Nigerian observer 02 08 2013

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

1

cmyk

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

ART & CULTURE Pg. 19

Cultural Exercise

• Vol . 38 NO.285 • FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 • N100.00

FG to implement UN framework Environmental statistics:

ABUJA - The Federal Ministry of Environment will soon implement the UN framework for the

development of environmental statistics in the country, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, the

Minister of Environment has said.

Mailafia said this at the opening of a two-day

national conference on the United Nations Revised Framework for Continues on page 2

Edo Educ Ministry Fire

REFLECTION Pg 23

Youths Are Agents Of Evangelism

Panel submits report

BENIN CITY - The panel of Inquiry set up by Edo State Government to investigate the fire outbreak at the Ministry of Higher Education yesterday submitted its report to Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Government House, Benin City, raising concern over the indiscriminate siting of fuel stations in residential areas.

Chairman of the panel, Justice Roland Amaize (rtd) said the panel received 22 memoranda from members of the public and a total of 23 witnesses testified before the panel.

He said “the report consist of the main report and two other

volumes. I hope the recommendation of the panel would assist the government in stemming a reoccurrence in future.”

He drew the Governor’s attention to the danger in locating petrol stations in residential areas and

the people.

“There should as well be the routine environmental impact assessment depending on the nature of the project.

“It is also to ensure that projects that are brought into council followed the master plan of the transformation agenda,’’ he said.

He said that the memo proposed that a proper scientific and thorough analysis of new projects were carried out on a project before introduction into the budget.

Maku said that the new template would augment the existing analysis which the council usually carried out before contracts are awarded.

memo and slated it for further discussion before approval.

“We discussed this memo extensively today, and Mr. President and all of us are of the opinion that there should be further study on it for s u b s e q u e n t presentation to council for consideration,’’ he said.

Maku said that the Minister of Transport, Continues on page 2

vital government ministries, saying this portends grave danger to the people.

Speaking after receiving the report,

Governor Oshiomhole commended the committee and said it

would study the report with a view to implementing it.

According to him “I want to thank you for accepting to assist the state government to look into the possible causes of the fire incident.

It is clear that this Continues on page 2

Contracts: FG introduces new Maku said that the template council considered the

ABUJA - The Federal Government will introduce new conditions for awarding contracts that will spell out the economic analysis of projects and the benefits to the citizens.

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, disclosed this in Abuja while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council meeting, presided over

by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Maku said that the new template for contract award was presented to council jointly by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Chief Economic Adviser to the president, Dr Nwanze Okeidegbe.

“The memo is aimed at ensuring that before any new project comes into the budget for appropriation, there should be some economic analysis of its impacts on the lives of

REPORT: Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole receiving the report from Hon. Justice Rowland Amaize, on the fire incident in the Ministry of Education in Government House in Benin City yesterday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

More reactions trail APC registration

ABUJA- Mr. Gilbert Agbo, the National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), yesterday said the registration of All Progressives Congress (APC) was a welcome

development.

Agbo told newsmen in Abuja that the

registration was a milestone in the political development of the

Olukolade, Director of Defence Information.

MNJTF is a joint

operation of three African nations namely; Nigeria, Niger and Chad.

It was established in Continues on page 2

Taskforce foils terrorists plan to regroup

ABUJA - The Defence Headquarters yesterday in Abuja said that the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of Nigeria, Niger and Chad,

had foiled plans by some terrorists to regroup.

This is contained in a statement issued by Brig.

Gen Chris

country.

“If INEC had refused to register the APC, there could have been a lot of cries; people could have called INEC all sorts of names.

“It is an affirmation that the space will continue to get wider and wider.

The more, the merrier.

“I congratulate INEC in

taking a decision that is very popular and the leadership of APC. We welcome the party on board to the community of political parties in Nigeria.’’

According to him, what is important is whether what they have is different from what has been on ground. “It is not enough to say that we have been merged, or we are a stronger party’’, Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

News

Environmental statistics

Continued from page 1 the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) in Abuja.

Nigeria was a party to the development of the document, which contains a comprehensive list of environmental statistics and indicators for tracking sustainable development in all sectors of the economy approved by the UN statistical Commission.

Represented by Mr. Taiye Haruna, the Permanent

Taskforce

Continued from page 1 2011 to ensure security and inter nation’s cooperation.

The statement said the plan by some terrorists, who relocated to Niger Republic to remobilise and rearm insurgents with the aim of carrying out fresh attacks on some Nigerian communities had been foiled.

It said the leader of the group who had fled Nigeria when the terrorist camps were destroyed, was reportedly recruiting fresh hands and training them for renewed terrorist activities in Nigeria.

The statement said, “The intention of the group is to focus its attacks on some towns around the NigeriaNiger Republic border.

“Intelligence operatives of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) had been on the trail of the leader until he was eventually arrested in Karanga, Niger Republic on Saturday with the cooperation of Nigerian forces.’’

The statement added that his other accomplices were later picked up in other villages in Nigeria, adding that they were currently being interrogated.

Secretary in the ministry, Mailafia said the ministry would make a proposal for the inclusion of the implementation of the framework in the 2014 budget.

The minister said that during the revision of the framework, the set of core environment statistics was circulated to some pilot countries at various stages in their development of national environment statistics for comments. ‘’Nigeria was selected as one of the pilot countries to validate the draft framework before the opening of the global consultation and comments received were later integrated into the draft document. ‘’A final document was produced and submitted to the UN Statistical Commission for approval at the 44th Session in February, 2013. ‘’Now that the new framework has been approved, every country is expected to initiate action towards its application for the generation of environmental data that will meet the demands of many users globally.’’

Mailafia said the expected outcome of the conference would be to identify the Ministries, Departments and Agencies that would be responsible for the generation of relevant statistics for the list of the indicators in the framework.

She said a national steering committee would be set up after the conference and a national technical committee that would handle technical issues on environment statistics.

Earlier, the Director of Research and Statistics in the ministry, Mr. Momoh Abu, said that the conference was aimed at creating an avenue

Edo Educ Ministry Fire Continued from page 1

would not have stopped what has happened. I am confident that if we learn the right lessons from what has happened it would be possible to prevent a reoccurrence.

“We will study the report, look at the executive summary and hope the report would help us. I want to thank you for drawing our attention to the possible danger that would arise from indiscriminate approval by the Ministry of Lands and Survey for people to locate petrol stations in residential areas. It is something that we ought to have known. It is a pity that for a long time the Ministry of Lands and Survey never bordered to do its work.

“If you wanted to build a house along Akpakpava Road, they were going to approve it. The result is that all kinds of structures are all over Benin City. This is unfortunate”, he said.

He noted, “it is bad enough when structures obstruct the right of way but it is a serious safety issue when structures like petrol stations are

located near residential areas. If this incident helps us to reflect deeper and take steps to prevent future reoccurrence, then the trouble you have taken is worth it”.

He also said that the recommendations would be discussed at the state executive council meeting and appropriate white paper issued.

It would be recalled that Edo Government on June 14 set up a four-member commission of enquiry to investigate the cause of the fire incident that razed the state Ministry of Higher Education two days earlier.

The panel was mandated to investigate and establish the remote and immediate cause of the inferno, as well as determine items destroyed and identify those responsible for the act.

The governor had said that the investigation became necessary so as to know if the incident was a sabotage or due to a natural cause while also calling on the commission to proffer suggestion to forestall a reoccurrence.

for brainstorming on how to generate environmental data.

Abu said that the conference would also help the stakeholders to brainstorm on the challenges involved in the gathering and collation of environmental statistics in the country.

He recalled that the decision to hold a two-day National Conference on the FDES was reached at the National Council on Environment in Makurdi in May.

‘’The conference will enhance extensive deliberation on the strategy to be adopted for the generation of credible environmental data for the nation.’’

The director, however, expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for collaborating with the ministry to organise the conference and its continuous support to the ministry’s programmes and projects.

FG introduces new template

Continued from page 1 Sen. Idris Umar also brought a memo seeking an approval for Public Private Partnership for the execution of a gas power plant project.

He said that the council set up a committee to further study the memo because of the cross cropping nature of the proposal, which would involve several Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The Minister of State for Works, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, who was at the briefing, disclosed that the council approved contract for the second phase of the CalabarUgep-Ogoja-Katsina Ala road.

“This is an existing contract and what we are doing now is to take the remaining section of the road that is not covered in the initial contract.

The present section of the road will start from kilometre 48 to kilometer 76,’’ he said.

Yuguda said that the original contract sum was N4.6 billion, while the extra work to be done on the remaining portion of the road as approved by council was N2.999 billion bringing the new total contract sum to N7.6 billion.

He said that the expected completion period for the extra portion of the road to be done was 24 months.

The minister said that the first phase of the road which was awarded some years back had reached 80 per cent completion.

He said that the road linking South-South and North central regions was of huge economic importance to the nation.

APC registration Continued from page 1 he stressed.

Agbo said the society needed practical programmes that would improve the lives of Nigerians and bring about the desired change.

He said the leadership of APC had important role to play in the society and in the community of political parties in the country.

“I wish to advise the party to ensure that its activities are guided by law, especially by the Electoral Act’’, Agbo said.

Also in Nsukka, Prof.

Aloysius Okolie has said that the INEC registration of ANPP, ACN and CPC merger to form the All Progressive Congress (APC) would strengthen democracy in Nigeria.

Okolie, a Professor of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, made the observation in an interview with newsmen in Nsukka yesterday.

He said that, with the registration of APC, there was now a strong opposition and alternative party if the ruling party failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“The registration of APC by INEC on Wednesday is a welcome development and a plus to the country’s democracy.

“With strong opposition, the ruling party will strive to be transparent and accountable to the electorate to avoid being voted out of power, “ he said.

He said that with the registration of APC, the ANPP, ACN and CPC would

cease to exist as political parties, because their certificates would be withdrawn by INEC. “I commend INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega’s commitment to deepen democracy as well as being fair to all political parties in the country.

“In no distant time, I foresee PDP and APC as the main political parties in the country, ‘’ he said.

The professor, however, advised APC leadership to ensure that all understandings reached by the three merged political parties were respected in the interest of the new party.

He said that the ability of APC to successfully harmonise its activities would determine if the party would stand the test of time or not.

According to him, 2015 general elections will be a litmus test to the newlyregistered party.

“I urge political parties, both ruling and oppositions to also play the game of politics according to the rules, so as to move the country forward, “he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Doyen Okupe, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, said the registration of All Progressives Congress (APC) by INEC underscored the openness of the present administration.

Okupe made this remark when he spoke with newsmen in Abuja yesterday.

He stressed that the registration of the APC by INEC also demonstrated “political liberalism of President Jonathan.

Breastfeed your babies, mothers told BENIN CITY – Edo State Government on Thursday joined all others across the world to mark this year’s world Breastfeeding week in the state with a call on mothers to endeavour to adequately breastfeed their babies to meet the recommended daily requirement of all nutrients.

Briefing the Press on the activities lined up to mark the weeklong (August 1 – 7, 2013) event in the state, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie said the state government has put in place various measures to promote, protect and support breast feeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding in the state.

According to her, some of the measures include the training and retraining of health workers both at state and local levels, free antenatal care and maternity services for pregnant women as well as the reconstitution and inauguration of State Committee on Food and Nutrition.

The Health Commissioner stated that the annual event is celebrated to raise awareness about the health and socio-economic benefits of breastfeeding to the baby, mother, family and society in general.

She said that breast milk is a complete whole food, offering to babies all nutrients required to grow, develop and be healthy. He pointed out the national recommendation was that, mothers should exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months after birth without water or any drink except prescribed medication.

Dr. Eregie gave the objective of this year ’s celebration as to draw attention to the importance of supports in helping mothers to initiate and sustain breastfeeding, poor counseling and support as well as the need to expand the programme.

The theme of the celebration is “Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers”.

Passengers injured as commercial bus collide with Jeep

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU /GEORGE OGBOLU BENIN CITY – A ghastly motor accident was yesterday averted when a commercial bus driver rammed into an ash coloured Toyota Highlander at Airport Road, in front of The Nigerian OBSERVER. The accident which took place at about 1 p.m. saw some passenger sustaining minor injuries while the commercial bus had its windscreen shattered.

Also, the bonnet of the

Toyota Highlander vehicle was badly damaged.

According to eye witnesses, the accident was due to overspeeding by the commercial bus driver who lost control when he approached a road junction.

For fear of paying for damages, the commercial driver pleaded with the owner of the Toyota Highlander saying, it was by mistake that the accident happened.

Contacted on telephone, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Moses Eguavoen said he has not been briefed on the matter.

500KVA transformer: Iddo

community lauds council boss AGENEBODE A delegation of chiefs in Iddo community in Okpella has visited the Chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Suleiman Afebgua to express appreciation over the provision of a 500KVA transformer to the community.

Spokesman for the delegation, High Chief Peter .A. Aronokhale the Ostegbe of Okpella expressed thanks over for the new electricity transformer and the completion of the new class room block at Iddo Primary School.

Chief Aronokhale, who described the Council Chairman as a Prince, said that he has proven to be a man who is accommodative and responsive to the people’s need, adding that business activities have been boosted.

He however requested for the construction of a permanent Health Care Center and a Motor Park to boost the internal revenue of the Council.

Responding, the Council

Chairman said that he felt honourned for the appreciation of Iddo Community over the little he has done, stressing that it is a call to do more.

He maintained that he made a promise to provide the transformer within five days which he has fulfilled stressing that government resources are for the people.

He said his administration has completed the construction of (6) six classroom block at Iddo Primary School.

He added that apart from appointing his personal Assistant and another Special Assistant from Iddo, the Local government is already in partnership for the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) to begin the construction of an ultramodern health centre in the community.

The delegation which cuts across various Political Parties, including PDP, ANPP and Labour Party all appreciated the efforts of the Council Chairman and promised to support him in the course of taking Etsako East to the next level.

THE NIGERIAN

3 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Community Visits Boss OKPELLA -A delegation of chiefs from Ogute-Oke Community, has paid a courtesy call on the chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua.

Leader of the delegation, High chief Zaki Okhogbe said that their visit was to thank the chairman for the fulfillment of his promises to the people.

He said that Hon. Afegbua has provided the community with a 300KVA transformer which has brought stable power supply to the area.

According to Okhogbe, the council boss is reenacting the development strides of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the grassroot within the first 100days in office.

Okhogbe maintained that the vote cast for Hon. Afegbua in the local government election has been justified, noting that the people of Ogute will continue to support the administration.

He however asked for a face lift of the Ogute primary Healthcare Center and the provision of an industrial bore hole in the area.

Responding, the Council boss thanked them for the visit, saying that he actually made promises to do people oriented projects with Council finances.

He stated that Ogute, the home of Hon. Eshieshi had

Inside Edo

electricity problems adding that this is unacceptable to him because Eshieshi is his leader.

He said that this is why he quickly solved the problem.

On water, the Council chairman said that the comrade governor, Adams Oshiomhole has directed him to provide industrial bore hole for the people of Ogute noting that the project had been approved and the money released.

While appealing to the delegation to prevail on Eshieshi to withdraw his case in the law court against his candidature, he called on them to advise him to move Okpella and the entire Estako East to the next level.

The delegate comprised of chief John Ajulor, F.I. Sanni, M.A. Aderolo, Demola Omoze and Mrs. Mamunetu Yusuf.

Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (right) D e p u t y Governor of Edo State being welcomed by Archbishop M a r g a r e t Benson-Idahosa to her 70th B i r t h d a y celebration at Faith Arena Benin. Photo: MOSES OBOH.

National Assembly Ready To Work With Armed Forces - Tambuwal

ABUJA - The National Assembly is ready to work with the Armed Forces to ensure the security of the nation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has said.

Tambuwal made the pledge on Wednesday night at the graduation dinner organised by the National Defence College (NDC) for its graduating Course 21 participants.

He said the NASS had been working with the leadership of the Armed Forces to ensure that its officers and men “are properly motivated, and well trained’’.

“In the area of training, we are interested in collaborating with the NDC to ensure that we have properly trained personnel that can withstand the challenges of the security environment in the 21st Century.

“There is need for greater

collaboration between the House Committee on Defence and the college, to further the goals and objectives of the security sector reforms.’’

Tambuwal, Tambuwal, who was represented by Rep. Leo Oghor, the Deputy House Leader, expressed the willingness of the NASS to

R-L: Former General Manager of Delta State owned newspaper, The Pointer, Mr. Festus Rupee, Mrs. Comfort Omizegba, Mrs. Gaius-Obaseki and Mr. Emmanuel Omizegba during a condolence visit to the Omizegba’s on the death of Sir Ambrose Omizegba one-time news Editor of The Nigerian Observer

Security: AGENEBODE-The chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon Suleiman Afegbua has held a security meeting with leaders of youth bodies in Okpella Community to dialogue on ways to ensure enduring peace and stability in the area.

Addressing newsmen in his office, the venue of the meeting, Hon. Afegbua said that as a

LG Boss, Security Agencies Parley

people with a bright future, “we cannot afford to destroy the community with violence”.

He said that the dialogue session became necessary because security and intelligence report indicated that there is impending youth agitations that

could lead to crisis.

He maintained that the youths have assured him of more dialogue while the issues will be addressed.

Barrister Aakuri Afegbua, chief Collins Adogah and Kabiru Haruna agreed that peace is the

only condition for development and therefore called on the youths to be patient and calm as they pursue their goals within the ambits of law.

The meeting was attended by the Military, Police, state Security Service and other paramilitary organisations.

participate in initiatives aimed at revamping the security sector.

He said that as far as good governance was concerned, the NASS would continue to make laws “that will ensure

accountability and transparency in governance’’.

The speaker said democracy could only be sustained if the leaders remain connected to the people and continue to meet their needs.

Aigbe Lebarty Passes On BENIN CITY - Popular Musician, leader of Aigbe Lebarty and the Sex Bombers Band, President, Nigeria Union of Musicians (NUM), Publisher, Weekend Mirror Newspaper and Activist, Dr. Johnbull Osayogie AigbeLebarty is dead.

Dr. Aigbe-Lebarty died in the early hours of Monday July 15, 2013 at Faith Mediplex, Benin City after a protracted illness.

Dr. Aigbe Lebarty was a celebrity who made immense contributions to the growth and development of the Music Industry as well as the Journalism and Publishing Industry in Nigeria.

He will be remembered in his days as he took the Sex Bombers band to the nooks and crannies of the country in the 70s and early 80s with his Musical base in Lagos.

He was a foremost publisher, having published his Newspaper, The Weekend Mirror in the Old Bendel State and Lagos, circulating throughout Nigeria a Newspaper that gave the defunct Lagos Weekend a stiff competition in the 80’s.

He was a prominent member of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), before breaking out to establish the Nigeria Union of Musicians (NUM).

He will be remembered for his tussle with Tony Okoroji, then National President of the PMAN. As an Activist, he single handedly took the NUM to the highest echeleon which drew the positive attention of the

then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd) who rewarded him for his musical excellence and ingenuity in unionism in the Music Industry.

Dr. Aigbe Lebarty is survived by brothers and sister, including Mr. John Ikponmwonsa Aigbe-Lebarty based in New York, USA, Madam Ekenesenarienrien Aigbe -Lebarty. Mr. Lucky Aigbe Lebarty USA based producer and Chairman Globo Entertainment, Pastor Felix Lebarty, popular musician of the “Lover Boy” fame; and Mr. Osaro Junior Egharevba, also based in New York USA. He left behind 25 children.

A release signed by his brother, Mr. Lucky AigbeLebarty on behalf of the family, stated that the burial announcement will be made in due course. The release also stated that a condolence register has been opened at his residence, No. 10, Triangle Avenue in Benin City, Edo State.

Dr. Johnbull Osayogie Aigbe-Lebarty

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

Across The Nation Rivers House Leader Arraigned In Court

L-R Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Blessing Maigida with HRH Koroba of Ekperi Egiagbai (middle) and SSA to the state governor on Women Affairs Mr Frank during the distribution of beverages purchased by the state Government to Muslim faithful in Edo North

ASUU Strike: IBADAN- The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) Vice President (West), Alfred Jimoh has given insight to why non teaching staff have not joined in the current industrial action embarked upon by members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), maintaining that they (non teaching staff) are still waiting for how Federal Government will handle their own demands especially the issue of payment of what he referred to as ‘’ Earned Allowance”.

Jimoh also explained that positive signals are coming from the federal government as regards the demands of members , hence their decision to sheath the sword for the time being.

SSANU members in University of Ibadan had called an emergency congress on the current development as regards their agitation for better welfare including payment of the ‘’Earned Allowance’’, where all the union executives including Jimoh gave the account of how far they have gone in seeing to the implementation of the demands.

Jimoh however explained that he could not be categorical on when government will meet the demands especially the payment of the Earned Allowance, adding however that “we are very close to getting it paid.”

The SSANU leader who explained that until recently, government never showed expected seriousness in their demands, said unfolding events have revealed that non teaching staff must be tactical in their dealings with government.

He cited the last meeting SSAN executives held with government delegation in Abuja under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim, where it was revealed that ASUU executives specifically demanded that they would prefer to meet the delegation separately instead of being part of the meeting.

SSANU Explains Non- Participation

Jimoh also said their observation and presentation at the meeting, led to the inclusion of President of each of the non teaching staff union in the newly inaugurated Implementation Committee for the “Needs Assessment Committee recommendation.”

Added he “ For the earned allowance, government recommended 5% of annual personnel cost in each university

should be set aside to take care of the payment of the allowance for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, but government was silent on 2013 and 2014. Government also said it will contribute 60 percent of the amount while each university will look for 40 percent. But we rejected it and instead suggested 18 percent of personnel cost while the sharing formula should be government ,88 percent each university 12

percent. We are still waiting for government decision . All I will tell you is that we cannot go on strike since government has not said the non teaching staff should be sacked as contained in the NEEDS assessment satanic report.”

SSANU members who later commented on Jimoh’s presentation implored their union executives not to relent in the struggle.

P O RT- H A R C O U RTThe leader of Rivers state House of Assembly, Mr. Chidi Lloyd on whose neck hangs criminal charges yesterday appeared before a Port Harcourt high court following the order of the court on Wednesday.

Lloyd who was brought into the crowded court at 10.50am under tight security by armed police men and other security agencies could not take his plea when the matter was mentioned due to submissions made by the diferent counsel.

The counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Donald Dewigwe (SAN) who led a team of lawyers had argued that the state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Worgu Boms cannot take over the criminal proceedings when there was no proper arraignment of the accused before the court.

Mr. De-wigwe submitted that the announcement by the Attorney-General of taking over the criminal proceedings was premature and cited legal authorities to suppot his contention.

Earlier, the Attorney-

General , Mr. Boms had announced to take over the matter based on the powers conferred on him by section 211 of the 1999 constitution as amended in the interest of justice, adding that it was an offence against the state.

Also, Mr. Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN) who earlier announced his appearance with other lawyers for the accused, Chidi Lloyd had objected to the appearance of Mr. De-wigwe and other lawyers for the prosecution.

Mr. Nwofor submitted that Mr. De-wigwe who is a private legal practitioner must by law obtain a fiat from the state Attorney-General to prosecute the matter, adding that a letter he showed to the court was not enough.

He said though the police under section 23 of the Police Act has powers to prosecute criminal cases but such was subject to the powers of the state Attorney-General.

Consequently, the presiding judge, Justice L. L. Nyordee adjourned the matter to August 6, 2013 to enable him give a ruling on submissions made by the lawyers.

Activist Canvasses Voluntary Blood Donation ABUJA – Mr. Michael Nzega, a member of Club 25 Nigeria, an NGO based in Abuja, has urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of voluntary blood donation to help humanity.

Nzega told the newmen that the response of people to blood donation in the country was not encouraging as most of them always asked what the financial benefits were.

“Nigeria as a country needs an average of 1.1 million pints of blood. And then what NBTS has been able to do is still like a drop in the ocean; they are still struggling to get 100, 000 pints per year. Now, the rest of these people are left in the hands of hospitals that are buying blood to resell to make gain.

“As ‘Club 25 Nigeria’, what we are doing is to help NBTS and indeed Nigeria to attain 100 per cent voluntary noneremunerated blood donations in conformity with the Federal Government’s ‘Vision 2020’.

And so, we encourage people to donate blood.

“If you are donating blood, medically you are not losing anything; medically, your body stands to gain more than whoever is receiving the blood.

“But the fact that, that person is at the point of need and is lying on the sick bed, it is expected that that person is benefiting but medically you who is giving out that unit of blood is benefiting.

“Let me give this example, if you check 100 people who are suffering from stoke, surprisingly you may have 75 of them are women; and out of that 75, 74.5 per cent of that 75, are women who have reached their menopause.

“What happens now is that the body of a woman who is actively menstruating has an iron level of 3000 grams while that of a man has 4000 grams.

“The woman’s iron level is low because of the monthly flow of blood and so that brings the iron level very low. But once a woman stops menstruating, the iron level begins to rise and sometimes it even surpasses that

of a man.’’

He said: “Blood donation is a way of contributing to being our brother’s keeper. It is not harmful as the body, through the regeneration of new blood cells, naturally replenishes the system.”

According to him, over the years, misconceptions about blood donation have been propagated and are still being propagated even among health service providers.

Nzega said: “Anywhere you go, when you talk about blood donation, people are asking what they will benefit if they donate blood or who can donate blood and some people surprisingly do not know the people who are in

need of blood.

“And so, every male and female between the ages of 18 years and 65 years can donate blood.

“However at our National Blood Transfusion Service, we do not just ask you to come and lie down and we take your blood, when you come, you will fill a form and after filling the form, the trained counsellors are there, they check the volume of blood that you have. After that, they check your weight and blood pressure.

“Once they are within the acceptable range, then we allow you to donate blood and after donation we give you light

refreshment. And then, when the blood might have been collected, we take it to the centre because we have to run quality test on blood donated, we do not test at blood collection centres.

“But we take it to the centre and run test on it, usually, it is for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis and some other transfusion as well as other transmittable infections.’’

He explained that the quantity of blood the country needed had not been met.

He added that by donating blood, Nigerians would be helping the country to achieve government’s Vision 20-2020 objective of saving many lives.

The National President National Association of Edo State Sudents (NAESS) Prince Festus Otono (right) presenting an Award to the GM Bendel Newspaper Company Limited (BNCL) publishers of the OBSERVER Titles, Pastor Monday Aigbe in his office in Benin City on Wednesday PHOTO: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY

THE NIGERIAN

5 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Across The Nation Police Rescue Man, Woman From Kidnappers

Hon. Festus Ebea, Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (left), welcoming Honourable Councillor Stephen Onyon, Leader, Esan South East Local Government Area Legislative Arm to his office shortly after he and other councillors observed the State House of Assembly plenary recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

LAGOS The Lagos State Police Command has said that it has rescued two persons - a five-year-old boy and a woman - who were kidnapped on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Ngozi Braide, said this in a statement in Lagos.

She said that the boy, simply identified as Destiny, a pupil of Sulaful Nursery and Primary school, Okokomaiko, Lagos, was rescued from a suspected female kidnapper at Okokomaiko.

Braide said that the pupil had been reunited with his family.

The police spokesperson said that the police rescued the other victim, Mrs Bosede Adisa, in Ikorodu,

HOS Calls For Review Of FOI Act

ABUJA - The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji, has recommended the review of the Freedom of Information ACT (FoI), 2011.

Aji made the call at National Conference on the Freedom of Information ACT (FOI), 2011 organised by the Right to Know Initiative (R2K), an NGO, in Abuja.

He recommended that the seven days time limit for disclosure of information to the requesting institutions be reviewed upwards to 14 days.

According to him, the nation’s civil service system is not yet fully digitalised to cope with the seven days time limit.

“It may, therefore, be

necessary to review the time limit. I recommend its review from seven days to 14 days within which information under the Act may be disclosed.

“In organisations, keeping of records in the MDAs, most of which is the analogue system of record keeping, retrieval of information within the specified time limit has been practically difficult,’’ he said.

He stressed the need for proper record keeping, easy accessibility of formats and eventual digitalisation of public records to ensure the publication of information on Website of various MDAs. Aji also advocated review of the Official Secret Act (OSA) to

conform with the FoI Act and ensure that classification of information did not endanger disclosure of information.

He, however, identified the lack of desire by public officers to shift from a culture of secrecy to that of transparency as a major factor militating against the implementation of the Act. He said that efforts were being made by his office and that of the Attorney-General of the Federation to encourage public bodies to go beyond Servicom and establish FoI units and Help Lines for public use.

He said that the lack of effective Sensitisation, Organisation of Training and Capacity Building Programme

Hon. Festus Ebea, Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (arrowed), in a group photograph with visiting members of Esan South East Legislative arm recently.

in the MDAs constituted a major setback to the implementation of the ACT. “Efforts should be made to ensure adequate provision of funds to facilitate the sensitisation and training programme on the FoI in MDAs

and the Zones,” he said.

Aji expressed optimism that the conference would provide a window of opportunities to harness the experience and initiatives of the MDAs in relations to their level of compliance.

Lagos.

She said that kidnappers dispossessed the woman’s husband of his jeep and sped off with it when the woman was inside it.

“Policemen attached to Area ‘N’ Command Headquarters, Ijede, responded to a distress call on July 27 at about 2a.m., trailed and arrested one of the suspects.

“After the arrest of the suspect, the policemen rescued one Bosede Adisa at Ewu-Elepe Town in Ikorodu, Lagos.

“The suspect with others now at large dispossessed one Mr. Stephen Adisa of his Mitsubishi Montero Jeep with Reg. No. AKD 457 AZ at gunpoint at Lucky Fibre in Ikorodu and drove away with his wife, Bosede.”

She said that efforts were being made to arrest the other members of the gang.

She said that the cases had been transferred to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigations.

Edo Senator Lauds Registration INEC for doing what is right and

By TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN not agree to be blackmailed and Of APC BENIN CTY - The Senator I also commend the leaderships

representing Edo North Senatorial District in the Upper Legislative Chamber, ‘Senator (Dr) Domingo A. Obende yesterday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the eventual registration of the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Senator also commended the leaders of the now defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party ((ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance for their tenacity in ensuring the registration of the new party despite what he referred to as deliberate attempts by undemocratic elements to frustrate the process.

A statement by the Senator’s Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Pendo Apologun in Benin City called on all “progressives and true democrats in the country to join forces with the new party to aid the growth of our cherished democracy.

“For too long, anti-democratic forces have held us back in the quest bequeath much needed good governance and democratic

dividend to our people”.

“But this development has shown that when a people resolved for change, no matter what opposition confront them, they will get their way”.

“All the opposition that greeted the resolve to registers our new party was a result of the fact that anti-democratic forces have seen light in us and that we represent the hope for a better Nigeria”.

“I commend the leadership of

of the ACN, CPC and ANPP and other Patriots for burying all individual ambitions for the general good of our people and our great country’s democratic development” Senator Obende called on his supporters and Nigerians in general to give the new party the needed support for the “great push for 2015 general elections” the party is prepared and ready to deliver the much expected dividend of democracy.

Court Remands Teenager For Killing His Mother

OSOGBO An Osogbo Magistrates’ Court remanded, Ezekiel Adenipekun, 18, for allegedly killing his mother with a machete.

The police prosecutor, Insp Wilson Meriti, told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 21 at about 3p.m. at Irojo area of Ilesha, Osun.

Meriti alleged that the accused inflicted machete cuts on his mother, Funmilayo, while she was sleeping in her room.

He said the accused inflicted severe cuts on the victim’s neck, which subsequently resulted in her death.

The prosecutor said the offence committed was contrary to and punishable under section 316(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol.11 Laws of Osun, 2003.

The plea of the accused was, however, not taken because of the capital nature of the offence.

Magistrate Habbibat Basiru ordered that the accused be remanded in Ilesha Prison.

Basiru also directed that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

The case was adjourned to Oct. 23 for mention.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

South West Army Arrests 42 Boko Haram Suspects

LAGOS - The Nigerian Army in a raid carried out between July 12 and 23, said it arrested 42 suspected members of Boko Haram sect in various hideouts in Lagos and Ogun States.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Div. Maj.-Gen. Obi Umahi, brought out the suspects before newsmen in Lagos on Monday.

Umahi said their arrest was based on intelligence report from army operation commanders.

Umahi further said the suspects admitted to being members of the sect, while some confessed to have taken part in deadly Boko Haram operations in some parts of the country.

The GOC said some of them were among those responsible for the killing of soldiers and civilians in Maiduguri, Borno.

According to him, the suspects were arrested at Ibafo Trailer Park, Ileke New Trailer Garage, Ogun, Aviation Quarters, Mafoluku-Oshodi, Mile 12 Motor Park, Ketu, Orile Trailer Park, Lekki New Extension and Bar Beach, Lagos.

“We are still trying to track their weapons,” he said The GOC held that the suspects migrated to the south western part of the country following the recent clamp down on their activities in the north by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“Army officers from 81 Division carried out coordinated raids in some major criminal hideouts in Lagos and Ogun States which

are under our area of responsibility.

“This is in response to intelligence reports on the influx of Boko Haram terrorist elements into Lagos and Ogun states.

“The command organised and conducted raids, in junction with intelligence operatives, in various parts of these states.

However, one of the suspects, who identified himself as Hassan Ibrahim, told newsmen that he and two others were indeed responsible for killing of one soldier in Maiduguri.

The suspect further gave the names of the two others as Ibrahim Ismail and “Alhaji Black”, adding that, some of them were now operating commercial motorcycle in Lagos.

“It was Alhaji Black who fired the shot that killed the soldier and one Boka in Maiduguri,” the suspect said.

LAGOS -The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), has threatened to impose penalties on candidates who failed to collect their certificates on or before December 31.

This is contained in a

WAEC Urges Candidates To Collect not collected by statement signed by the Certificate were candidates.

Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mr Yusuf Ari, and made available to the newsmen in Lagos.

It stated that millions of

certificates of candidates who sat for WAEC examinations since 1960s had long been signed but

The scene of an accident that occured yesterday at Airport Road, front of Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publishers of the OBSERVER titles. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE

Cholera Outbreak

Ex-Minister Seeks WHO’s Assistance ABEOKUTA - A former minister, Alhaji Sarafa Ishola, has called on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help combat cholera outbreak in Ogun.

In a statement in Abeokuta, Ishola, a former Minister of Mines and Steel, said the outbreak, if not urgently contained, could claim more lives.

He urged the state government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector and called on other health agencies to come to the aid of the state in tackling the

problem.

“We also call on the Federal Ministry of Health to come to the aid of the citizens of the state in combating this epidemic which portends a looming disaster in the state health care delivery sector,” he said.

He advised the state government against “playing politics with issues that border on the health and lives of its citizens”.

Also, the state PDP in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Waliu Oladipupo, urged the state government to rid

the state of all forms of waterborne diseases.

The party also said that government should “be alive to its responsibility of providing potable water and guaranteeing a healthy and hygienic environment”.

Meanwhile, the state Ministry of Health has denied that there is a Cholera epidemic in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, said that “only three deaths were recorded and not many lives as alleged by the opposition.

He, however, said that the state government was doing everything to contain the spread of the disease.

Soyinka said that the outbreak of vomiting and stooling could not be confirmed as cholera but gastro enteritis.

Meanwhile, the Ogun branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has donated 50 cartons of intravenous fluids to the ministry for distribution to health facilities.

The NMA Chairman in the state, Dr Olusoji Jagun, said the donation would help curb further spread of the disease and keep victims alive.

Jagun also called on individuals and organisations to emulate NMA’s gesture to save lives.

“We wish to inform the general public that certificates up to May/June 2012 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), conducted by WAEC have been printed and dispatched to schools for collection by candidates.

“And certificates for external candidates for up to November/December 2012 WASSCE diet, also conducted by the Council have also been printed and are equally awaiting collection by candidates at WAEC offices nationwide.

“The external candidates, especially who wrote the November/December examination diets are advised to go and collect their certificates from all our zonal branches or satellite offices in the states.

“We urge candidates to go to where they sat for the examination because we no longer have enough space to harbour them.

“Most of these certificates have been lying fallow in our various offices with no one coming forward to collect them.

“Candidates come in trickles for them, only when they have absolute need for them and I think it should not be so.

“We therefore wish to warn that WAEC will be charging extra fee for the custody of these certificates if the candidates failed to collect them later than December 31,” the statement said.

Drug Trafficking NDLEA Arrest Nigerian, Cape Verdean

Detained Majority Leader of Rivers State Assembly, Chidi Lioyd (middle), being assisted to the court in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

LAGOS - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of two persons, including a Cape Verdean over the importation of 2kg of cocaine into Nigeria.

Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, spokesman for the agency, said this in statement made available to the newsmen.

He said that the drug was found hidden in female handbags during the screening of Emirates airline passengers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA),

Lagos.

“The 35 years old Cape Verdean, Rosangela Gomes Gonealves Correia and 36 years old Nigerian (named withheld) are currently explaining their roles in the illicit import.

“The Cape Verdean whose statement was obtained through Portuguese language interpreter has provided useful information to the anti-narcotic investigators,” he said.

He said that the agency was working toward the arrest and prosecution of other members of the drug cell.

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7 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

News Groups Stage Protest In LAGOS - Human rights Lagos groups, under the aegis of

Chairman, Technical Committee, National Council on Privatisation, Dr. Atedo Peterside (left), fielding questions from journalists at the opening of Bids for the Privatisation Process of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Plc and Afam Power Plc in Abuja recently.

Coalition of Civil Society (CCS), on Tuesday in Lagos staged what they called a “Save Our Democracy’’ protest.

The protesters, in their dozens, kicked off their “democracy walk’’ from the Testing Ground Bus Stop, Ikeja, on Obafemi Awolowo Road, before massing at the Governor’s Office, Alausa.

Reports say that the protesters, including women, chanted songs warning those they referred to as political jobbers against truncating the nation’s fledgling democracy.

The coordinator of the group, Mr Raji-Rasheed Oyewumi, said the protest was called to sensitise Nigerians, particularly

Draughtsmen Drag Gov Amosun To Court ABEOKUTA - The Ogun chapter of Nigeria Association of Draughtsmen has dragged Governor. Ibikunle Amosun before the state High Court over its non-recognition by the state government.

It will be recalled that draught men and professional architects had been at logger heads over the signing of building documents and land titles in the state.

The association, represented

by Samuel Olawunmi, also joined the Attorney-General of the state, the House of Assembly as well as Commissioner and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Physical Planning in the suit with number AB/182/ 13.

Olawunmi told the court that the state government through the House of Assembly enacted laws that had incapacitated members of the association from performing their lawful duties.

“The state government had in 2010 enacted a law that members of the association cannot counter-sign any building document again.

“We make bold to say that this act is a gross abuse of fundamental human rights of our clients as contained in section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The association was authorised by the then Attorneygeneral of the Federation and

Ogun Records 61 Per cent Budget ABEOKUTA - The Ogun Performance government said on Tuesday that it had achieved over 61 per cent performance in the implementation of its 2013 budget.

Mrs Oluwande Muoyo, the Ogun Commissioner for Budget and Planning, said this in Abeokuta at a press briefing on the state’s mid-year budget performance.

“You will recall that the State House of Assembly approved the 2013 budget of N211.8 billion in December, 2012.

“I am here to report a cumulative overall half-year budget performance of 61.26 per cent,” Muoyo said.

While conceding that the figure was below the state’s target, the commissioner noted that it was an improvement on the performance of the state within the period under review.

She attributed the improvement to an aggressive and collective commitment to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) drive.

The commissioner said, “ our IGR now stands at a monthly average of N4 billion as against N750 million in 2011. “ We must appreciate the key stakeholders that have committed themselves to the

mission to rebuild our dear state.

However, there are still a lot to be accomplished.’’

Muoyo said the state had committed much resource toward infrastructure regeneration and development across the three senatorial districts.

She said the efforts geared toward infrastructure development were in realisation of its importance as a major factor in stimulating economic growth.

“It is expected that a good road network in a developing state like Ogun will promote commerce and linkages among various sectors of our economy,” she said.

The commissioner, who reiterated the state’s commitment to the provision of qualitative and affordable education, said that 15 of the proposed 28 model schools in the state were near completion.

She gave an assurance that the schools would be ready for use before the commencement of the 2013/2014 academic session.

The commissioner also said the government was making progress in the pursuit of its

rebuilding agenda in areas such as health, agriculture, employment generation, security, housing, urban renewal and industrialisation.

She, however, noted that the developmental programmes required significant funding and urged the residents of the state to pay their taxes regularly.

Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola, on Feb. 8, 1989 to practise her profession as a registered body.

“In addition to this my Lord, we also have court judgment in suit number AB/204/1990 in favour of the association.

“It will interest the court and indeed my Lord to know that the case had not been appealed against till today; so, we are surprised by the action of the defendants, ‘’ he said.

He prayed the court to issue an order compelling the governor and other defendants to recognise and allow members of the association to sign on building documents.

But the respondents represented by Mr Ibukun Awofeso vowed to convince the court beyond doubt as to the legality of the action taken by the state at the commencement of hearing.

Another counsel representing Architectural Council of

Nigeria, Nduka Edechime, appealed that the body be joined in the matter.

“The council was surprised that the association did not sue her, so we are praying the court to join us in this matter because we are the real stakeholder.

“Instead of suing the state government and others who have nothing to do with the matter at hand, please sue us, we are begging and praying the court to accept our prayers,’’ he said.

politicians, on the need to protect the nation’s hardearned democracy.

He said the group was worried about political activities that had heated up the polity.

“We want to warn those in power to be careful and also to sensitise Nigerians on the need for them to participate actively in the polity.

“We need a democracy that will benefit all and not a few,’’ Oyewumi said.

He decried ongoing developments in Rivers House of Assembly and urged all parties in the crisis to sheathe their swords in the interest of peace.

Oyewumi also used the occasion to call on the Senate to vote for local government autonomy in the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

He expressed the group’s support for the removal of immunity clause from the constitution, in that this would make the nation’s leaders to sit up.

Receiving the protesters on behalf of Gov. Babatunde Fashola, his Chief of Staff, Mr. Lanre Babalola, promised to pass on the issues raised to the governor.

Lamido Urges Govt To Dredge River Benue

YOLA - Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha, called on the Federal Government to dredge River Benue to curb flooding in the state.

Mustapha made the appeal in his palace when he received the Chairman of the state Rapid Response Committee on Flood, Mr Kobis Thimnu, during an

Coalition Groups in a peaceful protest on the State of the Nation in Lagos recently.

advocacy visit.

He urged the government to dredge the river just as it was handling the project on River Niger to check flooding and encourage agricultural and economic activities.

The traditional ruler commended the committee for the advocacy visit and gave an assurance that the emirate council would support it to succeed in its task of trying to save lives and property.

Mustapha urged the people of the state to support the committee to prevent further loss of lives and property.

Thimnu had earlier called on traditional rulers in the state to intervene in the state government’s efforts to relocate flood prone communities across the state.

Thimnu said the call became necessary to prevent a repeat of last year’s disaster when many lives and property were lost to flood.

He said it was regrettable that some communities had been provided land to relocate but the people had refused to leave.

“We want your royal highness to intervene in mobilising district, village and ward heads to make the affected communities see reason and relocate,” Thimnu said.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

Across The Nation Kogi To Establish Cassava Processing Factories Cassava Processing Centre O D U - O G B O YA G A

L-R: Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adokie and Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala at the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.

(KOGI) - Governor Idris Wada of Kogi has approved the building of 16 cassava processing factories in the state, Dr Temitope Sinkaye, Special Adviser to Wada on Youth and Women Development said on Tuesday.

Sinkaye made this known at Odu-Ogboyaga, Dekina LocaL Government Area, at the inauguration of the centre for transportation of cassava grits to Jos and other areas.

According to her, the establishment of the factories will boost the production capacity of cassava as well as

to create more jobs.

She said that the initiative would also increase internally generated revenue of the state.

Sinkaye noted that with the transportation of the processed cassava products to other areas, the Ogboyaga

Petroleum Engineers Tasked On Professionalism

LAGOS The International Branch, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has called on industry players in the oil and gas sectors to collaborate more, to enhance their capabilities.

Mr. Egbert Imomoh, the

Former CJ, Sagay, Agbakoba Condemn Sharp Practices By Judges

LAGOS - Justice Samuel Ilori, a former Chief Judge of Lagos State, has commended the National Judicial Commission (NJC) for its effort in checking corruption in the judiciary.

Ilori gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen while reacting to the sacking of Justice Shadrach Nwanosike of Abia for alleged age falsification.

It will be recalled that the NJC on July 29 ordered the compulsory retirement of Nwanosike, the acting Chief Judge of Abia, over allegation of age falsification.

Ilori in his reaction said that there were some “bad eggs” in the judiciary, who were bent on dragging the nation’s image in the mud.

He urged the NJC to work assiduously to ensure that “corrupt officers are carefully sorted out and sanctioned’’.

“It is clear that there are some bad eggs in the judiciary, but what is most important is that they should be continuously sorted out and punished adequately without any coverup.

“Recently, a judge of the Federal High Court was also suspended for acts of corruption, and I think this is a commendable action by the NJC. “The fact that these corrupt officers are being sorted out and appropriately penalised, is enough to repose more confidence in the judiciary,” Ilori said.

He, therefore, urged judges to shun acts capable of impugning on their integrity, and tarnishing the reputation of the nation’s judiciary.

Also speaking, a Lagos-based lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), said the NJC’s decision was a “good omen” for the judiciary.

According to Sagay, if proper sanctions are constantly meted on erring members of the judiciary, it will, in turn, send warning signals to other officers who are guilty of such corrupt practices.

“For a judge to falsify his age is a form of moral turpitude. It means he is not a reliable person, he is dishonest, and his judgment can be influenced.

“In such a situation, there is nothing more befitting for such individual than a sack.

“I give kudos to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) for her bold step in sanitising the Nigeria judiciary, and I am optimistic that soon, issues of corruption in the judiciary will be a thing of the past.

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) described the act as “disgraceful”.

He said the compulsory retirement of Nwanosike was part of the on-going sanitisation

Alakio Killings: LAFIA - Umaru Shehu, Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State confirmed the detention of two men for hijacking the N2 million given to the widow and children of an officer killed in the Alakio attack.

The money was given by the Nasarawa State Government and the I-G to widows and children of officers killed on

process embarked upon by the NJC, to demonstrate its zero tolerance to corruption by judicial officers.

“The decision of the NJC is laudable as it is part of the ongoing cleansing process of the judiciary.

“How can the Chief Judge of a state falsify his age and still claim to be a judge. It is very disgraceful,” he said.

Agbakoba said it was important for the judiciary to be rid of all forms of corrupt and

fraudulent officers, so as to forestall a collapse of the system.

“With the recent sanctions on corrupt judges, other judges must now come to terms with the fact that the long arm of the law is lurking, and they must take a cue, lest they fall victims themselves,” he said.

The former NBA president commended NJC and urged it to keep up the good work and ensure that the nation’s judicial system is rid of filth.

2 Detained For Hijacking Widows Compensation

May 7, attack on security agents in Alakio.

Shehu told newsmen in Lafia that the two brothers of one of the deceased officers from Plateau collected the money from the widow who had two daughters and gave her only N20,000.

According to Shehu, the

widow reported to the police that she was subjected to all manners of humiliation and was ejected from the family house with her children.

He said that the alleged illtreatment prompted the police to invite the brothers, detain and query them over the

R-L: Minister of Labour, Chukwuemeka Wogu, Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Labaran Maku, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ioraer Ortom, Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, at the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House Abuja.

had become a dream come true.

She encouraged farmers and youths to take advantage of the centres to reduce or eliminate cassava glut in the state.

allegations.

He said that they confessed to have collected the money and allegedly spent N700,000 for the funeral rites of the deceased.

The CP said he had to invite their pastor to intervene, leading to the refund of N1.3million, which the pastor suggested should be given to the widow and her children for their upkeep.

Shehu, however, warned that other relatives should desist from claiming monies meant for the upkeep of the children of deceased officers.

He charged people to fear God and imbibe the teachings of both religions to make the world a better place.

According to him, in order to ensure transparency, each widow has been directed to open an account.

He said the widows were also directed to give the accounts’ numbers as well as their mobile phone numbers to the police authority for prompt action concerning all benefits.

international branch’s President, made the call during SPE’s 37th Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos.

He said oil and gas exploration was a complex process, but that the profit margins stakeholders made from engaging in it were fantastic.

“The more cooperation and exchange of innovations, the better for the volume of profit we all can make in this oil business,“ he said.

Imomoh said collaboration, partnership and cooperation amongst industry players would go a long way to increase the availability of petroleum products in the country.

“Team work pays faster and will lead to growth in these sectors, more than solo effort,” he said.

Imomoh, therefore, urged oil and gas companies to attract more young professionals into the industry and endeavour to give them the necessary training, to improve their skills.

In his address of welcome, Mr. Osayande Igiehon, Chairman, SPE, Nigeria Council, said that emphasis had been placed on providing sponsors and organising business shows.

He said that petroleum industry players needed to increase their access to public decision making arenas.

“We have also been providing for our stakeholders access to investment opportunities in Sub-Sahara Africa, access to technology, services and markets, and providing an avenue for sharing and exchange of ideas and experiences.

“For Africa to be a strong player in this equation, she will have to grow her oil and gas production,“ he added.

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9 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Abuja

West Africa To Become Africa’s Fastest Growing Region

ABUJA - The African Development Bank (AfDB) says West Africa will be the fastest-growing region in Africa between 2013 and 2014, with 6.7 per cent and 7.4 per cent economic growth rate.

AfDB Lead Research Economist John Anyanwu made this known at the launch of the Africa Economic Outlook by the bank in Abuja.

He said: “West Africa is expected to continue its rapid growth with rates of 6.7 per cent in 2013 and 7.4 per cent in 2014, thereby becoming the fastest-growing region of the continent in the period under review.

“Growth in the region is not only driven by oil and mineral sectors but also by agriculture and services and on the demand side often by consumption and investment.’’

Commenting on the continent, he said that in 2012, growth performance varied widely, adding that oilexporting countries achieved significantly higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth than oil importers.

This, he said, was mainly because of the rebound of oil production in Libya, noting that better growth performance of oil exporters would likely continue in 2013 and 2014.

Anyanwu said that Nigeria’s average growth was expected to continue growing by between 6.7 per cent and 7.3 per cent in 2013 and 2014 respectively, while that of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire would likely exceed eight per cent and nine per cent respectively during the period under review.

He noted that “in most countries of the region, growth is expected to pick up during the period under review, exceeding five per cent.

“But in a few countries such as Benin, Cape Verde and

Guinea-Bissau, growth will remain more subdued.

“Due to the resumption of oil production and exports, Libya’s GDP bounced back by 96 per cent in 2012, boosting growth in North Africa to 9.5

expected to remain subdued at two per cent and accelerate to 3.5 per cent, thus remaining below pre-revolution levels,’’ he said.

The research economist added that the Tunisian

L-R: Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga at the 2013 Ministerial Platform in Abuja recently.

per cent in 2013 and to four per cent in 2014, he said.

In East Africa, he noted, most countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda, were on a solid growth path of between five per cent and seven per cent during the projection period.

According to him, growth in Kenya, with no major postelection turmoil, is expected to amount to 4.5 per cent in 2013 and to accelerate to above five per cent in 2014.

He said the Sudanese economy was affected by the secession of South Sudan but would witness moderate growth and some acceleration in 2014.

In Central Africa, Anyanwu said, the GDP would likely grow by 5.7 per cent in 2013 and 5.4 per cent in 2014 with above average growth in Chad and in DRC. “In Chad, oil production and agriculture are the main drivers of growth.

“In DRC, mining, agriculture and construction are boosting growth. But sustainable growth also requires further progress in political stability and the security problem in the eastern part of the country has significantly affected economic activity in that region.’’

Tourism: Body To Partner ECOWAS

ABUJA - The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) said it was set to partner the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on private-public investments.

The President of the association, Mr. Tomi Akingbogun, made the announcement at the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election held in Abuja.

Cashless Policy Undergoing Evaluation - NIPOST

ABUJA - The PostmasterGeneral, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Alhaji Ibrahim Baba, said the collaboration between NIPOST and CBN on cash less policy was undergoing evaluation.

Baba told newsmen in Abuja that, the essence of the collaboration was to support the CBN in the execution of the cash less policy.

Baba said that for the collaboration to take-off effectively, there was the need to ensure that certain modalities needed to be put in place, adding that the collaboration was at the process of evaluation.

“The Ministry of Science and Technology and CBN have decided to ensure that competent consultant looks into

per cent, after the region’s GDP had stagnated in 2011.

“Given the political uncertainties and difficult international economic conditions in Egypt, growth is

economy would be expected to continue growing at 3.5 per cent in 2013 and witness higher growth of 4.5 per cent on 2014, while Morocco and Mauritania would achieve solid growth at average rate of six per cent in the year under review.

In Algeria, growth was expected to accelerate from 2.5 per cent in 2012 to above three

the capability and capacity of post offices of NIPOST to deliver services to CBN.’’ It would be recalled that under the partnership, NIPOST will roll out new services such as cash transfer as well as Warehouse Point of Sale Terminals, especially in rural communities.

It would be also recalled that, Baba had sometime said the era of information technology had brought enormous competition to bear on NIPOST’s mandate and operations.

“We therefore need to redouble our efforts to create an efficient and profit-oriented postal service that will guarantee customer satisfaction and improved revenue generation.”

He said the association was also aspiring to partner ECOWAS to broaden interregional tourism trade and investments.

Akingbogun described tourism in Nigeria as globally competitive, saying that the federation was working to ensure a reduction in operating tourism businesses in the country.

He advised the Federal Government to reduce multiple taxation and other business unfriendly policies.

The president said the federation would also collaborate with with government agencies to promote tourism with a view to contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

He decried the low budgetary allocation to the tourism sector, saying that the development was due to nonavailability of records of the sector’s annual contribution to the country’s GDP. “The situation as we have

it leaves a potential tourism investor with inadequate information as to areas of tourism products needing investment.

“We have over concentration of investments in some sectors, resulting in undue competition for limited customers while many areas of tourism are left underdeveloped.

Akingbogun called on private investors to be active in the effort to achieve the set goals of the association.

Participants at the 2013 Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Ministerial Platform in Abuja recently.

A former President of the association, Mr. Samuel Alabi, said that funding was a serious problem to carrying out the activities of the association.

He called for better cooperation and professionalism among stakeholders in the industry.

Alabi called on members and the new executive to work together and contribute to the growth of the association.

Reports say that the meeting was attended by stakeholders in the tourism industry, including Mr. Munzali Dantata, Director General of the Nigerian Institute for Hospitality and Tourism.

Others at the meeting include members of the Hotel and Personnel Service Employers’ Association of Nigeria and the Hotel Owners Forum Abuja.

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents (NANTA) and other associations, bodies, institutions and tour operators were also in attendance at the meeting.

THE NIGERIAN

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FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

News Institute Urges Insurers To Review Fees

LAGOS - The Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN), has appealed to the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) to review the loss adjuster’s scale of fees, to enhance their performance.

Mr. Lebi Omoboyowa, the President of ILAN, told newsmen in Lagos that the remuneration of the loss adjusters was not commensurate with the quality of services they rendered.

According to him, good remuneration is like a motivator; it gingers and encourages efficient delivery from the recipient.

The President said the poor remuneration was a major challenge facing the loss adjusting firms in the country.

“Such a challenge was responsible for the poor attitude of young graduates to take up careers in the loss

Defence Corps Retrains 38 Officers

IBADAN - As part of measures to reduce criminal activities, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State, has retrained 38 of its officers in the Intelligence Department.

The one-week exercise, which was in line with the NSCDC National Headquarters’ directive, was rounded-off on Monday at the State Command in Ibadan.

The officers were selected from across NSCDC’s 33 Divisional Offices in the state.

While addressing the officers at the closing ceremony, the Oyo State Commandant, Mr. Shem Obafaiye, urged them to be good ambassadors of the Corps. ‘’We must continue to defend the defenceless which is our mandate and core value,’’ Obafaiye said.

The commandant used the medium to congratulate Muslims on the Ramadan period while urging them to always imbibe the virtues of peace and forgiveness.

He also urged residents to support the Corps by providing information that could help nip crime in the bud.

adjusting profession,’’ he told newsmen.

According to him, a loss adjuster acts as an independent adviser in the settlement of claims, providing an applicant’s insurance company with relevant information, in order that they may reach settlement.

“A loss adjuster is an insurance claims facilitator, who is independent of any insurance company or brokerage and is appointed and paid by his or her principals, on an hourly basis.

“But in Nigeria, such practice is not effective because it takes quite a long time before an adjuster receives payment for a completed job.

“He or she is not paid a percentage of the applicant’s claims, nor the perceived savings made,’’ he said.

Omoboyowa urged the NIA to seize the opportunity to re-examine the adjuster’s fees.

He commended the ongoing positive developments in the insurance industry, as a result of its ‘No Premium, No Cover Policy’, The ILAN president said that the insurance industry was made up of three arms; the underwriters, the brokers and the loss adjusters.

“Among these three arms, only the loss adjusters lack the benefits they ought to be getting from the industry,’’ he added.

Representative of Plateau Deputy Governor, Mr Solomon Maren (L), with the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Malam Idi Waziri at a workshop on Rural Water supply and sanitation sector reform programme in Jos recently

IBADAN - An Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muhydeen Salman, the Chief Imam of Offa, has said that Islam

had nothing to do with terrorism.

He said this at a special Ramadan lecture entitled:

Terrorism Is Unislamic - Cleric

Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole (L) and Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, at the meeting of Yoruba Obas conflict resolution committee in Ibadan on wednesday

Man, 25, Charged With Unlawful Possession Of Keys IBADAN- A 25-year old woman, Adeyeye Kemisola has been arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan for alleged possession of bunch of keys.

The prosecutor, Insp. Aliu Samad, told the court that Kemisola was facing trial on a three-count charge including break-in and unlawful possession.

Samad told the court that Kemisola used the keys to enter the house of one Gafari Oladele and carted away some of his belongings.

He further said that Kemisola committed the crime on February 19 at

Inalende area of Ibadan.

Samad said that the offences contravened sections 411 and 430 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

The prosecutor objected to the bail application by Defence counsel, Ebubedike.

He added that some officers of the Sango Police Station were present to re-arrest the accused for another offence of stealing.

Kemisola pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The defence counsel, Ndimele Ebubedike, applied for bail for the accused on liberal terms.

Chief Magistrate, Olaide Amzat, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

Amzat instructed the defence counsel to hand over the accused to Sango Police Station immediately the bail condition was perfected.

He adjourned the case to Aug. 15 for hearing.

Kemisola was also arraigned before Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court on July 23 for stealing an International passport belonging to one Bashiru Muhammed.

“Terrorism: Islamic Point of View” organised by the Muslim Community of Ring Road (MUCREEN) in Ibadan recently.

The Islamic cleric said that there was no similarity between Islam and the act of terrorism, adding that those who were engaged in terrorism using the name of Islam were instruments of Shaytan(devil).

He added that those set of people merely spread false doctrines so as to create confusion in the society.

Salman noted that there was no portion of the Holy Qur’an where Allah ordered His Holy Messenger (Muhammad) to kill anybody who did not share the same faith with him.

He explained that the Holy Prophet, who was the standard for all morality, exhibited no form of terrorism, and as such, there was no basis for anybody to do so under the guise of Islam.

He added that those bad teachers who knew nothing about the Islamic legal system (Sharia) had succeeded in indoctrinating falsehood into the minds of some Muslim youths.

He noted that Almighty Allah was more interested in the minds than the body, because He is the judge of all intentions.

He said that Allah forbade anyone from taking the life of a fellow human, let alone those who claimed to believe in the oneness of Allah.

“Anyone who takes a life by whatever means has taken the lives of a multitude and whoever spares a life, has spared the lives of a multitude,’’ Salman said.

He said that Nigeria, as a multi-religious country, Muslims must live with the people of other religions as explained by the Holy Qur’an, adding that those who engaged in acts of terrorism had selfish and evil interests.

Salman called on parents to closely monitor the kind of friends kept by their children.

He also implored Muslims to carefully choose where their children would acquire Islamic knowledge.

Earlier, Mr. Wasi’u Olatunbosun, the Special Guest of Honour, who is also the Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan North-West Local Government, encouraged Muslims to remain steadfast and fear Allah in all ramifications.

Olatunbosun, who was represented by Mr Daud Fasasi,urged the Muslim community to continue to pray for peaceful existence of Nigeria, especially during the month of Ramadan and after.

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11 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

12 THE Nigerian Education Bank Bill which has passed second reading at the Federal House of Representatives, as explained by the initiator, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila proposes to establish the Nigerian Education Bank, with the primary duty of granting interest-free loans to poor students seeking higher education in Nigeria.

THE Bill seeks to make available to each benefiting student, a sum of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) repayable in two years after graduation. The repayment, according to the proponents would take the form of direct deduction of ten percent monthly deductions at source from salaries of beneficiaries or from the profits in the case of self employed graduates until the loan is liquidated. According to the provisions of the Bill, “applicants must have secured admission into any Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of education or any vocational school established by the Federal Government or the Government of the States of the Federation.”

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER commends the initiators and promoters of the Bill, which we consider progressive in a country where more than 70 percent of its population live below the I USD per day poverty line. For most Nigerians who have had to go through hell to obtain higher education, this is a watershed Bill not only welcomed by the poor, but groups marginalised by society such as orphans, physically challenged persons among others who do not have anywhere to turn to for higher education.

IT is not much of news that students of tertiary school-Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013 THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian Education Bank Bill education and others have gone through untold difficulties over the years to pass through such institutions. We are glad that the Bill is currently being considered by the lawmakers.

IT is equally heartwarming to note that, with the proposed law, Nigeria is on the right track to join the rest of the world in subsidizing education for the poor. It is important to note that Scandinavian countries such as Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have developed sound qualitative education and almost tuitionfree higher education from cradle to grave. In fact, in Denmark, the tuition is free and, in fact, international students also enjoy free tuition provided they could show evidence of $6,000 feeding and upkeep fee per annum.

ALTHOUGH tuition in Australia is not free, there are a lot of grants, scholarships and bursaries instituted for both the brilliant and poor students. These are best practices that this bill seeks to emulate.

WE recognise that schooling anywhere in the world is not easy and hardly cheap, it is against

this backdrop that we welcome the move by the Federal House of Representatives to introduce a law that would take such a load off parents’ shoulders. We equally wish to call on the upper legislative chamber, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to con1ir the Bill as soon as it is passed by the lower house so that it can become a law in Nigeria.

OUR support for the bill notwithstanding, we are of the opinion that Section 22 of the bill must be re-couched to read that “beneficiaries should be made to pay back the loan as soon as they are employed”, not the two years contained in the bill, given the high rate of unemployment in the country.

IN our view, Sub-section 4 of the bill which stipulates punishments for offenders of the law in a case of default also requires a review to avoid the culture of impunity among young Nigerians who would take undue advantage of the benefits derivable from the law. Two years imprisonment or an option of fine of N500,000 being the same amount benefited by the beneficiary is not sufficient deterrence.

We recommend five years imprisonment for offenders or a fine of N700,000 instead.

WE believe the Bill also throws up the need for government at all levels to take urgent steps to improve the employment market in Nigeria to absorb the army of unemployed persons roaming the streets in search of jobs.

Government should redouble efforts towards guaranteeing constant electricity supply, potable water supply, roads, railway system and other infrastructure needed to boost the nation’s industrialization, as a major way of making the law work efficiently when it eventually passed and assented to by the President.

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Insight

Being A Paper presented by Mr S.I. Ekhator JP, MNIM on The Occasion of A workshop for principals of secondary schools at St Aiyela’s secondary school, Uzairue, Edo State, recently.

FIRST, I wish to start this paper by giving in precise terms the definition of retirement.

Retirement is the point where a person stops e m p l o y m e n t c o m p l e t e l y .

Furthermore, retirement can occur voluntarily or compulsorily.

Whichever, the essence is that a worker ceases to work and thereafter begins to receive his pension as well as his gratuity. In the public service as at today, the retirement age is 60 years or by convention at the attainment of 35 years of service when you exit from e m p l o y m e n t compulsorily. Voluntary retirement or early removal from office on disciplinary grounds can earn gratuity and pension provided the retiree covers the minimum mandatory period of service prescribed by existing regulation.

In the time past, government alone pays retirement benefits to its workers at the point of retirement and thereafter. The current situation is now different from this early arrangement and practice. What now obtains in the new

scheme is a contributory, privately managed pension scheme. Every eligible employee shall maintain a retirement Saving Account in his name with the Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) of his choice. The employee shall notify his employer of the PEA chosen and the identity of the Retirement Saving Account (RSA) opened. The employee and employer contribute a minimum statutory percentage of the employee’s monthly emoluments comprising basic salary, housing allowance and transport allowance with the Retirement Savings Account of the employee.

The contribution would be managed and administered by Professional Fund Administrators and held in custody by licensed pension Fund Custodians.

At retirement, the amount in the employee’s Retirement Savings Account would be the total contribution plus income and capital gain earned on the contributions mode.

In treating this subject, it is necessary to observe the need for early planning for retirement

Preparation Fo

and old age in life. One should be told early that planning for retirement should start unfailingly from day one of your service career. As usual, a very clear focus and vision should be developed early.

What is important is that employees should ab initio endeavour to save a part of their income for the raining day. They say, “a journey of a thousand miles start with the first step”. it is necessary at this juncture to relate a personal experience that I use to tell my audience during occasions like this. I was particularly lucky to have come in contact with an admirable and pleasant personality in person of Engr. Chief G.O. Aiwerioba, .O.O.N, retired Permanent Secretary, defunct MidWest State Ministry of Works and Transport as a young Assistant Secretary, in his ministry just fresh from the University in my first appointment in the Civil Service in the early nineteen seventies.

Chief Aiwerioba advised me then to always invest in bricks and mortar as investment in houses can never fail and it would appreciate over time.

I therefore use this opportunity to urge you

all to invest early in your career in the building of your personal houses. Such investment would definitely turn into great assets in the future. If the investment is more than one, you would apart from not paying rents for your accommodation begin to earn additional income from the rents accruing from your personal houses.

Another area that I would like you to engage your attention is the area of purchasing and investing in genuine land acquisition.

Such investments would appreciate over time and you will be the one to gain and enjoy the proceeds of your wise investments.

Also, there is another important area of investment which are stocks and share purchased in viable and progressive companies.

The investments might be small initially, over time it would accumulate and increase to meaningful holdings in the future to yield you ample dividends and business opportunity.

It is my honest advice that as public officers you should join the cooperative society in your establishment as a way of raising capital

“Another area that I would like you to engage your attention is the area of purchasing and investing in genuine land acquisition. Such investments would appreciate over time and you will be the one to gain and enjoy the proceeds of your wise investments.”

and loans to execute genuine personal projects.

Similarly, you are urged to take advantage of the existence of loan facilities in various lending institutions like banks including the

paid five years sala in advance. explained then tha borrowers, we stand gain and the credit would lose due to effects of inflation. Y

• S.I. Ekhator

mortgage banks. Such loans when well used and managed can lead ultimately to increase in the quality and welfare of one’s situation in life.

In this connection, I wish to relate an injunction we had from my lecturer, late Prof. 0.

Aboyade, Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan in the late nineteen sixties that as students if we begin to work, we should not fail to take the opportunity if offered the chance be

are, however, warne invest the loans wis in gainful endeavo You should desist fr such flimsy and pe frolics of using loans staging lavish a wasteful parties a marrying more wive I wish to urgen sound a note of warn that my advice to yo invest in life, does include a licence unbridled quest material and ot unwholesom acquisition. You

THE NIGERIAN

17 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

or Retirement

By S.I. EKHATOR

aries He t as d to tors the You

ed to sely urs. rom etty s for and and es. ntly ning ou to not for for ther me are

admonished to be honest and upright in the due discharge of your a s s i g n e d responsibilities. Always note that honesty is the best policy and crimes,

eventually do not pay.

As you are aware, some officers like professionals are allowed in the public service to do private practice while in career employment. However, there are extant rules and regulations governing it. Such officers should try to practise without infringing on their primary assignments within the existing rules and regulations. They should ensure that the

core ethics of the public service is preserved.

These days to encourage food production and to avoid famine, Government encourages public officers to in their private time go into

farming.

From involvement in agricultural practice, officers can also expand their scope of earning thereby having additional income.

The next topic of interest is the need for all public officers to endeavour to improve their academic and professional skills. When it was available, officers could study law and qualify as lawyers. At retirement, they can practise as lawyers. Also

officers can utilize their time by doing part-time courses in the universities to add to their qualifications.

Possession of second and third degrees are useful assets in retirement. With such qualification and experience in public service, one can get jobs as lecturers in the several universities that abound now in the country. With the possession of higher qualifications, officers are more suitable to partake in politics after the service.

The key area required in preparation for retirement is adequate planning and maintenance of the family. You are advised to look carefully in choosing your spouse and in my candid opinion, you should marry well. A bad marriage can kill you.

This admonition is borne out of what a bad marriage can cause. As long as your home front is in jeopardy, your output at work place is bound to suffer. There are a lot of reasons that need to be considered while marrying and these include some medical and socioeconomic factors. Try to examine the factors critically before taking the marital plunge.

Insight Ensure you marry well to gain the benefit of life and living xowards your eventual retirement.

Added to this is the crucial need to train and develop your children.

It is quite important that parent should bring up children in the fear of God and ensure that they are well trained and developed to be independent of you.

Such well trained and cared for children will have the ability to stand on their own and would be in a position to render due assistance and support to you in retirement and old age.

As public officers, you need to have and maintain regular medical check-up as only those who are healthy are in a proper position to render effective and efficient service in their workplace. Also, you should ensure that you enjoy your annual leave to unwind and relax fully away from the hustle and bustle in your usual work environment. Once you maintain and keep good medical and healthy profile, you are guaranteed healthy life so that you can live to earn your retirement including your retirement benefits. If you fail to adhere to these cautions, the next option would be either dying or compulsorily sent out from the service.

Kindly make sure that

you don’t over do any things as moderation is the essence of life.

Officers should not fail to realize that there is beautiful life after service. If you do your work well and live well, you will be happy and look forward to happy and fruitful retirement.

There is life after service. You don’t need to be scared by the pang and fear of retirement. If your service is honest and fruitful, you will not indulge in falsification of your records of service. Make sure that your efforts in the service career lead to assist and help other people. Ensure you are kind to your clients and neighbours without comprising standard or integrity of the service.

One good turn deserves another.

In life, the biblical injunction of what one sows, is what he reaps is very apt and true in this circumstance.

The opportunity that has been offered to you in this seminar is great and marvellous. Ensure you internalize the message and essence of this seminar. You should not fail to attend other seminars/workshops during your service career. Such opportunity offers the worker a lee way to improving on the quality and competence of their knowledge.

On the part of the employer i.e the Government should be commended for hosting

and mounting this seminar/workshop. It is my honest advice and counsel for Government and its agencies to do more seminars/workshops so that other officers can enjoy and benefit.

Government is accordingly advised to endeavour to put up a programme to enlighten staff due for retirement to awake their awareness and consciousness of the imminence of retirement and disengagement from the service. Also, an established process and procedure to pay retirement benefits including gratuity and pension promptly and duly to officers in their retirement, Apart from this, adequate and specific arrangement should be put in place by government to review pensions regularly as provided for in the constitution.

Conclusion Finally, it is my hope that you as participants of this workshop and seminar would put in practice and observe the tenets of real message and essence of the workshop for the performance of your duties in the service. We hope and pray that you will all work assiduously and retire meritoriously from the service and enjoy the fruits of your hard work in retirement and old age.

“There is life after service. You don’t need to be scared by the pang and fear of retirement. If your service is honest and fruitful, you will not indulge in falsification of your records of service. Make sure that your efforts in the service career lead to assist and help other people. Ensure you are kind to your clients and neighbours without comprising standard or integrity of the service. One good turn deserves another.”

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Art Alive

With FRANCIS ODUPUTE

Pedagogy Of Visual Journalism...

The 30 feet mega long Editorial cartoon on exhibition for the NAC 2012 in Lagos.

(Continued from last week)

*BE AUDACIOUS THE initial concept for the mega-long cartoon was conceived inside the Press Room of the 2012 World Water Week conference in Stockholm, Sweden, while journalists from different countries battled with their laptops, notebooks, i-pads and the internet facilities in the Press room to send stories home to their media outfits. For me, my primary assignment in the mainstream media is cartooning for change; and that was what brought me here anyway.

The host SIWI media crew (at whose instance all the participating world journalists had free internet access and most news materials from the conference sessions) were a bunch of nice and hospitable people. I walked up to one of the SIWI editorial team members, Mr. Rami Abdelrahman, and suggested that I made some free editorial cartoons for the S T O C K H O L M WATERFRONTS Daily newsletters, the special conference editions of SIWI’s quarterly newsletters on global water issues that were distributed daily at the 2012 World Water Week (WWW), featuring real time summary reports of various vital sessions and events at the conference each day.

The SIWI Editorial board director, Britt-Louise Anderson, was apparently excited at my proposal when Rami discussed it with her and she gave me the nod to produce a special cartoon for the next edition of WATERFRONTS billed to be

published the following day. To them, I believed, it was a great idea having free cartoons from the 2012 WASH Media Awards winner beautify the pages of their WATERFRONTS newsletter for as long as the 2012 www lasted. For me, though I wasn’t going to be paid for my contributions, it certainly meant the opening of new frontiers in my cartoon journalism career on a global level…

As soon as I was done with my cartoon work, Rami loved the cartoon and quickly took it from me. He dropped it over on the table of the SIWI information desk at left corner of the entrance to the Press room, awaiting Britt-Louise’s return to the room to hand it over. Alas!

Two days went by, and my cartoon never saw the light of the day. Rami, who had become my close friend at the Press room over time as the www events unfolded, couldn’t hold back after much pestering and queries from me on why they were yet to use my cartoon for WATERFRONTS, after all they asked me to produce it. He confided in me later on by saying, “You see, Francis, this is the same problem you talked about during the press conference… …editorial censorship!”

I almost couldn’t believe Rami. I thought this only happens in Africa; but this is Stockholm for crying out loud!

In Europe, where freedom of expression is more guaranteed, my press freedom was somewhat being suppressed. As Rami tried to further deduce why my cartoon was ‘killed’, I

recalled the words of my former editor (now our Ag. General Manager), Monday Aigbe: “…what you’re saying here is the truth, but you know we CAN’T use this cartoon, Francis!”

That cartoon was very strategic to the global event. It was also deliberate on my part; and I may never truly know the actual reasons why it was eventually “killed” by the SIWI press editorial team. My guess, though, is still that the strong visual metaphor of that artwork may have been considered rather too graphic, too hard-hitting, too witty and point blank for the consumption of an important segment of stakeholders at the 2012 WWW, especially some participants and side events conveners who were directly or otherwise strongly linked with some donors, sponsors and supporters of the World Water Week (WWW) in Stockholm who thrive in international oil explorations and are cupable of some of these climate crimes, being highlighted by the punchy cartoon report.

What is this cartoon like and how did I come about it, you may be asking? Well, arising from one of the conference sessions of the 2012WWW, particularly the “Water Cooperation” session, I had attempted to make an editorial cartoon that pilloried the hypocrisy of most developed nations who bandy the wateragriculture-development nexus for developing nations without tangible commitments to stopping or mitigating the environment and climate crimes of their multi-national oil

companies polluting with impunity the waters and environments of poor communities of the world (like my own Niger Delta region in Nigeria) through air and water poluutions, gas flaring, oil spills et al. The cartoon with a header “WORLD WATER WEEK SPECIAL” depicted the world as a thirsty pig lapping contaminated water from an oilpolluted river, against the skyline that was being gradually enveloped in thick smoke emitting from the oil drilling rig in the background. I titled the cartoon report Oil Wise, W.A.S.H Foolish.

I retrieved my cartoon the penultimate day of my stay in Stockholm, and that night in my hotel room I decided on a plan B: I will develop this cartoon further and use it as the concept for my final work for the NAC2012 contest grand finale exhibition in Nigeria, which was themed “CONSEQUENCES”, and of which I was already selected as one of the 12 finalists from across the country that year. And, as I said earlier, on returning from the 2012WWW media conference in Stockholm, Sweden, I started experimenting further on making the cartoon “Oil Wise, WASH Foolish” sail through in local context as a catalyst for efficacious public education and advocacy on the population-environmentunderdevelopment nexus in Nigeria. *THINK OUT OF THE BOX AND DON’T GO WHERE THE PATH LEADS What happens when you take a simple idea or a popular Art form out of its familiar

environment and context? It assumes a fresh meaning far beyond the traditional terrain, and reaches for new frontiers and psychological/aesthetic contemplations that engage a new kind of audience and imbue fresh thinking, actions and behaviours.

The 2012 NAC was a perfect example: the making of this crowd-pulling art piece was decisive. I wanted to create something novel, something contemporary, something comedic and straight to the point; I wanted to produce a work that would serve more than one purpose – a masterpiece that would go beyond the NAC project to provide an ANSWER a variety of other issues and concerns in the Nigerian sociopolitical context. Something even a novice can easily comprehend and interact without consulting any external aid.

The mega- long cartoon was to be strategically used as an ADVOCACY TOOL for a special travelling exhibition that

would traverse the whole of the NIGER DELTA regions of this country and possibly move on to overseas countries, to drum more support from environment stakeholders across the world to the deteriorating problems of my poor and voiceless people of the Niger Delta as a result of water pollution, oil spills, gas flaring and other climate crimes by multinational oil companies in the areas.

Being a Niger Delta indigene, I knew I owed myself and my people this service, at a right time to come soon. I already made a few contacts from the World Water Week event in Stockholm who expressed interest in supporting such advocacy projects if they proved bankable and of high value to their programs’ focus. Little did I know that the Nigerian Breweries, sponsors of National Art Competition (NAC) annual event, were going to put a stake for it, demanding to acquire the mega- long master piece off the gallery after the grand finale event in Lagos, through the organizers, AAF. (To be continued next week)

occasions. There then arose the need for other forms of clothing of social/cultural identity of the Benin Woman, which gave rise to Ewu Iwu Ikhuo.

According to a press release by the Benin Cultural Heritage Centre (BCHC) the Ewu Iwu Ikhuo is a derivation from the male version of the body design clothing which was formally launched at the Royal Palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akplokpolo Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom, in 1998 in a fashion show where it

was worn to the admiration of all.

At that occasion, the female version was implied but not propagated, leaving women with their chest wrapper. It is against this background that Ewu Iwu Ikhuo has been designed and backed up with an accompanying literature by Helen Uhunmwagho (Ph.D), a chief Lecturer in the School of Art and Industrial Design, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, Current president of the Nigerian Council of the Pan-African

Circle of Artists, an Art Historian, a Painter and a Cultural Artist.

This new innovation which is a product of an Educational research into the culture of the people, the Benin Cultural Heritage Centre (BCHC) an N.G.O with the vision of reviving the glory of Benin, wish to introduced into the modern day fashion. This is to distinctly bring out the uniqueness of the rich Benin cultural heritage, through an Exhibition/Fashion Show and a book launch.

The program will hold on the 6th of August 2013 at ObaAkenzua Cultural Centre along Airport Road in Benin City. Some Benin Women Groups and Female members of BCHC will be adorned in some of the designs at the occasion.

There is also a promise that Edo State commissioner for culture and Tourism and her Director for Culture will wear one of the designs.

“We are glad to inform that her Majesty, The Eson N’ Errie of Benin Kingdom, the Eldest

Wife of the Oba of Benin Kingdom, will be the Royal Mother of the Day. Chief Sam 0. U. Igbe, the Ivase of Benin kingdom will Chair the occasion. Deaconess Modino Emovon will be Ihe Special Guest, Wife to the Deputy Governor of Edo State, will be the unveller, amongst others.

Come and see and learn what this is all about as it is an innovation which promises to revolutionize the fashion scene in Nigeria”, the release said.

The original “killed” cartoon developed in Stockholm, Sweden.

Ewu Iwu Ikhuo Opens In Benin City BENIN City will witness the official unveiling of Ewu Iwu Ikhuo, the female version of the new clothing of National identity of the Edo citizen. It is an observable fact that male citizens of Benin have a lot of regal fashionable clothing while the women are constricted to the big wrapper which is tied around the chest and adorned with beads. This form of clothing, though regal and gorgeous in its outlook, is highly restrictive as it can not be worn to all functions/

THE NIGERIAN

19 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Art And Culture

Cultural Exercises

EXERCISE in culture includes better Physical and emotional health, liking overall appearance, greater energy and living a longer more satisfying life. cultural play, fun-making, singing, clapping, dancing and laughing, body movements make one triumph over Laziness, Lethargy, Passiveness and procrastination.

Cultural Exercises are moral and religious duty because exercises preserve good health and when someone is ill, the power to do good diminishes.

Physically fit people generally live longer, perform better and get more out of life. Favourable weather enables some one to expose the body and ideal time to increase physical exercise, loose weight and generally be healthier and happier with our bodies.

It has been reported that exercise controls weight, helps the heart, strengthen immunity, promotes mental health and lowers the risk of developing diseases. Any physical activity done regularly makes person look better and in no time the person will look slimmer, trimmer, younger and more fitting.

Exercise is a body strengthener, mind relaxer, spirit and mood elevator, in addition, according to experts, exercises increase production of the brain’s own molecules that are associated with some of the best natural highs that physical exercise is one of the best antidotes for emotions, stress or mental fatigue.

Exercise is fun making that is keeping someone healthier and happier. Begin gradually and then increase the activity as desired thus appreciate the fact that health benefits come over a long term and not the short term.

Keep activities and exercise convenient such as jogging, bike ridding, walking and so on. Give about few hours to exercise, for health must not be sacrificed to learning as a strong body makes the mind strong. Walking perhaps is the best possible exercise.

Adults who exercise provide a positive role model for their children to do the same. Light exercise can keep the fat off, just a small amount of exercise — the equivalent of thirty minutes of brisk walking a day can help overweight adults prevent further weight gain.

An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day, people of all ages can improve their health and wellbeing by exercising even in their cultural way. The benefits begin to accrue as soon as the person takes up physical activity regardless of age.

It is impossible to tell the diverse benefits of exercise in culture as the human body is precious and is the vehicle for awakening. Any exercise

programme a person takes will empower the person to lead into better physical future and emotional health.

Every time a person exercises, the person triumph over laziness, lethargy, passiveness and procrastination and without proper amount of daily exercise no one can remain fully healthy.

The benefit of such exercise is unlimited because it can cut down on caffeine, loose weight, salt and sugar level. Exercise gives better physical and emotional health makes the body fit for better clothes that fit better, gives the body good overall appearance by avoiding many of the physical problems connected with aging, greater energy,

living longer and more satisfying life.

Cultural exercise is important at all periods of life and sometimes provide at daily work. Craftmen and artisans are continually exercising their muscles and if however work does not entail good amount of bodily activity, it must be cared for in some other ways, especially during cold weather.

Children need exercise hence games and sports are necessary part of child’s training but there is such a thing as “over exercise”, so nature always warn when a wise limit has been reached “We feel

“Adults who exercise provide a positive role model for their children to do the same. Light exercise can keep the fat off, just a small amount of exercise — the equivalent of thirty minutes of brisk walking a day can help overweight adults prevent further weight gain.”

With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI

tired and stop the game”.

Values of exercise on the other hand enable the muscles to enlarge and strengthened the heart which becomes stronger and beats more regularly, causing increase flow of blood to every part of the body. The lungs increase in size to mean more efficient purification of blood. The skin acts more freely to getting rid of impurities in the blood. The nerves are strengthened owing to increase blood supply. The excretory organs; bowels and kidneys are made to act more efficiently, digestions improve and appetites are keener.

Most people understand the importance of the formation of good exercises and good habits of conduct, but few realize how important it is to have regular habits with regard to eating, drinking, leisure, sleeping etc. and the more a person do

anything, the easier it is; to do it again, until doing it without thinking of it at all and without any trouble.

It is found by experience that the organs of the body acquire habits if they do their works regularly.

It is greatly of advantage to see that they get the chance of doing so.

A person who goes to bed regularly will find the body ready for sleeping at that hour and will have no inclination to sit up longer.

Old people equire more clothing than others and less active. Their bodies produce less heat. Their skins also are liable to chill and need more natural fire wood, charcoal heat and clothing than vigorous people in other to make up for the natural decay of their vitality and to avoid arthralgia, arthritis.

Children should be clothed well, except when running about. Their skins are greater in area compared with their size than the skins of adults.

They lose a larger portion of their heat, so cultural exercises therefore are aid to good health and the values should be carefully cultivated in culture.

THE NIGERIAN

20

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

My, Oh my! Hell has no fury as a woman scorned! Did you listen to the Nollywood genius, and superstar, Stella Damasus-crying her heart out in the media, showering all manner of invectives at the he-goats (that’s borrowing her word) at the hell – O chambers (not hallowed anymore) over the child marriage issue? She was virtually spilling her guts out as she screamed. It was so touching that I joined her in shedding some warm tears at the emotions she evoked as her voice went shrill.

“You hopeless, lily-livered men who don’t have the guts to look at a proper woman in the face because of your failed manhood and assume the best way to deal with your incapacity is to go defiling our innocent, little babies, may you go stone cold and demised when next you set your glaucomised eyes and leprous fingers on an under-aged child . . .” she cried.

“We were wailing that you dirty pigs were denying our little baby girls the opportunity to grow up, by sexually molesting them, and now, as if you are too deaf to hear our cries, you go on, through the Devil’s door, to try to make your evil act legal … you shameless, beastly, maniarchical bigots! You slothful, dirty and hopeless elements …”

It was terrific and I felt like a true heroine too just listening to the boldness with which she spoke, the fearlessness in every invective she delivered. I knew that she would pay for it and sure she said so herself.

FEMINIQUE With IJEOMA UMEH email: ladywithegoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 08182382839 “You don’t also know what VVF portends –it’s a pouch between the bladder and the vagina where urine collects and involuntarily leaks out because that is not where it is supposed to be. So, except she wears a pad everytime, she leaks urine and smells like it everytime.

Incontinence is a terrible thing, you may not know.”

Paedophilia: Watchout, Every Man

Prodigies of Sodom and Gomorra were already posting all manner of things on the internet, about her.

“You are blackmailing me. Calling me names, but that is also what I am doing now, but I am calling you the exact names that you truly deserve, you fathers of Sodom and Gomorra, you dishonourable idiots … you expect me to chicken out as a result of your cheap blackmails and watch you turning our little baby girls into dying hags … you animals from the pit of hell, you devilish Yerima and your cohorts …”

I listened to her and I let the tears that welled up in my eyes to form droplets and fall. I knew that there was no price that was too much to pay to save our little daughters from damnation, not even a successful career in Nollywood.

The blackmails? Who fears blackmails; they always come cheap. They hang on the loose ends of others’ weaknesses or formulate twisted tails, even lies around unhealthy imaginations, but soon they crumble like a pack of cards because those loose ends wouldn’t hold them together anymore. We want our daughters to grow into healthy women, not into sickly little children, because no matter the extent of defilement, these little girls remain little children, battling, innocently, and helplessly, to keep wobbling through life, with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), cervical cancer and several other sexually transmitted diseases which the wear and tear, of their tender frames, and the apparent lack of desired hormones, baulk under.

So, women all over the world should lend their voice with others like Stella Damasus and put on sack cloth in mourning. If there is a time when littering the bra and lingerie and going nude in protest on the streets is ever needful, that time is now, because Paedophils are on the loose by the second!

Those who abduct little children to either sexually assault them or sexually wed them (whatever!) have perfected the

Do You Know?

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There are about 300 million children of age 0 – 15 years in Africa, representing almost half of Africa’s population and that a sizeable percentage of that number are denied basic social rights?

Out of the 6.9 million children who died globally, about half of the deaths are in subSaharan Africa, dying as a result of inadequate healthcare facilities in those countries, acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, measles, malaria and malnutrition.

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There is also increase in child rape, corporal punishment and child labour.

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UNESCO Reports say more than 40 million children, almost half of the school-age child population in Africa are denied edu-

Has The Potential!

der-agedly wed, let her blood cry out for justice, against you and the spineless world!

Please, dear mothers (biological, foster and otherwise). Watch out for every he-goat, sorry, man that lives within or passes around you.

Children: Their Safety, Our Responsibility

art of lobbying – by intimidation or by enticing family members with promises of wealth, or the benefits therefrom, or by sneaking in on them and outrightly luring them away with pacifiers, so, essentially mothers should be on the perpetual watch for these predators.

There is no amount of gift or promise of it, even castles in the air, that should make you sell your birthright, the precious gift from God, that should make you sell your little child’s dignity.

Regard all such promises as a pot of rotten porridge, festering with maggots. That is even the sore that could eventually come from undeveloped and sexually bastardised reproductive organs. You haven’t seen the cancerous cervix –mouth of the womb –to know what it looks like –a festering sore.

You don’t also know what VVF portends –it’s a pouch between the bladder and the vagina where urine collects and involuntarily leaks out because that is not where it is supposed to be. So, except she wears a pad everytime, she leaks urine and smells like it everytime. Incontinence is a terrible thing, you may not know. Soon the kidney is over worked and packs up. The life of our future is snuffed out!

As we continue to cry out, we should also be on the look out. Whoever that male figure in your life as a mother maybe, be it your husband, your friend, colleague, clergy, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, in-law, neighbour, medic, lawyer, counsellor, landlord, father, so long as he is a man, kindly regard him as a potential sexual pervert (that’s Stella’s word too!). If incest is now no longer news, and clergy are caught as culprits in defilement cases, then no-one should be trusted with your baby girls; remember, not even her biological father or grandfather! It’s as bad as that. Communicate

with your girl-child more often.

If by your negligence or dereliction of duty, she gets abused or unlawfully un-

And when you pray if you are a good mother honed with the duty of care, don’t say ‘may our children live long and see what we will be in future’.

That is the wrong way to pray. Rather say: ‘may we live long and see what our children will be in future” For the future that we see belongs to our children! I hope Yerima and other Paedophils like him, know this!

Now, Let’s Pray

From Marjorie Holmes’ I’ve Got To Talk to somebody, God. Help me to Help My Children

Oh, God, help me to equip my children to resist temptation.

Don’t let me expect perfection of them, or demand perfection of myself.

But help me to equip my children to live decent happy lives in a world where it is hard to be good.

We have taken your beautiful world and damaged it so badly for them. We have filled it with physical threat and moral dangers. And this propaganda for sexual license, Lord; for breaking laws, we don’t like; all the drinking and now these soul-and mind-scarring drugs.

Oh, dear God, arouse in me such a strong sense of what is truly right and truly wrong that I can convey it to them.

Give me the words to express these things, and the courage to say them.

God, keep me close to my children, so that they aren’t afraid to talk to me freely. And give me the patience to listen, no matter how inconvenient the times when they come.

THE NIGERIAN

21 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Book Review

Prophesy To Your Future Book Title: Author: Pages: Year Published: Reviewer: ALTHOUGH it comes off as ‘a small book’ and could be placed neatly in a lady’s dress purse, the book however belies its miniature form and speaks volumes on the place of prayer in the life of a believer in Christ Jesus, yet at other times it has been referred to as ‘the perfect deliverance manual.’

In his endorsement, what we know as foreword, Rev. Dr Anthony Oligbo described the book as “ another attempt by a prayer warrior to lead the yearning believer through the labyrinth of effective and effectual warfare,” also stating that it is an important variable when there are multiplied burdens, yokes, impending doom, danger or calamity or death.

With a step-by –step approach to spiritual warfare, the book Prophesy To Your Future could also be described as the believers’ elementany manual for effective communication with God, a mediator between God and the believer and a map on how to approach the throne of grace.

Starting with an intimate prayer model which serves as a believer’s personal communication with God, including selected Bible Chapters as a guide, the author clearly laid bare the acceptable atmosphere by which the believer can

Prophesy To Your Future Prophetess Franca E. Omoregie 38 2013 Ijeoma Umeh approach God in prayer and hope to get prompt response.

The confession of sin to God, the purging and sanctification of the body, soul and spirit in the blood of Jesus, according to the prophetic message, are the vital steps to initiating the process of good communication with God in prayer.

The author also noted that the human life is replete with ‘sin of omission, commission, permission and presumption’ which are the underlying clogs to being in the atmosphere of the Holy Ghost, where, she noted, the needed answers to prayers dwell undisturbed.

With the deliverance prayers and chants, the author also evokes in the mind of the reader, a feeling that hovers between the ethyreal and supernatural, where the vision of demonic attacks and missiles in form of snakes, rivers and various other aquatic and forest creatures are consumed under the anointing and fire of the Holy Ghost.

An example is the prayer point on general issues of life, including sudden and mysterious ailment, misfortunes in all human endeavour and even death.

The prayer point, according to the author, raises a banner above those earthly misfortunes and

envelopes the prayer warrior in an atmosphere of grace: O Lord, every beast fighting against me that lives in the river, water, by the power of the anointing vested upon me. I release quakes of fire on you and call on your river to be dried up and consumed by fire, that consuming Holy Ghost fire. Amen!!!

Beyond serving as a prayer manual for the believer ’s personal communication to God in prayer, the book also teaches lessons in human relationship with others, cautioning on the reckless use of the tongue as a weapon of warfare as well as a weapon for the worship of God, even as an object of self-betrayal.

“Confess your sin.

Ponder in your heart how many times you have used your mouth to sell yourself, your husband, wife, and children, unconsciously narrating yourself to your enemies?”

Again, the need for believers to relentlessly uphold the family institution with all its trappings in prayer was also given top priority in a powerful prayer segment which reels out equally powerful prayer points for the whole family and its various units, including the issues affecting that institution- economic, reproductive, peace, health, trust and faithfulness, etc.

Aside the physical needs of the earthly plane, the need for believers to seek spiritual gifts was also addressed with the directive: “Now, look to the spiritual gift of God.” The nine spiritual gifts,

“Beyond serving as a prayer manual for the believer’s personal communication to God in prayer, the book also teaches lessons in human relationship with others, cautioning on the reckless use of the tongue as a weapon of warfare as well as a weapon for the worship of God, even as an object of self-betrayal.”

including the gift of the discerning of spirits and that of faith, were therefore enumerated with prayer points dedicated to how to attain the height for seeking and obtaining them.

Above all, praise and worship of God, according to the author, are vital ingredients towards obtaining special favour in prayer from God, and without which admission to the throne of grace is impossible. The rudiments in the power in praise and worship are quite elaborate and enlightening. The exercises would purify as well as edify the believer

and prepare him to break forth in song of worship to God. A pocket book, yet mighty in form and ordered, through divine inspiration, to serves; various human need; spiritual, physical and otherwise, even as resolution for financial, health and other family issues.

The author, Prophetess Franca Omoregie would be appreciated so much as a minister who touched the nerve of spirituality with a fist of fury, tempered with her gift of prophetic utterances also being a prayer Amazon in the vineyard of God.

THE NIGERIAN

22

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

Viewpoint

A Cop On Philanthropic Mission WHEN the Benin royal monarch, Oba Erediauwa’s birthday celebration activities which took place recently kicked-off, some patriotic Benin sons and daughters decided to key into the commemorative atmosphere by initiating some private

Laudable inovetion in solidarity with the revened monarch.

One of such persons was Chief J. Usen, the Osa of Benin Kingdom, who is also a distinguished retired commissioner of police.

The Osa of Benin Kingdom decides to

By RAYMOND OSOGBE

reach out to the poor through his Ivbiosa group during the said period.

This writer was quite astonished when comrade Desmond Agbama, Chairman Edo state NUJ council, linked him with the Osa on a philantropic

“The retired police boss, urged all out there to take a sober-reflection and fashion out those unwanted materials abundantly in their possession and take a bold step to donating such to orphanages or the needy around them.”

• Osa and Osuan statues

mission.

My surprise arises from the fact, that it is news when in Nigeria, a police man collects bribe from the people, but it is news when a police man embarks on a charitable mission.

Indeed, succinty speaking, I make bold to say that chief J. Usen a retired commissioner of police and a distinguished member of the Benin monarch’s chiefs in – council, proved bookmakers wrong on 10 th July when he gave so much to Oronsaye Orphanage Home, located at Owina Street, Benin City.

Chief J. Usen, Osa of Benin Kingdom

Speaking on the occasion, chief Use tasked all and Sunday to imbibe the virtue of being charitable, just as the widely trowelled super cop said that the act of giving is inherent and innate him.

He disclosed that the act of giving gives him joy and lift his spirit. According to him, most persons have the capacity to give to charity but lack the will power.

The chief who is a masters degree holder told this writer that one man’s waste might be another man’s wealth.

He said that wealth is relative and subjective, depending on the degree of every

individual’s satisfaction.

The retired police boss, urged all out there to take a soberreflection and fashion out those unwanted materials abundantly in their possession and take a bold step to donating such to orphanages or the needy around them.

Chief Usen said a lot of people keep for no justifiable reason, passions of which they have no need.

Insurgency in some parts of the country, he advised the Federal State and Local Government, to create employment for the teeming unemployed youths.

“My surprise arises from the fact, that it is news when in Nigeria, a police man collects bribe from the people, but it is news when a police man embarks on a charitable mission.”

THE NIGERIAN

23 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Reflection

With REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE PHONE: 08076635886

Youths Are Agents Of Evangelism REPRESENTATIVES of youths all over the world gathered at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil from July 23 to 28 to celebrate the 14 th annual World Youth Day. This year’s WYD was presided over by his Holiness, Pope Francis. The general theme of this year’s WYD is “Go and make disciples of all nations”, an inspiration taken from Matthew 28:19.

This was the first World Youth Day presided over by the Holy Father, Pope Francis since he became the Roman Pontiff. People’s expectation was so high.

Most people went to Brazil just to see the new simple, humble and dynamic Pope; others went to encounter their fellow youths. A good number of pilgrims went to listen to the first most global message of the Holy Father to young people across the world.

Considering the challenges facing the modern day youths, the Holy Father noted that “the young must be strong” to resist the temptations around them.

What are these temptations around the youths? What are the challenges facing the African Youths? How can the youths overcome these temptations and challenges?

The modern youths are exposed to all kinds of temptations. On a daily basis thousands of young people are initiated into occultic kingdoms, marine world and satanic coven.

Unemployment has driven a lot of young people into all kinds of anti-social crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, prostitution and even ritual killings. As we approach the end time, agents of Satan are seriously winning souls into their kingdoms. Their main targets are the vulnerable youths.

The youths, here in Africa, are facing a lot of challenges.

The leaders have refused to carry the youths along. Old politicians and most civil servants are not ready to retire for the young generation to take over. They keep extending the years of retirement and most people have falsified their age so as

to die in their offices. Yet each year millions of young people are graduating and there is no room for new employment, except for those who have godfathers or those who have money to bribe their way out.

Out of frustration the youths have little or no option than to engage in bike riding (popularly known as okada), roadside tax collectors and even political thuggery.

Actions speak louder than words, the Pope Emeritus; Benedict XVI, set a memorable example for world leaders. When he discovered that his age and his health could not carry him on, he humbly and courageously retired and handed over to his successor, Pope Francis. In his first encounter with the youths the Holy Father, Pope Francis, encouraged the youths to take on the mantle of leadership and evangelisation.

Evangelisation is no more limited to missionaries or Church leaders but for every young man or woman. At the just concluded WYD the Holy Father commissioned the youths in the same words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” During his homily on Sunday, the last day of the encounter, the Holy Father sums up his reflection on three simple ideas: ‘Go’, ‘do not be afraid’, and ‘serve’.

In most passages in the bible where Jesus commissioned his disciples for mission he sent them out saying “Go…” for instance in the Gospel of St. Matthew where he said, “preach as you ‘go’, ‘the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 10:7) and of course the famous mandate “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The Pope uses the same words of our Lord Jesus Christ ‘go’ to commission the youths as agents of evangelisation.

The word “Go!” connotes movement. It demands leaving a particular place to somewhere else. It requires traveling from place to place.

Jesus did not commission his disciples to stay one place. He sent them out, at times, in twos; with the mission to

proclaim that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and to cast out demons” (Matthew 10:7-8).

An evangeliser is expected to move out, in search of the lost. Where does Jesus send us? According to the Holy Father, “There are no borders, no limits: he sends us to everyone. The Gospel is for everyone, not just for some.

The Lord seeks all; he wants everyone to feel the warmth of his mercy and his love.”

Anywhere you find people,

slaves, but as free men, as friends, as brothers and sisters; and he not only sends us, he accompanies us, he is always beside us in our mission of love.” In his closing remark, Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:20). In our ministry, we are not slaves and we are not alone! Jesus is with us always.With Christ on our side we have nothing to fear. That brings us to the second idea of the Pope’s Message, which is, ‘do not be

whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before m y Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). Saint Paul went as far as saying: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Cor 9:16) Preaching the gospel is not optional. It is not just the responsibility of ordained ministers. It is for all the baptized and confirmed children of God. The whole world needs Christ! Who else will bring Christ to the world if not you and I?“Proclaiming Christ”, says the Holy Father,

today. There is no street where you will not find a church named after Christ. It is not so much how long you spend in office that matters but how many lives you were able to touch within the available time you were in office.

Young people are called to emulate Christ Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). He is the way that leads to happiness, the truth that leads to freedom and the life that leads to eternity. Bringing people to

created in God’s image and likeness, that is where Jesus is sending you. If you are in a classroom God is sending you to preach to your classmates. Tell them about Jesus. Use your office as a means of evangelisation. If you are working in media house use the media as instrument of evangelisation.

If you are on face book, use your face book for evangelization. As you travel in the bus, tell people about Jesus. Even in your business centers, let your customers know about Christ Jesus.

Involving the youths into evangelisation does not mean reducing the youths to slaves as some selfish and insensitive church leaders do.

According to the Holy Father, “Jesus does not treat us as

afraid’. St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans chapter 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the Gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith.” Even when Jeremiah expressed his fear, saying, “Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth”. God assured him, saying, “Be not afraid … for I am with you to deliver you” (Jer 1:7,8). Remember, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). You are like Mount Zion that cannot be shaken!So, child of God, you don’t need to be afraid or ashamed of the gospel. Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But

“is not only a matter of words, but something which involves one’s whole life and translates into signs of love.”

St. James rightly wrote, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). “Evangelising means bearing personal witness to the love of God, it is overcoming our selfishness, it is serving by bending down to wash the feet of our brethren, as Jesus did.” Evangelisation is service for the glory of God and for the good of humanity.

Essentially, the Holy Father noted, “The main way that we have to “make disciples” is through Baptism and catechesis. This means leading the people we are evangelizing to encounter the living Christ.” Jesus Christ is the object of evangelisation.

He is center of the universe, and the essence of our lives.

He is the mentor of young people. As a young Nazarene he was able to transform the world within a period of three years. What he achieved within those three years is what we are still enjoying

Christ is bringing them to happiness, to freedom and to eternity. We need Christ more than we need air.

Without Christ, there will be no happiness, no freedom and no eternity! In fact, without Christ Jesus we can do nothing (John 15:5). So, what are you waiting for? Delay is dangerous! Do you know that your life could be the only bible which someone might read and go to heaven? The Holy Father proudly said to the youths, “The Church needs you, your enthusiasm, your creativity and the joy that is so characteristic of you.” The Church needs you more than ever! Our world leaders may not know your worth. They may not know the gifts and the talents which you possess as a youth. The Holy Father is not just aware of these gifts but he is ready to harness them for the glory of God and for the good of humanity. As you avail yourself for this noble mission God will richly bless you.

“Actions speak louder than words, the Pope Emeritus; Benedict XVI, set a memorable example for world leaders. When he discovered that his age and his health could not carry him on, he humbly and courageously retired and handed over to his successor, Pope Francis.”

THE NIGERIAN

24

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

International

Compiled by FAITH OKHUELEIGBE

Over 1,000 People Killed In Iraq BAGHDAD — The U.N. mission in Iraq says more than 1,000 people have been killed in violence across the country last month, the highest monthly death toll in years.

The U.N. figures released yesterday underscore concerns that security is quickly deteriorating in Iraq amid a spike in violence in

- UN

recent months.

The United Nations says it recorded 1,057 people killed in July, including members of Iraq’s security forces. The capital, Baghdad, was the worst affected, with 238 killed. The U.N. figure was higher than the June death

toll, which stood at 761.

The U.N. figure is different from a count by The Associated Press, which reported that at least 730 people were killed in July.

Reports of Iraq casualty tolls can vary considerably, with different accounts from local police and hospital officials.

Polish Priest’s Dismissal Exposes Rift Over JASIENICA, Poland - When Dialogue With Jews the outspoken Polish priest

Iraqis inspect the aftermath of a car bomb attack, in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City, Baghdad, Iraq.

Supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi shout slogans during a march from Al-Fath Mosque to the defence ministry, in Cairo.

Wojciech Lemanski returned with his parishioners to his church near Warsaw after holding a prayer vigil at the Treblinka Nazi death camp in early July, a dismissal notice awaited him.

The Warsaw diocese of the Roman Catholic Church sacked Lemanski as parish priest in the small village of Jasienica for what it said was his insubordination after numerous clashes on issues such as invitro fertilization, abortion and his engagement with the Jewish community.

Lemanski sealed his fate when in a radio interview he accused Archbishop Henryk Hoser, who oversees his parish, of asking whether he was a Jew and circumcised - a charge the diocese has denied.

The episode exposed a rift within the church, as it struggles to retain a central role in Polish life, between conservatives and those who want more openness in dealing with social issues and some of the darker episodes in Poland’s past.

“At a time when Pope Francis is calling for open-mindedness, the church in Poland is crawling into its shell,” said Iwona Jakubowska-Branicka, a

Egypt’s Military Keeps Morsi’s Whereabouts millions of people against him, moved Morsi at least three CAIRO - Egypt is taking and moving him is not times.

Secret extreme measures to keep considered appropriate at the “Maneuvers have been Mohammed Morsi hidden. It says dignitaries are helicoptered to the deposed president’s place of detention after nightfall, flying in patterns aimed at confusing the visitors. The military also has reportedly

undertaken during the nighttime helicopter flight so as to disorient (the visitors) in regard to where the location is,” Col. Ahmed Mohammed Ali, the military spokesman, told The

Kenya To Pay Compensation To Rendition Victims NAIROBI - A lawyer says a Kenyan court has awarded compensation to 11 victims of the largest illegal deportation of terrorism suspects in Africa to countries with appalling human rights records.

Mbugua Mureithi said yesterday that suspects deported to those countries were illegally detained, tortured and interrogated for long periods by security agents including from the CIA. The lawyer says Judge Mumbi Ngugi ordered the Kenya

government to pay nearly $460,000 as restitution and ruled that their 2007 deportation from Kenya to Somalia and finally Ethiopia were unlawful and unconstitutional.

Mbugua said the court announced the judgment Wednesday but the written report will be released yesterday.

The victims, eight Kenyans, two Tanzanians and a Rwandan, were part of a group more than 100 caught sneaking into Kenya from Somalia.

Associated Press Wednesday, following a visit to Morsi Tuesday night by an African Union delegation.

The Egyptian army has kept Morsi in hiding since ousting him in a July 3 coup. But the military-backed interim leadership is under international criticism about Morsi’s continued detention, and by allowing two high-level visits in quick succession it apparently hoped to ease the pressure.

“There are lies going around that he is badly treated, that he is under pressure, or that he is not taking his medication, and these were conveyed to the West,” Ali said. “This step was part of a transparency policy and to refute such allegations. We have nothing to hide.”

He said Morsi’s whereabouts were being kept secret for his own safety because “there are

moment.”

It’s also possible, however, that if his place of detention were revealed, it would also attract throngs of Morsi supporters.

He has already been moved at least three times between Defense Ministry facilities in armored vehicles under heavy guard, security officials told the AP, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the details of Morsi’s case with the media.

They said he is currently in a facility outside Cairo, but would not elaborate.

The African Union delegation head, former Mali President Alpha Oumar Konare, offered no clues to Morsi’s location. He told reporters he had a “very frank meeting” with him but gave no details. Egypt’s state news agency said it lasted an hour.

sociologist at Warsaw University.

“As with many moral issues, the question of relations with Jews has been swept under the carpet,” she said.

Relations with the Jewish community are an especially difficult subject in Poland, where millions of Jews perished in the Holocaust during the Nazi German occupation of the country.

Most of those who survived were forced to leave in the late 1960s by the communist regime.

Poland’s post-communist leaders have condemned the “anti-Zionist campaign” of that time and have often spoken out against other signs of antiSemitism.

Poles have celebrated those compatriots who helped to save local Jews in World War Two, but they have also downplayed events such as the burning of 340 Jews by Polish peasants in the village of Jedwabne in 1943.

The episode was buried by the communist authorities after the war and resurfaced only after a 2001 book written by Polishborn U.S. historian Jan Gross described the massacre.

The publication was criticized by some Catholic church leaders as stoking anti-Polish and antiJewish sentiments, but the subsequent debate inspired young Lemanski to work on improving the dialogue between the two groups.

“God knocked on my door and said he wanted something more from me. I can’t imagine being a priest without a special sensitivity for the Jews, their

tragedies and a need for dialogue,” the priest said in an interview.

Lemanski is among a few Catholic priests who commemorate the massacre each year with Jewish leaders and holds prayer vigils at the Treblinka camp, one of the infamous Nazi death factories where Jews, along with Poles and others, were gassed.

He also recovered gravestones from abandoned and destroyed Jewish cemeteries, incorporating two of them into the main alter of his church.

That move stoked charges from some conservative Catholics that he was turning it into a synagogue.

In a statement explaining its decision to send Lemanski on early retirement, the Warsaw Diocese did not refer to the gravestones, but said he had failed to get church permission on issues related to the parish.

The diocese also said Archbishop Hoser’s relations with the Jewish community were “proper and full of trust”.

Church representatives declined further comment.

Jewish community leaders have avoided being pulled into the affair, but some have expressed support for Lemanski’s efforts.

“I can say one thing: looking at the way parishioners treat the priest, I think that if the Jewish community had had a rabbi like Lemanski, the community would have been very pleased,” said Piotr Kadlcik, head of the Union of Jewish Religious Communities in Poland.

NATO Helicopter Kills 4 Afghan Troops KABUL - Afghan officials say a NATO helicopter mistakenly killed four Afghan troops in the east while a Taliban ambush left an official and three other people dead in the country’s south.

Spokesman Ahmad Zia Abdulzai says a NATO helicopter called in as air support following an attack on an Afghan checkpoint in eastern Nangarhar province’s Bati Kot district accidentally killed four Afghan troops Wednesday night.

A NATO spokesman, Sgt.

Bryan Gatewod says the incident is under investigation.

In southern Uruzgan province, spokesman Farid Ayel says the Taliban ambushed local education official Hadi Khan, killing him, his two sons and a bodyguard on Wednesday afternoon.

In northwestern Faryab province, Governor Ahmadullha Batash says a roadside mine exploded yesterday, killing two policemen and a prosecutor, and wounding seven people in Bilchiragh district.

THE NIGERIAN

25 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

International

Compiled by FAITH OKHUELEIGBE

Mugabe’s Challenger Says Poll HARARE - The main chalIs Not Credible lenger to Zimbabwe’s longtime township but by Wednesday president, Robert Mugabe, said yesterday the election is “null and void” due to alleged violations in the voting process, but Mugabe has denied vote rigging.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said Wednesday’s election was heavily manipulated and did not meet regional or African election standards. A poll monitoring group that is not affiliated with the state also said the poll was compromised by a campaign to stop voters from casting ballots.

Mugabe has denied allegations of vote-rigging as a smear campaign by opponents. Final results are expected by Monday.

The elections posed one of the biggest challenges to Mugabe’s 33-year grip on power on this former British colony in southeast Africa.

“The shoddy manner in which it has been conducted and the consequent illegitimacy of the result will plunge this country into a serious crisis,” Tsvangirai warned.

The head of African Union observer mission, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, said late Wednesday that reports of irregularities “will be investigated but have not yet been substantiated.”

Mugabe’s party said yesterday it has withdrawn an unauthorized message on its Twitter feed claiming a resounding victory.

The ZANU-PF party said it is awaiting the release of results by the state election commission, the only body allowed under the law to announce the outcome of massive voting on Wednesday.

Solomon Zwana, head of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, said yesterday it has found a “wide range of problems” in the election and that the poll was compromised by a campaign to stop voters from casting ballots. The monitoring group says as many as 1 million out of more than 6 million eligible voters were not on voters’ lists.

Zimbabweans voted in large numbers Wednesday in an election that was peaceful compared to disputed and violent polls in 2008. Thousands of voters lined up in Harare’s populous Mbare

evening all the voters had been accommodated, said polling officials. “It’s a tremendous turnout,” said Magodelyo Yeukai, Mbare presiding officer.

Polling officials and party agents brought blankets to polling stations so that they could sleep next to the polling boxes to make sure they were not tam-

pered with.

Mugabe, 89, has said he would step down if he loses.

Zimbabwe’s shaky government was effectively dissolved on Wednesday. Mugabe and Tsvangirai have each predicted outright victory that would avoid the formation of another coalition.

Ukraine Divided On World War II Legacy

CHERVONE, Ukraine Ukrainians dressed in Nazi SS uniform trudge through trenches and fire model rifles in a reconstruction of a key battle against the Soviets during World War II. An Orthodox priest leads a ceremony for fallen soldiers of the Nazi unit, sprinkling his blessing over several men sporting swastikas who lower a coffin in a ritual reburial.

The scenes were part of commemorations last week of soldiers many Ukrainian nationalists ó along with a smattering of hardcore ultra-rightists ó hail as heroes. The men they are honoring belonged to the SS Galician division, a Nazi military unit made up mostly of Ukrainians, which fought Soviet troops during World War II. More than 20 years since gaining independence from the Soviet Union, Ukraine remains painfully divided over the legacy of World War II and the actions of Ukrainian nationalist fighters, who are honored as heroes by some and condemned as traitors by others. Some of those fighters served under or cooperated with the Nazis, seeing a chance to overthrow the Soviet regime, while others fought both the Red Army and the Nazis.

“Ukraine is in our souls and hearts,” said SS Galician division veteran Mykhailo Yamulyk, a gray-haired man in his late 80s, before the remains of some of his fellow soldiers were reburied in coffins draped with the yellow-and-blue Ukrainian flag at a cemetery in this small village in western Ukraine. “Those who say that we wore German uniform ó yes,

we did, and our weapons were German, but our hearts were full of Ukrainian blood and we never betrayed it.”

One of Yamulyk’s fellow SS Galician veterans is Michael Karkoc, a Minnesota man shown in an Associated Press investigation to have commanded a Nazi-led unit accused of atrocities. The annual commemorations of the Galician give an insight into the complex reaction that the Karkoc revelations have produced in Ukraine, in contrast to the near universal outrage they have stirred up in Poland, Germany and the United States.

Each year, competing rallies commemorating World War II are held throughout Ukraine, sometimes resulting in brawls.

Much of the Russian-speaking east of the country celebrates the Red Army’s victory over Nazi invaders, while in the Ukrainian-speaking west, where most of the anti-Soviet insurgents fought, monuments have been erected and streets have been named in their honor. Veterans receive government benefits, no matter which side they fought on during the war.

Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe reacts as he leaves after casting his vote in Highfield,outside Harare

This undated photo posted on the official Instagram account of the Syrian Presidency purports to show Bashar Assad visiting with soldiers in Baba Armr, Homs province, Syria.

Assad Lauds Army, Says He Will Win War DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said yesterday he was confident of victory against rebels in a devastating 28-month-old civil war that has killed more than 100,000 people and sent nearly two million fleeing abroad.

Insurgents have seized large swathes of territory, but

Assad’s forces have staged a counter-offensive in recent weeks, pushing them back from around the capital Damascus and retaking several towns near the border with Lebanon.

“If we were not sure that we were going to win in Syria, we would not have the ability to resist and the ability to con-

Bangladesh Court Rules Top Islamic Party Illegal

DHAKA - A Bangladesh court yesterday declared as illegal the country’s main Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami, effectively banning it from national elections due to be held early next year.

The ruling that the registration of Jamaat as a political party conflicted with the country’s secular constitution immediately triggered violent

protests by party supporters.

Hundreds of activists blocked a major road and smashed vehicles in Pabna district, northwest of the capital, police said. Further protests were anticipated throughout the afternoon and evening.

Jamaat immediately appealed to the Supreme Court

against the High Court verdict, senior defense lawyer Abdur Razzak told reporters.

The party would be barred from contesting elections if the Supreme Court upholds the verdict.

More than 100 people have been killed in protests and counter-protests since January, when a tribunal set up by

the government to investigate alleged abuses in the country’s 1971 war of independence sentenced to death in absentia a former senior Jamaat figure.

Jamaat opposed Bangladeshi independence from Pakistan in the war but denies accusations that some of its leaders committed murder, rape and torture during the conflict.

tinue fighting for more than two years against the enemy,” state news agency SANA quoted Assad as saying.

Assad has framed the revolt against four decades of his family’s rule as a foreignbacked conspiracy fought by Islamist “terrorists.” When pro-democracy protests started in March 2011, a military crackdown eventually led to an armed insurrection.

Addressing officers on the 68th anniversary of the Syrian army’s creation, Assad said soldiers had shown “courage in the face of terrorism ... and the fiercest barbaric war in modern history”.

U.N. investigators say Assad’s forces have carried out war crimes including unlawful killing, torture, sexual violence, indiscriminate attack and pillaging in what appears to be a state-directed

policy. They say rebels have also committed war crimes, including executions, but on a lesser scale.

The struggle in Syria has become markedly sectarian, broadly pitting majority Sunni Muslim rebels and against Assad’s minority Alawite sect, which is an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam.

Assad has relied on Alawiteled army units and security forces from the start, but has turned increasingly to loyalist militia armed and funded by Damascus to fight the rebels.

He has also received solid support from Shi’ite regional powerhouse Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement and longtime ally Russia, while his fragmented foes have received little military aid from their Western backers wary of the growing presence of hardline Islamist rebel groups, some of them linked to al Qaeda.

THE NIGERIAN

26

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

International

Compiled by FAITH OKHUELEIGBE

Hopes Rise On Iran’s President

U.S.secretary of state John kerrry speaks during a joint news conference with Sartaj Aziz,adviser to pakistan prime minister.

TEHRAN - A wave of optimism has swept Iran since Hassan Rouhani was elected president last month, but as he takes office on Sunday the moderate cleric has a monumental task to resolve the nuclear dispute, ease stringent sanctions and revive a failing economy.

If that were not enough, he has to do this while trying to satisfy the demands of his reformist allies while outflanking the conservatives he defeated, but who still dominate parliament and are deeply embedded within the state.

But no matter what progress, if any, Rouhani makes towards resolving Iran’s myriad problems, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s eight years in office are at an end, to the relief

US, Pakistan Agree To Start New Chapter In Relations ISLAMABAD - The United States and Pakistan agreed yesterday to re-establish a “full partnership”, hoping to end years of acrimony over U.S. drone strikes on Pakistani soil, the raid that killed Osama bin Laden and other grievances.

“We are here to speak honestly with each other, openly about any gaps that may exist that we want to try to bridge,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said during an unannounced visit to Islamabad.

“Our people deserve that we talk directly.”

Besides the killing of bin Laden in a Pakistani town by U.S. Navy Seals in 2011, bilateral ties have also been severely strained by Pakistan’s

support for Taliban insurgents fighting Western troops in Afghanistan as well as a NATO air attack in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed.

Both sides are now keen to overcome the grievances and start afresh, a shift in priorities they hope is possible with a new government in Pakistan and a new secretary of state in the United States.

With Pakistan’s economy badly in need of support and the United States keen on smoothly withdrawing most of its troops from neighboring Afghanistan next year, both sides will see positives in repairing the relationship.

Speaking after talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad, Kerry - who as a senator sponsored legislation to provide $7 billion in assistance to Pakistan over 5 years - said the two countries were serious about overcoming past irritants.

He invited Sharif to visit the United States - Pakistan’s biggest donor - for talks with U.S. President Barack Obama.

“America does not want to have a transactional relationship, we do not want to have a relationship based on one moment or based on issues such as counter-terrorism or Afghanistan,” Kerry said.

“What was important today

PF party, who asked not to be named, said the result was already clear.

“We’ve taken this election.

We’ve buried the MDC. We never had any doubt that we were going to win,” the source told Reuters by phone.

Responding to the claim, a high-ranking source in Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party described the election as “a monumental fraud”.

“Zimbabweans have been taken for a ride by ZANU-PF and Mugabe. We do not accept it,” the source, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters.

The MDC was to hold an emergency meeting later on Thursday.

As riot police took up position outside the MDC headquarters in central

could not be named for fear of arrest, said early results were looking like a “disaster” for Tsvangirai.

Mugabe Party Claims Zimbabwe Harare, an independent HARARE - Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s Election Win election monitor, who also party claimed a landslide election victory yesterday that would secure another five years in power for Africa’s oldest head of state, but its main rival said the vote was invalidated by “monumental fraud”.

Wednesday’s voting was peaceful across the southern African nation, but the conflicting claims heralded an acrimonious dispute over the outcome that increases the chances of a repeat of the violence that followed a contested vote in 2008.

Releasing unofficial results early in Zimbabwe is illegal, and police have said they will arrest anybody who makes premature claims. Election authorities are due to announce the official outcome by August 5.

But a senior source in 89year-old Mugabe’s ZANU-

was that there was a determination...to move this relationship to the full partnership that it ought to be, and to find the ways to deal with individual issues that have been irritants over the course of the past years.”

He added: “And I believe that the Prime Minister is serious about doing that. And I know that President Obama is also.”

of his critics at home and abroad.

Ahmadinejad’s abrasive rhetoric and unwillingness to compromise precluded any nuclear deal with the West while ever tightening sanctions, domestic mismanagement and misguided state handouts sent inflation soaring over 40 percent, increasing the suffering of many ordinary Iranians.

“Before the election, everyone was saying anyone, anyone at all, has to be better than Ahmadinejad,” said one Tehran resident. “Now people hope Rouhani might be able to change things, at least a bit.”

Similar optimism has greeted Rouhani abroad where he has pledged to pursue a less confrontational approach to Iran’s talks with six world powers over a nuclear program the West suspects is a veiled attempt to achieve a nuclear weapons capability. Iran says its efforts are entirely peaceful.

“The historic election of Hassan Rouhani last month in Iran was widely seen as a rejection of radicalism and an embrace of moderation. Hopes have risen that a negotiated solution to the nuclear stand-off may now be within reach,” said Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council.

Rouhani is however very much an Islamic Republic

insider with 16 years as head of the Supreme National Security Council and the last eight years as one of two personal representatives of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the same body. Even so, Rouhani has still been making all the right noises.

“Of course our nuclear plans are fully transparent, but we are ready to show more transparency,” said Rouhani, setting out his stall at his first post-election news conference.

“Second, we will increase mutual trust between Iran and other countries.”

“Mutual trust and transparency within the framework of international regulations and principles are the solution to end sanctions,” he said. “We will first have to prevent new sanctions being applied, then reduce them and later, God willing, to completely remove them.”

Such words however failed to move the U.S. House of Representatives which easily passed a bill on Wednesday to tighten sanctions on Iran, further cutting its oil exports despite warnings from White House officials who said they wanted to give Rouhani a chance.

Rouhani may take some comfort from the reaction of one of the six powers, Russia, which said the U.S. move would not resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program.

Germany Chides Egypt On ‘Selective overthrow, also faces a CAIRO- Germany urged Justice’ judicial inquiry into Egypt to avoid “the appearance of selective justice” yesterday amid a crackdown on deposed President Mohamed Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, which remained defiantly dug in at a protest camp the police have orders to remove.

There was no word on when the authorities would move against the vigil maintained by the Brotherhood since the

army ousted Mursi on July 3 following mass protests. A cabinet statement on Wednesday appeared to signal imminent action.

In the month since Mursi’s fall, police have rounded up many Brotherhood leaders, mostly on charges of inciting violence.

Mursi, who has been in army detention since his

Egyptian president Mohammed speaks to reporters at the presidential palace in Cairo

accusations that include murder and conspiring with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

The arrests, along with street violence that has killed more than 100 Mursi supporters, have fuelled global concern that the army-backed government plans to crush the Brotherhood even if it says it wants to involve the Islamists in a new transition plan.

“All appearance of selective justice must be avoided,” said Westerwelle, speaking alongside his Egyptian counterpart, Nabil Fahmy.

Fahmy said: “There is no justice of vengeance and no selective justice. There is law and it applies to everyone.”

The authorities brought formal charges on Wednesday against the Brotherhood’s three top leaders, two of whom are in custody.

The government has been buoyed by huge pro-army rallies on Friday in response to a call by army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for Egyptians to give him a “mandate” to crack down on “violence and terrorism” - a reference to the Brotherhood.

THE NIGERIAN

27 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

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THE NIGERIAN

28

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

Spurs Plan Suarez Bid If ...

TOTTENHAM could launch a rival bid for Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez if Real Madrid cough up the asking price for Gareth Bale.

Bale reported back to training on Wednesday morning as Real’s sporting director Zinedine Zidane claimed the Wales star should be allowed to leave.

Should Tottenham sell either for the £85million Real are reportedly prepared to bid or for the £100m chairman Daniel Levy wants - they will want to show their determination in the transfer market and that could mean a move for Suarez.

The Uruguay star is the subject of a £40,000,001 bid from Tottenham’s fierce rivals Arsenal, and Liverpool have steadfastly refused to sell, with their valuation being closer to £55m.

The fact Suarez is considering a move to another English club will encourage Spurs but they know their biggest problem in attracting the Uruguayan is their lack of Champions League football.

Levy wanted to sign Suarez from Ajax when Harry Redknapp was manager and is impressed with how the 26year-old has adapted to the Premier League quickly.

Beating their north London neighbours to his signature would certainly help soften the blow of losing Bale.

Arsenal are still waiting to hear whether their unusual offer will trigger Suarez’s sale, while the shadow of Real stepping in for the Uruguayan also remains a possibility.

Goals Galore As City See Off Milan

• Kevin Mirallas gave Everton a 1-0 lead

United Ready £40m Cesc Fabregas Bid

MANCHESTER United hope a third bid amounting to around £40 million will finally be enough to swing the transfer of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, and break the Catalan club’s public resistance to a sale.

Despite having had two previous offers of £26 million and £30 million rejected, the Old Trafford club still see Fabregas as their No. 1 target as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

United’s persistence comes from repeated positive contact with Fabregas’ camp, and the understanding that he would be open to a move in the event of Barcelona accepting a bid.

Old Trafford sources have told ESPN that manager David

Moyes had been considering his next move – including weighing up the possibility of moving on to one of three alternative options, one of whom is Real Madrid’s Luka Modric - and decided to continue the pursuit of Fabregas.

United have now put together a package believed to be worth around £40 million, comprising a £35 million basic fee plus addons. That would not just represent the symbolically high offer that could make

Darrent Bent In Limbo As Villa Wait

NEITHER Fulham nor Newcastle United have made what Aston Villa consider to be an acceptable offer for striker Darren Bent, ESPN has been told.

Villa say they are yet to receive any offer that would

• Bent

MANCHESTER City beat AC Milan 5-3 in an explosive Audi Cup clash in Munich in which all eight goals were scored in the first half.

City stormed into a 5-0 lead before conceding three times in the final eight minutes before the break, but the closest either side came to adding to the score in the second half was an Alvaro Negredo shot that struck the Milan crossbar 11 minutes from time.

The first half of this Audi Cup clash had been breathless, David Silva slotting home City’s opener after just three minutes before two goals in four minutes from Micah Richards and Aleksandar Kolarov had them 3-0 up midway through the half.

City, fielding a stronger side than Milan and further on in their preparations, added a

persuade them to allow Bent who has been frozen out of the first-team picture under Paul Lambert - to leave.

Club sources told ESPN that, contrary to reports, Fulham had not returned with an increased £6 million offer for the England striker after seeing an initial bid of around £4 million rejected at the weekend.

And they said Newcastle could face action for an illegal approach should any meeting between Bent’s advisers and Magpies director of football Joe Kinnear take place.

At the start of the summer, Villa were understood to value Bent at around £10 million as they looked to recoup a

significant portion of the £18 million paid to Sunderland for him over two years ago.

That figure is now believed to been lowered, and the Midlanders are awaiting developments.

Reports earlier this week suggested Kinnear planned to discuss the situation with Bent’s representatives - and Villa would be swift to report the club to the Premier League and the Football Association should any such meeting take place.

Kinnear has no mandate from Villa to hold any negotiations, and they believe he would be in breach of regulations should he press ahead without permission.

Bent would prefer a move to the North-East and a link-up with his former Charlton

acceptance more palatable for Barcelona, it would also ensure the Catalans made a significant profit on the fee they paid to Arsenal in 2011.

With Barca also intent on signing an world class centreback this summer, United hope the Primera Division champions’ desire to boost the

transfer kitty will further leverage the situation their way.

Thus far, though, Barcelona have adopted a hardline view and insisted the player is not for sale. United also retain an interest in Everton’s Marouane Fellaini but it is understood to be seen as separate to the pursuit of an all-round attacking midfielder of Fabregas’ ilk.

club’s season depends on keeping hold of Luis Suarez - and says a move to Arsenal “doesn’t make sense at all”.

Suarez still appears keen to leave Anfield, although he has stopped short of submitting a transfer request or seeking legal recourse.

Arsenal have had two bids rejected for the Uruguay international striker, the last one of £40 million plus £1 which they believed would trigger a sale clause.

Liverpool have always maintained they merely had to inform the player of offers of that magnitude and have been steadfast in stating Suarez is not for sale.

Anfield captain Gerrard certainly does not want to see the 26-year-old leave particularly to a club he sees as a direct rival in the race for Champions League football.

He said: “It’s difficult every season to finish in the top four positions because of the power the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment.

“The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that’s available.

Where we sit actually right now, it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It’s that simple.

“If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that little bit more difficult.

It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top-four position. From the club’s point of view it doesn’t make sense at all, no matter how much money is

fourth in the 32nd minute when Edin Dzeko got the first of his brace, the second duly rattled in four minutes later when he scored a fine volley on the turn.

But just in case they thought it was all too easy, Milan then scored three in six minutes.

Stephan El Shaaraway broke clear to get the first in the 37th minute and then stayed alert to score a second two minutes later when City stopped, waiting for a whistle that never came.

Andrea Petagna suggested a comeback was on when he made it 5-3 in the 42nd minute, but that would prove to be the final score.

City will face hosts Bayern Munich in Thursday’s final after the European champions dismissed Sao Paulo 2-0 .

Despite their domination, Pep Guardiola’s men were unable to break the deadlock in the first half, but the match turned in their favour when substitute Mario Mandzukic turned home an Arjen Robben cross in the 55th minute.

Mitchell Weiser, another substitute, then doubled the lead with four minutes remaining with a simple finish after Xherdan Shaqiri had fired against the post.

The visitors had the chance to reduce the deficit when Jerome Boateng conceded a late penalty, but Rogerio Ceni, the Brazilians’ 40-year-old goalkeeper, saw his spot-kick saved by Manuel Neuer.

Gerrard Spurns Suarez Any Move LIVERPOOL midfielder put on the table.”

Steven Gerrard believes the To Arsenal Although Gerrard does not like the idea of Suarez leaving for north London, the midfielder would accept his team-mate leaving for Spain.

The 33-year-old added in The Independent: “If he was to go abroad to a Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He’s a South American. He’s good enough to play in either of those teams.”

• Stetphen Gerrard

THE NIGERIAN

29 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Aleksandar Eyes City Stay ALEKSANDAR Kolarov said he is flattered that Juventus are interested in him but hopes to stay at Manchester City and win his place back in the team.

The Serbia international has been a target of the Serie A champions while Galatasaray were reportedly keen on taking

Kolarov

him to Turkey.

But Kolarov, who only started 11 Premier League games last season, hopes to persuade new manager Manuel Pellegrini of his worth and to displace Gael Clichy from the City side.

He told Tuttosport: “I’m well at City and I hope to convince Pellegrini of my qualities and to play as much as possible next season.

“The interest of important and prestigious clubs like Juventus pleases me, but I won’t decide alone about my future.”

The 27-year-old joined City from Lazio for £19 million in 2010 and did not rule out a return to Serie A at some stage in the future.

He added: “I can say that I was fine in Italy and that I like Italian football. If something will happen, this will first be decided between two clubs.”

Asamoah Happy With Everton Strike

The third qualifying round first-leg meeting at the Liberty Stadium will mark the first time Swansea have taken part in continental competition since 1991, when they were thrashed 10-1 on aggregate by starstudded Monaco in the Cup Winners’ Cup. Their appearance in Europe comes courtesy of their Capital One Cup success last season and Laudrup is eager for the Welsh club to savour the experience earned by their Wembley triumph.

“Of course it is special,” said the Dane, who was no stranger to success in Europe during his playing career, helping Barcelona win the European Cup for the first time in 1992.

“Suddenly as a player and a

manager you are against sides you are not used to facing. In the league you play and you go on and on, here you have two games and one team will go out.

“The only time we tried it last season was the fantastic semifinal against Chelsea in the cup.

“But even with the cups here in the UK it is usually one game, here it is two legs and even in the first game you have to think ahead. It is very different.”

He added: “I think this tie is quite even because they are where they are and we are just at the beginning of the season. But I would be disappointed if we didn’t go through to the next round.

“I think we have a team that has the quality to go to at least the group stage. But we have to

• Kwadwo Asamoah

show that in the next eight days against opponents who are match fit.

“When I look at our squad I think we have a team that can disturb a lot of teams out there in Europe, even some big clubs in big leagues.

“Now, we have to play a team who are second right now in the Swedish league and they have that match fitness because of playing so many games. We will be up against it in these two games.” nlike many of his players, Laudrup has previous experience of the Europa League having guided Getafe to the quarterfinals when the tournament was known as the Uefa Cup during the 2007-08 season.

But Malmo look set to be a tricky proposition for the Swans, having handed a comprehensive 9-0 beating out to Hibernian in the last round.

The Swedish club, beaten

Roy Hodgson To Lead Under-21s ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson and his assistant, Ray Lewington, will take charge of the Under-21 side for the forthcoming friendly against Scotland.

The Under-21 side are still without a coach after the decision not to renew Stuart

Roy Hodgson

Pearce’s contract after this summer ’s disappointing showing in the European Championship in Israel.

As the search for a new coach continues, Hodgson and Lewington have agreed to step into the breach for the encounter with Scotland at Sheffield

“It was a beautiful goal,” he said after the game. “The ball came to my foot, the left one, and I did not think twice about kicking it.

“The last few days of working is paying off. I feel good, but myself and the team are still not 100% yet.”

Everton’s triumph means Juventus’ Guinness International Champions Cup experience will continue in Los Angeles against the losers of tomorrow’s clash between L.A. Galaxy and Real Madrid.

EVERTON defeated Juventus 6-5 on penalties in their opening match of the International Champions Cup in San Francisco.

Kevin Mirallas opened the scoring for Everton just past the hour mark, with a spectacular individual goal.

Just as the Toffees looked set to claim a valuable scalp, Kwadwo Asamoah equalised for the Italian champions ten minutes from time.

The match went straight to penalties, with the biggest

surprise of the match coming when Andrea Pirlo missed a chance to hand Juve the win from the spot.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard then saved Federico Peluso’s spot kick to hand Roberto Martinez’s side a 6-5 win.

Everton will now face the winner of Thursday’s match between Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy in the second round of the pre-season tournament.

...As Everton Down Juventus In Cup Winner

Laudrup Ready For ‘Special’ Europa Campaign

MICHAEL Laudrup is confident his Swansea side can overcome any ring-rustiness when they begin a “special” Europa League campaign against Malmo on Thursday night.

GHANAIAN international, Kwadwo Asamoah, says he is happy with his goal against Everton but that neither he nor Juventus are at full strength.

The Bianconeri were defeated 6-5 on penalties in the opening match of the Guiness International Champions Cup following a 1-1 draw against the Toffees after 90 minutes.

Asamoah scored a magnificent strike to cancel out Kevin Mirallas’ effort and he said it was a strike he didn’t hesitate in hitting.

United’s Bramall Lane on August 13.

“There is an opportunity while the recruitment process goes on for me to work with this squad for this fixture, and it is something I very much wanted to do,” Hodgson told the Football Association website.

“Following the tournament in the summer, a number of players are now too old for the age group, so we will look at a new batch and I’m keen to work closely on the training field with them for the few days before the game at Bramall Lane.

“I watch the Under-21 fixtures and I was in Israel for the tournament but, as a coach, nothing can beat the training field and the team hotel for getting to know players properly.

In a World Cup year, it makes absolute sense while there is the chance to do it.”

The senior England and Scotland sides are to meet at Wembley on August 14.

European Cup finalists in 1979, also have the advantage of being 17 games into their Allsvenskan campaign which started in April and sit second in the table, while Swansea are still rounding off their Premier League preparations.

But Laudrup is confident his side have the quality and the fitness to handle the visitors, but has stressed the importance of not conceding on home soil.

Kalou Reveals Drogba’s MLS DIDIER Drogba is hopeful there would be an Ambition work of finishing his professional amazing experience. I think career in the United States, according to former team-mate Salomon Kalou.

Kalou told Goal.com that his international compatriot is keen to move to the MLS, with the Los Angeles Galaxy looming as a possible destination.

Drogba has another 12 months remaining on his

contract with Turkish side Galatasaray, with his future beyond next season unclear, although Kalou insists the MLS is one of the 35-year-old’s biggest ambitions at present.

“He loves America, he always goes there for holidays and it’s a place he always enjoys,” Kalou told Goal. “For him to

Council Protect Old Trafford TRAFFORD Council has granted a request by Manchester United Supporters Trust to ‘protect’ Old Trafford in case it is ever put up for sale.

Now labelled an ‘Asset Of Community Value’, Old Trafford, should it be ever sold

by United’s owners, the Glazer family, can be bought by the Trust.

Trust chief executive officer Duncan Drasdo hailed the decision as a victory for the club’s fans.

“While we appreciate the owners have no current plans to move or sell Old Trafford, this is a decision that helps to protect fans’ interests in the long term, as no one knows

what the future holds,” Drasdo told the BBC. However, United, which opposed the Trust’s application, was concerned the council “could set a precedent” with its decision.

“Old Trafford is, of course, a special place; it is the heart and soul of the club,” a club statement read.

“We do have concerns that the legislation is not being applied correctly which could set a precedent throughout the country.

“Therefore, we have asked the council to follow the statutory review process to ensure the legislation is being applied as intended.”

that’s his goal and that’s where he wants to finish [his career].

“He hasn’t told me directly, but he has told me that finishing in New York or LA would be amazing experience. I know that’s in his mind right now. He would love to finish there.

“Didier is the type of guy who never goes to a place without making an impact. For him, going to MLS is a great thing because MLS is developing as a football league. I think having Didier in that league would give it an extra boost and continue to help the league develop.”

Kalou has been linked with a move to West Ham, with recent reports suggesting the London club have agreed a deal with Lille to lure him back to the Premier League.

But the winger remained coy on reports suggesting he is ready to leave France.

“Well right now, I haven’t really talked about it, I’m working hard on my preseason,” he added. “I’m trying to get myself ready for the season. I still have a contract with Lille.

“The most important thing is to stay focused and I think the club will decide in the right moment and I’ll decide at the right moment.”

THE NIGERIAN

30

Dzeko’s Renewed Confidence EDIN Dzeko described his brace against Milan as ‘amazing’ and says he is playing with more self-belief after Manuel Pellegrini gave him the vote of confidence.

The Bosnian striker was often used as a substitute under Roberto Mancini but has since been confirmed as the club’s first choice ahead of the new season.

Dzeko responded by scoring four goals in the last three games for City, which included two

Pellegrini Blasts Defensive Lapse MANUEL Pellegrini is refusing to get carried away by reaching the final of the Audi Cup, voicing his disappointment in his side’s defensive lapses.

Despite City’s 5-3 win over Milan in the Audi Cup on Wednesday evening, the Chilean was disappointed at the way his team allowed Milan back into the match.

The Citizens were 5-0 up and cruising after just 36 minutes, but three goals in ten minutes by the Rossoneri ensured they were able to restore the slightest amount of pride.

And despite the win, the new boss was left demanding higher defensive standards when his side gets their Premier League campaign underway.

“It’s not normal that we can be beating Milan 5-0 after 30 minutes,” he said.

“But I didn’t like the last 15 minutes of the first half because I thought we relaxed before the end of the game and in football you can’t do that.

“It’s better that this happens now though rather than in the Premier League so we can sort out these things before it starts.”

City take on Bayern Munich in the final of the competition on Thursday evening after the European champions dispatched Sao Paulo 2-0 immediately after City’s win.

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

goals in City’s 5-3 mauling of Italian giants Milan.

“It was an amazing game in the first half-hour when we scored five goals. The last 15 minutes in the first half, I don’t know what happened, we lost concentration and it can’t happen again,” he told the club’s site.

“I feel different, better. I just feel that I have more confidence and that the manager gives me more confidence and that is an important thing.”

The Bosnian said that Pellegrini’s praise for him had given him a boost, adding: “I feel different because someone who is important has trust in you and that is good.”

Fenerbache Claim Late Equaliser A last-gasp penalty from Cristian earned Fenerbahce a precious away goal as they drew 1-1 with Salzburg in the opening leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie.

It was a bitter blow for the hosts, who had thought a 69th-minute goal from Brazilian striker Alan would be enough to secure a narrow advantage ahead of the return match in Turkey next week.

However, his compatriot Cristian was successful from the spot in the sixth minute

draw at home by Legia Warsaw. Daniel Chima gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men the lead on the half hour but that was cancelled out after 68 minutes by Vladimir Dvalishvili. Molde then had to see out the last 16 minutes a man down after Fredrik Gulbrandsen was shown a second yellow card.

The match between APOEL Nicosia and Maribor also finished 1-1, with Esmael Goncalves giving the home side a 22nd-minute lead and Marcos Tavares grabbing what could be an important away goal for the Slovenians after 64 minutes.

‘Neymar Will Make Messi Better’

Omar Gonzalex (left) of the MLS All-Stars and Roma’s Junior Tallo during the MLS All Star game.

Lewandowski ‘Cheated’ By Dortmund ROBERT Lewandowski has launched a fresh attack on Borussia Dortmund’s management team, claiming he has been treated unfairly over his desire to join Bayern Munich.

The striker ’s attempts to negotiate a move to Bayern Munich this summer have failed so far, with Dortmund informing him he is required to see out the remaining year of his contract before leaving on a free transfer next summer.

Lewandowski was named in the Dortmund side which ran

out 4-2 winners against Bayern in the German Super Cup leading to hope that speculation about his future would stop.

But Lewandowski, who scored four goals against Real Madrid in a Champions League semi-final game last season, has told Polish papers FAKT and Rzeczpospolita he feels “a bit cheated” by their conduct.

Lewandowski claims he was offered some +6 million plus bonuses if he was to see out his

Madrid Confirm Gareth Bale Talks REAL Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that his club have opened talks with Tottenham over a potential world record transfer of Gareth Bale.

The most talked about transfer of this summer may well be edging towards a conclusion after Ancelotti told reporters in Los Angeles that negotiations over a deal which would see the 24-year-old move to the Bernabeu are underway.

“It is difficult to talk about Bale because at the moment he is not a Real Madrid player, but I believe the club is in talks to find a solution and we will see

of stoppage time after Andreas Ulmer was penalised for a handball in the area.

Celtic managed to hold on to a 1-0 lead in the first leg of their fixture with Swedish champions Elfsborg. Kris Commons’ header after 76 minutes separated the two

sides at Parkhead, with the Scottish side aiming to defend that in Scandinavia next Wednesday.

Ludogorets Razgrad will take a 2-1 advantage to Serbia for the second leg of their tie with Partizan Belgrade. The Bulgarians trailed to a Saso Markovic goal four minutes into the second half, but hit back with strikes from Marcelinho and Mihail Aleksandrov. Any hopes of a late equaliser for Partizan were ended with the dismissal of Milos Jojic five minutes from time.

Norwegian champions Molde were held to a 1-1

what happens,” stated Ancelotti.

“I am not used to talking about players who are not in my team and it would not be right to do so.”

Bale is widely reported to have re-confirmed his desire to join Real Madrid in meetings at Tottenham’s Enfield training base on Tuesday, with the momentum gathering towards what may soon become his inevitable transfer to the Spanish capital.

Some reports in recent days have suggested that Tottenham

are seeking to re-sign Croatian Luka Modric as part of the Bale deal, but Ancelotti was quick to banish those notions when pressed by reporters.

“It is not true that Modric is going,” he stated. “He is a very important player for us and he will be here this season.”

The latest reports from Spain suggest a straight cash offer and not a deal that includes the likes of Angel Di Maria and Fabio Coentrao is being proposed by Real Madrid, with the momentum behind their push for Bale apparently giving them a breakthrough at last.

contract, but that pay rise never materialised.

“This is a little bit strange, not so German” Lewandowski is quoted as saying in TZ. “We are acting normally, and Borussia’s management is not.”

However, as ESPN reported in June, it is believed that Lewandowski and his agents have actively turned down a pay rise likely to be in the region of +6 million.

“I always give it my all,” Lewandowski said. “That they keep me is not fair.”

On Saturday, during the game against Bayern Lewandowski was a constant threat, although he did not score.

“The Super Cup against Bayern was only the beginning of the season,” the Poland international said. “I don’t know, if the situation will fail to leave a mark on me. It’s in my subconscious and there will come a time when I will be in a bad mood before the game.”

Lewandowski reportedly earns +1.8 million, a salary negotiated for his first Dortmund contract, a four-year deal signed upon making the switch from Polish side Lech Poznan in 2010. Talks about a new contract at Dortmund never advanced far enough for a new deal to be agreed.

BARCELONA midfielder Xavi believes the arrival of Brazilian Neymar will help Lionel Messi make even more of an impact for the Spanish champions.

Neymar made his debut for Barca in the 2-2 draw with Polish side Lechia Gdansk on Tuesday, although he was unable to play alongside Messi after the Argentine was substituted.

Doubts were raised over the ability of the Brazil international to play alongside Messi, but Xavi insists the two will only get better by playing together.

“Neymar is destined to make the difference,” he said.

“He’s got lightning pace and scores goals. Having Leo, Neymar and all the other players is sure to help us each improve on an individual

Lionel Messi

level.

“Great players bring out the best in each other. I’m certain Neymar will be better alongside Leo and Leo will be better alongside Neymar.

We’ll try to help him adapt, make him happy and get the best out of him to play like he has done for Brazil.”

Xavi also commented on the future of Manchester United target Cesc Fabregas, insisting his team-mate is committed to Barcelona.

“He’s quite relaxed,” Xavi said. “He’s under contract and everything else is speculation. He’s working with the group and is up to speed and very motivated.

“They’re just rumours.

We’ll see what happens, but he’s relaxed and ready for the coming season with Barcelona.”

THE NIGERIAN

31 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Championship

2015 Special Olympics

Coach Hails Atheletes’ Performance

Nigeria To Feature In Seven Events THE Lagos State Committee for Special Olympics said on Wednesday that Nigeria would feature in seven of the 26 events at the 2015 Special Olympics, scheduled for Los Angeles, U.S. Olawunmi Makinde, the coordinator of the committee, told newsmen on telephone that the events were athletics, basketball, table tennis, swimming, badminton, soccer and cycling.

Makinde, who said the committee had begun preparation to ensure a successful outing at the Games, noted that early preparation would guarantee winning more medals at the competition.

The coordinator said part of the preparations for the international competition was the regional competition for special athletes held in May in Ogun.

She added that the forthcoming national games for special athletes scheduled for 2014 in Lagos would also serve as preparation ahead of the competition.

“The Games will further expose the athletes to intensive training and rigorous exercises to equip them with the skills needed to excel at the competitions.

“I can truly say that special athletes from schools in Lagos would be among the few that will make the national team because of their commitment to training,” she said.

Makinde said that the Games will be a celebration of talents, perseverance and achievements of those with intellectual disabilities.

She added that it would also further the global mission of Special Olympics.

• Sani Ndanusa, President, NOC

AFN Invites 42 Athletes Ahead Continental Champ

THE Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has invited no fewer than 42 athletes and 12 officials to camp head of the 11th Africa Junior Championship scheduled for Mauritius.

The Technical Director of AFN, Omatseye Nesiama, told newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday that the athletes would report to camp in Sapele, Delta, on Aug. 5.

The tournament was initially scheduled to hold in South Africa from June 26 to June 30.

However, due to a dispute between South Africa’s Olympic Association and its

2013 Fed Cup: Holders Heartland

HOLDERS Heartland have been dethroned as Nigeria FA Cup holders after they lost 5-4 on penalties to Akwa United on Wednesday.

Heartland have won the 2011 and 2012 Federation Cup, but their reign finally came to an end against Akwa United after full time scores stood at 1-1.

Osas Okoro’s penalty was saved by Akwa United goalkeeper.

In another quarterfinal cup tie, Warri Wolves shocked Kano Pillars 3-0 at Township Stadium in Ilorin.

Musa Najere scored a brace in

Toppled

eighth and 20th minutes before Super Eagles forward Etebor Oghenekaro made it 3-0 in favour of the Warri team in the 39th minute.

Pillars hope of a league and cup double have been dashed by this defeat.

Pillars media officer Idris Malikawa told MTNFootball.com the team were shocked by the score line, but will go back to face the league squarely.

“We played below expectation. The officiating was

Ghana’s CHAN Squad To GHANA’S home-based national team will play Libya in Play Libya an international friendly next week to prepare for the 2014 African Nations Championship.

The Local Black Stars qualified to the third edition of the championship without kicking a ball after their opponents Benin withdrew from the qualifiers.

The Ghana Football Association wants to keep the team busy and ready for a third successive appearance in the tournament.

But the venue and date are yet

to be confirmed by the two associations.

The team last played a competitive match early June when they hosted Ivory Coast in a two-legged friendly at the Baba Yara and Len Clay Stadia.

Libya also gained automatic qualification to the finals from the North Zone after Algeria withdrew.

Ghana failed to progress from the Group stage at the last tournament hosted by Sudan in 2011.

superb. It was a shock. We will now go back home to concentrate on the league,” Malikawa told MTNFootball.com Enyimba pipped hard-fighting Nasarawa United 1-0 to reach the last four of the cup competition.

Bobby Sokari’s second-half goal was all the Aba landlords needed to beat the Lafia boys.

Ibrahim Ibrahim of Nasarawa United was given the marching orders after a second bookable offence few minutes after Enyimba’s goal.

Chimezie Amanfor told MTNFootball.com that it was a sweet victory.

“It was a great game and good result. It was a tough game, but thank God we won at last.

Nasarawa are a good side,” Amanfor said.

Nasarawa striker Victor Namo told MTNFootball.com that they were unlucky to lose.

“We gave the game all we could, we dominated the first half but couldn’t score. It was a balanced game,” Namo said.

Lobi Stars stayed on course for a second straight qualification to the cup final after they beat giant killers Akwa Starlets 2-1.

Athletics Federation, the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) withdrew the hosting right.

The championship would now hold from Aug. 29 to Sept.

1 in Mauritius, an Indian Ocean Island.

Nesiama also said that the athletes would have to report with their international passports and adhere strictly to the camp rules.

He said that training in the camp would help to put the athletes in good shape ahead of the continental junior meet.

“I am appealing to athletes who have been called to camp to ensure maximum unity and listen to their coaches’ instructions,’’ he added.

The invited athletes for the men’s 100m event are: Harry Chukwudike, Anthony Egode, Mamus Emoobunovie, Victor Ikhazoboh, Ini-Oluwa Victor and Divine Oduduru.

Also in the team are: Briggs Tamunotonye and Akerele Omeiza for the 200m event, while Oshasha Samson, Ottah

Ugochukwu, Akerele Omeiza, Ebelebe Charles, Adeniji Ademola and Japhet Samuel are for the 400m event.

Agboola Daniel will feature in the 800m, while Ifeanyi Atuma and Bashiru Abdullahi are to participate in the110m event.

Thaddeus Okpara will participate in high jump, while Fabian Edoki will feature in triple jump.

Athletes for the long jump are Okulaja Babajide and Joseph Edafiadhe. Ituah Enahoro will feature in the Octathlon event.

In the women’s 100m category are: Peace Uko, Deborah Odeyemi, Mariam Bassey and Nkem Ezialah.

The women for the 400m event are: Rita Ossai, Ekanem Comfort, Ada Benjamin, Uwakwe Nkeiruka, Abike Egbeniyi, Edidiong Ofonime and Alakija Denni.

Abike Egbeniyi is also for the 800m event, while Aminat Olowoora will feature in the 1500m event.

THE second tier of the Nigeria National League(NNL) will resume week 29 matches on Aug. 3 at the various centres, says the Chairman of NNL, Mr Emeka Inyama.

Inyama said this on Wednesday while speaking to newsmen in Abuja.

The week 29 matches were postponed for two weeks for Nigeria Football Association Organising and Disciplinary (O and D) Committee to dispense

outstanding cases.

Inyama said that NNL had 13 cases with the O and D Committee with two outstanding matches before the close of the season which had been dispensed.

“Our league is restarting this Saturday; week 29 matches will be played.

“We have two outstanding matches before the close of the season but we had to suspend the league a little bit.

THE Ondo State Wrestling Association on Wednesday commended its athletes for coming third in the championships at the July 24 to July 27 Chief E.K Clark Wrestling Championships in Warri, Delta.

27 states participated in the competition with Ondo State emerging the overall third best with 3 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.

Coach Purity Akuh of the association told newsmen in Akure that the outcome of the competition has put the state in the third position, when it comes to wrestling in the country.

“At least we tried: with our performance in the competition and we still remain third in the country, when it comes to wrestling.

“I am satisfied with the performance of my athletes.

Some of them that won medals in the championship featured for the first time in any national competition,’’ he said.

According to the coach, Odunayo Adeporoye, a bronze medallist at the last Commonwealth Games in 2010 in Delhi, India won gold in the 51kg freestyle category at the championship.

The coach, a member of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, added that the current African number two wrestler, Aminat Adeniyi, won gold in the 59kg event at the competition.

“Some of the new talents, Bisola Makanjuola, won gold in the 55 kg category, while Bose Samuel; a secondary school student, won silver in the 48 kg category.

“In the male events, John Emmanuel, won silver in the freestyle event, while Tayo Emmanuel won two bronze medals in the freestyle and Greco-Roman events,’’ Akuh added.

Lade Olanrewaju, the Secretary of the association, also told NAN that the state’s wrestlers were able to achieve much at the competition due to the association’s grassroots development programmes.

She added that the association would not relent in its effort to become the number one wrestling state in the country.

NNL Resumes League Aug 3 “This is because we had 13 matters with Organising/ Disciplinary Committee which has been dispensed.’’

The chairman said that the three appeals were left with the committee and decisions would be taken before the close of today.

“If there is any matter after this, we will take it into the midweek before the final matches,’’ he said.

CMYK

THE NIGERIAN

32

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 2, 2013

The Sour Taste Of Discrimination

WHY can’t we all be living happily together? The first thought about this often makes us want to blame the politicians or government. It is this common way of thinking that makes us reason less about certain things we are doing to ourselves which are even more harmful to us as humans.

Walking amongst a crowd of poverty-stricken Nigerians in a busy place, one often thinks most of the persons are deprived of a better life because of bad governance.

But if individually these persons were asked to say something about their true enemies, you would be told of a situation, somebody or some persons who or which has nothing to do with governance. These revelations are considered as private matters that are rarely brought to the public as the main cause of our unhappiness. They are the primary matters that lodge in our minds and prevent us from experiencing happiness in spite of all the good things a government may provide for its citizens. They are the harmful things which the best roads, gainful employment, constant electricity, adequate water supply, reliable healthcare, and qualitative education cannot wipe away its sad feelings.

I am not here talking about actions of witchcraft, some evil spirits or persons. I am talking about those things we take for granted and never realise what everlasting pains we bring to others except that we are happy at the end because our wishes are realised.

In our daily experience of these situations, I think it is worthy to narrate one of such as I desire to make us fully realise how our reasoning has completely failed to capture what happens to others when we manage our lives based on the things we consider as ‘proper’.

At 59 with a good paying job and not married, Osagie’s lifestyle which still portrayed

him as a fun-seeker chasing after young bed-hopping ladies had reached a point of making his mother a very sad woman.

Living with a broken-heart about an only child for that long a time, it was therefore considered a very cheering news and great relief when Osagie eventually called his mother, who was living far away in Edo state, to break the news about the person he has found most suitable for himself in marriage. And from that moment, his mother swept the young Ada into her care in spite of not having set eyes on her.

Ada understood most young lady’s fancy of wanting to roam their affection from one man to another especially in a high social environment as Abuja, but somehow she craved for a life to love somebody who would equally love her in return. Despite this, Ada was not one that could be considered desperate to jump into any serious relationship or marriage with disregard for caution. Having recorded some disappointments from previous relationships, she blamed no one but her extremely simple and trusting personality, which she considered was due to her immature mind, and quickly managed to heal her heart with the distasteful but necessary understanding that disappointments from humans were essential aspects of everybody’s life.

Believing that Osagie’s different cultural background might become a major obstacle to their marriage, she privately nursed the apprehension of their relationship ending up as another disappointment. But as long as it lasted, she was going to make the best of it.

And indeed, the relationship looked good enough to earn her devotion and appreciation when Osagie used every day and every moment to create magical sweet feelings in her memory, which his mother

surpassed with unexplainable care for her and their welfare.

Christmas time provided the first holiday Osagie was to take Ada home to physically meet his mother.

Ada got very uncomfortable about how she would measure up to his mother’s love with a matching good

character.

As they drove away from their two-bed room apartment in Abuja, Ada cast her eyes on their residence thinking quietly that the outcome of her journey to Benin would determine if she would later consider the residence as a reminder of her journey through another

character. She knew that her suitor, Osagie had told his people a lot of good things about her. She understood that like most young ladies on a first visit to their suitor’s parents, she was going to face the strong test of where best to stay between a-wellacted-pretence and being frank by keeping with her true

wasteful love’s mission or a reminder of her journey to love’s fulfilment.

However, Ada never realised her hope for a relief from any of the fears she entertained.

Her disappointment came from not what she or anybody else would have expected. Ada lost out because Osagie’s

By KINGSLEY OGBEIDE-IHAMA mother considered her as a physically short lady, and could not imagine her grand children looking as short as their mother, Ada. From that moment

Osagie’s mother expressed her disapproval of Ada’s physical height, Osagie who knows how strong his mother is about seeing her opinions true, understood he was going to live the rest of his life a disappointed man because he would never disobey his mother who was bent on terminating their relationship,

and more painfully as he also appreciate how difficult it will be for him to stop loving Ada. This may appear to you as just another love story, but we would better appreciate it as a peephole into a world of a vast number of people who are living their lives bruised with the sadness caused them by others: Stories of parents who are having their way in spite of the unquantifiable pains caused the children.

Ada would never believe she was at any time considered as the best for Osagie, only to be disqualified on account of her height; if all discerning know her powerlessness of altering. How would the world expect Ada not to see Benin people through her sad relationship with Osagie’s mother? Very likely, she would tell her fellow Abia state indigenes of her ordeal, and they would patriotically line behind her to hate other Benin people for maltreating one of their own. This sadness and hatred would keep growing until Ada’s descendants will consider it a taboo to have anything doing with Osagie’s descendants. These are typical of the situations that frame our interpersonal relationships and create a sad mold of our general lives which the best government in any part of the world would be unable to correct.

“Walking amongst a crowd of poverty-stricken Nigerians in a busy place, one often thinks most of the persons are deprived of a better life because of bad governance. But if individually these persons were asked to say something about their true enemies, you would be told of a situation, somebody or some persons who or which has nothing to do with governance.”

Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor:- BARR. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN - (07030699646), Marketing Manager (08023457566), Advertisement Manager (08023808856) Lagos Office: 3/4 Amode Close, Kudirat Abiola Way, By Olushonsun Bus Stop, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631.