Friday 30th May, 2014 Edition

Vol. 13 No. 74

Friday, May 30, 2014

..

>>> page 3

Alleged fraud: Jigawa court summons Saminu Turaki

. putting the people first

>>> page 42

Match-fixing allegation: Eagles under surveillance

Sha’aban 1, 1435 AH

N150

KANO LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION

Bomb scare in Abuja suburb >>Pg 2

Saturday - 17/5/2014 CHAIRMANSHIP

APC - 44 with 2, 370,889 VOTES PDP - 0 with 200,687

COUNCILLORSHIP APC - 484 Seats PDP - 0

Democracy Day:

FG offers amnesty to Boko Haram l As Jonathan declares total war >>Pg 2

Chibok girls:

Obasanjo blasts Badeh

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi, Etuka Sunday & Doyin Ojisipe

F President Goodluck Jonathan (3rd right), receiving key to a made in Nigeria Nissan vehicle from Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga (right), during the 2014 Democracy Day Exhibition, yesterday in Abuja. With him are Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo (2nd left), First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan (2nd right), Chairman, Stallion Group, Mr. Sunil Vaswani (3rd left), and Director, Stallion Group, Mr. Harpreet Singh (3rd left).

Photo: Joe Oroye

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, for claiming that the military knows the location where the over 200 girls abducted from a school in Chibok, Borno state are being held by Boko Haram. Badeh had told a group of protesters who visited the defence headquarters in Abuja on Monday, that: “The good news for the girls is that we know where they are but we cannot tell you, we cannot come and tell you military secrets here. Just leave us alone, we are working, we would get the girls back.”

Contd on Page 2

3 Abduction: Mu'azu lied on WAEC’s letter – Borno>>PgSSG >>Pg 3

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 2

News

CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 12 Op.Ed 13 Letters 14 Opinion 15 Metro 16-18 Business 19-22 Stockwatch 23 S/Report 24-25 Int’l 27-31

Suspicion, anxiety as NASS toys with PIB – Page 4

Democracy Day: FG offers amnesty to Boko Haram

By Hassan Haruna Ginsau & Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he federal government has offered to grant amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect who are prepared to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

This is coming at the same time President Goodluck Jonathan declared total war on the Boko Haram insurgents, saying:" I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil".

Minister of Youth Development, Mr Boni Haruna, disclosed the government's offer of amnesty to the violent sect, yesterday at a special event tagged "A day with young leaders of Nigeria", to mark the nation's Democracy Day held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

"President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect.

"Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace.

"Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the federal government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace

Vogue 32-33 Feature 34,35

s Nigerians marked the country’s 15-years of democratic rule, yesterday, a pandemonium broke out in Kurudu, a suburb of Abuja, as rumour of bomb blast filtered in, following an explosion, thought to be from a bomb attack.

The explosion, which occurred yesterday at about 9.40 a.m., when most residents were still at home, in line with the Democracy Day Public Holiday, caused serious panic in the area, as residents scampered for safety.

Immediately, the news of the blast, thought to be a terrorist

Politics 37-38 Newsxtra

39

Sports 41 Columnist 48

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with a development programme which provided opportunities for them to express themselves and have meaningful life.

In his Democracy Day broadcast to the nation earlier yesterday, Jonathan said he had authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to crush Boko Haram. “I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again and these thugs will be driven away. It will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

“I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism.

The unity and stability of our country and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable.

He called on Nigerians devoid of religious and political affiliations to join hands with the federal government in the fight against terrorism.

“We must remain united to win the war against terrorism.

Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

“The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil;

nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hard work, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

This would be the second attempt by the government to pardon sect members in return for them to lay down arms.

It may be recalled that the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, led

by Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, came under severe criticisms last year when the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, denied government claims that they had entered into a cease-fire agreement with the sect.

Upon rejecting the amnesty offer, Shekau said his group had done no wrong and so an amnesty would not be applicable to them.

The government itself has been double-speaking on the issue of dialogue and negotiation with the sect, saying in one breath that its doors are open to all options that would end the insurgency, and in another spitting fire as a means of tackling the menace.

attack in Kurudu, swiftly spread fear amongst residents of Karshi, Jikwoyi, Karu, Nyanya and other adjoining towns.

In the frenzy, there was heavy traffic gridlock in the area, due to rush by some motorists to leave the area, just as many residents remained indoors.

According to a resident, Uko Emmanuel, panic started when people heard the heavy explosion in the area.

He said though it was not clear if there was a bomb blast, many residents decided to remain indoors.

Another resident, Malam Inuwa Bakari, who spoke to our

correspondent early yesterday, said many fellow residents were fear-stricken, more so when they saw helicopters hovering over the area.

However, authorities were quick to douse the tension, explaining that the explosion was a controlled one by a construction company on a rock, which had been blocking a new road under construction, spanning from Karshi to Apo, in the Abuja city centre.

According to the director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Olajide Olaleye, it was a “controlled blast” to blow up a rock close to the Army Post-Hous-

ing Estate, in Kurudu.

He said the rock had been blocking the road new road under construction, passing through the area, to ease the nightmarish traffic gridlock along the Abuja-Keffi Express way.

He further clarified that the residents of the Estate were informed about the blast, calling on residents to remain calm.

It would be recalled that residents in the FCT and its neighbouring communities have been on alert following double bomb blasts in Nyanya Motor Park, on April 14 and May 1, respectively, planted by the Boko Haram sect, which killed over 100 people.

See full text of President Jonathan’s national broadcast on Page 31

Bomb scare in Abuja suburb

By Stanley Onyekwere

Digest 36

the government's gesture and key to amnesty programme", the minister appealed.

President Jonathan had earlier in his broadcast to the nation on the Democracy Day celebration, equally alluded to the official pardon offer to Boko Haram.

"For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

"My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society", the president said..

While giving an overview of youth's position in the present administration's transformation agenda, Mr. Boni Haruna explained further that a series of integration programmes have been lined up for members of Boko Haram who would surrender their arms and embrace peace.

He recalled that in the wake of youth restiveness in the Niger Delta, the government came up

A

Chibok girls: Obasanjo blasts Badeh Contd from Front Page However, in an exclusive interview he granted to Channels TV, which was aired last night, Chief Obasanjo dismissed as a public relations gimmick, the claim by the CDS that the Nigerian military knows the exact location where the abducted girls are being held.

“It is a serious issue. If there is something to be done to bring out these girls, it should be done.

Whatsoever statement we make, whatever action we take, if we do not really deal with the issue in a

way that will bring those girls out safe and secure, and make their parents happy, and give every Nigerian a sense of security, then such statement should not be made”, Obasanjo said.

The former Nigerian leader, who was reported to have intervened to help secure the release of the abductees, also criticised the entire handling of the abduction saga by the country's government.

President Obasanjo clarified that his intervention into the Chibok abduction matter was not without President Jonathan's

knowledge and approval, saying "I cannot have a plan without the president (Jonathan) being involved. It looked like I was going on one man mission. The president has to be involved and has to say go on”.

Also criticising those who doubted the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, Obasanjo emphasised that there should be no controversy about the abduction.

“Who is making it controversial?

Why should it be controversial?

Were girls abducted or not? "Can anybody face the parents of those

girls and say no girl was abducted? he queried.

Commenting on the statement

by President Jonathan that Boko Haram was a plot to pull down his government, Obasanjo said: “If the president is obsessed of one thing than Nigeria, then there is problem. Were Boko Haram in existence or not?

“When I went to Maiduguri they told me that they have been in existence even when I was in government. But that I was pursuing governance and not disturbing their Sharia”, he said.

Page 3

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

News

Chibok girls: Mu'azu, a pathological liar - Borno SSG

By Lawrence Olaoye, Abuja & Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

S

ecretary to the Borno State Government (SSG), Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, yesterday declared that the National Chairman of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), lied in a recent television interview, where he claimed that the Minister of State for Education and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) wrote the state governor, Kashim Shettima, not to allow examinations hold in the Government Secondary School, Chibok.

The PDP National Chairman had, in an interview granted by a television, alleged that the Borno state governor was aware that there was a letter from both the WAEC and the minister, specifically telling him that Government Secondary Chibok was not safe for

the 2014 WAEC exams but that Shettima disregarded it.

However, speaking with journalists in Lagos yesterday, Jidda, who showed the reporters the purported letters from both the minister and WAEC, challenged Mu’azu and his likes to produce the letters which asked the state government not to conduct exams at Chibok.

Instead, the SSG showed the reporters the letter the state government wrote to the Police, asking it to provide security on daily basis, to all exams centres, including the school in Chibok, based on the request, made by the examinations body.

"I did not know Mu’azu, a former Governor in the north-east that is suffering from this crisis, to be a pathological liar. I don't know if any of you watched the Channels Television today, (Thursday).

They showed Mu’azu telling lies, which compelled me to react. I

took the letters he is misquoting with me and the panelists all read it. There was nowhere any of the letters asked us not to conduct exams in Chibok. This is the letter; all of you should look at it. Mu’azu didn't read the letter before he went to the media to speak out of outright ignorance and falsehood. This is very unfortunate”, he stated.

"In any case, the minister does not even have the locus standi to direct the governor on such matters. We provided logistics, as requested by WAEC. We wrote the Police too, to provide security on daily basis, as per the request from WAEC to all the centers throughout the duration of the exams.

"But let me reiterate here that, at no time did we receive any letter either from the Police, WAEC or even the minister, advising us not to hold the exams in Chibok.

At any rate, as at the time of the

exams, Chibok was considered as one of the safest locations in the state.

"In actual fact, the minister's letter only asked that security be provided for WAEC officials in Federal Government Colleges in Borno state. The letter did not request that security be provided for students, let alone Chibok students. Here is a copy of the letter; you go through it and make your own judgment.

"So, I see Mu’azu's claim as not only ridiculous, but one that smacks of mischief. I have known him for a long time, but I did not know he could go to this length, all in the name of politics”, he further said.

Jidda explained that Borno State Government and its people have been the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency but are being made to look like the accused persons.

L-R: Wife of Benue state governor, Mrs. Yemisi Suswam, Benue state Deputy Governor, Chief Steven Lawani, Benue state Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, Senate President David Mark, and his wife, Mrs. Helen Mark, inspecting one of the lecture rooms of the Faculty of Law after the inauguration of the Law Complex at Benue state University, yesterday in Makurdi.

Photo: NAN

Alleged fraud: Jigawa court summons Turaki, 3 others From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

A

High Court sitting in Dutse has issued a summon to former Jigawa state governor, Alh. Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, his brother, Bashir Turaki and former state House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Mustapha Makama Kiyama, to appear before it over an alleged six-count charges of corruption, fraud, conspiracy.

The plaintiffs are to appear before the High Court, in a suit No. JDU/23C/2014 instituted by the Jigawa state government.

The charges against the accused, according to the court, include: fraudulent use of public fund, property of the state government to secure and pay interest for a private company, Gethel Nigeria limited a loan amounting to N4 billion contrary to section 97 of the penal code cap109 laws of Jigawa state 1998.

The second count charge is using of local government allocation account and local government account committee to guarantee the loan of N4 billion to Gethel Nigeria Ltd, which is a breach of trust and contravene section 315 of Penal Code Law, Cap 109 Laws of Jigawa state 1998.

Also, in March 2006, the accused jointly fabricated a letter authorising the state Governor to obtain an internal loan of N4 billion from a bank.

The presiding judge of the High Court, Justice Ubale Ahmed Taura directed that the summon be served on the former governor and three others, who are to appear before the court on June 12, 2014.

Gombe Emirate to bury Emir today From David Hassan, Gombe

G Missing $20bn: We didn’t clear NNPC – Panel member

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi & Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

V

ice-chairman of the Senate panel which probed the alleged unremitted $20 billion oil revenue, Bukola Saraki, yesterday disagreed with the position of the committee, saying that contrary to media reports, the panel actually indicted the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of unremitted funds.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Bamikole Omishore, Saraki regretted that the media did not read the details of the report before reporting the outcome of the investigation and the document.

He said the committee is still committed to unravelling the

whereabouts of part of the missing funds, even as he pointed out that forensic audit is still going on to certify the veracity of some of the claims of expenditure by the NNPC, which the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Petroleum Product Price and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) had owned up for the corporation.

Saraki, who pointed out that, as at the last meeting he attended, nothing had changed to confirm that the allegation of the former CBN governor was baseless, even as he emphasised that the committee’s report actually indicted the NNPC of illegal spending of billions of naira.

Saraki said, “Though I could not attend the last meeting of the committee, I have been very ac-

tive in the investigation; nothing significant has changed to suggest clearing anybody.

“I can say, on behalf of the Committee, that these media reports bear no correlation to the content of the Senate Committee report and I would urge the public to disregard it in its entirety.

“The Committee is yet to receive the report on the forensic audit and independent analysis on the subject clearly indicate we have a lot of grounds to cover in order to determine the level of culpability or otherwise of agency on the alleged non-committal.

“Therefore, to suggest any clearance for anybody at this stage is out of the question. I will further advise that the media should wait for the senate to release the

details of the Committee report to the public before they jump into spurious conclusions.”

The committee, led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, a former Governor of Kaduna state, had in the report submitted on Wednesday, indicted NNPC over unremitted $480 billion, including $262 million and $218, 069,354.32, being the money it spent on expenses it could not account for and the outstanding amount from gross lifting under the third party financing respectively.

It, therefore, directed the NNPC to refund the above money to the Federation Account, since it is the federal government's share of the third party financing of crude lifting within the period under review.

ombe Emirate council yesterday said arrangements have been concluded for the burial of the late Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Usman Abubakar. Speaking to our correspondent yesterday, at the Emir’s palace in Gombe, the Secretary, Gombe Emirate council, Alhaji Dauda M. Yahuza disclosed that the body of the Emir would flown from London to Nigeria for burial today.

It could be recalled that the Emir died on Wednesday while receiving treatment at London Hospital.

According to the Secretary, the Emir would be buried after Juma’at prayers in Gombe, adding that all is set for the burial.

Among those that paid condolence to Emir’s palace in Gombe yesterday were Emirs of Fika, Bali, Ibbi, Bade, Muri and Bali; former Minister of Agriculture, Sani Zangon Daura, among others.

PAGE 4

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 4 Report Suspicion, anxiety as NASS toys with PIB

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi Umar Mohammed Puma

&

P

etroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is an essential Bill which Nigerians are looking up to the Seventh National Assembly for passage into law. This, no doubt, is because of the potentials it has to transform the nation’s oil industry and make life better for Nigerians.

Recall that dealings in the oil sector have been shrouded in opacity, mostly resulting in corrupt practices and diversion of public funds. This is currently why the Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, is locking horns with members of the House of Representatives over alleged financial misconduct.

To this end, PIB has been described by oil and gas experts as the solution to these challenges of corrupt conducts; hence it has remained in the fore front of public discuss.

Due to the level of political and economic interests it has attracted across ethnic and political divides in the country, expectations of Nigerians is that the National Assembly will make haste and pass this Bill to take care of the evils bedeviling the Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

Unfortunately, the lawmakers have suspiciously continued to delay its passage for no clear reason. In the House of Representatives, this very crucial Bill has been turned into a tug for blame game.

While the Senate keeps assuring Nigerians on its readiness to pass this Bill, nobody can guarantee their commitment to that effect, especially given that such promises were made previously but failed.

On the other hand, there are reports that some lawmakers in the lower chamber are already gearing for a showdown with this peoples’ Bill. A lot of them are already nursing one reservation or the other against it.

Speaking last week when he received the new leadership of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), led by Chinedu Okoronkwo, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwerenmadu, assured the oil traders that the PIB will receive accelerated consideration in the Senate.

According to him, “We are committed to passing the Petroleum Industry Bill because we believe that it is going to bring major reforms in the industry. We want to solicit your patience and also your support towards passing it.

“We are hoping that very shortly our Committee will bring forth the report of the bill and we are going to give it an accelerated hearing so that Nigerians and those who are in the industry will begin to have the benefits of reforms intended by this bill”.

Also making clarifications on what is delaying the passage of the PIB, Senate spokesman, Enyinnaya Abaribe said a fine tuned version of the Bill will soon be brought before the Senate at plenary session for debate.

He further refuted the allegation that there is disagreement be-

President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark and Speaker, House of Reps, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal during a budget presentation in 2012 tween the northern and southern senators on certain parameters of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

“The matter of PIB in the senate is on course. There’s no division between northern and southern senators. The three committees charged with it: Upstream, Downstream and Gas, will soon meet to fine tune the document before bringing it to the plenary”, Abaribe said.

When contacted for comment on what is delaying the PIB in the Senate, a member of the Senate ad hoc Committee set up to harmonise the controversial areas, Etah Enang, declined comment, insisting that it is only the chairman of the committee that has the authority to speak on the Bill.

Moreover, when Peoples Daily got to the office of the Chairman of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on PIB, Emmanuel Paulker, our correspondent was referred to his Secretary, who in turn demanded an official letter before questions on the PIB could be answered by the committee.

The last time PIB was debated in the Senate; there was serious disagreement between the northern and southern senators.

An unconfirmed source who does not want to be mentioned, said the harmonising committee has not been able to agree to some critical areas of the Bill, hence there has to be time for lobbying among the lawmakers to save the Bill from being rejected.

The lawmaker pointed out that the Bill is a very important one, which the Seventh Senate owes Nigerians, adding that there is no intention by both northern and southern senators to kill the Bill, especially given its potentials to solve the problems in the oil industry.

Speaking on why the PIB has

delayed over time, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, Sylvester Ogbaga, urged the public not to see them as the stumbling block standing in the way of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as it is being made to appear.

Ogbaga stated that although they would have passed the PIB, it however has faced issues of undue interference from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as well as the Presidency, with regards to intermittent review in the composition of the bill.

“People always think that the delay being experienced by the PIB is caused by the National Assembly which is very wrong. The Bill would have been passed if not for the way both the Executive and the NNPC kept recalling it for content update and modification in line with current trends, so it’s not solely on the part of the National Assembly as Nigerians are being made to believe”, he said.

Efforts to get the Chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on PIB, Peterside Dakuku, to explain what is delaying the Bill could not yield results.

In addition, the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Zakaria Mohammed, refused to respond to the SMS that was sent to his mobile phone, even the calls put to his mobile phone was not answered or returned.

Nigeria being a mono-economy, whose existence largely depend on sales and proceeds from crude oil, there is no reason why a hide and seek game should be played by the representatives of the people on a Bill as important as PIB. The Bill met strong controversies when it was first introduced in the Senate, apparently due to the skepticism with which northern

senators viewed it and this has ultimately delayed the passage of the Bill by the National Assembly.

The controversy over PIB stems from issue of the additional 10 per cent it seeks to give the oil host communities. Other issues affecting the passage of PIB into law is the believe that it gives absolute and enormous powers to the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the sitting President, to discretionary award oil blocs to oil companies.

In addition to the above, northern senators are also clamouring that the Frontier Oil Exploration Fund should be made independent of the sitting President.

This fund, which will be used to pursue exploration activities in new oil frontiers, especially in the Chad basin in the north, is subjected by PIB to the whims of the President in power.

It would be recalled that in the sixth senate, various versions of PIB were in circulation. This impeded the consideration and adoption of the Bill then. But now, it has become very essential to Nigerians, considering the current economic realities.

One of the advantages PIB offers Nigerians is that it would help to place more serious fines on the International Oil Companies if they spill oil in their host communities.

The current fine is very insignificant, hence OICs do not care about the sanction while spilling oil in the communities where they explore oil; as they pay deaf ears to the cries and difficulties experienced by their host communities due to the spillage.

For this reason, aquatic and agricultural activities in the communities where these companies operate have been destroyed, leaving the people there with no means of living.

Moreover, if the PIB is passed into law, it would help Nigerians to know the amount of money generated daily from the sale of crude oil.

Presently, nobody can say the exact barrels of crude oil which Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) lifts every day, but with PIB, this issue would be resolved.

In addition, Section 198 of the Bill restricts the oil companies from destroying trees and objects which are of commercial value or of veneration to the people resident within the petroleum mining area, unless the company is ready to pay compensation for the damage to the people.

This section, which is lacking in the current law regulating petroleum industry, will help to protect Nigeria’s heritage, commercial trees and farmlands, irrespective of whether they are in the north or south.

The PIB, if passed into law, would force oil companies to provide a means of protecting the local communities where they are operating, from damages of oil spillage, in addition to plans on how to improve and develop the environment of their host communities and the people living there.

Moreover, the PIB will also bring more revenue to the Nigerian government, in addition to making provisions for optimal utilisation of the petroleum resources such as gas. Nigeria ranks second to Russia in the world in gas flaring, which is akin to wasting Nigeria’s gas resources.

In view of these few advantages which this Bill proposes for Nigerians, there is no reason why the National Assembly should continue to play politics with this very important Bill, which will salvage Nigeria and its citizens.

News

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 5

Democracy Day: Kudos, knocks for Nigeria’s judiciary

K

udos and knocks yesterday trailed theperformance of the Nigerian judiciary, as the nation marked 15 years ofuninterrupted democratic governance.

Some prominent lawyers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Lagos commended the judiciary for playing a vital

role insustaining the nation’s democracy.

Others, however, said there was still a lot to be done to improve onits performance due to allegations of corruption and other corruptpractices by judicial officers.

Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said some judges had delivered

judgmentsthat had deepened democracy and promoted good governance.

Ozekhome noted that the judiciary had performed better than other armsof government since Nigeria returned to democracy on May 29, 1999.

“It has held its head high above murky waters, refusing to

be cowedor vanquished by the two other more powerful sister arms of government- the Legislature and the Executive.

Another lawyer and former lawmaker, Mr. Ehiogie WestIdahosa, said thereforms being put in place by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, JusticeAloma Mukhtar, had repositioned the judiciary.

However, a human rights lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, told NAN that thegood work of some judges had been tainted by the level of corruptionin the sector.

Aturu said: “There have been ugly incidences of judges been removed because of corruption.

“Some judges have given orders which they ought not to have given;particularly those judges who restrain the Eco-

nomic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting or prosecuting corruptofficials’’.

According to him, such judgments ridicule what the judiciary stands for.

On his part, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo (SAN), a former Lagos StateAttorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said there was aperception of lack of integrity on the nation’s judiciary.

“There is a perception that things should be a lot better, especiallywith regards to integrity.

There have been many allegations ofjudicial corruption which is very unfortunate.

“The NJC has treated a few of them and it will show that it may berampant than we think because corruption and corrupt practices arehardly reported,” Osibanjo said. (NAN)

Condition of Nigerian prisons worrisome – Amosun From James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta L-R: Niger state Deputy Governor, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, Secretary to Niger state Government, Hon. Idris Ndako Kpaki, and Deputy Chief Whip, Niger state House of Assembly, Hon. Ahmed Murhktar, during an interactive session on the 7 years of Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu as governor of Niger state, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Chibok: We know girls location, military insists

By Edoamaowo Udeme

T

he Nigerian military, while discountenancing worldwide outcry on the military’s disclosure of the location of the abducted Chibok girls, insists that it is in the know of where the girls were being held.

Defence spokesperson, Major-General Chris Olukolade, who spoke at a briefing by the National Information Centre (NOA), which held at its headquarters in Abuja yesterday, said,

“Let everyone believe what the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, said and if you don’t believe, wait for developments; but our interest is in the safety of these children and every effort will be put towards that and we expect cooperation from everyone”.

“We remain with the position taken by the CDS. When we have any further comments or developments, the nation will be told”, he further stated.

Speaking on recent attacks on

Buni Yadi, Yobe State, Olukolade confirmed that 12 soldiers and 13 policemen were killed but denied insinuations that the troops in Buni Yadi were abandoned by the military command during the hours of the incident.

He disclosed that based on intelligence reports and information provided by Nigerians, a number of arrests have been made in different parts of Kaduna and Zamfara states and thus reducing terror activities tremendously.

Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who announced last week that the Nigerian military has discovered the whereabout of the Chibok school girls.

Just like Okupe said in the interview with CNN, a competent source within the presidency debunked the rumour that which made its way to one of the national newspapers that President Goodluck Jonathan was angry with the CDS over his revelation to the effect that the Nigerian military ‘’discovered the where about’’ of the Chibok school girls which allegedly angered the Americans.

The source further said that the President was not unmindful of the effect of the positive development on the morale of the Nigerian military with the headway.

He said: ‘’If the Americans

had made the breakthrough, that would have been the end of the Nigerian military; and the President, as the Commander-inChief, knows that at all times he must show and have confidence in the capacity and competence of his troops.’’

According to the source, the administration has been battling all kinds of dangerous and unfounded rumours aimed at discrediting and creating confusion within the rank and file of the military.

“President Jonathan and the military high command were ‘’compelled’’ into accepting the assistance of some foreign nations, with a view to reducing the barrage of criticisms against the government over the delay in the release of the abducted Chibok school girls.

. . . Presidency also confirms location

By Aminu Imam,with agency report

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imilarly, the Presidency yesterday confirmed that the location of the abducted Chibok School girls by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists group has been discovered by the Nigerian military.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe made the confirmation yesterday, in a special interview with the Cable News Network, (CNN), adding that” as an insider, I am saying that the location of the Chibok school girls is now known and President Jonathan is doing everything possible to ensure their safe return.”

Okupe’s confirmation corroborated the revelation by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air

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gun state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has described the state of Nigerian prisons as worrisome and unacceptable.

The government gave the description when he visited Oba Prison, in Obafemi Owode local government area and Ibara Prison, in Abeokuta-South local government area, both in Ogun state to grant amnesty to some inmates and felicitate with them on the 15thanniversary of democracy in Nigeria.

Amosun, whoordered for the release of 15 inmates from Ibara Prison while some others had their convictions reduced as part of the celebration, imme-

diately ordered for ambulances to convey ailing inmates to the state’sGeneral Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

The governor, who was accompanied by the State Prisons Controller and members of his cabinet arrived the Prison yard in high spirits, but the poor condition of the inmates’ numbering about 200 shattered his mood.

‘Last year, I provided them with borehole and that is working. The condition was not as worse as this; you can see them in a very poor state of health. I am not blaming anyone, either federal government or the Prisons or the state, it is a collective responsibility which must be corrected immediately”, he stated.

14 die in Edo road mishap From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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ourteen persons were yesterday reported to have died in an ill-fated auto crash on the Benin-Okene Highway, by Ewu slope, EsanCentral LGA of Edo state.

The accident, which involved a 15-Seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), occurred few meters away from the scene where a similar accident had claimed the lives of 15 passengers one week ago.

A brake failure by the truck, whose registration number was yet to be ascertained, resulted in the collision, according to eyewitnesses account.

They said the bus overtook the truck and was in-between two trucks, oblivious to the driver that the truck he over took had brake failure.

The eyewitness lamented that truck behind suddenly smashed the bus against the other, resulting in the instant death of 14 occupants of the

bus, including the driver.

Corpses of the dead victims have been deposited in the morgue of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua-Edo State, while the injured victims are receiving treatment at the same hospital.

As at the time of this filing this report, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials were seen making frantic efforts to address the gridlock occasioned by the accident.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in Edo Central, Mike Odiahi, who lamented the frequent accident at the spot, advised motorists against careless overtaking, urging them to always obey rules and regulations guiding driving.

He advocated the introduction of compulsory driving school for all road users as a way of reducing road crashes, just as he appealed to publicspirited individuals to assist the Red Cross with an ambulance, to ease rescue operations.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

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News

Senate President decries high level of criminality in Nigeria From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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enate President Sen. David Mark has decried the high level of criminality in the country especially in Benue state, maintaining that if criminals are not prosecuted, there would be lawlessness in the society.

Sen. Mark made this lamentation yesterday in Makurdi, Benue State capital while commissioning the new state-of-the art Faculty of Law at

the Benue State University, BSU, built by Governor Gabriel Suswam.

He noted that many criminals are walking the streets free without been punished for the evil act they commit, challenging security operatives to live up to their expectation, by ensuring that criminals are not only apprehended but duly prosecuted by the law.

The Senate President also frowned at the manner politicians in the State malign each other instead of tackling real issues,

adding too that there is unnecessary distraction by petition writers which is affecting governance in the State negatively.

“Let us do those things that are pleasing to God and avoid maligning each other. We should give maximum support to the governor to succeed. I want to commend him for building on the legacy of late Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu, who started the university by construction this edifice, which will make for conducive learning

for our future lawyers”, he said.

Governor Gabriel Suswam said leaders of the state who nursed the establishment of the university predicated it on rule of law, which motivated him to embark on the construction of the project.

He added that the impressive performance of law graduates of the university at the Law School, Lagos as well as non-accreditation of some of the courses of the faculty were worrying issues that led to the birth of the new structure.

Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (5th left), his wife, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola (middle), Kabiru Aregbesola (right), Qudir Aregbesola (5th right), Sakirat Aregbesola (4th left), Rauf Aregbesola (Junior) (left), Olateju Ishola (2nd left), Jumoke Oladeji (3rd left), Bode Oladeji (2nd right), and others, during the 57th Birthday celebration of Governor Aregbesola, yesterday at Government House, in Osogbo.

NSCDC equips state commands, distributes vehicles

By Edoamaowo Udeme

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ollowing the drive to beef up s e c uri ty a c ro ss the Federation, the NSCDC’s Chief Executive, Dr. Ade Abodurin has distributed Hilux and surveillance vehicles to the state commands as part of the Phase I distribution of

equipment.

The Corps earlier in April distributed five Hilux vehicles to the five units of the Joint Task Force (JTF) formation in Niger-Delta to enhance effective operation of the Task Force.

This distribution to the commands, is to enable the operatives carry out the Corps

mandate without compromise especially, as it involves the protection of critical infrastructures of government and national assets such as the oil and gas sector, telecommunication, power, transport among others.

While issuing out the vehicles to states like Rivers, Benue, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom,

and also claimed that a lot of the nation’s resources are being spent by the federal government on insecurity in states controlled by the party.

Maku said this while answering questions from State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, presided over by President Jonathan.

Reacting to the allegation, the Executive Chairman of CACOL, Comrade Debo Adeniran cautioned the Information Minister against making insensitive submissions.

He said, “It is quite pathetic

that Nigerian politicians could play politics with anything. That shows how far these rulers are detached from the people they claim they govern. The submission from Mr. Maku is preposterous and uncalled for at a time of national tragedy like this. Protection of lives and properties is the major preoccupation of a responsible government.

“When has it become an offence to set a lethargic government on its feet? It is over a month ago that the poor girls, whose only offence is that

Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Ekiti, FCT among others, the Commandant General counseled the recipients to use the vehicles for the purpose in which it is meant for.

He also encouraged them to take the vehicles received to their respective governors for blessing.

Uphold democratic unity, not division- CAN tells Nigerians

By Evelyn Okakwu he President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has called on Nigerians to play up at all times the attributes of Nigerian Unity in Democracy and down play the factors likely to divide the Country.

He made the call in a statement, congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of the 2014 Democracy day, yesterday.

“On the occasion of this year’s celebration, we are all reminded of our responsibility to collectively defend this democracy that remains the shining light on our continent.

“I call on all Nigerians to join hands with their leaders at all levels to work for the sustenance of this democracy, let us uphold the values that will protect it and down play those issues that have threatened democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

“I wish to remind Nigerians of the need to be hopeful and remain faithful to our great country, Nigeria.

At this point in time in the history of our country, I want to state unequivocally that we have a lot to celebrate as a democratic nation despite the setbacks occasioned by the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency”, he added.

The CAN president said that Nigeria’s 15 years of democracy has created positive marks clear enough to be recognised by any careful observer: “15 years ago, there are a lot of changes (positive) that Nigerians have witnessed in polity that could not have been possible under any kind of military rule, from telecoms to the aviation, media to health, education and the economy, the changes are clear,” he stated He said the recent trend was a sign of a great change that was about to begin in Nigeria.

Similarly, in another statement, CAN condoled the family of Justice Legbo Kutigi over the death of his wife.

“On behalf of the entire Christian community in Nigeria, under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria, I wish to commiserate with the family of Justice Legbo Kutigi over the demise of his dear wife.

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Chibok girls: CACOL faults Maku over comments on protesters

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has lambasted the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, over his allegation that the opposition parties sponsored the campaign for the release of the Chibok girls to cast aspersions on the Presidency.

Maku alleged that about 90 per cent of protesters campaigning for the release of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno state, are members of the opposition

they went to school, were abducted from the hostels and no one seems to know their whereabouts. That is a shame on the government despite all the security arsenals in its possession.

“Mr. Maku should realise that the campaign for the release of the Chibok Girls was stronger in other countries like the United States of America Europe and some African countries than Nigeria. Is he saying that these Americans including the US First Lady, Mitchelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, the Europeans,

and the South Africans to mention a few, who carried placards to stir up Nigerian government are all opposition members? The allegation is uncalled for at this time”, he stated.

“All what Nigerians desire and hope for is the successful return of the girls. Maku should stop insulting the sensibilities of the Nigerians; he should just maintain his silence if he does not have any reasonable information to pass across to the parents and relatives of the girls and to the entire Nigerians.

News

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 7

Youth remanded in prison for alleged thuggery in Kogi

From Omale Adama Lokoja

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youth, Suleiman Abubakar was on Wednesday remanded in prison custody on the orders of a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court, for allegedly attacking an INEC official and carting away a carton of permanent voters’ cards.

Abubakar, of Ijiho village, in Kogi-KK local government area, was charged with criminal conspiracy and thuggery, contrary to sections 97(1) of the Penal Code and Part II Section 12 (a, b, d and e) of Kogi State Kidnapping, Thuggery and

other Related Offences (Prohibition) Law, 2010.

He was alleged to have committed the offence in the company of some other youths, now at large, at about 1 p.m. last Sunday, May 25, during the distribution of permanent voters’ cards at Ijiho LGEA primary school polling centre.

According to the Prosecuting Police Officer, Mr. Tuesday Ganagana, the youths had attacked the INEC official, Mr. Ohowhohen Gabriel while he was issuing the PVCs to registered voters, saying that their action was aimed at

truncating the forth-coming General Elections.

Ganagana told the court that investigation into the case was still in progress and applied for another date for mention as he opposed admitting the accused to bail on the ground that the offence of thuggery was not ordinarily bailable.

The offence, he said, carries 20 years imprisonment upon conviction, adding that once granted bail, the accused would not turn up for his trial as he would rather jeopardize police

investigation and recovery of the stolen cards.

In his ruling the Chief Magistrate, Mr. Levi Animoku said the allegation of thuggery as couched in the First Information Report (FIR) was a heinous one and common crime in and around political circles in the state.

Animoku said, though the accused was presumed innocent by virtue of the laws, the presumption of innocence was not absolute and consequently, ordered that the accused be remanded at Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe.

Man, 26, charged with stealing from someone else’s bank account

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ne Iziegbe Izevbigie, 26, on Wednesday appeared at an Oredo Chief Magistrates’ Court charged with stealing money from another person’s bank account with Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.

The police prosecutor, Mr. Sylvester Omor, told the court that the accused and three others at large, committed the offence at Unity Bank PLC on Airport Road, Benin, on May 15. ``The accused withdrew N9,000 from the account of one Shu’aibu Abu with card No. 5516090120347239, PIN No. 8047, on the said date.’’

Omor said the offence contravened sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code.

If convicted, he is liable to seven years imprisonment.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony and stealing.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Mike Osayi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with a surety in like sum.

He adjourned the case to June 6 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)

Man, 24, bags 5 years’ imprisonment for theft

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L-R: National Secretary, Integrated Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (IYEEP), Barrister Jack Tilley-Gyado, IYEEP National Coordinator, Comrade Nwoke Obinna, and Youth National Trainer, Mr. Richard Kent, during a press conference on equipment for sustainable empowerment of Nigerian youth, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Bauchi NSCDC commandant, 1 other charged for contempt of court From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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Bauchi Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered that the Bauchi state Commandant of National Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Jibrin Shu’aibu and a staff of the corps be committed to prison over disobedience of court order.

The Judge, Magistrate Amin Ilellah, gave the order in Bauchi, following expiration of Order 49 served on the accused persons on

May 9, which was served on them on the same date.

Ilellah had, also on May 7, served the accused with Order 48, ordering them to comply with the earlier order directing the accused persons to tender a car, with Reg. No. DAS 157 AA, belonging to one Mrs. Beatrice Gondyi in the custody of the accused before the court.

Ilellah advised that, “People like the commandant should be stripped off

of their positions especially at the time where the country needs the utmost legitimacy under the rule of law.”

He also ruled that one Garba Musa a staff of the NSCDC, Bauchi should also be committed to prison until Musa and his boss Shu’aibu complied with the order of a District Court that had order the two accused ersons to produce the car belonging to Gondyi.

It could be recalled that the said car had been impounded by

NSCDC sometime in Dec. 2013, over alleged criminal conspiracy by the driver of the car and efforts made by the Gondyi through legal means to retrieve the car from the NSCDC proved abortive.

When contacted for comment, Counsel to NSCDC, Bala Dakup said that he would soon file an application for evacuation of the order before the court to enable the NSCDC file its preliminary objection.

court that the accused committed the offence on May 9, 2003 at No 41, Okeiyinmi Street, Ado-Ekiti.

He said the accused, on the said day, unlawfully killed Iluku by stabbing him with a sharp knife on the shoulder and stomach.

The prosecutor called seven

witnesses to prove his case, while the defence counsel, Mr. Niyi Idowu also called four witnesses.

NAN reports that the defence counsel had urged the judge to temper justice with mercy before the sentence.

The judge, Justice Ilori

Akintayo said that the accused person was found guilty of murder as charged. ``The sentence of the court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead and may God have mercy on your soul’’, he said. (NAN)

Man,35, to die by hanging for murder in Ado-Ekiti

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n Ado-Ekiti High Court, on Wednesday sentenced one Ojo Olabanji, 35, to death by hanging for killing one Ojo Iluku.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state counsel, Mr. Israel Ayoola, told the

Magistrates’ Court in Benin, Edo state, on Tuesday sentenced 24-year-old Odion Izekor to five years in prison, for stealing a wallet containing N80, 000.

The magistrate, Mr. Mike Osayi, sentenced Izekor after he pleaded guilty to the one count of theft.

Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Sylvester Omor, told the court that on Dec. 30, 2013, the convict snatched a wallet containing N80, 000 from one Stella Osaretin at the King’s Square, Oba Market, Benin.

According to Omor, after snatching the wallet, Izekor threw it to a member of his syndicate.

He said that the convict’s accomplice, now at large, ran away with the wallet, and Izekor was arrested, adding that the convict confessed during police interrogation that he committed the crime.

Giving the judgment, Osayi said: ``In sentencing you, the court puts into consideration your plea for leniency and also takes notice that you admitted committing the offence without delaying proceedings. ``The sentence is without an option of fine to serve as deterrent to other pocket pickers on the street.’’ (NAN)

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

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Govt Yuguda cancels all activities on Democracy Day From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Bauchi State Governor Malam Isa Yuguda has cancelled all activities lined up for the celebration of 2014 Democracy Day in sympathy with the families of the victims of Jos attack last

week In a press briefing to mark 2014 Democracy Day celebration, the state Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Salihu Ibrahim Halilu, said that the Democracy Day celebrations would be marked in the state with prayers for the

nation and the abducted girls of the Government girls secondary school Chibok in Borno.

“The present mood of the nation calls for a sober moment and reflections to the many problems facing the country. The day is also a mark of solidarity with the

over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno, abducted by the Boko Haram Sect last month” He said that no meaningful development will be archived in a country faced with security challenges urging the people

Over 166 children adopted in Niger state in 27yrs

Democracy Day: Insecurity hampers celebration in Yola From Umar Dankano, Yola

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

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he Head of Minna Motherless Baby Home, Hajiya Azumi Ahmed has said that in the last 27 years the home gave out 166 children for adoption to interested foster parents across the country.

Hajiya Ahmed made the disclosure yesterday while receiving a donation of food and sanitary items worth over N100, 000 by the Customs Officers Wives Associations (COWA) of Niger/Kogi/ Kwara command in Minna noting that presently her home has 22 motherless children.

Represented by one of her staff, Malam Abubakar Hussaini stated that in the past the Home gave out children for adoption to interested people from across the country but for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation, it now only gives out from within the state.

She noted that the Home had married out five female children in the last six years whereas two had completed their National Certificate in Education (NCE) programme. Recently also she said the Home lost one of its girl child.

The Chairperson of COWA, Baraka Maitama Kura, while presenting the donations stated that the donation was in line of the objectives of the association in reaching out to the less privileged in the society said, “we felt morally and officially obliged to attend to the needy and children who by no fault of theirs find themselves in the position they are.”

Kura, also represented by her Secretary, Agnes Osawaru told the children to be obidient and disciplined as that is the only they could grow to become not only responsible but eminent citizens of their country, urging them not to be discouraged or loose hope in life.

The association donated three bags of rice, ten cartons each of Indomie, nine packets of diaper, four cartons of Beloxxi cracker, a 20 liters jerry can of vegetable oil, two packets of tissue paper, two cartons of soap, a bag of detergent, three cartons of fruits juice and two cartons of spaghetti.

to pray for sustainable peace in Nigeria.

The Governor said, “Let me implore all and Sunday to pray for sustained peace in our land. Nigeria particularly this part of the region is passing through a trying period that calls for divine intervention.

L-R: Facilitator, Concerned Indigenes of Wukari Local Government, Taraba state, Alhaji Abdulmumin Sangari, President, Wukari Federation of Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Sule Sale, and Chairman, Muslim Council, Wukari chapter, Alhaji Ja’afaru Abubakar Gago, during a media briefing on the extrajudicial killings, arrest and unlawful detention of Muslim in Wukari town by security agents, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Democracy Day: Northern governors sue for peace From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

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he Niger state governor and Chairman Northern States Governors Forum, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has called on the governments and people of Nigeria to use the Democracy Day to reflect soberly on the past and forge a way forward in the area of engendering peace and sustainable development.

The Chairman of the forum who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, stated that Nigerians must imbibe tenets of citizenship, which he added must be within

the confines of good leadership.

He urged Nigerians to imbibe best global practice of ensuring that leadership recruitment system is strategically repositioned to produce leaders with sense of responsibility along achieving collective aspirations of Nigerians.

“Nigeria is a great country with huge potential in natural and human resources to take the country to its place among well to do nations of the world. We must therefore leverage on this year democracy day celebration to ensure that Nigerians are truly democratized not only by name but by content of

character” “We must eschew action that will plunge us into abysmal fall. We must therefore continue to work against forces of darkness to chat a golden path to our developmental aspiration under a peaceful and united atmosphere based on the tenets of religious chastity”.

The Northern governors’ chairman therefore, called on all Nigerians to redirect their attention in solving the anomalies in the system adding that until Nigeria is truly democratic and its skewed federalism properly addressed, it would be difficult to salvage it from the precipice

he current in security challenge facing the north eastern states of the country has hampered the celebration of Democracy Day in Yola, the Adamawa state capital and its environs.

Some of the residents interviewed by Peoples Daily in Yola opined that democracy cannot be celebrated in the absence of peace and tranquility.

Malam Bello (MBG) said if the spate of violence is not tackled, it has the tendency of negating all the achievements reached in the last 15 years.

The ancient city of Yola was bereft of the activities that usually hallmark the day as many residents decided to remain indoors as major streets of the town remained empty.

The Adamawa state government declared the day as work-free in order to allow citizens to celebrate the occasion but the government has itself celebrated the occasion low key.

Another resident of Yola Musa Jimeta called on the various tiers of governments to use all at their disposal to address the current security challenges bedevilling the country as no democratic dividends can be derived in an atmosphere of rancor.

The state Public Relations Officer of the All Progressives Congress in the State Mr. Phineas Padio applauded the developmental strides recorded by the APC government in view of the daunting challenges facing the state.

He said the APC government has put up a better show compared to the last PDP government under Boni Haruna which he says has put up a woeful performance.

Padio called on the people of the state to continue to cooperate with the security operatives considering that they are putting their best despite dearth of logistics to secure the lives of the citizens just as he condemned the lackluster attitude of the Federal Government towards the resolution of the security drift.

Correspondents chairman now spokesman to Gov Aliyu From Yakubu Minna

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Mustapha,

iger state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has announced the appointment the correspondents Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Tanko Dada as the Director-General Public Affairs in his Information Management Team.

According to a signed statement by the Chief Press

Secretary to the governor, Israel A. Ebije, Alhaji Dada was of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Until his appointment, he was the state Bureau Chief of the agency in Minna, Niger state.

The statement further intimated that Dada who was born in 1962 started his career as a journalist in the Niger state ministry of information in 1988. He left the ministry same year to pick up appointment in NAN as a

reporter.

According to governor Aliyu’s spokesman, the newly appointed Director-General was considered for the job based on recognition of his hard work, dedication and commitment to duty.

The newly appointed Director, Public Affairs, who is from Paikoro local government area of Niger state bagged a Diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 1986. He

also has a National Higher Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), in 2001.

Dada continued his academic pursuit in his quest to attain height of professional competence when he bagged a post-graduate diploma from the IIJ in 2003. He was until his appointment the correspondents’ chapel of NUJ chairman in Minna. He is married to two wives and has 8 children.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

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NEMA develops humanitarian response plan for Chibok

By Doyin Ojosipe

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s the federal government intensify efforts toward the rescue of the abducted Chibok school girls, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has convened a meeting of humanitarian stakeholders to develop a suitable response plan for the social re-integration of the girls and appropriate supports to the community.

Addressing the stakeholders meeting in Abuja, the DirectorGeneral of the NEMA Alhaji

Muhammad Sani Sidi said it was expected to validate a draft humanitarian response plan for Chibok and has become imperative to build synergy as well as strengthen coordination mechanism for humanitarian assistance to the affected persons and community.

He said, “While the Federal Government is working assiduously towards the safe release of the abducted girls and reunite them with their families members, it is important that a sectoral response plan be prepared

for their rehabilitation and reintegration back to normal life.

While noting that NEMA has already commenced humanitarian intervention in Chibok, the Director-General observed the existence of yet some gaps in the requirement of the affected persons, “hence the call for collective action in the priority sectors of protection, health, education, emergency food and non-food items, water and sanitation as well as provision of durable solutions.”

Also speaking, the Resident

Coordinator of the United Nations in Nigeria Mr. Dauda Toure urged the stakeholders to support the initiative of NEMA by making useful contribution towards its success.

The Chairman of Chibok Local Government who was represented at the meeting by Mr Musa Elijah Kolo appreciated the Federal Government for coming to the aid of the people but requested for speedy rescue of the abducted girls, rehabilitation and upgrading of public infrastructures in the area.

Police disrupt protest by Polytechnic, Colleges of Education students

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he police, on Wednesday, fired tear gas and shot bullets into the air to disperse protesting students of some polytechnics, colleges of education and some NGOs in Lagos.

The peaceful protest was organised by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Education Rights Campaign and Concerned Students Against Education Commercialisation (COSATEC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest was to ask the Federal Government to resolve its conflict with the striking Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).

ASUP and COESU began strikes in September, 2013 and December, 2013, respectively.

NAN reports that the protest, which took off from the Yaba Coll ege o f T e c h no lo g y , wa s disrupted at Evans Square in Ebute Meta.

Scores of armed policemen, who arrived at the Evan Square in Hilux vans, fired tear gas and bullets to disperse the protesters.

At the sound of gunshots, the protesters, passers-by and residents of nearby Adekunle, Carter and Simpson streets took to their heels.

A protester alleged that a stray bullet hit an unidentified male student in the hand, while several others students were arrested and whisked away by the policemen.

The situation resulted into traffic jam at Ojuelegba, Ikorodu Road, Herbert Macaulay Way, Jibowu, Mushin, Yaba and Sabo.

Mr. Hassan Soweto, National Coordinator Education Rights Campaign, said during the protest at Jibowu Roundabout that the aim was to urge the government to end the strikes.

He said that the demands of the unions were genuine and would help to adequately train manpower that could enhance technological development of Nigeria. (NAN)

First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan (4th left), wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Helen Mark (middle), President, ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians, Mrs. Aminata Toungara, and other ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians, during their visit to the first lady, on Wednesday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Jos bomb blast: Community calls for street- naming after hero From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

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ollowing the Saturday night bomb blast which claimed four lives along Bauchi road in Jos, community leaders in the area have called on Governor Jonah David Jang to name a street after Alh. Bello Ahmed Ali, who was killed in the Saturday’s blast while trying to prevent a bomber near a movie theater in the state capital.

Alh. Bello Ahmed Ali died alongside three others while trying to prevent a suspected bomber, who parked a Toyota Odyssey in front of his house where the movie theater is located.

A friend and neighbour to the deceased, Alhaji Saddiq Masallah, who spoke to the representative of the state government during a condolence visit, called on Jang to name the street where the incident occurred after the deceased’s name.

Governor Jang, who was represented by the state’s Information Commissioner, Barrister Olivia Daziem, promised to deliver the message to the governor.

The commissioner however described the late Bello and his friend as heroes, who have given their lives in order to save the lives of innocent people in the state.

In her words: “Alh. Bello sacrificed his life for the close to 1,000 people that had converged at that viewing center. It is possible that if he had not been that vigilant, we would have still been crying today in Plateau state. But as God will have it, Alh. Bello stood his ground and sacrificed himself.

The Governor has asked that his family take heart in this loss, but we should also be happy because what he has done is to protect us and our state”.

16 years of democracy has failed to function in Nigeria- Polytechnic Don From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Dean Faculty of General Studies, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Alhaji Hassan Hassan has said that the country operates a weak democratic structure that has failed to function.

Hassan made the assertion on yesterday in Bauchi, during an interview with journalists on sixteen years of democracy in Nigeria.

He stated that “I know that

we came into democracy blindly, blindly because we have not made the conditions that we needed for the democracy to strive.

Hassan, who is also the Head of Department, Mass Communication of the Polytechnic said, “Firstly, we wanted democracy but nobody wanted to tell the condition that goes along with democracy, these are: tolerance, understanding, peace, and etc.

“So people saw democracy as a

mean to actualize themselves against the state, against the government and in the end we have succeeded in establishing democratic system that has benefited individuals more than it has benefited the generality of our people,” Hassan said.

He said that “There is a little to write home, first the democratic structures are weak, they cannot function very well, secondly we have weaken the system further by emphasising money against all

issues.

“Money is the business for the day individuals, for groups, for political parties and for the government and that has destroyed us much.

“This money is not everywhere, it is not in the popular hands, it is with selected few people who finds themselves in an opportuned, or organised platform, where they have for the 16 years stealing the resources the country,” Hassan said.

Leadership tussle rocks Igbo community in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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ollowing a leadership tussle rocking the Igbo community in Bauchi state, the Eze Igbo, Chief Jude Ifeanyi Umezika has refuted the allegation that he has been dethroned as the leader of the Igbo community in the state.

He described the allegations as base-less and mere speculation, saying that due process was not followed by his opponents to

dethrone him from office.

The Eze Igbo, who addressed news men yesterday, at the NUJ press centre in Bauchi, said he has reigned as the Eze Igbo for seventeen years in the state and had no problem with the Igbo community as wrongly insinuated by a faction within the leaders.

He said, “The crisis rocking the Igbo community started about four years ago, when some of our member became hungry

for power and started making trouble over the leadership of the community” “Pre se ntly, an imp ostor known as Hitler Paul Chibuike is going to media houses in the state, declaring himself as the Eze of Igbo. I want to correct the wrong impression that he has created in the minds of the Igbo community and people of Bauchi state that I have been dethrone.

I still remain the Eze of Igbo in Bauchi and I have not been

dethroned by anybody” “Constitutionally, it only the Bauchi emirate council that has the legal powers to dethrone and not a group of individuals within the Igbo community, who are ignorant of the process of dethronement”.

He also debunked the allegation that he has been bought over by state government, stressing that he was only loyal to Governor of the Isa Yuguda and not his errand boy.

Page 11

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Money Sense

How you can start ornamental flower business

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

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

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

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

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

Money Tip:

Consider healthy food delivery

M

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

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

Quote

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

-unknown

advance, and fix a budget on your spending.

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

learning should still be one of your goals.

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

and legal issues.

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

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

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

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

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

One day, I scanned the textbooks and hopped on eBay to find out how much there going to by searching the ISBN. I was shocked! They were going for over a hundred dollars a piece on eBay! I soon realized that just because our University upgraded to the next edition, many other schools didn’t.

The best part yet, even selling the books for, say N1000, the buyer is getting a great deal. I found out after talking to the buyers that some textbooks would have cost them N1700-N2000 new! A win, win for all!

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

their books to their students.

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

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

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

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

Attention: University students can also make money while at school

I

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

Inspired by Nut @ The Writer’s Coin, I want to share how you can make some good cash by selling used University textbooks. The University I attended had book rentals for University courses.

While it may seem like we were lucky for not having to pay for books, the cost was already included in our tuition. There were still books that needed to be purchased.

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

PAGE 12

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

EDITORIAL

Find the runaway soldiers P attention”.

It has been five days since Prof. Leonard-Fwa made that revelation. Neither the authorities at NMS, Zaria nor Defence headquarters, Abuja has contradicted him nor has there

“

rofessor Sam LeonardFwa, Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, a private tertiary institution of learning, at Keffi, Nasarawa state, recently made a startling revelation cum allegation.

Speaking at the 2nd induction of the Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development that held in Abuja, the vicechancellor whose specialization is security, said that 700 out of 1000 young soldiers trained at the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, failed to show up on graduation day (Peoples Daily, May 26). He alleged that nobody, not even the military authorities, had bothered to ask why and how.

Prof. Leonard-Fwa said he was disturbed by the disappearances, particularly at a time that Nigeria is experiencing its worst security crisis since the Civil War. He asked, “Don’t they have homes?

Don’t they have families that wrote undertakings? And we’re keeping quiet in this country; nobody remembers anything; they are talking about Boko Haram, and women are carrying placards…Absence from military school for days (on end)attracts a search and punishment as well, but this serious and sensitive issue seems to have eluded the federal government’s

We demand an investigation of what happened at NMS, Zaria, which has confirmed us as a very unserious nation. been any explanation, if indeed the soldiers disappeared after receiving full military training.

Did they disappear with their uniform and arms? Did they leave the school singly or in groups?

Was it under cover of night or in broad day light?

We fear that one of two things or both may happen to these young deserters if they are not found fast: either they will turn to crime, using their specialized skills and arms they have stolen to attack innocent tax payers

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whose money was used to train them or they will be enticed by Boko Haram insurgents, who obviously have a lot of money to throw around, to join their ranks. Either scenario will be extremely harmful to national security which is already badly breached.

We demand an investigation of what happened at NMS, Zaria, which has confirmed us as a very unserious nation. Those staff of the school in whose care the young men were placed must be made to account for their action or lack of it. Their parents or guardians who vouched for them should be asked questions too.

We do not recall anything close to this happening before now.

This is why measures must be taken to find the lost soldiers before they fall into wrong hands. The dragnet should be spread far and wide. Thereafter, the authorities must take steps to ensure there will be no repeat.

In the longer term, we suggest that the requirements for admission into the NMS and all other military training institutions be made more stringent so that only those confirmed to be genuine patriots are offered places. We do not want those with criminal intents to receive specialized training at the expense of the tax payer and the fatherland.

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OUR VISION

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

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Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 13

Opinion

We need leaders that are proactive

By Bukola Saraki

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oday, we celebrate the re-birth of our democracy. On May 29, fifteen years, the world watched as Nigeria ushered in a new era of government chosen by the people – after countless years of military dictatorships. Democracy Day marks the turning point in our history, when we – as a nation – defied all odds and expectations, and chose to rebuild our motherland on the principles adhered to by many nations before us: that the people of a country can stand sovereign over their elected leaders, by exercising their right to choose at the ballot box.

Nigeria’s democracy since 1999 has hurtled through numerous crossroads that have served to define our strength as a nation, and have made many of our institutions stronger. On this day, I want us to recognise Nigerians from all walks of life for their tireless and heroic sacrifices that have kept us together as a nation in spite of the difficult challenges that have confronted us. I want us to take a moment to pause, reflect on, and appreciate the millions of our fellow countrymen and women, and those in every corner of the globe who have joined Nigerians to campaign tirelessly against the challenges facing the nation – particularly the attacks that emanate from radical insurgents.

We must bear in mind that our organised strength lies in the common experiences we share with our fellow Nigerians, and our everyday

successes as a nation are rooted in the foundations of our citizen-centered democracy.

Nevertheless, we must also never forget that just as our strength lies in our commonalities and shared experiences, our most potent power emanates from our over 150 million-strong voice.

When our minds are as one, we are strong. When we speak out as one, we are formidable.

When we demand as one, we are insurmountable. For this reason, on this anniversary of the founding of our Fourth Republic, I urge all Nigerians to stand and speak as one to demand an end to insecurity, corruption, and all other social ills that have plagued our great nation.

We must demand that in 2015 Nigeria display its commitment to democracy,

“

so that we have credible, free and transparent elections.

We must have the will and courage to defend our democracy. This is a process that starts now, that sees democratic and transparent processes to select candidates through to election day where we are free to vote for the candidate we believe in.

Democracy is not practiced by mirroring the language that we speak, where we come from or what religion we worship; democracy is the opportunity to address the issues that affect us all. Issues affect us all across Nigeria regardless of gender, age or religion.

We must acknowledge some of the realities that have presented themselves when election-time comes in our country, and enlighten others and ourselves against them. One flaw that we have

experienced in our young democracy is that it is often the case that many of our people choose leaders based on the constraints of sameness of religion, similarities in ethnicity, and other largely inconsequential values of nation-building leadership.

To counter this, we must view leadership through a lense of: who will best address mine and my local government, state, or country’s problems? In a nutshell, we must elect the best amongst us.

We must also continue to strive towards the definition, – or perhaps redefinition – of the path that we as a country have chosen to take. It is not prudent for a country such as ours to always be reactionary in our response to events. We must begin to look into raising and elevating proactive leaders who will not only defend this

As a nation founded upon our diversity, we come to this task well equipped with the resources, indigenous skills and zeal to surpass all expectations and projections that have, and are, being made by our country. Let us continue to uphold the bond of citizenship that has kept us together as one indivisible people. Let us also be diligent and firm in the belief that we shall harvest the dividends of the sacrifices that many have given to obtain and sustain our democracy. Let us also understand that this democracy of ours is not just a gift, but a responsibility to be harnessed and developed – for the benefit of generations of Nigerians that are yet to come

country when it is attacked, but will make Nigeria strong – so that any enemies, foreign or domestic, that may aspire to threaten the security of our nation and its people will be dealt with before they have the chance to cause us harm. These are difficult times, and as such, these times call for leadership that is not about shifting blame or indifference to the plight of Nigerians, but leadership that is all about achieving results – however the problems may choose to present themselves.

As a nation founded upon our diversity, we come to this task well equipped with the resources, indigenous skills and zeal to surpass all expectations and projections that have, and are, being made by our country. Let us continue to uphold the bond of citizenship that has kept us together as one indivisible people. Let us also be diligent and firm in the belief that we shall harvest the dividends of the sacrifices that many have given to obtain and sustain our democracy. Let us also understand that this democracy of ours is not just a gift, but a responsibility to be harnessed and developed – for the benefit of generations of Nigerians that are yet to come.

In this regard, as we reflect, and celebrate yet another Democracy Day, I urge us all to march into the future knowing that in the spirit of togetherness, we can achieve more for our common prosperity. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

By Senator Abuabakar Bukola Saraki is a former two-term Kwara state governor

Thou shalt not insult my husband

By Peregrino Brimah

A

s the hour draws nigh, as the westward winds expose the furo of the fowl, as impeachment beckons, her majesty invokes the ordinances: Thou shalt not insult my husband, for the lord put him there. Shall we likewise not insult Pharaoh, Herod, Midian and Eglon? Are we now to praise Hitler, Mao Zedong, Joseph Stalin and even our Abacha, Obasanjo and Babangida at home? Did the Lord not put these there too?

And shall we no longer say, Amen, to the scripture: Isaiah 9:4(contextual): The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants– all their whips and cudgels and curses– Is gone,

done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian.

And who put Amaechi there who you tried to use 16>19 on? And who put Nyako there who you are trying to impeach? And who put Sanusi there who you fired unconstitutionally? Does this lord reside only in Otuoke?

Is this lord who says we should not insult, perhaps a portable figurine, carved of wood, behind a curtain laced with cowries, sprinkles of blood and invoked by incantations, blood sacrifices, cash donations and shaking Shekere’s?

Oooh, we shiver! And dear Madam, what do you advise we do in consideration

of this scripture: Proverbs 25:26: “Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” And the Hadith: “The best Jihad is a word of truth in the presence of a tyrant ruler.” (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi) Do we be muddied and polluted? Is this your advice to the children of Nigeria, mother? Is this what you told the little princesses who came by you yesterday? That they should bow to the wicked and be muddied and polluted?

We ask, #WhereIsOurMoney? Is the oil goddess still taking our $4 million every day from poor mothers around Nigeria, from Otuoke to Chibok, in the criminal kerosene subsidy

scam? Is your husband still partnering with her in the misapplication of our billions?

Is he still shielding her from our impotent senators?

Does this verse strike a note: Proverbs 29:24: “Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he hearethcursing, and bewrayeth it not.” So shall we, broke, dying masses, partner with and praise a Commander in Thief? Is this your recommendation for the nation? To honor him as he honors thieves like Abacha?

Perhaps you can answer a question that has bugged Nigeria for nearly four years now. Why did he have no shoes? Was this for quiet sneaking in and out of homes through windows at night?

And while we are at it, how did you become Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa? Chai!

Chai! Chaiii! #DiaRISGODo! NB: The children gave both letters to you for a reason; it was a portent, a sign from the innocent ones whose eyes see hidden truths. The two letters with you, the one addressed to Shekau, I believe you know that you should give that to your husband, and the one addressed to the President of Nigeria, send that to Sambisa, because for four years now, sheer evil and terror that black-lip Shekau embodies has ruled this nation.

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

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 14

Opinion

That brother Goodluck may see clearly

By Mutti Yovbi

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hey keep throwing it back at us at every opportunity that we unfairly blame the President, our President, for successful incursions by terrorists. Dr. G. E. Jonathan has let us know directly and through many spokes people that he is not to blame for the current state of Nigeria. He said that the pot holes were in the roads before he came, the educational system was severely rotted and the economy in shambles long before he ever thought to even become President so why are the people up in arms? Why do they curse him for pervasive failures of government? He exhorts us to see that he is a victim of conspiracy by unseen enemies. These powers even went and established Boko Haram especially so they would make the country ungovernable just because he is a Southerner and Christian. Yet all he sees that we do is blame him.

But brother Goodluck, these are issues that confront every government, every leader.

Countries and their leaders are constantly working to ensure quality lives and livelihoods and to secure territories within which citizens can live in safety, security and peace of mind. In many of your speeches, I recall one quite clearly, you promised that you will continue to ‘fight’ for Nigerians to have good education, you would continue to fight for us to have good health you would continue to fight…, you would continue to fight… Your list went on to include security, roads, transport, jobs! You even promised to wage a war on corruption and to bring to book anyone who so much as tried to take a kobo from government coffers, anyone who denied the average Nigerian their legitimate right to good governance.

Good governance, it is

a favourite phrase of your administration.

Since international development workers introduced the phrase, it became clichéd in the Nigerian public service, along with enabling environment and a few other meaningless phrases used to confuse the uninitiated that the Nigeria

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government is paying attention to the needs of the people.

Then without your noticing, Boko Haram, gained more ground than you thought could ever happen. But perhaps you expected it, because after all the faceless cabal who wanted you out of power are willing to go to any lengths, including cause the death of several thousand. And you are determined to face them down. This after all is a struggle for supremacy between the North and the South. The South gave you their mandate and you don’t

“

our nation.

Most of it is hushed or dismissed as not important, normal or expected.

Many towns and

care how much of the blood of citizens wet the ground, this struggle is one you must win. You are egged on by many who see with you and understand what you see. Power must not pass back to the North.

But it is not just Boko Haram o. We have all that bloodletting reportedly by Fulani herdsmen and inter-tribal clashes over land.

We also have the unrestrained pillaging of resources and the banality of corruption upheld by those who you appointed to help look after the affairs of

neighbourhoods that used to be neutral and safe places of abode for Nigerians have become hostile, we still do not have exact figures for internally displaced persons but we know that several towns have been laid to waste, entire villages wiped out in some parts. Crime of course plays its part as does the ineptitude and apathy of police and other security units.

As only members of the black race are capable of doing, Nigerians bear all of these with fortitude. The loss of lives

Every moment wasted means a life lost or irretrievably damaged, but Brother Goodluck, we see no signs that you are doing anything beyond what you have always done, even though this type of abduction is so far unprecedented in the modern world. We see no evidence that you even spare a thought for these young people and their plight although we hold out the hope that they are still alive somewhere. What you give to us instead is your insistence that none of this is your fault, that there are terrorists everywhere

and livelihoods is now par for the cause. We barely raised an eyebrow even when nearly fifty boys who were barely out of the cradle were slaughtered in the night. We fell back to religion and most churches will not conclude worship rites now without a prayer for Nigeria, a prayer to bring the girls abducted from Chibok home, a prayer for peace. The mosques probably do the same but I don’t attend so I have no way of telling. I have read however of Moslem leaders calling for prayer and fasting.

Our President, more than any of your predecessors you have the empathy of Nigerians. The middle class is solidly behind you. Even without the money that is so freely distributed in the corridors of power, Nigerians are speaking up for you and defending you. Only you leave them perplexed when you do not seem to understand that we have accepted the lives that were lost, those we cannot bring back. That we have accepted the livelihoods that have been destroyed, our faith in God assures us that it will all be restored in time. But we are pained when more than 200 hundred lives that can still be saved appear to mean nothing to you!!!

Every moment wasted means a life lost or irretrievably damaged, but Brother Goodluck, we see no signs that you are doing anything beyond what you have always done, even though this type of abduction is so far unprecedented in the modern world. We see no evidence that you even spare a thought for these young people and their plight although we hold out the hope that they are still alive somewhere. What you give to us instead is your insistence that none of this is your fault, that there are terrorists everywhere.

Mutti Yovbi is on Twitter:@muttiyovbi

A national confab needing imagination

By Michael Oluwagbemi

I

t is said “desperate times call for desperate solutions”.

But going by the manner in which attendees of the ongoing National Conference in Abuja have been deliberating, one may conclude that Nigeria is not in a desperate logjam as the headlines suggest. Their submissions, their suggestions and indeed their lackadaisical attitude to suggestions of substantive reforms have been a mirror image of the attitude of the convener-in-chief in dealing with the Boko Haram debacle dodging Nigeria.

Resisting or outright rejecting change when it came to urgent matters of national security, which obviously is in shambles (like suggestions of state police and consolidation or realignment of federal functions) were the order of the day at Jonathan’s conference.

Lame excuses (like, “we are not mature for it” etc.) best fit for beer parlor banters were given by these tired heads, to dismiss suggestions to federalize security functions-

whereas it has been proven that the current centralized system is simply a failure. A country that cannot protect its citizens and especially her children does not deserve the police force or army that it expends billions on yearly.

If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result, then members of this National Conference are thoroughly insane in every sense of the word. These men already widely derided as relics of yesterday, trying to decide Nigeria’s future are like Nero fiddling while Rome burned. While given an open blank cheque to contribute to the national treatise, they abdicate their duties to cement the status quo in which they’ve been participants for over half a century. We should not be surprised; why will the primary beneficiaries of a warped system reform such system when their gains are at stake?

If the submissions of these National Conferees are laughable in security, or germane issues like federal allocation, devolution of

powers or residency requirements, then their suggestions in matters of unemployment and youth development revealed their utter lack of imagination and exposure.

Their solution to unemployment is a continued payment of NYSC allowances to graduates- an allowance that is well known to go unpaid for a vast majority of the program participants for long periods, and in a program already riff with corruption.

It goes without saying that if they had any exposure, better suggestions like job training programmes (widely leveraged in many countries with dramatic results) that prepares our graduates for the real work environment will serve the purpose of pairing human resources with the private sector, or encourage youths to become employer of labor other than job seekers. At least this is the same country where the President has derided graduates as not being employable; a rather comical submission by a man charged to fix the problem and not to

diagnose it.

Microfinance programs that target enablers in the private sectors, small business programs that guarantee credit from the private sector will unlock the employment potential of the under-resourced small business sector.

Our remaining hope is that the National Conference can still redeem itself by dealing with more immediate questions that bother Nigerians, since they clearly have no handle on the structural issues that dodge our country. Questions about making election fairer, by allowing for equal representation of majority parties in the electoral commission can for example be dealt with in a reformist approach that departs form their ostrich tactics.

Also, it might be interesting to see how the conference deals with the excessive cost of governance.

One will have to doubt the bunch of geriatrics that seem to be more afraid of change than dying itself, can have the courage to tinker with the current corruption riddled and

expensive presidential system Simply removing immunity for serving executives, and tying gross wages (allowances inclusive) to the national minimum wage however may begin to stem the tide. Restricting the use of funds from resource sales like crude oil to capital projects, and tying recurrent expenditure to taxes will also force politicians to get their acts right. I have no hopes for suggestions to return to the less expensive but probably more divisive parliamentary system, or curtailing aides to come from a conference where members were asking for personal assistants from day one.

It is impossible to have high degree of confidence in the current jamboree ongoing in Abuja, given its track record. Perhaps what we can hope for then will be conversation changing suggestions, which may very well end up in the dustpans of its convener at Otueke if he is sent packing.

Michael Oluwagbemi is on linkedIn

Comment Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 15

Okonjo-Iweala, Jonathan and the army

By Ola’ Idowu

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he truth they say is a bitter pill to swallow, but who wouldn’t swallow a bitter pill if it helps you get better? The much vilified Nigerian Army recently accused the Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy NgoziOkonjoIweala of underfunding them in their battle against Boko Haram, with the Minister firing back that her ministry has released N130 Billion to them in the first quarter (Q1) of the year which includes N80 billion of personnel costs and another N3.8 billion to them recently.

A quick look at the country’s 2014 budget shows that the Federal Government is to spend N968 billion on defence about a quarter of its N4.9 trillion budget. Do the math and this translates to the Defence Ministry (MOD) and indeed the army receiving N322 billion in every quarter of the year (i.e Q1-Q3). For the first quarter (January-April) the coordinating minister for the economy was only able to release N133 billion approximately leaving a deficit of N189 billion (i.e N322-133).

Of the lot released N80 billion is for personnel cost amounting to about 60% being spent by the MOD on recurrent expenditure and the remaining N50 billion

which is roughly 40% on capital expenditure.

Thus with a shortfall of N189 billion in the first quarter alone it means roughly N113 billion (60%) is still outstanding for soldiers salaries, welfare provisions and maintenance in the past four months of the year alone and we are in the fifth month going on to the sixth. It also means N76 billion from the first quarter is outstanding to buy modern equipment and fighting gear for our troops. It would thus be foolhardy for anyone to be blaming military commanders or MOD chiefs for paying soldiers on the frontline against Boko Haram N15,000 of their monthly salaries instead of the N30,000 they are meant to receive.

Boko Haram’s onslaught has helped further expose to Nigerians the fact that we run a voodoo economy where everything works on paper and on power-points but nothing to show on the ground for Nigerians. Rather than plug every black-hole in our public finances by closing down rackets and scams in the economy e.g. NNPC’s short-change of the federation account, fuel and kerosene subsidy payments, unnecessary devaluing of the naira, CBN’s voodoo monetary payment system and monopoly of forex trade etc. we are always being lectured by the finance minister on

what GDP means using home-made cake like we are all a bunch of fools she’s doing a favour by accepting to serve her fatherland.

We are a sovereign country and we are expected to know everything about our own country. If $20 billion is missing, the security services and the president should be the first to know, not America.

Enough of acting like a school boy president and start acting like the CinC of a free and democratic nation of 160 million people. Even ShehuShagari a grade II teacher was more expressive and talked more intelligently than the current PhD holder of a president we have.

Our leaders need to pray for us, the followers, so that in 2015 we elect the right leaders who if faced with a kidnap situation like we have now, would secretly negotiate with Boko Haram and get all the 246 girls back and release few low-level militants in custody. A leader who would be fully expressive, intelligent, fight corruption aggressively, who is detribalised, leads our voodoo economy away from stagnation to prosperity and makes us proud to be called Nigerians. It is then we would be justified to pray for such a leader and pray God delivers him/ her from wicked men and women and people who would lead him astray from doing good. That is the logical sequence as evidenced in the

holy book. It’s not us praying for the so called leaders while they keep stealing and corrupting the nation.

I don’t care if Jonathan is the luckiest man from Otuoke or if he is the most blessed person by God; what we care about is that he was voted by 160 million Nigerians and what we need is for Jonathan to please stand up and be counted. This would include asking Okonjo-Iweala to release the deficit of N189 billion Q1 budget for our army so we can be justified to ask them to fight.

For the much vilified army themselves, it’s time to come up with an effective strategy to fight Boko Haram after the safe negotiations for the abducted girls. What has happened to the National War College (NWC) or the National Institute for Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru? Would there be no one in any one of these bodies that can research the terror group and come up with a comprehensive strategy to fight or contain them?

Luckily, Cameroon has deployed soldiers to our border with them and we need Niger as well as Chad to do the same so we can close the rear base or exit of Boko Haram. The army can then go after them with special forces on specific target and destroy counterattacks backed with aerial power from the air force and predatory attack from US drones stationed in Chad. The special forces

would need careful recruitment and training which we can get from foreign partners.

It would be half-truth to say the army can’t defeat Boko Haram but the truth is it can’t be done conventionally as our soldiers are taught which is why we are losing men and hardware. A typical Boko Haram guy would carry a RPG, machine guns, AK-47 and grenades and would just want to blast his way to glory compared to a soldier who would be conventionally armed with just an AK-47 so when they attack it looks overpowering and the soldiers blame their commanders for not supplying them with enough ammunitions. Its a wrong way of fighting a faceless and nimble force like Boko Haram who attack indiscriminately with none or shifting front lines. We need to fight with superior strategy. That would include blocking all their retreat routes, locking them down to a particular location - which becomes a frontline somewhat - and then using aerial bombardments as well as special forces. For the guys and well paid commanders at the MOD it is simple commonsense, otherwise the army would keep been insulted as ineffective by everyone.

Ola’ Idowu wrote in from the U and is reachable on frenchcoast2@gmail.com

Evolution of hashtag activism

By Theophilus Ilevbare

H

ashtag online activism has continued to prove critics wrong in the amazingly unique way it amplifies disconsolate unheard minority voices, suppressed or subdued by a repressive and despotic government. It draws attention of millions to a horrific story. It gets better when world leaders and celebrities latch onto the hashtag as it nudges other countries to weigh in or even intervene in the crisis. Granted, a lot of persons may not know the complexities of the political, economic or security problems associated with such hashtags, and don’t bother to know, but still join the sentimental global train to amplify such stories helping to raise awareness to tales of horror. It is sometimes regarded as a wave of superficial momentary sentimentality because it is not in any way a real engagement in any attempt to resolve a complex or violent threat. However, the voice of minorities is amplified by sharing their stories in a way even the most sophisticated and networked print or electronic media platform cannot achieve.

Like #OccupyNigeria protest of 2012, #BringBackOurGirls campaign is another case in point.

The #BringBackOurGirlshashtag went viral worldwide sparking global awareness to the almost 300 schoolgirls abducted in the predominantly Christian community of Chibok, a small village on the outskirts of Borno State. Celebrities and global politicians – among them, world

leaders – have united behind a cause to bring succour and hope to the families of the abducted girls by the Islamic fundamentalists who started out as a small salafist sect in Borno but have over the years morphed into a monster threatening to take control of some North-East states of Nigeria.

Before now, many people outside the shores of Nigeria have never heard of Chibok or Borno State.

The awareness the hashtag raised brought to public knowledge, the horrendous atrocities the religious zealots have inflicted on a nation now at the mercy of their mindless and wanton killings.

While the #BringBackOurGirls movement has drawn attention to the plight of the Chibok families, we’re still faced with the stark reality of our girls still missing.

Like everyone else, I had hoped that the campaign will be a tipping point for Nigeria’s war on terror.

But subsequent attacks by the Jihadists in different states that have claimed over 250 lives and many more injured, has deflated such hopes.

Critics of hashtag activism have drawn parallels between the #BringBackOurGirls movement and #Kony2012 campaign. Via a movie, Invincible Children, that went viral on the internet with over 8million views on YouTube within the first few hours of upload, global attention in 2012 was attracted to a Ugandan warlord, Joseph Kony, and his Lord’s Revolution Army (LRA), where children were made soldiers and used to perpetuate some of the most brutal crimes against humanity. Kony had been terrorising Uganda and Ugandans

for decades but America and the rest of the world only got a glimpse of it when it became a convenient and popular hashtag. #Kony2012 trended for days and weeks on social media platforms turning the LRA Ugandan warlord into the most hated, loathed and wanted man. Despite the awareness that compelled the US to send some 100 troops to Uganda to coordinate the search for Kony, the campaign soon lost momentum and two years on, Joseph Kony remains at large!

Not so impressed observers have described hashtag online activism as “a frictionless convenience, conducted from the safety of a computer screen or handheld device that often serves more as a flattering public symbol of concern than concern itself.”

Complex and multidimensional nature of problems are otherwise meant to look too simplified by mere tweeting, filming, and changing picture profiles across platforms. They posit that beyond the awareness raised, hashtag activism does not solve the problem. Some others call it an exercise in “self-esteem”.

True, the reaction of the outside world is mostly sentimental as it essentially revels in the moment but in the case of the Chibok girls, it has drawn global attention to their plight, ratcheting up the pressure that has led to some sort of international military intervention or assistance. But a hashtag campaign at the very least can’t hurt even if those involved in it know next to nothing more than the hashtag.

Granted that hashtag activism

oversimplifies the complexities of events abroad, and even if wellintentioned, rarely affect things on the ground but the same cannot be said of the #BringBackOurGirls movement. Fillip and compass have been added to the rescue mission with the deployment of foreign intelligence personnel and some advance aerial surveillance gadgets by the US, Britain, China, Israel, France and a few other European countries joining the ongoing efforts to reunite the abducted schoolgirls with their loved ones. Sustained daily protests in the Nation’s capital, Abuja, by the #BringBackOurGirls movement have put the government on its toes. Western countries are rushing Special Forces and all their first-world paraphernalia to Nigeria in the hope of tracking the missing girls down.

In spite of all the criticism against hashtag activism, the bring back our girls campaign has gone beyond borders, breaking barriers and doubts that the farthest hearts can be touched and leaders of world superpowers can be forced to act.

President Jonathan, the man in the eye of the storm, only came alive when he learnt the online campaign has drawn the attention of Western powers. He did not flinch since the religious extremists kidnapped about 300 girls from Chibok. Nigerians didn’t expect him to lift a finger though, after all, nothing now moves him considering how he danced away in Kano 24 hours after 74 persons were killed by a bomb blast at Nyanya. On this

occasion, he began to act when the international community joined in the viral campaign. Wishing the uproar will go away quickly, same way his government moved on from the murdered schoolchildren of Federal Government College, BuniYadi, who were killed by some unhinged monsters.

John McCain, the straight from shoulder, critically outspoken Republican Senator, lampooned the Jonathan’s government slow response: “The United States didn’t have to wait until a practically non-existent government of Nigeria gave us (Americans, that is) the go-ahead before mounting a humanitarian effort to rescue those 276 abducted girls.” Hillary Clinton threw all diplomacy and prevarication aside to submit that “the government in Nigeria has been somewhat derelict in its responsibility towards protecting boys and girls, men and women in northern Nigeria over the last years”.

But these campaigns and sustained protests have made us realise that people do actually care, even if they’re unwilling to hit the streets in protest. There is a new way injustice can be fought in the world where everyone gets involved in some way. It gives those who join the bandwagon a sense of belonging that they can play a small part of something immense to raise awareness about people around the world who are powerless, helpless and can do nothing about a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.

Theophilus Ilevbare is on Twitter: @tilevbare.

PAGE 16

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Al-Makura’s Midas Touch: Nasarawa From Eyesore To Cynosure

By Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

I

t was exactly three years ago, precisely May 29, 2011 that Umaru Tanko Almakura assumed the Governorship of Nasarawa state, having defeated the then incumbent Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma of the Peoples democratic Party (PDP).

Since then and in line with Governor Al-makura’s positive change philosophy predicated on the much desired concept of good governance hinged on time-tested transparency, accountability and astute resource management, Nasarawa state has continued to blossom even beyond the wildest imagination of the most vitriolic critic.

Governor Al-makura, who has all along been an understudy in the political history and development of both the state and its people, rightly captured the predicament Nasarawa state found itself and in his inaugural address aptly titled “A Fresh Start and a New Deal”, painted a gory but real picture of the real situation of the state.

“The oath I have just taken marks a fresh start in the life of our State, which in the 14 years since its creation has been held hostage to the folly and excesses of its rulers. That we are in stagnation, even decline and decay, is self-evident.

“We are caught up in a grave moral and ethical crisis. Our state institutions are poorly managed, our infrastructures dilapidated, while our economy is weak — the result of myopia, greed and irresponsibility on the part of some but also of our collective failure to demand better from our leaders.

“Our men and women, especially the youth, are mostly jobless. Our healthcare is deficient, our education system is in dire need of reforms, and our lack of power and energy threatens our economic progress. Our confidence in our ability to change all this has given way to despair” Al-makura stated.

It’s been three years since Governor Al-makura made this avowed declaration in an address that has now become evergreen in the minds of the good people of the state; a call to break away from the wasteful and corrupt ways of the past to embrace the difficult but albeit rewarding new ways of doing things in accordance with the tenets of true democracy.

In his characteristic sincerity, Al-makura in that magnificent inaugural speech, maintained that the then Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)’s ascendance represented the triumph of principle over depravity, the triumph of change over reaction, the triumph of hope over despair, stressing that from the day he became Governor, the people came together at the Lafia Township Stadium to give a decent burial to the politics of arrogance, pettiness, division and false promises that have plagued Nasarawa state.

In his words, “the time has also come to reaffirm our faith in the democratic process; to strengthen our bond with ordinary people; to insist on the old decencies; and give free reign to that noble idea that we are all equal, free and entitled to our fair share of opportunities and respect.

“In our quest for prosperity and freedom, it should be understood that these must be laboured for with resolve and diligence. They will not come to us if we choose the easy way out, if we settle for the life of the indolent or seek only the delights of easy riches and glory.

“Our choice, and the only choice, is the path of struggle, hard work and risktaking, as well as openness to new ideas” he said.

At the time Governor Al-makura delivered that inaugural speech, he was being brutally frank on the way forward, discarding in totality the garb of deception easily worn by any run-of-the-mill politician who would want to sell ice to the Eskimo.

“For ours is a peaceful revolution of opportunity and hope, anchored on a vision of a just and decent society where the freedoms, aspirations and needs of the individual are balanced against the imperative needs and interests of society for cohesion, stability and security” the Governor stated.

It’s been three years since Governor Al-makura made that great inaugural speech typical of equally great leaders who appear ones in a while across the globe to channel the collective yearnings and aspirations of downtrodden societies towards enhancing human as well as social developments.

Indeed in the period of three years, even the blind can testify to the landmark achievements so far recorded by the present All Progressive Change (APC) administration under the leadership of Governor Al-makura.

From the dilapidated LGEA primary school in Bukan Sidi area of Lafia, the state capital, previously an eyesore, a microcosm of the rot and decay inherent in the body politic, to the potholed strewn pathways in Lafia and other parts of the state, Al-makura’s Midas touch has so far ushered in a new era of growth and rebirth, turning Nasarawa state into a cynosure for all to revere and emulate.

Full implementation of 18,900 minimum wage; settlement of inherited London and Paris club exiting debts, digitalization of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service Stations both Radio and Television Stations.

Three (3) kilometre roads construction in all the thirteen (13) Local Government Councils, declaration of free education from primary to secondary schools in the state as well as free education to people living with disabilities from primary schools to tertiary level; construction of 39 Taal Model schools across the state.

Youth empowerment via the Nasarawa State Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES), relocation of Lafia market to the newly constructed modern market, construction of three (3) Ultra-modern hospitals in the three senatorial district with Lafia in Nasarawa South,Akwanga in Nasarawa North and Nasarawa in Nasarawa

Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura Executive Governor of Nasarawa State

west.

Rehabilitation of Keana-Obi road as well as their respective township roads, construction of central modern fire service station in Lafia and purchase of more fire service vehicles, construction of Lafia square in the then parade ground 70% completed.

Issuance of certificate of occupancy to Federal University Lafia for its permanent site; completion, commissioning and allocation of 500 housing units to civil servants in the state, automatic employment for Graduates living with disabilities.

Upgrading of Lafia township stadium, construction of new special schools for people living with disabilities in Lafia,Keana,Akwanga,Keffi, and Karu Local Government Councils, construction of hostels accommodation and lectures halls in all tertiary institutions within the state.

Construction of modern e-libraries in all the three (3) senatorial district in the state, construction and maintenance of sundry feeder roads within the state, upgrading of Nasarawa water plants, Mada water works and Lafia Lilly.

Creation of additional development areas (Daddare and Umaisha), upgrading of traditional institutions as well as reactivation of the Chun Mada Chiefdom of Akwanga after over twenty (20) years Establishment of Nasarawa Geographical and Information system (NAGIS), purchase of security vehicles to enhance security in the state, provision of sundry transformers round the state as well as provision of mobile sub-stations.

Completion and commissioning of modern abattoirs across the state as well as the Nasarawa Central Drugs Store for the consolidating the newly reactivated Drugs Revolving Scheme (DRS).

Rehabilitation of Presidential lodge, construction of annex complex, purchase of forty (40) buses (Nasarawa Express) to enhance transportation and also serve as a strategy for youth empowerment.

Reorganization and reorientation of civil service in the state; free treatment for eyes, ears problem and also free treatment for the aged, children and pregnant women in Nasarawa state.

Increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state, provision of traffic lights in the state capital to curb motorist congestion, recovery Nasarawa state properties from Kaduna, Plateau, Lagos states.

In line with the spirit of the democracy day celebration and the 15 anniversary of uninterrupted democracy in the country, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura presented 44 vehicles which include 28 Prado SUVs for traditional rulers, 13 Corrolla cars for the 13 newly elected local government chairmen as well as another three Corrolla cars for three heads of state-owned tertiary institutions.

Only yesterday, 1470 rural women benefited from the empowerment scheme Contd. on next page

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 17

Al-Makura’s Midas Touch: Nasarawa From Eyesore To Cynosure

Old and new Market Road in Lafia

Newly digitalized studio at the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) compared against the old analogue studio

Old and new Karu International Market

Old and new LGEA Primary School Bukan Sidi, Lafia

Old and new Lafia-Kwandere-College of Agric Bye pass

of the APC administration when Governor Al-makura gave each of the women N20, 000 for self-help projects.

Equally, the victorious Nasarawa Amazons, the female football club of the state, that did Nasarawa proud by winning the national women league, were adequately rewarded when the Governor announced the payment of the players signing-on fees amounting to N36 m, while also agreeing to increase their wages.

Thus, for the three years that Governor Al-makura held sway in Nasarawa, the state has continued to witness tremendous growth and development as earlier encapsulated in the visionary inaugural speech.

Perhaps the people of the state would readily agree that with the emergence of the Al-makura administration, which marked the exit of pot-bellied politicians and contractors that previously leeched on the lifeblood of the state, sucking the people dry, came the heralding of selfless men and women who aspire to genuinely serve the people for the collective prosperity of all.

The three years under the leadership of Governor Al-makura has indeed taken Nasarawa state and the people to a new pedestal, moving towards the Promised Land which has previously been elusive mostly because of the absence of a purposeful, result oriented leadership as being demonstrated by the present APC administration.

PAGE 18

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Democracy Day: Ex-soldier charges politicians on patriotism

By Usman Shuaibu

I

Refuse dump at Area A street Nyanya, yesterday, in Abuja.

Bill: Reps moves to tackle insecurity in FCT with special fund

By Umar Muhammad Puma

I

n order to ensure the availability of fund for fight against insecurity within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a bill seeking to create a special security trust fund for Territory has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill titled: a bill for an Act to establish the FCT Security Trust Fund to provide adequate funding for security of lives and property in the Territory and other connected purposes, on Wednesday was adopted on the floor of the House.

The proposed legislation, also seeks to solicit and provide funds for the use of relevant security agencies, recommend and fund necessary security projects, as well as provide adequate funding for the security of lives and property in the FCT. It further seeks to nurture effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the aspect of crime prevention and containment within the Territory.

Also, it seeks to encourage

relevant private organisations to actively partake in protecting and securing lives.

Again, the bill seeks the procurement and distribution of equipment to all security agencies in the nation’s capital.

The bill, according to its sponsor, Rep. Tajudeen Yusuf (PDP, Kogi), if passed into law will allow the FCT administration to have access to a pool of fund through special subventions from the Federal government as well as contributions from corporate organizations without necessary recourse to the National Assembly approval as in the case of supplementary appropriations.

“There’s nowhere in the where government alone handles the issue of security; that’s why communities set up trust funds to augment whatever efforts government makes in providing security the citizenry”, he said.

Debating the general principle of the bill, members though, mildly divided harped more on the advantages of the bill, bearing in

mind the prevailing circumstances in the country where due to paucity of fund impugns the fight against insecurity.

For the Minority Whip, Rep Samson Osagie, (APC, Edo), the benefits of the bill if passed into law will out-weigh whatever disadvantages those opposing it may try to advance.

“It’s a very well intentioned bill calculated to make the issue of security a more efficient one for the benefit of residents. One of the major hindrances of fighting insecurity in the country and indeed the FCT is lack of fund.

“I believe strongly that if this trust fund is properly managed, devoid of the corrupt tendencies that characterizes our civil or public service system, I’m sure the security of lives and property in the FCT would be guaranteed”, he submitted.

Another member, Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaya (PDP, Kaduna) who stressed the importance of the having such special security trust fund, said it should be passed in consonance with the mood of the

country.

“It’s very important for us at all time to see the issue of security of lives especially in Abuja with adequate priority.

“The Trust Fund can be funded through contributions from corporate bodies, where this money would be put in one basket from where government can draw to tackle any challenge that insecurity may throw at us from time to time” he said.

Peoples Daily reports that the bill which however, did not have a unanimous view in its favour due to some vibrant argument put forward by members challenging the constitutionality of a security Trust Fund for the FCT was passed for second reading after being put to voice vote by the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

Tambuwal, referred it to the Committee on FCT for further legislative input, saying “what we do here in the house is not about politics, if it is about politics the minority whip would not have supported the bill.”

Sanitation: Union tasks FCTA on cleanliness in councils

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he chairman of the NonAcademic Staff Union (NASU), of Educational and Associated Institute, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Comrade Makolo Hassan, has called on the FCT Administration to always gear towards the cleanliness of environment across the six area councils.

Hassan, who made the call while

speaking during a group meeting of NASU, in Gwagwalada, also urged the FCT Administration to give priority attention to the prompt evacuation of refuse across the entire FCT. He frowned at the spate of dilapidated roads in the FCT, calling on the administration to repair them especially those in the area councils.

While condemning the recent double bomb blasts at Nyanya, he

however urged to the FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, to place greater emphasis on the security of the residents, irrespective of where they are in the Territory.

Earlier, the Deputy President of NASU, comrade Alfred Sunday Adefemi, called on the government to provide jobs for the youths to reduce anti-social vices in the society.

He advised the politicians to shun politics of bitterness, so as to move the country to higher heights.

Adefemi, however, hailed the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof James Adelabu, for demonstrating concern for the welfare of the Union.

On his part, the chairman of NASU, University of Abuja branch, Bando James, begged the government as well as ViceChancellor of the university, to come to the aid of the union by providing some of their basic needs in the school.

n the spirit of the celebration of the 15 years of democracy in the country, a retired army officer, Alhaji Abdullahi Dabo, has urged politicians in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be patriotic and emulate the legacies of Nigeria’s founding fathers and leaders, in order to move the country forward.

Dabo, who made the call in a telephone interview with Peoples Daily, at his residence in Dakwa community, in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, also urged other politicians in the country to deem it necessary to place emphasis on the welfare of the masses at all times.

He specifically called on the political office holders to provide meaningful jobs for the teeming youths roaming the streets across in FCT and across the country.

He appealed to both Executive as well as legislative arms of government to work together towards providing the much anticipated dividends of democracy for the people that elected them into power.

On education, he urged leaders to provide the needed infrastructural facilities in the tertiary institutions, so as to boost the morale of the students.

…Youths urged to imbibe love, peace

T

he Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged youths to imbibe the spirit of oneness, love and peace at all times, as the nation celebrated her 15the Democracy Day. The wing’s President, Pastor Simon Dolly, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said youths should contribute their own quota to peaceful coexistence in the society by becoming ambassadors of peace wherever they are.

According to him, there would be no meaningful development in the society without peace, hence youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow, should avoid being used by selfish politicians in spite of the challenges in the land.

Dolly also urged citizens to stop condemning the government by their negative utterances, but rather, pray for the success of its leaders.

“We should pray for our leaders and obey constituted authorities; we must live together as one, in spite of our diversity, we should look at our areas of strength than our areas of weakness.’’ (NAN)

Page 19

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

INSIDE

business@peoplesdailyng.com 08142929046/etuka2012@gmail.com/08066605655

N6m Nigerians contribute N4.2trn to pension scheme -Pg 20

Dangote

L-R: Company Secretary, Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Wole Ajimisinmi, Chairman, Mr. Adeyinka Asekun, and Managing Director/CEO, Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, during the bank’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), on Wednesday in Lagos. Photo: Olawale Rotim

Crisis over new cement standard

F

resh crisis is brewing the introduction of new standard as three cement manufacturing companies, Lafarge Cement WAPCO, Ashaka Cement and Unicem have instituted different suits against the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) over its recent pronouncement and plan to implement a new Mandatory Industrial Standard Order for cement manufacturing,distribution and usage in the country.

SON had restricted the

application of 50kg 32.5R grade of cement to plastering only.

The cement companies said they have informed the Director General of the SON Joseph Odumodu and Minister of Trade and Investment Segun Aganga and all parties to allow the matter to be resolved through the courts.

However the cement manufacturing companies are challenging SON authority, “which they believe is to all intents and purposes, aimed at the gradual phasing out of

32.5 cement grade, which has been widely known and used as general purpose cement from the market.”

The cement manufacturers are seeking the court to establish whether or not SON have complied with the mandatory provisions of the law for establishing new industrial standard in the introduction of the Commodity Composition and Conformity Criteria for Common Cements and Specification of Mandatory Industrial Standard NIS 444-1

No mistake in Shiroro power concession-Sambo

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Vice-President, Arc Namadi Sambo has said that the concessioning of Shiroro hydro power plant of the North and South Company was not a mistake, given the new ideas the company was injecting to enable the power plant generate to its optimal capacity.

He therefore, commended the Chairman for the excellent management and direction of the Power plant.

A statement by the SSA Media & Publicity to the vice president, Umar Sani quoted Sambo to have given this commendation when he received a delegation of the management of the company led by its chairman Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu in his office.

He welcomed their

determination to venture into the provision of solar power, saying that government was encouraging investors in power through various channels including linking them up with international financing agencies such as the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), African Development Bank (ADB) and the China EXIM Bank where they were expected to source for cheap financing at single digit interest rates.

Arc Sambo noted the request of the company to participate in the HYPERDEC meetings and requested them to submit such idea to the office of the minister for his further consideration of the request as he felt that their participation would serve as a form of synergy that would create harmony between the owners and

beneficiaries of the power plants.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the North South Power Company Malam Ibrahim Aliyu disclosed that despite challenges the Company had made considerable investment to ensure that the power plant operates optimally.

He said currently two of the four turbines are fully overhauled, while the third will soon be functional, stressing that when all the turbines are fully functional the power plant would work seamlessly for the next ten years.

The chairman further said that the Company since taking over the plant was working assiduously to improve the flow of water to the dam, while also making efforts to install 100 to 200mw solar plant farm to upgrade the plant’s capacity from 600mw to 1000mw within the next five years.

2014.

The companies are seeking through the courts, a declaration that the introduction of the Commodity Composition and Conformity Criteria for Common Cements and Specification of Mandatory Industrial Standard NIS 444-1 2014 by SON without complying with the clear and mandatory provisions of the SON Act 2004 and other existing laws for doing so is unlawful, null and void.

“They are also seeking an order of the court restraining SON, their agents, privies and whosoever purporting to act through the Respondents from enforcing and implementing the Mandatory Industrial Standard NIS 444-1 2014.”

The CGT – An untapped revenue goldmine -Pg 21

Ikeja Disco retains 567 PHCN staff -Pg 22 Exchange Rates

CBN as at 28th MAY, 2014 Buying

Selling

$

154.7

155.74

€

256.94

258.60

£

212.44

213.81

Riyal

41.25

41.52

YEN

1.49

1.50

CFA

0.30

0.32

Management Tip of the Day Succeed as a start-up within an established business

N

ew growth initiatives can sometimes disrupt an existing business, but it is possible to succeed on both fronts.

Two tactics can help an entrepreneurial unit succeed within a bigger company: • Don’t define the battle as “old” versus “new.” Too many people go into existing organizations and define success as recreating what is there. Instead, think about how to utilize existing

assets, like a strong network or a devoted customer base.

Take advantage of those resources.

• Bring in new talent sets. Define your unit’s priority going forward (Is it software platforms? Digital capacity?). Bring in people who understand your goal, and team them up with people who understand the company. Blending new and existing talent can be very powerful.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 20

Business

N6m Nigerians contribute N4.2trn to pension scheme

By Clem Khena Ogbena

T

he Acting Director General, National Pension Commission,PenCom, Ms Chinelo Amolu Amazu, has disclosed that N4.2million had sofar been contributed into the pension scheme, by six million Nigerians.

She made this disclosure yesterday, during the world press

conference in Abuja, on the World Prension Summit Africa Special, which will be holding in Abuja on 7th and 8th July, this year.

According to her, the preocupation of the Federal Government of Nigeria at the moment was how to give a new face to the country’s pension sector. She said this had become necessary in view of the fact that the

country’s GDP had just been rebased, thereby allowing for more opportunities to develop the pension sector of the economy.

The PenCom boss stressed, The focus of this World Pension Summit is on Africa, and it will be attended by 55 countries and people will be able to discuss how to reshape the pension industry.

Car dealers appeal for suspension of new import tariff

T

he Chairman of Abuja Car Dealers Association, Mr Auwal Rilwan, has appealed to the Federal Government to suspend the new vehicle import tariff till local vehicle manufacturers begin full operations.

Rilwan made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that implementing the policy now would lead to shortage of affordable cars for low income earners and loss of job to many people.

According to him, government should first put the necessary infrastructure in place for local manufacturers to produce enough cars to meet demand before discouraging importation.

NAN reports that the new tariff, which the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) began to implement on May 1, involves 35 per cent import duty and another 35 per cent port levy.

It is a key component of the Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) which is aimed

at limiting importation of used vehicles to encourage local manufacturing of new and affordable ones.

Before the new tariff policy, imported vehicles attracted 20 per cent duty and two per cent levy.

Rilwan said that the new tariff had doubled the clearing cost of imported cars and was impacting negatively on the country’s automobile market. ``I have some cars waiting to be cleared at the Lagos ports but Customs is telling me to pay 35 per cent duty and another 35 per cent levy on them. ``Before now it cost about N250, 000 to clear one car but with this policy, we will be paying at least N400, 000. ``If you add the cost of ancillary services like transportation, loading and off-loading, among others, very soon Nigerians will stop buying ‘tokumbo’ cars due to their high price. ``Government should wait for the investors that are coming to start producing affordable vehicles to meet local

demands before limiting importation,’’ he said.

NAN recalls that the Director-General, National Automotive Council (NAC), Mr Aminu Jalal, said recently that without increase in vehicle tariff, investors would not be encouraged to establish assembly plants. ``Unless the hike in tariff starts, no company is ready to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in setting up assembly plants in the country. ``I know people will say let them come, set up their plants and produce before the new tariff kicks off but the truth is they will not do it. ``Except the new tariff starts, the auto policy is just another government promise and no investor will take action on a promise because it will mean we are not serious,’’ he told NAN. He had also allayed the fears of car marketers about being thrown out of business, saying that the council would register them to be dealers to the emerging local vehicle manufacturers. (NAN)

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY BIRNIN-KEBBI P.M.B. 1157, BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA (Office of the Registrar)

VACANCIES FOR ACADEMIC AND SENOIR NON-TEACHING POSITIONS (EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT) 1.

THE INSTITUTON The Federal UniversityBirninKebbi was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in February, 2013 alongside with two other Federal Universities. The University will commence undergraduate academic activities for the 2014/2015 academic session in September, 2014.

2.

VACANT POSITIONS Interested candidates are hereby requested to visit the University website www.fubk.edu.ngand applyonline. Candidates are hereby informed that qualifications and cognate experience required for the post(s) they intend to apply for are available online at the University website.The vacant positions in the underlisted programmes are as follows:A. ACADEMIC STAFF POSITIONS FACULTY OF ARTS, SOCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES Department Programme History History & International Studies Modern European Languages (MEL) English Language Economics Economics Political Science Political Science Sociology Sociology Geography Geography, Demography & Social Statistics Accounting Accounting Business Administration Business Administration Positions Professor, Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer I, Lecturer II, Assistant Lecturer & Graduate Assistant

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

Department Programme Computer Science Computer Science Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Biochemistry Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry Physics Physics with Electronics Earth Sciences Applied Geophysics, Geology Mathematics Mathematics, Statistics Biology Biology Microbiology Microbiology Positions Professor, Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer I, Lecturer II, Assistant Lecturer & Graduate Assistant FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Department Programme Architecture Architecture Building Technology Building Technology Quantity Surveying Quantity Surveying Positions Professor, Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer I Lecturer II, Assistant Lecturer and Graduate Assistant UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Positions i. ii. iii. iv.

Senior Librarian Librarian I Librarian II Graduate Librarian

B

SENIOR NON-TEACHING STAFF POSITIONS

SN DEPARTMENT/UNIT 1 Registry

POSITION Senior Assistant Registrar Assistant Registrar Administrative Officer Admin. Assistant Principal Exec. Officer (Admin) I Principal Exec. Officer (Admin) II Senior Exec. Officer (Admin) Higher Exec. Officer (Admin) Executive Officer (Admin) Principal Conf. Secretary Senior Confidential Secretary Confidential Secretary I Confidential Secretary II Sys. Anal I/Pgrm/Eng Sys. Anal.II/Pgrm/Eng Senior Computer Operator Computer Operator I

2 Bursary Senior Accountant Accountant I Accountant II Principal Exec. Officer

(Accounts) I Principal Exec. Officer (Accounts) II Senior Executive officer

(Accounts) Higher Executive Officer (Accts) Executive Officer (Accts)

Senior Stores Officer Higher Stores Officer Higher Procurement Officer 3 Internal Audit Auditor I Auditor II 4 Student Affairs (Sports Unit) Senior Coach Coach I II 5 Security Division Senior Security Officer Security Officer 6 Public Relations Unit Information Officer I Information Officer II 7 Academic Planning Unit Planning Officer I Planning Officer II 8 Physical Planning & Development Senior Architect Senior Engineer (Civil/ Mech/ Elect) Senior Quantity

Surveyor ) STO (Civil/Mech/Elect/ Qty Survey) HTO (Civil/Mech/Elect/ QS/

Arch) 9 Health Services Medical Officer Senior Nursing Officer Staff Nurse/Midwife Pharmacist I

Medical Lab. Officer Senior Medical Record Officer 10 Library Senior Library Officer Higher Library Officer Library Officer 11 Faculty of Science Technologist I

(Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Biology, Microbiology, Geology, Geophysics, Electronics) Technologist II

(Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Biology, Microbiology, Geology,

Geophysics, Electronics) 3.

METHOD OF APPLICATION As indicated above candidates are to visit the University website www.fubk.edu.ngto apply online and see details of qualifications required for the post(s) they intend to apply for. Applicants should however, request their three (3) referees to send their reports to the undersigned in hard copy. Closing date for applications is six weeks with effect from the date of this advert. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

SIGNED IBRAHIM A. MUNGADI Registrar

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 21

Business

Ikeja Disco retains 567 PHCN staff

By Etuka Sunday

I

keja Electricity Distribution Company (IKDC) has reengaged 567 former staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to complement the 2,070 it inherited.

A statement by the Head, Public Communications, Chigbo Anichebe quoted the Managing Director, Mr. Abiodun Aifwobaje to have made the disclosure when he received members of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, led by its Chairman, Senator Olugbenga Obadara.

The MD reiterated to the lawmakers of the commitment of the company to become a leading utility business company in the country by providing safe, reliable and quality service to

customers at fair and reasonable costs; and to achieve this, he said the new owners had taken some initiatives to reposition the company.

These he said included; training and retraining for staff, repair or replacement of malfunctioning transformers and completion of abandoned distribution projects among others.

On the challenges facing the company, he told the committee members that IKDC has an installed capacity of 1684MW, but was only able to distribute 421MW to customers out of the maximum demand of 938MW due to shortage of supply from the Generation Companies, power theft and vandalisation of power installations.

At the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC),

the Managing Director, Mr. Oladele Amuda told the committee members that the company was committed to uninterrupted and sustainable power supply to its customers.

Amuda said the company plans to invest N45bn in the next five years while $150 million would be spent immediately on capital projects to meet customers’ needs, network rehabilitation and reinforcement.

He however complained of poor power supply from the National Grid, power theft, illegal connections and vandalism of power installations as some of the challenges they were facing. The MD appealed to the Committee members to intervene so that generation companies could supply adequate power to the distribution companies for

adequate distribution of power to consumers and for increased financial returns.

At the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), the CEO Atoy Leynes expressed the readiness of IBEDC to meet consumers’ needs as long as the generation companies can keep up with their demand.

In his remarks, the chairman of the committee, Senator Olugbenga Obadara assured the distribution companies that the Committee would do everything within its powers to find a lasting solution to shortage of power supply from the National Grid.

The event is organised by EnergyNet and is part of a global portfolio of investment meetings, conferences and infrastructure events focused specifically on power and industrial sectors across Africa

CFA Institute launches ‘Statement of Investor Rights’

M

rs Shade Odunaiya, President of the CFA Society of Nigeria, (an investment firm), has urged financial professionals and investors to abide by the “Statement of Investor Rights” to restore integrity, confidence and trust in financing.

Odunaiya made the call at the 2014 “Putting Investors First” Day and launching of the “Statement of Investor Rights” at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday in Lagos.

She said that the statement was developed by the CFA Institute to advise buyers of financial service products of what to expect from financial service providers.

Odunaiya said that the rights reflected the fundamental ethical principles that were critical to achieving confidence and trust in any professional relationship.

According to her, the list (statement) applies to financial products and services such as investment management, research and advice, personal banking, insurance and real estate.

“Whether you are establishing an investment plan, working with a broker, opening a bank account or buying a home, the ‘Statement of Investor Rights’ is a tool to help you get the information you need and the service you expect and deserve.

Odunaiya urged financial professionals to abide by the rights to help investors build trust in the firms they engaged in. (NAN)

Lack of basic infrastructure bane of economic development-Don

A

L-R: Coordinator, Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa for Anglophone Countries, Central and West Africa, Chioma Emme-Nwachukwu, past President, Nutrition Association of Nigeria (NNA), Professor Ignatius Onimawo, Nestle Regional Business Head, Sub-Sahara Africa, Pinde Iwa Mda and Director, Nutrition, Lagos state Ministry of Health, Dr. Abimbola Ajayi, during a complementary feeding conference of Nestle Nigeria Plc, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi

NEITI ready to implement new EITI standards

By Etuka Sunday

E

xtractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) said arrangements have been concluded for it to commence the full implementation of the new global standards set by Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

A statement by the Director, Communications, NEITI, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, quoted the Chairman of the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group, Ledum Mitee to have announced this in Abuja while addressing a training programme for the Civil Society on the new standard, NEITI processes, methods and benefits.

He explained that the new global standards require public

disclosures of owners of oil and mining licenses through NEITI Audit Reports. It also involves disclosures of oil production figures, revenue sharing arrangement between tiers of governments, process of awards of contract in the oil, gas and mining industry “it also focuses on expenditure on social services, public infrastructure and fuel subsidy payments. In addition, the revised standards encourage contract transparency in companies and government”.

He called on the Civil Society to be ready to partner with NEITI in this additional responsibility.

“As the roles of civil society in the areas of dissemination of NEITI reports and using the reports to hold government and companies to account are key to

the success of EITI process, it follows that the impacts of NEITI in the industry depends, to a large extent, on the ability of the Civil Society Organizations to use the contents of its reports to initiate debates, discussions, constructive engagements and advocacy for reforms and bring about the change we desire”.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed used the forum to reaffirm the commitment of NEITI to meet all its national and international obligations under its mandate within dateline. “The Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement Audit covering the period 2007 -2011 has been concluded and will soon be made public. This Audit covered actual disbursement of funds accrued

to the Federation Account from the oil and gas sector to the three tiers of governments and other agencies of government that directly receive allocations from the Federation account. The Audit also tracked actual application of these funds and examined the issues surrounding 13% derivation to benefiting states”.

In a similar development, Mrs Ahmed disclosed that “the 2011 Audit of the Solid Minerals sector has been concluded. I am also to inform you that the procurement process for the 2012 Audit of the Oil and Gas sector has commenced while the procurement process for 2013 Audit is in progress. This is to re-assure our stakeholders that NEITI will continue to do its best to meet all the reporting deadlines set by the global EITI”.

university lecturer, Prof.

Aloysius Okolie, on Wednesday said that lack of basic infrastructure was undermining all the sectors of the economy.

Okolie, a professor of political Science, said at the 2014 Democracy Day anniversary lecture in Abakaliki that lack of infrastructure was also an obstacle or hindrance to ``feasible economic empowerment programmes’’.

In the paper titled ``Critical Infrastructure as a Foundation for Socio-Economic Transformation: The Ebonyi Experience,’’ Okolie said that development should be local content driven.

He said inadequate infrastructure perpetuated poverty, unemployment, poor health and high mortality. ``As a critical residue, the level of infrastructural transmutation contributes significantly to influencing the pattern and intensity of societal transmogrification. ``The development of any nation’s infrastructure remains the catalyst for nation building in economic terms,’’ he said.

According to the professor, Nigeria has an unenviable record of critical infrastructural deficit due to incompetence in political leadership.

Also speaking, Gov. Martin Elechi of Ebonyi explained that development involved social values, the environment, aspirations and mind set which were the ingredients of policy formulation.

Elechi described development as a double-edged sword that promoted positive and negative social vices.

(NAN)

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 22

TAX Alert

The CGT – An untapped revenue goldmine

By Embuka Anna

Capital Gains Tax = 10% of N 47,000

= N 4,700

T

axation is arguably as old as mankind. In his book, Income Tax Law and Practice in Nigeria, Ola, C. S. said apart from revenue to the government, taxation is important to everyone and taxes collected come back to the taxpayers in the form of social amenities.

Almost everything we own and use for personal or investment purposes is a capital asset. Examples include a home, personal-use items like household furnishings, and stocks or bonds held as investments. Capital gains are the profits realized from the sale of assets at a price that is higher than the purchase price. When a capital asset is sold, the difference between the cost sale and the sales price is a capital gain or a capital loss. You have a capital gain if sales price is higher than cost of sale. The reverse is the case for a capital loss.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a type of tax levied on capital gains accruing to individuals and corporations. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and State Boards of Internal Revenue are responsible for the administration of the CGT in Nigeria. It is a tax applicable to capital gains accruing to any person (company or individual) on the disposal of a chargeable asset. Capital gains taxes are triggered when an asset is realized, not while it is held by an investor. An investor can own shares that appreciate every year, but the investor does not incur capital gains tax on the shares until they are sold.

Not all disposals are subject to CGT; only chargeable assets are.

Chargeable assets are all forms of property, including options, debts and any form of property created or acquired by the person disposing it, or otherwise coming to be owned without being acquired. Landed properties and buildings are the main income yielding assets in Nigeria.

Most countries’ tax laws provide for some form of capital gains taxes on investors’ and individuals’ capital gains, although CGT laws vary from country to country. In Nigeria, CGT was originally introduced by the Capital Gains Tax Act of 1967 with a rate of 20% but effective from 1998, the CGT rate was revised down wards to 10%. The legislation currently governing taxation of capital gains is the Capital Gains Tax Act CAP C1 LFN 2004.

Capital gains are excluded from taxation under the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) to avoid double taxation since such gains are subject to tax under the CGT Act. Assets situated outside Nigeria are chargeable to CGT on the amount received in or brought into Nigeria.

In the case of a non-resident, CGT is charged on any part of the gains received or brought into Nigeria.

Disposal to a Connected Person When a taxpayer transfers his capital asset to say, his wife, this is seen as a transaction between ‘connected persons’. In this case, the chargeable gains will

Exemptions

be calculated on the basis of the market value of the asset at the date of transfer. Section 24 of the CGT Act, 2004 provides that a person is ‘connected’ if: a. That person is the individual’s spouse. b. A trustee of a settlement with any individual who in relation of the settlement is a settler. c. A person is connected with any person with whom he is in partnership and with any person the spouse or relative of any person with whom he is in partnership.

A company is connected with another company if: a. The same person has control of both or he and persons connected with him has control of the other. b. Where a group of two or more person has control of each company and the group either consists of the same persons or could be regarded as consisting of the same persons by treating a member of either group as replaced by a person with whom he is connected. c. A company is connected with another person if that person has control of it or if it and that person connected with it together have control of it. d. Any two or more persons acting together to secure or exercise control of a company shall be treated in relation to that company as connected with another and so will any person on the directions of any of them to secure or exercise control of the company.

Capital gains is the net consideration accruing to a person on the disposal of capital assets after the sum of the total consideration and expenses for acquiring the asset has been deducted. It is arrived at by deducting from the proceeds accruing to any person on disposal the following: a) The amount or value of the consideration (in money or money’s worth) given wholly, exclusively and necessarily

incurred in providing the asset. b) Expenses wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred on the asset for the purposes of enhancing its value being expenditure reflected in the state or nature of the asset at the time of disposal. c) Expenses wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred on the asset in establishing, preserving or defending the title or right over the asset. d) The incidental cost of making the disposal, incidental costs of the acquisition of the asset or of its disposal includes fees, commissions or remuneration paid for professional services of any surveyor or valuer or auctioneer or accountant or agent or legal adviser and cost of transfer or conveyance including cost of advertising.

Expenses Allowable and Computation of CGT Expenses allowable as a deduction in computing the gains or losses of a trade, business, profession or vocation for income tax purposes are not to be deducted in the course of determining the applicable CGT. So also are premiums or other payments made under a policy of insurance against the risk of any kind of damage or injury to lose or depreciation of any asset. This does not prevent the deduction of expenses allowable in the computation of capital gains under the CGT if the assets have qualified for capital allowances.

According to Ayua, I. A. in his book, The Nigerian Tax Law, the above position on deductions is to the effect that capital gains are liberally calculated for the purpose of the CGT law. In practice, capital gains are calculated by deducting the total cost of acquisition from net sales proceeds.

Example: Ola sold his property for N150,000 on the 2nd of June, 2005.

He incurred the following expenses in the course of the sale: Adverts (online and print): N 8,000 Legal service charge: N15,000 He bought the property on 13th December, 1981 at N60,000 and incurred the following expenses: Agency: N10, 000 Renovation :

N 10, 000 .

Here is a computation of the amount of CGT due from Ola:

The CGT Act exempts gains accruing to the following: a) Ecclesiastical, charitable or educational institutions of public character. b) Any statutory or registered friendly society. c) Any co-operative society registered under the Trade Union Act, in so far as the gain is not derived from any disposal of any asset acquired in connection with any trade or business carried on by the institution or society and the gain is applied purely for the purpose of the institution or society as the case may be. d) Gains accruing from any local government council. e) Companies being purchasing authorities established under any law in Nigeria empowered to acquire any commodity in Nigeria for export. f) Superannuation funds (pension provident or other retirement benefits fund, society or scheme approved by the Joint Tax Board under Section 20 (1) (f) of the Personal Income Tax). g) Decorations, stocks and shares (the Act provides that where a person disposes a decoration awarded for valour or gallant conduct which he acquires otherwise than for consideration in money or money’s worth, such is not a chargeable gain. The Act also recognizes disposal of Nigerian government securities, stocks and shares as nonchargeable gains).

Reliefs

To prevent double tax relief on disposed assets, the Act provides that relief would be given in N N respect of replacement of business Proceeds from sale: assets, compensation for assets lost and destroyed and in respect

150,000 of delayed remittances from abroad. The relief would be in the Less expense: form of tax deferred.

Adverts:

Offences and Penalties 8,000 Legal service charge: With regards to the FIRS’

15,000 Agency: jurisdiction, offences and penalties under CGT is as provided for by

Part VI of the FIRS Establishment 10,000 Act 2007. On failure to deduct Renovation: or remit taxes, Section 40 of the

FIRSEA 2007 provides that “any 10,000 person who being obliged to deduct

any tax under this Act or the laws (43,000) listed in the First Schedule of this Act but fails to deduct or having Net sales proceeds: deducted fails to pay to the Service within 30 days from the date the 107,000 amount was deducted or the time the duty to pay arose, commits an Less cost of acquisition: offence and shall upon conviction be liable to pay the tax withheld

or not remitted in addition to a (60,000) penalty of 10% of the tax deducted Gains or not remitted per annum and interest at the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria minimum re discount rate and imprisonment 47,000 for a period not more than three years”.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 23

Stock Watch

Report as at Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The were no transtions yesterday at the NSE due to the public holidays.

PAGE 24

Peoples Daily, Friday, May 30, 2014

PAGE 25

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Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Islam

Polio war: The good news!

Usamah ibn Shuraik narrated: “… ‘O Allah’s Messenger! Should we seek medical treatment for our illnesses?’ He replied: ‘Yes, you should seek medical treatment, because Allah, the Exalted, has let no disease exist without providing for its cure, except for one ailment, namely, old age’.”

[Tirmidhi Reported]

I

n the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers till the end of time.

Health is wealth! That is to say health is very vital and critical to our individual and collective lives. There is virtually nothing to be achieved without good health.

Islam on the other hand has special provision for health in general.

A Muslim can live happily and complete without electricity, but can not and will never like to live where there is no water. Water is a very essential instrument of the religion of Islam. This is because Muslims are the biggest consumers of water.Without water, many of the Islamic ritualsand sacraments will suffer serious hindrances. So, had the Muslims acted with the provision of Islam on health, they would have been the healthiest nation on earth. By extension, they would have been in the forefront of fights against diseases, such as HIV/ AIDS, Poliomyelitis and all infectious or communicable diseases. Unfortunately from the current situations and conditions of Muslims around the world, the case is the reverse!

Today it is only Muslims and their communities especially in Asia and Africa are lagging behind in the attainment of the millennium goals on Primary Health Care (PHC)! This is indeed a very sad development despite the efforts and commitment byf many government, organizations and individuals. Here in Nigeria and particularly the northern partis not exempted from this ugly development.

In fact, the world has never been so closed to the total eradication of polio than it has ever been now! This was achieved because of the sustained vigour on vaccination efforts, especially in the three most endemic nations of the world.Polio cases are at the lowest level in history going by the recorded success in 2012 when the world launched Strategic

Plan in 2010 called GPEI. Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has developed another product called Global Polio Emergency ActionPlan 2012-13. Its goal is to support transformational change leading to complete eradication in the remaining three polio-endemic nations of Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, all, unfortunately Muslim countries!

However, Nigeria, and most especially the northern part which is predominantly Muslims, has two unique characteristics. Firstly, the people very much rely upon their religious leaders on almost anythingto do with Western world. They always refer to them for clarification and guidance.

The unfortunate and disastrous thing happens when the sheikh is not well informed or completely ignorant on the true nature of the problem at hand. Secondly, all northerners attached incredible importance, and accord respect to their traditional rulers. They listen to them more than their political leaders. Thus, the mistake that was done from the onset was the non-inclusion of these two very important institutions in the campaign for the eradication of polio. The different governments of the day undermined their importance and the influences they wield within their followers.

Though it was lately, yet it is not too late, the government realized the importance of Ulamas and traditional rulers in carrying along the populace in matters to do with their well-being. What is more interesting is the acceptance of these institutions to partner with both the federal government and all stakeholders in the gallant fight against polio virus. The religious leaders have resolved to

Some Nigerian vicims of Polio

islam explained

By Husain Zakariyya Yawale

+234-8052952900 (sms only) islamexplained35@yahoo.com help their followers benefit from the sustained campaigns both with the local and international agencies fighting the menace of poliomyelitis.

Thus, for the government to benefit from the inclusion of the traditional and religious leaders, it must make the following pursue these requirements: 1. Adequate financing 2. Sourcing of experienced staff 3. Prevention or reduction of duplication 4. More sensitizations 5. Widening the scope of interventions 6. Effective utilization of local staff during campaigns The problem with poliomyelitis virus is that as long as there is one case anywhere in Nigeria, it means no place is safe anywhere. It goes without saying that as long as there is one case in any country; it means the world is not yet safe. Thus, eradicating polio has become everybody’s concern.

Indeed, it must be on record that the traditional rulers have done wonderfully in influencing their subjects, not by coercion or intimidation as was the case during the colonial days, but by persuasion and suasive sensitization. Many of them will

be remembered by the history polio eradication as well as by the parents whose children were saved from disability or even death! The international communities will definitelyeulogize them for lending their weights for the benefit of their domains, and for the world consequently.

The Sultan of Sokoto, His eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, their Royal Highnesses Emir of Argungu Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, Shehu of Bama Alhaji Kyari Umar El-Kanemi and Emir of Shonga Dr. Halliru Yahaya are worth mentioning for posterity, because of their active participations in all the campaigns, as well as for their persistent synergies and collaborations with all meaningful stakeholders.

Similarly, the lending of supports by the religious leaders of all the different Islamic organizations and sects of the Kadiriyyah, Tijjaniyyah, the FOMWAN and the Forum of A laram ma s wh i ch wa s wel l coordinated and harmonized by Huseyn Zakaria, will not go in vain. After seeking the pleasure of Allah, their followers will always remember them in their prayers for what they contributed in sensitizing them to accept the polio vaccinations.

According to the recent publication in which more than 1100 people from 290 organizations consisting 140 countries have contributed to the development of the GVAP. In it the final version of the Global Vaccine Action Plan(GVAP) that was kicked off in 2011to last till2020 is a roadmap designed to prevent millions of deaths around the world through more equitable access to vaccines. The development of the plan was coordinated by the DoV Secretariat, formed by members of ISGlobal, PATH, and the Sabin Vaccine Institute, whose work finished in December 2012.

Endorsed by 194 countries at the World Health Assembly in May 2012, the GVAP reiterates the existing goals, sets new ones, outlines six more strategic objectives and associated actions, and provides an initial estimate of resource requirements and the expected return on investment covering the exercise. The stakeholders of this program stated above said, “the success of this ambitious global plan will be one of the most enduring legacies for today’s children and the generations who follow them”.

I will always remember to echo, to the hearing of all, my words at the global submit on polio in Abu Dhabi that the Nigerian Muslim leaders will sustain their collaborations with all stakeholders on polio to its grave!

In two recent one-day seminars I attended which was organized by the National Primary Health Care Development agency on inactivated polio Vaccine (IPV) introduction in Nigeria and the Da’awah Council meeting on the just concluded polio vaccination exercise, our hopes were raised.

The good news was that since the beginning of this year 2014, only three cases of white polio were recorded; two from Tarauni of kano state and one from Gujba of Yobe state. If this glad tiding has anything to to show, it is the glaring indication that the war against polio globally will soon end!

It is thus, worth mentioning here for the purpose of record the efforts of World Health Orga n i za ti on , UNICE F , the GAVI Alliance, the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ISGlobal, PATH, Traditional rulers, Ulamas and the Sabin Vaccine Institute in building a world where individuals and communities will be able to enjoy a life free from all types of preventable diseases, regardless of where they are born, who they are or where they live. It is hoped that this vision will be a reality by 2020!

Finally, I ask Allah to grant us our goals not only on the complete eradication of polio virus on the surface of the earth, but bear witness to a world free of all types of terrorism and all forms of injustice!

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

P A G E

International

Revisiting Egypt’s civil-military relations

Supporters of Sisi holding his posters

ANALYSIS

A

s former Minister of Defence Field Marshal Abdul Fattah el-Sisi prepares to assume his duties as Egypt’s new president, the debate about Egypt’s civilmilitary relations will be brought to the fore. Egypt’s modern history demonstrated the inherent difficulties in achieving equilibrium between the historically powerful military and an ever-evolving civilian society. Conversations concerning the nature of the military’s role in politics and the civilian government’s level of oversight and authority over the armed forces are still considered taboo.

Both sides are apprehensive of a public discourse on the subject, but for different reasons. The military does not want a public debate, ostensibly out of fear that exposing military details would undermine its national security efforts. The military leadership is also wary of any shift that could reduce its influence over politics or threaten its extensive economic network. Conversely, the civilian side believes that even opening a discourse would signal its acceptance of the military’s dominance over political life and would legitimise the military’s position.

The military took a more active role in political life after the Egyptian Revolution of 1952,

when President Gamal Abdel Nasser established a regime dominated by military officers.

Since then, the military has acted as a deposer, kingmaker, and powerful political and commercial entity. Today, the Egyptian armed forces occupy an unprecedented position in the country, and their influential position is only likely to be strengthened with Sisi’s presidency.

The military has historically felt reassured by the presence of a political leadership with a military background. Only weeks before his resignation from the armed forces in order to become eligible to run for president, Sisi took the title of Field Marshal, the highest Egyptian military rank. The support of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) for Sisi’s candidacy illustrates its inability to remain neutral during political competition, and the ultimate election of Sisi to the presidency will only increase this military partisanship.

Without exception, both military and civilian forces claim they desire the realisation of democracy in Egypt. Yet it is common knowledge that one of the main pillars of a functioning democracy is the balance and separation of powers. In practice, this means that while several authorities hold power in the state, none of them dominates its political, executive and legislative affairs.

Two factors contribute to the imbalance of this separation of powers in regard to civilianmilitary relations in Egypt and make it difficult for the civilian polity to achieve a balance with the military forces.

The first is that the weakness of Egyptian civilian institutions and society’s ideological fragmentation make it difficult for civilian political forces to present a strong, unified front and achieve a more balanced relationship with the military-security establishment.

The second involves regional

“

complexities and conflicts following the Arab Spring, such as the Syrian civil war and the fragmentation of Libya. In the midst of such turmoil, there is a need for the military to keep the country secure. Thus, the military has been given greater power.

Egypt’s recent constitutions have bestowed exceptional privileges upon the military establishment, allowing it to draw power away from the government’s legislative, executive and judiciary branches. For example, the latest constitution requires that SCAF approve the appointment of the defence minister (who must be a military officer) for a period of two full presidential terms.

The constitution does not mention how to initiate a process to replace the defence minister, if necessary. Thus, the president cannot appoint the defence minister without offense’s’s approval, nor can he remove the minister without practice’s consent. This gives exceptional

At the same time, military interference should be prohibited in political affairs at all levels, and military institutions must demonstrate professionalism and maintain political neutrality.

power to the military over state matters.

The new constitution also states that civilians may be tried in a military court if the alleged offense involves military officers or property or if it was committed in an area under military jurisdiction. This vague definition has been broadly applied, and can be interpreted to justify trying a civilian in a military court for almost any real or perceived offense.

Furthermore, the defence budget is to be discussed only by a National Defence Council made up of top state and military officials. The constitution does not specify who has the power to approve the defence budget, meaning that in practice there is no oversight.

Egypt clearly suffers from a structural imbalance in its relations between the state and the military, which is a key issue for any transitional roadmap to democracy. A balanced relationship between the civilian and military forces of a democracy is built on the basis of civilian noninterference in military decisions, such as the manufacturing and purchasing of arms. Additionally, civilians should be prohibited from intervening in military job promotions, with the exception of the defence minister and the chief-of-staff. Civilian politicians also need to resist the temptation to politicise the military or to involve military institutions in party conflicts and political competition.

At the same time, military interference should be prohibited in political affairs at all levels, and military institutions must demonstrate professionalism and maintain political neutrality.

This is a difficult balance to strike, especially in a country such as Egypt, where the armed forces have played an important role in politics at certain points in history, and when so many of its modern rulers have come from the armed forces. Nevertheless, it is a balance that must be reached if Egypt is to avoid another authoritarian regime dominated by a convergence of political and military forces.

There are positive examples that Egypt can learn from.

During Indonesia’s successful democratic transition, the military lost representation in parliament as a result of a constitutional amendment. The Indonesian army is still involved in politics to a certain extent: It is inevitable for the military to retain certain powers that are not democratic in nature in order to move the democratic process forward. However, with every election Indonesia is moving away from its military-dominated past and observing basic principles of democracy and pluralism.

In Egypt’s case, the election of Sisi is a step back and only time will show whether the country will be able to establish a strict balance between the civilian state and the military establishment.

Source: Al Jazeera

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 28

International Sisi elected Egypt president by landslide

Doctors struggle to contain Ebola outbreak

O

n Wednesday in Geneva, Pierre Formenty, a doctor with the international health body who had just returned from a trip to Guinea, said the virus, which has already claimed 186 lives in Guinea since March, and has since spread to Sierre Leone and Liberia, was not on the decline.

“The situation is serious, you can’t say it is under control as cases are continuing and it is spreading geographically,” Formenty said “There was no decline. In fact it is because we are not able to capture all the outbreak that we were under the impression there was a decline,” he said.

On Wednesday, Sierra Leone confirmed a second death from the Ebola virus, as the WHO warned of possible further contagion as others sick with the haemorrhagic fever had been moved out of isolation and back to their village.

“One of the seven Ebola patients, a woman admitted at the Isolation Centre in the Government Hospital in Kenema, died on Tuesday,” Brima Kargbo, the chief medical officer at the hospital, told the AFP news agency.

The six other patients affected were “undergoing treatment”, added Kargbo.

The announcement of the death comes two days after Sierra Leone confirmed its first fatality from Ebola.

The WHO reported two new cases, including one death, between May 25 and 27 in Guinea’s capital Conakry. They were the first to be detected in the country since April 26.

An outbreak in the capital could pose the biggest threat because the city is Guinea’s international travel hub.

The haemorrhagic fever, which has no cure, erupted in Guinea in January and also spread to Liberia.

Liberia has seen 12 reported cases of Ebola - six of them laboratory confirmed - including nine deaths, but no new cases have emerged since April 9.

F

ormer army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has won a landslide victory in the Egyptian presidential election, securing 93.3 percent of the votes cast, judicial sources have said.

His only rival, leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi got only 3

percent of the votes. He later conceded defeat on Thursday.

Official election commission figures will likely be released next week but are not expected to change much due to the wide gap in results.

Egypt’s presidential election was to be held over two days but

was extended by another day amid concerns over low voter turnout. The poor turnout cast doubts about the level of public support for Sisi, who deposed the country’s first elected president Mohamed Morsi in a coup last year.

Voter turnout this time was 44.4 percent, much lower than the election that brought Morsi to power in June 2012.

Fireworks were set off in

Sisi

About 1,000 people gathered in Tahrir Square, the symbolic heart of the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak

capital Cairo when results began to emerge. Sisi’s supporters waved Egyptian flags and sounded car horns on the crowded streets of the capital.

About 1,000 people gathered in Tahrir Square, the symbolic heart of a popular uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak in 2011, and raised hopes of a democracy free of influence from the military.

The decision by the election commission to add another day of voting raised complaints that authorities were manipulating the vote in Sisi’s favour.

Sabahi said the extension aimed to “distort” the will of the people. His campaign pulled its representatives from polling stations on Wednesday in protest against what it called a campaign of intimidation and arrests of its campaign workers.

The Muslim Brotherhood the group which the deposed Morsi belonged to - hailed the low turnout.

The Brotherhood has been designated a “terrorist” organisation by the militaryinstalled interim government.

All of the movement’s main leaders are now in jail or exile, and Morsi is being tried on charges that could carry the death penalty

Congo slams ‘rude’ UN comments C ongo-Brazzaville has slammed the UN for being “rude” over accusations it treated foreign nationals badly.

Bienvenu Okiemy, the country’s communications minister, said on Wednesday that his government was “surprised by these rude comments” that alleged Congo forcibly returned tens of thousands of people to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Okiemy’s comments came two days after Martin Kobler, head of the UN’s mission in DR Congo, said that Congo-Brazzaville’s mass deportation of DRC migrants was creating a humanitarian crisis.

Speaking on national television, Okiemy accused Kobler

of being “reportedly inspired to make these allegations by his accredited colleagues in Brazzaville”.

On Monday, the UN said Congo-Brazzaville had deported more than 130,000 DRC nationals since April 4, creating an “acute humanitarian crisis”.

“The United Nations has received reports of physical abuse, ill treatment, and sexual violence inflicted on the citizens of DRC who are being expelled,” read the statement.

Kobler also claimed he had “heard numerous testimonies of victims of gross human rights abuses and cruel treatments”.

These included “children drowning in the river during their

forced crossing”.

The UN called on Brazzaville to “investigate the allegations”.

Police in the capital Brazzaville launched an operation on April 3 to drive out illegal foreign workers.

Martin Kobler, Head of MONUSCO said Congo’s decision had created “an acute humanitarian crisis

CAR church attack leaves 15 dead

A

The latest bout of violence has heightened fears of renewed tensions between Christians and Muslims

t least 15 people, including a priest, have been killed and several others wounded following an attack on a Catholic church compound in the capital by Muslim fighters, witnesses said.

Wednesday’s attack at the NotreDame de Fatima church in central Bangui, where thousands of civilians had sought refuge, is the largest and most brazen blamed on Muslim fighters since the Seleka coalition was removed from power nearly five

months ago.

“We were in the church when we heard the shooting outside,’’ Reverend Freddy Mboula told the Associated Press news agency.

“There were screams and after 30 minutes of gunfire there were bodies everywhere.’’

Witnesses said the gunmen entered the complex, hurling grenades and shooting indiscriminately.

There were conflicting reports of how many were killed, and fighting

in the area also prohibited observers from independently confirming the toll.

Some witnesses said up to 30 people had been killed. A Reuters cameraman said he saw dozens of bodies being carried away.

The majority Christian country has been wracked by relentless clashes between Christian vigilante groups and the mainly Muslim exSeleka rebels who had seized power in a coup which ended in January.

Page 29

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

International

Pakistani stoning victim’s husband speaks out

T

he husband of the pregnant woman stoned to death by her family in Pakistan has said that the police did not take any action when the incident occurred.

Farzana Iqbal, 25, was attacked outside a court in Lahore city on Tuesday, police said, because she had married the man she loved instead of a cousin selected for her.

Her husband, Muhammed Iqbal, told the Reuters news agency on Thursday that the police did nothing during the 15 minutes the violence lasted outside the High Court.

“I begged them to help us but they said, this is not our duty,” he said. “I took off my shirt [to be humble] and begged them to save her.”

Police initially said Farzana had been stoned, but Iqbal told Reuters that relatives had swung bricks, not thrown them.

Meanwhile, in the capital Islamabad, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has taken notice of the “brutal killing” in the presence of the police, his press office said in a statement, adding that a “totally unacceptable” crime had to be dealt with promptly by law.

Honour killings are common in Pakistan, but the brutality of this case caused outrage around the world

“I am directing the chief minister to take immediate action and a report must be submitted by this evening to my office,” it said, quoting Sharif.

In parts of Pakistan, women are expected to agree to arranged marriages and refusal can mean

an “honour killing”. The attack happened near the gate of the heavily guarded court on one of the busiest roads in Lahore, one of the country’s largest cities.

The couple had been due to testify there that morning that their marriage was genuine in

response to a false charge of kidnapping brought by Farzana’s family.

All the suspects, except the father, who has been detained, have disappeared. A police officer on Tuesday quoted the father as saying it had been an honour killing.

Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh state.

“The report suggests antemortem hanging, which means the girls probably committed suicide. But we will take into account all aspects before coming to a conclusion,” Atul Saxena, Budaun’s police chief, told the AFP news agency.

Police have arrested three people, including two police officers, the AP news agency reported.

The two Dalit girls were found hanging from a tree on Wednesday night in their village after they went missing the night before, according to Saxena.

India gang-rape: Progress one year on?

He said the arrests were made after villagers blocked the main highway near Katra village to protest against alleged police apathy and

inaction. Senior Uttar Pradesh government officials ordered the arrests.

Saxena said that the head of Katra’s police station had been suspended for not acting immediately when the girls’ family complained they were missing.

The National Commission for Women, a women’s rights group that operates throughout the country, has reportedly sent a team to investigate the incident, according to local media.

India tightened its anti-rape laws last year after nationwide protests over a crime considered rampant in the country.

Records show a rape is committed every 22 minutes across the country of 1.2 billion people, though activists say that number is low because many victims are reluctant to come forward.

Indian girls found hanging after gang-rape

India tightened its anti-rape laws last year after nationwide protests over rising number of sex attacks

T

wo teenage girls have been found dead, hanging from a tree in a northern Indian village after they were gang-raped by five men, police said on Thursday.

A post-mortem report indicated that the cousins from the low-caste Dalit community, aged 14 and 15, hanged themselves late on Tuesday after the attack in a village in the

MH370 underwater search ends without success

T

he swathe of Indian Ocean where acoustic “pings” were detected has been ruled out as the crash zone of missing Malaysia Airlines passenger jet after a lengthy underwater search.

The Joint Agency Coordination Centre said on Thursday it had completed the search of an area off the Australian coast where pings were detected in early April, with no success.

An unmanned submarine had searched 850sqr km but had found no sign of the plane.

“The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has advised that the search in the vicinity of the acoustic detections can now be considered complete and in its professional judgement, the area can now be discounted as the final resting place of MH370,” the agency said in a statement.

The statement came after a

US official said he believed the “pings” did not come from the black box of the missing jet.

Michael Dean, the US navy’s civilian deputy director of ocean engineering, said on Wednesday that most countries agreed that the sounds came from a manmade source unrelated to the jet.

The Malaysia Airlines jet vanished on March 8 with 239 people on board.

The centre said the operation

would now move to the next phase involving scanning the unmapped ocean bed with all existing information and analysis reviewed to define a search zone of up to 60,000sqr km.

A Chinese survey ship, Zhu Kezhen, is mapping areas of the sea floor in preparation for the commercially contracted deep ocean search, which is expected to begin in August and take up to 12 months, JAC

Asia & Middle East Israel ‘suspends’ soldier over W Bank deaths

I

srael’s army has suspended a non-combat soldier seen firing his weapon during clashes in the West Bank earlier this month in which two Palestinian teenagers were killed, Haaretz newspaper reported.

The report published on Thursday came amid a military police investigation into footage from two CCTV cameras that appeared to show the shooting of the two teens was unprovoked, taking place during a lull in the clashes.

The shooting took place during a day of protests on May 15 as Palestinians marked the “Nakba”, or catastrophe, of Israel’s establishment in 1948.

Haaretz said the soldier had been spotted on CNN footage released last week, firing “what appeared to be a rubber bullet” at around the same time the first of the two teenagers was shot.

But it said there was no proof his shot was responsible for killing of Musaab Nuwarah.

“The IDF has found no evidence proving that this soldier’s bullet caused Nuwarah’s death,” it said.

The paper said the suspended soldier was a member of the army’s communications division, a non-combat unit. Such troops, it said, were not permitted to fire unless attacked themselves.

An Israeli army spokesman refused to comment on the report, only saying “the military police investigation is ongoing”.

Video shows fatal shooting of Palestinians In the CNN footage, a group of five or six border police officers in dark grey fatigues and helmets with visors can be seen milling around behind wall in the town of Beitunia, southwest of Ramallah.

In a 13-second clip focused on them, a soldier in green fatigues is seen kneeling behind the wall, aiming his rifle.

A first shot appears to be fired by a border policeman standing among the group, then 10 seconds later, the kneeling soldier also appears to fire a shot.

Immediately after the second shot, one of the border police is seen taking the weapon from the soldier and the camera quickly pans round to show Palestinians carrying the teenager to an ambulance.

According to the CCTV footage, the two teens were shot in the same location but there was an hour and 13 minutes between the two incidents.

Palestinian medics have said both were killed by live bullets, but the Israeli army has denied live fire was used at the scene.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 30

International

Ukraine general dies as helicopter shot down A

Ukrainian military helicopter has been shot down in Slovyansk, killing 14 people including an army general, as rebels and government forces continued fierce battles in the country’s east.

The acting Ukraine president, Oleksandr Turchynov, told parliament on Thursday: “I have just received information that terrorists using Russian anti-aircraft missiles shot down our helicopte. It had been ferrying servicemen for a change of duty.”

He said General Serhiy Kulchytskiy was among the dead, according to the Interfax news agency, which earlier gave the wrong first name for the general.

The Interfax news agency said Kulchytskiy had once served in the Soviet army and was in charge of combat training for Ukraine’s National Guard.

A separatist spokesman had earlier told Russian news agencies that the militants had downed a Ukrainian army helicopter in a fierce battle that was still raging on the southern outskirts of the rebelcontrolled city.

The unnamed spokesman said

that “as a result of active military activities, several houses belonging to civilians caught fire”.

The attack came as separatists in Donetsk began holding funerals for dozens of fighters killed in the battle for the city’s airport on Monday.

More than 35 fighters were killed on Monday during the prolonged battle between the rebels and the Ukrainian army.

The clashes involved combat jets and helicopter gunships, and rebel leaders say up to 100 fighters had

died.

The self-proclaimed prime minister of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Aleksander Boroday, told families of the dead that he and his supporters were “prepared for more fighting”.

Pro-Russian rebels lost dozens of fighters in the battle for Donetsk airport

Barcelona clashes rage over squat eviction

T

he protest was against the eviction of squatters from ‘Can Vies’ building. [AFP] Police have arrested 25 people during a third night of clashes in Barcelona following the clearing of a squat which had been occupied

for 17 years.

Protesters threw rocks and set fire to trash containers after police evicted squatters from the ‘Can Vies’ social centre building.

A police spokeswoman said on Thursday the disturbances

began after a peaceful protest the previous evening in the central Sants district of Barcelona when police prevented some protesters from approaching a town hall office.

The demonstration was to

protest Monday’s closing of ‘Can Vies’ that was occupied by squatters since 1997, following a court order when negotiations broke down between the city of Barcelona and the youth occupying the building.

Locals divided over Turkey mining disaster

T

he voice of Aynur Sandik trembles with anger as she recounts the death of her husband 14 days ago.

Ibrahim Sandik died along with 300 other miners during a fire at the Soma coal mine on May 13, succumbing to smoke and faulty

safety measures in the deadliest industrial accident in Turkey’s history.

“We feel ripped to pieces, and

Some Turks have accused PM Erdogan of being responsible for the deadly accident at the Soma mine

the man who is responsible for this leads our country,” said Sandik.

Now, the widowed mother of three has accused Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of neglecting the plight of Turkey’s miners.

From an upper window of one house in Sandik’s hometown of Kinik hangs the flag of Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). “Some want to use this event to strike at our country,” Tolga Bucak, a 43-year-old florist and Erdogan supporter said. “They plan to divide us by striking at our prime minister, but now is not the time for politics.”

Both households bear the pain of tiny Kinik, an ordinary town of 10,000 nestled in Turkey’s mountainous southwest. Kinik lost 52 miners in the disaster, the highest death toll of any community tied to the Soma mine. “At least in our sorrow, our community is drawn together,” Sandik said.

Europe and Americas Iranian hackers ‘used Facebook to spy on US’

I

ranian hackers set up fake Facebook accounts and tried to befriend US and Western officials in an effort to spy on them, an internet security firm has said.

The hackers created fake personas and populated their profiles with fictitious personal content, and then tried to befriend targets, the Reuters news agency reported.

Targets are believed to include a US navy admiral, politicians, ambassadors, lobbyists and officials from several other countries including the UK and Saudi Arabia, according to the internet firm, iSight Partners.

ISight declined to identify the victims and said it could not say what data had been stolen. “If it’s been going on for so long, clearly they have had success,” said Tiffany Jones, a company executive.

The firm said Iranian hackers created six online personas, who appeared to work for a website, newsonair.org, and another eight who purported to work for defence contractors and other organisations.

The operation has been active since at least 2011 and is thought to be the most elaborate cyber espionage campaign using “social engineering” uncovered to date, iSight said.

To build credibility, the hackers would approach high-value targets by first establishing ties with friends of the target, classmates, colleagues, relatives and other connections over social networks run by Facebook, Google, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Then they would send links that infected PCs with malicious software, or direct targets to web portals that ask for network log-in credentials.

The firm said hackers made connections with more than 2,000 people, adding that it believed the group ultimately targeted several hundred individuals in a “low and slow” campaign.

A spokesman for Facebook said it had discovered the hacking group and had removed the accounts.

LinkedIn said the site was investigating the report, though none of the 14 fake profiles uncovered by iSight were currently active.

ISight said it did not know if the hackers were tied to the government in Tehran, though it believed they were supported by a nation state because of the complexity of the operation.

The firm said newsonair.org was registered in Tehran and probably hosted by an Iranian provider.

Among the 14 false personas were reporters for newsonair, including one with the same name as a Reuters journalist in Washington; six employees who purportedly worked for defence contractors; a systems administrator with the US navy, and an accountant working for a payment processor.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 31

For the Record

Democracy Day

Depite insecurity, we have cause to cheer, says Jonathan

I

Fellow Nigerians, greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Although I have ordered a lowkey commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people overthe past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerianentrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

Significant increase in mobile telephoneand national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy.

We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.

The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.

In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.

Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free

choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.

Dear Compatriots, It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge.

A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedomwe cherish and celebrate today.

The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless

brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.

In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.

There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.

I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.

Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond.

Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and

property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

Dear Compatriots, We must remain united to win the war against terrorism.

Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever.

The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

We are a strong, resilient and courageous people. We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.

Fellow Nigerians, Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.

Being the full text of the 2014 Democracy Day national broadcast made by President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday.

Page 32

Weekend Revue

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

I

n the past few years, the Nigerian movie industry popularly known as Nollywood has gained popularity in the world.

This rapid growth has witnessed the production and proliferation of indigenous movies that are produced either in the English language or in the major local languages. Unlike the American and European movies which hitherto flooded the Nigerian market, Nigerian movies are so called not because they are produced in Nigerian English or indigenous languages, but because they are produced in Nigeria

by Nigerians and they feature Nigerian actors and actresses who portray the Nigerian experiences and world outlook.

Although, some sections feel Nigerian movies have provided a better and indigenous alternative to the teeming viewing public and cinemagoers, many scholars and critics have poised to criticise the quality and content of these movies. Although movie analysts have done a lot on the content and quality of the Nigerian movies in terms of the story line and production, very little or nothing has been written on the language used in these movies.

However, despite successes and attainment of the Nollywood in the world, the movie is still operating in the shadows of Hollywood, the most recognised movie industry in the world.

Movie analysts say that the industry does not have an industrial based rationale.

Therefore, each producer and director concentrate on what will bring them money. It is the quest for money that makes them to produce erroneous movies characterized by poor sound, substandard camera work, poor scripting and editing.

The three stages of production which is usually tasking in other

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014 With Tobias Lengnan Dapam lovelengz@yahoo.com 07036990957

Nigerian movies: the journey of errors climes is hurriedly done in the Nollywood. The movies are full of imitation of the western movie which do not have basis in the country.

“It is very unfortunate that we have become copycats in the industry. If you observe, bulk of our movies, the script ideas would remind you of some foreign movies. Recently, I watched our own version of ‘save the last dance’ and ‘Mr. Bone’. In truth, the versions acted here did not maintain the pace of those movies. Those movies were quite entertaining and full of suspense but our own was rubbish. In fact, it is an insult to the original movies. “ ‘Mr. Bones for instance had the South African cultural flavour which showcase the South African real culture of the ‘gwara gwara’, sobriquet for golf in their culture.

But our own version was just a wasteful adventure where the culture was not properly injected in the movie.

“If our movie will concentrate on imitation and wrongful importation of foreign culture, the industry will continue to crawl among other nations. I think it is high time we appreciate our culture and reflect it more in the movies. There are other aspects of politics in the society which we also need to capture properly so as to make our audience learn better through the motion pictures”, A movie producer, Bright Karl has said.

Omotoala

Speaking further on Nigerian movie, Solomon Kumlong, a movie producer, said the industry is yet to get it right.

“We have not yet gotten it right. There are so many factors responsible for our poor production. Most times when I watch the movie, I get confused.

At times I don’t know what the movie is aimed at teaching or informing its viewers. Movie is supposed to pass a message across to its audience and make them learn something from it.

But am sure when you sample the opinions of our movie audience, 90% will tell you they don’t watch

“

Jim Iyk

local movies.

“I don’t blame them because at times, the movie is not worth the stress of watching. You will discover that from the idea, camera movement and sound are poorly put together and do not arrest the interest of an audience.

“You will also discover that the movie has more adverts than the content of its production, which also bored its audience. The movie has no suspense and it is easy for anyone to interpret the movie by watching its copy. The title of the movie will also tell you what the movie is all about. So if you as a director allow your

The directors usually use people with pure Igbo accent to act the role of a typical Hausa man. Why can’t they get a Hausa man to

audience to read you, then you have a great problem.

“Most times we use casts wrongly and that defeats the essence of that particular movie.

The directors usually use people with pure Igbo accent to act the role of a typical Hausa man. Why can’t they get a Hausa man to play that role?

These cases are too numerous in the industry. They are always in a hurry to produce movie and there is no thorough rehearsal, therefore the movie is full of errors and poor packaging”, he said.

Based on the foregoing, 80% of Nigerians do not watch the home videos. Majority of its audience of late are found in the villages and secondary school students, mostly females in their puberty who, want to acquire knowledge on dating.

To be able to attain the heights of movie production devoid of unprofessionalism, the movie industry must, as a matter of urgency weed itself of unprofessional movie producers who have turned the industry in money making ventures instead of producing movies that sets agenda for its mass audience predominantly the youths.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 33

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West honeymoon without North

Weekend Revue

Camera flashes make people think I bleach – Yvonne Nelson

Yvonne Nelson

T

he newlyweds - who married in a lavish ceremony at Forte di Belvedere o di San Giorgio Firenze in Florence, Italy, recently, have left their 11-month old, North, with Kim’s family while they enjoy a break in Cork, Ireland.

North was seen leaving on a flight out of Italy with Kim’s mother, Kris Jenner, after the wedding, while the reality TV star and her new husband landed in Ireland, where they are staying at the five-star Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork.

A source told People.com: “They planned to stay in Europe for a week or two post-wedding, until Kanye has to perform at the X Games [in Austin,Texas, on June 7].”

The couple are said to be attending Kanye’s stylist’s wedding, which is also in Europe, this weekend.

The Castlemartyr Resort has a long history, and according to its website was “first built in 1210 by The Knights Templar, who were one of the most famous of the Christian military orders under the leadership of Richard Earl de Clare, more commonly known as Strongbow.”

It was also the site of a friary for Carmelite priests, and in the 1800s Richard Boyle, the First Earl of Cork, built a huge mansion on the property.

The couple are staying in the hotel’s presidential suite, and have also booked out seven other rooms in the property to ensure their privacy, at an estimated cost of almost $70,000.

Brunette beauty Kim previously enjoyed a low-key visit to Ireland, flying to Dublin in June 2012 to help Kanye celebrate his birthday while he was there on tour.

Afterward, she wrote on her blog: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Ireland.”

T Kardashian and West honeymoon

op Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelsonsaid the camera flashes on her made some movie audience to believe that she bleached her skin.

It would be recalled that some sections of the Nollywood audience have accused the Ghanian born actress of bleaching.

However, the actress maintained that she did not use any bleaching cream on her skin, explaining that camera flashes and filters make pictures

she posts on the internet look like she applied a lighting cream on her skin.

The actress lamented that she is tired of explaining to people that she did not bleach her skin contrary to what many believe.

Bleaching in Africa is what is frowned at, but it is gradually becoming the norm. Dencia, a Cameroonian singer, was accused of selling a bleaching cream, but she has kicked against this, claiming her product was not made to bleach skins of its users.

Marlon Wayans to host MTV Africa Music Awards

H

Jun Marlon Wayans

ollywood Reporter has said that Marlon Wayanshas been tipped to host the so-called MAMAs, short for the MTV Africa Music Awards, which will be held in the coastal resort of Durban, South Africa, on June 7.

It added that the award will air globally through a combination of pay TV and terrestrial distribution.

Created by African urban music and youth entertainment channel MTV Base, the MAMAs recognize youth culture, music and other standouts from sub-Saharan Africa, rewarding achievement in 18 different categories, including music and Iifestyle.

The awards show was launched in 2008. It last took place in 2010 in Lagos, Nigeria, with Eve as the host.

“We always intended to have the MAMA’s in South Africa,” said Alex Okosi, SVP and General Manager of VIMN in Africa. “Holding it in South Africa as a pan-African awards show, celebrating African talent was critical for us as part of our mission in Africa. It took longer than we had anticipated getting the partnerships in place, but we are very happy to have secured them and intend to keep moving the ceremony to celebrate Pan-African talent.”

Meanwhile, organizers say the

MAMA’s reflected the ambition of MTV Base parent company Viacom and its Viacom International Media Networks Africa arm to support African contemporary artists and musicians. The goal is to present a positive, upbeat and modern image of Africa to Western countries and to inspire young Africans around the world.

Key awards categories include best male artist, best female artist, best collaboration, video of the year, song of the year, personality of the year, and the MTV Base leadership award.

The show will also feature performances from Trey Songz,

Miguel and French Montana.

A concert featuring top DJs and nominees from the MAMAs in Lagos on May 30 will cap a pre-show, panAfrican music tour, dubbed “Road to MAMA,” which started in Tanzania and is ending in South Africa.

This year’s MAMA nominees include Big Nuz (South Africa), Mafikizolo (South Africa), Mi Casa (South Africa), P-Square (Nigeria), Sauti Sol (Kenya,) Anselmo Ralph (Angola), Davido (Nigeria), Diamond (Tanzania), Donald (South Africa), Wizkid (Nigeria), Arielle T (Gabon), Chidinma (Nigeria), DJ Cndo (South Africa), Efya (Ghana) and Tiwa Savage (Nigeria).

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 34

Tribute

Maya Angelou: Farewell to a poet, author and civil rights activist

By Megon Gibson

H

er real name was Marguerite Annie Johnsone, but she became popularly known as Maya. Born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, writer and civil rights activist Maya is known for her 1969 memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which made literary history as the first nonfiction bestseller by an African-American woman. In 1971, Angelou published the Pulitzer Prize-nominated poetry collection Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die. She later wrote the poem “On the Pulse of Morning”—one of her most famous works—which she recited at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993. Angelou has received several honors throughout her career, including two NAACP Image Awards in the outstanding literary work (nonfiction) category, in 2005 and 2009.

Angelou had a difficult childhood. Her parents split up when she was very young, and she and her older brother, Bailey, were sent to live with their father’s mother, Anne Henderson, in Stamps, Arkansas.

As an African American, Angelou experienced firsthand racial prejudices and discrimination in Arkansas. She also suffered at the hands of a family associate around the age of 7: During a visit with her mother, Angelou was raped by her mother’s boyfriend.

Then, as vengeance for the sexual assault, Angelou’s uncles killed the boyfriend. So traumatized by the experience, Angelou stopped talking. She returned to Arkansas and spent years as a virtual mute.

During World War II, Angelou moved to San Francisco, California, where she won a scholarship to study dance and acting at the California Labor School. Also during this time, Angelou became the first black female cable car

Maya Angelou is a poet and award-winning memoirist

conductor—a job she held only briefly, in San Francisco.

In 1944, a 16-year-old Angelou gave birth to a son, Guy (a shortlived high school relationship had led to the pregnancy), thereafter working a number of jobs to support herself and her child. In 1952, the future literary icon wed Anastasios Angelopulos, a Greek sailor from whom she took her professional name—a blend of her childhood nickname, “Maya,” and a shortened version of his surname.

In the mid-1950s, Angelou’s career as a performer began to take off. She landed a role in a touring production of Porgy and Bess, later appearing in the off-Broadway production Calypso Heat Wave (1957) and releasing her first album, Miss Calypso (1957). A

member of the Harlem Writers Guild and a civil rights activist, Angelou organized and starred in the musical revue Cabaret for Freedom as a benefit for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, also serving as the SCLC’s northern coordinator.

In 1961, Angelou appeared in an off-Broadway production of Jean Genet’s The Blacks with James Earl Jones, Lou Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson. While the play earned strong reviews, Angelou moved on to other pursuits, spending much of the 1960s abroad; she first lived in Egypt and then in Ghana, working as an editor and a freelance writer.

Angelou also held a position at the University of Ghana for a time.

After returning to the United States, Angelou was urged by friend and fellow writer James Baldwin to write about her life experiences. Her efforts resulted in the enormously successful 1969 memoir about her childhood and young adult years, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which made literary history as the

“ Maya Angelou

first nonfiction best-seller by an African-American woman. The poignant work also made Angelou an international star.

Since publishing Caged Bird, Angelou has continued to break new ground—not just artistically, but educationally and socially.

She wrote the drama Georgia, Georgia in 1972—becoming the first African-American woman to have her screenplay produced— and went on to earn a Tony Award nomination for her role in the play Look Away (1973) and an Emmy Award nomination for her work on the television miniseries Roots (1977), among other honors.

Angelou has written several autobiographies throughout her career, including All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986) and A Song Flung Up to Heaven (2002), but 1969’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings continues to be regarded as her most popular autobiographical work. She has also published several collections of poetry,

In 1961, Angelou appeared in an off-Broadway production of Jean Genet’s The Blacks with James Earl Jones, Lou Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson. While the play earned strong reviews, Angelou moved on to other pursuits, spending much of the 1960s abroad; she first lived in Egypt and then in Ghana, working as an editor and a freelance writer.

including Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die (1971), which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

One of Angelou’s most famous works is the poem “On the Pulse of Morning,” which she wrote especially for and recited at President Bill Clinton’s inaugural ceremony in January 1993—marking the first inaugural recitation since 1961, when Robert Frost delivered his poem “The Gift Outright” at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. Angelou went on to win a Grammy Award (best spoken word album) for the audio version of the poem.

In 1995, Angelou was lauded for remaining on The New York Times’ paperback nonfiction best-seller list for two years—the longest-running record in the chart’s history.

Martin Luther King Jr., a close friend of Angelou’s, was assassinated on her birthday (April 4) in 1968. Angelou stopped celebrating her birthday for years afterward, and sent flowers to King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, for more than 30 years, until Coretta’s death in 2006.

Angelou was good friends with TV personality Oprah Winfrey, who has organized several birthday celebrations for the award-winning author, including a week-long cruise for her 70th birthday in 1998.

After experiencing health issues for a number of years, Maya Angelou died on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at her home in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. Angelou was scheduled to be honoured with the “Beacon of Life Award” at the 2014 MLB Beacon Award Luncheon today, Friday 30, May in Houston. Adieu, Maya.

Source: Bio. Television Networks

A&E

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 35

Feature

Evolving greater Nigeria through developmental communication

By Evelyn Okakwu

I

n any society, the impact of leadership cannot be over emphasised in the maintenance of law and order. A society cannot survive without its leaders, most often than not, the leaders play a fundamental role in shaping the society.

For example the comments of a leader, as aptly stated by the minister of information, Labaran Maku can either make or mar the society. “You can lose one or two people from the actions of a bad doctor but you will lose a whole nation from the comments of a bad leader bent on propagating the gospel of hate” he says.

Words have a great role to play in the formation or destruction of an individual as it does a society.

Yet how often do people take the significance of caution in the business of public speaking or the dissemination of information to a large number of people.

Often times people make statements in the course of disseminating information to the general public that may put them in a controversial stand with their society members. Sometimes a society is put in crisis as a result of the comments of an individual or a group of individuals.

The various crises militating against our treasured democracy did not begin without one form of inciting comments or another by our so called leaders.

However, the beauty of democracy is that people from various groups do their bit in the making of the society.

An NGO, the Toast Masters International Club for example, seeks to groom people in the area of community or public communication.

In the words of the national leader of the group (Governor, District 94P –West Africa) Dr Mike Omotosho “There are over 50 armed conflicts across the world resulting from poor communication. “People will go

“

Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to war for a single disagreement, forgetting 9 areas of agreement. If you can communicate your ideas better, people will learn where you are coming from and follow you”, he said.

According to the international president of the group, George Yen, Toastmasters international, which has a membership of 3000 people in 122 countries with about 14, 300 clubs focusing on the art of community development through re-branding of public speeches.

“We are about leadership development. Our world is becoming more complex and fast changing and there is a call for leadership now, more than ever before. Whether in your community family or even in your personal life, you need to develop that leadership”.

“The 21 century is a time where adult education becomes very useful”. Nigeria, with a population of over 170 million

people will benefit tremendously if most of our people have a good knowledge of the right form of communication.

This implies communicating with the virtues of integrity, respect for one another, and the quality of servant leadership’ he stated.

But perfect communication begins with the step of confidence in Public speaking. As indicated

by George Yen: “People fear public speaking more than death, as some cases have proven. If you can conquer the problem of self confidence you will gain a self confidence that should show up in your career, in all that you do. Once you are able to achieve that you will become a leader in your community. And that is why our tag line says: ‘Toast masters where leaders are made’. No matter how good you are their will always be something you can learn”.

He adds that: “Public speaking

Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua said, “ Fellow citizens, let us work together to restore our timehonoured value of honesty, decency, generosity, modesty, selflessness, transparency, and accountability.

These fundamental values determine societies that succeed or fail. We must choose to succeed”.

is only a tool which can be used for good and the not so good.

Communication is essential for the success of leadership. And leaders include both good and the not so good leaders. At toast masters we try to evolve the best form of leaders. When you are a leader, people follow you because they choose to. If they do not want to they will leave you. That’s why you have to ask yourself who your followers are when you consider yourself a leader.

He noted that all leaders had a task of using their communicative strength to mould the society around them. The group which has worked with the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to develop the communication skills of Nigerian undergraduates says there is a growing need for leadership communication and Nigerians should tap from the advantages of its existence in the country.

Yet our founding fathers

in various comments reiterated the need to remain one and stay in peace, while we strive to gain development In the speech delivered by Major-General Yakubu Gowon during the Declaration of a twelve State Structure for Nigeria in May 1967 he made statement that comes handy in Nigeria’s present predicament.

“We have now reached a most critical phase where what is at stake is the very survival of Nigeria as one political and economic unit”.

Many years later, when he became Democratic president On May 1999 President Olusegun Obasanjo stated in his inaugural speech as President: “Nigeria is wonderfully endowed by the Almighty with human and other resources. It does no credit either to us or the entire black race if we fail in managing our resources for quick improvement in the quality of life of our people”.

Instead of progress and development, which we are entitled to expect from those who govern us, the impact of corruption has been so rampant that it has earned Nigeria a bad reputation, both at home and abroad.

These comments may have been made decades ago, but their effects come handy in present day Nigeria.

In a nutshell, the words of our former President, late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on May 29, 2007 during his inaugural Speech as President may help in concluding this piece about communicative leadership in Nigeria.

Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua said, “ Fellow citizens, let us work together to restore our time-honoured value of honesty, decency, generosity, modesty, s e l f l e s s n e s s , t ra n s p a re n c y , and accountability. These fundamental values determine societies that succeed or fail. We must choose to succeed”.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

PAGE 36

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Digest

Heavy web use harms a child’s mental health

O

veruse of the internet is causing mental health problems for children, government health advisers have warned.

Each hour spent in front of a computer puts them at greater risk, they say.

As a result, children face mental illnesses and social problems such as loneliness, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and heightened aggression.

Public Health England, which issues guidance on good health to the NHS, says there is a clear relationship between the amount of time spent on social media sites such as Facebook and ‘lower levels of well-being’.

The link becomes particularly striking when children spend more than four hours a day in front of a screen – but it kicks in even at very low levels of use.

In a damning dossier the health body lays bare the worsening toll of mental health problems on our children, saying computers and the internet are largely to blame.

Its report, submitted to MPs, warns starkly that huge improvements in children’s wellbeing over the past two decades had now been ‘curtailed and may be in reverse’.

One in ten children now has a mental health issue, and a third of teenagers feel ‘low, sad or down’ at least once a week.

Chillingly, 750,000 teenagers

believe things are so bad that they have ‘nothing to live for’.

The report also notes that the number of calls to ChildLine about online bullying, suicidal thoughts and self-harm have soared in recent years.

Public Health England suggested that parents should be particularly worried about their child’s mental health if they spend more than four hours a day in front of a screen.

‘Children who spend more time on computers, watching TV and playing video games tend to experience higher levels of emotional distress, anxiety and depression,’ it said.

‘This relationship is particularly negative among those who engage in high levels of screen use – more than four hours a day.

‘The evidence sugge sts a “dose-response” relationship, where each additional hour of viewing increases children’s likelihood of experiencing socioeconomic problems, and the risk of lower self-esteem.’

Sites such as Facebook have been criticised because they do not have effective age verification policies to protect young children.

No one is supposed to be able to join Facebook if they are under the age of 13, but the site does nothing to check the age.

Campaigners say this can put them at risk of being groomed by paedophiles.

The Public Health England

The report also notes that between 2006 and 2010 the amount of boys playing computer games went from 42 per cent to 55 per cent, while girls went from 18 per cent to 20 per cent

In a report submitted to MPs, Public Health England officials warn that one in ten children now has a mental health issue, with computers and the internet largely to blame dos s ie r has be e n s ubm itte d to the Commons health select committee, which is conducting an inquiry into child and adolescent mental health in England.

PHE warned that much of the cause of children’s mental health problems was down to the impact of ‘digital culture’ on the UK, with children accessing the internet not just on desktop computers but increasingly on smartphones or on tablets such as the iPad. Its report notes that between 2006 and 2010 the proportion of young people playing computer games for two hours or more a night during the week increased from 42 per cent to 55 per cent among boys and 14 per cent to 20 per cent among girls.

More than 85 per cent of children over 13 are now on a social networking site, such as Facebook or Twitter.

‘Increased screen time and exposure to media is associated with reduced feelings of social acceptance, and increased feelings of loneliness, contact problems and aggression,’ it said.

‘Certain internet activity (social network sites, multiplayer online games) have been associated with lower levels of wellbeing.’

The report suggests that children’s mental health has been getting worse in recent years.

‘One fifth report poor wellbeing and there are important differences for different groups and ages of children and young people,’ it said.

‘Analysis of the British

Household Panel and Understanding Society survey shows that the rise in children and young people’s wellbeing from 1994 to 2008 has curtailed and may be in reverse.’

In a separate report, the Children’s Commissioner for England said social media sites

were ‘targeting’ vulnerable young people and exposing them to the dangers of sexual exploitation.

Dr Maggie Atkinson also highlighted a surge in the number of under-18s being admitted to adult psychiatric wards.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

The report warns that damage becomes striking when children spent more than four hours online, but begins even at low levels of use

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 37

Bauchi APC suspends vice chairman From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he Bauchi state vice chairman of the All Peoples Congress (APC), Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Bappah Aliyu Misau, has been suspended indefinitely over alleged violation of party rules and regulations.

Misau was suspended from his ward Kukadi /Gundari in a letter signed by Ward Chairman, Ibrahim Zango Lawal, and his Secretary, Adamu Ibrahim, which was endorsed

by APC Chairman, Misau Local Government Area, Danladi Ari, and his Secretary, Bababa A Buba.

The letter was made available to news men yesterday in Bauchi and copied to the State and national leadership of the party.

Briefing journalist at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), the APC Ward Chairman, Zango said Bappah was suspended based on article 21 of the party’s constitution and his refusal to answer a querry issued him for violating party rules in order to bring sanity, orderliness and instill discipline in the party.

NUJ cautions politicians against using youth as political thugs From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

C

hairman, Bauchi State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dahiru Garba Mohammed, has cautioned politicians to desist from using youth as political thugs during electioneering campaign.

Mohammed stated this yesterday when he received the new state Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Mohammed Malami, who paid him a courtesy call at NUJ secretariat, Bauchi.

Garba said using youths as political thugs will compel them to engage in drug abuse thereby destroying their lives and the society. “When the lives of youth are being destroyed by taking drugs, the society which the politicians want to develop have also been destroyed because the youths are the future leaders.

“A lot of our youths who engaged in political thuggery are being turned into drug addicts; a situation that is dangerous for our society because these youths are leaders of tomorrow,” he stressed.

L-R: Representative of the Special Guest, Professor Saliba Mukoro, Coordinator, Goodluck Sambo 2015, Comrade Anselm Eragbe, and Legal Adviser of the Group, Mr. Kester Elebesunu, during the organisation inauguration of state coordinators, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Ogun APC crisis continues as Osoba faction vows not to reconcile

From James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

C

risis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is far from being settled as faction loyal to former governor of the state and a national leader of the party, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has said that they are not ready for harmonization or to share the party position with faction loyal to the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

This revelation came to limelight yesterday at the stakeholders’ meeting of the faction loyal to the former governor held at the Ibara GRA resident of Chief Osoba.

According to Osoba who addressed his loyalists on the position of the executive members of the faction “the two factions should go their separate ways and that nothing can join them together again. Everyone should go on his or her way. Secondly, they said they are not ready for any harmonization between the two factions regardless of the ratio to share it either 70/30; 80/20; 95/5.

“Our people here are original party members. You are not dubious, you have tellers, you don’t want to associate with those that do not have tellers. You are the one who collected the tellers with your hard earned money

and not government money, you followed party procedures for the congresses”, he said.

“Where we are now, no room for harmonization or reconciliation? I then told them that, if it has gotten to that, it means we have drawn two parallel lines. I asked them again if they have fully concluded and then enter into covenant and vowed to them that I will not forgive or reconcile with anybody”.

“As I stand before you, I swear before God and Jesus Christ; my Lord, I promised you all that the issue of forgiveness is no more. If you stand firmly as a warrior that is enough for me, if you are ready there is no more room for reconciliation,”

Osoba affirmed.

“If thousand of people prostrate, it is what you want that I will do, it is what you say that I will say, I will stand where you stand, I want to appeal to you, don’t be distracted.

“You know we have been together since 1988, sooner than later, everything will be settled”.

Osoba charged all his faithful to start taking register at every ward meeting of the party which he said should be well kept adding that such register should be forwarded to local government secretariat of the party for proper record keeping pointing out that he wants to know the authentic members of the party that are loyal to him.

APC condemns attack on #BringBackOurGirls protesters From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the attack by apparently-sponsored thugs against the ‘bring back our girls’ protesters who have hitherto conducted themselves in a civil and peaceful manner.

The party referred to the attack as deplorable and definitely orchestrated to shift the focus from ‘bring back our girls’ to ‘release our girls’.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the attack on the protesters in Abuja has confirmed its worst fears that the federal government was

embarking on a campaign to shift the responsibility from the government to the abductors, in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s admonition to the protesters to direct their protests at the abductors rather than to his government.

The party wondered why the government would be pushing its responsibility to ensure the welfare and security of Nigerians to a band of terrorists. ‘’When we said this federal government has abdicated its responsibility to Nigerians, the government’s apologists twisted that statement of fact to mean that we are insulting the President.

Well, what does one make of a government that has now rented a crowd of delinquents to attack the

‘bring back our girls’ protesters and counter their message? ‘’Nigerians voted for Goodluck Jonathan as President, and not for the terrorist called Abubakar Shekau. It is therefore right for them to demand action to return the girls safely from their President, rather than from the anarchist, Shekau,’’ it said.

APC said the fact that the ‘release our girls Boko Haram’ hooligans who invaded the Unity Fountain gathering of the ‘bring back our girls’ protesters came in SURE-P buses and were not restrained by the police, even when letters have been written to the security agency alerting it to such attack, has shown that they enjoy some protection from the authorities and are being sponsored to harass the decent and

focused protesters who have helped called global attention to the plight of the innocent girls. ‘’This obnoxious campaign to shift the responsibility for the safety and security of the girls from the government to the terrorists started with the sponsored protests to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja and has continued with the depressing attacks on a women-led group by a band of paid ruffians. ‘’Worst still, a government that so far has proven to be clueless and incompetent in ensuring the safe return of the girls has now resorted to wasting taxpayers money to rent a crowd of scallywags to assault innocent Nigerians, who are mostly women, and distort the image of the highly-responsible ‘bring back our girls’ protesters.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 38

Politics

Democracy day: Appraising opposition politics in Nigeria Analysis

By Lawrence Olaoye &Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

fter the 2011 election was concluded and landslide victory given to President Goodluck Jonathan, political observers gave little chance to the ability of opposition to revive and make any meaningful impact in Nigeria’s political scene.

However, to the surprise of many, a subtle move towards coalition of opposition parties began in a manner that many analysts doubted its success.

Even the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which claimed to be the Maradona in Nigeria’s politics, boasting that the supposed alliance of opposition parties would hardly change the political status quo, was taken aback by the development.

Analysts are of the opinion that the survival of the nation’s democracy, as it were, rests solely on the emergence of a strong and virile opposition amalgam All Progreessives Congress (APC) which has left no one on doubt of its resilience and capacity to overtake the ruling party.

Events in the recent past have shown that the ruling party has its match in the opposition which is poised to give it a run for its money by 2015 general elections.

A member of the House of Representatives and a prominent member of the opposition APC and Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Rep Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, in his comment on 15th anniversary of democracy in the country yesterday said “the best to have happened to this country in the last 15 years is the formation of a virile opposition to checkmate the excesses and impunity of the ruling party. In this House, the opposition has become the conscience of the society having intervened on countless occasions to check the excesses of the PDP.” “At the risks of sounding immodest as an an opposition member, the nation would have degenerated beyond this level but for the emergence of the APC that has provided a shoulder for beleaguered Nigerians, who have been

PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Mu’azu

emasculated by the PDP misrule, to lean on” Equally commenting on the development of democracy in the country, Rep Abiodun Akinlade, Chairman House Committee on Science and Technology, said it has given the people a say in how they should be governed.

According to him, democracy has opened up the space in participatory and representative system of governance with people now having the opportunity to ask questions on why and how certain decisions are being taken on their behalf.

But the lawmaker observed that the nation is still in the learning process because certain things being taken for granted in older democracies all over the world are being resisted in the country.

The lawmaker lamented that certain developmental projects tied to the budget passed by the nation’s parliament are left unimplemented for no just cause. He called on the government to critically look into its activities and ensure that projects meant to bring succour and dividends of democracy to the ordinary Nigerians are implemented without delay.

The roles played by the opposition in upholding the sanctity of the legislature in

APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande

the last fifteen years cannot be over-emphasized. Obnoxious policies by the government which would have been passed unhindered following the majority of the members of the ruling party in the parliament are being checkmated by the opposition members.

With the formation of the APC, debates and resolutions in the House of Representatives, for instance, have been reflective of the real aspirations of the people and those policies considered illthought out by the executive are immediately jettisoned.

Political watchers are unanimous in their

submission that the nation’s democratic development in the last 15 years has been progressive. The ruling party has never had it this tough until the formation of the mega opposition. Attempts to forge a united front by the opposition parties ahead of the 2011 general elections was frustrated by the inability of the frontline protagonists to agree.

Hitherto, opposition parties, which could be safely regarded as regional groups, held sway with little or no political muscle to tame the ravaging ruling PDP.

“

It was because of these potentials of the APC to transform Nigeria’s democracy that made the public to rise up in condemnation of the plans by the PDP to stop APC. In fact, this forced INEC to withdraw its stance, which invariably brought to an end, this question of two APCs, even though the matter is still in court at the moment

Prior to the formation of the APC, elections are won by the candidates of the ruling party in,it’s states of the federation after the emergence of the candidates at the party primaries.

This made the PDP to grow into a monster which became a law unto itself with no one to challenge the shenanigans within its fold. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) held sway in the South West; the All Progressives Grand Alliance was synonymous with the politics of the South East by its membership composition, even though it controlled only a state in the region; the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) had its bulk of membership from the North.

The only truly national party before the amalgamation of these parties was the ruling PDP whose membership transcended regional and religious boundaries across the country.

The filler of merger first came to the scene in June 2012, when the two arrowheads of Nigerian opposition politics; General Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, met behind closed door in Kaduna residence Buhari, to initiate this merger plot.

It is would be recalled that while Buhari is the leader of Congress for Progressive Continued on page 39

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 39

News Extra

APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

APC National Leader, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari

Chief Tom Ikimi

Democracy day: Appraising opposition politics in Nigeria Continued from page 38

Change (CPC), on whose platform he emerged the second runner up in the 2011 presidential election, Tinubu is the opposition leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which is the most dominant opposition party in Nigeria, with seven states in its control.

First, there was this bickering on whether the union would be merger or alliance. Secondly, the problem of rallying the four major opposition parties, including ANPP, ACN, APGA and CPC, to denounce their names and logos.

In addition, the efforts by the ruling PDP to frustrate the formation of this new opposition party formed the teething challenges of the APC. The most worrisome of these challenges was determining what name and logo the new party would adopt.

Within the period under review, the parties concerned convened severally to agree on modalities to adopt towards bringing about a formidable opposition party in the nation’s democracy.

First, they agreed that all opposition parties involved should go back and set up a merger committee for their respective parties, which will present the interests of the individual parties.

This gave rise to what was then known as ANPP, ACN, CPC and APGA merger committees, lead by Former governor of Kano state, Ibrahim Shekarau, Tom Ikimi, and Garba Gadi, respectively.

At this juncture, a meeting of the frontline opposition parties was summoned in Abuja, where the name All Progressives Congress (APC) was adopted as the acronym for the opposition parties.

To give prominence and support to the merger talks, ten opposition governors, except Governor Peter Obi and Olusegun Mimiko of Anambra and Ondo states respectively, embraced this merger.

After their meeting in Lagos, the ten governors elected on different opposition parties declared that they have agreed to belong to a united party, even though the name of the new party was not known then.

They pointed out that this is the only way to give vigour and meaning to Nigeria’s opposition politics, even as they vowed to wrest power from the ruling PDP in 2015

general elections.

From then till date, this new political association has been causing ripples, threatening the peace of the ruling party.

This explains why a lot of hidden traps have been set by agents of the ruling party to ensure that this opposition party does not progress.

This effort to frustrate opposition in Nigeria politics was witnessed when a phantom APC was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), just to force the opposition platforms to seek another identity.

Condemnation and commendations from foes and friends have continued to pour in for the new party. While some argue that the party will soon die like other coalition efforts made previously before this republic, some are of the view that the party will serve

“

Political watchers are unanimous in their submission that the nation’s democratic development in the last 15 years has been progressive. The ruling party has never had it this tough until the formation of the mega opposition

as a viable alternative for Nigerians and even make the ruling party more responsible.

Whatever is being said, the constant fact is that having two formidable parties in opposition and government is actually a good omen for Nigeria’s democracy.

It was because of these potentials of the APC to transform Nigeria’s democracy that made the public to rise up in condemnation of the plans by the PDP to stop APC. In fact, this forced INEC to withdraw its stance, which invariably brought to an end, this question of two APCs, even though the matter is still in court at the moment.

However, the progress recorded by the APC since it was conceived is tremendous, especially given that the party was formed less than two years ago. This shows how determined the opposition is to wrest power from the ruling PDP. APC has continued to prove to Nigerians that it is out for a genuine and issue based politics.

As of today, the party has acquired a befitting office apartment in Abuja, which is in fulfilment of one the critical INEC’s requirements.

Going by the promises which these opposition part has in stock for Nigerian opposition politicians, about five PDP governors recently left their parties and joined the opposition camp.

This was sequel to the crisis in the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) election, in which the governors in the ruling party could not agree among themselves.

This

resulted in the factionalisation of the NGF; one led by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state and the other led

by Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau state.

When it became obvious that the NGF has scattered, which is in addition to the irreconcilable difference with President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP leadership, five PDP governors, including Babangida Aliyu, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Magatakadar Wammako, Murtala Nyako and Ritimi Amaechi, abandoned their party for the opposition APC. From this point, the APC have sailed through so many challenges which many Nigerians believe would make the party to implode. One of them is the ward congresses and state congresses it has been able to hold. Political analysts had expected that the real challenges of the strange merger of opposition parties would manifest at the congress level.

However, the party has been able to slide through this without the negative expectations of the ruling party coming to reality. At the moment, the opposition party just has the national convention to cap it in the quest to oust the ruling party.

It is at this national congress that that the war team of the party, which is expected to lead the party to victory in 2015 would emerge, having got men at the state and ward levels. It is only left for the party’s leaders to get it right as usual.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 40

News Extra

Insecurity: Group urges FG to end killings in North From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

W

L-R: Members of Nigeria Youth Movement organised a prayer session for the abducted Chibok school girls, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi

Dangote, Tinubu, Jakande, Fashola, others eulogies Otedola

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

L

agos state governor, Babatunde Fashola, on Wednesday disclosed that the son of the late governor, Pa Michael Otedola, Femi has pledged N1 billion for educational development.

Speaking at a ‘Day of Tributes’, held in honour of the former governor, at Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island, which was also had in attendance the former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, represented by Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, a former deputy governor of the state, Fashola said that he was a great leaders who did so much to promote the interest of the state and its people.

…son set up N1 bn for scholarship grant

Also present at the event were former military administrators of Lagos State, Brig-Gen, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu. Former governors of Lagos and Ekiti state; Alh. Lateef Jakande and Mr. Niyi Adebayo. Deputy governor of Lagos state, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, former deputy governor of the state, Alh. Sinatu Ojikutu, the President of Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote and others.

Fashola said that the late Otedola`s strong convictions even in the face of uncertainties made him even more remarkable.

He said the ideological message the late governor sent

by leaving his private business to contest the governorship election where the odds were stacked against him meant he was a genius.

Fashola described late Otedola as a model of excellence, saying “his choice of the sobriquet ``Centre of Excellence ``for the state when he was governor reflected his hunger for excellence.

The governor explained the programme was organized to celebrate the achievements of late Otedola with a view to drawing inspiration to further move the state forward.

Fashola thanked the deceased`s widow, Lady Doja

and the rest of the family, for allowing the state government to be a part of what ordinarily should be a family funeral programme.

“He was so discipline and principle that he doesn’t take anything that doesn’t belong to him. He was an Encourager. He will speak to every one of us in our various field of Endeavour. And the R means he is Responsible.”

Sir Michael Otedola, the second executive governor of Lagos state, ruled between 1991 and 1992. He died on May 5, at the age of 88 years, in his hometown, Odoragushin, Epe local government area and would be buried today, Friday, May 30.

orried over the killings in the country, a group out to protect the interests of the North, Arewa Liberation Movement, has called for the immediate end to the mass killings by Boko Haram.

In a statement, jointly signed by Its Interim Chairman Usman A. Usman, and Interim Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the group described the killings of innocent lives as worrisome. ”We decry and condemn in the strongest terms, the gradual annihilation of northerners by Boko Haram and some dark evil forces who are hell bent on destroying the region for reasons best known to them,” the statement said.

The statement further urged “retired military chiefs from the north, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders and all stakeholders to immediately convene an urgent “Northern Security Summit”, to confront the masked monster that is threatening our existence.

The group also decried the timidity and government insincerity in handling the insecurity situation in the North which has led to the dearth of businesses and the socioeconomic life of the people of the North, adding that government has the capacity but lacks the will to solve the crises bedeviling the North.

NAFDAC destroys over N120m substandard drugs

By Doyin Ojosipe

O

ver N120 million worth of fake and u n w h o l e s o m e consumable products was destroyed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), yesterday.

The exercise which took place at the Bwari Area

Council, of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja was one of its periodic activities aimed at getting rid of counterfeit and unwholesome regulated drugs in Nigeria.

The NAFDAC DirectorGeneral who was represented

by Director Admin and Human Resource Management, NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Mayowa Oni said the exercise

was done to assure the public that that the fight against fake products is still on and that the Drug regulating body will not relent in its activities to curtail such products to the barest in the country.

According to Mrs. Oni, while some of the expired products were voluntarily submitted to NAFDAC, Its team had gone on a mop-up

exercise at the open market, while adhering strictly to enforcement activities and surveillance systems.

She added that though the agency is faced with emerging and peculiar challenges of fishing out violators, it will tirelessly continue to live up to its mandate which is safeguarding the health of the nation by “ensuring that

only safe, efficacious and wholesome regulated products are available to the populace.”

Mrs. Oni finally commended the various stakeholders and the Nigerian Security forces for contributing to the success of the exercise and also pleads their continuous support and collaboration in war against counterfeit and unwholesome regulated products.

Democracy Day: Ihedioha sues for peace, urges faith in Nigeria

By Umar Muhammad Puma

D

eputy Speaker of the House Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has sued for peace among Nigerians and called on all to remain faithful to the ideals of nationalism and nation-

building against all odds.

This was the crux of his message to Nigerians to mark this year’s May 29 Democracy Day. Noting that this is a trying time for Nigeria, the Deputy Speaker urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the task of forging unity in the

country as “we have no other country to call our own and we will surely overcome the forces of terror and divisiveness if we remain resolute in holding a common front.”

Rt. Hon. Ihedioha however, described democracy as one of the nation’s greatest assets that must

be guarded jealously as it places the destiny of citizens in their own hands and thrusting the task of leadership and the management of the nation’s resources upon their shoulders.

While regretting the spate of killings and violence in some

parts of the country, he enjoined all Nigerians, irrespective of tribal, religious or political party affiliations, to build a formidable coalition against insurgency and strive to ensure peace in the country, as there can never be development without peace and security.

Peoples Daily, Friday, May 30, 2014

PAGE 41

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 42

Sports

Scotland, Nigeria clash: Eagles under media surveillance over match fixing suspicion

By Albert Akota

T

he Super Eagles Goalkeeper Austin Ejide has come under intense scrutiny by global media for his suspicious handling of the ball in an incident during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Scotland at London’s Craven Cottage.

The goalkeeper looked to grab the ball then throw it into his net under challenge from a Scottish player.

Even though the Scots celebrated, the referee disallowed the goal claiming that Ejide had been impeded. But the video shows that the 30-year-old goalkeeper had clearly collected the ball and then flicked the ball into the net before contact with his opponent.

This incident follows on the

heels of news reports before the game that the National Crime Agency was investigating attempts by Asian match fixers to influence the game.

Some Nigeria fans carried placards before the game denouncing the allegations of match fixing.

Nigeria has also been in the spotlight in the last few weeks after a Singaporean man claimed to have been behind the country’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Whether this is just a coincidence or not, it has cast some doubt over Nigerian football once again after four clubs were banned for life last year for scoring and conceding more than a hundred goals in two matches.

Austin Ejide

NFF commends Eagles for holding Scotland to 2-2 draw

Eagles’ friendly: Selection brouhaha worries Keshi

By Albert Akota

T

he players of the Super Eagles have said they don’t envy Coach Stephen Keshi at this very difficult period.

They said this after Nigeria’s pulsating 2-2 draw against the Tartan Army of Scotland at the Craven Cottage in London.

A statement by the Media Officer of the team, Ben Alaya, reported the Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, at the post match conference, as saying that if he was the coach, he would find it difficult to drop any of the players currently in the 30-man squad.

“Nigeria is blessed with talents and that is why I think all the players here merit being in Brazil, even when we have some other very good ones still hanging out.

“If you watch the game against Scotland, you will know that the ‘Big boss’ needs to be pitied over dropping players and picking those who will make the final 23. It will be tough,” Yobo said.

Stephen Keshi

Stoke City’s Osaze Odemwingie, on his part, said he was happy at the response of his teammates to his return to the national side.

“But how do we drop players now from this squad. Everybody here is good but we should leave that to the coach but I know it would be a tough task,’’ he said.

In the statement, Englandbased Shola Ameobi, declared that playing for the Nigerian side had made him a better team player because of the quality of players in camp and wished he had started playing earlier for the team.

“We are all good but we should just pray for the coach to ensure that he picks the best for the World Cup.” Towering defence ace, Azubuike Egwuehwe, put it more succinctly: “When I was going into the match against Scotland, I said to myself O’boy you are on trial; now I know that its our coach who has a really difficult job of picking the 23 players for Brazil 2014.

Kunle Odunlami

Odunlami recovers from hard knock

T

he Super Eagles Defender, Kunle Odunlami, has shaken off the injury he suffered in Wednesday’s international friendly against Scotland in London.

The Sunshine Stars centreback, who played as a right-back in the World Cup warm-up, had to be replaced by Efe Ambrose for the last quarter of an hour.””He is very fine. Kunle Odunlami is a very strong player.

He is now walking fine without any problem. The team doctor told me he has checked him and said it is just a slight knock and nothing serious. So he is good to go.

Odunlami make the trip to Philadelphia in the USA with the rest of the provisional squad members after the scare that he might have suffered a serious injury.

The African champions will go head-to-head with Greece at the Philadelphia Union Stadium next week.

Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi, will name his final 23-man squad for the 2014 Fifa World Cup before June 2.

Eagles

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commended the Super Eagles for their 2-2 draw against Scotland in an international friendly on Wednesday.

Mohammed Sanusi, NFF’s Director of Competitions said in Abuja yesterday that the essence of such match was not for winning or losing but for the team’s assessment.

The match is one of the friendlies lined up for the Super Eagles ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Scots took the lead in the 10th minute through James Morrison but Nigeria’s Michael Uchebo levelled up for the first time in the 41st minute.

Azubuike Egwuekwe turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Morrison in the 54th minute only for substitute Uche Nwofor to level again in the 89th minute.

“The essence of the match was not for them to win or lose, but to put them to test, especially those that have not been in the national team for a while.

“I commend the head coach, Stephen Keshi’s decision not to start the match with his normal first 11 players and thereafter injecting them in the second half of the match, for him to be able to streamline his team to get the final 23 players.

“And the players tried their best, judging by the fact that they are barely one-week old in camp,’’ Sanusi said.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

Page 43

Sports

Eaglets, Junior Pharaohs renew hostility today

By Albert Akota

T

he Junior Pharaohs’ Coach Gamel Mohammed Ali has vowed to ring tactical changes when playing the Golden Eaglets yet again in another international friendly at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium today.

Both sides played a pulsating match when the Egyptians surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to the Golden Eaglets on

Wednesday at the same venue.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s match, Ali said he’s now tactically aware to deal with the Golden Eaglets, adding that the second encounter would equally be interesting.

“First, I want to congratulate Nigeria for the victory today (Wednesday) because they came from a difficult position to achieve victory,” said Ali.”We scored two early goals but my

players were tired thereafter but I warned them that Nigerian players could be dangerous if you allowed them to express themselves.”

Ali said the match on Friday would be interesting for obvious reasons, insisting that he would make thing difficult for the Golden Eaglets next time out.

He further said:” The result of the match is not really important since we have been able to test

the strength of my players against a physical team like Nigeria because we are going to play Sudan in the African qualifiers.

Sudanese players have good physical fitness and almost same style like Nigerians, so it is good for my team.

“Today’s match is also going to be very good because I now know the Nigerian team much better and I will make my team played to instruction in order for

us to get good result.”

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets have spoken in unanimity about correcting the lapses that made them concede two early goals against the North Africans while reviewing Wednesday’s match.

“We marked poorly and lost concentration but we are surely going to do very well today,” noted Kolawole Gbadamosi, the left- full back.

NFF confirms Calabar camping for Eaglets

By Albert Akota

T

Team Nigeria

Team Nigeria bag 14 gold, 4 silver, 8 bronze at AYG

By Albert Akota

T

he Director General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye has hailed President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the achievements sport has recorded so far which according to him is evident as regards impressive results recorded so far by Team Nigeria in the ongoing African Youth Tournament in Gaborone, Botswana.

Team Nigeria is fighting hard to emerge the overall winner of the 2nd Edition of the Africa Youth Games holding in Botswana with very keen competition from South Africa and Egypt but Elegbeleye said

the Commission is fulfilled and happy with what the” young shall grow” athletes have done so far in the continental competition.

“You will recall that our dear sports loving President held a Presidential sports retreat shortly after we came back from the 2012 London Olympics where we did not win a medal and the result of this sports retreat is what we are reaping the dividends now.

“So I am using this opportunity on behalf of the National Sports Commission to show our appreciation to Mr. President for leading the way to success in Nigerian sports. The Transformation Agenda of Mr.

President in Sports has achieved great success so far.

“I am equally happy with the performance of these young, dynamic, talented and patriotic athletes who have represented our country so well in the ongoing African Youth Games in Gaborone, Botswana.

“I am happy that we can now see clearly that the future on Nigerian sports is very bright with the performances on Team Nigeria at this competition.

“Barely three days to the end of the competition, Team Nigeria has already surpassed its achievement in the 1st Edition of the tournament held in Morocco where the country won seven (7) gold medals, two silver and a

bronze total of 10 medals won.

But right now as I speak with you (yesterday afternoon) Team Nigeria has won 14 gold medal, four silver (4) and eight (8) bronze medals a total of 26 medals while Nigeria Football Team is scheduled to play the final this evening (yesterday evening) against Swaziland which I am confident we will emerge victorious”, an elated Elegbeleye disclosed yesterday.

The competition which would be rounded off this Saturday will later produce the overall winner with Nigeria fighting the battle of her live to outwit current leader on the medals table South Africa while Egypt too is pushing hard to win the competition too.

he idyllic capital city of Cross River State, would host the Golden Eaglets upcoming 2015 CAN Under-17 qualifiers just as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the Executive Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke(CON) has graciously approved the camping of the team at the Canaan City yet again.

This much was disclosed by Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, Director Technical of the NFF while speaking to officials and players of the Golden Eaglets after their hard won 3-2 win against Egypt in Kaduna yesterday.

Ikpeme said the sport-loving e Governor who is regarded as the pillar behind the National Under-17 Team successful campaign in 2013, has granted NFF’s request to have Calabar as its base even as he charged the team to be up and doing.

“I want to congratulate you for the victory against Egypt because it was not an easy game for you,” Ikpeme said.”Personally, I came here not with the impression that you were going to beat the Egyptians rather, to see what the coaches have been doing over the last few weeks and I’m impressed with what I saw; though the truth is that you still have a lot of work to do.

“The reason the federation organised the friendly matches was for the coaches to have a continuous assessment of your performance and I want to commend the chief coach, Emmanuel Amuneke and other member of the technical crew as well as the back room staff but I’m confident you would get better by the time you go into closed camping.

“As a matter of fact, I want to use this opportunity to inform you that His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State has approved your return to Calabar which we believe would give you a conducive environment to work on these young players,” he said.

Apart from camping the Golden Eaglets in their successful campaign the last term, Governor Imoke rewarded players and officials of the 2013 World Cup winning Golden Eaglets with house gifts.

Speaking on the Governor’s latest gesture, Tayo Egbaiyelo, 2013 World Cup- winning secretary, commended the continuous magnanimity of the people and government of Cross River State, saying that the team would remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence.

PAGE 44

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

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PUBLIC NOTICE HELP OF GOD GOSPEL MISSION

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.PASTOR CHUKWUEMEKA MICHAEL GOWELL 2.NJERE VALENTINE NNAMDI 3.CHUKWUEMEKA MERCY CHIAZO 4. EGBUJOR ESTHER CHIDINMA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF GOD AND TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST. 2.TO PROPAGATE THE FULL GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 3.TO CONVERT PEOPLE FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT FOR CHRIST AND MAKE THEM MINISTERS OF GRACE. 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: FIDELIS I. AKRA ESQ FIDELIS AKRA & Co. SUITE J55,IKOTA SHOPPING COMPLEX VGC,LAGOS.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST ETERNAL KING INT’L CHURCH

ALLIED SKILLED GRASSROOT WOMEN ASSOCIATION

GWAGWALADA ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH 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.PST. JOHNSON OLUWASOLA AYINDE MOSES (G.O) 2.SIS. GRACE ADESEKE AYINDE 3.BRO. EMMANUEL ALAO - SECRETARY 4. BRO. OLANIPEKUN OJO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST SO AS TO WIN MORE SOULS TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 2. TO REACH THE UNREACHED SOULS FOR CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED:BARR. IBITEYE ISAACS A. Excelsior Legal Alliance Suite 015 MJ’S Plaza, No. 1 Olu Awotesu Street, Behind Eco Bank Plc. Jabi-Abuja 08065379428

PUBLIC NOTICE SOLOMON D. LAR FOUNDATION

SIGNED:ABDUL VITUS ALLAM

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.

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.CHIEF ROBERT OPARA - CHAIRMAN 2.EVANGELIST DR (MRS) HELEN ODEMWINGIE 3.ODEMWINGIE OSAOSEMWEN EHI - SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.IKECHUKWU NWAFOR - CHAIRMAN 2.EMEKA CHUKWU - VICE CHAIRMAN 3.EMEKA EKWU - SECRETARY 4.AKEEM AKINTAYO - TREASURER 5.GIDEON HARUNA - MEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO ASSIST AND CATER FOR THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS. 2.TO ESURE UNITY AND AMONG MEMBERS.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBER. 2.TO ENHANCE BETTER SERVICES AND MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARD OF SKILL AND DILIGENCE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED:BARR. ODEMWINGIE OSAOSEMWEN EHI

PUBLIC NOTICE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED:BARR. EZEKIEL VEM OFOU 08037913692 ABUJA

PUBLIC NOTICE

FIRST DIVINE RESTORATION GOSPEL CHURCH

MANDATE OF GOD TRANSFORMATION MINISTRY

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.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH 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.PASTOR EHIRIM EMEKA 2.EHIRIM EMLIA ADAEZE 3.EHIRIM VICTOR MADUABUCHI 4.KUKUCHUKWU OMONIHMINA HOPE 5.ONYKA LAWRENCE KWENTOH THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF GOD AND TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST. 2.TO PROPAGATE THE FULL GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 3.TO CONVERT PEOPLE FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT FOR CHRIST AND MAKE THEM MINISTERS OF GRACE. 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: ABDUL VITUS ALLAM

This is to inform the general public that the above named “Ministry” has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under the part C of companies and allied matters Acts, No. 1. 1990.

The Trustees are:1. PASTOR AMOS CHUKWUEMEKA 2. PASTOR {MRS} QUEEN AMARACHI CHUKWUEMEKA. 3. EVANGELIST MIKE OCHA. 4. ELDER JUDE UDEMBA. 5. DEACON CHRISTIAN UGWUOKE. 6. LEADER EMMANUEL EZE. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the Gospel of salvation to the entire world.

2. To transform our society and the entire world with the word of God. 3 To pray and deliver people from bondage.

4. To promote the Gospel of Christ.

5. To extend the hand of fellowship to the less privileged in our society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Registrar - General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja, within {28} days of this publication.

Signed by: TRUSTEES.

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.PROF.(AMB) MARY NANWOR LAR 2.DR. CHALYA B. LAR 3.HON. BENI B. LAR 4. DR. DEBORAH LAR - IHEJIRIKA 5. MR. GIDEON LAR THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO CATER FOR THE POOR AND LESS PRIVILEGED.

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 45

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE PEACE PEOPLES UNITED CLUB OF NIGERIA

NAJAATU DARAENI ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF NIGERIA AND OVERSEAS

This is to inform the general public that the above named “CLUB” has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under the part C of companies and allied matters Acts, No. 1. 1990.

The Trustees are:1. OBUTE ROMANUS - Chairman.

2. EZEUGWU JOHNSON - Secretary.

3. ASOGWA MELLITUS - Treasurer.

4. UGWU VITUS - Financial Secretary.

5. JUDE CHINEKWU EZEA - Member.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote peace and unity amongst members of the Club.

2. To assist members of the Club at all time with the sole aim of promoting interest of its members and foster progress.

3. To essentially promote the spirit of brotherhood and friendship amongst members of the Club, irrespective of social class, stratification and religion.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Registrar - General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja, within {28} days of this publication.

Signed by: SECRETARY.

This is to inform the general public that the above Named BODY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Company and Allied Matters Acts 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1- YUSUF NOJIMDEEN ADISA –PRESIDENT 2- HAMZAT MUTIU – SECRETARY 3- USMAN SULAIMAN BABATUNDE 4- ADEOYE FATIMAT ARIKE 5- BANKOLE AFOBAJE SAULA 6- IBRAHIM AJANI DIKO 7- FATOLU AMINAT ADEDOLAPO 8- ANIMASHAUN MUHAROOFDEEN OLAKUNLE 9- ADURANIGBA FASASI AHMED 10- BELLO SIDIKAT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE ISLAM IN NIGERIA 2.

TO PREACH THE TEACHING OF MOHAMMED THE PROPHET OF ALLAH ALL OVER THE WORLD 3. PROPAGATE ISLAM AS RELIGION OF PEACE 4. TO TAKE CARE AND GIVE SUPPORT TO MEMBERS Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PHYCOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NIGERIA

SMALLSCALE FARMERS ORGANIZATION IN NIGERIA

The general public is hereby informed that the above named body has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE OFU OBI UNITED BROTHERS CLUB The general public is hereby informed that the above named club has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OCHIAGHA LIVINUS 2.UGWUOKE KENNETH 3.NGWU NNAEMEKA 4.EZEH EJIOFOR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF BROTHERHOOD AMONG MEMBERS. 2.TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE THE JUSTIFIED MODELS CHRISTIAN CENTRE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named body has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

SIGNED: BARR. NGOZI OKECHUKWU 08037230581

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. ANIKAN UKPE

THE TRSUTEES ARE: 1. REVEREND DR. PAUL BANKOLE AKINDURO 2. PASTOR GLORIA AKINDURO 3. PASTOR DANIEL WUMANI 4. BISHOP DR. CHRISTIAN MODUPE OJONGBEDE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO PROMOTE THE IDEALS AND VALUES OF CHRISTENDOM. 2.TO SPREAD THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST THROUGH EVANGELISM, PREPARING CHRISTIANS FOR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. 3TO WIN SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 4.TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS PRESENTED IN THE HOLY BIBLE AND STATEMENT OF FAITH DESCRIBED IN THE SCHEDULED AT THE END OF THIS CONSTITUTION. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARRISTER BLESSYN EMEGHA

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OPUTE FREDERICK IDIEMINENAISIVBE 2.NWANKWO DIKE IKEGWU 3.PROF. EZRA ABALIS GAYA 4.DR. NWEZE NKECHINYERE ONYEKWERE 5.INDABAWA ISYAKU IBRAHIM AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.PROVIDE AN AVENUE FOR PROMOTION OF ALL ASPECTS OF PHYCOLOGICAL RESEARCH. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.HON.JOHN SANI 2.PATIENCE EKEOBA 3.CHRISTIANA ADEJUMO 4.JAYE GASKIA 5.DR.MUSA MODA 6.TOMI ADEMOKUN 7.SARAH YAPWA 8.HANNATU YARO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS/WELFARE OF MEMBERS

THE PREVAILERS HOUSEHOLD INT’L

ABRAHAM BLESSING WORLD MINISTRY

BOO CHARITY TRUST

The general public is hereby informed that the above named Body has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRSUTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE EMMANUEL DANIELS 2. PASTOR VICTORIA ONUH 3. PASTOR FRIDAYANOZIE 4. PASTOR STEPHEN ALALI 5. PASTOR ADILADY DANIELS 6. CHIBUZOR OFORJI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To promote the ideals and values of Christendom.

2.To spread the knowledge of Christ through evangelism, preparing Christians for the second coming of Christ.

3.To win souls for the kingdom of God. 4.To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as presented in the Holy Bible and Statement of faith described in the scheduled at the end of this constitution.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARRISTER BLESSYN EMEGHA

The general public is hereby informed that the above named ministry has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990

The general public is hereby informed that the above named charity 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. APOSTLE ABRAHAM IBUKUN JESULONIMI YAKUBU 2. PASTOR OLUWASIJIBOMI DANIEL 3. STEPHEN ABRAHAM THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To promote the ideals and values of Christendom.

2.To spread the knowledge of Christ through evangelism, preparing Christians for the second coming of Christ.

3.To win souls for the kingdom of God. 4.To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as presented in the Holy Bible and Statement of faith described in the scheduled at the end of this constitution.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BAMISAYE LUNNAH MONILOLA 2. BAMISAYE OLADIPUPO OLUKAYODE 3. BAMISAYE ANUOLUWAPO ITUNU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To provide assistance to the less privileged in the society for their general well-being.

2. To provide funding and support services to Christian Mission Works.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to: The Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

UNITED CARE FOR WOMEN INITIATIVE

HELPING HANDS FANS CLUB

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA CAC FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Barr.(Mrs) Angela Ebhodaghe 2. Barr. (Mrs) BenedetteAkubezeOtuya 3. Barr. OkokpujieOdionEhis 4. Mr. Okolakpa Gabriel 5. Okolakpa (Jafaru) AlimatuVoke (Mrs) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To assist and advance the needs of women in the society 2. To look after the need of women 3. To propagate love and unity among its members 4. To promote and encourage development of women and members in the society 5. To promote conflict resolution, love and care for the family among members 6. To create an avenue for the empowerment of women in their educational pursuit ANY OBJECTION TO THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYIIRONSISTREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: Barr.OkokpujieOdion08033610598

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA CAC FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

IMO INITIATIVE FOR YOUTH SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARRISTER BLESSYN EMEGHA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Obioma Emmanuel Ngoka 2. OkparaOdjuvwu Lucky 3. Chukwu Stephen Friday 4.

Timothy EjiroOdeghe THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To build a community of selfless, progressive and result oriented personals with love and fear of God in their hearts and a deep passion to create positive change in their intra and extra personal lives.

2. To provide humanitarian aids to the less privileged in our world.

3. To encourage entrepreneurial spirit/ skill development.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: Secretary

Signed: CANAAN LAW OFFICE, 2nd Floor, Peace Park Plaza “A” 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako Abuja.

09-2909669

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA CAC FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Amasiatu Maxwell President 2. Amasiatu Emmanuel Nnamdi Secretary 3. IbehEmeka 4. Anyanele Darlington Chukwuma 5. Okpara Gideon Izuchukwu 6. Jiwuaku Pascal THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To empower the youths into the enterprising goals of MDGS 2. To support the education of the girl child especially in the oil producing region.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYIIRONSISTREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed:Barr.ChinanuekpereOnuorah08039422155

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 46

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

UBULUBU PROGRESS UNION

THE NEW ARK OF SALVATION CHURCH

UMUIHIE KINDRED DEVELOPMENT UNION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA CAC FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA CAC FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Gabriel Imade Patron 2. Mr Francis Onyegasi President 3. Chief Felix Okocha Vice President 4. MrChukwukaMonye Secretary 5. MrChidiNgadaonye Financial Secretary 6. MrPatrichAwunor Treasurer

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

John EboEvbonaye Chairman 2. David Evwarhono Secretary 3. MrsNkem John Ebo 4. Mr Lucky Ejumafor 5. Mr Clement Nnanta

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.

To bring about peace and progress among Ubulubu community ANY OBJECTION TO THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYIIRONSISTREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYIIRONSISTREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Signed: Secretary

Signed: NDUKA OKATTA 08030925138

The general public is hereby notified that the above UNION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

(OBI) REGIS OHAMBA 2. SIR EDISON C. NWOSU 3. CHIEF CHARLES C. AKASONYE 4. CHINEDU C. MMADUNEME 5. BARR. NWOSU NNAEMEKA O. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To maintain unity and development of the community 2. To encourage social and understanding relationship among the community 3. To eradicate all forms of poverty and help the less privilege.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, within 28days of this publication.

Signed: BARR. NWOSU NNEMEKA O. Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE LIFE CHANGER LESS-PRIVILEGE HOME

MATURE FRIENDS SOCIAL CLUB

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 OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. AMAKOR NNADI 2. ORUH UGNNA MARY THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR AMAKOR NNAMDI 2. ORUH UGONNA MARY 3.

JANICE HUGHES

This is to inform the General Public that the above named CLUB has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act. 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONYEKACHUKWU NWAFOR 2. CHRISTIAN UGWU 3. ANTHONY UDOKWU 4. UGOCHUKWU NWOKEIWU 5. EJIKE NWOKIKE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote peace and unity amongst its members 2. To render assistance to the less privilege in the society 3. To promote the spirit of unity, trust and mutual support among our members 4. To assist members in times of merriment and difficulties 5. To promote good moral standard of living among members 6. To effectively participate in the upliftment of immediate society and the less privilege 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:Chairman 08037240856

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE ASSEMBLY LEGISLATORS

REASONS FOR CHANGING NAME: 1. That the Foundation needs more members to promote the duties and aims of the foundation ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. signed: CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.

To preach the gospel of god to all nations

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA CAC FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hon. (Dr) Valentine OgbonnaAyika 2. Alh. NasirZahradeen North West Zone 3. Alh. Shehu Musa Gabam North East Zone 4. Hon. JibrinNdagiAkwanu N o r t h Central Zone 5. Dr. Out Archibong South South Zone 6. Prince Author Eze South East Zone 7. Hon. AjayiGbenga South West Zone 8. Hon. UchechukwuChukwuma THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote cordial relationship between serving and past parliamentarians.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYIIRONSISTREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: 08058119877

PUBLIC NOTICE STEP UP FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT IN NIGERIA

UMTH/CON/222/VOL.II.

UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI TEACHING HOSPITAL (Office of the Chief Medical Director) BAMA ROAD, PMB 1414 MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA

INVITATION FOR TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF WIRELESS INTERCOM COMMUNICATION SYSTEM A. INTRODUCTION: This is to inform the general public that the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital is desirous of commissioning competent contractors to undertake the supply/Installation/Commissioning of Wireless Intercom Communication System. In view of this, the Hospital is hereby inviting competent and interested contractors for Tender Bids in respect of the supply in accordance with Due Process.

Lot/Project No. Lot- 1.

Description

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

Supply / Installation/Commissioning of Wireless Intercom System Covering the entire Hospital ( Including Newly commissioned projects) with up to 1200 lines capacity.

B. TENDER: Tender document shall be made available upon payment of a non-refundable fee of N20,000.00 to the Finance department who shall issue receipts to accompany the tender on submission. Tenderers should collect Tender documents from the Office of the Secretary, Tender Board.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIAL: 1. Evidence of incorporation by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) 2. Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years valid up to 31st December, 2013.

3. Evidence of Contributory Pension Scheme for Staff 4. Company Audited Accounts for last three (3) years.

5. Evidence of VAT Registration Certificate 6. Company profile including names, qualifications and experience of Company staff with copies Of credentials attached 7. Evidence of financial capability to handle supply from a reputable Bank 8. Verifiable list of similar supply successfully completed with names of clients and evidence of Awards/evidence of partial completion.

9. Evidence of registration with the appropriate Federal Works Registration Board.

10. Evidence of Compliance with Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Act CAP 19, LFN 2004.

NB:

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA CAC FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OnyinyeOugh 2. EkanemBassey 3. DapoOlorunyomi 4. UgochiEkweme THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote citizens empowerment and participation in leadership 2. To ensure that Nigeria socio-economic development is not held back by corruption and poor leadership.

3. To advocate for gender equity and moral values ANY OBJECTION TO THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYIIRONSISTREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: Barr. AminatuIbeHamdalla Chambers, Abuja 08033137990

All claims will be verified by the Hospital

The documents must be in a sealed envelop and clearly marked “ Tender for ‘Supply/ Installation/ Commissioning of Wireless Intercom Communication System” and should be submitted within four (4) weeks from the date of this publication to the address below.

The Secretary Tender Board, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1414, Maiduguri, Borno State Signed: Management

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

This is to inform the general public of the loss of land document belonging to Abubakari A. Magaji Gwandu of District Head Office, Gawandu with certificate No. BI/G/0544, All effort to trace the document proved abortive if found please contact Abubkari Magaji Gwandu, Min. of Lands or nearest police station in Birnin Kebbi.

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

Peoples Daily, friday, may 30, 2014

PAGE 47

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as patience saleh maryah.

Now wishes to be known as mrs patience razaq jiri. All former documents remain valid. All staff of ahmadu bello teaching hospital shikazaria and General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as suleiman muhammad bawa now wishes to be known and addressed as mubarak muhammad bawa. all former documents remain valid, kano state univerity and the general public should please take

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as miss sadiat adetoro omowumi now wishes to be known and addressed as mrs sadiat adetoro saku. all former documents remain valid. the general public should please take

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the Loss of Original Copy of CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF R OF O in respect of Plot 70 ( A00) MISC 2621 and Plot 1510(A04) MISC 7882 of Sokoto State Government and Kebbi State Government belonging to GARBA BAKO KANGIWA of Kebbi State Liaison Office, No 21, T.Y. Danjuma street, Asokoro, Abuja.

All effort to trace the said document proved abortive. If found please report to the nearest police station. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as SHA’AYA’U YUSHA’U now wishes to be known and addressed as SHA’AYA’U YUSHA’U AHMAD. all former documents remain valid, the general public should please take

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as endurance akpowu audu now wishes to be known and addressed as endurance ayimo audu. all former documents remain valid, the general public should please take

. . . putting the people first

friday, may 30, 2014

I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability by waging a total war against terrorism…a fullscale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

– President Goodluck Jonathan on Democracy Day

SPORTS Are Nigerian women dealing latest

Ronaldo may miss World Cup over hamstring

C

ristiano Ronaldo has been hit by a thigh problem as Portugal continues their preparations for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

The 29-year-old overcame a hamstring complaint to play in Real Madrid’s Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid, but linked up with his international team-mates on Thursday carrying a fresh injury.

The forward was one of five players named on Portugal’s official website that were forced to remain on the sidelines - four of whom were nursing thigh injuries.

A br i e f sta te m e n t s a i d Ronaldo was suffering from “myalgia (pain) in the posterior region of his left thigh” and underwent specific rehabilitation work at the team hotel.

He was joined there by Raul Meireles, Hugo Almeida, Rubon Amorim and Joao Moutinho, as Portugal prepare for their latest pre-World Cup friendly against Greece on Saturday.

None of these players are believed to be serious doubts for the tournament, though there will be concerns over Ronaldo given the Seleccao’s reliance on the forward during qualification.

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner scored a hat-trick in the second-leg of their World Cup play-off with Sweden to almost single-handedly fire Paulo Bento’s men to Brazil.

Portugal will need him at his brilliant best if they are to advance from a tough group containing Germany, USA and Ghana.

Their World Cup campaign kicks off with a clash against Germany on June 16.

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a blow to Boko Haram?

W

hen mothers cry, society answers. This powerful message was brought home by the recent social media campaign to free the Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted by militant Islamist group, Boko Haram.

With the exception of the 9/11 attacks in the United States, no single terrorist act has moved the world to action like the nowfamous Chibok school abductions of close to 300 girls by Boko Haram on 14 April.

The group has carried out more than 500 deadly attacks with impunity in the past five years. It is therefore unlikely that Boko Haram could have predicted that its attack at an all-girls school in a remote town in north-eastern Nigeria would trigger such a massive international outcry - especially one involving some of the world’s most powerful individuals, states and organisations.

This is not the first time that Boko Haram has abducted young girls.

Several cases were reported in 2013, in which the group abducted young Christian girls, forced them into marriage and converted them to Islam. A lack of action from the Nigerian government may have emboldened the group to plan and carry out the Chibok attack – their biggest abduction ever.

This abduction could also have gone largely unnoticed by the international community had it not been for the number of girls and families involved, as well as the lacklustre government response. The sorrow and consternation of the schoolgirls’ mothers, friends and relatives galvanised a worldwide social-media campaign (#BringBackOurGirls), which has ignited a global movement to free

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Friday Column Uyo Salifu

One of the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners during an outing. the girls. This mass mobilisation has become a uniting force, for women and mothers especially, in their demand for action from the Nigerian government and the international community.

This campaign has also provided unprecedented visibility for Boko Haram: visibility that could have both negative and positive consequences. The exposure of Boko Haram to tremendous international scrutiny has spurred views that the Chibok abductions may prove a tipping point for the demise of the group.

A key question raised by the abductions is the role that women, and mothers in particular, can play in combating terrorism. Violent extremism, in some cases, could be a learned social behaviour

that begins at home. In this way, mothers play an important role in addressing such behaviour, as they could instil social codes and morals to dissuade children from turning to violence. This is a particularly crucial role for Nigeria’s women and mothers given reports that indicate Boko Haram’s recruitment and use of children.

The Chibok school abduction also emphasises the role of women and mothers in mobilising against terrorism beyond the confines of the home and outside of traditional roles of child-rearing. This could be seen as ironic, given that Boko Haram claimed one reason for the abduction was to enforce the view that women should stay at home and not be educated.

While it is difficult to fully quantify the impact of the #BringBackOurGirls social movement, one thing seems certain: the Nigerian government is no longer the sole actor in the fight against Boko Haram.

Nigerian women risk their lives in mounting protests against a group that is widely feared due to its mass killings and bold attacks. These protests saw women unite in a country that has significant tribal and religious divisions, as well as deep-seated classrelated divides.

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Women’s opposition to terrorism in Nigeria is not new.

International Women’s Day on 8 March this year saw women in Lagos protesting against the increase in terrorist acts, particularly the killing of nearly 60 pupils at a boarding school in Yobe State on 24 February 2014.

This provided a precursor for the response to the Chibok abduction crisis and sparked the first mass protests by mothers in Nigeria.

The involvement of these mothers has broadened opposition against Boko Haram, including by civil society organisations in Nigeria and elsewhere. This could go a long way in reducing support for the group, which would further isolate it.

Counter-terrorism actions aimed at eliminating the group would also have a greater chance of succeeding.

While it is difficult to fully quantify the impact of the #BringBackOurGirls social movement, one thing seems certain: the Nigerian government is no longer the sole actor in the fight against Boko Haram.

Nigerian women risk their lives in mounting protests against a group that is widely feared due to its mass killings and bold attacks.

These protests saw women unite in a country that has significant tribal and religious divisions, as well as deep-seated class-related divides.

It is also significant that Nigerian women took to the streets amid claims that the abductions were a scam, and that no girls were missing.

Days after the escalation of the social-media movement, Boko Haram released a video that showed the girls alive, and offered to swap them for prisoners. The women’s actions also prompted a response by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, which accepted the international assistance that it had previously rejected. This illustrates the power and influence that women and broader civil society can have in bridging divides that could hinder counter-terrorism efforts. Seizing this momentum, the Nigerian government should seek to empower civil society organisations, especially women’s or mothers’ organisations, to play a greater role in counterterrorism in Nigeria.

Uyo Salifu, Researcher, Transnational Threats and International Crime Division, Institute of Security Studies (ISS), Pretoria, South Africa.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdailyng.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141