encouraged people to use the toilets against open defecation. Similarly, the watchful eyes of the National Union of Road Transport Workers had also prevented people from littering the environment with human wastes. The air around the motor park is now friendlier, with less threat to the inhabitants and the environment.

that open defecation poses serious threats and danger to our lives. Human faeces littered, constitute serous hazards to the environment. This bad habit and non-challant attitude of the members of the public should not be allowed to continue unchecked if we are to achieve the millennium development goals in the health sector. Open defecation has been one of the major causes of the cholera epidemic which is currently rampaging which necessitated state and LGAs to have jointly committed over N150 million to date” The Governor added.

Public health experts opined that effective hand washing with soap and water will reduce the incidence of diarrhoea by 44% while using safe latrine toilet and safe water reduces the risk of diarrhoea among the people by 75%. Latrine toilets are also important for social reasons such as convenience, privacy and dignity. At last, the park now has four functional VIP toilets providing people with the convenience needed to answer the call of nature. The neatness of the toilets had also encouraged people to use the toilets against open defecation.

Similarly, the watchful eyes of the National Union of Road Transport Workers had also prevented people from littering the environment with human wastes. The air around the motor park is now friendlier, with less threat to the inhabitants and the environment.

Ali Musa Yawale is a 400 mass communication student, University of Maiduguri.

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, March 26, 2014

PAGE 16

Reps moves to create FCT BIRS

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives yesterday began consideration of a report on a bill seeking the establishment of the Federal Capital Territory Board of Internal Revenue Service (FCTBIRS).

The bill which was sponsored by Chairman House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Rep Emmanuel Jime (APC, Benue), was put on hold to

continue today.

The recommendations of the committee, approved the creation of an FCT Property Tax Agency, hitherto in the pipeline, and said it should be shelved “to avoid duplication of functions and reduce the cost of governance.”

Instead, the report recommended that the property tax department should be created in the internal revenue service.

It also recommended that the

House should “consider and pass the bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Capital Territory Board of Internal Revenue and its management board.”

The committee’s recommendations on some clauses of the bill generally concurred that “the FCT should be considered as if it were one of the states of the federation in light of the provisions of sections 298, 299, 301 and 302 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“The minister of FCT

exercises delegated powers of the President under the Constitution.

Therefore, FCT could approach the National Assembly to enact laws. In consonance with section 299, the FCT Board of Internal Revenue Service as an organ of government can collect taxes on behalf of FCT,” in tandem with the Second Schedule, part two, section four, item D of the constitution,” the report reads in part.

In addition to this, clause 22 (3) of the bill indicates that:

Gwagwalada: School principal appeals for more classrooms

L-R: Cocoordinators of Next Generation Nigeria Summit, Barrister Austin Mbamah, Secretary General; Next Generation Nigeria Summit, Haruna Sambo, Chairperson, Commonwealth Youth Council, Ahmed Adamu, and Principal, FCT School for the Blind, Mrs. Regina Dung, during the presentation of special recognition award to the school for the blind principal, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he principal of Government Secondary School, Hajj Camp, in Gwagwalada Area Council, of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Abubakar Gambo Ibrahim, has appealed to the FCT administration as well as Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school to build more blocks of classrooms to accommodate the population of the students in the school.

Ibrahim, made the appeal while addressing the stakeholders during the school’s Parents Teachers Association (PTA) general meeting of the school in Gwagwalada, last week.

He assured that his administration will continue to partner with the P.T.A for the overall development of the school.

He told the stakeholders that the authority of the school had been paying school fees of the less privileged ones who could not do so, in order to encourage them in their academic pursuit.

He further assured the parents that the teachers would continue to impart knowledge in the students at all times, while advising the parents/ guardians to purchase the necessary text books for their children to excel in the education.

The principal commended the leadership of PTA for the structures being put in place in the school.

Responding, the P.T.A chairman, Engr. Tayo Faleke, said the leadership of the P.T.A would continue to arrest some pending issues affecting the school.

Faleke disclosed that the PTA was able to connect the school with water board to boost frequent supply of water in the school.

He added that the association would continue to join hands with the authority of the school to provide an enabling environment for the students in the institution.

based on the provisions of the constitution as stated above, the committee recommended a new clause 22 (3) to read thus: “notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 10 to First Schedule of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (Establishment) Act 2007, the Federal Capital Territory Board of Internal Revenue Service shall control, administer and impose different taxes and levies within the Federal Capital Territory as provided in this bill.”

‘FCTA saves 32 lives, N.6bn properties from inferno in 6 months’

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

total of 32 lives and property worth N651.5 million were saved from various fire outbreaks and emergency services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in the past six months.

According to the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who made the disclosure, there were 103 Fire and 32 rescue calls in the month of January 2014, which the FCT Administration promptly and effectively responded to.

He said the FCTA would continue with the policy of timely

and prompt response by way of physical/psychological support to people prone to/already affected by disaster in the Territory.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT minister, Muhammad Sule, said the minister made this revelation after a meeting with some senior officials of the administration, in his office, on Monday.

“There would be a deliberate policy on the part of his Administration for sound capacity building for staff of FCT Emergency Management Agency, in order to expose them to international best practices

in tandem with the vision of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The FCT Administration also intends to train community vanguards for volunteers’ services, apart from strengthening Schools’ Club on disaster and volunteers,” the statement quoted the minister.

It added that the minister said his Administration likewise plans to establish local emergency management committees at the headquarters of all the six Area Councils of the FCT, at all community as well as the Ward levels across the 8,000 square kilometers of the Territory.

Mohammed also assured that his Administration would maintain regular collaboration with stakeholders on disaster/ emergency management, and would regularly communicate with the FCT residents on early warning signs.

“While noting that the FCT Administration would improve on its emergency response time, the Minister stated that his Administration has concluded plans to establish Fire Marshalls to promote community participation and improve fire prevention within such communities,” the statement added.

FRSC set to reduce road accidents in Gwagwalada

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in Gwagwalada Area Council, of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says it has concluded arrangement to reduce the road traffic accidents drastically in this year.

The FRSC acting Zonal Commander in charge of the area,

Mr. David Mendie, who made the revelation in an interview with newsmen during the launching of this year’s “Operation Crash the Crashes” campaign in the area, said that the operation was aimed at reducing road traffic accidents not only in the FCT but across the country.

He added that the operation was a nation-wide exercise, pointing out that the FRSC’s target was to reduce

road crashes by 15 percent as well as fatality by 25 percent in 2014.

He explained that the target of the operation was to arrest the drivers who engaged in over – speeding, over-loading, dangerous overtaking and telephone conversation while driving among other traffic violations.

The zonal commander, however, disclosed that the offenders were

made to pay fines to a mobile court at the scene of the exercise.

A motorist, Mr. Felix Akintokun, who was apprehended for driving a car with worn-out tyres, said that he paid a fine of N2,000 for the offence. Peoples Daily observed that the FRSC personnel were deployed to the different locations along the Abuja-Lokoja expressway for the exercise.

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Metro

PAGE 17

A man hawking bread, yesterday at Area 1, in Abuja.

A young lad cleaning car wind screen, recently, at Central Area, in Abuja.

Two traffic police men carrying mattress across a major road, recently at Area 11, Garki, in Abuja.

Young men selling suya and roasted chicken waiting for clients, yesterday at Central Area, in Abuja

A food vendor serving her clients, yesterday, at Durumi village, in Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-Owo

PAGE 18

Metro

Bizman arraigned for breach of trust, cheating

T

he police have arraigned a businessman, Umar Ado,50, in a Senior Magistrates’ court in Mararaba, for alleged breach of trust and cheating.

The accused, who resides at Mararaba, is facing a two-count charge of criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Okoro, told the court that Umaru Benson of Block 173 Area D Nyanya, FCT, reported the matter at Sani Abache Road Police Station on March 16.

Okoro said that sometime in 2009, the accused collected N350, 000 from the complainant to start selling tomatoes and other perishable food items.

The prosecutor said that instead of paying back the money after the business had become successful, the accused converted the capital and the interest to his personal use.

He said the accused later absconded to unknown destination.

He said the offence contravened and is punishable under sections 312 and 322 of the Penal code, respectively, which stipulates three years’ imprisonment or a fine or both.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr. Jeremiah Danladi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with one surety in like sum who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

He said that the surety must have a means of livelihood and must be a civil servant on grade level 10 or above.

Danladi adjourned the case untill April 7 for proper hearing.

(NAN)

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Woman prays court to order husband to divorce her A businesswoman, Mrs. Oyemowo Gabriel, 39, has prayed a Grade 1 Area court in Aso Pada, Mararaba to order her husband, Adenu Gabriel, 45, to “properly” divorce her.

Oyemowo told the court that on May 13, 2013 the husband drove her from the one-bedroom apartment she was living in with him and their three children.

“Whenever he demands for sex and I refuse him on account of the children being in the room, he will beat me up.

“Since he threw me out on May 13 he has taken custody of the children and refused me access to them.

“I am still bearing Mrs Gabriel; if he is not interested in me again, he should tell me and let me know

my stand now.

“I also want the court to help me; I need my children, I want to live with my children,” she stressed.

In his defence, the husband, a driver, said: ``I did not throw her out of my house. She remains my wife. ``She was the one who packed out of my house, rented a room somewhere and is leaving alone.

Theft: Court remands applicant in Suleja prison

A

A middle aged man hawking mats in Kubwa, Abuja.

Electrician docked for stealing N1.2m cables

A

n electrician, Sani Tenimu, 20, has appeared in a Senior Magistrates’ court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, for allegedly stealing electrical cables valued at N1.2 Million.

Tenimu is charged with one count of theft.

The prosecutor, Cpl Francis Tanko, told the court that on March 13, one Cpl Augustine Ogar of the Nigerian Defence

“We went to the village and resolved the matter. After we came back she refused to move in with me,’’ he said.

The Presiding Judge, Mr. Albert Maga, advised the couple to try and resolve the matter for the sake of their children.

Maga then adjourned the case until April 11 for a report of settlement. (NAN)

Headquarters, Abuja, lodged a report at the Wuse Zone 3 Police Station.

He said that Ogar had reported that on same day, at about 10.45 p.m., while inspecting a building site that he was managing, he discovered that some items were missing.

According to Tanko, Ogar discovered that the caravan

where the electrical materials were kept was broken into and the electrical cables valued at N1.2 million were stolen.

Tanko said that the offence contravened section 287 of the Penal Code which prescribed five years imprisonment.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr. Mohammed Anka, admitted

the accused to bail for N200,000 with one reliable surety who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He ordered that the surety should own a shop within the jurisdiction and produce a one year payment receipt for the shop.

Anka adjourned the case to April 9 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)

Senior Magistrates’ court, in Life Camp, Abuja, has ordered an applicant, Onuegbu Israel, 20, to be remanded in Suleja Prison, pending written bail application.

Israel, who resides in Dape Village, Abuja, is arraigned for criminal trespass, house breaking and theft.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Fati Abubakar, ordered that the accused be remanded after the prosecutor, Insp. Phillips Appolus, told the court that he was not a first time offender.

She adjourned the matter to March 31 for hearing of bail application.

The magistrate also ordered the accused to get legal representative who must present credible sureties.

Earlier, Appolus told the court that Malam Ibrahim Mustapha also of Dape Village, Abuja, lodged a report against the accused at the Life Camp Police Station on March 9.

He alleged that the accused gained entrance into the complainant’s house and stole one laptop valued at N120,000, an International Passport and N450,000.

Appolus said that the accused was caught in the act by neighbours after the complainant raised an alarm.

He said the offence contravened sections 349, 356, and 288 of the Penal code, respectively.

If convicted, the accused is liable to three years in prison, fine or both.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. (NAN)

Labourer bags 6 months imprisonment for stealing concrete mixer

A

n Abuja Senior Magistrates’ court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced a labourer, Ismaila Alim, to six months in prison, for stealing a concrete mixer valued at N330,000.

Alim, who resides at Riverpark Estate, Lugbe, is arraigned on one count charge of theft.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Chinyere Nwecheonwu, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Nwecheonwu, however, gave the convict an option to pay a fine of N5, 000.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Mr. Anigbo Paul, had told the court that one Mr. Kennedy Ifeanyi, of Giri junction,

Abuja, reported the case to the Lugbe police station on March 11.

Paul said that the accused dishonestly stole the complainant’s concrete mixer valued N330,000.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 287 of Penal code.

The convict, who pleaded

guilty, prayed the court for mercy saying “we were three who stole the machine but the police released the others and put all the blame on me.’’

The convict said that they sold the machine for N30, 000 but he was given only N5, 000 while others left with the remaining money.

The nominal complainant,

who was present at the court, disagreed with the convict saying: “he is the one who stole the machine. The others helped him in putting it inside their car.’’

The complainant said that the convict refused to take them to where he sold the machine so that he could get his property back. (NAN)

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, march 26, 2014

INSIDE

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

NDIC clinches best participant award at Kaduna trade fair - Pg 20

Cashless policy not to eliminate physical cash – CBN -Pg 21

L-R: Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, Minister of State for Power, Hon. Mohammed Wakil, Leader, Nigeria-Chinese Business Council, Mr. Qianjing Yuan, and council member, Chief Mathew Uwekwe, during their visit to the ministers, on Monday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Why 2014 budget is delayed - Senate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he inability of the various committees of the Senate to finish their budget preparations and defend their figures before the Senate Committee on Appropriation has continued to delay the 2014 budget in the National Assembly, the Senate Spokesman, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has said.

Fielding questions from journalists in Abuja yesterday, Abaribe, who said every committee of the Senate is a sub-committee of the Senate Appropriation Committee, explained that to wrap

off the 2014 budget and send to the President for assent, all the subcommittees must finish their input on the budget.

Though he said that a lot of the sub-committees have submitted and defended their final approved budget before the Appropriation Committee, some are still pending, due to their inability to complete works on their budget.

He said to avoid continued delay of the 2014 budget, the Senate resolved to shelve some items on its order paper, to enable the subcommittees who are yet to conclude works on their budget to expedite actions on it.

This is even as he said that today would be the last date for all the subcommittees to submit and defend their figures before the Appropriation committee of the Senate.

It would be recalled that the Senate had earlier suspended plenary for three weeks to enable its various sub-committees to conclude works on the 2014 budget, so as to enable the Appropriation committee to finalise the process.

However, due to delays by some sub-committees, the Senate had to further extend the deadline by one week, before this last date of today, which may still be extended.

Recall that late last year,

President Goodluck Jonathan, after delaying to close to three weeks, directed the Coordinating Minister of the economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to present separately the N4.6trillion 2014 budget before the two chambers of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, after the budget was presented, it took both chambers of the National Assembly extra two weeks to arrive at a common benchmark for oil, which is the base on which the budget was based.

From then till date, the 2014 budget has continued to toss up and down in the National Assembly, yet, no end in sight for its approval and passage.

Nebo blames poor electricity supply on vandalism, gas shortage

By Etuka Sunday …pegs current grid at 3068MW vandalism.

Meanwhile, the Minister

T

he Minister of Power Prof.

Chinedu Nebo yesterday blamed the current poor electricity supply across the country on vandalism and gas supply shortage in the last two weeks.

Nebo while briefing newsmen on the current state of power in the country however pegged current grid electricity generation at 3,068megawatts.

“As at yesterday (Monday), it was 3300mw and this morning (Tuesday) it is 3068mw that is about 3000mw.”

He attributed the power dip from 4248mw in February this year to the 3000mw to vandalism of various gas pipelines leading to a resurfacing gas supply constraint to the thermal generation stations.

The affected infrastructure according to Nebo include, AlakiriOnne LBVS which was blasted this March leading to adversely impacting on gas supply to industries.

“Recent vandalism of the TransForcados gas infrastructure where 200 million standard cubic feet (scf) of gas is being lost resulting in the loss of 800mw of power; similar case was recorded during the Escravos-Lagos

Pipeline Station (ELPS) vandalism that took 7 months to fix.”

“There have been similar attacks on Trans Niger with a loss of 120 million scf of gas and a loss of 500MW from the Afam VI IPP. This pipeline is vandalized for bunkering about twice every month.”

“The temporary shutdown of the Chevron gas plant this month contributed to the low peak generation of 2,672MW on March 12, 2014,” Nebo added.

Other factors include the collapse of 1e towers at on the Sapele/ Delta 330kv transmission line that occurred earlier in March. Its repair cost he said is an estimated N600 million to be fixed within six months.

Nebo also mentioned the Osogbo burnt 150MVA transmission transformer in Osun state, and the hacking of 3 towers in Ibuzo in Delta state. He noted that the hydropower plants are down due to ongoing maintenance.

“The hydropower units at Kainji are, for the first time since commissioning in the 1960s, being

rehabilitated with funding from the World Bank. Some of the major components of the shiroro plant are also being rehabilitated thus reducing the plant by about 300MW,” he said.

The minister disclosed that there is a projected additional 295mscf of gas to be available by June 2014 and another 370 mscf by year end to actualise government’s generation target.

He said that the President recently approved the reconstitution of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gas-to-Power to be chaired by the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) and made up of power, petroleum resources and finance ministries.

He said they would work to identify and ensure that all the interventions to deliver gas to the nation’s power plants are done on time.

While assuring of government’s effort to fixing the affected infrastructure in the shortest time, Nebo called on electricity ‘customers’, the press and other stakeholders to join in the fight against infrastructural

of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil described vandalism of power facilities as infrastructure terrorism, therefore advised the media to sensitise communities on how to safeguard power infrastructure in their locale.

Maritime industry key to economic recovery - NIESV President -Pg 22 Exchange Rates

CBN as at 25th March, 2014 Buying

Selling

$

154.74

155.74

€

255.49

257.14

£

213.72

215.01

Riyal

41.26

41.52

YEN

1.51

1.52

CFA

0.30

0.32

Management Tip of the Day Three ways introverts can build their personal brands

W

hile many ways to establish your brand are weighted toward extroverts — taking leadership roles in professional associations, starting a conference, or embracing public speaking, for example — introverts, too, can build connections and develop their personal brands while respecting their natural tendencies.

Social media. This is an area where introverts, who thrive on quiet contemplation, have an advantage.

By writing a blog, for example, you can take time to formulate your thoughts and engage in real dialogue on social networks around

the strength of your ideas.

One-on-one connections. If you’re more comfortable socializing oneon-one than in bigger groups, become a connector one person at a time. Ask a new person from a different office or department to lunch once a week, and you’ll build a robust network on your own terms.

Subtle cues. Small things can establish your personal brand without a word: simply placing diplomas or awards on your office walls can reinforce your expertise to others.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIday, march 26, 2014

Page 20

Business

BPE unveils 2014 work plan

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) yesterday unveiled its 2014 work plan with expected

NDIC clinches best participant award at Kaduna trade fair

By Clem Khena-Ogbena

T

he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has emerged the winner of the “Best Public Enlightenment Participant” award at the just concluded 35th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

A statement by the Head, Communications & Public Affairs, H.R. Birchi said the Organisers of the fair, the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) conferred the award on NDIC following their visit to the Corporation’s stand on the NDIC Special Day and their assessment of its public enlightenment activities at the fair.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of NDIC, Alh. Umaru Ibrahim who was represented at the NDIC Special Day by the Director of Administration, Mrs Christiana E. Afabor said the Corporation had adopted multi-faceted initiatives in its efforts toward enhancing public awareness on the Corporation’s mandate and activities.

Alh. Umaru pointed out that the Corporation had been participating in major international trade fairs in the country since 2007 as part of its public awareness drive. They include Kaduna, Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Niger Delta and Yenagoa International Trade Fairs. He said the thrust of the Corporation’s public awareness initiatives was to win public trust, appreciation and confidence through better understanding of its NDIC’s core mandate and activities.

According to him, the drive toward achieving this aspiration was put on a higher pedestal in 2013 with a re-branding project embarked upon by the Corporation.

The NDIC boss described the re-branding as a re-engineering initiative geared toward reviewing the Corporation’s processes, procedures and systems with a view to enhancing the effective discharge of its mandate.

He pointed out that the new NDIC slogan: “protecting your bank deposits” clearly distinguished the Corporation from conventional insurance companies, adding that the NDIC re-branding initiative was not about change of logo and colours but distinguishing the Corporation for its qualitative service delivery to depositors and other stakeholders.

…Expects over N746bn gross proceeds from transactions

gross proceeds of over N746 billion from both definite and prospective transactions.

The Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Benjamin Dikki while briefing newsmen on the plan said, “In the 2014 work plan, the Bureau has proposed to handle a total of 23 definite Transactions and a total of 29 Prospective Transactions.

Consequently, we envisage gross proceeds of N535.3 billion from the definite transactions. We hope to realise about N211.3 billion from prospective transactions when they are executed.”

Dikki said the National Council on Privatization (NCP) in approving the 2014 Work Plan reviewed the performance of the 2013 approved work plan, saying that in 2013, the Council charged the BPE with mostly the conclusion of the privatization of the unbundled 17 of the 18 PHCN successor companies which was successfully done.

“Council noted with satisfaction that at the end of 2013, gross transactions revenue was N397.7 billion, mostly generated from PHCN transaction,” he added.

He said “in the same year under review, NCP equally approved the appointment of a Liquidator for the guided liquidation of NITEL/MTEL pending court confirmation.

That processes is continuing in 2014 and is also reflected in the 2014 work plan.

“In 2013, Council had also approved in that work plan the inauguration of the Project Advisory Teams (PAT) for the Housing, Stadia and National Parks of which all PATs have been inaugurated and work has reached an advanced stage. Each Advisory Team’s draft policy, legal and regulatory frameworks will be presented to NCP in 2014 for approval.

The DG gave the 2014 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

to include: Passage of the eight (8) reform bills currently before the Federal Executive Council for approval; Implementation of the approved transactions; Effective and robust monitoring of privatized enterprises; Effective public enlightenment and stakeholders engagement and Enhancement of the IT infrastructure of the Bureau.

“The critical element in the 2014 work plan will be the review and follow up, until passage of the eight reform bills currently before the FEC for approval. The Bills have been reviewed and finalized by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and presently before the Federal Executive Council (FEC),” he said.

He said the passage of the bills would lead to the abrogation of monopoly sector laws, liberalization of the sector and set up of regulatory agencies.

“In pursuit of the Goodluck

L-R: Director-General, Debt Management Office, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Mr. Abdala Hamdok and Director, Planning, UNECA, Mr. George Ogboro, during the 7th AU-ECA joint annual meetings, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

CBN: Agro production, banking reforms, others to stimulate real sector of economy

By Clem Khena-Ogbena

T

he Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) yesterday reeled off areas that are expected to stimulate the real sector of the economyto include agricultural production, the banking sector reforms and favourable government initiatives.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the Committee’s sitting, chaired by the acting governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Sarah Alade, at the apex bank’s conference hall.

The Committee, which also reviewed major developments in both the gobal and domestic economies from 2013 up to March

2014 as well as the outlook for the rest of the year, noted that growth in domestic economy and financial developments had remained robust.

The communique, openly read by the acting CBN governor, stated, “The Committee observed that the relatively robust growth projections, despite the sluggish global economy recovery, reflected the continuing favourable conditions for increased agricultural production, sustained outcome of the banking sector reforms as well as the initiatives of the government to stimulate the real economy.”

The communique quoted the National Bureau of Statistics

(NBS) as sayiny that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth ratewas at 7.72 for the fourth quarter of 2013, which was higher than the 6.81 percent, recorded in the third quarter of 2013 and 6.99 percent in the corresponding period of 2012.

It stated that in tandem with recent trends, the non-oil sector had continued to be the major driver of the nation’s economic growth, during the fourth quarter of 2013, recording 8.76 percent, adding that the growth drivers in the non-oil sector in the fourth quarter, 2013 remained wholesale and retail trade, agriculture and telecommunications, which had “contributed 2.57, 2.27 and 1.97 percentage point, respectively.”

Transformation Agenda, these Bills seek to create an enabling environment for private sector investments in these various sectors of the economy. The expected outcomes are inflows of private sector investments, job creation and economic growth,” he concluded.

Dana Air commences preliminary training for IOSA process From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

D

ana Air said it has commenced an Implementation training Initiative as part of the preliminary process to prepare the airline for the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).

It said it form part of the determination to meet the highest global aviation safety standards.

The airline is one of ten airlines benefiting from the IOSA implementation training initiative that is 100 per cent funded by International Airline Training Fund (IATF), a non-profit foundation.

IATF purpose is to bridge the training gaps for airlines in regions of the world where it is most needed, with a particular focus on improving safety.

The first stage of the implementation training is a gap analysis workshop, the first of three sessions over the next year, which will give Dana Air a greater understanding of their shortcomings in relation to the IOSA standards and recommended practices (ISARPs) and to provide guidance and tools to establish action plans towards ISARPs implementation.

Last year the Abuja Declaration by the states of the African Union mandated that all African airlines should achieve IOSA status by 2015. The total accident rate for IOSA carriers in 2012 was 77% lower than the rate for non-IOSA operators.

Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Yvan Drewinsky noted that Dana Air is resolute in adhering to globally recognized safety standards.

“The IOSA Implementation Training Initiative is coming at an auspicious time when Dana Airline is looking at reinforcing services as well as seeking the possibility of forming alliances with global airlines as it aims to operate in line with the highest global standards”, said Mr. Drewinsky.

Manager of the IATF, Oscar Haro, said IATA was pleased to confirm Dana Airlines Limited as one of the 10 African airlines for the IOSA implementation training in readiness to meet the challenges of the Abuja Declaration.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, march 26, 2014

Page 21

Economic

MTN slashes data rate, launches ‘Roam like Home, when you browse

By Chris Alu

O

ne of the giant telecommunications in Africa, MTN, has slashed its data roaming rate with the introduction of a new roaming package tagged Roam like Home with “MTN One World’, as part of its effort to ensure internet accessibility at the most affordable rate while roaming.

MTN One World rates will enable MTN prepaid and postpaid subscribers, who travel out of the country, to have access to the internet on their mobile phones and send text messages, paying a standard home rate of 5kobo per kilobyte and N4 per SMS, as if they are in Nigeria.

Larry Annetts, chief marketing officer of the company, said that the service is available in any of the 19 operating countries.He explained that, the key strategic focus for the new tariff plan is to ensure data communication at the most affordable rate on the go.

“We are always committed to deliver a new world of digital experience to our customers and the thrust of this initiative is to ensure friendly roaming tariff rates, where our customers who travel to any of our 19 operating countries can still feel at home, browsing at a standard home rate of 5kobo per kilobyte.

“Our customers traveling to Ghana, Cameroun, Republic

of Benin, South Africa and other MTN operating countries can continue to update their profile messages, share pictures and great moments on social networks, as well as read their emails and browse the internet without any differential in data cost,” Annetts said.

Apart from the data rate,

customers can also enjoy same SMS home rate of N4, affordable call rates and other affordable friendly roaming services that MTN offers.

Annetts also said that subscribers neither need a migrating code, subscription fee nor airtime deposit, as they “automatically qualify to use and

enjoy the rates while roaming in any of the 19 MTN operating countries.

All this required is to ensure that data is turned on while roaming. Subscribers roaming on MTN OneWorld can also conveniently check their account balance and recharge via MTN Nigeria’s available top up options.

L-R: Chief Organiser, (Norm) Issues in Oil and Gas Conference, Mr. David Olatunji Fadairo, Guest Speaker, Professor Gregory Aumiri, and Programme Coordinator, Mr. Michael Oluwasola Babatunde, during the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Dakan International on Natural Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) issues in oil and gas, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Cashless policy not to eliminate physical cash – CBN From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that its cashless policy does not intend to eliminate use of physical cash for payment, but meant to reduce cash transaction.

Speaking at a sensitization exercise on the policy in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Acting Governor of CBN, Dr Sarah Alade, represented by the Principal Manager, Shared Services, Abuja, Mr. Ogunfolami Akinloye, said the policy involves an individual with more than N500,000 to transact business in a day, adding that people in rural areas and other Nigerians with less than N500,000 transaction are not

really concerned.

He also said that Kwara state would go cashless from July 1, 2014, just like other remaining 30 states of the federation, adding that six states, including Abuja had commenced the programme since 2012.

The Acting CBN governor, who called for cooperation and support of all Nigerians on the programme, added that the policy would help to reposition the country’s financial system in addressing current challenges faced and transform Nigeria into first world economy.

The CBN boss also said that the sensitization programme became necessary because people needed to know what to do, adding that,

“we are also enlarging the financial contact points to include areas such as post offices, motor parks and corner shops.

Also speaking, the Controller CBN, Ilorin, Mr. Monday Olotewo, said his office was more interested as to how the programme itself would be accepted in Kwara state, adding that efforts would be put in place to ensure that everybody knew about the cashless policy.

“Apart from this sensitization programme, there is going to be road show to markets, motor parks and all parts of the state. We want to ensure that everybody in the nooks and crannies of the state gets to know how to make use of this policy, how they can stop carrying

cash about.

“You see in places like Kenya, it is established that even cattle sellers can transact business without going to the bank through the phone.

What you only need is the account number of the person you want to send money to and before you know it, the transaction is almost completed”, he said.

The CBN executive also said that the benefits of the programme are immense, adding that robbery and cash related crimes, kidnapping, election rigging, revenue leakage, inefficient treasury management and corruption would be reduced, “because you are not carrying cash anywhere”.

Group calls for multifaceted approach to curb unemployment From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

A

s the senate is set to drill the Minister for Interior Comrade Abba Moro on Thursday over the botched Nigeria Immigration Services, NIS recruitment exercise, a group known as Benue South Vanguard for Positive Change, BSVPC has stressed the need to adopt a multifaceted approach in curbing

unemployment in the country.

The group in a press statement signed by its chairman Mr. Patrick Lawani and Secretary, Mr. Godwin Idoko and made available to Peoples Daily, opined that the issue of unemployment demands a strategic approach from all the tiers of government as well as the private sector.

They also noted that the

orchestrated call for the removal of the minister is not the solution to the problem of high unemployment in the country even as it lamented over the death of innocent Nigerians in search for job.

“The incident is a sad one especially as the country is on a daily basis confronted with unwarranted deaths of innocent Nigerians resulting from the several security

challenges.

“The call for the removal of the minister is not the solution.

He is a man of high pedigree and integrity who will not engage in any activity that would be detrimental to the yearnings and aspirations of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration especially on crucial issue of wealth creation through job opportunities”, the group noted.

CPS: Programme withdrawal hits N210.7bn From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he National Pension Commission (PenCom), yesterday said that the total lump sum collected for programme withdrawal as at February 2014 has grown to N210.7 billion.

This was disclosed by the commission at its first Retirees’ forum and Pre-retirement Workshop for retirees and prospective retirees in the Contributory Pension Scheme held in Lagos.

Head, Benefit and Insurance of PenCom, Mr. Olulana Loyinmi while speaking a the event noted that total monthly pension for program withdrawal stood at N24.6billion while in the case of annuity was N425.533million.

According to him, retirees receiving their monthly pension through program withdrawal as at February 2014 stood at 84,097 while that of annuity stood at 8,479.

Also speaking at the event, Acting Director General, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, opined that the workshop which will be held in the six geo political zones in the country between the 25 March and 8 May 2024 was aimed at repositioning the commission to serve retirees and potential retirees better.

She noted that the forum will enable the commission to receive feedbacks on challenges faced current beneficiaries of the scheme are faced with, adding that the information gather at the forum will help to guide the commission and be used for future planning and operations.

The PenCom boss further said that the pre-retirement workshop is aimed at bridging the knowledge gap on retirement requirements among intending retirees on preparations and documentation expected in line with the regulation on the administration of retirement and terminal benefits and guidelines on annuity.

She said that the preretirement workshop will also help to sensitize prospective retirees on the process of the benefits administration under the CPS. She however urged the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), to facilitate adequate sensitization and public enlightenment in order to create awareness on the regulation on annuity of 2010.

The forum featured discussion on Annuity and Program Withdrawal-features and issues, Right of retirees, accessing retirement and death benefits and documentation requirements for enrolment of retirees.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, march 26, 2014

Page 22

Business

FG urged to stop tax holiday to multinational companies

By Clem Khena-Ogbena

T

he Federal Government of Nigeria has been called upon to stop granting

Tax Holiday to multinational companies in the country.

The Action Aid-Nigeria made the call, while its members were protesting against the policy in the

premises of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, venue of The Seventh Joint AU Conference of Ministers of Economy and Finance, and Economic Commission for

Ofodua Rice Mill in operation, yesterday at Obubra, in Cross River state.

Photo: NAN

Maritime industry key to economic recovery - NIESV President

By Mike Etim, Uyo

T

he Federal Government has been charged to explore the enormous potentials of the Maritime Industry as it is one of the sectors that hold the key to the country’s economic recovery.

The National President of the Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Mr. Emeka Eleh who made the call in Uyo, AkwaIbomState yesterday said a vast number of youths in the country were still roaming the streets in large number in search of Job opportunities.

He asserted that when youths are seen roaming the streets in search of Jobs, it is an indication that the government has not done anything to develop the Maritime sector which holds the key to the economic growth and development of the country.

Briefing newsmen at the

Le’Merdian Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, ahead of the 44th Annual Conference of the Institution with the theme “Maritime, costal and inlands waters investment and management in National development”, Eleh stated that the rising cases of collapsed buildings being experienced in the country today is not the quality of cement used for building, but the non-utilization of the services of professionals to do the Job.” He noted “whenever you see collapsed building somebody somewhere has compromised on quality”.

To avoid the ugly incidents of collapse buildings being witnessed in most part of the country, Eleh advised estate developers in the country to use the right professionals and follow the right process.

Consequently, he remark that, there is a lot the state government

could do to boost development in the maritime sector, adding that part of what the conference would achieve is to urge the federal government that a lot has been lost through underinvestment.

He said that NIESV has played a pivotal role in the issues of land and land development adding the institution has played a pivotal role in championing a cause which recently attracted the federal government to launch Nigeria Mortgage and Finance company aimed at ensuring housing delivery at low interest rate.

Furthermore, he stress that the institution has made remarkable influence in land reforms to allow individuals to own land adding that lack of title has been the bane of development, stressing that the organization is working towards giving title to land in as systemic way.

African leaders must deploy political will to mobilise funds for development-DMO boss

By Clem Khena-Ogbena

T

he director-general, Debt Management Office, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, has told African leaders to endeavour to deploy adequate political will that would enable funds meant for development of the continent to be mobilised judiciously.

Nwankwo stated this yesterday at the opening of The Seventh Joint AU Conference of Ministers

of Economy and Finance, and Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, in Abuja.

According to Nwankwo,there was also need for social mobilization of African people at the various levels of human endeavour towards what he has described as “inclusive development.”

He further said that the

time had come when Africans and their true friends had to appreciate the need to re-double their efforts, both physically and intellectually, adding that the continent was almost already experiencing the challenge of inclusive development.

Besides, he said the best way of achieving competiveness in Africa was by making the relevant technology available to the youths of the continent.

Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, which opened yesterday, in Abuja.

The spokesman for the placard carrying protesters, Mr. Donald Ideh, who is also the True Justice Adviser to Action Aid, insisted that the Tax Holiday policy of the government, designed to benefit foreign multinational companies in the country at the expense of local industries, had to be abrogated, for the nation’s industrial growth and development.

Ideh added that a situation in which a multinational companies were always granted a 50-year tax holiday amounted to an economic suicide and absurdity, especially in an economy whereby local industries and even micro, small and medium enterprises MSMEs had been struggling to survive under the heavy weight of multiple taxes.

He further maintained that the country’s tax policy be reviewed and adjusted, such that the tax incentives and waiver systems could be used to support the needs of the economy as well as build the capacity of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), with a view to tackling hamful

practices, such as transfer pricing.

According to him, revenue from taxes was required to improve investment-attracting factors and social infrastructure, including: roads, schools, hospitals, water, among others.

While appealing to the federal government not to honour the double taxation agreement it signed with Mauritius a couple of years back, Ideh stated: “In August, 2012, Nigeria signed a double taxation treaty with Mauritius, that is waiting to be ratified by the government. If ratified, this treaty will result in a significant loss of tax revenue for Nigeria. India has a similar double taxation treaty with Mauritius and is now considering reviewing it after realising it creates tax revenue losses of $600 million a year.

“The money the government receives from taxes pays for our schools, hospitals, roads, electricity and other social services. If the government reduces tha amount of tax foreign companies have to pay, it reduces the amount of money we have for these services. And the amount is plentiful! In Nigeria, harmful tax practices amount to a loss of billions of naira per year.”

Kwara goes cashless in July

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says cashless financial services will commence in Kwara on July 1.

The Acting Governor of CBN, Dr Sarah Alade, made this known on Tuesday in Ilorin during a stakeholders forum and sensitisation exercise on the apex bank’s cashless policy.

She said that the sensitisation programme would be extended to both the formal and informal sectors.

Alade, in a keynote address, said six states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, had started the implementation of cashless policy.

Mr Sunday Olatewo, the Branch Controller of CBN in Ilorin, who represented Alade, said the bank and the Nigerian Bankers Committee inaugurated a study in 2010 to identify ways of enhancing service delivery in the nation’s financial sector.

The acting governor said the study revealed high cash usage in the economy and its attendant high cost implication in the financial value chain.

Alade said at least 30 per cent of branch physical space and employees was devoted to cash logistics, handling and storage, adding that this

accounted for an estimated 30 per cent of the operational costs in the financial system.

“The total cost of the financial system was projected to surpass N190 billion by the end of 2012 if nothing was done.

“The cost excluded production, distribution, processing and destruction by CBN,’’ Alade said.

She said that the aim of the cashless policy was to reduce the use of physical cash for payment and not eliminate it totally.

According to the acting governor, the cashless policy would also reduce robbery, cash related crimes, kidnapping, election rigging, revenue leakage and corruption.

Alade also said that the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum was inaugurated to raise the level of awareness on vulnerabilities that exist on the e-channels.

“Exchange of fraud information among institutions has also been encouraged with the view that as a system, we are only as strong as our weakest link,’’ she added.

Olatewo, however, told newsmen after the forum that cash transactions below N500, 000 and N3 million would still be allowed for individual and corporate bodies respectively.(NAN)

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, march 26, 2014

Stock Watch

Report as at Tuesday, March 25, 2014

PAGE 23

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, March 26, 2014

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Special Report

Malaysia plane: How do you mourn a missing person?

T

he relatives of passengers on board the missing Malaysian Airlines plane have been told the plane crashed in the ocean, with no survivors. So how hard is it to mourn a missing person?

When flight MH370 went missing, Prahlad Shirsath travelled from his home in North Korea to Beijing and then on to Malaysia as he searched for news of his wife’s whereabouts.

Kranti Shirsath, a former chemistry professor and mother of two, was travelling to see her husband who worked at a non-profit organisation in Pyongyang.

When there was no news and the days passed, Shirsath’s family called him back to his home country of India, where they could endure the uncertainty together. This is called an “ambiguous loss”, says Pauline Boss, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota, who treats people undergoing this unique kind of bereavement. There is no physical proof of death - no body - so people cling to the hope that the missing are still alive. “People can’t begin mourning when there is ambiguous loss they’re frozen,” says Boss.

“Frequently, society thinks they should be mourning but, in fact, they are stuck in limbo between thinking their loved one might come back and thinking they might not.” This is

of not knowing” and the other in the practicality of everyday life.

“I always thought that if something happened to my child, I would die - but you don’t,” she says.

Damien was last seen at a fish and chips shop near his house in Cowes, after a night out with friends.

Several theories about what happened have come out since - some think he might have fallen into the sea and others, including his mother, believe he may have been murdered by drug dealers.

In 2013, the police posted a £20,000 reward for anyone with information that would help solve the case.

Valerie remembers a vivid dream about her son, in which she saw him across a motorway with her husband and younger son.

“I was elated they had found him, but then I woke up,” she says.

Dreams about loved ones are common for people whose relatives are missing. Sometimes, people even dream the ends of the incomplete stories of the missing person - that they are either dead and at peace or happy somewhere far away. Some cultures attach

a lot of significance to these dreams, says Boss, and it helps people to cope better with the ambiguity.

Ambiguous loss is less difficult to negotiate if you live in a culture - for example, where religions such as Hinduism and Islam are dominant - that tend to

Malaysia Prime Minister, Najib Razak

Daughter of passenger Chandrika Sharma shows family photo

a kind of suffering that freezes their grief, says the professor, author of Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved

Grief. The latest news that the plane probably crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, with no survivors,

An Indonesian search & rescue team keeps a lookout as they head to the Andaman Sea. Photo: EPA

is unlikely to release them from this limbo, she says.

“There is no closure even if they find definitely that the plane is in the ocean. They still have nobody to bury. It will always be ambiguous until remains are found or DNA evidence.”

People need to see evidence before they are assured that the death has occurred, says Professor Boss, and without that, grief is frozen and complicated.

A more clear-cut death is undoubtedly painful but funeral rituals can take place where there is a body, and family and friends come together to re-affirm that the person has died.

In the absence of a confirmed explanation for what happened, relatives imagine their own outcomes. Before the latest news, Kranti’s family, including her 16-year-old son, were inclined towards the one that offered most

hope - that the plane was hijacked, a scenario in which it was more likely that Kranti was alive.

Banner with messages for missing passengers “We don’t really have the strength to entertain the possibility of any bad news at the moment,” says Satish Shirsath, Prahlad’s younger brother, speaking a few days ago. He was the one who booked Kranti’s tickets online.

“I also feel that maybe if I had chosen another route - maybe if I had booked my sister-in-law from Pune instead of Bombay, then to Delhi and Beijing perhaps it would have been different,” he says.

When there is no knowledge of what happened, there is no one to attribute responsibility to, so blaming oneself is typical, says Boss. The first thing she tells families in therapy is that it is not their

fault.

Catastrophic events like 9/11 and the Asian tsunami left many relatives and friends waiting in vain for definitive news, but this kind of loss can also happen when someone walks out the door and never comes back.

“accept the fate that a higher power has delivered,” Boss says.

“The more ‘masteryoriented’ people are, the harder time they seem to have. Because you can’t manage it, you can’t master it, you have to live with not knowing and that

Valerie Nettles - whose son Damien went missing 17 years ago in the Isle of Wight when aged 16 - has learned to compartmentalise the pain.

She says she lives with one step in two different worlds - one in an “abyss

“

The more ‘masteryoriented’ people are, the harder time they seem to have. Because you can’t manage it, you can’t master it, you have to live with not knowing and that is very hard for most of us to do Relatives of MH370 passengers were distraught at the latest news

is very hard for most of us to do.”

Telling someone who has a missing relative to simply begin the mourning process is not helpful, she adds, because you cannot push those who are suffering in this way to accept any one scenario.

“My first question to the family is - what does this mean to you? And you get the answer and you can build on that,” she says.

Nettles is closely following the developments of the missing airplane from Texas, where she now lives. Having every detail played out so publicly must be a “rollercoaster” for the passengers’ loved ones, she says.

“It tears you apart - all the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘maybes’.” Nettles still wrestle with having decided to relax Damien’s curfew deadline the night he disappeared in 1996.

Seventeen years on she has tried to move on for her family but she says she is “limping through life”.

“I’m still hoping for something - I don’t know what,” she says.

Source: BBC Africa

PAGE 26

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

Property Boosting Nigeria’s housing stock with workers’ funds

With an estimated 16 million shortfall in the national housing stock, there is need for a radical policy review of the strategies that would accelerate the provision of decent accommodation for affluent and average income earning Nigerians.

It is important that the government has admitted the enormity of the situation by accepting to review existing mortgage services with a view to liberalising lending to citizens who are interested in owing personal houses. More importantly, there has been a deliberate effort to recognise the contributions of the private sector as the key driver of the economy.

F

ormer Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple, sometime last year, described as unimpressive previous efforts of government to get directly involved in building of houses.

For instance, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), established some 40 years ago, could deliver only 37, 000 houses, an average of just a thousand units per year. This is not a good record given the abundance of resources in the country.

Instructively, the houses were beyond the reach of the low income earners.

Although the houses were financed with tax payers money, they were priced too high and of comparatively low quality. In some instances, they were built on bad terrains and inaccessible neighborhoods.

All these contributed to high cost of delivery.

Invariably, only the rich could afford to buy and re-sell, thus defeating the intention of the government.

The Goodluck J o n a t h a n administration is, however, charting a new course through a long term

President Jonathan presenting house keys to a beneficiary of the Goodluck Jonathan Housing perspective planning – developing the right policies, strategies and frameworks and involving all stakeholders, especially the private sector in financing massive erection of new, standard houses. One of these new initiatives is the revitalisation of the National Housing Fund (NHF), with the introduction of an electronic collection platform in June, last year. The e-card was formally unveiled penultimate week by President Jonathan at an impressive ceremony where he also commissioned 270 housing units in the ‘Aviation Village’, along Abuja Airport Road.

The President,

who received his own e-card from the Supervising Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Musa Sada, an architect, recognised the benefits of the e-platform and noted that it will engender the confidence of contributors to the NHF while also eliminating fraud and promoting transparency with accountability.

Besides these immediate benefits, the NHF e-card is also seen as a huge step forward in achieving speed, accuracy, and value-added services.

The e-card is a form of identification card bearing the contributor’s name, participation number and photograph.

It also enables the holder to access records of his/her contributions using any of the information technology channels such as Automated Teller Machine, Pointof-Sale terminals and the internet.

Using the NHF e-collection platform web portal, a contributor can scrutinise his record of contributions online and print out a statement of account at a computer workstation around the world. Yet another benefit- NHF card can be used as an e-wallet to stash extra cash for purchases via POS terminals or online.

But only the extra cash, excluding the NHF funds, can be spent.

The managing director of the bank, Gimba Ya’u Kumo is elated at the success of the initiative. “Mr. President would be pleased to know that we have begun to harvest the benefits of the NHF e-collection platform, especially in the volume of NHF collections. For instance, the rate of collections rose significantly from about N700 million to over N2.2 billion per month. We estimate a further 100 per cent increase in monthly collections to achieve about N4 billion per month before the end of the year,” he said proudly.

Collection platform Managers of the ecollection platform, the Puzzles Group,

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, march 24, 2014

P A G E

Property

N13bn Ado Bayero Mall opens in Kano Stories by Aminu Imam

T

hose that doubted the take-off of the multi-billion naira project, christened as Ado Bayero Mall, have now been proven otherwise as its first group of tenants, led

by Shoprite, the South African retail chain last week commenced business operations within the expansive and exotic mall.

The takeoff of the mall, according to investors, will no

doubt lend credence to rebirthing Kano’s historic reputation as a trading and commercial centre in Northern Nigeria.

It will also serve as a major link for commerce on the Trans-Saharan trade Artist impression of Ado Bayero Mall route.

Though the located in the heart of Investment Services mall is not totally Kano city and named Limited, which is completed, close to after the city’s longest promoting the mall, 20 commercial spaces serving Monarch, His said “the mall will are up for grab. Ado Royal Highness Alhaji be the first of its in Northern Bayero Mall is the (Dr.) Ado Bayero; the kind mall is adjured to be Nigeria and as such first ultra-modern shopping mall in the biggest in Nigeria. is poised to trigger Messrs.

Alpine a host of innovative Northern Nigeria,

Quantity surveyors propose new infrastructure funding framework

W

ith the increasing dearth of funds to finance infrastructure development, a fresh funding framework similar to existing models in China, India and Malaysia may be in the offing, if continental governments buy into a submission by quantity surveyors for the establishment of African Infrastructure Development Bank (AIDB) or African Construction Development Bank (ACDB).

The bank is expected to be private sector driven to minimize bureaucracy while Government provides “seed money”. This will provide the much-needed long-term finance at low interest rate to contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.

The recommendation is the high point of a twoday workshop organised

by Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS)

for professionals in the built environment to identify and discuss in details the role of infrastructure in emerging economies of Africa; as the fulcrum for national development and sustainable growth as well as the impact, problems and challenges of infrastructural development.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the NIQS President, Malam Murtala Aliyu, Secretary, Professional Development and Library, Dr. Ejike Bedford Anunike and Secretary, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Olujide Oke, the body argued that governments cannot bear the financial burden of providing adequate infrastructure alone considering the huge capital out-lay required.

C o n s e q u e n t l y , integration of private sector investors into the conception, planning,

developments in urban planning in and around the subregion. With its state of the art design and construction, Ado Bayero Mall aims to change the face of commerce in Kano

Property of the week Brick City Phase 2, Kubwa, Abuja

B

rick City Abuja is a novel concept in the Federal capital

Territory (FCT), planned on 61.5 hectres of plain and well drained

land. The estate is located in Kubwa, along Abuja-Zuba expressway, before

10,000 Nigerians to own houses in 2014 - Okonjo-

T

he Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, on Monday said 10,000 Nigerians would own houses in 2014 through the Nigerian Mortgage R e f i n a n c i n g

Company (NMRC).

Okonjo-Iweala, who is also the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, stated this at a Stakeholders Housing Summit in Abuja.

She said that the government had already received funds for the programme from the World Bank and additional $25 million (about N4.1 billion) for micro

financing and mass housing initiative.

She said the 25 million dollars would be utilised for the mass housing initiative and to help persons at the bottom of the society

to repair their old houses.

She assured that the NMRC would begin operations at the end of June, 2014.

Okonjo-Iweala said that money would be pushed

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

Motoring

PAGE 28

Fiat 500 looks like nothing else on the road

Y

ou typically have to look well outside the economy car segment if you want a car with a high level of style and personality. But leave it to the Italians to come up with an exception. The 2014 Fiat 500 looks like nothing else on the road, it’s personable and, depending on the model, it’s actually pretty fun to drive.

Though diminutive in size, the Fiat 500 has been a modest hit for the Fiat brand. From the outside, the charm of the original Fiat Cinquecento (500) from decades past lives on in the styling of today’s modern interpretation.

This little car is easy to park in tight spaces, it has a pretty comfortable ride quality and it returns very good fuel economy if you pick the base engine and the manual transmission. If stellar mpg isn’t your top concern, the sprightly Turbo and sporty Abarth models are more likely to put a grin on your face. A retracting fabric convertible roof is also available on most trims for an al fresco driving experience.

Did we mention it’s Italian, though? Yes, there are some functional issues with the 500, and depending on your feelings toward the car, you might call them problems or dismiss them as part of its character. Coupes with the

optional sunroof are noticeably short on headroom. Fiat says it has lowered the front passenger seat to help out this year, but given the snug quarters in here, taller adults are still likely to have an issue. Opting for the convertible certainly cures this problem, but creates another in the process as rearward visibility is reduced.

Besides these drawbacks, points are also deducted for the 500’s slow acceleration with the base engine, tiny rear seats, unintuitive controls, limited automatic transmission availability, reduced cargo capacity in the convertible version and decidedly budgetgrade interior materials.

Comparisons to the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Beetle are inevitable. Both are typically more expensive, but the new Mini is more customizable and sharper-driving, while the solidfeeling Beetle is roomier. And from a practical standpoint, traditional four-door economy cars like the Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta just make more sense both financially and from a dailyuse standpoint. Flawed as it is, though, the 2014 Fiat 500 still manages to cram a lot of style and fun into a small package.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options Classified as a two-door

subcompact, the 2014 Fiat 500 is available either as a hatchback or convertible. The hatchback is offered in five trim levels: Pop, Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth.

The convertible 500C comes in Pop, Lounge and Abarth trims.

Standard features for the base Pop trim include 15-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, keyless entry, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, 50/50 split-folding rear seats, a trip computer, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio input and iPod integration.

The Sport trim is only offered as a coupe and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a few sporty exterior styling touches, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, front sport seats, a front passenger seat armrest, a sport steering wheel and an upgraded Alpine audio system. The Turbo trim adds a more powerful engine, bigger brakes, a roof spoiler, perforated cloth seats and a leather-wrapped shift knob but goes without the audio upgrade.

The range-topping Lounge trim foregoes the sporty upgrades in favor of more luxurious

appointments like 15-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, a fixed glass roof, automatic climate control, premium cloth upholstery and satellite radio. The 500C convertible models gain a three-position power cloth top and rear parking sensors.

To the Pop trim you can add the Beats Premium Audio package, which includes premium speakers with a trunk-mounted subwoofer and satellite radio. The Sport and Turbo trims are eligible for the Comfort and Convenience package that adds automatic climate control, satellite radio and heated front seats. A Luxury Leather package is available for Lounge models only and includes rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Some of the upper trims’ features are available on the lower trims as options. Other options include a sunroof, various interior and exterior trim upgrades, an integrated TomTom navigation system and a wind deflector for convertibles.

Standing apart from the pack, the performance-focused Fiat 500 Abarth is outfitted similar to the Turbo trim but distinguishes itself with more power, distinctive exterior and interior styling tweaks and sportier suspension tuning. Seventeen-inch wheels with summer performance tires are available as an option.

Two special-edition Fiat 500s are also new for 2014. The 1957 Edition (commemorating the year the original 500 was introduced) is based on the Lounge trim and features three charming vintage wheel designs, exterior color schemes and badging, along with unique leather combinations on the inside. The GQ Edition convertible, produced in concert with the popular men’s magazine, takes the Turbo trim as a starting point and embellishes the exterior with more aggressive bodywork and adds premium leather treatments and trim inside.

Source: Edmunds.com

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

Page 29

Arts & Culture

FROM THE LIVE STAGE

Book Review

Trio for Abuja literary event

with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

The Lion and the Jewel opens in Abuja

I

Oyegbile

Zainab

Samson

wo writers, Iresiri Samson and Yinka Olagbile, and a musician, Zainab Sule, will share the spotlight on the platform of the Abuja Writers’ Forum’s March 29 edition of the popular Guest Writer Session.

Kukogho Iresiri Samson, a reporter, editor and social media manager with the Abuja-based Daily Trust (Media Trust Ltd.) holds a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and two certificates in Film Making and Television Production from the National Film Institute and the Nigerian Television College respectively.

A web content manager, across several CMS platforms, editor, public speaker, especially on creative writing, and a self taught social media expert, he writes and executes social media campaign plans for all budgets and manage social media profiles for individuals and corporate organisation.

He published his debut poetry collection, What Can Words Do? in 2013. One of the poems from the collection, ‘Where is The Breathe of Fresh Air’, won the Orange Crush 1st Prize for Poetry 2012. also the founder of the Words Rhymes & Rhythm Group, an initiative which started from a single blog and Facebook page but now has a combined fan base of over 15,000 across several social media networks.

Olayinka Oyegbile was born and raised in Jos, Plateau State. Although his parents are from Ogbomoso in Oyo State, he never left the north until he was almost a teenager.

Until his secondary school days his hometown was just a name because he felt at home in Jos and other parts of the north where he had lived and travelled widely.

After his secondary education in Kwara State he worked in Jos for about four

years before he proceeded to Bayero University Kano where he graduated with a degree (Second Class Upper) in Mass Communication.

He also holds a Postgraduate degree from the University of Jos. It was while working in Jos that he honed his craft as a writer and journalist by freelancing for The Nigeria Standard Newspapers and writing play scripts for both radio and television stations.

His stories have been published both at home and abroad.

The love of journalism took him away from Jos to join The Guardian newspapers in Lagos. He has since worked with The Punch, Daily Independent, TELL magazine, NEXT Newspapers where he was Associate Editor from where he joined The Nation as Deputy Editor of the Sunday title.

Although Home Away From Home: History of Ogbomosho Peope In Jos is his first published book, he has written a couple of short stories and travelogues. He is one of Nigeria’s most travelled journalists and has won several international awards.

Among these are World Health Organisation (WHO), Public Health Reporting Fellowship, American Cancer Society Fellowship, the prestigious Knight Fellowship and a host of others. He is a member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and has been the lead Country Reporter for the Washington DC based Global I ntegrity yearly publication titled CORRUPTION NOTEBOOK. In a recent interview he said, “Journalism has snatched me from writing fiction. My dream was to be a writer and that I have achieved with my journalism and I have been rewarded with numerous awards that have taken me to almost all corners of the globe. My book, Home Away

From Home , is my offering to making Nigeria a great nation as some of the ones I have visited.”

To some people, Zainab Sule is a Nigerian Singer Songwriter who does rock music. To others, she’s a pro web designer. It all depends on the angle you look at it.

Her sounds have been referred to as a “mixture of Tracy Chapman and Avril Lavigne, mixed with a touch of soul”. Though new to the Music Scene, she’s fast turning one time listeners to screaming fans, and making people fall in love with the music, and the person behind it.

Zainab also holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Jos, and 3 CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster) Certifications in Web Design. When she’s not writing songs, or on some musical tour somewhere, you’ll find Zainab working as a consultant to some major companies under her company name and alter ego, Pishon Designs.

Just three years into her blossoming career as a professional musician, Zainab already has two full length albums, some amazing singles, countless reviews and many performances in Nigeria and beyond.

Zainab has her 2 albums available on iTunes & other online stores, and a book of Poetry available on Amazon Kindle. She’s currently working on her Live Acoustic Sessions and more music videos to promote her sound.

The Guest Writer Session, which started in June 2008, holds at the prestigious Nanet Suites located at the Central Business District in Abuja, and runs from 4-7pm on the last Saturday of every month. It also features side attractions of poetry performance, mini art exhibition, a raffle-draw for books, and a stirring dose of live music.

T

t has been a very interesting year. With eight different performances and the year is just starting. This is the only way to keep sanity in these our lovely land –just keep on working.

We will open Wole Soyinka’s The Lion And The Jewel at the premises of the French Institute in Wuse 2 on Thursday 27th to Saturday 29th March. The play had been commissioned for another different situation but it was not to be after suffering several postponements and differed several times, we are going ahead to ensure that the efforts of all the actors and actresses do not go to waste. We had performed it to a very enthusiastic audience at the 8th Jos Festival of Theatre and we are continuing the run in Abuja hopefully to another kind of audience.

The play is set in the village of Ilujinle. Sidi is the village belle much admired by Lakunle, the village teacher who wants her hand in marriage.

Their relationship was almost sealed except that Sidi maintained that her bride price must be paid to maintain her reputation. Lakunle who has been to Lagos is filled with modern ideas and consequently he is reluctant to descend so low to pay as he considers the idea very archaic.

Baroka, the Chief of Ilujinle also wants to add Sidi to his harem but knowing that Sidi is a proud and stubborn girl, she will not accept his advances. He thus resorted to deceit with the connivance of his first wife, Sadiku who tells Sidi that Baroka has become impotent. Sidi proceeds to taunt Baroka only to find the opposite.

Sidi ends up in Baroka’s harem ignoring the final attempts of Lakunle to marry her as she has tasted the strength of the Lion.

The play opens at 7pm each evening with Seyi Babalola as Lakunle with his verbose and extensive English and Sunny Adahson as the Bale Baroka with his wily and wise ways.

These are indeed times when we are in search of distractions in our nation. Shortly after the NIS tragedy and the other serial tragedies we have been confronted with, it is time for welcome distractions until the time comes when we should be able to ask for our common dues to be able to live like human beings with very simply needs and wants.

It is another season of travelling. All my weeks are booked solid for the next three months and it is all very interesting because I am yet to take a very clean break in the last two years. I am ready for my break anytime from now but somehow I find that I might just be living in a dream world. I just came back from one of such trips and it was very interesting finding a group of villagers in a remote corner of the country making a serious living out of cashew nuts processing and exportation. The road to this village is not tarred. They do not have light neither so they have water but each household in the village makes a very serious living out of picking and bagging cashew seeds which trailers from as far away as the West African coast line come to carry away and I understand they return to us in processed cans which we then buy and eat very proud that we are connoisseurs of imported cashew nuts!

The rural people do not ask for much. They even said that since the trailers have found their way to the village they do not need any enabling environment since they do not understand what that means anyway. It is very interesting that since I have been small, these cashew trees have always existed in these villages but now they have found another use for them as a serious means of earning a living in the midst of serious deprivation.

See you at the performance of Wole Soyinka’s The Lion And The Jewel.

Page 30

Arts & Culture

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

Book Review

“Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation In And From My Country” Title: “Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation In And From My Country” Author: Nwachukwu Egbunike Reviewer: Noel Ihebuzor Publisher: Feathers and Ink, Ibadan Year of Publication: 2012 Number of Pages: 388

O

ne of the greatest difficulties in reviewing a book made up of articles written at different points in time is uncovering a common thread that unites all the articles contained in it. I must say that this was not my experience in my review of Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation in and from My Country by NwachukwuEgbunike and I am so happy that I was spared that difficulty. For though the book is a collection of essays, a common thread of love, patriotism, optimism, empathy for Nigerian in all her travails runs through the book uniting the various articles therein.

The title also gives away some of the author’s intention.

Conversation is mentioned in the title and so it is indeed, for in all the articles, one meets an author who is listening attentively and also talking to his country – a talk rich in understanding, concern, compassion, humour, occasional sarcasm, sadness but never in pessimism.

The collection of articles is quite impressive and covers themes such as life, death, politics, social conditions, interpersonal relations, the spirit of enterprise, decay of infrastructure, comatose social services, gender and the role of women, the arts, religion... and all of this in a writing that speaks hope even when the subject at hand is sad, and in a style which does not patronise the reader or the subject under treatment.

Dyed Thoughts can be likened to a panoramic sketch of the numerous challenges of nationhood in our country as articles in it touch on virtually everything from the problems of the Niger Delta, environmental pollution and the head on clash between a motley collection of discontented militants and local environmentalists on the one hand and the oil companies on the other, to the early beginnings of a religion driven radicalization and terrorism (the Mutallab bumble), to communal conflicts, through to the mess in our banking industry, the challenges of steady electricity generation and distribution, the growing and unsettling materialism, the demise of the arts and culture, election petitions and contested results right up to the fuel subsidy protest. The exemplary lives of successful Nigerians are celebrated in some articles. The works Governor Chime and Professor Nebo are appreciated and praised. Nwachukwu’s choice of his heroes is also significant as it shows a completely detribalised Nigerian. For instance, Bajah and Sanusi are singled out for well-earned praises whilst his commentary on the activities of one Nigerian politician shows his abhorrence for politics driven by a cult of self, opportunism and expediency.

The articles are well researched and the depth of treatment gives an insight into the mind of the author.

Sociological insights and empathy are strong points in these articles, particularly empathy, which is born from a palpable humanist impulse nurtured by Nwachukwu’s Christian faith. It is this interaction of a humanist empathy and Christian faith that produces the general conclusion that emerges at the end of the book - that things could be better in Nigeria if her citizens applied themselves with dedication to crucial tasks of nation building.

The book is divided into nine unequal parts vizrandom mulling, factual, in the public square, the humanities humanize, spoofing scripts, chalks and classrooms, accolades and farewells, Q&A and credo. It is impossible in a review of this nature to go into all the articles so I will simply contend myself with randomly picking and providing the flimsiest of commentaries on a few articles in the hope that I would have whetted the appetite of the reader to then grab a copy of the book and savour its richness.

Let me then quickly run through some articles that caught my fancy. “Mama Anambra” is lament for

Anambra State, Nwachukwu’s state of origin and of her political travails, whilst “An eye for details” is an essay in praise of hard work.

“Justice first, mercy later” is a call for prompt and impartial judicial processes, whilst “Why are we no longer surprised” is an essay on corruption and a proposal on ways to address and gradually eradicate this plague. “Hope for a troubled land” is a recognition of our national crisis but with an appeal for all to come together and save her. “The more things change, nothing changes” is a lament over the vicissitudes in the anti-corruption campaign and forceful condemnation of resistance to change. Though frustration runs through the article, stubborn hope and faith also surface in it, “I no find kerosene buy” and “Power play” criticize failing social services, unsteady power supply, corruption and other social ills plaguing Nigeria, whilst “Sounding the death knell on the Niger Bridge” is a lament over the flip flop of policies and the politicization of decision making. “PhDs for sale” is a stinging critique of the Nigerian society’s fondness for titles, the underfunding of tertiary institutions and the commercialization of honorary doctorate degrees, whilst “Leeches on our roads” is about the rent seeking and parasitic behaviour of most Nigerians who find themselves in law enforcement or gate keeping functions. “Pornographic science in schools” is essentially a plea for age appropriate curriculum content in schools.

“Why African economies are teetering” takes up the issue of governance and corruption and argues that it is mis-governance and corruption that holds us down. A similar theme is treated in “I pledge to Nigeria” which is a critique of the death of values and the progressive erosion of morals in our system and how these show up in corrupt practices. There is even an article, “So you want to write?” which provides invaluable coaching for budding writers.

“Witches, MASSOB, MOPOL and my person of the year” is soaked in a fine blend of bathos and pathos – with very deft sarcasm he exposes the superstition of the average Nigerian, the preaching industry with its new found obsession with demons, witches and wizards, the unending exploitation of travellers by either the agberos or the MOPOL, the everyday drama one witnesses of east bound buses and the poor condition of our

roads. “Sweet-sour adventure to Cameroon” aptly illustrates the challenges facing true regional integration in Africa. Though the experiences on the trip were harsh, it is to the author’s credit that he manages to suppress any bitterness and is thus able to end the story on a positive note. “Is life a terminal illness?” takes us to a closer examination of life, living and death and touches in passing on our attitudes to death, our expensive burial rites and some of our practices at death which are inimical to women.

“AIDS: let’s face fact” is the author’s head on assault on condom promotion as the most promoted method for HIV/AIDS prevention. Invoking facts from molecular biology, Nwachukwu argues that condoms are not as safe as they are presented to be. The central message is that all three methods of prevention:abstinence, fidelity and condom use should be promoted and the final choice left to the human agent. As we say in reproductive health campaigns on safe sex, the choices here are as clear as ABC. In another article, the author looks at the issue of gay rights and how these align or agree with African world views and here one notices for the first time a sign of rigidity in position which contrasts sharply with Nwachukwu’s largely liberal attitude in most of the essays.

One is tempted to attribute this rigidity to his Catholic background!

Part IV, which is on the humanities, is a thrill to read and all the more thrilling as Nwachukwu shows in it that, his background in the sciences notwithstanding, he is at home with all the techniques of incisive literary criticism and sociological analysis.

This section kicks off with a lament of the dearth of new literary giants in Nigeria since Achebe and then broadens to treat the reader to an excellently executed reviews of a novel, of a book on democracy by Jega, of Munoz’s book, “The past in the present” a book in which Munoz struggles to reconcile the past with the present and to suggest ways in which knowledge from and of the past could be used in the present as Africa struggles to go forward. There is also a review of Mark Nwagwu’s book “Forever chimes”, a novel with very intricate plots and subplots and surprising denouement. Each of these reviews is done with great compassion, delicacy, depth and thoroughness. The guided tour of the Oshogbo Sacred Groove is done with style, charm and one almost feels as if one were there in person with the author.

The foregoing is imperfect synopsis of a rich, entertaining and informative book. A number of the chapters were written in the 2004-2008 period and a few in the (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan) GEJ era. The chapters are of unequal length but the tone and language are simple and evenly paced. Irony and sarcasm surface here and there and there is also the occasional sense of nostalgia for times past. Nwachukwu’s take on corruption is quite fresh - a Fabian approach that seeks to progressively achieve behaviour change rather than a head on challenge. The author’s take on the 2011 election shows considerable sympathy for President Jonathan and with it the hope that the GEJ presidency would live up to the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians who trooped out to vote for him. The hope is an important one for Nwachukwu who in a number of articles in the collection has lamented the failures of leadership and the progressive enthronement of a cult of mediocrity as the bane of our polity!

POEM OF THE WEEK Cut to the heart I wanted a sunrise instead The moonlight pours into my cells So Helen Martin’s ghost has come for me She has bided her time well While India shatters at my feet Standing at the edge of it is an angel of water With wings made of ice–soporific vampire You landed like an avalanche I started off by trimming your icicles When you couldn’t keep your hands to yourself The pupil is radiant, so are the missing case studies A table has been set for me A forked tongue where my water glass should be I think in another life I might have been Virginia Woolf Rage is splashed against my childhood love Her name is ‘mother’ She tastes like cold plums I must be mad if I am having visions Of a woman sleepwalking in my house Wearing an alluring scarlet cloak Dripping blood where it Is not supposed to be like a vampire Bleeding into the fragile lines of being– The eternal that is love and death There is pain in the fire Of her belly not unlike the India of my sister’s travels My vision is formidable, dark and as serious as war She takes the perfume of wine, roses, And discontent wherever she goes The evidence of fear follows swiftly–she burns me Like lava and it is only the knowledge of childlike Innocence that keeps my mind far away from hers I become like a child once again In my dreams, the smell of rain in my hair Climbing over my parents thrones in the living room Already housing collections of darkness visible.

Source: Africanwriter.com

QUOTE “A castaway adrift on my own little island rich and with my family along with thousands of beautiful, drunken tourists to keep me company.” - excerpt from Confessions of an Internet Pornographer.” ― Luis Mario

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

Page 31

International

Can the Kuwait Summit prevent another Arab Cold War? ANALYSIS

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he Arab Summit, hosted by Kuwait will b e he l d u n d e r t h e slogan “Solidarity for a Better Future”. Yet, the current state of affairs in the Arab world permits talking about anything except solidarity. The Arab world has never been as divided as it appears today.

In fact, forming regional alliances that reflect both regional and international dynamics has always been a trademark of Arab politics. The latent force behind division has been ideological, sectarian, competition over leadership of the Arab world and more recently the standing on the Arab Spring.

In the 1950s and 1960s the Arab world was divided into proSoviet Arab nationalists led by Egypt and pro-West conservatives led by Saudi Arabia. The two camps fought what the late Middle East expert Malcolm Kerr called “The Arab Cold War”, with hefty costs.

Egypt’s exit from the ArabIsraeli conflict, following the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978, changed Arab alignments.

Syria and Iraq led the efforts to isolate Egypt and prevent further erosion in the Arab-Israeli balance of power.

The new alignment did not last long before the focus of division shifted, wherein the position on the Iranian revolution and the IranIraq war became the new fault line.

Syria, Libya and Algeria supported Iran whereas the Arab Gulf states, Egypt and Jordan aided Iraq.

Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait reshaped the map with Syria, Egypt and the GCC countries joining the US-led coalition to drive Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. Meanwhile, Jordan, the PLO and Yemen backed Iraq, in rhetoric of course.

Following the Madrid peace conference in the early 1990s, a Pax-Americana “peace axis” to contain both Iran and Iraq was formed. Saudi Arabia, Syria and Egypt played key role in the implementation of the “dual containment” policy. For 10 years, Iran and Iraq were isolated, weakened, and treated as pariahs in the region and by the international community.

After the US occupation of Iraq in 2003, a new regional alignment emerged with Iran, Syria, Hamas and Hezbollah acting as a resistance axis. Egypt, Jordan and the GCC countries, except for Qatar, formed the camp of moderates. The conflict between these two regional axes was most clear during the 2006 war in Lebanon and the 2008 Israeli

Arab leaders pose for a group photo with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, host of the 25th Arab Summit

attack against Hamas in Gaza.

The Arab Spring did not change the dynamic but made it more complex. As a revolution of freedom and dignity, the Arab Spring was ideologically blind. When it hit, it did not distinguish between the “moderate” Hosni Mubarak and the “resistant” Bashar al-Assad; hence the complication.

For almost half a century, the Arab world was divided into two major camps and the division was largely based on ideological differences and the position on Israel and the West.

After the Arab revolutions, three rival groups emerged with multiple fault lines. They involved almost all sort of contrasts: Ideological, sectarian, personal, and geo-political. First, we have the axis of resistance, which remained largely undeterred although it has been hard hit by the Arab Spring. The exit of Hamas and the inclusion of the Iraq Maliki government was viewed by many as a largely Shiite camp.

Second, the pro-revolution axis, which includes Turkey and Qatar, opposes the military coup in Egypt and calls for the restoration of the democratic process.

Third, the counter-revolution axis is led by Saudi Arabia and includes the UAE, Egypt and Jordan. The three rival groups are involved in a titanic confrontation throughout the region but particularly in Egypt and Syria, with different interests and stakes though.

The division within the Arab community of states over the position on the Arab Spring reached a new climax early this month when Saudi Arabia and two other Gulf states withdrew their ambassadors from Doha.

The official statement attributed the move to Qatar’s failure to commit to the principles of “noninterference, directly or indirectly in the internal affairs of any GCC state, and to refrain from backing anyone who threatens the security and stability of the GCC countries,

“

whether as groups or individuals, via direct security work or through political influence, and stop supporting hostile media”.

Clearly, the decision was intimately linked to Al-Jazeera’s favourable coverage of Arab revolutions, Qatar’s political and economic support for postrevolution Arab governments, and hosting Arab opposition figures, particularly the anti-Egypt military coup Muslim Brotherhood.

From the outset, Saudi Arabia viewed the Arab Spring as a threat and acted accordingly. It hosted the first deposed Arab president, Tunisia’s Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and offered to host Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak after failing to rescue his rule. In Libya, despite the animosity, Saudi Arabia showed no enthusiasm for the overthrow of the Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

In fact, Saudi Arabia’s position on the Libyan revolution was largely negative. Had it not been for the geopolitical dimension

For almost half a century, the Arab world was divided into two major camps and the division was largely based on ideological differences and the position on Israel and the West.

of the Syrian conflict, and the fear of Iran’s regional hegemony should the Syrian regime survive, Saudi Arabia’s position would not have been different on the Syrian revolution.

Indeed, Saudi Arabia’s greatest success was in Egypt, the most contested issue with Qatar. On July 3, 2013, the Egyptian army, under the command of Minister of Defense General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, overthrew President Mohammed Morsi.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE played critical role in sustaining the post-Morsi military-backed government in Cairo. Had it not been for Riyadh’s open backing, the coup’s chances of success would have been very low.

As the host country of the Arab summit, the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad has been trying for some time to mend fences between Qatar on one hand and Egypt and Saudi Arabia on the other.

Yet, the withdrawal of ambassadors from Doha and the Saudi designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group have complicated his efforts.

Furthermore, with division hitting the heart of the most homogeneous Arab regional system - the GCC - and with three Arab axes fighting what each of them sees as a make or break battle, it is very difficult to understand the meaning of the slogan of the Kuwait Arab summit.

In fact, the summit will be considered successful if it manages to only prevent further escalation between rival brothers and hence the breakout of a mini Cold War within the GCC. Source: Al Jazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

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International Egypt adjourns trial of Brotherhood leader, others

Kenya beefs up security after discovery of ammunition in mall

K

enyan police said yesterday that they have beefed up security around Nairobi particularly in major shopping malls after the discovery of four empty ammunition boxes at a retail chain in Nairobi.

Nairobi police commander Benson Kibue confirmed that four empty ammunition boxes were discovered late Monday at the basement of Nakumatt Junction Supermarket but refused to divulge more information on the discovery.

Kibue said the boxes were found abandoned on a trolley at the basement of the Nakumatt which the police suspect might have stayed there for long. Workers at the retail chain said the boxes have been at the basement since Sunday.

“We have not found the owners of the bullets and the destination of the bullets and for what motive they were to be used. We are investigation,” a senior police officer who did not want to be named told Xinhua on Tuesday.

The officer said investigators are looking for the bullets which they fear might be used to cause mayhem in the country.

“Each box contains 50 bullets.

We fear the criminals wanted to use them to kill shoppers at the supermarket which is frequented by many shoppers,” he said.

The police have called on business community operating in the city to cooperate and screen all cars and visitors entering their businesses in the city.

Workers at the supermarket said the attendants found the boxes when they were returning the trolleys into the premises but added that the police arrived at the scene and took the bullets away.

“We don’t know who these boxes reached the basement because we do screen shoppers and all vehicles which park at the basement,” one of the workers at the Nakumatt junction.

“We have increased patrols around the city to ensure Nairobians are safe. We are not taking any chances,” said a senior police officer who did not want to be named.

The authorities have particularly warned against the laxity in the screening of cars for explosives at all shopping malls and any business or social gatherings with at least 10 people at any given moment that these might be vulnerable to attacks.

A

n Egyptian court has opened and adjourned a second mass trial of 683 alleged supporters of deposed president Mohamed Mursi, including the Muslim Brotherhood’s top leader, Mohammed Badie, on charges of murder, incitement of violence and sabotage.

The proceedings in Minya, south of Cairo, yesterday, which have been adjourned until April 28, came a day after the same court handed down death sentences to 529 suspected backers of Mursi over a deadly attack on a police station.

A lawyer at the trial said sentencing would take place at the April 28 hearing, the AFP news agency reported.

The charges in yesterday’s proceedings also stemmed from rioting last August sparked by the security forces’ storming of two Brotherhood sit-ins in Cairo that killed over 600 people.

The dispersal of the protest camps came weeks after the military overthrew Mursi following days of

… Mass death sentences spark outrage

Badie

massive protests in which millions demanded he step down for abusing power.

Only 68 of the 683 defendants were in the dock on yesterday. The rest were being tried in absentia.

A handful of other defendants held in the case, including the Brotherhood’s spiritual leader Mohammed Badie and other senior figures who are jailed in Cairo, were not present at the trial in Minya.

Meanwhile, The death sentences handed out by an Egyptian court against 529 supporters of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood have sparked widespread outrage and international condemnation.

Guinea bans bats to curb Ebola virus outbreak

G

uinea has banned the sale and consumption of bats to prevent the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, its health minister has said.

Bats appeared to be the “main agents” for the Ebola outbreak in the remote south, Rene Lamah said.

Sixty-two people have now been killed by the virus in Guinea, with suspected cases reported in neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Ebola is spread by close contact and kills between 25% and 90% of victims.

There is no known cure or vaccine.

Symptoms include internal and

Health workers in Guinea attend to an Ebola virus patient

external bleeding, diarrhoea and vomiting.

It is said to be the first time Ebola has struck Guinea, with recent outbreaks thousands of miles away, in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mr Lamah announced the ban on the sale and consumption of bats during a tour of Forest Region, the epicentre of the epidemic, reports the BBC’s Alhassan Sillah from the capital, Conakry.

The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said it had set up two quarantine sites in southern Guinea to try to contain the outbreak, the Associated Press news agency reports.

Tuareg leader to Mali government: Start talks or risk new revolt

T

he leader of a new armed group in Mali’s troubled north said the central government in Bamako could face another uprising of his Tuareg people if it resists pressure to launch long-delayed talks on the region’s future.

Mali exploded into violence when Tuareg separatist fighters tried to take over the north in early 2012. Islamist militants eventually occupied the region, triggering a French military intervention last year that drove most of the militants out.

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, elected in August 2013, is now trying to rebuild Mali, a vast, landlocked former French colony of 16 million people, with the help of billions of dollars in Western aid.

But critics say Keita’s election

promise to build a strong, united Mali is being undermined by his failure to start talks with the Tuaregs, a nomadic people in the north who have rebelled four times since 1960.

The light-skinned Tuaregs say black African governments in Bamako have consistently excluded them from power.

“We would like to give talks a chance and we are asking Bamako to sit down at the negotiating table,” Ibrahim Ag Mohamed Assaleh of the Coalition for the People of Azawad (CPA) told Reuters by telephone from Burkina Faso on Monday.

“If the Bamako government doesn’t want to suffer from shortterm memory, it should recall that we took up arms many times since 1963

because they didn’t listen to us.”

The U.N. Security Council has also warned of a radicalisation of fighters unless talks resume.

Ag Assaleh, a leading Tuareg negotiator for a peace accord sealed

last June, launched the CPA this month after falling out with the main Tuareg separatist group behind the 2012 uprising, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA).

Assaleh

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

International Arab summit strives to heal rifts, stave off ‘enormous’ peril

W

arning of “enormous” d ang e rs, Ku w ait urged Arab leaders yesterday to resolve a lengthening list of disputes complicating crises such as Syria’s war and political strife in the biggest Arab state, Egypt.

Page 33

The annual summit of the 22-member Arab League also heard an appeal from the U.N. peace mediator for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, for an end the flow of arms to the combatants in the war, which has killed over 140,000 people and forced millions to flee.

Brahimi did not name the suppliers, but Saudi Arabia and Qatar are believed to be the main Arab funders of military assistance to rebels in Syria, while non-Arab Iran is the main regional power backing President Bashar al-Assad.

“ T h e whole re gion is in danger,” of being dragged into the conflict, Brahimi said, calling for renewed efforts to find a political settlement to the crisis, now in its fourth year.

Kuwait’s emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, urged Arab states to solve rifts he said were blocking joint Arab action.

“The dangers around us are enormous and we will not move towards joint Arab action without our unity and without casting aside our difference,” Sheikh Sabah, the summit host, said.

He named no country. But he was apparently referring to worsening disputes among Arab states over the political role of Islamists in the region, and over what many Gulf states see as interference in their affairs by Shi’ite Muslim Iran, locked in a struggle for regional influence with Sunni power Saudi Arabia.

The summit follows an unusual row within the Gulf Cooperation Council alliance of Gulf Arab states over Qatari support for Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, and a spat between Iraq and Saudi Arabia over violence in Iraq’s Anbar province.

Gulf states tend to keep their disputes private, making a move

Najib Razak announced that Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished more than two weeks ago while flying to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur, had crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.

Citing satellite-data analysis by British firm Inmarsat, he said there was now no doubt that the Boeing jet came down in the ocean in one of the most remote places on Earth - an implicit admission that all 239 people on board had died.

Bad weather in the region far off Australia’s western coast on Tuesday forced the suspension of the search for any wreckage, just as a series of satellite images and other sightings of floating objects had raised hopes that debris from the plane would be found.

Malaysia’s confused initial response to the Boeing 777’s

disappearance and a perception of poor communications has enraged many relatives of the more than 150

Chinese passengers and strained ties between Beijing and Kuala Lumpur.

Thailand, killing at least 30 people.

The accident happened on Monday evening in Tak, which borders Myanmar, as

several buses ferried Thai local government workers for a field trip to Laos.

Tak’s provincial governor Suriya Prasatbunditya said 22 people were injured in the crash that occurred when the driver tried to pass other cars on a steep, winding mountain road.

The driver, who survived the accident with a broken rib, said he tried to slow down but claimed the brakes stopped working, according to Suriya.

“The brakes failed as the bus came downhill on a hilly road and it crashed through the concrete barrier and fell into a 150-metre deep ravine,” a local police captain, Sittichai Panyasong, told the AFP news agency.

The empty seat of the Syrian delegation is seen during the 25th Arab Summit

Chinese families clash with police, slam Malaysia over lost plane

D

ozens of angry relatives of passengers on a lost Malaysian jetliner clashed with police in Beijing yesterday, accusing the Southeast Asian country of “delays and deception” a day after it confirmed the plane crashed in remote seas off Australia.

About 20 to 30 protesters threw water bottles at the Malaysian embassy and tried to storm the building, demanding to meet the ambassador, witnesses said.

Earlier, the relatives, many with tear-stained faces, had linked arms and chanted “Malaysian government has cheated us” and “Malaysia, return our relatives” as they marched peacefully and held banners.

The relatives’ grief and anger was unleashed on Monday night after Malaysian Prime Minister

Family members of passengerson board Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 attempt to push past policemen during a protest in Beijing

Thai bus crash leaves dozens dead

O

fficials say a doubledecker bus carrying municipal workers on a field trip plunged off a steep road into a ravine in western

Health workers and on-lookers stand by bodies of victims killed in the accident

Suriya said there were more than 300 accidents on the same road last year.

Thailand’s roads are among the world’s deadliest and accidents are common, especially on buses travelling late at night.

A recent report by the World Health Organisation said Thailand saw about 38 road deaths per 100,000 people in 2010, behind only the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean and the South Pacific island of Niue.

That compares with an average of 18.5 per 100,000 in Southeast Asia as a whole.

In December, dozens of people were killed when a bus carrying New Year travellers plunged off one of Thailand’s highest bridges in the country’s

Asia & Middle East

Doubts surface on Gaza destination of rockets seized by Israel

S

ome U.S. intelligence analysts and Middle East security officials believe that a rocket shipment seized by the Israeli navy in the Red Sea this month was destined for the Egyptian Sinai and not for the Gaza Strip, as Israel says.

A U.S. official and two nonIsraeli regional sources said Israel appeared to be insisting on the Gaza destination in order to spare the military-backed interim Egyptian administration embarrassment as it struggles to impose order in the Sinai.

Israel has little compunction about drawing scrutiny to the rocket arsenals of Gaza’s governing Hamas Islamists and other armed Palestinian factions, with whom it has regularly clashed.

“Were the Israelis to say the rockets were going to Sinai, then they would also have had to say who in Sinai was going to receive the rockets,” one source told Reuters, adding that such a statement would draw attention to the insurgents resisting Egypt’s security sweeps in northern Sinai.

Israel says the Syrianmade M302 rockets and other munitions were hidden aboard the Panamanian-flagged Klos C while it docked in Iran. The ship was intercepted on March 5, en route to Sudan - where, Israel says, the arms would have been offloaded and trucked to Gaza through Egypt, a standard trafficking route.

Israel’s allegation, echoed by its Western allies, was dismissed by Iran and Hamas as a fabrication. Officials in Egypt declined comment, saying they knew nothing about the rockets.

Israel has been hazy in public about how the 5.5 meter-long (18foot) M302s might have entered Gaza. The coastal enclave is under heavy Israeli surveillance, and Cairo has clamped down on the Egypt-Gaza frontier and the smuggling tunnels there.

Asked on the day of the ship seizure which Palestinian militants were to have received the arms cache and how, Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said: “I don’t know, but it is clear this was meant to reach terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip ... The route is well known and it seems that they tried to revive it.”

An Israeli military officer who took part in planning the naval interdiction told Reuters that, in the month before it happened, “not once did I hear anyone mention anything other than Gaza as the end-point for these weapons”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

Page 34

International Europe and Americas Obama ‘considering end of 2 killed in US naval base NSA phone data collection’ shooting

A

sailor was fatally shot and killed at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia and security forces have killed the male civilian suspect, a base spokeswoman said.

The shooting happened around 11:20pm on Monday aboard the USS Mahan, a Navy destroyer, spokeswoman Terri Davis said.

Davis would not describe the circumstances of the shooting but said the scene was secure.

Davis said the two killed were both males but she did not have any other information on them.

She could not say if the civilian had permission to be aboard the ship.

No other injuries were reported, according to the Associated Press.

The base, the largest naval installation in the world, was briefly put on lockdown after the shooting as a precaution, but the lockdown was later lifted.

Operations have returned to normal at the base, with counsellors available, the Navy said in a news release, but enlisted sailors on the Mahan were not to report to duty yesterday.

“We were able to secure the installation for that brief period till we determined that the suspect was taken care of and then therefore we were able to open up the installation because we didn’t have any other threats so we’re back at normal operations at Naval Station,” said Naval Station Norfolk Commander Captain Robert Clark Jr. To get on the base, civilians must be escorted or have a pass. The shooting was under investigation.

In September, a gunman killed 12 civilian workers before being shot to death at the Washington Navy Yard.

P

resident Barack Obama plans to ask Congress to end bulk collection of US phone records by the National Security Agency (NSA), senior officials say.

They told the New York Times the agency would “end its systematic collection of data about Americans’ calling habits”.

Phone records would instead remain with telecoms companies, only to be accessed by government when needed.

It follows widespread anger at home and abroad after leaks revealed the full extent of US surveillance operations.

The documents - leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden - revealed that the US collects massive amounts of electronic data from communications of private individuals around the world, and has spied on foreign leaders.

In a speech in January, President Obama said it was necessary for the US to continue collecting large amounts of data, but that civil liberties must be respected.

He said the current system, in which the NSA collects the details of

the times, numbers and durations of phone calls, known as metadata, would come to an end.

According to the New York Times report, he told the US justice department and intelligence officials to come up with a plan by 28 March.

Under the new proposal, officials say surveillance “would require phone companies to swiftly provide records

in a technologically compatible data format, including making available, on a continuing basis, data about any new calls placed or received after the order is received”.

The phone companies would not be required to hold on to the data for longer than they normally would, the New York Times says.

The NSA currently holds

information for five years, whereas telecoms companies are required by federal regulation to retain customer records for 18 months.

The new proposal “would retain a judicial role in determining whether the standard of suspicion was met for a particular phone number before the NSA could obtain associated records”, the newspaper adds.

Obama

Death toll rises in Venezuela protests A Protesters carry an injured man during an anti-government rally in Venezuela

National Guard soldier and a pregnant woman have been killed in the latest protest-related violence in Venezuela, authorities said.

The head of Venezuela’s congress, meanwhile, said on Monday that a top opposition politician had lost her seat and is no longer immune from prosecution for allegedly fomenting violence in the anti-government protests.

A series of protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro began five weeks ago, less than a year after Maduro succeeded the late Hugo Chavez. At least 32 people have died in the subsequent

violence.

The National Guard member, Sergeant Miguel Antonio Parra, died on Monday during a street demonstration in Merida, said the southwestern city’s mayor, Carlos Garcia.

The opposition politician said Parra was shot when he and two other National Guard soldiers were trying to clear the roadways and were confronted by protesters.

The woman who was killed, 28-year-old Adriana Urquiola, died Sunday night in Guaicaipuro, said the mayor of the municipality just outside the capital of Caracas.

G7 threatens Russia with more sanctions

U

S President Barack Obama and major industrialised allies have warned Russia it faces damaging economic sanctions if President Vladimir Putin takes further action to destabilise Ukraine following the seizure of Crimea.

Leaders of the Group of Seven nations, meeting without Russia, agreed to hold their own summit this year instead of attending a planned G8 meeting in the Russian Olympic venue of Sochi, along the Black Sea coast from Crimea, and to suspend their participation in the G8 until Russia changes course.

Leaders of the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada condemned what

they called “Russia’s illegal attempt to annex Crimea in contravention of international law”.

They also agreed their energy ministers would work together to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas and increase energy security, the Reuters news agency reported.

“We remain ready to intensify actions including coordinated sectoral sanctions that will have an increasingly significant impact on the Russian economy, if Russia continues to escalate this situation,” they said in a joint statement.

The G7 leaders, who met on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit in The Hague, said they

would convene again in Brussels in early June, the first time since Russia joined the G8 in 1998 that it will have been shut out of the annual summit of industrialised democracies.

They also urged the International Monetary Fund to reach a rapid agreement with Ukraine to unlock urgently needed financial aid for the country’s shattered economy.

Obama, who has imposed tougher sanctions on Moscow than European leaders over its takeover of the strategic Crimean peninsula, told reporters: “Europe and America are united in our support of the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people”.

G7 leaders meeting yesterday on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit in The Hague

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, march 26, 2014

Page 35

SENATOR AHMAD MACCIDO VEERED OFF

By SAHABI GARBA

to grasp the scope of the act of politics. There is nowhere our Distinguished Senator mentioned his he recent interview granted the press by scorecard to the people that elected him. In fact, Distinguished Senator Ahmad Maccido the insinuation is preeminent in Sokoto that he is as published by some national dailies serving himself in Abuja with occasional face has excited controversy least expected show in Sokoto in the manner of the content of against the respected traditional institution the interview he granted – son of the Caliphate. especially the Sultanate. The whole contents of Governor Wamakko continued to bolster him, the interview was a rubbish of the institution by a but time is now up and there must be a change to scion to the throne who unfortunately descended provide active leadership and representation that to irresponsible link to political vagaries which shall be people oriented. portends dangerous vilification by political actors. ​It is indeed ridiculous to precipitate comparison The Sultanate bestrides wide range of ​ between active and inactive personalities. The influences that stretch from Sokoto to Ilorin and interview was mainly orchestrated as latitude down to Adamawa in the Islamic hegemony to scathe Governor Wamakko. The project is a of Shehu Usman Dan Fodiyo. It is, therefore, dismal failure because Governor Wamakko has foolhardy and preposterous for a senator to claim left indelible mark in the sands of Sokoto State political representation of such vast areas because development history. His scorecard is monumental Senator Ahmad Maccido of personal ambition. Senator Ahmad Maccido’s and all encompassing. He has touched the lives of interview in every material perspective portrays millions of not only Sokoto citizens, but also other intent to drag the Sultanate into divisive politics Nigerians that came his way. of this country. Islamic scholars that are of different political shades ​His education policy ensured that every Nigerian child enjoys right to should debunk this dangerous trend. The Sultanate is the custodian of unfettered access to education. Thus he abolished discriminatory school Islamic religious rites and canopy of peace, unity and piety or every fees in all schools across Sokoto State. He remains the only governor upright value to every muslim, and indeed Nigerians. that pays WAEC and NECO examinations fees for every eligible ​In consonance with this avowed commitment and obligation to Nigerian candidate in Sokoto. He pushed the quest for education to neutrality from politics the Sultanate Council has issued a statement unprecedented level by providing necessary structures and motivational against political vituperations as contained in Senator Ahmad Maccido’s dynamics, established new schools and capped it all by institution of a interview. The venerated Council has distanced itself from every claim functional university. of the senator as purportedly representing the Council at the national ​The compassion of Governor Wamakko is unassailable. He positively assembly. The content of Senator Maccido’s interview appeared as a affected lives of the less privileged including the disabled that receive representation of the institution as he repeatedly and disillusionarily monthly stipend for their upkeep. He has not discriminated against any pictures himself as the Sultanate at the national assembly. Moreover, interest or victimized political opponents in his overall welfare package, the interview in its context exposes the puerility of the management of including the Ramadan Fast feeding programme which he introduced the issue at stake - capacity and capability comparison with Governor and nurtured to date.

Wamakko. This is false pretence and should be disregarded. He is Governor Wamakko executed vital projects that addressed the ​ simply a politician in his own right. poverty level of the State through provision of critical infrastructure ​But, the reality is Senator Maccido’s credentials in Sokoto State viz: township and rural roads, water and electricity supplies, housing; are fast waning into insignificance. After his first tenure in the encouraged greater food production through agriculture (construction Senate his constituency (Sokoto Central) became disenchanted with of dams for irrigation, creation of grazing reserves, institution of his performance and wanted him replaced. The animosity was even veterinary hospitals across the state, distribution of farm inputs and fueled from his family circle who saw him as political liability. It loans to farmers etc), the health sector receives a big boost through well was the intervention of Governor Aliyu Wamakko that saved his exit articulated health care delivery system; and empowerment of traders from political relevance. Governor Wamakko came to his rescue in through revolving loan that raises commercial activities of the State. He due deference to late Sultan Muhammadu Maccdo (his father) who to also through the skills acquisition programme economically empowered date memorably commands enormous awe and high regard of Sokoto the youth to small scale businesses as a way of employment generation people, including the nostalgic friendship that existed between him and and economic growth of the society. He has also in cooperation with the Governor Wamakko. traditional institution ensured peaceful co-existence (security) among ​The current campaign of calumny by Senator Maccido has become citizens of Sokoto State. Peace is a panacea to sustainable development one of those betrayals that dot our political landscape. Freedom of as quite often expounded by Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. association is our constitutional guaranteed right, but this right does These are template of good governance provided by Governor ​ not confer impunity or unreasonable behaviours and utterances in its Wamakko. They are issues prominent in deciding political relevance, exercise. Moreover, the right does not in any way accede to falsehood and of course, marketability of a candidate to the electorate. or irresponsible scampering to land a platform for external aid, in ​Governor Wamakko’s profile is steadily on ascendancy, and certainly deceit. Of course, falsehood is inherent in assumption of vain or Sokoto people are still roundly behind him for any future political disproportionate umbrella such as the claim to the root of the Sultanate declaration. It is an assured smooth sail waiting for time to manifest. as alibi for political relevance. However, Senator Maccido is an heir apparent to the Sultanate, but that is no political legitimacy. The ​Sahabi Garba institution is insulated from politics, and the Council has reaffirmed it in ​Sokoto Network Group its recent press statement. ​301 Abdullahi Fodio Road ​A careful perusal of the interview reveals a politician that is yet ​Sokoto

​T

PAGE 36

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, march 26, 2014

Digest

Saturated fat ‘isn’t bad for your heart’

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uidelines urging people to avoid ‘unhealthy’ fat to stave off heart disease are wrong, according to a major study.

After decades of advice on the harm done by saturated fat such as butter, scientists have found no evidence of a link with heart problems.

A ‘mega’ study which analysed a huge amount of existing data also said so-called healthy polyunsaturated fats, such as sunflower oil, had no general effect on the risk of heart disease.

In contrast, a dairy fat called margaric acid ‘significantly reduced’ risk, while two kinds of saturated fat found in palm oil and animal products had only a ‘weak link’ with heart disease.

Two types of omega-3 fatty acid found in oily fish – EPA and DHA – and the omega-6 fat arachidonic acid were linked to a lower risk of heart disease. But omega-3 and omega-6 supplements appeared to have no benefit.

This study comes in the wake of growing controversy over the relative importance of sugar and fat in the diet.

Fats have long been blamed for obesity and heart disease, but some scientists now say there is evidence that fat may have been unfairly demonised and sugar is really to blame.

Lead researcher Dr Rajiv Chowdhury, from Cambridge University, said: ‘These are interesting results that potentially stimulate new lines of scientific inquiry and encourage careful reappraisal of our current nutritional guidelines.

‘Cardiovascular disease, in which the principal manifestation is coronary heart disease, remains the single leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In 2008, more than 17million people died from a cardiovascular cause globally.

‘With so many affected, it is critical to have appropriate prevention guidelines which are informed by the best available scientific evidence.’

The team, whose results appear in the journal Annals Of Internal Medicine, conducted a ‘metaanalysis’ of data from 72 studies involving 600,000 participants in 18 countries.

The technique can reveal trends that may be masked in individual small studies but become obvious when they are amalgamated.

A key finding was that total saturated fat, whether measured in the diet or the bloodstream, showed no association with heart disease.

The study fails to ‘yield clearly supportive evidence for ... guidelines that encourage high consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids and low consumption of saturated fats’.

Almost four decades ago advice

began to emerge from scientific and medical bodies to cut back on saturated fats found in cream, butter and less lean meat. Last year, however, London cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra told the British Medical Journal it was time to bust the myth of the role of saturated fat in heart disease, which was based on faulty interpretation of scientific studies.

He said yesterday: ‘This huge

and important study provides even more evidence that our focus purely on saturated fat as the number one dietary villain in causing heart disease has been misplaced when we should be focusing on food groups.

‘Our over-consumption of processed food is what is driving much of the increasing burden of chronic disease currently plaguing the Western world.

‘Poor diet is responsible for more disease than physical inactivity, alcohol and smoking combined.

‘Furthermore, nutritional supplements have no proven benefit for the vast majority of people. It’s better for the body to gain essential nutrients from just eating real food.’

Professor Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation which cofunded the study, said: ‘This analysis of existing data suggests there isn’t enough evidence to say that a diet rich in polyunsaturated fats but low in saturated fats reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

‘But large-scale clinical studies are needed, as these researchers recommend, before making a conclusive judgment.’

The industry-backed Health Supplements Information Service said that while the study showed only a modest protective effect of omega-3 fats, the trials involving omega-3 supplements nearly all involved non-healthy participants, which was likely to give misleading results.

After decades of dietary advice about the harms of S o u r c e : saturated fat, such as butter, scientists have found no ‘Healthy’ oils, such as sunflower oil, do not improve Dailymail.co.uk heart health evidence of a link with heart problems

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, March 26, 2014

PAGE 37

PDM loses chairman, suspends membership registration in Bauchi

L-R: Country Director, ActionAid, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Programme Director, Trust Africa, Mr. Tendai Murisa, Country Director, Centre for Democracy and Development, Idayat Hassan, and Governance Team Leader, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, Mr. Brian Kagoro, during the Third World Network, Centre for Democracy Development, and Trust Africa joint partnership conference, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin ImoOwo

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2015: Ihedioha pleads for financial support for INEC from UN

By Umar Muhammad Puma

D

eputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Emeka Ihedioha, has appealed to the United Nations for financial support to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission to successfully conduct the 2015 elections in the country.

The Deputy Speaker made the appeal when a delegation of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs paid a courtesy visit to the House, bordering on the on-coming elections in the country.

The UN delegation was led

by Mr. Tadjoudine Ali-Diabacte, Deputy Director, UN’s Department of Political Affairs (Electoral Assistance Division).

Ihedioha, who observed that the recommendation made by the INEC in the 2014 budget for the conduct of elections this year and next year was inadequate, called on the UN to aid the Commission financially to enable the electoral body conduct free and fair elections.

He said:” the budgetary recommendation made by the Chairman of INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega, appears insufficient; therefore the request made by the INEC chairman for UN’s

financial request is in order. We would appreciate UN’s financial assistance towards boosting our electoral process”.

He noted that the House Constitution Review Panel, which he chairs, reviewed section 202 of the constitution thereby transferring the power to conduct local council elections from the State Independent Electoral Commission to INEC, to deepen democracy and ensure that councils’ elections are conducted in fair and free manner.

He further sought UN assistance towards ensuring an improvement in the nation’s

electoral process, stability of the polity and consolidation of democracy.

Head of the UN’s delegation, Ali-Diabacte noted that their visit was predicated on the need to get parliamentary input on how UN would assist the country to ensure a better election in 2015 based on the request made by INEC, Prof Jega.

He expressed the willingness of the world body towards supporting next year’s election in Nigeria, observing that the success of democracy in Nigeria would impact positively on other African nation.

2015: Police send officers on election security course

By Joy Baba

I

n continuation of the preparations for the 2015 general elections, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar, has again sent another batch of 16,691 Police Officers to undergo intensive training on election protection duties as part of proactive and comprehensive

measures by the Force to ensure an orderly, crisis-free and violent-free election ahead of 2015.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer CSP Frank Mbah in Abuja.

Mbah said the course which is concurrently taking place at various Police training institutions nationwide is specially designed

to equip the men with new skills in standard operational policing practices, human rights protections, and principles of democratic policing as well as rules of engagement in election security.

He further said the officers will also do their promotion course to boost the morale of the men as this will aid their optimal performance in field operations charging them

to imbibe the character of discipline and professional ethics in line with the code of conduct of the Force.

The statement added that the IGP further assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police will continue to strategically adopt the best approaches in ensuring the security of lives and property as well as protecting the integrity of all elections in the land.

Anambra Assembly approves 10 special advisers for Gov Obiano

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he Anambra State House of Assembly has approved the list of 10 special advisers for Gov. Willy Obaino.

The assembly made the confirmation in Awka yesterday during the plenary following a letter from the governor requesting for the approval of the appointments.

The letter, which was raised as a matter of urgent public importance, was greeted with huge support from the law makers.

Mr Ebele Obi (APC-Idemili South), said that in the spirit of moving Anambra forward, the governor’s request be granted, describing the number as reasonable.

He said the new government should be given every support needed to move the state forward.

Mr Ikechukwu Umeh, who is the Chief Whip of the assembly, said the governor needed advisers in various spheres to facilitate the development of the state.

Umeh, however, urged the governor to appoint capable

hands to join him in proffering advice that would take the state to its promise land.

The Minority Leader of the assembly, Mr Tony Muonagor (APC-Idemili North), said it was a constitutional right of the governor to make the request and urged his colleagues to approve the list. (NAN)

he People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has announced the suspension of its ongoing registration exercise in Bauchi state due to the death of its chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Jibo.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, the National Vice Chairman of the party, Alhaji Muslihu Maigari, said the death came as a shock to the party.

According to him, Jibo’s death was a serious loss to the party not only in the state but in the country.

Also speaking to NAN the deceased’s brother, Alhaji Umar Jibo, said Abdullahi died at the National Hospital, Abuja while on officials assignment.

Jibo died at the age of 54, and left behind two wives and six children. (NAN)

2015: Zubairu Turaki declares for Kebbi guber From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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ubairu Abdullahi Turaki, founder and chairman of Abbasur Global Resources Foundation Deputy Director Head of Social Safety Nets Conditional Grant Schemes office in the of Senior Special Assistant to President on MDGs, has declared his intention to contest for the 2015 Kebbi state gubernatorial poll .

In a letter of intent addressed to the State Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] Alhaji Bello Muhammad Doya, he indicated his intention to contest the election on the platform of the party.

He letter read in part, ‘’I wish to respectively and humbly notify you and our great party, the PDP, of my intention to vie for the seat of the Governor of Kebbi state in the forth coming general elections along with other party members. I have worked tirelessly for election victories for the PDP both in my ward and Zuru Emirate.”

PAGE 38

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Politics

Osun guber: PDP governorship aspirants blast Aregbesola

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

wo prominent aspirants onmthe platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday took the incumbent governor of the state, Rauf Aregbesola to the cleaners, describing him a failed governor.

The aspirants, Senator Iyiola Omisore and Senator Isiaka Adeleke were at the party national secretariat to submit their nomination forms.

Omisore, described Aregbesola as governor who came through the back door, while the pioneer governor of the state, Adeleke claimed that the incumbent governor in Osun could not match his performance in office within his administration 22 months life span even after three and half years of mountin he saddle of leadership.

Addressing journalists shortly after submitting his nomination form, Omisore declared that he was in the governorship race to restore the dignity of Osun state.

He explained that with the lackluster performance of Governor Aregbesola, it has become obvious that All Progressives Congress (APC) has nothing to offer.

Omisore said that the inability of the Aregbesola administration to commission any project almost four years in office is a classical case of failure.

“I am here in PDP to submit my nomination forms to vie for the governorship of Osun state. I disagree with the question posed that Southwest is compopsed of APC states. It is not APC state; they came to the zone through the back door. We contested the court decisions, I can assure you PDP will win in the zone hands down.

...call him a failure “The man who forged Police records for APC is facing prosecution here in Abuja so, the issue of APC is a foregone matter.

“In Osun, there is no project completed in the last four years; the government has not paid workers salary in the past three months. There is nothing to show for governance in Osun in the past four years.

“What Aregbesola and his APC did in Osun is part of administrative

laziness; it is lack of capacity; it shows lack of depth; it shows a party which will stop at nothing than to divide the people,” he said.

While also addressing journalists after submitting his form, Adeleke said “I didn’t just wake up to pick the governorship form. My people said I should contest the primary and I am in the race to answer to this call to duty.

“What I have been able to do in

just 22 months, Aregbesola has not been able to do in four years. As I speak with you, what I achieved then, nobody has been able to do half even with all the resources available to them.

“With the lean resources then, I achieved so much, with the huge resources now, I will achieve so much. Look at the dual carriage way, the College of Education and all the legacies that people point to now.

Chairman, Agbado Oke Odo Local Council Development Authority in Lagos state, Dr Augustine Adeboye Arogundade (2nd right), presenting 2014 budget to the council Speaker, Hon. Ganiyu Ajose (right), yesterday in Lagos. With them are other officials of the council.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi

Oyo Assembly condemns Soka killings

O

yo State House of Assembly yesyerday condemned the suspected killings at Soka in Oluyole Local Government Area.

The lawmakers condemned the act at plenary presided over by Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that no fewer than 20 decomposed bodies and some emaciated captives were found in an apartment in Soka on Saturday.

Hon. Olusegun Olaleye, who

drew the attention of the House to the incident, said that it should be addressed and perpetrators brought to book. ``I want to say that the incident at Soka was callous, malicious and wicked. I think the development should condemned by all civilised persons,” he said.

He called on Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, who visited the scene of the incident on Monday, to take over the site for developmental

purposes.

The House also adopted a motion calling on the executive to take appropriate measures to stop the spread of malaria in the state.

Hon. Fatai Salami, who moved the motion, said that there was the need to halt the scourge in view of its health implications.. ``I want the issue of malaria to be controlled or if possible to be eradicated in Oyo State,” he said.

He cited a Federal Ministry of Health research finding which said 60 per cent of out-patient visits to health institutions were for treatment of malaria.

The lawmakers also called for the establishment of a Malaria Control Fund to combat the disease.

NAN reports that the lawmakers also deliberated on a bill for a law to provide for the enumeration of commercial vehicles and transport operators in the state. (NAN)

Constituents back Bauchi Rep for defecting to APC From Ahmed Kaigaman, Bauchi

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onstituents of Rep Yakubu Dogara, under the aegis of Dass,Tafawa-Balewa and Bogoro Concerned Citizens, have thrown their weight behind the lawmaker over his decision to ditch the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group warned those criticizing the lawmaker to desist from doing so so as to enable him concentrate on provision of democracy dividends to the people of the constituency.

Chairman and the secretary Comrade Adamu Ahmed and Iliya Tela respectively stated this yesterday at a press conference in Bauchi According to the Forum, “it is disheartening when some self assertive stakeholders in the constituency keep blaming Hon. Dogara for defecting to the APC even when it is glaring that PDP has failed the people of Bauchi state for not providing the required democracy dividends in tandem with its campaign promises.”

It said those criticizing Dogara are bunch of failures who have not added any positive value to the yearning and aspirations of the people even as they claim to be stakeholders in the area.

The forum regretted the way and manner people are being deceived and instigated against the achievements of the lawmaker through their religious, political and ethical background.

“It is a shame when the suspended House member, Bauchi state House of Assembly, Hon.Rifkatu Samson (baby), keep declaring support to the same PDP that arbitrary suspended her from the house even when she won a court case against the house” the forum fumed.

The forum insisted that Dogara dumped the PDP not because of his personal gains and interest as claimed by his critics but to ensure internal democracy through collective bargain.

APC calls 50 witnesses to testify at Anambra Governorship Tribunal

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has called 50 witnesses to testify the allegation of electoral malpractice during the Nov. 16, 17 and 30, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.

Chief Olarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), counsel to APC and the governorship candidate of the party, Sen. Chris Ngige

announced this in Awka yesterday during proceedings at the Anambra Election Petitions Tribunal.

Akeredolu said that the figure was pruned down from 101 to enable speedy trial and determination of the petition.

At the resumed sitting, Akeredolu urged the Justice Ishaq Bello-led tribunal to allow him time

to submit additional documents before calling witnesses.

They included forms EC8A results for Idemili South, Aguata and Awka North local council areas as well as list of ad hoc staff for Aguata council.

However, the tribunal refused to admit as evidence extracts from polling units 004, Eri primary school, Otuocha in Anambra East

council area following objections by counsel to Gov Willie Obiano and APGA. Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Mr Osita Nnadi (SAN) objected to the request on grounds that it formed the central part of the dispute and that it ought to come in when a witness was being cross-examined.

They argued that the document related to the issue of multiple

registrations which had already been struck out by the tribunal earlier.

According to Ikpeazu, It is not only inadmissible based on the state of the pleadings for now. “ it is also equally a contested document which due process needs to be made.

“I urge that the document should not be admitted at this stage,” he said. (NAN)

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, March 26, 2014

PAGE 39

News Extra

East/West Road to be ready in Q1 2015 - Minister

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Supervising Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Darius Ishaku, has disclosed that the first quarter of 2015 would be the new date for the completion of the N350 billion East/West Road project, pointing out that the earlier proposed date of December 2014 is no longer realistic.

Briefing journalists on Monday in Abuja, the Minister said the earlier date of December 2014 could not be met due to shortage of funds, even as he assured that substantial level of construction work have been done on the four sections of the road.

According to him, the various sections of the road project are nearing completion, even as he pointed out that Warri-Kaima section of the road has reached 72 percent, while Port Harcourt- Ahoda section of the road has reached 42 percent.

Also, he said Port HarcourtEket section has reached 85 percent completion, while Eket-Oron section has advanced to 68 percent completion.

He commended the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programmes ( SURE -P) of the government, saying about N94 billion has been provided by the board for the East/West Road.

Benue govt assures on cessation of hostilities From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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enue state government has assured internally displaced persons of their safety in the camps and effort to halt the hostilities between suspected Fulani mercenaries and Tiv farmers so that they could return to their ancestral homes.

The state Deputy Governor, Chief Steven Lawani, who gave the assurance during the flag-off of distribution of relief materials to refugees on Monday, at the St. Mary’s Primary school, Makurdi, said the marauders will be chased away from the State for the people to enjoy peace and once engage in farming activities.

“These terrorists will not be allowed to stay here. We will chase them far away from our land”, Lawani said.

He expressed appreciation to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their prompt response in sending relief materials, promising that the materials will be distributed to the seven (7) affected wards.

Chief Lawani lamented that the state is dealing with heavily armed herdsmen as well as terrorist who come from Yobe, Borno through Gombe, maintaining that with the assistance of the aerial surveillance by the Air Force, the Military and Police, the crisis will be brought to final end.

CJN reads Riot Act to new Appeal Court justices

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam Aloma Mukthar, has charged the newly sworn-in justices of the Court of Appeal to abide by their judicial oath of office.

Justice Mukthar gave the charge on Monday, while administering the

oath of office on 25 new justices of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court Chambers in Abuja.

According to her, “The judiciary will not tolerate, acts of misconduct and disloyalty from judges, and I urge you to maintain true allegiance to your judicial oaths and abide by the demands of the code of conduct for judicial officers.

“There shall be zero-tolerance to judicial corruption and misconduct in the Nigerian judiciary”, she added and reminded the new justices of the forthcoming general elections, which she adviced that they should to be politically neutral.

“As judicial officers, you will soon be presiding over election cases; therefore, as judges you must

L-R: Chief Medical Director, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Dr Mohammed Alkali, Bauchi state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Malami, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, and Chairman, Board of Management, ATBUTH, Major-General Suleiman Barau, during the inauguration of ATBUTH’S administrative block phase 2, on Monday in Bauchi. Photo: NAN

be politically neutral and rise up to safeguard our democracy, and ensure that the rights of litigants and the tenets of justice are upheld”.

Their appointment has increased the total number of justices at the Appeal Court to 90.

Their appointment is in line with the new Court of Appeal (Amendment) Act, which increased the number of justices of the court from 70 to 90 and the vacancies which were occasioned by the demise, retirement and elevation of some justices of the court to the Supreme Court.

The new Appeal Court justices include: Justices Hamma Akawu Barka (Gombe), Joseph Jude Jella (Taraba), Bitrus G. Sanga (Bauchi), Mohammed Mustapha (Borno), Yargata Nimpar (Gombe), Sa’idu Tanko Hussein (Kogi), Mudashiru N. Oniyangi (Kwara) and Amina Audi Wambai (Niger).

Others are Justices Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi (Nasarawa), Tani Y. Hassan (Kano), Mohammed Lawal Shu’aibu (Jigawa), Kadi Musa Hassan Alkali (Kaduna), Jamilu Y. Tukur (Katsina), Paul Obi Elechi (Ebonyi), Ugochukwu A. Ogakwu (Enugu), Nonyerem Okoronkwo (Imo), Joseph E. Ekanem (Akwa Ibom), F.E. Oho (Delta), Abimbola O.O. Adejumo (Edo), Justices Bolokuromo M. Ugo (Bayelsa), Biobele A. Georgewill (Rivers), 22 . Oludotun A. Adefope-Okojie (Ogun), Misitura O. Bolaji-Yusuf (Oyo), J.O.K. Oyewole (Osun) and O.E. Williams-Dawudu (Lagos) also made the list.

Ex-minister faults Tor’ Tiv over statement against Sultan From Raji Bello, Sokoto

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former Minister for Youths and Sport Development, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir has urged the Tor’ Tiv, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula to apologise for his statement against the Sultan and the Sultanate.

Inuwa, who insisted that he expected that the intellectual credentials of the Tor’Tiv to have come to bare and be used in discerning perceived politically instigated conflict from real conflict,

equally noted that the Tiv and Fulani have a long known historical fraternity.

While urging Benue people to see the current wave of insecurity being experienced in some parts of the North as an orchestrated plot to sow seeds of discord in the region, Inuwa noted that it will be a miscalculation presuming or concluding that, the orgy of violence is been perpetuated by the Fulani ethnic extraction.

The statement read in part: “I read with dismay media report

credited to (Dr.) Alfred Torkula, the Tor’Tiv, particularly a report in one of the national dailies (not Peoples Daily), where it was reported in a statement issued by the Tor’Tiv Chief Press Secretary, one Mr. Ber Godwin describing a comment made by His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, on the report of farmers/herdsmen crisis in Benue and Nasarawa states as false.

“Something that puzzles me in the report was the insinuation that the violence in Benue was

premeditated apparently by the herdsmen who are presumed to be of Fulani ethnic extraction, which may be doubtful given the long known historical fraternity between the Fulani and Tiv. Given his position and that of the Sokoto people, Inuwa added, “To me, the summary of the report credited to His Highness Dr. Alfred Torkula has maligned the esteemed personality of His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto as well as ridiculed the revered institution of the Sultanate”.

FG gives N20m fishing materials to 3, 000 fishermen in Niger From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

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he Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has commenced the distribution of free fishing materials worth N20 million to 3, 000 fishermen affected by the 2012 flood disaster in Niger state.

The state Director in the Ministry, Mr. Bello Salihu disclosed this on Monday while inaugurating the distribution of the materials in

Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

“We have 750 groups across 15 local government areas of the state to benefit from the free fishing implements. Each group is made up of 4 fishermen making a total of 3, 000 fishermen”, he added.

Salihu stated that the fishing materials distributed to the fishermen include fishing nets, floaters, sinkers, head and leg ropes, noting that the gesture was

to cushion the effect of the 2012 flooding on the fishermen in the state.

He said that the affected local governments include Lavun, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Edati, Gbako and Shiroro with 50, 70, 60, 60, 50, 20, 30 and 100 groups respectively.

Others were Munya, Gurara, Agwara, Borgu, Mashegu, Wushishi and Tafa local governments with 20, 20, 60, 100, 20, 20 and 70

groups each.

The director noted that the affected fishermen were identified by the federal ministry, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Livestock and Fishery Development.

Salihu said the materials would last the fishermen five years, adding that the exercise would be a continuous process as other local governments stand the chance of benefiting from the programme.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesDAY, march 26, 2014

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News Extra

NAFDAC ups campaign against drug counterfeiting

By Abbas Aminu Bamalli

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irector-General of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii, has called on Nigerian youths to join the agency in its fight against drug counterfeiters in the country.

A statement issued by NAFDAC’s Director of Special Duties, Abubakar Jimoh said the DG made the call at the Akwa Ibom state NYSC orientation camp, and also called on the youth to support his agency’s efforts to eradicate fake drugs and unwholesome food substances.

According to the statement,

the NAFDAC boss was represented by the agency’s director of special duties.

Orhii used the occasion to intimate the corps members about the NAFDAC and NYSCCDS group, which he said has been a highly successful collaboration in sensitizing the public on the dangers of consuming unwholesome

regulated products.

According to him, NAFDAC has recorded remarkable breakthroughs in arresting the incidence of counterfeiting and called on them to support the fight so that Nigeria does not only achieve reduction in the incidence but also succeeds in eradicating the menace completely.

Traffic gridlock on Ikorodu Road, yesterday at Maryland, in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Institute trains 100 women in rice processing, packaging in 5 states From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.

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he Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) has commenced training of 100 women in rice processing and packaging in Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Borno and Zamfara states.

Inaugurating the five-day training workshop at the NCRI, Badeggi in Niger state yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Ibukun Abimbola, disclosed that the idea was to ensure self sufficiency in rice production by the country by next year. Mrs. Abimbola added that

the measure would assist in tackling unemployment among youth and women and also create wealth to boost the economy.

The permanent secretary, who was represented by the Deputy Director and Head of Gender and Youth affairs in the ministry, Mrs. Karima Babangida, stated that the training would enhance quick understanding and retention of key production concepts and facilitate establishment of private rice processing enterprises in the localities of the graduate trainees.

At the end of the training, the women cooperatives, 20 each from Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Borno and Zamfara would be supported with grants to set up rice processing and

packaging industries.

She said the grants to each cooperative society would comprise rice milling machine, rice precleaner, rapid steam par boilers, destoners, probe moisture metre and bag sewing machine.

Others benefits include collapsible raised wooden platform and weighing scale, adding that these would promote technology adaptation and economic engagement in rice processing and packaging.

She said the training would be replicated in other zones of the country drawing participants from the 36 states and Abuja.

Earlier, Dr. Lawrence Olunremi, Director, Outreach Department, NCRI ,said that locally processed rice

in the country cannot compete in the market with other imported rice because it is not physically attractive and has other admixtures such as stone and others.

Olunremi said 80 per cent of locally produced paddy is milled by small mills hence the intervention to ensure that local produced rice compete favourably with imported ones to ensure self sufficiency in the subsector.

Also speaking, Hajiya Ladi Balade, a rice farmer and participant from Zamfara state commended the federal government for the gesture and said: “This is the first time government is training us directly and providing us with the necessary inputs”.

FG releases N113.75bn for girl child education

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he Senior Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Dr Precious Gbeneol, yesterday said the federal government had released N113.75 for girl child education programmes.

Gbeneol announced this in Abuja at the launching of three million free exercise books, distributed to pupils across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. “The MDG has initiated programmes to help Nigeria achieve Universal Basic Education with focus on the issues of quality, capacity, access and relevance.

“The MDGs made available over N113.75 billion of debt relief to the Federal Ministry of Education from 2006 to date, to implement various programmes.

“The programmes include the girl child education, National Programme on Almajiri, support to the National Teachers Institute and support to UBEC for the Federal Teachers Scheme (FTS).’’

She noted that N26.1 billion was invested in 261 local government areas, with the execution of more than 15,000 high impact projects.

She also said that the projects were in the area of education,

income generation, agriculture, health, water and sanitation sectors.

According to her, there has been a successful execution of 12,342 water and sanitation projects nationwide, with the construction, renovation and equipping of 5,206 health facilities.

Gbeneol said about 68,430 health workers were trained to provide the much-needed skilled health services at the grassroots.

She said that funding was also provided to 1,704 beneficiaries to aid start-up of agriculture enterprises.

Gbeneol noted that the

launching of the books was another step to attain the one of the mandatory targets of the MDGs on universal primary education.

The Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Alhaji Dikko Suleiman, said the launch was evidence of the commitment of the federal government to the realisation of the MDGs. Suleiman, who was represented

by Mr Pius Osagie, UBEC Deputy Director, Academic, said the efforts would complement those of UBEC and improve standard of education in the country. (NAN)

Edo govt grants autonomy to agric college From OsaigbovoIguobaro, Benin

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do state government has granted the College of Agriculture, Agenebode, full autonomy to operate as a Diplomaawarding institution, subject to the ratification of the state House of Assembly, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Abdul Oroh has said.

Oroh who disclosed this yesterday, said: “It will now be called Edo state College of Technology, Agenebode. We have a consultant that is on ground to help set it up. The consultant has gone to the school to see the facilities on ground just as they were also at Iguoriakhi”.

Oroh disclosed that the necessary documents have been sent to the House of Assembly to give the necessary legal backing to the college.

He said: “The School has been on ground for some time. They have been admitting and graduating students at OND Level. Once we start investing in the school, all the programmes will be presented to the National Board for Technical Education for accreditation and once they are accredited, they can award HND”.

Confab: Youth council faction wants delegates to be conventional

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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actional President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Comrade Yakubu Shendam, has called on delegates to the ongoing National Conference to be conventional in their approach to issues.

Shendam who made this call yesterday said the advice of President Goodluck Jonathan during the inauguration the conference on the need to explore new ideas in handling modern challenges was in line in global best practices.

He regretted that some delegates are always sleeping during deliberations. “Look at the pictures carried in some national dailies where some elders at the national conference are caught sleeping even when serious issues are being discussed.

On the challenges of the youths, he said regardless of where they come from they should be engaged in meaningful venture instead of being used as thugs.

SporT 41 Page

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, march 26, 2014

SMS- 08036258222, albertakota@yahoo.com

AFN concludes plans for Athletics Twilight meet Stories by Albert Akota

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he Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) yesterday said that it had concluded plans to organise an Athletics Twilight meet as part of its efforts at creating more competitions for athletes.

The AFN Technical Director, Commodore Omatseye

Nesiama said in Lagos in an electronic mail that the meet was meant to encourage athletes from the Northern States.

“The AFN technical committee, in collaboration with the High Performance System, has concluded plans for the staging of a regular ‘Athletics ‘Twilight meet’ in Abuja.

“This will assist athletes to prepare better for major competitions ahead of them this year and also to bring more competitions to the northern parts of the country,” Nesiama said.

He said that the top 10 across the range of events shall be given some token incentives for their efforts.

Keshi backs Eagles’ bench warmers T

he Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi has said he will keep faith with the country’s top stars who have struggled for game time at their clubs ahead of the World Cup. Mikel Obi has had limited playing time at Chelsea, Elderson Echiejile has yet to establish himself at Monaco, while Victor Moses has been virtually frozen out at Liverpool.

These players are expected to figure in Keshi’s 35-man provisional squad for Brazil 2014 and the Eagles coach said he will stick with them as they have continued to deliver for the national team.

“It’s unfortunate Mikel, Elderson and Moses is not playing regularly for their clubs. But they are not kids who I need to teach how to play football,” said Keshi.

Mikel Obi and Victor Moses

“I would have loved them to be playing regularly for their clubs, but I can’t control that. I watched Mikel against Arsenal when he came in; he was sharp and played well.

“It’s difficult but they play good for the team when they are here which is more important for our team. We need them in the team and we all know their ability.”

Keshi also disclosed he has set a personal target for himself at the World Cup even though the NFF have not done so for the team.

“My employers the NFF didn’t set any targets for me to reach at Brazil 2014, but I have set a target for myself which is not meant for public consumption,” he said.

NFF orders Keshi to defend 35-man World Cup squad

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he Nigeria National Team Coach Stephen Keshi will next week defend his 35-man provisional squad for the World Cup in Brazil, officials announced.

The chairman of the technical committee of the NFF Chris Green said Keshi will defend his World Cup provisional list before the technical committee.

“Keshi will present his list in the first week of April before the technical committee in Abuja,”

stated Green, who is the NFF technical committee chairman.

“He may not be presenting a 30-man list as speculated, but a 35-man list. And we expect him to defend the inclusion of every player in the list. Because the World Cup is not a tea party.

“We are monitoring our world cup opponents, we have got some tips about them, we have people monitoring them to get more information about them.

“The World Cup is the greatest football competition in the world and we are working hard in the federation to make impact.

“We therefore expect him to bring forward the best legs the country has, but we would not influence his selection, so whoever he chooses, he must defend before the committee next week.”

All 32 World Cup finalists are expected to submit a 30man provisional squad latest May 13 to FIFA.

Stephen Keshi

Costa Rica 2014: Flamingoes go spiritual for Spain Stories by Albert Akota

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he Flamingoes winger Aminat Yakubu has stated that she and her teammates will be banking on God to record huge success at the on-going FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

Nigeria wrapped up their impressive start in the group stage at the 4th U17 Women’s World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 win over Mexico on Monday morning to complete three wins out of three matches in La Sabana stadium, San Jose.

Yakubu commended her teammates for their performance against Mexico and dedicated her award and goal to God.

Bearing in mind Nigeria is yet to progress past the quarter-final and will be hoping to make a difference, she said, “We know God is behind us and going to do more grat things for us at this tournament. With God everything is going to be possible against Spain.”

“It’s a good performance from my colleagues. I am happy with my teammates’ assistance and grateful to God for my award and goal,” Yakubu admitted.

She dedicated the victory against Mexico to God, noting that the North Americans underrated them going into the final group game on Monday morning.

“Mexico thought they are going to beat us in today’s game,

but with God and determination, we conquered them.”

Speaking on what Nigerians should be expect in term of goals from the Flamingoes against Spain, the Rivers Angels attacker promised that she and her teammates will put in their best to advance to the semifinals.

“We are going to step up our game in the quarter-final to see the semi-final.”

The Bala Nikyu’s ladies after recording a 100 percent start to U17 Women’s World Cup campaign has been rewarded with quarterfinal clash with European powerhouse, Spain by 3am on Friday morning (Nigeria) in Liberia, Costa Rica.

Flamingoes

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesDAY, march 26, 2014

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This is to inform the general public that the above named nongovernmental organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provisions of the companies and Allied Matters Acts Cap (20 LFN 2004).

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.SAMUEL AGBOOLA, CHAIRMAN. 2 BAMDELE ADETUNJI, SEC. 3.AKINBOLUSERE KAYODE ,TREASURER. 4.FREDRICK OLUWAGBIMI, MEABER. 5.ADENIKA AFOLABI, MEABER. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To care for the welfare its members ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

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This is to inform the general public that the original Offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy for Plot 1127, Cadastral Zone B19 of Katampe, Abuja with File No. KT 21218 bearing Bala Usman Daudawa and Power of Attorney between Bala Usman Daudawa and Abubakar Usman have been declared missing. All effort to trace the said document proved abortive. The FCT AGIS and the general public should please take note. If found please return to the nearest police station.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. IBIDAPO-ADENIYI KEHINDE OLUBUNMI 2. RAHEEM HAKEEM ADEKUNLE 3. SHOBAMBI FOLASADE EBODA 4. ALAO ISAIAH ANTHONY 5. ODERINDE OLATUNDE ADEDEJI 6. ONYEMAH VINCENT 7. ALIMI SIKIRU 8. ODUKOYA ADERONKE 9. AHMMED WALE JIMSON AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE

G SEVEN PATRIOT CLUB INTERNATIONAL

Message Point Assembly

OUR PROMISES KEPT AND CHARITY FOUNDATION

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

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 Prophet Bassey Jonah UDOSEN 2. ELIZABETH BASSEY JONAh 3.MRS EKAeTTE JONAh Udosen 4. Pastor Ndoma Akpet

THE NEW NAME: PROMISES KEPT FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HRH CHIEF SOLOMON EDWARD 2. AMBASSADOR MARK EGBE 3.HON. MRS EKAMA AWARA 4. MR REKZ EDWARD 5. MR GODSWILL EDWARD 6. MR OSIM EDWARD 7. BARR. EZAK ODUM EZAK 8. HON. NTUFAM GODWIN ETIM JOHN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO UNITE MEMBERS. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. MIKE ADINYE 08097027858

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus christ.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Omomo Akpata 2. Mrs Odio Oseni THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THESAME.

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

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, march 26, 2014

Page 44

PUBLIC NOTICE Community Cohesion for Education and Development Initiative

PUBLIC NOTICE ZINARIA FAMILY EDUCATION TRUST FUND

AMAL PEPPLE ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. COMRADE STEVEN OGUCHE 2. MR. MEDARD EHIMIKA 3. MR. PASCHAL OGAR 4. MR. EMMANUEL OGUNGBE 5. MR. CHUKWUNWEIKE ONYEPUNUKA 6. PASTOR MOSES ALADE 7. ALHAJI GARBA MUHAMMAD DODO 8. ELDER JOSHUA ONUEMA 9. ALHAJI MUSA KABOJI UMARU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote love, unity and true understanding among members/residents.

2. To promote and protect the interest of all members and show concern for their welfare.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Baribefi Tebira Esq Tebira & Co.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Anthony O.Akpokene 2.Isaac Ukeleghe 3. Raymond Okoro 4. Capt. Mike Oberhiri Okunyomi 5. Lucky U.Okoro THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To support and provide health education and enlightenment among the communities.

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act part C of No. 1 of 1990

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BALA MOHAMMED - (CHAIRMAN) 2. SHAMSUDDEEN BALA MOHAMMED - MEMBER 3. AHMAD BALA MOHAMMED - SECRETARY 4. ABDULLAHI BALA MOHAMMED - MEMBER AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To support the Education development of the less privileged members of the society as well as provide Community development service.

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

IGBOUKWU LOVE BROTHERS CLUB OF NIGERIA

CHESTER ZOO FOUNDATION,NIGERIA

ENYIWAUZOR FOOTBALL ACADEMY

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.

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.

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.OKENU BENJAMIN OKECHUKWU - CHAIRMAN 2.AKUNNE CHARLES ECHEZONA - SECREATARY 3.ABATAM COSMAN EBUKA - MEMBER 4.EZEILO MATTHEW EMEKA 5.ILOANUSI MICHAEL IKECHUKWU - MEMBER

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.DR MARK PILGRIM - CHAIRMAN 2.MR JOHN ILES - SECRETARY GENERAL 3.BUBA UMARU NFORMI 4.DR SIMON DOWELL 5.SCOTT WILSON

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO FOSTER UNTIY AMONGST ITS MEMBERS. 2.TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS. 3.TO PROVIDE FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN NIGERIA. 2.TO PROMOTE WELFARE OF PARK RANGERS.

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

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

SIGNED:BARR UCHE OKAFOR 08035260825

SIGNED: SECRETARY GENERAL

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1)Sen.chief(Dr) Paulinus Nwagu, esq 2)Ekene igwe Nwagu 3)Nnabuike Benjamin Nwagu 4)Paulinus Igwe Nwagu,junior 5)Clinton Igwe Nwagu 6)Ginika Sandra Igwe Nwagu THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To assist the less privilege members of the society through football training.

2)To arrest youth unrestiveness through constant training in football.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

UKWA - NGWA PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

CHRIST REVIVAL FAITH GLOBAL CHURCH

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.

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.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ABRAHAM’S TENT MINISTRY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Uchenna Rowland Onyeizu 2.Emmanuel ibenji 3.Joseph Onuiri 4.chikezie onyeigwe 5.chibuzo Nwogu 6.chinedu ekeke 7. Patrick chizuru 8.Ugochukwu Ogbuji

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PST. ELISHA ADENIYI OMOSEBI 2.PST. FAITH FOLASHADE OMOSEBI 3.DEACON MIKE OKELUE 4.PST. TAIBAT ADENIRAN 5.PST.ADENIKE ADEBISI

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

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

Signed: Uchenna Onyeizu-President

SIGNED: BARR ENE ULOKO

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.MRS. OLAWUNMI IBILOLA ASEKUN 2.MR. OBINNA ISIADINSO 3.MRS. CHIOMA ISIADINSO 4.MR. RAZAAK TAIWO 5.MR. EDWARD OLAWALE ABRAHAM 6.MS. AYOTOLA OLUBUNMI JAGUN - SECRETARY 7.MRS. KAREN KOSHONI 8.DR (MRS) ABIODUN ADEDAYO ABRAHAM 9.PASTOR CHARLES OLADAPO ABRAHAM - PRESIDENT/CHAIRMAN THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD,FOR THE TOTAL SALVATION OF ALL SOULS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. 2.TO EVANGELIZE AND PROMOTE THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND ADHERENCE TO THE TEACHINGS AND EXAMPLES OF JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

REGINA CAELI OPHANAGE HOME

DIVINE LOVE INTERCESSORY MINISTRY

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.

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. Rev.(Mrs) ANIH JOSEPHINE OBIAGELI 2. ANIH CHIZOBA VIVIAN 3. PASTOR STEPHEN AGBO 4. MRS MBA CNINASA LOVE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Evangelizing to the motherless Babies, Widows & destitutes 2. Ministering to the less privileged, prison , hospital evangelism.

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

ZACCHEUS ONUMBA DIBIAEZUE MEMORIAL LIBRARIES

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.Welfare of members and community development.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OBIYO IJEOMA DORATHY 2.TARIBOBA MEMBERR THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO CARE FOR THE OPHANS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED:DICKSON OGHENE SOLICITOR

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Signed: Rev (Mrs) Anih, Joseph Obiageli

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

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1.DR.SHAMSUDEEN USMAN 2.DR. NGOZICHUKWUKA DOROTHY ONYEKWE 3.MRS. AYOOLA MODUPE OGUNSOLA OBE 4.MRS. IFEOMA LILIAN ESIRI 5.ATEDO NARI ATOWARI PETERSIDE - (OUT)-RESIGNED) THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1.DR.SHAMSUDEEN USMAN 2.DR. NGOZI CHUKWUKA DOROTHY ONYEKWE 3.MRS. AYOOLA MODUPE OGUNSOLA OBE 4.MRS. IFEOMA LILIAN ESIRI 5.DR. ARINZE AGBIM THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THESAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE OF TRUSTEES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: IFEOMA LILIAN ESIRI CHAIRMAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, march 26, 2014

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE LOKOGOMA MARKET BUILDING MATERIALS TRADERS ASSOCIATION ABUJA

DREAM AGAIN YOUTH AND PRISON EMPOWERMENT

DAVIDIC EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

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

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION OF ITS TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Adamu Bashiru 2.

Ruth Ibrahim 3.

Barr. Stephen Elela 4.

Marcus Akor

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Ilori Adegbenro Chairman 2.

Akanmidu Israel Olatunbosun Secretary 3.

Ilori Olusola Atinuke 4.

Babatunde Ademola Adeyinka THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.

To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Chairman Secretary

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Youth empowerment and prison outreach ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Chairman

PUBLIC NOTICE

SIGNED: Secretary

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Ogueji Friday Chairman 2.

Oraguzie Anthony 3.

Dimoriaku Dennis 4.

Irugbo Sunday 5.

Okey Sunday 6.

Udebuani Ejike 7.

Agbo Anslem THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote unity among members 2. To cater for the general welfare of its members and the less privileged in the society 3. To undertake the marketing of all kinds of building materials ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Barr.

Agugoesi Victor Ikem; 08035757908

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ONE MIND, GREAT VISION CLUB

UGWUEME FRIEND’S ASSOCIATION

IYIAGU HOUSING ESTATE LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION OF ITS TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Benson Ezeonye Chairman 2.

Okechukwu Ewelum Secretary 3.

Stephen Ochim 4.

Austin Paul Oraegbunam 5.

Ekenechukwu Okonkwo 6.

Clement Okey THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To assist and promote the interest of membes 2. To foster peace, unity and love and progress of love members 3. To help members especially when in need 4. To reach out and assist the less privileged ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Barr. E.C. Obi; Solicitor

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Nwafor Nobert Irechukwu 2.

Okafor Sunday 3.

Okoye Francis Ifeanyichukwu 4.

Ike Febian Chinedu

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Chief Eze James Chukwujekwu Chairman 2.

Prof. Ekwealor Ikechukwu Amaechi Secretary 3.

Chief Okafor Emmanuel Dilim Member 4.

Dr. Okpalanma Lawrence Okechukwu Member 5.

Emelugo Benjamin Member

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

EVANGELICAL OUTREACH FOR CHRIST, THE FOUNTAIN OF ZION

Chairman Secretary Member Member

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To protect the interest of members ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

WISDOM THRONE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION OF ITS TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION OF ITS TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Etchie Ederogun Anirejuoritse clement President 2. Grace Esohe Etiche

Vice President 3. Roli Omatsone

Secretary 4. Fredison Ogunli

Financial Secretary.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Pastor Samuel Paul 2.

Pastor Mrs. Caroline Samuel 3.

Pastor Paul Gabriel

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To cater for the welfare of its members

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Restoration of Human lost glory

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: Barr. Stanley Onyonyor; 08061663292

SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHANGE OF NAME

DEVELOPMENT FOR HUMAN ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION

I formerly known as Rabi’u Tanko kumatu now wish to be known and addressed as Rabi’u Tanko Danbala. all former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

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) ITOHAN OBOIGBA - Chairman (2) SAMSON ONYI AJUFOH - Secretary (3) DR. BEATRICE ANWULI GBONOZAR - Member (4) EWERE AMANDA AJUFOH - Member The Aims and Objectives : (1) Help to empower members of a community especially Children, Youth and Women.

(2) Identify the actual causes of poverty in communities and evolve partnerships to eliminate them.

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

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MURTALA LAWAN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ZUBAIRU LAWAN GWANGWAN. ALL FOMAL DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL SHOLULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote the interest and wellbeing of its members ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER OF TERMS OF GRANT/ CONVEYANCE OF APPROVAL IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. LD 264 WITH FILE NO. IM 10646 LOCATED WITHIN GUZAPE DISTRICT ABUJA MEASURING ABOUT 1.500M2 DATED 17/05/2001 BEARING F.C ADEBAYO, BUT NOW ASSIGNED TO JUDE OJUKWU ANYAMELE. All efforts made to trace the said missing document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station. Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja Information Geographic Systems (AGIS), and the general public to please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the LOSS OF THE ORIGINAL LETTER OF OFFER IN RESPECT OF BLOCK M5 FLAT 6, NNPC QUARTERS, GARKI-ABUJA FCT AND OTHER RELATED DOCUMENTS BELONGING TO CIBI NIGERIA LIMITED, KADUNA. All efforts made to trace the missing documents proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station. Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Federal Capital Development Authority(FCDA), Abuja Geographic Information Systems(AGIS) and the general public to please note.

THIS SPACE IS THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

FOR SALE

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, march 26, 2014

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ILORIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

ONITSHA ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION

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

QUICK INTERVENTION PRISONERS AFTERCARE FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Yusuf Abdulmumeen Chairman 2. Saliu Imam Secretary 3. Ayodele Ishola Treasurer 4. Lukman Issa Vice Chairman AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote the development of Ilorin and her indigenes 2. To promote the welfare of members ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. His Royal Majesty, Nnaemeka Achebe (Obi of Onitsha) 2. Nnebolisa Arah 3. Francis Chuka Agbu (SAN) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To raise funds and generate income to support the funding and education of deserving persons in all fields of endeavour, academics, the arts, sports, technology, skills acquisition and vocational training 2. To support the preservation of the values, history and traditions of the ancient Onitsha kingdom through the sustainable maintenance of the institutions, structures and objects of its monarchy, the throne of Eze Chima and the Majesty of Obi of Onitsha 3. To set up and manage a living trust fund for the benefit of every obi of Onitsha as the king of Onitsha and as a symbol of dignity and values ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND IMPACT: CAC/IT/NO 34567

YOUTHS LEADERSHIP EDUCATION AND REVIVAL INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR AMMENDMENT OF ITS CONSTITUTION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Professor Dayo 2.

Prof. Akin Omotayo 3.

Professor Segun Toyosi 4.

Professor Jacob Goke Bodunde 5.

Dr. Biola Barakat Phillip THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To share information towards improved knowledge of sustainable impacts of rural development interventions 2. To determine through relevant partnerships, the impacts of rural development intervention 3. To promote, through relevant partnerships, sustainable impacts of rural development interventions ANY OBJECTION TO THIS AMMENDMENT SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

SOLID GROWTH FOUNDATION

CLASS 96 OF GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION OWERRI

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Mr. Jimoh Nureni Olatunde 2.

Bulama Muhammed Musa 3.

Oluwatoyin Emmanuel Maromitan 4.

Bulama Sani Musa 5.

Rufai Abisola Omoyemi 6.

Bulama Judith Eucharia THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.

To cater for the welfare of members ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Ewelamohun Kokumo Chairman 2.

Rufus Falona Treasurer 3.

Adeola Ayelomi 4.

Richard Oshoko 5.

Mr. Adewale Osunmosu Secretary 6.

Barr. Shola Gabriel Legal Adviser AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To take care of prisoners when they are in the prison and also to make sure that they do not go back to the crime 2. To render humanitarian services in the society ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE HUDA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Dr. Mohammed Sani Imam 2.

Musa Muhammed Imam 3.

Yunusa Saleh Yahaya 4.

Barrister Mohammed Auwal Imam 5.

Ahmed Abdulfatahi Usman 6.

Umar Lawan Yusuf 7.

Ballama Shattima Mustapha 8.

Alhaji Ahmed Rufai Abubakar THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. The promotion of good qualitative teacher educative for production of qualified and competent teachers for our upcoming children 2. To complement government efforts in providing educational opportunities for all citizens in Nigeria ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE EMBRACE LIFE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION OF ITS TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

SIGNED: Secretary

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Ifeanyi Ugochukwu Joe 2.

Nwogu Obioma Uchenna 3.

Ihezie Noble Amarachukwu 4.

Udeogu Chukwuemeka Nwachukwu 5.

Ikechi A. Dents THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To foster brotherly love and unity among members of the Association 2. To work in close collaboration with Government Secondary School Owerri in rendering services that will be of immense benefit to the students in particular and the school in general 3. To embark upon profitable ventures which the organization may deem necessary either alone or in conjunction with Government Secondary School Owerri or any other organization for the benefit of our members ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Barr. Itemere Omohwo

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To create workshops and training sessions in skill acquisition for prisoners and ex-convicts who have served their terms and make them relevant to the society ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Olufemi Atetedaiye Esq. 08023570785

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Dr. Ajayi Olumide Abimbola 2.

Mrs. Ajayi Oluranti Omolade 3.

Pastor Oladiyun Wole 4.

Ajai Esther Eniola THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote educational growth through award of scholarship and various educational support programmes ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

MAKE IT WORK CHRISTIAN NETWORK

GLORY CARRIERS CENTRE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED NETWORK HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION OF ITS TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION OF ITS TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Chiedozie Keziah Chioma 2.

Comfort Ugwuneke 3.

Chiedozie Chima Godson 4.

Orji Austin Ndubuisi 5.

Sylvester Aideloye

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Galadima Joseph Ubokpe 2.

Kuje Bartholomew Madalla 3.

Solomon Allu 4.

Galadima Emmanuel Labaran 5.

Kefas Yohana Samari 6.

Ayinda Beshi Azaki THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To teach and effect the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world 2. To unveil the glory of God’s divine presence ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: Omogbemeh Justin Oshoke; 08063515545

SIGNED: Kefas Yohana Samari; 07034358599

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Setting boundries and guidelines paralleled in God’s word for relationship

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Chima Achu 2.

Anne Achu 3.

Olufemi Atetedaiye 4.

Uyi Nicolas Odinuwe 5.

Enobong Anwana

RESURRECTION CHRISTIAN CENTER

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTER HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION OF ITS TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Pastor Joshua Olotu 2.

Sister Beauti Olotu 3.

Brother Olumide Ojewumi 4.

Brother Metseagharun Okpemi THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To evangelise and win souls for God’s kingdom 2. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 3. To help the poor and the needy in the society 4. To conduct deliverance, prayers, healing and breakthrough crusades and seminars in order to win souls for Christ 5. To preach and train Christians to possess the good Christian virtues and shine as light in the world and salt of the earth.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

PAGE 47

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, march 26, 2014

Leisure

Some Interesting Facts

N

igeria, with a 2013 estimated population of 174,507,539 is the most populous Black nation and the 7th most populated nation in the entire world, trailing after—from least to most—Pakistan, Brazil, Indonesia, USA, India and China (1.3bn).

• Nigerians are 1/5th the total population of Black Africa.

• Nigeria, with 521 languages has the fourth most in the world.

This includes 510 living languages, two second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages.

• The Portuguese reached Nigeria in 1472. In 1880 the British began conquering Nigeria’s south. The north was conquered by 1903.

• Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian Nobel laureate. He wrote ‘Telephone Conversation!’

• With a net worth of $16.1bn, Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote is the richest Black person in the world.

• Yoruba and their bloodlines worldwide have the highest rate of twinning (having twins) in the world.

• The 2006 Census found Nigerians to be the highest educated ethnic or racial group in America.

• The Northern knot, Arewa insignia has Christian origins, investigation by Ibraheem A. Waziri revealed. It is adapted from the Church Celtic knot.

• Pre-tribalism: Malam Umaru Altine, a northern Fulani man was the first elected Mayor of Enugu, in the east, and was even re-elected for a second term.

• Pre-tribalism: John Umoru, from Etsako in today’s Edo State (Western region) was elected for the House of Assembly to represent Port Harcourt in the Eastern Nigerian House of Assembly.

• The Colonial Cantonments Proclamation of 1914 established ‘foreign quarters,’ ‘Sabon Gari,’ institutionalizing the Sabon

Garuruwa system of ‘foreigner’ residential segregation in Nigeria.

• Crispin Curtis Adeniyi-Jones (1876-1957) who the street in Ikeja, ‘Adeniyi-Jones’ was named after, was a medical director from Sierra Leone (a Saro). As a co-founder of NNDP, he won one of the Lagos 3 legislative council seats in 1923 and represented Nigerians for 15 yrs.

• Saros was the name given to 19th and 20th century ‘Creole’ African literati migrants from Sierra Leone.

• Amaros was the name for repatriated Brazilian and Cuban slaves; the ‘Aguda’ people of Lagos today. This Brazilian community includes deportees of the brave “Malê Revolt” in Portugal.

Say what?

SUDOKU

SUDOKU EASY 58

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Disobedience of the law in spite of the sign, at Iponri, in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, march 26, 2014

QUOTABLE QUOTE I do not think that at this time when governments are finding it difficult to pay salaries of workers, it can afford about N7bn to waste on a conference.

– General Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of State, on the ongoing National Conference

SPORTS Power sector: Government latest

World Cup door opens for Odemwingie, Uche

C

oach Stephen Keshi has declared that the duo of Peter Odemwingie and Ikechukwu Uche can still make his squad for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

Keshi made it clear that Odemwingie and Uche “have equal chances of making the team” based on their discipline and work rate.

He added that the two strikers will have to prove they deserve to be in Nigeria’s World Cup squad through their performance and attitude.

“There has been too much talk on this Osaze and Ike Uche issue. Let me state here that they all have equal chances of making the team like every other player. There is no special consideration for anybody, if they are invited.

Everyone invited must all prove themselves good enough to make the team,” Keshi said.

UEFA punishes Bayern Munich

B

ayern Munich has been ordered to close part of their stadium for the Champions League match at home to Manchester United next month for “discriminatory behaviour” by their supporters, Uefa said.

Bayern will have to shut “Sector 124” of the Allianz Arena for the quarterfinal second leg on April 9, Uefa said, although they gave no indication of which part of the stadium that section is located in or how many seats will be affected.

Uefa said fans showed “an illicit banner” during the round of 16 tie at home to Arsenal earlier this month. It declined to give more details about the cause of the ban, although media photographs showed a group of fans with a homophobic banner aimed at Arsenal.

The German club have also been fined 10 000 euros ($13 800), Uefa said.

Advert: 0803 business: 0805 news: 0814 lagos: 0805 0803

is attempting an escape

I

am of the generation of Nigerians who cut their teeth on candle lights and rechargeable lamps and given the way things are going, from bad to worse, I have come to the inescapable conclusion that the vision of 24-hour, sevenday-a-week electric power supply is unreachable in my lifetime. Toyosi Akerele, an inspiring youth leader recently announced, in a fanciful pun, that the present generation of leaders had handed nothing but generators to this generation of Nigerians.

At home in Kano last weekend, neighbours said they hadn’t seen light for five days in my part of the GRA. In normal times, you got more power supply here than those who lived in slum sections of the outer city.

I met someone from there who said for fifteen days they hadn’t seen a blink. In Abuja and the other cities, power continues to deteriorate, with just few cities and towns enjoying very little supply.

On one of those days last week in Kano, radio news announced the allocation 12 megawatts to the Kano distribution company with Kano, a megacity by all standard, getting six megawatts, Katsina four, Dutse two and Azare zero.

In February 2013, soon after the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, executed share sale agreements which saw the “historic” hand-over of the 14 out of the successor companies carved out of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, the federal government with a fixed eye on propaganda proclaimed 2013 the “year of power”. Much hope was raised that the take-over of generation, transmission and distribution by private investors – someone called them asset strippers – would see the new owners revamping the sector

“

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Wednesday Column By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo and impacting positively on the nation’s power supply.

Last year, however, most Nigerians celebrated Christmas in darkness. Wherever a new leadership takes over a political or even a business entity, there are changes that often come with that. The new leaders start with a zeal to score quick runs, in this case, improving the level of service to make an immediate good impression. Since the time the new owners of the power companies took over, what Nigerians have experienced is a slip-up. Apart from introducing quite a few faces, nothing by way

of improvement has come to the consumers.

In a hot season such as we are now in, with temperatures hovering above 30o Celsius in the majority of cities, and 40oC and above in the fringe cities of the North, this is a period where there is usually an increase in the demand for power for cooling the environment as well as food storage. An increase in demand and declining supply make for a very bad combination. With a population of 170 million, Nigeria requires an average 40,000 megawatts of electricity. As it is, less than 4,000 or 10 percent is available for both industry and domestic consumption.

After surrendering to the deteriorating situation for many years, those citizens who believed the government that things would get better and delayed such investment decisions as the purchase of generating set are now the wiser. They are bringing out money from savings to buy their own units. For those who can’t afford to do that, there is a booming electricity supply underground by retailers who wire up shops and houses in neighbourhoods, selling power per minute and hour. Without this, women can no longer prepare soup and store is inside refrigerators. They will also have to buy beef and poultry on a day-to-day basis. Government

In a hot season such as we are now in, with temperatures hovering above 30o Celsius in the majority of cities, and 40oC and above in the fringe cities of the North, this is a period where there is usually an increase in the demand for power for cooling the environment as well as food storage.

An increase in demand and declining supply make for a very bad combination. With a population of 170 million, Nigeria requires an average 40,000 megawatts of electricity.

As it is, less than 4,000 or 10 percent is available for both industry and domestic consumption.

offices that cannot power a whole establishment now buy 2 - 5 KVA generators exclusively to power the office of Permanent Secretary or even Minister.

As a television reporter covering the ministry of power, this was how bad things were in the final days of the Shagari administration. At that time, overall national output had dropped to a miserable 900 megawatts. The only difference is that you had the power sector under a state monopoly. You could then by right, hold the Minister and his government responsible for the situation.

But state control of the power sector, as argued by many, was counter-productive and eventually was dismantled.

With this so-called “significant milestone” by which generation, transmission and distribution are driven by the private sector, government officials are already pointing at the new owners as those responsible for the terrible situation. But government can’t run away from the public.

With 80 percent of power plants which are gas-fired deprived of regular gas supply amidst increasing sabotage of gas and oil pipelines in the delta region as illustrated by the recent bombing of the gas supply pipeline between Excravos and Warri, it is hard for the government to play ostrich on this matter even if that is their wish. They can’t run away from responsibility by abandoning consumers to the antics of “asset strippers” exploiting the ordinary citizens to their marrow. You wonder why you have a minister of power, with the addition of a junior minister if all they have to do is to drink tea at the Council of Ministers and draw fat salaries and allowances if they have no power and will to regulate the sector.

Why the hell do you have a huge government agency, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, if they cannot ensure market and operating rules in the power sector? Who is there to right the wrongs in the power sector? It doesn’t sound like we have a government in place. If we had one, someone should start worrying about the sliding power supply, insisting on performance and righting the wrongs that are right there before everyone’s eyes. Should government be running from its responsibility?

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