People, Places and Events
LIBERIA
Call to vote in elections
The Chairman of the Special Elections Commission, Ernest Hamah, has called on "every patriotic Liberian" to go to the polls to vote on the new Constitution on 3 July. The new Constitution, if adopted, would form the basis for inaugurating a new civilian government.Report was fabricated
The former Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Mr E. Sumo Jones, has denied being whipped by Head of State Samuel K. Doe before his dismissal.In his denial, Mr Jones also said he was at no time manhandled nor beaten by security forces at the time of his arrest and detention.
Mr Jones was dismissed last month by Head of State Doe for tax evasion of over $22,000 due to government at the time.
Dr Doe, at the time, also accused Mr Jones of "his inability to get along with the government appointed board of Directors of NPA."
Success in tax collection
About 17 million dollars has been collected by the Special Tax Force set up by Head of State, Dr Samuel K. Doe last month to collect over 26 million dollars owed government in taxes.Announcing this at a press conference Dr Doe said the amount represented collection from 23 April to 23 May, 1984.
He said because tax delinquency was becoming a "common practice" in Liberia, government was obliged to launch the tax collection campaign to curb an "apparent disregard by citizens and business establishment to meet their tax obligations."
"The refusal by tax payers to meet their obligations to government, cer tainly retards national progress and development as the bulk of the money needed for the implementation of our national budget comes from tax sources," the Head of State said.
Dr Doe said there would have been no need for such an aggressive campaign to collect legitimate taxes were Liberians sincere and loyal to their government and hoped that the campaign would stimulate the people to become aware of their national obligation.
He further hoped that future tax collection would be done without "force and intimidation," adding "we trust that all Liberians and Non Liberians, will pay their taxes regularly."
Dr Doe then thanked the special task force, comprising mainly members of the PRC, for "the great dedication and sacrifices" in making the campaign a success.
Answering to a question, Dr Doe disclosed that the money collected by the tax force would be deposited with local banking institutions and would be retrieved upon government's request. He said those failing to pay their taxes would have their properties confiscated through the courts.
CAMEROON
Problems with Chad refugees
The authorities are at present engaged in a vast campaign to control Chad nationals living in northern Cameroon, especially in Kousseri, Maroua and Garoua. The authorities are proposing to persons in an irregular situation either that they return to Chad or they go to the Palifao refugee camp, which is under the control of the (UN) High Commission for Refugees.On several occasions the Cameroon authorities have said that they would be firm with those who tried to abuse Cameroon's hospitality in order to attack the security or the integrity of Chad.
Other sources indicate that the reinforcement of police vigilance could be connected to the control procedure due to Cameroon's internal situation. A representative of the GUNT of Mr Goukkouni Oueddei, in Paris has launched an appeal to the government of Yaounde asking it to treat the Chad refugees living in northern Cameroon in accordance with international agreements.
Assurance on border closure
The Federal Military Government has again assured her neighbours that the closure of her borders was not done to punish any of them. Rather, the measure was taken in the nation's interest.The minister of internal affairs, Brigadier Mohammed Magoro, re-stated the government's position in Lagos when the Ambassador of the United Republic of Cameroon, Mr Mohaman Yerima called on him.
The minister said that as soon as the government was satisfied with the situation at the borders, they would be re-opened.
Speaking on the border closure, the Ambassador said that the closure had affected normal trade between Nigeria and Cameroon and appealed to the Federal Military Government to reconsider its decision on the closure.
IVORY COAST
Insecticide - cause of deaths
Insecticide poisoning could be responsible for a mystery illness that recently swept two villages in northern Ivory Coast, and killed about 40 children in less than a month, Health and Population Minister, Mr Alphonse Djedje Mady has said. The minister told newsmen that the illness mainly affected children aged between two and 14 years, who suffered convulsions, stomach pains and fever, leading to death. Mr Mady said that the insecticides had been used by the villagers to protect their cotton, maize Limited. and other crops. He said that ponds had formed in the fields since the start of the rainy season a few weeks ago, after a period of severe drought. It was believed the water could have been contaminated and that the children became ill after bathing in it. Another possibility, he said, was that empty insecticide containers, which sometimes resemble fruit juice cartons, had not been buried and that the children had used them for drinking.Good coffee crop
A good 1984-85 robusta coffee crop of at least 250,000 tonnes is virtually certain, barring freak climatic condi tions between now and harvesting.According to a report in the Financial Times quoting local traders near perfect growing conditions and an abundance of cherries on coffee bushes mean final outturn is likely to be more than three times the drought-hit 1983-84 crop of just over 80,000 tonnes, they said.
Regular rains this year have boosted development of cherries and point to a large crop of fine quality. Allowing for the historical decline in Ivorian coffee output a crop of 250,000 tonnes would be regarded as good.
Some sources forecast outturn at nearer 300,000 tonnes.
Solar energy project
The French Energy Management Agency is to undertake the biggest solar energy operation ever implemented in the Ivory Coast. A community clinic and a health centre will be provided with the equipment using solar energy.NIGERIA
Ex-Bendel governor jailed
The former governor of Bendel state and two of his cabinet ministers have been sentenced to a total of 64 years in prison on corruption charges by the Ibadan zone special military Tribunal.The three, Governor Ambrose Ali, a former Commissioner of Finance, Mr Augstine Nuse Omalaye and the former commissioner of Works and Transport, Mr Sam Otaniyen Iredia, were charged on a nine count of receiving and accepting various sums of money from Mr Babatunde Adeyemi of Hispanic Construction (Nigeria)
During the trial, three accused persons and nine prosecution witnesses gave evidence. Six exhibits were also said to have been tendered and accepted by the tribunal.
Professor Alli was a UPN governor until he was defeated in the October elections by NPN candidate, S.O. Ogbemudia.
Akinloye's wife faces currency trial
The wife of Chief Adisa Akinloye, former Chairman of the NPN is facing a four count charge of illegal currency trafficking at the exchange control and anti-sabotage tribunal in Lagos.Mrs Ukpa Ewewewa Akinloye, alias Madam Eke is charged along with a man, Edet Enong Atakpa.
They were alleged to have conspired to export 1,215 pounds sterling, 567 American dollars, 8,000 French francs and 2,650 Swiss francs without permission from the Minister of Finance. The offences were said to have been committed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in January this year.
Don't condemn all politicians
Head of State, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has said in Lagos that detained politicians and public officers were being asked to account for their stewardship in order to instil some sense of discipline in the Nigerian public.Replying to a memorandum presented to him by a delegation of Catholic bishops at Dondan barracks, Maj-Gen. Buhari reiterated that those involved in the misuse of public funds and other forms of misappropriation would con tinue to be held responsible until their cases were cleared.
The Head of State said that the Federal Military Government believed in freedom of religion without a breach of the peace and in the spirit of good neighbourliness.
Earlier, the delegation, led by Cardinal Dominic Ekandem, stated in its memorandum that detainees should be given reasonable access to the spiritual attention of their pastors and other genuine religious counsellors. It also urged the government to resist the temptation for a sweeping condemnation of all politicians and of politics in general, saying that the urgent task ahead is to prepare and identify a new breed of public-spirited and honest politicians to whom "we shall eventually entrust our nation..."
Trade fair to go ahead
The fourth Nigerian International Trade Fair is scheduled to take place from November 3 to November 11 this year at the Trade Fair Complex, Badagary Express Way, Lagos, the Director of the International Trade Fair Complex, Mr E.E. Onwubueke, said in a statement in Lagos. According to Mr Onwubueke, the fair will be a "generalised" trade fair and in which all types of consumer and industrial goods will be exhibited. He explained that participation was open to manufacturers, industrialists, agricultural scientists, small and large commercial organisations, parastatals, research institutes, corporations, foreign governments and their companies.Mr Onwubueke said that the fair would expose foreigners to the industrial potentials of Nigeria and the opportunities offered by the Nigerian market so as to generate in them the desire to invest in the economy.
Extend order to bachelors
Kano state government's order that single girls in the state should get married whether they want to or not, has come under heavy attack. A report in the National Concorde said the order had been described as "discriminatory" against women fold by the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS). At a press conference its president, Hajiya Amina Esther Sambo, wondered why the state government had decided to issue such order without consulting women organisations like the NCWS.According to the council, if men fail to patronize prostitutes women who engage in it would look for another job. The council, therefore, urged the government to extend the same order to bachelors in Kano state.
List of purged journalists
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is compiling a list of media practitioners retrenched in the current purge exercise, with a view to entering into dialogue with the relevant authorities.This plan was contained in a communique issued at the end of the Union's Central Working Committee (CWC) and the National Executive Council (NEC) meetings held in Kano recently. The two councils of the union reviewed the spate of retrenchment of workers in the country and re-stated the union's stand that retrenchment was not a solution to revamping the nation's economy.
It noted that the retrenchment exercise had become more objectionable when it found that poor workers were the hardest hit.
Request for OPEC meeting
Nigeria has reportedly asked for an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to discuss output and marketing prices.But according to New Nigerian such a meeting was unlikely to take place because few members of the 13-nation body appeared ready to meet before a regular session set for July 10.
Nigeria wanted OPEC to make urgent decisions on output quotas and how to handle increased demand for its oil due to the Gulf war between Iran and Iraq, both OPEC members. It also wanted the meeting because, while it had cut output to its OPEC set quota of 1.3 million barrels per day (BPD), other members were exceeding theirs to take advantage of the market demand.
Arrest of three UK citizens
Three British aeronautical engineers working with a private airline and a Nigerian businessman have been arrested by the police in connection with the recent disappearance of a private jet which was detained at the Murtala Mohammed airport on the orders of the Federal Government.Police sources told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the three British nationals were being interrogated on the roles they played when two British pilots illegally flew out the jet about three weeks ago. The Nigerian businessman, it was reliably gathered, was said to be answering questions on "his involvement in the affair."
According to a police source, the interrogation "is without prejudice" to a probe already ordered into the incident by the Federal Government.
The incident, in which the two British pilots, Capt. Mike Howard and co-pilot Beatrice Spalding, secretly flew the British-built Hawker Siddeley 125 aircraft out of the country, has provoked concern within the government and security circles in Nigeria.
The Minister of Transport and Avia- tion, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullah, confirmed that the aircraft had been flown back to Nigeria and that investigations had been ordered into the incident.
Eradication of illiteracy
The Nigerian Army hopes to eradicate illiteracy in the Army by 1989. According to the Commander of 13 Amphibious Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar, Lt-Col. L.A. Uwumarogie, the modern military has become more delicate and sophisticated for the ordinary soldier. He said that the degree to which soldiers were able to maintain and handle those equipment most efficiently depended to a large extent on their level of education.New cause for anxiety
A Lagos radio commentary has expressed surprise that recently Nigerians had again been subjected to attacks in southern areas bordering Cameroon. That was the scene of the incident three years ago when the possibility of war had been averted by Nigeria's tremendous restraint. It was unfortunate that Cameroonians had given Nigerians new cause for anxiety.The present military administration had sent two goodwill delegations to Cameroon and Nigerians expected the Cameroon Government to ensure that its people appreciated the gesture by not provoking border incidents.
Good prospects for uranium and tin
Preliminary reports on the exploration for uranium in Gombe, Bauchi State, are favourable according to the Minister of Mines, Power and Steel, Alhaji Rilwanu Lukman. He said that the Nigerian Uranium Mining Company (NUMC) was carrying out the exploratory work and that it covered parts of Gongola, Borno and Bauchi States. The Nigerian Mining Corporation holds 60% of the equity in NUMC and the French firm, Minatom, 40%.On the Government's tin rationalisation policy, the Minister said that the Federal Governmnet had approved the scheme and that the Nigerian Mining Corporation in collaboration with the five major tin mining firms had worked out a time-table for implementation.
The policy is expected to enhance productivity through better use of equipment. Under the scheme the five firms will pool their resources and harmonise their processes. The firms are Amalgamated Tin Mines of Nigeria, Gold and Base Metals (Nig) Ltd, Ex-Lands Nigeria Lts, Kaduna Prospectors and Bisichi Jantar.
On Nigeria's membership in the Association of Tin Producing Countries (ATPC), whose headquarters are in Bangkok, Alhaji Rilwanu said: "It will not help us to isolate ourselves from the International Tin Council or the ATPC. If the tin industry prospers as a result of these twobodies, Nigeria will benefit and, being members, we can influence the two organisations." UPPER VOLTA
Joint commission with Mali
The first session of the Mali-Upper Volta joint co-operation commission ended in Ouagadougou with the following principal conclusions: The two parties envisaged measures to raise the level of trade between them and agreed on the need to improve and harmonise trade statistics.With regard to industrial promotion, they agreed to promote the exchange of experience and to encourage participation in the state-run companies of both countries as well as the implementation of joint projects.
Concerning rural development, they identified the sectors in which they would like to share experience. They also decided to join efforts in mobilising the necessary resources for the rehabilitation and paving of roads linking their two countries.
With regard to public health and social welfare, the two countries recommend the intensification of co-operation between the border regions, especially in the area of hospitalisation.
GHANA
Passengers detained over bills
Ghana Airways had to settle its unpaid bills on Friday 15 June after British Airways had refused to handle its services at Heathrow Airport, London. Passengers on the overnight flight from Accra which arrived early in the morning were able to disembark only after the British Airports authority had appointed an agent in place of British Airways.Ghana Airways later settled its outstanding bills and British Airways then resumed its handling services.
Curfew Lifted
The PNDC has announced the lifting of the curfew imposed on the country since the day of the coup which brought it into power on 31 December 1981.The two and a half year old curfew was in the beginning effective from dusk to dawn-6.30p.m. to 6a.m. It was later switched to 8p.m. to 5.30a.m. and then to midnight to 5a.m.
During the recent 4 June celebrations, the curfew was lifted.
The continued imposition of the curfew had been seen by many as evidence of the unending security problems of the PNDC and the lifting is being seen by some observers as evidence that the PNDC has finally felt secure of its position.
₵250 for a loaf of bread
A loaf of bread sells for ₵250 on the 'black market' in Ghana. The price constitutes about one quarter of a clerical officer's salary in the Ghana Civil Service.A Ghanaian Times report said four bakers and their errand boy in Dansoman, Accra had been arrested for selling a two kilogram of bread for ₵250.
Investigations, the paper said, revealed that the bread was being sold to 'VIP's' and on 'whom you know' basis.
Dead men's gold
'Cemetery Miners' are striking it rich in the Amansie district of Ashanti in their search for gold and other valuables belonging to the 'dead'.The nocturnal diggers are reported to be digging abandoned graves suspected to contain the bodies of dead rich men and robbing the bodies of gold ornaments used in dressing them.
The 'Weekly Spectator' reported that one recent incident took place in Bekwai where a 30 year-old grave of one of the richest men in the town, was dug and robbed.
Opening of borders
The government has announced the opening of the borders with the Ivory Coast and Togo. An official statement named the following as the recognised and official crossing points from Ghana to the Ivory Coast: Tsate, Sampa, Gonokrom, Kwameseikrom, Osiekodjokrom and Jaway Wharf.Nine recognised and official crossing points from Ghana to Togo have also been named. They are Aflao, Kpovlo, Akamu, Shianyigbe and Leklebidafo. The others are Menuso, Tatale, Kulim akom and Bawku-Kulungugu.
South-South co-operation'
Ghana's Foreign Secretary, Dr Obed Asamoah has noted that relations between Ghana and Mali are a good example of South-South co-operation. Addressing the opening session of a meeting of the joint commission on cooperation, Dr Asamoah said that the recent delivery of 21,000 tonnes of Malian cotton to Ghana was a step in the right direction. Accra Radio quoted Dr Asamoah as saying that Ghana had also bought thousands of cattle from Mali which in turn would buy wood, salt and cola nuts from Ghana.Mali to refine oil at Tema
The government has agreed to provide warehouse facilities for transit goods intended for Mali and will refine Mali's crude oil at the Port City of Tema.The Ghana News Agency (GNA) quoted Malian Foreign Minister Alioune Beye as telling journalists in Accra that Ghana had agreed to release land for the construction of the warehouses. Mr Beye led a nine-man Malian delegation to the seventh session of the Ghana-Mali Commission on co-operation.
Japanese grants
Ghana and Japan have signed two agreements under which Japan will extend two grants totalling 2,500,000 dollars to the government.The first grant of 2,700,000 dollars will be used to purchase wheat from the United States and the second of 870,000 dollars will be given to the Food Distribution Corporation for the purchase of agricultural inputs.
GUINEA
French economic aid
Prime Minister, Diara Traore has ended a visit to France during which he held meetings with President Mitterrand; the External Relations Minister, Claude Cheysson; and the Minister for Co-operation in the Ministry of External Relations, Christian Nucci. The French Government then announced the granting of an economic package worth 20,000,000 French francs and said priority would be given to the supply of schoolbooks and teachers, and provision of a modern airport at Conakry and help for the Guinea railway system.Escudo currency zone
The country is to receive 10,000,000 dollars worth of Portuguese products under the terms of a financial protocol signed in Lisbon. The protocol provided for the consolidation of the 17,000,000 dollar debt accumulated by the nation through previous purchases of Portuguese goods and for an eight year loan of 17,000,000 dollars.A 7,000,000 dollar debt owed by Guinea Bissau to Portuguese exporters would be negotiated in the near future. The government was also allocated a short-term credit of 3,000,000 dollars for the purchase of consumer goods from Portugal.
