Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday 17, May, 2013

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Vol. 10 No. 100 Friday, May 17, 2013 Rajab 8, 1434 AH N150 . . . putting the people first

Army swoops oninsurgents camps Telecommunications access cut off ACF warns against civilian casualty How NASS stopped govs removal

Emergency rule

FCTA to spendN259bn in 7months >> 6

Gunmen bomb 2police stations,bank in Daura >> 2

Nigeria’s new debt profile hits N8trn — DMO >> 5

Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, test driving one of 1000 tractors orderedfor ongoing agricultural transformation programme in the state.

Nigeriadeports19,000illegalimmigrants

By Jamila Nuhu Musa

The Minister of Interior,Comrade Abba Moro,yesterday disclosed that

over 19,000 illegal immigrantshave been deported from thecountry in the bid by the FederalGovernment to deal withinsurgency in the country.

Moro, while speaking inAbuja, said though there is noaccurate data on the number ofillegal immigrants in thecountry because of the porousnature of the nation’s borders,the United States Governmenthas offered to help providesurveillance equipment infighting insurgency.

According to him, during the27th session of the LeadershipForum organised by the NigerianNewsworld magazine in Abujarecently, “19,000 illegalimmigrants have been sent outof the country by the appropriateauthorities under the ministry.

Contd on Page 2Contd on Page 2

Military troops deployedto Borno state yesterdaybegan operation as they

swoop on suspected insurgents’camps in the Sambisa GameReserve believed to be thetraining grounds for themilitants.

This is coming as residents ofthe state capital, Maiduguri,were plunged intotelecommunication blackout asnetworks of alltelecommunication operatorswere shut down since 10am.

Again, the ArewaConsultative Forum (ACF) hascautioned the military againstthe temptation of deployingheavy handed tactics or measuresthat will cause increased civiliancasualties and bloodshed under thecover of emergency rule.

Although it was not clear whatcaused the telecommunicationsbreakdown, sources said the firmswere directed to shut down their

By Lawrence Olaoye, Abuja;Mustapha Isah Kwaru,Maiduguri and MuhammadIbrahim, Kaduna

CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSNews 2-10

Editorial 12

Op.Ed 13

Letters 14

Opinion 15

Metro 16-18

Business 19-22

Stockwatch 23

S/Report 24-25

Islam 26

Int’l 27-30

Strange World 31

The Peoples Daily wants tohear from you with any news

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How Nigerians canbenefit from PIB through

local content, Page 4

WE WANTTO HEAR

FROM YOU

Revue 32-33

Feature 34-35

Digest 36

Politics 37-40

Sports 41-45

Leisure 47

Columnist 48

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013PAGE 2

Army swoops on insurgents campsservices, apparently to make itimpossible for the insurgents tocommunicate with one anotherthroughout the period the militaryoperations will last.

Our correspondent gatheredthat Sambisa Game Reserve,which cuts across Damboa, Bamaand Gwoza local governmentareas of the state, serve as themajor hide-out of the insurgentsconducting combat training.

Sources said the forest issuspected to be harbouring over 80percent of all the militants in thestate because of its position as theirmajor operational base. Details ofthe operation was not immediatelyavailable as spokesman of the JointMilitary Task Force, (JTF) couldnot be reached at press time.

The troops, who reportedlyraided the forest in the early hours,according to a source in themilitary, did not face anyresistance as the some of themilitants were said to haveretreated to another of their campsconsidered safer. Over 50 assortedvehicles, which were allegedlysnatched by the insurgents at gunpoints, were reportedly recoveredin the abandoned camp.

Over 500 policemen attachedto the Counter-Terrorism Squad(CTS), were deployed to the stateyesterday.

ACF cautions againstcivilian casualty

Reacting to the declaration ofemergency in Adamawa, Bornioand Yobe states yesterday, the ACFcounseled the soldiers deployed toinvolve the local populace in theiroperational plans in order tominimize collateral civilian

suffering.The Forum in communiqué

issued after an emergency meetingheld in Kaduna and signed by itsDeputy National PublicitySecretary, Fati Ibrahim, warnedthat the it will send a team thatwill observe and monitor theprosecution of the militarycampaign under the new state ofemergency.

"ACF takes notice of theproclamation of the state ofemergency in Borno, Yobe andAdamawa states by the FederalGovernment on the grounds thatattacks and killings by insurgentsand other terrorist groups requiremore massive military response.

"The meeting was concernedthat the President appears to investmore faith in a military solutioneven where evidence from ourexperiences so far bears no suchoptimism. It is the hope of the ACFtherefore that the FederalGovernment does not consider theincreased military deployments asa superior option or alternative tothe slower and more tedious pathof dialogue, negotiation andconciliation.

"Given the dismal history ofpeace-making campaigns by themilitary all over the world,dispatching battalion afterbattalion to the field in the hope ofcombating insurgents or terroristssounds naïve. The ACF calls on themilitary to avoid the temptationof deploying heavy handed tacticsor adopt measures that will causeincreased civilian casualties andbloodshed under the cover ofemergency rule.

"They are well advised toinvolve the local populace in theiroperational plans in order to

Although I must tell you thatthere is no accurate figure of illegalimmigrants in our country dueto the porous nature of our bordersand the wrongful interpretationof the ECOWAS Act.”

He added that in respect of thecost of implementation of thesurveillance equipment in thenation’s borders, the ministry is inthe process of certifying one of thosethat could be awarded the contract.He disclosed that the cost of thesurveillance equipments is in theneighbourhood of $2.6m and itwas tendered by a Chinese firm.

"But that money maydrastically reduce as the UnitedStates Government is also in touchwith us in fighting terror and theUS government has offered toprovide some surveillanceequipment which we will deployto the borders."

Speaking on the persistent issueof prison congestion, which hasposed danger to the prison’s service,the minister explained that if theNational Assembly accepts theministry request to change somesections of the Prison Act, theproblem of congestion wouldreduce substantially.

He also said the prison servicehas been able to reform some of theinmates in spite of the enormouschallenges the authorities have

Contd from Page 1

minimize collateral civiliansuffering. Even so, under thecircumstances, ACF will raise ateam that will observe andmonitor the prosecution of themilitary campaign under the newstate of emergency. The team willcollect information and evidencefrom the field and determine if atall times, the military campaignis conforming with the publishedterms of engagement and otherhuman right conventions towhich Nigeria is a signatory," thecommuniqué reads.

NASS intervention savedgovs job — Spokesman

Meanwhile, the House ofRepresentatives yesterdaydisclosed that it was theintervention of the NationalAssembly (NASS) that saved thejobs of the three state governors ofAdamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

Briefing newsmen on whattranspired between the Presidencyand the Legislature beforePresident Goodluck Jonathan'spronouncement on state ofemergency in the three states,Deputy Chairman, Housecommittee on Media and PublicAffairs, Rep Victor Oghene, said thedeclaration of state of emergencywas not exclusively done by thePresident but with the input of theleadership of the NationalAssembly (NASS)

Oghene disclosed that it was theidea of the leadership of the NASSthat the whole democraticstructures in the states affected bythe emergency rule be notcollapsed. Thus, it was theintervention of the NASSleadership that preserved the jobsof governors Murtala Nyako,

been facing.The Minister said "The

resurgence of insurgents has led tosome jail breaks in the country.But efforts have been made to dealwith the problem. As I speak withyou now, about 50 inmates areattending the National OpenUniversity, 90 are writing WAEC,690 would be rehabilitated afterserving their terms, 109 havebeen trained in vocational skillswhile 145 have trade-tested inartisanship."

Speaking on the reported clashbetween men of the Civil DefenceCorps and the police, Moro said that

the Presidency has intervened inthe matter.

"It is unfortunate that the CivilDefence and the Police should clashin the first place. For whateverreason that that incident occurred,it is very unfortunate. But Mr.President has intervened and wehave all agreed that such a thingshould not happen again."

Moro expressed regret over theunending clashes involvingFulani herdsmen and farmers inBenue and other states of thefederation and said thegovernment is planning to create"separate routes and grazing

Nigeria deports 19,000 illegal immigrants

Contd from Page 1 Ibrahim Gaidam and KashimShettima of Adamawa, Borno andYobe respectively.

According to him, the NASSleadership impressed it upon thePresident that it would send anegative signal if the affectedgovernors and other democraticstructures in the state are sentpacking.

Oghene maintained that thespate of insecurity in the countryhas been worrisome to the Housethus necessitating the summon itissued for the President to appearbefore it in June last year.

grounds for Fulani herdsmen. Ifthey keep to that, I hope thatwould stem the tide."

He also disclosed that thegovernment has finalized plans toconstruct 227 fire service stationsacross the country and equip themwith modern firefightingequipment in order to meet theneeds of Nigerians.

On the issue of female prisoners,he said though “in the prisons, acriminal is a criminal irrespectiveof gender,” some considerations areaccorded pregnant women andnursing mothers to safeguardthem.

Leader of the South-SouthGovernors Forum,Governor, Liyel Imoke,

yesterday said that governors ofthe region are in support of theaction taken by President GoodluckJonathan on the declaration ofemergency in Adamawa, Bornoand Yobe states in the wake ofspiralling security challenges in thecountry.

Gov. Imoke who was at thePresidential Villa to invite thepresident on to visit his state tocommission some projects, also

said that the south-southgovernors, who had earlier metto endorse the president'stransformation agenda, addedthat they also advocated forenlarged support for hisdeclaration of state of emergency.

Observing that the President'smove was appropriate anddeserved commendation, hedebunked speculations thatNigeria Governors Forum (NGF)was opposed to the move as heannounced that the Forum didn'tmeet anywhere to discuss that.

"The South-South GovernorsForum endorsed the state ofemergency by Mr. President andwe asked him to be firmed onsecurity, he is enjoying popularsupport of the security adviserand the National securityCouncil on the state ofemergency.

"His actions are positive, thedemocratic institutions are stillin place and I think is verysignificant and commendable, Ithink is for us now to throw oursupport behind the President,encourage him in dealing withthis insurgency and ensure thosestates are returned to normalcy.

Imoke: South-South governors supportstate of emergency

There was reported cases ofbomb blast in Daura townin katsina state yesterday.

Reports from the townrevealed that the blast started atabout 10:00 pm yesterday.

Sources from the area disclosedthat two police stations and a bankin the town were bombed.

However, there was no reportsof casualty yet as people in thetown run for cover to escape theattack.

People in Daura townremained indoors to guardagainst being caught in the crossfire, sources said.

Gunmenbomb 2 policestations, bankin Daura

From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua,Katsina

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013 PAGE 3

Three unions in the aviationindustry, Air TransportServices Senior Staff

Association of Nigeria( ATSSSAN),National Union of Air TransportEmployees ( NUATE), and theNational Association of AircraftPilots and Engineers (NAAPE),have threatened to shut down theNigerian airspace from Monday ,May 20, 2013 , over failure by themanagement of the NigeriaSirspace Management Agency (NAMA) to address issues borderingon new salary scale .

The threat by the unions to shutdown the airspace is coming on theheels of the expiration of the 14 daysultimatum issued to themanagement of NAMA on the vexedissue .

The 14 days ultimatumexpires Monday, May 20, 2013.

In a bulletin by the unions tothe workers signed by ComradeOlayinka Abioye , for ATSSSAN,Comrade Aba Ocheme , forNAAPE, and Comrade OdinikaIgbokwe for NUATE, they advisedthe workers to immediatelyembark on strike until all issuesraised with the management ofNAMA are resolved.

The union leaders also expressedbitterness over the refusal of NAMAmanagement to invite them fordialogue since the ultimatum wasissued, even as they raised concernsover the non payment of thirteenmonths arears that have accruedover the new salary scale.

The unions on May, 6, 2013wrote a letter to the managingdirector of NAMA, Engineer,Nnamdi Udoh to immediatelyresolve all issues raised by theworkers.

Unionthreatens toshut downNigeria'sairspaceFrom Suleiman Idris, Lagos

Nigeria records 110million clinical malariacases annually

childhood deaths and 11% ofmaternal deaths are caused bymalaria.

According to him, malaria iscaused by four species of parasitesbelonging to the genusPlasmodium - Plasmodium ovale,Plasmodium malariae,Plasmodium vivax andPlasmodium falciparum.

"Of these four species ofplasmodium, Plasmodiumfaciparum causes the most severemalaria illness and deaththroughout the world (WHO1998). Plasmodium faciparum isknown to be the most devastatingin Nigeria.

“However, there is fifth specieknown as Plasmodium Knowlesithat has been known to causemalaria in human. Thetransmission of the parasite isfacilitated through the bite of aninfected female anophelesmosquito. It is most intense in theraining season when increase inprevalence is observed."

Nigeria is said to recordbetween 70 - 110 millionclinical cases of malaria

per year.The Permanent Secretary of

the Kaduna State Ministry ofHealth, Dr. Paul M. Dogo, disclosedthis at the presentation of 2013Annual Operational Plan forMalaria Control in Kaduna State.

Dogo who was represented atthe presentation by the Director ofPublic Health in the Kaduna StateMinistry of Health, Dr. Ado ZakariMohammed said malaria is amajor cause of mobility andmortality in Nigeria.

"There are 70-110 millionclinical cases of the disease in thecountry per year. It accounts forabout 60% of all outpatientattendances and 30% of all hospitaladmissions with annual deaths ofchildren under five yearsestimated to be around 300,000".

Dogo also added that 30% of

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Rather than allow its hugeinvestments in 78,701laptops and webcams used

for past elections to go down thedrain, INEC is offering to sell theequipment to state governments.

The state governments are,however, demanding for between10 per cent and 25 per centdiscount on the asking price.

Addressing newsmen on theoutcome of the monthly NationalEconomic Council (NEC) meetingin Abuja yesterday, Edo's Gov.Adam Oshiomhole said the councildiscussed and supported INEC'sproposal to sell the laptops to thestate governments.

He said the council agreed thatINEC should give discount of 25 percent on the used laptops andwebcams and 10 per cent on thenew ones.

“We also discussed the offer bythe INEC to dispose of 78,701laptops and webcams to states.

“INEC has surplus machinesand I think they are updatingtheir system and they thoughtrather than waste this hugenumber, they offered to sell themto states and we are all inagreement that they would beuseful to have these machinesdistributed to our varioussecondary schools across thecountry.

“They are in two categories.Some are described as 'very good'and some are fairly used and NECagreed that we should ask INEC togrant us 25 per cent discount inrespect of the fairly used and 10per cent on the new ones.”

INEC offersto sell usedlaptops,webcamsto states

L-R: Gombe stateGovernor, AlhajiIbrahimDankwambo,Minister of Statefor Finance, Dr.Yerima Ngama,and Yobe stateGovernor MalamIbrahim Gaidam,during theNationalEconomicCouncil (NEC)meeting,yesterday at theState House, inAbuja.Photo Joe Oroye

Al-Makura suspendsvarsity VC, managementGovernor Umaru Al-

Makura of Nasarawa stateon Thursday suspended the

Vice Chancellor of the stateuniversity, Keffi, Prof. ShamsudeenAmali.

A statement signed by theSecretary to the StateGovernment (SSG), Hajiya ZainabAbdulmumin, said the governoralso directed the management ofthe university to proceed on a 6-month compulsory leave.

The governor, however,approved the replacement of Amali

by Prof. Aminu Mukailu, a formerVice Chancellor of Kaduna StateUniversity, on interim basis.

The state's Attorney-Generaland Commissioner for Justice, MrInnocent Lagi, said the decision tosuspend the management of theinstitution was reached at themeeting of the State ExecutiveCouncil.

He said the council deliberatedon the recommendations of avisitation panel set up in Januaryby the government before takingthe decision.

Lagi said an independentcommittee was constituted tofurther look into therecommendations of the panel.

He said Prof. Mukailu wouldoversee the activities of theinstitution, pending the outcomeof the independent committee'sassignment.

Al-Makura had in January,inaugurated a visitation panel tolook into the activities of the state-owned tertiary institutions, toreposition them for betterperformance.

A Federal High Court sittingin Abuja has slated June 20,2013 to rule on an

application to quash the chargespreferred against the convictedformer Director of the PolicePension Office, John YakubuYusufu.

Yusufu has asked the court inthe application, to quash the 4-count charge preferred against himby the Economic and FinancialCrimes Commission (EFCC).

He was earlier convicted by anAbuja High Court sitting before thesuspended Justice MohammedTalba.

He pleaded guilty to the theft ofbillions of naira belonging to policepensioners, but the court, upon aplea bargain arraignment by theEFCC, asked him to pay N750,000as fine for pleading guilty to threecount charges,

Before Justice Bello, Yusufu isbeing tried again by the EFCC, forallegedly concealing his interest inSY-A Global Company Limited and

non declaration of a sum of N250million deposited in a bank accountwhich were not contained in hisasset declaration form.

Yusufu wants the court toquash the charge against him onthe ground that it is similar to theone on which he was tried andconvicted by Justice Talba onJanuary 28, 2013.

Arguing the applicationyesterday, his lawyer, T. B. Maiyakicontended that his client'sapplication is hinged, among others,on the ground that he had been triedand convicted on similar charge.

Lead prosecution lawyer,Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged thecourt to dismiss the application forlacking in merit, contending thatthe application was intended tomislead the court.

Jacobs argued that the presentcharge does not amount to doublejeopardy.

"They are quite different. Section309 of the Penal Code borders oncriminal misappropriation, whileSection 27(3) of the EFCCEstablishment Act which thecurrent charge is hinged, borders onfailure to disclose asset," Jacobs said.

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

Pension fraud: Court to rule onapplication to quash chargesJune 20

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013

For Nigerians and the localeconomy to benefit from themulti-billion dollar investments

expected after the pending passage ofthe Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB),Nigerians must prepare themselvesby embracing the development of theNigerian Content policy, theExecutive Secretary, NigerianContent Development andMonitoring Board, Ernest Nwapa, said.

Mr. Nwapa, who was speaking onTuesday at the panel sessionorganized by the PetroleumTechnology Association of Nigeria(PETAN) at the just concludedOffshore Technology Conference inHouston Texas, United States, saidthere was an urgent need to expanddiscussions around the proposedlegislation beyond the fiscal terms.

Warning that failure to sufficientlydomicile the service andmanufacturing ends of industryoperations, he said investments thatwould flow into the country may bediverted abroad through overseasprocurement of equipment used foroperations and remuneration ofexpatriate personnel that would bedeployed to work on the projects.

"It is expected that when PIB ispassed, it would result in massiveinvestment flows, and thoseinvestments will yield revenue forNigeria. But what we are looking for isa kind of impact that can give usemployment on top of the revenuescale," Mr. Nwapa said.

"That type of impact would onlycome from the investments that resultin domiciliation. It is a good thing wehave had a three-years head-start inthe implementation of the LocalContent Act, which has enabled uscreate some capacities in Nigeria suchthat as the PIB is being passed andinvestments are coming, we wouldthen have jobs arising from theinvestments being executed locally."

The Executive Secretary alsocanvassed for industry support forthe Board's initiatives, especially theNigerian Oil and Gas Industrial ParkScheme and the establishment of anew pipe mill to support the existingSCC Mill in Abuja, pointing out thatwhen the initiatives are successful,Nigerians would reap immensebenefits from the PIB, as moreindustry activities would bedomiciled.

He underlined the importance ofgetting the investments in-country,pointing out that though the countryneeds to increase its revenue intakefrom oil production, the real endgamefor it is to ensure that when it isgetting revenues, there are Nigeriansto work.

"Government agencies can onlyemploy a few thousands, but the realemployment can come fromcommercial activities that would arise

from our preparedness to expandoperations," he said.

On the relationship between theNigerian Content Act and the PIB,the Executive Secretary said therewas an urgent need for the big multi-nationals and other companiesoperating in Nigeria to encouragethe establishment of facilities wherecomponents of industry equipmentcould be manufactured locally,adding that local manufacturingholds the key to creating jobs in theoil and gas industry.

"The responsibility of the Nigeria

Content Development andMonitoring Board is to work with theindustry to drive the establishmentof these manufacturing facilities andthat is why the government is pushingfor the launching of the Nigerian Oiland Gas Industrial Park Schemeequipment used in the industry. Thebig manufacturers would come to thepark and select a local partner thatwould manufacture theircomponents," he said.

He assured that the Board woulduse the Nigerian Content Fund tocreate industrial parks close to the

An Oil rig

By Abdulkadir Isa

How Nigerians can benefitfrom PIB through local content

oil fields and get original equipmentmanufacturers to mentor small andmedium scale enterprises tomanufacture components of theirequipment.

At the PETAN OTC panel session,which had its theme as "Post PIBRegime: Challenges andOpportunities for Investment in theNigerian Oil and Gas industry",stakeholders agreed on the need toensure that the PIB, which ispresently on the floor of the NationalAssembly, is passed speedily.Source: Premium Times

Senate President, David Mark Speaker Aminu Tambuwal Mrs. Deiziani Allison-Madueke


Reps call for arrest of southern Kaduna killers

L-R: Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, in a handshake with Jigawa state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmud Gumel,during a meeting with state governors affected by 2011 post-election violence and civil disturbance, yesterday at the State House, inAbuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Barely twenty four hoursafter the Minister of Statefor Finance, Dr. Yarima

Ngama gave the debt profile ofthe country as N6 trillion, a newfigure of N8.07 trillion, beingthe total foreign and domesticdebt of the country as at 2011emerged yesterday.

This was the outcome of theNational Economic Council(NEC) meeting presided over byVice President MuhammadNamadi Sambo. The council alsodeliberated on concessionaryfacilities from internationalorganisations to states and localgovernments, auction of directdata capture (DDC) used by theIndependent National ElectoralCommission (INEC) to states andthe Minna national discourse oncorruption.

The Director-General of theDebt Management Office (DMO),Dr Abraham Nwankwo, gavethe new figure at a press briefingat the close of the NEC meetingyesterday, giving a breakdownof N6.85 trillion as being fordomestic stock while N1.217trillion was for external stock.

Assuring that there is nocause for alarm, Dr Nwankwo

said “all States and FCT arewithin the liquidity solvency aswell as the sustainabilitythresholds” explaining instatistical terms that the“consolidated public Debt/GrossDomestic Product (GDP) Ratiostands at 21.5% as against thestandard threshold of 40%.’

Earlier when Nwankwomade a presentation to thecouncil “he highlighted thegains recorded by his office onpublic debt managementincluding the successfulcompletion of debt datareconstruction (DDR) exercise inall the 36 States and the FCTlast December.”

A post-council talking pointindicated that “the Councilcommended the DMO for thedetailed information in thereport and advised the StateGovernments to strengthen theState DMO offices to facilitatetimely and accurate update ofdebt information.”

On the proposedinternational funding forinfrastructure development tothe federal and stategovernments, the councilestablished a sub-committee to

be headed by Gombe StateGovernor, Ibrahim HassanDankwambo.

Members include governorsof Benue, Anambra, Bauchi,Kaduna, Delta, Ondo, each ofwho represent each of the sixgeo-political zones. Othermembers are the ministers ofFinance, National Planning, theChief Economic Adviser to thePresident and Special Adviser tothe President on EconomicMatters.

The concessionary facilitiesbeing offered to both Federal andState Government by differentinternational funding agenciesare intended to fund high impactprojects in such vital areas asinfrastructure, housing, watersupply, erosion control andemployment generation.

Dankwambo explained that“the establishment of a NEC sub-committee is to follow-up andwork with interested statestowards a better harmonizationand coordination of the processesto enhance easier and quickerdraw down.”

On the sale of the DDCmachines to states, GovernorAdams Oshiomhole of Edo State

said council discussed the offerby INEC to dispose 78,701laptops to states, adding that thecomputers, some good, somefairly used, will be distributed tosecondary schools across thecountry.

He said council “agreed thatStates are going to buy themachines and INEC should givediscount of 25% for the oldmachines and 10% for the newones, pointing out that “furthernegotiation on the mode ofpayment will be finalized by thecommittee with INEC.”

He said: “Council furtherdiscussed and supported INEC’sproposal at the last NEC to sell-off a total of 78,701 excesslaptops and webcams to theStates for distribution toSecondary Schools for thepromotion of computer literacy.

On the Minna nationaldiscourse on corruption, NigerState Deputy Governor, AlhajiAhmed Musa Ibeto said: “theCouncil was briefed andpresented with a report of theNational Seminar on Corruptionwhich was held in Minna, NigerState in collaboration with theNational Planning Commission.

DMO gives new debt profile of N8trn

By Umar Muhammad Puma,Abuja & Mohammad Ibrahim,Kaduna

…As police plan aerial surveyThe House of Representatives

yesterday called for thearrest of the killers of about

15 people in Zangon village inthe southern part of Kaduna onTuesday.

In a motion under the mattersof urgent national importancemoved by Rep Simon Yakubu(PDP, Kaduna), the House calledon security agencies to ensure thearrest of the killers, urging theNational Emergency

Management Agency (NEMA) tourgently provide relief materialsfor the victims.

Yakuba had informed theHouse that there has beenincessant attacks by armed menin the southern part of Kadunawhich resulted in the loss of manylives and property, expressingconcern at the way people arekilled by gunmen in the areawithout any concrete actionbeing taken

“Tuesday’s incident left manypeople injured with monumentaldestruction of property, while anumber of people were displacedand others are still missing.

In adopting the motion, theHouse observed a minute silencein honour of those killed duringthe incident.”

Following the incessant attacks by unknown gunmen inSouthern Kaduna, the State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi

Adenaike yesterday said thecommand would embark onaerial patrol with helicopter so as to stop the gunmen from killinginnocent people.

According to him, allarrangement have beencompleted for that operation andthat he hope it will help stop thekillings happening there.

Speaking to newsmen at thePolice headquarters, theCommissioner said the command

was doing everything possible tostop the gunmen from having afield day.

“ We have already deployedmore troops to that area to add tothe number of policemen andsoldiers already stationed there.Equally we are going to havehelicopter patrol there so thatwhenever they (gunmen) aregoing to attack they will see themand inform the ground troops tomove.

“Inspector General of Policehas promised to send us ahelicopter.

The Federal Government hasdisbursed the sum ofN5,747 billion to the eight

states affected by the 2011 post-election violence and civildisturbances.

Vice President MohammedNamadi Sambo, who made thedisbursement yesterday at theState House, Abuja, said that, “itis with deepest sense of sorrow thatPresident Goodluck Jonathan andindeed the entire government andpeople of Nigeria remain deeplypained by the violent acts and civildisturbances which necessitatedtoday’s event.”

Sambo regretted that after thetransparent efforts that producedthe election that was universallyacknowledged as being highlysuccessful, the national joy wasmarred by sporadic acts of violenceand civil disturbance in some partsof the country.

He however, restated that theprogrammes of the administrationare on course and no amount ofcrisis or violence will pose achallenge to the resolve to deliveron government’s promises as wellas ensure the safety and securityof all citizens.

He said, “President Jonathanin his magnanimity hasgraciously approved thedisbursement of financialassistance to the victims of the 2011post-election violence” after apainstaking process of assessments,verification and collaborationbetween the Federal Governmentand the concerned States.

Sambo commended the panelof Investigation on the 2011Election Violence and CivilDisturbances, chaired by Hon.(Dr) Sheik Ahmed Lemu andJustice Samson O. Uwaifo as ViceChairman, for showing greatcourage, dedication and soundjudgement, which has helped thecountry at a very trying time.

Responding on behalf of thebeneficiary states, the Governor ofBauchi State, Isah Yuguda,expressed appreciation to PresidentJonathan for the assistance andassured that justice and equitywould be done to the funds.

FG disbursesfunds to statesaffected by2011 post-electionviolence

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013PAGE 6

Achebe: Transition c'ttee releases burial arrangement

The Chairman, NationalTransition Committeeresponsible for the burial

of late Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof.Uzodima Nwala, yesterday saidall arrangements have beenconcluded for funeral of thedeparted poet and literarygenius.

Nwala who described lateAchebe as "prolific writer whoused his pen wisely" to project theideas and values of his countrypositively world over, informedthat the remains of the"versifier" would be laid to finalrest on Sunday, May 26th.

Speaking at a press briefingyesterday in Abuja, Nwala saidthe funeral rites which will lasta week will commence onSunday, May 19 and run

through Sunday May 26.According to him, President

Goodluck Jonathan, stategovernors, diplomats andinternational literarydignitaries from all over theworld will be in attendance.

Details of the programmeshowed that Sunday, May 19,will be a day of prayers andreligious worship to at theNational Christian Centre,Abuja which will runconcurrently in other centresacross the country and abroad.

According to Nwala,Monday, May 20, will featurea symposium by theAssociation of NigerianAuthors (ANA) at theInternational ConferenceCentre, Abuja.

According to Nwala, "theday will also showcase tributes

By Mohammed Kandi and a number of culturaltroupes drawn from differentparts of the country at thesame venue."

He said body of the deceasedwill arrive the Nnamdi AzikiweInternational Airport, Abuja,on May 21, where receptionwill be organized before thebody departs for Enugu, "whereit will be welcomed by

south-eastern governors,led by Governor Peter Obi ofAnambra state."

He said, "it is also expectedto proceed to the University ofNigeria, Nsukka (UNN) foracademic procession andceremony. Ohanaeze Ndi Igbowill on the same day observewhat the committee referred toas Ohanaeze Night of Mourningand Ikoro Salute, in honour oflate Achebe at its secretariat in

L-R: Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Barrister Ekpo Nta, the CommissionSecretary, Mr. Elvis Oglafa, and Akwa Ibom state Governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio, during the ICPC interaction with thegovernor, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Christmas Day bombing: KabiruSokoto plans no-case submissionSuspected member of the

Boko Haram sect, KabiruUmar (Kabiru Sokoto)

standing trial before a Federal HighCourt in Abuja for allegedlymasterminding the Christmas Daybombing of St. Theresa CatholicChurch Madalla, Niger stateyesterday gave indication for a no-case submission on the two-countcharge preferred against him by theFederal Government.

The indication came after theprosecution closed its case in the trialafter calling six witnesses.

Before announcing the closure of

2013 budget:Reps approveN259bn forFCT

The House of Representativesyesterday passed the sum ofN259 billion as statutory

revenue for the Federal CapitalTerritory Administration (FCTA) in2013.

Speaker Aminu WaziriTambuwal who presided over thesitting of the House after desolving itto Committee of Supply, undertook itsclause by clause deliberation withmembers.

The passage came after what theHouse described as satisfactoryexplanations of all items in the initialproposed budget by FCDA officials.

Deputy Chairman HouseCommittee on FCT Raphael NnanaIgbokwue led debate on the Bill. Hebriefed his colleagues on work done sofar by his committee since the budgetscaled Second Reading in late April.

A breakdown of the budgetindicates a sum ofN160,467,449,402 representing 60per cent as capital budget.

The FCDA officials led by itsPermanent Secretary, John ObinnaChukwu, had appeared before theHouse Committee on FCT, May 3,2013 for the budget defence.

Igbokwue also informed the Housethat 18.5 per cent and 21.5 per cent ofthe budget would be for personnel andoverhead costs respectively.

These included N522 million forFCT Urban Affairs, N4.3 billion forPublic Buildings and EngineeringServices gulping N52.9 billion.

By Umar Muhammad Puma

Enugu." "Achebe's remains willleave Enugu for Awka,Anambra State, Wednesday,May 22 for the commencementof a celebration of life ceremonyin which all state governors andfederal ministers are expected toparticipate at the Alex EkwuemeStaduim," Prof. Nwala said.

"The funeral will climax withthe interment of the professor,fondly called Iroko on May 23,after a church service at St.Philips Anglican Church, Ogidi."

Meanwhile, the Anambrastate Governor, Dr. Peter Obi,described the late Achebe as"true nationalist who deserves astate burial."

Governor Obi said thedeceased was Africa's best writerand Ambassador to his country,praying that God grants himeternal rest.

…As Amnesty committee denies meeting himBy Sunday Ejike Benjamin &Etuka Sunday

its case, prosecution counsel,Mrs.ChiomaUnuegbu called threewitnesses, who had their identityhidden and identified only as officialsof the State Security Service (SSS).

The witnesses who wore masksto conceal their identity for securityreason, told the court how theyobtained statement from theaccused person, who spoke to hisinterrogators in Hausa.

One of the witnesses was also anofficial who translated the accusedperson's statement into Englishlanguage.

They referred to some portions of

the statement, where Umarallegedly gave an idea of how thesect operates.

In a particular instance, Umarsaid, in the statement that he learntthat the group's commanding body, the Shurah is concerned withplanning and strategizing for thesect's operations, while the othermembers are involved in theexecution of the plans well-being ofother members.

At the conclusion of theprosecution's case, defence lawyer,Hassan Lukman sought a fresh datefor the defence to make a no-case

submission.He said the defence would

contend that no shred of evidenceby the prosecution linked theaccused to the alleged offence.

The trial Judge, JusticeAdemolaAdeniyi who granted thedefence's request, adjourned to June7, 2013 for adoption of parties'written submissions in respect of theno-case submission.

Umar was arraigned on April 19,2013 on a two-count chargebordering on acts of terrorism.

He is accused of withholdinginformation on the plan to bomb on

St.Theresa Church.Meanwhile, the Presidential

Committee on Dialogue andPeaceful Resolution of SecurityChallenges in the North yesterdaystated that it visited Kuje Prison andmet with officials and those detained,but at no point did the committeereport that it met with Kabiru Sokotoor held any discussions with him.

The Committee in a statementsaid that, "the Chairman had aninteractive session with somemembers of the press but he did notmake any such claim and reallyhad no reason to do so as theCommittee does not considerKabiru Sokoto a sufficientlysignificant figure in the hierarchyof Ahlul Sunnah Lil Da'awa WalJihad, to warrant such a specialattention to him."

The committee thereforerefuted the claim, describing it as a"deliberate act of mischief orsabotage, intended to discredit thework of the Committee, so called onthe media and well-meaningindividuals to collaborate with theCommittee in ensuring the peace,stability and progress of the country.


1. The public is hereby informed that HisExcellency, Umaru Tanko Al-makura, Governorof Nasarawa State in-Council, and Visitor to theNasarawa State University, Keffi, acting on thepowers conferred on him by the extant Laws,has directed that the management of theUniversity should proceed on a 6-monthcompulsory leave with immediate effect.

2. Consequent upon this development, HisExcellency, the Governor has approved thecontracting of Professor Aminu Mikailu to actas Vice-Chancellor of the Nasarawa StateUniversity, Keffi for a period of six (6)months. This arrangement also takesimmediate effect.

GOVERNMENT OF NASARAWA STATEPUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

ZAINAB T. ABDULMUMINSecretary to the State Government.

16th May, 2013.


L-R: Chief Host, AVM Mohammed Audu Bida (rtd), representative of former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, Alhaji Abdullahi Ma,aji, the Author of the books,Hajiya Khadijat Abdullahi Iya, her husband, Alhaji Abdullahi Iya, representative of the wife of Vice-President, Mrs. Hauwa Philip Aduda , and Niger state Commissioner ofWomen Affairs, Hajiya Hassana Adamu, during a public presentation of two books yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Members of the Anti-Corruption Network staging a peaceful protest on the high rateof corruption in Nigeria, yesterday in Central Area of Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

L-R: Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Alhaji Labaran Ibrahim, Chairman ofthe governing council of the Polytechnic, Alhaji Adamu Ahmed, Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, and Rector, Dr. Shuaibu Musa, during a visit by members ofthe polytechnic governing council to the Emir, yesterday in Bauchi. Photo: NAN

L-R: Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, Gombe stateGovernor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, and Edo state Governor, ComradeAdams Oshiomhole, jointly briefing journalists on the outcome of the National EconomicCouncil (NEC) meeting, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

R-L: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, receiving bloodpressure check-up by President, Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele,during a visit by the latter to the speaker, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.


Is paying off your mortgage early costing you money?

"No matter how hard you hugyour money, it never hugs back."- Quoted in P.S. I Love You,compiled by H. JacksonBrown, Jr.

Reasons why renting is not "throwing money away"

Share your Money Tip: do you have a business/money idea, and you want to share it with our dear readers? Then, send it to: [email protected] or (text it to 08091904890)

Quote

lives will be up in the air becauseof potential relocation or otherchanges, others may simply feeluncomfortable setting downroots just now.

There's absolutely nothingwrong with wanting the sense offreedom and mobility thatrenting provides. Buying a houseshouldn't just be an economicdecision - it should also feel rightfor where you are in your life.

One of the many hallmarksof adulthood is buying ahome of your own. And if

you listen to experts (or evenyour know-it-all aunt), you'llnever find a better time to buythan right now - while the realestate market is still in recovery.But just because buying a housemakes perfect sense on paperdoesn't mean it's the rightdecision for you. Here are fourexcellent reasons to continue torent - and to ignore the expertswho tell you you're wasting yourmoney:

o Location, location, locationThere's a reason why these

are the three most importantfactors in real estate - generally,the closer a home is to attractiveamenities, the more expensiveit will be. In many cities, thatmeans the affordable homes areeither in the suburbs or requireextensive renovation.

So, if living in the heart of thecity and being able to walk tolocal shops is important to you,then you're probably going toprefer to rent. Considering thefact that you have to be happyin your neighborhood, as well asyour dwelling, this is anexcellent reason to forgo homeownership for the time being.

o More cash flowThe fact of the matter is that

you can often rent more homethan you could buy with the

A frequent question thatpops into people's minds iswhether they are

throwing money away bypaying off their mortgageinstead of investing that sum.In reality, that's the last thingyou should think about. Here'sw h y :

The 1.5% differenceSure, the return of the stock

market is higher than theinterests one pays onmortgages, but is your moneyreally earning the return of themarket?

Instead of just focusing onwhat your money could do if youinvest that sum in the S&P 500index, you should really bethinking about the returns of allyour assets as a whole becausethat's the true yield you aregetting. This includes theequity in your home, all yoursavings accounts that arebarely earning any interests,the bonds you own, and finally,the stocks that you have in yourportfolios.

But even if you forget about

making 1.5% more when youinvest the money.

But hold on a second. A 1.5%difference on even N10,000, anamount you could likely comeup with to either invest or payoff your mortgage, is just N150a year. A whole year! I can savethat much more just by cookingat home three more times, or bybuying less coffee outside.

Think of these factors insteadNow, N150 every year for

same money, not to mention theamount of cash you need to havesaved up for the down payment,closing costs, and ongoingmaintenance issues. If you'rehoping to keep your cashavailable for a potentialbusiness, for ongoing education,or to weather an upcomingcareer change, then it makessense to live in a rental so thatyour money isn't tied up whenyou need it.

o A focus on simplicityStuff tends to expand to the

space allotted for it. If you preferto live a modest and simple life,renting a smaller place than youcould afford to own is a great idea.

Not only does this force youto think harder about yourconsumption because yousimply don't have the squarefootage available for everygadget and gizmo thatmarketers want you to buy, butit also allows you to simplify yourfinancial life. You'll be able toonly worry about one housingpayment per month - rent - andsend all the money you save intoinvestments or retirement. It'sa win-win.

o MobilityIt's a mistake to buy any home

that you don't (or can't) plan tolive in for at least five years - andthis is particularly true since thehousing crash. And while somerenters know for a fact that their

MONEY TIP

A house is by far thelargest purchase mostindividuals will ever

make in their life, so it shouldwarrant an equivalentamount of thought andplanning. As the old axiomgoes, the three most importantthings about buying a houseare .location, location,location.. It is better to buy asmaller house in a betterneighbourhood than to buy alarger house in a less desirableneighbourhood.

Similar to buying a car, youneed to first figure out yourneeds, both immediate andlong term. Are you planning alarge family or do you alreadyhave children? Do you spend alot of time indoors, do youentertain frequently and doyou look forward to enjoying alarge backyard withlandscaping and gardening?

You also have flexibility inhow you finance a house -similar to other loans,shopping around for the bestmortgage rate may be tediousbut can save you thousands ortens of thousands over the longterm.

The best strategy is to shoparound with banks first to getthe best rate and terms andhelp you feel comfortable withyour budget and price range,then arrange a guaranteed pre-approval to not only make thehouse shopping processsimpler, but to also streamlinethe financing that will comeafter you've chosen your home.

all that and just think of yourinvestment portfolio, the resultscould surprise you. Say you geta 6% return, with taxes factoredin; it would really be more like a5% gain assuming you will havesome long and short term gainsas well as taxes on dividends.

On the other hand, your4.5% 30-year fixed ratemortgage is more like a 3.5%loan with taxes. Hurray yousay, because you are still

The bottom lineHome ownership isn't the

right decision for everyone,which is why it can befrustrating to hear peopledescribe renting as "throwingmoney away." Whether yourent, own, or are looking to buy,the important thing is to makeyour decisions based on what'sbest for you and your situation,rather than on generic advice.

30 years is very good money,but as we all know, a 6% returnisn't a guarantee for everybody.Add the stress that people putonto themselves when they areleveraging, and N150 seems likea ridiculously small amount tobe paying for the additionalstress.

Instead of the additionalmoney you are getting, think ofthe other advantages of notpaying off your mortgage:

Liquidity - yourinvestments are more liquidthan money tied up in homeequity. Depending on howstable your income is, notpaying off your mortgage couldactually be the moreconservative choice.

Asset Allocation - Are yourreal estate assets at a level thatyou would like? Remember tofactor in just the equity thatyou've built, as any mortgagesor loans that you owe is debtthat needs to be repaid. Onceyou have the answer to thisquestion, then you can easilyfigure out whether you shouldpay off your mortgages.

Freedom - this is a verypersonal question. My wife feelsvery strongly that we shouldpay off our mortgages earlybecause she feels much moresecure when she is debt free,even if she has the sameamount of money in the stockmarket. I lean towards thatside as well, though not nearlyas extreme.

For us, being debt free willprobably lead us to live ahealthier and happier life. Butit might not be the same foryou, as some people will feelmore secure when they have alarge balance in their portfolio.

So really, there is no rightanswer. Do what make sense foryour situation and what feelscomfortable to you and don'tworry too much about wastingmoney either way.


NUC, 'illegal' varsities andurgent challenges

A startling news emanated fromthe Independent CorruptPractices and other Related

Offences Commission (ICPC) and theNational Universities Commission(NUC) on Wednesday. Over 40universities branded as illegal by ICPCand NUC were reportedly discovered invarious parts of the country in one fellswoop.

Clutching a warrant obatained froman Abuja High Court, the ICPCand NUCcommenced the closure of the saidillegal universities. This is even as ICPClaunched a crack down on other suchinstitutions, as well as trying to effectthe arrest and prosecution of theiroperators nation wide.

In fact, acording to the anti - graftcommission, a whopping 67 of suchunapproved varsities have beenoperating across Nigeria in recenttimes. Disclosing this to newsmen onWednesday, chairman of the ICPC, Mr.Ekpo Nta, stated that the action wastaken as part of the series of measuresmeant to deal with the worrisometrend of mushrooming tertiaryinstitutions in Nigeria. He implied thatmore of such actions are to follow inthe weeks and months ahead.

Many Nigerians will no doubtappreciate this proactive action by theauthorities. This is more so as nonation could afford to let unregisteredinstitutions have a free rein under itsnose. Some illegal schools are wellknown to indulge in all manner of

“as long as there is a yawninggap between the demand for

university education and supply,desperation is bound to lead toall sorts of illegalities, includingthe operation of unregistered

institutions

shady deals, including examinationmalpractice, and fleecing ofunsuspecting innocent students underthe pretext of satisfying their craving forcertificates.

To that extent, we fully appreciate theefforts to sanitize the system with a viewto weeding out the bad eggs. At the sametime it must be pointed out that theongoing campaign, as laudable as it may

OUR MISSIONOUR MISSIONOUR MISSIONOUR MISSIONOUR MISSION OUR PEOPLEOUR PEOPLEOUR PEOPLEOUR PEOPLEOUR PEOPLECHAIRMAN

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ACTING EDITOR, DAILY

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be, is merely a symptom of an endemicmalaise. At the root of the wholeproblem is the acute shortage of spacefor talented and highly qualifiedscholars who are desperate to furthertheir education, only to discover to theirutmost dissapointment that there is noplace for them in the existinguniversities, no matter how they shine intertiary examinations.

It would be recalled that only recentlyover one million Nigerian youths sat forJAMB examination but only a negligible

number of them were selected. Andthis, needless to say, is the sorrysituation that confronts millions of ouryouths every year. None of us need tobe a rocket scientist to appreciate thelevel of frustration that envelopesthose Nigerians who are deniedadmission into higher institutions,even after they have performed well inexaminations.

Against this backdrop, few aresurprised that illegal universities areflourishing everywhere in Nigeria. Aspointed out earlier, NUC's effort toclose illegal universities iscommendable. Even then, this is nomore than scratching the problem onthe surface. The point must be notedthat as long as there is a yawning gapbetween the demand for universityeducation and supply, desperation isbound to lead to all sorts of illegalities,including the operation ofunregistered institutions.

Government must therefore, as amatter of urgency, address this criticalsituation without further delay. It is wellknown that many of those illegalinstitutions charge outrageous fees, yetthousands of people still flock to themout of sheer desperation. This, it goeswithout saying, is the root of theproblem. None of us need to be a rocketscientist to know that for so long asgovernment fails to address this nationalemergency, for so long shall we be stuckwith the national embarrasement calledillegal universities.


All Hail President Chief Dr.Goodluck Ebele AzikiweJonathan, GCFR, GCON?

No way! His declaration of a stateof emergency in the northernstates of Adamawa, Borno andYobe is a depiction of his weaknessand bizarre demonstration offrustration. What did he expect?In my opinion, he has misruledthe nation and or acquiesced toits misrule by his co-travelers.Our military and security forcesare oriented only in doing dirtyjobs for the ruling elite, not indefence of the populace.Although he has theconstitutional powers to so act,but by so doing, he has missedthe mark, convoluted the factsand swept the problem under acarpet that has stunk for years.He ought to have declared a Stateof Anesthesia in the wholenation, given the state ofdysfunction and politicalcalamity the people are subjectedto. In tackling the nation's ills,Nigeria is only but a shackledgiant. The country is far worsetoday than when he took office.

Boko Haram's activities and

Declaration of state of emergency:Nigeria in the abyss

other unchecked terrorist andcriminal activities in the nationare the manifestations ofinexplicably extreme level ofpoverty and unemployment.Mahatma Gandhi, the immortalnationalist and founder ofmodern India, admonishes usthat "Poverty is the worst form ofviolence" According to the 19thcentury English historian,Henry Thomas Buckle, "Societyprepares the crime; the criminalcommits it." Don't get me wrong,I am opposed to all the carnageperpetrated everyday by BokoHaram and others. But we areonly responding to theconsequences and not the causesof the malaise. We are likely to

get stuck in the vicious cycle oftreating the outcome, and thatwould be too little, too late. Youcan avoid reality, but you cannotavoid the consequences ofavoiding reality.

The apparent incurableineptitude of the nation'spresiding officer makes me wantto regret the battle my comradesand I fought to defeat Olu??gunMathew Okiki?la Ar?mu?basanj?'s Tenure Elongation(Third Term) scheme in 2006.Wish we had failed because whatseemed like our triumph over thedictator gave rise to theemergence of the present crop ofleaders we now have. The nationhas fallen from the proverbial

By Francis Amadiegwu

Kingsley Kuku and his co-apostles of anarchy

Supporters of the presidenthave warned repeatedlythat they cannot guarantee

peace in the Niger Delta if theirkinsman, Goodluck Jonathan, isnot elected. Major highlights inthe verbal missiles were the onesthrown by the Special Adviser toPresident Jonathan on AmnestyMr. Kingsley Kuku during aforum in Washington, D.C.,recently. In many ways thespeech of Mr. Kuku, to an extent,did not surprise me. The prayerof an average public office holderis the maintenance of the statusquo as this could guaranteecontinued stay in office, at leastin principle. If the office hecurrently occupies is 'lucrative',as many have opined, it will onlybe natural for him to ask formore, like the proverbial OliverTwist. I can also imagine that hemeans well for his boss and wantsto be seen as loyal. Howeverwittingly or unwittingly thatspeech has raised the antennae ofmany of Nigerians at home andabroad, who have begun to givehis comments closer scrutinyand a more nuancedinterpretation. That speech mayend up hurting the person whohe travelled all the way to D.C. totry to assist.

Let me touch on four areas ofimmediate concern. First is toquickly declare withoutequivocation that I am a NigerDeltan, broadly speaking. I maynot have an oil well in mybackyard but at least my state isoil-producing, as covered in the

Niger Delta DevelopmentCommission (NDDC) Act. I thinkit is wrong to portray thepresident as a regional player.That is exactly what Mr. Kuku'sspeech has inadvertently done. Isupport President Jonathan indelivering dividends ofdemocracy to all parts of Nigeriaand expecting to be elected by allof us. If he underperforms, itweakens our morale-period. Weknow that no one region can electhim alone, at least going by thestipulations of the constitution,no matter how much we lovehim. So we need each other nowmore than ever before. Related tothis is the fact that the messagewas delivered to the sensitive andsometimes nosy Washington,D.C., audience. As if that was notenough, after a few days, anotherself-proclaimed supporter ofJonathan echoed the samemessage as if they were playingout a well-rehearsed drama. Forall intents and purposes, suchstatements corroborate thepredictions made by the formerambassador in his book.

Another aspect of the concernrelates to the position of Mr. Kukuhimself. The Niger Deltaamnesty program is a verysensitive one. Whenever anyonefrom that office speaks, theperson should expect to be takenseriously. From the declaration ofamnesty by President Yar-Ardua, the ex-combatantsdropped all their weapons andembraced amnesty. The federaloffice that Mr. Kuku coordinateswas commissioned to carry out acomprehensive demobilisation,demilitarisation and

reintegration programme. Thatmeans that theoreticallyspeaking, neither miltants norstockpiles of weapons of any kindshould exist anywhere in theNiger Delta. Most of the fightersshould have been trained or arecurrently undergoing trainingand so will be expected toreintegrate into the society asnormal, law-abiding citizens. Ifthis is the case then who are thepeople that Mr. Kuku is referringto? Many people are nowstruggling between what theyconsider the original goals of theamnesty program and thespeculations that it will beconverted into a private army ofsome sort. We do not need anywar or drums of war-what weneed is fiscal federalism that willallow us to control our resourcesand develop our region.

The third point is the timingof these comments vis-à-vis theongoing considerations ofextending amnesty to BokoHaram insurgents. Such acomment is capable of upsettingthe momentum gathered indiscussions about peace in thenorthern region. So what is themeaning of amnesty? Is Mr Kukutrying to fly a kite or are therethings the Nigerian public needto know? On what basis can weconvince the insurgents in thenorth to drop their weapons andembrace peace? What if othersbegin to see the statement as aninspiration to start makingpreparations for an imaginarywar? Those who have examinedthe Niger Delta militancy andthe insurgency of Boko Haraminsist that the two are

fundamentally different. Do wenow want to start equatingthem? The mere flash of NigerDelta militants on one side andBoko Haram on the other is toofrightening to contemplate, andany statement that seeks toinsinuate this is not in our bestinterest as a nation.

Almost two years to 2015,there is no need to get into apanic mood. What is thedesperation about? Goodgovernance and public service.Really? Even at that are we toprepare for elections or to preparefor war? I insist that PresidentGoodluck Jonathan's action orinaction about very sensitiveissues that border on Nigeria willbe what we credit him for.Comments like those credited toHon. Kuku and the flip-flopping,allegedly-repentant militantAsari Dokubo will heat up thesystem unnecessarily, portrayMr President in bad light andcomplicate what is clearly achallenging situation. Worsestill, it could precipitateanarchy and pave the way forthe military to confiscate thedemocratic space and plunderour polity.

Closely linked to the secondthought but of far greaterworry, is the rising suspicionamongst Nigerians today of thePresident's amnestyprogramme. The Kuku andAsari comments, and therepeated threats to unleash thenation's allegedly disarmed and'amnetised' militants, who arenow being trained and retrainedand sustained under a nationalamnesty programme funded

with federal revenue, onNigerians and the FederalRepublic of Nigeria should oneindividual not be re-elected aspresident of the nation come2015 now renders the entireamnesty programme asimplemented by Mr. Presidentsuspect. Many discerning mindsare now beginning to questionthe true motive of thisgovernment's amnestyprogramme, and justifiably so.

Nigerians are already askingvery pertinent questions.Questions such as: are theserepentant militants trulyrepentant and changed in theirways? Is their allegiance trulyfor the Nigerian nation now or tosome ethnicity or individualssomewhere out there? If theamnesty programme, as it isbeing executed, is as successfulas we are made to believe, thenthese repentant militants shouldby now be as civilly innocent asthe rest of us having been fullydisarmed, demilitarised and re-orientated. And so who are Mr.Kuku and his co-travellersreferring to? The federalgovernment must get the chiefimplementer of the amnestyprogramme to not only explaintheir utterances but also providethe answers to all of thesequestions! Indeed, it is time for acomprehensive review of theamnesty programme to ensurethat we are not made to perceivethat there is a hidden agendaagainst the generality ofNigerians or threat to thesovereignty of this nation!Uche Igwe is onwww.twitter.com

By Uche Igwe

frying pan to fire. Even Obasanjohimself now laments foistingGoodluck Jonathan onto thepresidency. Like the Americanssay, be careful of what you askfor, you might just get it.

I'm not impressed by hispolitical crocodile tears. Are otherstates safer? Is the nation itselfsafe? There's murderouskidnapping and armed robberyeverywhere. In the Southeast, forexample, people are dying ofhunger; most of the youth areunemployed; the sick have noaccess to medical care. Citizens ofthe second richest nation in southSaharan Africa live in squalorand unmitigated hopelessness.The gulf between the haves andhave-nots is unprecedented. Ihonestly think the entire nationneeds a state of emergencyotherwise things will get worsebefore they get better, if at all.

If he wants to be takenseriously, let him confess that thejob he was appointed to by theSupreme Court, is really toorigorous and too complicated forhim, and honorably resign. As amatter of fact, I make bold topredict that as far as the presentadministration is concerned, anefficacious cure to our ills isinconceivable. How could the sickbaby get better when she stilldaily ingests the poison thatsickened her, and in larger dosesthan before?

With the way things are,Goodluck has become bad luck forthe nation. Let us endure as andgo to sleep for the remainingtwenty-four months by whichtime it would be undeniable evento him, that he is not cut out forthe job. And then, he better not,dare Nigerians with any talk ofwanting to be declared"President" again in 2015. Thatwould seem like a threat to me.Please hurry up and go home sothat the rest of us may wake upform this nightmare. We'dforgive him because he's a goodguy who knows not what he'sdoing. But please let him go homein 2015. Otherwise we might aswell sing the nation's Nuncdimittis.Francis Amadiegwu is aformer member, House ofRepresentatives

“With the way things are, Goodluck has become bad luckfor the nation. Let us endure as and go to sleep for theremaining twenty-four months by which time it would beundeniable even to him, that he is not cut out for the job


A fierce war is raging inNigeria, and I do notmean the one declared

by militant Islamist groupBoko Haram. It is the "battle ofthe first ladies" - being foughtwith political and legalweapons in defence of egos.

Ex-First Lady TuraiYar'Adua is fighting to retainprime land allocated to her inthe capital, Abuja, when shewas president of the AfricanFirst Ladies Peace Mission(AFLPM). The property wastaken from her after the deathof President Umaru Yar'Aduain 2010 and given to thecurrent First Lady, PatienceJonathan, in her capacity asthe new AFLPM head.

African leaders, nearly allof whom are men, have theAfrican Union (AU)headquarters - a stunningbuilding funded by the Chinesein Ethiopia's capital, AddisAbaba. So, in these days ofwomen empowerment, no-onecan fault their spouses forsetting up the AFLPM.

Some criticsmay arguethat such afacility shouldbe within theAU complex inAddis Ababa,but that wouldnot show thatAfrica's firstladies areindependent oftheirhusbands.Tothe delight ofthe NigeriangovernmentAbuja wasthereforechosen as the AFLPMheadquarters, as no othercountry made a bid to host it.

Mrs Yar'Adua was known inNigeria as a very toughwoman who saw her unionwith the president to include aunity of office. Many insidersdescribed her as the alternatepresident, more so when MrYar'Adua fell ill and wasadmitted to hospital in SaudiArabia in 2009.

At the time, Mrs Jonathanwas the unobtrusive wife of

Nigeria's First Ladies at warBy Sola odunfa

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Vice-President GoodluckJonathan, who wielded nopower. Eventually, MrYar'Adua died and MrJonathan became president.Power shifted.

That saw the naturalabdication of Mrs Yar'Adua andthe enthronement of First LadyPatience Jonathan. The battlefor the choice piece of land inAbuja started.

Ex-First Lady Yar'Adua'slawyers said that the land inquestion was allocated to her for

a non-governmentalorganisation,the Women andYouthEmpowermentFoundation(WYEF), whichshe hadlaunched. Asfar as they areconcerned, itwas nevermeant to be theheadquarters ofthe AFLPM - anorganisationlaunched morethan a decade

ago.Not so, said her successor.

Her spokesman said theproperty was originallyallocated to Mrs Yar'Adua aspresident of AFLPM, but waslater reviewed in favour ofWYEF and the decision by theauthorities to re-allocate it tothe AFLPM was the only"appropriate logical action".

Goodluck Jonathan and hiswife come from southernNigeria, the Yar'Aduas fromthe north. Mrs Yar'Adua took

the Federal Capital TerritoryAdministration to court toreclaim the land. She wonearlier this month. The courtruled there was no evidence toshow that the land had beenoriginally allocated to theAFLPM, as claimed by thejustice minister. Thegovernment responded bysaying that it would appealagainst the ruling.

Every Nigerian knows thatthe battle is not one for the courts.Even the court had advised thetwo parties to settle the matteramicably. We lay men say thatcourts deal with the law andpoliticians in power make the law.As it is in Nigeria so it is in everyother African country.

Come to think of it, there arescores of properties in thechoicest parts of Abujaavailable for allocation. I wish Iknew what is driving the battleover this one. So far, otherAfrican first ladies have notintervened.

I think they should launcha mission to resolve thisdispute, if indeed theirobjective is to promote peaceacross the continent.Sola Odunfa is a formerLagos-basedcorrespondent of BBC'srested Focus on Africaprogramme.

Those insurgents andterrorists who take delight inkilling our security operatives,whoever they may be,wherever they may go, we willhunt them down, we will fishthem out, and we will bringthem to justice … we will domore, we will gun them down.

Who could havebelieved the abovestatement was made

by President Goodluck EbeleAzikiwe Jonathan, I mean thesame man from Otuoke villagein Bayelsa State, the one manyNigerians have come to believelost his tongue and will frombirth. But believe it or not thisis real; it is not one of thoseNollywood movies having JideKosoko or Justus Esiri play therole of the president.

The Nigerian president wasraging fire and brimstoneagainst terrorists andinsurgents who for a while nowhave taken over the presidingaffair of most Northern states.Dressed in the usual NigerDelta attire but this time witha round black suede cap tomatch it up, the lecturer-turned-president started thespeech on a pitch-draggingnote, a voice introduction usedonly by people who fight togain confidence and will. Alongthe line he was fully blendedinto the speech but still found ithard to make eye contact withthe camera. The tone ofseriousness and anger howevertook over the last fiveparagraphs and he ended on avery good note.

Some critics and analystsbelieve this sudden confidencecan only be informed byinspiration. Some believe it

was a result of the reoccurringoutburst by the internationalcommunity over his action-lessthreats and counter threatsagainst various attacks. Toothers it was simply one out ofthe numerous gifts of thepresident hiding within butprogrammed only to unveil atthe extreme end of situations,in other word somethingsimilar to a ‘last source’.

Above all, whatever mighthave gingered this hidden sideof President Jonathan is worthpraising, even if it is the local‘paraga’ I will advise thepresident include its intake inevery meal, in fact it would bemore effective if it takes theplace of water.

The president has taken abold long-awaited step towardscurbing terrorism in thecountry and restoring law andorder, but he shouldn’t stopthere. The security sector is notthe only area of our nationhoodthat requires state of

emergency. In 2007, the latePresident Musa Yar’adua whoJonathan shared a joint ticketwith then gave to all Nigeriansin the full glare of the world hiswords to declare a state ofemergency in the power sector.I want to believe as PresidentJonathan said in hisremembrance speech for thelate president, that the then 7point agenda was a blueprintfor the transformation agenda.It’s been six years after thatpromise was made and noteven a partial emergency rulehas been declared in the powersector, a sector which hascontinuously brought ridiculeand shame upon our nationalimage both home and abroad.

The economy sector toodeserves an urgentemergency rule. There havebeen talks and campaigns onmacro and micro economysystem been used, theminister for finance Dr. NgoziOkonjo Iweala alongside her

counterpart the governor ofthe central bank SanusiLamido Sanusi have been onvarious platforms to explainthe growth of our economyand forecast robust futureoutput but to an averageNigerian these are mere ‘wallstreet’ statements if it doesn’ttranslate to massiveemployment, reduction in theprice of vegetable and onionsin the market. If the prices ofrice and beans continue tosoar higher than wages andsalaries, then it is all hoaxes.Nigerians deserve resultsafter long years ofgrammatical bombardmentand intellectualmasturbation; the citizenshave been too patient anddon’t deserve to be takenthrough another season of ‘in-house’ employment systemwhich has graciously openeddoors to job scams and fraud.

Our sovereignty is beingthreatened by terrorists and

The new Goodluck JonathanBy Adekoya Boladale

insurgents but also the futureand continuous existence of thecountry is under siege bycorruption. The so muchglorified anti-graft agencieshave suddenly embarked onsound sleep. Political officeholders no longer have the fearof being caught in the actrather they see looting ofpublic funds as part of their jobdescription. The confidence ofthe public must be restored notjust in politicians alone butcore war againstmisappropriation in every areaof our nation’s life. We requireemergency rule, not one led bysoldiers and men in ‘Khaki’ butone chaired by men andwomen of unquestionablecharacter rather than politicalaffiliates who now chair ouranti-graft agencies.

The president has set theball of war against terrorismrolling; the next few days willtruly prove if Dr. Jonathan hasit in him, the confidence to ruleNigeria. Would he have thewill to see the fight to the veryend or would he chicken out inthe heat of the raging war?These are questions evenReuben Abati and Doyin Okupedon’t have answers to.

While the new war for peacebegins up North let our newpresident ensure the safety ofinnocent men and women whomay come in the line of fire.Another episode of Baga wouldonly make mockery of thisdeclaration.

Adekoya Boladale, apolitical scientist, wrote [email protected]

“Our sovereignty is being threatened by terrorists andinsurgents but also the future and continuous existence of the

country is under siege by corruption. The so much glorifiedanti-graft agencies have suddenly embarked on sound sleep.

Political office holders no longer have the fear of beingcaught in the act rather they see looting of public funds as

part of their job description


Jonathan/Amaechi volte-face: Widening the gulfThe “cold war” between

Governor ChibuikeAmaechi of Rivers State

and President GoodluckJonathan that has inundatedthe media apparently beganwith Governor Amaechi's ratherunsavoury remarks against thePresident and reached acrescendo with his remarks onthe East/West Road under thesupervision of the Niger DeltaAffairs Ministry. Since then,these remarks have gonebeyond mere superficiality toreveal the inner mind ofGovernor Amaechi.

We live in times where ademocratic government behavelike a tyrannical militaryregime. There are bound to beface-offs, but to allow it descendinto political witch-hunt is asure recipe for anarchy.

Amaechi believes he is beingpersecuted for speaking truth topower on vexed issues of excesscrude account, sovereign wealthfund, true federalism, fuelsubsidy removal anddisapproval for the spendthriftthat has depleted Nigeria’sforeign reserve.

I do not sympathise with himon his travails. My brief here isto make a case for the practiceand adherence to the tenets oftrue democracy. Theclandestine plans to impeachhim is nothing short ofdespotism. For the continuoussurvival of our democracy, itmust be roundly condemned.Amaechi and Jonathan arefrom PDP, same party that has

institutionalised corruption andentrench impunity in thecountry. A lacked of internaldemocracy in the party hasresulted in the roforofo fightbetween the pair.

Amaechi’s sins would havebeen less grievous if he wasn’tthe chairman of the NGF.President Jonathan’s aidesbelieve he should have used hisposition to rally support forpolicies and initiatives of thepresident rather than turning itto an opposition platform. He hasdone nothing to suggest he isworking against Jonathan's2015 re-election bid. Thepresidency is set to bullyAmaechi to either tow the line ofJonathan's 2015 aspiration orface the music of refusal.

His modest performance inRivers state puts him head andshoulders above other PDPgovernors. Over the years, thegovernor has built a wellrecognised political structurethat will make it a herculeantask to unseat him.

Doyin Okupe, in response tothe ‘persecution’ of Amaechi wasquoted as saying there must notbe opposition within a party. Itwould have made more sense ifhe told us how Amaechi’s actionssummed up to disrespect orcontempt for the highest office inthe land. Such ideologicaldifferences are meant to deependemocracy and governance.

Special Adviser to thePresident on Political Matters,Ahmed Gulak, questioned therationale behind Amaechi’s spatwith Jonathan, insinuating it isto trumpet his own presidential

ambition. Gulak stopped short oftelling us when Amaechideclared for the 2015presidential race. He positedthat Amaechi’s tenure has cometo an end so he must hand itover. To him, he is ineligible torun for re-election. In the samevein, Gulak can douse much ofthe heat in the polity byadvising President Jonathan atthe expiration of hisFrankeinstein administrationnot to run for a second term in2015.

There are some two millionvotes at stake in Rivers state. Inthe 2011 presidential votes castfor the PDP, Rivers votesdwarfed the combined votes ofBayelsa, Edo and Cross Riversstate. The thinking of theJonathan backers is, if thePresident must win electionscome 2015, the state must befirmly under the control of aloyal PDP governor. Hence, thereason for the surreptitiousimpeachment moves. Theruling party cannotdiscountenance the role Riversplayed in the emergence ofJonathan during the 2011elections neither can theydiscount the fact that votes fromRivers state effectively swungthe victory from the South-South in Jonathan’s favour.

Governor Amaechi's tenureas NGF Chairman ends in May,and he plans to seek re-electionin spite of his present troubles.Already, the NorthernGovernors’ Forum had resolvedto vote for Amaechi to ensurethe NGF is strong enough toprevent manipulation by the

By Theophilus Ilevbare President. Meanwhile, thePresident has held meetingswith PDP-GF, to intimate themof his anointed choice ofGovernor Ibrahim Shema ofKatsina state.

The infamous role the FirstLady, Patience Jonathan, hasplayed in the crisis has inflamedrumours that she is pushing forNyesom Wike as governor in2015. Meantime, she ispreoccupied, along with otheraides in hushing dissentingvoices to Jonathan’s pesky 2015ambition.

The buck stops with PDP.That the National Leadership ofthe party has left such a crisis tolinger leaves much to bedesired. The ruling party is ahouse in perpetual disarray.The Nation it has governed forthe past 14 years fair no less.The chairman, BamangaTukur has pitched his tent withthe President.

Scratching beyond thesurface of this squabble is theMinister of State for Education,Nyesom Wike, PresidentJonathan’s puppeteer. Hecontributed immensely in thepost election battle that ensuredAmaechi reclaimed hismandate. But now, he hasexploited his closeness with theFirst Lady to trigger the roforofofight. It’s a battle betweenJonathan and Amaechi,instigated by Wike. And there isthe First Lady, PatienceJonathan, sandwichedsomewhere in-between.

The thinking of thepresidency is that the NGF“now behaves like an opposition

party to the federalgovernment”. This much wascontained in a letter that ChiefEdwin Clark, widely regardedas the President’s ‘godfather,’had allegedly written tomembers of the NGF.

Amaechi is believed to be"eyeing" a shot at thePresidency. He has givencredence to this by respondingto virtually all national issuesparticularly those that affectthe President. It has beenmisinterpreted as an indicationof his Presidential ambition.

As the election of a new NGFchairman draws near, Mr.Jonathan through theinstrumentality of the statewill pile trouble on Amaechi.These shenanigans are needlessif the president can sleep withhis two eyes closed since thePDP-GF was formed as the PDPChairman, Bamanga Tukurtold Nigerians.

The gulf between PresidentJonathan and Amaechi iswidened by the deepeningpolitical crisis. If it snowballs tochaos, it can be used to discreditthe governor, setting the tonefor impeachment.

As the federal governmentcontinues the rabiddismembering of Amaechi’spolitical apparatus across thestate, it remains to be seen, howlong it will take for the gulfbetween Amaechi andJonathan to become wideenough before a successfulpolitical incision can be made.Theophilus Ilevbare isreachable [email protected]

As Albert Einsten oncesaid: “We can not solveour problems with the

same level of thinking thatcreated them”. The challengeof terrorism and ostensiblyfaith and cult basedintolerance, partly manifestedin the Boko Haraminsurgency, that we face inNigeria was created at thelevel of ignorance. I have heardtruly scholarly discussions andeven in the last month at theCVL Faith and toleranceconference, the Chaplain of theUniversity of Lagos House ofAssembly spoke passionatelyabout Islam as a religion ofpeace and one not opposed toWestern education. That beingthe case the only solution is tofight ignorance withknowledge.

The top commanders ofBoko Haram are not doinganything new. They do notbelieve that Boko or Book isHaram. If they really didwould they be using Westernweapons to fight? Would theybe using Western media suchas YouTube and other socialmedia to communicate withjournalists? Of course not.Malam Shekau was almost

caught last year when hevisited his wife in Kano and heescaped with the aid of a fastcar, another fruit of WesternEducation. Thus it is safe to saythat he and his topcommanders are not againstWestern Education. Besidessome of the leaders of the groupare known to be Universitygraduates. It would seem thatthey are revolutionaries inBoko Haram, whose goal is tooverthrow the currentestablishment in NorthernNigeria just like theircompatriots did in Somalia andtheir strategy in doing that isto take advantage of themassive illiteracy that is thebane of the Northernpopulation.

This is no new strategy. PolPot and the Khmer Rouge didthe same thing in Cambodia.They killed the educated andtargeted centers of learning forthe same reason thattotalitarians have been doingfor millennia-the educated aremore likely to rebel againsttyranny!

So rather than spendtrillions on security, theFederal Government has tolook beyond the immediateand have a long term strategyto starve organized terrorist

groups of the oxygen that feedstheir fire. We must begin toeducate the masses of theNorth so that they value theirlives. Education increases theirlevel of consciousness and whena man has a heightened level ofconsciousness he is no longereasily susceptible tomanipulation using primordialsentiments. Education alsoexpands the scope of how theycan earn income and get to alevel of self fulfilment thatcannot make them availablefor ideologues fightingdifferent agenda. But it shouldnot be in the North alone.Similar levels of low literacyin parts of the south are alsosources of the state ofinsecurity in the South Eastand South South. This is why Ihave offered a liberalperspective on Paulo Friers’sPedagogy of the oppressed. Thepedagogy of the Determined,which I have proposed, takes acommunity basedentrepreneurial approach toactivist learning that cantransform and empower in ashort period of time.

Last year, the governmentused the same argument thatprevious administration usedwhich is that the funds meantto subsidize fuel is not getting

to its intended target which isthe poor. So instead ofsubsidizing fuel, Nigeria hasbeen subsidizing corruption.

Sound logic on the face of it.So now let us flip this. Ratherthan subsidizing fuel (orcorruption) I am not too surethat the government will facetoo much resistance if it saysthat it will henceforth subsidizeeducation. With half of themoney that we are currentlyspending subsidizing fuelNigeria can offer free andqualitative education up tosecondary school level, usingsocial enterprises, faith basedagencies to complement andcompete with directgovernment funding ofeducational institutions.

This is the type of long termstrategy that will defeat themenace of terrorism as well asincrease our Gross DomesticProduct because an educatedpeople produce more, have lesschildren and are more healthy.

There is no easy fix tofighting terrorism. Ask theMiddle East, ask Somalia, askAfghanistan. To defeatterrorism, you must look muchfarther ahead than theterrorists. You must target theintending terrorist in a policyof catch them young. Rather

than fighting terrorism withtrillions of Naira spent onsecurity we are feeding it bycausing deep hatred in thehearts of the people of certainparts of Northern Nigeria forthe military. Right now manyof these people cannot decidewho they hate most betweenBoko Haram and the JointMilitary Task Force (JTF).Instead we must spend trillionson education and educationwill do what guns and bombscannot do-make people valuetheir life too much to be fodderfor terrorism.

It is fitting to conclude witha word on values over faith.Years ago a much respectedmoslem friend told me a truestory of a great moslem clericwho visited the United States.Struck by the values of thepeople he met, he lamented theparadox of leaving a moslemcountry where the people donot behave like moslems andcoming to this non-moslemcountry where they behavelike moslems. What has goneawry in Nigeria is not a faithdispute but a crisis of values.And the insurgency can becurbed with education lacedwith the right values.

Prof. Pat Utomi writesfrom Lagos

By Pat Utomi

Boko Haram: Spend those trillions on education


The FCT Administrationhas said that it would notrelease any title document

on any Park and Garden withinthe 8,000 square kilometers of theFederal Capital Territory.

The FCT Minister, Senator BalaMohammed revealed this whilereceiving the 17 Memberdelegation of the Indian DefenceCollege that were in Abuja on astudy tour of Nigeria.

The Minister revealed that allCertificates of Occupancy meantfor the Parks and Garden in theTerritory are domiciled in the

Department of Parks andRecreation in the AbujaMetropolitan ManagementCouncil.

Senator Mohammedreiterated that no title documenton any of the Gardens would bereleased to the Park Operatorsbecause such areas are only beingsub-leased and would be takenback at the expiration of the leaseperiod depending on activity onsuch areas.

According to him, the activityon such Parks determines the leaseperiod, which is being graduatedbetween 5 and 35 years that is themaximum.

Parks, Gardens within 8,000 square kilometerswon’t get title document, says FCT minister

Senator Mohammed disclosedthat since inception, the FCTAdministration has been able todevelop 30 percent of the FederalCapital City comprising of 250square kilometers.

“Accordingly, the FCTAdministration has out of 79Districts of the Federal Capital Citydeveloped 11 with 68 districts stillundeveloped,” he stressed.

The Minister noted that Indiaand Nigeria have similaritiesespecially on their demographicchallenges, which authorities inthe FCT Administration isdetermined to turn into its utmostadvantage.

By Adeola Tukuru

Teachers demonstrating simple teaching methods during training exercise recently in kwali, Abuja.

Group lauds FCT minster over Land Swap Programme

The National Coordinatorof Kasuwa da Kasuwa,Hajiya Halimatu B. Jumare

has commended the FCT Ministerfor introducing the land swapsystem, saying the programme isthe much needed key to unlockAbuja’s development.

In an interview with newsmenin Abuja, Hajiya Jumare statedthat if Abuja were to be left todevelop through the normal processof contract awards in districts viaGovernment’s budgetaryprovision, then the territory wouldcertainly face population crisisbecause, according to her, the rateat which the population of Abuja isgrowing has become alarming.

She said that it is only throughland swap that more districts canbe opened and people can buildlegitimate houses where they canlive and develop Abuja accordingto the master plan.

Hajiya Jumare stated thatrather than be criticised, theMinister should be givencommendation andencouragement for bringing thisinnovation to bail Abuja from itsproblems including the hithertointractable resettlement and

compensation problems.According to the vocal woman

activist who is a notable grassrootspolitician in Abuja, the land swapinitiative is an idea that is far aheadbased on Nigeria’s contemporarylevel of development. She calledupon the Minister to continue with

By Adeola Tukuru

The Federal CapitalTerritory (FCT) hasregistered 50,000 farmers

for the second phase of the GrowthEnhancement Support (GES)scheme.

The FCT GES Coordinator, MrOvurevu Ademoh, made thisknown in an interview with theNews Agency of Nigeria (NAN) inAbuja.

Ademoh said that the FederalGovernment was still carryingout some publicity to reach morefarmers, while the registrationwas still on-going.

The coordinator, however,said that poor services from themobile networks was a majorchallenge.

He said: ‘’You know the wayNigerian mobile networks are,even those of us in urban areas donot enjoy good network all thetime.

“We also encountered thisproblem last year; sometimes wewill ask the farmers to go and comeback the following day. But we areworking to tackle the challenge.”

Ademoh explained that in the2013 GES scheme, farmers werenot delayed for more than sevenminutes at the redemptioncentres.

He said that if a farmer hadmobile network issue, theredemption officer would help himcontact the company in charge ofthe e-wallet and he would be ableto receive his inputs.

NAN reports that the GES isthe flagship programme underthe Federal Government’sAgricultural TransformationAgenda.

It is an innovative scheme,which seeks to remove thedifficulties usually associated withthe distribution of fertiliser andseeds to farmers.

The scheme’s approach is totarget beneficiaries through theuse of an electronic system knownas e-Wallet and also to engage theprivate sector in the delivery ofinputs to farmers.

The conditions for the e-Walletstipulate that a farmer registeredunder the scheme pays 50 percent of the cost of inputs, while thefederal and state governmentspay 25 per cent each. (NAN)

50,000 FCTfarmersregistered forsecond phase ofGES

the programme, not mindingwhat some people who aremotivated by partisan interestmay be doing.

According to her, the critics ofland swap are opposing the system,not because of genuine reasons butbecause of political factors.

Some residents ofMararaba in NasarawaState have appealed to the

state government to provide refusereceptacle in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports of heaps of wastealong the Abuja/Keffi FederalH i g h w a y c o n s t i t u t e san eyesore and a threat to thehealth of the people.

The residents told NAN thatthe situation was caused by the lackof refuse bins to dumpwaste generated from homes and

Waste: Mararaba residents demand refuse receptaclemarket places.

Mrs Habiba Ibrahim. a resident,told NAN that if refuse receptacleswere provided the issue ofindiscriminate wastedumping would have beencontrolled.

“People are compelled to dumpwaste on the road because there isnothing they can do sinceeverywhere is filled up withhouses.”

In his contribution, Mr AbaAba, a resident, saidthat management of waste was a

major challenge in the area.Aba said that Nasarawa as the

nearest state to Abuja, should alsobe kept clean as the FCT.

“It seems that wastemanagement is seen bythe government as a burden rathertoo heavy to be handled.

“These are ways of invitingdiseases like cholera, measles andother diseases associated withunclean environment.

“The outbreak of any disease beit in urban cities or rural areas todayis characterised by the lifestyle of

He lauded the sound diplomaticrelations established betweenNigeria and India including theireconomic ties, which both nationshave exploited to the benefit of theduo nations.

The leader of delegation of theIndian National Defence College,Air Vice Marshal IP Vipinappreciated the warn receptionaccorded his team.

AVM Vipin who praised therapid development being witnessedin Abuja within the short time ofits conception, remarked that Indiaand Nigeria have long standinghistory and would work tostrengthen it.

people living in such area.“We, Nigerians are not conscious

of our environment and as such, ourhealth is easily affected.

In her contribution, Miss InikpiIyeema, called for the placement ofrefuse bins along the road to poorwaste disposal and poor sanitationattitude exhibited by manyNigerians.

Such a measure, the residents,said would make it easier for thepeople and the government tocontrol indiscriminate wastedumping. (NAN)


Hospital director decries inadequatehealth workers, bed spaceThe Chief Medical Director

(CMD), Bwari GeneralHospital, Dr Aloysius

Ebedi, FCT, has complainedabout the inadequate bedspaces and health workers in thehospital, describing thesituation as worrisome.

The CMD told the NewsAgency of Nigeria (NAN) onThursday in Abuja thatshortage of such and otheramenities posed serious threatto the delivery of healthcareservices in the hospital.

According to him, it isexpedient for the FCTadministration to provide anenabling environment for theprovision of adequatehealthcare.

Ebedi added that effortsshould be put in place topromote sustainable healthcareservices.

“Our facilities are being overstretched by the influx of peoplefrom surrounding states toaccess free medication forchildren below five years andpregnant women in thehospital.”

He said that the hospitaloften relied on generator to runits operations, adding that theissue of bed space had become a“war” because of increasingnumber of patients.

Ebedi, therefore, called formore wards and beds to allowfor more patients on admission.

On free treatment ofchildren from five years and

below, including pregnantwomen, the CMD called on theneighbouring states to emulatethe FCT administration bygiving their residents freemedication.

He said that if states couldprovide free medical care to thechildren and pregnant women,it would go a long way inreducing maternal mortalityrate.

“Our hospital provides allthe necessary assistance andhelp to pregnant women andthis has been the reason parentskeep trooping in to Bwarihospital for medical attention,”Ebedi said.

The CMD said that it wouldbe easier for the hospital if thesurrounding states couldcompliment its efforts byproviding free medical care to,at least, their pregnant womenand children from five yearsand below.

“This will go a long way toreduce the burden in ourhospitals, especially BwariGeneral Hospital, which sharesborder with Kaduna and Nigerstates,’’ he said.

Ebedi urged Bwari residents,especially the pregnant womenand children, to sleep underinsecticide-treated mosquitonets to avoid malaria.

He cautioned the people toalways keep their environmentclean, adding that filthy anddirty environment bredmosquitoes and many other

things that could cause seriousillnesses.(NAN)

Bwari General Hospital,FCT, has complained about theinadequate bed spaces andhealth workers in the hospital,describing the situation asworrisome.

The CMD told the NewsAgency of Nigeria (NAN) onThursday in Abuja thatshortage of such and otheramenities posed serious threatto the delivery of healthcareservices in the hospital.

According to him, it isexpedient for the FCTadministration to provide anenabling environment for theprovision of adequatehealthcare.

Ebedi added that effortsshould be put in place topromote sustainable healthcareservices.

“Our facilities are being overstretched by the influx of peoplefrom surrounding states toaccess free medication forchildren below five years andpregnant women in thehospital.”

He said that the hospitaloften relied on generator to runits operations, adding that theissue of bed space had become a“war” because of increasingnumber of patients.

Ebedi, therefore, called formore wards and beds to allow formore patients on admission.

On free treatment of childrenfrom five years and below,

including pregnant women, theCMD called on the neighbouringstates to emulate the FCTadministration by giving theirresidents free medication.

He said that if states couldprovide free medical care to thechildren and pregnant women,it would go a long way inreducing maternal mortalityrate.

“Our hospital provides all thenecessary assistance and help topregnant women and this hasbeen the reason parents keeptrooping in to Bwari hospital formedical attention,” Ebedi said.

The CMD said that it wouldbe easier for the hospital if thesurrounding states couldcompliment its efforts byproviding free medical care to,at least, their pregnant womenand children from five yearsand below.

“This will go a long way toreduce the burden in ourhospitals, especially BwariGeneral Hospital, which sharesborder with Kaduna and Nigerstates,’’ he said.

Ebedi urged Bwari residents,especially the pregnant womenand children, to sleep underinsecticide-treated mosquitonets to avoid malaria.

He cautioned the people toalways keep their environmentclean, adding that filthy anddirty environment bredmosquitoes and many otherthings that could cause seriousillnesses. (NAN)

US, Nigeriapact to curbHIV/AIDS in FCT

The Institute of HumanVirology in the FederalCapital Territory (FCT) in

collaboration with the United Stategovernment through the Centre forDiseases Control as well as the FCTHealth and Human ServicesSecretariat has organized aworkshop for health CareProfessionals on the HIV/AIDSPrevention.

Speaking to Peoples Daily at theworkshop in Gwagwalada, theRegional Associate Director of theInstitute of Human Virology, Dr.Oche Yusuf, said that the aims ofthe workshop was to empower theHealth Professional to know the basicthings about HIV/AIDS with thespecial emphasis on the preventionof modern child transmission.

He called on the federal and stategovernments to focus on thedevelopment needs of healthfacilities to enable the medicaldoctors, community health workersand nurses to render more servicesfor the people in the country.

He further urged governmentto provide enough fund for hospitalsin the country to encourage thehealth professionals to continue tocombat against HIV/AIDSpandemic.

Yusuf advised the medial doctorsas well s community health workersto deem it necessary to acquire basicknowledge on how to manage HIV/AIDS prevention.

By Usman Shuaibu

A lecturer with the Collegeof Education Zuba inGwagwalada Area

Council,FCT, Mr. AbdullahSuleiman, has called on thegovernment to equip the institutionsof higher learning with the facilitiesto arrest pending issues affecting theeducational institutions in thecountry.

He also called on the governmentto pay the salaries of the teachers atas when due to enable them to do theirwork well.

Suleiman, who made the call inan interview with Peoples Dailyduring the annual nationalconference in Zuba, urgedgovernment to gear towards theimplementation of education policiesall the times for the benefit ofeducationists in the country.

He also pleaded with thegovernment to allocate enough fundto educational sector to enable itscarry out the roles effectively.

He appealed to the Federal CapitalTerritory Administration (FCTA) toorganise workshops for the teachersto update the knowledge.

Ibrahim who is a member of theFCT College of Education AcademicStaff Union (COEASU) Zuba chapter,advised teachers to further theireducation to acquire more knowledgeand warned students againstexamination malpractices.

Lecturer tasksFG on schoolfacilitiesBy Usman Shuaibu

Katsina state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema and Akwa Ibom state Governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio, Presidentialposters pasted yesterday in many part of Area 1, in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo


Beggar bags 5 weeks imprisonmentfor criminal trespass, theftA Grade Two Area Court in

Kado, Abuja, yesterdaysentenced one Sani

Abubakar to five weeks in prisonafter he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of criminal trespassand theft.

The presiding officer, MalamAhmed Ado, gave the convict anoption to pay N2,000 in fine.

“I will not do it again. It is becauseI don’t have clothes; that was why I

committed such an offence,’’ theconvict said.

The police prosecutor, Sgt.Simon Ibrahim, had asked that theconvict be tried summarily underSection 157 Sub-Section 1 of theCriminal Procedure Code.

Section 157 (1) states that anaccused person’s admission “shallbe recorded as nearly as possible inthe words used by him’’ if he admitsthat he has committed the offence

of which he is accused.It states further that “if the

accused shows no sufficient causewhy he should not be convicted, thecourt may convict him accordinglyand in that case it shall not benecessary to frame a normalcharge.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Abubakar, a 20-year-old beggar, at Wuse Marketin Abuja, was tried on a two-count

person fraudulently collected N2.2million from the complainantunder the guise that he would sell acar to him.

He said that the accused claimedhe had a Toyota Camry 2008model coming into the countryfrom Germany and promised thathe would hand it over to himimmediately he received it.

The prosecutor added that thecomplainant sensed a foul playwhen the accused failed to deliverthe car to him or return his money

after several months of waiting.He said that the offence

contravened sections 312 and 322of the Penal Code.

However, the accused pleadednot guilty to the charges.

The Counsel to the accused,Willy Aduku, prayed the court togrant his client bail, saying Section36 (5) of the 1999 Constitutionstipulates that an accused person ispresumed innocent until otherwiseproven.

Aduku said if the bail was

Man in court over criminal breach of trust, cheatingThe police yesterday

arraigned a 30-year-oldman, Ekenne Mmama, of

Kurudu village, Abuja, in an AbujaMagistrates’ Court for allegedcriminal breach of trust andcheating.

The Prosecutor, DanjumaEtubi, told the court that on Dec. 4,2012, Chinedu Onahi of Beside CityRock, Mararaba, Nasarawa State,petitioned the AIG, Zone 7, on thematter.

Etubi said that the accused

The police yesterdayarraigned three menbefore an Abuja Senior

Magistrates Court for allegedlyhawking fuel along FCT roads.

The men are: SuleimanAbubakar, Garba Ibrahim andHassan Garba, all of no traceableaddresses.

The prosecutor, Mr MohammedAhmed, told the court that Insp.Orlando Magnus and his team fromMaitama Police Station arrested thetrio at Banex Plaza area hawkingfuel on the road.

He said the act constituted publicnuisance and that the offencecontravened provisions of Section183 of the Penal Code.

Section 183 of the code states thata person is guilty of public nuisancewhen he/she causes danger topersons who dwell or occupyproperty in the vicinity who mayhave occasion to use any public right.

Ahmed, Ibrahim and Garba,however, pleaded not guilty to thecharge.

The Senior Magistrate, MrChristopher Oba, granted each ofthem bail in the sum of N100,000with a surety each in like sum.

Oba said the surety should havea reasonable means of livelihoodwith a traceable address within thejurisdiction of the court.

He adjourned the case to May20,2013 for hearing. (NAN)

Policearraign 3men overfuel hawking

INSIDE FCT COURTS

granted, his client would not jumpbail or interfere with policeinvestigation.

In his ruling, the Magistrate,Emmanuel Iyana, granted theaccused bail in the sum ofN500,000 and a surety in like sum.

Iyanna said that the suretymust have a reliable and fixedaddress, and should reside withinthe jurisdiction of the court.

He adjourned the matter toJune 4, 2013 for further hearing.(NAN)

charge of criminal trespass andtheft.

Ibrahim had earlier told thecourt that one Christian Augustinelodged the report against the convictat Utako Police Station on May 10.

He said the convict had goneinto Augustine’s premises at 5,Bukar Dapcharima Close in Utakowhere he stole some clothes on May9,2013 .

Abubakar, who admitted thatthe clothes he was wearing weresome of the ones he stole, pleaded forleniency. (NAN)

An Abuja ChiefMagistrates Court onTuesday ordered

one Aghimen Denis, 30, to beremanded in police custody for allegedstealing of three computers fromReynolds Construction Company(RCC), Abuja.

Denis, who is an employee ofthe company, is standing trial fortheft before the court, presided overby Chief Magistrate Fati Tafida.

Police prosecutor Phillip Apollostold the court thatAfolabi Olumayowa of RCC, Jabi,Abuja, reported the matter at the LifeCamp Police Station on May 10.

Apollos said the accused jumpedinto the company’s premises, brokeinto an office and stole three laptopcomputers valued at N380,000 onApril 30.

He said Denis was captured byCCTV cameras mounted in thecompany premises for securitypurpose.

He said that seven of the camerasmounted at the premises capturedthe image of the accused person.

The accused pleaded not guilty tothe charges

The prosecutor urged the courtnot to grant the accused bail, sayingthe matter was still under investigation.

Chief Magistrate Tafida orderedthat Denis be remanded in policecustody and adjourned the caseto May 20,2013 for further hearing.(NAN)

Man, 30,remanded foralleged stealingof computers

registration number LND 851 XAalong Umaru Yar’Adua Waywithout due care and attention.

Anigbo said that in theprocess, the accused ran into aToyota Corolla vehicle withregistration number CA 937AKD, driven by Raphael Iroh ofFBN Life Assurance Ltd.

He said the collision causedsevere damage to Iroh’s vehiclethat was beyond repairs.

The prosecutor said the offence

contravened the provisions ofSection 29 (1) CAP 548 of the RoadTraffic Act.

Section 29 (1) of the Act statesthat a person who drives a motorvehicle on a highway without duecare and attention is guilty of anoffence.

It states further that such aperson is liable, on conviction, toa fine of N100.

The Act further stated that inthe case of a second conviction, the

Commercial driver docked over accidentThe police yesterday

arraigned before a WuseZone 2 Senior Magistrates

Court a commercial bus driver,Frank Ezeani, of Maza Maza,Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Ezeani wasarraigned for allegedly causing acar accident.

Police prosecutor Paul Anigbotold the court that on March 30,Ezeani drove a Toyota bus with

person is liable to a fine of N200 orsix months imprisonment or both.

Ezeani, however, pleaded notguilty to the charge.

Senior magistrate Tony Ubanigranted him bail in the sum ofN200,000 with a surety in likesum.

Ubani said the surety mustreside within the court’sjurisdiction and adjourned thecase to May 27,2013 for hearing.(NAN)

Traditional dancers entertaining guests at a function, yesterday in Garki, Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo


Management Tip of the DayUse your crowd to source ideas

INSIDE

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you're connected to well-placedcolleagues, suppliers, customers,and fellow executives in your field

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— a host of experts who can helpyou at a moment's notice. Forexample, if you're thinking ofhiring a contractor, ask forreviews of his work. Or use aninternal blog to request ideas onhow to cut costs.

Start by making suggestions

of your own and then ask othersto contribute. These tactics willnot only help you get valuableinformation but also will increaseyour visibility within yournetwork.Source: Harvard BusinessReview

By Abdulwahab Isa

For purposes of prudentmanagement of externaland domestic debts, the

Federal Government has deviseda new structure—Medium TermDebt Management Strategy(MTDs) (2012-2015), throughwhich it hopes to achieve abalance in public debt portfoliomanagement .

Under the new MTDsstructure, already approved bythe Federal Executive Council(FEC) on Wednesday, it seeks anoptimal mix between domesticand external borrowing with aview to arriving at a morebalanced public debt portfolio inthe ratio of 60: 40 for domesticand external debt respectively.

Shedding more light on theworkings of MTDs at aninteractive session with themedia yesterday in Abuja,Director-General of the DebtManagement Office (DMO), Dr.Abraham Nwankwo described it

a novel effort by government toreduce rate of growth in publicdebt in general and domesticdebt in particular to ensure debtsustainability.

The DG disclosed thatNigeria’s current debt profilestands at $6.67 billion (externaldebt) and N6.5 trillion(domestic debt)respectively. According to him,the domestic debt, which makesup debts owed local contractors,including bonds issued bygovernment to raise money, haslately attracted public concernfor fear it could get off thethreshold of sustainability.

Nwankwo said the mainobjective of the MTDs is todevelop a strategy that wouldmeet the financing needs ofgovernment at minimum cost,maintain risk at a prudent leveland support the development ofthe market.

A main component of thenew MTD, he said, is the creation

of a ‘seeking fund’, which ispurposely created as pool fund toredeem mature debt obligations.The DMO said, “Now that thisstrategy has been achieved, forevery year based on maturityprofile, we will be able to advisegovernment how much toprovide in the budgetcumulatively to be able toaddress each and every debtwhen it thus matured”.

Asked to give a figure of howmuch government wasproviding as initial seed moneyin the sinking fund, Nwankworesponded it would be difficultputting a figure, noting: “Thereis no one single figure we cangive now, but now that astructure has been approved ,the amount to be kept on sinkingfund will based on based on thedebt profile each year and it will be determined based on loan byloan basis.

“The important thing is that,government has established the

No fewer than 35,000 firmsare said to be evading taxpayment in Nigeria, a

scenario government saidyesterday stalled herr e s p o n s i b i l i t yof providing basic amenities.

Consequently, it said plansare underway to introduce E-payment to capture morecompanies and individuals in togovernment tax net.

Minister of state for finance,Dr Yerima Lawan Ngama madethe startling revelationyesterday in Abuja whilepresenting a keynote address ata workshop of the African TaxForum organized by the FederalInland Revenue Services (FIRS).

Presently, the NigeriaCustoms Service (NCS) is theagency of government using E-payment for its Duty collection.The Minster said governmentmay consider adopting similarapproach for tax payment.

Ngama regretted thatgovernment was losing largechunk of money through non-remittances of taxes andemphasized drastic step neededto be taken if the economy is to

‘350,000 firms don’t pay tax in Nigeria’ – Ngama By Abdulwahab Isa …. FG may introduce e-payment for tax collection

L-R: Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and Chancellor ofEnugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Dr. Hassan Adamu, discussing with ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Cyprain Onyeji, during the 15th Convocation ceremony of the university, recently inEnugu.

move forward.Dr. Ngama disclosed that the

fall out of tax evasion is the highcost of doing business

in Nigeria.He said the implication of not

paying taxes is robbinggovernment of opportunity

of providing infrastructuralfacilities such as electricity, goodroads, water while it has alsoadded to high cost of doingbusiness in Nigeria.

Apart from the highincidence of tax evasion, theminister stated that compare tothe size of Nigeria, the quantumof taxes collected is nothing towrite home about.

The situation, he said wascaused by the large size of theinformal sector withinthe Nigerian economy.

Dr. Ngama lamented thatdespite the fact the Nigeria is thenumber one fastest growingeconomy in Africa and the fifthin the world, 54 percent ofbusiness activities in Nigeria aretaking place in the informalsector while the figure hasreduced to 40 percent at thepresent.

Unlike in Ghana whichcollects 21 percent of its GrossDomestic Product (GDP) astaxes, the minister said it is only7 percent GDP in Nigeria.

Describing the situation asunacceptable, Dr Ngama saidthe government would do allthings possible to bring a largerpart of the informal sector intothe tax net with a view to rakingmore taxes.

The Small and MediumEnterprises DevelopmentAgency (SMEDAN) is to

partner with the CorporateAffairs Commission (CAC) toregister Small and MediumEnterprises (SMEs) at subsidisedrates, Mr. Olusola Dawodu, aSenior Enterprise Officer withSMEDAN South -West zone, saidyesterday in Lagos.

“SMEDAN is working onplans along with the CAC to assistsmall business owners to registertheir businesses at faster andsubsidised rates,” he said. “Theidea is borne out of the fact thatmost business owners shy awayfrom the rigorous process ofregistering their business.

“There will be a platformwhere CAC officials will have adesk in SMEDAN to attend tomembers of our association andgroups and make the processhitch-free and less stressful”, hestated.

Dawodu said that theplatform was to increase theproductivity of the smallbusinesses, especially those inthe manufacturing sector.

He said that this would alsoreduce the challenge of poordatabase of SMEs across thecountry.

Dawodu urged aspiringbusiness owners and those whowere running unregisteredbusinesses to approach SMEDANfor pre-registration as the take-off of the platform would beannounced soon.

SMEDAN,CAC topartner onregistration ofSMEsFrom Ayodele Samuel, Lagos FG approves new strategy to manage nation’s debt

sinking fund”, explained DMODG. He said government wasputting machinery in place fordebt sustainability explainingthat debts should be measuredin accordance with assets theyprocured.

”When we are talking of debtsustainability, we should berelating the debt stock with thestock of capital assets that hadbeen created over the years usingthese borrowed resources. It’s inthat regard that going forward;the posture will be targeted atspecific a

project; which is why even ifwe are going to borrowexternally from theinternational capital market byissuing Eurobond, this could beused in financing power sectordevelopment”.

He said all borrowings bygovernment including domesticborrowings were contractedwithin the context of theappropriation Act noting thatthe country operates a robustframe work for accountability.

Amongst the benefits of newdebts strategy include ability toreduce the amount on debtservice on optimal mix betweenthe relatively more expensivedomestic debt and less expensiveexternal debt.

At present, the differencebetween the domestic andexternal average cost ofborrowing is about 8 percent perannum, he disclosed.


COMPANYNEWS

UAC of NigeriaPlc

UAC of Nigeria Plc (UAC),has signed a strategicpartnership with Imperial

Logistics, a leading internationallogistics and supply chain arm ofthe South Africa-based ImperialHoldings Limited.

According to the agreement,which has been signed by thetwo companies, Imperial Logisticsis to acquire 49 percent equityin MDS Logistics plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAC. UACretains 51 percent majority stakein MDS Logistics plc.

UAC of Nigeria plc is a leadingdiversified Company withoperations in foods, paints,logistics and real estate.

InlaksComputersLtdInlaks Computers

Limited, one of theforemost ICT and

Infrastructure solutionsprovider in West Africanregion whose major clients arethe financial institutions, isdeploying e-bankinginfrastructure and solutionwith the highest securityfeatures to assist in thetransformation of thefinancial services sector of theNigerian economy.

These e-bankinginfrastructure and solutionare ATMs and Temenos ArcMobile (mobile bankingsolution) to enhance betterreturn on investment in thesector.

Nautilus Hyosung is thefastest growing ATM brandbeing distributed andsupported by InlaksComputers in Nigeria with aninstalled base of 1,200 ATMsat First Bank, Stanbic IBTC,Heritage Bank, Union Bank,KeyStone, Unity Bank andJaiz Bank.

UnileverNigeria Plc

As part of itscommitment toconsumers, Unilever

Nigeria Plc, launched Close-UpFire-freeze in Lagos recently.

Being as change oriented asits target market, Close-Up,from the stables of UnileverNigeria has continually renewthe oral care experience byintroducing new flavors everynow and then.

During the launch of Close-Up Fire-freeze, ManagingDirector, Unilever Nigeria,Thabo Mabe, said “We live in aworld where tooth decayaffects around 90% of peopleworldwide, while up to 20% ofthe world’s adult populationsuffer severe gum disease.”

L-R: National Deputy President, Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Chief AyoolaSadiku, National President, Alhaji Kassim Ibrahim Bataiya, and Executive Secretary, Barr. Emmanuel HallanGowon, during a press briefing, yesterday in Apapa, Lagos state.

The National President of theAssociation of NigerianLicensed Customs Agents

(ANLCA), Prince OlayiwolaShittu has questioned thecredibility of the election petitionpanel which was set up by theassociation to look into complaintsemanating from the last westernzone chapter elections, sayingthat they were compromised bypowerful elements within theassociation.

The panel’srecommendations were largelyupheld by the association’sBoard of Trustees (BoT), whosechairman; Chief Henry Njokulast week presided over theassociation’s leaders’ meetingwhile the national president wasout of the country.

At the meeting, the nationalpresident was directed to issuecertificates to candidates whoelections were upheld.

Prince Shittu, who spoke onWednesday at the association’snational secretariat in Lagos,while issuing certificates of officeto elected officials of five chapterswhose victories were upheld atthe recent elections, howeverwarned that the time ofgodfatherism was over in theassociation polity.

He alleged that some vestedinterests in the election hadinfiltrated the election petitionpanel (headed by ObinnaOkenze) and this was why,according to him, the final reportthat was released by the Boardof Trustees of the association lastweek differs from the electionpanel report.

Speaking further, Shittu saidthat, “It is not surprising thatthe final results of the petitionpanel turned out to be what it isas a result of the fact that wehave always subsumed theinterest of this association forpersonal interest, that was whatI met three years ago, andunfortunately, it is still rearingits head because some few peoplewho believe they are godfathersand kingmakers would not letgo”.

“The same people stillinfiltrated the panel and thatwas why the report of the paneldiffers from the report of theoverall”, he stressed.

He explained that by issuingthe certificate of office to thequalified officials, he is merelyupholding the final outcome ofthe decision of the board oftrustees on behalf of theassociation, just as he furtherclarified that due consultationswere made by the board with thenational executives in order toarrive at that decision.

Shittu however cautionedmembers of the association toeschew godfatherism in theassociation’s polity, especiallyduring the forthcoming by-elections into chapters underthe western zone.

Skytrax ranking: Nigerianairports will soon topAfrican 10 - FAAN

From Olawuni Oladapo, Lagos

Licensed CustomsAgents’ Presidentallegesgodfathersinfiltration inelection panel

Following the latest rankingby Skytrax in its World BestAirports Index, which

excluded Nigeria airportsamong the top ten in Africa, theFederal Government has said theexclusion is understandablebecause the facilities across thecountry are currentlyundergoing massivetransformation.

The report, which has elicitedmixed reactions amongstakeholders the FederalAirports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) said is clearly atvariance with the reality onground as most of “our airports,is currently undergoing massivetransformation, in terms ofinfrastructural development

and service delivery.”Spokesperson for FAAN, Mr.

Yakubu Dati affirmed that thereis no well meaning, regularairport user in the country whowill not testify that there isvisible and undeniabletransformation taking place atNigerian airports today.

He explained that “Theairport re-modelling project,which has been acknowledgedby aviation stakeholders andrespectable public figures as themost ambitious airportdevelopment project of theFederal Government after theAerodrome DevelopmentProgramme of the mid 1970s, issurely breathing fresh air intoNigerian airports”.

“Keen observers haveapplauded the concerted and

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos concrete efforts being made byGovernment to redress thedeplorable state of our airports,which has been with us for over20 years now” he told reporters.

Dati reiterated that one of theefforts aims at improvingNigeria airports to be morecustomers friendly andcommercially viable, is theappointment of Mr. GeorgeUriesi, who served as the GeneralManager of Cape TownInternational Airport, as theManaging Director of FAAN in2011 .

According to him, “With alittle patience by the Nigerianpublic, our airports will begin tocompete with those in SouthAfrica on the top ten list of theSkytrax World Best Airportsranking, sooner than later”.

NRC set to increase carriageand freight with new coaches

Having completed therehabilitation of 62coaches and wagons in

its fold with direct labour, theNigerian Railway Corporationsays it will increase the capacityof freight in different part of thecountry as part of its efforts toincrease carriage capacities of itstrains.

The repairs carried out in thecorporation’s Carriage andWagon Workshops in Enugu andLagos respectively comprises of14 coaches, 30 Covered HopperWagons (CHWs) for wheat, 17Container Wagons for cementand one power car all which NRCsaid have been deployed todistricts where they are mostlyneeded as track rehabilitation is

presently on-going in theEastern District.

”The 14 coaches are beingshared to the existing masstransit trains in Lagos, Offa- Kanopassenger train and Lagos –Kano intercity passenger train.To alleviate passengercongestion, a minimum of tenstandard class passenger coacheswith one air-conditionedpassenger coach and a power-generating car per train is beingmade available for thecommuters in Lagos masstransit trains”, it said.

Assistant Director, PublicRelations of NRC, Mr. DavidNdakotsu told reporters thatwith the improvement, each ofthe Lagos mass transit trainswill carry about 1, 650passengers at about 150

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos passengers per coach. He said they are fitted with

improved interior facilities likelightings, fans, seats, and toiletswhile the Lagos District stillmaintains its 16 train tripsdaily Monday to Friday betweenIddo-Apapa and Agbado-Ijoko.

The 47 wagons on the otherhand he disclosed are beingdeployed to the Corporation’scement and wheat freightcustomers, to enhance freightcarriage capability.

NRC Managing Director,Engr. Adeseyi Sijuwade, alsoconfirmed that the corporationis expecting delivery of two setsof Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs)each with a carrying capacityof 540 passengers and six 68-seater air conditioned passengercoaches by the end of the year.


Nigerian Business Aviation Conference celebrates successful first eventFrom Suleiman Idris, Lagos

The first ever NigerianBusiness AviationConference hosted by

Evergreen Apple Nigeria (EAN)on Tuesday, 7th May proved tobe a resounding success for theorganisers, delegates andspeakers.

Held at the prestigiousWheatbaker Hotel, in Lagos, overone hundred delegatesregistered to take part and listento an international speaker andpanelist line up.

The conference was designedto provide a platform for raisingawareness of the growingbusiness aviation industry inNigeria and hosted by dynamicchair Alasdair Whyte providedattendees with a lively debatediscussing a range of topics.

The MD/CEO of hosts EAN,Segun Demuren opened themeeting outlining the need for abetter understanding of thevalue of business aviation inNigeria as an economic driver

for the country and surroundingregions, and its significance indeveloping internationalbusiness.

The finance session was ledby the Managing Director of oneof GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje,the platinum sponsor of theevent, discussed therequirements of the bank when

considering financing aircraft.Character and integrity of thecustomer is said to be asimportant as collateral andassets.

Agbaje also noted thatNigeria had experienced “highoctane growth” in the last fewyears making it the largestmarket for business jet purchase

in Africa, even topping SouthAfrica. “We are more used tofinancing rice and fish soaviation is a good way for us toexpand business,” he stated.

The delegates also heard fromthe major OEMs in a panelfeaturing sales directors fromsponsors Gulfstream, Embraerand Dassault alongsiderepresentatives of Bombardierand Cessna in the region. Allexpressed optimism about thefuture growth of sales in theregion, giving at least an eightout of ten when asked where onthe scale of sales growth theypositioned Nigeria.

The panel also suggested thatthere was a strong market forsmaller aircraft in the regionwith over 50 small airfieldsavailable that can be used by theturbo prop and light jetcommunity.

The need for aircraftmanagement expertise washighlighted in such a youngmarket. “Don’t learn the hard

way,” said Achuzie Ezenagu, MDof Toucan Aviation a localoperator that serves the oilsector.

Demuren confirmed that theevent had been more successfulthan he could have hoped for,and will be the first in a series ofannual meetings. “UndoubtedlyNigeria is a significant player inthe business aviation sector forAfrica and will play animportant part in thedevelopment of the sector in theregion.

“This conference hasdemonstrated that whilst wehave a lot of opportunity we arestill very much in our infancyand must aim to build theinfrastructure to supportbusiness aviation and theassociated framework necessaryto create a solid base”, he stated.

“Plans are already in motionfor the 2014 NBAC event whichwe anticipate will be bigger andeven better,” he said inconclusion.

MD of EAN, Segun Demuren delivering his speech during the openingof the first Nigerian Business Aviation Conference.

The new Director-General ofConsumer ProtectionCouncil (CPC), Mrs. Dupe

Catherine Atoki, has officiallyassumed duty at the Abujaheadquarters of the agency,declaring her commitmenttowards ensuring adequateprotection of the rights of Nigerianconsumers.

CPC in a statement said the D-G, while addressing itsmanagement staff, said theorganisation must properlyproject itself as a relevant tool forthe economic development of thenation, through the execution ofits mandate.

While acknowledging theefforts of her predecessors for theachievement made so far, sheobserved that more of thepotentials of the Council shouldbe brought out to further justifyits relevance as an organizationfocusing on the disadvantaged.

According to her, “My focalpoint is to ensure Nigerianconsumers are protected, toensure that the ordinary personon the street knows his/herrights, knows when those rights

are being abused and where toreport to when abused.

“We have a lot to do in definingour priorities. We can identifyareas that affect the generality ofthe common man. We don’t havethe luxury of time. I have fouryears to spend and by the end, Iwant to show that the Council isable to deliver appropriatelythrough its mandate,” Mrs. Atokideclared.

She said that Nigeria has the“potentials of becoming anindustrialized economy, but wecannot if indigenousmanufacturers are competingwith cheap but sub-standardand fake products”.

She called on the Council’smanagement and its entireworkforce to join hands with herin fast-tracking the pace of theorganization so that “themandate given to us becomesmore effective.”

Mrs. Atoki, whoseappointment was made publiclast week Thursday, is aversatile legal practitioner,who has served and representedNigeria in various capacitieslocally and at the internationallevel.

CPC DG assumes duty, declarescommitment on consumer protectionBy Etuka Sunday

Underwriting firm, AIICOInsurance Plc is givingmotorists in Nigeria the

opportunity to choose from avariety of its comprehensivemotor insurance policies, whiletrying to insure their vehiclesagainst accident or theft.

The Group ManagingDirector, AIICO, David Sobanjosaid, “We now offer ourcustomers, the choice betweenAIICO Auto Regular, AIICO AutoClassic or AIICO Auto RoyaleDeluxe”.

Under AIICO Auto Regular,damage to or loss of the vehiclearising from accident (lone ormultiple) as well as theft and fireare covered. Should the insured

vehicle be involved in an accidentresulting in bodily injury, AIICOwill pay the medical expenses.Also covered, is a towing van,should it be required.

In case the insured vehicle isinvolved in an accidentresulting in death or bodilyinjury to other road users,usually called Third Party ininsurance parlance, AIICO willpay as much as N1 million tooffset the liability should the

need arise.If the insured vehicle should

be involved in an accidentresulting in litigation, AIICO willalso defray the legal cost andother expenses that may arisefrom there.

To enjoy additional benefits,at extra cost to the customer, hecan extend the insurance policyto cover riot, strike and civilcommotion, as well as increasethe third party propertydamage limit.

AIICO Auto Classic is a policyfor vehicles valued at N3 millionand above.

While damage to or loss of thevehicle arising from accident,

AIICO Insurance offers motoristsinsurance options for value

From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

theft or fire are also covered;AIICO will also cater for medicalexpenses for the occupants of thevehicle, provides towing vanwhen needed and pay as muchas N1.5 million to offset ThirdParty Property Damage shouldthe need arise.

The policy also provides ThirdParty Liability Cover for deathor bodily injury and coverspersonal effects in event of theft,fire or accident. Policy-holders ofAIICO Auto Classic will enjoyfree riot, strike and civilcommotion extension, as well asfree tracker to easily locate thevehicle should it be stolen.

The AIICO Auto Royale

Deluxe package is perfect forvehicles at N5 million andabove, in addition to the benefitsunder AIICO Auto Classic, thispolicy provides free ReplacementCar and Chauffer for 10 days incase of accident or theft.

With this policy, should theinsured vehicle be involved in anaccident, AIICO Insurance willpay as much as N2 million tooffset Third Party PropertyDamage should the need arises.The policy has also been extendedto cover occupants of the vehicleagainst personal accident, aswell as cover for personal effectsin the event of theft, fire oraccident.

L-R: Head of Nestle Central and West Africa, Etienne Benet, out-going Managing Director/ Chief Executiveof Nestle Nigeria Plc, Martin Woolnough, out-going Chairman, Board of Directors of Nestle Nigeria Plc,Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, Legal Manager of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Bode Ayeku, and Head of Finance andControl of Nestle CWA, Frederic Duranton, during the 44th Annual General Meeting of Nestle Nigeria Plc,recently in Lagos. Photo: Olawale Rotimi


serious disputes and issuesbordering on civil violation ofthe securities law and the rulesof the commission.

“We all know that theprinciple of fair hearing is vitalto any system of justice and theright of the populace. This is whatthe SEC APC seeks to achieve,among others, giving a fairhearing to a participant suspectedof any violation”, he stressed.

The committee, which isguided by its rules of procedurecontained in Schedule V111 ofthe SEC rules and regulations isempowered to impose sanctionswhere infractions of the securitieslaws and rules and regulationshave been found.

But it would not deliberate on

criminal violations which areunder the jurisdiction of the lawenforcement agencies and theoffice of the attorney a general ofthe federation. Ndanusa clarifiedthat such suspected criminalviolations would be referred bythe commission to theappropriate authorities fornecessary action.

Ndanusa said their inclusionis to boost the quality of theconduct of APC. Members of thecommittee are also expected toadhere to the highest level ofconfidentiality, ethics andprofessionalism in their conductand are therefore expected tosign up to a code of ethics for APCmembers.

At the inauguration, Aruma

SEC inaugurates disputes resolution committee

Maritime workers laud Jonathan,NIMASA on devt. of maritime sector

The Maritime WorkersUnion of Nigeria (MWUN)has commended President

Goodluck Jonathan for hiscontribution to the maritimeindustry through capacitybuilding of its members.

Speaking at a rally organisedby the union to thank thePresident of Nigeria forempowering the youths in themaritime sector in Lagos onWednesday, President-General,MWUN, Comrade Anthony NtedEmmanuel stressed that the rallywas organised to thank thePresident and that it was notpolitically- motivated, even as headded that after all, members ofthe union are also workers in thecountry.

The union also commendedthe Nigerian MaritimeAdministration and SafetyAgency (NIMASA) for living upto expectation in its socialresponsibility functions throughthe Director General, Mr. PatrickAkpobolokemi.

Nted stressed that the MWUN

The Securities and ExchangeCommission (SEC) onWednesday re-launched

its Administrative ProceedingsCommittee (APC), an in-housemechanism that would ensurespeedy adjudication of disputesarisen from securities and stocks

in the Nigerian capital market.The committee could as wellfurther strengthen confidenceand integrity the market.

The re-launched APC wouldbe chaired by Director-General,SEC, Arunmah Oteh, and has aretired judge, an academicianand a capital market expert asmembers.

At the inauguration of thecommittee in Abuja, chairman,SEC board, Suleyman Ndanusasaid the SEC APC had been inexistence but was only being re-launched, after being fine-tunedand restructured for greatereffectiveness and efficiency.

He said the committee woulddeal with major grievances bymarket participants, resolve

Oteh said the committee wouldserve as the first ‘port of call’where capital issues can belooked at and if not satisfied theycan then be taken to theInvestment and SecuritiesTribunal for judicialproceedings.

Oteh was confident that thecommittee would provide amore efficient resolution ofcapital market issues especiallyas it comprises professionals inthe market.

By Abdulwahab Isa

organised the solidarity rally toexpress its appreciation to DrGoodluck Jonathan “for hisimmense contributions to theindustry.

According to him, thepresident has empowereddockworkers and seafarers incapacity buildings, which hasenlightened members of the unionand also created an enablingenvironment for workers.

The President-General,MWUN affirmed that theseafarers department of theunion has gained immenselyfrom the Federal Government inthe area of training, which hedescribed as a boost to theindustry because, according tohim, the nation can boast ofcompetent seafarers whencompared to Greek andPhilippines.

He told the mammoth crowdof members of the union that thepresident’s commitment to theempowerment of seafarers showsa clear indication that he is acomrade.

Speaking about the agency

responsible for the interest of theunion, Nted noted that since thecurrent Director-General ofNIMASA, Mr. PatrickAkpobolokemi came on board,seafarers from the union havebeen greatly empowered.

The MWUN boss also urged theFederal Government to do moreto empower the Nigerian youths,even as he appealed to thePresident to empower NIMASA inorder to address the challenges inthe maritime industry.

The President-General alsodrew the attention of the FederalGovernment to compel theNigerian Liquefied Natural Gas(NLNG) to pay the controversiallevy to NIMASA, insisting thatfailure to do so after 21 days willbring about withdrawal ofmembers from all the nation’sports.

He added that the FederalGovernment should blacklistmultinationals that fails tocomply with the laws of the landand commended the NigerianPorts Authority for renderingassistance to the MWUN.

From Olawuni Oladapo, Lagos

L-R: Bauchi state Commissioner for Finance, Malam Mahmoud Maijama'r, and Borno state Commissionerfor Finance, Alhaji Yunus Mairami, during the Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting, onWednesday night in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Stakeholders from variousorganisations under thesupervision of the Nigerian

Electricity RegulatoryCommission (NERC) onWednesday met in Abuja tobrainstorm on the modalities thatwould be employed in theimplementation of the newmetering code.

The stakeholders, whichcomprises vendors and installers,Electricity DistributionCompanies (DISCOs) andfinancial institutions were toagree on the framework andlogistics of implementing thescheme.

Speaking during theStakeholders’ Workshop, theNERC’s Chairman/CEO, SamAmadi said, “It is a publicconsultation on metering code. Weare about to issue a new standard,a code to regulate metering, interms of features of capacities inthe industry. And our tradition,as a good regulator, we offer thepublic, stakeholders as well as theoperators the opportunity tointeract publicly and provideinputs,” he said.

Amadi, while speaking on theprice tag set by NERC , said “thereis a change of cost that BPEapproved, and that includes forsingle meter, two phase meter,smart meter, different degree ofsmart meters, so what I will say isthat in two days’ time, we aregoing to issue out full statementon this and we are forwarding itto the DISCOs, then the public willknow exactly the cost.

“But, I think the cost for singlephase meter is generally N25,000, and for three phases is aboutN50, 000. So there are variationsdepending on the kind of meter. Ifyou want smart, semi smartmeter, they come with addedcost,” he said.

On metering deficit, he said,the commission has gotten theapproval of “BPE to certify about85 firms to become investors,vendor installers, so we are issuingout order and part of it is that 45days after the payment is made,the customer is entitled to getmeter installed. And afterinstallation, there is a process forrepaying that money over aperiod of time. so that is aninterim measures to address thedeficit”, he concluded.

Electricity:Stakeholdersbrainstorm onnew meteringcodeBy Etuka Sunday

Former Post Master-General ofNigerian Postal Services(NIPOST), Mr. Nathaniel

Zome has commended the reformsundertaken by the Services,saying that it is best done forefficiency and effective servicedelivery in the country.

Zome stated this yesterday atthe public presentation of a bookon NIPOST titled: ‘’Reforming thePostal Services in Nigeria, thestory of the Nigerian Postal serviceand the journey to nationhood”which was authored by him.

According to him, the PostOffice has facilitated fast deliveryof mails from one point to anotherat a uniform rate and has alsoemployed over seven millionpeople, with over a hundredmillion delivery items annuallythrough the Universal PostalUnion.

He stated that the NIPOSTurgently need to do morereformations in order to meet upwith the modern day societybecause it has suffered frominadequate funding and lackinternally generated revenue tooperate on its own as well asmanpower training of its staff.

He explained that NIPOSTreformation is necessary at thismoment because the world is nowa global village and needs to catchup with the moderninfrastructure, to give the bestservice to the people.

Zome also stated that thereformation is meant to bringeffectiveness in the market circlerequired by customers, in orderto satisfy all categories ofcustomers and improvedfinancial viability of the postalenterprise as well as revampingthe infrastructure of the NigerianPostal Service.

Award presentation was madeto The Senate President DavidMark, His Royal Highness MajorGeneral Mohammed Sani Sami(RTD) and others.

NIPOSTreformationbest forefficientservicedelivery, saysPost Master-GeneralBy Chris Alu

PAGE 25PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013

‘I don’t support it’– Badamasi Ayuba

Danbatta/Makoda…KanoANPP

The fact is that thisdeclaration has beendone before in some local

governments and nothing haschanged. By this newdeclaration, it is just likegiving license to the soldiersto go and humiliate thecitizens and to carry outhuman rights abuses.

Honestly, I don’t support it.By giving securityresponsibilities of governors tothe military, the governorswill be made to becomeanswerable to unelectedofficials.

This only confirms whatpeople have been saying thatthe federal government is notserious about the amnesty.Today, one hand is foramnesty, and the other handis for state of emergency.

Solution: I advocatedialogue between BokoHaram and the government.

‘Troops shouldconduct themselveswell’

– Mohammed TahirMonguno (Borno state)ANPP

It will obviously affect ourpeople. We are not averseto it but our concern was

the likely dissolution of thedemocratic structures. Now,we are advising that the troopsshould conduct themselvesprofessionally within the rulesof engagement in their

Emergency rule: Legislators unburden their minds

assignment.

‘Jonathan did notfollow due process’

– Ibrahim BawaK a m b a … K e b b i ( A r e w a /Dandi (PDP)

I’m not contented with thewhole arrangementbecause of the way he

declared it and did not followdue process. He was expectedto notify the House. He did itbefore and nothing happened.I recommend a new committeeto be set which will beexclusively composed ofreligious leaders in the affectedareas.

‘... I commendPresident’

– Bitrus Kaze, JosSouth/East Fed Const.Plateau State

I join many Nigerians incommending Mr.President for eventually

mustering the guts to declareemergency rule in certainStates where our nationalterritorial integrity is alreadybeing compromised byrampaging Islamic terrorists”

“The primary purpose ofgovernment anywhere in theworld is the security andwelfare of its citizens.

While commending Mr.President’s for againexhibiting constitutionaldiligence by sparing alldemocratic structures in theaffected States, the recurrentand rather frequentdeclaration of emergency rulein Nigeria by the Federal

Government since our returnto constitutional democracy in1999 is however self-indicting”

“Under the 1999Constitution of the FederalRepublic of Nigeria asamended, the State securityapparatus including themilitary, the Police, the StateSecurity Services, the CivilDefence Corps and even theRoad Traffic Wardens areentirely federalestablishments.- If any tier ofgovernment should be blamedmore for failing to adequatelytackle prolonged securitychallenges nationwide, it is thefederal government”

“We on the Plateauunderstand better that theconstitutional appellation ofthe State Governor as the asChief Security Officer issimply bogus.

President GoodluckJonathan must go the wholehog and disband the KabiruTuraki-led Committee on BokoHaram Amnesty, it is nolonger tenable. Havingdeclared of emergency rule,the prospects for achievingpeace by granting amnesty toremorseless and everrampaging terrorists has beeninvariably jettisoned”

“A band of terrorists whohave categorically declinedamnesty plans directed atthem and who instead arebeginning to overrun someparts of the country ought notto and must not be entertainedin any form dialogued if thepurpose of the emergency rulemust be achieved. It’s time forgovernment to call spade by

Bitrus KazeMohammed Tahir Monguno

its name and save millions oftaxpayers’ money from beingwasted in fruitlessendearvour”

‘FG has shown faithwith Nigerians’

– Abdul Ningi, Bauchi(PDP)

There is no completesolution. There is no onesolution. It is a

conglomerate of solutions. TheFederal government hasshown faith with Nigerianswith the decision. Nigeriansasked for amnesty, we askedfor emergency.

He has shown faith withthe way the emergency wasdeclared with regards to theconstitution by no demandingthat the political structures besacked. I was there recentlyand I can report to you thatthe governor said that somepart of the part had been takenover by these people. They areno longer under thegovernment control.

And they have givenultimatum to take some Bornoin the next weeks and othernearby states in the next twomonths. When these peoplegive ultimatum like this,people should take themseriously.

‘We hope it won’t beworse’

– Ali Ndume (Bornostate senator)

We don’t know thecontent yet. Weknow that

democratic structures would

be maintained. We know thatextraordinary measures haveto be taken to bring an end tothe current situation. I wouldwant to wait until we see thedetails of the emergency rulebefore we pass comment.

Right now we know that

emergency rule has beendeclared and it is true thatextraordinary measures haveto be taken. But since thedemocratic structure ismaintained we hope that casesthat we have of abuse ofhuman rights and all thatwould now not be what peoplewould complain about.

We hope that this is notgoing to be like adding salt toinjury. We hope that it is partof the extraordinary measuresthat government has to takein order to bring an end to thisproblem.

Well it is not issue of sayingsupport or not support.Actually, what I know by theemergency rule is that thegovernment hasextraordinary measures andthat is by taking over thecharge of security in theStates and LGs involved.Constitutionally, the chiefsecurity officer of a State andthe local government are the

governor and chairmanrespectively.

But now, thecommander-in-chief hastaken over direct chargethrough either hisrepresentative or whateverto ensure security in thoseplaces. In other words it islike the armed forces takingover from the civil policethat are charged with theresponsibility.

So, we are hoping thatthis thing is built positivelyand we hope that whateverthe government is doing,bearing in mind that thegovernment of democracy isgovernment of the people andfor the people, the peopleinvolved and the Statesinvolved or the civiliansinvolved are not exposed tofurther hardship than theone they are going through.

‘Jonathan didn’t actillegally’

– Victor Lar, Plateaustate

The truth is that thePresident has not doneanything that is not

sanctioned by theConstitution. In other words,I’m saying that it isconstitutionally provided forhim to declare that based on

Abdul Ningi

“

information available to him.But with the benefit of thehindsight particularly withregards to the experiences fromPlateau State, the declaration ofState of emergency has not beeneffective. In the sense that evenduring the so called declaration,we kept experiencinginsurrections and the essence of

Since the declaration of a state of emergency by the Federal Governmentin 3 states last Tuesday, reactions have been pouring in from differentquarters across the land. Federal lawmakers from different politicalparties have also joined the fray, responding either in favour of theemergency rule or against it. Here we present the divergent views of thelegislators to President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of a state ofemergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

that declaration is for thePresident to have the platformto channel resources and deploysecurity apparatus in a mannerthat would put the situationunder control.

I would not want to bepessimistic, but we hope thatsome of those pitfalls like non-payment of salary of workers oflocal governments that weexperienced in Plateau Statewould not be replicated in thethree States. Like the non-funding and assistance of Statesgovernment with the funds forfunding security operationswould not be repeated in thoseother States.

Hopefully, we expect thatthe declaration would bringlasting peace to the affectedStates. But operationalexigencies may crop up which Ibelieve the security personnel onground should be able to rise upto the occasion.

‘I can’t be opposed to

it’– Aru Arunsi…Abia

(Ohafia Arokchukwu)

There’s no way I can beopposed to it. It’s awelcome development.

Afterall, he did thingsdifferently by protecting theconstitution as regards thedeclaration. Unlike those beforehim, who declared totalemergency because his militarybackground. We will surelyuphold the letter anytime itcomes to the floor.

‘It is long overdue’– Uche Ekwunife

(Anambra state)It is long overdue. A state of

emergency has been declaredbut the elected governors andthe entire democratic structuresare still there. It is not affectingthe governance structure in thethree states and I believe it is atemporary measure and oncesanity is restored the soldierswill pull out from the area.Ali Ndume

National Assembly Complex

“A state of emergency has beendeclared but the elected governors

and the entire democraticstructures are still there. It is not

affecting the governance structurein the three states and I believe it is

a temporary measure


Islam and the five mysteries (I)Allah says: “He knows what

is hidden and what is open:too high is He for the

partners they attribute to Him!”[al-Mu'minun: 92]

In the name of Allah, theBeneficent, the Merciful. AllPraise is due to Allah! We praiseHim and we seek help from Him.We ask forgiveness from Him. Werepent to Him; and we seekrefuge in Him from our evils andbad deeds. Anyone who is guidedby Allah, is indeed guided; andanyone who has been left astray,will find no one to guide him. Ibear witness that there is no deityworthy of worship but Allah, theOnly One without any partner;and I bear witness thatMuhammad is His servant andfinal messenger to mankind. Maythe peace and blessing of Allah beupon His last and final Apostle,his Household, his companionsand all his followers until the endof time.

This week we will start talkingon the five mysteries thatcontinue to defy man's moderninventions as to their detailstherein. Allah, Who is the knowerof all the hidden and theapparent, has covered someaspects and sections of Hisdominions. He has uncoveredmany aspects of His creations;some without much efforts, whilemany others with hurdles andexertions. Others wereuncovered by time or distance,or both. Some may be withoutefforts but need time frames orcovering of particular distancesbefore they become demystified.These categories of mysteriesconstitute the major pains whichhuman beings struggle tosurmount throughout times andspaces.

Indeed, man with theassistance of his own inventions,today is able to discover anduncover many enigmas,conundrums and puzzles whichmen before him foundundiscoverable and mysterious.He is today able to achieve a lotin the areas of mineral resources,agriculture, medicine andhuman genome, astronomy andsea voyages, as well as plants.But, notwithstanding all the featsand the breakthroughs he wasable to record over time, man isstill under the domination of hislittle knowledge, physicalimpairment and mentaldisability in disclosing manymore mysteries and puzzles topeople. He is today, despite all hisscientific advancement, underthe mercy of his environment.

In this write-up, I am notgoing to talk on environmental,or historical such as themysterious disappearance of cityof Helike and the fall of theMinoans, nor of any scientificfeats. I am only going to discuss ofthose mysteries which Allah haspromised to keep them under lockand key; to hide them from fullgrasp of any of His creations!These mysteries will not andcannot be demystified byanybody or any yet to be inventedscientific equipment.

Allah says: “With Him are the

keys of the Unseen, the treasuresthat none knoweth but He. Heknoweth whatever there is on theearth and In the sea. not a leaf dothfall but with His knowledge: thereis not a grain Inthe darkness (ordepths) of theearth, noranything freshor dry (green orwithered), but is(inscribed) In arecord Clear (tothose who canread).” [al-An'am: 59]

T h e s emysteries areclearly enunciated and declaredin the Qur'an in a single verse.Allah says: “Verily the knowledgeof the Hour is with Allah (alone). itis He who sends down rain, andHe who knows what is In thewombs. nor does any one knowwhat it is that He will earn on themorrow: nor does any one knowIn what land He is to die. Verilywith Allah is full knowledge and Heis acquainted (with all things).”[Luqman: 34]

In this verse, Allah hasunequivocally andunambiguously declared Hismajestic challenge for posterityand all future generations ofscientists to accept theirincapacitation and surrender toHis supremacy or go ahead toprove Him right! We as Muslimsfirst and foremost, accept andbelieve in the supremacy of Allahin all matters without exceptionor omission. If you will ask anyMuslim scientist, you willcertainly hear from him nothingbut an impulsive reaffirmationof the limitless power of Allah!

Allah the All-Knower and theOriginator of all knowledge,

reserves some to His Majesty. Inthis article I will discuss five ofthem in their order as revealed inthe Qur'an. I will rely throughoutmy discussion on the Qur'an and

Sunnah in putting my argumentacross to my readers, rather thanrelying on any human or weakperception emanating from alower intellect.

Allah says: “Verily theknowledge of the Hour is withAllah (alone).” [Luqman: 34]

Indeed the full knowledge ofthe exact time of the Hour isAllah's exclusive jurisdiction.Abdullah ibn Abbas,commenting on this verse, said,''These are five are known to onebut Allah, the Most High! Eventhe closest angels (to Allah'sThrone) and His Messengers donot have any proper idea (as totheir exactness). Thus, whoeverclaims full knowledge of any ofthem automatically becomes aninfidel, because he hascontradicted Allah."

Thus, in a report narrated byAbdullah ibn Umar (RD) theApotle of Allah said: "The keys ofthe unseen are five, which no oneknows except Allah." In anotherlong narration Ibn Umar (RD)said, "While we were one daysitting with the Messenger ofAllah (pbuh), there appeared

before us a man dressed inextremely white clothes andwith very black hair. No tracesof journeying were visible onhim, and none of us knew him.

“He sat downclose by theProphet, (pbuh),rested his kneeagainst histhighs, and said,‘O Muhammad!Inform me aboutIslam.’ Said theMessenger ofAllah, (pbuh),‘Islam is that youshould testify thatthere is no deity

save Allah and that Muhammadis His Messenger, that you shouldperform salah (ritual prayer),pay the zakah, fast duringRamadan, and perform Hajj(pilgrimage) to the House (theKa'bah at Makkah), if you canfind a way to it (or find the meansfor making the journey to it).’Said he (the man), ‘You havespoken truly.’

“We were astonished at histhus questioning him and tellinghim that he was right, but hewent on to say, ‘Inform me aboutIman (faith)." He (the Messengerof Allah) answered, ‘It is that youbelieve in Allah and His angelsand His Books and His Messengersand in the Last Day, and in fate(qadar), both in its good and inits evil aspects.’ He said, ‘Youhave spoken truly.’...He said,‘Inform me about the Hour.’ He(the Messenger of Allah) said,‘About that, the one questionedknows no more than thequestioner." So he said, "Well,inform me about the signs thereof(i.e. of its coming)." Said he, "Theyare that the slave-girl will givebirth to her mistress, that you

ISLAMISLAMISLAMISLAMISLAMEXPLAINEDEXPLAINEDEXPLAINEDEXPLAINEDEXPLAINED

By Husain ZakariyyaYawale

+234-8052952900 (sms only)[email protected]

will see the barefooted ones, thenaked, the destitute, theherdsmen of the sheep(competing with each other) inraising lofty buildings."Thereupon the man went off.

"I waited a while, and then he(the Messenger of Allah) said, "O'Umar, do you know who thatquestioner was?" I replied, "Allahand His Messenger know better."He said, "That was Jibril. Hecame to teach you your religion."

This hadith has gone toeducate further that even thelast and final Messenger of Allahdid not have the full grasp of theexact time of the Hour! However,he was able to inform us of someof the signs of the coming of theHour.

The Qur'an is full evidencesconfirming the exclusiveness ofthis knowledge to Allah. He says:“Say: none In the heavens or onearth, except Allah, knows what ishidden: nor can They perceivewhen They shall be raised up (forJudgment).” [an-Naml: 65]

The pagan Arabs, scared oftheir disbelief, and yet afraid ofthe awaiting chastisement fortheir misdeeds on the Day ofjudgement, kept on asking theProphet the time of the Hour.And Allah, persistently refusedto disclose the exact time. He says:

"They ask thee about the Hour,'When will be its appointed time?'Wherein art thou (concerned) withthe declaration thereof? With thyLord is the Limit fixed thereof. Thouart but a Warner for such as fear it.The Day they will see it, (it will be)as if they had tarried but a singleevening, or (at most till) thefollowing morn!" [Al-Qur'an79:42-46]

And: "They ask thee about the(final) Hour - when will be itsappointed time? Say: 'Theknowledge thereof is with my Lord(alone): none but He can reveal asto when it will occur. Heavy wereits burden through the heavens andthe earth. Only, all of a sudden willit come to you.' They ask thee as ifthou were eager in search thereof:say: 'The knowledge thereof is withAllah (alone), but most men knownot.'" [Al-Qur'an 7:187]

The above Qur'anic versesconfirm the fact that Allah, theMost High, knows the mostinfinitesimal details about all Hiscreations. He also knows about thecreatures who will be created inthe future or the creatures thatwill remain hidden from thepeople for ever despite theirquests and searches. Thus, thereis nothing Unseen towards Allah.Therefore, whenever Allah saysHe has the knowledge of theunseen, it means He has detailknowledge about everythingthat is unseen by human beings,for there is nothing hidden toAllah. So, any referenceregarding the 'unseen' is onlyrelated to us human beings.

But, Allah is His infinitemercy to His creations, inform usof minor and major signs of theHour. In sha Allah, in our nextouting we will try to bring to lightsome these signs in order that weprepare ourselves for theinevitable!


AY Kurdish peace process: The latestphase of de-securitisation politics

Conceiving of the Kurdishissue in political terms -rather than security ones -

represents the third and final phaseof de-securitisation politics inTurkey, which is an indication ofthe growing normalisation of thecountry.

Since the beginning of 2013,Turkey's political agenda has beendominated by the Kurdish peaceprocess initiated throughnegotiations between theKurdistan Workers' Party's (PKK)incarcerated leader, AbdullahOcalan, and the chief of Turkey'sNational IntelligenceOrganisation (MIT), HakanFidan.So far, the process has progressedsmoothly. Some importantmilestones have been reached.First, a ceasefire has effectivelybeen in place since the start ofnegotiations. Second, on March 21- a symbolic day, Newroz,celebrated to mark the beginningof spring in Mesopotamia andCentral Asia - a letter written byOcalan was read aloud to a crowdof one million gathered inDiyarbak?r - the largest Kurdishcity in southeastern Turkey - tocelebrate the day.

In his letter, Ocalan declaredtwo things: first, the PKK seeks asolution to the Kurdish issuewithin Turkey's borders andthrough further democratisation.Second, the era of armed strugglehas come to an end. In the new era,the struggle for Kurdish rights willbe advanced through politicalmeans. To that end, Ocalan calledupon PKK members to withdrawfrom Turkey in order todemonstrate their commitment tothe peace process and clear theway for further negotiations anddemocratisation steps. The PKKleadership in the Qandilmountainsin Iraq responded positively. Theyheld a press conference on April 25,2013 in which they declared thatthe withdrawal would commenceon May 8, 2013. Withdrawal fromTurkey constitutes the first of athree-phased process. In the secondphase, the government willundertake legal, constitutional,and democratisation steps, and thethird phase will focus on thereintegration of PKK members intosociety.

The speed and nature of theprocess have puzzled many people,both inside and outside Turkey.That Turkey attempts to solve itsmost intractable issue throughopen political dialogue - and withno serious public backlash to date -has further surprised many.

To comprehend thisthoroughly, one needs to analysecarefully Ocalan's message andthen situate this latest initiativewithin a historical context,starting from 2002. Among all ofOcalan's statements, hispronouncements that the era ofarmed struggle is over and thatany solution will be sought within

ANALYSISBy Galip Dalay

“Domestically, analysts have

described Turkey as possessing ahybrid - partially democratic -regime. Turkey's democratic

political character wascompromised by the existence of

military-bureaucraticguardianship.

the boundaries of Turkey -effectively renouncing anyirredentist claims - are the mostimportant ones. These twomessages alone illustrate Ocalan'stransformed mindset in seeing theKurdish issue strictly throughpolitical, not security, terms. It isunlikely that Ocalan's view wouldhave evolved unless he perceiveda similar trend of de-securitisingthe Kurdish issue among Ankara'spolitical elite. In fact, de-securitisation politics in Turkey didnot begin with the Kurdish issue;rather, it marks the latest phase ofbroader de-securitisation politicsthat have defined Turkey's politicallandscape over the last decade. Theprocess began with geography - theMiddle East - and extended later toideology - Islamism. With theKurdish peace process, the de-securitisation process now extendsin its final phase to identity -Kurdishness.

After the break-up of theOttoman Empire, and theestablishment of modern Turkey,the republican elites embarked ona process of fashioning a cohesivenation-state. This project requiredsignificant social engineering, andmaintenance of it depended on theguardianship of a military-bureaucracy alliance. The maintenets of this newly crafted idea ofnationhood were Turkishness,laicism, and Western orientation.

From this perspective, Kurds -the largest non-Turkish ethnicgroup in Turkey - have beenregarded as a potential threat toTurkishness, and thus to theterritorial integrity of the state.Islamist ideology had beenperceived as a central threat tolaic-secular nature of the state. TheMiddle East, as the geography ofboth of these respective identity-ideologies, had been seen asantithetical to country's Westernorientation.

Over the years, Turkeyacquired an infamous reputation

as the graveyard of politicalparties, having banned a total of28 political parties so far. The banstypically cited the secular natureof the state (read as pro-Islamicpolitical claims) or the territorialintegrity of the state (read as pro-Kurdish claims) as the reasons forclosure. Among the frivolous andtendentious pretexts for partyharassment include having aheadscarved MP, reciting a poem,and speaking in Kurdish inParliament. With onlyintermittent breaks, this security-oriented approach dominatedTurkish politics for nearly 80years.

However, with the rise to powerin 2002 of the Islamically sensitiveJustice and Development Party(AK Party), Turkey has witnessedto a gradual politics of de-securitisation.

The de-securitisation politicsfirstly started with geography - theMiddle East - and had mainly beeneconomy and energy focused inthe beginning. Soon after the AKParty came to power, Turkeyincreased its economic and energyengagement with the countries of

the region. Iraq has served as aprime destination for Turkey'sexports, while Iran has rankedsecond to Russia in meetingTurkey's energy demands. Traderelations with other regionalcountries flourished during thesame period as well. For instance,trade with Iran - which stood atabout $1 billion in 2000 - reachedabout $6.7 billion by 2006. Goodrelations with regional countriesdelivered significant economic-and energy-related gains forTurkey.

Unlike the republican project,the de-securitisation of Turkey'srelations with the Middle East didnot coincide with securitisation ofany other regional policies. Theperiod marked by de-securitisationof Turkey's Middle East politics hasalso constituted the golden era inTurkey-EU relations. Thus,Turkey did not only improverelations with Middle Easterncountries significantly, it alsostarted the membership accessionnegotiations with the EU duringthe same period.

The economic and political

reforms of the AK Party's earlyyears yielded stability andeconomic growth, and the partybegan in 2005-2006 both tonormalise relations between thestate and religious segments ofsociety and to leverage itseconomic and energy relations forregional political engagement.

With a more liberal reading ofsecularism, the governmentbecame more responsive to theneeds of religious people. Thegovernment enabled femalestudents to attend universitieswith headscarves, offered religiousclasses as electives within schoolcurricula, and ceaseddiscriminatory regulationsagainst religious and vocationalhigh school graduates on thestatewide university entranceexam. Instead of casting citizens'religious claims as politicallythreatening, the governmenttreated them as a religious libertyissue. This approach helpedimprove state-society relations.

With the AK Party'sconsolidated power vis-a-vis themilitary and bureaucracy and thedemonstrated results from earlierphases of de-securitisation, thegovernment attempted to de-securitise - and finally solve -Turkey's intractable Kurdish issue.The current peace process is not thefirst attempt to solve the Kurdishissue through peaceful means, butthe third attempt. Prime MinisterErdogan's speech in Diyarbak?r in2005, in which he publiclyaccepted the existence of a Kurdishissue and referred to furtherdemocratisation as the solution,marked the first attempt. TheKurdish opening of 2009, whichincluded confidential negotiationsbetween PKK representatives andMIT officials, represented thesecond attempt.

However, a combination offactors - including military andbureaucracy opposition, mutualuncertainty regarding theparameters of a solution and PKK'sresort to violence on some instances- stifled the process, which failed toproduce the desired outcome. Themilitary's retreat from the politicalscene, the emergence of a commonframework between thegovernment and the PKKleadership for solving the conflict,and shared determination to settlethe issue paved the way for thelatest attempt. Its success would notonly dramatically transformKurds' relations with the state, itwould also have major implicationsdomestically, regionally, andinternationally.

Domestically, analysts havedescribed Turkey as possessing ahybrid - partially democratic -regime. Turkey's democraticpolitical character wascompromised by the existence ofm i l i t a r y - b u r e a u c r a t i cguardianship. The securitisation ofKurdish identity - indeed, the veryexistence of the Kurdish issue - wasthe principle justification providedby non-democratic forces for theirown existence within the politicalsystem.

Source: Al Jazeera

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan


U.S.instructors totrain Africantroops forMali in NigerU.S. military instructors in

Niger will train Africanforces participating in a

U.N.-backed offensive against alQaeda-linked Islamist militants inneighbouring Mali, seniormilitary officers said yesterday.

The United States and severalEuropean nations have backed aFrench-led military interventionwhich since January 11 hasdriven militant insurgents out ofthe towns of northern Mali.Pockets of Islamist resistanceremain in Mali’s desert north.

The U.S. military did notparticipate in the groundoffensive but aided the operationby transporting troops andproviding intelligenceinformation from drones based inNiger.

A senior Niger military officersaid up to 30 U.S. militaryinstructors would train Africanforces between June and Augustat Ouallam, in the Tillaberi regionnear the Malian border.

“Some U.S. militaryinstructors will train African-ledInternational Forces in MALI(AFISMA) troops on Nigerien soilfrom June 25 to August 3,” theofficer, asking not to be identified.

“The training will helpstrengthen the operationalcapabilities of the coalition forcesagainst terrorism in northernMali.”

U.S. authorities in Niger werenot available to comment.

The United States has deployedabout 100 military personnel anddrones in Niger.

Niger troops going to relievethe contingent currentlystationed in Mali will be the firstto receive training.

The U.S. military has runtraining programs for Niger’sarmy for years under a counter-terrorism program in the Sahel.

Niger is among the WestAfrican countries whichcontributed troops to the regionalAFISMA force battling Islamists inMali alongside a 4,000-strongFrench contingent.

AFISMA is expected to be foldedinto a UN-sanctionedpeacekeeping force of about12,600 troops known asMINUSMA and will be supportedby a rapid reaction unit of 1,000French troops if needed to combatthe Islamist threat in Mali.

Security forceskidnapped in Egypt’s SinaiA group of unidentified

gunmen have kidnappedseven Egyptian security

officers in the Sinai Peninsula,near the border withIsrael, security and Bedouinsources have said.

According to the sources, threepolicemen and four army officerswho were riding in taxistravelling from Arish toRafahcities, both in North Sinai,

were stopped by armed menand kidnapped late onWednesday.

It was not yet clear who wasbehind the operation or theirmotives or demands.

Egypt’s government has beentrying re-establish the stateauthority that collapsed in Sinaifollowing the 2011 uprisingagainst former president HosniMubarak.

Zambian leader defends removal of maize subsidyZambian President Michael

Sata yesterday defended hisgovernment's decision to

remove subsidy on maize whichhad kept the price of the country'sstaple food, affordable for manyimpoverished families.

A statement released by hisoffice said it is meant to ensureequitable distribution of resourceson Thursday said:

"Our people have tounderstand that maize subsidieshave been a pillar for the hugeeconomic inequality in our societyas they only benefit the alreadywell to do middlemen and not thetargeted vulnerable groups of oursociety," the Zambian leader saidin the statement released by hisspecial assistant for press andpublic relations George Chellah.On Tuesday, Minister ofAgriculture and Livestock, RobertSichinga announced thatgovernment had removed thesubsidy on maize sold to millers,which he said will result in theprice of mealie-meal increasing.The subsidy was a five ZambianKwacha (about 1 U.S. dollar) per50 kg bag of maize which wasprovided to millers through maizesold to them by the country's FoodReserve Agency (FRA). But thedecision has received wide

condemnation from a cross sectionof society who feels the move willmake the price of the staple foodunaffordable by the majority ofthe people. Students from thecountry's highest learninginstitutions, the University ofZambia (UNZA), have sincestarted demonstrations. But theZambian leader said hisgovernment was taking bold stepsto facilitate practical andequitable distribution of nationalresources amongst the generalpopulace through the removal ofsubsidies to enable it dispensedevelopment equitablythroughout the various sectorsand regions of the country.

"We are simply channellingresources to the very poor citizensof our society and we are certainthat for real economic and welldistributed growth to occur, thesechanges are necessary. Therefore,all well-meaning Zambians needto look at days beyond today andtomorrow," he added.

The Zambian leader citedanother subsidy of farminginputs, the Farmer Input SupportProgram (FISP), saying it is atypical example of a subsidywhere a lot of resources have beenspent without the governmentand poor farmers recording any

Chadians hail ex-police chief arresttorturing and killing hundreds ofopposition activists in the 1980s.

It is not clear whether he willbe tried in Chad or in Senegal,where Mr Habre is due to go ontrial after being held under house

arrest there since 2005.Mr Djibrine has not yet

commented on the allegations.He was arrested on the basis of

a lawsuit filed 13 years ago byvictims of Mr Habre'sgovernment.

Earlier this month, Senegaland Chad signed a deal to allowspecial judges to carry outinvestigations in Chad for MrHabre's trial on charges of crimesagainst humanity. Under thisdeal, Mr Habre's former topofficials can be tried alongside himin Senegal.

Mr Habre denies killing andtorturing tens of thousands of hisopponents.

Mr Djibrine is the former headof the Directorate ofDocumentation and Security(DDS), Mr Habre's political policeforce.

"He is accused of torture, actsof barbarism and illegaldetention," prosecutorMassingaralKagah told the AFPnews agency.

Armed groups based mostly inNorth Sinai have exploited thevacuum to launch attacks bothacross the border into Israel andon Egyptian targets.

Tribesmen have frequentlyheld tourists to demand therelease of their relatives held oncriminal charges.

In August last year, 16Egyptian border guards werekilled in an attack blamed on

fighters who then hijacked anarmoured

vehicle that they smashedacross the border into Israel,where they were killed by Israeliforces.

Earlier this month, gunmenshot a man dead who wasselling alcohol in Sinai. Lastmonth, fighters fired two rocketsfrom Sinai into Israel.

tangible outcome. "Therefore, asa responsible government swornto safeguard the interest of thepeople especially theunderprivileged, we had to makethese progressive and bolddecisions to guarantee our citizensa better future," he said.Meanwhile, millers have said theremoval of the subsidy on maizedoes not necessarily mean thatprices of mealie-meal will go up.Millers Association of Zambia(MAZ) president Allan Sakala saidthe removal of the subsidy will

provide a favorable competitionin the milling sector and willcreate a positive impact on pricesof mealie meal. The removal ofthe subsidy will enable millersoffer different prices of mealie-meal unlike in the past when asingle price was dictated bygovernment, he added. TheZambian government recentlyhiked the pump price of fuel by 21percent which has seen prices ofvarious commodities increasing.

Source: Xinhua

President Michael Sata

Campaigners in Chad havewelcomed the arrest ofMahamatDjibrine, former

President HisseneHabre's policechief.

Mr Djibrine is accused of

He served in the UnitedNations peacekeeping force inIvory Coast until campaignerscomplained and he was sent backto Chad.

The Chadian Association forthe Defence of Human Rights saidhe should be put on trial in Chad.

For many years, Senegalresisted putting Mr Habre on trialbut it has changed its positionunder new President MackySall.

The charges date from 1982,when Mr Habre came to power ina coup, until 1990, the year hewas ousted.

A 1992 Truth Commission inChad accused Mr Habre of beingresponsible for widespread tortureand the deaths of 40,000 people.

He was accused of carrying outa deliberate policy of terror todiscourage any opposition.

Survivors of torture say that,among other things, they weresubjected to electric shocks, near-asphyxia and "supplice desbaguettes", when their heads weresqueezed between sticks.Hissene Habre (L) has lived in exile in Senegal for more than 20 years


Iran ready for nucleartalks with world powers

Asia &Middle East

Iran is prepared to pursuenuclear diplomacy withworld powers before or after

next month's presidentialelection in the IslamicRepublic, its chief negotiatorsaid yesterday.

Saeed Jalili, who is also acandidate in the presidentialrace, was speaking after talks onthe nuclear dispute withEuropean Union foreign policychief Catherine Ashton.

"We are ready to continue

our talks with the (six powers)whenever they are ready, beforeor after the presidential electionin Iran... Talks will take placesoon," Jalili told a newsconference, without giving adate.

Jalili's meeting with Ashton,who oversees talks with Iran onbehalf of the United States,Russia, China, France, Britainand Germany, followed a failedround of big power diplomacy inApril, in the Kazakh city of

Almaty.Jalili also reiterated that

Iran would never abandon itsright to enrich uranium. Majorpowers want Tehran to suspendits enrichment activities toreassure the world that it is notseeking nuclear weapons. Irandenies having any such goal.

Saeed Jalili Iranian Islamic Republic, its chief negotiator

Shen Danyang,China's Ministry of Commerce spokesman

Settlers in Givat Assaf protested against previous plans to dismantle the outpost.

China says EU solar duties to"seriously harm" trade tiesChina warned the

European Union onThursday that imposing

duties on Chinese solar panelswould "seriously harm"bilateral trade ties, upping thetone of its criticism a week afterthe EU said it would moveahead with hefty penalties inJune.

The European Commissionhas agreed to impose averageimport duties of 47 percent onsolar panels from China,according to officials, a movethey say is to guard against thedumping of cheap goods inEurope.

China's Ministry ofCommerce spokesmanShenDanyang said he hopedreports about the duties wereunreliable.

"If this information is true,this action by the EuropeanUnion would seriously harmChina-Europe trade relations,"

Shen told a news conference.Shen said "provoking trade

friction with China" was like"dropping a boulder on one's ownfoot" and would not help Europebreak free from economic crisis.

Trade friction between Chinaand the EU is already high. TheEU has 31 trade investigations,18 of them involving China. Thesolar case is the largest to date,impacting 21 billion euros($26.9 billion) of importedChinese solar panels, cells andwafers.

The Commission said thisweek it was prepared to launchanother investigation into anti-competitive behavior byChinese producers of mobiletelecoms equipment.

China is expected to decide inJune whether to levy its ownduties on imported European,U.S. and South Korean solar-grade polysilicon, a raw materialused in solar panel production.

Palestinian prisoner agrees to end fast

A Palestinian prisoner heldby Israel has agreed to endan on-off hunger strike

that lasted for more than eightmonths in exchange for an earlyrelease, Palestinian officials say.

The fast by Samer al-Issawi,from a suburb of Jerusalem, hadstoked weeks of street protests andconcerns by Israel that his deathmight lead to mass unrest.

Issawi on Monday agreed to adeal brokered by Israeli andPalestinian officials to serve eightmonths for allegedly violatingbail conditions for an earlierrelease, after which he will befreed to his Jerusalem home,Qadura Fares, head of thePalestinian prisonerorganisation, told Reuters newsagency.

Issawi's lawyer and sister

conveyed the offer just beforemidnight to his bedside in Israel'sKaplan hospital, where he hadbeen under Israeli guard andreceiving intravenous vitaminsbut was refusing food.

Israel convicted Issawi ofopening fire on an Israeli bus in2002, but released him in 2011along with more than 1,000Palestinian prisoners in exchangefor Israeli soldier GiladShalit heldhostage by the Hamas movementin Gaza.

Issawi was re-arrested last Julyafter Israel said he violated theterms of his release by crossingfrom his native East Jerusalem tothe occupied West Bank, andordered the 32-year-old to stay injail until 2029 - his originalsentence.

Israel starts process of authorisingnew West Bank settlementThe Israeli government has

taken steps to authorise fournew Jewish settlements in

the occupied West Bank.It has begun a legal process

that could see four settlementoutposts given legal approvalunder Israeli law.

The decision has beencondemned by the Palestinianofficials.

It comes just days before theUnited States Secretary of StateJohn Kerry is due to meet the

Israeli and Palestinian leaders todiscuss restarting peace talks.

"The timing is verysignificant because it's a directaffront to all efforts at trying torevive any kind of peacenegotiations. It's an attempt totell the Americans that Israelcalls the shots," PLO official,HananAshrawi told the BBC.

"It's also a message about thetrue nature of this Israelicoalition government. It's ananti-peace government."


Head of US tax agency quits amid controversy Europe andAmericasBarack Obama, the US

president, has announcedthat the acting

commissioner of the InternalRevenue Service will resign aspart of the on-going scandal intothe conduct of some IRS officersin unfairly targetingconservative political groups.

Obama has been underpressure to act in the aftermathof acknowledgement by top IRSofficials that conservativegroups were improperly singledout for review after requestingtax exempt status.

The president said thatTreasury Secretary Jacob Lewhad requested and accepted theresignation of the actingcommissioner of the IRS, StevenMiller, and said that the matterwould be investigated fully.

"I have reviewed thetreasury department's watchdog report, and the misconductthat it uncovers is inexcusable,"he said.

"It is inexcusable, andAmericans are right to be angryabout it, and I am angry aboutit.

"I will not tolerate this kindof behaviour in any agency, butespecially in the IRS given thepower that it has and the reachthat it has.

"It should not matter whatpolitical stripe you are from, thefact of the matter is that the IRShas to act with absoluteintegrity."

An investigation by aTreasury inspector generalfound that the IRS had usedinappropriate criteria thatidentified the Tea Party and otherconservative groups as needingcloser scrutiny after applying fortax exempt status.

Obama said that he hadinstructed Secretary Lew to make

sure the IRS implemented all theinspector general'srecommendations straightaway.

The president also said thatthere would be a fullinvestigation so that thosedirectly responsible for theactions would be heldaccountable.

Steven Miller

BritishPetroleumappeals toCameronover spillcosts

Mexico official fired for daughter's 'abuse of power'

British Pritish wants PrimeMinister David Cameronto intervene over the

escalating cost of compensatingUS companies for the Gulf ofMexico oil disaster in 2010.

Investigators have learntthat that BP feels its financialrecovery is in jeopardy becausethe compensation system isbeing abused.

The financial burden ofpaying fictitious and inflatedclaims may even make BP atakeover target, it fears.

BP hopes Mr Cameron willraise the issue with the USgovernment.

The Deep water Horizondisaster killed 11 oil rig workersand released an estimated fourmillion barrels of oil into theGulf and along the coastline.

BP put aside $7.8bn(£5.2bn) when it agreed to paycompensation in 2012, but thecompany now expects the finalfigure to be much higher.

Our business editor said:“According to BP sources, therate at which cash is leakingfrom the company could turninto a serious new financialcrisis for the company, puttingat risk its dividend and makingit vulnerable to a takeover byanother oil company.

“BP is so worried by thepotential magnitude of allegedundeserved payments it ismaking to companies that it isplanning to ask the UK primeminister and chancellor forhelp in persuading the USgovernment to intervene.

“It is hopeful that DavidCameron will raise the issue atthe G8 meeting of thegovernment of the world’srichest countries, which the UKis hosting next month.”

The company is also underpressure, along with other oilmajors including Shell andNorway’s Statoil, followingallegations that firms colludedin fixing oil prices.

David Cameron said he was“hugely concerned” about thatsituation.

Last year, BP agreed to paycompensation to around100,000 people andcompanies, includingfishermen and restaurantowners, who claimed theirlivelihoods and health had beenaffected.

However, BP feels that thecourt-approved rules underwhich “business economic loss”is assessed are beingsystematically abused.

Mexican PresidentEnrique Pena Nieto hasfired a senior official

over an incident caused by hisdaughter at an exclusiverestaurant last month.

Humberto Benitez Trevino'sdaughter caused outrage byusing his influence to try to closedown the bistro after it did notgive her a table she wanted.

The episode sparked a

discussion about abuse of powerin the country.

The sacking suggests thatMexico has grown more sensitiveto the issue, correspondents say.

The episode became atrending topic on Twitter underthe hashtag #ladyprofeco, afterher father's agency.

Mit Benitez, the attorney-general for consumer protection,and his daughter both

apologised, but this did little toappease public anger.

On Wednesday, PresidentPena Nieto ordered his dismissal.

The restaurant, MaximoBistro in Mexico City, was raidedby officials after Andrea Benitez

Ben Wizner, from theAmerican Civil Liberties Union,told Al Jazeera that the USgovernment had, so far, reactedin exactly the right way.

"There are no abuses of powermore constitutionally suspectthan using tax authorities to goafter groups because of theirideology," he said.

Humberto Benitez Trevino

was not offered the table she hadasked for.

The government said thatalthough Mr Benitez was notpersonally involved in the raid,the episode had becomeembarrassing for the institution.

Suspect arrested inNew Orleans Mother'sDay shootingNew Orleans police

arrested a manidentified in

connection with the shootingat a Mother's Day parade inwhich 19 people were injured,authorities said.

Akein Scott, 19, wasarrested in the Little Woodneighbourhood of eastern NewOrleans, police spokesmanGarry Flot said, adding that noother details would be releaseduntil morning.

Seven women, 10 men, agirl and a boy were shot whengunfire erupted at the paradeon Sunday, sendingshockwaves through the city.The children were grazed, andthree of the victims remainhospitalized in a stable tocritical condition. The othershave been released.

Police identified Scott on

Monday as a suspect in theshooting. They did not say howhe was apprehended.

Police had released photosearlier on Monday fromsurveillance video thatshowed a person theyconsidered a suspect, which ledto tips and Scott'sidentification. Police alsoannounced a $10,000 rewardfor information that mighthelp find the shooter.

Violent crime in NewOrleans ranks above thenational average in FBIsurveys. A poll of residents in2010 found crime to be theirgreatest concern.

In February, four peoplewere wounded in a shootingoutside a nightclub in thecity's French Quarter ascrowds gathered for MardiGras celebrations.


Japanese restaurant uses dirt as themain ingredient for its expensive dishesWhile most chefs work

hard to make sure nodirt winds up in their

food, Ne Quittez Pas, arestaurant in Tokyo, Japan, dirtis actually used as a keyingredient.

Mind you, this isn't just anykind of dirt. It's a special blacksoil from Kanuma, TochigiPrefecture, that's actually beentested for safety, but it's still thething most people use to growplants in. So how did dirt windup on the menu of this respectablevenue? Apparently, Chef ToshioTanabe once won a cookingcompetition with his signaturedirt sauce, and from that point onhe put together an entire menubased on the unusual ingredient.Now the restaurant is offeringdishes priced as high as $110 withKanuma dirt in them.

The guys at RocketNews24heard about the uniquerestaurant and decided to samplesome of the dirt-based foods ontheir menu. They started with adirt soup, moved on to a salad withdirt dressing, an aspic made withoriental clams and topped with alayer of sediment, and finished offwith dirt ice-cream and dirtgratin. Believe it or not, thereporter swears they all tasteddivine, and had only a hint ofearthiness to them. I guess NeQuittez Pas' Chef won that TV

Lovers at the market in KhauVai.

Vietnam festival is dedicated to meeting ex-loversMost people cannot stand the

thought of their partners eventalking to their exes, let alonesocializing with them. Butthings are different in a smallcommunity of Vietnam. Ayearly 'love market' of sorts isheld in the hillside village ofKhauVai, 500km north ofHanoi, near the border withChina. It takes place each year,on the 26th and the 27th of the

third month of the lunarcalendar. During these twodays, hundreds of ex-lovers fromvarious hill tribes like Nung,Tay, San Chi, Lo Lo, Dzao, Giayand Hmong are reunited. Theytrek in from variousmountainous districts nearby tobe able to spend two days withthe ones they could not spendtheir lives with.

This concept might sound

extremely unusual to us, andthere might be every possibilityof a cat-fight breaking out if thisunique love festival was heldanywhere else in the world. Butthe people of KhauVai have astrong reason for the celebratingtheir love market. It has been apart of their tradition forcenturies, originating from alocal legend. The story is rathersad - an ethnic Giay girl from Ha

cooking show for a reason. Still,¥10,000 ($110) for a dirt mealseems a bit steep.

Although not considered agourmet meal until now, dirthas been used as food before.

Pregnant women suffering froma condition known as PICAsometimes eat dirt to soothe

their stomachs, and in theIndonesian village of Tuban,people eat ampo - baked dirt.

Dirt risotto

Giang had fallen for a Nung boyfrom Cao Bang., but she is saidto have been so beautiful that hertribe did not want her to marrya man from anothercommunity. What followed wasa bloody war between the twotribes. As the lovers witnessedthe tragedy that surroundedtheir lives, they decided to partways in the greater interest ofpeace. But their love did not diethere. A secret pact was madebetween the lovers to meet eachother once a year in KhauVai-on the 27th day of the thirdLunar month. The tradition isstill being carried on today. Onthe designated days of thefestival, local artists decked upin colorful clothes reenact thistale of forbidden love.

Some might dismiss thelovers' rendezvous that happenin KhauVai as short flings, butin reality things are verydifferent. The villagers view itas a time to go down memorylane, cherishing happiermoments of their past. Lau MinhPao, for instance, gets to meet hisold flame and talk to her once ayear. "In the past, we werelovers, but we couldn't getmarried because we were farapart," says Pao. "Now we pourour hearts out about the timewhen we were in love. We meettogether to re-tell the tale of howit was when we were in love backthen." Pao's wife has no problemswith this, as she is off meetingher ex-lover at the very same

time. This is a typical scenariofor most people of these hills.Over time, however, thetradition has taken on a moremodern feel. The young plandates via text messages and takepictures on their mobiles. Thevillage itself is more accessiblebecause of new roads. 23-year-old HuaThiNghi, an ethnicGiay, says "The younggeneration now go out togetherand find each other, and it'smore modern, freer and clearer.Back in the old days, ourgrandparents had to pursue lovein secret, not like today."

The KhauVai love market isnow so popular that it hasbecome a tourist attraction fordomestic and foreign visitors.Some of the other activities at thefestival are a trade-tourism fairand a performance on the ritualof rain-worship of the ethnic LoLo people. There is also aceremony to receive thecertificate recognizing thefestival as an 'IntangibleCultural Heritage.' Folk gamessuch as shuttlecock, Ferriswheel, see-saw and cock-fightingare a part of the love market aswell. Local cuisine and thebeautiful highland girls in theirtraditional costumes are anadded attraction. Nowhere elsein the world has an entirefestival been created around thesimple act of meeting one's ex-lover, with no awkwardnesswhatsoever.

Source: Reuters


Govt, not Nollywood should caterfor film veterans-Desmond Elliot

With Tobias Lengnan Dapam07036990957

Nollywood has witnessed,in recent times, deathsof some of its veterans.

The likes of Sam Loco Efe,Ashley Nwosu, Pete Eneh,David Ihieze, Gringory,Enebeli Elebuwa and fewothers who have crossed to theother side.

Some of the veterans dieddue to poor medical treatmentsafter fallen sick. In some cases,they died because they couldnot get even less than a millionnaira for treatment at thehospitals.

The cases of Pete Eneh,Enebeli Elebuwa, Dento and afew others quickly come tomind in this category. Whilemany have called for a goodinsurance scheme for actors inthe movie industry, someothers blame movie veteransfor not making hays while thesun shines.

Speaking withNigeriafilms.com on the deathof one of the veterans,Nollywood actor-cum-director,Desmod Elliot noted that theproblem is beyond the industry,

Cedars-Sinai Cancer Doc: Angelina Jolie'Humanized' Mastectomies, spurred action

Top LA gynecologicaloncologist tells THR thatthe actress' example is

already encouraging patients whohave been reticent about surgicaltreatment for the BRCA

mutations, which can lead tobreast and ovarian cancer.

One of the nation's leadinggynecologic oncologists told TheHollywood Reporter Tuesday thatAngelina Jolie's public discussionof her double mastectomy hastriggered an intense discussion ofthe medical options available tothe one in ten women carrying thegenetic mutation that puts themat similarly elevated risk for breastand ovarian cancer.

Dr. Beth Karlan, who directsCedars Sinai's Division ofGynecologic Oncology and servesas associate director of the hospital'sSamuel Oschin ComprehensiveCancer Institute, said that, in theday after Jolie went public, she'sreceived many calls and emails

but that the governmentought to cater for movie stars.

The Glo ambassadorexpressed dissatisfaction withthe rate Nollywood veteransdie because of poor medicalattention and the inability tofoot their hospital bills.

He said, "it is not theindustry, this is beyond theindustry, it is what thegovernment should dosomething about."

When asked if thegovernment should really beresponsible for the welfare ofmovie veterans, he asked,"what do you mean by really?Saying that, "this man hasbrought up the good image ofthe country, what are youtalking [about]? This is beyondNollywood. What can we do?Nothing, it is sad."

It will be recalled that thePresident of Actors Guild ofNigeria (AGN), IbinaboFiberesima has established ahealth insurance scheme foractors. The initiative waswelcomed by actors and thegeneral public.

from her patients with the BRCAgenetic mutation, but who havebeen delaying surgery. "SeeingAngelina's op-ed piece and knowingthat surgery has not changed thefact that she is a beautiful womanhas humanized the experience forpeople. She's beautiful. She'stalented. She has a wonderfulfamily. Everyone has to embracethe challenges in their lives andbring strength to make the best outof it.

"I have patients who havetested positive for the gene andhave not wanted to do anything,"Karlan said. "I think if we canprevent cancer, it's even betterthan curing cancer. People don'thave to go through chemotherapyand radiation."

Dr. Kristi Funk, who performedthe surgery on Jolie at the PinkLotus Breast Center -- which shefounded and directs -- said hergroup, too, "applauds" the star's"bold choices regarding her BRCAcontagion, and we hope theawareness she is raising aroundthe world will save countless lives."

Jolie revealed Tuesday in aNew York Times op-ed piece thatshe has undergone a proactivedouble mastectomy followed byreconstructive surgery afterlearning that she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation. As result, shewrote, doctors counseled that shehad an 87 percent chance ofdeveloping breast cancer and abetter than 50 percent chance ofsuffering ovarian cancer.

Angelina Jolie

Desmond Elliot

...as Dad discovers Double Mastectomy on New York TimesAngelina Jolie's father, Jon

Voight, who is also aveteran actor, found out

about his daughter's preventiveprocedure by reading her NewYork Times piece, along with therest of the world.

Jon Voight told the NewYork Daily News that he foundout about her surgery onTuesday, after reading her op-ed piece in the New York Times.He said he saw his daughter andher longtime partner, Brad Pitt,two days ago at a birthdaycelebration for his son andJolie's brother, James Haven.

"But I didn't know. It wasn'tobvious at all," he said. "I foundout (Tuesday) morning. I wasas surprised as anyone anddeeply moved by the way she'shandled this."

He added that he respectsher decision to keep the news

private, even from him."I want the focus to be on the

inspiration," he said, calling her"a very extraordinary person."

Voight said he talked to Jolieon Tuesday about her shocking

help for "serious mentalproblems." For her part, she hadpreviously criticized him forhaving an affair while stillmarried to her mother and laterfiled to legally remove Voight

r e v e l a t i o n ,during which she"explained to meand educated meon this stuff."

He added,"My love andadmiration formy daughtercan't beexplained inwords."

Voight andJolie famouslyhad a falling-outin 2002 when heclaimed sheurged her to seek

from her name.After several years of

estrangement, the two begantaking steps to reconcilesometime after Bertrand'sdeath.

Uche Obodo,wishes to actunclad

Nollywood actress, UcheObodo has declared toNigeriafilms.com that she

would act nude on any film if giventhe chance.

"I can do anything in acting.There is no limit to what I can do onstage as an actress because I'm aprofessional actress and I don't carebecause that role I am playing istouching somebody somewhere.

"If you give me a nude role thathas something to teach people, i willdo it. That is why I am an actress. Idon't care what people might say orthink about me."

Obodo is an actress, who had livedher time when Nollywood was at itspeak but she failed to stepped up hergame when her colleagues were busydoing that media wise.

However, now that the industryis filled with starlets who are ready togive it all it takes to be featured, UcheObodo is now set to wrestle with them.

UcheObodo

Cannes: NeueVisionen takes'The Prize Idiot'

Neue Visionen has snatchedup German rights to theNorwegian action comedy

'The Prize Idiot' from director HansPetter Moland and starring StellanSkarsgard (The Avengers).

The plot of the $6 million (•4.7million) feature has Skarsgardplaying a man who drives asnowblower and lives a carefree lifeuntil the sudden death of his son putshim in the middle of a drug warbetween the Norwegian and Serbianmafias.

TrustNordisk have kicked off pre-sales in Cannes for the title, which iscurrently in post-production.

The project reteams Moland andSkarsgard, who collaborated on thedirector's A Somewhat Gentle Man,which premiered in Berlin in 2010and was a strong international seller.

NeueVisionen

AngelinaJolie with herfather, JonVoight


'Iron Man 3' writer, DrewPearce to pen next'Mission: Impossible'

...as 'Mission: Impossible 4' becomesTom Cruise's Top-Grossing Film

In a career high for TomCruise, Paramount'sMission: Impossible --

Ghost Protocol crossed $400mill ion at the internationalbox off ice on Friday for aglobal total of $603.5 million,the actor's biggest number,Hollywood reporter has said.

It added that the $591.7million earned by Cruisestarrer War of the Worlds,directed by Steven Spielberg.

Hollywood reporter hassaid that "Iron Man 3" co-writer Drew Pearce has

landed the assignment forParamount's next Mission:Impossible installment.

It added that Tom Cruise willstar in and produce Mi5 and isexpected to shoot the movie in thefall after filming Warner Bros.' The

Man From U.N.C.L.E.'Christopher McQuarrie is in

discussions to direct the film,which is also being produced byJ.J. Abrams' Bad Robot.

Skydance Productions, whichserved as co-financiers andexecutive producers of the fourthinstallment, will work closelywith the team in the development

and production process.The Franchise, which was first

introduced in 1996 -- earnednearly $700 million worldwideand marked Cruise's highest-grossing film to date. Thefranchise has earned more than$2 billion, one of the mostsuccessful franchises in moviehistory.

DrewPearce

Ghost Protocol, directed byBrad Bird in his live-actionfeature debut, has done muchto restore Cruise's star status,particularly in NorthAmerica, where his morerecent films have lagged.

The fourth outing in theespionage franchise hasearned $203.5 milliondomestically.

In addition to beingCruise's top grossing film,

Ghost Protocol also is thehighest grossing title in themarquee franchise. Theprevious best was Mission:Impossible II, which grossed$546.4 million globally.

Ghost Protocol is doingmassive business in China,where it has earned $36million in less than a week,pushing the internationalcume over the $400 millionm a r k .

Tom Cruise

Kiefer Sutherlandconfirms for '24'limited series eventTVLine has

revealed thatK i e f e r

Sutherland will bereprising his belovedrole of Jack Bauer in alimited series event ofhis hit show 24.

"[It 's] 24compressed over 12weeks," Fox chairmanKevin Reilly confirmedto reporters during aconference call onMonday.

It added that detailsof the limited seriesevent are expected tobe revealed during thenetwork's upfrontpresentation.

Evangelist EuchariaAnunobi recievesChristian LeadershipAwardThere is great joy for that sinner that repents and forsakes

sins but for the hypocrites, they will have their reward inhell fire, says the word of God.

For this actress turned evangelist, it's great joy for her when she was honouredrecently.

Eucharia Annuobi, received the "Ambassador of Religious Peace and UnityInternational Merit Award 2013" from the National Leadership of the NigerDelta Christian Network, Abuja.

The honour was bestowed on her by His Eminence, ArchBishop Ambrose JosephMilner, of Yeshua Embassy of Churches Int'l Inc. Philadelphia, USA at ExcellenceHotel in Ikeja.

Eucharia Anunobi

Kiefer Sutherland


Journalists pledge commitment asNigeria awaits guinea worm certificationAs the International

Certification Team fromthe World Health

Organisation (WHO) visitsNigeria in June to assess thecountry's claim to be guineaworm-free, the media isexpected to, among others,substantially raise awareness ofguinea worm disease among thepopulace

Statistics from the NigeriaGuinea Worm EradicationProgramme (NIGEP) showsthat as of 1988, there were653,620 reported cases ofguinea worm across thecountry.

According to the statistics, in2005, only 120 cases of GuineaWorm Disease (GWD) werereported in six states. This showsa reduction of 99,9 percent in16 years. There was furtherreduction in 2006.

Guinea Worm Disease(GWD) is caused by a nematodeworm, dracunculusmedinensis, which grows in thebody of an infected person andemerges from different parts ofthe body after maturity,medical experts say.

They say the disease GWD isprevalent in poverty-strickenareas and contracted bydrinking water from ponds orother unprotected or unsafewater sources.

Nonetheless, by 2008,through concerted efforts ofNIGEP and other stakeholders,GWD was eradicated in Nigeriawhile it awaits certification.

Against the foregoing, amedia roundtable was recentlyorganised by Nigeria GuineaWorm Eradication Programme(NIGEP) to expound on the roleof the media in the pre-certification activities.

According to Mrs IfeomaAnagbogu, the NIGEPCoordinator, the onus lies withthe media and otherstakeholders to embark on amassive and effectivesensitisation and reportagehenceforth as the country haslimited time for the visit of theInternational CertificationTeam (ICT).

She said the populace shouldbe informed on what had beenachieved so far, how to identifyGWD, where to report it andwhat they stand to gain fromcertification.

Any person with a skin lesion(boil/blister) should besuspected to have contactedGWD and should be reported tothe nearest clinic, while NIGEPcould be contacted on the toll-free number 0800 100 1000.

According to Anagbogu,GWD cuts across the country; itis called kurkunu in Hausa,Sobia in Yoruba and Arikwammiri in Igbo, adding that thelast case of guinea worm wasreported in Nigeria on Nov. 11,2008.

``Nigeria has maintained azero GWD status for 54consecutive months since thelast cases were reported inNovember 2008.

`Òur surveillance andpublicity targets are to notch upfrom the current 57 percent toat least 85 per cent timelyreporting from all healthfacilities-public and private,primary, secondary andtertiary in all 774 LGAs in thestates.

``We should let at least 80 percent of the general public inrural and urban areas knowabout the reward for reportingGWD, which is N25,000 for anyconfirmed case of guinea wormdisease.

``We should let at least allhealth staff at National, Stateand Local Government levelsknow the case definition of GWDand the appropriate response toa suspected case,'' she said.

All GWD rumours from thegeneral public should beinvestigated within 24 hours ofverbal or written report, whilerumours generated duringimmunisation should also beinvestigated within 24 hours.

Mr Buki Ponle a veteranjournalist and member of

National CertificationCommittee, said the media couldachieve so much within theperiod, increase the awarenesslevel and influence policydecisions through persuasivereportage.

Ponle noted that furtheroccurrences could be preventedthrough information sharingthereby raising concerns inpoorly performing states andadvocating for adequate fundingfor the programme.

According to Ponle,governors, ministers and otherpolicy makers should be awareof what will be required of statesand local governments as

Nigeria expects the certificationteam.

`Òur advocacy campaignmeans the grassroots people areto be increasingly informed toensure that their actions orinactions do not jeopardiseNigeria's hope of certification.

``Community leaders,schools and churches as well ascommunity-based associationscan be sensitised and mobilisedthrough our activities.

`Ìn order not to give roomfor mischief makers andadversary stakeholders, ourstrategies need to be devised toprovide accurate and up-to-dateinformation on a continuous

NUJ national President, Malam Mohammed Garba

basis as selected radio stationsand TV stations are being used toair jingles.''

Sharing similar sentiments,Dr Kefas Ityonzughul, the WHONigeria National ProgrammeOfficer, Guinea Worm Disease,stated that the media had alwaysbeen an integral part of thecampaign against GWD inNigeria.

According to him, there areno more cases of GWD in Nigeria,but there is the need forvigilance in the rural areas.

He said that the emphasisshould be shifted to reporting onmeeting the certification criteriaby engaging on individual andcollective efforts at sensitising thepeople on pre-certificationactivities.

Contributing, Maureen Ekeof the Federal Radio Corporationof Nigeria (FRCN) said there wasthe need for newsmen to have on-the-spot assessment of areaspreviously affected by GWD.

She noted that that the two-month time-frame for pre-certification activities was short;hence, the need for a massiveenlightenment which should besponsored by NIGEP.

``There is limited time; thereis the need for steady jingles inthe media for a wider coveragebut this requires money.''

Another contributor from aleading media outfit, said thatthe media should engage peopleat the grassroots level in drivingthe message.

The journalist said he would``partner with his colleagues atthe local government level ineducating the people on how toidentify GWD and what theystand to gain by identifying andreporting a case of GWD.''

According to him, grassrootssensitisation should beintensified by engaging towncriers and traditional rulers asmost people in areas that had notbeen previously affected could notidentify GWD when they see one.

``They could mistake GWDfor poison and instead ofreporting to the appropriateauthorities, the victim may endup in a native doctor's house.''

Miss Prudence Eboagwu ofLove FM observed that jingleswere expensive, but promised toanchor a public enlightenmentprogramme on the pre-certification activities.

Although the media has beena partner in the fight,stakeholders say the burden ofthe investigation to ascertain theveracity of Nigeria's claim to beguinea worm free, lies in themedia.

As the InternationalCertification Team is beingexpected, one hopes that themedia will play, more than everbefore, its social responsibilityrole as well as its constitutionalrequirements to finally de-listthe country as a guinea wormendemic country.Source: NAN

Community leaders, schoolsand churches as well as

community-based associationscan be sensitised and

mobilised through our activities

“

By Chijioke Okoronkwo


Managing natural disastersthrough space technologyBy most accounts, mitigation is

the most cost-efficient methodof reducing the impact of natural

disasters.Experts insist that if Nigeria has

properly utilised its space resources,the impact of the natural disasters thatravaged the country last year wouldhave been significantly reduced.

Natural disasters such asearthquakes, tsunamis, floods,hurricanes and cyclones often occurunexpectedly.

However, the 2012 flooding inNigeria, which wrecked considerablehavoc across the country, waspredicted by the National EmergencyManagement Agency (NEMA).

According to a NEMA report,7,705, 398 persons were affected bythe floods, while 2,157, 419 personswere displaced from their homes.

`À total of 363 persons died,while 18, 282 people were treated forinjuries they sustained during theflooding," the report stated.

Alhaji Muhammad Sidi, theDirector-General of NEMA, however,said that for disasters to be managedeffectively, emphasis must be placedon adequate preparations.

He also said that emergencymanagement was a continuousprocess, stressing that mitigationremained the best option to reduce theimpact of disasters.

``Mitigation is the most cost-efficient method of reducing theimpact of natural hazards anddisasters," he said.

Sidi suggested that that theNational Space Research andDevelopment Agency (NASRDA)should always be ready to makeavailable images covering the wholecountry at no cost to facilitate disasterprediction and management.

Prof. Victor Olunloyo of theUniversity of Lagos said that NASRDAshould play a vital role in providingaccurate geospatial data (geographicalanalysis) on Nigeria.

He underscored the need forcollaboration between the spaceagency and disaster managementagencies, particularly in the areas ofearth observation and monitoring, aswell as data acquisition.

``This will require that thedatabase, which is maintained byNASRDA on geospatial data for thecountry, must be comprehensive andup to date.

``For this, the fleet of satellitesowned and managed by the spaceagency should provide a platform formonitoring and obtaining images asrequired input into the disastermanagement system.

`Àlso, the choice of NASRDA asthe repository of all geospatial data forthe country establishes it as a one-stop shopping centre for acquiring

additional data needed for processingand analysing large-scale disastermanagement models.

``NASRDA has been active inestablishing and maintaining thesedatabases," he said.

Prof Ita Ewa, the Minister of Scienceand Technology, emphasised thatNigeria should effectively use spacetechnology applications for disastermanagement and economic growth,just like the developed countries.

He stressed the need for Nigeriansto adopt space science and technologyas a tool for boosting defence andsecurity, as well as socio-economicdevelopment.

``Due to the low level of publicawareness and unfortunatemisconceptions, many have viewedNigeria's aspirations to go to the spaceas a needless venture.

`Àlmost every aspect of human

problems can be tackled withrelevant satellites and sensorplatforms and applications,'' Ewasaid.

However, Mr Seidu Mohammed,the Director General of NASRDA,said that the agency is delivering onits mandate.

He said that the agency hadalready commenced work on thepossibility of using space technologyin disastermanagement efforts.

Mohammed said that NASRDAsupported NEMA in August 2011with the mapping of the areasaffected by flood in Oyo State.

``The map showing precisely theareas affected by flood enabled othernational agencies and the Oyo StateGovernment to rehabilitate thoseaffected by the flood.

``Lokoja was one of the floodedareas during the 2012 flooding.

Minister of Science & Technology, Prof. Ita Okon Bassey

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

NASRDA visited the flood area andproduced a flood plain andvulnerability map for the affectedareas.

``The map was used by NEMA torehabilitate those affected by theflood.

`Às a result of the opening of theLagbo Dam by Cameroon on the 24thof August, 2012, floodwaters affectedthe downstream communities inAdamawa.

``NASRDA visited the floodedarea and produced a flood plain andvulnerability map for the affectedareas," he said.

The director-general stressed thatNASRDA's role was, however, notlimited to only post-disasterassistance, adding that its major rolewas to predict disasters in order toforestall huge losses.

He said that the development of aFlood Plain Geospatial InformationSystem for Nigeria by NASRDA wasunderway.

Besides, Mohammed said thatNASRDA, in partnership with NEMA,would develop a Flood VulnerabilityGeospatial Information System forNigeria, using NigeriaSat-2 satelliteimagery.

All in all, stakeholders wantNASRDA to sustain its efforts toenable the country to reap from thehuge investments it has made in thespace sciences.Source: NAN

“the Minister of Science andTechnology, emphasised that Nigeria

should effectively use spacetechnology applications for disaster

management and economic growth,just like the developed countries

Director-General (NEMA), Malam Muhammad Sidi


Children with autism seesimple movement twice asquickly as other children their

age, according to a new study.Scientists think this this

hypersensitivity to motion may provideclues to what causes the disorder.

The findings may explain whysome people suffering with autism aresensitive to bright lights and loud noises.

'We think of autism as a socialdisorder because children with thiscondition often struggle with socialinteractions, but what we sometimesneglect is that almost everything weknow about the world comes from oursenses.

'Abnormalities in how a person seesor hears can have a profound effect onsocial communication,' says Duje Tadin,one of the lead authors on the study andan assistant professor of brain and

By Rachel Reilly

Do ‘environmentally friendly’led lights cause blindness?Eco-friendly LED lights

may damage your eyes,according to new research.

A study has discovered thatexposure to LED lights can causeirreparable harm to the retina of thehuman eye.

LED lights have been touted as asuper-efficient alternative to traditionalbulbs because they use up to 85 per centless energy and each bulb can last up to10 years.

In April, Philips, the world's biggestlighting maker, reported a 38 per centjump in LED light sales from last year.

They are already widely used inmobile phones, televisions, computerscreens and can also be fitted as areplacement for traditional lighting inthe home.

LEDs are much more expensive thattraditional bulbs - costing around £25for an equivalent 100w compared toaround £1 for an incandescent bulb -although manufacturers claim thatconsumers make their money backbecause the use such little energy.

The government announced it wasphasing out incandescent bulbs in 2007after an EU directive banned their use.

Autistic children see movement twice as quickly as those without condition

By Rachel Reilly

cognitive sciences at the University ofRochester.

Although previous studies havefound that people with autism possessenhanced visual abilities with stillimages, this is the first research todiscover a heightened awareness ofmotion.

The findings were reported in theJournal of Neuroscience by Tadin, co-lead author Jennifer Foss-Feig, apostdoctoral fellow at the Child StudyCenter at Yale University, andcolleagues at Vanderbilt University.

In the study, 20 children withautism and 26 typically-developingchildren, all aged 8 to 17, viewed briefvideo clips of moving black and whitebars.

They were asked to indicate whichdirection the bars were heading, rightor left.

Each time a participant chose thecorrect direction, the next video clip

became slightly shorter and so a littlemore difficult.

When a child made a mistake, thenext video became a bit longer and thuseasier to see. In this way, the researcherswere able to measure how quicklychildren with autism can perceivemotion.

The researchers found that whenthe bars in the image were just barelyvisible, both groups of childrenperformed identically. When thecontrast or darkness of the bars wasincreased all participants in the studygot better at perceiving the direction ofmovement.

'But kids with autism, got much,much better-performing twice as wellas their peers,' says Foss-Feig.

In fact, the worst performingparticipant with autism was roughlyequal to the average of the participantswithout autism.

'This dramatically enhanced ability

to [see] motion is a hint that the brains ofindividuals with autism keepresponding more and more as intensityincreases.

The scientitst sais that while thiscould e seen as an advantange, in mostcircumstances the heightened sensecould cause sensory overload.

Such hypersensitive perception isthe neural signature for a brain that isunable to dampen its response tosensory information, note theauthors.

This same increase in brain'excitability' is also found in epilepsy,which is strongly linked to autism.

In fact, as many as one third ofindividuals with autism also haveepilepsy. Normally, the brain puts thebrakes on its responses to sound, taste,touch, and other stimuli when theybecome too intense.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

The 100w bulb was the first to go in2009 and lower wattage bulbs continueto be phased out gradually.

The ban caused public outrage ascustomers were forced to spend large

sums of money on lighting that not onlygave an unpleasantly 'cold' light but alsocaused some people to report symptomsof itchy skin and headaches.

The government's Enhanced

Capital Allowance Scheme, which wasbrought in to help cut UK carbonemissions, is also pushing the use of LEDlighting by offering businesses added taxrelief if they use LED and other low-

energy bulbs.Dr. Celia Sánchez-Ramos, of

Complutense University in Madrid andwho led the study, explained that lightfrom LEDs, or light-emitting diodes,comes from the short-wave, high-energy blue and violet end of the visiblelight spectrum.

She said that prolonged, continuousexposure to this light may be enough todamage a person's retina.

The retina is composed of light-sensitive tissue that is responsible fordetecting light and in turn allowing usto see.

'This problem is going to get worse,because humans are living longer andchildren are using electronic devicesfrom a young age, particularly forschoolwork,' Sánchez-Ramos toldThinkSpain.com.

'Eyes are not designed to look directlyat light - they are designed to see withlight,' Sánchez-Ramos said.

Her comments are partly based onher 2012 study that was published inthe journal Photochemistry andPhotobiology.

The study found that LED radiationcaused significant damage to humanretinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro.

Sánchez-Ramos added that modernhumans have their eyes open forroughly 6,000 hours a year, and areexposed to artificial light for the majorityof that time.

Some experts have called for the LEDlights to have built-in filters to cut outthe blue glare.

This is not the first time energy-saving lights have come under scrutinyfor safety reasons. Compact fluorescentlight bulbs, or CFLs, have been criticizedfor the high levels of mercury theycontain as well as the UV radiation theycan emit.

LED lights have also been blamedfor the changing hues of masterpiecesin art galleries.

A study carried out by theUniversity of Antwerp earlier this yearfound that LED lights were bleachingthe paint on works by Van Gogh andCézanne.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Incandescent bulbs (left) are beingphased out in favour of low-energyalternatives such as CFLs (right), but thereare concerns about the safety of the newgeneration of so-called 'environmentallyfriendly' lighting

A Spanish study hasshown that the lightemitted by LED bulbs candamage the cells in theretina. Some experts arenow calling for a filter tobe fitted in the bulbs

The study found that autisticchildren were hypersensitive tomovement

Enterprising: Lighting shopowner Kerry Nicholau, fromTwickenham, stockpiled 3000incandescent bulbs after 75watt bulbs were phased out in2011


By May 29 this year, thecountry will becelebrating 13 years of

democratic rule, and thegovernor of Bauchi state, Mallam Isa Yuguda , will beSix years in office as theExecutive Governor of theState. Can you give us anoverview of the performanceof the Bauchi stategovernment in the last sixyears?

This is a very nice question.So far so good, every thing hasbeen so impressive, and thegovernment has initiatedvarious projects currentlyundergoing execution. Thegovernment has been able toput in order dilapidatedhospitals he met on groundwhen he came in as thegovernor. I can tell youauthoritatively that before thegovernor came into office, most of the hospitals in the statehave no water or light, buttoday go and see the hospitalsin Bauchi, the governor hasmade sure that boreholes weresunk in all the hospitals andgenerating sets were installedso that when there is no PHCNlight, the generators give lightfor 24 hours.

Most of the schools wererenovated and now go and seethe secondary school in Dass,we thought it was going to beconverted into a university.

And in the road sector, thegovernor has been able toconstruct over 20 kilo metersof roads within Bauchimetropolis alone. The streetslights which have notfunctioned in the state in thelast 20 years are nowfunctioning, and all these aregeared towards improving theliving standard of the citizens.

He has also constructedroads in virtually all the localgovernments from Alkaeri,Bujuk road projects; Wunji toBura road; from Magama-Gumo to Samnika and from Isato Azare completed roads whichare nearing completion.

Boreholes are being sunk allover the state, and they arefunctioning well andeffectively. The only problemwe have is in the state capitalhere where you have influx ofpeople trooping in on daily basisfrom some states in the North-east. And in this, thegovernment has taken a lot ofmeasures to curtail theproblems. Besides the generalhospitals in Dass, Zaki, Sheraothers have been equipped,renovated and completed.Though the Zaki one has notbeen completed but it will soonbe completed. And for the

Yuguda’s administration has delivered democraticdividends, says Information Commissioner

records, so many primaryhealth care centers, primaryschools have been built by thisquiet and silent achiever.

These are democraticdividends Yuguda has given tothe people of Bauchi state. Youcan see the new airport in place,it will be completed very soon,and some people were thinkingthat the government of MallamYuguda was joking. You canalso see the university and goto Yankari and see how thegovernment has invested a lotof money to improve thestandard there. All these aregeared towards improving theliving standard of the people aswell as attracting investors.When the airport and Yankariare ready, we expect investorsand tourists to pour into thestate and our internallygenerated revenue willimprove. So you can see that alot has been done by thegovernment and don’t forgetthat we are building anotherspecialist hospital, afterhanding over our own StateHospital to the FederalGovernment which is now ateaching hospital making itpossible for the university tocreate a faculty of medicinewhich we don’t have before .

Now, the University is thesecond with such facility in theNorth East region after the University of Maiduguri. Wehave sent our people abroad tostudy, we have sent people tolearn AeronauticalEngineering, Medicineamongst others. It is all gearedtowards improving the livingstandard of our people. MallamIsa Yuguda is not going tobenefit from all this training forour youths rather he is working

hard to see that Bauchi Stateis safe and conducive foreverybody that leaves in it.

Is it true that thegovernor of Bauchi statehas abandoned his dutypost in Bauchi for Abuja?

I have reacted to thisquestion several times. I toldthose who have been asking thisquestion every time that youdon’t sit down in one place andget something done in acountry of over 160 millionpeople. Look at the teachinghospital, what all those thathave ruled this state, in the pastfailed to achieve, the governorhas achieved that. Secondly ifthe governor is not gettingsomething for the state, I willsay they are right; but in thiscase the governor has not doneanything wrong. What theyare saying are wild allegations.The governor stays in Bauchifor three weeks and may be oneweek in Abuja; then tell me,how has he abandoned hispeople. He has to go and fightfor the right of his people. Thereare national commitments; heis a member of some nationalcommittees which is for theoverall inertest of the nation,

he has to be there. He is amember of the economic groupand he is a member of theNational Economic Council.

It is alleged that theinsecurity situation in thenorth has destroyednorthern economy. Do youagree to that?

It is true, once there is nosecurity, nothing can moveforward. But here in Bauchi weare very lucky because Godhas blessed us and given usvery highly intelligentsecurity personnel, highlyqualified personnel. In fact, itwas testified by the Americansecurity team that came herethat they have got a group ofintelligent people in Bauchistate that can be comparedwith the best anywhere in theworld. But here in Bauchi wethank God for taking controlof the security situation in ourstate.

But what is the wayforward?

I think government hasalready taken measurestowards that. We shouldcontinue to pray so that theiraction will result to somethingpositive very soon.

So you are in favour ofamnesty for the Boko-Haram sect?

Yes, fully in support of it.What should Bauchi

people expect in the lastremaining two years ofMallam Isa Yuguda’sadministration?

People will start enjoyingthe airport, the teachinghospital, and our universitywill be fully operational. Ourpeople will start realising thegains of our community radiostations; we have ten of themin place which is notcomparable to anyone in thiscountry. We are working veryhard to expand the operationof Bauchi State Television(BSTV). We have placed somegenerators in various locationspreparatory to generalconnection so that every nookand cranny of this state willhave transmission. Alreadythe community radio stationsare covering all the state. Butthe Central Radion Stationwhich has a booster station inAzare will soon take off so thatit will add up to all this massmobilization of our throughradio. We want our people tohave effectivecommunication.

INTERVIEW Eng, Mohammed Damina is the Commissioner for information, Bauchi state. In this interview withAgaju Madugba, he listed the achievements of the state governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, in the last sixyears and commended his efforts enhancing the economic, and tourism potentialities of the state.According to him, Yuguda’s administration has brought about an airport, teaching hospital, a universityand has opened doors of opportunities for investors for operation in the state. Excerpts.

“The governor stays in Bauchifor three weeks and may beone week in Abuja; then tellme, how has he abandonedhis people. He has to go andfight for the right of his people

Eng, Mohammed Damina


Anambra: Why Gov. Obi is after me – Ubah

The Nnewi-born oil tycoon,who made formaldeclaration to contest the

governorship election ofAnambra state when he hostedIkoro, the umbrella associationfor journalists of Igboextraction in the FederalCapital Territory (FCT), lastweek, has stated that the spateof insecurity in the state is thedirect fallout of unemploymentplaguing the state.

He said "I'm worried anddisappointed that with all thefinancial support that I havebeen given to the politicians allthese while, all of them havedisappointed my trust andbelieve in their sincerity todeliver democratic dividendsto our people.

"The last politician to failme is Imo state governor,Owelle Rocha Okorocha, whomdespite all the support I gavehim, with what is happeningin the state, does not give joyat all, as it's still notprogressing as I had expectedit", he expressed.

According to him, hisdeclaration means the turningpoint for the state and this isencapsulated in a four-pointagenda including education,health, security, andemployment, set for unveilingby July, for Anambra people.

"Today in Anambra state,our children cannot go toschool and the aged cannotenjoy their old age for fear ofbeing kidnapped, askidnapping had become aviable industry for theunemployed youths; and toreverse the trend, there is theneed for a turning point in thehighest political echelon in thestate.

"I have destiny withAnambra state in truth and inspirit, so I don't aspire tobecome the next governor inorder to steal the statetreasury, but because of theneed to transform the state;and if a free and fair electionwere to be held in the state, Iwould win 70% of the votes.

Prior to this time, little didhe(Ubah) know that the

disclosure to Governor PeterObi about his quest for changeand decision to no longer playfrom the sideline, but getdirectly involved in steeringthe affairs of the people of thestate to the promise land, hadincurred his wrath.

According to him, it wasn'tuntil he became a subject of oil-subsidy theft scandal that itdawned on him that he musthave pitched himself againstthe governor's interest whennot too long before then he hadadvised Obi on the need forfinancial probity in the state.

Recounting his ordeals inthe oil theft saga, thebusinessman and politicianaccused Obi of having a handin his alleged involvement inthe oil subsidy fraud allegingthe plot as part of plans by thegovernor and some persons inAnambra state to tarnish hisreputation because of hisambition to contest forgovernorship of the state.

"I never knew that I hadincurred the wrath of Mr. Obiwhen I told him that a treecannot make a forest, whileadvising him to be transparentin handling Local governmentfunds.

"Not too long after advisingGov. Obi, I returned to tell himabout my political ambition,but unknown to me, I was

inviting trouble for myself.And it wasn't long AccessBank, which is thegovernment's bank, becamethe bank to handle subsidymatters; and before I knew it,I became a subject of oil-subsidy theft scandal.

"At a point it was allegedthat I stole the nation's 46billion naira; at another pointI was said to be a threat tonational security. And lateron I was alleged to be holdingmoney worth federalallocation for eleven states;and in the process APCONsealed off my company.

"You will recall all theordeals that I was subjected tosince last year. I was labeled athief and attempts were madeto freeze my personal andbusiness accounts as all part ofplans to tarnish myreputation, because I want tocontest for governorship of mystate. But because God is biggerthan them, at the end I was

Governor Peter Obi Ifeanyi Uba

ANALYSIS

The intensity of the intrigues around theChairman and Chief Executive of Capital Oiland Gas limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah'sdecision to join the race for AnambraGovernment House come 2014, when thePeter Obi’s government must have completedfinal lap of its eight-years reign in the state,has once again exposed the perennialunderlining and inter- play of negativepolitics plaguing the nation's democraticterrain. Stanley Onyekwere writes.

vindicated", he exuded.He however maintained

that it was all a campaign ofcalumny aimed at turning thegood people of the state againstthe actualisation of hisambition; we have begun oursensitisation campaigns and Iwant to appeal to the media tourge the government ofAnambra State to leave mealone."

"I thought the battle wasover until recently when mysister wedded in Lagos, afortnight ago, when twenty-four out of the thirty stateHouse of Assembly members,61 Royal fathers (Igwes), 107town union presidents and vastnumber of traders in Anambraand environs attended theoccasion.

"On their return to theirrespective domains, thegovernment declared waragainst everyone one of themthat attended the wedding.During the recent summit ofthe State Traditional RulersCouncil, the governmentdisgraced those of them thatattended the wedding byordering them to stand up andreturn the money I gave tothem.

"They accused the Igwes ofnot taking permission fromPresident Goodluck Jonathanbefore attending the weddingin Lagos but theythemselves(the government)did not equally takepermission when they took thesame journey. It wasembarrassing andhumiliating, especially tosome of them that have beenon the throne for about 63years", he said.

Although the traditionalrulers and other dignitaries

merely attended the wedding,there are insinuations,especially in governmentquarters, that there musthave been political undertonesattached to it. In fact, theAnambra state governorsuspected that the dignitarieswere in Lagos to meet withUbah on his political ambitionby 2014. This, it s reasoned,points to the fact that thebusiness magnate might havegained a certain politicalmileage over the Obi's-leadership by pulling to his sidetraditional rulers who aresupposed to be under the strictcontrol of the governor.

To keen political watchers,the ensuing intrigues could betrue, as Ubah appears to behaving sympathy for the AllProgressives Grand Alliance,(APGA) because he is believedto be the backbone behind theChief Victor Umeh-led factionof the party. Umeh's faction isfirmly opposed to the factionof the party led by thegovernor.

Additionally, the reportedendorsement of the CapitalOil's boss by another oilmagnate, Chief Arthur Eze ,who expressed confidence inhis leadership because havingdone great as a businessman,he (Ubah) is prepared to takethe state to the next stagesequel to his esteem trackrecords in the private sector.

With the situation of thingsin Anambra state, the politicaltemperature is assuming afeverish point ahead of the2014 governorship election inthat state. The politicalleadership of the state mustwatch the development and bemore tolerant of one another ifthe election is to be free andfair, pundits submit.

“I never knew that I hadincurred the wrath of Mr.Obi when I told him that atree cannot make a forest,while advising him to betransparent in handlingLocal government funds


NPC to conduct house tohouse registration in Gombe

L-R: Chief Ben Nwanbueze, Justice Pius Aderemi, and Lagos state Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, during the launching of abook titled "The Enforcement of Electoral Law and Case Law of 2007 Election Petition Judgments" written by Professor Itse Sagay,yesterday in Lagos. Photo: Olawale Rotimi

The National EmergencyManagement AgencyNEMA has donated

materials worth millions of nairato victims of Wukari crisis.

Presenting the materials to theTaraba state government, NEMA’soperational officer in charge thezone in Gombe, Apollos Jediel saidthe donations was a function of thereport of NEMA official who visitedthe affected area to ascertain thelevel of damage done in the area.

Jediel said the Director Generalof NEMA, Mohammed Sani Sidi hasexpressed dismay over the recentcrisis in Wukari and directed relieffor victims at the thirteen displacedcamps in Wukari.

The operational officer appealedto people living in the riverineareas to relocate to where theywould not be affected byoverflooding of the rivers.

NEMA donates reliefmaterials to victimsof Wukari crisisFrom Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

Nigeria is said to recordbetween 70 – 110million clinical cases of

malaria per year.The Permanent Secretary of the

Kaduna State Ministry of Health;Dr. Paul M. Dogo disclosed this at thepresentation of 2013 Annual

Operational Plan for MalariaControl in Kaduna State.

The Permanent Secretary whowas represented at the presentationby the Director of Public Health inthe Kaduna State Ministry ofHealth, Dr. Ado Zakari Mohammedsaid malaria is a major cause ofmobility and mortality in Nigeria.

“There are 70-110 millionclinical cases of the disease in thecountry per year. It accounts forabout 60% of all outpatientattendances and 30% of all hospitaladmissions with annual deaths ofchildren under 5 years estimated tobe around 300,000".

Nigeria records110m ‘clinical’malaria casesannuallyFrom Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Oyo State Governmentand Wemabod EstatesLimited have commenced a

joint construction of an ultra-modernbusiness complex expected toaccommodate no fewer than 4,000shops and 20 warehouses in Ibadan,the state capital.

The complex, which would becompleted within nine months, islocated at Samonda area of theIbadan metropolis.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi, whilelaying the foundation stone of thebusiness complex, said that it wouldbe a state-of-the-art shoppingcomplex, upon completion.

Oyo, Wemabodbuild 4,000-shopsin IbadanFrom Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

The Federal Commissioner,National PopulationCommission in Gombe state,

Alhaji Bala Muhammed Magajihas said that the commission has atotal of 35 vital registration centresacross the 11 local governmentareas in the state ready to conducthouse to house census.

The commissioner stated thiswhen he paid a courtesy call onGovernor Ibrahim HassanDankwambo at Government

From David Hassan, Gombe House, adding that some localgovernment areas which includeGombe and Dukku has beenassisting the commission with sub-registrars who would carry outregistration exercise at ward levels.

He noted that the commissionhas designated Comptrollers andDeputy Chief Registrars to conductall National Commission activitiesand report back to the state office.

The commissioner said since2010, NPC has been participatingactively in bi-annual nationalmaternal new born child health

week due to the collaboration withthe National Primary Health careDevelopment Agency.

He said, even though most ofthe Comptrollers have no officeaccommodation to operateeffectively, there was need for localgovernment areas in the state toassist toward revamping the vitalregistration exercise to enableNPC staff reach the grassroots.

He said, in view of effort madeby the commission, it has beenable to achieve the target ofregistering 60 percent of children

in the state.Responding, Governor

Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo alsosaid that his administrationwould conduct a housing censusto enable it ascertain the numberof households in the state followingthe daily influx of

the people.He appealed to the commission

to help the state and plan forcensus, adding that people fromneighboring states migrate dailyto Gombe because of the relativepeace obtained in the state.

Briefs

Concerning the rate atwhich Nigeria has beenhandling intervention issues

concerning deaths of babies andmothers, the country will have towork harder to meet MDGs 4 and 5(reduction of maternal and childdeath rate), in 2030 in contrast toproposed 2020.

Resource person, Dr. OyinboEmmanuel said this yesterday at atwo hour workshop organized forhealth correspondents in Abuja bySave the Children (a non-governmental organization).

He said for Nigeria to meet upwith the MDGs goals, the countryneeds to embrace the use of skilledbirth attendants through task-sharing or task-shifting formula inthe manner in which healthworkers are deployed to healthfacilities.

Dr. Oyinbo described the deathof mothers and babies in Nigeria assecond to none as a result of thehealthcare system not being able tocater for the infant population. Hesaid, “Lower antenatal rate meanshigh maternal mortality. This iswhy 241,000 babies die every year.

He called for increase in humanresources, especially accredited birth

Nigeria might not meet MDGs target by 2030By A’isha Biola Raji attendants which should meet

standard of 23 doctors, 23 nursesper 10,000 people.

Dr. Emmanuel said, “Nigeriahas 20 doctors and 20 nurses per10,000 people.”

He said Nigeria has about57,000 doctors, 137,198 nurses andmidwives put together but most ofthem are in South-West particularlyLagos, working in teaching hospitalsnot PHC.

“This is why we have inadequateskilled birth rate especially innorthern Nigeria. North-West haschances of 9.8 normal deliveriesmeaning that, 99 per cent willdeliver without skilled attendants,”he lamented.

According to Dr. Oyinbo, out of

about 30,000 primary health carefacilities spread across the country,22,000 are government-ownedwhile about 8,000 belong to privateowners.

He said, “out of all the healthworkers in these PHC, only 4 per centare midwives, 3 per cent nurses, 0per cent Pharmacist, 27 per centCHEW (Community HealthExtension Worker) 11 per centJCHEW (Junior CommunityHealth Worker) and 28 per centHealth Assistant (somebody thathave been working in hospital forlong) however constitute the largestpercentage.”

Based on this data, the bulk ofwork at PHCs are being done byunskilled attendants since skilled

health workers are few.Speaking further on saving

babies at birth, he said the goal oftask-shifting or sharing, accordingto WHO definition, is to get the rightworkers with the right skills in theright places doing the right things.

In his presentation, Mr. ChidiAgbaraji, Monitoring andEvaluation Management Officersaid, one of the major solutions tothe problem of neonatal andmaternal deaths is the passage ofhealth bill. “Most questions will beprovided answers to in the healthbill,” he said.

He however called on health toimbibe the use of evidence basedreport. “We want to see reports thatare evidence based,” he said.

The Nigerian Union ofJournalists (NUJ) hasthreatened to commence

picketing of media houses that areyet to offset salaries owed to theirworkers from next Monday. Aboutfive Lagos-based media are to be

affected in the exercise.Speaking on the plan to picket

defaulting media houses, the

National President of the NUJ,Mallam Mohammed Garba notedthat the union appreciated the harsheconomic condition in the country aswell as the difficulties associated withrevenue drive but insisted that thefactors cannot be entertained asexcuse for media houses to owe theirstaff.

He warned defaulting mediahouses to close shop and allow thosewith capacity to drive the media

industry if they cannot afford to paysalaries.

The NUJ president described thenon-payment of media practitionersas really worrisome and an act thatencourages corruption in theindustry.

According to him, the leadershipof the union and its sister associationswere working on a new document thatwould stipulate code of conduct forjournalism practice in the country.

Unpaid salaries: NUJ moves to picket media housesBy Adeola Tukuru


What is the cause ofthe problems overthe alleged

disputed land between thetwo first ladies?

We do not have any issuewith the former First Lady, butthe issue of land is veryparamount to the FCTAdministration and the PeaceMission, though we were notparty to the suit at an Abujacourt, including the First Lady,Dame Patience Jonathan. Itwas purely an issue of morals.A land kept in your care aschairperson of the Mission notbe converted to your privateuse at the twilight of leavingoffice. It goes to show howmorally bankrupt somepersons can be.

Can you throw more lighton the genesis of the landdispute?

In 2010, precisely duringthe administration of then FCTminister, Adamu Aliero, acrony of the former First Lady,they converted the same plotowned by the Peace Missionbecause then, she was thechairperson, to her privateNGO (WAYEF), and wasgranted a statutory right ofoccupancy in respect of thesame Plot 703 now re-designedand numbered Plot 1347,while the original allocation tothe Peace Mission was notrevoked. It was perhapsreasoned then, by her and theminister, that this issue maynever be brought to limelightor re-visited and no one waslikely to ask questions as it isour style in Nigeria. However,after the demise of the formerPresident, it became necessaryfor the present First Lady,Dame Jonathan to completeNigeria’s tenure and tocontinue the task of providingthe Secretariat of the PeaceMission.

It was at this juncture, theFCT administration discoveredthat an error had beencommitted in allocating thesame plot allocated to the PeaceMission to Hajiya TuraiYar’Adua’s personal non-governmental organisation(NGO). The FCT therefore, hadto reverse it self by revoking thetitle of Women and YouthEmpowerment Foundation(WAYEF) and restored back theLand to the original allottee, theAfrican First Ladies PeaceMission (AFLPM) in 2011.

Thus, faced with the realitythat the land appropriatedmight be lost, especially nowthat her crony is no longer inoffice, she promptly went tocourt and launched a massivemedia propaganda that thecurrent First Lady, DameJonathan, wanted to take herland. While a lot of people joinedher to vilify the First Lady notknowing the true nature of theland allocation story. It is veryunfortunate that Judgment

may have been given, but‘Justice is yet to be served ‘onan issue of abuse of office andmorality. The original ownerof the Land is the Peace Mission.

What does the PeaceMission intend to do andyour next line of action?

We believe in due process asone of the cardinal focus of thetransformational agenda ofMr. President. We are sure theFCT Administration willappeal the case and justice willbe served. For the records, theland in question is for the PeaceMission, though we are notjoined in the suit including theFirst Lady. But Hajiya Turai,in her clandestine motive,went to town to sell lies that itwas a battle of wits with thecurrent First lady. This is aptlynot true. It was a legal disputebetween her and the FCT andthe FCT has also refuted thesebaseless allegations; that it wasthe First Lady on so manyfronts, and people are nowcoming to terms with the realissue at stake. The First Lady istoo preoccupied to be botheredby such frivolities, as she isfocused on the emancipationand empowerment of women inNigeria, and Africa at large.

Turai,Dame Patience land tussle: The issue at stake is ofmorality - Consultant, African First Ladies Peace Mission

Why did you not come outearlier to inform Nigerians?

The problem with us, as apeople is that when you are ingovernment, whatever you do,people view it with cynicismand do not tend to believe it attimes. The office of the FirstLady has issued countless pressreleases, statements includingadvertorials to buttress thepoint and drive home the

matter but Nigerians are notwilling to listen as the otherparty had already set apropaganda machinery inplace to deceive the gulliblepeople as to the true nature ofthe story. But we are glad thatthe FCT has come up to letNigerians know that the landwas gotten illegally and the plotin question is situated in a zoneallocated to governmentinstitutions and cannot be that

of a private organisation.

What is your personalopinion as regards the landdispute?

My candid opinion is thatpeople should look at the realissue at stake; the moralscommitted, the converting ofa property by an individual topersonal use and bringing tobook the perpetrators of theseheinous crimes against thestate.

The former FCT Minister,Adamu Aliero, should be madeto answer questions; becauseModibo Umar has said it timeswithout number that the landin question belongs to the PeaceMission and that the formerPresident instructed him not togive anyone or his familymembers any land. I am quitesure at the end of the day, theland will still revert to thePeace Mission for the commongood of the nation, becauseother African countries arewatching with keen interest tosee the outcome of their landmeant for the PermanentSecretariat and we will not likethem to see us in bad light asthe Big Brother of Africa,which is housing the Presidentand Chairperson, whichhappens to be Dame PatienceJonathan.

As the Turai Yar'Adua -Dame Patience Goodluck’s FCT Administration land dispute saga raged, consultant tothe African First Ladies Peace Mission, (AFLPM), Mrs. Rhoda Sika bares her mind to a group of journalists ona controversial issue. Our Etuka Sunday, who was there, reports. Excerpts:

My candid opinion is thatpeople should look at the real

issue at stake; the moralscommitted, the converting of aproperty by an individual topersonal use and bringing to

book the perpetrators of theseheinous crimes against the

state.

“

Consultant, African FirstLadies Peace Mission,(AFLPM), Mrs. Rhoda Sika


Why I dropped Eneramo, Musa,Ogude, from Mexico friendly- Keshi

6 more players join FlyingEagles in Germany

Super Eagles Head Coach,Stephen Keshi, opted forJoseph Akpala instead of

Michael Eneramo because he wasyet to watch the latter's recentmatches to determine his mentaland physical form to merit call up

friendly," Keshi.However, he said they were still

integral part of the 30-manprovisional list that he had earlierreleased to prosecute the friendlygame, 2014 World Cup qualifiersagainst Kenya and Naimibia and theFIFA Confederation Cup in Brazil, allin June.

"But they are still on the 30-manlist and I expect them to be availablefor the World Cup qualifiers."

Peoples Daily Sports learnt thatMusa's Russian army club, CSKA,are chasing a league and cup doublethis season, while Ogude's clubspecifically requested that he beexcused from the friendly game.

... Reuben doubtful forMexico, Confed Cup

By Patrick Andrew

Michael Eneramo

Former Kano Pillarsmidfielder and KilmarnockFC new sign-on, Gabriel

Reuben, is a serious doubt in theSuper Eagles 2014 World Cupqualifiers as well as the FIFAConfederation Cup finals, nextmonth.

The rugged midfielder, whocould not feature in all theAFCON finals despite being aregular during the qualifiers,has had been blighted by injuryfor a while. It is unclear whetherhe would be subjected to the knifefollowing a revealing scan.

According to a wire service,the player was quoted to haveconfirmed that he has "a groininjury," and has been directed byKilmarnock doctors to take a restafter undergoing a scan at ahospital in Glasgow.

"I have a groin injury whichrecurred in a recent in-housematch. Initially I didn't think itwas a problem but after Ireported the injury to the clubdoctor he took me to the hospitalin Glasgow for a scan. Afterinvestigation the doctors advisedme to take some rest," he said.

Peoples Daily Sports recallsthat he sustained serious injury

to the Eagles ahead of May 31international friendly againstmexico.

Also, Keshi adduced reasonswhy he dropped notable namessuch as Ahmed Musa, FegorOgunde, who were regulars at theNations Cup finals in South Africa,because the duo were excused by

the clubs for serious clubs'engagements.

"Fegor's club did not oblige ourrequest for him to join the team.They said they need him for animportant league game. For Musa,his club would be involved in theRussian cup final at about thattime we will be playing the

Gabriel Rueben

SWAN lauds appointment ofElegbeleye as new NSC DG

Keshi has also defended hischoice of Werder Bremen strikerJoseph Akpala ahead of MichaelEneramo to replace injuredEmmanuel Emenike.

The former Mali and Togo coachsaid: "I have seen Akpala play andI know what he can do on the pitch.Unfortunately I have not been ableto watch Eneramo play, but I havespoken with him and heunderstands that his time wouldcome."

The Super Eagles will departAbuja next Thursday for atraining camp in Germany withplayers from the domestic league,while the foreign pros are expectedto join up next week.

during the Federation Cupmatch and could not participatein the last phase of the NationsCup qualifier. Reuben wasimpressive in Blantyre,Namibia when the Eaglesvisited them.

"I am really sad that I mightmiss the Confederations Cupbecause I was looking forward toplaying against top teams likeSpain and Uruguay I criedabout this situation but I knowGod's time is best," he said evenas he was quoted to have said hespoke to Dan Amokachi afterefforts to reach Keshi on 'phonefailed.

"For now, I have to make sureI am ready for pre-season inKilmarnock and also the 2014World Cup in Brazil. I am lookingforward these challenges and Iam excited about the future,"said Reuben.

The former Kano Pillarsmidfielder is one of 25 playerscalled up by Keshi for thismonth's international warm-upgame against Mexico as well asthe FIFA World Cup qualifiersagainst Kenya and Namibia andthe FIFA Confederations Cup inBrazil.

The Sports WritersAssociation of Nigeria(SWAN), FCT Chapter, has

lauded the appointment of GbengaElegbeleye as the new Director-General of the National SportsCommission (NSC).

Kayode Adeniyi, theChairman of SWAN, FCT, said ina congratulatory letter in Abujathat Elegbeleye's appointmentwas a testimony to hisoutstanding leadership qualitiesand competence.

Adeniyi said the appointmentalso confirmed the confidencereposed in him by PresidentGoodluck Jonathan.

``Certainly, this appointmentis a testimony of the confidencereposed in you by PresidentGoodluck Jonathan and indeedthe Federal Government. It alsoconfirms your outstanding

leadership qualities andcompetence.

``On our part, we promise towork with you to see to the rapiddevelopment of sports in Nigeria,"he following the confirmation ofthe appointment on Wednesday.

Elegbeleye, a former DeputyChairman of the HouseCommittee on Sports, was aformer council chairman in OndoState. He later became thechairman of the Ondo State Wasteand Environmental Board.

Elegbeleye had also served asmember of various sportscommittees, among which wasthe reform committee on footballadministration.

Elegbeleye was appointed onMay 16, to replace Dr PatrickEkeji, who retired in April as theNSC director-general, after eightyears of service.

Barely 24 hours before thedeadline on the submissionof the provisional 30 players

for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, sixplayers have joined 14 othersalready in the Flying Eagles' campin Germany.

According to the Media Officerof the team, Samm Audu, theplayers arrived at the team'sUllrich Hotel in Elfershausenyesterday morning from Abuja.He listed them as Kingsley Madu,Christian Pyagbara, LuckyOmeruo, Uche Agbo, SamuelMathias and Sikiru Alimi.

Peoples Daily Sports recalls thatthe head coach, Sam John Obuh,has had hitches with the NigeriaFootball Federation over thenumber of players. Obuh hadcalled up nine new players, but theNFF insisted on four only even asthey dropped five without the

consent of the coach.Without the arrival of these

players though, the coach shouldmeet FIFA's deadline today bynaming the 30-man provisionalsquad for next month's World Cupin Turkey.

The team will leave Germanyfor the Toulon InternationalTournament in France on May 26.Their opening game is againstdefending champions Mexico onMay 29.

Meanwhile, the Flying Eaglesdrew 1-1 with Nuremberg Under-23 team in a test game onWednesday as part of their build-up to next month's Under-20 WorldCup in Turkey.

The Flying Eagles will facePortugal, Korea Republic and Cubain the opening rounds of the 2013FIFA Under-20 World Cup inTurkey.

Fegor Ogunde,Ahmed Musa,


Floyd tops list ofhighest paidsports men

emerging unopposed because hebelieve his commitment,dedication and hard work towardsthe NHF that would vehementlyvindicated him at the poll.

"Let me tell you, I am anachiever; I have worked round theknock to see the federation move toa greater height, yes there wereinches during the election becausenothing good comes easy but I knowmy wealth all through the voting.

"How on earth will I agreed tostep outside, I won't have done thatbecause I know my target for thefederation.

"Let me also tell you that I willnever celebrate my victory becausethe board who voted me in knownwhat I am capable of doing for thefederation, "he added.

When asked the controversysurrounded the election, he saidevery loser would definitelycomplain because he/she loss but itwouldn't count.

NHF election: I return as anachiever, says Dauda

The undefeated Americanboxer, FloydMayweather, is the highest

earner according to SportsIllustrated's list of highest-paidsportsmen for the second straightyear.

In compiling its Fortunate 50 listwhich was released midweek, thelist showed that Mayweather couldearn $90 million in 2013; more thantwice as much as Tiger Woods.

Golf star Woods, who was No 1one on the Fortunate 50 every yearfrom 2004 to 2011, falls to his lowestranking. He is at No 7 with estimatedearnings this year of $40.8 million.

Mayweather, nicknamedMoney, stretched his professionalrecord to 44-0 when he beat RobertGuerrero on points on May 4, the firstfight in his new deal with Showtimetelevision. It guarantees him at least$32 million per fight for six bouts.

The fight for Mayweather's WBCwelterweight title was the champion'sfirst since he served a jail term fordomestic violence last year.

LeBron James, the Miami Heatbasketball superstar who was recentlynamed NBA Most Valuable Playerfor the fourth time in his career, issecond on the list with projectedearnings of $56.5 million.

James becomes the first playerin a team sport to be in the top twosince former NBA star ShaquilleO'Neal in 2004.

James's $39 million inendorsements were more than anyother US sports figure in 2013, SportsIllustrated reported.

New Orleans Saints quarterbackDrew Brees, who didn't figure in the

Yusuf Dauda

The President of the NigeriaHandball Federation(NHF) who return

unopposed at the just concluded

federation's election in Abuja, YusufDauda said that he was return as aresult of his achievement.

In spite the intrigues andcounter allegation of foul play,Yusuf Dauda still return unopposedas NHF president.

Dauda has earlier accused ofaccepting to abide by theresolutions reached in Februarythis year by the Handballstakeholders of Nigeria to allow theformer Vice President of FederationBarrister Mark Jacob to be the soleflag bearer for the position.

He told newsmen in Abuja thatthe federation has witnesstremendous progress for the lastfour years by organizing grassrootsand secondary schools competitionin order to discover prospectplayers that can do the countrypride in subsequent internationalengagement.

Dauda further said that hewouldn't celebrate his victory of

Floyd Mayweathertop 50 in 2012, shot to numberthree in 2013 thanks to a $37million signing bonus from his NFL

Super 5: Fanswant to Kwaragovt restoreAdewole Park

Spectators at the Adewole Park,venue of the ongoing FeliciaKisira Super '5' Softball

Championship midweek in Ilorinappealed to the Kwara Government torestore the park.

Some of the spectators who spoke tothe News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)complained that the poor state of thepark had affected the development ofsoftball in the state.

Kazeem Ahmed, a businessman,said that the park had been abandonedfor too long by the government.

``For many years now, this parkwhich used to be a world class baseballand softball field in the early '90s hadbeen left to rot," he said.

In the same vein, Victor Adeyemi,a trader, said that the governmentshould endeavour to refurbish thepark, in order to reposition the sport inthe state.

``My appeal to the stategovernment is to restore this park towhat it used to be, when it was firstconstructed in 1991,'' he said.

Lateef Fatai, a student, said thatthe bad state of the park haddiscouraged people who were interestedin the sport from participating in it.

`̀ If not for the ongoing competition,the field would be overgrown with treesand grasses and nobody can train insuch an environment," he said.

Oyebanji Kazeem, a driver, saidthat the government should put thepark in the care of private individuals.

``Since the government hasabandoned the park, the park shouldbe given to private individuals who canmaintain it,'' he said.

The Adewole baseball and softballpark was commissioned on Nov. 21,1991 by the late Adm. AugustusAikhomu, a former military VicePresident.

Meanwhile, in some of the matchesplayed in the ongoing competition,Delta defeated Lagos by 11 runs to 1,while Niger outplayed Rivers by 12runs to 5. The competition endstomorrow.

By Albert Akota

(gridiron) team. The magazine's listtakes into account salary, winnings,bonuses and endorsements.

We return Gumelto learn from hisexperience, saysboard member

The Chairman of the BeachVolleyball Committee,Engineer Musa Nimrod,

has revealed that the boardmembers of the NigeriaVolleyball Federation (NVBF),unanimously resolved to returnEngineer Habu Gumel aspresident unopposed because ofwhat they believe could do forthe game.

Nimrod, who was reacting tocriticism that the newly electedmembers were cowed by theNational Sports Commission(NSC) to support Gumel who hashad four tenures, insisted thatthey were swelled by his wealth ofexperience and stabilizinginfluence.

According to him, the presidentdeserves no condemnation fromany individual from the boardbecause he had shown competencepreviously and is therefore trustedto advance the course of the game.

"Gumel has what it takes to bepresident of the federation, so weresolved to return him unopposedbecause he's a member ofinternational volleyball federationand the board members want tolearn from his experience.

"Gumel came back unopposedbecause we all in the board want tolearn from his wealth of experience,one of his advantage is that he(Gumel) is a member of theinternational volleyballfederation.

"We are ready to support andassist his leadership because thereis unity in the board, "he said.

The board members of theNVBF returned Engr Habu Gumelunopposed as president.

Nimrod implored allstakeholder in the sector who losselection into the board in zonalor national level to supportGumel leadership in order tomove the federation to it desireheight.

manifesto.``We pray that we surpass

the achievements of theprevious administration, as weintend to consolidate on theirsuccess and we will work toimprove those areas that needto be worked on.

``As a part of the outgoingboard, I have an insight on howthings are, and we will beworking with everyone who hasthe interest of squash at heart,"Ereena said

Also, he expressed happinessover his victory and lauded theboard members for reposingconfidence on and promised notto let them down. He thanked hisopponents for theirsportsmanlike disposition.

``Naturally I'm happy, itwasn't easy but God gave usvictory. I must commend myopponents for theirsportsmanship,''he added.Ereena would be at the helm ofthe NSF for the next four years.

Newly-elected presidentpledges to revamp squashAdamu Ereena, the newly-

elected President of theNigeria Squash Federation

(NSF), on Wednesday pledged toconsolidate on the achievementsof the outgoing board.

Speaking to Peoples DailySports soon after his election,Ereena said he was determinedto bring a change in theadministration of the game.According to him, hisadministration's topmostpriority would be to maximisethe vast potentials at thedisposal of the NSF to the fullest.

``We will try as much as wecan to ensure that we enhancethe profile of squash in thecountry. My manifesto is thebible for the game. I will follow itreligiously to the letter.

"I want everyone to keep themanifesto and hold usaccountable. People shouldalways draw our attention towhatever it is that we havepromised as contained in this


Onyedima lamentssays female Leaguestill lacks sponsors

Ebere Orji, Super Falcons' player

By Albert Akota

Though she said that thefemale league is worthabout N500m, the

Chairman of the Nigeria

Women Football League, ChiefDilichukwu Onyedima, haslamented that the league is stillgroping for sponsorships.

Onyedima, who regrettedthat the plight of female league

in country however wasoptimistic that there was lightat the end of the tunnel.

She said negotiations withprospective sponsors were atadvantage stage and addedthat it won't be long now beforesponsors for female leaguewould be unveiled.

''Since the inception of thiscurrent female league boardour marketing drive has beenvery aggressive, but the snagis that most corporate concernskeep telling us that they arestill consulting at theirleadership level. Some havehowever assured us that theywill get to us before long''

Further, she claimed thatthe league that has producedplayers for the Super Falconsthat have won the AfricanWomen championship a recordsix times.

"Yet, there is no cash prizefor any team that wins theleague every year. There isenough to dampen the spirit ofplayers," she said.

Also, she disclosed that oncesponsorship was secured theleague body would introducethe ladies premier league thatwould comprise 12 teams. ''Justto give our female league a levelof respectability," she added.

The leadership is also toyingwith the idea of floating aninternational tournament inconjunction with the continentfootball ruling body CAF.

''We want our female clubsto look forward to someinternational competition atthe club level just like theirmale counterpart, and weintend to stat it with someneighbouring Africancountries before pushing theidea to CAF."

Chelsea to go on spending spree

Chelsea will splash out onnew players and returneven stronger next year,

interim manager Rafael Benitezpredicted after leading his teamto Europa League victory.

Speaking to Spain's OndaCero radio after their 2-1 winover Benefica on Wednesdaynight, the outgoing Benitezpredicted a bright future forthe team.

"It is c lear to me thatChelsea will be much betternext year because they wil lspend 100 million, they wills ign three or four players ,and the foundation is there,it is a foundation that workswell and has a big future," hesaid.

Benitez said it would be toughto leave the Chelsea players inthe hands of another coach.

"I have a very good group ofplayers. They are verycommitted, they're keen, andthey have worked well up to theend," the coach said.

"It is always sad because theyare talented young players whoare improving," Benitez said,citing in particular VictorMoses, Eden Hazard, Oscar,Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz,Fernando Torres and OriolRomeu.

But Benitez said he could notconfirm that Chelsea's new coachwill be Real Madrid's JoseMourinho, who is widelyspeculated to be the man takingover at Stamford Bridge.

"I don't know who the nextcoach will be because it is not forme to say, even if everyone isspeculating the same thing,"Benitez said.

Abuja 2013 Unity Polo tournament tocelebrate May 29 Democracy Day

Aliyu Umar, theTournament Manager,Abuja Guards Polo Club,

said yesterday that the week-long2013 Unity Polo tournamentwould be used to celebrateNigeria's Democracy Day on May29.

Umar said in Abuja that thetournament, now in its fourthedition, would run from May 20to May 26

``This national tournamentwill attract people from all overNigeria to celebrate the nation'sdemocracy day in our own style;which is, by playing the game ofpolo,'' he said.

Umar said that the highlightsof the tournament would includea road show, as well as the polocompetition proper.

``The road show is to createawareness, so that the generalpublic really knows what is going

on. As I said earlier, we arecelebrating Nigeria's unity, so wewant to inform a lot of people aboutwhat we are doing and to urgethem to come and join us as wecelebrate.

``Our partners are reallyputting all their efforts togetherto ensure that we have a successfultournament,'' he said.

The manager said that fourmajor trophies were on stake atthe tournament.

``We have four major trophiesthat will be competed for over theseven-day period, namely: ThePresident Cup, the LegislativeCup, the Guards Brigade Cup andthe Guards Challenge Cup.

``In order to encourage ourhome grown or local players, wehave limited the GuardsChallenge Cup competition toAbuja and its environs.

``The President Cup is a trophythat has attracted interest fromsome corporate organisations,specifically Fidelity Bank.

``Fidelity Bank has indicatedits interest to be part of the UnityTournament and is sponsoring thePresident Cup,'' he added.

Ogenyi Onazi has revealedLazio will qualify for nextseason's Europa League by

finishing fifth in the Italian Serie A."I am not losing hope, God is with

us. I believe we will finish in the topfive to earn a Europa League ticket,"Nigeria midfielder Onazi said.

"All we need is to win our lastgame and see what happens inUdinese game. We are still hopefulof the ticket. We can equally get theticket by winning the Coppa Italia,but top five is our aim and we can doit."

On Sunday, Lazio will play awayto Cagliari on the final day of theseason, while Inter Milan will hostUdinese.

Lazio are currently sixth on thetable, just two points behind fifth-placed Udinese and a win for Lazio inthe last game and loss by Udinesewill pave way for Lazio to feature inthe Europa League for a secondstraight season.

Onazi who has made 22appearances in Serie A this seasonfor Lazio with a goal to show, isexpected to be in the thick of actionagainst Cagliari.

Onazi upbeaton EuropaLeague ticket

Nigeria lose Sidney Sam to GermanyBayer Leverkusen

midfielder,Sidney Samhas finally opted to play for

Germany ahead of Nigeria after hewas called up to the nationalmannschafft squad ahead of thefriendly internationals against theUnited States and Ecuador in June.

Sam, who has played for theGermany under-19 team, is eligibleto play for the Super Eagles and hasbeen courted in recent months by theNigeria Football Federation (NFF)and head coach, Stephen Keshi.

However, Sam may never get todorn the green-white-green after itwas revealed that he had been calledup by the Germany coach, JoachinLoew for the internationals againstEcuador and the United States.

The NFF has now reacted to thedevelopment through an Executivecommittee member who refused tohave his name in print.

"Keshi won the Nations Cup inSouth Africa without Sam so I don't

really see it as such a big miss.Besides Sam hardly speaks a wordof English and would havestruggled to get with the rest of thebunch.

"I also hope for his sake, thatSam does not end up like PatrickOwomoyela who went on to

Heynckes in hot demand in Europe

Sydney Sam

represent Germany without anyreal fruits to show for it," the NFFmember said yesterday.

Sam has been capped 19 timesat junior level for Germany netting3 goals.

Bayern Munich coach JuppHeynckes has revealed hehas been contacted about job

opportunitites away from theBundesliga, though he has beentipped to retire at the end of theseason.

Heynckes, 68, dropped hints ofhis possible retirement during apress-conference on Tuesday, whenstating that he will not take overanother Bundesliga club next seasonand claiming he was too old to takeover a club outside of Germany.

"I am getting a bit long in thetooth and the clubs want to enforcea new generation. You can't do thatwith a 68-year old," Heynckes said.However, speaking to kickermagazine on Wednesday, Heynckesrevealed several clubs still hoped to

lure him into another contract."I certainly have offers from

abroad," Heynckes said. "[But] Iam entirely focused on Bayernright now."

Heynckes has been linkedwith Monaco, former club RealMadrid and an as yet unnamedRussian club, though he insiststhat no official decision will bemade regarding his future untilafter the DFB-Pokal final againstStuttgart on June 1.

Bayern Munich will take onHeynckes' first Bundesliga clubBorussia Monchengladbach intheir last game of a recordbreaking Bundesliga campaign,with the veteran Germansaying: "That's like in a goodscript."


Isinbayevaeyes gold inMoscow, mayquit if not

Yelena Isinbayeva

Yelena Isinbayevayesterday said she waskeen to claim her third

Olympic gold but may quit if sheflops at this year's Moscow worldchampionships.

Isinbayeva, the Athens 2004and Beijing 2008 Olympicchampion who finished third atlast year's London Games, toldreporters in Shanghai that"everything will depend" on herperformance on home soil inAugust.

"About my retirement, it isgoing to be a difficult decision,and you know it is difficult to sayright now what I am going to doafter the world championshipsin Moscow. It will depend on myperformance there," she said.

"I still would like to have mythird gold medal. If I would havedone it in London, for sure I couldstop after Moscow. But for themoment I don't know,"

World No 1 NovakD j o k o v i co v e r w h e l m e d

Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov toreach the quarterfinals of the RomeMasters with a 6-1 6-4 winyesterday.

Djokovic, who was defeated byin the second-round at the MadridMasters by Bulgaria's GrigorDimitrov, despatched the 23rd-ranked Dolgopolov exactly an hourafter the game began.

Dolgopolov missed two chancesto break Djokovic in the sixth gameof the second set and surrenderedthe final game to 15 when theSerbian hit a forehand winner.

Djokovic will now face TomasBerdych after the Czech sixth seeddefeated South African KevinAnderson 7-5 6-2.

Berdych came back from abreak down in the opening set onthe Foro Italico clay to level at 4-4and never looked back.

The 27-year-old Czech, though,will have to step up his game againstDjokovic who has beaten him 13times in 14 previous meetings.

would ever recover enough to beamong the world's best.

"To go out there and put on thespikes, to jump in front of a crowd? Ijust can't wait," Vlasic said in a phoneinterview from Croatia.

"I can't wait to feel that pre-competition nervousness, the positiveexcitement, to be the part of thatcircuit again. I don't want to expectanything. But I still have my hopes."

There was a time when Vlasicwas inching closer and closer to theworld record of Stefka Kostadinova,a mark the Bulgarian has held formore than 25 years. At a meet in2009, Vlasic cleared 6 feet, 9¾inches, the best mark ever bysomeone other than Kostadinova,whose record stands at 6-10¼.

These days, Vlasic's nowhere nearthat form. Not yet anyway.

"I don't know if I'll be myself again,"she said. "I cannot tell you how high Ican go. I believe I will be able to jumpas high as I used to. But I'm not obsessedover it. I can't think too much aboutheight."

Instead, she's simply relishing herreturn, vowing to appreciate eachstep along the way.

"The worries I had before this werenothing," she said. "Why worry aboutcentimetres or losing? I didn't haveany right to be disappointed when Iwas healthy and had theopportunity to do what I like. It's sadthat people understand that onlywhen something happens and youdon't have your abilities to do what

you do best, what is your life calling."After her surgery on January 30,

2012, Vlasic had some setbacks thathad her questioning if she would clearanother bar. Like when she woke upone day in April 2012 and her footwas completely swollen. At first, shethought maybe she had pushed herrecovery too far.

Turns out, one of her stitches didn'theal properly and became infected,she said.

Like that, she was sidelined again.And like that, any realistic

chance of being ready for the LondonOlympics was gone.

"I had some really darkmoments," said Vlasic, who was onantibiotics for three months to clearthe infection. "But what kept me

Vlasic returns to competition, 16 months after

Blanka Vlasic

Isinbayeva added, ahead ofSaturday's Diamond Leaguemeet.

"I am just thinking what todo. Everything will depend onthe Moscow worldchampionships."

Last week, former Soviet pole-vault great Sergei Bubkapredicted that the outdoor worldrecord-holder will end her careerin Moscow, rather than push onto the 2016 Rio de JaneiroOlympics.

Isinbayeva, 30, had plannedto retire after London, but sheextended her career after shefailed to become the first womanin history to win three successiveOlympic crowns.

Although Isinbayeva has set30 world records, indoors andoutdoors, she took only bronze atlast year's London Olympics andfailed to win a medal at either ofthe last two world championships.

Djokovicglide throughto Romequarters

Novak Djokovic

Sixteen months after missingout in major competitionsincluding the 2012 London

Olympics Games and all the IAAFDiamond League meets, high jumperBlanka Vlasic, will return to activecompetition.

The former world and Olympicchampion, is expected to next weekat the Adidas Grand Prix in New York,her first meet in nearly two years.Already, the jitters are building forthe two-time world champion.

The Croat, 29 years, wentthrough an ordeal that includedhaving to learn how to jumper afresh.

A fragment of a bone in her leftankle broke off and embedded intoher Achilles, requiring surgery toshave part of the tendon on her takeofffoot.

That was 16 months ago. Sincethen, she contracted a seriousbacterial infection in her foot, missedthe London Olympics where shewould've been a favourite and spentmany a grueling training sessionfiguring out how to jump again offher repaired ankle, wondering if she

going is the feeling that there was stillsomething for me in high jumping.There was still something out there Ididn't do that I still have to do. Whatwas that? I didn't know.

"But I didn't feel in my soul that Iwas finished, that it was over for me."

Watching the London Games lastsummer was painful, simply becauseshe had a good shot at winding up onthe podium had she been healthy.

"For two days, I was in really badshape," said Vlasic, who finishedrunner-up at the 2008 BeijingOlympics. "But then you accept it andmake peace with it. It's not like I wasready and I just wasn't there. No, Iwasn't ready. So, from thatperspective, you accept it. There willstill be other Olympic Games andworld championships for me. I believein that. I have faith in that."

Vlasic returned to high jumpinglast September. Nothing tooambitious, just a four-step approachto the bar in her training shoes.

From there, she graduated to asix-step approach and eventually toeight steps.

And then she tried jumping inher spikes, which didn't have as muchcushion.

"Whole different story," explainedVlasic, who now wears a custom-builtpair of spikes by Adidas. "You start tojump and you see how far, far awayyou are from huge jumps. When Iput my spikes on, I was like, 'Am Iever going to run without pain?'"

By the end of November, Vlasicbegan feeling a little more like her oldself, the jumper who everyone elsewas chasing before her injury.

Still, she really has no goals set forthis season. Well, maybe to make itto the world championships inMoscow in August, but that's aboutthe extent of it.


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ITSEKIRI ARCHIVAL CULTURAL &INFORMATION CENTRE

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THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDERPART 'C' OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO.1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. MRS IQUO EFFIONG OKON2. ENGR. OKON EFFIONG OKON3. MRS NKOYO JAMES OKOLI4. DEBORAH EFFIONG OKON

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.


SIGNED;BASSEY ETUKUDO ESQ

LEGAL TEMPLE AND TEMPLARWUSE, ABUJA, 08037045394

RURAL AND URBAN PEOPLEHEALTH INITIATIVE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVENAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF THECOMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. BENSON ONYEBUCHI ONWANUA - CHAIRMAN2. SUNDAY ADIFE - VICE CHAIRMAN3. OKWUCHUKWU PAUL ENENDU - SECRETARY4. GEORGE BLESSED IJEOMAH5. KENNETH EGBU6. INNOCENT ENEANO7. CHUKWUDI GABRIEL EZEMMADUKA8. UCHENNA OKOROTHE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO FOSTER UNITY, PEACE LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING AMONGMEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS.ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BEFORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYIIRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED;BARR. CHUKWUEMEKA UCHENNA

08033458678

PLASTIC PRODUCT MARKETERSASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C'OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. MUSA AISHATU GIDADO2. MUSA DANJUMA SAMARI3. BALA SHAGARI AMINA4. BALA SHAGARI MUHAMMAD BELLO

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. . COUNSEL, SUPPORT AND CARE OF WIDOW, ORPHANS AND LESSPRIVILEGED.2. TO PROMOTE, SUPPORT AND COUNSEL MEMBERS ON DRUG ANDTRAFFICKING RELATED MATTERS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BEFORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYIIRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED;N. D. ISHAYA (08035893802)

INITIATIVE FOR DEVELOPMENT,COUNSELLING AND CARE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C'OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. OKEMEFULA ONWUKWE2. EGBUNA CHINEDU CHRISTIAN3. IGWE PETER4. PHILIP FEDINAND5. IFEANYI UMEJESI

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO SEE TO THE WELFARE OF THEIR MEMBERS AND ASSIST THEIRMEMBER THAT ARE NEED OF OTHER MEMBERS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BEFORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED;EMILIA U. OKONJI (ESQ)

07033742877

DYNAMIC GREAT AMBASSADORSCLUB OF NIGERIA

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C'OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. PROPHET JOSHUA OLAWALE IJIOLA GENERAL OVERSEER/CHAIRMAN2. MRS. MORISELADE ADENIKE IJIOLA3. MR. LAWRENCE OLOWOSHOLA SECRETARY4. MR. BAMIDELE MUYIWA AJAYI5. MRS. ESTHER DANIEL6. MR. DAYO OREKELEWA7. MRS. OLUWAFUNMILAYO JOSEPH

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. . TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST2. TO ORGANIZE OUTREACHES AND CRUSADES


SIGNED;NAOMI ALASA (BARR) 08064449518

CHRIST HOPE CHURCH

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART "C"OF THECOMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. HON.EMMANUEL OMAH2. DR EMMANUEL ARDU3. PROF.EMMANUEL O.ANOSIKE4. PA GABRIEL EGWUMATA5. CHIEF O.OBASI6. ENGR.ALEXANDER EGWUDIALE7. HON.GOODLUCK N.OPIAHTHE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS2. TO BRING TOGETHER ALL RESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION.3. TO PURSUE A COMPREHENSIVE WELFARE PROGRAM FORMEMBERS.ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BEFORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: J.W.NIMFAS ESQM.A.ATTAH & CO

LEGAL PRACTITIONERS

OHIO IRU ESTATE RESIDENTSASSOCIATION


PUBLIC NOTICE


THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. PASTOR AKINLADE SEGUN CHAIRMAN2. PASTOR (MRS) AKINLADE ABOSEDE3. MR AKINLADE OLUWASEUN JOHNSON4. ENGR. KUKE FESTUS5. MR ADEMOLA SOGO SIMEON SECRETARY6. MRS KUKE OLUWAGBEMINIYI

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.2. TO CATER FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED.3. TO PREACH AND TRAIN CHRISTIANS TO POSSESS THE GOODCHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND SHINE AS LIGHT IN THE WORLD ANDSALT OF THE EARTH.4. TO PROMOTE UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS, BY DE-EMPHASIZINGTHOSE THINGS THAT DIVIDE US.ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BEFORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED;SECRETARY

CAMP OF DAVID GOSPEL CHURCH

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C'OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. REV. DANIEL EBI KEMS CHAIRMAN2. DEACON (MRS) JANET EBI KEMS MEMBER3. PASTOR PATRICK AREKUMO MEMBER4. MR PEREKEME SELEYEIBO SECRETARY5. DEACON FREEDOM OJI MEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST AND PROPAGATECHRISTIAN VALUES.


SIGNED;MOHAMMED T. KURA

9 JERE STREET, GARKI ABUJA08064086889

DEVOTION & RECONCILIATIONPOWER MINISTRY

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C'OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. ONYEMA ODOH CHAIRMAN2. IKE WISDOM SECRETARY3. KEVIN EZE TREASURER4. CHINEDU NNAMCHI FINANCIAL SECRETARY5. NNAMONU MARTINS PATRON THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. . TO FOSTER UNITY, CORPORATION AND INTEGRATION AMONGMEMBERS.2. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE AND OVERALL WELLBEING OFMEMBERS.3. TO PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE AMONG THE MEMBERS.4. TO ASSIST MORALLY AND FINANCIALLY.5. TO PROMOTE SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG MEMBERS6. TO PROMOTE PEACE AND COOPERATION AMONG THE MEMBERSAND THE PUBLIC.ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BEFORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED;IKECHUKWU K. ODOH, ESQ

PEARL PARTNERSHIP (PLOT 21 NIAMEY STREET, WUSEZONE 2, ABUJA (08032613839)

MME-MME SOCIAL CLUB

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C'OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. UZOMA EMMANUEL NWAZUOKE CHAIRMAN2. CHERECHI IHEOMA UZOMA-NWAZUOKE3. ADEYEMO ADESHINA OLUWAKAYODE4. CHINYERE OKORO SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE POOR AND LESS PRIVILEGD TOENABLE THEM IMPROVE THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS.2. TO ENGAGE THE POOR AND LESS PRIVILEGED IN SKILLACQUISITION ACTIVITIES TO ENABLE THEM BE SELF EMPLOYED.3. TO PROVIDE MICRO-CREDIT FUNDS TO THE POOR AND LESSPRIVILGED.4. TO EMPOWER THE YOUTHS TO MAKE THEM PRODUCTIVE TOTHEMSELVES AND THE SOCIETY.


SIGNED;CHINYERE OKOROTEL: 08038658520

VICTORY EMPOWERMENT CENTRE

PUBLIC NOTICE


THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. CHIEF JOEL MADAKI 6. AMB. WILBERFORCE JUTA2. MRS ITOSE OLOGUN 7. DR. ILIYA SALU3. SHALOM AGBON 8. BARR. AKPADIAH EBITU4. VANIAH AGBON 9. KAYODE KALE5. DAME PAULINE TALLEN OFR 10. SAKIJE FAITH

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO GIVE FIRST AID LECTURES TO NIGERIANS IN THE 36 STATESOF THE FEDERATION, IN SCHOOLS OFFICE AND HOMES.2. TO GIVE FIRST AID KITS TO NIGERIANS, IN EVERY HOME, OFFICESAND SCHOOLS.3. TO REDUCE PRE-HOSPITAL MORTALITY RATE.


SIGNED;SECRETARY

FIRST AID FOR NIGERIANS INITIATIVE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED UNION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND ADDITION OFTRUSTEE FROM THE ORGANIZATION UNDER PART 'C' OF THECOMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE;1. MR MICHEAL ANIGBOGU2. MR EDWIN ODDIH3. MR LOUIS UMERAH4. MR CHUKWULOZIE FELIX5. MR EMMANUEL MOLOKWUTHE NEW TRUSTEE IS:1. CHIEF FIDELIS NWOSUTHE REMOVED TRUSTEE IS:1. MR EMMANUEL MOLOKWU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO FOSTER THE SPIRIT OF ONENESS AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE OFNKPOR IN AND AROUND LAGOS.ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BEFORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED;IFEOMA A. N. OKEKE

NKPOR DEVELOPMENT UNION-LAGOS

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDERPART 'C' OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. PASTOR JOSEPH YUSUF - PRESIDENT2. SISTER TINUOLA ABIOLA - VICE-PRESIDENT3. REV. ALAGBE AMOS OLATUNJI - ACCOUNTANT4. REV. ASIYANBI MATHEW OLUBAYO - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO HELP THE POOR, ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND ELDERLY PERSONS2. TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND HOMELESS PERSONS3. TO HELP THE NEEDY BY EMPOWERING THEM4. TO SET THE CAPTIVES AND THOSE IN PRISON FREE


SIGNED;BARR. JESSICA EFE-DANIELS

VINEOLIVES CHAMBERS, GWARIMPA

CHRIST THE COMPASSIONATEOUTREACH INT'L

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C'OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. ATEBOR MICHAEL OSHOMAH CHAIRMAN2. BARR. (MRS) OBIORA EBERE CYNTHIA SECRETARY3. DR. IDEMOH JANE ONOSHORENA4. MR. ANTHONY OTUH5. MR. NURUDEEN YUSUF

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO HELP IN THE PROMOTION OF UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT.TO PROVIDE CHARITABLE SERVICES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THECOMMUNITY.(2)TO PROVIDE RELIEF OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS.(3) TO ADVANCE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO THE LESSPRIVILEDGED


SIGNED;BARR. ONUORAH CHINANUEKPERE ESQ. 08039422155

ATEBOR MICHAEL OSHOMAHFOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE


THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. HON. STANLEY BENIBO2. MRS. SOWAGBAIN IGBIKIS3. MRS. QUEEN TARIBO BOB-MANUEL4. MISS. AMANDA S. BENIBO5. MR. TAMUNO-INA BENIBO

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO ADVOCATE AND FACILITATE THE HUMAN ANDINFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITIES INTHE NIGER DELTA REGION


SIGNED;SECRETARY.

SOWSTAN DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

PUBLIC NOTICE


THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. BISHOP FRIDAY UGURU OKWEY2. LADY MARTHA ADA OKWEY3. ELDER CHARLES ONYEBUCHI4. ELDER VICTOR OKORONKWO AZU5. ELDER EMMANUEL NNABUIHE6. SENIOR WILSON IGWE UKOMA7. MOTHER NWANNE EGBUTA8. BARRISTER VICTOR CHINEDU OKPARA9. BARRISTER UCHE OKEUDO

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST2. TO ORGANIZE OUTREACHES AND CRUSADES.


SIGNED;UCHE OKEUDO ESQ. BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, 07035426619

GOD IS REAL INTERNATIONALBIBLE OUTREACH

PUBLIC NOTICE


THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. AMINA SALIHU2. NANA FATIMA SALIHU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO PROVIDE PHILANTHROPIC SERVICES TO THE MEMBERS OFTHE PUBLIC2. TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE EMPOWERMENTPROGRAMMES3. TO CATER FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS OFTHE SOCIETY ESPECIALLY THE LESS PRIVILEGED ANDVULNERABLE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY


SIGNED;ADEMOLA AJALA, ESQ. ACTRA CHAMBERS, 13 PARAKOU

CRESCENT, WUSE II, ABUJA. 08033987503

HABIBA DANGANA FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE


THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. . DAVID IBIYEOMIE2. PEACE IBIYEOMIE (MRS)3. EBIZIMO DIRIYAI

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO PROVIDE PHILANTHROPIC SERVICES TO THE MEMBERS OFTHE PUBLIC2. TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS, ENDOW CHAIRS AND GENERALLYSUPPORT RESEARCH WORK IN SCIENCE, ART, MEDICINE,EDUCATION, ETC.3. TO PROVIDE AND ESTABLISH SKILLS ACQUISITION/VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER FOR THE BENEFIT OF BOTH ITSMEMBERS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED


SIGNED;SECRETARY

LIFE STREAMS DEVELOPMENT ANDEMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION


PUBLIC NOTICE


THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. . LINUS BALA OCHAI2. FLORENCE SHOLA OCHAI

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO EMPOWER ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND OTHER VULNERABLEGROUPS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF SHELTER, ACCESS TOPOTABLE WATER, EDUCATION, SKILL ACQUISITION, FREEHEALTHCARE.2. TO BUILD THE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT CAPACITY OFHEALTH PROFESSIONALS.3. TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF HEART ATTACK AND HIV AIDSTHROUGH FREE CPR TRAINING AND HIV AIDS EDUCATION,TESTING AND COUNSELING.


SIGNED:BIMBO AGBOGUN

19, MAHATMA GANDHI STREET ASOKORO ABUJA(08067702223)

LINUS OCHAI FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C'OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. CHIEF ANTHONY CHIKELU2. CHIEF JUDE CHIEDOZIE3. CHIEF ORJI OKOSISI ENEH4. CHIEF MICHAEL OGUAJU5. CHIEF SUNDAY EBE6. CHIEF DOMINIC UCHENNA ONABA7. CHIEF OGBONNA NNAMANI

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. TO UNITE STATE REGISTERED ASSOCIATION IN WARRI ANDENVIRONS


SIGNED:BIMBO AGBOGUN

SECRETARY

OGBAKO NDI ENUGU ASSOCIATION, WARRI

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR AMENDMENT OF ITSCONSTITUTION UNDER PART 'C' OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIEDMATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE REMAIN THE SAME

1. SECTIONS AMENDED:ARTICLE 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 14. SCHEDULE 2 & 4.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDEDTO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRSCOMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJAWITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED:BARR. TOBE LORDLY

EDO TIPPER DRIVERS ASSOCIATIONOF NIGERIA

PUBLIC NOTICE


THE TRUSTEES ARE;1. . ITEDJERE OGHENENYERHOVWO JUDE ESQ.2. OGEGE ESTHER ESQ.3. JULIUS EZIMADU ESQ.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE;1. DISPUTE RESOLUTION2. LEGAL AID (FREE LEGAL SERVICES)3. CAPACITY BUILDING3. GENDER ADVOCACY.


SIGNED:SECRETARY

GREEN-BRIDGE ADVOCATESINTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE

CHANGE OF NAMEI, FORMALLY KNOWN AS FATIMA BINTA,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS ASFATIMA BINTA ABUBAKAR. ALL FORMERDOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERALPUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAMEI, FORMALLY KNOWN AS AMINA YUSUF , NOWWISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS AMINAYUSUF GWAMNA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTSREMAIN VALID. F.C.E KANO, ABU ZARIA ANDGENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

OnyedimalamentssaysfemaleLeaguestill lackssponsorsBy Albert Akota

Ebere Orji, Super Falcons' player

Though she said that thefemale league is worthabout N500m, the Chairman of

the Nigeria Women Football League,Chief Dilichukwu Onyedima, haslamented that the league is still gropingfor sponsorships.

Onyedima, who regretted that theplight of female league in countryhowever was optimistic that there waslight at the end of the tunnel.

She said negotiations withprospective sponsors were at advantagestage and added that it won't be long nowbefore sponsors for female league wouldbe unveiled.

''Since the inception of this currentfemale league board our marketingdrive has been very aggressive, but thesnag is that most corporate concernskeep telling us that they are stillconsulting at their leadership level.Some have however assured us that theywill get to us before long''

Further, she claimed that the leaguethat has produced players for the SuperFalcons that have won the AfricanWomen championship a record sixtimes.

"Yet, there is no cash prize for anyteam that wins the league every year.There is enough to dampen the spirit ofplayers," she said.

Also, she disclosed that oncesponsorship was secured the league bodywould introduce the ladies premierleague that would comprise 12 teams.''Just to give our female league a level ofrespectability," she added.

The leadership is also toying with theidea of floating an internationaltournament in conjunction with thecontinent football ruling body CAF.

''We want our female clubs to lookforward to some internationalcompetition at the club level just liketheir male counterpart, and we intendto stat it with some neighbouringAfrican countries before pushing theidea to CAF."

SPORTS LALALALALATESTTESTTESTTESTTEST

ADVERT:ADVERT:ADVERT:ADVERT:ADVERT: 0803 311 74580803 311 74580803 311 74580803 311 74580803 311 7458BUSINESS:BUSINESS:BUSINESS:BUSINESS:BUSINESS: 0805 689 17650805 689 17650805 689 17650805 689 17650805 689 1765NEWS:NEWS:NEWS:NEWS:NEWS: 0814 292 90460814 292 90460814 292 90460814 292 90460814 292 9046LAGOS:LAGOS:LAGOS:LAGOS:LAGOS: 0805 327 19690805 327 19690805 327 19690805 327 19690805 327 1969

0803 454 03440803 454 03440803 454 03440803 454 03440803 454 0344

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.8Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759.e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] ISSN: 2141– 6141

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013

QQQQQUOUOUOUOUOTTTTTABLE QABLE QABLE QABLE QABLE QUOUOUOUOUOTETETETETEWhat I saw this morning (Wednesday) scared

me. I had never seen soldiers on the move quitelike that before.

— A Maiduguri resident reacting on the firstfull of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and

Adamawa states

The former Englandcaptain has decided tobring the curtain down on

his illustrious career - despite thebest efforts of les Parisiens topersuade him to play on foranother year

Paris Saint-Germainmidfielder David Beckham hasannounced that he will retirefrom football at the end of theseason.

The 38-year-old only movedto the French capital on a short-term contract in January butthe Parisiens were keen for theformer England captain toextend his stay at the Parc desPrinces for another season.

However, even thoughBeckham played his part in PSGending their 18-year wait for aLigue title, the midfielder hasnow decided to bring the curtaindown on his illustrious career thissummer.

Beckham has establishedhimself as one of the mostrecognisable faces in sport duringa remarkable career that hasspanned two decades.

He made his name atManchester United, winning sixPremier League titles, two FACups and one Champions Leaguewith the Red Devils before joiningReal Madrid in 2003.

Beckham lifted La Liga in hisfinal season at the SantiagoBernabeu before shocking thefootballing world by moving toLA Galaxy, with whom he wontwo MLS Cups. Perhaps moresignificantly, though, he playeda massive role in boostingfootball's popularity in the UnitedStates.

After two loan spells with ACMilan during his time inAmerica, he eventuallyreturned to Europe earlier thisyear with PSG, picking anotherdomestic championship tobecome the first Englishman towin titles in four differentcountries.

In his homeland, though, hewill probably best beremembered for his captaincy ofthe national team, and thetrademark free kick againstGreece which secured hiscountry's qualification for the2002 World Cup.

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

Beckhamannouncesretirement

Winner takes someYoruba people like to say

that if you travel farenough, you’ll eventually

chance upon a hunchbackedsquirrel i.e. nothing is toostrange to see or hear if youeither live long enough or areprepared to go to the end of theearth to look for it.

One of the stranger things Ihave seen recently is NorthernIreland essentially exportingconflict resolution strategies.Broadly, Northern Ireland spentdecades at war with itself drivenessentially by a difference inopinion between Unionists andRepublicans. There was of coursethe religious aspect to it as wellbetween Catholics andProtestants. Everyone fromNelson Mandela to Tony Blair toHenry Kissinger tried to helpbroker a peace agreement untileventually a 20 year peaceprocess began in April 1998 withthe famous Good FridayAgreement.

It is against this backdropthat Northern Ireland now hasa body like the CausewayInstitute run by a Unionist MP,Jeffrey Donaldson, which toursthe world’s troubled regions likeAfghanistan, selling ideas forpeace. This is all the moreremarkable given that this is amoney earner for the NorthernIrish economy still struggling tofind its way after all those yearsof conflict.

What can we learn from thisin Nigeria? A very simpleobservation is that some conflictssimply won’t be resolved unlessa power sharing model can bedevised between all parties. Thisis not a one size fits all rule but inthe case of Northern Ireland, itis remarkable that these days,the biggest worry on the mindsof some of the people who werealways at loggerheads with eachother is that the conflict mightflare up again and ruin the newexport. After all who is going to

same resources. The Niger Deltamilitancy movement has beenshown to fit this bill.

An annoying feature of ourdemocracy is how the localgovernment system has becomethe plaything of governors acrossthe country. Yet in othercountries, as evidenced by therecent UK council elections, localgovernments afford voters auseful opportunity to‘experiment’ with various optionsusually in the form of differentpolitical parties and ideas. In theUK for example, no one is aboutto put the Green Party and someof their wacky ideas in overallcontrol of the government butvoters in Brighton are happy tolet them run the council there. Asmall congested town sufferingthings like road traffic andparking issues can vote the GreenParty and their radical ideas butthis is not a problem thattranslates across the country. Inshort, local government oughtto be for resolving local issues.This is sorely needed in a diversecountry like Nigeria withmyriad moving parts and ahapless Federal Governmentwhose first and last idea forresolving any problem is to setup a committee and throwmoney at it.

So to extend the idea of aparliamentary system, here’sanother unoriginal idea –proportional representation inelecting local governmentcouncillors. We can have aprocess that makes it possible fortoday’s militants and ‘freedomfighters’ to wield some politicalpower in their sphere of influenceon the condition that they laydown their arms. But we haveto ditch the first past the postsystem we currently use insettling electoral matters. Itshould be clear that from theoutset that one party cannotcontrol everything by winningthe elections. Say a council has10 councillors; we can have asystem where the party with the

buy conflict resolution from acountry in the news for sectarianclashes and burning of cars andhouses?

As a cost saving measure, Ihave often advocated for thescrapping of the positions ofChairman and Vice Chairmanof Local Government Councils inNigeria. Currently thesepositions are elected (in theory)separately by voters. My ideahas been that we turn the localgovernment system into aparliamentary one where votersonly elect councillors. Once allcouncillors have been elected,they will then choose a ‘councilleader’ among themselves tocarry out the function of thecouncil chairman. The councilleader will be drawn from theparty with the majority ofcouncillors and can be replacedat any time by his peers. By myestimation, this simple changeto the LG system would take outover 1,500 political offices savingus billions a year and perhapsreducing the tendency for thecouncil chairman, purportedlywith his own mandate, fromwalking away with the localgovernment budget, as is oftenthe case right now.

But there can be more to thisidea than just saving money.From north to south, east to westof Nigeria, there is no shortageof conflict in Nigeria today. Afeature of these conflicts is thatthose who have been locked outof the system and thus feel likethey have no stake in the societyhave no qualms about raisinghell and causing destruction.Sometimes the excluded justwant attention and use mindlessviolence to announce theirpresence. Ansaru would fit thisbill. Sometimes they like whatthe privileged have done forthemselves with thecommonwealth and ratherthan push for redistribution ofresources as they claim to befighting for, what they reallywant is their own share of the

highest number of votes gets amaximum of 5 councillors. Therest of the offices will be sharedacross say the parties that comefrom 2nd to 4th. This shouldencourage a kind of pluralitythat mirrors, to an extent, ourdiversity as a people.

There are various forms ofsuch models across the world soit’s not something we need tobuild from scratch; we canmodify to suit ourcircumstances. Rather thanthrowing bombs at innocentpeople, the Boko Haram Partymight find that it can officiallycontrol parts of the states whereit is currently ‘campaigning’with violence. Perhaps MENDcan be invited to emancipate afew local governments in theNiger Delta complete withbudgets (which have to bewrested out of the control ofgovernors).

There’s no sustainablesolution in any democracy thatcan bypass the test of theinclusiveness of its institutions.It is interesting that our currentmethod of ‘inclusiveness’ does notinvolve institutions but merelythe sharing of money in thename of amnesty. This wasalways a very simple solutionand we are now running out ofproblems that can be solved withsuch cut and paste ideas. It is oftensaid that these armed groupsacross the country are ‘popular’and have plenty of sympathizersout there. Well this is one way tofind out; granting them a‘political amnesty’ thatencourages them to drop theirweapons and participate in aprocess that guarantees ameasure of ‘winning’ for everyoneinvolved.

Who knows, one day Nigeriatoo might be exporting conflictresolution and power sharingstrategies to troubled countriesaround the world.

Adejoh Idoko Momoh isreachable viawww.adejoh.blogspot.comDavid Beckham

‘Feyi Fawehimi is anaccountant who has spent thelast 7 years working in London'sfinancial services industry. He iscurrently finishing up an MBAand is particularly interested inBehavioral Economics especiallyas regards understanding theNigerian economy so as todesign policies for economicgrowth.

Feyi joins Yemi

Adamolekun, JaphethOmojuwa, Chinedu Ekeke, SeunFakuade, Zainab Usman,Momoh Adejoh, Amina SaudeMohammed, Olusegun Dadaand Seun Fakuade who havebeen very active in promotingyouth participation ingovernance. Feyi writes todayon saving our economy throughchanging the structure ofgovernment in Nigeria.

It is my honour to introduceMr. Feyi Fawehimi for yourreading pleasure.

NNNNNASIR EL-RASIR EL-RASIR EL-RASIR EL-RASIR EL-RUFUFUFUFUFAIAIAIAIAION FRIDON FRIDON FRIDON FRIDON FRIDAAAAAYYYYY

[email protected]

INTRODUCING YOUNG VOICES

‘Feyi Fawehimi

Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday 17, May, 2013

Documents

Transcript of Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday 17, May, 2013