Wednesday 30th April, 2014 Edition

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 13 No. 52

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

. . . putting the people first

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Confab c’ttee backs immunity clause removal

Jimadal-Thani 30, 1435 AH

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N150

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Gunmen kill 8 in Adamawa village

Judge denies stopping Reps probe of Diezani

Abducted girls:

Reps summon Service Chiefs lWomen protesters demand immediate release lDeal for freedom ongoing – Negotiator >> Pg 2

Revealed: Why Jonathan sacked Gulak

By Lawrence Olaoye, Abuja, & Umar Dankano, Yola

P

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and students protesting over ‘discrimination and neglect’ of the sector by the government, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday fired his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak with immediate effect.

This is coming as Gulak's home governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako, sympathized with the former Presidential aide but sermonized that his experience would be a caution to politicians on the transient nature of power.

Although no official reason was given for Gulak's sack, there are insinuations that he may have been axed for having the temerity to challenge the authority of the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors' Forum (PDPGF) and the governor of Akwa-Ibom, Godswill Akpabio, recently by sneaking into the state capital to inaugurate an NGO, Goodluck Support Group (GSG), without according the goverContd on Page 2

Protesting ASUP, COEASU lecturers tear-gassed in Abuja

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

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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

Property

27

Arts

29

Abducted school girls: Gaidam directs special prayer for divine intervention – Page 10

Int’l

Digest

31 36

Politics 37 News Extra

39

Sports 41 Columnist 48

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Reps summon Service Chiefs

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi & Umar Mohammed Puma with agency report

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he House of Representatives yesterday summoned the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Chief of Army Staff, Gen Kenneth Minimah, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosun to explain how the 230 female students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State abducted by insurgents two weeks ago would be rescued.

This is coming on the heels of a protest staged by parents of the abducted school girls at the National Assembly complex in Abuja yesterday.

The aggrieved parents who wore black and armed with various placards with various inscriptions such as “Release our daughters now”, decried the continued hostage of their kids by Boko Haram had early in the day a staged peaceful demonstration at the popular Eagle Square before moving into the National Assembly where they staged another peaceful demonstration, demanding for the immediate intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan for the release of their daughters in the wilderness before any harm was done to any of them.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, under the umbrella of Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA), Mrs Naomi Mutah lamented that it was "painful that our daughters were carried

away into the wilderness over 15 days now like cows to be slaughtered; since then, we have not heard anything from the Federal Government".

"Where are the Human Right Groups in the country? Where is the Women Affairs Ministry?.

Are there no government in the country? Are there no fathers and mothers in government again to deem fit to see the parents of the abducted school girls and tell us what is actually happening" "If our children are dead, where are their corpses?, Let us see their corpses. For the past two weeks, nobody has come to us; we are dying in silence. Where are the international community? We need their assistance".

She called on the leadership of both chambers of NASS to show sympathy to their plights by asking the federal government and the military authorities to ensure the immediate release of their daughters.

They later presented a letter containing their grievances to the Minister of Women affairs, Mrs. Zainab Maina, for onward transfer to President Jonathan which she promised to deliver to him before he close of work yesterday because of its importance.

Four senators, Hellen Esuene; Zainab Kure; Barnabas Gemade and Ali Ndume, addressed the protesters on behalf of Senate President, David Mark. They assured the women of their support and determination to throw their full weight behind efforts by the federal government to ensure the safe release of the girls.

In the House of Representatives, the lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to engage the service of sub-regional, regional, international security organization to help the Nigerian army in fighting the insurgency, in a motion, read under matters of urgent national importance

by Rep Peter Biye Gumtha, (APC Borno.)

In the upper legislative chamber, the Senator representing Borno Central, Ahmed Zanna, alleged that Boko Haram insurgents have married the 234 girls earlier abducted from Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Chibok, Borno state.

To this end, the Senate urged the executive to seek the assistance of the countries within the ECOWAS sub-region, with a view to deploying the needed co-operation and advanced technology to rescue the abducted girls.

Meanwhile, a hostage negotiator in direct contact with the kidnappers of more than 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria told Channel 4 News that their safe release is "within reach", but that their fate rests on a knife-edge.

“The girls, we believe, are alive; but they have been moved from the location to which they were originally taken," the intermediary told Channel 4 News. "It would not be hard to engineer a deal. It looks like they want to release them."

The kidnappers have warned, however, that attempts by the military to launch a rescue attempt "may result in the deaths of many of the captives". "They

want a way out," said the negotiator, who has long experience of dealing directly with the Islamist group Boko Haram in previous hostage crises.

The intermediary said the group believes it has already succeeded in embarrassing the government and instilling terror in the civilian population.

However splinter factions within the fractious group are understood to be arguing over what to do with their hostages. "The danger now is that the military will get involved and that can only end badly," he said.

The hostage-takers have now been asked for a list of the girls' names as proof-of-life. The negotiator - who wanted to remain anonymous for reasons of personal security - said the group is demanding a ransom but added: "we are hoping they will soften their stance".

The abductors, who have been in intermittent contact with the intermediary over the past 48 hours, claim to have released "a number of hostages" because "they did shahada" - meaning forcible conversion to Islam, a hallmark tactic of Boko Haram.

Public fury in Nigeria is focused on the government's perceived failure to respond to the hostage crisis. President Jonathan has emerged as a lightning rod for public outrage. "It is inexcusable that this government is not responding," said Dr. Margee Ensign, president of the American University of Nigeria. "It seems it is either incapable of handling or unwilling to handle this situation."

Revealed: Why Jonathan sacked Gulak Contd on Page 2 nor his statutory courtesies.

Gulak's action was reported to have infuriated Akpabio who protested the breach of protocol to the President in Abuja even as he urged the Presidential Aide to preoccupy himself with the task of delivering his home Adamawa state to Jonathan by 2015 as the President needs no campaign in Akwa Ibom state.

Gulak, whose replacement would be announced soon, according to Jonathan's spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, was also accused by Akpabio of fraternizing with his known political enemies in the state.

Mr. Nsima Ekere, former deputy to Akpabio who was impeached and the sacked former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Akwa-Ibom state, Umana's Okon Umana, who has never hidden his ambition to succeed the governor were said to be at the head of the GSG in Uyo. Both Ekere and Umana belong to a splinter PDP opposed to the governor's succession plans in Akwa Ibom.

Akpabio, a known die hard supporter of Jonathan, in protest urged the President to call Gulak

to order. But few days after the warning, the Presidential aide was fired.

Apart from Akpabio's personal protest against Gulak's action, the state faction of the mainstream PDP, after a meeting in Uyo, condemned the Presidential Aide's visit “to inaugurate a sectional and unknown Support Group in favour of our dear President without bothering to pay any courtesies to the state leadership of the party.”

The party accused the politician of playing “ignoble and contemptuous role” in the affairs of the party in the state and warned him to desist from further interfering in the affairs of the PDP in Akwa Ibom.

It would be recalled that Jonathan's former Chief of Staff, Mike Ogiadhome, was sacked when he denied the Sokoto state governor, Alhaji Aliyu Matagakarda Wamakko, his courtesies by having the President visit Sokoto for political rally recently without the knowledge of the governor.

Besides, Gulak was said to have stepped on so many big toes, especially in the north, making Jonathan's second term ambition a bit difficult to sell in the region.

Apart from these, an online

medium had recently alleged that Gulak belongs to the class of politicians in the country who ran or still run secret offshore companies and accounts where they either hide their wealth to evade taxes, launder money or commit fraud.

According to the medium, Gulak, whose company dealt in the supply of fast boats, radial systems and naval communication equipment as well as military hardware to the Nigerian government, was linked to Erojim, a secret shell company in the British Virgin Islands, one of the world’s most notorious tax havens.

Taking advantage of the loose laws in several jurisdictions, the medium alleged, shell companies like Gulak’s are easy to form and owners can remain anonymous while using nominee directors as fronts and deploying the corporations to hide ill-gotten assets, launder funds, dodge litigations or evade tax.

The sacked Presidential Aide, the medium maintained, declined to respond to the allegation at the time, and the Nigerian government failed to open an investigation.

Meanwhile, Governor Murtala Nyako has sympathized with

Gulak over his sudden sack by the Presidency.

Nyako also felt very bad over the reported wild jubilation by people of Gulak Town Madagali Local Government Area in the State on the development and hoped that he (Gulak) should have learnt a lesson from the transient nature of power.

Nyako who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mallam Ahmad I Sajoh, regretted that Gulak was supposed to be an adviser to the President but turned to be self imposed spokesman of the Presidency insulting and vilifying imaged and passive enemies.

“But today, the real presidential spokesman has spoken by showing the exit route to him (Gulak) unceremoniously”.

He also described the development of his (Gulak) people’s celebration over the removal as a pity and a big lesson to the political class especially those in the corridors of power.

Our Correspondent in Yola gathered that even in the state capital, some politicians held that the Presidency had done the right thing by removing one of those they alleged are overheating the polity unnecessarily.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

News

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Protesting ASUP, COEASU lecturers tear-gassed in Abuja

By Tobias Legnan Dapam

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he Nigeria Police yesterday dislodged members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), who embarked on a peaceful protest in Abuja to press home their demand.

The lecturers, who gathered in front of the federal secretariat, in Abuja the Federal Capital territory (FCT), were dispersed by gun-wielding policemen, who later fired teargas at them for de-

fying their instruction not to move beyond the premises of the federal secretariat.

The Minister of Labour, Mr. Emeka Wogu, who addressed the lecturers before they were dispersed, promised to address the issues raised by the lecturers who have been on strike for ten months.

At a joint news conference in Abuja on Sunday, the unions had insisted that they will hold the protest on Tuesday.

The National President of the ASUP, Dr. Chibuzor Asomugha and the Abuja chapter chairman of

COEASU, Dr. Ahymed Lawal, criticised the Federal Government’s refusal to implement agreements reached with the unions in order to suspend the indefinite strike.

They had appealed to wellmeaning Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government to among other demands, address issues of funding, infrastructural development, dichotomy between polytechnic and university graduates and the harmonisation of working conditions for all lecturers in tertiary institutions.

They have been pushing this demands since April last year.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, had in a meeting in February with the union, accused it of thwarting government’s efforts at resolving the strike.

The government later set up another committee, headed by the Minister of Labour, Mr Emeka Wogu, and was yet to convince the striking lecturers.

ASUP had in April 22, 2013 embarked on a seven-day warning strike to push their demands and since then, they have refused to call-off the strike until pending issues had been resolved.

FG declares tomorrow public holiday

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Federal Government has declared tomorrow 1st May, 2014 as Public Holiday to commemorate the 2014 workers' Day celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro made the declaration on behalf of the Nigerian government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Fatima Bamidele.

The Minister who congratulated Nigerian workers for their resilience and commitment in the face of obvious challenges of daily living, enjoined them to support the present government in its fight against insurgency.

L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, during a condolence visit by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to the Vice-President over the death of his younger brother, Captain Sabo Sambo, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Gunmen kill 8 in Panic, as mysterious Adamawa village pot appears at From Umar Dankano, Yola

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ome gunmen, suspected to be Boko Haram members, yesterday attacked Kubla Village of Madagali Local Government area of Adamawa state burning places of worship and houses.

Reports had it that, the suspected insurgency killed many people and injured many more.

Some residents of the affected village who fled the area said that they were attacked by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members in the night. ”They used explosives during the attack on the churches and many people lost their lives”, local villagers recounted their ordeals. ”I cannot actually say how many people were kill but I saw about six died bodies being evacuated”, one of the residents who identified himself as Heldia Apogu said.

Another resident claimed that

some houses were also attacked by the gunmen who took some men as hostage. ”I saw some people crying saying that their relations had been taken away as hostage by the gunmen”, the resident who prefer anonymity said.

Attempt to get the military and police authorities to comment on the incident did not yield result.

The council chairman of Madagali, Mr. James Abawu Watharda said that four people lost their lives during the attack.

He said the Army have sealed up the area and were hunting for the fleeing attackers. ‘’ Four people were killed and two churches, including houses, were set ablaze by the attackers, as all the villagers have fled away,’’ said the council chairman.

Madagali Local Government is bordering Gwoza Local Government of Borno state, known for series of insurgent attacks since the declaration of the state of emergency.

Benue Govt House From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

A

mysterious pot at the Benue State Government House round-about in Makurdi yesterday caused panic amongst staff and security personnel.

Peoples Daily gathered that the pot which was seen as early as 4 am on Tuesday may have been kept there during the wee hours of the day.

It was learnt that government house security men stationed close to the round about, on sighting the pot, moved away from their original place just as staff of government house were seen in clusters discussing the pot.

The presence of the mysterious pot which contained palm oil, pork and something that looked like red kola nut is said to have sent shivers down the spines of

the governor's personal aides who refused to come out from office when the news of the strange pot reached them.

It was not clear if the strange occurrence which is the first since the creation of the state in 1976 is connected to the 2015 governorship race but sources close to the aspirants said each of them have been putting pressure on the governor to anoint him.

Benue faced crisis of Tiv /Agatu farmers and Fulani herdsmen for over three years before it subsided as a result of intervention by security agencies as well as the various committees set up by the state government.

The mysterious pot has appeared at the government house roundabout at the time various political office seekers have returned to the trenches.

Confab c’ttee backs immunity clause removal

By Patrick Andrew

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he Committee on Politics and Governance has upheld the recommendation of its sub-committee that section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution, which contains the immunity clause, be expunged because of the serial abused of its provisions by past and present presidents and governors.

The consensus to that effect was reached yesterday following the presentation of a report by the sub-committee headed by former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Haliru.

Though the sub-committee had suggested partial removal of the clause from the constitution, members in their contributions to the debate, however, strongly objected to the retention of any form of immunity for elected officers arguing that past and present experiences have shown maddening abuse of the provisions.

Albeit, there were pockets of resistance led by Chief Mike Ahamba and former Senate President Adulphos Wabara, who advocated for partial removal of immunity for civil cases but prosecution for criminal cases because it would buck down governance, the majority argued strongly in favour of expunging the clause.

They insisted that immunity clause had engendered character deficiency in elected leaders, and therefore requires drastic measures such as deliberately removing whatever offers protection to a small group of persons to breach the rule of law and raise themselves high than the majority of the people.

According to them, immunity clause has proved to be anti- people, government, democracy and breeding for all sorts of outlawry as well as a paralysis of governance because all manners of persons lacking genuine democratic credentials and refined character have found themselves in government and have ultimately raped the clause.

Prof. Olabisi Aina, Elder Bulus Dareng, Ray Ekpu, Sen. Khairat Gwadebe, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubike, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, Sen. Anietie Okon, Co-Chairmen Prof. Jerry Gana and Chief Olu Falae, Amb. Yerima Abdullahi, Ledum Mitee, Amb. Hassan Adamu, former Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba favoured total removal of immunity clause in the Constitution, while Sen. Ibrahim Idah and Chief Olabode George wanted the matter approached with caution.

Accordingly, the sub-committee set up a 7-man committee headed by Ray Ekpu to consider among others the processes for the removal of an elected officer found wanting in the court as well as what could be considered as disincentives to public offices.

The sub-committee, which members include Prof. Sam Egwu, Yerima Abdullahi, Ledum Mitee, Khairat Gwadabe, Prof. Aina and Sen. Ibrahim Idah, is to present its recommendations to the committee of the whole for deliberation today.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesDAY, april 30, 2014

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News

Amaka Igwe was a jewel of Nollywood - Atiku

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L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar; Chief Executive Officer, The Cable Online Newspaper, Mr. Simon Kolawole, Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Chris Anyanwu, and Publisher of Thisday Newspapers, Mr Nduka Obaigbena, during the inauguration of The Cable Online Newspaper, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Unimaid ASUU meets over VC choice saga

By Ahmed I. Shekarau, Abuja & Mustapha Isa Kwaru, Maiduguri

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he University of Maiduguri (Unimaid) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is meeting tomorrow to review the lingering impasse over the selection of a new vice chancellor for the university.

The Joint University Council and Senate Selection Board had on Thursday in Abuja, interviewed11 candidates who had applied to replace the current VC, Professor Mala M. Daura, who is due to leave office on June 2.

But sources close to the selection board alleged that the ProChancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the varsity, Alhaji Lawan Bukar Marguba, thwarted the process.

Marguba was alleged to have abruptly suspended a meeting

of the Council, which was due to receive the selection board’s report and announce the choice of the successful candidate as VC. Our sources revealed that of the 11 candidates interviewed for the VC slot, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi of the Faculty of Education in the same university came tops, having scored 90.1%, while Prof. Isa Hussaini Marte of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, also in the university, came second with 71.2%.

Prof. Abubakar Kundiri of the Faculty of Agriculture, Unimaid, scored 69.5%, thereby emerging third. Other contenders were Prof. Ibrahim Iliya, 66.3%; Prof.

Umar Sandabe, 62.8%; Prof.

Yagani Kaarta, 61.3%; and Prof.

Ibrahim B. Goni, 56.8%.

The other candidates were Prof. Yakubu Bila, 52.6%; Prof.

Sheriff Modu, 52.4%; Prof. Bukar Bababe, 51.6%; and Prof. Tijani El-Miskin, 47.8%.

According to one of our sources, “despite protest and insistence of members of the Council that the report of the joint selection board be discussed and acted upon, the chairman unilaterally suspended the meeting indefinitely, claiming that he was going to see the supervising minister for education”.

One of our sources alleged, however, that Njodi, who came tops during the interview, is being opposed because he hails from Gombe state.

He added that the Council chairman and some other prominent personalities from Borno state are determined to get one of their own (from Borno) take over from Professor Daura as the new VC. But a document obtained by one of our reporters showed that of the eight VCs that the university had since its inception in 1975, four of them are from Borno, two

from Adamawa, one from Akwa Ibom, while the current VC is from Yobe state.

Besides, as a federal institution, it is expected to reflect federal character principles in all its appointments, as a letter from the Federal Character Commission (FCC) addressed to the varsity’s registrar and dated May 13, 2009, has shown.

Meanwhile, the Unimaid ASUU, according to a lecturer who spoke to one of our reporters, is insisting that “merit must not be compromised on the altar of ethnicity and politics, in the choice of the VC of a university”.

The lecturer said the union is likely to come out with a very strong position cautioning the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Education against succumbing to “any political pressure” to comprise merit for ethnic sentiment.

Gov. Aliyu vows to probe sect allegedly linked to Boko Haram in Niger

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

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he Niger state Government has concluded arrangement to investigate the activities of a suspected Islamic sect believed to have link with the dreaded Boko Haram group which has caused crisis in major parts of the North Eastern part of the country.

Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu who was acting on security report given by the league of Imams in the state, set up a two man committee to investigate the activities of the sect believed to have a base in Bida town yesterday.

Aliyu who gave members of the committee three days to complete their assignment and report back to him, also

directed members of the panel to dialogue with the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger state council of Traditional rulers whose domain the alleged sect members are based.

Aliyu emphasized the need for Nigerians to be more vigilant and report such cases to

the authorities to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the state and the country.

The governor received the league of Imam in the state led by its chairman, Sheikh Ibrahim Isah Fari who paid him a thank you visit for the assistance the government rendered to the

group during the seminar organized by the forum for Imams in the 19 northern states recently.

He urged Nigerians to pray for return of peace to troubled areas in the northern part of the country and the nation as a whole.

ormer Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) Atiku Abubakar has described Mrs. Amaka Igwe nee Eneh who passed on yesterday in Enugu as a jewel of the Nollywood industry.

The former Vice President made the assertion yesterday in a tribute to the Nollywood writer, producer and director.

In a statement by his Media Office in Abuja yesterday, Atiku expressed shock at the demise of Mrs. Igwe Eneh, who was a major player in the Nigerian movie industry.

Atiku recalled that Mrs. Igwe’s first major production, “Decrees of Fate” won four awards at the National Festival of Television Programmes in 1988. “Amaka (Igwe) was one of the pioneers of the movie industry.

Her presence in Nollywood grew to become quite impressive as she amassed a number of well received movies,” Atiku said.

He said that it is to the credit of people like the late Amaka Igwe that the movie industry has continued to play crucial role in the economy of the country both in job creation and revenue generation.

The Turaki Adamawa expressed his condolences to the Igwe and Eneh families and friends and associates of the deceased in particular members of the Nollywood.

Police pensioners threaten to protest cut, non-payment From Ahmed Kaigama,Bauchi

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he National Union of retired police officers of Nigeria has threatened to embark on protest over review of their remuneration and non-payment of entitlements to its members by the Federal Government The Chairman, Bauchi state Chapter, Mr. Dogara Jirayi Bakoshi disclosed this while briefing newsmen shortly after their meeting with hundreds of the Union’s members in Bauchi yesterday.

He said the action became imperative to end the abject poverty among the retired police officers.

According to the Chairman, the Union is waiting for any further directive from the national headquarters to converge at Abuja for the demonstration.

“It is pathetic when a retired policeofficer died instantly on receiving a notice to vacate his apartment in the barrack while waiting for eight years without enjoying his entitlement.

World Economic Forum shuts down Confab

By Patrick Andrew

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he on-going National Conference, which has broken into committees, will be forced to adjourn by one week when the World Economic Forum, scheduled to begin next week in Abuja.

Peoples Daily learnt hotels where some of the delegates are lodging have issued them notices to vacate their lodgments by one

week because of the forthcoming forum.

During one of the sessions yesterday, some committees informed their members that todayWednesday- would be the last day they would sit until May 12 when they are to resume.

Already, delegates have been told there would be restriction of movements around the Abuja metropolis as well as considerable

presence of security agents in key places in the city and suburbs.

Based on this, the committee on politics and governance, urged its various sub-committees to tidy its reports and ensure that clean copies are made available today for distribution to members for use during the forced long vacation.

The delegates were encouraged to endeavour to peruse through the documents, make further inputs

where necessary, ahead of their resumption date on the 12th of May. Peoples Daily recalls that committees were allotted three weeks to consider all seminar papers and professional submissions, deliberate on them and make final submissions to the National Conference secretariat, which would subsequently present same to the plenary final x-ray of those recommendations.

News

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesDAY, april 30, 2014

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Zamfara residents decry rampant rape cases From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

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L-R: Former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma, Anglican Archbishop OF Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, his wife, Joyce Chukwuma, Ide Ahaba, Chief Sunny Odogwu, and former Special Adviser to the Senate President on Legal and Judicial Matters, Justice Eugene Ubaezeonu, during the 25th anniversary of Bishop Chukwuma, yesterday in Enugu.

Photo: NAN

Judge denies stopping Reps probe of Diezani

By Stanley Onyekwere with agency report

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judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has denied issuing any order barring the House of Representatives from probing the Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the ministry over the controversial expenditure of about N10 billion on private jet for the minister.

The House had commenced the probe following a motion on March 20 presented by a lawmaker, Samuel Adejare, accusing the minister of committing about 500,000 Euros (N130 million) monthly to maintain an aircraft

for her personal needs and those of her immediate family.

Not wanting to appear before the lawmakers to explain the controversial expenditure, Mrs. Alison-Madueke approached the court seeking for “an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves, their members, committee, or agents from summoning or directing” her appearance.

The judge was reported to have on April 14 granted an order, one that was made public on Monday.

According to a Premium Times report, an infuriated Justice Ahmed Mohammed, how-

ever, told journalists and all those present in court on Tuesday that he never granted the specific order sought by the minister.

“As far as I am concerned, and as the judge presiding over this case, no such order was made,” the Punch newspaper quoted the judge as saying.

A journalist present in court described Mr. Mohammed’s reaction as ‘very angry’.

The journalist told PREMIUM TIMES that the judge first called the court reporters and asked them why they misinterpreted the order.

The judge was then told by the journalists that it was the House

Don’t play politics with Nigeria’s security challenges, Abdusalami Abubakar warns From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has warned politicians and Nigerians to desist from playing politics with the nation’s security challenges.

Mr. Abubakar stated this, Tuesday, during the official unveiling of The Cable, a new online newspaper, in Lagos.

“At this moment of our nationhood, we are facing several challenges, security challenges as well as the need to reduce poverty. Let us join hands to fight these common challenges,” said Mr. Abubakar, a retired Army General.

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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peaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said yesterday that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke was still under investigation despite a court process contesting the House probe into the N10 billion allegedly spent to maintain a chartered Challenger 850 aircraft in two years.

The court process which was served on the office of the House Speaker stalled a House Committee Public Accounts Committee

“It is in our interest as a country to be peaceful and prosper. We have no other country to call our own.

“I appeal to politicians and all Nigerians to always put Nigeria first, to forget their differences when the issue of security of Nigeria is at stake.

“Perhaps, our politicians can learn some lessons from America. Whenever election is around the corner, they identify themselves as Democrats and Republicans. But as soon as election is over, they’ll identify themselves as Americans,” Mr. Abubakar, who was the Father of the day, continued.

“I understand that all politicians will always be politicians, but it should not be destructive,” he added.

After Mr. Abubakar’s opening remarks, the event dissolved into a discussion session themed ‘Nigeria at 100: Reflections on the Future.”

Among the discussants were Babatunde Fashola, the Lagos State Governor; Chris Anyanwu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy; Segun Ogunsanya, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria; John Momoh, Founder, Channels TV; and Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of Thisday Newspapers.

Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group, was “unavoidably absent” as he was attending a dinner for the 100 richest people in the world hosted by Forbes, according to Kadaria Ahmed, the event’s anchor.

Chartered jet scandal: Alison-Madueke still under investigation - Tambuwal (PAC) Public Hearing on the matter which was prior scheduled for Monday.

Tambuwal said the House Public Accounts Committee will stay action pending receipt of legal advice on the matter before the court.

“We have not closed that investigation. When we get legal advice, we will know the next line of action.” Tambuwal stated at Tuesday’s plenary while ruling

on a point of order raised on the propriety of the court action.

Alison-Madueke has allegedly not only used the said chartered aircraft(s) for official matters, but also private trips, an allegation the NNPC has debunked in other quarters. The NNPC insist that the practice (chartering aircraft) is common and acceptable in the local and international business environment in which it operates.

of Representatives leadership that address journalists to say it was in possession of the order barring the probe.

While addressing journalists on Monday, the House spokesperson, Zakary Mohammed, had said the house had received the court order and would stay action on inviting the minister.

“As a law abiding arm of government, we will tarry a while and of course take a legal opinion as far as issues are concerned,” Mr. Mohammed said.

he residents of Gusau, the Zamfara state capital, have decried frequent cases of rape on minors mostly below 13 to 14 years of age within the last one month.

Pleadeding anonymity, father of a nine year old girl who had rushed his daughter to the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau, after she was raped by a 46 year old man [name withheld], told Peoples Daily that, based on the information he received from the hospital’s sources, series of rape cases were frequently reported to the hospital by parents and guardians.

According to our source, before his daughter was discharged from the health facility, two more victims of the same case were also conveyed for medical treatment as a result of rape by unknown men within the Gusau metropolis.

The source further disclosed that, “One of the hospital officials told me that, within the last one week, nine cases of rape were recorded in the hospital. We are in a threatening situation pertaining rape on children by matured people. It is very disappointing, and let security agencies and governments beef up security particularly in Gusau”.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) of the state Command, DSP Lawal Abdullahi, confirmed arrests and prosecution of rapists.

He however, declined to give precise figure of rapists that were arrested and prosecuted.

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

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

Be graduates. ii.

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

Have a fair knowledge of the business

and political environment of the country.

Two or more years working experience would be

an added advantage.

B. Production Editor (Weekend Edition) i.

Eligible candidates must have good command of

both oral and written English. ii.

S/he should have good knowledge of newspaper production.

C. Graphic Artists Eligible candidates must: i.

Be young, talented, committed and competent. ii.

Have a diploma in computer applications from

any reputable institutions. iii.

Be conversant with both oral and written English iv.

Be proficient on Indesign, Photoshop Coreldraw,

and are conversant with newspaper production.

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

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, april 30, 2014

PAGE 6

News

Egypt: Dahiru Bauchi pleads for review of death sentences on Islamic Brotherhood

L-R: President, National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), Dr. Jibril Abdullahi, President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Enabulele Osahon, and NMA Secretary General, Dr. Akpufuoma Remu, during NMA media briefing on its scorecard and the association coming delegates conference, yesterday in Abuja.

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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Photo: Justin ImoOwo

British Council trains Kaduna communities on conflict management From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

I

n an effort to promote and enhance conflict resolution and management in the society, the British Council in partnership with Development and Peace Initiative Kaduna has organized a four-day workshop on conflict Management and peace promotion for communities of Wusasa, and Tudun-Wada in Zaria local government area of Kaduna State.

The workshop, known as Nigeria Stability Reconciliation Programme, is aimed at creating

necessary awareness to handle any conflict. Speaking at the commencement of the workshop in Zaria, the coordinator, Development and Peace initiative Kaduna (DEPIKAD), Rev. Father Clement Bamaiyi Kajoma explained that the participants comprising of Christian- Muslim Clerics, representatives of Jama’atul NasriI Islam (JNI) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), community leaders and the security personnel drawn from Wusasa, and Tudun-Wada were carefully selected, in cognizance of the fact that the communities are crisis

prone areas.

The coordinator further said the Workshop will enable the inauguration of the community peace partnership Committee who will be intensively trained on conflict resolution, early detection of warning signs and how to negotiate and handle it before it escalates to crisis.

Rev. Father Kagoma therefore, charged the participants to redouble commitment and ensure full implementation of the knowledge gained at the workshop with the view to ensuring permanent peace, security and mutual coexistence

among diverse people of the areas.

Also speaking, the facilitator of the workshop from the British Council, Rev Sister Rita Swaza Benga said the workshop focused on areas that include raising awareness on the people, how to negotiate on agreeable solutions to conflict before it escalate to crisis.

Sister Benga said the topic of the workshop was necessary in Nigeria bearing in mind that a lot of differences always lead to violence, hence the need to analyze possible ways of conflict and the way it should be handled in order not to lead to violence.

Northern civil society commends Nyako’s position on insecurity

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Northern Civil Society Forum has commended Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa state for his position on the security challenges facing the country today and lambasted the so called Northern Governors forum for its ineptitude and insensitivity towards the plight of northerners.

In a press conference held in Kaduna on Saturday the forum Coordinator Alhaji Dan’azumi Mohammed noted that President Jonathan should regard Nyako as a true friend who meant well for him and the nation.

The forum said the day the Memo to the Northern Governors leaked to the media it brought to the fore the friends and enemies of President

Jonathan, urging him to see Nyako as a true friend.

The coordinator also called on the President to urgently call Governor Nyako personally and thrash out some of the contents of his memo in the interest of the country.

“It beats our imagination why the message was not being addressed but the messenger.

Nyako was also once attacked

by the insurgents, and the killings and abductions in the north east is going on unabated. We wonder why on earth should Nigerians and even some northern governors’ attack and condemn the man who wrote the memo?

Mohammed further urged the Federal Government to do more on the security challenges facing the country.

Yuguda urges journalists to narrow the gap between the govt and governed From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

G

overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state has urged journalist to work towards narrowing the gap between the government and the governed for a positive society.

The governor said yesterday while declaring open the National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bauchi that communication gap is one of the challenges confronting governance today.

Governor Yuguda, who was represented by the Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Salihu Ibrahim Halilu said Bauchi state government has provided additional channels of communication to meet the needs of the rural communities, saying that the government inherited only two Radio stations but now has 13 radio channels that are operating.

He commended members of the NUJ especially the NEC members for deciding to host the meeting in Bauchi despite the security

challenges facing the North East sub region.

Also speaking the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman who is the Grand Patron of the NUJ applauded journalists in the country saying that despite the killings, kidnapping and other security challenges, journalists in the country perform their work effectively.

He however charged journalists to always be on alert, objective, sincere in their conduct.

The Chairman of the occasion

and Rector Federal Poly, Bauchi. Dr Shuaibu Musa called on journalists across the country to carry out their duties with a sense of responsibility.

Earlier, the National President NUJ, Malam Garba Muhammad represented by his Deputy Mr. Rotimi commended the Bauchi state government for providing a conducive atmosphere to state owned media organisations to operate as well as providing a functional NUJ secretariat that is among the best in the country.

he Deputy Chairman Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi has pleaded for the review on death sentences recommended by a judge at a mass trial for 683 people including Muslim brotherhood leader Mohammed Badie in Egypt.

Sheikh Dahiru made the plea yesterday, while speaking with news men in Bauchi.

The Scholar, who is the leader of Tijjaniyya Islamic sect followers in Africa said “According to Islamic injunction , you can only pass death sentence on three people, anybody who killed innocent soul, any believer that renounces Islam or any husband that committed adultery” and quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith.

He queried: “Did the judge check and found out that each person among the accused killed any innocent soul or he just recommended the sentences because of Politics? If he recommended for death penalty against the accused let the judge come out and explain the name of anybody that each of the accused kill in the interest of Justice”

Amaka Igwe, renowned Nollywood movie producer is dead

A

maka Igwe, one of Nigeria’s foremost film producers, writer, director and a leading player in the motion picture industry, is dead.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by The Nigerian Entertainment (NET).

The statement said that Amaka died on Monday night in Enugu after a brief ill health.

Confirming the death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Agility Onwurah, Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abuja Chapter, said Amaka’s demise was a big blow to the Nollywood industry.

“Amaka had gone to Enugu in company of her husband for a preproduction preparation for a new Igbo soap when the sad incident occurred.

“She suffered asthmatic attack and was immediately rushed to a hospital, but died before getting there.

“Amaka is survived by her husband of 21 years, Charles Igwe, three children, and an aged mother, “the statement said.

Born Amaka Isaac-Ene, the deceased was an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher.

She founded the BoB TV Expo, and was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Top Radio 90.9 FM, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the newly-launched Q Entertainment Networks.

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Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, APRIL 30, 2014

News

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he police on Monday arraigned an applicant, Peter Tariebe, 26, of EFAB Estate, Abuja, in a Wuse Zone 2, Senior Magistrates’ Court over alleged impersonation.

Tariebe was impersonating as NTA Director General’s (DG) son.

The accused committed two count charges of impersonation and an attempt to commit offence of cheating.

The Prosecutor, Mr. Abu Okpanachi, told the court that Mr. Yakubu Lawal, of No. 17, Nile St., Maitama, Abuja, reported the case to the Area Command, Metro,

2 charged over alleged milk theft

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wo men, Aliu Jubril, 30, and Ikediuwa Azubike, 32, who allegedly stole 12 cartons of milk, were on Monday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Jubril, a security officer with Halogen Security Company, Ogba, resides at Alimosho area of Lagos, while Azubike is unemployed and his address is unknown.

Both men are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp.

Nurudeen Thomas, told the court that the accused committed the offences between April 23 and April 25 at WAMPCO Nig. Plc., Acme Road, Ogba, Lagos.

He said the accused stole 12 cartons of Three Crowns Milk worth N19, 200, property of the company.

Thomas said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for offenders.

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

The Magistrate, Mrs. Abimbola Oshodi-Makanju, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till May 15 for mention. (NAN)

Applicant arraigned over alleged impersonation as NTA DG’s son

Maitama, on April 24.

Okpanachi said that Lawal reported the case on behalf of his boss, Mr. James Olotu, the Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company. ``Olotu received a text message from the accused who claimed to be the son of the DG of NTA, Mr. Shola

Omole, and was seeking financial assistance on health grounds,’’ Okpanachi said.

He said that the accused also presented himself physically as the son of the DG and fraudulently collected the sum of N1 million from the complainant’s boss.

He added that the accused was

later caught while Olotu was trying to verify the authenticity of the claim.

Okpanachi told the court that the money, which the accused had already collected, was recovered from him.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions

1.7 m people behind bars in Europe, theft tops offences

N

o fewer than 1.7 million people are behind bars in Europe, with about half of them being held for theft, drugs or murder, a Council of Europe report showed yesterday.

The report, which looked at prisons in 47 member-countries, including Russia and Turkey, showed wide divergences in

prison conditions across the continent.

The report says however that overcrowding was a major problem in nearly half of the surveyed countries.

Serbia emerged as the chief offender in the overcrowding stakes, with 159.3 inmates per 100 prison places in 2012, followed

by Italy, Cyprus, Hungary and Belgium.

Foreign inmates made up an average 21.3 per cent of prisoners in European prisons in 2012, rising to 27.9 per cent in Germany and 74 per cent in Switzerland.

The report showed the prison population to be nearly entire male, with women accounting for

T

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina (left), addressing mothers of girls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok by Boko Haram, during their protest, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Lugbe, Airport Road, Abuja, lodged a report against the accused at the Utako Police Station on April 7.

Ibrahim said the accused and another man, now at large, approached the complainant with a promise to produce some dollars for her.

He said the accused collected N108,000 from Adegoke to buy

some chemicals to use in making the money.

The prosecutor said the accused absconded immediately after collecting the money until he was arrested by the police.

He said the offence contravened the Penal Code.

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

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

The Presiding Judge, Mr. Abubakar Saddiq, admitted him to bail for N10,000 and a surety.

Saddiq ordered that the surety must have a fixed address and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the case until May 19 for hearing. (NAN)

Travel agent charged with cheque forgery, N117, 000 theft

A

47-year-old travel agent, Ayinla Thomas, was on Monday charged before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly presenting a forged cheque at a bank and stealing N117, 000.

The accused, who lives at No. 12, Bode Thomas St., Alagbado,a Lagos suburb, is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, stealing,

only 5.4 per cent of inmates on the average.

Russia had the secondhighest number of prisoners as a proportion of the general population, after Georgia.

The continental average was 150 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants.

There were few surprises when it came to jailing offences, with theft topping the table, followed by drugs offences, robbery and murder.

Albania had by far the highest proportion of prisoners who were serving time for murder or attempted murder.

Convicted or wouldbe murderers represented a whopping 48 per cent of its prison population, compared with 5.8 per cent in France and 6.2 per cent in Austria.

Joint Task Force raids illegal naval maritime school in Kogi

Police arraign `money doubler’ for defrauding woman of N108, 000 he police yesterday arraigned a 32-yearold `money doubler’’, Ikechukwu Ugo, before a Kado Upper Area Court for defrauding a woman of N108,000.

Ugo, a resident of Jabi village, Abuja, is charged with cheating.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Simon Ibrahim, told the court that Ms Bernice Adekoke of

of sections 179 and 95 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty, and denied the allegations.

The Magistrate, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ubani, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500,000 with a surety in like sum.

forgery and committing a felony.

The prosecutor, ASP Austin Orji, said the offences were committed on March 17 at Access Bank branches at Agege, Bode Thomas (Surulere) and Alagbado.

He told the court that Thomas presented the cheque to a cashier at the bank which was discovered to have been stolen.

Orji said the cheque had earlier

been declared missing by the account holder. ``When Thomas was interrogated by the bank’s security personnel, he could not give a satisfactory answer as to how he came about the cheque.’’

Orji alleged that Thomas had earlier withdrawn N117, 000 from the account of one Ademola Okunola at another Access Bank

branch.

He said the offences contravened Sections 285, 363, 404 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Salama Matepo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 28 for mention.

(NAN)

T

he Joint Military Task Force, on Monday morning raided an illegal merchant school situated in Idah, Kogi State and sealed it off.

Over 500 illegal students were at the school at the time of the raid.

Leading the operation which consist of the Navy, Army, DSS, Police and Nigeria Civil Defense Corps, Naval Commander NNS Lugard Lokoja, Commodore Shuwa AbdulrahamMohammed, said the training school was operating illegally.

He insisted that the place was used for training an armed group established to disturb peace and the stability of the nation.

Mr. Abdulraham Mohammed noted that in the whole of Nigeria there was only one Nigeria Navy Sea Fairer School, located in Orom, Cross River state, saying that any other one operating apart was illegal.

Both the students and their instructors were all rounded-up by security agents who arrived at the illegal training school in the morning.

PAGE 8

Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, APRIL 30, 2014

Photo Splash

Policemen, journalists and protesters running as the police spray water to disperse a protest by members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and students over ‘discrimination and neglect’ of the sector by the government, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (right), presents a souvenir to Comrade Sylvester Ejiofoh, (left), during a visit of the union’s executives to the governor, yesterday in Benin City. With them is National President, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Comrade Solomon Adelegan (middle).

Children under the auspices of ‘Save the Child, Build the nation’ participating in the protest by members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and students over ‘discrimination and neglect’ of the sector by the government, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Former President/Chairman IN Council, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Dr Sally adukwu-bolujoko; NIM President, Dr Nelson Uwaga, and Acting Registrar/ Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Sulaiman, during the dinner in honour of the visiting president and chairman in council to North-Central Zone, on Monday night in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Members of Plateau Health Research Ethics Committee, during their inauguration, yesterday in Jos. Photo: NAN

PAGE 9

Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, APRIL 30, 2014

National Conference Committee rejects state police

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he National Conference Committee on Devolution of Power on Monday blocked moves for the creation of state police.

During the debate on the creation of state police, some delegates who spoke said many states in the Federation already have security outfits that were akin to the police.

They also claimed that state governors were already funding the federal police through the provision of vehicles, equipment and funds.

A delegate from Akwa Ibom state and Professor of Law, Nsongurua Udombana, said worsening security situation in the country required a different approach to policing.

He argued that the creation of state police could help address some of the challenges faced by the Federal Police.

“Mr. Chairman, the creation of state police will make policing more effective at the local level and will allow states to address their peculiar security challenges.

“Mr. Chairman, the move will also allow states to share in the burden of police funding and will promote the spirit of true federalism in which the state and Federal police will complement each other,” he said.

A delegate from Ogun State, Ayo Adebanjo, said it was wrong for a country that prides itself as a federation to operate a central police.

He drew attention to what obtains in advanced democracies including United Kingdom and the United States, where policing is carried out at the center and by the components.

On the other hand, those who kicked against the move argued that the policy could result in abuses, especially by state governors.

They noted that even under the present arrangement where the police is under the Federal Government, state governors still use them against perceived opponents.

They drew attention to the creation of State Independent Electoral Commissions and how governors have hijacked the process to install their cronies in political offices.

One of the major opponents to the move, Jubril Aminu, said the country was not ripe for state police and argued that governors would use it to intimidate their opponents.

He said, “Mr. Chairman, let us not sit down here and approve the creation of state police. It will not work because governors will use the police under them to intimidate and chase out their perceived enemies and opponents.

“I suggest that the police should remain on the exclusive legislative list to forestall abuses by governors and political office holders. Nigeria is not ripe for state police.”

After an exhaustive debate, the Co-Chairman, Ibrahim Coomassie, who presided over the session, called for a vote. In a voice vote, majority of the delegates voted to stop the creation of state police.

Devolution of power committee in heated exchange over “lack of progress”

By Hassan Haruna Ginsau

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he National Conference’s Committee on devolution of power witnessed a heated exchange yesterday, between members over the alleged lack of progress made by the committee.

Chief Adeniyi Akintola, a delegate representing Oyo state, lamented the lack of progress made by the committee in regards to the actual issue of devolution of power.

He went on to say that the committee had “achieved nothing” since it started work a week ago.

In what turned into a harsh verbal exchange, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, in defence of the committee, told Akintola to “shut up”, noting that he (mantu) had been involved in “this important national assignment” from the beginning, adding that Akintola could walk out of the committee if he so wished.

Said Mantu: “We cannot sit

here and somebody will say he wants to walk out, if you want to walk out, nobody is forcing you to sit here, you came here with your own legs, and if you feel you can’t be here you can leave.”

In an attempt to restore order, the committee’s co-chairman, Ibrahim Coomassie urged restraint, reminding members of the large volume of work ahead of them.

“If a delegate feels we’ve

achieved nothing, it’s unfortunate.

But i think we’ve achieved a considerable amount of work,” said Coomassie Committee work commenced last Tuesday, with delegates shared across 20 standing committees.

The 3 months allotted for the conference has drawn many delegates to complain of lack of sufficient time to address all the pressing National issues they have been tasked with tackling.

L-R: Members, Committee on Finance and Revenue, General Tanko Ayuba (rtd), Dr. Virginia Anohu, and Chief Femi Akande, after committee’s meeting, yesterday at the National Conference in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Again, resource control divides Confab c’ttee

T

he National Conference Committee on Devolution of Power has again failed to reach an agreement on resource control after a heated debate which lasted for more than an hour.

The debate largely had members of the committee split along north and south; with those from Northern Nigeria wanting the status quo to remain and their counterparts from the South, wanting a change.

During the debate, Jack Tilley Gyado, from Benue insisted that resource control should continue

to be on the exclusive list but added that a mechanism be created to accommodate states.

While trying to calm delegates who were engaged in fierce disagreement over the issue, Mr. Tilley Gyado said, “We should return to the President’s speech in which he urged delegates to consider the unity of the country as paramount.”

A Southern delegate, Ankio Briggs, argued that mineral resources should be listed under the concurrent list to enable states be involved in the extraction and management of the

resources in their domains.

Ibrahim Mantu said the attitude of delegates did not reflect the high esteem Nigerians have for the Conference and urged them to show more patriotism and nationalism in dealing issues brought to their attention.

Jeremiah Useni called for the sitting to be adjourned to enable members meet, interact and agree on the position that would ultimately be presented when the committee reconvened.

Alternatively, he suggested that

votes to be taken on the two motions before the committee.

When it was obvious the committee would not be able to resolve the matter, Mr. Coomassie ruled that debate on it be suspended till the next sitting.

Resource Control was expected to be a major issue for discussion at the conference. Many delegates, largely from the South, have insisted states producing resources such as oil get at least 50 per cent of the resource produced; a move largely opposed by Northern delegates.

Delegates recommend exclusive list for Labour

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he Deputy Chairman, National Conference Committee on Civil Society, Labour and Sports, Mr. Issa Aremu, on Monday said the committee had recommended that labour should be on the exclusive list.

Aremu, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said labour was an instrument of development and should be duly recognised.

He particularly said that minimum wage should be on the exclusive list because of its importance. ``Labour must be on the exclusive list of the Constitution and minimum wage law in particular must be on the exclusive list. ``Whether we are going to have a different kind of structure or not, there must be a minimum wage on the exclusive list because it is the global best practice,” he said.

The deputy chairman also stressed

the need for civil society organisations to resume their critical roles of checking abuse of power and nonservice delivery by elected leaders.

He said it was high time they swung into action as they did during the military regime, adding that their contributions were required to sustain democracy in the country. ``The CSOs did very well during the military but it seems that they are in slumber and this is the time we need to work on democracy.

``The issues are getting more complicated, especially the issue of security, so, we shouldn’t leave it to government alone; they need to come out to make sure that our citizens are protected. ``We are looking forward to a time when there will be mass action on the part of civil society to ensure that while evil men are hiding, good people should come out openly to condemn violence,” he said.

(NAN)

Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, APRIL 30, 2014

PAGE 10

News

Abducted school girls: Gaidam directs special prayer for divine intervention From Uche Uche, Damaturu

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obe State Governor, Alh. Ibrahim Gaidam has directed all Muslims, especially clerics, to offer special prayers for God’s intervention to ensure the release of the remaining number of schools girls abducted by Boko Haram at Chibok Government Girls School in Borno, the Borno state capital.

Wamakko releases N657 m for overseas scholarship

He gave the directive yesterday, during the inaugural ceremony of the 35 newly elected state executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

It has been confirmed that at least 200 of these girls were kidnapped from their boarding school in the town of Chibok on April 14, by Boko Haram insurgents and, according to military source, were being held in a hidden place.

Governor Gaidam however, attributed the insecurity situation in the country to bad leadership and therefore called for prayers to ensure that APC forms the government at the national level, a change he optimistically said would remove all the problems the country is facing under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1999.

“Nigeria was better-off

before 1999, in terms of security, economic activities and in all indices of development; I cannot see any improvement in the 13 to 14 years administration of PDP in Nigeria,” Gaidam lamented.

He assured that should APC form the national government come 2015 election, Nigerians would witness changes for the betterment of their lives and standard of living.

G

ov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto state has approved over N657 million for the sponsorship of 349 indigenes of the state to undertake various science courses in Bangladesh, India and Uganda.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is contained in a statement issued yesterday, in Sokoto, by the Information Officer of the state’s Scholarship Board, Isa Shuni.

According to the statement, the beneficiaries would undergo courses both at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

It quoted the chairman of the board, Alhaji Jelani Kalgo as saying that ``the money would cover tuition, registration fees, accommodation, transportation and other daily needs for the 2014/2015 academic session’’.

The statement listed the institutions to include: Islamic University of Uganda, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India and International Islamic University in Bangladesh.

In a related development, the governor has also approved over N19 million as scholarship grant to 75 students pursuing degree programmes in Niger Republic and at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

Twenty five of the beneficiaries would study degree courses in French Language at Abdoul Moumini University, Niamey, Niger Republic, to promote existing bilateral ties between the state and Niger republic.

It further said that the rest were 50 students undergoing preliminary studies at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, who would eventually undertake degree programme in French at the university in Niamey.

(NAN)

L-R: Director of Hydrogeology, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Rev. Micheal Nwabufo, Professor of Soil and Water, University of Maiduguri, Professor Francis Adeyemi Adeniyi, and representative of Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr. Zanna Muhammad, during NEMA 2014 weather forecast for sustainable early warning meeting with stakeholders, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin. Imo-Owo

NHRC begins 2014 nationwide prisons audit in Sokoto

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he National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday, in Sokoto, started the 2014 nationwide audit of prisons and other detention facilities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof.

Bem Angwe, started the exercise at the Sokoto prison.

“As an institution saddled with the responsibility of promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights, it is strongly believed that the conditions in our places of detention

must be in conformity with the minimum international standards. ``Our intervention is therefore aimed at ensuring that the detention places are designed and managed in a way that the conditions therein are compatible with set human right standards,” he said at the launch of the exercise.

According to Angwe, the commission has since 1999, carried out periodic audits of prisons and other detention facilities across the country and made recommendations.

These recommendations, he said,

had led to far-reaching changes in the penal justice administration.

The Sokoto state Controller of Prison, Hajiya Hauwa Shettima, commended the commission for embarking on the exercise.

NAN reports that the exercise was witnessed by the Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Judiciary, Sen. Umaru Dahiru and Mrs. Beni Lar, respectively.

The state Chief Judge, Hajiya A’isha Dahiru, also attended the event. (NAN)

Islamic knowledge best legacy for children - Cleric tells parents From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

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n Islamic scholar in Kaduna, Ustaz Mustapha Abdulraheem has tasked Muslim parents on the need to ensure their children acquire Islamic knowledge, saying it is the best legacy a parent can live for his child in this world.

According to him, Islamic and western education is important and Muslims are allowed to acquire both.

The scholar spoke to Peoples Daily shortly after the 13th AGOMBAS English Islamic Foundation of Nigeria Quranic Graduation Walimah, held in Kaduna.

“We thank Almighty Allah, because there are about 43 students that graduated successfully from the Islamiyya. Seeking Islamic knowledge is very important to human beings, particularly Muslims.

“Th i s i s b eca u se Isl a mi c knowledge is the foundation of the religion and without that knowledge you cannot practice the religion well, or as it should be practiced. So it’s very important,” he said.

On the need for parents to ensure that their children seek Islamic knowledge, he said, “I will say, it’s compulsory for parents to ensure that their children acquire knowledge, both western and Islamic, if not their children, in the hereafter , will challenge them on that.”

The scholar, who doubles as the Financial Secretary of the school, said the school was established about 30 years ago.

He further urged Muslims to unite themselves for the benefit of the religion.

Earlier, Sheik Yahaya Muhammad Baba, of Abubakar Gumi College, Kaduna also emphasised on the need for Muslims to always assist the religion with their wealth as well as seeking Islamic knowledge.

Kaduna Assembly adopts report on prohibition of commercial motorcycles

T

he Kaduna state House of Assembly yesterday, adopted the report of its Committee on Judiciary on the prohibition of commercial motorcycles in Kaduna town.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Kantiok Ishaku, who presented the report, said it was focused on the proposal to ban the operation of commercial motorcyclists in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan due to security reasons.

Ishaku said that the committee observed that certain provisions of the bill needed to be amended in order to take care of ambiguities that may arise when the law eventually comes into effect.

He said that the committee, while endorsing the ban, amended some sections and suggested that no person shall be arrested for violating the provision of the law until the expiration of at least 14 days from the date of its commencement.

He said that the committee had also proposed that other major towns be included in the ban in view of current security challenges in the state.

The towns are Ungwan-Bawa, Saminaka, Birnin-Gwari, DogonDawa, Giwa, Yakawada, Kuyello and Farin-Ruwa.

NAN reports that most members supported the ban citing security concern as major reason.

Alhaji Aliyu Jigo, representing

Birnin-Gwari, said that the ban was necessary in addressing security challenges in the state, noting that the primary objective of every government was to protect the life and property of its citizens.

Alhaji Muttaqa Zuntu, representing Kubau, suggested the inclusion of Mararaba-Rido in the list of settlements to be affected by the ban on commercial cyclists.

He urged the Kaduna state government to promptly purchase more tricycles to reduce the sufferings of the poor that would be affected by the ban.

Mr. Joshua Barde, the member representing Kajuru, said the ban on commercial cycles was a hard decision to take, but needed to

be done in the greater interest of the society.

He said security was ``too essential to be compromised’’, and urged his colleagues to pass the bill into law.

Alhaji Umar Gangara, in his observations, advised the state government to provide palliatives, adding that ``there is the need to make provisions on how the cyclists will be assisted to take care of their families’’.

NAN reports that the session, which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Peter Adamu, adopted the report, and fixed Wednesday, April 30 for the third reading of the bill on the prohibition of motorcycle operation in the state. (NAN)

Page 11

Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, APRIL 30, 2014

Money Sense T

he enemy of frugality and simplicity and your monthly budget is the impulse buy.

We’ve all done it, of course, and it can be incredibly difficult to stop the urge to buy once it’s in us.

There’s an incredibly cool gadget that we have to have, a great pair of shoes or jeans, a book or magazine or dessert that won’t cost much.

If you’re in the store, or at an online site, the forces of advertising and marketing are sometimes too powerful to overcome. And yet, they can be beat, with some simple strategies.

The trick, of course, is to think about it. It’s when the impulse urge is subconscious that it’s most dangerous. If you give it some thought, and realize that you have the urge, you can apply these strategies to beat it.

If impulse buying has been secretly undermining your monthly budget, here are 10 simple strategies for beating the urge. Choose the method that works best for you, or use them in combination.

Create a 30-day list, make a new rule: you can’t buy anything (except necessities) until a 30-day waiting period has passed. Put a 30-day list on your refrigerator, and when you have the urge to buy something, put it on the list with today’s date. After a month has passed, you can buy the item. Many times the urge will have passed and you can just cross the item off the list. This works if you stick to your rule. The only exceptions would be groceries and other similar necessities.

Don’t go to the mall: You only get the urge to buy on impulse if you’re in a shopping area (or if you’re watching TV). So, prevent

6 Simple ways to beat impulse buying

the urge from happening in the first place by not going shopping.

Don’t go to the mall or Walmart or other shopping areas. Only go to a store if you have a specific necessity to purchase, and go with a list. Don’t buy anything not on that list. Now get out as soon as possible. Don’t just walk around window shopping for entertainment, or you will be sorely tempted. Find other ways to have fun.

Don’t go to online retail sites: Just as the mall will create the urge to buy, so will online sites. They make it too easy to buy something. Instead, stay away from these sites.

Monitor your urges: Make it a point to monitor your urges, if it’s a big problem. Keep a little piece of paper, and put a tally mark on it every time you get the urge. This helps you to become more conscious of the urge, which is usually something we don’t even notice. Different symptoms can appear, such as faster breathing or a faster heart rate, when we have the urge. By becoming more aware of the changes in our body, we can begin to get the urges under control.

Take a deep breath: When you do get the urge, there are ways to calm it down. Deep breathing, self massage, walking around, and drinking water can all help control the urge. Take 10 deep breaths, and the urge will often be diminished enough to resist.

Calculate the value in life energy: If you’ve been a reader of The Simple Dollar for long, you know about how to calculate your true hourly wage. Keep that number handy,

and the next time you want to buy something, divide the price of the item by your true hourly wage … this will tell you how many hours of your life you had to give up to buy

that item. Sometimes the number of hours can be eye-opening, especially for more expensive items. Consider whether you really want to give up that much of your life for that item.

…other ways you can keep impulse buying at bay

P

lan your purchases: Making a list before you go shopping is important.

If you can make it a habit to stick

Money Tip:

L

ong before most children can add or subtract, they become aware of the concept of money. Any 4-yearold knows where their parents get money - the ATM, of course.

Understanding that parents must work for their money requires a more mature mind, and even then, the learning process has its wrinkles. For example, once he came to understand that his father worked for a living, a 5-year-old asked, “How was work today?”

“Fine,” the father replied. The child then asked, “Did you get the money?”

Quote

Y

ou can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you –Maya Angelou

to that list, you’ll eliminate a lot of little impulse buys. For other purchases, make it a habit to plan them, save for them, shop around, and even see if you can get it for free. Going through

this process ensures that your purchases are more deliberate, and less on impulse. Plan ahead for birthday and Christmas gifts, and other large purchases that you know are coming up in the

month ahead.

Freeze your credit card: If using your credit card is a problem, consider giving it up completely (I did). If that’s not a good option for you, try literally

freezing your card. Put it in a Ziploc baggie with water, seal it good, and put it in the freezer.

Don’t write the credit card number anywhere. Now, if you want to make a purchase with the card, you’ll have to unfreeze it. That little wait of a couple of hours can be enough to stop you from making many purchases.

Ask questions: Before you buy anything, ask yourself a series of questions. Is the purchase going to improve your life in some important way? Is the purchase supposed to make you feel better?

Does it help you meet one of your life goals? Will it simplify your life? These are useful questions to help you evaluate the value of a purchase, and why you’re making it. Be honest with yourself, don’t try to sell yourself!

Keep the end in mind: It’s useful to have clear goals in mind at all times. What do you want to do with your life? Do you have financial goals that you’re trying to accomplish, in the long-term and medium-term? Keep your savings goals in mind, and know when you’re about to make a purchase how the purchase will affect your goals. www. harvardbusinessschool.com

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesDAY, april 30, 2014

EDITORIAL

he governor of Adamawa state, Murtala H. Nyako, on the April 16, this year, raised an alarm concerning the Boko Haram scourge in the North. In a nine page letter addressed to Northern Governors Forum, he accused the Federal Government of masterminding the kidnapping of schoolgirls, burning of churches and killing of pastors and imams as well as the assassination of Northern traditional rulers. Aptly titled “On-going full-fledged genocide in Northern Nigeria”, it pointedly accused the federal government of genocide against the North.

He accused the Jonathan administration of using the military to carry out the evil act. He said that there was an attempt to assassinate the Senate President David Mark in Imo state, an alleged plan to assassinate two state governors in the North (the governor of Benue state and himself), two of the North’s most prominent traditional leaders (Shehu of Borno and the Emir of Kano), senators and others too numerous to mention.

Nyako thundered: “This is in line with the demonic policy of the evil few in and around the administration that have advocated how Northerners, both Christian and Muslim, are to be so dealt with, ill-treated and oppressed.”

Nyako’s thunderbolt, coming from an experienced General and an accomplished politician, reminds us of the sad events of 1966 which led to a civil war that consumed over one million souls and almost broke up Nigeria. In 1966, a coup carried out by ‘revolutionary’ officers from southern Nigeria singled out northern politicians and military officers for assassination. The reprisal coup of the

same year led by northern officers led to unparalleled bloodshed of southern officers (particularly the Ibos) and put the country on the slippery road to a break-up.

Given the horrors of that war, every patriotic and responsible Nigerian is of the opinion that we should avoid that road. Given his status in society,

“

T

Nyako: Unorthodox maybe, but consider his message

What has shocked the world is Jonathan’s monumental incompetence in dealing with Boko Haram. Both his body language and his actions point to the fact that he has no clue as to how to get us out of this horror. we share the opinion that Nyako’s letter was ill advised. His language was rather too belligerent and his motive in leaking it out to the media suspicious.

Even then, many Nigerians share his worry about the amazing incompetence demonstrated by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Nigerian military – reportedly the best in Africa – in bringing to an end an insurgency organized by a rag tag army.

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”

Unlike Nyako, we do not hold the opinion that the Federal government, let alone the government of Jonathan created Boko Haram. If anything, Boko Haram was in existence before he became President.

What has shocked the world is Jonathan’s monumental incompetence in dealing with Boko Haram. Both his body language and his actions point to the fact that he has no clue as to how to get us out of this horror. A day after the last bombing by the sect in Abuja, we saw the President at a public political meeting in Kano dancing and making merry, an action that reminds us of Emperor Nero who played music while Rome, his city state, swooned in inferno. In his message at the meeting, he placed emphasis on his private campaign funds that were allegedly embezzled by Governor Kwankwaso way back in 2011. We never heard of the Kwankwaso ‘heist’ for all these years.

Why did the President choose a time of national mourning to lament the theft of his private funds?

Finally, we wish to say that we disagree with Nyako’s language which is undiplomatic. But we must also remind the President that when in 2010 MEND bombed the Eagle Square and claimed responsibility, he rose to the defense of his kinsmen in a frightening demonstration of human and political insensitivity. As the President finds ways of handling the Nyako thunderbolt, we wish to remind him of a Chinese proverb which says that when a fish decides to go rotten, it starts from the head. Jonathan is a Christian; we also wish to remind him of the Biblical words that he should remove the log in his eyes so as to see the speck in Nyako’s eye.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesday, april 30, 2014

PAGE 13

Opinion

The girls of Chibok are Nigerians too

By Aniedobe

W

ithin 24 hours of the Nyanya bus station bombing of April 14, Nigeria treated the world to yet another gruesome theatre of violence. Over 200 girls were abducted from their all girls’ school in Chibok, Bornu State, and driven by lorry into the jungles of Sambisa forest, presumably by Boko Haram which has declared war against western education.

At Chibok, schoolgirls were first stripped of their humanity, and driven into a forest where every bit of their human dignity will be peeled off until disrobed of everything that makes them human. They will be forced to submit to terrorists as sex bounties or else die. No doubt, in the forest of Sambisa are heroic girls – girls who have elected to death rather than submit to sexual indignities. In there are girls who are hoping that their nightmare will end in a successful rescue effort. In there are girls stricken by terror.

If Nigeria were not numb to violence, how does any responsible adult in Nigeria go to bed when the Chibok girls lie awake in terror; many of whom, no matter how this ordeal ends, may never sleep again. How do our leaders not wake up in the middle of the night, shuddering to think what has become of those girls and whether some have become impregnated by terrorists?

We are a nation caught between crass violence and crass corruption. In a country that has not abandoned its conscience, journalists would go about making uncomfortable people whose comfort is not disturbed by the tragedy of the Chibok girls. This is how a nation with conscience goes about its business. It takes committed citizenry; it takes committed leadership; it takes vision and courage; it takes religious leaders and lay leaders; it takes retired and active military officers; it takes every man, woman, and child in Nigeria to send a message to the terrorists that however long it takes, that this is a war whose outcome is certain - that Nigeria has decided to rise

“

from the ashes of her divided past and forge ahead as one country and that after one hundred years, no terror can separate us and no violent politics can kill our will.

That is how you fight and win the war against terrorism. Chibok is not a North-east affair; it is a Nigerian tragedy that should concern every Nigerian from the creeks of Opobo, to the plantain farms of Shagamu, to the groundnut fields of Sokoto. It is a global tragedy of bare faced terror of the worst kind mixed with child abuse rolled into one by a Nation not afraid to mix politics and violence. It is a story whose end was scripted as the truck sped into the forest – the girls would either live as sex trophies or die if they dared refuse and

whose rescue depended more on divine intervention than carefully calculated effort at rescue by politicians unwilling to risk their electoral chances for the unlucky girls of Chibok.

Some are of the view that the only chance to save the girls is to negotiate with the terrorists.

Negotiation is a give and take between two reasonable parties.

Like their counterparts around the world, these terrorists believe that girls should not go to school and that women should only live to amuse men inclined to as many as seventy two virgins. Is this a negotiation Nigeria wants to make? Some believe that anything to make the terrorists release the Chibok girls should be done, including amnesty from

Chibok is not a North-east affair; it is a Nigerian tragedy that should concern every Nigerian from the creeks of Opobo, to the plantain farms of Shagamu, to the groundnut fields of Sokoto. It is a global tragedy of bare faced terror of the worst kind mixed with child abuse rolled into one by a Nation not afraid to mix politics and violence. It is a story whose end was scripted as the truck sped into the forest – the girls would either live as sex trophies or die if they dared refuse and whose rescue depended more on divine intervention than carefully calculated effort at rescue by politicians unwilling to risk their electoral chances for the unlucky girls of Chibok

prosecution, a separate Islamic Republic, and shut down of all schools in the North where Western Education is taught. Is this a negotiation Nigeria wants to make? Nothing should be off the table, including negotiations, if the terrorists are inclined to offer terms that Nigerians can live by. The whole point of this article is that Nigerians and our leadership are not engaged enough in this crisis. We seem to be waiting for yet another chapter in these serial tragedies to overshadow the Chibok story so that the world will shift its focus.

We need Nigerian leadership to spare no resources until we stand down the terrorists in Sambisa. Anything short of that is a further disservice to these young girls who forever will be a symbol of a Nation that failed them and fails many of her citizens who wake up everyday wondering where the next bloody carnage will happen.

Mr. President, the world wants the Chibok girls freed; their parents want them; concerned Nigerians are not sleeping until those girls come out; and for those little kids – their sun should not set until they hear signs of a rumble, army air crafts hovering over head, army dogs barking, a shoot out here and there, a panic in the captor’s camp, a knowing wink from an infiltrator, any glimmer of hope that after two weeks can give them assurance that the Nation has not abandoned them.

Aniedobe is on linkedIn

Sambisa forest isn’t Ibiza samba

By Alaba Yusuf

S

ome good tidings are coming at last from the closet of carnage and brigandage. The ruling class in Nigeria, as right thinking people advised much earlier, has decided to put the issue of national security on the front burner, with less politicking. The President and the governors of the 36 states met, 24 April 2014 at Aso Rock Villa, to make sense out of the nation’s numerous security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east.

But any conclusion of this security session that falls short of a brave proclamation matched by action on how to smoke or fish out the insurgents from their hell holes would be unacceptable.

Meanwhile, former military Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, who was infamously labelled a ‘Boko Haram sponsor’ by some government apologists and religious extremists, was the first to catapult an iron stone-ball at the girls-snatching-and-bowelripping insurgents. He called their barbaric and sordid act “a

declaration of war on the nation.”

The stern veteran soldier has seen the elephant in the forest of terrorism, called Sambisa.

And he was swiftly awarded a round of warm applause by the Presidency for ‘uncommon’ demonstration of “patriotism and statesmanship.”

Much earlier in the week, the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, displayed a lame-duck public relations attempt on television, in order to wipe off the sin of misinformation by a supposed ‘triumphant military’ that, in a James Bond 007’s fashion, ‘freed-all-but-eight’ of the over 200 ‘Boko Haramed’ school girls taken hostage a week ago from Chibok College in Borno State.

Such a hasty eureka sound from the Defence Headquarters was too untimely, and no wonder it boomeranged as a ‘huge ruse and fluke.’ It turned out a big lie that has since been retracted by a thoroughly embarrassed DHQ and the nation, “in deferment to the parents of the missing girls and the school authority.”

The question now is: who is hiding what and why must

the tongue be faster than the brains anyway? After all, Crisis Management 101 suggests the wisdom of letting the experts speak the truth while doing damage control in any chaotic situation. Why are our public handlers blowing the fuse of human relations and pressing self-destruct buttons with reckless abandon and relish?

They are always “on top of the matter!”

It is so worrisome that Nigerians are no longer scared of the sight and sound of death, robbery, ritual killings, rape or kidnapping! Are we all losing it? Going insane collectively?

Strangely, the folks who are supposed to guide and guard our public conscience are feigning ignorance. My people seem to have lost their culture of compassion and public spiritedness. Imagine the spate and plate of terror on our national table? Gory stories daily emanate from all parts of the country: from Borno to Adamawa, Bauchi to Katsina, Yobe to Gombe, Lagos to Oyo, Ogun to Ondo, Anambra to Abia, Kogi to Kaduna, Nasarawa to

Taraba, Abuja to Niger, and so on. It is undoubtedly a horrific picture of a nation in tears and sorrow, painted in dripping human blood on the canvass of reality. Our recent economic re-grading as the top in Africa, notwithstanding!

Must decomposition become the portion of this great nation?

Not God forbid, but we must forbid! For whenever and wherever vice supersedes virtue and evil overruns good then the omen is an ill-wind that blows no one any positive measure. The fate of the parents of the missing girls in Borno State, the sobbing of the bereaved and homeless in Wukari, Taraba State; the horror of Nyanya motor-park bombblast victims and the death of tens of thousands all over the country, are enough grounds for worry and fear in Nigeria. Even the mystery characters of Dracula or Lady Vampire would seek an end to such avoidable blood-letting.

To compound the ugly situation, hoax calls and choking rumours of bomb alerts and Boko Haram attacks now come at 10 for a kobo. The Federal Secretariat in Abuja was once

declared a ghost-land by a mischievous bomb scare. The Lagos-Ibadan expressway was not spared either. The Makurdi-Abuja motorway was equally targeted.

In fact, terror thrives on people’s fear of fear, which is worse than death. Terrorists create panic and pandemonium.

Our government should not let the frustrated and anguished women of Borno state, whose doting daughters are currently languishing in the evil forest of Sambisa, to dare the devils by dining without long spoons. For the born-cold-to-harm insurgents are so blood thirsty that they can take mothers and their daughters as sex slaves and human shields without a wink. There, lives the elephant of terror for real!

There is wisdom in knowing that Sambisa forest, the deadly den of the Boko Haram, is far away from being the pleasurable holiday resort of Ibiza, where global fun-seekers dance to the beats of hedonistic samba.

Alaba Yusuf is a journalist, strategist and commentator based in Abuja

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesday, april 30, 2014

PAGE 14

Opinion Pay our compensations now

By Usman Ayuba Sullubawa

I

ndeed, life’s daily struggle is all about utilization the available rights such as right to free speech, right to assembly, right to religion, etc. It is also part of right to acquire land through legal means and to utilize it for positive purpose. In certain circumstances because of the power inherent in government, lands are taken over by government for development purposes such as construction of roads, building of houses, construction of dams and so on.

It is on this premise that the governor of Katsina state Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema took over lands from people while embarking on the 38 kilometer Ring Road in Katsina city and paid owners compensations in an attempt to actualize the policy thrust of his administration on infrastructural development in Katsina state. However, in

May 2013, land owners from the Army Barracks Round about on the Katsina Ring Road to Bugaje Junction were asked to assemble before their lands for government land officials to measure and quantify the affected lands.

This is in an attempt to secure land

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for the National Housing Scheme (NHS) to build houses in conjunction with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Under the arrangement, the state government would provide land for the project while the NHS/NDE would carryout the the housing project. But since then, the affected land owners have not been paid compensations of their lands,

despite various appeals to the government.

It is to be noted that Part V of the Land Use Act of 1978, titled “Revocation of Right of Occupancy and Compensation” provides that: (1)It shall be lawful for the Governor to revoke a right of occupancy for overriding public interest; (2)Overriding public interest in the case of statutory right of occupancy means: (a)The

alienation by the occupier by assignment, mortgage, transfer of possession, sublease, or otherwise of any right of occupancy or part thereof contrary to the provisions of this Act or of any regulations

made thereafter; (b)The requirement of the land by the Government of the State or by Local Government in the State, in either case for public purposes within the State or the requirement of the land by the Government of the Federation for public purposes of the federation.

If a right of occupancy is revoked for the cause

set out in paragraph (b) above, the holder and occupier shall be entitled to compensation for the value at the date of revocation of their unexhausted improvements. Therefore, based on the foregoing legal provisions and the power vested in the Governor, we, the affected persons whose lands would be used for the said housing project appealed to Governor Shema to pay us compensations of our lands to enable us utilize the money for other worthy purposes. Some land owners wanted to develop the lands, some wanted to sell them to invest the money and others just keep the lands as fixed assets. But by paying the due compensations, smiles will be put on the faces of the land owners. It is the fervent hope of the land owners that Governor Shema will wipe their tears and pay them as he did to others before.

Usman Ayuba Sullubawa wrote in from Katsina.

Globalisation: Can Nigeria break its own bread?

By Tony Osborg Ossai

T

he African continent which is fond of putting blames of its failures on its inability to fully recover from the shackles of colonialism has only come to realize that it has found itself in a post economic imperialistic situation. This I believe is a product of Africa’s inability to neither understand that although it has lost the war in the past, the current battle for economic survival is far beyond hatred nor need for oppression but on the simple basis of economic survival which it must embrace.

Since Nigeria has refused to fully embrace the present realities as it is– the importance of science and technology, the redundancy of religion, the need for pragmatic international relations and the contingent military strengths, etc. and has rather continue to accept the world the way it has choose to see it – the supremacy of supernatural belief over human intelligence, the sacredness of tribalism, the abuse of democratic tenets, inability to appreciate scientific truth, its desire to be lifelong importer of finished products, etc. then one would imagine how soon such a country will attain self-reliance.

One would wonder why Nigeria is so backward in terms of development as it is perceived in the modern time despite its huge natural and human resources.

I will argue that globalization is one reason why Nigeria and Africa at large has made such ‘slow’ progress and is probably the same reason for our continuous

dependency on western economic survival. One would imagine what contemporary African nations can do without the help of western powers. Can this Nigeria, without foreign aid, bake its own bread, sew its own garments, drill its own oil, produce its own cars, fly its own planes, design its own cities and fights its own wars? What has globalization got to do with all this, one would ask?

Globalization promotes relationship, be it passive or active, negative or positive. If Africa has suddenly become a passive and negative part of this worldwide relationship, it is simply because of its nonchalant altitude towards embracing the realities of its time. Africa is simply a lazy continent with ignoramuses as leaders, bigots as teachers and religiously partisan oriented learners filled with egomaniac tendencies.

If globalization truly means

“

“all those processes by which the peoples of the world are incorporated into a single world society” as defined by sociologists, then it will be true to say globalization is an inevitable phenomenon that has come to stay. The issue becomes not how it affects Africa but how African countries like Nigeria can take advantage of its processes. China, unlike Nigeria, rather than open up its negative archives to its students for learning and therefore building up the same old unproductive orientation, took a new dimension. It embraced the scientific and technological innovations while sanctifying its primitive cultures. Rather than promote the building of churches and mosques on every street like is widely practiced in Nigeria, it went into building manufacturing outfits on virtually most streets producing not just for its one billion populace but also for the

millions of idle religious people of Africa. This is how China has survived! Today, Africa depends on China for most of its cheap electronic gadgets, fashion, engineering, exploration, etc.

Democracy, religion, education and terrorism have all become practicable norms all over the world- thanks to globalization!

A walk around a Nigerian market will give you a clear picture of where Nigeria stands on the globalization index. In Nigeria, the phones are made in either Finland or China, the rice and flour is either from India or Thailand, the drugs and pedicures are either Indian or Chinese, the furniture and wares are either France or Italians.

The automobiles, arms, computers, clothes, etc. are America’s and their refined petroleum products are from Brazil. In Nigeria, our leaders go abroad for basic medical checkups and even the African ladies prefer

In this romance called globalization, Africa has certainly taken a position – a passive partner. The sooner the African people wake up to accept that the world is no longer interested in listening to such sympathetic stories of ‘effects of colonialism’ and stuffs like that, the better for the continent. Africans must realize that it lives in an intrinsically competitive world where no region or tribe claims monopoly to any given scientific knowledge or invention.

Whatever is been produced in the USA can be produced in China and in Europe and in Nigeria

the Brazilian and Malaysian hairs over their unique traditional pearl hairstyles! Now, one can begin to see why unemployment is on the rise in this country. We lack the basic framework of taking advantage of globalization and have now ended up becoming a major consumer of finished products from across the world, all at the expense of our little income from sold natural resources.

In this romance called globalization, Africa has certainly taken a position – a passive partner. The sooner the African people wake up to accept that the world is no longer interested in listening to such sympathetic stories of ‘effects of colonialism’ and stuffs like that, the better for the continent. Africans must realize that it lives in an intrinsically competitive world where no region or tribe claims monopoly to any given scientific knowledge or invention. Whatever is been produced in the USA can be produced in China and in Europe and in Nigeria.

Knowledge is the same, technology is the key and job creation through productive creativity is the goal. It all depends on how well you play your cards and how determined you are to take a position on the globalization index. South Africa is a good example of few African countries playing their cards well.

One would imagine how Nigeria came to overtake them overnight even with the existing structural deficits.

Tony Osborgossai via tossai029@uniport.edu.ng

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesday, april 30, 2014

Comment Politics of worsening security

By Kingsley Nnajiaka

T

he popular aphorism of Hubert H. Humphrey that “to err is human, but to blame some else is politics,” seem to be playing itself in the gathering momentum of our current security situation. From the escalating insurgency and terrorist activities in the North-east geopolitical zone to the entire northern part of the country, hardly has any terrorist attack happened without any group apportioning blame to another group without proffering solutions on how to end this evil re-occurrence that occurred with impunity.

The highlight of this politics in security was the deadly bomb attack at Nyanya, Abuja where the People Democratic Party (PDP) openly accused the All Progressive Congress (APC) of being responsible for the bomb attack. But wait a minute! How did we get to this situation? What actually went wrong? Previously, it was usually in the news that we heard this kind of stories of suicide bombers, or car bomb attacks in some countries like, Iraq, Sudan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan etc. It is no longer news that terrorists live among us in this country.

Apart from insurgency and terrorism, our country is faced with challenges pose by kidnappers in the Southern part of the country.

Where some criminals kidnapped innocent citizens and held them hostage until huge amount of money is paid as ransom. Added to this are the activities of ritual killers who lure their victims and get them killed. A recent incident in one of the South West States is fresh in our memory where scores of fresh human parts and dead

bodies were recovered and some of the victims rescued alive. There again, there was politics of blame game, after the successful rescued operation by security agencies, some politicians were busy blaming the State government for that dastard act, alleging that the government was aware of the activities going on, in that evil forest.

Surprisingly, these culprits of evil act are not spirits. They are not from the moon, they live with us. But, what will make one to engage into this dangerous, evil, dastard, barbaric and satanic act?

One school of thought posited that the problem posed by “Almajiris” in the Northern part of the country contributes immensely to the increasing activities of terrorism in the north. This school maintained that the most wanted leader of Boko Haram was a product of almajiri school dropout, who was brain watched into this evil act. Had this wanted leader of BH attended good school, he will not have taken this dangerous part.

Similarly, some of the

“

criminals that are into kidnapping activities often confessed to the police, whenever they were caught, that they were graduates and only engaged into this illicit way of making money due to unemployment. Though this may partly be the reason, it does not stand sufficient an excuse to kidnap an innocent person.

Now, let us remove politics and focus on how to tackle the problem of insecurity that pervades the minds of Nigerians, which has made everyone to live in palpable fear. Security of lives and property are the main cardinal function of any government. If our elected leaders can truly uphold the constitution they often profess to uphold, the general insecurity will be reduced if not eradicated. To this end, both the government and citizens have a lot to do.

Firstly, government should ensure that it provide basic needs of the citizens, especially quality education. The Almajiri system seem to be doing very little to remedy the situation of lingering almajeri who still roam

the northern streets; begging and eating leftovers. These are the most vulnerable children to be enlisted by terrorist. A workable structure must and should be provided to accommodate these children into Islamic school which currently is in short supply. In the course of establishing these Islamic School, the private sectors as well as philanthropists with all their wealth should see it as their religious duty to support the course of investing and providing this form of education for the northern children; since western education seem to attract frowns to some. Also there is need to periodically review the curriculum and teacher of these schools, if not a significant effort would have been made to gather the puppies to be trained by wolves. Considering the extreme poverty in the region, the government should consider such educational setting to be run on scholarship, funded by pulled funds from SURE-P, TETFUND, and private contributions for the time been.

Also, government should provide conducive environment

The highlight of this politics in security was the deadly bomb attack at Nyanya, Abuja where the People Democratic Party (PDP) openly accused the All Progressive Congress (APC) of being responsible for the bomb attack. But wait a minute! How did we get to this situation? What actually went wrong? Previously, it was usually in the news that we heard this kind of stories of suicide bombers, or car bomb attacks in some countries like, Iraq, Sudan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan etc.

It is no longer news that terrorists live among us in this country

PAGE 15

for private sectors to invest so as to attract more investors who will employ our youths thereby reducing unemployment. A diversified economy is most vital at this point in time, without the lip services of the past; agriculture needs to be revamped as well the manufacturing plants across the country. Effort need to be synergised to improve the road and transport conditions especially those leading to agricultural communities to encourage agricultural prices, supply and practice. Citizens on their part should assist government by obeying the laws and provide information to our security agencies always. As well as reporting any suspicious movement or activities to the appropriate quarters.

Security agencies, on their part, should review their strategies in tackling this insecurity. Their recruitment process should be reviewed so as to allow people that have zeal to serve this country in the security circle to be recruited.

This will include recruiting all the “civilian JTF” into the army and police. And this will make the fight against insurgency more effective. There is also need for our security agencies to review their training pattern, given that they did not contemplate how to counter suicide bombers during their training days. Our political leaders should separate politics from security issues and join hands together to fight this general insecurity in our country. When this is done, the problem post by general insecurity will be a thing of the past because there is strength in unity.

Kingsley Nnajiaka is legal officer, Centre for Social justice, Abuja

Between politics and leadership

By Cynthia Mbamalu

O

n April 16, 2014 disaster befell South Korea with the sinking of a ferry with more than 300 people dead or missing.

The grieving families expressed their grief and disappointment in the manner at which the disaster was handled by the government, “booing” the Prime Minister Chung Hong-won. The Prime Minister on Sunday, 27th of April, 2014 resigned stating that he thought he should take responsibility as he watched the families suffer with pain of losing their loved ones.

Back home, on the March 15, 2014, the Nigerian Immigration Service under the supervision of the Honorable Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro conducted a shoddy recruitment exercise with an avoidable stampede which claimed about 20 lives with many sustaining both physical and emotional injuries. The minster in his immediate response to the crisis

attributed the stampede and the deaths on the impatience of the ‘[ resignation and/or removal and the inquiry by the National Assembly into the matter which has so far indicted the Minister of Interior, the Hon. Minister released a very suspicious apology for the incidence.

Unimaginably, the Minister was bold to state that his continuous stay in office will aid the investigation. Then a group of concerned Nigerians organize a protest demanding justice and accountability, they are arrested and reminded that human rights do have limits in some parts of the Federal Government Territory. Recently, the Say No Campaign Nigeria, Centre for Democracy & Development, Brekete Family Radio and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa convoked a Citizens Public Hearing on the immigration exams stampede to gather facts and document the experiences of the victims. Till date, the demand for justice and accountability for

the victims of the NIS stampede has not ceased. Surely, this demand for justice will not fizzle out as anticipated by Comrade Abba Moro and his cohorts.

Nigeria is such a blessed Nation with a people so forgiving not because our kindness knows no bounds but because our system provides us with no channel to truly ventilate our grievances and gain redress or justice.

Forgiveness becomes more of a dosage for our peace of mind than a decision to let go of past hurts because someone has taken responsibility for our grievances.

So we rant and vent and move on to the next issue because truly, No One Listens!

On April 14, 2014 the Federal Capital Territory was reminded that citizens in some states of the North East experience live terror each day when a bomb blast claimed over 70 lives in Nyanya area. We all called it ‘black Monday’ and the President took out some minutes to sympathize with the victims of the blast.

The hospitals, the media, the streets, offices, schools, relevant Institutions, all felt the impact of the bomb blast. Hours later the media had an interesting news; Politics in Kano state, a son was welcomed back home and a great feast followed. This was not so different from the beautiful fireworks that colored our skies in Abuja while tears rolled uncontrollably in Yobe over the death of innocent Federal Government College students in February.

Issues of insecurity, justice and accountability are played to the galleries with void political banters from one party to the next with no clear solution. So we are in this vicious cycle of; “citizens loss, promises for redress, political criticism for failed promises and back again to citizens loss”. The demand for good governance is borne out of our right as a people to a government whose primary purpose is the welfare and security of the people. Welfare transcends the recent declaration of the

robustness of our economy and the glorious shades of our GDP to positive impact on the lives of the people and true empathy to the plight of the people governed.

When do we draw the line between politics and leadership?

When do we realize that the reward for honor and integrity speaks louder than the words of sycophants? While the tempo set is targeted at who occupies what in 2015, we must remember that 200 school girls are yet to be returned home. The thought of what they are going through is traumatic so imagine the level of trauma they face with each dawn as captives. I pray along with the families of these school girls for their speedy rescue and healing. We must remember that the insecurity in some parts of Nigeria is a threat to the security of every Nigerian. What is 2015 without Nigerians? Nigerians are asking for the very simple things welfare and security.

Cynthia Mbamalu tweets @DCynthiaM

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, April 30, 2014

PAGE 16

Infanticide: FCTA and the task of eradicating inhuman cultural practices in FCT

By Stanley Onyekwere

E

ver since the exposure of a disturbing, but unsurprising practice of infanticide among indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), there is no doubt that the FCT Administration faces a daunting challenge towards eradicating such an evil and barbaric act.

According to the Oxford dictionary, infanticide is the practice in some societies of killing “unwanted children” soon after birth. It is also the crime of a mother killing her child within a year of birth.

However, the practice of infanticide in Abuja, the nation’s capital territory was first reported by the media in 2013.

Early in 2013, Channels Television produced a short documentary on the practice of killing infants especially twins or burying some others alive with their dead mothers in some communities in the FCT. Also, the Sun News in a report on the alleged child killings recounted the bizarre story of the North Central Director of the Christian Missionary Foundation (CMF), Olusola Stevens and his wife, who witnessed the killing of twins and mothers whose children die within three months of a baby’s birth, is one of them.

According to the report, in Bassa Komo, Abuja, it is abomination to be born a twin; or if a mother dies within three months of a baby’s birth; or if a child grows upper teeth first or is born with defect. As these are all faults of the baby or babies involved. To the

From left chairman Kuje area Council, Daniel Ibrahim, Abaji, Yahya Garba, and AMAC, Micah Jiba at an occasion

people of the community, these are signs that such babies were fabricated in the factory of the devil and are themselves evil. Such offences by the evil baby or babies are punishable by burial alive.

This is coming 98 years after the death of the Scottish missionary to Nigeria, Mary Slessor, who led crusades that stopped some societies from killing twin babies at birth.

In the report, it was revealed that when twins are delivered, they will be poisoned to die gradually or strangulated after being forcefully taken from the mother by masquerades that women are

not allowed to see. Once they are killed, an altar will be raised on the walls of their huts to worship their spirits and make sacrifices to ward them off from returning.

Similarly, if a woman delivers and dies during childbirth, the child will be tied to the body of the dead mother and buried alive with her. If the nursing mother should die of any cause without weaning the baby, the baby will be accused of having strange powers that killed the mother, the penalty for this is also death. In some villages, the children may be abandoned on the grave of the dead mother while some are left unattended to in the village, leading to starvation and eventual death.

Again, babies that grow the upper teeth first are bound to die, because they are believed to be bad omen. But this is neatly done, an outsider may never know when and how unless you understand their language and pay close

attention to young babies in the area.

“If you are not very observant, you will not know this practice is going on and it took us some time to actually confirm. Some of the enlightened indigenes of the area deny the practice, maybe out of shame, but it is still happening till date,” Stevens was quoted in the report.

The missionary who noted that up to 40 villages are still involved in such practices in the Abuja, said so far, the foundation has rescued about 33 kids spread across several villages. Some of the kids were rescued at tender ages, a day old, two weeks old, a month old and so on.

Interestingly, it was reported that at the time they started rescuing the children; one of them had asked the villagers if they would take the child back if after four years the child remains healthy. They bluntly refused,

“

FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed

This is with a view to assessing the depth of these cultural practices, side by side with basic tenets of civilised conduct and the Child Rights Act 2003

saying the evil spirit would still be in their bodies.

In a swift response, the FCT Administration instituted a 30man committee in September 2013 to probe the existence of such primordial cultural and inhuman practices in some FCT communities.

The committee headed by the chairman of Kuje Area Council, Mr. Ishyaku Tete Shaban, was mandated to conduct a thorough and far-reaching investigation on some infanticide practicing communities in the FCT; to assess the general conditions of the child in the affected communities against the provisions of the Child Right Act; and to advise the FCT Administration on what steps to take to ensure the best interest of the child in the affected communities.

According to the Minister of state for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, “the FCT Administration received the report of such primordial cultural practices with serious concern and considers the development unacceptable and totally reprehensible considering the time and age in which we are.

“After preliminary investigations, we became apprehensive that besides the communities already reported on; there might still be others whose cultural practices, in so far as the welfare of the child is concerned, have not kept pace with civilised standards.”

She noted that the Continued on page 17

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Peoples Daily, Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Metro Continued from page 16

domestication of the United Nations’ Charter on the Rights of the Child by Nigeria in 2003 made it incumbent for the country to establish necessary institutional framework for the protection of the child.

According to the minister, Section II of the Child Rights Act of 2003 provided that “no child shall be subjected to physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment, including sexual abuse as well as torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, among others.

“Conscious of its duty and obligations towards the child, therefore, the FCT Administration has considered it necessary to undertake a comprehensive survey of the conditions of the child in the affected communities.

“This is with a view to assessing the depth of these cultural practices, side by side with basic tenets of civilised conduct and the Child Rights Act 2003.

As expected, just last week, the committee presented its findings and recommendations to the FCTA. And the report showed infanticide was being perpetrated in some communities.

Specifically, it was revealed that infanticide was being practised in 22 communities in four Area Councils- Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, respectively.

Other findings in the committee’s report include the absence of basic social amenities such as potable water and healthcare facilities in the concerned communities.

The report also showed that the lack of potable water was identified as a major cause of “bilharzia’’ which is described as the passing of bloody urine in some communities.

According to the Chairman of the committee, Shaban Isiaku, said although in the course of the committees’ interaction with the targeted communities, it was revealed that indeed the crime was being practiced, but the harmful practice has however ceased to

Mabel Ighedosa, sits with her newborn triplets Isaac, Treasure and Samuel

Infanticide: FCTA and the task of eradicating inhuman cultural practices in FCT exist in most communities of the FCT. “In some scenarios, some pregnant women, without access to prenatal care, do sometimes give birth to malformed babies.

“The wide use of herbs

not prescribed for pregnant mothers, killing and abandoning of twins and other babies due to lack of proper medication or due to religious beliefs have all contributed to the practice of infanticide.

“

If you are not very observant, you will not know this practice is going on and it took us some time to actually confirm.

Some of the enlightened indigenes of the area deny the practice, maybe out of shame, but it is still happening till date

Minister of state for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke

“In such cases, the babies are usually handed over by the community elders to the village deities or masquerades to be ‘taken care of’,” he said.

He stressed that the report was structured to serve three basic purposes, which include serving as a useful guide to address identified cases of infanticide in the affected communities.

“It is also to serve as a community needs assessment document for the communities visited, with a view to bringing to the fore the infrastructural and social amenities gaps therein.

“Also, it is to serve as cultures, values and traditions’ reference document on the researched

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina

communities,’’ Ishaku expressed.

To effectively address the harmful cultural practices in the area councils, the committee urged the FCTA to study the observations, findings and recommendations highlighted in the report carefully, for diligence implementation.

Consequently, the FCT minister of state, who received the committee’s report, announced that FCTA would, henceforth, prosecute residents found guilty of infanticide in the territory.

The minister who said the FCTA would no longer condone the crime as its core mandate included the delivery of maternal and child care, also assured that all recommendations by the committee would be implemented immediately, to ensure that such practice was erased completely.

“The FCTA will make sure it brings to an end such an evil act.

We will ensure the practice comes to an end in the FCT and Nigeria,’’ Akinjide said.

She therefore commended the media for exposing such acts, and called for more synergy between the FCTA and other organisations to bring such evil acts to an end.

Nevertheless, going by the graphic descriptions of the barbaric practice, including the alleged reasoning behind such primordial inhuman cultural practices even in the domain of the FCT, it therefore beholds on the FCTA to go beyond making public the outcome of the committee’s work, but immediately expedite action towards tackling the scourge head on, to ensure that such practice was totally erased.

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Peoples Daily, Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Metro

SURE –P disburses 270 million naira to women, youths in FCT

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

A

total of 270 Million naira has been disbursed as monthly Stipends to 3000 women, youth and the physically challenged under the Community Service, Women and Youth Employment (CSWYE) project of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement signed by theChief Communications OfficerofCSWYESURE-P FCT Abdurrahman Mohamed disclosed that, the Chairman of the community Service, Women

and Youth Employment (CSWYE) of SURE-P in the FCT Alh Yahaya Yunusa Suleiman said this while receiving the 2013 performance monitoring assessment [Instrument testing] report conducted recently by the community service office of the project in Abuja.

Suleiman explained that the 3000 participants have been on the programme since April 2013 and are fully deployed for community sanitation duties with Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) absorbing 1000 participants because of its size, while Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Bwari and

Abaji have 400 participants each respectively.

The Chairman who noted that the available feedback from the impact assessment report indicate that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour have paid all the 3000 participants their monthly stipends of N10, 000 each monthly up to December 2013, Headvised the beneficiaries of the Pilot Project of Community Service Women and Youth Employment (CSWYE) in FCT to save, from the stipends received by keying into the projectFederal Government.

Gwagwalada Area Council celebrates 30 years of creation

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he management of Gwagwalada Area Council has begun the celebration of 3oth year’s anniversary, 2014 cultural carnival on Monday at the secretariat premises.

The Chairman of the council, Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri, who flag –off ceremony, said that the leadership of the council had been providing infrastructural facilities for the residents since the establishment of the area council.

He said that his administration would not

hesitate to implement the developmental programmes for youths whenever the need arises.

He pleaded with the stakeholders as well as well-wishers of the council to contribute their quota towards the victory of the anniversary celebration.

The chairman commended the efforts of the Celebrity Plus Magazine as well as Quarters Youth Consultative Association for Collaborating with the council.

In paper representation a paper tagged “Peace as a Tool for National Unity”, Dr. Sheff

Gali urged the politicians to embrace one another irrespective of their party’s affiliations.He called for Inter-tribal marriage among people, in order to pave ways for peaceful co-existence in the country as the celedrate 30 years anniversary.

The Chairman Committee of the anniversary and the Editor-in-Chief of the Celebrity Plus Magazine, Mr. Abodunde Sam Ayelaye, pointed out that the 30th anniversary celebration would focus on the skill acquisition programmes as well as provision of scholarship for some people in the area.

Court fixes May 30 to determine bail application by armed robbery suspect

J

ustice Jude Okeke of Abuja High Court yesterday fixed May 30 for ruling in a bail application filed by a 23-year-old woman, Rosemary Oladapo, over a robbery case.

Oladapo was aged 19 in 2010, when she and three men were arraigned before the court on a five-count charge of conspiracy, assault and armed robbery.

The men are Adekunle Olayemi, 25; Abdullahi Hamman, 25, and Yusuf Busari, 28.

They were charged with conspiracy, robbery and being in possession of a locally-made double-barrel gun with two live cartridges.

They were also charged with causing voluntary hurt and abetting.

Police prosecutor John Ijagbemi told the court that Oladapo had, on April 28,

2009, led the other suspects to the home of her boyfriend, Chief Emeka Chibuzor, and robbed him of his Toyota Corolla car.

Ijabemi also told the court that the suspects stole N600, 000 from their victim before fleeing.

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, counsel to Oladapo, MrIjeh Ezekiel, filed an application for bail on the ground that his client was not linked to the offence.

The counsel argued that bail was based on the presumption of innocence and a conditional right as guaranteed by Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution.

He further argued that mere allegation of abatement would not automatically suspend the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution on the right to bail of an accused.

Ezekiel urged the court to release the accused from Suleja Prison custody, pending the determination of the case against her.

But the police prosecutor opposed the application, saying ``what the accused was being charged with was a serious offence which is not bailable”.

He said that it would not be in the public interest to grant bail to a person charged with armed robbery.

Ijabemi said that the court could only grant bail where there was no sufficient evidence against the accused.

He told the court that the prosecution had ``hard evidence’’ to prove that the accused was a member of an armed gang that robbed Chibuzor and prayed the court to dismiss the application. (NAN)

Page 19

Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, APRIL 30, 2014

INSIDE

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

Mansard grows by 9% -Pg 21

Ex-Minister Oduah bags Performance Award at Akwaaba show -Pg 20 L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, and Statistician General, National Bureau of Statistics, Dr Yemi Kale, during SEC Nigeria’s Learning Series, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Reps commend Nigerian engineers on power improvement

By Etuka Sunday

T

he House of Representatives Committee on Commercialization and Privatization has commended Nigerian Engineers at Egbin Power Plc for their ingenuity to keep the plant functional despite challenges in the operations of the plant.

A statement by the Head, Public Communications, Chigbo Anichebe quoted the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba-Ibrahim to have made the commendation when the Committee visited the Egbin Electricity Power Plc in continuation of its oversight visit to new owners of Power Holding of Nigeria (PHCN) Successor Companies (SCs) in Lagos.

Hon. Abba-Ibrahim noted that despite the obsolete equipment and poor funding, the Nigerian Engineers were able to operate the plants to give maximum services to Nigerians before and after privatization.

She said that the Committee would engage other members of the National Assembly to ensure the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) so that the current challenges in gas supply to power companies was overcome to ensure steady power supply in the country.

The Chairman noted that government had in the past invested heavily to ensure efficient and adequate power supply in the country and that the Committee would not relent until the objective was achieved.

She acknowledged the teething problems the new owners were facing but expressed the hope that these would be overcome with time as it was typical of new businesses.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Egbin Electricity Power Plc. Engr. Mike Uzoigwe informed the lawmakers that the new investors had invested over N7.3bn between November 1, 2013 and now to turn around the company.

He said to further revamp

the company; the investors had earmarked another $4million for a total overhaul of the plant.

Despite the efforts to give the company a facelift, the MD decried the low remittance to the company from the Market Operator and urged the lawmakers to urgently intervene to make the electricity market attractive for investment.

He decried the situation where what was due to the company was N13bn to date but only N6.5bn was received, and that out of what was received, the company was owing the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) N5.3bn while it had spent N7.35bn on staff salaries and renovations.

Uzoigwe also called on the lawmakers to intervene to ensure that the entitlements of the former workers of the PHCN were fully paid as all remittances to that effect were understood to have been made to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) by the relevant government agencies.

Also at the Ikeja Electricity

FBN declares N70.63bn profit in 2013

F

irst Bank of Nigeria Holdings (FBNH) Plc on Tuesday posted a profit after tax of N70.63 billion for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2013.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was against the N76.80 billion posted in 2012.

The report is contained in the company’s audited result

released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday in Lagos.

The profit represented a decrease of eight per cent when compared with the 2012 figure.

The profit before tax stood at N91.34 billion against N93.92 billion achieved in the previous year, a decrease of three per cent.

The bank’s net interest income stood at N230.12 billion

against N226.61 billion achieved in 2012, representing a growth of 1.55 per cent.

The bank has proposed a dividend of N1.1 per share in contrast with N1 declared in the corresponding period of 2012.

NAN reports that the payment of the proposed dividend, if approved by the shareholders on May 22, will be paid on May 26.

(NAN)

Distribution Company (IKEDC), the Managing Director, Engr.

Abiodun Ajifowobeje informed the lawmakers that the new investors had injected N700 million to upgrade facilities including substations since take over.

He said the company planned to recruit 300 young Nigerians to take over the aging workforce and that IKEDC had dedicated 18 hours at its call Centre to take care of customers’ complaints and challenges.

The MD added that payment for electricity bills had been automated as customers could now buy their recharge cards online.

He said the greatest challenge faced by the company was urban planning as most of the houses in the area were built under high tension cables.

FG inaugurates committee on industrial relations in power sector -Pg 22 Exchange Rates

CBN as a 29th APRIL, 2014 Buying

Selling

$

154.7

155.73

€

258.66

260.33

£

213.51

214.98

Riyal

41.26

41.52

YEN

1.51

1.52

CFA

0.30

0.32

Management Tip of the Day

S

Three tips for motivating your customer service team

cripting exactly what customer service employees should do in every situation drains the initiative out of even the most highly motivated workers. But when you set up a system that enables you to trust your employees to exercise their own judgment and learn from their experience, they may well deliver a far better customer experience.

• Establish guardrails. People handling calls should understand where they have latitude and where they don’t. Within those guardrails, your team should be free to exercise judgment.

• Seek feedback. Ask customers for feedback after each transaction.

Circulate the comments to team leaders so they can see where they’re succeeding, where they still have work to do, and what, specifically, your customers point out.

• Coaching and support. Free your supervisors and experienced customer care professionals from some tasks so they can devote time to coaching and getting new hires get up to speed.

Source: Review

Harvard

Business

Page 20

Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, APRIL 30, 2014

Business

Ex-Minister Oduah bags Performance Award at Akwaaba show From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

E

x-Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah has bag a Legends of Travel Award at the just conclude Abuja Bantaba, the meeting events for travel professionals, organised by the Akwaaba Travel Market.

According to the organisers of the event, Oduah left a mark on the “aviation sands of times that will take a long time to be surpassed” affirming that she upgraded the Airports, transformed some into international Airports and started the construction of brand new international terminals in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu. She transformed the

Airport environment in Nigeria.”

Oduah recently received an award from the Ikenga Award for Excellence Foundation for her enviable performance as Minister of Aviation and her transformation of the sector.

It is ironic that commendations and awards are being given to Oduah whose tenure was turbulent and controversial, but indications show that these approval ratings of what she did as Minister was not and cannot be eclipsed by the negative campaigns that led to her removal as Minister.

The organiser said Oduah was able to remodel and restructure 11 airports out of the 22 airports owned by the Federal

Government and kick-started the comprehensive rehabilitation of the other 11 airports of which work had reached advanced stage before she was removed.

“Under Oduah, the Federal Government reached a deal with Chinese Exim Bank and the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) for the building of five new airport terminals at the airports in Kano, Enugu, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja; work has started at the site of the new terminals and the constriction is billed to be completed by early 2016.”

What Oduah has achieved in the short space of time is already boosting air travel in Nigeria

as more domestic carriers are coming in to join the market while new foreign airlines are coming to operate in Nigeria, so that the country will take full advantage of its high population of international travellers, the Akwaaba team told reporters.

“The former Minister of Aviation also introduced Aerotropolis, which is simply described as the airport city, which objective is to create businesses around the four designated airports in Kano, Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt and develop a city of enterprises that would be galvanised by travellers and airport users to boost commerce and employment in the country.” It said in a statement.

L-R: Benue state Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, receiving a carton of Dangote noodles from Engineer Joseph Makoju of Dangote Group, as part of the 12-truck load of items donated by the Dangote Group to victims of insurgency in the state, at the weekend in Makurdi.

NACCIMA pledges private sector support for inclusive growth

T

he Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) on Tuesday pledged to support government’s quest for inclusive growth by ensuring job creation for sustainable national development.

NACCIMA National Vice President, Malam Sanusi Ajiya, made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi.

Ajiya assured the support of the private sector in translating Nigeria’s economic growth to improved standard of living for Nigerians, especially, rural dwellers.

According to him, the recent re-basing of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) to 509.97 billion dollars (about N80.3 trillion) has no impact on the living standard of Nigerians. ``There is the need therefore, to assist the governments in its

drive to translate this economic growth to improve Nigerians’ standard of living. ``The private sector has a lot to contribute, especially in the areas of job creation that will ensure economic empowerment and equity in income distribution’.’’

Ajiya, however, said that there was a need for synergy through proper coordination of economic activities among governments at all levels and the private sector, as well as donor agencies.

He added that government had a huge task of building an environment conducive for the private sector to operate. ``We are ready to give our support, but we need an enabling environment to thrive. ``We are advocating for the creation of an enabling business environment with efficient transportation system, telecommunications, power supply and so on.’’

He noted that Nigeria, currently the leading economy in Africa, must adopt effective strategic plans that would ensure equity in income distribution, to improve the standard of living.

He expressed optimism that the outcome of the recent Joint Planning Board (JPB) and the National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) meeting held in Bauchi, if implemented, would yield the desired result. ``But public and the private sectors must agree on major issues involved that would lead to enhanced implementation of the outcome. ``For without private sector support, especially through the adoption of Public Private Partnership initiative, there would be no economic development. ``With a little cooperation from the state governments, a lot would be achieve and a change would come.’’

NAN recalls that the JPB and NCDP meeting was held in Bauchi between April 23 and April 25.

According to Mr. Ntufam Ugbo, the Secretary, National Planning Commission, the aim of the meeting was to provide avenues for interaction and cross-fertilisation of ideas among stakeholders.

He added that the step would enhance strategic planning as a framework for inclusive growth, job creation, equity and sustainable development.

He said issues discussed at the technical session of the meeting included strategic planning as a framework for fostering inclusive growth and job creation and the role of the real sector in job creation.

Others were social protection policy as a panacea for addressing vulnerability and insecurity; the relevance of data measurement and evaluation, as well as capacity building, among others. (NAN)

FG renews commitment to automobile, manufacturing sectors

T

he Federal Government on Tuesday renewed its commitment to creating policies that would enhance the development of the automobile and manufacturing sectors.

The Minister of Industry, Olusegun Aganga, said this in Lagos at a business roundtable organised by the Sam Ohuabunwa Foundation for Economic Empowerment.

Aganga, represented by Dr Joseph Odumodu, DirectorGeneral, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), said the automobile industry had boomed in the last six months than the past 30 years.

He attributed the growth to the alignment of the private sector and stakeholders in the industry to government policies for the sector. ``The automobile sector has grown in the last six months than the past 30 years. ``The reason is not far from the cooperation of the private sector and stakeholders with the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP). ``A major challenge, however, is that the value chain on raw materials have not been properly linked because major manufacturers still import batteries, lubricants and so on. ``Presently we are meeting with stakeholders like INNOSON, discussing the way forward for the sector,” he said.

Aganga also urged small and medium business owners to plan their businesses on a long term budget cycles rather than a short time. ``By 2050, it is estimated that Nigeria’s population will be one of the largest in the world, competing with China. ``This is a factor that SMEs and local manufacturers can leverage on, on a long term basis,” he said.

He also urged private sector practitioners to establish more training centres for varieties of professionals to cover the human skills gap to boost the manufacturing sector.

He said that the federal government’s collaboration with the United Nations International dcevelopment Organisation (UNIDO) to boost skill gaps and train professionals to compete with foreign counterparts was still in place.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said there were so many beneficial government policies that Nigerian entrepreneurs had yet to access.

Okonjo-Iweala, represented

by Mr Gabriel Ajudua, a director in the ministry, said the N100 billion textile industry intervention fund had lacked investors coming forward for investment loans.

She also said that the federal government was working on the partnership with private sector to provide 750,000 jobs through the agriculture and manufacturing sector.

The Proprietor of the foundation, Sam Ohuabunwa had earlier said the event was a platform for government officials to feed entrepreneurs of opportunities available through government policies.

The theme of the forum is ``Optimising Opportunities in the Federal and State Budgets’’.

(NAN)

Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, APRIL 30, 2014

Page 21

Business

Mansard grows by 9% From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

M

ansard Insurance Plc has recorded a significant improvement for the financial year ended 31st December, 2013, as its gross premium grew to N 13.5 billion, showing a growth of nine per cent when compared with N12.4 billion recorded in the 2012 financial year.

The firm equally achieved a six per cent surge in its net premiums with the period under review as it increase from N7.1 billion to NN7.5

billion 2013.

Also trade receivables reduced 92 per cent, from N2 billion in 2012 to N166 million in 2013 while investment income went up by 64 per cent from N2.1 billion in the previous year.

Addressing shareholders at the company 22nd annual general meeting in Lagos, the Chairman, VG Osibodu stated that despite the fact that the firm recorded decrease of nine per cent in its profit before tax, profit after tax grew by 31 per cent from N1.6 billion in 2012 to

N2.1 billion in 2013.

He equally stated that the firm is rewarding its shareholders with an interim and final dividend of four kobo respectively making it a dividend pay-out of eight kobo per share for all investors whose names appeared in the company register.

“In line with the assurance to continually deliver exceptional value, the board has proposed a final dividend of four kobo for the year; you will recall that an interim dividend of four kobo was paid bringing the total to eight kobo”.

On the future outlook of the Osibudo assured stakeholders of unrelenting resolve to continually exceed their expectations even as the company new and exciting opportunities to actualize its exapanding ambitions.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mrs Yetunde Ilori stated that the company general portfolio registered a 14 per cent growth in gross premium written, thus contribution a total GPW increased by four per cent

L-R: Directors of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mrs. Foluke Abdulrasaq, Alhaji Yahaya Zekeri, and Alhaji Ja’afaru Paki, during the 52nd Annual General Meeting of United Bank for Africa Plc, recently in Lagos.

FG, WACOT partnership enhance seed production says Council DG From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

D

irector General of National Agricultural Seed Council, Mr. Anthony Olatokun stressed its partnership with WACOT Ltd., a privatelyownedagricultural based company, has enhanced the production of improved seeds in the country.

He said this yesterday in Funtua, Katsina State, when he led a government delegation on an inspection tour of WACOT facilities particularly the seed processing factory.

The Director General stated that Nigeria had greatly benefited from the partnership with Wacot

Ltd. under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda and expressed satisfaction over the progress so far made by the company on the improved seed multiplication and distribution scheme in the country.

He also added that NASC had rightly upgraded the company to a large scale producer of improved seeds for the teeming farmers expressing satisfaction over the state of company’s machinery, warehousing capacity, its seed breeding lands and other activities going on at the company’s site.

According to him, with this development, the quest for foreign training of agricultural workers and search for quality

seed would be drastically reduced while encouraging the company’s management to improve further on research work to produce Hybrid seeds for farmers.

He urged the management of Wacot to sustain the level of its achievements by taking quality as its focus point so that it would continue to make the desired impact on Nigeria’s agricultural transformation initiative.

He appreciated the Investment made by WACOT in upgrading its Ginning machines, but showed his concern about the poor seed cotton production and the underutilization of Wacot’s Ginning capacity. He cited the ailing industries in Nigeria

especially the textile industries is the main reason.

Responding, Wacot General Manager, Mr Subirkumar Dey, commended the support from Federal Government, State Government, Seed Regulation Authorities like NASC and farmers’ support which had ensured the company’s continued existence with growth in Nigeria.

Mr Dey disclosed that the level of said support encouraged the company to metamorphose from its initial stage of cotton ginnery to producer of good quality seeds and supplier of good quality Agric inputs like fertilizers, agrochemicals, sprayers, tractors etc.

Linkage Assurance emerges official insurer for ‘Okpekpe 10Km Road Race 2014’ From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

N

igeria Insurance Risk Provider, Linkage Assurance Plc has emerged the official insurer to the 2014 Okpekpe 10Km Road Race in Edo State.

The Company disclosed this through a statement made available to Businesstoday

Newsonline that as official insurer to the competition, the company will provide free personal accident cover for over 3,000 athletes and officials participating in the event.

The statement further said that each participant will be insured for death and permanent disability, medical expenses throughout the duration of the

race.

It further said that the risk bearer will participant in the sponsorships for the successful organization of the event which is expected to attract both local and foreign athletes to the event.

Speaking on the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Gus Wiggle said: “The Okpekpe road race

is gradually becoming a global brand and is in alignment with our company’s identity and of encouraging the growth of local initiatives to attain a global recognition”, he said.

He added that it also affords the company the opportunity to create the necessary awareness on the relevance of insurance in all aspects of our social life.

DPR sanctions 18 oil marketers, suspends 7 licence

T

he Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sanctioned 18 oil marketers in Abuja for their involvement in unethical sales parctices, the Head of Operations of DPR, Abuja Zone, Mrs Muinat Bello-Zagi, said.

Bello-Zagi made the fact known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, saying they were involved in hoarding, diversion, under-dispensing and adulteration of products.

According to her, licences of seven of the marketers have been suspended.

She attributed the regular occurrence of fuel scarcity in Abuja and environs to such activities.

She said that the activities of oil marketers were discovered by the DPR monitoring team between April 1 and April 28.

Bello-Zagi said that the offending marketers comprised 10 independent and seven major dealers as well one affiliated station to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. ``In addition to the sanction, which is sealing of their stations, some of them who diverted or hoarded products were suspended for four months and if there is repetition of the offence they will have their licences revoked. ``You know that the last thing a marketer would want is to have his licence suspended even for a day; it means a lot to him. ``Apart from that, they will also be charged the commercial value of the products; this is because the products are not supposed to go to where they were diverted to,’’ she said.

Bello-Zagi said that the agency had inaugurated a surveillance team to monitor the lifting of petroleum products from depots to their destinations in Abuja zone.

She said that the major offence of the marketers in Abuja was under-dispensing of products.

She explained that underdispensing was the source through which the marketers cheat innocent motorists, “because they know that they cannot adjust pump price above the official price.

“We have five teams which monitor the marketers every day to keep checks on them and prevent them from carrying out any nefarious activity. ``We have designed mechanisms to monitor the activities and we have checks to know if they are hoarding or not, and if we catch any defaulter, they are sanctioned appropriately.”

She said that DPR was collaborating with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to tackle the challenge of black marketers in Abuja.

According to her, on many occasion, DPR and security agencies have raided black spots where black marketers thrive to dislodge them. (NAN)

Peoples Daily, WEDNESday, APRIL 30, 2014

Page 22

Business

FG inaugurates committee on industrial relations in power sector T he Federal Government on Monday inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) to develop operational guidelines on industrial relations in the power sector.

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, said industrial peace and harmony were critical to the realisation of the transformation in the power sector.

He said the TWG would

ensure that industrial peace was achieved in the sector.

“It is pertinent to know that the essence of this occasion is to reflect on the state of industrial relations in the power sector.

“It’s to chart new ways of ensuring industrial peace and harmony which are critical to the realisation of the Transformation Agenda.

“However, the restricting attendant on the privatisation exercise had given rise to new

employment relationships that need to be understood by the social partners.

“This is also to ensure fair labour practice and decent work in our work places.

“The TWG became necessary towards ensuring peace and harmony amongst social partners in this critical sector.”

Wogu said that the committee, among others, was expected to make recommendations on the application of the eight

core international labour conventions.

He said that it was also to consider and make recommendations on the concerns of the social partners, including the issue of casualisation and contract staffing in the reformed power sector.

This, according to him, is with a view to producing a workable industrial relations guideline in the sector. (NAN)

L-R: Sale Manager, Industrial Flavour and Colour Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Sunjmam Kumor, President, Nigerian Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologist, Lagos state chapter, Mrs. Abari Ajibola, His Royal Highness, Eze Francis Anukwu, Director, Atlantic Exhibition, Paul Olugbade, and Special Adviser to Lagos state Governor on Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Idowu Sensanjo, during the opening ceremony of international central trade exhibition organised by Atlantic Exhibition Nigeria Limited, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: Olawale Rotimi

Kogi set to partner investors, says Wada

From Omale Adama, Lokoja

K

ogi State Government has again assured the public that it was operating an open door policy in her quest to do business with prospective investors whose stock in trade is to transform the entity in the interest of the people.

This reassurance was given by the state governor in Lokoja by the state governor, Capt. Idris Wada, when he granted audience to a Federal Government delegation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and LR, an Isreali Company contracted by the Federal Government to explore and develop Agro Industrial towns in Nigeria.

The confluence state was selected as pilot a state by the Federal Government for the LR Group of Israel to explore and develop an Agro Industrial Town fashioned in line with the Israeli Moshaf concept.

The State Governor who was represented by his Deputy Yomi Awoniyi, expressed happiness that the Agro Industrial Town project places emphasis on the youths development and empowerment.

The Governor noted that the idea to develop a farm settlement and equip with modern infrastructure that will support the practice of Agriculture will enable youths to take to Agriculture as a profession.

The Governor added that the farm system which will also be attractive would equally stem rural and urban migration and assured of the State Governments support towards the realization of the project.

While noting that the present administration in the State has absolutely keyed into the Federal Governments transformation agenda regarding Agriculture, Capt. Wada assured that his administration will not rest on its oars in making Agriculture the fulcrum of developing the State.

The governor commended the Federal Government for choosing the State for the pilot

program assured the LR Group of necessary technical and other support in the realization of the Agro Industrial town concept.

In his remarks, Executive Director LR Group of Israel,Mr Zvi Herman said they are in the State to design a blueprint for the establishment and implementation of an Agro Industrial Town project for the State as a pilot that will be replicated in other States of the Federation.

Mr. Herman, described Agriculture as an evolving profession, adding that the sophisticated approach of the AIT, will lead to increase market value and interest of youths in farming.

North welcomes Dangote’s new 3X cement

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Dangote’s new improved cement-the 3X-has received a boost in the Northern part of the country, it can be reported.

Listeners took turn to endorse the Dangote Cement and its Group President during a just concluded radio phoning-in programmes in six northern states.

The states are: Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kogi and Abuja.

The new cement brand,

42.5R grade, is the highest cement quality grade in the country, members of the radio discussion panels said during the radio programmes.

Callers in Rima Radio, Radio Nigeria Companion FM and Radio Kogi wondered why the government will not compel other manufacturers to imbibe Dangote and stop the production of the 32.5 grade.

However, a Dangote Cement sales representative in Katsina State said the group cannot speak for others but that it is working in line with the specification of

the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and also to help address the phenomenon of collapse buildings.

Alhaji Hamza Nafsa who represented block makers association in Katsina state said the cement has been tested and its quality approved by his members.

Callers in Sokoto urged Dangote group to make the product available and affordable because businessmen may want to increase the price while leveraging on the improved quality.

Dangote Cement’s Sales Representative in Sokoto Alhaji Nura Bello thanked callers for their interest in the cement and urged them to use same measure of sand while using the product.

He added that Dangote was desirous of putting an end to the problem of collapse building in the country.

In Kogi State, Mallam Salman Shehu of the Dangote Obajana Cement plant said the cement has three distinctive features which are: Extra shelve life, extra strength and extra yield.

NAFDAC sanctions 14 companies in 3 months in EdoOfficial

T

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it sanctioned 14 companies during the first quarter of the year in Edo. Mr David West, Unit Head of the agency in the state, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Tuesday.

West said that most of the companies sanctioned included drug distribution outlet, pharmacy and patent medicine shops as well as food and cosmetic establishments.

“On the drug outlet, most of the drug distributors attracted sanctions because they were distributing controlled drugs such as Tramadol and banned drugs like Opthalidon.

“Food companies that were sanctioned were operating under poor hygiene practise.

“Sanctions were also slammed on companies that were producing cosmetics without authorisation from the agency.”

He said that a total of 14 companies that had marketing authorisation were registered and 30 surveillance activities were carried out during the period under review.

“During one of our surveillance visits, we went to some local government vaccine storage centres in the state to ensure that vaccines were kept well. ``We wanted to be sure that cold chain was maintained to prolong efficacy of the vaccine.

“We, however, noticed that equipment like generators and cool van that would promote good storage were lacking.’’

West said that 150 pharmacovigilant and post-marketing activities were carried out during the same period to ensure that products remained the same way they were registered. (NAN)

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, april 30, 2014

Stock Watch

Report as at Tuesday, April 29, 2014

PAGE 23

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, Aril 30, 2014

PAGE 24

By Evelyn Okakwu

T

he safety of journalists is an undeniable necessary prerequisite for the successful dissemination of information in any society especially in a democratic setting.

All over the world journalists are often prone to various forms of violence and more often than not, these journalists either have to face the threats squarely by themselves or suffer the consequence alone.

Yet still the safety of any society is directly proportional to the rate of freedom provided for journalists.

When people can be certain that the media will be objective in protecting their interests and serving as an active voice, they are motivated to participate actively in the polity and prevent the anarchy that can come from the involvement of only a few set in the leadership of the whole nation.

In Africa, the media has contributed immensely towards ensuring the steady development of the continent. The role of the media in all parts of Africa has created for the super power countries of the world, a special interest

PAGE 25

Special Report

The media in West Africa and the strugle for freedom and ethical conducts in this continent, such that the place of the media in its continued growth becomes indispensable.

This is why the West Africa Journalists Association (WAJA) during its 8th ordinary congress, recently held in Abuja, decided to make the theme of the congress: “Strengthening Media for Peace, Security and D e m o c r a t i c Governance in West Africa.”

The theme sort to make critical analyses of the various factors constituting the week points of journalists in West art of Africa, to analyze their various challenges and proffer lasting solution, in a view to improve media ;productivity in Africa.

Addressing journalists at the start of the congress, the regional Director WAJA for the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Mr. David Ronal Kayanja

called on the ‘would be’ elected WAJA executives to take the safety of journalists as a matter of priority.

Hew noted that during the course of discharging their duties last year, 92 journalist across the world lost their lives and in this year, already 31 Journalists have lost their lives on the line of duty.

“Journalist are prone to high risk situations as a result of their work The media is the voice of the people. The only means through which they participate actively in the government is through the chmedia which serves a very important tool as the voice of the people.

Thus the safety of media practitioners is of great interest to UNESCO and that is why we use this opportunity to call for the safety of media workers in West Africa.”

Also speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of information, Labaran Maku Had this to say: “In

Media practitioners in Nigeria will excel given the right atmosphere and support

any society, especially, in a Democracy, media plays a very important role. This is why the media is regarded as the fourth estate of the realm.

Although the fourth estate as they call us constitutes a set of nonelected people, we function sometimes even more than, some elected realms in the polity. The media is the platform that enables Democracy to thrive. The people are so crucial in any Democracy, and the media is the only platform through which they can play their own part in the administration of their own state.”

He noted that the media in Nigeria was established by nationalists like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo, among others. Speaking further, he added that since independence till date, the media in Nigeria has not been able to be overtaken by the fear of intimidation.

“The country, as it

From left: NUJ National Treasurer, Mustapha Lamidi; NUJ National President, Malam Garba Mohammed, briefing newsmen in Abuja, recently. With them is National Secretary, Malam Shuaibu Usman-Leman.

is today has absolutely no plan to harass or intimidate media workers within Nigeria”. Part of the example to support that he, he stated, is the freedom of information act passed into law on the 28th of May 2013, adding that the government is planning to use that law. And other measures to ensure the free dissemination of information for the good of all.”

Speaking further he adds: “The difference, between a dictatorship and a free Democracy is the presence of a free media and the parliament: these two factors are absent in a dictatorship system of government”.

He stated But the media in Nigeria, like all other free media across the world has its own headache, as the Minister noted: “You can lose one or two people from a bad Dr or medical practitioner,

but you will lose a whole nation from a bad media seeking to propagate hate. Lack of control is evident greatly in the way we report terrorism, economic political and other issues in the country. There is the need for the Media associations to organise a mechanism for the enforcement of

professional media ethics in the line of duty. This is the channel for growth that is required of the media, both in Africa and in the world at large.

Terrorism like a endemic has no boundaries. The problem of terrorism will spread to other continents if nothing is done to curb the situation.

The freedom of the media may be problematic, but it’s a welcome development, because the collective wisdom of the people is better than a single man rule.

The media is the only tool that can stand in defense of a threatened democracy”. He stated.

He however called on media practitioners to free themselves from the

activities of politicians.

“Nothing stops a politician from owning a media.

But in an election time, a politician can become anxious and willing to use the media to achieve his all important objectives.”

He stressed He called on the media to educate the people on how to avoid terrorism, but adopt a measure of controlling terrorism, by reducing the rate of attention it gives terrorist activities. “You should report terrorism activities, but know that these terrorists seek attention at all cost and as such what you should do is to reduce the rate of attention you give their activities and see if that will produce a different response, from the terrorists”.

One of the delegates from Liberia Jallah Grayfield says he was sacked by his media organization, where he had served as the head for about five years. “I was the head of this media empire, which produced both radio TV and prints publications: the owner of the media was on sanction for 20 years because he was an working with former president Tailor

but about few weeks before the removal of his sanction, he started trying to manipulate the press to do certain things that are unethical. And been the vice president of the Liberia Journalist Union I could not allow that. Even if I was not the vice president, I just could not allow such an unethical practice.

So his daughter who was the CEO of the organization, though I was the manager, felt that I was a growing insubordination who could not carry out their orders. And as such they had me dismissed”.

He said that the media indeed needs to be regulated but the regulation should come from the within the media and not from an external force Like the government.

“The media can be regulated by a body formed by itself, not by the government to prevent intimidation.

It is very necessary for media organisations to have a channel through which ethical publication or dissemination of information is encouraged. If the media has such a body, the activities of organisations like the one I worked with before four months ago, will be checked.

It is the hope of Nigerians that these pressing issues will top the agenda of the new executive of WAJA and indeed all other media organisations across the world.

“

The media can be regulated by a body formed by itself, not by the government to prevent intimidation. It is very necessary for media organisations to have a channel through which ethical publication or dissemination of information is encouraged

Benedict Uwalaka, a photo journalist with Leadership Newspapers.

Enenche Akogwu was a Channel reporter killed by the Boko Haram sect

PAGE

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, april 30, 2014

Property

Jonathan to launch N960bn workers’ housing scheme today Stories by Aminu Imam

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan will today perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the N960 billion housing scheme that would be made affordable for Nigerian workers to reduce homelessness some of them face after a meritorious service to their father land.

President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar and the Managing Director of the private property developer, KristonLally EPCNigeria Limited, Alhaji Mustapha Madawaki, who disclosed this at the weekend, said the housing scheme to be launched same day would be for members of the labour union that indicate interest in the scheme.

The $6 billion affordable housing scheme partnership between the NLC and KristonLally will be for Nigerian workers in all the 36 states, including the FCT. The NLC President and the Managing Director of KristonLally, during a press briefing disclosed that President Jonathan would perform the ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday (today), in Karsana, Abuja.

It will be recalled that the two parties signed the housing scheme agreement April last year, at the Labour House, Abuja.

The NLC boss, who was worried by the 40 million housing deficit in the country as revealed by a United Nations study, said the Congress’ plan was to build affordable houses for all willing NLC members and any Nigerian worker that indicate interest in the scheme.

Comrade Omar said: “On the issue of housing, we are very serious about it and by the grace of God before we leave office we hope to see that quite a number of workers would have gotten shelter.

“The most important thing is that we would have laid a foundation whereby on continuous basis, Nigerian workers will continue to get houses in a very easy way by just depositing 10 percent and then get a house that they will continue to pay for over a period of time.

“What we are after is to lay this very solid foundation for Nigerian workers and it is not only workers in Abuja, but workers all over the country.

“So far, we have written letters to so many state governors and the responses have been very positive.

They are also very eager; many of them have promised giving us lands. In fact some have already allocated land for this purpose.

“You know that the moment you are able to get land, you have removed a substantial part of the cost of the house and then with this kind of arrangement where somebody will just pay 10 per cent and then subsequently when you get the house you start paying the balance over a period of time.

A typical slum, like this one in Makoko area of Lagos state, would become a thing of the past if “I am positive that we are going to provide quality and affordable housing for Nigerian workers.

KristonLally is just one; perhaps I should say it is a star among all the private developers that we are working with. We have also seen many proposals seeking to partner with the Congress, but we are taking our time.

“Apart from KristonLally, we are also working in a tripartite situation with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, with NECA, that is the employers’ association, and on the other side NLC and TUC. That is also a very big project, we are making progress.”

Also speaking, the MD of KristonLally, Alhaji Madawaki said with the launch by President Jonathan, the scheme would take- off fully and assured that the NLC and KristonLally have done everything to ensure that Nigerian workers, especially those who have

subscribed for the first phase get their houses as scheduled.

He said: “In practical term, we are ready. We have cleared our sites. We have imported blockmaking factory. It is already in Abuja. We have mobilized virtually all our staff that are supposed to be on sites and our sub-contractors are all sensitized and ready. So, in practical term, we, as a company, are ready.

“We initially have contacted the President, through the Nigeria Labour Congress, wanting Mr. President to be the one to lay the foundation ceremony for the project and this will be done this Wednesday. ”On the fear that the delay would probably affect the December 2014 delivery date promised to subscribers, he assured that the deadline would notsuffer.

He said: “The issue of the

deadline is not going to suffer, because if you look at the pilot study, which is the first phase, we are only concentrating on 5,000 houses in Abuja. It is the second phase that will involve Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Imo and Adamawa states, and that will be a huge number.

“So delivering 5,000 houses in 10 months is not a problem.

We are prepared, because we have over 70 sub-contractors; we have 12 construction companies of our own. So even if we just give 70 or 80 houses to each and every one of them, I think each one of them should be able to develop 70 houses in 10 months.

“Isaid 10 months, because in the last two months, we have done the initial work like clearing and importing all the necessary equipment; we were only waiting for the President, who is workers-friendly and also

determined to provide shelters for all Nigerians, to perform the launch. ”To make it workers-friendly, the interest rate is put at 2% per annum of the total amount of the property, which can be spread over 5, 10 or 15 years, depending on the choice of each subscribers. This, according to Omar and Madawaki, is well below what is available in the Nigerian mortgage market today.

The houses that would be provided include: Two and three-bedroom bungalows, semi-detached or fully detached bungalows; two and three bedrooms in a block of flats; and four bedrooms semi-detached and fully detached duplex.

According to Omar, the housing estates would also include construction of a four-star hotel with a 180-guestroom capacity.

Kogi to embark on mass housing scheme

From Omale Adama Lokoja

T

he inadequate accommodation problem bedeviling the state civil servants is receiving a boost following Kogi state government’s pan to embark on mass housing scheme for civil servants in the nearest future.

The proposed tripartite housing project is to be funded by the state government, China Hope Energy/Investment Limited and UN Inhabitant.

Governor Idris Wada,who received the consortium of China Hope Investment Group and the UN INHABITANT team while on a business trip to Government House towards the realization of the housing partnership, opined that the project when functional would alleviate the accommodation plight of the workforce.

He expressed the readiness of his administration to embark on the collaborative venture to put paid to the lingering accommodation palaver which

has persisted over the years.

“Our civil servants are in dire need of adequate and comfortable shelter, which my administration is very much committed to realize” he said.

The Governor also noted that the collaborative effort would enable the state government to key into the Federal Government Mortgage Housing Scheme, aimed at meeting the housing challenges faced by most Nigerians at the moment.

Earlier, the Chairman China

Hope Energy Investment Limited, HE BING and the managing director of the UN INHABITANT, Dr. Tee Ching Seng, in their separate comments, stated that their main objective for the joint partnership was geared towards the development of Kogi state.

They expressed their belief in the provision of mass housing for the people, stressing that shelter is one of the essential needs of human race after food and clothing.

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, april 30, 2014

P A G E

Property

Resolving the unending cement standardization war Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he lid was opened early in the year when a coalition of civil society groups and professional bodies in the construction industry addressed newsmen to decry the poor quality of cement being produced or imported into the country.

The group alleged that the rising occurrence of collapsed buildings in Nigeria is directly linked to the utilisation of poor grade of cement.

In a bid to push through its agitation, the group called on the National Assembly to probe manufacturers and importers of cement for compromising standards. The coalition also enlisted the assistance of the Consumer Protection Council, (CPC), and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), to enforce the National Building Code as it relates to the use of sub-standard materials in building constructions.

Prior to this time, most Nigerians did not know that cement is graded. The threat by the coalition drew divergent responses from some cement manufacturers, under the auspices of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) and Messrs Dangote Cement Company Plc. While the cement manufacturers claimed that they have met the standard set for the industry, Dangote maintained that unlike other cement manufacturers which churn out the 32.5 grade of cement, it (Dangote) produces only the 42.5 grade from all its plants located at Ibeshe, Obajana and Gboko.

The company took a further step to launch the 42.5 grade Dangote 3X cement into the market.

Unveiling the new product, Group

Managing Director of the company, Mr. Devakumar VG Edwin said they decided to produce only the 42.5 grade of cement because Dangote places premium on safety of human lives rather than maximising profits alone.

Attributing the rising incidents of buildings collapse in the country to the use of sub-standard materials including cement, Mr. Edwin lamented that when buildings collapse, it is not only lives and property that are lost, but the economy of the country is also adversely affected.

He explained that Dangote Cement, which contributes about 60 percent of cement produced in Nigeria, went into the production of the 3X 42.5 R cement as a further demonstration of its commitment to stem the rising occurrence of collapsed buildings and the attendant loss of lives and property.

“Dangote has stopped the production of the 32.5 lower cement grade; we are focusing on 42.5 cement grade because we believe that as a responsible organisation, human life is more precious than making profits.

The introduction of Dangote 42.5, 3X cement, is not to dominate the cement industry but to follow the acceptable global trend, which has also been adopted by West African countries like Ghana, where the focus is shifting towards the 42.5 cement grade as the preferred quality of cement for building and construction activities”, he said.

The repackaged Dangote Cement was endorsed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria, AHCN and the Association of Block Makers.

Apparently reacting to the claims by Dangote Cement,

Messrs Lafarge WAPCO Plc, which is Nigeria’s second largest cement manufacturing company, embarked on series of sensitisation campaigns to enlighten cement users on its range of products and their applications.

At one of such fora in Abuja, the Minister of Trade, Dr. Olusegun Aganga said Nigeria has adopted a standard for the cement to be used in the country. But he failed to disclose whether it is the 32.5 or 42.5 grade of cement.

At another sensitisation forum in Lagos, Lafarge’s General Manager, Sales and Customers’ Services, Mr. Sam Ndionyema differentiated its cement from those produced by other companies.

According to him, Lafarge WAPCO has cement for different uses unlike other brands that have one type of cement for different construction activities.

Property for sale in Abuja

5 bedroom house for sale in Apo

International Real Estate Federation president visits Nigeria

T

he president of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), Mr. Flavio Gonzaga Nunes has started a working visit to Nigeria.

The visit, which will be the second by Nunes, a Brazilian, to Nigeria, “is to let the world President have a feel of the uncelebrated goodness of Nigeria as well as her investment potentials, especially in the real estate sector.”

During his first visit last year, he was conducted round the Eko Atlantic City project, which he adjudged as one of the best reclamation projects he had seen in the world especially because of the size of the project. He also visited the Lekki EPZ and many others.

He will equally visit many interesting projects during this and also pay a courtesy call on the executive governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, like he did to the Oba of Lagos last year.

As part of the activities of the visit, a seminar will take place at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Kingsway Road, Ikoyi, Lagos on the “Challenges of Planning Approval and its Effects on Housing Developments in Nigeria”.

Property Description: L u x u r y 5-bedroom,detached duplex for sale in Apo District in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A fantastic and wellbuilt 5 bedroom duplex is available for sale in Apo, Abuja. The

Lagos issues 3, 510 Governor’s Consent, renovates court buildings

L

agos authorities have announced the issuance of 3,510 Governor’s Consent and began to breathe new life into Magistrate and High Court buildings across the state, as part of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s commitment to improve and decentralize justice administration system.

The Ministry of Justice is embarking upon the new project, targeted at bringing standard courtrooms to all areas of the State. About 11 of such projects are under reconstruction. For instance, the Ikeja Magistrate court is 85 per cent completed while the Magistrate Court, in Badagry, has achieved 80 percent completion.

Speaking on the projects at the 2014 Ministerial Press Briefing, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa last week, the Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, said that the ministry is out to give the best as far as the administration of justice is concerned through the provision of conducive environment in every court rooms across the state.

According to Ipaye, government place premium on developing the capacity of the state counsel. “It is our belief that continuous legal education is vital to enable our staff to continue to provide cutting-edge and quality legal advice and representation to the people and government of Lagos state, especially, where there is functional infrastructure”, he stated.

China aims to build over 7 million public homes this year

D

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

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

The Kingdom Tower, estimated to cost $1.23 billion (N196.8bn), would have 200 floors and overlook the Red Sea. Building it will require about 5.7 million square feet of concrete and 80,000 tons of steel, according to the Saudi Gazette.

Though ambitious, building the Kingdom Tower should be feasible, according to Sang Dae Kim, the

director of the Council on Tall Buildings.

“At this point in time we can build a tower that is one kilometer,

A motorist rides past banners hanging outside a residential

maybe two kilometers. Any higher than that and we will have to do a lot of homework,” he told Construction Weekly.

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

PAGE 28

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, april 30, 2014

Toyota FJ Cruiser rare among sport utility

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Motoring

iven Toyota’s reputation for play-it-safe vehicle designs, the funky FJ Cruiser stands out. Even in the eighth year since its introduction, it still looks whimsical and retro, a throwback to the FJ40-series Land Cruisers from decades past. Behind that iconic styling, there’s real off-road capability, so the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser is rare not just among Toyotas, but also among sportutility vehicles as a whole. It’s with a heavy heart, then, that we bid farewell to the FJ Cruiser: Toyota has announced it will discontinue this midsize SUV after the 2014 model year.

With its two primary front doors and two, rear-hinged half-doors, the FJ Cruiser has always been more like a tall coupe than a traditional five-passenger SUV. This door design makes the FJ Cruiser interesting and distinctive, but it also makes getting in and out of the backseat cumbersome, especially if you have small children.

Furthermore, the FJ’s bunker-like windows make seeing out of this vehicle a challenge, whether you’re on an off-road trail or just trying to negotiate your way into the Starbucks drive-through. Apart from these practicality issues, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a pretty neat vehicle to drive. Its strong V6 engine, responsive steering and relatively comfortable ride make it a lot more viable as a daily driver than you might expect.

At the same time, its spiritual home is definitely off the pavement. Even in stock form, the FJ is quite capable of scaling rocky hillsides or frolicking in the sand dunes thanks to its high ground clearance, capable suspension and generous approach and departure angles.

It’s also available with serious four-wheel-drive

hardware, including low-range gearing, a locking rear differential and a pretty sophisticated off-road traction control system known as A-TRAC. The Trail Teams Ultimate Edition package ups the ante with a TRD-developed suspension that includes special Bilstein shock absorbers (with remote reservoirs for the rear dampers) and new front springs that increase ride height.

The departure of the Toyota FJ Cruiser w i l l

front doors and two half-sized, rear-hinged doors.

The FJ Cruiser is offered in only one trim level and comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, an electronically controlled locking rear differential (manualtransmission 4WD models only), a limited-slip rear differential (2WD models only), full power accessories, air-conditioning, an eight-way manually adjustable driver seat, four-way manually adjustable passenger seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a tilt-only steering wheel,

leave a bit of a void in the small population of midsize SUVs with legitimate offroad credentials. The 2014 Jeep Wrangler is the obvious alternative, as it’s virtually unstoppable off-road, available in two- or four-door body styles and easily customizable thanks to extensive aftermarket support.

Yet the Wrangler isn’t as likable for commuting, given its louder cabin and bouncier ride. The Nissan Xterra, meanwhile, is a more civilized option with a more accommodating backseat, but its interior isn’t as high-quality as the Toyota’s and it’s not as capable off-road. Although not perfect, the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser represents a desirable middle ground between these two. If you want one, this is certainly the year to buy.

The 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a five-passenger midsize SUV with two conventional (front-hinged)

waterresistant cloth upholstery, heavy-duty vinyl flooring, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/ USB audio interface.

Most options are bundled in packages. The Convenience package adds rear privacy glass, a rear wiper, a spare tire cover, keyless entry, cruise control, a rearview camera and an autodimming rearview mirror. The Upgrade package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded traction control on four-wheel-drive models, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ancillary gauges and trip computer functions, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system with a six-CD changer. The Off-Road package adds Bilstein shock absorbers, the locking rear differential (for

automatic-transmission models), an upgraded off-road-oriented traction control system (known as A-TRAC) and additional instrumentation (including an inclinometer and compass).

Other options include 16-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich allterrain tires, upgraded Bilstein shock absorbers, larger brakes and a performance exhaust kit.

The Trail Teams Ultimate Edition package arrives later in the model year and will include a specially tuned TRD suspension (with remote reservoirs for the rear shock absorbers), 16-inch bead-lock wheels (better for aireddown tires during off-roading), allterrain tires and an upgraded front skid plate that provides better protection. All Trail Teams FJ Cruisers get a Heritage Blue paint job (with a matching blue roof) and include the bulk of the content from the Convenience and Upgrade packages.

The 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque.

Three different drivetrain configurations are available: A five-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive (and a limited-slip differential) is the standard setup. You can also get one of two different four-wheeldrive systems: There’s a part-time 4WD system mated to the fivespeed automatic transmission and a full-time system fitted with a six-speed manual transmission and a rear locking differential. The locking differential is optional on automatic-equipped 4WD models.

EPA-rated fuel economy for the two-wheel-drive model is 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city/20 mpg highway) -- not great, but typical for an off-road-oriented midsize SUV with a gasoline engine. With four-wheel drive, those numbers are 18 combined (17/20) with the automatic and 16 combined (15/18) with the manual.

Standard safety features on the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the FJ Cruiser received the top rating of “Good” in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset and side-impact tests. Its seat/ head restraint design was also rated “Good” for whiplash protection in rear impacts. The FJ received the second-best rating of “Acceptable” in the Institute’s roof-strength crash test.

Source: Edmunds.com

Page 29

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, april 30, 2014

Arts & Culture

What happened to William Shakespeare’s theatres?

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

By Vincent Dowd

I

t is 450 years since William Shakespeare was born and there are events planned around the world to mark the anniversary. Yet one pleasure denied even the biggest Shakespeare fanatic will be to watch his work in a theatre which he wrote for or acted in.

In London, no purpose-built theatres survive from his day.

Where did they all go?

Peter Sillitoe strides into New Inn Broadway, London EC2, aware that for a theatre-lover disappointment is about to follow.

Nonetheless, he’s used to explaining why this unloved little street in Shoreditch is vital to the history of drama.

He’s the perfect person to tour London’s Shakespeare sites with.

For two years Sillitoe worked on the ShaLT (Shakespearean London Theatres) project. It pulled together existing research about the playhouses of London during Shakespeare’s career as a writer (roughly 1588 to 1612).

From 1576 the street in Shoreditch was home to The Theatre, the first purpose-built home for drama in Britain since Roman times. As a hungry young actor, Shakespeare made his home there after moving from Warwickshire to London.

“Until that point performances were mainly in grand private homes or in taverns,” says Sillitoe.

“There was just no concept of a theatre being a building in its own right.

“From the 1570s that started to change - possibly because London was growing, and there were more people demanding intelligent entertainment.”

Even the word theatre, as opposed to playhouse, may have evoked comparison with Greek and Roman culture.

Sillitoe taps the shabby grey hoardings on New Inn Broadway which mask The Theatre’s foundations, uncovered in 2008.

“Some scholars believe this may have been where Romeo and Juliet was first performed.

“It’s not an easy connection to make these days, but I encourage people to use their mind’s eye and conceive of how this area was when Shakespeare was a young man.”

Today, a new 235-seat theatre is proposed as part of the site’s redevelopment.

A year after The Theatre opened came The Curtain, built about 100 yards to the south. Three years ago, part of the Curtain’s foundations were located during excavation work.

Now a major redevelopment has been approved by Hackney Council that will include a permanent display of the Curtain’s foundations.

Sillitoe says there is increasing pressure to rebuild this part of London. “The area went untouched for decades, but now we’re discovering more about what lies beneath.

God bless Nigeria!

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Many visitors wrongly assume the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe is on the site of the original “Though I’m not sure much of what’s going up will evoke the England of the 16th and early 17th Centuries.” So he suggests a side trip to investigate where Shakespeare lived while he wrote.

From the early 1600s, the writer lodged with a refugee Huguenot family in Silver Street, Cripplegate - now part of the Barbican. It is possible that while there he wrote King Lear and Macbeth.

Legal documents mean we know more about his time in Silver Street than at any other London address. But Silver Street, like the theatres of Shoreditch, has effectively disappeared.

The closest we get is the massive underground car park which lurks beneath London Wall on the same spot.

Not inappropriately, hidden at its far end, is a chunk of London wall which may have stood close to where Shakespeare lodged.

“It’s not much,” admits Sillitoe.

“But outside of Stratford-uponAvon it’s the closest we get to anywhere Shakespeare slept and ate. It’s frustrating.”

In 1599 Shakespeare’s theatre group, the Chamberlain’s Men, abandoned Shoreditch and headed south of the river to establish the Globe theatre. The site is just down river of where Southwark Bridge now stands.

It is not to be confused with the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe a few minutes away. Those who run the new theatre, opened in 1997, have always made clear it’s not on the exact site of the original Globe, though many visitors assume otherwise.

The location of the original Globe, off Park Street, was identified only in the late 1980s.

Today it is indicated by a large plaque in the cobbles.

Peter Sillitoe laments that the site, almost inevitably, is now a car park. “At least this one isn’t underground,” he says.

Almost opposite stand the far more extensive remains of The Rose, opened before the Globe in 1587. In 1989 the foundations were deliberately flooded to keep them from crumbling in the air.

“Maybe it’s inevitable,”

Sillitoe continues, “but Sam Wanamaker made such a success of Shakespeare’s Globe that The Rose has sometimes been a bit forgotten.

“The Rose is a fascinating place and more intact than the sites north of the Thames. It’s worth visiting and gives you a sense of what it must have been like in Shakespeare’s time.”

It is thought The Rose played host to Titus Andronicus, one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays. But Peter Sillitoe gives a warning: “Academics debate endlessly where individual plays were acted, but the truth is the companies played wherever was available.

“Hamlet or King Lear didn’t settle down for a nice six-month run somewhere. Actors were more like wandering minstrels.”

Any theatre fan would love to be able to walk into The Theatre or The Curtain or The Rose. “But they were all destroyed, says Sillitoe.

“Partly by Puritan distaste for theatre in the 1640s, and then by the Great Fire of 1666. Later came World War II bombing and, I’m afraid, an indifference to the buildings’ fate generally.”

To finish the tour, Peter Sillitoe takes me to Shakespeare’s Globe.

It is filled with visitors.

“No one really predicted it, but the success of a well-researched reconstruction like this has been a massive help to something like the ShaLT project,” he says. “A whole new public interest arose which simply hadn’t been there.

“Compare today to where we were 30 years ago. We know a lot more about The Theatre and The Curtain and excavation has at least begun there. What survives of The Rose is open to view, and the public has taken Shakespeare’s Globe to its heart in a way no one expected.

“The negative is that we don’t have a Shakespearean theatre functioning on its exact original site. Probably we never will.

“But William Shakespeare would be amazed at what we can learn about his world all these centuries later, just by walking around London for three or four hours and taking careful note.”

Source: BBCNews.com

ever before in the history of this nation has this prayer been more apt. It was my opening article for 2014 and in it I prayed that God in His infinite mercy should protect and keep this beautiful country. It is the prayer on the lips of everyone in the last two weeks. We are confronted by evil of the most vile kind. Our children go to school with their hearts literally in their hands while parents now pray daily – God, deliver us from evil.

However, I want to extend this prayer today – God, please bless our soldiers! I lost a dear friend a couple of weeks ago. He was a soldier. One of the most decent of men.

By his mild manners, you will never know that he is a man of the uniform. We met in the Law and Diplomacy class of 1989 and somehow over the years we kept our friendship.

His last posting was in Abuja before going back to the battle field. He had seen action in Sierra Leone, Liberia and later Sudan. With his manners you will never believe that he had encountered such places but he always brought back stories – stories of the gallantry and courage of our soldiers.

He once told us of the happenings in Liberia. How Nigerian soldiers went where other forces refused to go. How they were dreaded by the enemy and in some cases the enemy just needed to be told that Nigerian soldiers are on their way and to their heels they took. Those who fought in those wars know some of these stories.

We always believed that in any case of insurrection in Nigeria, the Nigerian army will stand firm and solid as they have done in other battle fields. I still believe this. It is one of the few memories I owe my friend and classmate.

I believe that in the battle ahead, God will bless our men in uniform. God will bless our soldiers. God will bless the families they leave behind. In my last trip to the US, some of their dead soldiers were being brought back home. From the airport on arrival to the point where the coffins were placed in hearses, it was one solemn ceremony. And the people cheered and clapped alongside other military men at the airports who stood at attention. Everyone wanted to do something to honour the memory of the dead – who died serving the majority. It was a touching unplanned ceremony.

One soldier was to later tell me that to go in such blaze of glory was all that some of them actually wished for in giving their lives for their country.

In a remote village near Abaji in December of 2013, I ran into a military checkpoint. Somewhere along the line one of the soldiers manning the road block said I was lucky to be travelling with my family. I asked why? He said he has not seen his family in nine months! Such is the sacrifice some of our soldiers make. The battle ahead is not going to be easy.

The war will test the very best of spirits. Especially fighting an unseen enemy. Families will be deprived of their bread winners Friends will be torn apart.

Presently there are a lot of paper security consultants who have all the answers but little solutions to the predicament we confront. These are trying times. Everyone is on edge. A lot of families are going through monumental agony and a lot have gone through it. In the last decade, life has been brutal and nasty. In the last decade like any nation at war, the economy has taken a nose dive and in this area too, there are a lot of consultants who do nothing but tell us about theories. The lot of the average man has continued to amount to nothing. In all facets of our lives, we know and smell and feel that we are in deep trouble.

As you go about your daily chores this week, please spare a thought for our soldiers, their families and their friends and the evil they have to confront. We apparently left the battle too late but it is not too late to start. We have capable soldiers. We have decent men and women in uniform. We have men and women who want to live up to the creed of their profession. Like my friend, who died in this battle, we have men who are willing to give their all. God please help this country. The pains are too much. God please save us from evil.

Page 30

Arts & Culture

Peoples Daily, WEDNESDAY, april 30, 2014

Book Review

Indigo: Enchanting Seasons (I) He wore one of his special embroidered dashiki tops that must have been high fashion when I was a girl. Now it spoke only of longevity.

– Wood, Molara (2013-07-11).

Indigo (Kindle Locations 374375).

Title: Indigo: Enchanting Seasons Author: Molara Wood Reviewer: IkhideIkheloa Publisher: Parresia Year of Publication: 2013

T

here are many reasons why you should read Indigo, Molara Wood’s delightful and enchanting debut collection of short stories. First, Wood is a great story teller with a distinctly inimitable voice and it shows in this book. Second, Indigo is quite simply good writing, one that should be required reading in creative writing classes. As a writer, for Wood, the gift of beautiful writing is not enough, she models hard work. Wood is uncompromising when it comes to the written word; everything must be in place or the sentence won’t see the light of day. Third, Wood ensures that in her stories, you will be entertained in the grand tradition of the oral storytellers of Africa, Wood proves masterfully that the short story lives and lives well. Nigeria is a land of storytellers; judging from this collection, Wood is a worthy ambassador of Nigeria. It helps that virtually all the stories in Indigo have been vetted externally and subjected to rigorous editorial reviews. Several are awardwinning and previously published in reputable journals and books.

Seventeen stories make up Indigo. Using these engaging stories as robust, throaty vehicles of entertainment and enlightenment, Wood addresses a legion of topics expertly and in an orderly manner.

The reader is not overwhelmed.

These are not unctuous social commentaries pretending to be short stories. The stories are mostly narratives of triumph over adversity in the face of unconventional wars. Wood deftly avoids poverty porn and frees the reader to reflect, unsolicited, on the issues of contemporary Africa.

What I really love about Indigo is this: Several stories are simply stories, like comfort food, you sit at Wood’s feet and just listen to a good story. This Wood does with her brainy, wry wit and signature tart prose; sentences are little daggers she throws at pressure points to get the desired reaction.

The missiles, tightly wound, with Molara-esque attitude, fly off the pages and assault the senses in a gently seething riot of colors. As a luscious side benefit, I swooned over the stunning cover art, ‘Pensiveness by the legendary MurainaOyelami embedded in EazyGbodiyan’s and Victor Ehikhamenor’s brilliant Indigo cloth themed cover designs.

The book takes off, guns blazing, starting with Indigo, the title story, a touching tale about childlessness, societal expectations and culture clashes.

And so the feast of words, carefully spun together begins. There is an

abundance of impish lines to keep the reader engaged in this feisty book: ‘Shhh!’ Bola’s aunt, in whose arms the baby nestled, placed a finger to lips that seemed to occupy half her face. Her baggy boubou attire did nothing to hide the tyre-like circumference of her midriff. A mole perched on top of her left earlobe like an audacious fly. (Kindle Locations 56-59).

Throughout the book, Wood mostly appropriates the English language as her own. There are so many stories to fall in love with here. Read Gani’sFall, a sly conversation about patriarchy and polygamy – and a delightful fable about an impish alliance among wives in a polygamous home, and laugh your ribs out.

The language soars on the wings of a vivid imagination; a lovelorn woman complains of longing for the husband and you sigh as she moans about his absence from her bed, “he hardly ever darkened my doorway.”

Here are my favorite lines: The widow next door to him in the village does his laundry for him. Some whisper that she does more. (Kindle Locations 375-376).

The family cat, ever sluggish, rediscovered speed and tore away.

(Kindle Locations 320-321).

You must read Night Market.

In this gorgeous story, all of Nigeria’s dysfunctions spill out into the streets with an African American spouse as a deeply disturbed witness to the mayhem

– and, oh yes, there’s a little bit of magic realism thrown in: ‘Ah,’ piped up Chinyere, ‘people go to di night market to buy and sell. The road shrink, true. But the road between heaven and earth open wide at the night market .

Animals turn into human beings to buy and sell, ghosts come to buy and sell. Dead children sef, even come to buy…’ (Kindle Locations 733-735) Kelemo’s Woman reminds the reader of Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah. It is a play on gender relations slyly presented as a short story around a military coup. Some of the dialogue seem eerily prophetic given Nigeria’s current challenges: This country is being run to the ground, and soldiers will only speed up the burial. You, me, and others like us, are going to have to fight – and sacrifice – to turn around the course of this nation!

(Kindle Locations 992-993).

In A Small Miracle, Wood displays her gift for good dialogue and for arranging words on the palette like the diviner’s cowries.

Beautiful Game is quite simply a beautiful story. England and soccer come alive in the hands of immigrants. In In Name Only, a story about a sham marriage to legalize residency in England is expertly used to showcase life as an immigrant in moody Babylon.

In Leaving Oxford Street and The Last Bus Stop, the Nouveaux rich, social climbers and dreamers wallow in fashion statements,

dreams of wealth, and the forced mediocrity of relocation. I was moved by In the Time of Job, a pretty story about immigration and an unlikely friendship among two people from opposite sides of the ocean.

The Scarcity of Common Goods is probably my most favorite story. I love how Wood weaves class issues, infidelity and societal expectations into a most unusual tale. But then Smoking Bamboo has to be the best love story I have read in a long time. Here, Wood’s imagination soars gently and rests firmly on the reader’s own imagination. It is a truly authentic and wondrous story swimming mostly in awesome prose-poetry.

Still Wood manages to talk to us about the ravages of war and drug and alcohol addiction on communities. It is also about migration – the endless restless quest for peace, prosperity and happiness. The character Amugbo reminds the reader of Unoka in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.

You don’t want this story to end, this pretty but sad tale of a windswept, war-ravaged land filled with women and children only. And one drugged man. Smoking Bamboo alone is worth the price of the book. Hear Wood: When Angelina stepped in her delicate manner on the moist earth her toenails crimson, I thought babies would fall from the sky. And I saw the fierceness with which Amugbo’s bloodshot eyes lit upon her. I had seen it coming days before when in my mind’s eye I saw a great bird whose wings swept the air up and down, beating sprays out of clouds that hung heavy in the late morning sky. The wings went still over our ravine , cosseted by an endless canopy of trees. Avian eyes observed water vapours rising in airy steams from the gorge to be sucked into ravenous clouds.

(Kindle Locations 2127-2131).

And the song “Angelina, Angelina, o tilọọwaju!” took me back many decades when High life music ruled Nigeria’s dance floors.

Oh Nigeria!

There is one sense in which Indigo is an important book; Its treatment of gender relations, patriarchy, and polygamy.

I found myself thinking of similar themes in the books and essays of writers like Lola Shoneyin, ChimamandaNgoziAdichie, Chika Unigwe, TaiyeSelasie, NoViolet Bulawayo, etc. It would make for an interesting and valuable scholarship to study the works of all these thinkers in in relation to patriarchy, gender tensions and related anxieties. I previously shared my views on Adichie’s approach (here). I would say, compared to Adichie, Wood’s approach is more subtle, more sophisticated and definitely more respectful.

Unlike Adichie’sAmericanah, Indigo deploys less of caricatures to describe patriarchy and make her points about gender issues.

To be contd.

POEM OF THE WEEK I KNOW OF A COUNTRY (For OdiaOfeimun) Odia They gauge the sounds of our voices In every protest we wage, racing a baton To strike them to death: murderers…

They master the groans of our cries In the carnival of thieves: they buy smiles And cup destinies with tins They masquerade at the marketplace Pointing fingers at us As we dare the villas of their secrets They murder our daughters By propagating shameful bills, Crass constitutions— preaching porn And fornication They also wish we die and varnish Amidst the clatters of their curses May they forget the name of victory In the seasons of anomy HOME-COMING (In the memory of Grandpa) Life like the pang of circumcision When it heals We bother less about the pains.

So life fiddles with your soul As you voyage beyond the sea Of a dateless source; As we search for where the full stop Emerges in an unwritten note of life.

So we become lamenters knitting Tongues with the tale of a beginning That ends like the speech of a stutterer.

QUOTE “Literature always anticipates life. It does not copy it, but moulds it to its purpose. The nineteenth century, as we know it, is largely an invention of Balzac.”

- Oscar Wilde

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

Page 31

International ANALYSIS

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ommentaries by respected journalists, analysts and rights advocates appear to have consensus that the reform process in Myanmar appears to be slowing, if not completely stalled.

It seems like a reasonable observation - evidence in the form of unresolved land confiscation issues, continuing sexual crimes perpetrated with impunity by the military, poor treatment of the press and the drafting of discriminatory laws give credence to this state of affairs.

Most of all, highly credible allegations of crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya minority underline the country’s enduring backwardness on urgent moral issues. The offences continue to this day, perpetrated as a matter of long-standing state policy.

By any yardstick, abuses that reach this threshold ought to elicit serious international pressure and shouldn’t be allowed to drag on openendedly, especially if the country responsible looks set to receive a growing flood of foreign investment.

Yet, this is exactly what is happening in Myanmar and there are no indications that accountability will be realised in the near future.

The government has shown blatant disregard for the issue by placating extremist groups who have long been calling for the ethnic cleansing of the minority; continuing to limit their basic human rights; denying that a horrendous massacre took place in the face of compelling evidence to the contrary; systematically restricting aid; publicly defending a well-known anti-Muslim and anti-Rohingya hate preacher; and allowing total impunity to reign in the aftermath of violence committed by state forces.

A humanitarian crisis Their response to a humanitarian crisis taking place in Rohingya amounts to more of the same.

Aid organisations had to flee en masse in the wake of mob attacks last month and are only just returning as the rainy season approaches, bringing with it the added risk of cyclones and the spread of water-borne diseases.

Evidence in the form of leaked minutes from meetings between Myanmar authorities and NGO representatives indicate that efforts to alleviate the shortage have been hampered by government agencies.

The material also records how the same authorities have provided totally inadequate replacement cover and even turned down offers of increased funding to boost their capacity.

The effect of the absence of NGOs, including Medecins Sans Frontieres who were expelled in February by the government, has been dramatic.

Carlos Saldina Galache, a journalist colleague who recently visited the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in which over 140,000 Rohingya are confined, told me that the lack of aid has created a humanitarian situation that has “gone from bad to worse…The IDPs are basically deprived of everything, they have no healthcare at all, and suffer shortages of food and water”.

“People are dying because of this,” he added, echoing the terse summaries of NGO sources I also consulted on the impact of the aid shortage.

Phil Robertson of Human Rights

When will the world act on Myanmar’s abuses?

Myanmar’s ‘recently-extended census contains a hidden time-bomb of sorts’, writes Stoakes Watch, whom I spoke to recently on the crisis in the camps, referred to the situation as a “humanitarian disaster with its roots in ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and systematic discrimination”.

“It’s time for the international community to act decisively and apply maximum pressure on the Burmese government to reverse this rapidly deteriorating situation before it’s too late,” he continued.

A ticking time bomb In my view, Robertson’s call for global action is more than appropriate given the current situation - moreover, such efforts should be directed towards ending government-backed policies of persecution more generally.

Myanmar simply cannot be expected to change its abusive posture on the minority of its own accord, not least because of the populist utility of antiRohingya policies to a ruling party terrified of losing next year’s election.

As a consequence, the only “solution” to the Rohingya problem that the political elite in the capital,

Naypyidaw, appear to be willing to envisage at the present time is a counterfeit one. Hmuu Zaw, a spokesman for President Thein Sein, has indicated that the government is willing to review the citizenship claims of the Rohingya, but only according to a junta-era law that was designed to disenfranchise the minority, and for which only a small number will be able to prove they are eligible.

This may be the only answer Myanmar will offer to its foreign critics, but such a response will ensure that the present conditions for the overwhelming majority of the group will remain as miserable and persecutory as before. If such a gambit is attempted, it should not be readily accepted by influential foreign powers.

In the analysis of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), international criticism of Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya has “helped to prevent further deterioration” in their treatment and remains an “essential” part of

“

efforts to aid them. External political forces that have leverage over the government, such as the EU and the United States, should continue to push for measures that protect the vital rights of the Rohingya as a whole if they sincerely wish to ease their plight.

Indications are that the need for this will only increase in the near future. Before long, tensions are likely to skyrocket; this is because the recently-extended census contains a hidden time-bomb of sorts, constituted by the data it will eventually release on religious demographics.

The inevitable fall-out from the census revelations will almost certainly mean increased internal pressure on the government to restrict Muslim freedoms within the country.

As some journalists have indicated and other sources speak of in ominous terms, the population survey will probably reveal that a far higher number of Muslims than has been previously estimated live in Myanmar.

The current level is often cited as 4

The inevitable fall-out from the census revelations will almost certainly mean increased internal pressure on the government to restrict Muslim freedoms within the country.

percent of the population; credible projections indicate that up to 12 percent may be a more accurate figure.

Such a revised percentage would undoubtedly play directly into the hands of political actors like Wirathu, the notoriously racist monk who is regarded as the spiritual leader of the influential Buddhist-chauvinist 969 movement. The narrative presented by him and his colleagues has been that adherents of Islam are attempting to take over Myanmar through a variety of sinister means, including attempts to outbreed their Buddhist counterparts. The largely Muslim Rohingya, who are heavily concentrated in areas near the border with Bangladesh, are often paradoxically associated with this sort of practise.

The inevitable fall-out from the census revelations will almost certainly mean increased internal pressure on the government to restrict Muslim freedoms within the country and result in heightened sectarian tensions.

Such prospects, perhaps counterintutively, should prompt less careful diplomacy on the issue of Rohingya rights and more direct, unrelenting foreign pressure; the impulse to wait until the national mood changes will mean unjustifiable delays widespread prejudice towards the group is not going to disappear anytime soon.

After decades of abuse, encompassing at least three ethnic cleansing campaigns, the time is more than ripe for an increase in diplomatic efforts to ensure the survival of this long-persecuted people.

Courtesy; Aljazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

Page 32

International

President Uhuru Kenyatta signs Kenya polygamy law

UN warns of huge rights violations in S Sudan

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t brings civil law, where a man was only allowed one wife, into line with customary law, where some cultures allow multiple partners.

Controversy surrounded an amendment to the bill, supported by many male MPs, allowing

men to take more wives without consulting existing spouses.

Traditionally, first wives are supposed to give prior approval.

Last m o n t h , f e m a l e M P s walked out of parliament in disgust after their male counterparts voted through

the amendment.

They argued that a decision to take on another wife would affect the whole family, including the financial position of other spouses.

The bill was also opposed b y C h r i s t i a n l e a d e rs who

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he UN high commissioner for human rights has warned of “huge” violations against civilians in South Sudan, as she led a team visiting the country’s capital, Juba.

Navi Pillay was accompanied on Tuesday by Adama Dieng, the UN’s special adviser for the prevention of genocide, and met Barnaba Marial Benjamin, South Sudan’s foreign minister, to discuss the crisis, the AP news agency reported.

As we say in Africa, when two elephants fight it’s the grass that suffers.

Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights “As we say in Africa, when two elephants fight it’s the grass that suffers. Well, here I see civilians, ordinary people who are suffering and they are suffering huge human rights violations,” Pillay said.

The visit comes after the UN Security Council expressed “horror” at the recent massacre of several hundred civilians in the city of Bentiu, which it blamed on rebel fighters.

On Monday, international mediators called on South Sudan’s rebel leader to meet his rival, President Salva Kiir, to prevent an conflict fuelled by ethnicity turning into a genocide.

Alexander Rondos, an EU envoy, said such a faceto-face meeting between the rivals, which would be the first since fighting erupted in midDecember, was essential to end the “cycle of vengeance” and killings.

“The situation is now so combustible that it has all the ingredients of an all-out civil war in which the consequences could end up being genocidal,” Rondos told the Reuters news agency.

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed into law a controversial marriage bill legalising polygamy

urged the president not to sign it into law, saying it undermined Christian principles of marriage and family.

“The tone of that bill, if it becomes law, would be demeaning to women since it does not respect the principle of equality of spouses in the institution of marriage,” Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki, from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), was quoted by Kenya’s Standard newspaper as saying.

The marriage legislation has been under discussion for several years and some initial proposals were scrapped at committee stages.

Plans to ban the payment of bride prices were dropped - although a person must be 18 to marry and this now applies to all cultures.

There was also a proposal to recognise co-habiting couples, known in Kenya as “come-we-stay” relationships, after six months, but this too was dropped.

It would have allowed a woman to seek maintenance for herself and any children of the union had the man left.

Egyptians reel from mass death sentence

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ive months ago, 30-year-old Abu Bakr Ismail, a pharmacist and father of two, was arrested and taken to jail. The move stunned his family, who say Ismail was an observant, traditional Muslim.

“My brother is an innocent man,” 29-year-old Amr Ismail said. “He was arrested because he was bearded and memorised the Quran.”

On Monday, he became one of the 683 people sentenced to death in a Minya court for charges relating to rioting at a police station in Edwa on August 14 last year - the same day security forces killed hundreds of protesters in Cairo.

All defendants, including the imprisoned Muslim Brotherhood supreme guide, Mohamed Badie, were accused of being members or supporters of the outlawed Brotherhood and Mohamed Morsi, who was removed from the presidency by the army last year.

My brother is an innocent man. He was arrested because he was bearded and memorised the Quran. Amr Ismail, brother of accused Before the sentences can be carried out, Egyptian law requires the presiding judge to confirm them after referral to Al-Azhar Grand Mufti, Shawki Allam, who can reject or accept the ruling.

Many believe this is simply a formality.

Late Monday evening, the Egyptian prosecutor general, Hesham Barakat, issued notice to appeal against the sentence, but this has not comforted family members of the accused.

Nahed Mohamed, the wife of Ezzat Mohamed, 44, said she had no idea why her husband was arrested while praying in a Minya mosque.

Since Monday’s sentence was passed, she and their four children have been praying for his release.

“What can I do? The judges have the final word,” she said.

The court also upheld 37 of 529

death sentences it handed down late last month against accused Muslim Brotherhood members, with the remaining 492 sentenced to life in prison.

in Egypt, and particularly by today’s death sentence against 683 defendants,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement. “We urge the Egyptian government to end the use of mass trials, reverse this and previous mass sentences, and ensure that every citizen is afforded due process.”

The Brotherhood’s top

leader Mohamed Badie is among the defendants accused of inciting violence and murdering policemen in conflicts sparked by the Egyptian military’s ouster of Mohamed Morsi, the first elected president of Egypt, in July last year.

The same court sentenced 529 Brotherhood members and supporters to death last month,

as the interim government has branded the group, to which Morsi belongs, a terrorist organization.

“Today’s verdict, like the one last month, defies even the most basic standards of international justice,” Carney said. “A fair and transparent criminal justice system free of intimidation and political

Of the 683 men sentenced on Monday, several dozen were in custody, while those still at large have been offered a retrial if they turn themselves in.

Egyptians screamed and wept upon hearing that 683 people were sentenced to death

U.S. urges Egypt to end mass trials

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he United States on Monday urged Egypt to stop mass trials and sentencing of its nationals, as a court handed down death sentence to another 683 supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood.

“The United States is deeply troubled by the continued use of mass trials and sentencing

retribution is an important part of any democracy, and the Egyptian people deserve no less.”

Washington has partially lifted its freeze on assistance to Egypt, enacted after Morsi’s removal, with plans to deliver 10 Apache helicopters and some 650 million U.S. dollars in military aid this year.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

Page 33

International

Israel ‘set settler record’ amid peace talks

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srael promoted plans or approved tenders for nearly 14,000 new settler homes on occupied Palestinian land during the nine months of peace talks, an Israeli monitor group said as the negotiation period formally ended.

The Peace Now group said on Tuesday that the scale of the plans for East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank was “unprecedented”, with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government approving the equivalent of about 50 new homes a day, or about 1,500 a month.

According to Peace Now’s figures, there were on average about 1,385 settler homes approved during Netanyahu’s first government, while an average of 1,389 a year were approved under the government of Ehud Olmert.

“Netanyahu broke construction records during the nine-month peace talks,” Yariv Oppenheimer, the head

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of Peace Now, told the AFP news agency.

All Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law.

The Peace Now report was released on the same day a USimposed deadline expired for progress on Israeli-Palestinian talks.

Israel last week suspended

negotiations with Palestinian leaders after Hamas, which controls the West Bank, agreed to form a unity government with the West Bankbased Fatah.

of eastern Indian West Bengal state that shares boundary with Bangladesh.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader also came down heavily on the state government led by Trinamool Congress party, accusing it of “red carpet welcome” to Bangladeshi immigrants for “vote bank” politics.

“We won’t allow you to destroy the country for the sake of your vote bank politics,” said Modi, whose party has a marginal presence in the state.

The controversial BJP figure

had earlier in his campaign accused the local officials in the northeastern state of Assam of killing rhinos “to make way” for Bangladeshis.

The Hindu nationalist leader had said that “only Hindu” migrants from Bangladesh should be accommodated in India, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

Modi also directed his outburst at Mamata Banerjee, who heads the government in West Bengal, questioning the cost at which her paintings were sold.

“Earlier, your paintings used

to sell for about eight, ten lakh rupees ($16,514). How, then, did your painting sell for Rs 1.8 crores ($29,7252)? Who bought it?” the Hindustan Times quoted Modi as saying.

In its reaction, TMC’s senior leader Amit Mitra on Monday called Modi a “snob” and sought apology from him for what he said were “false allegations” against the state chief minister.

“Modi should publicly apologise for the comments made by him,” he demanded in a press conference in the state capital Kolkata.

Jordan in ‘exchange deal’ over abducted envoy

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ordan has agreed to handover a Libyan convict to Tripoli to secure the release of its ambassador kidnapped in the North African country two weeks ago, Libya’s state news agency LANA said.

Jordan’s ambassador to Libya, Fawaz al-Itan, was snatched by gunmen who demanded the release of Mohamed Dersi, a Libyan fighter jailed for life in 2007 for plotting to blow up the main airport in Jordan.

Sohar Banun, an undersecretary in Libya’s justice ministry, said on Monday that both countries had agreed that the ambassador would be released in exchange for Jordan reducing Dersi’s sentence and allowing him to complete his jail term in Libya, LANA said.

“The Jordanian authorities expressed their total readiness to solve this crisis, confirming that the ambassador will be released in exchange for reducing the

S.Korean president apologizes for ferry sinking

S

India’s Modi vows to deport Bangladeshis

arendra Modi, the opposition candidate for prime minister, has pledged to deport Bangladeshi immigrants from the country if he comes to power, according to reports.

“You can write it down. After May 16, these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed,” Modi was quoted as saying

by NDTV, an English language channel.

Modi, who is mooted by various opinion polls to become the future prime minister of India, was speaking on Sunday in Serampore

Asia & Middle East

term of the Libyan prisoner and sending him home to complete his sentence,” he said according to the agency.

“The crisis will be solved according to a memorandum of understanding between the two countries,” said Banun, who heads a department taking care of Libyans

jailed abroad.

He gave no details or time frame, and there was no immediate comment from Jordanian or Libyan officials.

Analysts have said agreeing to the kidnappers’ demand could set a dangerous precedent for Jordan, which is an important US ally in the

Masked gunmen abducted the Jordanian ambassador in the Libyan capital Tripoli on April 15

fight against al-Qaeda.

Kidnappings have become commonplace in Libya, with foreign diplomats often the targets.

Libyan fighters have also seized two Tunisian diplomats to demand the release of fighters jailed in Tunisia for attacking security forces there in 2011, according to the Tunisian government.

Banun hinted at movement in efforts to get the Tunisians released.

“Regarding the file of Libyans jailed in Tunisia ... Tunisia confirms its wish to cooperate with the Libyan government, especially with the kidnapping of the Tunisian diplomats,” he said according to LANA. He did not elaborate.

The weak interim government has been unable to disarm former rebels who fought in the uprising that deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and who have formed increasingly powerful and violent militias.

outh Korean President Park Geun- hye made an official apology for the ferry sinking disaster Tuesday, the fourteenth day since the passenger ship Sewol capsized off the country’s southwestern coast on April 16.

Park said during a cabinet meeting that she was “sorry to the people and heavy hearted that many precious lives were lost.” It was her fifth official apology to the people since she took office in February last year, which came just two weeks after she apologized for evidence fabrication incident linked to spy agents.

“How should I apologize for the failure to prevent the accident in advance and for the insufficient initial response in order to comfort the pains and sufferings (of relatives of the victims) even for a moment,” said Park.

Earlier in the day, Park visited the joint memorial altar in Ansan, a city south of Seoul where Danwon High School is, to mourn the victims.

Two thirds of the 476 passengers were students of the high school and teachers on their way for a class trip.

As of Tuesday, at least 193 people have been confirmed dead, leaving 109 others still missing. No one has been rescued since 174 people were saved on April 16.

Prime Minister Chung Hong-won offered resignation Sunday to take responsibility for the government’s response, but Park said she will accept the resignation offer after the incident is brought under control as rescue operations are the most urgent issue at present.

Park noted she should have made further efforts to normalize abnormal practices, including those in the shipping industry, saying she will make a new country where past wrong practices are normalized and people can live with an easy mind.

She pointed out retired governmental and regulatory officials who assume major posts in the shipping industry, saying such adhesion relationship between government and industry officials resulted in the ferry sinking disaster.

The president promised to create a tentatively named “National Safety Office,” a control tower that will handle any large-scale accidents and adjust tasks of each ministry under the leadership of the prime minister’s office.

Criticism spread over the government’s confusing response to the ferry sinking disaster, unveiling misinformation on the number of passengers and rescued. Amid slower rescue operations, relatives of the missing sought to visit the presidential office from Jindo Island where the 6,825-ton ship sank, but it was blocked by police officers.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

Page 34

International Europe and Americas U.S. imposes new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine

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he White House on Monday announced fresh sanctions on Russia, targeting seven government officials and 17 companies.

These people, among them two from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, and entities were hit with a visas ban and asset freezes in response to what the White House called Moscow’s “continued illegal intervention in Ukraine and provocative acts.”

The Obama administration also took steps against high-technology exports to the Russian defense industry, White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement.

He alleged that Russia has “done nothing” and “in fact has further escalated the crisis” in Ukraine since April 17 when it agreed on “a number of steps to de-escalate the situation in eastern Ukraine, including refraining from further violence or provocative acts” after meeting with the United States, the European Union and Ukraine in Geneva.

The EU is also expected to move against Russia as the leaders of the G-7 industrialized nations and the bloc issued a joint statement on Friday saying they had agreed to “move swiftly” to impose more sanctions on Russia in response to its inaction in helping to ease growing tension in eastern Ukraine.

Tensions are continuing unabated in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russia militants are engaged in conflicts with government troops and detaining seven military observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Slavyansk after freeing one on Sunday, and Mayor Gennady Kernes of Kharkiv was shot and seriously wounded on Monday.

“Russia’s involvement in the recent violence in eastern Ukraine is indisputable,” Carney said.

He threatened “still greater costs” on Russia in the event of what he called its continued “provocations,” as President Barack Obama signed an executive order in March authorizing sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, including financial services, energy, metals and mining, engineering and defense.

The U.S. and EU have hit dozens of Russians and pro-Russia Ukrainians with travel bans and asset freezes, including close allies of Putin, following Moscow’s absorption of Crimea from Ukraine in March.

Russia vowed on Monday to deliver a “painful” response to fresh U.S. sanctions.

“We will, of course, respond,” the Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying. “We are certain that this response will have a painful effect on Washington.”

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ohn Kerry has denied he has ever called Israel “an apartheid state”, amid a row over comments reportedly made during a private meeting.

“I do not believe, nor have I ever stated, publicly or privately that Israel is an apartheid state or that it intends to become one,” the US secretary of state said in a strong statement after calls for him to resign or at least apologise for the alleged comments.

“Anyone who knows anything about me knows that without a shred of doubt,” said Kerry, according to the AFP news agency.

But Kerry, whose efforts to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians have collapsed, did say that he had used a poor choice of words during his speech on Friday to international experts of the Trilateral Commission.

“I have been around long enough to also know the power of words to create a misimpression, even when unintentional, and if I could rewind the tape, I would have chosen a different word to describe my firm belief that the only way in the long term to have a Jewish state and two nations and two peoples living side by side in peace and security is through a two-state solution,” he said.

“I will not allow my commitment to Israel to be questioned by anyone, particularly for partisan, political purposes.”

Kerry said he has never publicly or privately stated that Israel is an apartheid state

Kerry denies calling Israel ‘apartheid state’ The US-based Daily Beast online news site reported that Kerry had warned that “a unitary state winds up either being an apartheid state with second-class citizens - or it ends up being a state that destroys the capacity of Israel to be a Jewish state”.

The website said it had been given a recording of Kerry’s speech, which sparked a furore in Israel and led one Republican senator to call for his

resignation.

Kerry has “repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to countenance a world in which Israel is made a pariah,” said Senator Ted Cruz.

He said that Kerry should offer his resignation “before any more harm is done to our national security interests and our critical alliance with the state of Israel”.

John McCain, a veteran

Republican senator, also said Kerry should clarify his comments and apologise. He disagreed that Kerry should resign, however.

A US-imposed deadline for progress on Palestinian-Israel peace talks ran out on Tuesday. Last week, Israel pulled out of talks after Fatah announced it would seek to create a unity government with the Hamas group, which controls Gaza.

U.S. imposes new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine

T

he White House on Monday announced fresh sanctions on Russia, targeting seven government officials and 17 companies.

These people, among them two from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, and entities were hit with a visas ban and asset freezes in response to what the White House called Moscow’s “continued illegal intervention in Ukraine and provocative acts.”

The Obama administration also took steps against high-technology exports to the Russian defense industry, White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement.

He alleged that Russia has “done nothing” and “in fact has further escalated the crisis” in Ukraine since April 17 when it agreed on “a number of steps to de-escalate the situation in eastern Ukraine, including refraining from further violence or provocative acts” after meeting with the United States, the European Union and Ukraine in Geneva.

The EU is also expected to move against Russia as the leaders of the G-7 industrialized nations and the bloc issued a joint statement on Friday saying they had agreed to “move swiftly” to impose more sanctions on Russia in response to its inaction

in helping to ease growing tension in eastern Ukraine.

Tensions are continuing unabated in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russia militants are engaged in conflicts with government troops and detaining seven military observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Slavyansk after freeing one on Sunday, and Mayor Gennady Kernes of Kharkiv was shot and seriously wounded on Monday.

“Russia’s involvement in the recent violence in eastern Ukraine is indisputable,” Carney said.

He threatened “still greater costs” on Russia in the event

of what he called its continued “provocations,” as President Barack Obama signed an executive order in March authorizing sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, including financial services, energy, metals and mining, engineering and defense.

The U.S. and EU have hit dozens of Russians and proRussia Ukrainians with travel bans and asset freezes, including close allies of Putin, following Moscow’s absorption of Crimea from Ukraine in March.

Russia vowed on Monday to deliver a “painful” response to fresh U.S. sanctions.

Russia: EU should be ashamed of sanctions

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he Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is discussing with the Syrian government to form a fact finding mission to look into the allegations about the use of chlorine

Putin

gas in the Syrian battlefield, the special coordinator of the OPCW-UN joint mission said on Sunday.

Earlier this month, the Syrian government and militant groups traded accusations regarding an alleged

chlorine gas attack on the rebel-held area of Kafr Zaita in the central province of Hama. Two people were killed and 100 others suffered suffocation in that incident.

The opposition activists accused the Syrian government troops of using the poisonous chlorine gas on many rebel-held areas, a claim that was totally dismissed by the government.

French President Francois Hollande also said recently that Syrian government forces used chlorine gas in a series of attacks in Syria, though he acknowledged that he had no clear proof that chlorine weapons were used.

The UN Security Council called for an investigation into the allegations last Wednesday, as the council’s members expressed “ grave concern” over such claims.

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister

Faisal Mekdad denied the accusations by the rebels and their Western backers as “absolutely baseless.”

Such accusations have come at a time when the Syrian government is delivering on its pledges to remove its chemical weapons, and the country is bracing for presidential elections slated for June 3.

Kaag said on Sunday there are only about 7.5 or 8 percent of Syria’s chemical weapons materials that need to be destroyed, following 18 successful operations that have ridden the country of 92 percent of its chemical arsenal.

Meanwhile, Kaag stressed commitment to the timely removal of the remaining chemical materials by the June 30 deadline, to make sure that none of the chemical material falls in the wrong hands.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

Page 35

Strange World

Osama Bin Laden’s look alike in Brazil

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owntown São Paulo isn’t the most likely place to find Osama Bin Laden lookalikes.

So when bartender Francisco Elder Braga Fernandes was spotted several years ago, he became an instant celebrity.

His resemblance to the infamous terrorist was so uncanny that people couldn’t stop taking pictures of him. But this Brazilian Bin Laden is quite the opposite – he’s totally against violence.

“I am a man of goodwill. I can’t stand violence,” said Fernandes.

But that hasn’t stopped him from using his appearance to his benefit. The 54-year-old decided to market his controversial image by dressing up as Bin Laden and even changing the name of his bar from ‘Barbas’ to ‘Bar do Bin Laden’. “This was great for business,” he said. “No one calls me Francisco anymore, it’s Osama or Bin Laden.”

Over the years, Fernandes has become a local celebrity and a tourist attraction. Al Jazeera has covered the story of his bar twice so far. Tons of visitors line up to take selfie shots with him, and when Bin Laden was killed in 2011, a Brazilian television producer actually wrapped Fernandes in a white cloth and put him on a

Although Fernandes is doing very well for himself thanks to Bin Laden, he doesn’t seem to know much about his doppelgänger. “I don’t know much about his life, but I believe he was a good and very religious man, who didn’t kill anyone himself. His followers did everything,” Fernandes said. On most days, he’s quite content to be

serving his customers their drinks.

He doesn’t bother too much with politics and publicity stunts. “I work seven days a week, alone,” he said.

“I’m a man of the people.”

It seems that Bin Laden is quite a popular figure in Brazil, and Fernandes’ bar is not the only one named after Al Qaeda’s former terrorist-in-chief. There are nearly a dozen establishments bearing his name, including bars, luncheonettes and sit-down restaurants. There’s even an automobile parts dealer called ‘Bin Laden Bombas’. And Bin Laden’s Cave is a popular nightclub in Niteroi, across the bay from Rio. Its tagline is: ‘the place where the Taliban gather’.

It appears that these places are so named on popular demand.

According to Therezina Alvaro de Paula Texeria and her husband Helio, they named their bar in mid-2001 to indulge the local college kids. The kids took one look at Helio’s bushy beard and said they wouldn’t show up at the bar unless it was called ‘Bin Laden’s Bar’. “The students said we had to call it Bin Laden’s Bar, and that they wouldn’t come around if we didn’t,” said Therezina. “The day Bin Laden died, the whole university dropped in. The kids even made up some Bin Laden T-shirts.”

take them all’. They sold them to me for 11 cents a copy.” Ryan hasn’t looked back since.

He said that he has about 550 now, but he hasn’t really counted them because, ‘who really cares’?

As much as he loves collecting the tapes, he doesn’t really want to waste money on what he realizes is a useless and impossible hobby.

“I don’t want to spend money on this. If a copy is more than $4, I’ll just steal it,” he said. “But that’s not going to make me stop. That’d be the same as somebody saying like, ‘It’s impossible to make the world a good place, so I’m not going to

try.’ If the idea is awesome, I’m just going to devote myself to it, regardless.”

As much as he loves collecting the tapes, he doesn’t really want to waste money on what he realizes is a useless and impossible hobby.

“I don’t want to spend money on this. If a copy is more than $4, I’ll just steal it,” he said. “But that’s not going to make me stop. That’d be the same as somebody saying like, ‘It’s impossible to make the world a good place, so I’m not going to try.’ If the idea is awesome, I’m just going to devote myself to it, regardless.”

Francisco Elder Braga Fernandes

downtown overpass, just to scare passersby. Another producer had him wear battle gear and walk on the sets of a variety TV show with a fake bomb in his hand. “I don’t usually do this stuff, but it’s what they want so I do it,” he said.

There are snapshots of Fernandes dressed as Osama, posing with Barack Obama’s

double. It’s quite strange to see the two with their drinks raised, smiling at the camera. And when former US president George W. Bush visited São Paulo, Fernandes tried hard to get this attention. “I wanted to take a picture with him, but three security guards stopped me. I did wave at him, and they all had a good laugh.”

This guy is on a pointless quest to collect every VHS copy of the movie “Speed” ever made

R

yan Beitz, from Moscow, Idaho, is a huge fan of the movie ‘Speed’. So huge, that he’s actually on a quest to collect every single VHS copy of the movie ever made. So far, he has over 500 VHS tapes and 26 laser discs. But it’s the tapes that he’s really after, the discs are just there to trade off for more VHS cassettes.

Ryan also owns a 15-passenger that he plans to transform into the passenger bus featured in the 1994

Ryan Beitz film. Ryan’s weird obsession started way back when he used to live in Seattle. He was super-broke and had to get Christmas presents for his family. At a pawn shop, he found six copies of Speed, so he thought it would be really funny to give them all the same gift. “I wanted to watch them open them one at a time and go, ‘Oh, Speed. Don’t we already have this?’ Somebody else would go, ‘Oh, Speed. Really funny, Ryan’.

Then by the time you went around,

everybody would have gotten the same gift from me. Then I could tell them that I love them all equally, you know? Just some bullshit,” he said.

But when he ended up buying all six tapes, he realized that it was ‘way too good’. “I realized it was really fascinating to have that many, like, copies of a thing,” said Ryan. “What really cemented it was when I went down to another pawn shop, and they had, like, 30 copies. I said, ‘I’ll

PAGE 36

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, april 30, 2014

Digest

How much hidden sugar is in your diet?

The full list of items Professor MacGregor analaysed (Source: The Conversation) Hidden enemy: A leading professor has warned that many of us have no idea how much sugar is hidden in certain foods. He has compared well-known sugary foods such as Coke, Frosties and popcorn with other that many of us consider to be quite healthy

W

e are constantly told how much sugar there is in fizzy drinks and cakes. But what about the hidden sugar in so-called healthy foods?

A leading professor has spoken put about the dangers of opting for low fat foods that are often full of sugar instead.

Graham MacGregor, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine at Barts and The London Hospital, says the food industry is adding more and more sugar to food, which consumers are largely unaware of, as it is mostly hidden.

Writing for The Conversation, he said: ‘Added sugar in our diet is a very

recent phenomenon and only occurred when sugar, obtained from sugar cane, beet and corn, became very cheap to produce.

‘It’s a completely unnecessary part of our calorie intake: it has no nutritional value, gives no feeling of fullness and is acknowledged to be a major factor in causing obesity and diabetes both in the UK and worldwide.’

Professor MacGregor has compiled a table of some of the most common culprits.

He says: ‘While it may not be surprising that a can of Coca Cola has a staggering nine teaspoons of sugar (35g), similar amounts can be found in the most unlikely of foods.’

Sharwoods’ Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice contains six teaspoons - more than a small bag of toffee popcorm These include flavoured water, yogurts, canned soup, ready meals and even bread.

As Professor MacGregor expains: ‘You might opt for 0 per cent fat in

Hidden where you least expect it: 300g (about 3/4 can) of Heinz Tomato Soup contains four teaspoons of sugar, while 150g of Yeo Valley 0% Fat Vanilla yogurt contains five

your yoghurt, but what if it also comes with five teaspoons of sugar? A bowl of Frosties with semi-skimmed milk only has four.’

At the other end of his scale, a Starbucks caramel Frappuccino with whipped cream - made with skimmed milk - contains 11 teaspoons of sugar.

A can of regular Coke has nine, a Mars bar eight.

When it comes to food, a Sharwood’s Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice contains six teaspoons - two more than a 25g bag of Butterkist toffee popcorn.

‘It’s clear this sugar plays a part in soaring levels of obesity and diabetes.

To this end, leading health experts from across the globe have united to tackle – and to unmask hidden sugar so consumers can make informed decisions about what they eat and drink.’

He adds that sugar in our diets should now be gradually reduced, just as salt has been over the past few years.

‘Salt content in food products in the supermarkets have now been reduced by 20-40 per cent and as a result, salt intake has fallen in the UK by 15 per cent (between 20012011), the lowest known figure of any developed country.’

This this will have reduced stroke and heart attack deaths by a minimum of 9,000 per year, with a saving in health care costs of at least £1.5bn a year, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Professor MacGregor says that a similar move could be taken with sugar.

‘Like salt, most of the sugar we consume is hidden in processed food and soft drinks.

‘There are also specific taste receptors for sugar, which if sugar intake is gradually reduced, become more sensitive. So over time we don’t notice that sugar levels have gone down.

‘If we can persuade the Department of Health that this programme is very likely to help considerably with the obesity epidemic - and in particular to reduce childhood obesity - while also reducing the incidence of dental disease, and (very likely) the number of people developing Type 2 diabetes, it should have a good chance of success.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, April 30, 2014

PAGE 37

No responsible government’ll sponsor killing of its people-Prof Junaidu INTERVIEW

A

delegate at the ongoing national c o n f e r e n c e recently canvassed for the disintegration of Nigeria.

Is the North in support of this idea?

I believe each and every Nigerian is free to express himself and the Lamido of Adamawa has given his opinion and is entitled to it. But I beg to defer from his own opinion.

I think I am also entitled to hold my own view. I don’t believe that the disintegration of Nigeria would be interesting to all of us. We are witnesses to what is happening in the Central African Republic, Iraq, Libya and Ukraine, especially in Crimea. There is no development without peace and without peace you cannot even practice your religion.

I think we should take a cue from that and try not to disintegrate but to cement the oneness of Nigeria and also remain a united country for generations yet unborn. This is my candid view.

Some Northern leaders alleged that the Federal Government is behind the wanton killings in the North. What is your take on that?

On the allegation that the government is behind this senseless killings and as a lecturer in the university, I don’t normally submit to claims and counter claims until I have an evidence before me beyond reasonable doubt that the government is behind this issue . I don’t believe that

Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu is a delegate at the ongoing national conference, an elder statesman and a lecturer at the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto. He spoke to Journalists in Sokoto on range of national issues currently canvassed at the conference, among others. Raji Bello was there. Excerpts. a responsible government will sponsor killings of its citizens.

You should realize that these insurgents kill both Muslims and Christians. So, I don’t believe that government is behind these killings in order to perpetuate itself in power.

I will be very unwilling to say that the government is doing this for its own self grandizement. My view is that something has gone wrong and that something must be done to rectify the situation because if you look at this, we have been living together for over a century.

I remember that the late Premier of Northern region, late Sir Ahmadu Bello, had in his cabinet prominent Christians like Mathew Buba and they all contributed to the development of this country, irrespective of the language they speak, the place they were born and irrespective of religion. So, if the late Sardauna and Tafawa Balewa could promote tolerance and understanding at that age, why can’t we work together in this 21st century for the progress of this nation? I don’t believe government is behind the insurgency unless proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Do you think the national conference is desirable in view of the provocative statements and opposition in some quarters?

Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu This conference in one way is desirable because people are selected on their own merit rather than election or the ability to convince people.

People are put together to discuss the problems of the nation. But on the other hand, I see it as a duplication of the work of the National Assembly. lf the House of Representatives and Senate cannot solve the problems of Nigeria having been there for several years, how do you think a three month tenure of a conference will be able to bring about a solution? So in

my own feeling and in another way, the amount to be spent on this conference should be channeled in developing other areas on human development such as building hospitals, primary and secondary schools.

We have been selected and for us, this is an opportunity for people like myself who are not politics oriented to have the advantage to serve and there are many useful members of the public who will not have to contest election in order to serve the nation.

So, this way the Federal

Government has thought very carefully that there are people that if you give them a job as a councillor or local government chairman, they may not contest for it but everybody within the community know that, that person is capable of delivering the goods. But the truth of the matter is that democracy does not allow that. It believes very strongly in somebody being elected to represent a community and that person may not be the best person for the job but because he has money and economic power, he will be able to get whatever he wants. But my only apprehension is the amount of money that will be spent on this conference.

Are you in support of the notion that resolutions of the national conference should be subjected to referendum?

I believe that the resolutions of the national conference should be given to the National Assembly so that we will be blending democracy on the terms of merit. I am a member of the Economic and Investment Committee. Although, before I left Abuja I filled a form for the administrators to change me to Social Sector Committee where I feel I will be more relevant.

I opted for the Social Sector Committee which deals with education and health. I think I will be more relevant in the field of education.

A’Ibom former Dep. Governor warns against Akpabio’s succession plan From Mike Etim, Uyo

F

ormer Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom state under the platform of PDP, Engr.

Chris Ekpenyong, has advised Governor Godswill Akpabio not to depend on the outcome of the recent concluded Town Hall Meeting in pursing his succession plan.

This is just as the state Commissioner for Transport, Prince Godwin Ntukude, urged the people of the state to adhere to the directives of the Governor

on the issue of zoning to pick his successor.

Both men spoke at different fora over the weekend in Uyo as the issue of who succeeds Akpabio in 2015 seem to be tearing the party apart.

The commissioner, while speaking at a get-to-gether party organized by “one for eight initiative,” a socio political group in the state, said Akpabio had at various public outings given direction on where the next governor should come from and that the people

of the state should follow the direction.

He urged the people to encourage other citizens of the state to imbibe the spirit of zoning of governorship position to Eket Senatorial District.

He emphasized that Akwa Ibom state is made up of three senatorial districts and that if power does not shift to Eket, it will amount to “injustice, cheat and immoral.”

Recalling how the issue of zoning started in Akwa Ibom State in 2007, the former Deputy

Governor, who served under Obong Victor Attah from 1999 to 2006 before he was dropped, maintained that it was the elders of the state who took decision on zoning and not the crowd in the market.

He pointed out that Akpabio alone could not decide on who succeeds him adding that it was the duty of the elders of the state to come together to take such a vital decision.

Speaking further, Ekpenyong remarked “Akwa Ibom is more or less a one party

state and we are conservative and progressive. So, we will look at those gearing up to be Governor and know who can deliver; who will put smiles on the faces of the people; who will put food on our table; who will ensure that free and compulsory education is a reality and will not stop with the tenure of Chief Godswill Akpabio; who will ensure that the hospitals are still working.

These are the things and he can’t decide alone. It is not in the hand clapping and jumping. It is elders of the state that will do it.”

PAGE 38

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Politics

Yobe APC congress, a model, says NEC chair From Uche Uche, Damaturu

C

hairman, National Electoral Commission (NEC), Usman A. Abbas, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the recently conducted state congress in Yobe state as the model for the country.

Abbas made the disclosure yesterday while inaugurating the 35 man executive council of the

party at the WAWA Hall of the Government House, Damaturu.

The congresses were held rancour free from the ward through the local governments to the state levels in the state.

The APC NEC Chairman expressed the wish that the success recorded in the exercise in Yobe be replicated in other states of the federation.

“In fact I will recommend

that they come out and see what happened here in Yobe,” Abbas said.

He attributed the success to the good qualities exhibited by the state governor, Alh. Ibrahim Gaidam which include political inclusiveness, inclusive democracy and participatory democracy where everybody is involved with no one left outside, or seen as contributing nothing.

Zamfara APC elects new leaders by consensus From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

T

he Zamfara state All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected its new executive through consensus.

The APC national officer, Hadi Ukashatu Gumel, who organised the congress, said, it was agreed by the party constitution to result to consensus where there is perfect understanding between members of the party than to embark on election.

Ukashatu who admitted

that he was convinced with the rate of understanding that paved way for the consensus in running the congress, said the resolution of the members of caretaker committee to continue overseeing the affairs of the party as newly elected leadership was because members from all the wards were satisfied by their performance.

In his maiden speech, the newly elected Chairman of the party, Lawali Abubakar Kaura, assured the party of victory at the forthcoming general elections by 2015,

saying the perfect unity witnessed at the conduct of the congress has clearly indicated that APC is fast becoming the party embraced by the people of the 14 local government areas of the state.

Among the newly elected leaders of the party were Lawali Bala Yabakako, Depity Chairman and Sani Mono, Secretary. Others include, Musa Mallaha as Vice Chairman Zamfara central, Nasiru Dankulu Kaura to serve as same for Zamfara north and Aliyu Mai Kwarya Gummi for Zamfara west zone.

SPOTLIGHT ON OUTSTANDING NORTHERN MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

In his vote of thanks address, the newly elected chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, also attributed the success of the election by consensus to the efforts of the governor in uniting party members under one umbrella and his total commitment towards providing the dividends of democracy to the people.

He therefore called on all the

Atiku mourns Igwe, describes her Nollywood jewel

By Lawrence Olaoye

F

ormer Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday mourned the death of Mrs Amaka Igwe, née Eneh, whom he described as the jewel of Nollywood.

The former Vice President made the assertion yesterday in a tribute to the Nollywood writer, producer and director of distinction.

In a statement by his Media Office in Abuja yesterday, Atiku expressed

In a special publication, your widely read newspaper, Peoples Daily, offers a unique opportunity for members to showcase their achievements for posterity.

It promises to be a publication no member can afford to be left out of.

For further information and bookings, please, contact:

Lawrence 08036236703 Umar 08039409957

shock at the demise of Mrs. Igwe Eneh, who was a major player in the Nigerian movie industry.

Atiku recalled that Mrs. Igwe’s first major production, “Decrees of Fate” won four awards at the National Festival of Television Programmes in 1988. “Amaka (Igwe) was one of the pioneers of the movie industry. Her presence in Nollywood grew to become quite impressive as she amassed a number of well received movies,” Atiku said.

He said that the versatile artiste organized the annual

BOB TV film festival and was noted for productions, which included “Rattle Snake” and “Violated” that dwelt heavily on contemporary family issues.

According to him, her long-running TV drama serial “Checkmate” and the sitcom “Fuji House of Commotion” regularly held families spellbound.

He said that it is to the credit of people like the late Amaka Igwe that the movie industry has continued to play crucial role in the economy of the country both in job creation and revenue generation.

Katsina prince joins guber race From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

K As campaigns begin soon for the 2015 general elections, Peoples Daily throws the spotlight on distinguished members of the House of Representatives who have excelled in providing qualitative representation for their constituents.

elected officials to show total loyalty to the party at both state and national levels and to the governor in order to enable him do more to improve the living standard of the people of the state.

Governor Gaidam in his address disclosed with joy that Yobe was the first to have inaugurated new and duly elected state officials of the APC in the federation.

atsina Prince from the Dallazawa ruling house, Surveyor Murtala Ibrahim Safana, has formally declared his intention to contest the governorship seat of the state in the forthcoming 2015 gubernatorial election.

The aspirant, who made the declaration while speaking in a phone interview with this Correspondent in Katsina, disclosed that he had resolved to realize his ambition under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He said “journalists in Katsina state have been making analysis on gubernatorial aspirants with

my name missing. But I want to assure you that I’m in the race. I want to also join to contribute my quota to the development of the state”.

Safana similarly noted that he had wide consultation before resolving to join the race adding that he was hundred percent sure that he would receive the blessing of PDP supporters and other stakeholders in the state.

According to him, the motive behind his ambition stems from his urge to continue with the good works already started by the incumbent governor of the state, Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

He noted that the governor has tremendously developed the state in

terms of infrastructure development, education, health care, agriculture, peace and hence my wish to come in and consolidate on these achievements”.

Safana is a retired director with the FCDA. He has been in politics since 1999 and supported the former governor of the state, late President ‘Yar’adua and in 2007. But, he decamp to the defunct ANPP as deputy gubernatorial candidate of the party.

When the late Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Usman, died in 2008, Safana from the Dallazawa ruling house contested for the seat where he eventually lost to the incumbent Emir, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman.

2015: INEC sets up voter enlightenment committee

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set up an inter-agency committee to ensure effective and efficient dissemination of information to electorates, as a measure to ensure that voters are enlightened on their civic duties ahead of the next general elections.

A statement issued

yesterday by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity of the Commission, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said the committee is headed by the National Commissioner in charge of INEC’s Information and Publicity, adding that the committee would be inaugurated May 7th at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to the statement, the committee included: INEC,

federal ministry of information, Nigeria Union of Journalists, National Broadcasting Commission, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Nigeria Communication Commission, National Orientation Agency, among others.

The statement said the national committee would help to advise the electoral body on the best strategy to adopt to enlighten voters for a credible, free and fair elections in 2015.

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, April 30, 2014

PAGE 39

News Extra

Nigeria’s leaders responsible for nation’s woes, says – Chamber Int’l

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he National President of Junior Chamber International (JCI), Adegoke Saheed Adeyemi yesterday said Nigeria’s leader are to be blamed forthe nations woes, adding that the inability of the leaders to empowerand educate the youths to harness their potentials is responsible forthe insecurity among other challenges currently bedeviling the nation.

Adeyemi stated this during the JCI 2014 Area C conference,

with the theme: “Revamping Educational Standard and Youth Empowerment: the role of active citizen,” held in Kaduna over the weekend.

“Youth empowerment and education is imperative particularly forpromotion of sustainable growth of a country.

The theme of the conference is appropriate and timely in the face of the lots ofchallenges faced by the country.” Adeyemi said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the National Executive

vice-president, Area C, Olanrewaju Cyrus said it is set to join forces to revive andreverse the deplorable state of the education sector in the country.

According to Cyrus, “The thrust of the conference was based on the deplorable state of the education sector in our country whichaccording to a recent report on CNN, ranks Nigeria among the worst.

“This I’m sure we can relate to in one way or the other, thus thetheme, “Revamping Educational Standard and Youth Empowerment: the roleof

active citizens’. We believe that this is fundamental to our seeingthe Nigeria we desire and is therefore a nationwide call for us all tojoin forces and work towards rebuilding this crucial sector,” Cyrus stated.

On its on part to revive the sector, the group is to commissionprojects, which includes providing 200 class desks of pupils of UnguwarKanawa LEA Primary school.

Meanwhile, the conference has in attendance members of JCI from states like, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna and FCT, to mention but a few.

Women commend Jigawa govt over empowerment programme

S

ome women in Hadejia, Jigawa, at the weekend commended the state government over its Women Economic Empowerment Programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had disbursed loans to 810 rural women under its Livestock Enhancement Support Programme.

Thirty women were selected from each of the 27 local government areas of the state to participate in the programme. Each of the women received N30, 000 as loan to enable them go into livestock production.

The programme is designed to empower rural women to enable them become self-reliant.

A cross section of the beneficiaries who spoke to NAN in Hadejia, described the gesture as commendable.

Mrs. Hauwa Abdullahi said that the programme had assisted them to engage in income-generation activities.``We have been exposed to modern goat production and the facility given to us enabled us to buy goats for rearing,” she said.

Amina Usman, another beneficiary, noted that the support would improve the social and economic status of women in the state.

Usman said that the initiative had encouraged them to engage in animal feeds and livestock trade, adding that the gesture has improved their living conditions. She called on the state government to expand the scheme to enhance participation.

Also commenting, the Sole Administrator, Malam-madori Local Government Council, Alhaji Lawan Abdu said the initiative would reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation at the grassroots.

Abdu urged the beneficiaries to ensure effective utilisation of the funds and to engage in meaningful activities. (NAN)

Capt. Wada condoles V P Sambo From Omale Adama, Lokoja

K

ogi state Governor, Capt. Idris I. Wada has commiserated with the Vice-President, Arch.

Namadi Sambo over the sudden death of his younger brother Capt.

Yusuf Sabo Sambo.

The 58 year-old immediate younger brother of the Vice-President died on Sunday in an auto crash that occurred on Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja.

In a condolence message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy Jacob Edi, the Governor extolled the virtues of late Yusuf describing him as a professional colleague and condoled with the immediate family and the entire people of Kaduna State over the irreparable loss.

Capt. Wada urged the Vice President, other family members and well-wishers to take heart and not be too saddened by the occurrence.

He emphasized that death was an unavoidable end of all mortals and wished the deceased eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Adamawa newspaper distributors, vendors mourn chairman From Umar Dankano, Yola

N L-R: An official of Lagos state Traffic Management Authority, fights with another official of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at Ojota bus stop, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Security: Coming together of President, governors against challenges a healthy devt – Forum

T

he recent reports that Mr. President Goodluck Jonathan and state governors have resolved to come together in order to put an end to security challenges across the country, though heartening, have come to Nigerians and northern delegates as a surprise.

According to the spokesman, Northern Delegates Forum, Anthony N. Z. Sani, “It was a surprise, in the sense that it took them so long to realize that the primary responsibility of government is to protect lives and property of the people they govern and that it behooves all levels of government to come together and ensure that the people live in peace and harmony among themselves.

“That explains why it is often said matter of national

and individual security should not be allowed ingress into the cockpit of partisan politics.

All the same, it is better late than never.

“And that is why the Northern Delegates Forum is happy that Mr. President and state governors have resolved to bury their partisan differences in order to confront the security challenges with unity of purpose that comes with clear thought and strategy.

“It is hoped this resolve will find expression through consciously directed efforts at putting an end to the killing of innocent Nigerians by insurgence, kidnapping, ethnoreligious clashes and through clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

The Northern Delegates Forum also said it is also

happy to read reports that USA and UK have decided to lend Nigeria their helping hands in the spirited efforts to rescue the abducted girls.

“That is how it should be, since terrorism transcends national boundaries”, it stated.

The delegates also urged the abductors of the girls to release them. This is because “there is no any conflict in the world, be it secular or religious, which allows women and children to be victims. More so, violence has never resolved any perceived grievance. Only constructive dialogue does that.

“So let us embrace civilized way of resolving perceived differences rather than resort to violence that is often unhelpful because it offends many peoples sense of justice”, the Forum further said.

ewspaper distributors, vendors and even readers in Adamawa were thrown into mourning following the sudden death of the state chairman of the National Association of Newspaper Distributors of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdulmumini Bello.

Late Bello, 55, died in a ghastly motor accident along Yola-Mubi road at the weekend.

He died along with three others following a head collision with an incoming vehicle, in which all the four occupants in the car died instantly.

The late chairman of the association would be remembered mostly because of his exemplary leadership qualities and in handling the affairs of the association in the state.

The Adamawa correspondent’s chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) described his death as a huge loss to newspaper distribution and circulation in the state.

At a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, the chairman of the correspondent’s chapel, Malam Umar Dankano noted with concern that the demise of the chairman would adversely affect newspaper distribution in the state. While commiserating with the family, he prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul eternal rest.

Late Abdulmumini Bello died leaving behind four wives and twenty five children.

PAGE 40

Photo Splash

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, April 30, 2014

L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu waziri Tambuwal, and Vice-Chancellor, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, during the 50th Anniversary of Chinua Achebeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novel, Arrow of God, on Monday at Usman Danfodiyo University, in Sokoto.

Residents of Iponri-Estate, Surulere, Costain Bus-Stop and Iganmu, protesting over non availability of power supply to their community, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN L-R: Deputy National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Rotimi Obamuwagun, Grand Patron, NUJ, Bauchi state and Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu; Chairman, Bauchi state NUJ Council, Malam Dahiru Garba; Chairman of the occasion, Dr Shuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aibu Musa, and representative of Bauchi state Governor, Alhaji Salihu Halilu, during the opening ceremony of NUJ National Executive Council meeting, yesterday in Bauchi.

Photo: NAN

Members of Niger Delta Anti-Corruption Network protesting against corruption, yesterday in Benin City.

Photo: NAN

Cross River state Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke (7th right), Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Tijani MohammedBande (7th left), in a group photograph with participants of Course 36 of the institute, during their visit to the governor, yesterday at the Government House, in Calabar.

Photo: NAN

SporT 41 Page

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, april 30, 2014

SMS- 08036258222, albertakota@yahoo.com

Golden Eaglets to play Egypt in friendlies Stories by Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation and the Egyptian Football Association have firmed up arrangements for the U-17 National Teams of both countries to play a series of international friendlies in Nigeria and Egypt.

NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said yesterday that the Eaglets, who finished in third place at the WAFU B U-17 Tournament which ended in Togo at the weekend, would host the first two matches in Nigeria on 28th and 30th May, 2014.

“The two teams will meet again in two more friendly encounters in Egypt during July, but we have not set the dates for those matches,” Sanusi said.

Emmanuel Amuneke’s wards also won the Fairplay Award at the West African championship in Togo, with Goalkeeper Amos Benjaming emerging the best of the six-nation contest. Nigeria was the only team that did not lose a match in regulation time at the competition, failing to reach the final only after penalty shoot-out defeat by Benin Republic.

The reigning world champions will, in July, take on the winner of a preliminary fixture between Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, as the race for the 2015 African U-17 Championship in Niger hots Golden Eaglets up.

NSC to evolve welfare scheme for retired sportsmen

T

he Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has said that the NSC is mapping out strategies that will henceforth cater for the welfare of retiree sportsmen in Nigeria.

Hon. Elegbeleye made this revelation in Abuja when a delegation of concerned football stakeholders paid him a courtesy call.

The Director General who

lamented the plight of ex-sportsmen in the country stated that the arrangement would go a long way to elevate the plights of our senior sports statesmen most of whom have nowhere to go to after the active years in sports.

According to him “exsportsmen should have a pension scheme like Civil Servants which they can also fall part on after retirement”.

Speaking further, Hon. Elegbeleye said the NSC was work-

ing assiduously to harmonise the aggrieved parties of football stakeholders union to have a unified body in order to create an enabling environment for sports development.

He stated that football can only thrive under a healthy atmosphere noting that court litigation by various parties in Nigeria football family has been a bane to sports development in the country.

He therefore used the op-

portunity to call on all concerned football stakeholders to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign in the football family maintaining that the NSC will continue to provide a unified front gear for success.

Earlier, the leader of the team, Clement Temile had said that the delegation was at the NSC complex to solicit the support and cooperation of the Commission in the “eradication of poverty and suffering amongst

their colleagues”.

He stated that the efforts of the National Association of the Nigerian Footballer (NANF) and Association of Professional Footballer Of Nigerian (APFON) in the past has not elicited the desired results in the area of provision of welfare to ailing members citing the cases of Sunday Ebiogbe, who is presently down with stroke, Eddy Okoyomo, Peter Fregene, Late Rashidi Yekini to mention but a few.

NFF dismisses claim of fixing 2010 World Cup qualifiers

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to quash allegations of match fixing levelled against it by Singaporean Wilson Raj Perumal in his book.

Perumal who has recently served time in prison for match fixing claimed to have ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by enticing the Mozambican national team with a promise of $100,000 if they would hold Tunisia to a draw in Maputo and ensure

that Nigeria qualified for the competition.

The Black Mambas did better by defeating Tunisia 1-0 while the Super Eagles won 3-2 away in Nairobi against Kenya to reach the first ever World Cup on African soil.

Perumal also said it was agreed for him, as payment, to organise the three World Cup warm up matches for the Super Eagles. He claimed to have also influenced the qualification of Honduras for the tournament.

However, the NFF through a statement by its general secretary Musa Amadu on Tuesday said the claims by Perumal are entirely false and an attempt to undermine the hard work of the organisation as well as the Super Eagles who fought hard to reach that tournament.

“We have gone through the fictitious write-up by the Singaporean, who was fittingly convicted for his nefarious activities and has spent time in jail,” Amadu said

“The NFF will only say at this moment that there was no truth to the claim and that we had nothing to do with Perusal all through the Super Eagles’ qualifying series for 2010 FIFA World Cup. “Perumal’s statements are hogwash and have no legs to stand on. We have ordered for the book itself with a view to digesting it and looking critically at it.

“If the book impugns on the image of the Nigeria Football Federation, our players

and the larger image of our dear country, we will take appropriate action,” he said.

Furthermore, the NFF’s Integrity Officer, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, stated that alongside the NFF Matchfixing Investigative Officer, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, he is in communication with FIFA Security on match-fixing matters and they will dig deeper into the claim.

Goal’s email to FIFA had not gotten a response as at the time of publishing this report.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesDAY, april 30, 2014

Sports

Kano Pillars set to crush Heartland today

T

he Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champion, Kano Pillars has vowed to crush Heartland of Owerri today in the mid-week encounter.

The Sai Masugida, who won the league title two times consecutively, are yet to get their rhythm this term, but they have promised to annihilate Heartland in their midweek NPFL match day 10 encounter.

Kano Pillars are still pained by their shock 0-2 loss last weekend at Lobi Stars, but the club’s supremo, Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, has offered his full support to his wards.

“My boys played well and we didn’t deserve to lose our last game against Lobi Stars, but that is football for you because sometimes you play well and lose.

“Our target this season is to win the league title again for the third time, and I’m sure my boys would soon get their nerves together and soar.

“I will personally reward them heavily if they can score more than two goals in our next tie against Heartland because the Naze Millionaires are no pushovers, but they will fall in Kano,” Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna told supersport.com.

Kano Pillars are currently occupying 17th position on the Glo Premier League standings after nine games played this term.

NNL shifts week 14 Flying Eagles tackle Ikare United in warm-up match matches to May 7 Kano Pillars

By Albert Akota

T

he Flying Eagles will today continue their build-up to their 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifier with another warm-up match against Ikare United of Ondo State.

A statement issued by the team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu, yesterday in Abuja said the match would be played at the FIFA Goal Project pitch in Abuja from 7 a.m.

The national under-20 football team had been involved in several warm-up matches lately.

They include a test match against FC Abuja (7-2), Abuja Football Academy (3-0), Dabo Babes of Kano (4-0), FC Twente of Abuja (11-0) and Lugbe United (12-0).

The Flying Eagles were also

forced to draws in a two-leg friendly in Morocco, drawing 2-2 in the first match and 1-1 in the second game.

The Flying Eagles have been putting final touches to their preparations for the first leg match of their 2015 AYC qualifier against Tanzania.

The first leg game, which is an away match, is slated for the weekend of May 9 to May 11.

“Training has been fiercely competitive as all the players in the team’s training squad have been doing well and improving so as to make the final cut for the trip to Tanzania.

“At Monday’s evening training, Manchester City midfielder Chidiebere Nwakali needed four stitches around his mouth after he was elbowed.

“This is to show how the intensity of the training has risen,’’ the statement said.

T

Flying Eagles It also said the team’s injury worries had eased with FC Porto’s Chidera Eze resuming fully with the squad after he nursed a hamstring strain soon on arrival from Portugal.

The Flying Eagles are already slated to play another international friendly as part of their preparations.

They will depart Abuja for Lagos on Friday with a 20-man squad, and are billed to take on Benin Republic in Porto Novo on Sunday.

Uweru predicts Enyimba loss

R Michael Uweru

ecuperating Crown FC goalkeeper Michael Uweru has said there is no team in the Nigerian top flight that is unbeatable.

The newly-promoted side will be the guests of Enyimba in the midweek Glo Premier League match day 10 encounters at the Enyimba Stadium.

Uweru said his side will cash in on the weaknesses of the six-time Nigerian champions to further inflict more pain on them

when both sides clash in the midweek game in Aba. “I strongly believe we’ve learnt our lesson the hard way after the 1-1 home draw against Nembe City, we truly underrated them, took their bottom-placed position for granted and we paid for it.

“Heartland have shown that Enyimba are vulnerable and that applies 100% to other teams in the Premier League.

“We’ll find out Enyimba’s

weakest point and exploit it when we face them on Wednesday in Aba. “I feel bad missing the opportunity to face my former side. My presence in goal would’ve been a psychological boost though I’m sure a lot have changed in the side.

The Ogbomoso-based side have notched up 13 points from a possible 27 in the nineweek old Nigerian first tier league.

he Nigeria National League (NNL) secretariat yesterday in Abuja moved all the week 14 matches, earlier scheduled for May 3 and May 4, to Wednesday, May 7.

A statement signed by the NNL Secretary, Lawrence Katken, said the postponement was as a result of the state final matches of the 2014 Federation Cup competition slated for May 3.

“The NNL has postponed all Week 14 matches scheduled for the weekend of May 3 to May 4 respectively, and has accordingly rescheduled same to the midweek of the following week,’’ it said.

The secretariat, however, said the competition’s Week 13 matches would take place across the country on Wednesday, April 30 as earlier scheduled.

Also, the statement said the NNL further directed all the clubs in its competition to remit without delay the agreed deductions from players’ salaries.

It said the deductions were for onward remittance to the Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON).

“The deductions were ordered by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Page 43

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesDAY, april 30, 2014

Sports

P-i-c-t-o-r-i-a-l 1. Former world lightheavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly will face Sean Corbin in his long-awaited cruiserweight debut in Cardiff on 17 May. 2. Chris Froome returns from recent injury and illness to finish 13th in the prologue to the Tour of Romandie.

1

3. Real Madrid beats Bayern Munich 4-0 to face either Chelsea or Atletico Madrid in final, thanks to Ramos’ brace and one from Ronaldo.

2 LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER OF TERMS OF GRANT/CONVEYANCE OF APPROVAL WITH REF: NO. MFCT/LA/90/SO-758/ DATED 07/08/1992 BEARING THE NAME OF ALH. ABDUALLAHI ABUBAKAR ZURMI IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. HI4/428 MEASURING ABOUT 844.87M2 WITHIN MABUSHI DISTRICT WHICH OWNERSHIP HAS PASSED TO ALH. SADI HAMISU ZAKARI got missing and all efforts to trace the document proved abortive. PLEASE IF FOUND RETURN TO AGIS OR CONTACT GSM NO. 0803629992.

CHANGE OF NAME I Formerly known as Enang Dorcas Olukemi now wish to be known and addressed as Osanebi Dorcas Olukemi. all former documents remain valid the general should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ORIGINAL OFFER OF STATUTARY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY ON PLOT NO. 1204 CADASTRAL ZONE AO9 GUZAPE LAYOUT ABUJA, MEASURING ABOUT 2794.39sqm GRANTED TO MY LATE HUSBAND, YAKUBU TIJJANI YUSUF, AND YET TO BE OFFICIALLY COLLECTED WAS DECLEARED MISSING AT “AGIS” AREA 11, ABUJA. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE MISSING DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE. AGIS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED. SIGNE: HUSSAINA TIJJANI YAKUBU

3

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as KABIRU IBRAHIM now wish to be known and addressed as KABIRU IBRAHIM IBRAHIM A. all former documents remain valid the general public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT The general public is hereby notified that a Document with Title No. KSHC/1289 dated 18th day of January, 2012 of A–29, Danladi DANLADI NASIDI Estate, Kano belonging to Basiru Abdulkadir Ja’e has been missing.

All efforts to find it have proved abortive.

Anybody who has objection in respect of issuance of Certified True Copy should report to the Kano State Housing Corporation within 21 days.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, april 30, 2014

Page 44

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MINISTERS OF GOD ISSACHAR WELFARE ASSOCIATION

GALAXY CLUB OF IGBO-ORA. MINISTERS OF GOD ISSACHAR WELFARE ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above Association has applied for registration to the corporate affairs commission under part “c” oft the companies and allied matters Acts No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEE ARE 1. PASTOR IMUSEH OME-EBERE MERCY 2. PROPHET OLADELE ELISHA 3. PASTOR SAM IKONA 4. PASTOR ( MRS) PATIENCE OME-EBERE 5. PROPHET AKINTUNDE OLUWALEYE 6. PASTOR GODWIN IHEJIRIKA 7. PASTOR (BARRISTER) UCHE IGNATIUS ILOANI 8. REV.DR. YUSUF BINIYAT 9. PROPHET ABRAHAM ADEYANJU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE AND IMPROVE THE WELFARE AND WELL BEING OF MEMBERS. 2. EMPOWERING AND BUILDING MEMBERS SPIRITUALLY, SOCIALLY AND ACADEMICALLY. 3. TO ORGANISE SEMINARS,CONFERENCES,WORKSHOPS, FAITH CLINIC, TRAINING CENTRES SCHOOLS GEARED TOWARDS SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND EMPOWERMENT MEMBERS.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to the corporate affairs commission under part “c” oft the companies and allied matters Acts No 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. MICHAEL OLUDELE OJO. 2. OSENI ADENIRAN TITILOYE 3. OYETUNJI OLANIPEKUN. aims&objectives: 1.TO PROMOTE LOVE,UNITY AND HARMONIOUS LIVING RELATIONSHIP AMONG MEMBERS AND IGBOORA PEOPLE AS A WHOLE. 2. TO PROMOTE SOCIAL,CULTURAL,EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF IGBOORA. 3.TO GIVE MATERIAL,FINANCIAL AND MORAL ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY IN IGBOORA. 4. TO SERVE AS CATALYST FOR POSITIVE CHANGE IN IGBOORA. 5. TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP THROUGH SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE SOCIETY AT LARGE.

PUBLIC NOTICE JESUS THE LIGHT OF ALL NATIONS MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY 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. EBURUO Ernest Obioma 2. OKOYE kingsley Ekene 3. ANIGBO. IBEH Donatus Azunna 4.NNABUENYI Chukwuka Mbanefo THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARWED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL , CORPERATE AFFAIARS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: UCHE I. ILOAN EQV 16,OYEDELE OGUNNIYI STREET ANTHONY VILLAGE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARWED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL , CORPERATE AFFAIARS 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, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: OSENI ADENIRAN TITILOYE. (PRESIDENT).

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORLUZURUMEE PEOPLES ASSEMBLY

INYI TOWN UNION ABUJA BRANCH

HOSANNA PRAYER AND PROPHETIC MINISTRY

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 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. Prof Francis Dike (chairman) 2. Dr. Benjamin Uzoukwu Nzeribe 3. Hrh Eze Thomas Obiefule 4. Hrh Eze Prof Chuka Okonkwo 5. Prof Anthony Anwuka 6. Engr. Peter Ohagwa 7.Et Hon Okey Dike 8. Dr Goody Esom Obodo 9. Chief Louis Adebionu 10. Engr (Nze) Nwabueze Oguchienti 11. Chief Cyril Nwokorobia 12. Chief Christian Chijoke Esiobu THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.To promote the socio cultural and economic development of the people of the zone.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.SUNDAY AGWNNA - CHAIRMAN 2.JUDE ORJI - SECRETARY 3.UGOCHUKWU EMEBO 4.NOBERT OHA 5.AMBROSE ADIBE 6.DANIEL NDUBISI 7.HAROLD OBINGERE 8.JUDE IBEZIMAKOR 9.EMMANUEL OBIKA 10.OBIORAH ANYAFULUZOR THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO FOSTER UNITY & BROTHERHOOD AMONG INDIGENES OF INYI TOWN RESIDENT IN ABUJA & ENVIRONS. 2.TO BUILD A PLATFORM FOR THE DISCUSSION OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE UNION AND SEEK SOLUTIONS TO THEM.

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

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:BASIL NWEKE ESQ LEGAL ADVISER, 07034759920

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY 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.OJO OLUSEGUN RAPHAEL 2.OJO FUNMILOLA EUNICE 3.ALUKO OLAYINKA ENNY VICTORIA 4.OJO OLUWATUNMISE HENRY 5.AGBAJE GANIYU AYODELE 6.ORUNDAHUNSI WESAKU TAIYE 7.OJO HARRISON OLUWATOBI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GOD THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND FRIENDLY ASSOCIATION FOR ALL ITS MEMBERS. 2.TO PROVIDE MINISTRY BUILDINGS FOR USE OF ITS MEMBERS. 3.TOSPREAD THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IN NEEDY PLACES BY ESTABLISHING CHRISTIAN MINISTRY,SUNDAY SCHOOL,BIBLE COLLEGES AND OTHER RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES AS THE MINISTRY SHALL DEEM FIT AND PROPER. 4.TO PROVIDE AVENUE FOR INTERACTION FOR FELLOW MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL AND ENGAGE IN OUTREACHES BE IT THROUGH ELECTRONIC AND SOCIAL MEDIA AS WELL PUBLICATIONS OF GOSPEL BASED MATERIALS. 5.TO ENGAGE IN ALL FORMS OF CHARITY WORKS,PROVISION OF TUITIONS,FEEDING AND CLOTHING OF THE NEEDY AND LESS PRIVILEGES OF THE SOCIETY. 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:BABATUNDE OYEFESO SOLICITOR RIVERS HOUSE,PLOT 83,RALPH SHODEINDE STREET,CBD-ABUJA

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHOOS ESTATE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION WUMBA DISTRICT ABUJA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MONTY CHARLES AKPABIO 2. AYODELE ADEDAPO ADESANYA 3. ALIYUDA GODIYA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To work with the members of the Estate in maintaining a secure, peace and friendly environment.

2. To encourage a team approach in solving common problems in the Estate 3. To collectively work towards the provisions and maintenance of good and functional facilities within the Estate.

4. To build and sustain a friendly and brotherly relationship amongst residents of the Estate 5. To develop a vigilant, informed and active membership, conscious of its rights and interests and alive to its responsibilities as an effective safeguard against abuses.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED:CHUKWUZITALU OKONKWO (SOLICITOR) NO. 25 NIAMEY STREET WUSE ZONE 2, ABUJA. 08033273099

PUBLIC NOTICE GOVERNMENT COLLEGE UGHELLI OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION

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.JOSEPH AKPIEYI 2.OGBEMI OMATETE 3.ESANYE GEORGE 4.MOSES AROKO 5.JOE NKONYE UGBARUGBA 6.DENNIS AYISIRE 7.ORE OHIMOR THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE AND PROGRESS OF THE COLLEGE. 2.TO FOSTER THE SPIRIT OF COMRADESHIP AMONG THE OLD BOYS. 3.TO ASSIST THE STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGE. 4.TO ENSURE THAT THE COLLEGE TRAINS STUDENTS PROPERLY. 5.TO PROMOTE EXCELLENT CHARACTER AMONG OLD BOYS. 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:FRANK TIETIE,ESQ SOLICITOR, 08036286435

PROGRESSIVE BOSSOM FRIENDS ORGANIZATION

OMOKU YOUTH ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION 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 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. KANU EMMANUEL-President.

2. INNOCENT IGBOJIONU-Secretary.

3. NWACHUKWU MATTHEW. 4. KELECHI JOHN OKEZIE. 5. REV.VINCENT ANAYOCHI NWABUISI

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.COMRADE KINGSLEY NONYE OGWUMIKE - CHAIRMAN 2.HON. GIFT WOKOCHA - SECRETARY 3.PRINCE PETER ODIKE 4.COMRADE ORUKWO CHUKWULADI 5.MR OKEY OKIRIE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To enhance the dignity and integrity of humanity.

2.To promote the welfare of members.

3. To assist the members in times of need.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS.

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: Secretary

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MOUNTAIN OF THUNDER AND REVIVAL MINISTRY

TIMELESS PRECEPTS READERSHIP FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.CHOJI TOSANWUMI PWOL 2.ZONG ANINO MBOTOR-ELEMI 3.VICTOR MBOTOR ELEMI 4.NOBERT IFEANYI UYAH 5.KAROS ROWOLI UYAH 6.SELE BESIFE PWOL 7.CECELIA TORITSEJU PWOL THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.PROMOTION OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN FORMAL AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATION. 2.PROMOTION OF THE ACQUSITION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS AND ACTIVITIES AMONG THE YOUTHS IN RURAL AND URBAN AREAS. 3.PROMOTION OF LITERACY,GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND WHOLESOME READERSHIP. 4.PROVISION OF MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR YOUTHS. 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PROPHET DANIEL AKINTAJU 2.PASTOR.MRS.OLUFUNMILAYO AKINTAJU 3.ASSISTANT PASTOR MRS.ANUOLU FAMISIN THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AS LAID DOWN IN THE BIBLE. 2.TO UPHOLD THE TRUE CHRISTIAN VALUES OF FAITH AND TEACHING. 3.TO DEVICE MEANS AND ADOPT MEASURES OF PROMOTING RELIGIOUS,MORAL AND SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT OF CHRISTIANS. 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:FOLAKE AYOADE 08055084979

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, april 30, 2014

Page 45

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHANGE OF NAME

CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEV.& EDU IN AFRICA

SMALLSCALE WOMEN FARMERS ORGANIZATION IN NIGERIA

I, formerly known as LILIAN NWAKEGO ACHONU. Now wishes to be known as LILIAN NWAKEGO OKORONKWO. All former documents remain valid.All Authorities concerned and General public to please take note.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named centre has applied to the corporate affairs commission for removal of trustee, appointment of additional trustees and additional aims and objectives under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BARR. EMMANUEL IWUANYANWU - REMOVED 2. MR THEOPHILUS EKPON - RETAINED 3. MR IBIANG OBONGHA - RETAINED THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS ARZIKI SAWA 2. ABEL UNUBI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE PEACEBUILDING PROGRAMS AND POLICIES FOR DEVELOPMENT. 2.TO HARNESS AND PROMOTE INNOVATIVE WAYS OF SUSTAINING OUR ENVIRONMENT. 3.TO SUPPORT HEALTH PROGRAMS AND POLICIES. 4.TO CONTRIBUTE TO BEST GOVERNANCE PRACTICES. 5.TO FACILITATE POVERTY REDUCTION PROGRAMS. Any objection to the above 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.(MRS)CHITURU ADEDIRAN08039488627

The general public is hereby informed that the above named organization 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.HON.JOHN SANI 2.MRS PATIENCE EKEOBA 3.BARR.CHRISTIANA ADEJUMO 4.MRS IFEOMA ANUNOBI 5.MRS BABANGIDA 6.MR JAYE GASKIA 7.DR. MUSA MODA 8.MS. TOMI ADEMOKUN 9.MRS SARAH YAPWA

CHANGE OF NAME

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN THE SOCIETY. 2.TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN FARMING 3.TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR.ANIKAN UKPE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ROYAL FRIENDS AND PATRONS ASSOCIATION

ASSOCIATION FOR MOTHER, CHILD AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the corporate affairs commission abuja for its ctc under part c of the companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990.

I, formerly known as BRIGHT JACOBS. Now wishes to be known as BRIGHT IKENNA MGBEMERE. All former documents remain valid.All Authorities concerned and General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as JUMOKE FLORENCE AKOMOLAFE now wish to be known and addressed as JUMOKE FLORENCE JODA. all former documents remain valid National Biotechnology development agency Abuja and the general to please take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Elizabeth Adamu now wish to be known and addressed as Elizabeth Aje Atokan, all former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

Signed: C. J. Anaele, Esq.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to Corporate affairs Commission abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters Act . cap 59 laws of the federation of nigeria 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1.Hajia Hauwa Aliyu 2.Hajiya Habiba Bukar Zargana 3.CP Abdullahi Aliyu Biu (Rtd) 4.Dr. Shuaib Yahaya 5.Barr. Musa Yamta 6.Mrs. Rosemary Nnamdi-Okagbue 7.Thomas Odemwingie 8.Hussainin Ibrahim AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. Advocate for increased funding for the health and education of women, children, young people and other vulnerable groups 2. Mobilize resources to support actions to increase the access to quality health, education, and development by women, children, young people and other vulnerable groups 3. Promote peace and harmony in communities and provide relief to victims of emergencies Any objection to this should be forwarded to the registrar general Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris crescent, of Aguiyi ironsi street, P.M.B 198, maitama abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Jude C. Afunanya, Esq. 080625227999

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE NEW HOUSE OF HOPE COVENANT ASSEMBLY

AFRICA FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOTION PICTURES, ARTS & CULTURE

EDO COMMUNITY NORTH CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

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 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chioma Ude 2. Elvira Salleras 3. Obiageli Ajaero

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Olajide Olakunle Oladimeji Chairman 2. Michael Okorie Onyedika Secretary 3. Victor Maji 4. Eze King Chikaodinaka Opuru 5. Chimene Samuel Nwanwu 6. Slater Udam 7. Ekeleoma Nwakaego Adieme 8. Tochukwu Nwanna 9. Adetutu Bamgbelu Adebimpe 10. Dr. Daniel Ochu 11. Sokomba Danjuma AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To cater for the welfare of members 2. To support the social, individual or shared interest of members 3. To promote public enlightenment and positive orientation Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the registrar general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSEMBLY 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. Pastor Johnson Onoja Chairman 2. Pastor Igama Mathew Ebere 3. Pastor Idoko Ikwuba Peter 4. Pastor Onwuchekwu Nathaniel Okechukwu Secretary 5. Pastor Samuel Achigili 6. Pastor Miracle Oche Oredu 7. Pastor Akande Abiodun Olusegun 8. Pastor Dr. Eviparker Uzoma Juliana 9. Pastor Aku Shaibu Friday 10. Pastor Jude Chinedu Ugwu

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Udoh Ifeoma Maureen now wish to be know and addressed as Ezeike Ifeoma Maureen. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS FAITH IKOJO DANIEL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS FAITH IKOJO OYIBO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

SIGNED: SHAIBU SANI ESQ.

SIGNED: Olakunle-Bakare Chinenye, Esq. 08034865216

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Joseph Ighedosa Chairman 2.

Friday Omorogieva Vice Chairman 3. Yakubu Abubakar Secretary 4. Silvester Edetanlen Financial Secretary 5. Yusuf Khanoba Treasurer 6.

Princess Joseph Provost 7. Osaro Osegbe P.R.O 8.

Prince Ilenagbe 9. Benedith Inegbdion AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To cater for the welfare of members 2. To unite and seek the progress of all sons and daughters of Edo. 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. Evelyn Omajuwa

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

INA-OWOICHO ESTHER FOUNDATION

SAVE A CHILD SAVE THE WORLD INT’L FOUNDATION

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To proclaim the word of God 2. To assist the less privileged in the society ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPERATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote African cinema and the development of motion pictures, arts and culture 2. To create platforms to reward and celebrate film makers and encourage film making on the continent.

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.

ASSOCIATION OF STRATEGIC PLANNING OF NIGERIA

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 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 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Owoicho Ogwuba John 2. Mrs. Esther Ugbo Ogwuba 3. Oyihi Stephen Ogwuba 4.

Ayibo Justina 5. Onche Jennifer

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Faith Osaruyi Aibangbee 2. Yurii Mitsak 3. Kolawole Ishola Rasaq 4.

Harry Osadolor 5. Christy Olubunmi Aibangbee 6. Deborah Ifedayo Ugolo

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Ayodele Amos Olujide 2. Mrs. Olubanke Olujide 3. Mr. Timothy Adebanjo Jaiyeoba

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To do charity to the needy in the society 2. To cater for the general welfare of its members and the less privileged in the society 3. To provide education to 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: Ugo Uko Paul; Aces & Myriads Consults; 08033649092; 08024048505

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To care for welfare of the less privileged children 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. Solomon Oyakhilome; 08036411184

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To cater for the welfare of its members 2. To foster unity, develop a bond between members, their leaders and the community at large 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 46

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, april 30, 2014

PUBLIC NOTICE UNITED HAULAGE OPERATOR’S ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA This is to inform the General Public that the above named NIGERIA has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act. 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Stephen Chukwujekwu Ositadimma President 2. Mr. Chukwubuikem Excellent Osita BOT Member 3. Aminu Hassan BOT Member 4. Chief Okoye Solomon BOT Member & Secretary 5. Maxmillian Chike Nwobi BOT Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote government policy on the Haulage operations in Nigeria 2. To unite all Haulage operators in Nigeria Any Objection to the 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.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE ABIA GRASSROOT FOUNDATION

AGBAWO-DIKE IZU SIMON IGWE MEDICAL FOUNDATION

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.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act. 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Izuchukwu Chimaobi Igwe Chairman 2. Ms. Eberechi Ogonnaya Adieze Secretary 3. Sir. Herbert Onyemalu Igwe 4. Lady Charity Uzoamaka Igwe 5. Mr. Noble Chibuzor Igwe 6. Dr. Olu Lasaki 7. Dr. Obiora Ogbonna THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To prevent avoidable blindness in Umuomaku Community and its environs 2. To improve the quality of life (QoL) of the people with visual related problems Any Objection to the 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.

Signed: Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ukabi Cyril Okemiri Chairman 2. Okanta Sunday Ukeje Secretary 3. Elizabeth Ojukwu 4. Okom Anthony 5.

Iroha Kelechi Damian 6. Ezeh Okwudiri AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To advance and promote grassroot awareness 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: O.E Agada Esq. 08036146517

PUBLIC NOTICE

JUSTYGOLD HORMONAL FOUNDATION

OBELEDU PROGRESS UNION

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 GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED UNION 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. Justina Nonye Odozor 2. Gabriel Robert 3. Gerald Chibuzo Nnabuenyi 4.

Ijemdinma C. Agwu 5. Collins Obinna Nnabuenyi 6. Chinwe Onyia (Mrs) 7. Gerald I. Agbahiwe

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Philip Ilozumba 2.

Ichie Christain Okaforilo 3. Mr. Augustine Okpala 4. Mr. Micheal Obijiofor 5. Barr. Emeka Obegolu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To create awareness about this particular illness and to bring to the notice of today’s women, so that they can check their hormonal levels before going into marriage 2. To better the lives of this generation through this exemplary 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, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE FOUNDATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN AGAINST CRUELTY

PUBLIC NOTICE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote the image and name of the town and represent the town in all matters affecting her common destiny 2. To establish and maintain cordial relationship with other towns and communities as well as various governments and institutions 3. To pursue articulated programs to encourage all Obeledu indigenes to attain their full potentials 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE SAM FOUNDATION

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. Sam Nda-Isaiah 2. Zainab Nda-Isaiah THE SECRETARY IS: 1. Nnamdi Samuel AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Youth empowerment ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPERATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: Okeke Beatrice Nonyelum; 08064565633

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

OTITOLERE TIMBER FLITCHERS ASSOCIATION

LET’S FEED THE PEOPLE INITIATIVE

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.

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

SIGNED: O.S Oweazim Esq.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Deacon Ayodeji Orobola Chairman 2. Mr. Benjamin Osunyikanmi 3. Mr. Festus Oladayo 4. Mr. Oladokun Ilemobayo 5. Mr. Omonubi Bamidele Secretary 6. Mr. Ogunsakin Isreal AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote economic capacity and purchasing power, the more we are economically buoyant, the happier and closer 2. To improve member’s business transaction mentally and morally to suit the present standard 3. To work towards the idea based on or holding the belief that everyone is equal and should have the same rights and opportunities of the societal norms 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Candius Michelle Diallo Chairman 2. Mamadu Diallo 3. Kelechi Ikechukwu Dozie Secretary 4. Tajudeen Ibrahim Sulaimon AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To improve the nutritional status of Nigerian students 2. To improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of students in the rural communities 3. To reduce incidence of absenteeism and poor performance due to ill-health in Nigerian students 4. To provide nutritional assistance to poor families in the rural communities with two or more children 5. To reduce malnutrition and high infant mortality rates in poverty communities in Nigeria by assisting indigent families with food, medicine, etc 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: Felicia Onotu; 08034535283

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE BARAKAAT NURSERY & PRIMARY SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

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. Barr. Oweazim Osehaenye Simon President 2. Barr. Inedia Barthelomew Victor Vice President 3. Mrs Oweazim Bridget 4. Mrs. Inedia Christiana 5. Okoruwa Tony Ehikioya 6. Mr. Okoh Steve Secretary 7. Barr. Mrs. Obialor Judith AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To protect women and children against all forms of cruelty 2. To educate women and children on ways to avoid domestic violence 3. To propagate the rights and privileges of women and children 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.

CHRIST IMORTAL PENTECOSTAL MISSION MERCYLAND

JONALFA HOPE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MISSION 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 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.

Pastor Mrs. Olabisi Odunmbaku Maxwell 2.

Pastor Olubunmi Olukayode OdunmbakuMaxwell 3. Toyosi Nkanlola Odunmbaku 4.

Pastor Aderemi Amoo Adeleke

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Christian Ndubisi Chukwu 2. Mr. Cyprian Ohagwu Mba 3. Mr. Chris Emeka Udeji 4. Mr. Christopher Ejikeme Udeh 5.

Prince Tony Nwonye AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. General care and welfare of widows and 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.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel of 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. SIGNED: Elukpo Agiwon; 08057200744

SIGNED: Barr. Ngele Emmanuel Obogu Ngele

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Rashid Adewumi Aderinoye 2. Sururat Oyero 3. Saheed Afolabi 4.

Aderinoye Abdur-rahman 5. Mohammed Najeem Oladimeji 6. Kaothar Ajao 7.

Atere Ahmed AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To support the school in areas where necessary 2. To promote authentic teachings of Islam amongst its members 3. To assist members to realize their academic, professional and career ambitions 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: Najeem Mohammed Esq. 08055955008

PAGE 47

Peoples Daily, wednesDAY, april 30, 2014

Leisure

Some Interesting Facts

T

he deepest underwater penguin dive is 1,772 feet by an Emperor Penguin.

Contrary to popular belief, there are almost no Buddhists in India, nor have there been for about a thousand years.

Tipping at a restaurant in Iceland is considered an insult.

Penguins are not found in the North Pole.

Celtic warriors sometimes fought their battles naked, their bodies dyed blue from head to toe.

Watermelons can cost up to $100 in Japan.

The City of Tokyo was originally called Edo. Rapper LL Cool J’s name actually stands for “Ladies Love Cool James”.

A recent study at Harvard has show that eating chocolate can actually help you live longer.

A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.

In Singapore, it is illegal to sell or own chewing gum.

The shroud of Turin is the single most studied artifact in human history.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. treasury.

Every Swiss citizen is required by law to have a bomb shelter or access to a bomb shelter.

Pearls melt in vinegar.

The sperm count of an average male compared to thirty years ago is down thirty percent.

Leonardo Da Vinci never dated or signed his most famous painting,

the Mona Lisa.

Babies start dreaming even before they’re born.

The odds of being born male are about 51.2%, according to the census.

Fried spiders taste like nuts.

Close to two million people who go to the hospital in the U.S. for one ailment wind up catching another.

Even a small amount of alcohol placed on a scorpion will cause it to go crazy and sting itself.

All babies are color blind when they are born.

Only 55 percent of Americans know the Sun is a star.

The USA bought Alaska from Russia for 2 cents an acre.

Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had only one testicle.

Earl Dean designed the bottle for Coca-cola.

All coffee is grown within 1,000 miles or the equator.

Smiling releases endorphins in the body, which makes people feel better.

Say what?

SUDOKU

SUDOKU EASY 79

PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Suri tribeswoman from Ethiopia is pictured wearing a large lip plug which is a traditional sign of beauty.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdailyng.com

WEDNESDAY, april 30, 2014

SPORTS latest

Ronaldo sends Real Madrid to UCL final

R

eal Madrid sailed into their first Champions League final since 2002 with an astonishingly onesided away victory over holders Bayern Munich.

Sergio Ramos scored two headers from set-pieces before Cristiano Ronaldo rounded off a counter-attack to all but end the game as a contest.

Ronaldo added a late freekick for his record 16th goal of the campaign to seal an emphatic 5-0 aggregate win.

Real will face either Chelsea or Atletico Madrid in the final in Lisbon.

Alonso misses Champions League final

X

abi Alonso will not play in the Champions League final should Real Madrid knock out Bayern Munich after he picked up a booking in the semi-final second leg.

The midfielder, 32, was one of three Blancos players that went into the tie a yellow card away from being ruled out of the showpiece event alongside Sergio Ramos and Asier Illarramendi.

A needless challenge on Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger in the 38th minute was enough for the referee to reach into his pocket and punish Alonso, despite pleas from Luka Modric for leniency.

Madrid led Bayern 4-0 on aggregate at half-time after Sergio Ramos scored twice early on and Cristiano Ronaldo added another to leave Pep Guardiola’s men looking destined to exit the competition.

The winner of Real Madrid-Bayern will face either Atletico Madrid or Chelsea, who are level on 0-0 with the second leg to be played today.

Advert: 0803 business: 0805 news: 0814 lagos: 0805 0803

. . . putting the people first

QUOTABLE QUOTE I challenge anyone, including the President, if they find anybody who has siphoned local or state government money, to report to me and see what action my administration would take against the offender.

– Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano state

Need for news on missing schoolgirls, live

I

am sure many of our readers still remember the story of Julie Ward, the 28-year-old British wild-life photographer who was killed in Kenya in 1988. Julie went missing on a lonely photography safari in the Masaigame reserve.

The Kenyan authorities seemed at that time to be more interested in the preservation of the integrity of their country’s profitable tourism business. They went into a denial. When her burned and dismembered body was first discovered, they said that they believed that Julie was struck by lightning, or that she had been eaten by lions. The burned remains of her leg and part of her jaw were found near a tree in the bush. Her skull and spine were found nearby.

Julie’s father, John Ward, put a lot pressure on the local authorities to admit that she had been murdered, to direct their investigation in that direction.

He was noted all over the world for the campaign he waged in the effort to discover what actually happened to Julie. In the course of this, the retired hotelier spent nearly two million pounds and made more than 100 visits to Kenya. In the end, what unraveled the real cause of his daughter’s death were pictures he procured from a European Satellite of the incident as it happened and DNA evidence indicting two park rangers including the head park warden. Although attempts to bring the suspects to justice were unsuccessful as all three were acquitted by Kenyan courts, it was instructive that the failure of the case had more to do with the lack of full cooperation of the authorities.

The important thing about this case was that as far back as two decades ago, the potential has been established for the use of satellite imagery to bring to criminal trial the park wardens who, as is believed by many, were those that conspired to assault and murder the lonely photographer in thick bushes of the game reserve.

The narrative of Julie Ward comes in handy at a time when

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Wednesday Column Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

One of the adducted girls who escaped school children, not one, not two, or three but in their hundreds, have been stolen from their dormitory and today being the fifteenth day since the incident, no clue has yet emerged about where they are in the Sambisa forest of the North-eastern state of Borno, Nigeria.Accounts by the “Civilian JTF” yesterday rendered on radio suggested that the 200 or s0 missing girls may have already been shared out in forced marriages to terrorists scattered across the vast forest spanning over 100 kilometers. An interviewee said yet some others were ferried across Lake Chad, taken to Cameroun and Chad. Grieving parents have been shedding tears, threatening to charge into the forest to obtain their daughters.

Some actually have gone in there, accompanied by the Civilian JTF, following which they said they saw a lot terrorist infrastructure but no police or soldiers carrying out

searches.

From every indication, the search for these Nigerian girls will probably be the most difficult search in human history, not the Malaysian Flight MH370 as cited

by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. The difference between these two is that while both Australian and Malaysian officials issue daily bulletins and addressing press gatherings to report virtually nothing new in terms of substantial information, the Nigerian federal government which controls the army and police has retreated into a cocoon in the past one week. It is probably that the Defence Headquarters, leading the operations got their hands burnt when they made a major faux-pax by announcing the discovery of the missing girls, only to be countered by local officials including the school principal that the girls had not been found.

While the damage, both local and international to the credibility of the Nigerian Armed Forces arising from this incident may never be quantified, it is easy for us to understand how much damage is being done to the government of the day, led by Dr. Jonathan Goodluck, by the prevailing sense of cluelessness and inactivity the silence of the military is creating. Instead of engaging with Nigerians, government in its usual way of politicizing every issue, has surreptitiously launched a campaign against its hate-pet, the Northern political leaders.

A sponsored group says “the disappearance of the girls is part of the Northern elders’ agenda

The narrative of Julie Ward comes in handy at a time when school children, not one, not two, or three but in their hundreds, have been stolen from their dormitory and today being the fifteenth day since the incident, no clue has yet emerged about where they are in the Sambisa forest of the North-eastern state of Borno, Nigeria.

to embarrass and distract the Goodluck Jonathan government”.

The group is also blaming the victims, saying that the school authorities “deliberately ignored the government’s directive”, that schools in that area should be closed down. This rubbish reminds many of the Abacha days when NADECO was blamed for everything, including the failure of the dictator’s toilet to flush.

Nobody benefits from silence in times of crisis. Rather, it is the time when all “gates” to news-flow are opened and everyone relishes live coverages as they are relayed by the international media, whether this is from the search for the Malaysian plane under the waters of the Indian Ocean, a bomb blast in Pakistan or earthquake in Latin America.

Famous sociologist, Lucien Pye once wrote that problems of development are essentially problems of communication.

Without informing and educating the people and subsequently mobilizing them, there is no way government can succeed in pushing back this violence, including the tracking of the insurgents in their whereabouts and recovering the girls. In addition to mobilizing local support for this, government needs to talk to the international community about its successes and shortcomings. Satellite was used to partly unravel Julie’s murder in the Kenyan foreign forests because someone bid for the pictures and obtained them.

In a recent article, I wrote about the upcoming World Economic Summit in May in Abuja about which Nigerians know very little or nothing. When South Africans hosted the World Cup in 2010, taxi drivers were trained for a rebranding of their own country.

Every London taxi driver is serving a government purpose. People don’t get to drive taxis mere on account of being beneficiaries of constituency projects. The Nigerian defence establishment had started something good by pooling together all the spokesmen of the various services so that they can speak with a common purpose.

To regain credibility, they need to repose confidence in the people as represented by local journalists.

They must carry the people along.

And for the sake of their own credibility, they need a new a face for their public information in order to move away from the scandalous misinformation they dished about which they had to make a painful u-turn. Someone must make the sacrifice or be sacrificed.

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