Nigerian observer 02 07 2014 by Nigerian Observer

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 NO. 025 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 2 , 2014 . N100.00 POLITICAL PLATFORM Page 13

Corruption among politicians in high places

Constituency Dev Fund: Bill scales

By EDITH IMOISILI

ABUJA - The House of Representatives has moved for the establishment of Nigeria’s Constituencies Development Fund, as a Bill to that effect scaled

second reading

second reading during yesterday’s plenary. When established, the Fund would ensure even development of the country’s 360 Federal Constituencies in the

Oshiomhole blasts Ize-Iyamu By ADAMS OYIBOKE

MIDWEEK MAGAZINE Pages 16-17 Local Council Elections in the UK, a worthy example for Nigeria

country. Sponsor of the proposed legislation, Mr Ben Nwankwo while leading debate on its general principles argued that over 70

percent of Nigerians live in rural communities which the existing Federal Constituencies covered but are hardly feeling the presence of government. According to him, the establishment of the Fund Continues on page 2

BENIN CITY - GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has challenged Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during the administration of Chief Lucky Igbinedion, to render his account of stewardship as SSG. He threw the challenge that was due to the yesterday when he massive support from you received over 2,000 Market Women. “After the defeat, a man Market Women from across the 18 Local who claims to be a Pastor, Government Areas of the Osagie Ize-Iyamu, insisted state who paid him a on being imposed on Edo solidarity visit at the People as the Governor. I Government House, refused because I said, as former Chief of Staff to the Benin City. He pointed out that State Government, what Pastor Ize-Iyamu failed to did you do? “What effort did you use his office to make in bringing positive impact on the make development to Edo people of the state. Oshiomhole said “I People? Did you give your defeated the Peoples people electricity? Did you Democratic Party in all give them water? Did you the Wards and Local give them good roads? Governments in the last How did you influence the election conducted and government in bringing development to even your

- Says ‘He failed Edo people’

constituencies? Did you bring hospital to the people? Oshiomhole added. “Even as Secretary to the State Government, I requested to know from him how he impacted on the government. All the money that came from Abuja during his tenure as SSG, he was first to

receive, what did he do with it? How many markets did he build with it? Which erosion did he assist in controlling even at a time when erosion was a threat to the people of the state? “Everywhere I go, people begin to ask me, why did you always allow this man to go with you?

Like you the Market Women have said, in the morning, you see some of them as PDP, at night they become APC, and how can you commit the resources of the State to such people? Oshiomhole asked. The governor continued, “For me, I

cannot bring such a man because a gateman that cannot watch over the house cannot be seen as a good security man. A woman who is given money for home upkeep and instead decides to hide it for her own selfish interest cannot be entrusted with money Continues on page 2

Edo moves against fake VIOs

BENIN CITY- Edo State Government has warned some agents purporting to be Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and extorting money from unsuspecting motorists to stop parading themselves as such or face the wrath of the law. Addressing the press after the weekly State Executive Council meeting, yesterday, the State Commissioner for Information, Hon Louis Odion recalled that some men in Pink TShirts who had been harassing motorists were stopped by the state Government just a

few weeks ago, He said: “the exco met today and it was observed that there was a clear directive two weeks ago that men wearing pink uniforms should desist from harassing motorists on our roads, it was observed that in the last few days there has been a proliferation of men wearing white and black uniforms on our roads purporting to be Vehicle Inspection Officers or agents or volunteers working with VIOs. “The exco strongly condemns this and

TIT BIT “A smile and a hug may lift people above the walls of hatred; but forgiveness and forgetfulness are the actual tools that break down the walls of hatred.” - Kinglsey Ogbeide-Ihama

consider it unacceptable. The Commissioner for Transport has been directed to communicate with the VIO unit of the Transport Ministry, withdrawing such unit and formations from our roads and they are to desist from their activities of either purporting to inspect vehicles on the streets or highways Continues on page 2

SOLIDARITY VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole (left) addressing market women from across the state, led by Madam Blackky Omoregie, who were at the Government House to pay the Governor a solidarity visit, yesterday.

Renovation Of Chambers

Speaker, other lawmakers inspect project

BENIN CITYThe Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe has led other Principal Officers of the House to inspect ongoing renovation work being carried out in the Assembly complex. During the Inspection, Hon. Uyi Igbe affirmed that the on-going fortification of the complex will not affect the scheduled sitting of the House today, July 2, 2014. The inspection of the re-

enforcement of the entrance in and out of

the legislative chamber saw members assessing

the extent of work done at the doors leading to

the chamber, public and press galleries of the complex. It was observed that the doors have been reContinues on page 2

their counterparts across the country to observe the indefinite strike action declared by the National body of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

A visit to federal government-owned University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and the state public health institutions revealed that, Doctors

duty posts in observance of the strike. At the Central Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Patients were Continues on page 2

Doctors strike paralyses hospitals were absent from their

By FRIDAY OBANOR BENIN CITY Doctors in both federal and state government owned hospitals in Edo State yesterday joined

News

Bill scales second reading “participatory democracy” as well as constituency driven which would enhance the economy of the country, and consolidate government’s development agenda. Others who spoke in support

of the Bill were Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi and Forth Dike, both of who said the Fund would lay the foundation for real development in the country. The Bill after scaling second reading was subsequently

referred to the Committees on Constituency Outreach and Justice for further legislative action by Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who presided over the plenary.

Continued from page 1 again. Hence I told Pastor,

people will decide who lead them when the time comes. He assured the women of his administration’s unflinching support for them, stressing that his relationship with them can be likened to a Catholic marriage that can never be broken. He promised to use the resources of the State to continually develop the state so as to ensure that development gets to all the 192 Wards of the state. The market women Coordinators from all the Local Governments Areas who spoke during the solidarity visit castigated four lawmakers in the State House of Assembly for selling the mandate freely given them to the opposition

party. They praised the governor ’s effort in the provision of employments to youths in the state, provision of infrastructural facilities and providing the right environment for businesses to thrive. Leader of the market women, Madam Blacky Omoregie said the state cannot afford to go back to the dark days when the state was backward. According to her, “The Peoples Democracy Party is shouting war when there is no war. By the time the war will start, they will have no other option but to save their own various heads. We market women are the people that vote, so we are waiting for them in the field”, she concluded.

VIOs would be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law. This applies to other forms of extortions in the state either on behalf of any of the Ministries, Department or Agencies. “Apart from the Special Enforcement Unit which is to

begin a patrol of our roads to ensure strict compliance with this resolution, members of the public are also encouraged to apprehend anyone found extorting money purportedly on behalf of the Government or behalf

of anybody or any Ministry.” The Press Conference was attended by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Orobosa Omo-Ojo, Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities, Prince Clem Agba and the Chairman, Edo Inland Revenue Service, Chief

knows when it will be called off since the Federal Government is no ready to listen to the grievances of the striking doctors. He said it is painful to see patients suffering without doctors’ attention, but said it was unfortunate there was nothing anyone could do about the situation. According to him, except president Goodluck Jonathan, listens to the demands of the NMA leadership so as to save the Healthcare delivery system from total collapse, the NMA would be handicapped. Attempts to get the comment of the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie on the matter, was unsuccessful as she was said

to be away to Government House for the state Executive meeting. As at press time, the Chairman of NMA, Edo State chapter was said to be away when this reporter visited the Association’s Secretariat at Ugbowo-Lagos Road, Benin City. The National leadership of the NMA announced on Monday that with effect from yesterday Tuesday, the body

would be embarking on indefinite strike following the expiration of the two weeks ultimatum it gave the Federal Government to meet its 24point demand. President of the Association, Dr. Kayode Obembe, however, listed the demands of the doctors at a press conference in Abuja to include, reserving the position of Chief Medical Director to only medical doctors as well as appointment of surgeon-General of the federation.

Continued from page 1 would address a lot of imbalances as provided for through the annual national budget, by ensuring that specific projects and programmes are designed to meet the people’s specific needs. Citing sections 13 and 16 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to buttress his argument, the lawmaker stated that if established, the Fund would enhance economic activities for the improvement of the people’s lives through all the Federal Constituencies. Speaking further, he said the Bill is workable, as well as equality based, adding that similar plans were being implemented in other nations of the world. Also speaking in support of the Bill, Sunday Adepoju said the parliament has been passing budgets annually, which were not being implemented for the direct benefit of the majority of Nigerians, pointing out that the proposed law would ensure that presence of governance is felt more. Similarly, Nicholas Osai in his submissions described the proposal as a call for

Edo People are not fools.” Oshiomhole regretted that some are in politics and parade themselves as Servants of God to deceive many. According to him, “When some people know they have bad names already, they claim to now be Pastors. That is why these days, though there are so many genuine pastors, but there are some that call themselves pastors for political reasons to perpetrate evil.” Oshiomhole assured the people of Edo State that he will not allow those that looted the state to now take over the helms of affair of the people saying that Edo

Continued from page 1 “By this announcement, the special enforcement unit set up by the Government has also been mandated to, beginning from tomorrow, commence patrol on our roads and anyone found wearing uniforms purporting to be

Continued from page 1 seen at the wards, but without Doctors to attend to them. It was equally observed that new patients were not attended to while those on admission were being taken away by their relations, ostensibly to relocate them to private Hospitals for medical attention. The situation was not different at the UBTH except that the level of compliance there was higher than the level at the Central and Stella Obasanjo Hospitals respectively, where nurses were seen attending to some patients at the various wards. In a chat, the former Edo, State Chairman of NMA, Dr Philip Ugbodaga said the strike was total and no one

Oshiomhole blasts Ize-Iyamu

Edo moves against fake VIOs

Doctors strike paralyses hospitals

Speaker, other lawmakers inspect project Continued from page 1

enforced and replaced with Bullet proof doors. The lawmakers were conducted round by the House Director of Works who told the lawmakers that the work will be completed within three weeks. He explained that Engineers were taking time to execute the jobs in order to do it to specification. The Speaker, Hon. Uyi Igbe told journalists that the exercise was informed by the need to protect the legislative

chamber following the forceful entry by some lawmakers which resulted in the shattering of the glass doors. He announced that the incident has been reported to the police for further investigation while steps were being taken to remould the chambers from future occurrence. The Speaker, also affirmed that the scheduled plenary sitting of parliament Wednesday July second will still hold despite the renovation work.

Brazil 2014: Mark advocates restructuring of Football Administration ABUJA - Senate President Senator David Mark has canvassed the need to restructure the entire football teams (administration) in Nigeria to make them more purposeful and resultoriented henceforth . “I think we really need to go back and see how we can restructure the entire football teams, not just the super Eagles to make them result-oriented”,, Senator Mark said after Nigeria crashed out of the Brazil 2014 FIFA world cup Monday evening. The Senate President who watched the match along with Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba and Culture and Tourism Minister, Edem Duke in his Apo official residence said: “I am sure when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Aminu Maigari

comes back from Brazil, he will need to review the situation, identify the problems and explain to Nigerians what went wrong.” All the same he stated :”this is football. There has to be a winner and a looser. Unfortunately, our Super Eagles could not fly today (Monday). We were not lucky.” Senator Mark who led the Federal Government delegation for the opening ceremony in Brazil however thanked Nigerians for their support to the Super Eagles. He reiterated that Sports, especially football has become an international tool to measure the strength and weakness of nations of the world, a development he counseled should not be taken for granted. “For the fact that football is now a tonic for our unity in Nigeria, we must take it seriously and invest on it”, he stressed

LAGOS - Aviation industry may soon be plunge into another crisis if the threat made by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) on Sunday to call out its members for strike if the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) failed to meet its demands, become reality. A statement issued by the National President of ATSSSAN, Mr. Benjamin Okewu in Lagos and made available to the Nigerian Observer stated that the union had demanded that all pending issues on workers’ welfare before the NCAA management should be resolved before 5 July. Okewu said, “It was gathered that so many outstanding employees’ files on welfare matters, allowances, travel claims, have been piled up on the desk of the Director-General of NCAA, Engr. Benedict Adeyileka, and unattended to in the last 10 to 12 months”.

He expressed the union’s displeasure over the way the aviation agencies were handling the 2014 staff training, demanding that the union should be furnished with the staff training proposals by all agencies in the aviation sector. The agencies are NCAA, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airport s Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology. Okewu argued that human capacity development in the sector could not be ignored due to the expanding investment prospects and safety challenges in the industry worldwide. He, however, called for the full implementation of the approved conditions of service for workers in the industry. He said the union would move its national secretariat temporarily to the NCAA headquarters until the issues of staff welfare were resolved.

By JOSES SEDE

Strike looms in Aviation By RAHEEM IBRAHIM industry

Senators disagree over sexual offences Bill By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - Senators Chris Anyanwu and Solomon ItaEnang, yesterday, disagreed sharply over the power of the National Assembly to legislate on a bill that would be binding on the 36 states of the federation. Both senators expressed divergent issues over the development during a public hearing conducted on it by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters . The disagreement arose when Anyanwu, the sponsor of the bill, and a member of the committee, Ita-Enan, argued over the critical issues bordering on concurrent and exclusive legislative lists between the federal and state governments. For instance, Ita-Enang, raised critical legal issues bordering on concurrent and exclusive legislative lists between the federal and state

governments. He noted that such critical questions as to whether laws made by the National Assembly on such issues as sexual Offences which are already contained in the laws of the states can be enforced in the state . He argued that the National Assembly cannot make laws on rape for the states, pointing out that any law from the National Assembly is only enforceable in the Federal Capital Territory. He insisted that the various provisions proposed in the bill are, “a re-production of existing laws on rape across the various states of the federation.” He said, “The best the National Assembly can do, is to amend the laws, and these are the issues for determination before the public

hearing.” The lawmaker therefore suggested that “if existing laws are weak, what was required is to strengthened them.” However, Anyanwu countered Ita-Enang’s position, stressing that the bill has nothing to do with

the numerous legal books being cited by Enang.

She insisted that, the incidents of rape have become common place in Nigeria without any of the existing laws catching up with the perpetrators. She argued that “there are items in the bill that are not contained in some of the existing laws, pointing out that the bill if passed, can be adopted by the states.” She said, “The problem of rape in Nigeria as it is today has gone beyond jurisdictional argument by lawyers . It is a problem for the whole society to solve by whatever way possible. “We want to see a harmonized law that can be copied by the states . We do not want to encroach into the jurisdiction of states.” Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Maina, said the ministry was not looking at encroaching into the jurisdiction of states but looking at the laws that can be adopted in the states. She said, “Whatever we do that applies to the FCT, States can

copy or adopt it to help fight the scourge of rape.” Maina, kicked against option of fine provided in the bill for sexual Offences with a child, child trafficking and child sex tourism, saying such a proposal is not strong enough to serve as deterrent to offenders. “In order to curtail the upsurge in the scourge of rape of persons especially women and girls, it is important that the penalties attached to these Offences be punitive and prohibitive. Consequently , we consider the sum ranging from N500, 000 , N1m , N3m penalties for jurisdiction person to be a slap on the wrist. Should go to jail straight upon conviction without any option of fine and stay there for a very long period of time, that would make way for collapse of their businesses”, she continued. The Attorney Generals of Kwara, Lagos and Kaduna States respectively, assured the committee that the bill if passed, would be domesticated by their states. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force was not represented at the public hearing.

News Gunmen Kill Community Youth Chairman

PSF Hails Oyegun’s Election

By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

By FAMOUS IGUISI

BENIN CITY-The Edo state chapter of Progressive Solidarity Forum, (PSF), WITH headquarters in Abuja said the emergence of chief John Odigie Oyegun as national chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) through a democratizes process is a clear manifestation of his progressive orientation and inequity PSF in as statement by the state coordinator and the Director of Publicity /Media, Odaro Ize-Omoregie and Onuwa Amaechi Nwarnin respectively noted that the office is nothing is “nothing short of a call to national service and a great sacrifice”. According the forum, APC is a young and fledging party which came about to fulfill the yearning and aspirations of many Nigerians at a time when hopelessness has overwhelmed them. While congratulating chief Oyegun on his new assignment, PSF noted that the demand of the office is daunting, adding that, “but we are confident that with the support of members of the National working committee and the goodwill of Nigerians, you will deliver”. The PSF said it expects the APC national chairman to bring to bare, his skills, maturity and great sense of dedication to the Nigerian project by reaching out to att a everyone. “Nigerians are therefore looking up to you to pilot the affairs of this political party with all amount of dedication, sincenty, and devotion with a view to bringing about the desired change, ”PSF noted.

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (3rd from right) addressing the press after leading Principal Officers and honourable members of the House to inspect the ongoing renovation and fortification of the Assembly Complex yesterday. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Fashola Hosts One-Day Governor

IKEJA Governor. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has said that his administration would continue to do its best to improve access to qualitative education. The governor made the pledge when he and other members of his cabinet received the 2014 Lagos One-Day Lagos State Governor, Master Olabanji Edun, during an executive session in Ikeja. The 15- year-old Edun won this year‘s edition of the state‘s Spelling Bee Competition to emerge the state’s One-Day Governor. He is an SS2 student of the Army Children Secondary School, Ikeja. Fashola said that widening access to education would enable children of all social strata and backgrounds to have equal education opportunities. He said that the free education policy of the state government was a deliberate strategy to ensure that children from indigent homes could get education. The governor said that he was glad that the state‘s public education was producing great results in spite of challenges. He said that emergence of Edun, a carpenter’s son, as the One-Day Governor, showed that there were great possibilities and potential in the state‘s public education system. “The public education system is producing results. “ As I have mentioned before, out of about 14,000 schools in the state, only

Police Arraign Student For Unlawful Possession Of Gun BENIN CITY - An undergraduate university student, Oscar Destiny has been arraigned in an Egor Chief Magistrates’ Court charged with unlawful possession of one locally made gun. The prosecutor, Mr Joseph Oriwabo, told the court that the offence was committed in March at Idumwina community, Benin City. Oriwabo said that the accused unlawfully had in his possession, one locally made short gun offence which contravened sections 428 (d) of the Criminal

BENIN CITY- Gunmen have killed the Youth Chairman of the Community near Benin City Edo State. It was learnt that the deceased, Mr. Akpan Ighodaro, 45, was taking his kids to school in company of his wife in a Toyota jeep when five armed men waylaid them, dragged him out from his vehicle and opened fire on him. Sources said the gunmen on executing their deadly mission with brutal efficiency, entered their Audo 80 operational vehicle and speed off leaving their victim

Code. The accused however pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of unlawful possession of arms levelled against him. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Maria Ojobo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N30,000 with one surety in like sum who must be a house owner. Ojobo said that the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed. She adjourned hearing in the case until July 14.

about 2,000 belong to the state government. “Those 2,000 schools are the ones where free education runs, where free textbooks are given, where tuition is free, where children participate in different clubs — Climate Change Club, Young Farmer‘s Club and others — at no cost to them. “This must explain, therefore, why those schools are in high demand. “This must explain why some of the classrooms have a high population of pupils compared to the pupils per class in privately run schools. “In spite of these challenges, the children continue to do their teachers and their parents proud. “It is not only the One-Day Governor we are celebrating. We celebrate Master David, a national champion in NNPC Science Competition; we celebrate another national champion in Physics competition. “The story of the success of the children from the state‘s education system inspires us to remain focused on our course to achieve the full potential of the system,“ he said. Fashola commended Edun for his hard work, saying that he would not have been able to achieve the feat without dedication. The governor urged students to draw inspiration from the OneDay Governor‘s success story by being more committed to their academic work. He said that the government would sustain the One-Day Governor initiative to encourage pupils in the state to strive for excellence. In his remark, Edun thanked the state government for giving him the rare privilege to act as a one-day governor. He said that his acting as a governor for one day was highly inspiring, and that he would relish the experience for a long time. He commended the state government for strides in the education sector and the other

sectors of the state‘s economy. “Governor. Fashola has taken education to lofty heights. He has provided textbooks, teaching materials and libraries, and has consistently paid WAEC fees. “The government has done well in other areas like security, job creation and others. All these have made the state a better place,“ he said.

Edun urged young people to be good ambassadors of their schools and homes, advising them to always toe the line of moral rectitude. He used the opportunity to ask Fashola to provide a bus and a hall for his school. Edun was accompanied to the Government House by Miss Blessing Azeez, the One-Day Deputy Governor and Elijah Ayodele, One-Day Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

in the pool of his own blood while his wife and children watched helplessly. The ugly incident occurred about 8am yesterday at Old Road in Egor Area, Benin City. Some residents who witnessed the operation said it was like a scene in a gangster movie as the gunmen’s agility and sporadic shooting sent shock-waves down their spines. It would be recall that one of the three Chairmen in charge of Ova Community, Mr. Odigie was similarly murdered about 13 months ago. Contacted on telephone contact, the Public Relations Officer, Edo state Police Command, DSP Noble Uwoh said he has not been briefed of the incident. However, impeccable sources revealed that some policemen in Ogida Police Division have visited the crime scene, obviously with a view to fishing out the perpetrators.

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (2nd from right) being shown the bullet proof door for the fortification of the entrance to the Chamber yesterday. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

School Closure: OAU Students Seek FG Intervention

LAGOS - The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Union has appealed to the Federal Government to direct the re-opening of the school shut down following students protest against increase in school fees. The institution was closed indefinitely on June 18, following disruption of normal activities on campus by students. The university management said that it took the decision to safeguard lives and property on campus. Mr Isaac Ibikunle, President, Students Union Government, OAU, told journalists in Lagos that the increase in school fee was unjustified and uncalled for. “The closure remains militaristic and uncalled for, as

no good reasons have been given for the sudden increase. “There is no corresponding project to justify such an increase. “When they talked about increasing the fee for fresh students, we tried to dialogue with the authorities why it should not be.

“The management did not listen to us but went ahead to increase the fee, and even went ahead to increase that of old students. “This did not go down well with us; the more we tried to meet with management to talk things over, the more difficult it made things for us. “There is the need for people to express their views; but that was not the case in our school. “We had no choice than to

mobilise ourselves for a peaceful protest on campus,” he said. Ibikunle said the university had in 2011, increased acceptance fee for new students from N2, 000 to N20, 000. He said that the agitation led to the closure of the institution, the proscription of the Students’ Union Government and suspension of students’ leaders. He said that over 300 per cent increase in the fee was unacceptable, noting that first year students paid between N17,000 and N22,000 in the past but would now pay between N72,000 and N92,000. He said that old students, who were paying between N6, 000 and N12, 000, would now pay between N19, 000 and N33, 000.

South/South Death Of Managing Editior

Mrs Ebiaru For Burial

Uduaghan Condoles New Telegraph

By BETTY IDIALU WARRI (Delta) -Following the death of the Managing Editor of the New Telegraph, Mr. Suleiman in the last Wednesday’s bombing of Emab Plaza in Abuja, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has expressed his deep condolences to the management and staff of the New Telegraph Newspaper on the unfortunate death of their Managing Editor, Mr. Suleiman Bisalla. In a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, Governor Uduaghan also commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and families of other victims of the blast. “I share in the grief of the loss of Suleiman whom I believe has distinguished himself as an accomplished, versatile and crack journalist given the stream of encomium and tributes that have poured in since his unfortunate death,” Uduaghan said. He noted that the death of Bisalla would no doubt be a big blow to the New Telegraph, which although only debut early this year but has already carved a niche for itself in the industry. Dr. Uduaghan observed: “While not diminishing the loss of other victims of the unfortunate blast,

as one with a deep passion and love for journalists, I received the news of the death of Suleiman with great sense of loss and sadness.” The governor urged Suleiman’s professional colleagues in the NUJ and the NGE not to be discouraged by the loss of one of their own but see it as a clarion call to join hands with the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration fight against terror. “I have no doubt in my mind that the raging wave of insurgency will not consume us as a nation but with the cooperation and commitment of all and sundry we will defeat this monster of terrorism,” he assured.

Ongoing renovation work at the chamber of Edo State House of Assembly. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Gynaecologist Wants Expectant Mothers Monitored

PORT HARCOURT - Dr Douglas Pepple, a Consultant Gynaecologist, has urged the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Federal Ministry of Health to monitor expectant women to avoid pregnancy loss. He told newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers state that it was the responsibility of WHO and the ministry or health officials to “follow up and monitor ’’ pregnant women once confirmed pregnant. Pepple, a consultant at a

Specialist Hospital in Port Harcourt, said pregnant women that were attacked by malaria should be properly treated to avoid pregnancy or foetus loss. According to him, pregnant women and children were more prone to malaria attack and advised pregnant women to take adequate medical care. He said the expectant women should be treated with malaria drugs that could reduce the

malaria parasite load and noted that elimination of malaria parasite was not possible due to our environment. Pepple advised pregnant women against the consumption of arthmicine combination drugs during the early pregnancy until from the 14th week. He said quinine was one of the best drugs for the treatment of malaria in pregnant women from day one to delivery. The expert also warned pregnant women against the patronage of chemists or some

private laboratories for malaria test. “Don’t go to chemist because the chemists or laboratory people can say yes, you have malaria parasite and bombard you with so many drugs, but the doctors or gynaecologists know the drugs that are better,’’ Pepple said. He observed that some pregnant women refused malaria medication prescribed for them by doctors on erroneous believe that the drugs could abort their pregnancy.

BENIN CITY-The burial ceremony of late Mrs. Janeth Iyekeoretin Ebiaru (nee Igbinovia) (aka madam scale) has been scheduled to begin in Benin City on Sunday July 4, 2014. A statement by Victor Ebiaru on behalf of the family indicated that on Friday 4, 2014, the body will be taken from the Suyi Hospital to her residence, No 1 Evbukhu junction, Obe village, off Sapele Road, Benin City. Saturday July 5, 2014, there will be social dance at her residence, beginning at noon. Late Mrs. Ebiaru who passed on May 26, 2014 at the age of 64 years is survived by her husband, five children and eight grand children.

Late Mrs. Janeth Iyekeoretin Ebiaru

Youths Protest Fresh Oil Spill

Edo State House of Assembly Chamber undergoing renovation. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

NDDC Commissioner Stresses He however said that the Relevance Of Press NDDC is doing a lot across the state. He sued for a closer By BETTY IDIALU

WARRI (Delta) - The Commissioner representing Delta State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief (Sir) Tom Amioku has stressed the importance of the press in the society saying that, “without journalists, there will be a big lacuna which can be likened to someone in the dark who cannot be seen or heard” Chief Amioku stated this in Warri, Delta State recently when members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ (NUJ), Warri

correspondents’ Chapel led by its chairman Comrade Mike Ikeogwu paid him a courtesy call in his office in Warri. Welcoming the journalists to his Warri office, the commissioner expressed delight at the visit of the journalists and charged them to live true to their profession by reporting the truth at all times no matter whose ox is gored. Chief Amioku who said there are alot of developmental projects throughout the state, admitted that there could be some short falls from contractors carrying out projects.

relationship with the press as the partnership would make his job easier. While calling for useful feedbacks that could help move the commission forward he enjoined the journalists not to concentrate in their weakness alone but ensure that there is balanced reporting. Comrade Mike Ikeogu while commending the NDDC for the various NDDC developmental projects across the state, called for a more closer monitoring of projects so as to ensure that they meet the required standards.

EKET (Akwa Ibom) Youths in Eket and Esit Eket in Akwa Ibom have staged peaceful protests against fresh oil spills in Nkpana community from a Mobil facility in Ibeno. The reports state that the youths numbering more than 500 protested on major streets in Eket, including the Marina and Terminal roads. The protesters, under the ages of Core Youth Forum, carried placards with inscriptions: “Oil spill is killing our aquatic life’’, “No compensation for oil spill” and “Enough of this oil spillage,’’ among others. Mr Godwin Peter, the spokesman of the protesters, said the spill occurred on Saturday and occupied communities along the spill line on Sunday. He said the spill had devastated aquatic life and destroyed fishing equipment, among others. Peter appealed to Mobil to urgently clean up the environment. The youths threatened to disrupt Mobil activities if their demands, which included immediate clean up and compensation, were not met. Also reacting, Mr Inyang Ekong, the Secretary of the Artisanal Fishermen Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom Branch, noted that

fishing had been suspended in the area as a result of the spill. He said that fish would be scarce in the state and appealed to Mobil to replace its old pipes to forestall further occurrence. Ekong said the spill would cause untold hardships to the people of Ibeno. When contacted, Mr. Akaninyene Esiere, the Manager of Public and Government Affairs at the Qua Iboe Terminal of Mobil, confirmed the incident. “We have confirmed a liquid release from our Qua Iboe

terminal on Sunday, June 29, following serious weather conditions and lightning strikes over the area at the weekend. “We have activated our emergency response systems to contain the release. All relevant regulatory authorities and community leaders have been notified. “We will continue to work with the community to allow progress in the effort by Mobil to contain the spill,’’ he said. Esiere said that Mobil was committed to safe environment during its operations.

CAC Convention Begins Tomorrow By VICTOR AGHO BENIN CITY-The Christ Apostolic Church of God International Incorporation, Aduwawa Parish Headquarters will tomorrow, July 3, 2014 begin its annual three days convention for the year 2014. The convention which ends on Saturday July 5, 2014 will hold at the church auditorium, No44 Efionayi street (Hotel Reliance Road), Aduwawa Quarters, Benin City. A statement by the convention committee chairman, Rev’d Victor Imade Agho indicated that

the convention will be declared open by Rt Rev’d Dr. Godspower Ogbomwam, the spiritual leader and General Superintendent of the mission on the frist day of the convention. Guest speaker at the event included Rev’d Dr. F. A. Ekhator, and the Host pastor, Rev’d V. Agbonkon and Rev’d V.O. Ikuobase. The statement added that the annual convention is organised to revive, re-unite and bring down the power of God within the body of Christ as well as breakthrough spiritually, physically and materially.

South West Man, 65, Imprisoned For Possessing Hard accused based on the totality of Drugs evidences provided by the ADO-EKITI- A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced a cocoa farmer, Dominic Fabunmi, 65, to 15 years in prison for possessing Indian Hemp. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) dragged Fabunmi to court for being in possession of 273.8 kg of the substance in February 19, 2008. The Presiding Judge, Justice Adamu Hobon, sentenced the convict without an option of fine, saying it would serve as a deterrent to people of his age and Most Rev’d Friday John Imaekhai Archbishop of Bendel Provinces 2nd (left) with Dr. Festus Okunbor, Chief of others. Staff to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, during the fourth Synod of the Diocese of Esan Anglican Communion. According to the judge, the Left is Ven. A. O. Isibor and Ven. J. E. Osueni. The occasion took place at St. Matthew’s Church Ebelle last evidences before the court recently. Photo: LUCKY AGIE. showed that there was a search, arrest and discovery of exhibits on February 19, 2008 at the premises of convict’s house. “The evidences before the court showed that the prosecution had proven his case beyond LAGOS - A Psychiatrist, Dr profession know that when should.’’ reasonable doubt and the By SURAJU RAJI Olusegun Akinwotu , has these symptoms start, relatives The psychiatrist said that evidences in defence were mere education and after-thoughts. LAGOS- The Chairman, Lagos identified religious beliefs, tend to attribute it to different proper “The section under which the State House of Assembly lack of financial resources, things, especially if they have improved socio-economic convict was charged prescribed Committee on Judiciary and low enlightenment, rivalry in the family. status would enhance better a minimum of 15 years jail term Public petitions, Hon. Senai unavailability of a mental “Many people believe these psychiatric practice in upon conviction and 25 years Agunbiade has appealed to maximum.’’ Federal Government to improve health law and discrimination things are spiritual. The other Nigeria. Hobon said he sentenced the the welfare of the Nigeria Police. as challenges facing is the issue of financial He added that a mental Agunbiade made the appeal psychiatrists in Nigeria. health law would enhance the resources. When they are during an interactive session with Akinwotu, the President, supposed to come and seek quality of care a mentally ill Assembly correspondents in Lagos. Association of Resident medical treatment, they don’t person should have. According to him, “Police should Doctors, Federal Neuro“If the government can enact have enough funds. be given encouragement, their “And some also have the mental health law it will welfare should be improved Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba upon”. said this in an interview with problems of enlightenment. solve most of the problems. He however disclosed that the newsmen in Lagos. “People should be They are not enlightened Lagos State governor Babatunde “People’s religious belief enough. They have beliefs that enlightened to know that By SURAJU RAJI Fashola (SAN) had set up a police trust fund to assist police with the about mental illness, some this is due to other various mental illness is treatable, but provision of infrastructural believe it is spiritual and that LAGOS- The Chairman, because of the stigma attached causes. facilities. Lagos State House of Assembly “The mental health law in to it, people shy away from Committee on Public Accounts, According to him, some police they don’t need to come to the Barracks are in dilapidated hospital for treatment. the country does not back owning up that they have this Hon. Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla has condition, adding “They are only “We, also, in the medical mental health practice as it illness. picked holes in the good for animals

Lawmaker Seeks Improved Welfare For Police

Mental Illness Expert Identifies Challenges

prosecution. “I hereby find the accused guilty as charged and convicted thereof and consequently sentenced to 15 years in prison without an option of fine,” he declared. He added that exhibit B and the N112,400 offered to NDLEA officers to pervert justice should be forfeited to the Federal Government. Prosecutor Iliya Waji had earlier told the court that Fabunmi was caught on February 19, 2008 at Aba-Ilofa in Ajebandele, Ise/ Orun Local Government Area with 273.8 kg of the substance. Waji said the offence contravened Section 19 of the NDLEA, Cap N30 law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The prosecution presented an amended charge to the court on July 3, 2008. Wali tendered six witnesses in evident in respect of the case, and the court admitted other tendered materials as exhibits. Fabunmi, who was represented by a defence counsel, Mr. Jide Olayemi pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge. The counsel prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.

Lawmaker Faults Confab’s Recommendation Of Part-Time Legislation

Breastfeeding Can Prevent Cancer milk contained Lactalbumin, an LAGOS- Dr Bamidele anti-cancer agent, which helps to - Expert Iwalokun, a medical researcher, said that exclusive breastfeeding of babies for six months could prevent them from developing cancer later in life. Iwalokun of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. He said that children denied of exclusive breastfeeding in their first six months were prone to developing cancer. “A child that is deprived of Lactalbumin in the breast milk is prone to developing cancer. “Studies have shown that Lactalbumin is an anti-cancer agent and you can only benefit that from your mother. “So, we are having problems of cancer now. Go and check the profile of people having cancer whether they were exclusively breastfed for six months. These days our children are not exclusively breastfed and it is impacting negatively in so many areas.

“The prevalence rate of children less than or equal to six months that are exclusively breastfed is less than 17 per cent. That is, out of every 100 nursing mothers, between 15 and 17 will breastfeed their children exclusively. “And there is no better substitute than the breast milk for a child in the first six months of life. “There is no infant formula that is better than breast milk because in the breast milk you have antibodies that will help defenceless infants to fight the war against diseases that challenge their lives.`` Iwalokun also told newsmen that breast milk was the most complete form of nutrition for infants’ health, immunity and development. He said that this could not be adequately replaced by any other food, including infant formulae. The researcher said that breast

prevent the development of cancer later in life.

“In addition to that, if the socio-economic status of the entire nation can be improved, if better life can be guaranteed, the earning power of the individual is improved, things will be better.’’

recommendation of the National Conference that National Assembly legislators should be on part-time service. In an interaction with Assembly correspondents in Lagos, Ayinla, noted that, “if legislators are on part-time

service, how would the committees work on their oversight functions”. According to him, it was proper for the status-quo to remain in order to perform their legislative duties properly. Speaking on the democracy in Nigeria, he faulted the nation’s democratic culture. He explained that genuine and proper democracy is when people can freely express their opinion without fear or intimidation.

The Arala of Benin Kingdom Chief Omo-lawal Osula (centre) leading a group of protesters to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER premises over the alleged encroachment of his ancestral land by Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom yesterday. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

Lagos Damaged Property

Man, 55, Docked LAGOS- For allegedly stealing building materials and damaging a fence valued at N1.77 million, a 55-year-old man, Sikiru Rufai, was charged before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Rufai, who resides at Owode Town, Lagos, is facing a fourcount charge of conspiracy, stealing, unlawful damage and breach of peace. The prosecution said the accused conspired with others still at large to destroy a fence and 25 bags of cement, all valued at N1.77 million property of Mr. Tunde Ajiboye. Insp. Festus Osaghale told the court that the accused also stole building materials worth N55, 000 belonging to the complainant, Ajiboye. “When Ajiboye confronted Rufai for stealing the materials and damaging his property, the accused brought thugs to terrorise him.”

2 Men Charged With Break-In, Theft

LAGOS -Two men, who allegedly broke into three apartments and carted away some valuables worth N 227,000, were brought before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused — 34-year-old Charles Menye and 35-year-old Williams Ufort – are being tried for conspiracy, burglary and theft. The prosecutor, Sgt. Kalu Umeh, told the court that the accused, who both reside at Satellite Town area of Lagos, broke into some homes and stole property valued at N 227,000. Umeh said the accused committed the offences on May 8 at Tokumo Ajibade Close, Satellite Town. According to him, the accused with others still at large raided the apartments of Mr. Felix Adebayo, Jimoh Olawale and Mathias Ozofor respectively. “The accused stole from the various apartments items such as jewellery, mobile phones, a bicycle and petroleum products valued at N227,500.’’ Umeh noted that the offences contravened Sections 285, 306 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The reports state that Section 285 prescribes a three-year imprisonment for stealing, while Section 409 stipulates a twoyear jail term for conspiracy. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Senior Magistrate, Mr. M.O. Olubi, granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties each in like sum. He adjourned the case till August 1 for mention.

He alleged that the accused committed the offences on May 13 at No.8, Muyibi St., Owode Town, Lagos. The offences contravene Sections 166, 285, 348 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, according to Osaghale. The accused, however, entered a plea of ‘not guilty’. The reports state that Section 285 stipulates a three-year sentence for stealing, while Section 409 prescribes a twoyear jail term for conspiracy. Section 348 provides two years imprisonment for unlawful damage of property. Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. A.K. Sonubi, granted Rufai a bail in the sum of N250, 000 with one surety in like sum. Further hearing in the case has been adjourned till July 30.

Traffic at Iganmu in Lagos after an early morning down pour yesterday.

Group Advocates Free Education At All Levels LAGOS -A group, JOPAM Foundation for the Physically Challenged said that the physically challenged in the country should be given free education at all levels. The President of the group, Mr. Joshua Ebubedike, told newsmen in Lagos. Ebubedike said that although the primary and secondary education was free

in some states, it should be extended to the tertiary level. “The state and federal governments should look into the challenges of educating the physically challenged persons at the tertiary level. “An average parent with a physically challenged person cannot afford the fees of sending him or her to school because of the unfriendly

environment of mobility and unique needs,” he said. Ebubedike, who is also physically challenged, said he was able to acquire a degree in engineering at the university because his parents could afford sending a driver to move him around. The president of the group

noted that due to the economic situation in the country, an average parent cannot afford a private car to take their children to the lecture halls or provide special brails for the blind persons. “It takes so much to manage a physically challenged

Ajudua because he had no legal representation in court. The judge consequently adjourned the matter to July 4 for his re-arraignment. In the initial charge, the EFCC alleged that Ajudua conspired with others now at large to perpetrate the fraud

between November 2004 and June 2005. According to the EFCC, the defendant defrauded Bamaiyi while they were both on remand at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos over separate alleged criminal charges. The anti-graft agency said Ajudua obtained the money

person from the cradle because we are handicapped and cannot exist without assistance, even our needs are beyond the usual for the able bodied,” he said. The president, therefore, appealed to institutions to give the physically challenged a priority when offering admissions for intending students.

$5.9m Fraud: Absence Of Defence Counsel Stalls Trial IKEJA -The trial of Fred Ajudua was stalled due to the absence of his counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo. The reports state that Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly defrauding a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, of 5.9 million dollars (about N1 billion). He is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court. The defendant was arraigned on March 11 on a 14-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences. At the resumption of proceedings on Monday, Ajudua told the court that he had some unresolved issues with his counsel which might have led to his absence. The EFCC counsel, Mr Seidu Atteh, also informed the court that the initial

charge against Ajudua had been amended. Atteh said the complainant (Bamaiyi) and some other prosecution witnesses were in court to testify against Ajudua. However, the amended charge could not be read to

from Bamaiyi by claiming that it represented the professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case. He is also alleged to have claimed that the money would help to facilitate Bamaiyi’s release from prison.

Flood covering part of the road at Iganmu in Lagos after an early morning down pour yesterday.

Across The Nation Protection Of Society

Waste Clearing

Council Earmarks KIR IKASAMMA N.5m (Jigawa) -The

CJ Advises Judges

YOLA - The Acting Chief Judge of Adamawa, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, has appealed to judges in the state to ensure the protection and interest of members of the society. Mammadi made the call in Yola in an address to magistrates and judges. He called on all judiciary staff to be honest and to shun acts capable of tarnishing the image of the profession, and urged them to adhere strictly to rules on dispensation of justice. “Judiciary is the last hope of the society; it is, therefore, good to be honest and strive hard to protect the interest of the society,” Mammadi said. He said by protecting the interest of the society, judges should also avoid unholy acts that could portray the judiciary arm of government in negative light. He said that the state government had organised training workshops for upper and lower judges in the state to enhance their capacity. He disclosed that the state judiciary was making progress in addressing issues of misconduct in its judicial system.

A blind man and his wife sitting in front of their house burnt by unknown gunmen that attacked Nahuta Village in Dandanko district in Bauchi on Monday night.

Nahuta Villagers inspecting houses burnt by unknown gunmen that attacked the village in Dandanko district in Bauchi on Monday night.

NUT Wants Moral Instruction Re-Introduced In Schools ABAKALIKI - The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Ebonyi chapter, has advocated the reintroduction of

moral instruction in primary and secondary schools “to stem the moral decadence among youths.’’

The Chairman of the union in the state, Mr Joseph Nweke, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abakaliki.

Niger AM Radio To Commence Transmission MINNA - The Niger government has given approval to the Ministry of I n f o r m a t i o n , Communication and Integration to acquire necessary equipment to put the moribund Niger AM radio station in order, commissioner said. Malam Mohammed Ndayebo, the Commissioner for I n f o r m a t i o n , Communication and Integration made the

Kirikasamma Local Government Council of Jigawa has said that it has released N500,000 for waste management in a bid to control flooding in the area. The council’s Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Maitafari, said this while inspecting the waste clearing exercise in Kirikasamma community. Maitafari said that the amount was provided to procure environmental sanitation equipment and support community organisations participating in the exercise. He said that the exercise was designed to ease the flow of water from residential areas and other locations, adding that the council had constructed drains and culverts to achieve the goal. The chairman urged the residents of the communities to desist from indiscriminate dumping of waste in water ways and keep their environment clean.

disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Minna. The commissioner, who said he had visited the radio station in Chanchaga area of Minna, said efforts were being made to enable the radio station to commence transmission in August. He was, however, silent on the amount approved for the project. The commissioner said the state government was worried about the situation where AM programmes

were aired on the state FM station. He added that “there must be difference between AM station and FM station, a situation where AM programmes are run on FM station is unprofessional.’’ He assured the management of the state FM station that the ministry would ensure training and retraining of staff to ensure maximum productivity. Ndayebo said the state government would provide

-Commissioner equipment and furniture for the station and urged the management of the station to evolve strategies that would increase Internally Generated Revenue to sustain and enhance its services. Our Correspondent learnt that the AM radio station had been off air for more than 10 years due to obsolete equipment, among other factors.

According to him, the nation is passing through a very difficult moment. He attributed the situation to the rapid decline in moral values, adding that the situation was threatening the collective existence of the nation. Nweke said the increase in crimes and their magnitude were a reflection of loss of moral rectitude and discipline among youths. He then stressed the need to use the school to fight the monster. He added that “in our days in school, there used to be periods allocated to teaching of moral instruction and students were highly disciplined and respected constituted authorities. “But it is surprising that our

education curriculum does not contain teaching of moral instruction and the consequence is the rapid decline and erosion of moral rectitude among youths. “People now flout the laws and engage in all sorts of crimes such as armed robbery, prostitution, child trafficking and money laundering, among others.’’ The NUT chairman then urged policy makers in the education sector to brace up to the challenges and ensure that the curriculum included allround training of the child. “We need to go back to the drawing board and take a critical look at the education system. “We need to know where we are getting it right and where we are getting it wrong in order to build a strong and crime-free society,’’ he stressed.

Abuja Eat Healthy Foods, Nutritionist Advises Diabetics

Ramadan

First Lady Tasks Muslim Women On Peace

ABUJA -Hajiya Jumai Hassan, a nutritionist at the Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, advised diabetic patients to eat healthy foods to prevent more complications. Hassan told newsmen in Abuja that eating healthy foods was ABUJA - First Lady, Mrs. important to help in controlling Patience Jonathan, has enjoined their blood glucose. “Good management of diabetics Muslim women in Africa to include healthy eating, staying spread the culture of peace and active and taking their medication harmony in their communities as prescribed. as the Ramadan commences. “Diabetics should ensure to eat This is contained in a breakfast; as it improves a good statement signed by Mrs. Ayo start for the day. Adesugba, the Director of President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by the Director General, National Pension Commission, Ms Chinelo “To control your blood glucose, Information, Office of the First Anohu Amazu (left), Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo, (2nd left) and the People’s Democratic Party you will need to eat healthy foods and may also need to take pills for Lady in Abuja. (PDP) National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu and Justice Minister Mohammed Adoke after signing the insulin,” said the expert. The statement quoted Mrs. 2014 Pension Reform BIll into law at the State House Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday. Hassan also advised that Jonathan, who is also the consumption of more vegetables President, African First Ladies would help the body, noting that they are high in nutrients and low Peace Mission, as saying this in in calories. her Ramadan message to the “Choose starchy foods such as, women. Assembly), accreditation of By JOSES SEDE Let Mr. President appoint the whole grain bread and cereals, rice Mrs. Jonathan called on voters by electronic means and secretary to allow for self or potatoes as energy meal. ABUJA Ahead of empower INEC to cause a debate Muslim women to use the “Starchy foods are broken down confidence. INEC lacks the period of Ramadan to rededicate preparations for smooth 2015 to be conducted for candidates application for transfer of voters’ into glucose, which your body general elections, the Senate of contesting election for the Office card; and duplicates same from logistic capacity to conduct needs for energy, including fish, themselves to God. elections in one day. lean meat, egg or vegetarian “Demonstrate submission to the Federal Republic has passed of the for connected matters. 30 - 60 days. As for Senate Leader Victor The DSP Bill also seeks to fill Ndoma-Egba, “INEC should protein choices as part of your Furthermore, Sen. Jajere’s Bill the Almighty by upholding an three amendment bills through meal. is canvassing that elections be the gaps created in the Electoral important pillar of Islam their Second Reading yesterday. ‘Have a glass of milk and a piece The Bills sponsored conducted six months to Laws with regards to operational have the power to use electronic through the observance of voting if it so desires anytime. of fruit to complete your meal,’’ individually by Deputy Senate expiration of the incumbent’s laws of the Federal Capital The proposed amendment is to said Hassan. fasting, they should also engage Besides, the nutritionist advised in spiritual introspection and President Ike Ekweremadu tenure as against the current three Territory (FCT) Area Councils enable INEC move with time. rededicate themselves to God.’’ (Enugu West), Sen. Abu Ibrahim monthly, while all bye-elections on appointment of Chairman and Having elections in one day will against the consumption of (Katsina South) and Sen. Alkali should be conducted twice members of the Area council Mrs. Jonathan said there was cause major political and alcohol, saying that it affects blood Jajere (Yobe South), were refered yearly. glucose levels and could cause one Election Tribunal and its the need for African women to to the Senate Committees on constitutional crisis, voters to gain weight. Election Appeal Tribunal. However, majority of the confusion and voters fatigue. inculcate tolerance, peace and Constitution Review and INEC Hassan said that for meat and In his contribution to the Going by its role as stabilizing senators rejected conduct of humility in their Children and for public hearing. elections on the same day, but debate, Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe force for the country’s alternatives, “one should choose an amount up to the size of the palms wards. Deputy Senate President they were divided on electronic urged: “let there be elections that democracy, the National of one’s hands and the thickness She said that these virtues Ekweremadu, who chairs the voting. will produce less litigations, we Assembly election should be held of your little fingers. were important values that Senate Committee on The DSP Bill also seeks to should not have allowed INEC in a separate day”. “Any diabetics’ patient should should be embraced by Constitution Review is pushing grant the INEC the latitude to use chair to appoint the secretary. avoid alcohol and maintain healthy Muslems and non-Muslems for an Act to Amend the Electoral electronic voting system when diet, the type of diet explained alike. Act 2010, to strip INEC they are ready with the earlier may not be applicable in all cases as people differ,’’ she said. She further urged them to chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega of appropriate capacity and intensify prayers to change the the power to appoint Secretary to technology to do so. hearts of those perpetrating INEC, “provide for Tenure of In order to avoid timing pitfalls violence and urged all Nigerians Office of Secretary, power to that have undermined credibility to shun acts of hate, mistrust and issue duplicate voters card, of elections and the electoral ABUJA - The police have worth N300,000 from her friend’s not guilty to the charges levelled determine voting procedure and process in the last, the Bill also instability. arraigned a 19-year-old student, apartment. against her. for other related matters”. seeks to increase the number of Mrs. Jonathan prayed to God Laura Chima, in a Wuse Zone 2 The Police Prosecutor, Cpl Paul The prosecutor prayed the Also, Sen. Ibrahim wants an days provided for INEC to: to endow the Muslem faithful Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, Anigbo, told the court that on court to remand the accused in amendment that will make INEC conduct re-run election from 7 to for allegedly stealing jewellery June 15, Oris Ogochukwu of prison custody as investigation with the strength to successfully hold all elections (Presidential, 21 days; receive and treat undertake the Ramadan fast. Galadimawa Estate, off Airport into the matter was still ongoing. NASS, Governorship, State Road, Abuja, reported the He said that the defence accused at the Lugbe Police counsel did not furnish the court Station. with reasonable proof of the He said that Ogochukwu accused being a student of the reported that on June 12, the University of Abuja. accused visited him in his house Counsel to the accused, Mr. and called her friend, Queeneth, Usman Kabir, applied for her bail who is now at large to join her. under section 36(5) of the 1999 Anigbo told the court that on constitution which presumes an June 13, Ogochukwu went out of accused innocent until otherwise the house to buy some things. proven. “Before his return, the accused He said that his client would and her friend conspired and stole not jump bail as she was on police jewellery worth N300,000 from bail and obliged the court with his drawer after which Queeneth her presence. also left the house,’’ he said Kabir told the court that the Anigbo said that during police accused was a student of the interrogation, the accused could University of Abuja and needed not give a satisfactory account of to return to school to continue herself and the whereabouts of with her studies. her friend. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. The prosecutor said that the Ramatu Gulma, granted the accused was standing trial for the accused bail in the sum of offences of criminal conspiracy N500,000 with two sureties in and theft which contravened like sum who must reside within sections 97 and 288 of the Penal the jurisdiction of the court. Code. She said that one of the sureties The accused shall be punished must be a civil servant on a Grade President Goodluck Jonathan in a handshake with the Director General National Pension Commission, Ms with imprisonment for a term Level not below 10, adding that which may extend to five years the other surety should be a Chinelo Anohu Amazu, left with them is the Vice President Arch. Namadi Sambo, (2nd left) and the People’s or with fine or with both, if found business person within the FCT. Democratic Party, (PDP) National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu and Justice Minister Mohammed Adoke guilty of the offences. Gulma adjourned hearing in the after signing the 2014 Pension Reform BIll into law at the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday. The accused however pleaded case to July 23.

INEC Amendment Bill Scales Second Reading

Jewellery Theft

Student, 19, Arraigned

Business + Economy

Centre Trains Youths, Women On Skills BAUCHI - No fewer than 4,200 youths and women are undergoing training in various skills and vocation at the Yuguda Vocational and Training Centre, Bauchi, an

official said. The Managing Director of the centre, Alhaji Uba Borris, told newsmens in Bauchi that the centre had graduated 300 out of the 4,200 youths and

women trainees. He said the 300 graduates had since been empowered with some capital and had set up their own businesses. He added that the youths and

women were trained in skills such as tieing and dyeing, tailoring, fashion design, shoe making and carpentry and received a monthly allowance of N5,000.

The manager said that the vocational centre was established in 2003 by Isa Yuguda with the aim of providing skills to the teeming youths and women of the state to reduce unemployment rate. Borris said the centre was incorporated under the Bauchi State Agency for Youths and Women Rehabilitation and Development when Yuguda became the governor of the state in 2007. “Presently, we have two centres in Bauchi Local Government Area, while Misau and Azare local government areas have one each. “The Bauchi centre alone has 3,000 trainees, while 300 each came from Yelwa, Misau, and Azare.

“The idea was to ensure that women and youths were empowered with skills so they could fend for themselves and earn a living.’’ He said that state government had promised to equip the centres with Information and Communication Technology facilities for efficiency. He added that some of the trainees in fashion design needed computers for designs and other tasks to ensure quality and attractive products to enable them to compete with their peers elsewhere. He then commended Governor Yuguda for the plan to increase the monthly allowance of the trainees and the trainers from N5,000 to N7,500 and from N10,000 to N15,000 respectively.

Internet Services

ICT Firm To Partner Network Providers Governor Seriaki Dickson (middle) of Bayelsa State, launching Bayelsa Development Investment Corporation in London yesterday.

Adamawa Govt Trains 150 Women YOLA Adamawa Government says it has trained 150 women in bakery business under the Local Apprenticeship Scheme (LAS). The LAS Project Manager, Alhaji Sani Jada, said at the graduation ceremony of the trainees in Yola that the beneficiaries were from the Central Senatorial Zone. Jada said that similar training would be organise for women in Southern and Northern senatorial zones soon. He said the training was done

in conjunction with the Home Economics Unit of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Yola, and the North East Entrepreneurship Development Centre. Jada said the graduate trainees would be given free oven and also assisted to access funds from financial institutions to establish their businesses. The Provost of FCE, Prof Abdulmumini Sa’ad, lauded Adamawa government for introducing the programme and assured that the institution

would continue to partner with the government in its empowerment programmes. Sa’ad urged the graduates to make good use of the opportunities provided by the programme to better their lives and that of their families. In his message to the occasion, Governor Murtala Nyako reiterated his administration’s commitment to empower the

people, particularly the underprivileged. Nyako urged the beneficiaries to spread the gesture of the government, by training one person each. The governor, who was represented by his Director, Press and Public Affairs, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, also called for special prayers for peace in state and the nation in general.

LAGOS HUAWEI Technologies, an Internet Communication Technology (ICT) solution provider in Nigeria, said it would partner with network providers toward the development of internet services in the country. Mr Olaonipekun Okunowo, the Marketing Manager, Consumer Business of Hauwei Technogies, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos. Okunowo said that as part of efforts at achieving this goal, the company recently unveiled “Ascend P7 smart phone” that would access any network quicker.

He said the phone tagged “Edge of Excellence” could accessed network anywhere conveniently. “The battery life is also one of the major challenges of smart phones. “With Ascend P7, when the battery drops to 10 per cent, it can still run for the next 24 hours,” he said. According to him, the phone also sets a new record as the slimmest 4G LTE Smartphone in the world. “The phone is also tropicalised to suit our environment with enhanced strength and durability,” Okunowo said.

Borno Plans To Transform Agriculture Sector MAIDUGURI - The Borno Government has announced plans to actualise its potential in agriculture by empowering rural farmers with modern farming technology. Governor. Kashim Shettima disclosed this while receiving 50 trainees who were sent to India to train in modern irrigation technology at the Government House, Maiduguri. Shettima said that the goal was to boost agricultural production and attain self sufficiency in food production within a short period. He said that government placed great premium in agriculture because of its significance in fighting poverty and boosting the economy. “In embarking on modern agriculture, government will adopt the best technology that will suit our environment and

stand the test of time,” Shettima said. Speaking earlier, Alhaji Usman Zanna, the Commissioner for Agriculture, said the trainees attended a one month intensive agricultural training in modern technology in India. “They left on May 16, and returned on June 19 after undergoing an intensive training in modern agricultural technology in India. “The training consisted of both theory and practical for optimum result,” Zanna said. The commissioner said that the state government expended N74 million on the programme. Zanna thanked the governor for his support towards successful completion of the training.

Pro-Chancellor, University of Calabar, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (left), in a handshake with the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie at a Conference of Committee of Pro Chancellors of Nigeria Federal Universities (CPC) in Abuja yesterday. With them is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Ibadan, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (01/07/2014) Stocks 7UP

Open 97.65

Close 102.53

Change 4.88

Deals 0

Value

NEM

0.85

0.88

0.03

291,195

250,015.75

88,590

9,077,032.70

NESTLE

1150

219,738

251,494,182.00

Units

ABCTRANS

0.9

0.88

-0.02

804,524

710,417.60

NEWGOLD

2073

2091

20,910.00

ACADEMY

1.71

102,919

175,005.92

NIGERINS

0.5

100,000

50,000.00 709

ACCESS

9.55

9.8

0.25

88,717,261

847,370,277.60

NIGROPES

7.46

100

AFRIPRUD

3.25

3.35

0.1

1,700,507

5,658,851.55

NNFM

19.75

13,337

251,568.86

AFRPAINTS

2.72

400

1,036.00

NPFMCRFBK

0.81

0.77

-0.04

484,104

373,704.08

AGLEVENT

1.37

1.31

-0.06

230,610

305,241.54

NSE30

1931.77

1940.39

8.62

247,390,549

AIICO

0.81

2,314,303

1,874,647.93

4,382,628,319.00

AIRSERVICE

2.34

2.45

0.11

218,650

514,767.50

NSE50

2084.94

2095.38

10.44

577,229,360

ALUMACO

7.75

1,557

11,475.09

4,810,511,948.00

ARBICO

5.3

700

3,533.00

NSEASEM

950.94

18,200

ASHAKACEM

29.2

-0.2

2,027,951

59,657,460.90

NSEASI

42482.49

42611.32

128.83

620,826,708

AVONCROWN

1.69

30,000

50,700.00

4,978,339,341.00

BERGER

16,275

144,077.91

NSEBNK

432.87

435.81

2.94

175,011,485

BOCGAS

5.76

18,534

105,643.80

2,104,841,827.00

CADBURY

99,981

7,614,537.90

NSECNSMRGDS

1058.24

1060.72

2.48

8,736,310

856,091,092.90

2666.72

2678.64

11.92

3,793,918

325,135,795.90

23,296.00

CAP

24,750

983,675.00

NSEINDUSTR

CAVERTON

5.93

5.64

-0.29

1,097,847

6,242,963.73

NSEINS

146.83

146.6

-0.23

319,528,988

336,775,434.10

CHAMPION

10.17

108,500

1,049,445.00

NSELOTUSISLM

2874.67

2885.34

10.67

7,669,351

775,325,029.60 568,500,410.70

CHELLARAM

3.95

5,002

18,807.52

NSEOILGAS

468.24

457.15

-11.09

17,719,189

CILEASING

0.5

1,662,760

831,680.00

OANDO

28.5

16,809,164

482,233,068.60

CONOIL

65.4

124,267

7,728,440.36

OASISINS

0.52

0.5

-0.02

388,000

194,000.00 6,989,709.26

CONTINSURE

1.06

1.09

0.03

280,000,400

305,200,535.00

OKOMUOIL

33.9

212,622

COSTAIN

1.37

1.4

0.03

1,702,748

2,329,023.26

PHARMDEKO

1.5

3,000

4,500.00

5.39

20,100

105,704.00

COURTVILLE

0.58

0.59

0.01

407,310

239,635.04

PORTPAINT

CUSTODYINS

3.7

3.74

0.04

1,556,279

5,650,791.95

PRESCO

35.01

36.1

1.09

186,494

6,774,339.73

CUTIX

1.83

49,603

91,685.62

PRESTIGE

0.52

4,666

2,333.00 5,270,639.27

CWG

500

2,500.00

37.4

144,302

DANGCEM

240

789,920

189,667,299.60

REDSTAREX

5.01

5.1

0.09

782,850

3,839,816.03

DANGFLOUR

8.2

127,551

1,036,627.02

RESORTSAL

0.5

1,000

500

DANGSUGAR

9.49

9.5

0.01

1,771,372

16,798,244.10

ROYALEX

0.53

0.51

-0.02

255,491

130,600.41

DIAMONDBNK

6.4

7,279,235

46,602,878.28

RTBRISCOE

92,019

93,395.00

DNMEYER

1.11

4,066

4,357.96

SEPLAT

700

157,854

110,427,563.80

EKOCORP

3.72

500

1,770.00

SKYEBANK

3.3

3.33

0.03

5,455,463

18,092,506.33

ETERNA

4.55

4.33

-0.22

335,302

1,464,135.41

SOVRENINS

0.5

10,000

5,000.00 100

ETI

16.89

16.49

-0.4

5,598,820

93,044,001.48

STACO

0.5

200

ETRANZACT

2.21

500

1,105.00

STANBIC

26.45

0.45

1,035,993

27,201,601.17

EVANSMED

2.4

140,500

337,200.00

STERLNBANK

2.35

2.33

-0.02

1,445,649

3,350,002.75

FBNH

15.6

15.95

0.35

16,314,046

258,832,180.60

TOTAL

179.6

44,185

7,805,511.10

FCMB

4.2

4.3

0.1

3,141,344

13,366,016.54

TRANSCORP

5.21

5.2

-0.01

29,786,395

152,734,356.30

FIDELITYBK

2.07

2.04

-0.03

16,944,938

35,060,231.95

TRANSEXPR

2.07

3,500

7,350.00

FIDSON

3.02

-0.02

1,163,052

3,544,303.35

UAC-PROP

17.6

17.56

-0.04

597,607

10,622,789.64

FLOURMILL

489,225

38,035,388.23

UACN

65.1

3.1

2,099,292

136,370,993.10

206.3

200

-6.3

310,320

61,164,924.40

UBA

7.7

8.05

0.35

11,745,445

92,468,133.98

GLAXOSMITH

6,950

448,191.90

UBCAP

2.32

2.31

-0.01

2,018,104

4,683,442.92

GUARANTY

28.95

28.76

-0.19

8,247,623

238,322,831.50

UBN

9.97

0.03

765,198

7,624,772.86

GUINNESS

200

198

-2

710,691

140,772,942.40

UNIC

0.5

74,664

37,332.00

HMARKINS

0.5

1,200

600

UNILEVER

490,044

25,863,877.83

0.5

HONYFLOUR

1,601,467

6,411,291.03

UNIONDAC

IKEJAHOTEL

0.82

34,496

27,836.80

UNITYBNK

0.5

1,010,700

505,350.00

INFINITY

1.61

40,000

64,200.00

UPDCREIT

10.47

1,250

12,450.00

INTBREW

26.7

1.3

315,710

8,794,016.55

UPL

4.69

7,600

34,126.00

INTENEGINS

0.5

277,501

138,750.50

UTC

0.5

350

175

JAPAULOIL

0.6

0.57

-0.03

22,331,500

12,729,265.00

VETGRIF30

19.25

19.52

0.27

100,005

1,921,097.60

JBERGER

76.45

67,111

4,874,271.93

VITAFOAM

4.5

4.28

-0.22

169,192

725,840.18

JOHNHOLT

1.15

4,696

5,165.60

VONO

1.44

1,337

1,831.69

3,341,876.98

WAPCO

111

112.01

1.01

641,372

71,912,225.97

LIVESTOCK

3.19

3.07

-0.12

1,071,806

MANSARD

2.62

2.57

-0.05

396,400

1,032,325.92

WAPIC

0.8

0.79

-0.01

34,774,376

27,512,834.24

MAYBAKER

1.75

99,100

170,897.70

WEMABANK

0.99

0.95

-0.04

1,481,421

1,407,421.95

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.52

0.02

1,642,114

849,975.28

ZENITHBANK

25.05

25.5

0.45

28,811,853

722,906,190.30

MCNICHOLS

1.34

18,200

23,296.00

MOBIL

137.55

137

-0.55

27,566

3,779,616.50

MRS

66.5

63.18

-3.32

68,385

4,324,714.30

MULTIVERSE

0.5

9,000

4,500.00

NAHCO

4.85

4.9

0.05

577,338

2,840,779.32

NASCON

11.2

11.05

-0.15

434,877

4,829,958.27

171.99

172.11

0.12

1,965,070

338,317,070.40

NEIMETH

1.26

1.32

0.06

362,940

477,336.28

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NSEASI 128.83 NEWGOLD NSEINDUSTR NSELOTUSISLM NSE50 NSE30 7UP UACN NSEBNK NSECNSMRGDS

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

42611.32 2091 2678.64 2885.34 2095.38 1940.39 102.53 65.1 435.81 1060.72

18 11.92 10.67 10.44 8.62 4.88 3.1 2.94 2.48

Stock

Loss

NSEOILGAS FO MRS GUINNESS MOBIL ETI CAVERTON NSEINS ETERNA VITAFOAM

457.15 200 63.18 198 137 16.49 5.64 146.6 4.33 4.28

-11.09 -6.3 -3.32 -2 -0.55 -0.4 -0.29 -0.23 -0.22 -0.22

NIGERIA is blessed with abundant human and natural resources which nature has endowed her with. The country’s climatic conditions favour wide variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of wheat. Additionally, Nigeria is the most populous country in the Continent of Africa, with abundant economic resources, which, when properly harnessed, may enable the country to achieve the status of a rich and developed nation. ALTHOUGH its industrial sector is underdeveloped due, in part, to inadequate capital for investment and lack of technological know-how, yet the country has prominent industrial concerns such as giant oil industry, iron and steel complexes, steel rolling mills, pharmaceutical companies, food processing Industries, car assembly plants and so on. Although most of these Industrial concerns are not functioning optimally and many of them depend on imported inputs, they can serve as a basis for industrial take-off, if we put our acts together. HOWEVER, despite Nigeria’s extensive landmass, growing population, agricultural and industrial potentials, the country remains economically backward, indeed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had at a time classified Nigeria as a heavily indebted country with difficulties in meeting debts servicing obligations; Certainly, these attributes are a minus in our national drive towards socioeconomic and political development. THERE are divergent opinions on the relationship between effective leadership and the economic organization of Nigeria, and how to expand the productive base of the country. Literally, economics is the distribution of scarce resources for optimum development of a society. Thus, successive governments had pursued vigorously, policies that will strengthen economic growth and development in Nigeria. But despite the economic efforts of past and present governments, Nigeria is yet to achieve basic economic aspirations. LITERATURES on the Nigerian economy have cited leadership problems as a major cause of

THE NIGERIAN

State Of The Economy

the country’s inability to effectively mobilize her resources. Critics have shown quite clearly effective leadership is a great obstacle to development in Nigeria. Leadership problem has hampered the country’s progress in the political, economic, military and socio-cultural sectors. Poor leadership lies at the root of our continuing social, moral, economic and political crises. Practically, all our misfortunes in Nigeria have been due to poor leadership. It seems, therefore, that the Nigerian leadership structure determined to place the blame for the unstable situation the frustration and difficulties confronting them on their leaders. THUS, in contemporary Nigeria, we have observed and rightly too, that there is a great yearning for the total transformation of the process of producing appropriate leadership. This yearning, which grows more urgent by the day, is both legitimate and understandable. After decades of hopes raised and hopes dashed, it should not be surprising that Nigerians are wary and weary. HAVING gone through decades in which their faith in their national leadership have been abused and affronted, Nigerians impatience with their leaders and almost total distrust of government functionaries can no longer, bedismissed as mere cynicism. AT independence, expectations throughout Nigeria were high and the possibilities for greatness were almost limitless. Considering her vast resources, the country appeared set for good attainments, and fulfills what the international community saw as her destiny to lead the black race into the main stream human and technological civilisation. REGRETABLY, the Nigerian economy has hit an all time low. There

is massive under utilization resources. What is more painful is that our industrial sub-sector is not producing at full capacity. Despite being blessed materially and humanly, our cost of production remains high with growing unemployment. Also only crude oil is being seriously tapped, and production was negatively affected by the Niger-Delta crisis, thanks to the amnesty programme which has largely restored the oil sector. Our concern here is that outside oil, resource mobilization efforts are rather disappointing. In our estimation, if the attention given to crude oil had been extended to other minerals and the agricultural sector, definitely. Nigeria would have attained desirable and sustainable development. THERE is no doubt that Nigeria is richly endowed. The country has all It takes to become a super power. Somehow, our major problem is the leadership question, which has inevitably impaired our ability to mobilise our resources. However; we believe that our system of government has contributed to this poor leadership problem. Our political structure especially the adoption of a warped federalism has combined effectively to deprive Nigeria of a sound process of getting the right leadership Even democracy which is expected to produce effective leaders is now, a major political problem in Nigeria. WE believe that problems such as corruption, and inter-ethnic wars and suspicion, which have contributed a lot to the failure of leadership, can be adequately tackled, particularly as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has braced up to the problem in recent times. AT independence in 1960, the international community amazed at the economic potentials of Nigeria, was quite certain that if our resources were appropriately managed, Nigeria would one day become the giant of Africa. Unfortunately, due to the failure of our leadership to strategically mobillise our resources for political, socioeconomic and cultural advancement of our nation and people, Nigeria is yet to make appreciable gains in development, worsened by a very poor infrastructure base.

Political Platform Corruption Among Politicians In High Places

CORRUPTION in high places has been a major factor impeding Nigeria’s economic development since we got our Independence. This cankerworm has eaten so deep that one continues to wonder if it will ever come to an end. Nigeria is a corrupt country. Corruption may never end. All efforts by the government so far to fight corruption, seem to be an illusion. Fighting corruption is one of the most urgent tasks facing Nigeria today. The core issue before our President and every Nigerian Citizen is to confront how to significantly reduce corruption. It is only an exemplary leadership that can significantly reduce corruption in Nigeria. Without a great leader, Nigeria will continue to wallow in corruption. ‘’Corruption cannot be stopped from the bottom because those at the bottom often react to the impunity at the top. Only a leader with enormous discipline and restraint can solve Nigeria’s corruption problem. It is not the place of EFCC or ICPC, but the place of the number one leader in this country’’. When Olusegun Obasanjo was President of Nigeria, he persistently impressed it upon Nigerians and the international community that the uniqueness of his administration lies in his single-minded commitment to fight corruption. According to him, “Nobody, Nobody, I repeat Nobody, is above the law. If you commit any criminal offence, I will not arrest you. The Inspector General of Police will do that’’. He followed this up by setting up the national anticorruption commissions like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fight corruption to its barest minimum. But most unfortunately, the anticorruption stance of the past and present administrations has not yielded positive results. Almost on a daily basis, we

By FAMOUS IGUISI

hear billions and now trillions of Naira either allocated or voted for roads rehabilitation or construction, but year in year out not one road has been rehabilitated; rather more and more are allocated. The issue of corruption in Nigeria especially in high places has become a societal malice. This is a classical case of a sign of a failed state, especially when people who arrogate to themselves the authority to lead turn around to steal people’s commonwealth. Thank God President Jonathan has equally vowed that his administration will not shield any corrupt person from investigation or prosecution by the anti-graft agencies in the country. He has promised that government would continue to support and encourage the EFCC and other anticorruption agencies to confront the monster of corruption more decisively and charged them to spare no culprit regardless of his status or position. According to him, “We will give all the necessary support and encouragement to all the anticorruption agencies to vigorously enforce the enabling anti-corruption laws. I urge these agencies to do their work fairly but firmly within the ambit of the law without regard to position or status. There shall be no sacred cow. This government will not protect any so-called sacred cow. The wheel of justice must run its full course in tackling anti-corruption cases”. It is my expectation, that our President is concerned about the economic future of all Nigerians, including himself, such that instead of being distracted by uncertainties about his future, he is busy building the future for all Nigerians. “All well-meaning Nigerians must, therefore, not only say no to corruption but also do something about it. Every little effort counts;

whistle blowing, vigilance in budget implementation and projects monitoring, calling public officers to account; all go a long way towards assisting the anti-corruption effort. The historic signing of the Freedom of Information Bill into Law in 2011 has provided citizens with a veritable instrument to contribute to strengthening accountability and

Works brought a budget of N100 billion to spend and later discovered that N40 billion of that money was dedicated to roads already built and completed. “A week after I became Speaker, the late President brought a budget to the National Assembly and there was an item on it which says unspent funds. These are monies to be returned to the National Assembly at the end of the year and it was N21 billion. “This is a budget of over N650 billion and you are

treasury’’. If this is true, then one would like to know what could have happened to the balances within the past 14 years of our Democracy. Since corruption constitutes the greatest bane of all vices hunting Nigeria it is high time that National Assembly began to explore legislative intervention as well as constantly build workers’ capacity in order to enhance their wellbeing and productivity as well as facilitate industrial peace and harmony. Until Nigeria changes and undergoes a reform, the future for Africa’s development is

who had the same economic indices with Nigeria have all gone ahead; because they have a sense of purpose. Therefore, the relevant anticorruption agencies, EFCC and others must step up their game. Nevertheless, I must give it to them for the several land mark achievements in this regard especially the indictment of the former speaker of the house of Representative and his deputy over a controversial loan scam. But there is need for them to do more. There should be no sacred cow in this fight. It requires courage and selfless service to be able to break the big head of

bleak since Nigeria represents a regional influential. Greed in government officials is thriving in a way we as a people do not and cannot approve of. It is heart-breaking to continue to hear of the unending craze among government officials to loot public fund without a blink of the eye or even considering the effect this could have on the people. Most government officials and other public officers have created a tradition: “get to the scene, loot and disappear from the scene.” They do this without a genuine desire to serve. There is no doubt that there cannot be any meaningful economic development if government officials continue in their illicit looting activities. We will definitely not go beyond being a developing nation, while other developing countries, especially in Asia,

corruption in Nigeria. I quite agree with former president Obasanjo’s comments recently in Geneva Switzerland when he accused the EFCC and ICPC of ineffectiveness and inefficiency because the EFCC was supposed to have gotten him arrested the moment he left office and investigate his obscure dealings while in office. There are indeed a score of corrupt public officials who walk the streets freely today with impunity. Therefore, it is critical for the EFCC and other Financial Agencies to brace up and carry out their constitutional responsibility without fear or favor; stop the international community from accepting looted funds from government officials. Corruption in government must be nip in the bud if Nigeria must achieve its vision 2020:20.

Ibrahim Lamorde, EFCC Chairman

transparency in the public sector’’. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, once said that corruption in high places will continue to mar the nation’s development. He said that Nigeria has been governed in the past 30 years by “very unserious characters.” According to him, “there is no record of how much the nation earns and spends’’. He recounted how the Ministry of

returning N21 billion. What this means is that the budget must have performed over 95 per cent. “The budget apparently performed about 30 to 40 per cent just like every other budget. I went to see the late President to tell him that I was not going to agree to this because where I come from; they will ask me about the money. “Within six weeks, N21 billion became N450 billion that was returned to the

“The issue of corruption in Nigeria especially in high places has become a societal malice. This is a classical case of a sign of a failed state, especially when people who arrogate to themselves the authority to lead turn around to steal people’s commonwealth.”

Opinion

We Need Proactive Leaders Democracy:

RECENTLY, we celebrate the re-birth of our nation’s democracy. On that day, fifteen years ago, the world watched as Nigeria ushered in a new era of government chosen by the people – after countless years of military dictatorships. Democracy Day marks the turning point in our history, when we – as a nation – defied all odds and expectations, and chose to rebuild our motherland on the principles adhered to by many nations before us: that the people of a country can stand sovereign over their elected leaders, by exercising their right to choose at the ballot box. Nigeria’s democracy since 1999 has hurtled through numerous crossroads that have served to define our strength as a nation, and have made many of our institutions stronger. On this day, I want us to recognise Nigerians from all walks of life for their tireless and heroic sacrifices that have kept us together as a nation in spite of the difficult challenges that have confronted us. I want us to take a moment to pause, reflect on, and appreciate the millions of our fellow country-men and women, and those in every corner of the globe who have joined Nigerians to campaign tirelessly against the

NIGERIA is a state at war. There’s no profit in continuing to deny it. There’s no point in sugarcoating the bitter, bloody fact. The immediate war theaters are Abuja and Jos and a large swathe of the restive northeast of the country. On the face of it, the enemy is Boko Haram, that homicidal organism that’s determined to fundamentally remake Nigeria, substituting its faux western liberal values with an inflexible Islamist order. To achieve its stated goal, Boko Haram is willing to bomb public motor parks, to slaughter sleeping school children in their beds, to bring carnage to people worshiping in churches, to ambush and kill soldiers and police officers, to abduct schoolgirls and forcibly convert them to Islam, and to carve out a widening space in Nigeria’s northeast where sheer anarchy reigns. The three recent bombings in Jos are a chilling reminder that the monstrous virus of terror is capable of mutating and spreading, creating ever-wider arcs of unease, destruction, dread, and death. I began by stating that Boko Haram is the chief enemy in Nigeria’s veritable war. I admit that this is, finally, a simplification. With the abduction of the “Chibok” girls as one of the most reported events in the global media over the last month or so, it’s become standard to name Boko Haram

By SENATOR ABUABAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI

challenges facing the nation – particularly the attacks that emanate from radical insurgents. We must bear in mind that our organised strength lies in the common experiences we share with our fellow Nigerians, and our everyday successes as a nation are rooted in the foundations of our citizencentered democracy. Nevertheless, we must also never forget that just as our strength lies in our commonalities and shared experiences, our most potent power emanates from our over 150 million-strong voice. When our minds are as one, we are strong. When we speak out as one, we are formidable. When we demand as one, we are insurmountable. For this reason, on this anniversary of the founding of our Fourth Republic, I urge all Nigerians to stand and speak as one to demand an end to insecurity, corruption, and all other social ills that have plagued our great nation. We must demand that in 2015 Nigeria display its commitment to democracy, so that we have credible, free and transparent elections. We must have the will and courage to defend our

as the perpetrator of every shocking act of violence, even before the sect has claimed discredit. Many Nigerians believe that what we call Boko Haram is not one organization but a buffet of different groups versed in the art of deploying violence to achieve their varied, often conflicting objectives. This is not to deny, of course, the continued existence and operation of the original Boko Haram with its agenda of Islamist triumphalism. However, many Nigerians now contend that there is some ethnic political machinery that masquerades as Boko Haram, but with the secular goal of bullying President Goodluck Jonathan into abandoning his desire to seek a second term as Nigeria’s president. This group, operating under the boutique name of Boko Haram, is deemed driven by the sordid idea of making Nigeria ungovernable until political power is ceded to a president of northern, Islamic identity. There’s no question that many of Mr. Jonathan’s supporters on cyberspace find this conspiracy theory quite credible. On Facebook and twitter, they

democracy. This is a process that starts now, that sees democratic and transparent processes to select candidates through to

Election Day where we are free to vote for the candidate we believe in. Democracy is not practiced by mirroring the language that we speak, where we come from or what religion we worship; democracy is the

opportunity to address the issues that affect us all. Issues affect us all across Nigeria regardless of gender, age or religion. We must acknowledge some of the realities that have presented

choose leaders based on the constraints of sameness of religion, similarities in ethnicity, and other largely inconsequential values of nation-building leadership. To counter this, we must view leadership through a lense of: who will best address mine and my local government, state, or country’s problems? In a nutshell, we must elect the best amongst us. We must also continue to strive towards the definition, – or perhaps redefinition – of the path

themselves when election-time comes in our country, and enlighten others and ourselves against them. One flaw that we have experienced in our young democracy is that it is often the case that many of our people

that we as a country have chosen to take. It is not prudent for a country such as ours to always be reactionary in our response to events. We must begin to look into raising and elevating proactive leaders who will not

only defend this country when it is attacked, but will make Nigeria strong – so that any enemies, foreign or domestic, that may aspire to threaten the security of our nation and its people will be dealt with before they have the chance to cause us harm. These are difficult times, and as such, these times call for leadership that is not about shifting blame or indifference to the plight of Nigerians, but leadership that is all about achieving results – however the problems may choose to present themselves. As a nation founded upon our diversity, we come to this task well equipped with the resources, indigenous skills and zeal to surpass all expectations and projections that have, and are, being made by our country. Let us continue to uphold the bond of citizenship that has kept us together as one indivisible people. Let us also be diligent and firm in the belief that we shall harvest the dividends of the sacrifices that many have given to obtain and sustain our democracy. Let us also understand, that this democracy of ours is not just a gift, but a responsibility to be harnessed and developed – for the benefit of generations of Nigerians that are yet to come. In this regard, as we reflect, and celebrate our Democracy, I urge us all to march into the future knowing that in the spirit of togetherness, we can achieve more for our common prosperity. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A State At War?

readily name names of major northern political figures and economic players who are supposedly funding or organizing Boko Haram’s attacks. These sponsors and spirits of Boko Haram, it is suggested by those who profess to have unmasked them, are able to get away with their treasonous acts because their high stature places them above the reach of Nigerian law and offers them virtual immunity from arrest and prosecution. There’s another conspiracy theory inspired by the unchecked terror unleashed by Boko Haram. It’s the sense that the sect is backed, not necessarily by Al Qaeda or some Islamist nation with too much cash and an interest in sectarian expansion, but by the US and other western countries. I got a new sense of the appeal of this conspiracy theory on a recent visit to New York City. A Nigerian I met pointed me to a report carried by numerous websites and apparently circulated in many forums to the

By OKEY NDIBE

effect that Boko Haram is a creation of the CIA. The long, meandering and questionable report attributed its source to cables leaked by Wikileaks. US intelligence analysts had stated some years ago that, by 2015, Nigeria was likely to face impossible tests to its corporate unity. The premise of the online report is that, far from just making projections based on Nigeria’s political realities, the US analysts had merely reflected their country’s ostensible agenda to catalyze Nigeria’s dismemberment. I believe, above all, that Nigeria is at war with the ghosts of its history, with the monsters of its own creation. Those who point to a so-called northern agenda to make a Jonathan-run Nigeria hellish help, in my view, to make my point. Last week, I rebuked a fellow on Facebook for suggesting that President Jonathan knew the identities of those sponsoring Boko Haram, but had made the “cooler,

“Many Nigerians believe that what we call Boko Haram is not one organization but a buffet of different groups versed in the art of deploying violence to achieve their varied, often conflicting objectives. This is not to deny, of course, the continued existence and operation of the original Boko Haram with its agenda of Islamist triumphalism.”

calmer” decision to deal with them with some kind of Ijaw tact. Jonathan, I reminded him, was running a state, not an Ijaw village. The way a state deals with criminals—and those who sponsor violence against innocents are reprehensible criminals—is not to damn them with an Ijaw, Igbo or Yoruba proverb. It is to arrest and prosecute them. Since Nigeria is at war, it behooves Mr. Jonathan—who must have access to more information than the rest of us— to unmask the antagonists. If he has solid evidence that some exheads of state, some serving or former public officials, are buying the guns and explosives with which Nigerians are killed, he is duty-bound to order law enforcement agents to arrest these financiers of terror. If he can’t or won’t get them arrested, then he would have unwittingly admitted two facts. One is that Nigeria is a fundamentally lawless space, a pretender nation, a space in which the biggest criminals are above the state and above the president. I have always argued that this is the case—else we would not have the names of so many criminals, so many money launderers and abusers of power, on Nigeria’s national “honor”

roll or as members of the national confab. But it’s a different matter when the Nigerian president concludes that the state he presides over is fundamentally disordered. The other implication is that Mr. Jonathan is unable to live up to his oath of office. The Nigerian presidency is nobody’s birthright. And nobody should ever be allowed to get away with slaughtering thousands of Nigerians as a strategy for claiming Aso Rock. That’s why I’m often exasperated with those who claim that the indiscriminate carnage in Nigeria is about terrorizing Jonathan to abandon his presidential ambition. I hope it’s not true, for the consequences of its being true are clear enough and dire. Nobody should be permitted to use the blood of thousands of Nigerians to buy or bluff his way to the country’s seat of power. So, if Boko Haram is indeed sponsored by those who want to force Mr. Jonathan to retreat from running for reelection— and the incumbent lacks the spine to unmask, shame and try these tormentors of innocent Nigerians—then he might as well hand them the key to Aso Rock and repair to his natal home.

Politics

President’s Speech Sets Agenda For Confab By JOSES SEDE

DEBATE on President Goodluck Jonathan inaugural speech as the footpath for the ongoing National Conference holding at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, begun yesterday with delegates commending the federal government initiative. Moderated by the Conference Deputy Chairman, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, most of the delegates described the President’s speech on March 17 at the inauguration of the Conference as agenda-setting on issues to be discussed and the outcome Conference. Former President of the Senate, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu said: “I stand not to praise nor vilify the President’s speech. It is the speech of a leader who is worried about his country. It is the speech of great expectation, and the whole country expects a lot from all gathered here.” Delegates however observed that beyond the letters of the elegant speech lies the responsibility of translating the words into action for the benefit of Nigerians so that the report of the current Conference will not go the ways of others. Some of them said the timing of the Conference was apt; coming on the heels of Nigeria’s centenary as a country because it would create opportunity to reflect on the last 100 years while planning for the next. Mrs. Temitope Ajayi described the Conference as historic, “coming as Nigeria celebrates one hundred years of existence as one entity. The courage exhibited by Jonathan in convening the Conference despite stiff opposition and criticisms by political opponents also formed a part of the comments made by delegates on Tuesday. Dr. Amos Akingba said delegates must justify such show of courage by the President by ensuring that issues that would stabilize Nigeria occupy everybody’s mind and not ethnic interest. A retired civil servant, Akin Arikawe, said the convocation of the National Conference by Jonathan despite threats and warnings by certain Nigerians was a demonstration of the President’s confidence in the outcome of the Conference and urged delegates not to frustrate that hope. Former Information Minister, Professor Dora Akunyili, observed that it has taken more than political will for Jonathan to convene the conference which she said Nigerians have long clamoured for. She said the

Conference was a centenary gift to Nigerians. Elder statesman, Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, described Nigeria as the leading country in Africa and asked Nigerians to “stop being demolition contractors, let us be building contractors” so that Nigeria can become “the greatest republic in Africa.” Former Minister of Petroleum, Professor Jubril Aminu, said based on issues

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, in his contribution, said Jonathan’s speech clearly identified the problems with Nigeria and the challenges before the Conference not only in discussing the problems but in proffering functional solutions to such problems. He said for so long, Nigerians have imprisoned themselves in the north-south divide explaining that these differences and disparities have always been there, adding:

Isa Ajiya told the delegates that the beauty of the President’s speech would only achieve its purpose if they reason together as Nigerians, not as northerners or southerners, not as Muslims or Christians, adding “at the end, Nigeria will shine again.” Describing the speech as a summary of impediments that must be cleared for Nigeria to grow and “delivered confidently and convincingly”

Akere said delegates must thoroughly examine why institutions worked effectively in the past, even under colonial administration, particularly in the areas of anti-corruption, revenue and infrastructural development but collapsed thereafter. Felix Akhabue was of the opinion that the outcome of the Conference must clear the polity of mindsets of the past so that the country can move forward; adding that a deliberate decision by Nigerians to accommodate each

President Goodluck Jonathan (3rd left), Vice President Namadi Sambo (2nd left), in a group photograph with delegates to the ongoing National Conference during the opening ceremony recently. identified by the President for discussion, he hoped the 2014 National Conference would be the last of such conferences because it would help strengthen the constitution and make it better. Mrs. Brenda Akpan, a journalist, said the centrepiece of the speech was that of inclusion as against the practice of exclusion and current discrimination against women, children and the disabled. She said the Conference must ensure that every Nigerian has a sense of citizenship, demanding that “we must create space for their participation in governance.” While some delegates hammered on the issue of drafting a new Constitution for the country, others said the Conference lacked any legal backing to embark on such an enterprise; and that only President Goodluck Jonathan who convened the Conference will decide on what to do with the report.

“we may not be able to remove them, but we can make them irrelevant and ineffective.” Robert Audu said it was time for Nigerians to stop “blaming our leaders for our woes, rather, we should now find solutions to these problems,” explaining that it was for such reasons that the Conference was convened. Some of the delegates, like Chief Sergeant Awuse, said Nigeria as a country has no insurmountable problems but that the system it operates has not allowed ideas to become realities. He said, “I don’t think there is anything wrong with Nigeria. I think there is something wrong with the system. If we look at the system we are running now and we think it is not good enough, we can jettison it and adopt another system. This Conference has given us the opportunity to do that.” Bishop Felix Ajakaiye said the problem of Nigeria was not for lack of ideas towards solution but the lack of political will to implement such ideas. He urged the delegates to use their Godgiven talents to redeem the country by making the best out of the Conference.

Olaniwun Ajayi said Nigeria has remained a country blessed with talents but “where the best is yet to happen.” Nike Akande in her comments said she was more concerned about Nigeria’s march towards rapid development; a situation she said would justify Jonathan’s expectation in the Conference which she described as a “landmark journey that will make us proud as a nation.” In the same vein, Chief Femi Akande said with the elegant speech “full of candour” it was possible to see a stronger and more stable Nigeria arising from the Conference if the delegates remain committed and focused. Olusola Akanmode demanded of the Conference to make suggestions for inclusion in the constitution regarding the need for timeline on deadlines for submission of budgets by the executive and passage by the lawmakers at all levels of governance. Based on the President’s speech, retired Justice Peter

other beyond ethnic lines would serve as the starting point to the greatness of Nigeria. Former Police Chief, Bashiru Albasu, lamented the poor security situation in Nigeria from the far north to the deep south and urged delegates to view it as a matter of urgent national importance. Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, said the speech delivered by the President should serve as a guiding principle to the Conference; he described it as a speech from the heart of someone who loves Nigeria. Ambassador Adamu Aliyu told the delegates that Jonathan’s speech was monumental and indicated no hidden agenda. Esther Andrew, a delegate living with disability, pulled the crowd to applause when she called for special attention to the plight of the disabled in the country and thanked the President for making them a part of the Conference. She said the negative attitude of the society towards the

disabled was not in the nation’s interest, adding: “we don’t need sympathy, we need empathy, we need support, we want to go to school,” although she said most of the educational institutions in Nigeria are not disabled-friendly. When the Conference resumed in the afternoon, the issue of religion surfaced as two Christian leaders, Bishop Joseph Bagobiri and Pastor Emmanuel Bosun painted pictures of constitutional issues that have created the impression that Nigeria has a state religion. In conclusion, Bagobiri said the conference must right what is wrong about the 1999 Constitution and that except the inconsistencies smuggled into the constitution were addressed, “then what we are doing here will not bring equity to all Nigerians. We should respect the sanctity of the secularity of the country.” Bosun, whose contribution attracted a Point of Order which was over-ruled, said Nigeria was daily producing widows and orphans in their thousands because religion has become a manipulative tool used to cause destruction and that there was need for the Conference to take a critical look at the 1999 Constitution. An environmental activist, Nnimmo Bassey, said Jonathan’s speech was a call for the delegates to remember they are in a conference to reconstruct Nigeria and that delegates need to bury their pettiness and look at issues that would make life better for the citizens. Tunde Bakare said, “The President has made plain his expected outcome of this Conference. If our expectations are different from his, then we are in a jamboree. It appears Mr. President knew his onions and laid them bare that the greatest problem facing Nigeria today is the issue of governance.” Former Governor of Bayelsa State, DSP Alamiyeseigha, described the President’s speech as revolutionary and statesmanlike because it captured issues that have bedeviled the country since its amalgamation in 1914. For Mariam Jummai Bello, the problem of Nigeria lies with the women who have refused to bring up their children in a manner that would ensure respect for the law and focus on character development. Although Conference Chairman and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi had placed embargo on clapping, Bello’s contribution was heavily applauded when she accused women of pushing their husbands to engage in corrupt act as a short cut to luxurious living.

Midweek Magazine

INDEED, it is absolutely absurd and becoming more detrimental to nation building in Nigeria to observe that Local Government Areas, reputed to be the closest to the people, have over the past two to three decades, abandoned and abdicated their primary constitutional responsibilities to the people, and have degenerated into one of the most permissive conduit pipes for pilfering the nation’s treasury. Not only that, they have become tools and avenues through which state governments and big-partywigs/politicians can misappropriate, mismanage and abuse their public offices to the detriment of the grassroots, all in the name of party-politics-of-interests. That has been the dilemma we have with Nigeria’s local government councils and their statutory functions. But that is not the case in other countries. We have decided to take a closer look at the recent UK Local Elections and compare that with what we have experienced and still experiencing in Nigeria, and hoping that our political leaders and politicians will emulate what is happening in the UK. Aside the fact that local election took place ‘unnoticed’ in the UK recently, which is different from what we see in Nigeria where local council elections are bedeviled with violence and electoral fraud, the said local elections in the UK witnessed a dramatic change of power between the popular ruling parties like the Conservatives and Labour, and the unknown opposition UKIP party. Everything about the election results of UK’s local elections indicated that indeed, the elections were free and fair, an outcome of the heart desires of the people and that those vying for electoral positions knew exactly what they are going into government to do. In fact, it was a historic victory for the ‘unpopular’ small opposition party UKIP, as the party broke an electoral record that had stood in the UK since 1906. A look at the local election Results in UK shows the dynamism and beauty of any

Local Council Elections In The U Democratic system, which is; outcome of elections are not predictable and it could swing to any direction. A round-up of some of the winners, losers and shockers of the 2014 local elections in the UK explains the beauty of democracy. For instance: The Conservatives toppled the Liberal Democrats in Kingston-Upon-Thames, which is the backyard of Energy Secretary Ed Davey, the party had held the council for 12 years. The Liberal Democrats lost control of Portsmouth – UKIP gains six seats, taking four from the Liberal Democrats, one from Labour and one independent seat. Portsmouth independent councilor, Mike Hancock lost his seat after 40 years. The former Liberal Democrat MP is being sued by a “vulnerable” woman constituent who claims he sexually assaulted her, a claim he denies. This is something that is unheard in Nigeria’s kind of democracy. In Rotherham, UKIP took/won eight seats from Labour with a 47% share of the vote. UKIP benefitted from Essex surge: in Basildon, the party took seven seats from the Tories toppling the party, it made gains in Castle Point and Southend. Labour lost Thurrock, a key seat for the UK 2015 General Election. No party has overall control, unlike what we find in Nigeria, where often times, the ruling party State Government level usually takes/wins almost all the local council seats in their State. It was victory for Labour as it snatched Hammersmith and Fulham, often described as “David Cameron’s favourite councils”, which have been in Conservative hands since 2006. Labour took Cambridge, another key target seat for 2015, winning 10 seats. In a symbolic victory, the Liberal Democrats kept Eastleigh - UKIP came second to the Liberal Democrats in a by-election last year. Labour has a good result in London where it gained Croydon from the Conservatives and Redbridge and Merton from No Overall

Control. But strong gains by UKIP leave the Conservatives licking their wounds in Essex, losing Castlepoint, Brentwood, Basilton and Southend on Sea to No Overall Control. Other areas the Conservatives lost ground were in London, the south and southeast, in areas like Havering, Maidstone, Basingstoke and Purbeck which were all lost to No Overall Control. In the Midlands and East Anglia, the Conservatives lost Peterborough and Tamworth to No Overall Control, but gained St Albans. Labour gained Amber Valley, Crawley and Bradford but lost North East Lincolnshire, Great Yarmouth and West Lancashire. Coming a year ahead of the UK General Elections, it is the first time a party other than the Conservatives or Labour has topped a nationwide poll in 108 years. The Liberal Democrats lost all but one of its 11 MEPs, with the party coming in fifth place after the Greens, leading to serious questions over the survival of the party’s leader, Nick Clegg. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, told Sky News he understood voters were deeply disillusioned with the EU and said: “The message on Europe I absolutely receive and understand.” He ruled out any pact with UKIP and said the Conservatives were ready to “renegotiate Britain’s place in Europe”. The leader of UKIP, Mr. Nigel Farage, whose party also won a seat in Scotland, said: “The implications for Nick Clegg are very serious indeed, the implications for Ed Miliband are very serious indeed and also for David Cameron, perhaps not quite as bad but that debate, that split within the party is going to continue.” He said he was looking at seats for the party to target and would be assembling a team of spokesmen on issues such as defence to make sure the party was no longer seen as a “one man band”. With UKIP averaging 26% of the vote in county council polls, leader Nigel Farage said he was “astonished” by the

party’s breakthrough, and put it down to what he described as the “total disconnect” between the “career politics” of Westminster and ordinary people on the streets. “UKIP is actually speaking the language of millions of ordinary voters,” he told Sky News. Speaking in his Oxfordshire constituency, Mr. Cameron said he would “work really hard” to win back voters who switched support. The Conservative leader said all the mainstream political parties had “major lessons” to learn. “For the Conservatives, I understand why some people who have supported us before did not support us again, they want us to do even more to work for hard-working people to sort out the issues they care about,” he said. “More to help with the cost of living, more to turn the economy round, more to get immigration down, to sort out the welfare system. They will be our focus, they are our focus, but we have got to do more.” Even in a state of defeat, we can see the sense of ‘responsibility’ and ‘maturity’ exhibited by the leader of the ruling party (Conservatives) in explaining why they lost a lot of council seats to the opposition (UKIP) and the need for their party to wake up and “work harder”, so as to turn things around in the next elections. This is very good example of a “healthy democracy” that gives room for the people’s choice to be the outcome of every elections. That is what Democracy is all about; It is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. But in Nigeria, it is totally a different ball game. The local government is the third tier of the administrative structure in Nigeria. There are 774 local government areas (LGAs) in the country. The functions of Local Governments, as spelt out in the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, are as follows: a. Consideration and making of recommendations to the State commission on economic planning or any similar body on economic development of

“Results in UK shows the dynamism and beauty of any Democratic system, which is; outcome of elections are not predictable and it could swing to any direction. A round-up of some of the winners, losers and shockers of the 2014 local elections in the UK explains the beauty of democracy.”

By ZIK GBEMRE

the State, particularly in so far as the area of authority of the Council and of the State are affected; b. Collection of rates, and radio and television licenses; c. Establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial grounds and homes for the destitute or infirm; d. Licensing of bicycles,

trucks (other than mechanically propelled trucks), canoes, wheel barrows and carts; e. Establishment, maintenance and regulation of markets, motor parks and public conveniences; f. Construction and maintenance of roads, streets, drains and other public highways, parks, open spaces, or such public facilities as may be prescribed from time to time by the House of Assembly of a State; g. Naming of roads ‘and streets and numbering of houses; h. Provision and maintenance Of public conveniences and refuse disposal; i. Registration of births, deaths and marriages;

j. Assessment of privatelyowned houses or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly of a State; and, k. Control and regulation of: i. out-door advertising and hoarding, ii. Movement and keeping of pets of all descriptions, iii. shops and

are re Chairm under appoin of the all me are en practi who e on sp roles Coun decisi

kiosks, iv. Restaurants and other places for sale of food to the public, and v. laundries. The local government councils also work hand- inhand with State Governments on issues such as: A. the provision and maintenance of primary education; B. the development of agriculture and natural resources, other than the exploitation of minerals, and C. the provision and maintenance of health services. Each local government area is administered by a Local Government Council. The Council is headed by a Chairman who is the Chief Executive of the LGA, and other elected members who

to rep Wit in m Gover econo area o gover consid of eco grassr in Nig as it i credib Cons imple this h To the wond gover Witho of tho Chairm want develo

Midweek Magazine

K, A Worthy Example For Nigeria

eferred to as Councillors. The man is normally elected, but can, r special circumstances, also be nted. He/she supervises the activities local government and presides over eetings of the Council. All members njoined by law to meet, as far as cable, the aspirations of the people elected them. Committees, focusing ecific issues, play very important in the day-to-day business of the cils. They assist the Councils in ion-making and are usually required

they see the position as the quickest avenue to enrich their pockets. And of cause, this is encouraged and assisted by the state governments, most of whom ofcause, came into government for all the wrong reasons. Considering the level of urban and rural deterioration and degradation presently observed in virtually all the nooks and crannies of the

ort their discussions to the Councils. th the above Constitutional provisions ind, we can see that a Local rnment Council is the pivot of socioomic planning and development in its of authority. Being also the tier of rnment closest to the people, it is dered the most important facilitator onomic and social development at the roots. But that has not been the case geria. The local government councils is in Nigeria can actually perform bly well if only the provisions of the titution are wholeheartedly mented to the letter. Unfortunately, as not been the case all these years. e extent that many are beginning to der if there still exist a local rnment administration in Nigeria. out mincing words, about 90.5 percent se vying for local government council manship do so not because they really to ‘serve’ their councils and bring opment to the people, but because

grassroots level of governance, one is often left to wonder, has the local government councils, regarded as the third tier of government in the country, gone into extinction and oblivion? Or has this level of government become so bastersized with ‘party-politics’ of diverse interests, that they have obviously been rendered incapacitated to function? Is the local government level of governance in Nigeria still relevant in today’s modern democracy, going by their pathetic and bungling ineptitude in administrative responsibilities? Any keen observer of this level of government in Nigeria and the kind of ‘aggressive’ politics it harbours, will know the obvious answers to the

questions posed. It is rather unfortunate that the local government areas, that are supposed to be closest to the people, are at the whims and caprices of the state governors. This was not the situation in the good old days of the 60s and 70s, when Local Government Councils (LGCs) were very ‘grass rooted’, and they displayed exemplary ‘leadership’ in Sustainable Community Development to better the lives of the locals. The LGCs then were very much close and in touch with the people. They were very committed in carrying out their statutory functions which includes; cleaning/sanitizing the environment, community roads construction and maintenance, sewage disposal and waste management, educational development/ sponsorship and school infrastructure upgrade, other sundry responsibilities within available resources and what have you. Their presence was greatly felt by the local populace in every state / regions of the country at that time. Today, the music has changed and the general society is paying dearly for it. just like what is playing out at the national level, local government administration in Nigeria have been hijacked by Kleptomaniac money bags and political juggernauts or partybigwigs who are more like desperadoes that hustle and seek to seize political power in the name of popular mandate, and cede same to most undeserving stooges-most of whom have questionable past in character and conduct. Hence, when it comes to the appropriation of public funds and running the councils, they practically know nothing other than to serve their private interests. This trend, which unfortunately is a ‘national problem’, has created a culture of local government councils with leaders who run and control local council’s purse like their own personal wealth and possession. What is now growing common is that local

government funds have become dedicated accounts’ for settling and growing personal wealth of politicians in power as well as creating economic opportunities for their relatives and friends, while the generality of the populace are left in squalor and perpetual want. This is why the monthly federation allocation to the local government councils across the country disappears as soon as allocated, leaving barely enough for staff salaries and allowances. Every now and then, we read of hundreds of millions of Naira that are channeled for Local Government administrations, and this is separate for the usual internal revenue they get. Yet, all around the grassroots levels are sights and sounds of abject poverty, deteriorating environment that lacks basic amenities and sub-human living conditions of pain and misery. There is no single development stride that justifies the huge public funds spending claimed by most local government council chairman and their councilors across the country. If truly functional, local government councils lessen the pressure on the state government because they are the best and perfect means of reaching the grassroots. That is why in advanced countries of Europe and America, Local Council administrations are very ‘proactive’ and ‘effective’ in satisfying the basic needs of its populace. As a matter of fact, these councils, like the ones in the UK, are much more active and pronounced than the provincial or state governments. The councils virtually take charge of providing every day to day activity that ensures the smooth – running of the provinces. From the provision of wellengineered septic tanks with central locations for Sewage disposals, to road and street maintenance. Even the provision of accommodation for low income earners and those that are unemployed; provision of public toilets and their maintenance; Environmental clean-up on a

daily basis including public markets and parks, etc. All these public services are provided and maintained by local councils in the UK. How come this level of government in Nigeria is adjudged to be the most corrupt level of government? Rather than being a ‘developmental Arm’ of the country at the local level, councils in Nigeria are mostly known for ‘collecting’ tenement rates, levies and other cooked-up revenues through council officers (with the use of ‘area boys’, akaAgberos, particularly in the South-South and South-West areas of Nigeria). Despite this, the collected revenues are not used for anything meaningful to better their council’s and the lives of the locals, rather they divert them into their private pockets. Yet, every now and then they cry out for insufficient public funds to carry out their functions. The fact is, local government councils chairmen and their councilors have become more like ‘appointees’ that are strategically placed by the state governors and political god-fathers under fraudulent elections, usually conducted by the so called State Electoral Commissioners. As long as the “electoral process” that brings local government chairman into power is usually fraught with electoral malpractices of highest order, there is no amount of autonomy that will be given to that level of government that will make them functional as expected. The situation is even worse off in some states that do have an elected/appointed local government Chairmen and Councilors. Delta State for instance, for almost two years now and still running, there has not been any local government council elections for Local Government Chairmen and Councilors. All we have in Delta State at the moment are Caretaker Committees that are appointed by the State Governor. It was only recently that the Delta State

Government announced that Local Government elections will take place in the State in October 2014. And already, the maneuvering and partypoliticking have started in full force and Deltans are not really enthusiastic about the development because they know that, at the end of the day; elections or no elections, it is the State Government’s choice and not the people’s choice that will occupy majority of the local council’s seats across the State. Many have argued that there is need for the local government in Nigeria to have more autonomy, which is something delegates at the ongoing National Conference are hoping to address. In as much as we agree with the fact that there is need for more autonomy and independence to functions for the local government councils in Nigeria, however, there are far more institutional and attitudinal problems that need to be addressed or seen to play out before any level of autonomy will make meaning. With the way things are presently, there is no amount of autonomy that will make our councils across the country to function as expected. Rather, such autonomy will only end up giving them the leverage and window to misappropriate and mismanage public funds under their care. To add to this, it is equally imperative for the Law Makers (at the Federal / State levels) to checkmate the excesses of the Executive (without necessarily witchhunting anyone), while the Judiciary should be independent enough to adjudicate and appropriate the rule of law at all levels of government without fear or favour. Then the electoral process at this level of government must be seen to be free and fair in all ramifications. We should copy the UK example and allow the “people’s choice” to count more in election outcomes. These are the indices of a true Federal State practicing a democratic system of government.

“If truly functional, local government councils lessen the pressure on the state government because they are the best and perfect means of reaching the grassroots. That is why in advanced countries of Europe and America, Local Council administrations are very ‘proactive’ and ‘effective’ in satisfying the basic needs of its populace.”

View Point

A sage once said that birthdays are not the celebration of the days we were born but a celebration of the fact that we have been able to conquer death by another year. It is also a celebration of the fact that we have been able to overcome numerous obstacles on our journey of life. Birthdays are also marked as victories over the forces of darkness that everyday bestride our paths in our quest to make positive impacts in this cruel world. In Nigeria today where life expectancy is one of the lowest in the world, where the health sector is in a state of comatose, it is always a miracle if one sees it to another year. When combined with poverty, hunger, lack of shelter, ignorance, ever growing crime rate, political and economic _BOKO HARAISM, _surviving from year to year is worth celebrating. A growing child in Nigeria has less rate of survival than his counterparts in other parts of the world probably with the exception of Somalia. Forty-nine years ago, a man was born to this nation. He was born when the nation was undergoing political crises. The Western Region was literally on fire. The Centre was interfering in the affairs of the Western Region and how to politically annex the region to the party at the Centre. We are witnessing same today. Election rigging was the worst ever witnessed in the history of the nation then. There was civil war unrest in the West. Political opponents were jailed on trumped up charges. Few months after his birth, the first military coup in the nation’s history took place. Two years after his birth, the civil war started. It was in this politically unstable environment that this man was born. It was also the period that the radical Adaka Boro was fighting for more devolution of power and resources control. The

circumstances of his birth helped to shape his life. On the 27th day of May, 1965, Rotimi Amaechi was born to a humble family of Elder Francis and Mary Amaechi in Ubima Town, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. He grew up in Diobu, the Ajegunle of Portharcourt. He was born during the period of political crises and grew up in the ghetto. He saw poverty all around him. He saw squalor. He attended a public primary school and a public secondary school. In these public schools, he saw dedicated teachers who were building new generation of future leaders. In his days as a student in the University of Portharcourt where he read English and Literary Studies, the revolutionary in him began to manifest. He wanted change. Which better place to start than students’ unionism? He became the President of the National Association of Rivers States Students. He worked briefly at Dr Peter Odili’s clinic before joining politics as the local government Secretary of National Republic Party (NRC) during Gen Babangida’s ill fated, ill conceived and insincere political transition. Between 1992 and 1994, he was Special Assistant to the deputy governor of Rivers State. During Gen Abacha’s doomed political experiment, Rotimi Amaechi was the Rivers State Secretary of Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN). He remained focused and had trust in Gen Abdulsalam’s transition agenda. He teamed up with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on whose platform he contested election into the Rivers State House of Assembly. He was elected. In the House, his colleagues saw the leadership qualities in him and decided to elect him as the Speaker of the House.

When The Gods Smile By EDDY AGHANENU

As Speaker, he performed his duties creditably that his speaker colleagues elected him as the Chairman of the National Conference of Speakers. He got re elected as a member of the State House of Assembly in 2003. Members of the House expressed their confidence in him by re electing him as the Speaker of the House. In 2007, he contested and

When Governor Amaechi assumed office, he never allowed the victory to overwhelm him rather he concentrated squarely on how to make Rivers State a better place. Though, he had his vision and mission clearly marked out, he nonetheless called for a retreat of Rivers people to help create a road map for his administration.

One of the first areas he had to tackle was the education sector. No nation can attain greatness when the country is populated by ignorant citizens. A leap can only be made from poverty to good living through education. Gov Amaechi lived in the slums, knows the ways of life there. What those areas apart from infrastructure was upliftment through education. The governor attended public schools and they were the

Gov Rotimi Amaechi

won the PDP primaries for the governorship race. Though he won the primaries, the powers that be in his party decided to substitute his name. He couldn’t swallow this brazen injustice and he decided to fight for his rights. He never resorted to violence but used democratic means available to fight his cause. Finally, in a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court affirmed that he was the duly elected governor of Rivers State.

The infrastructural decay smelled to high heavens. The educational system was near collapse. Insecurity was the norm. Business conglomerates were fleeing to neighbouring countries. Unemployment was high. Energy to power the various industrial estates was almost nonexistent. The task before him was daunting but a willing and determined individual can surmount every mountain on his way.

“His quest for justice knows no limit. Like Isaac Adaka Boro, he is asking for true democratic best practices. He is also asking for true fiscal federalism. He saw and experienced war as a child. He does not wish to witness another again. This can be avoided if there is justice, fairness and adherence to democratic principles in our national polity.”

best then. Not all parents can afford the exorbitant fees charged by private schools. To make education accessible to all would mean bringing back the glory days of public schools. He rebuilt the schools and made them very attractive. The aesthetics will appeal to any child or parent. He not only built schools, he ensured that there were recreational centres too. Having rebuilt the schools, the teachers too needed rebuilding. Various workshops and seminars were organized for teachers to enable them offer their best in a twenty first century learning environment. Others were sent abroad for further training. There is no gain in building a twenty first century school with an eighteenth century teaching method. The libraries are well

equipped and well stocked IT centres are also provided. Children of migrant fishermen are equally not left out. The tremendous increase in population in public schools tells the story of the good work done by the governor. Traffic in Portharcourt in most times is very chaotic. This is due to very bad states of the roads. What the governor did and he is still doing is to expand the old roads and construct new ones to ease traffic. Flyovers were constructed in other areas. Thus, the road opposite the Airforce base has been expanded. Same applies to Rumagholu Rd and Town. Solving the transport problem in Rivers State needed a holistic approach. Transportation has to be an integrated affair through road, water and rail. Many jetties for water transport have been constructed by Governor Amaechi’s administration. A monorail is nearing completion. When he assumed office, insecurity was very high. By sheer courage and determination, Governor Amaechi was able to rid Rivers States of cultists and criminals. Business organizations are flocking back to the state. On energy, the governor is constructing power plants at Onne, Afam and Trans Amadi to improve power supply in the state. His quest for justice knows no limit. Like Isaac Adaka Boro, he is asking for true democratic best practices. He is also asking for true fiscal federalism. He saw and experienced war as a child. He does not wish to witness another again. This can be avoided if there is justice, fairness and adherence to democratic principles in our national polity. Life is not about where you are born, whom you were born to but about using your circumstances of birth as a spring board to write one’s name in gold by positively affecting lives and society. This, Governor Rotimi Amaechi has done. In spite of the numerous challenges he has been confronting, the gods have smiled on him and will continue to smile on him.

Natural Medicine

With Dr Mao 08030717341

Effects Of Alcohol Abuse ALCOHOL is a beverage, when taken as a leisure, relaxation or social drink in moderation, it is safe and even has some health benefits. However, when alcohol is abused, its effects are hazardous. For instance, alcohol on its own acidifies the body. Therefore, taking it in excess increases body acidity level. This tasks the body to use its store of alkalinizing minerals to deacidify the body in a bid to normalize its acid-alkaline measure at the required 7.32 PH score. In adult life, it is unsafe for a man to abuse alcohol especially beer. This is because it predisposes the body to secret excess prolactin which in itself triggers the over production of a male hormone called testostene. Apparently, to eliminate this surplus hormone in the blood, the body deploys 5Alpha-Reductase enzyme to convert the excess testosterone to di-hydrotestosterone. This product is reactive. Studies say it binds to the prostate gland causing it to enlarge. The result? You have benign prostate hyperplaxia. Simply this is described as enlarged prostate, a health condition. That finds a man’s water works in crisis. Also, alcohol overuse predisposes a man to have shrinking testes and male organ which diminish his libido as well as cause low sperm count. All these conditions often contribute to male infertility. In the case of a woman, excessive and prolonged use of alcohol increases her risk of having menstrual irregularity, breast shrinkage and fertility problems. When she is pregnant, she should stay away from alcohol completely since the beverage even in moderate amounts raises her risk factor of giving birth to babies with urinary tract

and sex organ mal formations. Similarly, alcohol abuse impairs the baby’s growth processes. Furthermore, excessive intake of alcohol increases your chances of damaging your nerves especially those in the brain and peripheral skin. This explains why you find alcoholics aging fast. Moreover, they suffer from muscle damage, tremor, fits, blackouts hallucination and burning sensations in their hands and feet. In extreme cases, they may end up with paralysis. They lose neuromuscular control of their bodies partially or completely as in the case of stroke victims. So, never lose sight of the fact that alcohol is a drug poison or toxin which is harmful to the body when abused. Drink but don’t get drunk if it becomes obvious that you cannot be a teet-otaller. At this juncture I must not fail to inform you that excessive alcohol drinking also predisposes a person to Type II Diabetes Mellitus and the inflammation of the pancreas where insulin is produced for carbohydrate metabolism at the cellular level. In addition, alcohol is a stressor. Therefore, it triggers the release of adrenalin which stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin. Thus, alcohol abuse in a way creates a condition during which insulin is wasted in the body, setting the stage for the onset of Diabetes Mellitus.

Osteoporosis and cancer are two other health hazards alcohol abuse can cause. When you drink heavily, your bones weaken from increased

common knowledge that most alcohol beverages contain a lot of empty calories and come in easily consumable liquid form. The implication here is

abuse. Here, you find a drunkard talking to no one in particular but to himself. He does so because he is seeing and hearing strange things or objects not only

loss of calcium from your urine. That is why you suffer from osteoporosis. In passing, it should be stated too that the overuse of salt and caffeine raise your risk factor for osteoporosis. Moreover, chronic heavy drinkers are highly susceptible to cancer of the mouth, larynx and oesophagus. In the case of women, specifically, their exposure rate to cancer of hte breast is exceeding high most especially if they are overweight and have a family history of breast cancer. Even then, it is

that too much intake of these calorie – dense alcoholic beverages predisposes a person to overweight or obesity. Of course, excessive fats/ weight gain compromises the body’s ability to use insulin efficiently. Also, a disproportionate amount of body fatty cells raises the estrogen level in men which reduces their masculinity and virility. These deficiencies remotely contributes to male infertility. Hallucination. This is another effect of alcohol

in his drunken state but sometimes without taking alcohol or after consuming a little quantity of it. His condition is an evidence that alcohol has damaged his body. In fact, his brain is gone. Now, he is merely vegetating. Under this condition, too, he suffers from delirium, tremens – that is, severe alteration in he consciousness. He finds it difficult to discuss coherently and identify his location and time sequences. And, because, alcohol has poisoned his

“Furthermore, excessive intake of alcohol increases your chances of damaging your nerves especially those in the brain and peripheral skin. This explains why you find alcoholics aging fast. Moreover, they suffer from muscle damage, tremor, fits, blackouts hallucination and burning sensations in their hands and feet.”

nerves and his organs, he is prone to alcohol coma or loss of temporary physical consciousness after a bout of drunkenness. In addition, alcohol abuse leads to metabolic digestive disorders. The reason for this is simple. Alcohol impair digestion,

to start with. Secondly, alcohol is an empty calorie, because it lacks micronutrients, including the B – Vitamins needed for proper nerve function and carbohydrate metabolism. Because of this, alcoholics usually use up their body store of B – Vitamins, thus stripping their body of this essential micronutrients. At the end of the day, the alcoholics lack B – Vitamins. This explains why they have no appetite, eat less and suffer from malnutrition. Degenerative diseases set in, therefore. On a final note, alcohol abuse predisposes an individual to multiple organ damage including most especially the liver. Yes, chronic drinkers are prone to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Early death often beckons to him quicker compared to non-drinkers.

With Victor Aniukwu

New Horizon

Transcedental Knowledge (2) THE attraction between male and female is the basic principle of material existence. On the basis of this misconception, which ties together the heart of the male and female, one becomes attracted to this body, home, property, children, relatives, and wealth. In this way, one increases life’s illusions and thinks in terms of “I and mine”. Sex serves as the natural attraction between man and woman, and when they are married, their relationship becomes more involved nor complicated. Due to the entangling relationship between man and woman, there is a sense of illusion whereby one thinks, “This man is my husband’. Or “This woman is my wife”. This is called hadaya granthi, “the hard knot in the heart.” That knot is very difficult to untie, even though a man and a woman separate either for the principles of varnasram or simply to get a divorce In any case, the man always thinks of the woman, and the woman always thinks of the man. Thus a person becomes materially attached to family, property and children, although all these are temporary. The possessor unfortunately identifies with his property and wealth. Sometimes even after renunciation, one becomes attached to a temple or to the few things that constitute the property of a renounced person, but such attachment is not as strong as family attachment. The attachment to the family is the strongest illusion. In the satya — samhita, it is stated: “Sometimes it is found among exalted personalities like Lord Brahma that the wife and children are not a cause of bondage. On the contrary the

wife actually helps further spiritual life and liberation. Nonetheless, most people are bound by the knots of marital relationship, and consequently they forget their relationship with the Supreme Lord — Krishna. So sex attraction is the beginning of illusion summarized in the phrase “aham mameti - I am my body and everything in relation with my body is mine.” A man searches after a woman, and a woman searches after a man, and when they unite for sex, the material illusion becomes very strong and even stronger. This is nature’s arrangement for keeping conditioned souls (human beings) under her stringent laws. And soon as one becomes inimical to Krishna and desires some sense gratification, he is immediately struck down by the illusory energy of the Lord. This is as trying to enjoy separately with the Lord. It is just like breaking the laws of the state. We have practical experience that as soon as we refuse to obey the state laws, we immediately become criminals and are subjected to prosecution and imprisonment. Just, as you cannot defy the state laws without being punished by the government, you cannot defy Lord krishna’s Laws without being punished by the laws of nature. But because we are in illusion, we think our effort to diminish this punishment is advancement of civilization. The whole material world is based on the attraction between male and female. This principle is working not only in human society but among the birds, beasts, aquatics, insects — everywhere. You will find that as soon as a male pigeon sees a female pigeon, the

male immediately begins to canvass: “Please come to me and let us unite”. This is nature’s own way. Therefore, in human society, one has to understand by verdict knowledge, by education, that we are bound up within this material world due to sex attraction. Both the male and female want to be the

materialistic idea. Krishna comes personally and says, “Why are you trying to be the predominator? That is not possible because I am the predominator. Just surrender to me and you will be happy”. Sarva - dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja. But if you artificially want to be the predominaor, then

world such as birth and d Why have I been put into this condition? That is intelligence. We are not meant to be conditioned, because we are part and pacel of Krishn Krishna is free of all conditioning, and in our natural state we are also free. We may be very small

enjoyer. Nobody is thinking “I shall be enjoyed.” Everyone is thinking,” I shall enjoy.” Nobody wants to be predominated, everyone wants to be the predominator. This is also illusion. The Krishna Conscious movement is teaching every one to give up this ea of being the predominator and learn how to be predominated by the Supreme Lord, Krishna. Just the opposite of the illusory

immediately Krishna’s illusory energy (maya) is always there to entrap you. We should know that this inclination to be the enjoyer and prodominator is the cause of our bondage within this material world. We should know that we are spirit soul (ahambrahmasmi), having no birth nor death. Then we should ask, “If as spirit soul I do not take birth or die, why am I subjected to the sufferings of this material

particles of Krishna, but just as a gold particle has all the qualities of the mass of gold in the gold mine, so we have all krishna’s qualities in minute degrees. We can acquire knowledge of all these things when we follow the instruction of the Vedanta — sutra: Atatu brahma jijnasa “Now therefore, one should inquire into the Absolute Truth.” Unless one inquires into the Absolute Truth and learns how to make a complete solution to the problems of life, one’s life is no better than an animal. In other words, if one remains satisfied in a miserable condition of life then he is nothing but an animal. Animals cannot understand why they are suffering all-around. When animals are taken to the slaughterhouse, if one

“A man searches after a woman, and a woman searches after a man, and when they unite for sex, the material illusion becomes very strong and even stronger. This is nature’s arrangement for keeping conditioned souls (human beings) under her stringent laws.”

animal enters the slaughterhouse, then every other animal enters easily. They do not understand that they are entering to be slaughtered. This is illusion. So, here Lord Rsabhadev is teaching that sex is the cause of the greatest illusion for human beings. Therefore, traditional Vedic education taught young boys the value of celibacy or brahmacarya. “Don’t become entangled with sex life. It is not good.

Better to remain celibate and you will be happy.” But if one is unable to remain celibate, one may take a wife and live as a gentlemen, a regulated householder, or grhastha, not like cats and dogs. A life of unrestricted sex is not human utilization. There are many rules and regulations for grhastha life. Grhastha or married life does not permit you to have sex whenever you like. Spiritually No. Just once a month, when conception is most likely, and if the wife is pregnant, then no more sex. That is grhastha life. Not that a man and woman simply unite and live like animals — life without discrimination. That is not grhastha life but grhamedhi life. A grhamedhi is one who Continues on Pg 24

Place Of Prayer Why Do You Do The Things You Do?

WHY do you do the things you do? Why are you in the relationship you are in? Why are you showing goodness to that man or woman? I have found that a lot of people do the things they do out of selfish motives. People tend to be good to only those that they feel they can gain something in return from (Luke 14:12-14). When such people do not get the expectation of their heart from such people, their hearts get broken. Those that keep doing things for the sake of man, rather than for God’s sake, will continually suffer heart breaks because man cannot be relied on. A young female banker once fell in love with a young, uneducated and unemployed man. She loved him so much that she was willing to spend her resources to change his status. She helped him to gain admission into the University and became responsible for his school fees, books and general upkeep. She did this without complain for several years till the young man graduated from the university. This young lady, had a motive for what she was doing, she was doing all this so that the young man would eventually marry her. So, you can imagine her shock and disappointment when this young man graduated from the university and told her that he could not marry her, that he was in love with another lady. The lady almost lost her mind. She had to suffer all this because she did all she did not because of God, but because of man. There is no reward for anything done because of man. If you do it because of God, then God will ensure your reward, either through that man or some else. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah in Jer. 17:57, “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is”. The heart of man is deceitful above all things and

desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9). No matter how good a man looks or acts right now, it is folly to place your trust in him. For it is the nature of man to fall short of expectation. Human beings are the most ungrateful of God’s creation. They forget past goodness so easily. Even God had a bitter experience with man that He made. It got so bad that the bible tells us in Gen. 6:6 that it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. If man that was made by God could disappoint his maker, then who are you to be spared the deception of man? Only God can be trusted implicitly. It is only with Him that we can be sure not to find variableness or shadow of turning. When your relationship with man is as unto the Lord, and not unto man, then you will not only save yourself from disappointments and heart breaks, you will also qualify for God’s reward. The bible gives this great admonition in Eph6:7-8- With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Those that relate with their fellows as unto the Lord will certainly enjoy God’s reward continually. We can take examples from the lives of two women in the bible that did what they did, not because of man, but as service to God, and got rewarded by God for the selfless service they rendered. First is the example of the Shunammite woman seen in 2Kings 4. This woman made herself a host to Prophet Elisha whenever he passed through Shunem, not for any selfish motive, but because she wanted to be of service to

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

God. When Elisha called her to ask what he could do for her to reward her kindness, she had no request to make because all she had been doing was not for Elisha’ sake, but was done, as unto the Lord. And so as reward for her selfless service to God, her barrenness was wiped

Naomi, not for Naomi’s sake, but for God’s sake. She followed, not knowing where she was going. For her selfless service to God, she finally married the wealthiest man in their city and became an ancestor of the Lord Jesus. When your services are pure, not tied to the apronstring of human reward, you get divine reward. When your motive is service, not in

reciprocated blessings, relate with people because of God. Don’t train your children with an eye on them taking care of you in the future. Children are not investments, they are your responsibilities.

only what you do for God receives compensation. Many people are offended by their Pastor because they believe they have served enough to gain reward. We don’t serve Pastor: we serve

away, even though she had given up all hope of ever having a child. Ruth is another woman that enjoyed God’s reward by selfless service to Him. Although, a widow and still young enough to get another husband, she refused to turn her back on the old, lonely and dejected Naomi. Whereas Orpah under pressure from Naomi to go back kissed and went away, Ruth kissed and cleaved. There was obviously nothing Ruth could gain from following Naomi, yet she stuck to her. She decided to be nice and available to

expectation of human reward, heaven will step in to help you. Many husbands relate with their wives because of what they expect to gain. Many wives are good to their husbands because of gain. And so, when the love or action shown is not reciprocated, there is problem. Anything you do for human beings because of the human being, you will certainly be disappointed in the response you get. If you want peace in your heart, then you should not relate with people with an eye on

You must know that not all children you take care of will eventually take care of you. There are children you did not invest in that God can later bring to you to take care of you. Some people do things just to hear “thank you” from man. “Thank you” is not edible: don’t kill yourself over it. Practice how to live with men because of God. Any man that acts with man, expecting man’s appreciation will be depreciated. Only God can reward you correctly. You don’t have reward for whatever you do for man,

God in the Pastor. If you serve Pastor for Pastor’s sake, you will not get God’s reward, the best you can get is the Pastor’s reward. The bible makes this clear in Matt. 10:41-He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophets reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. If no man recognizes your works, God who sees our secret good works, carried out in the dark, will reward you openly. In conclusion, hear these words of Jesus in Mark 9:41For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. This summarizes our whole point- those that will not lose their reward are those who do it- as unto the Lord.

“Many husbands relate with their wives because of what they expect to gain. Many wives are good to their husbands because of gain. And so, when the love or action shown is not reciprocated, there is problem. Anything you do for human beings because of the human being, you will certainly be disappointed in the response you get.”

International Japan Approves Larger Military Role TOKYO — Japan took a step away yesterday from an American-drafted constitution that has long kept its military shackled, approving a plan to allow greater use of a force that

was vanquished at the end of World War II. In one of the biggest changes to Japanese security policy since the war, the ruling coalition gave

approval to reinterpret the constitution on military affairs. It now awaits endorsement — a formality — by the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who

Monks protest outside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s office in anticipation his government will reinterpret the constitution to allow Japan’s military a larger international role in Tokyo yesterday.

Contractors of the US private security firm Blackwater secure the site of a roadside bomb attack in Central Baghdad in July 5, 2005.

has made raising the country’s military profile a cornerstone of his nationalist policies. The move will allow the military to defend other nations in what is known as “collective self-defense.” Previous governments have said that Japan’s war-renouncing constitution limits the use of force to defending Japan. Abe, who has pushed hard for the change, cites a deteriorating security environment, notably China’s military rise and North Korea’s missile and nuclear threats. About 2,000 opponents of the shift protested outside Abe’s office Tuesday morning. They said that any changes to the constitution should be made through a public referendum, not simply a cabinet decision to reinterpret it. “For 70 years, Japan has kept its peace with its constitution,” said 67-year-old protester Toshio Ban. “What are we to do with that stupid man trying to trample over

the precious constitution?” Written under U.S. direction after World War II, the 1947 constitution says the Japanese people “forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation.” The clause was crafted to prevent a repeat of Japan’s invasion and brutal occupation of wide swaths of Asia. The ban has been relaxed over the years, starting from an introduction of a “police” force in 1950 amid the Korean War, which became a military dubbed the Self-Defense Force in 1954. The government does not intend to change the constitution, which has remained unaltered since it came out. But Abe and subsequent governments will now be empowered to authorize greater military engagement under a new interpretation of the constitution. Opponents say the new policy could open the door for Japan’s eventual participation in joint military actions such as the war in Iraq. Abe and other leaders of his

22 Killed In Mexico City Gunfight

MEXICO CITY- At least 22 suspected gang members were killed southwest of Mexico City early on Monday, the government said, in one of the bloodiest shootouts with security forces since President Enrique Pena Nieto took power. An Interior Ministry spokesman said the gunfight took place in Tlatlaya on the southern fringes of the State of Mexico, an area that has been plagued by gang violence in the two neighboring states of Guerrero and Michoacan. A spokesman for federal prosecutors said all the dead were believed to be gang members. According to Mexican media reports, the shooting started after soldiers came under fire from the suspected gang members, resulting in a gunfight lasting several minutes. Pena Nieto took office in December 2012 pledging to quell gang violence that has

USA - Indianapolis - An Indianapolis woman has sued the city’s police department, contending that an order to remove an “Unmarked Police Car” bumper sticker from her minivan violated her rights to free speech, the group representing

he could kill me at that very moment and no one could or would do anything about it as we were in Iraq.” “I took Mr Carroll’s threat seriously. We were in a combat zone where things can happen quite unexpectedly, especially when issues involve potentially negative impacts on a lucrative security contract,” Richter wrote. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said there was little information she could provide to reporters as it was an ongoing legal case, but said the department’s staff had been conducting a

regular “contract review” not an investigation into Blackwater. A fellow State Department investigator who witnessed the exchange corroborated Richter’s report in a separate statement. Blackwater lost its license to work in Iraq; it since been renamed twice and after merging with a rival firm is now called Constellis Holdings. The State Department canceled its contract with the company soon after President Barack Obama took office in January 2009.

claimed more than 90,000 lives since 2007. Total homicides are down in Mexico since he took over, but the death toll has risen in parts of the country. The State of Mexico is the country’s most populous region and Pena Nieto’s home state, and there murders have risen by nearly 14 percent this year from 2013, government data show. Michoacan has seen a jump in homicides of more than 40 percent this year, in spite of a concerted effort by the

detailing the threat made to her, lead State Department investigator, Jean Richter, said it “sent a clear message that the Blackwater contractors saw themselves as ‘above the law’ and actually believed that ‘they ran the place.’ However, US embassy officials in Baghdad sided with Blackwater and the State Department team was ordered to leave, The Times said. Four former Blackwater employees are currently on trial in a US court for the Nisour Square deaths. The killings, seen as an example of the impunity

enjoyed by private security firms on the US payroll in Iraq, exacerbated Iraqi resentment toward Americans and was part of the reason the Iraqi government refused to reach a treaty allowing US troops to stay beyond 2011. Richter warned in her memo dated August 31, 2007, that little oversight of the company, which had a $1 billion contract to protect US diplomats, had created “an environment full of liability and negligence.” Daniel Carroll, Blackwater’s project manager in Iraq, told Richter after an argument “that

government to pacify the state, which was heavily under the control of the Knights Templar drug gang at the start of 2014. In January, the Mexican government reinforced Michoacan and forged an uneasy alliance with local vigilante groups in a bid to bring the Knights Templar to heel. However, monthly homicides in Michoacan reached their highest level since 1998 in May of this year, and the government arrested one of the vigilante leaders on Friday.

Woman Sues Police Over Bumper Sticker

Blackwater Threatens To Kill US Official WASHINGTON - The top manager in Iraq of the notorious private security firm Blackwater threatened to kill a US State Department investigator for probing the company’s performance, The New York Times reported Monday. The Times, citing an internal State Department memorandum, said the threat came just weeks before Blackwater guards shot and killed 17 civilians on September 16, 2007 in Baghdad’s Nisour Square. In an August 2007 memo

ruling Liberal Democratic Party say Japan will stick to its pacifist pledge. The agreement with junior coalition partner New Komeito includes restrictions on when Japan can exercise collective self-defense. The U.S., now allied with Japan, supports the move. The change could, for example, allow Japan’s navy to protect a U.S. warship from an attack. Takeshi Iwaya, a lawmaker who chairs a ruling party research commission on security, said Japan has said it won’t repeat the mistakes of World War II, but that alone is no longer enough to preserve peace. “What we are trying to do now is to play a more proactive role in cooperating with regional countries in setting up a framework to protect the peace and stability of the region,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press. Buddhist-backed New Komeito initially opposed the change, and Tuesday’s agreement came after weeks of negotiations between the two parties.

her said on Monday. A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana on Friday argued that Indianapolis police did not have the right to question and make demands of Pamela Konchinsky after pulling over her vehicle earlier this month. “We contend that the police officers who detained and interrogated our client without legal grounds to do so violated her constitutional rights,” ACLU attorney Kelly Eskew said in a statement. “The promise of our Constitution is that these lines cannot be crossed.” According to the complaint, Indianapolis police officers told Konchinsky the bumper sticker would make people think she was impersonating a police officer and could get her shot, before demanding that she remove it from her rear window. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Lieutenant Chris Bailey said the department did not comment on pending litigation.

International Flood Threatens US Midwest WASHINGTON - The National Weather Service issued thunderstorm and flash flood warnings west of Milwaukee and Chicago as storm spotters reported 70 mph (112 kph) winds and baseball and golf ball-size hail that pelted parts of Iowa earlier on Monday. One person was killed in Linn County, Iowa, the sheriff’s office said, where storm spotters reported a building collapse in heavy winds that also snapped limbs and downed trees. Heavy rains and strong gusts flood streets and downed trees and power lines in several communities in central Wisconsin, but did not cause major damage or injuries, said Tod Pritchard, a spokesman for the Wisconsin Emergency

OKUOIMOSE – I, formerly known as Miss Okuoimose Rudolf Osayuwamen now wish to be known as Okuoimose Richly Osayuwamen. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

Management department. “Some of storms have been very powerful,” he said. Tornado warnings were issued for several counties in central Wisconsin, but no tornado touched down, Pritchard said. Parts of Northern Illinois and the Chicago area where under tornado and thunderstorm watches and warnings with strong winds and as much as 1 inch (2.5 cm) of rain expected, the National Weather Service said. More than 182,000 households in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin lost power during the storms, according to power companies in the region. The storms canceled more than 200 flights and delayed another 600 flights at O’Hare International Airport, according to Flightaware.com. “The main threat has been widespread damaging wind. We’ve had some significant gusts,” said Greg Dial, a National Weather Service meteorologist. The storm is expected to reach into Indiana and Michigan on Monday evening, Dial said. The National Weather Service reported golf ball-size hail that broke windows and damaged cars in Adair, Iowa, and baseballsize hail in Warren, Iowa on

CHANGE OF NAME

OJIEMUTA – I, formerly called Ojiemuta Anthonia is now known and called Ebhohon Anthonia Uwamusi. All former documents remain valid. University of Benin, Benin City, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

AKHANOLU – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akhanolu Flora now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aikhatuamen Flora. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE

ABBA’S GRACE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Bishop Aigbedion Johnson Osamuyi 2. Pastor Osamuyi Osarumwense Rosemary 3.Palmer Ahonor Desmond AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To spread the Gospel of Christ around the World. 2. To raise up minister of the Gospel of Christ. 3. To encourage and foster cordial relationship among Bishops in the body of Christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Barr. Emmanuel Izegaegbe (08037769358)

Monday. The storm came on the heels of heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday that caused flooding in several states, officials said. Eastern Iowa received 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12.5 cm) of rain, and on Saturday night into Sunday morning parts of Eastern Arkansas and western Tennessee received 10 inches (25 cm) of rain, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). More than a dozen reports of tornadoes were received on Sunday in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Wisconsin, said Patrick Marsh, a meteorologist with NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.

Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz al-Saud speaks before a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry (not pictured) at his private residence in the Red Sea City of Jeddah recently.

Mum Accused Of Throwing Kids Through LAS VEGAS (USA) - A Las threw her children — a daughter Window Sees Judge Vegas judge expressed concern age 1+ and a 7-month-old son. Monday about the mental state of a 34-year-old mother accused of trying to kill her two children by throwing them out a second-story window, and gave her lawyer and prosecutors time to review medical records before an August 27 preliminary hearing. Luz Robledo Ibarra sat in a wheelchair wearing blue jail clothing during her initial court appearance. She faces two attempted murder charges and two counts of felony child abuse causing substantial bodily harm charges in the early June 12 incident at a northeast Las Vegas

home. Each charge carries a possible sentence of two to 20 years in state prison, and Robledo Ibarra could face deportation if she is convicted. Robledo Ibarra was born in Mexico and raised in Southern California, and she moved to Las Vegas about five years ago. She isn’t a U.S. citizen but is married to one, her lawyer said. Robledo Ibarra said through a Spanish language interpreter that she understood the court proceedings. She wasn’t asked to enter a plea.

Robledo Ibarra’s attorney, Benson Lee, said he’ll file a written request to free Robledo Ibarra on bail from the Clark County jail. Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Bill Kephart said he anticipated that Robledo Ibarra would get a mental evaluation. “I’m concerned about the nature of the offenses and possible mental issues,” the judge said. Robledo Ibarra suffered a broken pelvis and other injuries after authorities say she dove out the same window from which she

Saudi Appoints New Spy Chief RIYADH - Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has appointed Prince Khaled bin Bandar as head of intelligence three months after his predecessor, who was in charge of efforts to support Syrian rebels against President Bashar al-Assad, was sacked. It was unclear from the royal decree issued late on Monday whether Prince Khaled will have a similar brief on Syria. A former soldier, he served during the last year as both deputy defense minister and governor of Riyadh, one of the most prominent roles occupied by senior ruling family members in the absolute monarchy. Saudi Arabia has watched with increasing alarm in recent weeks as Sunni militants in Iraq, who count Saudi citizens in their number, have seized swathes of territory and declared the creation of an Islamic Caliphate in that country and in Syria. Riyadh’s policy in Syria is to back rebel groups it sees as moderate in an effort to bring down Assad, a close ally of its main regional enemy Iran, whose tactics in bombing urban centers have been described by Saudi officials as “genocide”. But as young Saudis have gone to Syria to join the fight and as militant factions among the rebels have gained in strength, it has also grown concerned about eventual radicalization among its own

citizens prompting domestic attacks. Those fears have been sharpened in recent weeks after the Islamic State, previously known as ISIL, seized swathes of territory including major towns and cities in the kingdom’s neighbor Iraq, where it also operates. Last week King Abdullah ordered “all measures” to be taken to protect the country against militants and put the army on a higher state of alert. Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who

was removed from his post in April after months abroad for medical treatment and who faced intense criticism for his handling of the Syria crisis, was made a special adviser to the king and a special envoy in the decree. He retains his post as the secretary-general of the National Security Council, state news agency SPA reported. It was not clear if his new appointment means he will return to playing an active role in Saudi security and foreign policy.

The children initially were treated for severe injuries, police said. They have since been released from the hospital and are being cared for by their father, Lee and prosecutor Lisa Luzaich said. Robledo Ibarra, who also has a 13-year-old son, had “ongoing medical issues,” Lee said. He declined to provide details. Robledo Ibarra’s sister watched the court proceedings but declined to comment or provide her name. Outside court, Lee said Robledo Ibarra’s family reported she might have experienced severe postpartum depression after her son was born in November. Police said after Robledo Ibarra’s arrest that she told investigators she felt depressed, had trouble sleeping and heard voices telling her to throw the children and herself out the window. However, she also denied having thoughts of hurting herself or her children. A doctor told police that he prescribed the antidepressant Zoloft after Robledo Ibarra complained in March and April of insomnia, anxiety, headaches and neck and back pain.

Boy, 12, Found Dead At Boy Scouts Camp SAN DIEGO (USA) - A 12-year-old boy from Las Vegas was found dead of a gunshot wound at a Boy Scouts of America summer camp in San Diego, police said on Monday. An emergency call from the camp described the shooting as a suicide attempt, said San Diego police Lieutenant Mike Hastings of the homicide unit. The boy was at Fiesta Island in San Diego’s Mission Bay with his Las Vegas-based Boy Scout troop, according to San Diego police spokesman Matt Tortorella. The camp, which has canoes and kayaks, is focused on

aquatic sports, and police said there was no shooting component to it. Investigators found a handgun near the boy, who had a gunshot wound to the upper torso, and they were seeking to find out why the weapon was at the camp, police said. The boy’s father was at the camp with him, having arrived on Sunday for a sevenday stay. They had been scheduled to return to Las Vegas on Saturday, Hastings said. Police did not immediately release the name of the child. The site where the shooting occurred is near the aquatic

theme park SeaWorld and is dotted with dog beaches and parking for recreational vehicles. Vladimir Raicevic of the Southern California town of Escondido dropped off his son at the Boy Scout camp and said he planned to leave him there, despite the death. Several hundred children from about 15 Boy Scout troops were there, he said. “It’s hard to leave your son there when you know what happened, but I don’t think it’s psychologically scarring for the kids who aren’t connected to that family and that troop,” Raicevic said.

With Victor Aniukwu

New Horizon Continued from Pg 20

does not follow the rules and regulations of married life. He thinks that the pleasure he derives from his wife, children and home is everything. But a genuine grhastha is as good as a sanyasi (renounciant). That is why a grhastha who follows the regulative principles is said to be in the grhastha asrama. An asrama is a place where spiritual life is cultivated. What is the difference between the grhastha asrama and the ordinary home. In the ordinary home one may not follow any regulative principles because one’s only purpose is to enjoy sex, family life and so on, but in the grhastha asrama, one leads a regulated life because one’s real purpose is but selfrealization, the development of Krishna consciousness. So as far as possible we should avoid entanglement in sex life. This avoidance is real austerity (tapasya). Lord Rsabhadeva began his instructions by recommending austerity and he further said, tapo diviyam putraka yena sattvam suddhyet. “0 my sons, perform transcendental austerity, by which your existence will be purified.” Such austerity begin with celibacy (tapasa brahmacaryena). But Krishna consciousness is so nice that if one accepts its principles very seriously, then anyone, man or woman, married or unmarried — can remain very happy with Krishna as one’s master, one’s son, one’s friend, one’s husband, or one’s lover. In this way, as we advance in Krishna consciousness, we can save ourselves from the galaxy of illusion known as material world, in which there is simply suffering after suffering after suffering. The process of liberation is brahma jijnasa, the search for the absolute

Transcedental Knowledge (2) truth. Generally, brahma jijnasa is called netineti, the process by which one analysis existence to search out the Absolute Truth. This method continues as long as one is not situated in his spiritual life. Spiritual Life is brahma bhuta, the selfrealized state. In the words of the Bagavad-Gita (18.54) it states: “One who is thus

engaged in devotional service he should not border seeking out knowledge. By simply engaging in devotional service undeviatingly, one will always remain in the liberated condition. The unflinching execution of devotional service automatically places one on the transcendental platform,

achieved to enable one to give up the material conception, but when one actually engages in devotional service, one does not need to practice mystic yoga system. The point is that one can give up the practice of yoga but devotional service cannot be given up. As stated in the Srimad — Bagavatam

us from karmassayam, the desire for fruitive activities or the desire to be involved in entangling activities that do not bring one closer to the Supreme Lord. As long as our mind is absorbed in fruitive activities, there is no question of becoming free from bondage to this material body. The whole purpose of human life is to

transcendally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes fully joyful. He however never laments nor desires to have anything; he is equally disposed to every living entity. In that state, he attains pure devotional service unto Me.” The idea is to enter into the para bhakti, the transcendental devotional service of the Supreme Lord. To attain this, one must analyze one’s existence but when one is actually

called brahma-bhuta. Another important feature in this connection is anena yogena yathopadesam. This instructions received from the Spiritual Master be followed immediately. One should not deviate from or surpass the instructions of the spiritual master. One should not be simply intent on consulting books but should simultaneously execute the spiritual master’s order (yathopadesam). Mystic power should be

(17.10). “Even those who are liberated (atmarama) must always engage in devotional service. One may give up the practice of yoga when one is self realized, but at no stage can one give up devotional service to the Supreme Lord. All other activities for self realization, including yoga and philosophical speculation, maybe given up, but devotional service must be retained at all times Devotional service will free

free the spirit soul from bondage to the body and thus from the suffering caused by repetition of birth and death. Everyone is trying to become happy by working even harder and enjoying the results — not only here on earth but also on other planets, even up to the highest planets in Brahmaloka. But this process simply increases our bondage to this material body. Furthermore Lord Rsabhadava explained the process of devotional service, which one can gradually become free from this bondage. Devotional service is a science, it is not sentiment. Therefore we have to understand it from authorized sources of Verdict knowledge. Such knowledge is not based on our imperfect senses, and so in the verdict

“That is the primary characteristics of the bonafide spiritual master. He does not manufacture something new. No, he teaches the something that the Supreme Lord taught many years ago. It is not that time has passed and now the instructions must be changed. Of course that is nonsense. Infact there is nothing new in the science of the Lord, everything is established.”

knowledge, there is no mistake, cheating, or illusion. Everything is perfect. There is real science - perfect knowledge. Not perhaps, I think, “it may be” and so on - that is not science but theory. To know the science of devotional service, one has to approach a perfect teacher (tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evibhigahet). In devotional service to the Supreme, the first step is to surrender to a h ighly elevated spiritual master and in this way render devotional un-alloyed service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This indicates that the bonafide spiritual master is as good as the Supreme Lord because he does not deviate from the instructions of the Supreme Lord. That is the primary characteristics of the bonafide spiritual master. He does not manufacture something new. No, he teaches the something that the Supreme Lord taught many years ago. It is not that time has passed and now the instructions must be changed. Of course that is nonsense. Infact there is nothing new in the science of the Lord, everything is established. Millions of years ago the sun rose from eastern horizon, and for now, it is rising in the east. There is no change. Vedic knowledge is eternally established. It cannot be changed under any circumstance. What was true millions of years ago is true now. And to know that truth, one has to approach a bonafide Spiritual Master. There are many religious practices that have been invented under various personal canopies. Devotional service to the Supreme Lord is one and cannot be invented by anyone except the Supreme Lord. All bonafide scriptures ascribe to the chanting of Holy names of the Supreme from moonrise to sunset. And not to chant of the name of the master, teacher nor and impostor, as practiced in many religious quarters. People swear by the truth and do the opposite. But I say don’t swear by the truth, just live and act in truth all the time whereby everything and everywhere will become auspicious. This is the promise of the Supreme Lord - KRSNA. There is no other way, no other way, no other way.

Spiritual Platfrom Dealing With Evil Foundation WHAT IS FOUNDATION?

EVIL

THE term is used to describe the background from which every person is born. There are certain peculiarities in families, negative or good, which are inherited by every one born into such families. These traits may have been established many generations before he or she was born. Ignorance of this foundation has been the bane of the Christians, all over the world. Scope. The scope of this evil foundation is wide. In this chapter, we shall try to examine the main areas of evil foundation. Polygamous evil Foundation The practice of polygamy is one major area of establishing an evil foundation. For us in Nigeria, polygamy does not require any definition. It is a state of a man having more than one wife. Although polygamy was practiced in the Old Testament dispensation, God never endorsed it. In Hebrews 8:79, we find as follows: “For If the first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, he says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD Acts 17:30 is important and it says:“Truly these time of ignorance God overlooked, but now command all men everywhere to repent” Two Instances further establish this point. The case of Abraham and Hagar:Hagar was Sarah’s handmaid. Sarah gave her to Abraham and conceived. When Sarah and Hagar could no longer agree. Hagar fled into the wilderness, Gen. 16: 7-8. Although she had conceived for Abraham, God did not recognize her as Abraham’s wife, but Sarah’s maid. Even after the birth of Ishmael. God

speaking to Abraham, referred to Hagar as thy bondswoman”, Gen2 1: 1213. The Command of God issued to the Kings of Israel This is found in Deut 17: 17 which says: “Neither shall he multiply wives for himself lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.

that it was said by them of old time, “But I say unto you.. Repeatedly, Christ employed these phrases to establish the fact that he came to reveal the more perfect will of God. By precept and practice the men of old time had suffered polygamy but from the beginning it was not so. Polygamy is a harbinger of evil consequences such as the thriving of witchcraft, strife

“Cursed is the one who makes a carved or molded image an abomination to the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and set it up in secret”. See its prohibition in Exodus 20:4,23; 34:17; Lev. 19:4; Duet. 4: 15- .23; Isa. 44:9; Hosea 13:2. 1st Corin. 10: 14 warns us to flee from idolatry which is distasteful to God. Involvement in idolatry

In view of this commandment, what a sad example of sell-pleasing was exhibited by such kings as David, Solomon, etc, and what far’ reaching results! The sin in polygamy left its indelible marks upon them, II Sam. 12:9-12; Neh.13:26. The practice endorsed by our Lord Jesus Christ is monogamy. Read Matt.19: 4, 5.8. And he answered and said to them, “have you not read that he who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female, and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall became one flesh? He said to them. “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. In Matthew 5. two phrases occurred six times revealing Christ as the Great Prophet, greater than the men of old dispensation. “Ye have heard

and contention, wrangling, loveless relationships, curses and convenants. Bewitchment is rampant in polygamous homes. IDOLATRY Our fore-parents, out of ignorance, worshipped idols, ancestral spirits; demonic entities in rivers; elemental spirits in trees, rocks; animals of various descriptions; moon, sun or stars; heavenly beings like the queen of heaven or the like. In doing this, our forefathers contravened the commandments, precepts and judgement of God. The Bible is clear on this, anyone that worshipped any other god other than the Lord God Almighty, whether deliberately or not, attracted curses and evil covenants. Any person that comes from families involved in these despicable things, needs deliverance. The scriptures condemn idolatry in very strong terms. Deut. 27:15 says

attracts curses from God as well as bondage from the devil and its hosts. WITCHCRAFT: This is one of the oldest evil associations into which man had often been lured over the centuries. Ezekiel 8:7-12 says: “So he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, there was a hole in the wall. Then he said to me. “Son of man, dig into the wall: and when I dug into the wall, there was a door. And he said to me “Go in, and see the wicked abominations which they are doing there. So I went in and saw and there every sort of creeping thing, abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed all around on the walls, And there stood before them seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, and in their midst stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan. Each man had a censer in his hand, and a thick cloud of incense went up. Then he said

With Rt Rev (Dr.) C. I. Umane GSM: 0803579951

to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the room of his idols? For they say, “The Lord does not see us, the Lord had forsaken the land.” This is a reference to the activities of Witchcraft. They

operate in darkness and hidden places. Nahum 3:14 says: ‘Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brick-kiln. Witchcraft is wellentrenched in families and its purpose is to destroy. It is highly secretive and dangerous. Unless God opens you spiritual eyes you may not be able to say who is a member. Witches and wizards form a part of the household wickedness, engaging in all sorts of attacks against people. They attack one’s destiny, causes retrogression and failure, they oppress people, cause sickness and death, etc. They are willing tools in the hands of the devil. Witches and wizards exist in most families, and form a negatively important aspect of evil foundation in peoples’ lives. OCCULTISM Frequently preachers and

genuine men of God speak against cults and occultism. Many people are not able to define them nor do they understand why involvement in them by our forefather constitutes an evil foundation. This brings us to the question of what occultism means. Briefly, occultism is Participation or involvement in any way with fortune telling magic practices spiritism or false religions, cults and teachings. The term “occult’ means that which is hidden or secret. The scriptures warn that there would be a great increase in occult activities in the last days. 1 Timothy 4: 1 says “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits, and doctrines of demons” As forecast, there are now hundreds of cults and occultic religions in the world. People are being drawn into these groups to their hurt. All forms of occultic involvement are disobedience to the scriptures. The scriptures forbid them. Deut. 18: 9-12 says “When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices with craft, or a soothsayer or one who interprets omens or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you”. The scriptures condemn all forms of occultism as sorcery and warn that” .... those who practice such things Will not inherit the kingdom of God”, Gal 5: 20. and” shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. “Rev. 21:8. To be continued

EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 51, 2014 LUCKY 1.2. X SELECTIONS 26 INTERNATIONAL NOS. HOT PAIRS 27 17 28

33 36 39 43

BANKERS

17 48 OUTLOOK

N 41

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1. SPRINGVALE

17 O.K

W. CITY WOOD VILLE

33 O.K

3. NORTHERN RANGERS

43 TIP

4. EASTERN U.

36 SURE

ADELAIDE COMETS

BET

5. ADELAIDE COMETS

27 BCK

CROYDON KINGS

6. B’RED DEVILS

BET

7. ECU JOONDALUP

LOVE

8. GLENORCHY K.

41 XXX

EASTERN U.

9. CROYDON KINGS

28 BBC

10.HAMILTON OLYMPIC

48 XXB

B’ RED DEVILS

TIP

11. PEPTH

21 ???

12. STIRLING LIONS

22 NN?

SPRINGVALE W.

13. CUMBERLAND UTD

29 NB

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14. PARAHILLS

30 X21

15. COCKBURY CITY

18 OKP

16. PLAYFORD

39 CBK

17. ECU JOONDALUP

19 XXX

18. WERRIBEE CITY

12 O.K

19. WESTERN K

26 O.K

20. WETSERN STRIKERS

31 NAP

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BIG BELLS 1. B’ RED DEVILS

NNN

2. ECU JOONDALUP

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3. GLENORCHY K.

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4. W CITY WOODVILLE

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5. NORTHERN RANGERS

O.K

By SAM EHEBHA GSM:08056626091

SATURDAY RITUALS

1 7 21 22 48

GOSSIP NAP

21 22 48

NAP

7 12

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IF NOT NOW WHEN?

A 42 P 48

EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 51, 2014 WATSON WEST 1.2.X FORECAST

By SAM EHEBHA GSM:08056626091

Your Star

EDITOR’S NAP

RICHWELL NAP

NAP 48 XX 48 XX 48 NAP 17 XX 17 XX 17 PAIR 35 Vs 36 PAIR 33 OR 43 GOODLUCK LET IT BE

PAIR 7 OR 17 WATCH OUT

OKUNS NAP

PARKER NAP

NAP 21 XX 21 XX 21 NAP 29 XX 29 XX 29 PAIR: 43 or 44 PAIR 18 OR 19 BE A WINNER FOR SURE

PAUL NAP NAP

ODION NAP

NAP 28 XX 28 XX 28 NAP 26 XX 26 XX 26

PAIR 14 OR 15 THERE IS HOPE

NAP 12 XX 12 XX 12 PAIR 1 OR 7 EXECUTIVE

J. B. NAP

SUNNY NAP NAP 41 XX 41 XX 41

MURPHY NAP

PAIR 44 0R 46 DRAW IS DRAW

NAP 22 XX 22 XX 22 PAIR 7 OR 21 BE MY GUEST

GUESSING GAMES

48 12

SMOKING GUN BEWARE

2 3 4 5 6 11

9 16 32 37 34 38 46 FOR THREE DRAWS?

Griezmann Thrilled With Nigeria Impact

Deschamps Plays Down Cup Prospects FRANCE Coach Didier Deschamps has played down talk of his team winning the World Cup following their progression to the quarter-finals. Two late goals saw Les Bleus overcome Nigeria this afternoon in Brasilia to book their place in the last eight, with the tactician admitting he is pleased with his side’s progress. “We pushed a lot and we had a lot of chances, especially in the second half,” Deschamps told FIFA’s website. “But all the matches are difficult. “It’s a strong emotion to be in the top eight teams in the world, this has given us a lot. “We played well and we were alert against a very athletic Nigeria, but we also had a little bit of luck. “The title? We’ll see, we’re in the quarter-finals for now.”

Algeria’s Coach Vahid Halilhodzic weeps after his team fell to the German power

GRIEZMANN was introduced by France coach Didier Deschamps just after the hour mark in the Europeans’ round-of16 victory in Brasilia and the Real Sociedad attacking midfielder added much-needed “mobility and pace” to his team. The score was 0-0 when Griezmann replaced Olivier Giroud and the former helped lift France’s intensity, as they eventually won by two goals to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup.

Algeria fans remember the ‘anschluss’ of 1982

Algeria Coach Weeps As Fans Take Pride In Defeat

“WE had 1982 in the back of our minds, obviously,” Algeria fan Hamzi told me after his side’s heart-breaking 2-1 extra-time defeat to Germany in the last 16 of the World Cup. “We wanted revenge. We 1982 World Cup in Spain – but, couldn’t get the result, but in our for a nation outside the hearts we won.” traditional forces of world I was speaking to supporters football, any such mark is after Algeria coach Vahid impressive. Halilhodzic failed to turn up at the Despite that famous win, post-match press conference. Algeria were knocked out in the After weeping on the pitch with group stage – after what was his brave players, he couldn’t bear then West Germany would to speak of his undoubted pride at collude with neighbours Austria what would have been one of the to get the 1-0 win that was great World Cup upsets. required to send both through at Before this gut-wrenching loss the expense of the Desert Foxes, in Porto Alegre, the North Africans and Chile. had the enviable statistic of a 100 That ‘anschluss’ was dubbed per cent record against the the Disgrace of Gijon, the European powerhouses. location of that fateful match, Sure, they had only played twice and led FIFA to structure future – the first being the North African World Cups so that final group team’s shock 2-1 victory at the matches were played

simultaneously. It is ironic that, by beating Germany 32 years ago, Algeria ended up the victims, and that this time they were hoping for revenge in victory. But morally they may well feel vindicated, with Germany’s performance almost embarrassing given their status as one of the tournament favourites. The boss may have been too gutted to talk to the media, but those fans who made their way to Brazil from North Africa and, in many cases, Europe were only too happy to stop. Hakim came from Setif in Northern Algeria and was proud but saddened at the nature of the exit. “We played so well, and it’s such a shame that it had to

happen so late,” he said. “That’s football. It’s sad. We also played well in 1982, but at least this time we reached the last 16. “It was a great World Cup for us. We showed ourselves this time.” Despite being hugely outnumbered by Germans – first and second generation – at the Estadio Beira-Rio, Algeria’s chants of “1-2-3! Vive l’Algerie!” were prominent and at times drowned out the European team’s fans. At full-time, with their team out, the fans were anything but down as their song cut through the rain and wind. It was a moment of beauty, and one which the players – most of whom are French-born – will never forget. “We played so well. We’re so proud,” Hamzi added as he stood

by his fellow Fennecs fans in a downpour typical of Porto Alegre, which boasts a climate closer to Germany’s than that which the Dutch endured in Recife, and which is in a state Rio Grande do Sul - with a large German-descended population. “Maybe, physically, we didn’t have enough for extra time. Thanks to God we made the second round for the first time. “We are absolutely on the right track – and we must stick with the team and the coach for the next World Cup.” Before the World Cup the coach in question, Bosnian Halilhodzic, was expected to return to club football after three years managing Algeria. Despite his no-show, he may have seen enough in these players – and supporters – to change his mind.

Griezmann played a key role in his team’s second goal, putting the pressure on Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo, who conceded an own goal. The 23-year-old was pleased with how he helped France to victory, as he made his fourth appearance at the World Cup finals. “I tried to help the team by playing one-touch passes,” Griezmann told FIFA.com. “I’m happy with my performance. You could see in the first half that it was difficult to get behind them but it was better after the break. “When I came on, I made runs in behind the defence. The rest of the team had worn their defence down well before I came on.” Deschamps hailed Griezmann’s impact as well but brushed off comments that he perhaps should have started the Spain-based winger instead of Giroud. Griezmann started France’s first and third group games versus Honduras and Ecuador, while Giroud started the second against Switzerland and the clash with Nigeria at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia. “I could have gone with that option from the start and maybe it would have worked and maybe it wouldn’t,” Deschamps said. “Instead, I decided to have a target man in the middle, with Olivier Giroud fighting for balls in the air against their defence. Antoine has other qualities, obviously – lots of mobility and pace.” Deschamps added: “It’s the game I was expecting against Nigeria, who have a real physical presence. “We had to be able to meet that challenge for the first hour, then in the last half an hour make more use of our pace and dynamism. “We took advantage of the fact that the four Nigerian forwards defended a little less in the last 20 minutes.” France will face Germany in the quarter-finals on Friday at the Maracana.

Griezmann

Cameroon Probe Match-Fixing Claims

France’s Karim Benzema is challenged by Nigeria’s Ogenyi Onazi

CAMEROON’S football federation (FECAFOOT) announced in a press release that they will investigate allegations of match fixing by their players at the World Cup finals. The FECAFOOT ethics committee will probe allegations of fraud in Cameroon’s three Group A matches, particularly the 4-0 defeat to Croatia on June 18 in Manaus. Cameroon headed home from the World Cup after Group A losses to Brazil and Mexico, as well as Croatia. They finished last in the group. The FECAFOOT statement read: “Recent allegations of fraud around Cameroon 2014 FIFA World Cup three preliminary games, especially Cameroon vs. Croatia, as well of the ‘existence of seven bad apples [in our national team]’ do not reflect the values and principles promoted by our administration, in line with FIFA Code of Conduct and the ethics of our nation. “We wish to inform the general public that, though not yet contacted by FIFA in regards to this affair, our administration has

Robben Keen To Move On From Diving

Shkodran Mustafi Out of World Cup

SHKODRAN Mustafi will miss the rest of the 2014 World Cup after suffering a muscle injury in the 2-1 defeat of Algeria on Monday. Mustafi, 22, made his third appearance at the tournament when called upon to replace Mats Hummels who was suffering from a cold. However, the defender only lasted 70 minutes before departing the action himself. Germany coach Joachim Low told his news conference after the match: “He tore a muscle. I think that he will not be able to play a role in this tournament. He will definitely be sidelined for two or three weeks.” Low was criticised by German media for selecting Mustafi to start against Algeria. The news means that Low will again have to change his shuffle his defence for the quarterfinal against France on Friday. Germany captain Philipp Lahm, who replaced Mustafi for the final 50 minutes of the match, could be an option if Mats Hummels does not return in time.

HOLLAND winger Arjen Robben hopes everyone can move on from his dive against Mexico after avoiding retrospective punishment from FIFA. The Oranje required a necessary to issue a statement remarkable late comeback to insisting Robben’s comments to overcome El Tri on Sunday, with NOS had been misinterpreted. Wesley Sneijder levelling before There was no chance of substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar misconstruing Mexico coach struck from the spot in stoppage Miguel Herrera’s comments, time to secure a 2-1 win. though, as he accused the winger Robben was taken down by of committing three dives during Rafael Marquez for the deciding the match in Fortaleza. spot-kick and insisted after the Robben had no problem with last-16 clash it was “definitely a such opinions and will remain as foul”, but courted controversy by honest as ever, despite uproar admitting he had taken a tumble following his comments. earlier in the match. “I don’t change myself,” he It was a “stupid action” he said, speaking at the Dutch reportedly apologised for before training base in Rio de Janeiro. and after avoiding punishment “That’s my personality. from FIFA, with head of media “I think it’s good. I apologised Delia Fischer saying the for one stupid action, but it didn’t disciplinary committee would have an influence in the game. only look retrospectively at “We had two clear penalties, “serious infringements”- a one was given. That is it. I don’t decision the winger had expected think we should talk about it any all along. more.” Asked if he thought he would be Instead, Robben and team-mate sanctioned, Robben said: “No, not Sneijder preferred to focus on at all, why? No. Holland’s collective success “I was not afraid, no. I am an ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final honest guy. Nah, nothing. It had against Costa Rica. no influence on the game.” Los Ticos have been the World Before speaking to the media, Cup’s surprise package and, the Dutch FA (KNVB) felt it having won Group D ahead of

Uruguay, Italy and England, overcame Greece on penalties on Sunday. “The Central Americans are doing very well in this World Cup,” Sneijder said. “After a hard game against Mexico, this will be another one. They will have more

fans than we have. “Yesterday it was the same, but it’s something nice as well: better than having nobody here. “We can expect more fans of Costa Rica, but it’s good. It’s good. We are in South America, so it’s a perfect situation.”

already instructed its Ethics Committee, to further investigate these accusations. “We are strongly committed to employ all means necessary to resolve this disruptive matter in the shortest delays. “In the meantime we legitimately request that any related information, unless brought before our federation and/or its Ethics Committee, be held for or treated as mere assumption.” The statement went on to say that in 55 years of existence, FECAFOOT has never been sanctioned for, involved in or even linked to match fixing or any fraud of any kind. The allegations came from convicted fraudster Wilson Raj Perumal, who had correctly predicted the 4-0 result and that a player would be sent off, in a discussion with German magazine Der Spiegel. Cameroon and Barcelona midfielder Alex Song was sent off before halftime for elbowing Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic, while the game was also marred by an incident deep into the second half as Benoit AssouEkotto looked like he tried to head butt teammate Benjamin Moukandjo. FECAFOOT subsequently launched an investigation into the incident but have not yet reported the outcome of that investigation. Ghana and Nigeria, who have also exited the tournament, were involved in disputes over money in Brazil in what has been a troubled World Cup for African nations. Ghana sent two players home — Sulley Muntari for hitting out at an official and Kevin-Prince Boateng for allegedly swearing at his coach.

Fernandinho

Fernandinho Expects Attacking LUIZ Felipe Scolari’s men lifted the confidence in the needed a penalty shootout to camp. Colombia overcome Chile in the round of 16 He said his team were

Arjen Robben

and enter their quarter-final in Fortaleza on Friday as favourites. Fernandinho said Colombia were a more attacking team while he believes his side are capable of dealing with the weight of expectation in front of their home fans. “I think that Colombia is a little bit different to Chile,” the Manchester City man told a news conference. “They like to play more on the attack, and the left- and right-backs like to help out in the attacking area to be able to finish. So maybe this is the difference between Colombia

and Chile. “In terms of defending, all of the South American squads have similar styles. They defend their goal strongly but fairly, and then they counter-attack fast. “With regards to being the favourite, I’m going to say it one more time, every time Brazil is in any tournament, it’s considered a favourite. “As players we are fully aware of what comes with this expectation and can live with that.” Despite needing a shootout to reach the quarter-finals, Fernandinho said the win had

confident of getting a result and reaching the semi-finals, where France or Germany await. “We’ll have to make sure we do a few things in the right way, but the confidence of the group is really high,” Fernandinho said. “I think that this game against Chile was fundamental so that we could get stronger. It enabled us to get to the quarterfinals in a stronger position. “I think that us players, the technical staff, the whole team, we are really focused and we are confident we can play a big game against Colombia.”

Laloko Bemoans Nigeria’s World Cup Exit

Keshi Slams Match Referee

HEAD coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, on Monday in Brasilia gave a hint of leaving the national team for another country where his services would be needed. Keshi, told newsmen at the end of his team’s 0-2 loss to the French national team the first thing he would want was to get back to his family. He said he needed to have a long rest, which may be for three months. The coach however did not give a hint of where he would be heading to, but there were indications that he had already opened discussions with South Africa. “I can’t speak about any country now. I just want to be with my family “I am just going to have a deserved rest with my family and then decide what next to do thereafter,’’ he said. On why he was taking that course of action, he said his contract with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) was almost up. “My contract is almost up. Nobody has called me for negotiation. One cannot stay where he is not wanted’’. On whether, he would not be available to take the national team to Morocco for January 2015’s Africa Cup of Nations, he said his job was over. On the Brazil 2014 Round of 16 match, he blamed the U.S. referee, Mark Geiger, for ruling off Emanuel Emenike’s 16th minute goal.

Vincent Enyeama.

“This is the first time I will blame the referee for bad handling of a match. There is nothing I can do about that. He was the Alpha and Omega at that point in time,’’ Keshi said.

Stephen Keshi.

Mixed Reactions Trail Eagles’ Elimination

FOOTBALL fans on Monday expressed mixed reactions to Nigeria’s elimination from the 2014 FIFA World Cup after losing 0-2 to France in a Round of 16 match. In separate interviews with newsmen after the match, some of them said the Eagles were just unfortunate to lose while others blamed it on porous defending. A sports journalist, Charles Anazodo, said France’s first goal by Paul Pogba which made the team lose confidence was a defensive error. “I don’t blame Vincent Enyeama for the goal conceded, because the full-backs should have been covering. “Enyeama did what he had to do because Patrice Evra could have gotten the ball if he hadn’t parried it. The defence should have been marking and not static. “But, in all, the Eagles had a good outing,’’ he said. Another sports journalist, Cecilia Omorogbe, said all

thanks should go to Enyeama who saved the African champions from conceding more goals. An engineer, Israel Ojoko, said the match was a good game as both sides proved their worth. “It was a good match because both sides proved their worth, especially the Super Eagles. “They played beyond expectations, but coach

Stephen Keshi’s substitutions came pretty late,’’ he said. A banker, Teju Cole, said the Super Eagles’ performance was a heroic one. “It was a heroic performance from the team because we saw much improvement since the match against Iran. “The problem they had was just that they could not convert their chances, but Enyeama was superb,’’ Cole said. A businessman, Dele

Adewole, said football was just unpredictable as the Eagles dominated play but did not make use of the goal scoring opportunities they got. “Football is just unpredictable, but the lesson from the match is never to take your eyes off the ball until the final whistle is blown. “Though we lost the match, the Keshi-led side demonstrated great potentials. But we need to tidy up our acts. “We were just unfortunate not to get to the quarter-finals stage,’’ Adewole said.

happy I am leaving the team in the hands of capable upcoming juniors. They should be held together for a long time. “For me I am not getting younger, I need to get home and evaluate what plans I have for the future’’. In response to the fact that he was still young, he said “that is why I was not conclusive. But to tell you, I will like to face club action. “I still have three years left in my contract. I will like to stick with the club. I am not discussing any moves. I am happy at my club. “For me, I have had a fulfilled time with the national team. I have enjoyed every moment of it. I need to quit now. “The upcoming players

in the team are good. They need all the chance. I just have to go,’’ he said. Enyeama then, apologised to Nigerians for the failure of the team to have won. “I want you all to forgive us. You have all done well to support us to this stage’’. Yobo no doubt made history by reaching the 100th cap mark in the national team, indeed the first Nigerian to have accomplished it. However, he had scored an own goal in the 90th minute — a not so impressive record on a special day in his national team career. “It happens, it was not really his fault. That should not diminish his contribution to the national team,’’ Mike Umeh, the Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Association said.

Yobo, Enyeama, Odemwingie Opt To Give Way To Upcoming Players

SOME of the top Super Eagles’ players who took part in the 0-2 loss to the French national team, Les Bleus, said they plan to give chance to younger ones in the Super Eagles. The players are Vincent Enyeama, Captain, Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemnwingie. In separate interviews at the mix zone, they said they have had their time and would want to concentrate at club level. “I am confident I should go now,Odenminwgie said, noting that he had no bad feelings. “I am happy we played well but lost. I am not too sure now whether to wish we played badly and win or the other way round. “Whatever the case, I am

KASHIMAWO Laloko, an Assistant Technical Director with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), on Monday blamed lack of concentration for Nigeria’s exit from the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost 0-2 to France on Monday in Brasilia in a Round of 16 tie to crash out of the competition. Laloko, however, said in a telephone interview that issues arising from the bonus row might have contributed majorly to the team’s exit. “I think the players didn’t realise the importance of today’s game and I think they got a little frustrated towards the end. “One can easily say we have gotten to the phase where we have always ended. It is possible that the bonus row affected the team. “Every outstanding bonus should have been paid before this encounter to avoid all these excuses. “We would have been smiling by now, if not that the situation in the team’s camp was mismanaged. Because, even if you are not going to pay all bonuses, you should pay some. “It is possible the boys stomached all these things and decided to show it in their performance. It has not helped Nigeria at all,’’ Laloko said. He pointed out that the team would have defeated the French team if not for the distractions, noting that the French team was not tactically balanced earlier in the game. Laloko also frowned at a situation where the Eagles were carried away by team captain Joseph Yobo’s 100th cap celebration, adding that it was another major source of distraction. “We would have gone beyond this stage. But, along the line, I became worried because the players themselves became frustrated and the French team took over. “I knew the Eagles will regret the errors they were making once the French team got a goal, and it later happened. “In fact, my position all the time about Yobo was that his inclusion in the team was going to be a minus. “I didn’t expect him to do better than he did and was not surprised that the team went ahead to celebrate his 100th cap for the national team instead of concentrating on the competition,’’ he said.

Wimbledon

Perfect Andy Murray Berths Into Quarter Final TITLE holder Andy Murray neutralised the big-swinging game of lofty South African Kevin Anderson on Monday to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals 6-4 6-3 7-6 (6). The 27-year-old Briton returned sharply and drew the 2.03-metre (6-foot-8) Anderson into rallies to impose his game on the Wimbledon grass where he is on a run of 17 successive victories.

Andy Murray

Breezy Bouchard Conquers Cornet

CANADIAN teenager Eugenie Bouchard succeeded where Serena Williams failed as she beat Alize Cornet to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Monday. Frenchwoman Cornet caused a sensation on Saturday when she sent five-times champion and pre-tournament favourite Williams packing but Bouchard proved to be made of sterner stuff as she edged to a 7-6(5) 75 victory. The match was interrupted after five games to allow the Centre Court roof to close when more rain hit the championships after Saturday’s serious disruption. The defeat of Williams blew a large hole in the women’s draw and Bouchard exploited it with a performance of grit and power against 25th seed Cornet to become the first Canadian to reach a Wimbledon singles quarter-final. Having reached the semifinals at both the Australian Open and French Open this year, Bouchard arrived at Wimbledon with the likes of former men’s champion John McEnroe tipping her as his dark horse for the women’s title. She looked like she would be stretched into a third set when she trailed 5-3 in the second, but she continued her attacking style to claw back the deficit. Serving at 5-6, Cornet tried in vain to hold off the Canadian trailblazer, rescuing one point

after a nasty tumble, but fired a backhand long to succumb. “I am really excited and proud of the way I performed,” Bouchard told the BBC. “It wasn’t easy, Alize is a great player and got so many balls back, so I had to work really hard.

“I am very excited about reaching the quarter-finals, but I need to stay focused and not get distracted.” Bouchard could face a repeat of her French Open semi-final in the last 16 if Roland Garros champion Maria Sharapova beats Angelique Kerber later on Monday.

Anderson, a career-high 18th in the world, broke serve only once, after rain forced a pause for the Centre Court roof to be closed with Murray 3-0 up in the second set. He upped his game in the third set to force a tense tiebreak and even had a set point before the Scot won three points in a row to reach his seventh successive Wimbledon quarter-finals. “When it was outdoors I played very well and was in a good position but when we came indoors he was striking the ball better and serving better and I was dropping shorter,” Murray told reporters. “That meant there was a lot

more running at the end because he was playing very well.” It was the toughest match of the tournament for Murray who had dropped only 19 games on his way to the fourth round. The champion started in relaxed style, breaking Anderson’s booming serve in the third game and wrapping up the opening set in 43 minutes. Looking supremely comfortable on the turf where he also won Olympic gold in 2012, Murray broke the South African twice early in the second set but the rain started to fall and organisers decided to close the roof. The Scot, who always prefers playing in the elements, dropped his serve and two games later wobbled again to offer Anderson another break point. Murray saved it but Anderson

Eugenie Bouchard

United Quoted Over £45m For Vidal are also seen to be in the running. Juventus, however, remain unwilling to sell their star player, while any negotiations are likely to be complicated as it will take an offer of over 45 million pounds to even make the Italian side consider the possibility. Vidal would represent a huge coup for United, given that he would be both the “marquee name” that the hierarchy crave, but also see a key position filled. The Red Devils are intent on a significant statement this summer, and are ready to spend over 150 million pounds.

Around 60 million pounds has already been paid out on Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera, but manager Louis van Gaal is keen to bring in at least one midfielder and one centre-half. It is expected that a deal for Thomas Vermaelen will be struck with Arsenal in the next few weeks, although both a fee and a medical have to be finalised, with the Belgium centre-half recently struggling with injury. As he seeks to strengthen his United backline, Van Gaal wants a defender with Premier

League experience but also mobility — and the club are still expected to pursue their interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels. Van Gaal would also like to bring in his Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong, and there remains tentative interest in Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger. Sources also state that Javier Hernandez will be allowed to leave the club, providing a suitable offer comes in. The Mexican has seen his playing opportunities increasingly limited.

Djokovic Shows Class To Ease Past Tsonga

NOVAK Djokovic’s left shoulder was in perfect working order on Monday as the top seed cranked up the power to blast past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3 6-4 7-6(5) and reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the sixth year running. Three days after falling heavily on his shoulder, the 2011 champion showed that there were no lingering effects from that painful tumble as he scorched Tsonga with a series of double-fisted backhands under the roof of a floodlit Centre Court. His serving was also on fire as he chased an 11th successive win against the French 14th seed. Djokovic dominated the opening two sets before Tsonga finally came alive in the third and threatened to take the upper hand in the set when he held two break points in the eighth game. The Serb snuffed out those chances with some powerful serving and a blazing crosscourt winner left him roaring in triumph a few minutes later. The six-times grand slam champion will face Croatia’s Marin Cilic for a place in the semi-finals.

EPL Transfer Window JUVENTUS have told Manchester United that they will need to bid over 45 million pounds if the Premier League side are to sign Arturo Vidal, sources have told ESPN FC. The Chile midfielder has had an impressive World Cup despite a lack of fitness, but has been a United target for far longer. The English club first began to properly enquire about the 27-year-old in January. Sources state United have picked up their interest in the player over the past few weeks, and Vidal himself is understood to be open to the idea. Arsenal

found a new confidence which he took into the third set, firing his 76th ace of the tournament to earn set point. The ice-cool Murray replied with a big serve, forced an error to earn match point and produced a backhand winner to progress to the last eight to the delight of a noisy crowd. “I am trying to stay concentrated on the court and I don’t worry about everything else that’s happening outside but when you play in front of a big crowd like this you raise your intensity and it helps you in a big way,” said the holder.

Novak Djokovic

The Crucifix; Not For Oshiomhole (2)

This is the reason the man is welcome anywhere any time in this former region. This is reason why the man’s name is ever synonymous with positive development and progress.But alas! Following the military coup led by Murtala Muhammed 1975, which ousted the regime of Yakubu Gowon, Ogbemudia was removed and replaced by Agbazika Innih. Following his removal as governor, Ogbemudia, upon all the developmental inputs he made, he was brought under serious condemnation and sharp criticisms. Petitions meant to destroy him from the State went in volumes to Dordam Barracks in Lagos. Only God saved him. That was the reward he received for the conscientious work he did for the good people of Bendel State. Governor Agbazika Innih’s stay was short. He had just moved Auchi polytechnic from Benin City to Auchi and was about to start his developmental strides when he came under heavy attack which led him to be transferred to kwara state where he performed creditably for the praise of the kwarans. Most of the military Governors that governed Bendel and Edo after Innih were non-indigene. Their eras were void of major developments. They were at best maintaining what were on ground before they came, yet no one petitioned or criticized them. It was an era of great compromise. They looted our treasury, and milked us dry, and siphoned our economy to enhance their private enterprises: Yet no one coughed or cried. Our fathers and so called strong men pampered them and licked their booths. They even organized send-off parties for them as they left one by one. Another indigene who came was Professor Ambrose A1li a civilian Governor, he built the first indigenous State University in Nigeria. He

built Bendel Broadcasting Service, he increased the number of schools both primary, secondary and tertiary. He gave free education, he built some roads and improved on health and Agricultural sectors. He gave surplus employments especially to teachers to man the multiplied schools he built. Yet the reward for all these was negative criticisms and condemnation. The military Governors from other states made up their minds not to work but just maintain the statuesque because according to them as was rumored, “your sons ruled you, and you did not appreciate them, is it strangers you will appreciate?” The above is a few in a long list of past leaders in Midwest region, Bendel state, and now Edo state. The present Governor in the person of Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole with his party men came with pump and zeal to move Edo State to the next higher level. He is a typical builder and reformer who properly fits in the Biblical book of Isaiah chapter 61 verse 4 which says “And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, they shall make good the desolation of many generations” When Oshiomhole came, he visited the very foundation Ogbemudia laid. It seems to me that he was influenced by the spirit of Ogbemudia crying inside of him according to the Biblical P book of Corinthians chapter 3 verses 10-li which say “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise Master builder, I have laid the foundation and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed (be careful) how he buildeth their upon for no other foundation can any man

laid than that which is laid.” The type of Ogbemudia is one in a generation, but Edo people are fortunate to have another Ogbemudia in Oshiomhole so far and may be by the grace of God will have a third, fourth... Amen. Oshiomhole has largely improved on what he met on ground and did new things. He de-silted the

He has renovated schools to international standards with perimeter fences. He has built additional two Universities. In his time all elected office for the first time are utilizing constituency allowances accordingly. No man puts on the toga of infallibility; so is Adams Oshiomhole. Every mortal

Matters In Focus With RAPHAEL .U. OIZIMENDE extent that he is nicknamed as a “Governor who has bitten more than he can chew”. May God give him the grace to chew what he has bitten and swallow it well. Moreover, by the extended grace of God, he will bite more, chew them and swallow them well because communities which have

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State gutters and turned them to be gutters and walkways. He expanded roads from former four lanes to six lanes with packing lots. In some areas like Uselu Ugbowo road, former 6 lanes are now 10 lanes. Still on roads, he has constructed asphalted roads in rural areas where there was never one hitherto his coming as governor. He has provided potable water even in areas where before now was believed that water was impossible.

man is subject to one error or the other. Only the immortal God is perfect, and infallible. However, by juxtaposition and dichotomy the positivism of Oshiomhole’s administration by far outweighs the negativism as far as development and human relations are concerned. The list of achievements and ongoing projects in all areas in Edo State e.g. Benin City water storm project is so long to the

not benefited are expecting his developmental strides. Amen. Realizing the importance of a good successor to keep on the pace of development, and because of his burning love for Edo State and people, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia has

recently embarked on personal tour of the Edo State and appealing to them to put party interests aside and jointly look for and select a credible person as the next Governor who can keep the pace of Adams O s h i o m h o l e ’ s developmental strides. In my opinion, Oshiomhole should be co opted in this effort and search because he has worked with the people and he knows their spirits and the frame by which they are made. He very well may have known by now who he can possibly hand the baton over to who will keep and even improve on the speed of the race. My worry is, what is the matter with some Edo state people? Why can we not discern, and appreciate good actions and good persons like him? Have we forgotten so soon where we were yesterday? The rains, the floods, the dilapidated school buildings, the quagmire of our pot-holed roads, lack of potable water, and lack of jobs etc. we were shouting “Hosanna” yesterday seeing the great things he has done and is still doing. Why are we so soon shouting “Crucify him”? Even the blind can feel and the deaf can perceive the good works of this man. No! The Crucifix is not for Oshiomhole. He is not qualified for such treatment. He deserves our gratitude and praise. God bless Adams Oshiomhole, God bless Edo State people, God bless Nigeria. Amen. Rev (Dr) Raphael U. Oizimende (JP) writes from Benin City.

“My worry is, what is the matter with some Edo state people? Why can we not discern, and appreciate good actions and good persons like him? Have we forgotten so soon where we were yesterday? The rains, the floods, the dilapidated school buildings, the quagmire of our potholed roads, lack of potable water, and lack of jobs etc.”

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