Nigerian observer 06 09 2013 by Nigerian Observer

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 NO.305 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2 013 • N 100.00

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HEALTH Page 22 Addressing problem of Skin Cancer

Land speculators: Community

IZAKAGBO – The Elders and Youths of Izakagbo Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have raised alarm over attempts by some persons in some farm

raises alarm

settlements under the community to sell its land without the consent of the community heads. The community spoke

with newsmen through their leaders, including the Odionwere Pa. Igbinosun Ughihen, the General Secretary, Joseph Oviaseri, Youth

Secretary, Ernest Imalele and they all disclosed that some unscrupulous persons from Ekole, Agava, Iguosagie and Agolotan farm settlements have

Continues on page 2

Edo requests .5m oil palm seedlings ... from FG By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI

INTERNATIONAL FEATURES

Page 25 US resolution on Syria strike passes first hurdle

BENIN CITY- Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh has appealed to the Federal Government to consider the allocation of 500,000 improved tenera oil palm seedling to farmers in the state out of the four million raised for distribution to Nigerian farmers. The commissioner palm needs. made the appeal in Benin He said the state had City when he received the played host to some team leader of the oil investors after the first palm value chain, Federal ever AGRO-Business Ministry of Agriculture summit held in Edo and Rural Development, State last year. Dr. Dickson Okolo who According to him, plans was in Benin City for the are already at the stage preparatory meeting for of signing a the 2013 Special Oil Palm Memorandum of Growth Enhancement understanding (MoU) support (GES) roll out. with the investors, Commissioner Oroh saying the state is a who reiterated Edo State destination to Nigeria’s government commitment future economy. to the GES programme, The commissioner expressed government’s expressed optimism that aspiration to produce 25 about 200,000 hectres percent of Nigeria oil of oil palm which would

culminate in enormous employment generation would be cultivated in few years time. He commended the Ministry of Agriculture,

Dr. Adesina Akinwumi for his inspirational leadership in transforming the nation’s agriculture sector and

the organizational structure of GES which he said was already yielding positive results. While appealing to the

federal government to give farmers free imputs instead of at the subsidized rate, commissioner Oroh also Continues on page 2

ASUU misleading Nigerians By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA The Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, yesterday, acused members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of misleading the students and Nigerians on what the Federal Government has done since negotiations began. Speaking at the Government House in Makurdi, when he played host to National Union of Benue State Student (NUBESS), the governor stated that the Federal Government has acceded to all the demands of ASUU. He advised them to go back to the classes for the sake of Nigerian youths. “The federal government has done a lot and I think ASUU should also sacrifice and shift ground as the whole negotiation is becoming political.”

- Suswam

Suswam, who is leading the federal government negotiation team with ASUU revealed that the sum of N 100 billion has already been distributed for infrastructural development and N30 billion for earned allowances” According to the governor, the criteria for distribution of funds was adopted with ASUU representatives and stated that all projects are to be executed by the universities and their councils. He further revealed that the earned allowance is for only

federal universities and as such, state universities have no business going on strike. He said Benue State University lecturers have been paid their earned allowance.

FORUM: L-R: President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs. Laide Osijo, Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel and President, Chatered Institute of Insurance of Nigeria, Mr. Fatai Lawal, at the 2013 Professional Forum of the Institute in Ibadan yesterday.

PDP leaders in war of words By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - Factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday beckoned on break away Atiku Abubakar-led faction of the party, to return to the fold or risk missing it the train.

. Anenih cautions Tukur, Baraje

In a remark at the opening ceremony of a seminar organised for PDP Youths and Women in Abuja, Tukur likened the situation in the party to a family with a rebellious prodigal son. “ I know that what is

going on is of concern but it is what can happen in a family. There may be crisis and disagreement but all should be resolved within the house and not outside. We can tell the prodigal sons that they can go

yesterday, the president of the Association, Maina Basiru, said the Governor was one

person the Association has come to recognize for his excellent performance. According to him “during our last National Continues on page 2

Oshiomhole gets award of excellence BENIN CITYGovernor Adams Oshiomhome of Edo State has been conferred with the Icon of Excellence Award and Grand Patron of

the Nigerian Medical Students Association. Presenting the award in Government House

and come back; yes, we will tell them you have to retrace your steps and join the PDP if you don’t, the PDP train will move without you”, he noted. Earlier in her remark, the party’s National Women leader, Kema Chikwe, noted that the “PDP has done so much and has provided ladder for many people, so the party deserves to be appreciated”. She also observed that the party was facing difficult times because of “morbid quest for power by unreasonable

members of the party” To this end, she urged party members to remain on the side of the Tukurled PDP pointing out that that was the right way to go. Meanwhile, other factional chairman of ruling Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje yesterday declared that the new PDP has briefed their lawyers to press a contempt charge against Alhaji Bamanga Tukur for flouting orders of a Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

News

Community raises alarm

Continued from page 1 concluded arrangements to sell lands which belong to the community to unsuspecting buyers. The Odionwere said it was sad that the same people the community leased out land for farming purpose have now turned around trying to sell a large parcel of the land to companies without his notice or any of the community leaders. While giving the history of Izakagbo, which he said has 21 farm settlements, Pa. Igbinosun stated that all the settlements acquired the land for farming through the community. He wondered

why the people of the farm settlements who are predominantly non indigenes can think of selling what they do not have. As the custodian of the farm settlements, he said he has repeatedly summoned the heads of the affected farm settlements to his palace but they have all refused to come, arrangement has been concluded to sell the land which does not belong to them. While calling on the local and state governments and the palace of the Oba of Benin to as a matter of urgency call these persons to order, he warned unsuspecting buyers

not to deal with any other persons apart from the community head, saying that anyone who does so is at his/ her own risk. Also speaking, some of the community leaders who were angry said the four farm settlements that were involved in the illegal arrangement were not even from the community or the state but people who came from the neighbouring states. According to Mr. Joseph Oviaseri, “these people are not from Benin or from Edo State, they came to farm here and our fathers magnanimously gave out the land to them for farming, they

Edo requests .5m oil palm seedlings

Continued from page 1

appealed to the National Assembly to ensure the prohibition of importation of farm produce. On his part, the team leader of the oil palm value chain said the meeting was to finalise arrangement for the distribution of improved farm imputs to 30,000 oil palm farmers under the GES. While acknowledging the support and the interest shown by oil palm value chain and other areas of agriculture he cited the urgent provision of land by the state government for agricultural activities in the state. Dr. Okolo maintained that not all

participating will be able to roll-out this year as it would depend on availability of matured improved oil palm seeding that will be distributed to farmers. On her part Permanent Secretary ministry of agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote disclosed that the main objectives of the value

PDP leaders in war of words

Continued from page 1

Lagos High Court which asked both sides to maintain status quo pending resolution of the case before it, on who should lead the party. A statement issued by the

Oshiomhole gets award of excellence Continued from page 1

Executive Meeting, names were mentioned, individuals were mentioned that should be the Icon of the year, your name was one of those mentioned. “We set up a fact finding committee of the Nigeria Medical Students Association to go round and check what those Governors and individuals have to offer, After three months they came up with a results which showed that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is the winner of the Nigerian Medical Students Association Icon of the year”. He disclosed that this is the first time that the association is giving awards to politicians, adding that “as students we have continued to regard you as a Comrade and not a politician”. “You are someone on a rescue mission. Before the coming of Adams Oshiomhole we know the condition of Edo State. But today, Edo State has become a role model, not only to Nigerians but to other African countries. Today, people can come to Edo state and do business”, he noted. Mr. Basiru said: “We believe Nigeria needs people like you. Our country is on the cross roads. The news about Nigeria is not so cheering. There is a lot of division, a lot of favoritism and this country is more divided than before and we believe that as we approach 2015, men of good will like yourself, the messiah that this country needs should also push yourself forward to rescue this nation. “I want to say without fear of contradiction that you are

chain are to increase the yield and productivity of organized and unorganized plantings, improve upon the processing activities so as to produce quality crude oil and vegetable oil products, arouse greater interest and concern for engagement in competitive market activities as well as create opportunities for employment.

invited their brothers and their family and before long, they became a community, but now they want to sell the land that were leased out to them to farm without the knowledge of the owners.” Ernest Imalele, the Youth Secretary who spoke on behalf of the youths in the community, said they were amazed at the turn of event, warning that any person or companies who do business with the four farm settlements would have himself to blame. He said the youths of the community would not fold their hands and allow strangers to sell their inheritance saying that they are ready to fight for what belong to them, adding that they decided to go to press in order to warn intending buyers of the dangers of doing business with such unscrupulous persons. Mr. Imalele used the medium to call on the authorities concerned to intervene to avoid any brake down of law and order as the community has remained peaceful for years.

one person out of the political class in Nigeria, that is being described as a detribalized person. Everyone in Nigeria today says you are the leader of this country. Before now everybody thinks government is about sharing money but today we know that issue of political god fatherism is a thing of the past”. Responding, Comrade Oshiomhole thanked the Nigerian Medical Students Association for the honour done him as a result of the evaluation of his stewardship. Oshiomhole said “I am convinced that Nigeria has the potentials. I believe it is time to do those things we did not do in the past to ensure that the potentials become a reality and that we stop agonizing and start organizing and mobilizing our people to stand up and be counted as part of the forces of change in order to build a country that young people like you would be proud of and you will carry the national passport with every sense of pride and responsibility”. Oshiomhole advised them to refuse to give up on Nigeria, adding “you cannot have another country where you can stay with our visa, where you will not be treated as a tenant or a visitor. The challenges we face are many. Like I have argued somewhere, I believe that our country is still much more than the sum total of all those challenges. What is required is for us to recognize that each of us can make a difference”.

National Secretary of the the PDP under Baraje, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, condemned the press conference addressed by Tukur in Abuja on wednesday where he threatened to sack members of the National Assembly who have declared support for the Baraje faction and arrest its officers. “ We have asked our lawyers to press contempt charges against Tukur because his statement was made in clear contempt of the orders of Lagos High Court which three days ago asked both sides to maintain the status quo. We will ask the court to commit him to jail for his disdain for the law and the judicial system. We have always been saying it that Tukur represents everything that must not be seen in a democratic organisation. His statement demonstrates not just impunity but also lawlessness and gross ignorance of the tenets of the law and democratic ethics. Tukur displayed his disdain for law and order with his threat to order the arrest of law abiding persons in a democracy. We ask what powers he has under our laws to make that statement and what gave him the impression that Nigeria has become a police state where impunity reigns and citizens can be arrested at the whim of any power drunk tzar. Fortunately, our country is a democracy under the rule of law and not under the rule of man. The police and our other security agencies cannot be used to further such agenda as being nurtured in the dictatorial mind of Tukur. Again, we believe only an ignorant person would threaten to sack elected Senators and Representatives for staying on the side of truth, justice and fairness. Tukur needs be reminded that members of the National Assembly were elected by the people of Nigeria and are not his appointees who he could dismiss like the minions in his private residence. He called the Alhaji Barajeled leadership of our party impostors and we ask him if he does not know that the

endorsement of our cause by elected representatives of our people across all tiers of government has vindicated our position that what we represent in the party today is what the people want. We challenge him to call out those who are with him in his clear journey to perdition even as we add that Tukur should come to terms with the reality of the end of his reign of terror, impunity, dictatorship and lawlessness in our party. On our part, we assert our commitment to the consolidation of democracy, peace, love, unity, people centred development and above all, the rule of law in our march towards progress and development. More importantly, we assure our teeming associates and well wishers that we shall conduct our party’s business with patriotism, resourcefulness, truth, justice and fair play as demanded of a political Organisation with a vision and mission”, the statement read. Also yesterday, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Tony Anenih, has cautioned the party’s leaders against making inflammatory statements that are capable of undermining the ongoing reconciliation efforts of the elders. In a statement entitled: “A Call for Caution” yesterday, Anenih said that making preemptive statements amid reconciliation process was disrespectful to President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP leadership at whose instance the reconciliation efforts are being made. “Following the walk-out staged by some aggrieved members of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the special Convention of 31st August, 2013, there have been genuine efforts by the leadership of the party, including the President himself, to reach out and reconcile with the aggrieved members, using the numerous mechanisms for conflict resolution that exist in the party. A series of meetings have been held and more are scheduled to hold in the next few days.

Ihonvbere blames conflicts on absence of good governance By QUEENNETH A. OROBEDO BENIN CITY- Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere said the lack of good governance, accountability, credibility and integrity create the foundation for conflicts. He stated this yesterday in Government House when he received a delegation of peace studies and conflict Resolution students of the National open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Benin Study Centre, who came on a courtesy visit. Stressing on the need to develop strategies to deal with conflicts and nip them in the bud, the SSG remarked that bad governance and mismanagement of resources which translate into abject poverty for the greater populace, are ripe agents for challenging a harmonious society and creating

peacelessness. Sighting the recent cases of crisis across the country, he reaffirmed that those who propagate ethnicity are lazy minded and shortsighted, adding that unless people rise beyond primordial sentiment, there can be no progress. Against this backdrop, Prof. Ihonvbere posited that exchange of ideas and information, re-education as well as taking peace studies to the foundation will help in promoting peace. Leader of peace studies and conflict Resolution students, NOUN, Comrade Valentine Egharevba said their goal is to promote the culture of peace through education. He equally sued for government’s support towards celebrating the event to mark the World Peace Day.

BENIN CITY – A three day pre – effectiveness workshop organized by the Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Results, (SEEFOR) Project has ended with a call by the commissioner for Budget, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Lawrence Aghedo for the successful implementation of the components of the project. The workshop was divided into training, project management and a study tour of the work environment of PRESCO Oil PLC. Hon. Aghedo who explained that the workshop became necessary to prepare all concerned with the implementation of the project, stressed that the present administration needed all to work seriously for the success of its development plans for the state. He urged participants to pay attention to the lectures and learn lessons from the facilitators that would be valuable in the implementation of the SEEFOR Project. He added that it was an opportunity to develop themselves for the future. In his welcome address, the Project Coordinator of Edo SEEFOR Project, Mr. Taiwo Akerele commended all Key and Focal Officers who have worked tirelessly with him in the last 24 months to meet all prior actions which enabled the SEEFOR Project to be declared effective in four states. According to him, the IDA has since written to the state government to commend the proactiveness of the Edo team.

that the implementation arrangement of the SEEFOR Project involved different Ministries and Agencies of Government hence the need for the Workshop on Project Management to expose the participants to their individual and collective roles on the project. Mr. Akerele also explained that the Youth Employment Component of the SEEFOR Project was not to provide employment for graduates, HND and ND holders, Masters degrees holders and Engineers, maintaining that it was specifically designed for the vulnerable group and socially disadvantaged persons including orphans, widows, primary School Certificate holders who are looking for opportunity to save money for further education and small business. The SEEFOR team also visited PRESCO PLC on a study tour as part of the preeffectiveness training to see operations in the Agro-Allied Company as well as seek synergy between the SEEFOR Project and PRESCO under its Public Private partnership arrangement. Some participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity, adding that they have gained knowledge in planning, budgeting, proper management of resources, team building, technical knowledge as well as positive stakeholder’s engagement, communication among others.

Commissisoner calls for implementation of SEEFOR projects Mr. Akerele explained

Edo NYSC gets new director By OGUNYEMI ADEBAYO

BENIN CITY- Mr. Olarewayi Ologun has assumed office as the new coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), Edo State. He takes over from Barrister Somefun Adebayo who has been in the state since June 2011. In his maiden meeting with some corps members in the state at the Oredo NYSC

Zonal Office, Benin City, Mr. Ologun promised to sustain the good relationship established by his predecessor with both Corps members and NYSC staff. In his valedictory speech, Barrister Adebayo thanked NYSC staff and corps members for creating the needed environment for him to operate and urged them to extend the gesture to his successor.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Inside Edo Accident Victim Appeals sustained a fracture For Aid 1996 in his left thigh bone By JOEL CHUWUAGHOBNIM

Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, Deputy Governor of Edo State addressing the audience and participants at a meeting organised by Edo SEEFOR in Benin City. With him is Princess (Mrs) Ekiuwa Inneh, Edo State Head of Service. Photo: MOSES OBOH

IGBANKE – Mr. Onyeagwalbe I. Stephen, of Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, has made a passionate appeal to spiritual individuals, philanthropists and government officials for aid. According to Onyeagwalbe in a statement made available

to The Nigerian OBSERVER, the aid is to assist him in paying his house rent and feed his family, which he could not longer perform as a result of the injuries he sustained in a motor accident in January 2012, by an unidentified – but and run Peugeot 504 saloon car. Mr. Onyeagwalbe who lost his teaching job in

region during the accident. Before Mr. Onyeagwalbe sustaining the injury, said he was engaged in farming which he could no longer perform as a result of the fracture he sustained during the accident. Mr. Onyeagwalbe is married with four children.

provide critical infrastructure to the people of the state. Chairman of the occasion, Rtd. Col. Samuel Ehigiamusoe Omozusi said the forum was timely because it will give the people the needed confidence to confront public office holders with questions on how they are being governed. He urged citizens to be alive to their rights as it is the

primary responsibility of government to cater for its citizens. The Director for Community Development in the Ministry, Ambassador Femi Okuo said the purpose of the forum was to ensure that the people are carried along on governance in order to reduce corruption in all levels of government, especially at the local level.

Citizens Rights: Commissioner Commends Group Over Sensitisation

BENIN CITY – The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Edo State, Mr. Louis Odion has commended Reclaim Niaja and Community Life, project, a Non – Governmental Organization for its effort towards sensitizing the public on citizenship rights. Mr. Odion made the commendation in Benin City while declaring open a one day forum on, “citizens participation in Local

Government” organized by Reclaim Naija and Community Life Project. The commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Dakpokpo said citizens have a right to demand for information on how they are being governed as enshrined in the Freedom of Information Act. He stressed that, while appreciating government actions, criticisms should be

based on facts and not wrong premise. According to him, Governor Adams Oshiomhole operates an open door policy hence all shades of opinion gets to the governor in order to draw his attention to areas requiring improvement. Calling on individuals to appraise their actions and effect necessary changes, Mr.

Odion noted that if Nigeria must change for the better, the change has to come from everyone. With the positive change, he said the country will be better for the citizens. The commissioner called on members of the public to support the state government developmental agenda so that it can continue to

Group Urges LG Boss To Focus On By INNOCENT Socio-Economic Devt OMOAKA

AFUZE – The Ao – Aye Elite Club of Ikhin, Benin City has called on the Chairman of Owan East Local Government Cou ncil and Councillors representing various wards in the area to focus on the socio-economic development of the council. This was contained in an address by the president of the Elite Club, Akin Akhidelor during the club visit to the Chairman of Owan East Local Government Area and made available to The Nigerian OBSERVER. Akhidelor charged the Chairman of the Council to pay greater attention to the provision of boreholes, school facilities, loan assistance to farmers and traders and the reintroduction of Sanitary Health Workers (Wole –

Wole) to inspect towns and villages regularly so as to improve the environment health conditions of the people. He identify the need for road maintenance which would also provide employment opportunities to some of the youths of the council who could not further their education beyond reasonable levels. He suggest he called for attention be giving to vocational artisanship through setting up of trade and workshops for training the academic advantaged youths in conjunction with the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) in tailoring, bricklaying, carpentry, as well as in electrical and electronic engineering. Furthermore, he urged the council chairman to promote sporting events and facilities in all the

Primary and Secondary Schools in various communities of the Local Government Area, which the club believes would contribute to sporting activities at the state and national level. However, the club lauded the efforts of the council chairman for the recent construction of a classroom block in Ekpenga Primary School, Ikhin.

Lady Omorede Osifo, Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Edo State and her Secondary, Technical and Tertiary Education counterpart, Barrister Washington Osifo at a ceremony in Benin City. Photo: MOSES OBOH

Kidnap Of Ozekhome: Etsako East LG Boss Visits Okumagbe of Weppa Wanno

AGENEBODE – The Chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua has paid a visit to Dr. George Oshiapi Eghabor, JP (OON) The Omoaze I, the Okumagbe of Weppa – Wanno Kingdom following the kidnapping of Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN). The Chairman who commended the Okumagbe for being so close to his people, described Chief

Ozekhome as an illustrious son of Etsako East that has attained a national figure because of his identity with the masses. Calling for continued prayers, and the unconditional release of Chief Ozekhome, the council chairman advised the Okumagbe to use his exalted position to ensure that all is well. Responding, the Okumagbe said that they are

doing everything possible to ensure the release of Chief Ozekhome whom he described as a man that has touched the life of not only the people of his kingdom but the entire nation and therefore called for his unconditional release. In a related development, Hon. Afegbua also visited the family of the Ozekhome in Iviukwe to show solidarity with them.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Pius Ozekhome thanked the council chairman whom he described as a man with a large heart for identifying with the Ozekhome family saying that God is in control of the situation. The chairman was accompanied by the secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Bendicta Attoh and other top council officials.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

News Fulani Leader Urges Kinsmen To Join APC BABBANGIDA (YOBE) Alhaji Baba Galadima, a Fulani cultural leader in Yobe, has asked nomads in the state to suspend grazing activities and register with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Galadima said their membership of the party would make them relevant in the politics of the state. He gave the advice in Babbangida, headquarters of Tarmuwa Local Government Area, at a reception for the newlyappointed council Chairman, Alhaji Samaila Mai-Adamu. The leader explained that “we have to abandon all grazing activities as soon as registration of membership for the new party commences. “It is only when you are a registered party member that you can participate in party primaries and other political activities of the ruling party. “We can not afford to part

ways with the ruling party if we must benefit from democracy dividends.” Yobe is governed by the ANPP one of the political parties that came together to form the APC. The chairman commended officials and supporters of the defunct ANPP for their massive support for the merger into the APC.

“The new APC will provide equal opportunities for all members and a true sense of belonging to members of the merging parties,” he assured. He said “there is a great hope for politicians to actualise their political dreams and for Nigerians to realise their aspirations in the APC.”

President Goodluck Jonathan (5th - R); Vice-President Namadi Sambo (5th - L); Secretary to the Government of The Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (4th - L); Head of Service, Alhaji Goni Aji (4th - R) and members of the National Assembly Service Commission, after their inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday.

Association Tasks PHCN On Effective Service Delivery LAGOS - The Nigerian Institution of Electrical Electronics Engineers (NIEEE) has advised newly engaged power investors not to subject customers to yearly increase in electricity tariff. Mr. Adekunle Makinde, the President of the association, gave this advised in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. Makinde urged the investors to develop greater collaboration among

consumers, industry experts and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to resolve issues negating effective service delivery. He suggested that once a pre-paid metre had been sold and installed for customers, payment of fixed charges should be abolished. “If I use my money to buy metre, someone should not tell me that the metre is not my property or I should pay for fixed charges when nothing happens to the metre. “With the new investors Nigerians are expecting

efficient power system because no development can take place without stable power. “It is expected that there will be challenges but it will be better than where we are coming from; monopoly is bad in any system. “Once power goes into private hands, the new investors know that they can be sued and this will make them to do better,” he added. The NIEEE chief stressed that ‘minor’ reviews could be conducted yearly, but that they should not result in unnecessary price increases. “Instead, the reviews should actually lead to a reduction in

tariff,” Makinde said. He described the Multi Year Tariff Year Order (MYTO) as a methodology to ensure that consumers had access to adequate and reliable electricity. “One of major challenges of providing adequate electricity is the huge technical loss associated with the radial nature of our transmission network and the lopsided location of power plants,” he said. He expressed optimism that that the new Distribution Companies (DISCOs) would address such technical challenge. Makinde said that

efficiency in the power sector would depend a lot on all players adhering to the right principles, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which is still under government ownership. He said that new investors should be able to promote customer services and boost power supply to reduce unemployment. He noted that in some instance customers were asked to pay for transformers which was wrong, adding that in telecommunications, service providers would not ask subscribers to pay for base stations.

Health Workers Strike

Union Optimistic FG’ll Implement LAGOS - Mr. Stephen Ibe, Agreement The demands include the Chairman, Medical and retirement age and

Members of the National Assembly Service Commission taking their oath of office before President Goodluck Jonathan during their inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday

Health Workers Union in Lagos State, has expressed optimism that the Federal Government would implement its agreement with the union. Ibe told newsmen in Lagos that the union was hopeful of the government’s readiness to honour the agreement. “The officials, who negotiated on behalf of the government with the union, would have submitted their report to the Presidency as at Tuesday.

“We are hopeful that the government will not renege on its agreement with us,’’ he said. Health workers in federal teaching hospitals and medical centres across the country had on August. 28 suspended their one week strike after a negotiation between them and the government. The workers, under the aegis of Joint Health Staff Union (JOHESU), had on August. 21 embarked on the strike to press home their demands.

evaluation analysis and contribution by Nigerians,’’ he added. He said that people should downplay issues of politics and learn to dwell more on governance, to develop the country. He said Nigerians had the responsibility of followership and should be willing to make contributions for national development. The minister said there was a need for improvement and to

enhance direction of dialogue for stability. He called on politicians and individuals to aid the transformation agenda of the president for the development of the country. Stakeholders in different sectors of the economy scored the current administration high in the just- concluded stakeholders’ conversation. The mid-term report was organised by NOA in Abuja.

Minister Tasks Nigerians On Development ABUJA - Chief Edem Duke, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, has charged Nigerians to embrace issues that would aid national development and public interest. The minister gave the charge in an interview with newsmens in Abuja. He said the country had regained prominence and eminence in the comity of nations in the last two years, attributing it to President Goodluck Jonathan’s

transformation agenda. “There is a new lease of life in the economy and self esteem for Nigeria and the challenge now is for us to put politics aside and face development,’’ he said. The minister said the essence of the grassroots stakeholders’ platform was to brainstorm over the mid-term reports and its various segments to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora. He said the meeting was to analyse issues, to afford individuals the opportunity of a

greater insight to current trend of events in the country. “We come to a round table with the different stakeholders in Nigeria to table the mid-term report, evaluate, contribute and give suggestions. “It is a bold initiative not only by NOA, but President, who had the audacity to have Nigerians call him; that is a sign of competence and confidence. “This system is bringing governance to the door step of the people, opening it up for

reconstitution of boards of federal teaching hospitals in compliance with Sections 2 (1), (c) and 2 (1), (f) of the University Teaching Hospitals Act. Others are implementation of 2008 job evaluation report and the raising of the bar for health workers’ promotion from CON-HESS 14 to 15. Ibe, however, lauded the Federal Government for its prompt intervention to prevent a prolonged strike. “Strikes and negotiations are necessary in employeremployee relationship which I believe will help to move the country forward. “We are in a democracy and everybody is entitled to fight for his or her right. We believe all will be well,’’ he told newsmen. The government’s negotiation team headed by the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, had on September. 2 submitted its report to President Goodluck Jonathan.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

South-West Internal Security

Man, 32, Arraigned For ABUJA - The Police Theft have arraigned Linus

Army Trains Personnel OKITIPUPA (ONDO STATE) - The Nigeria Army has commenced a five-day security field training for troops in the 19 Battalion, Niquora Barracks, Okitipupa, Ondo State. Reports say that the exercise tagged, “Crocodile Jaw,” would end on Friday. Lt.-Col. Frank Etim, the Commanding Officer, 19th Battalion, Okitipupa, disclosed this to journalists today in Okitipupa. Etim said that the training would focus on conduct of internal security operations. He said the Nigeria Security and Defence Corps, Department of State Security Services, Nigeria Police, FRSC and other security agencies in the area were involved in the training. “It involves new methods of containing contemporary challenges. “It is also meant to enhance the level of cooperation and coordination between Nigerian troops and other security agencies,” Etim said.

Mr. Augustine Aghariaha, Head, Pre-Press (right) presenting a gift to Mrs. Philomina Iyekekpolor on behalf of Staff of the Section, while Mrs. P. Edokpayi (middle), Mrs. Ekos Osiloya and Mr. Francis Odupute watch with admiration during a send-forth party organised in honour of Mrs. Iyekekpolor who retired recently from the BNCL. Photo: TESSY EDIJALA.

Auyah, 32, of Mashafa, Mpapa, Abuja, in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court for stealing Christmas nursery plants. The police prosecutor, Cpl. Emmanuel Adikwu, told the court that Ahmed Isa of Agwamada Kwata Suleja, Niger State, reported the matter at Maitama Police Station. Adikwu said the Christmas nursery plant was kept at a spot along IBB Boulevard , Maitama, Abuja. He said during investigations, eight pieces of the said plant were

Osun To Attain Self -Sufficiency

OSOGBO - The Director of Fishery, Osun Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Olubukola Awoyemi, has said the state would be selfsufficient in fish production in the next three years. Awoyemi told newsmen in Osogbo that government had embarked on a revolution in aquaculture with three schemes funded by it. “The schemes include the ‘commercial cage culture’, which is to promote the production of tilapia in cages, and the establishment of fish farm estates in each of the three senatorial districts. “The third scheme is the Osun fisheries’ out-grower production scheme, which is already established in each of the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state,’’ he said. The director said the schemes

were being executed in partnership with PEGAGRO Farms, adding that government had released N217 million so far for the project. Awoyemi said 462 people participated in the first stage of the fish production programme which ended in July, adding that the second stage would kick off in September. He disclosed that government had a projection of 800,000

In Fish Production

kilogrammes of fish for consumption by the people of the state. “We will graduate to the stage of exporting fish in five years’ time,’’ the director said. He said fish harvested in the first stage were already being served to elementary school pupils in the state.

The director said 5,000 tonnes of catfish was projected for by the government under the fish farm estate project. Awoyemi added that farm estates under the project were established at Esa-Odo in Obokun LGA, Owala-Igbokiti in Olorunda LGA and Akinleye in Iwo LGA.

recovered from the accused. Auyah, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. His defence counsel, Mr. Goodwill Chukwudi, prayed the court to grant his client bail on liberal term. Chukwudi said his client would not jump bail and would provide reasonable sureties that would take him on bail. He added that Section 36 of the Nigeria Constitution declares an accused innocent until proven otherwise, and urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of his client. The magistrate, Mrs. Chinyere Nwecheonwu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N20, 000 with a surety in like sum. Nwecheonwu said the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and submit a passportsized photograph to the court’s registrar. She adjourned the case to September. 9 for hearing.

GES: Farmers Laud FG OSOGBO - Farmers in Osun have lauded the Federal Government’s initiative to enhance farming through the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme in the country. Mr Olakunle Emilagba, a mechanised farmer at Ede, told newsmen that the programme was a worthwhile exercise that needed to be sustained. According to him,’’ the integral factor for human survival is food; without food, human race will be vulnerable to extinction hence, the need to ensure adequate supply of food at all time. ‘’It is indeed obvious that the only means of getting food supply is by toiling the soil, which can be done in different ways, ranging from subsistence to mechanised method. ‘’Over the time, it has been discovered that the subsistence system of farming is limited in scope. “It lacks the capacity to provide food for the teeming population, which makes the mechanised system inevitable. ‘’The mechanised system

has yielded tremendous results in the developed economies of the world as a result of good agricultural policies of the government which give room for growth. ‘’It is not the same story in this part of the world, but the present administration is giving us hope through the GES. The GES is meant to help farmers to grow and have access to farm inputs,’’ he said.

Mrs. Philomina Iyekekpolor (arrowed) and her son (right) in a group photograph with some staff of BNCL during a send-forth party organised in her honour, following her retirement from service.

Rural Posting Condition For Promotion In Civil Service - Aregbesola

ILA-ORANGUN (OSUN) - Governor. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has said civil servants on Grade Level 12 must go for rural posting as a prerequisite for further promotion. Aregbesola said this at an interactive session with members of the public and a town hall feedback programme tagged, ‘Gbangba dekun’’ at Ila-

Orangun. According to the governor, government workers on grade level 12 and above must go for rural posting before further promotion. “Such government worker must have such rural posting experience for a minimum of three years. “As incentive, such worker will enjoy 25 per cent of his

basic salary as rural posting allowance,’’ Aregbesola said. He said that the policy was to ensure that rural postings became attractive with its attendant positive effect on rural communities. The governor promised to extend a state road project from Ikirun that stopped at Iresi junction, OtanAiyegbaju, to Ila-Orangun.

According to him, road is of utmost importance to this administration and it will not relent in making all roads in Osun passable. Reacting to a request for the re-constitution of the council of traditional rulers in Osun, Aregbesola said, ‘’it is in the pipeline’’. He gave the assurance that the government would

continue to accord respect to traditional rulers in the state. He also said that his administration was committed to promoting Yoruba culture, language and tradition. The governor said he was also putting finishing touches to a programme that would see to the empowerment and welfare of indigent widows.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

News

MTN Donates Security Vans To LASG

IKEJA - Mr. Michael Ikpoki, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), MTN Nigeria, said that the company would continue to support the Lagos State Government in providing security to its citizenry. Ikpoki said this while presenting 25 Hilux Patrol Vans to the state at the government secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

He said that the gesture was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to support security and development in the state. Reports say that the donation was made through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), established by the state government to seek alternative, private sector

funding for police operations. “We have been part of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, we have consistently contributed to it and what we are donating today is in line with our continued support for the fund. “We recognise that development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of

peace; and I just want to assure the state government on behalf on MTN that we will continue to support you in that regard, “ he said. Ikpoki said the state was MTN‘s key partner, noting that the company had also supported government in other sectors, including education and sports. He said that the company would strive to strengthen the

existing mutually-beneficial relationship and commended the government for providing the right operating environment. In his response, Governor. Raji Fashola commended the company for the donation, saying that it would go a long way in helping to promote the security of lives and property in the state.

Fashola said that investing in security was sensible, and pledged that government would continue to do its best to keep the state and its residents safe. The governor said the LSSTF was one of the strategies by the state government to adequately respond to security threats, through the provision of equipment and other capabilities to security agencies.

Be Sexually Active, Court Urges Spouse

The faciliators, Dr. Yinka David West of Lagos Business School and a cross section of participants at the recent workshop on Project Management held in Government House, Benin City.

LAGOS - A 30 years old woman, Mrs. Franca Emmanuel, has filed a divorce suit before a Grade A Customary Court, Ojo, Lagos, over sexual denial by her husband. The petitioner, who resides at the Ilogbo area of Ojo, Lagos, told the court that since her marriage to the respondent, Mr. Tony Emmanuel, 35, in 2009, she had practically begged him for sex. “Since my marriage in July 2009, I have never had good sexual relationship with my husband. “I cook good meals for him to make him happy and satisfy me, but sometimes, he neglects me as if I do not exist. “Am young and my marriage is still fresh with just one child,

L-R: Hon. Lawrence Aghedo, Edo State Commissioner for Budget, Planning and Economic Development and Mr. Taiwo Akerele, Edo SEEFOR Project Coordinator during the just concluded preeffectiveness workshop on Project Management by the Edo SEEFOR Project, held in Benin City.

so, I find this situation very unbearable,” she said. The respondent told the court that the allegations of his wife were not totally correct. He said that although he always had intercourse with his wife, his major problem was that his wife had huge sexual appetite. “Her allegations are not all correct. We regularly have sexual intercourse, but the truth is that my wife’s appetite for sex is high, and this frightens me. “Sometimes, I simply shy away from having sex with her because I fear the outcome,” he said. Emmanuel, however, told the court that he still loved his wife, and would not consent to a divorce. The President of the court, Mr. Bola Giwa, urged the parties to

House Wife Remanded For Murder LAGOS - An Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has remanded a 21-yearold housewife, Rebecca Bassey, in prison custody over alleged murder of a three -year-old girl. The Magistrate, Mr A.O. Akomolafe, remanded the accused, pending the outcome of an advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Prosecutor, Insp. Frank Inah, had told the court that the accused committed the crime on July 22 at about 4.00 p.m. at her residence. Bassey, of No.158, Power Line

Motorists Rush As Deadline Approaches

Drivers Licence: LAGOS - Motorists in Lagos have decried difficulties in obtaining the new driver ’s licence as they rush for the document to beat the expiry date of the old one. Reports say that the old licence will expire on September. 30, according to the issuer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). This official processing fee is N6, 350. The FRSC requires fresh applicants to go through an approved driving school to acquire a learner’s permit and driving certificate before obtaining the licence. Both fresh and old applicants are required to go for biometrics before obtaining the licence.

Four weeks to the deadline, many applicants in Lagos daily besiege the FRSC office at Ojodu-Berger - the major processing centre. Many applicants who spoke to newsmen said that the process was cumbersome and processing slow. A civil servant, Mr. Ambrose Nnaemeka, told newsmen that he had been processing the licence since March and had yet to be invited for the data capture. “I filled my form online, paid the recommended fee through a bank. I concluded my

examination since March but have yet to go for data capture, which was scheduled for May 3 and repeatedly postponed. “I cannot lose my job by seeking permission from my office always to go for data capture. “There is always the problem of system collapse, which no one can help,” Nnaemeka said. Another applicant, Mrs. Evelyn Agunbiade, told newsmen that fresh applicants encountered more delays. “As a new applicant, I have done all l needed to do but have

yet to go for data capture. It is frustrating,” she said. Mr. Tolagbe Adeyinka, said he decided to go to Ogun for the document because of the delay in Lagos State. “I should have processed my licence in Lagos since I work here but because of the difficulty, I had to go to Ogun, and in less than three months l collected my driver’s licence,” Adeyinka said. Mr. Nseobong Akpabio, who was FRSC Lagos State Sector Commander until last week, told newsmen that there were five

return home and settle their differences amicably. He said that divorce was not the best option. “Your wife said she cooks good meals for you sometimes with her money, and you have not denied it. “She also said that on several occasions, you kissed and hugged her for doing a nice cooking. “So, while you enjoy the meals she prepares for you, it is also important you provide her with her own “food”, to keep your marriage in good shape. “I urge both of you to return home, and resolve your differences amicably, then you report back to this court,” Giwa said. He adjourned the case to October 8 for report of possible settlement.

processing centres in Lagos for prompt service. Akpabio said that, although there were backlogs of applications, the corps was working hard to process them in order to accept new applications. “At times, we experience collapse of our system due to the number of people we attend to daily, but our engineers respond to the situation. “We advise applicants to go to centres closer to them to ease the current jam at Ojodu-Berger. All the centres are the same,” he said.

St. Ijaye, Ojokoro, Lagos is facing a one-count charge of murder. Inah said that the father of the dead girl had accommodation problem and handed two of his children, including the deceased to his younger brother Mr. Vincent Bassey, who is the husband of the suspect. ‘’The deceased took ill, vomiting and defecating on herself, the mess irritated the accused and she beat her up. In the process of the beating, the deceased hit her head on a chair and started bleeding in the nose. ‘’The child was immediately rushed to a nearby general hospital and was later transferred to LUTH where she was confirmed dead on July 23. ‘’One Mrs Kudirat Ogunseye, a woman leader at Jankara area of Ijaiye Ojokoro, reported the case to the police and the accused was arrested,’’ Inah stated. The prosecutor said that the offence contravened section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. The Defence Counsel, Mr. Olabisi Coalhole, pleaded with the court to grant bail to the accused, arguing that it was a case of domestic accident and not murder as presented by the prosecutor. No plea was taken and the magistrate adjourned the case till October 2 for mention.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Across The Nation LG Autonomy Will Enhance Grassroots Development - NULGE

Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGO) appealing for the release of Barr. Mike Ozekhome unhurt, in Benin City on Wednesday. PHOTO BY CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

ABAKALIKI - Ebonyi chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has said that the proposed autonomy for the local government councils would enhance grassroots development. Mr Leonard Nkah, Chairman of the chapter, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abakaliki. According to him, full political and financial autonomy for the 774 councils nationwide will also engender rapid infrastructure, political, economic, social and human development of the country. He said that the councils, under the 1979 Constitution, performed well in terms of

19 Injured As Police, Marshals Clash GOMBE - Nineteen Traffic Marshals, working for the Gombe State government on Tuesday sustained various degrees of injuries in clashes with a group of policemen in Gombe. Mr. Babaji Dunama, General Manager of the Gombe State Agency for Social Services and Other Related Matters, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Gombe, the state capital. He said that the clashes followed a disagreement between the police and the marshals at the Cross Roundabout in Gombe town. The marshals are youths, employed by the State Government to perform sundry duties such as assisting in controlling traffic and enforcing environmental sanitation laws. Dunama alleged that the marshals were attacked by the police while performing their duties. The general manager said that when he tried to ask the police to stop harassing the marshals, the policemen threatened him. He said that shortly after he left the place, the problem degenerated with the policemen

beating marshals on duty. Dunama said that after the incident at the roundabout, eight vehicles filled with police men went to his office at the Ministry of Youth and Poverty Alleviation and ransacked it while every marshal they saw there was beaten. He alleged that the Divisional

Police Officer (DPO) of the Gombe Command, Mr. Baba Yola, led the policemen to commit the act. The general manager said that the DPO had been having problems with marshals, adding that his incessant harassment of the marshals was a threat to

peace in the state. He said that the 19 wounded marshals were arrested and taken to the police station. Dunama, however, said that after he reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kudu Nma, the marshals were released on bail. The Police Public Relations

Agency Spends N835m On 106 Projects MINNA - The Niger State Agency for Community Social Development Projects {CSDP} has expended N834.9 million on 106 micro-projects in 56 rural communities in the state. The General Manager of the agency, Malam Garba Baba, made the announcement at a news conference on the activities of the agency’s in Minna. He said that the agency had also disbursed N379.9 million as community grants in the past five years, with N222.4 million utilised on consultancy and training while N187.6 million was spent on running cost. The general manager said the agency spent N45.031 million on procurement of goods and

services to ensure that the agency met its goal and mandate. Baba said further that the State Government had paid N200 million as its counterpart funding while the International Donor Association provided N711.73 million as its counterpart funding. He said that participatory Local Government Councils in the state contributed N63.1 million while benefiting communities contributed N47.5 million toward successful execution of projects in their areas. Baba listed some of the executed projects as construction of 47 classrooms and provision of learning and

instructional materials to pupils. He said this had led to an increase in the enrolment of pupils in schools in benefiting communities. According to him, 85,000 people in 56 communities in the state now have access to improved social and natural resources. Baba said that the CSDP had also drilled 74 boreholes in communities 68 of which were manual and 16 motorised. He, however, pleaded with the State Government to release the outstanding N300 million due to the agency, saying that the agency’s inability to access the fund had been a major challenge to the implementation of projects.

Officer (PPRO) of the Gombe State Police Command, Mr. Fwaje Atajiri, said that two policemen from the Gombe Police Division were sent to invite some persons suspected of committing assault. According to the PPRO, when the policemen tried to invite one of the suspects, he refused and an argument ensued between the suspect and the policemen. He said it was later discovered that the suspect was a marshal but that he was not in uniform. Atajiri said that the clash could not have occurred if the police had known that the suspect was a marshal. The spokesman said that the marshal should have followed the policemen to the station to explain and identify himself since he was not in uniform. The PPRO denied allegations that policemen in eight vehicles went and beat many marshals in the Ministry of Youth and Poverty Alleviation. Atajiri said the police was a disciplined organisation and that investigation would be conducted and anyone found to have gone beyond the call of his duties would not be spared.

service delivery, adding that their impact was felt in virtually all areas of life in the grassroots. The unionist expressed concern that the erosion of values and lack of accountability had be-deviled the system under the 1999 Constitution. Nkah said that overbearing control of the councils by state governments had robbed them of their independence and rendered them ineffective. He described the state, local government joint account system as undemocratic and exploitation of the councils by the states. “It is painful and undemocratic that in a federal structure like ours, one tier of government will be exploiting the other while hiding under the constitution. “This is bad and unacceptable because this very arrangement has defeated the reason and essence of creating the local government as a third tier of government. “The people no longer have a direct say in who becomes their leaders and those who assume leadership are surrogates paying allegiance to their political masters. “We in NULGE are saying that there has to be a paradigm shift and that there should be full political and financial autonomy for the councils to enable the leadership to discharge the functions of their office effectively,’’ Nkah said. He said that those who opposed the guaranteeing of autonomy to the councils in the constitution amendment process hated democracy and the people. “Let me tell you, it is only those who hate this cherished democracy that are opposing the autonomy of the councils; they don’t have the interest of the people at heart. “Now, if you compare what is happening at the various local governments across the country with what it used to be under the 1979 Constitution, you will know exactly what I am saying. “So, no reasonable democrat will oppose the idea of full political and financial autonomy of the councils.’’

Group Urges G5 Governors To Sheath Swords PDP Crisis:

Cross section of CONGO during the rally on Wednesday.

SOKOTO - A Sokotobased group, Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) Youths Exponents, on Tuesday appealed to the G-5 PDP governors to sheath their swords. This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the group, Mr Hassan Dangaladima, in Sokoto. The group also urged the aggrieved governors and other members who might be bearing grudges against the party to channel their grievances through the proper medium.

Dangaladima advised that the constitution of the party be used to resolve the impasse. According to him, the youth of the nation are concerned about the situation in the country. He said that while it was no more news that the nation was faced with so many crises, “it will be inhuman for anybody to add to the crises”. The crises he added include, ASUU strike, the political crises in Anambra, Rivers and Taraba and insecurity.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Abuja Possession Of Indian Hemp:

Attempt To Cause Public Disturbance Court Jails 6 Men

5 Men Docked ABUJA - The police has arraigned five persons in an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly being in possession of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, aiding and abetting criminals. The five are Isah Abdullahi (30), Oscar Daniel (24), A.k Khama (27), Daniel Icheme (28) and Jenifer Aondafa (30), all of Lugbe Village, Abuja. The police prosecutor, Insp. Jeremiah Elijah, told the court that on Aug. 29, at about 5:20 a.m., a team of police detectives from the Lugbe Police Station arrested the accused persons. According to him, the team, led by Sgt. Haliru Hassan, stormed a hideout of criminals at Tudun Wada Village, Abuja, and arrested some of the accused persons. Hassan said others were arrested at a “Black spot’’ at Suka Kanta village, Lugbe. “The accused persons when caught were in possession of some quantity of substance suspected to be Indian hemp. “During police investigation, Isah and Kharma confessed to being sellers of the substance suspected to be Indian hemp,’’ Elijah told the court. The five accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. The senior magistrate, Mr. Mohammed Anka, granted each of them bail in the sum of N50, 000 and one reliable surety in like sum, who he said must reside within the jurisdiction of the court. Anka said that each surety must attach proof of house rent payment and a passport photograph to the bail bond and adjourned the case to Sept. 16 for hearing.

L - R: Minister of State for FCT Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Director General National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Mr. Emeka Mba and Secretary Mark Ojiah during the NBC management visit to the Minister recently.

ABUJA - An Abuja Grade 2 Area Court in Kado in the FCT sentenced six men to four months imprisonment each for joint act and attempt to disturb public peace. The convicts include Tanko Zubeiru, 27, Yusuf Isah, 30, Abubakar Sani, 22, and Abba Lawal, 24, all of Gwarimpa in Abuja. The rest are Nurudeen Abdulrasheed, 28, of Suleja in Niger, and Abdullahi Musa, 31, of Karimo Village in Abuja. The presiding officer, Mr.

L - R: Minister of State for FCT Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Director General National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Mr. Emeka Mba, Assistant Director Public Affairs Mrs Maimuna Jimada and Areh Patrick Director Marketing Services NBC during the NBC management visit to the Minister recently.

Ahmed Ado, who sentenced the convicts after they had pleaded guilty to the twocount charge however gave them an option of paying a fine of N4,000 each. Earlier, the police prosecutor, Sgt. Salihu Mohammed, had said the six men were arrested after SP Ishaya Usman reported the case to the Gwarimpa Police Station on August 27. Mohammed said Usman and his patrol team, who are attached to the Gwarimpa Police Station, had while on duty arrested and brought the convicts to the station. He said they were caught in a Toyota Carina E car with registration number FCT DJ 40 ABC. The prosecutor said the convicts had with them dangerous weapons and, when questioned by the superintendent, one of the convicts had said they were on a revenge mission. He said Usman quoted one of the convicts to have said: “We are on a revenge mission to attack a group of persons who attacked Tanko Zubeiru’’. Mohammed said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 95 and 113 of the Penal Code. The presiding officer, therefore, sentenced them to one month imprisonment or a fine of N1,000 each for the first-count charge of joint act. He also sentenced them to three months imprisonment or a fine of N3,000 each for the second-count charge of disturbance of public peace.

Border Communities Strategic To National Development - Agency

ABUJA - Mr. Numoipre Wills, the Executive Secretary of Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), says border communities are strategic to national development if legitimate business activities are encouraged in the areas. This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs. Atarhe Akpohwaye-Abuh, BCDA’s Head of Public Affairs, on Tuesday in Abuja. Wills pointed out that since the border communities were gateways to the country, they could become solid economic bases. “International border markets can thrive in these communities, where exchange of various goods and services can take place between Nigeria and other countries. “Examples are the proposed international market at Okerete in Oyo state, Banki and Maitagari in Borno, Imade Dura in Benue and Jibia in Katsina state. “When economic activities

thrive, they will promote the collection of various tariffs and smuggling will be reduced,’’ he said. Wills said such activities could make people in those areas to be gainfully employed and less prone to violent activities. “These economic activities have the potential to not only attract Foreign Direct Investment

Theft:

(FDI) to the country but can also stem the rural-urban drift of the populace, especially the youths,’’ he said. Wills disclosed that some of the steps needed to harness the potentials of border communities include the provision of social and economic infrastructure like schools, health and skill acquisition centres.

The BCDA executive secretary noted that people who live in border communities in the country were faced by challenges such as poverty, diseases, unemployment and violence. He said the communities lacked basic socio-economic infrastructure such as water, hospitals, schools, security posts,

et cetera. “With the vast arable land in those communities, the current tempo in the agricultural sector would not only be sustained but would be accelerated. “Farmers in the communities should be exposed to such things as micro-credit facilities and modern farming methods to encourage them. “Therefore, there should be collective efforts to develop border communities,’’ Wills said.

Alhassan Kusherki, passed the six months sentence on Lawal after he pleaded guilty to the two-count charge of Joint Act and Theft. He ordered the remand of Ibrahim who pleaded not guilty to the same offence. Before passing the judgment, Kusherki said:“I am totally disappointed at the rampant cases of theft of motorcycles

within the jurisdiction of this court. I think something has to be done so that we will make sure that this is stopped, and this can only be done if severe punishment is meted out to the perpetrators of such acts. “As such, even though you are a first offender, you will be punished accordingly”. The

accused person is hereby ordered to pay a fine of N20, 000 or go for six months’ imprisonment in default of payment. “As for you who pleaded not guilty, the case will be adjourned to the Sept. 25 for further mention and he should be remanded in prison until then,’’ Kusherki said.

Man Jailed 6 Months

ZUBA(FCT) - A Zuba Grade 1 Area Court in the FCT has sentenced Abubakar Lawal, 21, of Yimi-Abuja to six months in prison for stealing a Qlink motorcycle. The court also ordered Umar Ibrahim, 19, of the same address to be remanded in for allegedly committing the same crime. The presiding officer,

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Business + Economy No Farmer Can Survive With 22 Percent Interest Rate - Stakeholder ABUJA - The Chief Executive Officer, Psaltry International, Mrs. Yemisi Iranloye, has said that no farmer can survive with the 22 per cent interest rate commercial banks charge for agricultural lending. Iranloye stated this in Abuja during presidential dialogue at the ongoing 19th Economic Summit with the theme, “Growing Agriculture as a Business to Diversify Nigeria’s Economy”. “No farmer can survive with a 22 per cent interest rate; somehow, government should try and help us. “Government is doing a lot, we are beneficiaries of government’s incentives,’’ she said. Iranloye urged the government to help bring down the rate to between one and five per cent as a way of encouraging farmers. According to her, the best farmers are getting now is about nine per cent interest rate and only privileged farmers get it. She noted that almost all the peasant farmers were getting loans at 22 per cent interest rate, adding that commercial banks should be made to reduce their loan requirements. Iranloye also said that it would be impossible for farmers who

had no light in the rural areas to produce NEPA bill receipts to be able to open an account before accessing a loan. Former FAO Director General Jacques Diof said that leadership was the most important factor needed to grow the sector in Nigeria. He said that in countries like Malaysia, Brazil and India, their leaders took agriculture as the main priority, adding that it had helped to transform their economies. Diof commended the efforts of Federal government in implementing its Agricultural Transformation Agenda, and called for enhanced funding and use of improved seedlings in crop production.

The Chairperson, Women Development Programme (WDP), Owan West Local Government Council, Hon (Mrs) Ruth Aigbodion (Middle), Women Leader, Mrs Blacky Aikhoje (left) and the mother of the day Mrs Judith Iriajen at a lecture delivered during the opening ceremony of the seminar/workshop on etiquette and Women Empowerment Programme organised for women in the area.

Use ‘Cloud Computing’ System, Expert Advises Banks

ABUJA - A top Nigerian banker, Mr. Taiwo Longe, has said Nigerian organisations needed to pursue a ‘cloud computing’ strategy to become major players in the world’s economy. Longe, the Deputy Director, IT, Central Bank of Nigeria, said this at the 2013 Annual Luncheon and seminar of the Information Systems Audit and

Control Association (ISACA), Abuja chapter. He said cloud computing was the provisioning of access to computing resources across a private or public network. He added that such resources (hardware/software) were rapidly provided and could be scaled up or down on demand and with minimal input from the customer adding that it had a lot of benefits.

Effective Utilisation Of Fund

FG Lauds Textile Operators ABUJA - The Federal Government has commended operators in the textile industry for their effective utilisation of the Cotton Textile and Garment (CTG) fund for revival of the sector. Vice-President Namadi Sambo gave the commendation when he received some textile chief executives, led by Sen. Walid

Jibril, at the State House. According to him, government has keen interest in the growth of the textile industry because of its capacity to employ a large number of people, create wealth and improve the economy. Sambo noted the challenges facing the industry and enumerated the efforts government was making to

tackle them. The vice-president also noted the request of the operators for government’s assistance in securing textile loans with long tenor. He gave the assurance that the government would look into their request with a view to linking them with the relevant financial institutions that would assist in that direction.

Rubbles of a four storey building that collapsed at Obanye Street Onitsha on Wednesday

“It is cost savings; with traditional computing an organisation bears the cost of infrastructure, platform and software licenses and so on. “With cloud computing the organisation only pays for a portion of the resources it uses. “There is also the gain of rapid IT deployment; the traditional way of setting up new IT services is laden with delays in procurement, programming and so on.

“In cloud computing, a Service Provider readily provides desired service within relatively shorter time. “It is also flexible, for instance changing infrastructure or platform is often difficult in traditional computing; but cloud computing provides flexibility, enabling organisations to swap platforms or infrastructure with ease,’’ he said. Longe said that given the many benefits of cloud

computing, organisations should pursue that cloud computing strategy, but ensure to take some security measures. He said the government should adopt, as soon as possible, a new regulatory approach that recorgnised new context arising from the use of cloud computing and its impact on data security and personal data protection. He said there should also be provision for regular audits of security implementation by staff members of organisations using cloud computing.

Taxation Critical To Attainment Of Vision 20:2020 -FIRS LAGOS - Mr. Kabir Mashi, the Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), has said that taxation was critical to the attainment of the Vision 20:2020. Mashi said this at the Bafinex Expo Week Seminar in Lagos. He noted that there were calls for Nigeria’s to reduce reliance on crude oil for revenue, saying that taxation was a reliable and sustainable revenue source that would guarantee meaningful economy growth. He urged the Federal Government to build Nigerians’ confidence in the nation’s tax system. “The basic canons of a good tax system which includes certainty, flexibility, impartiality and fiscal adequacy must be visible. “There should be a customerfocused service delivery to endear tax payers to the tax system. “There should also be a

sustained multimedia campaign that will project taxation as an instrument for national development and not servitude,” he said. Mr. Gimba Ya’ukumo, the Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), said at the fair that the

bank had projected to provide four million houses for workers in the next 10 years. Ya’ukumo said that FMBN had disbursed about N28.5 billion as loans for estate development and construction in the last 32 months in an effort to achieve the target.

NACCIMA Predicts Increase Trade Between Nigeria, Turkey LAGOS - The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) says the trade volume between Nigeria and Turkey will improve tremendously by 2015. Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar, the National President of NACCIMA, disclosed this at the opening of a three-day exhibition of products from the two countries on Tuesday in Lagos.

Reports say that the exhibition, organised by Meridyen International, had ended yesterday, September 5. Abubakar said that the aim of the exhibition was to increase the volume of trade between Nigeria and Turkey to 500 million dollars (N75 billion) annually by 2015. He said that the projected trade volume was feasible due to the understanding between the two countries.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(05/09/13) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MULTIVERSE

0.5

600

300

7UP

18,970

1,237,422.13

NAHCO

6.22

6.26

0.04

777,349

4,847,233.23

ABCTRANS

0.82

82,058

67,629.21

NASCON

11.15

11.3

0.15

455,153

5,142,832.72

ACADEMY

1.9

5,840

10,044.80

161.29

164

2.71

237

2,962,461

484,341,006.08

ACCESS

10.36

10.4

0.04

234

6,197,697

64,353,550.63

NCR

16.83

303

AFRIPRUD

1.84

201,822

370,873.82

NEIMETH

1.11

1.14

0.03

146,008

165,532.88

AGLEVENT

1.55

65,610

97,195.50

NEM

0.7

2,178,873

1,514,169.03

AIICO

0.79

0.8

0.01

4,289,613

3,486,097.30

NESF

552.2

5,000

2,700,000.00

AIRSERVICE

3.1

3.4

0.3

121,424

406,536.16

NESTLE

935

124

248,615

232,374,947.79

ARBICO

5.05

75,000

378,750.00

NIG-GERMAN

7.36

600

3,978.00

ASHAKACEM

20.3

0.7

266,459

5,508,095.50

NIGERINS

0.5

9,975

4,987.50

BERGER

8.7

10,365

87,183.50

NIGROPES

7.85

1,200

8,484.00

BETAGLAS

13.18

11.87

-1.31

58,138

690,136.46

NNFM

28.49

12,500

345,000.00

BOCGAS

6.5

16,397

95,922.45

NPFMCRFBK

0.74

0.72

-0.02

148,025

107,188.00

CADBURY

49.02

49.06

0.04

570,548

28,049,744.60

OANDO

11.7

11.61

-0.09

185

2,227,338

25,977,517.16

CAP

43.68

35,139

1,431,044.48

OASISINS

0.5

2,000

1,000.00

CAPHOTEL

4.55

143.5

OKOMUOIL

46.07

-0.07

2,448,001

112,824,189.38

CCNN

8.62

63,522

550,673.08

PAINTCOM

2.13

43,200

90,605.00

CHAMPION

15.33

57,060

843,784.15

PHARMDEKO

1.85

8,976

15,885.60

CONOIL

28.8

17,664

496,563.50

PORTPAINT

5.01

4.51

-0.5

622,126

2,842,091.00

CONTINSURE

1.22

649,810

792,418.20

PREMPAINTS

10.93

1,040

10,233.60

CORNERST

0.5

45,980

22,994.00

PRESCO

34,804

1,262,591.98

COSTAIN

1.21

234,237

280,904.92

PRESTIGE

0.54

0.52

-0.02

135,000

70,716.00

COURTVILLE

0.68

0.64

-0.04

359,000

231,933.00

41.99

42.3

0.31

110

562,514

23,635,841.84

CUSTODYINS

1.51

64,500

96,308.70

REDSTAREX

1,575,800

6,306,280.00

CUTIX

1.75

39,999

70,164.91

RESORTSAL

0.5

301,000

150,500.00 500,996.35

DANGCEM

190

194

1,492,263

295,248,130.03

ROYALEX

0.56

0.55

-0.01

902,137

DANGFLOUR

9.01

665,979

6,001,162.44

RTBRISCOE

1.38

79,684

109,462.08

5.32

500

2,395.00

DANGSUGAR

10.6

100

1,428,861

15,128,231.44

SCOA

DIAMONDBNK

6.18

6.28

0.1

1,325,714

8,273,824.46

SKYEBANK

4.04

4.2

0.16

119

3,920,229

16,093,343.26

DNMEYER

1.88

570,914

1,073,243.45

SKYESHELT

100

11,500

1,150,000.00

DUNLOP

0.5

84,000

42,000.00

SOVRENINS

0.5

4,500

2,250.00

EKOCORP

4.32

1,887

7,340.43

STANBIC

18.07

18.04

-0.03

760,258

13,648,898.19

EQUITYASUR

0.5

100,000

50,000.00

STERLNBANK

2.4

2.42

0.02

1,028,462

2,484,091.76

ETERNA

2.75

0.25

1,222,401

3,414,872.99

TANTALIZER

0.5

200

100

ETI

14.36

14.26

-0.1

112

4,470,627

63,897,502.12

THOMASWY

0.73

900

594

282

TOTAL

157.9

1,597

244,004.86

ETRANZACT

3.13

100

EVANSMED

3.13

3.44

0.31

213,583

658,632.46

TOURIST

4.08

358

1,357.44

FBNH

15.25

15.3

0.05

605

26,633,992

407,317,952.45

TRANSCORP

1.28

1.4

0.12

180

40,564,457

56,151,512.00

FCMB

3.9

3.99

0.09

4,106,561

16,310,733.45

TRANSEXPR

1,131,526

1,126,222.76

FIDELITYBK

2.75

7,699,299

21,070,813.66

TRIPPLEG

2.29

266

550.62

FIDSON

2.01

-0.01

807,078

1,631,001.15

UAC-PROP

16.18

54,400

825,436.25 53,722,617.54

FLOURMILL

83.78

468,469

38,686,702.81

UACN

950,059

35.7

237,850

8,406,543.26

UBA

7.5

290

10,177,677

76,443,305.90

1.28

1.32

0.04

4,948,637

6,339,309.24

FORTISMFB

6.6

6,000

37,410.00

UBCAP

GLAXOSMITH

63.45

65.3

1.85

276,684

17,827,090.90

UBN

10.8

10.99

0.19

106

883,202

9,548,481.97

GUARANTY

25.1

24.85

-0.25

336

29,699,564

739,483,257.36

UHOMREIT

1,500.00 1,316.50

GUINEAINS

0.5

8,180

4,090.00

UNIC

0.5

2,633

GUINNESS

250

247

-3

269,512

66,368,276.26

UNILEVER

61.05

-1.05

1,485,158

89,096,530.21

HONYFLOUR

2.96

3.07

0.11

588,139

1,778,891.59

UNIONDAC

0.5

500

250

IHS

2.33

2.56

0.23

2,982,000

7,123,280.00

UNITYBNK

0.51

3,455,797

1,775,456.21

IKEJAHOTEL

0.8

0.82

0.02

200,480

161,379.20

UNIVINSURE

0.5

1,000,000

500,000.00

119,147

2,454,429.11

UPL

3.71

3.95

0.24

80,000

310,820.00

INTBREW

21.49

INTENEGINS

0.93

0.92

-0.01

644,562

564,551.60

UTC

0.65

56,192

36,702.22

IPWA

0.69

0.75

0.06

402,983

302,187.76

VITAFOAM

4.41

67,829

271,308.00 267,682.98

JAPAULOIL

0.5

2,373,498

1,187,214.88

VONO

1.16

1.27

0.11

210,774

JBERGER

74.71

71.5

-3.21

217,370

15,530,303.96

WAPCO

92.5

0.5

5,748,737

528,970,752.17

JOHNHOLT

1.26

72,040

83,044.73

WAPIC

1.05

1.04

-0.01

2,898,138

3,255,938.70

JOSBREW

3.89

4.27

0.38

85,200

363,804.00

WEMABANK

1.02

1.01

-0.01

3,413,968

3,504,112.15

LAWUNION

0.5

714

357

ZENITHBANK

19.85

19.61

-0.24

246

19,757,955

391,021,924.33

LEARNAFRCA

1.5

1.65

0.15

85,904

136,581.70

LIVESTOCK

4.2

4.18

-0.02

843,211

3,546,590.32

MANSARD

2.2

2.14

-0.06

167,000

358,100.00

MAYBAKER

2.2

2.29

0.09

340,532

760,223.88

MBENEFIT

0.5

13,875

6,937.50

MCNICHOLS

1.5

3,000

4,050.00

MOBIL

112

12,376

1,315,061.80

MORISON

2.01

2,607

4,737.67

MRS

36.14

1,561.44

MULTITREX

0.63

80,000

50,400.00

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock DANGCEM NB GLAXOSMITH ASHAKACEM WAPCO JOSBREW EVANSMED PZ AIRSERVICE ETERNA

Close 194 164 65.3 21 92.5 4.27 3.44 42.3 3.4 3

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain 4 2.71 1.85 0.7 0.5 0.38 0.31 0.31 0.3 0.25

Stock JBERGER GUINNESS BETAGLAS UNILEVER PORTPAINT GUARANTY ZENITHBANK ETI OANDO OKOMUOIL

Close 71.5 247 11.87 60 4.51 24.85 19.61 14.26 11.61 46

Loss -3.21 -3 -1.31 -1.05 -0.5 -0.25 -0.24 -0.1 -0.09 -0.07

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Voice Of Islam Every Friday With Mallam AbdulFattah Enabulele Chief Imam Of Benin

SOME people often say, ‘Can we apply today the same ‘barbarous’ punishments which were applied long ago? it permissible to cut a thief s hand for five shillings? Could such things take place in the twenty-first century, which regards the criminal as the victim of society and maintains that he is entitled to medical treatment rather than punishment?” How is it that the twenty-first century permits the slaughter of forty thousand innocent people but forbids the rightful punishment of one single criminal Woe to people from deceptive words that often hide the truth So much for the twenty-first century civilization and its evils. Let us discuss the concept of crime and punishment in Islam. Crime is often regarded as an individual aggression against the community. That is why the concept of crime and punishment closely connected with a nation’s concept of the individual- community relationship. Individualistic countries - such as the capitalist Western states - go too far in sanctifying the individual; they regard him as the center of all social life. Such countries straiten the state’s right to restrict the freedom of the individual, This attitude is reflected in their conception of crime and punishment. They sympathize with criminals and treat them kindly because they are victims of corrupted circumstances, psychological complexes and nervous disorders which they could not overcome. Therefore, such states are inclined to reduce penalties until - especially in moral offences - they are no longer regarded as punishment. At this stage psycho-analysis comes in to justify or explain away the crime, It will be noted that Freud was the champion of the historical change which regarded a criminal as the Victim of the sexual complexes resulting from the repression of the Sexual instincts by society, religion, morality and tradition, Later all schools of psycho-analysts followed Freud’s example but many of them did not agree with him that sexual energy was the centre of life. All such schools regard a criminal as a passive creature who is the victim of general and personal circumstances amidst which he was brought up, They believe in what is called ‘psychological determinism” that is to say. a man has no freedom of will or action with respect to the psychological energy which acts according to a predetermined manner. On the other hand, communist countries maintain that the community is a sacred entity against which the individual must not rebel, Therefore, such states inflict great penalties including death and torture on individuals who rebel against the state. Communism refers offences to economic rather than psychological considerations - as Freud and other psychologists did. Communism holds that a society which suffers from economic disorder cannot foster virtues. Therefore, criminals should not be punished. But can the communists explain why crimes are committed, why prisons and courts are still in use in Russia where the economy is governed by the theory of absolute equality? There is no doubt that both individualistic and communist conceptions are partly true. It is true that circumstances surrounding an individual have a great effect on his constitution and that the subconscious complex may sometimes lead to crime. But man is not a completely passive being in confronting such circumstances. The psycho-analysts commit this mistake: they concentrate on the dynamic energy in man but they ignore the controlling energy which is quite inherent in the human system energy which enables a child to control his secretive glands avoid wetting his bed after a certain age is the same energy can control his emotions and actions so that he may not continuously give in to his unruly passions and sudden whims. On the other hand, economic conditions do have some effect on the feelings and actions of individuals. It is true that hunger, by disintegrating the spirit and breeding hatred, may lead to crime or moral corruption. But to say that only the economic factor influences human conduct is a half of the truth. It is belied by the facts of life in former Soviet Union who claimed to have wiped out hunger and poverty. The main question is this: before deciding whether or not a criminal should be punished, we must determine the extent of his responsibility for the offence he committed. It is to be noted that Islam takes this into account when it considers the question of crime and punishment. Islam never prescribes punishments haphazardly nor does it execute them without due consideration. In this respect Islam has a unique theory which combines the best of both worlds: the communist as well as the individualistic. Islam holds the balance of justice in the right manner and insists on examining all conditions and circumstances connected with the offence. On studying a crime Islam takes into account two considerations at the same time; the viewpoint of the criminal and that of the community against which aggression took place. In the light of such considerations Islam prescribes the fair punishment which is in accordance with the dictates of sound logic and wise reasoning and which must not affected by delinquent theories and national or individual whims. Islam imposes preventive punishments which may appear cruel or coarse

A suspected criminal crying for help

Islam And The Concept of Punishment (1) if viewed superficially or without consideration. But Islam does not execute such punishments unless it ascertains that the crime was not justifiable or that the criminal was not acting under any obligation. Islam prescribes that a thief s hand should be cut-off; but such punishment is never inflicted where there is the s1ightest doubt that the thief was impelled by hunger to commit a crime Islam prescribes that both adulterer and adulteress should be stoned but it does not inflict such punishment unless they are married persons and upon conclusive evidence eyewitnesses of the intercourse i.e when two married person flagrantly commit such a heinous (sin). It is to be mentioned that Islam took similar precautions with respect to all the punishments it had prescribed. This s evident from a rule laid down by the third Caliph ‘Umar ibn alKhattaab who is considered as one of the most prominent legislators of Islam. ‘Umar was known for his strict rigidity in enforcing the rules of Sharee ‘ah (law); therefore cannot be said that he was lenient in the interpretation of the law should be remembered that Umar did not carry out punishment prescribed for theft

(cutting-off the hand) during the year of famine when there was some doubt that people might be impelled to commit theft due to hunger. The above-mentioned rule is best illustrated by the following episode. “It was reported to ‘Umar that some boys in the service of Hatib ibn abi Balta’a had stolen the she camel of a man from the tribe of Muznah When ‘Umar questioned the boys they admitted the theft. So, he ordered their hands to be cut-off But on second thoughts he said, “By God I would cut-off their hands if I did not know that you (Hatib) employed these boys and starved them so that they would be permitted to eat that which is prohibited.” Then he addressed their employer saying. By God, since I have not cut their hands I am going to penalize you with a fine that shall pain you,’ and he ordered him to pay double the price of the she- camel.” This episode illustrates a very clear and express principle; punishment will not be inflicted where there are circumstances which impelled the wrong-doer to commit the crime This principle is supported by the saying of the Prophet Avoid the execution of punishment on doubt.” If we study the policy adopted by Islam in prescribing punishment. We shall realise that Islam tries in

the first place to purify society from circumstances that may lead to crime by harsh punishment to an individual for the sake of the society. After such precaution Islam prescribes a preventive and just punishment which may be inflicted upon persons who have no reasonable justification for their crimes. Where the community is unable to preclude circumstances which may lead to crime or wherethere is some doubt regarding the crime the punishment will not be inflicted and the ruler will set the criminal free or he may inflict on him a light punishment (beating or imprisonment) in proportion to his extent of responsibility for the crime. Islam strives by various means to preclude circumstances may lead to crime It tries to ensure a fair distribution of wealth. It even managed to wipe out all poverty in the regime of ‘Umar ibn Abdui Aziz, The Islamic state is responsible for the support of every citizen, regardless of his religion, race, language colour or social status. The state is also responsible for ensurng decent work for all citizens. Where work is not available or if individual is incapable of working, aid will be given to him from the Public Treasury.

“It should be remembered that Islam, before prescribing punishment, aims at the prevention of crimes. Even in the very rare cases when such punishments were inflicted we may be sure that they were quite just. There can be no reason why some non-Muslims are afraid of the application of the rules of Islam except that they are criminal by nature and persist in committing crimes which lack all justification”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

CLASSIFIED:CHANGE OF NAME OKONKWO – I, f ormerly called Miss Perpetual Amarachi Okonkwo is now known and called Mrs. Perpetual Amarachi Atuegbu. All former documents remain valid. Post Primary School Board, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

OKPROMA – I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Sarah Okeoghene Okproma now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sarah Okeoghene Oronsaye. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. OGBEIDE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbeide Faith now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Emonkhare. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Auchi Polytechnic Auchi, NYSC and the general public should please take note. EBHORAMHEN – I, formerly Miss Ebhoramhen Ebanehita Joy now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Eichie Ebanehita Joy. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria, University of Benin, other concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. IYOHA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Iyoha now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Okonofua. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. OSADOLOR – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osadolor Osaretin Dolly now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osaretin Dolly Aro. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, University of Benin and the general public should please take note.

JEGEDE – I, formerly known and addressed as Jegede Ekundayo Babatunde now wish to be known and addressed as Jegede Ekundayo Christian. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. OGBEBOR – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbebor Anthonia Osahenrumwen now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edosomwan A n t h o n i a Osahenrumwen. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, University of Benin and the general public should please take note.

OKO-OBOH – I, formerly addressed as Miss Oko-Oboh Judith now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Iyiegbuniwe Judith. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the general public should please take note.

EGBON – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Martha Egbon now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Martha Ogioba. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Rapid Response Agency (RRA) Edo State and the general public should please take note.

UWADIAE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uwadiae Enore now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbeiwi Enore. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the general public should please take note.

JOHNSON – I, formerly Blessing Johnson now wish to be known, called and addressed as Oghenevware Blessing Erakpoweri. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

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IDONIJE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idonije Evelyn now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Evelyn Ighalo Joseph. All former documents remain valid. Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi and the general public should please take note.

OKORAWHE – I, formerly Miss Okorawhe Patience Edirin, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Obire Chinedu Patience Edirin. All former documents remain valid. Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, NYSC, other concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

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TOKURAH – I, formerly Miss Tokurah Mohammed Falilatu now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Garuba Ismaila Falilatu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi and the general public should please take note. ADAGHE – I, formerly Miss Adaghe Ayere Juliet, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Agogoh Juliet. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. EMEKA – I, formerly called Alfred Emeka Jeff is now known and called Moses Egbo. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

Ilamosi now wish to be known and called Mrs. Omosimua Lilian Ilamosi. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

Miss Esidje Leonora Ediri now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Leonora Ediri. Igbinovia. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, UBA Plc and the general public should please take note.

ISOA – I, formerly called Miss Isoa Doris Stella is now known and called Mrs. Irewegbe Doris Stella. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

OKHIRIA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okhiria Violet .E. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Azeke Violet .E. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

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EDO-ESAMA – I, formerly called Miss Uwa (Uwaguosa) Irene EdoEsama is now known and called Mrs. Uwaguosa Irene Osemwenkhae. All former documents remain valid. Judicial Service Commission, High Court of Justice, Benin City, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

IGBOANUSI – I, formerly Miss Chioma Augusta Igboanusi now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Chioma Augusta Izekor. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

IGBOIN – I, formerly called Miss Augusta Oshuwa Igboin now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Augusta Oshuwa Isibor. All former documents remain valid. UNIBEN, other concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

OCHIEMHEN – I, formerly Mr. Christopher Imionlele Ochiemhen now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mr. Christopher Imionlele Enigbe. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

OHANMU – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Onaiwu Ohanmu now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Esther Onaiwu Atekha. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

EHIGIE – I, formerly Miss Isoken Ehigie now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Isoken Joyful Efese. All former documents remain valid. State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the general public should please take note.

JEROME – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bose Angela Jerome now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bose Angela Ogbobameh. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

OSEMWENKHAE – I, formerly Miss Rita Patience Omosomwan Osemwenkhae now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Rita Patience Omosomwan Aiguosatile. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. IZUAGIE – I, formerly called Miss Izuagie Lilian

NWODIKA – I, formerly called Miss Jennifer Ekwutosi Nwodika now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Jennifer Ekwutosi Obasogie. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. ESIDJE – I, formerly known and addressed as

MOMODU – I, formerly called Miss Success Abibatu Momodu now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Success Abibatu Efionayi. All former documents remain valid. EDPA, Benin City, other concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. OLECHNO – I, formerly called Miss Urszula Olechno now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Urszula Olechno Ebuehi. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. IZEKOR – I, formerly called Miss Charity Uyinwen Izekor is now known and called Mrs. Charity Uyinwen Onaiwu. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. ADEGORIOYE – I, formerly called Miss Adegorioye Roseline Opeyemi is now known and called Mrs. Olajide Roseline Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. OSABUOHIEN – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osabuohien Enoghayin now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ehigiator Enoghayin. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the general public should please take note. ALARE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenike Alare now Continued on pg. 15

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

CLASSIFIED:CHANGE OF NAME wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adenike Owie. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. UWAIFO – I, formerly called Mrs. Uwaifo Charity Idemudia is now known and called Miss Charity Idemudia. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. NWAEZE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Happiness Chineye Nwaeze now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Happiness Victor Ivongbe. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. IDAHOSA – I, formerly Miss Ogiemwenva Bridget Idahosa now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs.Ogiemwenva Bridget Okosun. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the general public should please take note.

Miss Eimiana Mabel now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Idemudia Mabel Edobhakhomhen. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. ENOKERAN – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Enokeran Efe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alade David Efe. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Psychiatric Hospital Uselu and the general public should please take note. ETARERE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Etarere Grace now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akarume Grace Ese. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the general public should please take note. MOMODU – I, formerly called Miss Momodu Hafsat is now known and called

Mrs. Oseni Momodu Hasfat. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. OKECHUKWU – I, formerly called Miss Felicia Ifeyinwa Okechukwu now wish to be called Mrs. Felicia Ifeyinwa Ambrose-Amusa. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. ANASIGWE – I, formerly known and addressed as Princess Felicity Obiageli Anasigwe now wish to be known, called and addressed as Princess Felicity Peter Enihe. All former documents remain valid. Igueben Local Government Council, all concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

ENOGIERU – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abieyuwa Iyore Enogieru now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abieyuwa Iyore Osayande. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

EIMIANA – I, formerly known and addressed as

OKPUGIE – I, formerly called Miss Okpugie Osamuyi Honour is now known and called Mrs. Praise Emuobonuvie Osamuyi Honour. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

IKHENEMUE – I, formerly called Miss Ikhenemue Emike Adizat is now known and called Mrs. Aliu Abdulrazak Emike Adizat. All former documents remain valid. School of Midwifery, St. Camillus Hospital, Uromi, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

ODIAKOSE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkechi Theresa Odiakose now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkechi Theresa Oloyede. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME RECONCILIATION OF NAME

I, Igunbor John is the same person as John Idiaghe. Henceforth, I now wish to be properly called and addressed as Igunbor John. All former documents remain valid. Edo Broadcasting Service, Benin City, other concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

I, Idemudia Lucky Percy Igunma wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Idemudia Lucky Igunma and Igunma Percy Lucky as appeared in my various documents. It should be known therefore that I am properly known and addressed as Idemudia Lucky Percy Igunma. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. RECONCILIATION/ CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Onowanlen Oseiwe Innocent wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person called Enikhagbuye Innocent as stated in my document while at Ohordua Mixed Secondary School Ohordua and Onowanlen Oseiwe Innocent also at Emunekhua Secondary School, Emu. However, I am properly called Onowanlen Oseiwe Innocent. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities should please take note.

AIGBEKAEN – I, formerly Miss Basilna Osasere Aigbekaen now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Basilna Osasere Okeoghene. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. AIWUYO – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aiwuyo Osaro Precious now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwachukwu Osaro Precious. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

ABBA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Regina Ojone Abba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Regina Ojone Ogheneovo. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

SANDRA Weds Weds

FRANK The solemnization of marriage between former Miss Sandra Reisinger (based in Austria) and Mr. Frank Osazee Imasuen (A Clergy man) took place on Wednesday 4th September, 2013 at the Oredo Local Government Council Marriage Registry in Benin City. Amongst those present were Pa. Daniel .E. Imasuen (Groom’s father) Prof. E. Ogbebor Imasogie, Pastor Sunny Odia, Pastor Osaremen Abumere, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the Registry. Congratulations. Photo: SONNIE. E.

I, Mr. Eghosa-Kings Mike Igbinoghodua is the same person as Mr. Godstime Mike Igbinoghodua. I now wish to be properly called and addressed as Mr. Eghosa-Kings Mike Igbinoghodua. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, other concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

BELLO – I, formerly Miss Judith Osakue Bello now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Judith Osakue Akporotu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. OF NAME ADDITON I, Igene Ambi Ambassador Amusa now wish to be properly known and addressed as Igene Ambi Ambassador Ambrose Amusa. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE REVELATION BELIEVER’S CHAPEL

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Prophet Joseph Oluwaseyi Shogeyinbo Adeniyi (Gen. Overseer) 2. Pastor Godwin Okolie Owezie 3. Pastor John Alohan 4.Prince Oluwaseun Damilola Solomon Adeniyi 5. Prince Samuel Dewale Abiola (- Secretary) 6. Mrs. Ugochukwu Racheal Adeniyi 7. Mrs. Gladys Awele Okonta AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To preach and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE PEARL ORPHANAGE HOME

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Rev. (Dr) Monday Otobo - Chairman 2. Bishop Daniel Azenabor - Member 3. Mrs. Vera Onuoha - Member 4. Pastor (Mrs.) Faith Otobo - Co-founder/secretary 5. Evangelist Samuel Otobo - Founder AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To help less privilege children in the society. 2. To empower the youths in the society. 3. To eradicate poverty from the society. 4. To help the less privilege women in the society. 5. To build in the children, youth and women in the society a Godly Christian character. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar- general, corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Barr (Mrs.) Rosemary Otobo

CHANGE OF NAME This is to inform the general public and all concerned authorities that the underlisted have since changed their names as follow: 1. Mrs. Agnes Abilemame Akhagbeme now Mrs. Agnes Onoshorere Ukiomogbe. 2. Miss Ochuwa Esther Akhagbemhe now Miss Ikpemosi Esther Ukiomogbe. 3. Miss Itsenosi Emmanuella Akhagbemhe now Miss Omuwa Emmanuella Ukiomogbe. 4. Master Michael Oshiono Akhagbemhe now Master Ikhianosimhe Michael Ukiomogbe. 5. Master Oshiobugie Joseph Akhagbemhe now Master Imoesi Joseph Ukiomogbe. All former documents remain valid. Please take note. Signed: Kessy Irekpita Ukiomogbe

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Insight Being a pre-ramadhan lecture on the Essence of Ramadhan by Prince Edore Oyakhire, PhD, OON, held in the Central Mosque, -Benin City recently. BISMILLAHIRRAH’MANIR-RAHEEM. AI-Hamdu Lillahi RabbilAlamin. Subhanaka Allahumma. In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful and The Ever Merciful. The Chief Imam, the league of Imams, eminent Islamic scholars, respected elders in Islam, Muslim Brothers and Sisters, other Protocols are obeyed, observed and respected. As-Salamun Alaikum. I welcome all faithful Muslims heartily to today’s lecture organised by the respected League of Imams in Edo State. I am happy to be recorded by history as a participant and moreso as the Chairman of today’s religious event having previously been privileged to do so on a few occasions in recent years. Ramadhan fasting is obligatory for true Muslims referred to as Believers. We thank Almighty Allah greatly for His fidelity, mercy, tolerance and sustenance inspite of our disobedience, imperfection, inadequacies, iniquities, transgression and unrighteousness. HINTS ON HEALTH MATTERS (PART ONE) We live in Nigeria, a Country in West Africa, with a growing population of over one hundred and sixty million people who are often prone to diseases, trepidation, hunger and poverty because of under development caused by bad and insincere leaders. Muslims should eat a variety of healthy meals from the five different food groups, rich in nutrients and balanced diets to be mentally and physically healthy to participate effectively in fasting during Ramadhan. Balanced diets help to lower blood pressure such as potassium, calcium and

magnesium. They prevent and reduce the occurrence of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart related problems. Prevalent among the many diseases that often kill Nigerians are cancer, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, typhoid and aids because education and health are not treated as issues of priority by Government. Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in human body. Prostate cancer kills men only beyond the age of forty. Breast, cervical and ovarian cancer, fibroid and vesico vagina fistula kill women mainly. Everybody wants to be in good health and live long. The act of decent living and being healthy is practicable and desirable for long life. Factors which sustain healthy living include balanced diets, alkaline antioxidant water, drugs, hygiene, regular exercise and good behavioural pattern. A balanced diet increases flavonoids and antioxidants in human body (chemistry). It is mandatory to eat good and easily digestable food items because many diseases will almost be gone with the right diet. Resources will be dissipated on medication in the absence of balanced diets. The Heart is a major Organ being the power house of the body. It pumps blood, nutrients and oxygen which sustain humans consistently to all parts of the body. It must remain medically healthy to function strongly for happiness in life. The rational consumption of carbohydrates and protein reduces the effect of obesity and its complications that may affect human heart. The deliberate reduction of calorie and salt intake with regular consumption of dark chocolate and red tomatoes is part of healthy diet that

increases longevity. Please, eat good meals consistently, regularly and timely as a matter of necessity because life is good and is worth living well but be modest, careful and act wisely always. Besides, obey medical advice, be disciplined, protect and do not ruin your health. Indeed, the aphorism that health is wealth is expressly elaborate. Diabetes is a disease that kills silently. It is a condition that results from excess sugar in blood in which sugar and starchy food cannot be properly absorbed. It results in the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Insulin is a homone produced in the pancreas. Its complications cause blindness, loss of memory and loss of limbs by amputation when surgicalised. It is easily controlled when identified early. It is important for adults to eat starchy food moderately. Insulin injection is the best treatment for diabetic patient. The cost of insulin in Nigeria is the most expensive in the World because it is not subsidised even though health care is on the concurrent list. Insulin is free in most Countries in the World except in West Africa where drugs are preposterously expensive, unaffordable and frequently adulterated. A diabetic person who is also hypertensive can easily die if the combination is not seriously controlled. Fluted pumpkin is a panacea for diabetes and prostate cancer. The limit medically allowed is 140 by 90 for hypertension or high blood pressure. Availability and consumption of metformine tablets (500mgs - one tablet daily), Gliclazide tablets (80 mgs - two tablets daily), avandia tablets, endive (bitter leaf) and aspirin assist in the medical control of diabetes. Oyster mushrooms are nutritive and medicinal. They have balanced amino acid contents. They control diabetes and hypertension. Ganoderma lucidum

The Essence Of R

mushroom suppresses the propagation of cancer cells. It reduces tumour, cancer and fibroids. Drugs for diabetes and hypertension are not currently manufactured in Nigeria. The persistent inadequacy of insulin makes the management of diabetic cases by medical staff in Nigeria most unsatisfactory. A condition of obesity will result with excess intake of food items far beyond what the body requires. Persons who are obese or overweighed are candidates for diabetes. Malaria parasites are in five categories, namely, falciparum, malaria, ovale, plasmodium and vivax. Malaria fever is deadly, occurs and recurs within 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours respectively. It constitutes the highest single endemic factor of population decimation as it kills more people in Nigeria yearly than Aids. Falciprum is the most deadly. Nigeria accounts for a quarter of all malaria cases in the forty five malariaendemic Countries in Africa. An estimated 25% to 30% mortality in pregnant women and children under five years or estimated 300,000 deaths occur each year in Nigeria due to malaria. Four out of ten Nigeria children have malaria. Adult female mosquitoes only bite humans and animals with their proboscis to get sufficient blood meal with which they develop eggs. Male mosquitoes feed only on plant juices for survival. Drugs for the cure of malaria fever are available, accessible and affordable. Sleep under mosquito insecticide treated nets and use insect killers e.g. Mortein. Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella organism. It is easily cured with the consumption of aloe-vera and honey. The therapy kills salmonella organism expeditiously.

“It is mandatory to eat good and easily digestable food items because many diseases will almost be gone with the right diet. Resources will be dissipated on medication in the absence of balanced diets.”

Please, drink boiled, clean or treated water and ensure its safety for consumption because most diseases are water borne. Wash hands after each outing or a visit to toilet facility. Keep the teeth clean always. Healthy people are happy people because prevention in health matters is far better than cure. True Muslims are aware that there is no absolute answer to health but it is occasionally necessary to check the body medically to ascertain the currency of sugar level, blood pressure and malaria parasites in the

weapon against ill-health. It reduces cholesterol and protects the heart, keeps gut healthy and is essential in all ramifications. A healthy work force promotes increased productivity. The swelling usually noticed on faces, hands, legs and other visible parts of the body must be immediately reported to a Doctor because it could be a sign of renal failure (kidney). Almighty Allah appreciates the value of good health for mankind and pronounced cure for diseases for His

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body. It is desirable to live in well ventilated homes, clean environment, use clean language, exhibit clean manners, display clean traits and maintain clean relationship. Muslims should stay far away from intoxicants including alcohol, cigarette, air pollution, fatigue, excessive salt and glucose consumption. Muslims must regularly consume red tomatoes, dark chocolate, green leafy vegetables, carrot, garlic, water-melon, fruits, nuts, poultry, low-fat dairy products, moringa plant and fluted pumpkin. Also eat predatory fish but the mercury and omega-3 fatty acids in shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish are dangerous to good health. Shark is the only animal never known to be sick. Tomato is nature’s secret

Prophets in six Chapters in the Holy Quran, notably, 82 80 Q11-7, 914, 1057, 17 , 26 and 44 41 respectively. Muslims must be very careful with health matters because only the healthy and living can diligently and faithfully worship Allah. The dead does not praise Allah. Reasonably socialise and be merry. MISSION IN RELIGIOSITY (PART TW0 This submission will volubly make references to the Torah, that is, the Ten commandments; the Gospel, that is, the Holy Bible and the Noble Quran. Religiously and scientifically assembled facts are not contentious. They represent facts and other facts relevant to facts in issue because they are absolutely authentic. The

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By PRINCE EDORE OY

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Ramadhan

YAKHIRE, Ph D, OON

st Christian Bible was not blished until 1516. I will mprehensively talk on four ues, notably, the origin of ting, Ramadhan, Islam d the Holy Quran. I am a re facilitator and a ecursor mandated to pare a loaded preamble. is a civil conspiracy tween the Lecturer and yself for the benefit of ankind. Please, listen entively to the Lecturer en he begins shortly to eak to us because he has

ny good things to tell us ut Ramadhan. Similar gs will be said and ated by other Muslims ause they are true, gious and sacrosanct as tained in the protective mpact of “ISLAM” and inviolability of the RAN. Truly, Ramadhan yearly Refresher Course a Divine Purifier for slims. Humans are urally fragile, imperfect frequently oblivious of nts, ideas, facts and res. Every law can be ated just as every duty be vitiated. Fasting is a gious duty that can be ly rendered null and d. It is unislamic and ligious to return to quities and ighteousness at the mpletion of Ramadhan ing. Please, be patient, severe and wait for

Allah’s blessings. Allah, the Lord, is not irascible (easily angered) even when disbelievers abuse, disobey or tell lies against Him and His Messengers or make pictures which visibly imitate His creations. Please, number your days, work hard, do not do evil and apply wisdom so that you will be prosperous in life. Honour seeks only the Worthy. The THEME of today’s lecture is the “ESSENCE OF RAMADHAN”. Firstly, it is necessary to explain briefly the meaning of

Ramadhan, the desirability, relevance, benefits derivable from it, who practises it and its essence in totality. Ramadhan is an Arabic word which literally means an “excessively hot thing or situation”. Expectedly, the excessive “religious heat” in Muslims in search of Allah’s mercies, blessings and forgiveness is greatly exhibited in Ramadhan with the noble Quran being consistently, highly, religiously and vociferously recited. Ramadhan fasting attests clearly to conscience, consciousness, biological fitness, devotion, endurance, ethics, gratitude, kindness, love, morality, patience, piety, tolerance, unselfishness, the power to bear hardships and Divine obedience to Islamic Faith. Ramadhan is a period of serious devotion, meditation, purification and regeneration.

Insight It entails mental, moral, physical and religious discipline. In Ramadhan, Muslims compulsorily refrain from aggressive, uncivilised, unhealthy, irreligious and unrighteous behaviours which are either auditory, documentary, physical, verbal or visual. Evil people who cause mischief in the Land will be punished but the righteous will be immensely blessed by Allah. Indeed, it is obligatory for true Muslims to fast in Ramadhan because those who observe fasting in Ramadhan are among the best of Allah’s creations. ORIGIN OF FASTING (PART THREE). Allah Commands mankind to fast, pray and give alms (Zakat) regularly with good intentions in line with civilised behaviour and the natural rules of decency, generosity, humility and compassion. Fasting is not found in the PENTATEUCH but often in historical Books. The first recorded fasting by the Jews occurred in 1400BC. The colossal loss of over forty thousand soldiers in two encounters in war with the Benjaminites prompted the people of Israel to fast. It is recorded in the Book of Judges*. Similarly, in Leviticus* fasting speaks of “affliction in soul” and in Psalms* (Zabur), King David, Allah’s Vicegerent, a man after God’s heart, declared that “he humbled his soul with fasting”. He never repeated any sin he previously committed. He fasted regularly and also particularly fasted when King Saul his enemy died. Prophet David was 30 years old when he became a King. Allah made David a Prophet, honoured him ‘ with Zabur (Psalms), blessed him with a wise son, Solomon and ordered animals, birds, trees and mountains to join him in the worship of Allah. He ruled Israel for 40 years. King Saul desperately sought to kill David but failed because Allah protected

David. King David succeeded King Saul as a mission in destiny. Nehemiah* fasted and prayed for the successful rebuilding of the broken walls of Jerusalem-City. An outstanding success was recorded as the project was completed within 52 days. Fasting is a shield (screen) with which a true Muslim protects himself or herself from Hell because it increases piety. Hell is real and Paradise is also real. May Allah accept true Muslims into Paradise. During the captivity of Jerusalem, Israel fasted four additional times before the Day of Atonement*. Esther” and Israel fasted and prayed for three days for Israel’s victory over Hamman’s plot to exterminate them and Israel succeeded. Daniel*, the Prominent Dreamer, fasted and prayed for 21 days for the restoration of the Nation of Israel. Prophet Ezra* fasted and prayed with all the people of Israel for a safe return home to Jerusalem and succeeded. Fasting must be accompanied with a definite intention, penitence and copious prayers. The relevance and importance of fasting in our lives are historically and religiously epitomised by the examples of mankind in the mythology of past generations clearly symbolised in this presentation. Other legitimate Authorities for fasting are inscribed in the 18 Noble Quran; Q2 19° & 142 Q7 and Holy Bible in 2nd 3 Chronicles 20 9,11,18 & 25 Deuteronomy 9 & 10 28 310 ; Exodus 34 ; Isaiah 58 2 33-35 2 Luke 4 & 5 ; Matthew 2 16-18 14&l5 18-20 4,6 &9 Mark 2 12 and 2nd Samuel 1 respectively. Nigeria has all the endowments needed for greatness but corruption, cupidity, mediocrity and indiscipline have seriously inhibited her desire to achieve greatness. A free Society that cannot help many people who are

despondent and poor cannot definitely save a few who are rich. In the last days, perilous times shall come. Men shall be boasters, blasphemous, covetous, disobedient to parents, lovers of their ownseives, proud, unthankful and unGodly. *The Lord will allow the people to be *governed by immature boys. Everyone will take advantage of everyone else. Young people will not respect elders and worthless people will not respect their superiors. When that time comes, as it is today. *seven women or more will hold on to one man and say, “we can feed and clothe ourselves but please let us say that you are our husband so that we won’t have to endure the shame of being unmarried”. Nigerians must fast in sincerity, pray seriously in humility and give alms widely to the needy and the less privileged in the Country. Never let your Heart be troubled with the trials of life instead make life a castle of forgiveness, peace, love, tolerance and fill it with the fear of Allah. The fasting prescribed for us as true Muslims was similarly prescribed for our forefathers and those before us, principally, the 25 Scriptural Prophets e.g. Moses, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad. It is not the intention of Allah to unjustifiably place hardship upon His people (mankind). Truly, Allah does not place upon a person a burden* that is incompatible with his ability. In other words, Allah burdens not a person beyond his capacity. Allah shows great love and faithfulness, forgives sins and rebellion and is the most Merciful of the Merciful. Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah makes fasting a compelling necessity for true Muslims on Monday and Thursday of every week, on the 13th, 14tb R and 15 days of every month and also from time to time. We are advised to pray two Rakat of Duha prayers (forenoon prayers) and also to pray Tahujjud* prayers

(Witr) before we sleep in the night. Constancy in fasting, prayers and dispensation of charity are logical yardsticks with which a person’s degree of piety or religiosity is determined. The odour in the mouth of a fasting person is more pleasant to Allah than the fracirance of a first class perfume (musk). Fasting is both an outward sign of humility and regret for sins. It is an inner discipline that clears the mind of sins and keeps the spirit at alert. True Muslims traditionally fast in RAJAB, the 7th month and one of the four sacred months in Islamic lunar Calendar to CLEANSE their bodies as they repent from sins. They regularly fast in SHA-BAN, the 8th month to PURIFY their hearts and obligatorily fast in RAMADHAN, the 9th month to SANCTIFY their souls in preparation for entry into PARADISE. Fasting can also be done by true Muslims at any time of the year except during the six days of prohibition. Fasting is a matter of sincerity. In the four Sacred Months* of January, July, November and December battles were prohibited in the days of the Prophet including RAJAB being a prelude to the month of Ramadhan because RAMADHAN follows it after the intervening month of SHA-BAN. The moderate values inculcated in people who regularly fast invariably affect the character of society. Allah has not made for any man two hearts inside his body. A person’s heart plans his ways but Allah directs his steps. May Allah give us good and proper directions always. The Holy Prophet on sighting the moon of Rajab would pray to Allah as follows: “OAllah, make the months of Rajab and Sha-ban blessed for us and let us reach the month of Ramadhan. 0 Allah, prolong our lives up to Ramadhan so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings’. To be continued

“The fasting prescribed for us as true Muslims was similarly prescribed for our forefathers and those before us, principally, the 25 Scriptural Prophets e.g. Moses, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad. It is not the intention of Allah to unjustifiably place hardship upon His people (mankind).”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Art Alive

With FRANCIS ODUPUTE

6th National Symposium On Nigerian Art Holds In Nasarawa “Institutional Art History in Nigeria: Documenting Art Departments in Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education in Nigeria.” This is the theme for the forthcoming sixth National Symposium on Nigerian Art powered by the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa. The event which holds on Wednesday 30 th October to Sunday, 3 rd of November, 2013, at the Polytechnic Auditorium, will

feature scholarly paper presentations by various participants from across the nation’s tertiary institutions/ art schools. Meanwhile, a call for papers by the organisers had emphasized joint authorship as a basis for preparing papers “so as to come up with wellresearched and comprehensive papers for presentation.” The lead paper presenter is Professor Frank Ugiomoh of the Department of Fine Art and Design,

University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Context/thematic framework: “The history of arts is multifaceted and our engagements in the discipline so far have focused minimally on institutional art history. Yet the information associated with such attention has become urgent considering the gradual upsurge in the culture history. Recent publications on Nigerian art history and the art market activities in Nigeria have documented

aspects of this history. Their claims as well as previous writings by historians and independent cultural critics contain gaps, which require further complimentary, but collectively harnessed efforts. “It is hoped that such engaging and collective commitment to provide such history would be enriching to our art history and art education programmes. Hence, the National Gallery of Art, Nigeria views this with serious concern and has decided to invite scholars from various departments of Fine and Applied Arts/design

in colleges of Education, Polytechnics and Universities together to present papers that will situate the historical details of their departments, units or programmes. “The papers will address the history and development of each art department in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The structure and the course contents of the departments should be properly situated. The list of academic staff from the inception to date could be incorporated to enrich the paper. Joint authorship should be the basis for preparing papers so as to come up with well-

researched and comprehensive papers for presentation. The papers will be collated, edited and published for use not only in schools, but by stakeholders in the sector,” the release concluded. Submission of abstracts not more than 200 words are required based on the theme(s) above, and should be submitted to the Research and Education Department, National Gallery of Art, Abuja, not later than Monday, 7th October, 2013. For more details email: fnpoly@nga.gov.ng

Teachers Workshop Advocates Paradigm Shift ( continued from last week)

Prof. Okeke lectured further: “The use of textile materials have widened in scope. Out of all works of arts, textile art enjoys the greatest mobility. For example, everybody adorns himself/herself with textile materials that are well designed and fashioned in different ways and while going about our daily duties on foot or by motor vehicles, railways, ships or by aeroplanes, we unconsciously advertise our textile art and simultaneously we acquire the dress designs and costumes of other people we come in contact with daily in the process. One of the ways by which textile art/design makes cross cultural impact on people from different cultures of the world, is through this human mobility within and beyond the borders of their respective nationalities.” Day three of the workshop could go as the climax of the event, featuring interactive and eye-opening sessions such as the “Conceptual Art with illustrations for Discussion: the Ghana Experience” anchored by Dr. Kwaku Boafo Kissedu (popularly addressed as Castro) of the department of painting and Sculpture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Many participants were imbued to think outside the box on the concept of alternative exhibition spaces and their

impact on the artist/public. Professor S.A. Adetoro of the department of Home science and Management, University of agriculture, Abeokuta, presented a technical paper on “Resist Method of Fabric Decoration with Emphasis on “ADIRE” and “ADIRE-ELEKO” Process in Nigeria.” His paper presentation was immediately followed by a marathon practical session that ended in many new discoveries for lots of art teachers/participants, especially those involved in textile art/designs. High point of the day’s activities was the group visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr) Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of ebiraland.

L-R: Dr. Helen Uhunmwangho of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Prof. Ola Oloidi of UNN, Nsukka, HRM, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of ebiraland, Simon Ikpakronyi of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Lawal . J. Ozovehe of the Federal College of Education, Okene and Prof. Jimo B. Akolo, during the group visit to the Royal Father at his Palace.

Simon Ikpakronyi, Director of Research and Education, NGA, giving some guidelines at the workshop.

Prof. S. A. Adetoro crowded by enthusiastic participants during the practical session on ADIRE-ELEKO. (PHOTOS: FRANCIS U. ODUPUTE).

THE NIGERIAN

CHILDREN are the leaders of tomorrow and they need to be catered for by their guardian, parent and the nation, if she must have a future. Children both male and female should not be discriminated against but treated equally under the constitution. Recently, the Nigerian senator disappointed Nigerian when majority of them voted against the rights of the female child, for them to be married out early. They have all decided to make Nigeria the highest in the world with fistula or vesico vaginal fistula vvf. This act and steps taken by our representatives in Abuja will deprive them of their Right as female children and they would be left to suffer for no fault of theirs. This act will go a long way to create fear and isolation in the mind of the girl child. The sexual satisfaction of the girl will be taken away from her. She will be faced with psychological and mental truma. Their educational career will suffer a set back in the long process. According to section 29 of the Nigeria constitution as amended (a) stated that full age mean the age of 18 year and above, while (b) state that any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age” This implies that a female child below the age of 18 could be considered as having attained full age, once she is married. Some senators had argued that the section encourages the enforcement of girl child under 18 year into marriage. Which is violation of the right of a child, and as such fault the section. The proposed amendment did not go down well with senator Yerima, who in 2010, had ridden on the back of the Obnoxious undermining

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Opinion Child Marriage Should Be Discouraged

the section to get married to a 13 year old Egyption girl. This marriage issue then generated a lot of controversy and was condemned by many Nigerians, as a forceful marriage and child abuse. According to media report child marriage has many

presumes that the girls sexuality, therefore the girl’s family’s honor, will be protect but ensuring that the girl marries as virgin. Gender discrimination; child marriage is a product of cultures that devalue women and girls and

standard of health. The right to rest and leisure, and to participate freely in cultural life. UNICEF further, estimates that some 50,000 die, almost all in low and middle income ceintries still birth and new born deaths are 50%

causes which include cultural social, economic and religious. In many cases, a mixture of these causes results in the imprisonment of child in marriage without their consent. Poverty: poor families sell their children into marriage either to settle debts or to make money and escape the poverty cycle. Protecting “The girl sexually”; In certain culture or tradition, marrying a young girl

discriminate against them. “The discrimination” according to UNICEF report on child marriage and law” often manifests itself in the form of domestic violence, marital rape, and deprivation of food, lack of access to information, education, healthcare, and general impediment to mobility”. Trafficking; poor families are tempted to see their girl child into marriage, even into prostitution, as transaction to enable handle large sums of money. The early marriage abuse violates the child right law, which guarantee child rights that are abused as a result of early marriage. Some of this right undermined are listed below. The Right to Education. The right to be protected from physical and mental violence, injury or abuse, including sexual abuse rape and sexual exploitation. The right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable

higher among mothers under 20 years than in women who get pregnant in their 20’’ Similarly to United Nation (UN), complication from pregnancy and child birth are the leading causes of death for girls aged 15-19 years in developing countries of the 16 million adolescent girls who give birth every year, about 90% are already married. Implication of child marriage as stated by the Isa Wais Empowerment

By WINIFRED OSASOBO

“The discrimination” according to UNICEF report on child marriage and law” often manifests itself in the form of domestic violence, marital rape, and deprivation of food, lack of access to information, education, healthcare, and general impediment to mobility”.

initiative (IWEI) chairperson Uwais, include: Multiple health risks arising from child marriage sexual exploitation including forced sexual relations) That she is subjected to, as well as limited access to reproduction health services. Despite the real and present danger of contracting disease such as HIV/AIDs STIs (Sexual Transmitted infections/ Disease) and the debilitating ailment of vvf / Ruf (vvf-a tear in the flesh between the vaginal fistulae –Ruf) including the abandonment that comes with such ailments, Nigeria with 2% of the world’s population, has 10% of vvf patients. Three-quarter of those with vvf/Rvf are young girls who are not yet physically mature, but have suffered trauma in their, first – pregnancy” She went on “deprivations of formal and non-formal education translate at such an early age, into restriction on mortability, domenstic burdens, denial of sundry freedoms in respect of survival, development and pariticipate, as well as the loss of adolescent years indeed, children of young, uneducated mother are also less likely to attain high levels of education, perpetuating cycles of low literacy and limited livelihood opportunities child marriage therefore, ultimately deprives. Societies of the intellectual and financial livelihood contribution of girls, of their offspring. It is no wonder then that the North continues to portray such poor rating in almost all aspect of human endeavor. Child marriage, if promoted in the country, as the senate has done, will result in failure to achieve the millemum Development Goals (MDGs) that are needed to propel the nations growth and development.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

The Rapist And The FEMINIQUE Evangelist’s Daughter

With IJEOMA UMEH email: ladywithegoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 08182382839

I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would be not one cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell. I awfully forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better, it appears to me. - Abraham Lincoln (who suffered from depression most of his adult life). That verse from Abraham Lincoln’s several soliloquizing in the days of his depression vividly captures the state of mind of virtually every member of Evangelist Moses’ family, an everyday family living their normal everyday life in Benin City, Edo State. However, unlike Abraham Lincoln, the family members are yet not sure their life would have to be better if they get out of this present state of fore boding. I can’t help but telling them they must get out of it and…not just talking, but supporting my candid admonitions with stories of those who were in worst situations and yet

• We Will Get Him!

survived to tell the tale to others. But…. For the young girl who is in the centre of it all, what situation is worst than the ogre of being waylaid by a monster and …her dignity as a growing woman taken from her under the force of arms? Evangelist Moses (real names) was in Lagos this week doing the work of his heavenly father when he received a call that shattered his sensibility and left him numb for thirty minutes. He only managed to hear his wife’s shrill moanful voice… “Our daughter has been raped today!” and the other crying voices of his family members in the background and everything went silent for a while until someone took the phone from him and pushed him to a seat. The pain that shot through his heart, according to him, would have been enough to kill seven hypertensive men! Well, he survived that initial shock, but he and his entire family have refused to heal. For an Evangelist who would usually find the exact

“It is easy to feel the pain of this family. They feel it’s all a conspiracy. The neighbourhood cabal that hated the exclusive way he trained his children; the way he protected his daughters – that cabal was suspect.”

Depression - From Peter McWilliams’s Perspective Like many people, I had some serious misconceptions about depression. I didn’t like depression. I didn’t want depression. But then, I guess you don’t get to pick your disease. To my surprise, I learned that depression is a physical illness, a biochemical imbalance in the brain most likely caused by certain neurotransmitters (the fluid the brain uses to communicate with itself) being pumped away too soon… and just as so many other great teachers had said – the kingdom of God was within.

words to help others heal, the words appeared to have fizzled away now, or he deliberately refuses to apply them now in his own situation. “What I want is… to wake up tomorrow and find that it’s judgement day,” he told me. It is easy to feel the pain of this family. They feel it’s all a conspiracy. The neighbourhood cabal that hated the exclusive way he trained his children; the way he protected his daughters – that cabal was suspect. That cabal wanted, nay desired, to quench the fire of Evangelism that burned in the minds of every members of this family, he said. And I told him to forget that cabal got up, powder his face, took his Bible and tracts and hit the streets, beginning from his neighbourhood and continued

- Jennifer Ero

to preach the love of his God, our God. For his 16 – year old daughter, life was too short! The torment was like being in hell; she had a dream, to be an instrument in the hands of

God for her generation. Her body was the temple of God, now, she feels over a hundred demons were feasting on her being. She desires to have an acid bath; where’s the hyssop? She wants to be clean or she

Check How Depressed You Are!

Do you feel or have … Persistent sad or “empty” mood? Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex (with your spouse)? Depressed energy, fatigue, being “slowed down? Sleep disturbances (insomnia, early morning waking, over sleeping)? Eating disturbances (loss of appetite, weight gain or loss)? Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions? Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness? Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts? Irritability? Excessive crying? Chronic aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment? Now, Let’s Pray! (From Maryjorie Holmes’ I’ve Got to Talk to Somebody, God) This violence, Lord, I am confused by all this violence. Where is Christ in the cruel violence That fills our newspapers, our movie and TV screens, and walks the city streets? …And the actual violence that lurks beyond our doors. When a daughter is late coming home from the library, I worry. My faith and fears are at war. It isn’t safe for any woman to walk alone, even by day light, anymore. God, let me and my family live in a world of violence unafraid. But give us the mental and moral strength to combat this violence the way Christ would. Amen.

“How do you talk to a young girl who feels she has lost her sense of worth? It wasn’t her fault that someone thought he could steal her glory, I told her; but the truth is… she hadn’t lost it at all.”

would rather die. It’s a deepseathed hurt feeling that rages through her. Her tears remain warm; her heart bleeds. How do you talk to a young girl who feels she has lost her sense of worth? It wasn’t her fault that someone thought he could steal her glory, I told her; but the truth is… she hadn’t lost it at all. I reminded her about the scarlet, the crimson and the snow, but I told her she had not sinned by being touched by the rapist’s filthiness. God whom she served, would turn the filthiness into snow and make her new again. I saw her blink; I saw her eyes light up; then she wiped a tear and nodded. However, they all need justice. And justice they would get! The justice that mortals can give while

awaiting God’s ultimate justice. In that vein, I called Jennifer Ero, my partner in advocacy. Jennifer is the coordinator, Edo State Child Protection Network and the Executive Director, Society for the Empowerment of Young Persons (SEYP). She is a fighter too. You don’t draw her ilk and go scot free. As a human, she is dogged in her natural ways; as an advocate, she could be ruthless in seeking for justice; as a woman she could bite hard. And together, we both don’t stop until we get results. You will hear about it. Now, for the rapist, there’s no hiding place. Justice is a woman, blind folded, holding out a lamp with a long arm…

Words on Marble If you are distressed by anything external, The pain is not due to the thing Itself, but to your estimate of it; And this you have the power to revoke at any moment. - Marcus Aurelius Keep walking, and keep smiling - Tiny Tim Guilt is the mafia of the mind

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Education Quality Education For National Transformation Continues from last week

Regular Attendance for Learning. WHEN children reach school age, research has demonstrated that for them to achieve academically, children must attend school consistently. A child’s exposure to curriculum — his or her ‘opportunity to learn’ — significantly influences achievement, and exposure to curriculum comes from being in school (Fuller et al., 1999). A study of village-based schools in Malawi found that students with higher rates of attendance had greater learning gains and lower rates of repetition, a finding consistent with many other studies (Miske, Dowd et al.,1998). Family Support for Learning. Parents may not always have the tools and background to support their children’s cognitive and psychosocial development throughout their school years. Parents’ level of education, for example, has a multifaceted impact on children’s ability to learn in school. In one study, children whose parents had primary school education or less were more than three times as likely to have low test scores or grade repetition than children whose parents had at least some secondary schooling (Willms, 2000). Parental education not only influences parent-child interactions related to learning, but also affects parents’ income and need for help in the home or field — help that often comes at the expense of keeping children in school (Carron & Chau, 1996). Parents with little formal education may also be less familiar with the language used in the school, limiting their ability to support learning and participate in school-related activities. Successful attempts to increase parental involvement have taken place around the world. One example of parental

A Collective Responsibility By PROF IGNATIUS ONIMAWO PH.D FNSN, KSJI

involvement is the study from Sri Lanka, where an eightweek programme that sought to improve the literacy skills of low-income, undereducated mothers found that the mothers’ capacities to help develop their children’s language competencies increased, especially in the areas of listening and speaking (Dharmadasa, 1996). In summary, the home curriculum seems to play a vital role in preparing quality learners for school. II. Quality Learning Environments Learning can occur anywhere, but the positive learning outcomes generally sought by educational systems happen in quality learning environments. Learning environments are made up of physical, psychosocial and service delivery elements. Physical Elements Quality of school facilities. Physical learning environments or the places, in which formal learning occurs, range from relatively modern and well-equipped buildings to open-air gathering places. The quality of school facilities seems to have an indirect effect on learning, an effect that is hard to measure. A study in India, however, sampled 59 schools and found that of these only 49 had buildings and of these, 25 had a toilet, 20 had electricity, 10 had a school library and four had a television (Carron & Chau, 1996). In this case, the quality of the learning environment was strongly correlated with pupils’ achievement in language and mathematics (Carron & Chau, 1996). In Latin America, a study that included 50,000 students in grades three and four found that children whose schools lacked classroom materials and had an inadequate library were significantly more likely to show lower test scores and

higher grade repetition than those whose schools were well equipped (Willms, 2000). Interaction between school infrastructure and other quality dimensions. The quality of school buildings may be related to other school quality issues, such as the presence of adequate instructional materials and textbooks, working conditions for students and teachers, and the

reluctant to allow children — especially girls — to attend if they are located too far away from children’s homes. In general, parents often consider the location and condition of learning environments when assessing school quality, and this can influence school participation and performance. Class size. Many countries significantly expanded access to primary education during the 1990s, but the building of new schools has often not

ability of teachers to undertake certain instructional approaches. Such factors as on-site availability of lavatories and clean water supply, classroom maintenance, space and furniture availability all have an impact on the critical learning factor of time on task. The educational revolution in Edo State has taken these aspects into consideration. Pupils no longer leave the School premises before they visit toilets. When pupils have to leave school and walk significant distances for toilet, clean drinking water, for example, they may not always return to class (Miske & Dowd, 1998). When schools do not have adequate infrastructure, parents may be

kept pace with the increase in the student population. In these cases, schools have often had to expand class sizes, as well as the ratio of students to teachers, to accommodate large numbers of new students. A UNICEF/ UNESCO survey conducted in 1995 in 14 least developed countries found that class sizes ranged from fewer than 30 students in rural and urban Bhutan, Madagascar, and the Maldives, to 73 in rural Nepal and 118 in Equatorial Guinea (Postlewaithe, 1998). Do larger class sizes hurt the quality of education? Educators and researchers from diverse philosophical perspectives have debated the relationship between class size and student learning at length. Many studies have

“Within schools and classrooms, a welcoming and nondiscriminatory climate is critical to creating a quality learning environment. In many countries, attitudes discouraging girls’ participation in education have been significant barriers to providing quality education to all students.”

found a relationship (e.g., Willms, 2000), but more studies may be needed. Psychosocial elements Peaceful, safe environments, especially for girls. Within schools and classrooms, a welcoming and non-discriminatory climate is critical to creating a quality learning environment. In many countries, attitudes discouraging girls’ participation in education have been significant barriers

require girls to do maintenance work while boys study or play, and allow boys to bully girls. Girls most often sit at the back of the classroom, where teachers may call on them infrequently. In some cases, extreme physical assault, including rape, may be perpetuated against girls at school. The threats that come in the form of unequal treatment, harassment, bullying and undervaluing girls harm them in profound

to providing quality education to all students. The Republic of Guinea provides an example of how this barrier can begin to be overcome. Between 1989 and 1997, Guinea was able to increase the percentage of school-age girls enrolment from 17 per cent to 37 per cent. This was done through the establishment of a highprofile Equity Committee. Although curricular reform and other issues remain to be acted upon, and girls’ persistence and achievement have not yet reached the level of boys’, this case shows that efforts to improve the learning environment for girls and all students can lead to real results (Sutton, 1999). In the recent Edo State Education Summit held in Benin City, it was shown that there is no significant disparity between boys and girls in the primary schools enrolment. This cannot be said however about some northern States in Nigeria where school enrolment is positively skewed towards the boys. At school, teachers often

and long lasting ways. This aspect needs close assessment. Teachers’ behaviours that affect safety. Relative to both girls and boys, parents, educators and researchers express important concerns about teachers who create an unsafe environment for students. In some schools in Malawi, for example, male teachers sexually harassed girls even with outside observers present (Miske, Dowd, et al., 1998). So many of these cases have been reported in several Nigerian Dailies. A study in Ethiopia found that nearly 50 per cent of teachers interviewed reported using corporal punishment at least once a week, with 11 per cent saying they use it every day. Just over one third said they never use corporal punishment (Verwimp, 1999). These teacher behaviours affect the quality of the learning environment since learning cannot take place when the basic needs of survival and self-protection are threatened. To be continued

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Health

THE skin is composed of many different types of cellsbasal cell, squamous cells, melanocytes, others-that naturally grow and slough off overtime A diagnosis of skin cancer means some of these cells have become abnormal (or mutated) and are starting to reproduce out of control. This happens largely as a result of accumulated sun damage, although other factors, such as skin type, genetics, and environmental exposure, are also involved. According to Best Health Magazine, Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent form of skin cancer. It occurs in the skin’s top layer (called the epidermis). The cells gather into cluster and replicate, growing slowly and replicate, growing slowly and forming painless, translucent bumps. Most appear on the face, although any part of you exposed to the sun is vulnerable; ears, neck, back, chest, arms, legs. It’s rare, however, for these cancers to grow deep into the skin or spread to internal organs. Squamous cell carcinoma also starts in the epidermis. It’s earliest precancerous form is often actinic keratosis lesions, or sun spots. Squamous cell cancer may begin as raised, reddish lumps, which sometimes

become open sores (ulcerate). It relatively unusual for this type of cancer to spread beyond the skin, but it can be deadly if it does. You’re increased risk for a more involved type of squamous cell cancer if the lesion develops on the penis or the vulva as a sequel to an infection with certain strains of gerutal warts. Far less common but more dangerous is malignant melanoma. This skin cancer arise from melanocytes cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is concentrated in most moles and also acts to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolent (uv) radiation, giving you a tan as a defense m e c h a n i s m . Melanocytes that reproduce too quickly and appear as irregularly shaped, light –brown to black blemishes, signal trouble. This can occur within an existing mole, on unblemished skin, or, rarely, in the eye or under nails left unattended, a melanoma will penetrate deep into the skin and may spread (metastasize) via the lymphatic system or the bloodstream. TREATMENT FOR SKIN CANCER The purpose of skin cancer treatment is to halt further growth of any malignancy. The specific approaches that your doctor will use are

Addressing Problem Of Skin Cancer

tired to your particular type of lesion. For most basal cell and squamous cell cancers that have not spread, the strategy is the same. Destroy the lesion by burning, freezing, or scraping it off. Usually not painful, these procedure are done in a doctor’s office after numbing the site with a local anesthetic. For basal cell or squamous cell cancers that have spread, nonsurgial techniques

By ISEMHENBITA FAITH

growing. Before treatment begins, make sure your skin cancer diagnosis has been confirmed with a biopsy, a laboratory analysis of the excised tissue. A malignant melanoma that’s caught early, as a “local” cancer, is removed surgically.

down or into your lymph nodes), the strategy changes dramatically. Melanoma can spread quickly and prove fatal. While melanoma accounts for only 4% of skin cancer diagnoses, it’s responsible for 80% of skin cancer deaths. Cutting out the cancer is still coucial, but so are

Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health

(medication, radiation, or other therapies) are generally used. In choosing the appropriate treatment, you and your doctor will weigh factors such as where the lesion is, how deep it is, and how quickly it’s

Your prospects for a ful recovery are excellen, nearly 95% of superficial malignant melanomas can be cured. But once the cancer has penetrated deeper (even just a couple of millimeters

“Far less common but more dangerous is malignant melanoma. This skin cancer arise from melanocytes cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes.”

chemotherapy or radiation, which may slow down the tumour and ease discomfort. Once a melanoma has spread, “cures” are rare, so early detection and removeal are key. In very rare cases, a m e l a n o m a spontaneously disappears when the immune system mounts a strong resistance. Researchers, witnessing this fierce stand, are exploring the value of immunotherapy drugs, therapeutic vaccines, and other strategies to stmulate the immune

system of patients with malignant melanoma. Ealy results of these novel therapies show promising results and safety in the treatment of malignant melanoma. MEDICATIONS FOR SKIN CANCER For basal cell carcinoma, prescription creams such as fiuorouracil (Efudex, Fluoroplex) are used with caution because cancer can still spread under the healed surface of the skin. Many experts are now placing hope in a cream called imiquimod (Aldara), normally used for genital wants. In pilot studies, this cream has successfully cleared up superficial basal cell cancers in about 90% of patients. Medications aren’t needed to treat thin melanomas (typically less than 1.5mm thick), but if the skin cancer has spread, you’ll want to consider chemotherapy to stop the growth and ease discomfort. Just remember no drug is a “cure” and any can cause side effects. Some dugs are given intraveneously, others are taken orally. Decarbazine (DTIC) is commonly used, although a combination of DTIC, carmustine (BCNU), cisplatin, and tamoxifen is becoming popular. Researchers worldwide are constantly testing new blends. If your melanoma is advanced, you might want to find out about the developing field of immunotherapy (also called bidogical therapy).

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Reflection

Celebrating World’s Charity Day

NINE years ago after my ordination as a Catholic Priest I met a woman named Ezinne Nneoma Charity Onuoha who is deeply involved charity work. The first day I visited her home I saw orphans and mentally challenged people she was feeding and accommodating in her home. When I asked her what inspired her to be doing this kind of charitable work since she was not an ordained minister and she was not even a religious sister. She smiled and asked me “can’t you see that my name is charity? I have to act according to my name. Moreover, I was born on 1st October 1960, the most charitable day in Nigeria, the day Nigeria gained her independence.” wonderful! I exclaimed. When I sensed that there was something unique and special in this woman I pleaded with her if she could work with me because I have the same passion for the orphans and other vulnerable people in the society. I knew what I went through as an orphan. My dad died when I was about to enter the senior seminary and my mother died while I was in the seminary. After their death I went through hell before I could make it as a priest. You may not know the importance of parents until you loose your parents, especially if your parents are responsible parents. With what I passed through in the seminary as a young orphan I made up my mind that if God blesses me I will

not allow any orphan that encounters me to leave without a smile. Luckily for me and for the orphans this woman called Charity who was living a charitable life accepted to work with me. Together we established an orphanage home at Maryland Egoro Amede Ekpoma in Esan land, known as orphanage of the Holy Spirit. This orphanage was graciously commissioned by the then Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Professor O. Osunbor on November 9, 2007. God has blessed the home with schools for orphans and vulnerable children known as Spiritus Sanctus Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools. In addition, we have established a hospital that is taking care of the orphans and mentally challenged people known as Adoration Medical Center. This hospital takes care of the orphans and other poor people around this vicinity where there is no single clinic. Right now, the mother of Faith has employed a practicing medical doctor, some trained nurses, and even Reverend Sisters who are assisting the home to cater for the orphans and other vulnerable children. This woman has received a good number of awards from Church leaders. Before I met her she received the “Ezinne” (worthy Mother) title from the Catholic Bishop of Aba and the “Nneoma” (Good mother) title from the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe respectively. To crown it all her fellow CWO women at Holy Cross Parish

Aba where she served as their President for nine good years before she came down to Edo State to establish this lifetransforming orphanage, recommended her to their Parish priest who recently gave her the title “Mother of Faith”. This title says it all! Because it takes a woman of faith to do the kind of work this woman is doing for the good people of Nigeria. September 5 is the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the woman who is globally known for her charitable life. In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human +suffering within and among nations, as well as the efforts of charitable organizations +and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa, the General Assembly of the +United Nations in its resolution A/RES/67/105 designated the 5th of September, which is the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity. Although mother Theresa of Calcutta is dead but the virtue of charity is not dead. The congregation she founded has spread in most parts of the world moreover God has raised another mother Theresa in the person

of Ezinne Nneoma Charity Onuoha, the Mother of Faith; a woman who is spending her life and her resources totally on charity. During school session this woman lives in the same roof with the orphans and during holidays she will travel with these orphans to her home for holidays and change of environment. One cannot imagine this woman existing without the orphans. God has blessed her with so many grandchildren. Three weeks ago her first daughter even delivered twins. As old as she is, last year when a three days old orphan was abandoned at the orphanage of the Holy Spirit, she was the one that nursed this baby. Imagine such a tender baby who did not suck the breast of her mother. Imagine the night cry and the sleepless nights. Imagine what it takes to change the baby’s pampers each time she is soaked. This woman was buying milk and other baby food to sustain the life of this poor abandoned orphan. Each time I look at this beautiful baby I feel some kind of sensation within me; I kept wondering, so if not for this mother of faith what would have happened to this child? Thank God for our Mother of Faith!

With REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE PHONE: 08076635886

In addition to this orphanage ministry, our Mother of Faith usually meets with widows every third Fridays of the month. She established Adoration Widow’s Forum; she prays with the widows, shares the word of God and other gift items with them. Through this AWF a lot of widows have been empowered. My joy today is that we have another Mother Theresa of Calcutta here in our country Nigeria. We should lean to celebrate our own~! This is charity is action. No word is as selftransforming, globallytransforming and lifeaffecting as the word ‘charity.’ It is the most liberating and most transforming word you can think of. It is a word that encourages giving, sharing and donations. For Jesus, it is the greatest commandment. According to our Lord Jesus Christ, charity will be the basis of our judgment on the last day. On that day Jesus will say to the righteous, “Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” (Matthew 25:34-36) no wonder St. John of the Cross, a Carmelite Saint, said that at the evening of our lives we shall be examined not on how much we have but on how much we love. Whenever we perform charitable act we are not simply doing the beneficiary favour we are doing it for Christ and we paving way for our eternal life. The world is sick of Poverty. There is hardship all over the world. With the global economic meltdown the situation is even getting worst. The youths have no job. Even those who have job are not able to sustain their families. When you travel to most Nigerian roads you will find a lot of children who are selling ‘pure water’, soft drinks and snacks just to get their daily bread. Under normal circumstance these are children who would have been in schools with other children learning. On this International Day of

Charity, the United Nations invites all Member States and all international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including nongovernmental organizations and individuals, to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner, by encouraging charity through education and public awareness-raising activities. This is another opportunity to visit orphanage homes, prisons, hospitals, home for the handicapped and other vulnerable groups in the society. Visit them and celebrate with them. Pray with them, play with them and Share your gifts with them. Charity is not a theoretical virtue. It is a practical virtue. It calls for action. Our Jesus Christ said, “Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42). In fact, we should not wait for people to beg from us before we reach out to them. There are people who may not even have the courage or connection to beg from others. As St. Paul rightly says, “God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7).” If you want to find favour with the Lord then you must be charitable as your heavenly Father is charitable. Every authentic religion and government must take charity work seriously. Charity is indeed the essence of religion. According to St. James, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). If your religion is not affecting people’s lives positively this is an opportunity for you to reevaluate your mission and the purpose of your religion. I want to use this opportunity to pay tribute to Mother Theresa of Calcutta, a woman who is globally recognized as the most charitable woman of her time. A woman whose death anniversary the world is celebrating with grand style. I also want to commend our own Mother of Faith, Ezinne Nneoma Charity Onuoha and all those who avail themselves in lifetransforming ministries, those who are acting as the voice of the voiceless and the defender of the defenseless. God bless you all as you continue to touch people’s lives.

“No word is as self-transforming, globally-transforming and lifeaffecting as the word ‘charity.’ It is the most liberating and most transforming word you can think of. It is a word that encourages giving, sharing and donations. For Jesus, it is the greatest commandment.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

International

Analysis

US Strikes Can Still Hurt Assad - Panel

IT would hardly be a surprise to Syrian President Bashar alAssad or his military if American missiles start hitting Syria soon. With weeks to prepare for an attack, Assad might benefit in some ways from the delay in any strike caused by President Barack Obama’s decision to seek approval from a divided U.S. Congress. U.S. officials and defense experts say Assad’s forces cannot take enough targets out of reach to blunt the U.S. military mission, especially since it is billed as having very limited objectives. Obama is calling for a limited military strike in response to a chemical weapons attack on civilians blamed by the United States on Assad’s forces. Fixed targets, for example, cannot be protected no matter how much time elapses. “A building can’t be moved, nor hid,” one U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Other fixed targets could include airfields, although not any storage facilities with chemical weapons in them. Defense analyst Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank said if successful, hitting fixed targets would eliminate key assets to Assad that “can’t easily be replaced, like command and control facilities, major headquarters.” “These are lasting targets,” Cordesman said. It is still unclear when any U.S. attack on Syria will happen but Assad already has had ample time to try to get ready. U.S. officials have been openly discussing the possibility of hitting Syria since shortly after the August 21 chemical weapons attack near Damascus. Even if Congress approves military action, a final vote would be unlikely before the middle of next week. A second U.S. official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the delay added “complexities” to the planning efforts. “It may change target sets,” the official said. “We’ll continue to refine our targeting options to conditions on the ground.” Assad has already moved some military equipment and personnel to civilian areas and put soldiers whose loyalty to Assad is in doubt in military sites as human shields against any Western strikes, the Istanbul-based Syrian opposition has said. It cited movement of rockets, Scud missiles and launches, as well as soldiers to locations including schools, university dormitories and government buildings inside cities. That could complicate the ability of the United States to reach some targets. The question of whether losing the element of surprise makes a difference militarily became a bone of contention in the debate over congressional backing for Obama’s attack plan. Senator John McCain, one of the Republicans who has pushed hardest for military action in Syria, said this week he was “astounded” when Obama said the military had advised him that an attack would still be effective in a month’s time. “When you tell the enemy you are going to attack, they are obviously going to disperse and make it harder,” McCain said in Congress on Tuesday. “It’s ridiculous to think that it’s not wise from a pure military standpoint not to warn the enemy that you’re gonna attack,” McCain said. The Obama administration says the planned attack is designed to strike a particular balance - being strong enough to deter Assad from using chemical weapons in the future while also degrading his ability to do so. But the Obama administration has said any attack would not be designed to topple Assad or necessarily shift the momentum in Syria’s civil war to the detriment of government forces. U.S. objectives include targets directly linked to the Syrian military’s ability to use chemical weapons, as well as missiles and rockets that can deliver them, Dempsey said. Air defenses that could be used to protect chemical weapons sites are also potential targets, Dempsey said. “That target package is still being refined as I sit here with you,” Dempsey told lawmakers. Despite the stated objective of deterring Assad, the U.S. military cannot guarantee its strikes will prevent Assad from using chemical weapons in the future. Even the objective to degrade - a military term that means “diminish” - his capabilities is vague. There has been no clear, public objective offered by the United States on how much it must damage Assad’s capabilities. (Additional reporting by David Alexander; Editing by Alistair Bell and Will Dunham)

Egypt’s Interior Minister Survives Bomb Attack CAIRO - A “large” explosive targeted the convoy of Egypt’s interior minister in Cairo’s eastern Nasr City district, the first attack on a senior government official since a coup toppled the country’s Islamist president two months ago. The minister, Mohammed Ibrahim, survived the attack, which damaged the convoy’s cars and injured at least eight people, including two policemen and a child seriously. There were no fatalities. Clearly shaken but unscathed, Ibrahim spoke on state television two hours after the late morning attack. He said his car, a black SUV, was directly hit by a “largesize explosive device” that badly damaged it along with four other vehicles in the convoy. “It was a heinous (assassination) attempt,” he later told reporters at the Interior Ministry in central Cairo. The explosive device, he added, likely was detonated by remote control. His comments were carried live on state television. The blast damaged several cars parked on the street and shattered the windows of

several nearby apartment buildings. The aftermath of the blast suggested a powerful explosion, with three badly damaged SUVs, including the minister’s, and a small raging fire. The blast site was littered with debris, including tree branches severed by the explosion. Police were searching for suspects in the area but no arrests had been made, security officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack Nasr City is a stronghold of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group from which ousted President Mohammed Morsi hails. It was also the site of a sit-in protest by his supporters that was stormed by police on Aug. 14, killing hundreds. Morsi was toppled in a July 3 military coup that followed days of protests by millions of Egyptians who demanded his departure after a year in office. During the sixweeklong sit-in protest in

Nasr City, many of Morsi’s supporters threatened to wage a campaign of violence against the military-backed government if he was not reinstated. Morsi has been held in an undisclosed location since his ouster. Hundreds of Brotherhood leaders and supporters have been detained since the coup, including the group’s supreme leader, Mohammed Badie, and his powerful deputy, Khairat el-Shater. Thursday’s attack harked

waterways, has surged as China uses its growing naval might to assert its vast claims over the oil- and gasrich sea more forcefully, raising fears of a military clash. The Philippines said this week that China planned to occupy the Scarborough

Shoal before regional rules on maritime behavior took effect, and had been laying concrete blocks there. China is due to host talks this month with Southeast Asian countries on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea which will supersede the Declaration of Conduct, a non-binding confidencebuilding pact on maritime conduct signed by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2002. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said it was the Philippines which was causing the problems. “The Scarborough Shoal is China’s intrinsic territory. The Philippines should respect China’s sovereignty,” he told a daily news briefing. “If the Philippines really is paying attention to, and cares about, the Code of

back to the insurgency waged by Islamists in the 1980s and 1990s against the rule of now-ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak. Then, senior government officials, including the speaker of parliament and the interior minister, were targeted. Mubarak himself survived an assassination attempt in 1994, when militants attacked his convoy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Egyptian government already is fighting a fledgling Islamist insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula, a strategic region bordering Israel and Gaza.

• Mohammed Ibrahim

Manila Stirring Up Trouble On Disputed Shoal - China

BEIJING - China accused the Philippines of deliberately stirring up trouble over a chain of disputed reefs and rocks in the South China Sea, saying Manila was “creating trouble out of nothing” over an intrinsically Chinese territory. Friction over the South China Sea, one of the world’s most important

• Philippine Prime Minister

Conduct for the South China Sea, it ought to earnestly stand by, and put into effect, the Declaration of Conduct, and create a good environment and conditions for talks on the Code of Conduct, and not make trouble out of nothing and cause incidents.” In Manila, the defense department released fresh air surveillance pictures showing Chinese ships and about 75 concrete blocks and what appeared to be pillars at the mouth of the Scarborough Shoal. Four of the 10 members of ASEAN, including Vietnam and the Philippines, have overlapping claims with China. Critics say China is intent on cementing its claims over the South China Sea through its superior and growing naval might, and has little interest in rushing to agree to the Code of Conduct.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

International Features

US Resolution On Syria Strike Passes First Hurdle

U.S. President Barack Obama’s effort to win legislative backing for military strikes against Syria passed its first hurdle on Wednesday when a Senate committee voted in favor, but the narrow margin of victory showed the depth of U.S. caution. In a possible sign of internal unrest in Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s ruling Alawite sect in the shadow of a likely U.S. intervention, Syrian opposition figures said General Ali Habib, a former defense minister, had defected. Syria denied the report. Washington and Syria’s main backer, Russia, remained publicly at odds as Obama tried to build his case for military action over chemical weapons before flying to Russia for a G20 summit hosted by President Vladimir Putin yesterday. Putin said U.S. congressional approval without a U.N. Security Council resolution would be an act of aggression, and accused U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry of lying by playing down the role of the militant group al Qaeda with rebel forces. With Obama focused on building international support, administration officials kept up their campaign of persuasion in Congress, where deep U.S. skepticism about going to war was reflected in a House of Representatives hearing. Still, after much jockeying over the exact wording, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a resolution authorizing the use of military force in Syria in a vote that avoided party lines, with Democrats and Republicans on both sides. The action cleared the way for a vote in the full Senate, likely next week. Members of the Free Syrian Army watch as they fire a homemade rocket towards forces loyal to Syria’s …

The committee voted 10-7 in favor of a compromise resolution that sets a 60-day limit on any engagement in Syria, with a possible 30-day extension, and bars the use of U.S. troops on the ground for combat operations. The administration is trying to balance the views of many in Congress who want a narrowly defined resolution against hawks such as Senator John McCain, who has pushed for a broader resolution that would allow direct U.S. support for rebels. The Senate committee adopted amendments proposed by McCain with policy goals of degrading Assad’s ability to use chemical weapons, increasing support for rebel forces and reversing battlefield momentum to create conditions for Assad’s removal. The authorization still faces significant resistance in Congress, where many lawmakers fear it could lead to a prolonged U.S. military involvement in Syria’s civil war and spark an escalation of regional violence. The full Senate is expected to vote on the resolution next week. The House of Representatives also must approve the measure. Obama said he would continue to try to persuade Putin of the need for punitive strikes on Assad for using chemical weapons when the two meet in St. Petersburg. In Stockholm en route to Russia, Obama said the credibility of America and of the world was at stake. He appeared to take umbrage at a reporter’s question about the “red line” he set for Assad at an August 2012 White House news conference. “I did not set a red line. The world set a red line,” Obama said, referring to bans on chemical weapons use. Putin again questioned Western evidence. He accused Kerry outright of lying when, in urging

Congress to approve strikes on Syria, Kerry played down the role of al Qaeda in the rebel forces. “Al Qaeda units are the main military echelon, and they know this,” Putin said. “He is lying and knows he is lying. It’s sad.” Earlier, Putin had said in a

concerns that any U.S. military strike over chemical weapons might provoke a clash with Russia. March 8, 2005 - A Syrian soldier riding on top of a tank gestures after leaving his position, in Dah … “Foreign Minister (Sergei) Lavrov has made it clear ...

• President Barack Obama

pre-summit interview with newsmen that he could not absolutely “rule out” Russia supporting a U.N. Security Council resolution to punish Assad - if it could be proved he had used poison gas. Briefing members of Congress in Washington, Kerry said those comments were “hopeful” and “there may be a road forward where Russia would consider not blocking action.” Kerry played down

Russia does not intend to fight a war over Syria,” Kerry told a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A senior Western official said that while Moscow was unlikely to say so in public, there were signs Russian officials believe Assad was responsible for the deaths on August 21 and that it had strained Russian support for him - providing an opening for a new, concerted drive to end the conflict.

“. . . in a sign of the tough road still ahead, Democrats and Republicans took both sides in the Senate committee vote. Two Democrats, Tom Udall and Chris Murphy, joined Republicans Marco Rubio, John Barrasso, James Risch, Ron Johnson and Rand Paul in voting no.”

However, Putin’s characteristically blunt tone towards the U.S. position appeared to limit prospects for a breakthrough in a stalemate that has prevented international action to rein in a conflict that has killed more than 100,000 Syrians and left millions homeless but which neither side has been able to win. Numerous defections over the past two years by senior commanders, either to the rebel Free Syrian Army or into exile abroad, have not led to a collapse of Assad’s defenses. Habib, the former defense minister, had been under house arrest since he resigned in protest at Assad’s crackdown on demonstrators in 2011. He managed to reach the Turkish border late on Tuesday with Western help, Kamal al-Labwani of the Syrian National Coalition told Reuters. Other sources also said Habib had fled but Syrian state television denied he had left his home. Turkey’s foreign minister said he could not confirm the general had defected. An aerial view shows the Zaatari refugee camp, near the Jordanian city of Mafraq in this July 18, 20 … The flight of Habib, if confirmed, would lend credibility to suggestions that parts of the Alawite community may be turning against Assad. Previous highlevel defections have generally involved Sunni officers. “Ali Habib has managed to escape from the grip of the regime and he is now in Turkey, but this does not mean that he has joined the opposition. I was told this by a Western diplomatic official,” Labwani said from Paris. A Gulf source told Reuters that Habib had crossed the Turkish frontier late on Tuesday with two or three other people. He was taken across the border in a convoy of vehicles. Kerry said he did not know if the report of Habib’s defection was correct but “there are currently defections taking place. I think there are something like 60 to 100 in the last day or so, officers and enlisted personnel.” In an interview on Britain’s Sky News, Bouthaina

Shaaban, a senior adviser to Assad, made no mention of the defection. She said the world should wait for the outcome of a United Nations investigation into the use of chemical weapons and blamed groups linked to al Qaeda for the alleged gas attack last month. Following the failure of British Prime Minister David Cameron to win parliamentary backing for air strikes last week, Washington has been struggling to build an international coalition for action in the absence of a U.N. resolution. Kerry told lawmakers that at least 10 countries had pledged to participate in a U.S. military intervention in Syria, but he did not identify them nor say what roles they might play. France and Turkey are the most significant military powers lining up behind Obama. The French parliament debated Syria on Wednesday, though President Francois Hollande does not need approval for action. French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told parliament that failure to strike Assad would send a message to the likes of Iran and North Korea that they could defy Western powers with impunity, notably over concerns about their nuclear programs. Obama has won the backing of key figures in the U.S. Congress, including among his Republican opponents. But in a sign of the tough road still ahead, Democrats and Republicans took both sides in the Senate committee vote. Two Democrats, Tom Udall and Chris Murphy, joined Republicans Marco Rubio, John Barrasso, James Risch, Ron Johnson and Rand Paul in voting no. In the Senate, Democratic leader Harry Reid is guardedly confident that a majority of the 100 members will vote yes, but is still unsure if he can get the 60 votes needed to overcome Republican procedural roadblocks, aides said. In the 435-member House, a senior Republican aide predicted that most of the 50 or so Republicans backed by the anti-big government Tea Party movement will vote no. A number of Democratic liberals are also expected to vote against a resolution, placing the final outcome in doubt.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

International Cases Against Kenyan President, Deputy I’ll Go Ahead A M S T E R D A M / NAIROBI The International Criminal Court’s cases against Kenya’s president and deputy will go ahead, the prosecutor said in a statement released hours before the Kenyan parliament votes on withdrawing from the court’s jurisdiction. Chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda also said relatives of witnesses had been continually approached with bribes and threats to disclose the whereabouts of witnesses

in the cases against President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy William Ruto, who are accused of orchestrating violence after elections in 2007 in which 1,200 people lost their lives. The two are scheduled to go on trial in The Hague soon - Ruto’s trial is set to open next week - despite Kenya’s efforts to have the cases dropped or moved closer to home. “The judicial process is now in motion at the International Criminal Court. Justice must run its course,”

• Scene from the 2007 election protest that rocked Kenya for which its current President in being prosecuted by ICC

- ICC

Bensouda said in a video posted on the court’s website. “Witnesses have gone to great lengths to risk their lives and the lives of their relatives to support our investigations and prosecutions,” she added. Kenya’s parliament began debating a motion on Thursday afternoon to withdraw from the Rome Statute that underpins the International Criminal Court. “I am setting the stage to redeem the image of the Republic of Kenya,” Aden Duale, majority leader from Kenyatta’s Jubilee coalition, told parliament in a televised session laying out the motion. Even if Kenya does vote to withdraw, its departure from the first permanent international criminal court would take at least a year and would have no effect on cases already in train, Fadi El Abdallah, the court’s spokesman, said on Wednesday. “It’s not possible to stop

independent judicial and legal proceedings via a political measure,” he said. The Kenyan president’s spokesman was not immediately available for comment, but Ruto’s lawyer said he would continue to cooperate with the ICC. “The deputy president has and will continue to cooperate with the court,” said Karim Khan, Ruto’s counsel before the ICC. “He wants to clear his name from this nonsense that’s being bandied about.” Khan described as “offensive” Bensouda’s claim that the relatives of witnesses against Ruto had been intimidated and said she was trying to divert attention from her office’s “amateurish” investigation. “To seek to create a fog of mystery around the inadequacies of her office by alleging witness intimidation is to distort the truth in hideous fashion,” Khan said. He would not comment on whether Ruto supported the motion on withdrawal from the ICC.

Iran I’ll Support Syria ‘To The End’ - Military Chief

TEHRAN - will support Syria “until the end” in the face of possible US-led military strikes, the chief of Iran’s elite Quds Force unit was quoted by the media as saying. Iran is Syria’s main regional ally and some analysts believe a wider goal of US President Barack Obama’s determination

to launch a strike against the Damascus regime is to blunt Tehran’s growing regional influence and any consequent threat to Washington ally Israel. “The aim of the United States is not to protect human rights ...

BAGHDAD - Gunmen shot dead at least 16 members of a Shi’ite Muslim family before blowing up their two neighboring homes south of the Iraqi capital overnight, police and medics said. The attack took place in the town of Latifiya, around 40 km (25 miles) from Baghdad, in a volatile area known as the “triangle of death”. It was not immediately clear who carried out the attack but Sunni militants who view Shi’ites as apostastes have been regaining momentum in their insurgency and striking with a ferocity not seen in years. “We were sitting in our house when some gunmen opened fire at us through the windows,” said a teenage girl wearing a red headscarf and dress, seated on the bed of her 6-year-old brother in a hospital ward. Both

their heads were bandaged. “My father stood and moved toward the door. They shot him dead immediately. They shot my sister dead. They were shooting randomly.” Outside the hospital, people thought to be relatives of the victims wept as they waited to receive the bodies of the dead, which included women and children. One woman struck her head in grief, crying “God is Greatest!” More than two years of civil war in neighboring Syria have aggravated deep-rooted sectarian divisions in Iraq, fraying an uneasy government coalition of Shi’ite, Sunni and ethnic Kurdish factions. About 800 Iraqis were killed in August, according to the United Nations, with more than a third of the attacks in Baghdad.

Gunmen Kill 16 Members Of Shi’ite Family In Iraq

but to destroy the front of resistance (against Israel),” Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani was quoted as saying. “We will support Syria to the end,” he added in a speech to the Assembly of Experts, the body that supervises the work of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He did not elaborate on the nature of the support and Iran has constantly denied allegations by Western powers that it has sent military forces to prop up President Bashar alAssad’s embattled regime. A year ago, the chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Ali Jafari, said that members of the Quds Force foreign operations unit were in Syria but only to provide Assad’s government with “counsel and advice”. Soleimani accused the US of using its claims that Syria’s forces had unleashed chemical weapons on civilians last month as a “pretext” to try to topple Assad’s regime. Iran’s Defence Minister Hossein Dehqan, meanwhile, ruled out sending troops or weapons to Syria. “The Syrians do not need us to provide them with weapons because they have a defensive

anti-aircraft system themselves,” he was cited in the local media as saying. President Hassan Rowhani said Iran will do “everything to prevent” an attack on the Syrian regime, according to extracts from statements he made before the Assembly of Experts published in the media. “Any action against Syria is against the interests of the region but also against the friends of the United States in this region,” he said. “Such action will help nobody.” The US, France and other countries accuse Assad’s forces of launching chemical weapons attacks on the outskirts of Damascus on August 21, which they say killed hundreds. Obama is seeking congressional backing as well as broader international support for punitive strikes on Assad’s regime. Iran has warned that any military action against Syria risks sparking a broader regional conflagration.

Kenyan officials concede the country has not in the past had the ability to try suspects accused of crimes against humanity, but say its reformed judiciary now does. The ICC has rejected attempts to have the cases moved back to Kenya. Jakoyo Midiwo, deputy majority leader of the opposition in parliament, criticized the action to pull Kenya out of the ICC, saying the opposition would vote against the motion, which “has divided the country down the middle”. The 2007 violence erupted after supporters of former prime minister Raila Odinga of the Luo ethnic group claimed that former president Mwai Kibaki, a Kikuyu, had stolen victory in the presidential poll. At the time, Ruto, a

Kalenjin, was a key ally of Odinga. Attacks on Kikuyu supporters of Kibaki triggered a bloody cycle of retaliatory attacks against Kalenjins and Luos. Activists greeted the news of Thursday’s parliamentary vote with dismay. “This motion to leave the ICC is a significant setback for a country that once proudly ratified the Rome Statute in 2002,” said William Pace, convener of the Coalition for the ICC, a pressure group. “In the long run, the promoters of this action are hurting the reputation of Kenya as a nation that supports international human rights and the rule of law.” The trial against Ruto starts on September 10 in The Hague, while Kenyatta’s is scheduled to open on November 12.

Obama Arrives Russia For G-20 Meetings

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – President Barack Obama is in St. Petersburg, Russia, for meetings with world leaders at the Group of 20 summit. Obama arrived Thursday morning from Sweden, the first stop on his three-day overseas trip. The Stockholm stop was added after Obama canceled plans to hold talks ahead of the G-20 with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in retaliation for Russia granting asylum to National Security Agency

leaker Edward Snowden. The White House says Obama and Putin will not hold formal one-on-one talks on the sidelines of the summit. The economy-focused summit is expected to be overshadowed by the prospect of a U.S.-led strike against Syria. Obama is seeking to rally support from international leaders for taking military action to punish Syrian President Bashar Assad for a chemical weapons attack.

Pope Francis ministering to the sick

Military Solution In Syria Would Be Futile, VATICAN CITY - Pope Pope Tells Putin Francis, in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the G20 conference, has urged world leaders to “lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution” in Syria.

“Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and determination, a peaceful solution through dialogue

and negotiation of the parties, unanimously supported by the international community,” the pope said in the letter.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

EVERY FRIDAY WEEK 08, 2013 LAST SEASON RESULT Anderson Richwell 1.2. X. Forecast

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THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Varas Happy To Be Back At SEVILLA goalkeeper to come back and Sevilla always Javi Varas says he is fight for a place at Sevilla looking forward to fighting for his place at the club following his loan spell with Celta Vigo. The 30-year-old was a regular starter for the Andalusians during the 2011/12 season and he is hoping to regain his status as the number one goalkeeper after starting 35 games for Celta last season.

Lazio President ‘Gets Death Threats’

However, he is facing stiff competition from Portuguese goalkeeper Beto, who has been the first choice since the departure of Andres Palop and Diego Lopez. “The coach gave me confidence, I am happy with my work,” he said. “I am home and I cannot say I’m not comfortable in my home. “My intention was

“Last season I left because of the options that I had, not because I don’t like the club. “Now I’m back here and I have to try to work every day; I can’t look back, I have to look forward.” With Beto ruled out by a hip injury, Varas was in the starting lineup on Sunday as Sevilla played to a 2-2 draw against Malaga and he says he is hoping to

make full use of his opportunities. “I got a chance to play because Beto is injured and when these situations come I have to try to take advantage and help the team,” he said. “When I came back I did not expect to walk into the starting lineup, Beto has been playing well for the team and he has an advantage. “However, I’m prepared to work hard in order to be ready whenever I get a chance to play.”

Fabio Cannavaro, should he feature in Italy’s World Cup Qualifier against the Czech Republic. The Juventus shot-stopper will equal Cannavaro’s record of 136 appearances in the National team’s shirt if he is included in Cesare Prandelli’s starting line-up. “It would represent a special achievement, but not necessarily something unthinkable seeing as I started playing for the national team very early,” he told Juventus.com. “It’s a wonderful feeling,

because I’ve had 16 incredible years, even though I suffered an injury that could have changed a lot of things. I believe that I’ve done well over the years and always been determined to keep pushing myself.” “Of all the Italy matches I’ve played, I can tell you that the last hundred have not just been games of football but much more than that: they have been played with passion, spirit, emotion, the sense of responsibility that comes from representing your country and the desire to make our fans happy.”

Ibrahimovic Not An Ogre, Insists Lavezzi

LAZIO president Claudio Lotito has received death threats for failing to sign Burak Yilmaz from Galatasaray this summer, according to a report in Italy. A move for the Turkish striker did not go through with Lazio blaming the demands of the player’s agent for ruining the deal on transfer deadline day, but the Serie A club’s fans have pinned the blame on Lotito, who has received death threats, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport. Similar messages have been sent to the club’s director of sport, Igli Tare, for not completing the deal. But the Biancoceleste’s transfer intermediary Valerio Antonini, who was liaising between the Rome club and Yilmaz’s agent, as well as the Turkish club, has confirmed that it was only the player’s agent who scuppered the agreement. “It was everybody’s intention to bring him to Rome,” Antonini told Lazio Style Radio. “Indeed, it was the agent who tried to extort Lotito when he knew of the agreement between Burak and with Galatasaray. “The final offer was +11 million plus +4 million in bonuses, and it was accepted by Galatasaray. The agent then made an exaggerated demand for commission, in fact he asked for +2.5 million. That’s why the negotiations ended. President Lotito had accepted a commission of 5% and the agent asked for precisely double. “Even Galatasaray’s president was disappointed and shocked by Burak’s agent’s demands.” In the end, Lazio signed Brayan Perea from Deportivo Cali, who is aware that the club’s fans really wanted Burak Yilmaz. “I know there will be lots of pressure and expectations, particularly after what has happened these days, but I have no fear and I can’t wait to get started,” said the Colombian in Il Messaggero. “This is a big chance for me and I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”

Buffon Nearing Azzurri GIANLUIGI Buffon will Record draw level with Italy legend,

Gianluyigi Buffon

THE Argentina international has made it clear that the powerful striker’s reputation goes before him as he is not a controversial person in real life Ezequiel Lavezzi has stressed that Paris SaintGermain team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not the bad guy that people think he is as the Argentine believes the former AC Milan star is just trying to maintain a certain image.

Court Says Messi Repays Spanish Taxman

BARCELONA star Lionel Messi and his father have repaid five million euros ($6.6 million) owed to the taxman before facing court on tax evasion charges, according to a judge’s ruling obtained yesterday. The tax fraud charges filed deposited 5.02 million euros in June were a stunning blow with the court on August 14 to the prestige of Messi, long to cover more than four seen as a more humble figure million euros in unpaid taxes, than most top-class plus interest. The judge rejected a footballers — in particular his fierce Real Madrid rival prosecutors’ request for the 26-year-old Argentina Cristiano Ronaldo. The ruling by a judge in international to be obliged to Gava, a Mediterranean deposit a financial bond so as coastal town near Barcelona, to ensure he pays any fine on said the Argentine player’s the tax charges. A bond was unnecessary father Jorge Messi had

Lionel Messi

“given the worldwide renown of professional footballer Mr. Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini and his resulting solvency,” the judge said, also citing the fact that the taxes had been repaid. The judge said he was consulting with the prosecution before making a ruling on a separate request by Messi’s lawyers for the planned September 17 hearing to be postponed. Prosecutors have charged the four-time World Player of the Year and his father with defrauding the tax office of income related to the use of his image from 2006-2009. Messi and his father are accused of trying to deceive the state by ceding the player’s image rights to companies based in tax havens such as Belize and Uruguay so they would pay no tax in Spain. Prosecutor allege they drew up deals related to Messi’s image rights in Britain and Switzerland, ensuring that the income went straight to the tax havens without passing through Spain. Messi’s lawyers office, Juarez Veciana, has said the player “scrupulously complies with Spanish

legislation” and will pay any amount he is found to owe. Messi’s achievements on the field have made him one of the most marketable sportsmen in the world. The Argentine is ranked 10th amongst Forbes’ list of sports stars’ incomes with an annual $21m from endorsements alone.

Ibrahimovic has earned himself somewhat of a reputation as a bad boy for his often flamboyant behaviour on and off the pitch, but Lavezzi has insisted that the Sweden star is an enjoyable person in real life. “Zlatan is not the ogre that people think he is. He is nothing like the image he’s selling to the outside world. He has a certain image that he’s living up to, but he’s not like that in real life,” Lavezzi told Goal. “Everybody makes his own decisions on how to act and how you feel about certain things. Fortunately, I have a very good relationship with and I can talk with him about all kinds of things. “His real personality is different than his image in the football world. He is not like that, that’s just a character he’s playing.” Ibrahimovic and Lavezzi both joined PSG in 2012 after previously plying their trade in Serie A.

Allegri Had No Intentions MASSIM Of Leaving ` ILIANO

Allegri has revealed he had no intentions in leaving Milan despite some fans calling for him to be given the chop. The Tuscan tactician came under fire after the Rossoneri’s troubled start

Massimiliano Allegri

to the campaign last season, and was repeatedly linked with a departure from the club after the 2012/13 season. But a third place finish and a Champions League qualification meant Allegri was shown the faith by the Milan management for one more season. “I never had the idea of leaving Milan and I would have been disappointed after just one year,” he told Milan Channel. “I wanted to play in Champions League with this team and I did not want to leave these lads, this club and these fans.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Everybody Wants To Beat Trebble-Winning Bayern - Shaqiri THE Switzerland international believes no team will fear the reigning German champions, while praising Pep Guardiola’s personal approach Xherdan Shaqiri believes Bayern Munich’s successful 2012-13 campaign will only serve as motivation for their rivals to attempt to beat the Bavarians. Bayern became the first German team in history to win the treble last term, but Shaqiri does not think their dominance will frighten any of the big teams in Europe. “Not a single big team out there fears another team, so they will not fear Bayern either,” Shaqiri was quoted as saying by Bild. “There’s no room for fear in the minds of Europe’s best players. Every great player bans fear from his mind. “Nobody goes onto the pitch thinking ‘Oh no, we’re playing against Bayern’. It’s simply not like that. If anything, they

will be even more motivated to beat the treble winners.” The Switzerland international then went on to discuss his relationship with new coach Pep Guardiola and hailed the Spaniard’s approach. “Pep knows exactly how to reach his players and that’s a great thing. He transmits to us that he really believes in us and that’s crucial. “He’s an incredible motivator and he’s a lot of fun. I have little doubt that we will have a great time with him.”

Keven-Prince Boateng

Xherdan Shaqiri

Germany Trails Despite Transfer Records

GERMAN clubs spent significantly less than other top leagues around Europe this summer despite a number of transfer records having been broken in the Germany when Bayern Bundesliga. The 18 clubs in the Munich paid his +37 million Bundesliga spent +261.1 release clause to sign him million over the summer — from Borussia Dortmund. Bayern and Dortmund, the surpassing the +238 million two Champions League invested the previous year — while Mario Gotze finalists, spent a total of became the most expensive +110 million alone — player to move within nearly 50% of the division’s total — and averaged over +15 million per signing, with BVB’s most notable arrival the +27.5 million signing of Henrikh “Many people thought it Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar was funny, but I didn’t,” Donetsk. Boateng told Sport-Bild. “Even if ‘Kloppo’ and I have a good relationship, he’s MARIO Gomez has not going to hear me say a bad revealed he turned down an word about him, but this press offer from Real Madrid when conference surprised me.” he opted to join Fiorentina Boateng played a key role this summer. in Schalke’s 2-0 Bundesliga Gomez left Bayern Munich win over Bayer Leverkusen in a +20 million deal in June, on Saturday, ending a threeand has two goals in two game winless run in the league games as la Viola Bundesliga in the process. have won their opening Serie The Ghanaian joined A matches. Schalke from Milan for +15 The striker — whose million last month, signing a paternal grandparents left four-year deal with the Spain to work in Germany German club. during the 1960s — told kicker that he considered moving to Madrid but in the end had plumped for Italy. “I was flattered because all my family are Real Madrid fans,” he said. “I appreciated their interest, but I told my agent I only wanted to go to Florence.” The Germany international, 28, suggested he had preferred to be assured of a first team spot at Fiorentina than have to compete for a starting berth at the Estadio Santiago

Boateng Hits Back At NEW Schalke signing Klopp Kevin-Prince Boateng says Jurgen Klopp’s comments regarding his transfer from AC Milan were not funny. The 26-year-old spent a stint on loan at Dortmund in the 2008-09 season, under the guidance of Klopp, and impressed before continuing his career at Portsmouth and the Rossoneri. The Ghana international caused a stir when he signed for Dortmund’s arch-rivals Schalke last week, and Klopp made comments in jest about the 26-year-old after admitting his surprise at the midfielder’s choice of destination.

Muller Baffled By Ozil Transfer

However, investment in other top leagues was significantly higher, with Real Madrid’s move for Gareth Bale for a reported +100 million the most significant. our other players went for +50 million or more, with Edinson Cavani joining PSG from Napoli for +64.5 million, Monaco spending +60 million to bring in Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona paying +57 million for Santos’ Neymar. Finally, on deadline day, Arsenal spent +50 million to take Mesut Ozil from Real

Madrid, making him the most expensive German player of all time. Those five deals total +331.5 million — +69.9 million more than the 18 Bundesliga clubs combined, despite their average spend of +1.95 million representing a significant rise on the +600,000 average of a decade ago. Bundesliga clubs also brought in a record sum — +211.5 million — with Andre Schurrle becoming the most expensive player ever to leave Germany when he joined Chelsea for +23 million.

Bernabeu with Karim Benzema. “I did not move on to another club of [Bayern’s] level,” he said. “If I had joined Real, I would have alternated with Benzema.” Benzema has two goals and

appearances this season, but has not looked completely comfortable — and was whistled by fans at the Bernabeu during last weekend’s 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

THOMAS Muller has become the latest highprofile player to express his astonishment at Real Madrid’s decision to allow Mesut Ozil to join Arsenal. Los Blancos pocketed +50 million from the sale of the 24-year-old playmaker, whom they signed from Werder Bremen for a reported +15m in 2010. However, even some of Madrid’s players have questioned the wisdom of allowing Ozil to leave after a summer of dramatic change in the Spanish capital, and now Muller has weighed in, admitting that he cannot understand why the Liga giants opted to offload a player who was as loved by his team-mates as he was by the fans. “I knew that Mesut was feeling very comfortable at Madrid,” the Germany international said of his team-mate in an interview with Bild. “But, in football, things can happen quickly. “Real threw everything overboard [this summer] new coach [Carlo Ancelotti], new stars [Isco, Gareth Bale]. I wouldn’t have sold Mesut. “However, I had the feeling that he is looking forward to a new chapter in his career at Arsenal.”

Mario Gomez Turned Down Real two assists in his first three Madrid Primera Division

Thomas Muller

Fans Threaten Mayhem Over FANS of Mersin Raheem Lawal Idmuyurdu have threatened to burn down the house of the president of the Turkish club should Raheem Lawal be sold. Nigeria international midfielder Lawal is seen as key to the club’s instant return to the Turkish top flight and MTNFootball.com has gathered that fans have threatened drastic action if the midfielder is allowed to go. “The transfer talk around

Raheem Lawal is like a war now, it is not easy as the fans want him to remain at the team. They threatened to burn the house and properties of the club president if he sanctions the sale of Lawal,” a top source i n f o r m e d MTNFootball.com Raheem Lawal makes Team of the Week “In fact Lawal’s house has been besieged by fans who have trooped in to persuade

him to stay with Mersin.” Kasimpasa and Antalyaspor have tabled bid of 1 million Euros each for the former Adan Demirspor player, while his club value him at around 1.5 million Euros. He has two years left on his contract with Mersin Idmuyurdu. Lawal himself has never hidden his intention to play in Super League. The transfer window in Turkey closes on Friday.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

CMYK

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Nigeria: A Vast Knowledge IF we would not be seen, heard or talked about as good persons by men, then there is just one other reason left for us to be doing good. The only other reason is for God to see that we care, and then keep shifting the hardships or pains others are going through, far away from us. This assertion may not seem religious, but it is the voiced or unvoiced truth. We may share in people’s pains through our prayers and emotions, but never feel concerned enough as to wish God would transfer a bit of such pains to us; even if it means lessening the pains of the sufferers. We feel concerned with the attitude of ‘Not In My Backyard’ (NIMB) We would always prefer any highly toxic materials to be dumped somewhere else, instead of allowing them to contaminate the air we all breathe. We believe there is a ‘better or safer’ place for such harmful substances, far away from our own environment. Thereafter, we could be prepared to join others in carrying placards or cursing those who have done such inhuman acts, but secretly relish the fact that they were not dumped in our own environment: At least, not in our backyard. This manner of concerns are generally exhibited to boost our personal image or public perception, and not because the world truly cares about the pains of others. In a workplace, people may feel concerned enough when some persons have not been paid for several months, but not as to wish a slash in their own salaries in order to temporarily cater for the remaining unpaid workers. This brings me to the matter of those who are now demanding massive support for President Goodluck Jonathan, should he wish to contest the 2015 Presidential

Of No Subject

Election. I hope those spearheading this project of ‘Jonathan for 2015’ can truly say Nigeria is currently in a situation or heading towards the situation they would have wished for themselves and their families, in infrastructure and security. Africa and optimistically the world was celebrating

Nelson Mandela could be blessed with the saintly presence of numerous well-wishing South Africans who crowded the hospital environment beseeching the Lord Almighty to grant the man fondly referred as Madiba, good health. That Nigeria deserves the kind of health care facilities which its leaders

• President Goodluck Jonathan

the release of Dr. Nelson Mandela after a long session of intensive care in a South African hospital. His health improved through the fervent wish of the world and good medical facilities of South Africa, and was certified okay to return home. I am not thrilled by his great recovery as much as I feel satisfied that his critical health condition could be trusted in the care of South African medical facilities. Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela has served as a single-term president of South Africa. With so many years in prison, and then just another 4 years to ensure that the country, whether through him or his predecessors is bequeathed with the kind of medical facilities that citizens can trust and truly patronize. Therefore, Dr

can trust and patronize is beyond the narrow partisan enclave of being the ‘largest political party in Africa’. It is about the persons who can and should not be bound by any political or regional myopia in the course of fixing the country’s health care facilities. It is about saying that a meal taste sweet or awful, not because the cook is from a preferred place or not. Problem solving is about who knows how; and not about ‘it is our turn’ to serve or provide the answer. If truly we are not unnecessarily being subjective, who would be drumming up support for the kind of President after so many years as Governor of a State, and still running as a President, cannot boast of a single hospital he would allow his wife to attend for

a desirable health care? Particularly in an environment where he enjoys an unfettered privilege to do for the health sector, what he feels is ideal as a sitting President. Consequential to this is that when the concerned citizens of Nigeria did not have the same privilege as their South African counterparts of flooding the hospital environment at a time First Lady, Dame

FEED BACK By KINGSLEY OGBEIDE-IHAMA encourage to serve their Youth Service Corps in the Northern States where the activities of insurgencies are high? How many of his own

• Dr. Nelson Mandela

Patience Jonathan took ill from food poisoning, therefore in the place of their flowers, prayers and hymns was the most unpalatable act of rumour mongering; with some hoping that her fate should never become similar to that of Late Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, who passed away at a foreign hospital. After all, we can observe that even the President is not exonerated from the ‘Not In My Backyard’ kind of attitude. Why should a President, who can afford the best medical care in the world, subject his lovely wife to the kind of medical facilities meant for other Nigerians? Or how many of his beloved family members would he encourage to access medical care from the Nigerian public health care facilities? How many of his beloved would he

would he advice to ply Nigerian roads over long distances? How safe would he feel to take any drug bought from any pharmacy or medicine store in Nigeria? But if he as a sitting President will sincerely answer all of these questions, he should be able to attest if this is exactly the kind of Nigeria he would have loved to live in. Would the President not also agree that for all we boast about of our size and a lot others, our endowment shows us more as a country with great knowledge of no subject? A country which is similar to a pregnant woman, who the world keeps noticing with an every-time 9 months pregnancy, but never leaves her place of delivery with a single baby alive: If we are truly not biased about our stocktaking; it is very obvious

that this business between the current Nigerian government and the citizens is not profitable. Whether any person believes or not, it is most certain that when President Goodluck Jonathan succeeds in coming back as Nigeria’s President by 2015, an attempt to bring in new sets of federal Ministers, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other fresh appointees would mean starting with a different new approach towards solving the country’s different challenges. Even the faithful followers, who are applauding the now termed ‘Transformation Agenda’ of the present regime, would deny they ever knew or saw effects of the Agenda when called to reckoning. This is Nigeria for your understanding. In Nigeria, a person who wakes up from a coma of 40 years could find the leaders still trying to solve the same problems, with celebrated new approaches of different new appointees. There is always this culture of ‘My time; my thing; and my way’ because of no syllabus or guide that compels compliance from where the former got relieved of the duties. Meanwhile, the political party or parties from which such appointees are drawn, though not written on any single document, are very knowledgeable in how elections are fixed and the zoning pattern of producing the appointees, but lack a guidebook of how each new appointee should go about achieving the party’s programmes in a continuing sequence from where the predecessors stopped.

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