The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 ART AND CULTURE
cmyk
Page 19 Amalgamated culture of 1914
REFLECTION
Page 23 The significance of Ash Wednesday and Lenten season
• Vol . 38 NO. 435 • FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 • N100.00
Oshiomhole assures IPP investors of govt support House. The Governor who was elated at the choice
BENIN CITY Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has assured investors that government would provide an enabling environment and incentives for them to
carry out their operations. He gave the assurance yesterday, when he granted
audience to the management of the Azura Power Plant who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government
of Edo for the project said “we cannot appreciate you enough Continues on page 2
No going back on teachers’ assessment - Oshiomhole
BENIN CITY - Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole says there is no going back on the conduct of the assessment for teachers in the state. those who will destroy He made the remark their future. yesterday, when he had a “The country is bigger meeting with the leadership of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools in Government House, Benin City. Oshiomhole said, “We are not re-inventing or breaking a new ground. It is not a new chapter that is being opened. We have resolved, we are firm that the state cannot possibly continue to leave the children in the hands of
than any individual and the state is bigger than the individual. Leaders will go but the people will remain. I will be surprised that those whose profession is
teaching, setting examination and writing examination regard assessment as something degrading. “In any case, our ego must not be bigger than
the ego of the people of the state. It is very clear that our parents want to be sure of those they leave their children with. It is clear that Edo people want to be certain that
$20bn oil scandal
NNPC returns to the drawing board By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - Confusion of figures trailing allegation of non remittance of whopping $49.8 billion into the Federation Accounts against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation by suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was further compounded yesterday, following disagreement between Senate Investigating panel and the NNPC management over
discovered discrepancies in figures. The knotty point is the US$2 billion the NNPC claimed to have paid to Exon and Total for Third Party Financing, but computation of the NNPC figures by the Sen. Ahmed Markafi led Senate Committee on Finance, revealed that the Corporation has only paid US$1.3 billion. Further exchanges between the NNPC Managing Director, Engr. Andrew Yakubu and the panel saw both sides Continues on page 2
TIT BIT
“If we keep the light in our hearts constantly on, there should be no hiding place for evil.” - Kinglsey Ogbeide-Ihama
APC NATIONAL SUMMIT:L-R: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano and Rochas Okorocha of Imo State at the APC National Summit in Abuja yesterday.
when they drop their children in school, they are dropping them in good hands. “You cannot place the job of one person over and above a whole generation. That will be irresponsible on our part. The future of the child is something that cannot be compromised. The whole idea is to establish who in the first place is a qualified teacher. Oshiomhole explained that many mistakes have been made in the past adding that it cannot be allowed to continue. He said: “Like they say, the country is greater than any individual. It is greater than me and it is greater than the teacher. My job is important but it is not as important as the future of the state. If there is conflict between my security of tenure and the security of the state, my security of tenure will give way because leaders will come and go but the people remain.” He reminded the ASUSS leaders that some states have done the test and the teachers that sat for them belong
NAESS honours EIRS boss
BENIN CITY – In appreciation and recognition of his outstanding quality service to humanity, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah has been honoured with an award by the National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS), University of Nsukka (UNN) chapter.
Presenting the award to the recipient during a ceremony at the EIRS Headquarters in Benin City, the students led by their president,
E h i d i a m h e n Osamudiamhen, described Chief Elamah as a man of discipline, courage and a peculiar charisma whose track
records has earned him his current position. In an address read by the association’s Public Relation Officer, Enezunu Mark, the
association said, “Because you are a man of the people who has worked in many capacities, both locally Continues on page 2
organisedd by the Institute of Child’s Health, University of Benin, Dr. Damian Nwaneri, a Consultant
Pediatrician said that if gifted children are not properly managed they might develop psychological problem and end up in the Continues on page 2
Forum flays implementation
Nat’l policy on Educ:
By FRIDAY OBANOR BENIN CITY – A b y s m a l Implementation of the National Policy on Education has been identified as the reason
Continues on page 2
for failure of the Gifted Child in Nigeria’s Education system. Speaking at the monthly seminar
News
Oshiomhole assures IPP investors of Continued from page 1 output which Nigeria govt’s support for the confidence you produces today is more than
have demonstrated in our state and country by locating the power plant here and in a friendly community that are anxious to have you properly integrated. “We are ready to do anything that is lawful and reasonable to encourage you to take off the project and see the completion. The paradox of the Nigeria society is the issue of power supply. This is a project whose viability is not in doubt. “With power, our people will be in position to create wealth and put less pressure in the political class to serve all manner of interests. So for me this is the right thing Nigeria needs at this time. I want to appreciate the participating institutions for the interest shown in the project. “Nigerians are hungry for power, I mean the real power not political power. With that our people will be empowered to live their lives outside government to create small and large businesses and create wealth without looking up to the state”, he said. The Governor said “I trust this bold step will be a big statement to market the country as an investor ’s destination. Edo State will do anything to support you. Power is at the heart of the
NAESS honours EIRS boss Continued from page 1 and internationally, in public and private sectors, there is no doubt that you are the right man for the job, an administrative juggernaut that must be reckoned with”. He added, “No wonder the comrade governor decided to make you the financial engine house of his administration where lofty developmental projects have become the order of the day”. They used the opportunity to appeal to the EIRS Chairman to assist the body in the area of functional secretariat, bursary, scholarship as well as welfare for Edo students in the university. Responding, Chief Elamah thanked the association for the honour done him. Chief Elamah who advised the students to be focused in their academic works also admonished them to jettison acts that would jeopardise their future. Chief Elamah who was represented by the Head, Media and Corporate Affairs of the EIRS, Courage Eboigbe described revenue generation as one of the means through which any nation can witness development, and therefore urged the students to collaborate in areas that would help optimise revenue generation in the state.
Nigeria question”. Earlier, the Managing Director of the Azura Power Plant, Dr. David Ladipo, said the power plant is a Public Private Partnership and is a
project that has been on for the past five years. He said the power plant will in the initial stage produce four hundred and fifty mega watts which by the current
Continued from page 1 to NUT and ASUSS, adding that there is nothing new in what the Edo State government is about to do. “I am resolved that we can’t continue to knowingly put the future of our children possibly in the hands of some people who will do damage to their future, he said. He appealed to the teachers not to see the classroom as a degrading place, urging them to recognise that he has the
secure the future of the state. “It is not an easy task but I have to do it. All I can promise you and I need to repeat it, nobody is in a hurry to sack anybody. If anything, I have directed that they should advertise for more teachers. We have to break from the past. Changes hurt but changes are inevitable”, he said The National President of Academic Staff Union of
ten per cent. He said “the plant is sited in Edo state because of the support the governor has given to the organisation and the availability of gas in the state”.
No going backmandate on teachers’ assessment of Edo people to
Secondary School, Comrade Charles Ifaluyi commended the Governor for the giant strides that have been recorded in the educational sector. He said teachers are not afraid of the assessment test but believe that the methodology is flawed and urged the governor to reappraise the situation, saying teachers would prefer on-thejob assessment rather than a competency test.
NNPC returns to the drawing come up on the next Continued from page 1 board adjournment date to confirm
digging-in their irreconcilable di fferences,
with the former asserting new discoveries of overperformance in excess of US$400 million, and requested that the matter be stood down to enable them come up with a simpler explanation. “It is good that we have this opportunity to drill down to the dynamics of these funds; we cannot take it on the face values without looking at the details; substantial frame has gone
back to the Federation Account; we captured $2bn but we are seeing clearly in our details that it was actually US$2.4 billion; the governance structure of the third party financing is what we will take back to see how we can have a detailed explanation to the distinguished committee”, Engr. Yakubu urged the committee. Granting the request, the panel directed the third party financiers, Exon and Total to
Forum flays implementation
Continued from page 1 hospital. He spoke on the topic; “The Gifted Child in Today’s Nigerian Education”. Dr. Nwaneri who is a Research Fellow –I in the Institute of Child’s Health, University of Benin, however advised parents not to over push their children/ward beyond the capacity their brain could carry them so as not to down play the child’s emotion and social development capacity. He hinted that today’s Educational Policy of government does not design school curriculum that would inculcate that ideas of democratic institutions, adding that this same policy does not equally make pupils effective members of the society in terms of self reliance. “The ideal thing is, to plan for each child an individualized educational programme; but; can the school system existing in contemporary Nigeria be able to cater for these children in areas of special schools, special classes and flexible groups?” he wondered. Dr. Nwaneri who claimed that early identification and initiation of services lead to favourable academic psychological and social successes further noted that special education services are usually required to achieve this aim, even as he stressed that poor
management may result in behavioural complications. Said he, “Parents support systems are usually needed to promote sound family practices and meaningful advocacy, while early identification and interaction with intersectional collaboration may lessen the impact of the disability/ handicap of the child”. In an address, the Director Institute of Child’s Health, University of Benin, Professor Osawaru Oviawe said the essence of the monthly lecture series is to educate the public on issues of Child’s Health that would be of great importance to the parents, government and the society at large. Represented by an Associate Professor, and a Director in the institute, Dr (Mrs) A. Sadoh, Prof. Oviawe noted that the Institute is a place where health services are provided to children, offer immunization to children at no cost as well as disseminate information to the public on child’s health through lectures, seminars, and publication of Journals. He further hinted that Thursday’s lecture was the first to be held this year in ICH lecture series.
what they received from the NNPC in the period under review, January 2012 and July 2013. Mallam Sanusi Lamido, the whistle blower had alerted the nation on the missing US$49.8 billion crude oil revenues but when reconciliation of figures between him and the NNPC and the Federal Ministry of Finance was on, he scaled down to US$12.8 billion, and US$10.8 Billion. At a resumed sitting, Sanusi jerked the figure to US$20 billion as the outstanding amount yet to be remitted to the Federation Accounts by the NNPC. In his explanation, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engr. Andrew Yakubu, noted that $10 billion of the alleged unaccounted $20 billion comprised additional revenues lifted by the NNPC on behalf of other parties. He enumerated the parties to include, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) - $2 billion; National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) - $6 billion; and other third party financing - $2 billion. The NNPC-GMD further explained that the remainder included unpaid petroleum products subsidy totaling $8.76 billion which the NNPC has to shoulder; crude oil and products losses amounting to $760 million; national strategic reserve holding cost amounting to $910 million. Querying the rationale for Mallam Sanusi outburst, the NNPC boss asserted that his Corporation, CBN, Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and the Federal Ministry of Finance were “clearly aware of the outstanding $10.87 billion and the issues relating to its non-realization”.
CDS says military will end insurgency in N’East ABUJA - The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, on Thursday gave an assurance that the military would do everything possible to end the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. Badeh gave the assurance in Abuja when the Caucus of House of Representatives members from Adamawa, led by Rep Anthony Madwatte, paid him a visit. He said that the military was doing all it could to rout out the insurgents. “What I can guarantee you is that we will do our best but we solicit your assistance to ensure that this war is over. “We look forward to your protection; you must give us the legal backing for us to do our job. “ If you want your son to succeed then you must assist him, if your son succeeds then, the armed forces have succeeded, ‘’ he said. Badeh also assured the legislators that the situation would be normalised to enable them to go back home and campaign when the time comes.
The CDS thanked the National Assembly for the support to the military to effectively carry out its duty. “We are not custodians of democracy but we are defenders of democracy; we are to ensure that democracy thrives, so that everybody can go about doing their business,’’ he said. Badeh also called on those with useful information on how to prosecute the on-going war against terrorists to volunteer such and assured that they would be protected. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Madwatte said they were at Defence Headquarters to congratulate Badeh on his appointment as the CDS. Madwatte also thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for elevating Badeh to the position of CDS. “On behalf of all of us and our constituency, we have come to say congratulations and we wish you the best of luck as you steer the affairs of the military. “For other senior officers who have been recently promoted, we also congratulate you all and we wish you the best in your undertakings.
ABUJA - The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has declared support for the National Assembly’s intention to amend the Electoral Act 2010, to allow the use of electronic voting in the country. The Chairman of IPAC, Dr Yunusa Tanko, made the declaration yesterday in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. “ IPAC supports the current efforts by the National Assembly to review the Electoral Act 2010 to allow INEC to apply electronic voting to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. It will be recalled that the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, on Tuesday said that NASS was working toward amending the Electoral Act to allow for the use of electronic voting in the country. Ekweremadu said: “ In the present amendment to the Electoral Act, we seek to delete Section 52, which bans the INEC from using electronic voting. “ This is to allow the commission to use its discretion to apply electronic voting at any time it deems it appropriate. “ Tanko said that the law prohibiting the use of electronic voting was made to suit a particular situation, noting that ICT was being embraced worldwide adding that Nigeria could not be an exception. The IPAC boss, who is also the National
Chairman, National Conscience Party (CP), added that the inclusion of electronic voting would discourage rigging and enhance the integrity of the election management body. He said that since INEC had used Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines to register voters in 2010, it showed that it could embrace ICT. Tanko also advocated a review of Section 78 subsection 2 of the electoral act which deals with the registration of political parties and party financing and cross carpeting. “ It is not only Section 52 that concerns the electoral act that should be amended, but also Section 78 subsections 2 which deals with issue of registration of political parties. According to him, the laws that deal with the issue of cross carpeting is made in bad faith adding that it should be looked into to ensure credible electoral process. “ Once a candidate is elected under the platform of a particular party, you cannot defect to another party and take the mandate of the former party. The chairman, however, challenged politicians on issue based campaign instead of focusing on personality as the preparations for the 2015 general elections gather momentum. Reports state that IPAC is an association of all the registered political parties in the country, and also serves an advisory body to INEC.
IPAC supports NASS to ensure electronic voting
News Lagos Assembly Alerts Police To Presence Of Strangers LAGOS – The Lagos State House of Assembly has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Muhammed Abubakar, to investigate the suspicious activities of some men and women in black uniform at Lagos-Ibadan Toll Gate. Under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, Hon. Rotimi Abiru, the Deputy Chief Whip of the assembly, referred the lawmakers to the presence of men and women in black attire at Lagos-Ibadan Toll Gate. He disclosed that the Minister of Works disassociated Federal Road Maintenance
Agency (FERMA) from the strange faces saying they are neither staff nor agents of FERMA He therefore called on the IGP and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, – Umar Mango to investigate the people’s mission at the Lagos-Ibadan Toll Gate. Contributing to the debate, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho advised that strange faces could be dangerous people recruited to cause commotion in Lagos as it is experienced in North East. Hon Sanai Agunbiade in his contribution disclosed that the presence of the men and women is a reminiscence of what happened between Lagos State
Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA and FERMA. He said they are illegal people because the Ministry of Works has disassociated itself from the group. In the same vein, Hon. Segun Olulade, described them as unidentified faces. However, The Nigerian OBSERVER visited the scene and discovered that the strange faces are of middle age, dressed in black trousers and black round neck shirts. They were about 200 abled bodied people. One of them told The Nigerian OBSERVER that they are for recruitment into the highway patrol crew by the Federal Government.
Council Boss Inaugurates Sanitation Committee
AGENEBODE – The chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua has inaugurated a 10 man committee on Environmental Sanitation, Youth empowerment and protection of government property. The council chairman who described the committee as the first of its kind in the locality said t he task before its members is enormous because of the numerous responsibilities. Hon. Afegbua said that the council has engaged over 1000 people to perform these assignments, adding that the committee members have been proven capable to carry out their functions. He told the committee chairman to join forces with the Environment Department of the council to ensure regular sanitation as well as protect industrial water boreholes and market places. He disclosed that 80 percent of those engaged are youths, including men and women but however called on them not to look at the little allowances attached to the job but as an opportunity to serve the people of Etsako East.
The chairman of the Committee, Mr. Omogbeme Christopher who spoke on behalf of other members thanked the council chairman for the appointment, promising to work and achieve positive results. Secretary to the committee is
Miss Faith Ofeoshi while other members included Hon. Uduagemhe Sunday, Audu Blessing, Asemokhe Peter, Agbadu Eshioramhe, Isah Jibril, Garuba Abdulrasaq, Mohammed, Uwaya and Momodu Okpo.
OKPELLA – The chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua has inspected the ongoing renovation of a six class room’s block in Rhinocem Primary School, Cement Factory Staff Quarters, Afokpella. Hon. Afegbua stated that the project was awarded a month ago adding that he is satisfied with the level and quality of work done so far. He said that he came for inspections to ensure that money released to the contractors have been judiciously used, stressing that more payments can be made now. He however, promised to provide chairs and desks for the school. Head teacher of the school, Mr. Obado Francis, who expressed joy over the project, thanked the council chairman for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Grace and Godsown Favour, pupils of the school who spoke on behalf of others also thanked the council chairman for his focus on their school.
... Inspects School Project Miss Okun Clement, Andrew
Chief Ugiagbe’s Burial Begins March 20
BENIN CITY – The family of Ugiagbe in Evbotubu Community, Egor Local Government Area of Edo State has announced the burial ceremony for the late Chief Samuel Oduangbon Ugiagbe who died on January 23, 2014 at the age of 70 years. A release by the family
Late Chief Samuel Oduangbon Ugiagbe
indicated that the ceremony will begin on Thursday March 20, 2014 with a service of songs at his residence, No 21 Evbotubu Road, Benin City at 4pm. On Friday March 21, 2014 at noon, the corpse will be taken from the Stella Obasanjo Hospital to his residence for family rites at 4pm and social wake thereafter. Saturday March 22, 2014, there will be social wake at his residence beginning at noon. The burial ceremony will climax on Sunday March 23, 2014 at 10am with a thanksgiving service at Church of God Mission International, Evbotubu Branch, No 4 Church Road Off Evbotubu Village, Benin City. While reception for guests will follow thereafter at his residence.
Gender Conference To Hold March 10
By MORRISON HAYBLE AUCHI – A four day International Multidisciplinary Conference on gender is to hold in Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State beginning Monday March 10 through Thursday March 13, 2014. The conference with the theme: Gender, Resistance and Change: Emerging Issues is under the auspices of the Centre For Gender Studies, Auchi Polytechnic. It has Prof. Ajibefun Igbekele as chairman while the keynote address will be delivered by the chairman, Committee on Diaspora, House of Representatives, Hon. Mrs. Abike Dabiri- -Erewa. A release by the Centre For General Studies Auchi Polytechnic said the occasion which is to be hosted by Rector of the institution, Dr. (Mrs.) Philipa Idogho will feature Prof. Mrs. M.O. Edema, Director, Centre For Gender Studies, University of Benin and Dr. T.O. Agweda of the Department of Sociology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma as lead paper presenters. Amongst six sub-themes listed to be examined at the conference are: Gender and Educational system, Gender and economic empowerment and Gender, Socio-cultural issues and change.
Across The Nation Eket Residents Lament Increase In Price Of Petrol EKET (AKWA IBOM) - Some members of Eket community and environs in Akwa Ibom have decried the increase in the price of petroleum products in the area. They made their complaints in separate interviews with newsmen in Eket. The residents said that the situation was causing untold hardship to the people, especially in terms of transportation. Checks by newsmen also showed that some independent petroleum products marketers sold fuel between N170 and N180 per litre in Eket against the official rate of N97 per litre. Mr. Victor Batta, a lawyer, blamed the increase in the price of petroleum products to lack of transparency. “People don’t even know what the government intends to do; whether they want to increase fuel price or not which gives people the ability to do whatever they like,’’ he said. He described the current situation as “artificial scarcity’’, stressing that the independent marketers were hoarding the product in order to sell at exorbitant price because of special interests. “If the government will stamp their feet and the people regulating the product go on surprise inspection, people will sit up,’’ he said. Mr. Etieno Umoh, a business man, urged government to intervene in the scarcity to alleviate the problems of the
average Nigerian. “I bought fuel at N180 per litre today, and the current increase in the price of petroleum products has taken another dimension,” he said. Umoh also said that most filling station in Eket were not dispensing petrol product, while those with fuel were besieged by motorists jostling to buy the product. Mrs. Blessing Umo-Umana, a business woman, said that the situation had compounded her suffering and urged government to address the situation quickly. She accused the independent petroleum marketers of making life difficult for the people by
No Congestion At Ports - Customs LAGOS – Mr. Mananta Yusuf, a Deputy-Comptroller at the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has debunked claims by some of its agents about congestion at the port. Yusuf told newsmen that it was too early in the year for anyone to talk about congestion because many importers had not even started bringing in their containers. He said that experience had shown that many importers preferred to be on vacation for
Northern Governors Extol Obasanjo At 77
MINNA - The Northern States Governors Forum has extolled what it described as exemplary dedication of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the promotion of peace, unity and development of Nigeria. This is contained in a goodwill message to congratulate the former president on the occasion of his 77th birthday anniversary. In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Danladi Ndayebo, the Chairman of the
L-R Governor Adams Oshiomhole speaking with HRH Peter Osigbemhe, the Onweweko of Okpekpe Kingdom during his inspection of some road Project in Edo North.
forum and governor of Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu, praised Obasanjo for his contribution to nation building. The statement said the nation was lucky to have Obasanjo at every twist and turn, and described his life as one of exceptional professional and political accomplishments. “We have seen Obasanjo reach the zenith of his career as a fourstar general in the Nigerian Army and military Head of State.
the first two months of every New Year, while they wait for new fiscal policies. “This is the beginning of the year and a lot of importers have not even come back from holidays to start business. “A lot of importers are waiting for fiscal policy, because of the new budget. So, they have not
even imported goods. Then, where is the congestion coming from? “It is statistically proven that every beginning of the year, people watch and wait for government policy to come before they can embark on business. “A lot of business people take
January and February to rest, do accounts and settle bank debts before they go into another phase. So, how can you talk of congestion; from where?” Yusuf however advised agents who had yet to update their cargo declaration to go and do so in order to clear their cargoes. He said the service was
interested in fast-tracking clearance procedures to reduce incidences of payment of demurrage by agents. The NCS official added that after the pre-storage period, cargoes not cleared would be gazetted and transferred to the lighter terminal at Ikorodu.
Court Orders Registrar To Take Charge Of House Rent
Inheritance: BENIN CITY – An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin has ordered its registrar to take charge of rents accruing from the No. 1 Ogba Road, Benin City pending the hearing and determination of a substantive suit on the property. The suit was filed by Dr Osaretin George Izevbuwa on behalf of one Andrew Ugiagbe against his younger sister, Ann
The newly constructed 1.7km Council road in Etsako West LGA, Edo State.
Imariabe Ugiagbe for allegedly forging documents to inherit the house belonging to their late mother, Madam Mary Aiyunurhiorhue Osahon. Presiding judge of the court, Justice Cromwell Idahosa who gave the order in his ruling on a Motion on
Notice brought by Dr. Izevbuwa also ordered that the said rent be deposited in a reputable bank in Benin City pending the determination of the case when the lump sum would be paid to any of the parties that wins the case.
According to Justice Idahosa, both parties to the suit are to within seven days visit the No. 1 Ogba Road to identify the 10 stores which defendant in the suit, Ann claimed to have built in addition to the said building at the location.
(FONWIP), an NGO has expressed concern over the escalating rate of violence in Nigeria. FONWIP in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City said it is “particularly moved by the senseless killings of innocent children in the Federal Government College, Yobe and the abduction of 25 girls from their schools in Borno”. The statement was signed by the FONWIP National Initiator, Laila St Matthew Daniel and FONWIP Edo
‘Ancore’, Hon. Florence Igbinigie. While commiserating with the families of the slain children, and people of Adamawa State, the forum said it is saddened that the killings has been left to continue for so long with no visible sign by government to address it. It calls on government to urgently find solution to the blood shed so that members of affected communities could settle down and contribute meaningfully in decision making process.
Forum Expresses Concern Over BENIN CITY – The Escalating Violence Forum of Nigerian Women
in
Politics
News Stop Aiding Criminals, Ali Tells Pharmacists IBADAN - A former Chairman of Odua Investment Company Ltd, Chief Sarafadeen Alli, urged pharmacists to refrain from aiding criminal activities. Alli made the observation at the opening ceremony of the 30th anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. According to him, pharmacists should refrain from directly or indirectly abetting criminal activities or conspiring with drug traffickers.
Alli, who spoke as the guest speaker on “Pharmacy Practice in relations to Nigerian Law,’’ said pharmacists had responsibilities to the profession, colleagues, clients and the public. “There is no immunity for a pharmacist who gets involved in, for example, drug trafficking, foreign exchange racketeering, criminal abortion or trading in human beings,’’ he said. He also said there was no
Benin City, to her residence, No. 12, Saint Emmanuel Street, Off Esigie Road, Benin City today Friday, March 7, 2014 at 10 am while the service of songs will hold same day at 4pm. On Saturday, March 8, 2014 there will be a social dance at Eyeanugie Primary School field, Old Western Road, Off 1st East Circular Road, Benin City while a thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Divine Temple of God Mission, Ohovbe Quarters, Benin City to climax the burial ceremonies.
immunity for pharmacists trading in human parts or engaging in fraudulent activities. Alli further said that health practitioners should be cautious and be willing to demonstrate responsibility in the discharge of their professional duties and obligations. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said the faculty was compelled to bring together the “gown and town” in the area of drug manufacturing. Adewole, who said the faculty was endowed with some of the best personnel in pharmaceutical education, expressed optimism that it would fulfill its ideals. The Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, said the faculty had awarded many doctorate degrees while it had produced many professors in the last 30 years. She said her mission as the first female dean in the faculty was to provide medicineoriented and patient-oriented pharmaceutical care with the goal of enhancing health care.
OSOGBO - A renowned economist, Dr Akin Babalola, urged government at all levels to use small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) to tackle unemployment in the country. Babalola made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo. He said the employment potential of SMEs had made it imperative for the three tiers of government to formulate a comprehensive policy on the sub-sector. The don also said the tenets of market-based economy allow
individuals and corporate bodies to contribute maximally in national economic growth. According to him, the basic driver of economic growth and development in any developing country remains SMEs. “Capitalist system of government anywhere in the world promotes individualism; it tends to bring out creativity in every member of a political enclave with sizeable Gross Domestic Products (GDP). “The system curbs joblessness, if priority can be given to small businesses which
Alice Aibangbee Dies BENIN CITY – The death has occurred of Mrs. Alice At 102 Ehiosu Aibangbee (Nee Osazuwa) at the age of 102 years. Mrs. Aibangbee who died on December 30, 2013, is survived by five children, 44 grand children and 35 great grand children. Amongst the children are Engr. Roland Aifuwa Aibangbee, Mr. Osewongie J. Aibangbee, Mr. Oghionwaghomwen S. Aibangbee, Dr. Friday A. Aibangbee and Mrs. Queen O. Idahor. According to ther burial programme signed by Engr. Roland Aibangbee, the body will leave Suyi Hospital, Murtala Muhammed Way,
Late Mrs. Alice Ehiosu Aibangbee (Nee Osazuwa)
The Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah (2nd left), congratulating the newly appointed Permanent Secretary/Board Secretary, Mrs. Vera Obada, while the Executive Directors (BMI), Barr. Emma Usoh (left) and (BM2), Barr. John Obazee look on.
Police Hunt Man For Beating Daughter To Death ABEOKUTA - The Ogun Police Command says it has placed one Bisi Onigogo on its “wanted list’’ for allegedly beating his daughter, Yemi, to death. This was contained in a
statement by the command’s Spokesman, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, issued in Abeokuta. Adejobi said Onigogo allegedly committed the
SMEs Can Help Tackle Unemployment - Expert serve as the bedrock of the macro-economy in developing nations. “This has made scholars in different parts of the world to canvass for SMEs in emerging economies, especially in third world countries where GDPs are not enviable. “The development of SMEs as they have argued will boost the national economy and contribute immensely to the development of the real sector of the economy
The Head, Media/Corporate Affairs, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Courage Eboigbe receiving an award from the President, National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS), UNN Chapter, Ehidiamhen Osamudiamhen, on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Chief Oseni Elamah during the presentation ceremony in Benin City.
too. “I am imploring policy makers to evolve policies that will favour small enterprises genuinely and improve the standards of living of the commoners. “Of course, economic conditions of the individuals in a particular political environment determine their consciousness and this can be achieved by developing the smallest economic units,’’ he said.
crime on March 3 at Ogbere in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state. He said that Onigogo was annoyed over his daughter’s misbehaviour and allegedly beat her to death, and escaped immediately he noticed she was dead. He said that the police had launched a manhunt for the suspect, and gave assurance that he would soon be apprehended. Meanwhile, the state Police Commissioner, Ikemefuna Okoye, has urged parents to exercise caution while correcting their children.
Hotel Staff Charged LAGOS - A 25-year-old For Theft technician, Raymond Jackson, was charged before an Apapa Senior Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly siphoning 100 litres of diesel valued at N60,000, from a hotel generator. Jackson, who lives at Burma Road, Apapa, is facing a twocount charge of stealing and conspiracy. The prosecutor, Sgt. Umeh Kalu, had told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences on February 16, at 9.30 p.m. at Ajax Hotel, Apapa. He alleged that the accused siphoned 100 litres of diesel worth N60, 000 from the hotel’s generator. “The accused used his position as the technician in the hotel to siphon 100 litres of diesel from the generator. “He was, however, caught by
the hotel’s security guards while attempting to dispose of the commodity,’’ Kalu said. Kalu said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Jackson, however, pleaded not guilty. Reports state that Section 285 prescribes a three-year imprisonment for stealing, while Section 409 stipulates two years jail term for conspiracy. The Senior Magistrate, Mr. M. O. Olubi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with a surety in like sum. Olubi said the surety should be a blood relation of the accused and should also show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government as part of the bail conditions. Further hearing has been fixed for March 20.
South-West
2 Remanded For Acid Bath
People fetching water from a manual borehole at Oju Baba Area of Iseyin in Oyo State on Wednesday
SANGO-OTA (OGUN)An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun has remanded two persons — Taiwo Akinola and Mary Adebayo — in prison custody for allegedly attempting to kill a woman by pouring acid on her. The accused —Taiwo Akinola, 38, and a woman, Mary Adebayo, 45 — whose addresses are unknown, are facing a charge of attempted murder. The Magistrate, Mrs Titi Bello, said the accused should be kept behind bars pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Peter Molokwu, had told the court that the accused with
A woman checking her blood pressure during the free health s e r v i c e s intervention programme by J i g a w a Government at Madobi Village, Dutse Local Government Area on Tuesday.
others still at large committed the offences on May 24, 2013 at 3.00 p.m. at Ago-Are area of Ifo near Ota. He alleged that the accused with others attempted to kill one Sherifat Agbaje by
2 Men Arraigned For IBADAN- The police have Theft dragged two men before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan, for theft. Elisha Ned, 20, and Ejiroghene Elis, 29, were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. The prosecutor, Insp Samad Aliu, said Elisha and Elis conspired to commit the offence. Aliu alleged that the accused stole transformer cable valued at N220, 000, property of Aerodrome Estate in Samonda community, Ibadan. He said that the accused
educate people on the need for dialogue. “The president is sincere about the conference,” he said, and called on the people to take advantage of the exercise to discuss topical issues that would benefit the citizens.
He said that the indivisibility of Nigeria should not have been a ‘no-go area’ at the conference as directed by
the Federal Government. He, however, urged Nigerians to take advantage of the national
Voters Card: Ekiti Declares Today ADO-EKITI- The Ekiti Government has declared today as a work-free day for all civil servants in the state. The government said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti that the holiday was to enable workers obtain permanent voter card from INEC. The reports state that the governorship election in the
Holiday
state would hold on June 21. The statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, said that verification of voters register would hold between Friday and Sunday. It explained that the holiday
had also become necessary because Gov. Kayode Fayemi attached great importance to the sanctity of the electoral process. The statement urged all residents of voting age to ensure they all obtained their permanent voter card so as to enable them participate in the electoral process.
committed the offence on March 1 about 8:30 p.m. in the estate. The offence contravened sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap. 38, Vol. 11, Laws of Oyo State 2000, the prosecutor said. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olaide Amzat, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 each with sureties for each of the accused. Amzat said one of the sureties must be a civil servant, and adjourned the case until April 4.
Court To Hear Suit Today
N30m Fraud: LAGOS- A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the trial of a N30 million fraud against the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and its former branch Manager, Rosemary Usifo, to today. Justice Saliu Saidu gave the ruling following an application by counsel to FCMB, Mr Lanre Ogunlesi (SAN), asking for an adjournment to proceed with the trial. The reports state that FCMB is standing trial alongside Usifo, a former Manager of the Oke Arin Branch of Fin Bank (now FCMB), on a charge of fraud.
CAN Backs Proposed National Conference AKURE- Bishop Joshua Ketiku, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo State, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for convoking a national dialogue, saying the timing was apt. Ketiku, who made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Akure, said the convocation was coming at a time the nation was facing a myriad of challenges. He urged Nigerians, irrespective of their political, religious and ideological differences, to support the president and
pouring acid on her. The offence contravened Sections 320 (1), (2) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006, Molokwu added. The case was adjourned to May 9 for mention.
conference to decide the future of the nation. “Do we want to remain the same? If yes, on what basis and what are the principles? “Let us come together and discuss. I think it is about time we discuss the future of this nation. I believe sincerely that Jonathan is very sincere; so, let all of us come sincerely to the programme,’’ he said. Kiteku said he was convinced that decisions that would be reached at the conference would be implemented for the benefit of the nation.
The second accused (Usifo) was arraigned by the Police Special Fraud Unit on Dec. 5, 2013 for allegedly obtaining N30 million from a fixed deposit account of a customer, Archibong Nkana, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police. The accused was alleged to have committed the offence in 2011, while she held sway as the branch manager. She pleaded not guilty to the charge, but the judge ordered her to be remanded at Kirikiri Prisons pending her bail application. Asuquo said the accused, who had been at large since she committed the crime in 2011, was apprehended by the Police in November 2013. According to the prosecutor, the bank had made moves to strike out its name from the charge. The offences contravene the provisions of Sections 1(2), (a), (c), and Sections 3 (1), (2) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004. At the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, Ogunlesi informed the court that the bank was prepared to proceed with the trial. He noted that his client had never conceded to settling the debt stated in the charge as presented to the court by the prosecution at the last adjournment. Ogunlesi asked for an adjournment to enable him to prepare for trial. The prosecutor, Effiong Asuquo, however, did not object to the application.
Lagos Senatorial Aspirant Docked For Impersonation
Accountant Docked For Stealing Employer’s N40m LAGOS - A 35-year-old accountant, Olufemi Kalejaiye, was charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged theft of his employer’s N40 million. Kalejaiye, whose residential address was not given, is facing charges of stealing and impersonation. The prosecutor, Insp. Ibrahim Haruna, told the court that the accused committed the offences at Onimisi Bureau De Change at No. 43, Afribank St., off Adeola Hopewell St., Victoria Island, Lagos. Haruna said Kalejaiye had sometime between November 2012 and August 22, 2013 from hours of 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. stole N40 million. According to the prosecutor, the stolen money belonged to Mr. Malik Obosi, the Managing Director of the bureau de change. “The accused diverted the funds of the bureau de change by using the names of various
persons to pay the money into his personal account.” The offences, Haruna noted, contravened Sections 285 (8) and 378 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Reports say that Section 285 (8) prescribes 10 years imprisonment for an officer convicted for stealing from his company, while Section 378 provides a three-year jail term for impersonation. The accused, however, pleaded innocence of the charge. The Magistrate, Mrs. A. Famobiwo, granted him bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to March 28 for mention.
L-R: Hon. Folly Ogedegbe, Chairman, Edo State House of Assembly, Committee on Education, Barr. Washington Osifo, Edo State Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Tertiary Education and Prof. Victor Amen Uhunwangho, Provost College of Education, Ekiadolor, Benin City during the 2013/2014 Matric
Lent: Cleric
Urges Nigerians To Pray For Nation LAGOS - The Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Msgr. Gabriel Osu, has enjoined Nigerians to use the Lenten season to pray for the security of lives and properties in the country. He made the call in a statement in Lagos as Christians all over the world prepare to mark Ash Wednesday, signifying the commencement of the 40-day Lenten season. Osu said that the Lenten season was a period of 40 days during which Christians were encouraged to intensify prayers, abstinence, fasting and alms giving. “In Catholic Churches all over the world, the faithful are expected to receive ash on their foreheads as a sign of repentance and a reminder that we all came from ash and will someday return to ash. “At this period of lent, we are all expected to draw nearer God by constant prayers, forsaking sin and being at peace with our fellow men. “It is a season of renewal of our faith in our creator by renouncing all fleshy desires that tend to weigh us down and purifying our spirit for the greater glory of God”. He, however, said such attitude should not end with the season. “Our prayer is that the fruit of the season would continue to germinate and bear more fruit in our daily lives,” he said.
Proccession of Academic Staff of College of Education, Ekiadolor, Benin City during the 2013-2014 Matriculation ceremony. Photo: LUCK AGIE.
IKEJA - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)has began the prosecution of a former Kogi Central Senatorial candidate, Abdulazeez Bello, over alleged impersonation. Bello is being prosecuted before Justice Lateef LawalAkapo of an Ikeja High Court for allegedly impersonating the Director of Operations of the EFCC, Mr. Olaolu Adegbite. The anti-graft agency alleged that Bello impersonated Adegbite with the intention of defrauding Mrs. Mercy Orji, wife of Governor Theodore Orji of Abia. Reports state that the 50-yearold defendant is facing a twocount charge of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences and forgery. During Tuesday’s proceedings, the EFCC called its first witness, Mr. Chucks Offor, to testify against the defendant. Offor, Special Assistant to the wife of the Governor on Protocol, was led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Toyin Owodunni. The witness told the court how Bello conspired with another aide of her boss, Nelson Ndukwe (now at large), to commit the offence. He said Ndukwe called him on January 27, 2013 with an unregistered number, claiming that he was being detained by the EFCC for an unknown offence. Offor said his colleague told him that a certain number was going to call him and that he should cooperate with the caller, so that the matter could be resolved. According to him, the defendant later called him, posing as Adegbite and demanded that he should come to Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja for settlement.
Customs Embarks On Aggressive Patrol To Check Smuggling
LAGOS - The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of aggressive patrol to check smuggling along the nation’s borders and ports in the South West. The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Mahmoud Nuhu, made the announcement in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. Nuhu said that the patrols were in line with the six point agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi. “This is also being done to support the effort of other customs command in ensuring maximum revenue generation. “It is pertinent to note that the presence of our operatives along some of the major flanks have transcended into monumental revenue gain for the customs command in the zone,” Nuhu said.
The controller also said that the unit had re-strategised its operational modalities for 2014 to justify the confidence the customs management reposed on the zone. “We have put all necessary measures in place for effective synergy with critical
stakeholders including the host communities where we operate. “Customs had also collaborated with the relevant security agencies for the actualisation of the operational objectives”, he said. Nuhu also said that the aggressive patrol of the south
west zone, led to the seizure of 3,997, cartons of suspected fake pharmaceutical drugs and six drums of fake multivitamins in January. He said that the alleged fake drugs and multivitamins were valued at N5.85 million with a duty paid value of N7.02 million.
Aircraft Carrier, Cavour, Capt. Luca Conti, has announced plans by the Italian Government to support the Nigerian Navy in promoting maritime security. Conti made the announcement while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of a dinner party aboard the aircraft carrier at the Apapa Port in Lagos. He expressed his satisfaction on the success recorded by the
“This visit is something new that we have been planning for and looking forward to. “To us, this visit has given us the opportunity to know areas to strengthen our relations with the Nigerian Navy now and in the years ahead. “We are, therefore, going to be exchanging our capabilities with the capabilities of the Nigerian Navy in promoting security and the fight against piracy”. Conti said that exchanging
capabilities with Nigeria would be his government’s first line of cooperation. He said that such exchanges would develop operational capabilities and boost effectiveness in surveillance activities. The Italian commended the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to fighting piracy and promoting maritime security. Conti said that four officers of the Nigerian Navy were
The controller commended Nigerians, who had supported the customs on intelligence information on their campaign against smuggling. “We must avoid act or conduct that will have effect on our economy as the NCS is fully determined to aggressively tackle this hydra-headed monster called smuggling to its logical conclusion.
Maritime Security Italy Pledges To Support visit, decades after an Italian LAGOS - The Commander allowed to join the Italian Nigeria war ship visited Nigeria. of the visiting Italian Navy carrier from Rwanda, with the
aim of carrying his team along in maritime security operation. He said that the Nigerian officers were expected to come back and share their experiences with their compatriots. Conti commended the Nigerian Navy’s willingness to learn as well as their friendly disposition. He said that Nigeria was one of some 19 countries the Italian Naval group would be visiting in Africa.
Across The Nation Hawkers, Others Protest Multiple Levies AWKA- No fewer than 50 wheel barrow pushers and hawkers of different items in Awka have staged a peaceful protest against the imposition of multiple levies on them. The protesters, who trooped to the Government House, Awka, at about noon, alleged intimidation and harassment by task force members who forced exorbitant levies on them. “Old women, who come to sell vegetables that they cultivated in their houses are harassed at the motor parks and made to pay almost N300 daily,’’ a jewelry seller, Mr Nachy Ukoha, said. He told newsmen that they were at the Government House to protest against the various tickets which were given to them daily for payments. “We are paying more than we
are earning. We pay up to N300 daily as ticket levies to different arms of the government. “This is the ticket from the ministry of environment which we pay N50 daily. “This is land rate ticket with no name of a government ministry, yet we pay N20 daily. “We also have Awka South Local Government Workers’ Permit which we pay N50. “The latest to be added is the Awka South Local Government Authority levy for wheel barrow pushers and hawkers which we have been asked to pay N50. “We have decided not to pay for it and other levies as well until we know if the government is truly behind the levies,” Ukoha said.
Cultural troupe of the College of Education, Ekiadolor, Benin City Entertaining guests during the 2013-2014 matriculation ceremony yesterday. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.
Compol Warns Men, Officers Against ExtraJudicial Killings
5,100 Youths To Undergo Vocational Training
ENUGU- The Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr Eugene Odo, has said that 5, 100 youths from the state would be trained in 10 different skills. A breakdown of the figure showed that 300 youths would be drawn from each of the 17 local government areas in the state. Inaugurating the training programme in Enugu, Odo said that the empowerment programme, geared toward youth’s self-reliance, would be conducted in four months. According to him, the trainees will be offered soft take-off loans on graduation. He also urged artisans as well as unemployed youths in the state to use the opportunity provided by the scheme to realise their potentials. “I hope the people you will teach will in turn teach others because it is not possible for government to provide employment for everybody. “We are making arrangements with the commercial bank to give them soft loans, to enable them to excel,’’ the Odo said. He said that the lawmakers and some local government chairmen were collaborating towards the scheme sustainability. Earlier, the Facilitator of the Scheme under the aegis of “Enugu Grassroots Initiative,” Mr Stone Odera, said it aimed at changing lives, providing hope, education and the eradication of poverty through skill acquisition.
A cross section of students of College of Education, Ekiadolor, Benin City during the 2013-2014 matriculation ceremony. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.
ABA (ABIA)-The Police Commissioner in Abia, Mr. Adamu Ibrahim, has warned men and officers of the Aba Area Command to work hard to prevent extra-judicial killings in the area. The commissioner, who gave the warning when he visited the command in Aba, said the force could no longer tolerate extrajudicial killings, saying the police had to watch the use of their firearms. “We have guidelines on the use of firearms. Policemen are not meant to be trigger-happy. “The era of extra-judicial killings is over; officers and men of the command should learn how to use firearms properly and
Cashless Policy
CBN Partners NIGCOMSAT On Internet Accessibility BAUCHI- The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it had concluded plans to partner with Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) for the provision of wireless internet service. Mr Aaron Yaduma, the CBN Principal Manager, Shared Services, said that the measure was to give necessary push to cashless policy in the country. Yaduma made this known in a paper titled: “Cash-less Policy, the Journey So Far”, presented at a three-day sensitisation workshop on CBN cashless policy in Bauchi. He said that the effort was to address the internet connectivity problem, being one of the major challenges affecting the implementation and penetration of the cashless policy in the country. “A tripartite MoU has been drafted for NIGCOMSAT, CBN
and Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) for the provision of the Wi-Fi hotspots. “If the partnership arrangement is concluded, we hope to connect every part of this country with internet
service via Wi-Fi hotsport. “We have already commence discussion with NIGCOMSAT to see how we can make General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology available in rural areas for the deployment of Point-Of-Sales (POS)
terminals,’’ he said. Yaduma said that the cashless policy was introduced in 2012 with the main objective of reducing the amount of physical cash circulating in the economy through the encouragement of more electronic-based transactions.
Tuesday, the Joint Committees on Civil Service, Labour and Pension matters / Judiciary, had on February 18, presented its report on the bill to the assembly for consideration. Extensive debate and contributions on the bill were made by the lawmakers during two sessions where they scrutinised and amended some of the recommendations of the committee.
The lawmakers said that the effective date of operation of the bill would be March 4 and that civil servants who have five years or less to retire were exempted from the scheme. Ruling after the bill passage, the Speaker, Mr Eugene Odo, said that passage of the bill was earlier stepped down due to massive protests by workers of the state who did not understaqnd the intention of the bill.
Enugu Assembly Passes Contributory Pension Bill ENUGU- The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed the bill for Contributory Pension Scheme for employees in the state. Reports state that the contributory pension scheme bill seeking to allow the state’s civil servants join their federal counterparts was first presented in 2011. Before the passage of the bill during a plenary on
where they do not know, they should be trained. “You should collaborate more with the public and the community because working closer with the community makes the job of fishing out criminals and reducing crime to the barest minimum easier. “You should work hard at being civil to the people because the era of incivility to the people is over,” he said. The commissioner also urged the command to operate within the ambits of human rights rules, adding that the police have no reason to harass the citizens. Ibrahim warned his men to avoid incessant clashes with sister security agencies, adding that such action tarnishes the image of the police. “I do not want to hear of clashes with sister security agencies because securing the zone cannot be done by the police alone. Security is everybody’s business,” he said. He lauded the effort of the command at prompt response to distress calls to nip crimes in the bud. Ibrahim said that he was aware of the good work of the men and officers of the command in protecting lives and property. The commissioner congratulated the command for its efforts at ridding Aba zone of crime and urged them to do more to secure it. Earlier, the Area Commander, Mr. Tunde Mobayo, said the commissioner’s tour of the zone showed his desire to understand its challenges. He listed some of the challenges facing the zone as lack of serviceable vehicles, communication gadgets, inadequate arms, ammunition, manpower, standard police stations and dilapidated barracks. Mobayo called on the commissioner to assist the command to boost the morale of its men and officers for better results.
Abuja NAN Pledges To Sensitise Public On Police Duties ABUJA - Mr. Isaac Ighure, the Executive Director, Editorial Operations of the News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN) says the agency will help in sensitising the public to regard the police as friends. Ighure made the promise when the Force Public
Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba, visited the agency. “We will continue to sensitise the public to the need to see the police as friends; we will be there for you,’’ he said. Ighure, however, urged the force to be professional
ABUJA - The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure effective implementation of policies that will help to strengthen the economy. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, CBN’s Deputy Director, Corporate Communications, in Abuja. It stated that the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Bassey Otu, gave the charge at the hearing of the implementation of CBN’s 2013 operating budget and presentation 2014 operating budget. “The state of the economy has been very challenging. You have been doing quite alright in terms of performance. “There has been a lot of controversies in recent times linking the Central Bank. We won’t want it to affect the institution,” he said. Otu urged staff of the bank to concentrate on their work and not to allow certain issues to affect the objectives of the
institution. He also called on Nigerians not to allow controversies over the suspension of the CBN Governor, Malam Lamido Sanusi, to distract the bank from discharging its mandates. On the implementation of the banks 2013 budget, the statement stated that the Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, defended the high budgetary expenditure, attributing it to the liquidity management. Barau, according to the statement, also identified quantitative easing in the United States and Western European countries as contributory to the high expenditure. He said that situation led to upsurge in foreign portfolio investment inflow which investors took advantage of the higher yield prevailing in the Nigerian market. “The pressure on the foreign reserves stemmed from the activities of these foreign investors who want to repatriate their returns on investment,’’ he said.
and respect human rights while carrying out its duties. Earlier, Mba thanked the
(NAN) editorial management for its support to the police and urged it not
to relent in that regard. He stressed the need for journalists and police to
work together in tackling crimes and other security challenges in the country.
Senate Urges CBN To Ensure Effective Policy Implementation
Conservator-General/Chief Executive of the National Park Service, Alhaji Haruna Abubakar, speaking during budget defence before the house committee on enivironment in Abuja. With him is the conservator of parks administration, Mr Suleiman Yahya.
Recovery Of Illegal Arms In Progress - Police
Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Dr Anthony Anuforom, discussing with the representative of NSE president, Mr Joseph Akinteye and commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau, Captain Muhtar Usman (retired), during the 2014 seasonal rainfall prediction in Abuja recently.
Agency Partners Varsities To Tackle Diseases ABUJA -The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has said that it is collaborating with some universities to tackle incommunicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and sickle cell anaemia. The spokesperson of the agency, Mr. Babajide Iletogun, told newsmen that the universities included University of Abuja and University of Benin. • Cue in audio “The agency is partnering with the department of internal medicine,
University of Abuja, to set up an office within our medical biotech department and then use Lugbe local community as a test. “We will use the facility of the university to get output and analysis of lab test conducted on different persons from this local community. “To pick their different ailments particularly hypertension and diabetes with a good understanding of their different genetic makeup. “We are also collaborating with University of Benin on
the use of stem cell technology to treat sickle cell anaemia. “We have the skills and they also have the facility and we are partnering to ensure that we stopping the incident of sickle cell in vitro,’’ he added. • Cue out audio He said NABDA had the mandate of promoting biotechnology activities that could impact on various sectors of the nation’s economy.
Iletogun said the Acting Director-General, Prof. Lucy Jumeyi-Ogbadu, had directed the medical biotech department of the agency to work towards finding solutions to some terminal ailments in the country. The spokesman said the agency had acquired a new technology that would aid doctors in prescribing the right medicine to people suffering from different ailments. He said ailments such as
hypertension and diabetes would need to be diagnosed properly based on the genetic history of the patients and the right drugs to be prescribed. The spokesman said the agency would also work with the University of Benin towards tackling sickle cell anaemia from conception in order to eradicate the ailment in Nigeria. He named University of Maiduguri, University of Port Harcourt, University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as others the agency was partnering with.
ABUJA - The Nigeria Police have listed Lagos, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Ebonyi and Kano among the States where recovery of illegal arms and ammunition is in ‘steady’ progress. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba, stated this during a chat with newsmen in Abuja. “You are aware that we have been strategically mopping up arms and ammunition across the country. “And we are making tremendous progress in that regard. “Lagos command has done excellently in the recovering arms and ammunition, Anambra command, Delta command, Edo command. “We have been able to identify quite a couple of illicit factories where locally-made arms were being manufactured. “Recently, we destroyed a lot of them in Edo, Anambra, Ebonyi and they are also being prosecuted. “Kano command has done excellently in recovery of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and a lot of arms and ammunition and that also accounts for the relative peace you have in Kano,’’ he said. Mba said that the InspectorGeneral of Police’s order to release the promotion of no fewer than 23,000 personnel on Tuesday was one of the steps taken to boost the morale of the officers. “Today, we have released promotion for about 23,000 police officers.
Business + Economy Investors Trade 12.29bn Shares In February LAGOS -Investors staked N99.34 billion on 12.29 billion shares, transacted in 104,578 deals at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last month, the report state.
Statistics released by the Exchange indicated that the performance was against a total of eight billion shares worth N85.84 billion achieved in 110,405 deals in January.
The data also showed that the turnover of shares traded inched by 53.63 per cent. A breakdown of the statistics showed that the financial services sector emerged the most active, accounting for
10.64 billion shares, valued at N54.56 billion transacted in 59,030 deals. The conglomerates sector came second on the month’s activity chart with an exchange of 559.69 million shares worth N3.13 billion traded in 6,223 deals. Reports state that market capitalisation during the period dropped by N298 billion to close at N12.707 trillion, against N13.005 trillion achieved in January. Also, the NSE All-Share Index lost 1012.72 basis points or 2.29 per cent to close at 39,558.89 from 40,571.62 recorded in January, due to profit taking. Mr. David Adonri, the Chief Executive Officer of Lambeth
Trust & Securities Ltd., said that the decline experienced in February was as a result of sales pressure mounted by foreign investors. Adonri said that the situation in the international capital market made foreign investors to off load their holdings in the Nigerian equities market. He also attributed the market depression to the tightened monetary policy and suspension of Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor by President Goodluck Jonathan. Adonri said that the market would likely experience improved growth in March because it had fully reacted to the tight monetary policy and suspension of Sanusi.
“Being in the earnings season, future direction of the market will be determined by the impressive full year results of quoted companies,” Adonri said. Mr. Sehinde Adenagbe, the Managing Director of Standard Union Securities Ltd., attributed the downward trend to an increase in the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) by the apex bank. Adenagbe said that banks exited the market during the period, due to the CRR review. He added that scarcity of funds in the economy contributed to the lull in the market during the period under review.
NSE To Reduce Trade Alert Transactions Cost
Inauguration of grade C customary courts’ presidents and members in Ibadan members of the newly inaugurated grace c custgomary courts’ presidents and members in Ibadan on Tuesday
LAGOS - The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has said that it would reduce trade alert transaction cost by N1.24 billion from March 2014. The NSE notice was contained in a statement issued in Lagos and obtained by the newsmen.
The statement, issued by, Mr. Dante Ibidapo, NSE Senior Manager Corporate Commnication, said that the current charge of 0.06 per cent on every transactions on the NSE would be scrapped. It said that the trade alert would be replaced with an enhanced notification system ‘X-Alert’ to be charged at a flat rate of N4 per transaction. Speaking on the development, Mr. Ade Bajomo, NSE Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, said that the enhanced X-Alert would notify the investing public whenever transactions were made on their accounts. Bajomo said that the new product would enhance transparency and check mate unauthorised sale or purchase of securities. “The trade alert charges with the old system were some N
1.25 billion, but with the improved notification system the annual cost of the alerts would be N5.52million,” he said. Bajomo said that the transaction would be reduced by N1.24 billion per annum in the cost incurred by investors through trade alerts. Also speaking, Mr. Kyari Bukar, the Managing Director, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), said that the enhanced service would be delivered online real time to customers. Bukar urged the investing public to provide their e-mail accounts and phone numbers to their brokers for effective transition. He said that the ‘X-Alert’ would reduce the time spent in confirming trades and enhance transparency between the trader and its clients.
Investors Stake N4.8bn On 341.165m Shares NSE:
Participants Abuja on Tuesday
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Association Seeks Integration Of Informal Sector
Contributory Pension: LAGOS - The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) has appealed to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to provide guidelines on ways to incorporate the informal sector into the contributory pension scheme. Mr. Wilson Ideva, PenOp Head of Legal and Regulatory Committee of penOp, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Ideva said that although operators might encounter some challenges in such a scheme, there were huge untapped resources in the informal sector. “There are two issues under the informal sector. “In the formal sector, we have what we call schedule, but under the informal sector, the operator has to prepare the Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the contributor for him to submit
his remittance. “How do you ensure the safety of remittance? This is the major challenge. “PenCom has to put a system in place such that when you contribute your money it will go into your account. “This is why we are waiting on PenCom to give the guidelines,” he said. Ideva, who is also the Managing Director of Premium Pensions Ltd., Lagos, said that PenOp members could not just start
a scheme on their own. He said that the operators were hopeful that PenCom would soon come up with a concrete step on how it would be done. According to him, the informal sector is a sector with lots of resources that are yet to be tapped. Reports state that there are about 5.9 million registered pension fund contributors nationwide with collective total contribution of over N4 trillion.
LAGOS - Investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) exchanged 341.165 million shares worth N4.8 billion in 4,993 deals. Reports state that this was in contrast to the 239.864 million shares worth N2.4 billion traded in 4,352 deals on Monday. The All-Share Index, however, depreciated due to price losses by 365.02 points or 0.92 per cent to close at 39,199.41 as against 39,564.43 recorded on Monday. Similarly, the market capitalization, which opened at N12.708 trillion, declined by N117 billion or 0.92 per cent to close at N12.591 trillion. Reports state that Nestle led the price losers’ chart by N25 to close at N1,075 per share. Nigerian Breweries dropped N13.98 to close at N145.01 while Guinness lost N9.10 to
close at N179 per share. ConOil depreciated by N2.58 to close at N49.12, while International Breweries dipped by N1.30 to close at N27.25 per share. On the other hand, Lafarge Wapco topped the gainers’ chart by N4.46 to close at N110 per share. Glaxosmith, Unilever and Dangote Cement gained N1 each to close at N70, N49 and N240 per share, respectively, while UAC- Property grew by 98k to close at N20.97 per share. Reports state that Zenith Bank emerged investors’ delight as it traded 75.91 million shares valued at N1.63 billion. UBA followed with 34.60 million shares worth N272.94 million while Transcorp sold 32.05 million shares valued at N114.95 million.
International Features Amid Carnage Of War, Syria Prepares For Assad Re-Election
AFTER three years of grinding conflict, the destruction of whole city districts and an exodus of refugees all triggered by an uprising against his rule, Bashar al-Assad is quietly preparing to be reelected. The Syrian president has not yet announced whether he will stand for a third term, in defiance of protesters, rebel fighters and Western foes who have demanded he go; but in state-controlled parts of Damascus preparations for his candidacy are unmistakable. Public gatherings have become platforms to urge the president to nominate himself, despite a continuing civil war that has killed more than 140,000 people, fractured the country and destroyed any chance of a credible vote being held. Authorities are once again organizing demonstrations in support of Assad, accused by opponents of massacres of civilians. Shopkeepers are encouraged to show their support by painting national colors on their store fronts. Some express their loyalty in general displays of patriotism, while others explicitly call on the 48year-old president to announce he will stand in the vote, which is due to be held by July. Just 18 months ago, Assad’s grip over his capital seemed to be slipping as rebels gained ground around Damascus. Since then his forces have
consolidated control in central Syria. Rebels still insist his departure is precondition for any peace deal, but having lost military momentum they are unable to dictate terms. At a gathering in southern Damascus last month to honor victims of Syria’s conflict, local officials and clerics turned the solemn memorial into a political rally. After handing out awards to widows and grieving mothers in Sayida Zeinab, a suburb of the capital which has been at the heart of Assad’s counter-attack against rebels, they made their case for a third term of Assad rule. “The president said: ‘If there is a popular demand for me to be nominated, I will run. I will not abandon my national duty’,” said Shi’ite Muslim cleric Al Sayyed Fadi Burhan. “So I ask you to take advantage of this large gathering ... and make it an opportunity to ask President Bashar alAssad to nominate himself for another electoral term.” Demonstrators waving portraits of Assad and flags adorned with his face are once again on the streets, albeit in smaller numbers than the many thousands who rallied in 2011 when authorities were trying to counter the mass antiAssad protests sweeping the country. Schoolchildren are bused in to take part in marches, much to the alarm of parents who say they are given no prior notice that their children
are being taken to demonstrate while Syria’s civil war rages on. “Even though it can be very dangerous, they just put them on a bus and take them to a march during their last period of the day without informing us or anything,” the mother of an 11-year-old boy said. “If they inform us, they
nominate himself for the presidency of the republic,” Information Minister Omran Zoabi said in January. Amendments to Syria’s constitution agreed in a referendum two years ago mean that, for the first time, rival candidates would be able to stand against Assad - but only if they win the support of
Ahmad Jarba, said Syria had not held a real election since Assad’s Baath Party seized power in 1963 and any vote held in current circumstances “would be a joke”. “If he does want an election, he will make it a theatre - with an orchestrated opposition,” Akbik told Reuters in Turkey. “Any serious
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (right) shakes hands with a military personnel during his visit to Damascus surburb.
know that most parents would not send their kids to school that day.” The mobilization appears aimed at reinforcing the government’s longstanding assertion that Syrian citizens want Assad to stand. “It is his personal decision ... but I assure you that the Syrian street will pressure President Bashar al-Assad to
35 members of Syria’s pro-Assad parliament. That would at least in theory mark a change from four decades of presidential votes when the only options Syrians had were to support or oppose parliament’s nomination of Assad and, before him, his father Hafez al-Assad. Monzer Akbik, chief of staff to opposition National Coalition leader
“Holding an election appears impossible while 2.4 million Syrians are refugees in neighboring countries, many millions more are displaced within Syria and Assad has lost control of northern and eastern Syria.”
opposition candidate would be immediately killed if they were to go inside Syria. Who dares run against Assad?” Jarba’s coalition has held two rounds of unsuccessful talks in Geneva with government negotiators, aimed at resolving the civil war. The opposition and international mediator say the talks must address a transitional government a phrase Assad’s opponents understand to mean that he must go. But Syrian officials have categorically ruled out that he might surrender any power. In response to the proAssad mobilization, an online campaign to nominate popular opposition figure Moaz Alkhatib to run against him was launched last week and quickly
snowballed into tens of thousands of supporters. Syrians inside besieged rebel areas as well as exiled supporters from as far away as Australia and Ukraine have posted photos of themselves with cards backing the former preacher at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. Alkhatib, currently based in Qatar, welcomed the Internet campaign but echoed Akbik’s objection to holding the vote amid the turmoil of civil war and under the supervision of Assad’s authorities. “We will not give legitimacy or cover to any elections carried out by the regime, which aims only to preserve its fastwaning existence,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. Holding an election appears impossible while 2.4 million Syrians are refugees in neighboring countries, many millions more are displaced within Syria and Assad has lost control of northern and eastern Syria. Even in Damascus, few believe the vote will go ahead. “I heard that elections were going to be postponed another year or two because of the situation,” said Samir, a middle-aged man during a casual lunch with his inlaws as the conversation turned into political chitchat. “The new constitution limits the number of terms to two, which he’s already had, so how can he run again?” said a hairdresser, as she worked on a client during a home visit. In one of the rebel-held areas, Mouadamiya, an Assad opponent voiced a frequently heard sentiment. “Assad plans to announce his nomination on the eve of elections, and then of course he’ll win because only people in loyalist areas will be able to vote, and then he’ll say: ‘Oh look, the people want me’,” he said. • Courtesy: REUTERS
BY next week, the much awaited National Conference will begin, which will last for three months. Various stakeholders, Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora are looking up to the conference to resolve most of the nation’s multifaceted challenges since the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates by Sir Lord Lugard. WE recall that on the occasion of the 53rd independence anniversary of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan in a nationwide broadcast announced an Advisory Committee mandated to establish modalities for a national conference aimed at resolving issues that currently cause friction in the polity. PRESIDENT Jonathan said that the committee, which will have Dr. Femi Okurounmu as its Chairperson and Dr. Akilu Indabawa as its Secretary will advise him on the scope and agenda for the national conference. WE welcome the decision of President Jonathan since it takes into cognizance suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a national dialogue on the future of our beloved country. There is consensus that there has been discontentment in the land. The discontentment and alienation has fueled extremism, apathy and even predictions of catastrophe for the country. This means that, if one united Nigeria is still cherished, the bases for such unity must be negotiated and agreed upon. WE must be quick to point that the conference must not be the soap opera that was organized by former President Olusegun Obasanjo or Abdulsalami Abubakar which select friends and well wishers were the attendees. WE are also in agreement with Mr. President that “when there are issues that constantly stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss.” We are also glad that the Senate President, David Mark who is well known opponent of a national conference with the argument that “there cannot be a sovereign
THE NIGERIAN
Expectations From National Confab within a sovereign,” was the harbinger of the President Jonathan’s announcement. Mark, while welcoming senators from their seven-week annual vacation, said “every matter about the union of ethnic groups that made up the country should be opened to discussion but warned that the dismemberment of the country should be a no-go area for the conference.” ASIDE the unity of Nigeria which everyone seems to be alluding to, we believe that there should be no restrictions as to the issues to be discussed by the conference. Even at that, we believe that Nigerians must be in agreement to remain as one indivisible entity. Nobody can force a union that so many have questioned in the country on the people. That should be the beginning point of discussions. If at the end of the discussions, Nigerians from various backgrounds decide to go their separate ways peacefully, no one should halt them. Professor Ango Abdulahi, Spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum has said the north is not afraid of a break up. Chief Uwazuruike of MASSOB has offered their willingness to go their own way. The people of Oduduwa, have equally aired their position. Nigerians know the benefits of our diversity but we must agree as a people to continue with the union or not. SECONDLY, if we agree to remain as one Nigeria, we must also look at the current structure if we are satisfied with the military balkanized country. Thirty six states, with only four viable is
not sustainable. The conference must review and agree on either a return to the 1963 constitution that provides for regional government or a reviewed structure of such, so that with or without crude oil, the regions can survive. We also recommend that the local government structure should be discussed. We cannot continue with military contrived states or whatever nomenclature the federating units may assume should determine how many local governments or counties they can sustainably put in place, perhaps through a plebiscite after the conference. THIRDLY, we expect a loose federation if Nigeria is to remain one at the end of the day, whereby the regions or states will observe strictly the true fiscal federalism, producing and generating their incomes and paying an agreed percentage to the centre. We believe that for sustainable economic productivity and faster development, we must make the centre less attractive to avoid the “do or die” politics currently witnessed at the centre. There should be devolution of powers to the federating regions or states to further make the centre less attractive. FOURTHLY, parliamentary system of government is desirable for a country like Nigeria because, the presidential system of government is very expensive to maintain. Good enough the Edo State contingent to the conference is proposing part-time parliamentarians. Interestingly too, Nigeria has experimented this system in its early days postindependence and could jolly well return to the arrangement haven tasted the expensive presidential system as well. LASTLY on expectations at the conference proper, Nigerians look forward to a new constitution at the end of the day if they agree to be one or a number of constitutions for the number of countries that may emerge. We believe that if transparently and honestly executed, the planned conference would resolve once and for all the myriad of problems buffeting the Nigerian state.
Voice Of
Islam
“No community can survive without upholding the moral virtues of justice, equity and fair play in addition to truthfulness, sincerity and honesty. Let the leaders wake up from slumber and do what is right in the sight of GOD”
Every Friday With Mallam Abdulfattah Enabulele Chief Imam of Benin
WHEN the problem of Boko Haram started some years ago, a lot of people particularly the non-Muslims believed that the ideology of the group was to Islamized Nigeria. They equally agreed that Boko Haram is a jihadist missionary movement comparing it with that of Uthman Dan Fodio jihadist movement of 19 century. The Nigerian press supported this argument by calling Boko Haram, “Islamic Militant”. At every opportunity, this writer, have always explained that there is nothing like militancy in the technical language of Islamic law, that there is no compulsion in religion as far as Islam is concerned. And that no group of people can impose a religion on the whole country, because it is multireligious in nature. From the way things are going on in the activities and operation of the deadly group some of us have beginning to understand and take a critical look at what some of us had previously said . It is important for us to understand that Boko Haram was already in existence before Goodluck Jonathan presidency came about in 2011. The group began his operation during Obasanjo presidency. The group became more violent during President Yar’Adua period as president when most of the group leaders were arrested and murdered by the Police. However, the seed that germinated and gave birth to Boko Haram was planted several years ago. It is the seed of oppression, the seed of suppression, the seed of double standard, the seed of diabolical manipulation of the social, economic, political and spiritual sphere to benefit a few individuals (few elites) against the majority. And above all a deliberate policy to perpetually render the people under the yoke of illiteracy and poverty, thereby depriving them of educational and economic empowerment. Education is civilization, empowerment and the bedrock of every civilization. It is a known fact that a man that cannot contribute to his own development and well-bring is going to be liability and treat to the society. A system can continue to manipulate a group of people for sometimes, but not all the time or forever. It will get to a stage, when there will be a reaction, challenging that agent of manipulation. This is exactly what is happening in the north particularly the north eastern states of Nigeria. This erroneous religious belief that when a Muslim kills another person who have different religious belief from his, will earn him automatic ticket to paradise is a fallacious reasoning which is not supported by any Qur’anic passage and the saying of the Holy Prophet of Islam., What is going to earn anyone paradise on the day of judgement is the righteous good work practicalized why on earth and not the killings of innocent children in school to acquire knowledge, nor the killing of religious leaders who speak the truth and go about burning religious house of worship (Church and Mosques). I have said it before and am saying it again that Boko Haram is a satanic and devilish group that should be condemned by all without fear or favour. Some few days ago, the Sultan of Sokoto enjoined everyone to pray against the group and what it stands for. Prayers alone cannot solve or put a stop to the satanic activities of Boko Haram. Boko Haram is a calamity. And calamitous situation needs both drastic action and spiritual solutions. Let the leaders of this nation, first, offer sincere repentance to Almighty God for all the atrocities they have committed against Almighty God in particular and Nigerians in general. Prayers are not answered by Almighty God from perfidious people who are spiritually dirty. They have to spiritually purify their soul and heart through sincere
NIGERIA’S PRESIDENT: Where is the authority and political will?
SULTAN OF SOKOTO: What are the traditional rulers in the North doing?
Boko Haram and Its Calamitous Activities repentance and promising never to go back to those sins and evils that has brought about what Boko Haram represents in Nigeria today. Let the Northern Nigerian Political leaders and traditional rulers read the handwriting on the wall that the present government at the centre have been a terrible disappointment, a bad luck and a curse on Nigerians as a result of the impurity, large scale corruption, social injustices, security and economic ineptitude. It is less important on the part of the government whether people are been killed in any part of the country, all they are interested in, is how to manipulate the 2015 election so that the ruling party will continue to remain in office until when God know. All the northern leaders should put their heads and thinking caps together and find a way of putting to an end to this calamitous crisis and killing going on in their territories. They know the good, the bad and the evil ones in their various communities. Silence and prayers alone are not the solutions to the problems of insecurity, but leadership must display the political will, courage and bravery, the ruggedness and doggedness and the determination to speak the truth at all times. A community can survive even it they don’t believe and worship their creator. He, the creator will continue to provide and protect them until an appointed terms, because he is the most compassionate. But no community can survive without upholding the moral virtues of justice, equity and fair play in addition to truthfulness, sincerity and honesty. Let the leaders wake up from slumber. Heaven helps those who help themselves. The call for the Chief of Army Staff by the Nigerian Senate to relocate his headquarters to Bornu is a lazy and an idea that will yield no positive result. The army to me does not have what it takes to liquidate and incorporate the Boko Haram from existence because the soldiers does not possess the national ethos to sacrifice their lives for the present crisis facing the country. If a Nigerian soldier dies in the course to save Nigeria from the shackles of Boko Haram what will be his reward? How is Nigeria going to reward the bereaved family left behind by the dead soldier. This is where I agree with Governor Shettima of Bornu State that the Boko Haram members are more motivated
than the Nigerian soldiers. It is the primary responsibility of government at all levels to protect the lives and properties of the people. The Federal Government should be more committed to its primary responsibility. The President of Nigeria said recently in a presidential chat that he has the absolute power to remove anyone from position if he so desire. Therefore, the president must equally use the absolute power which he possess to liquidate Boko Haram from Nigeria. The President of Nigeria is the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria Armed forces – including the Army, Airforce, Navel, Police, State Security Services (SSS) and other para-military agencies. Mr. President must redouble his effort before it is too late. For every Nigerian killed unlawfully in this country, the President has a case to answer before Almighty God on the day of judgement. For every Nigerian killed unlawfully in any state of the federation, the Governor of that state has a case to answer before God on the day of judgement because they are the Chief Security Officer of their state and they collect security votes for that purpose. And for any Nigerian killed unlawfully in any community, the community leader or the traditional ruler has a case to answer before God because they are the custodian of the custom and tradition of their communities. Finally, Boko Haram is not an Islamic body, but an evil organization which is made up of satanic and evil minded individuals whose ideology is barbaric and anti-people, an organization that derives joy in killing innocent children who are in school to acquire knowledge and wisdom. Such body must be liquidated and incorporated and wipe out from the surface of the earth. The federal government must live up to its primary responsibilities of providing security and protecting lives and properties of Nigerians. The traditional rulers in the northern part of Nigeria must wake-up from slumber and begin to behave truly like Royal Fathers that derive power, authority, respect and loyalty from the people. Just like the god fathers of the Niger-Delta militants prevailed on their foot soldiers to laid down and submit their arms to the federal government. Politicians who are the god fathers of Boko Haram members must persuade them to disarm for the interest of peace, unity and stability of Nigeria nation.
“All the northern leaders should put their heads and thinking caps together and find a way of putting to an end to this calamitous crisis and killing going on in their territories. They know the good, the bad and the evil ones in their various communities. Silence and prayers alone are not the solutions to the problems of insecurity, but leadership must display the political will, courage and bravery, the ruggedness and doggedness and the determination to speak the truth at all times. Heaven only help those who help themselves”
Insight
WHEN you take a walk around the Benin Metropolis, it will amaze you to find out that the rate of beggars on the streets are increasing by each passing day and some of them harass passers by to the point of intimidating and forcing them to part with their money which in turn might not be use for profitable venture. When you see most of these so called beggars, you would discovered that they have no reasons to beg; sometimes you wonder why they are begging? Some even abuse their children using them as instrument for begging. These beggars are able bodied men and women without any form of physical disability, they are not blind, deaf, dump, paralysed or deform in any way, so the question is why are they now begging?. Talking about disabilities, it comes in various forms, some caused by nature, carelessness, diseases, accident and inhumanity to man as a result of dispute. These have created difficult situations and circumstances for victims of disability in any form. Despite the cruelty
fate has brought their way, people living with disabilities have proven over the years that there is ability in every disability. They are not saying it to keep faith alive or for us to read to be motivated, but have been able to show it in different ways that they can achieve and attain any desired goal in life that they set for t h e m s e l v e s irrespective of the state of deformity. They all have several evident to show for their determination to succeed and attained greater height than those without disabilities. The evident of their successes have further convinced us that they are gifted people just like every other ablebodied men and women around. They have shown the world that disability in any form is an open invitation to take the world by surprise and that they are not made to beg. Some physically challenged persons in our society have come out stronger than the able people in their chosen career. Some have become entrepreneurs and employers of labour despite their disabilities. Some others have become preachers of the word
Harnessing The of God, given hope to the hopeless in the society and the world at large. Some others have found strength in singing to lift the soul of those that have lost hope in themselves or those who are distressed with the challenges of life. The popular Yinka Ayefele a gospel musicians is a ready example that comes to mind, Sis Dele Charity Atole is another up coming musician who has not allowed her physical disability (Blindness) to overwhelm her. Some disabled people who are blind have become authors of great academic work that has become a point of reference for the youth of their generation an example that readily comes to mind is the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) Mr. Nosakhare Osemwota. The Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) is one among several bodies that has been established either by the government or by private owners to support and take care of the needs of the blind in our society. This body was
founded in 1962 in the old Western Region by Mr Ade Ogunbanjo. The Bendel State Chapter was founded in 1978 which later metamorphous into Edo State Chapter in1992 with the creation of Edo State
By RICHARD OKORO-EWEKA
for additional help from the government or other good spirited Nigerians to come to their aids. The body also encourage parents with disable children
Speaking of his personal experienc a blind pers Osemwota said h not discouraged rather determined ever to succeed in spheres of life. Sai
L-R: Mr. Richard Omozusi Secretary of Nigeria Association of the Blind, Mr. Nosakh Osemwota Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind (middle) and Miss Rose Etso Vice Chairman of Nigeria of Nigeria Association of the Blind.
by the Gen Babangida regime. Just like every other Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), NAB has its own aims and objectives, rules and regulations, dos and don’t. One of the aims and objectives is to bring all those with visual impediment under one umbrella. Secondly is to articulate and bring together the problems of these people and proffer solution to them. If the problem is bigger, they’ll cry out
“As a group we face several challenges that when we successfully over come the sky will now be our limit. The braid press I just told you of is one of the problems we face. It becomes difficult for us to write and read without it, and makes us to depend on others to help us to achieve that purpose.”
to bring them out rather than hiding them indoors. Those that need education will be encouraged to get education with the support of their parents while those who are not interested in education will be encouraged to learn a trade and become gainfully employed. According to the Chairperson of the group Mr. Nosakhare Osemwota, disability is not a death penalty or a platform to be written off or become second class citizens in the nation. “As blind man or woman, we can achieve a lot, this will only be possible if we dream, hope and believe in our innate potentials and talent”.
“When a man is fa with difficulties, finds a way to solv and continue with For me despite situation around m am full of possibili and never had a w spirit of given up life that is why to I have authored m books which is wo class and is capabl adding to academ knowledge of youth of generation”. “You may surprised that am author of books e in my state and do what other abl bodied men women find diffi to do. Every bl person reads writes with the hel “BRAID PRES We read with
Insight
Ability In Disability
own ce as son, he is but than n all id he
fingers but if we don’t have such facilities, we find it difficult to write or read. But in my case due to share determination, all I do is to look for a person who can read and write. As I am inspired, I tell the
great work done and this has also been another source of strength and motivation to keep me on my toe”. “As a group we face several challenges that when we successfully over come the sky will
place them in a better position to face life challenges. However despite these challenges we have made some appreciable progress as a body in the area of scholarship. The national body liaise with oil
hare o,
aced , he ve it life. the me, I ities weak p on oday many orld le of mic the our
be m an even oing le and icult lind and lp of SS”. our
person to write and read what I have told him to write to my hearing and make the necessary correction where it is needed”. Speaking further he said, “I use what is called mastermind alliance to write my books i.e I use what I have to get what I want. But marketing the books has become a major challenge to me because of my situation especially moving the books from place to place. I meet people in government who have not really helped me to connect me to those that will help me break even. My joy is that those that read my books have not stopped commending me for a
now be our limit. The braid press I just told you of is one of the problems we face. It becomes difficult for us to write and read without it, and makes us to depend on others to help us to achieve that purpose. We need craft centres where our people will be trained to receive quality attention and education that will
companies in the country to give some of our members scholarship and this has relief our burden and given us a brighter hope for the future” he concluded. The Vice Chairperson of the group Rose Etso further clarify the areas where the body needs the support of the government and other
spirited Nigeria to include the building of a state secretariat for the body; monthly subvention from the government and centre for skill acquisition to enhance the quality of lives of the disabled in the society. More scholarship should be given to some of our members that are in school to ease the stress of fighting to pay their fees through school. Bursary is another area she pointed out where the government can assist their members scattered across various institution across the nation. Rose Etso said the body is making frantic effort to reach the Commissioner for Women Affair Social Development and the governor of the state to solicit for support for the body. She said the only school for the blind in the state has no boarding facility and the governor may not be aware of this so we wanted to draw his attention to it and urge him to do sometime to
“As a group we face several challenges that when we successfully over come the sky will now be our limit. The braid press I just told you of is one of the problems we face. It becomes difficult for us to write and read without it, and makes us to depend on others to help us to achieve that purpose.” help us. We want to also benefit from the transformational drive of the Comrade Governor of the state, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole. “Keeping the blind in school has become a very difficult task but when there is a boarding facility it will be easy to do that. The only means through which the blind get to school have been ban by the government for security reasons but with boarding school, we will not feel the pain of getting to school. The Secretary of the body Mr Richard Omozusi also lend his voice to the call for support for the group and went further to prove a point that to be disable is not a curse or a death permit but an opportunity to bring out the talent in such people. Mr. Omozusi who has been a teacher in
the school of the blind for 35 years quarried the attitude displayed towards the physically challenge in the area of mobility (movement). “Mobility has not been encouraging but rather very challenging. Sometimes when you want to take public transport, drivers and conductors will refuse to carry us because of our state, feeling we are burden to them, it is very discriminating but we have been able to fight this to the barest minimum and each time we are discriminated against, we stand our ground and demand our rights. He said the blind should not be under rated in any way as they are not beggars, “we have excel in so many ways. We are just disabled but never lost hope of the future, we may be blind but all other of our senesces are very active”, he said.
“Keeping the blind in school has become a very difficult task but when there is a boarding facility it will be easy to do that. The only means through which the blind get to school have been ban by the government for security reasons but with boarding school, we will not feel the pain of getting to school.”
Art Alive
With FRANCIS ODUPUTE
Nzire-Ani Festival And Its Mysteries ANAM is one of the towns in the riverine area that were greatly affected by flooding before the construction of Kianji-dam. They were destabilized by flood, their crops in particular suffered because sometimes the flood washed them (the Corps) away in the farmland. In a bid to shelter themselves, they constructed bridge -elevated houses. This caused them a lot of problems both physically, emotionally and otherwise. But inspite of all these predicaments, the Anam people still celebrated some of their cultural festivals. One of these festival is the Nzire-Ani festival which is celebrated every two years. It is also known as mass return. Nzire-Ani festival is a cultural celebration that brings all sons and daughters of Anam together to give thanks to Ani. This festival is very rich culturally and it is orally performed. The mysteries of Nzire-Ani festival is only revealed to the men folk during their initiation into manhood. This festival is usually celebrated during the Christmas period and on the last Eke market preceeding
Christmas. Before the D-day- the day of the celebration itselfthe forerunner masquerade known as the Otiekwe would have manifested. It is generally believed that the gods of the land of Anam (AniAnam) usually send
(no specifications) will be performed to appease the gods of the land. At this time, the festival starts with the initiation of the boys into the masquerade world
celebration starts from the bank of the Aman river with d i f f e r e n t masquerades and male folks, who are still cleansing the land of evil and
on going, the people who have defiled the land in one way or the other by committing all sorts of crimes in previous are also cleansed and purified in order to
male children to the world during the festival. The Otiekwe has to appeal for the male folks who will join in cleansing the land in preparation of the festival celebration and then make a way for the festival celebration proper. This cleansing and purification continues until the day before the proper celebration, that is the eve of the festival when a lot of rituals
which is called “Iba na mmanwh”. The significance of this initiation is to help in the cleansing ceremony to make them ceremonial clean and prepared fully for the festival celebration. The eve of the festival is referred to as Nkwo Nzire-Ani because it is usually on Nkwo market day, a market day preceeding the Eke market day. On the day of celebration proper,
chasing the evil spirits away from the evil forest. As this cleansing of the male folks and chasing away evil spirits is
make the land clean and purified of any taboo. This art of cleansing and purification is known as “Igba
Aada”. Well, this does not stampede activities for the people who are not involved in the cleansing performance. So while the purification is on going, others who are not involved can be celebrating by eating and drinking and marrying. There are several ways of celebrating both dancing and different performances to entertain the people who are spectators and the events. At the end of the festival, the masquerades who often grace human ritual and ceremonies with their presence as representative visitors from the underworld are said to emerge from their subterranean home through ant-holes. The celebration of the Nzire- Ani festival is one of the cultural heritages of the Anam people of Anambra State. It is rich in songs and ritual display full of meanings.
“At the end of the festival, the masquerades who often grace human ritual and ceremonies with their presence as representative visitors from the underworld are said to emerge from their subterranean home through antholes.”
Art And Culture
Amalgamated Cultures Of 1914
AMALGAMATED culture is the coming together of different cultures as one in a Union. National African Company and the British consul for the oil Rivers has made series of treaties that gave Britain Claims to all the Lands bordering the Niger River up to its confluence with the Benue River. The hinterland of the Niger-Benue confluence had been secured on paper by treaties made with its spiritual over lords. French ambitions on the lower Niger had been successfully thwarted by Goldie, whose ruthless price war had driven the French out of business. The most spectacular expedition undertaking by the Niger coast protectorate was against the great empire of Benin, which has withdrawn into isolation from the outside world, efforts at bringing it effectively into the sphere of British influence had failed. Britain was given the occasion to subject Great Benin to control when in a renewed attempt to bring Benin under British trading influence. Acting consul-General James Phillips set off to negotiate with the Oba of
Benin. Phillips was from the start an advocate of the occupation of Benin but did not receive sanction from London, for his plans for Military expedition. At the time, the Oba was celebrating the great Ague Festival, the occasion of rededication of the Benin’s to the King, when no gun shot should be fired, and no stranger should be seen by the Oba, Phillips had gone to the trouble to inform the Oba Ovonranmwen, of his impending visit. James Phillips did not wait before setting out to receive a reply as to its conveniences. James Phillips and his party were massacred enroute, when he was met by the Chief who brought him a message that Phillips should not come to Benin at that time. A punitive expedition was sent the same year to Benin City, the town fired, the great treasures looted. Benin put up strong resistance. The Oba seems to have lost all initiative in the face of the invader and probably exaggerated by the invaders, desperate appeal to the gods to stave off what man could not. With the conquest of
Benin, Britain was master of the whole coast line and the peoples of the hinterland were not finally pacified until the end of the First World War.
Sir Frederick Lord Lugard was sensitive about the role of the Military in Civil administration, and felt it necessary to justify the appointment of Military
Oba Eweka II
The occupation of south was considerably more complex than that of the North. In the south, occupation had been effected by conquest and diplomacy. The occupation of the North was by straight conquest, largely achieved by the British Government itself.
Officers as Civil residents. It is indeed a characteristic of the British Officers that when in Civil employ his rule is often marked by less “Militarism” than that of the Civilian, and he is more opposed to punitive expedition. On July 24, 1914, Oba Eweka II was crown at
“The occupation of south was considerably more complex than that of the North. In the south, occupation had been effected by conquest and diplomacy. The occupation of the North was by straight conquest, largely achieved by the British Government itself.”
With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI
Usama in Benin City; He was accompanied by a detachment of soldiers as guard of honour. In November, about 100 years ago in 1914, His Excellency, the Governor General paid a visit to Benin City to see the Omo N’ Oba, N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, Eweka II. The task of rebuilding the Oba palace had just begun and the Great World War I or First World War had started. Europe had become divided into two armed camps by rivalry colonies, Great Britain and France, two great colonial powers were in alliance with Russia. Germany, Austria, Hungary with only a few colonies was in another alliance. There was fighting in both Eastern and Western Europe in 1914. Benin Kingdom was incorporated as a part of the various British protectorates that metamorphosed into the Nation State-Nigeria. Benin contributed the cost of one aero-plane to the British Government, sent many men to take part in the Cameroom and East African campaigns. For the First time, West Africa troops were used outside the continent, notably in the Burma campaign. Towards the end of the War, the Duke of Devonshire, who was then under secretary of State for the colonies, declared that West African troops in Burma has performed great feats of arms and that he had been immensely impressed by the success with, which the enormous expansion of Africa forces had been carried out, and with the smartness and keenness of the men. In Burma, the African troops became
indispensable not only as soldiers better suited to the conditions of jungle warfare than their white comrades but as carriers who could transport supplies through territory where no vehicles could pass. African troops fought in the Abyssinia campaign where they acquitted themselves with distinction. These soldiers were recruited on voluntary basis, though, since Chiefs were used as the agent of recruitment it is difficult to know how voluntary it was but recruiting was pushed as far as possible but no pressure was employed. The emancipation of all slaves was proclaimed through out the whole of the former Empire of Benin. Thousands of slaves streamed to Benin City from Ekiti, Eka, Esan, Ondo, Akure and elsewhere. Pole was erected in the centre of Oba Ozolua’s quandrangle in the palace, around which they were made to dance before being free to become free persons. Later in the year Chief Obazuaye and Chief Eson were sent by the Oba to Ogwashiuku to make peace between the Obi and his subjects. They also made tour through out Esan, Ora, KukurukuAfemai and Eka divisions of Benin Empire, Benin Chiefs were made judges of Native Courts. The Northern and Southern protectorates of Emirates, kingdoms, Empires, or caliphates were amalgamated by the Lord Lugard’s British Government thus, Bringing the people into an administrative entity and to promote administrative convenience but to the subjects, it was a forceful act of subjugation and oppression against their own will of culture in 1914.
Opinion
Tackling Corruption Effectively In Nigeria BRIBERY, which is an important aspect of corruption, needs two parties for it to happen: the bribe giver and the bribe taker. In some countries the culture of corruption extends to every aspect of public life, making it more or less impossible to stay in business without giving bribes. The most common bribegiving countries are not in general the same as the most common bribe—taking countries. The 12 least corrupt countries, according to Transparency International perception survey, are (in alphabetical order): Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, and Switzerland. On the other hand, the 13 most corrupt countries are (in alphabetical order): Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ukraine. In Nigeria, corruption is akin to cancer. Indeed this has been the Nigerian experience with corruption developing to such staggering proportions that it is now not only a bane of the country, but has largely defied present and past efforts to stem it. The position now is that corruption is so entrenched that anyone hoping to do any kind of business with the Nigerian bureaucracy must take it into account. Indeed the situation is now so bad that even some government officials are alleged to bribe one another to get government business done. But in the political arena, Nigeria has found it difficult to prove corruption, but also impossible to prove its absence. There are indications that many Nigerians, some of them politicians, retired civil servants, judges, and a few generals, have engaged in corrupt practices. Politicians are often placed in apparently compromising positions because of their desperate need to solicit financial contributions ostensibly for their campaigns, but in reality for rigging elections. They appear sometimes to be acting in the interests of those parties that sponsor them, but mostly they are driven by personal aggrandizement.
For the most part, corruption has bedeviled Nigeria’s political sceneencompassing abuses by government officials such as embezzlement and nepotism, as well as abuses linking public and private actors such as bribery, extortion, influence peddling, and fraud. Although Nigerian leaders in the last twenty to thirty years have made such a singsong of fighting corruption, it does not appear that any serious effort has been made to address the real causes of corruption. Thus without a proper diagnosis of the causes of corruption, trying to fight it is akin to treating symptoms rather than rooting out the disease itself This unfortunately appears to be the strategy adopted so far in fighting corruption in Nigeria. We must now attempt to answer the questions that Nigerians should be asking their crusaders of corruption. What indeed are the domestic causes of corruption in one of the world’s most corrupt countries? It is necessary to observe that aside from the quality, or lack of it, of people running the Nigerian economic and political shows, there are some systemic conditions in the Nigerian polity that promote corruption. To start with, it is unfortunate that power is concentrated in the hands of decision makers who in reality are not directly accountable to the people as is often seen in nondemocratic regimes. This is a direct result of Nigeria’s inability since independence to always conduct credible, free, fair and uncontroversial elections to political offices in the country. With political office holders acquiring power through disputable if not illegitimate methods, the situation is not helped by perennial lack of government transparency in decision making. Again, costly political
contracts gravy train. With a weak rule of law in the land and the absence of adequate controls to prevent bribery, the express corruption train rolls on. But the crux of the present
preoccupation now is the sharing of the so-called “national cake” which in an imposed quasi-federal regime has been raised to the high level of state policy via a revenue sharing formula! With the spending of Nigerian oil incomes in the Gowon days being declared to be a problem, Nigerian agriculture (the former mainstay of the Nigerian economy) was
Nigerian corruption problem is the overarching crude oil economy and politics. It is not a secret that “lifting crude oil” is a major form of political patronage in Nigeria since the 1 970s oil boom. Indeed, since the advent of the oil boom in the 1970s, Nigerians have developed an unhealthy love for easy wealth and luxury goods while at the same time loosing their traditional appetite for hard work, as well as the knack to generate resources and accumulate capital. Instead, national
abandoned and the many assembly plants that masqueraded as manufacturing industries soon followed suit. The establishment of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Code of Conduct Bureau and its Tribunal is a laudable start on the war against corruption. Unfortunately, though some successes have been registered by these bodies, the general impression is that these bodies have gone after the tail of the monster of
By JEFFERY NEGBEDION campaigns in recent times, with expenses exceeding normal sources of political funding mean that elected officials’ first priority on assuming office is to recoup their election expenses. This
• Larmode, EFCC boss
is facilitated by the design of marginally relevant prestige projects requiring expenditure of large amounts of public capital. In the subsequent award of contracts for these projects, self-interested closed cliques, ethnic-cum-family members, and “old-boy networks are favoured. The bulk of the bureaucracy (often poorly paid) and bedeviled with below-living wages and supported by apathetic, uninterested, or gullible populace become actors and accomplices in the public
corruption rather than its head. It is not helpful that some politicians meanwhile allege that these bodies are being used by the Presidency as instruments of blackmail or vendetta against political opponents. There is therefore a need to expand the activities and range of instruments available to these bodies. If corruption is to be given a short shrift in Nigeria, then the social, business and bureaucratic environments must be corruption-hostile rather than friendly. This means that there must be well funded comprehensive public education and enlightenment programs on the nature of corruption as well as the negative effects of corruption in the Nigerian polity. This is a job that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) as well as the Federal and State Ministries of Information must undertake. It is often claimed that corruption like prostitution cannot be wiped out entirely in any society. This may well be so. But it seems evident from the examples of some virtually corruption free countries, like the Scandinavian countries, that any country, that can muster the will, can indeed reduce corruption to the barest minimum. This is the gauntlet that Nigeria must embrace. For a start, the war on corruption will be bedeviled by quite a few people of questionable integrity that have already worked their way into positions of political (executive and legislative), judicial, corporate and bureaucratic authority and influence. Hence Nigeria must draw a line somewhere and grant amnesty to past offenders of corruption up to an arbitrarily set cut-off date to be determined. But the key to preventing and controlling further corruption crimes is to implement such measures geared towards prevention, detection, sanctions and restitutions.
“The establishment of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Code of Conduct Bureau and its Tribunal is a laudable start on the war against corruption. Unfortunately, though some successes have been registered by these bodies, the general impression is that these bodies have gone after the tail of the monster of corruption rather than its head.”
Encounter
Fighting Criminals Is A Common Responsibility ON the 27th February, 2014 the AIG Zone 5comprising Edo, Delta and Bayelsa StateHashimu Argungu was at MAN AROUND TOWN programme of Independent Radio, Benin-During the event, he addressed several issues of public concern like kidnapping, bail, police uniform, assistance to sick policemen, road checks, OPC and destruction of farmlands by cattle rearers. Below is an excerpt of the media chat as reproduced by Michael A. Odigbe Challenges Faced. There is no where there are no challenges in the world. In my zone 5, the critical challenge we faced was how to get the people cooperation in fighting crime. However, with what is happening now this challenge has been over come. Preparations for 2015 In life, planning is important. That is why it is said that proper planning prevents poor performance. Given these facts, we have put in place mechanisms to ensure 2015 election takes place in an atmosphere of peace and security. To start with, we have started to educate our men on all the laws and other legal instruments governing the electoral processes involves in the election. Also, we have invited all stakeholders, including the media which is a
bridge between the government and the people for a meeting. At the meeting, we are telling them to go easy with politics to avoid crisis. The meeting is still going on. More of such meeting will take place from times to time before 2015. Paying for Papers/biros at police stations People commonly complain about being asked to pay for papers used for documenting their complaints at the police stations. Well, this is to inform you that I have told the Commissioners of police in my zone to direct their Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers not to demand money for documentation of such complaints at police stations. Also, no police man is supposed to collect mobilization fees to investigate any case. All the commissioners of police have complied with my order. So, let’s forget about the hearsay that people are still paying for police services. If you have a specific case of any policemen violating my order feel free to report to me personally. I assure you that I will investigate the case and feed you back with my empirical findings. Kidnapping Everybody has seen for himself that Edo Police Command is working hard to fight kidnapping. Everytime, the command goes on radio and
- Hashimu Argungu
television to display its achievements in arresting kidnappers and other criminals. So far, the command is tackling the issue of evil forests being used for kidnapping. The operation is succeeding. Having said this, I want to point out that the police cannot fight criminals
for all of us. OPC security outfit In the fist place, you should know we have accredited security agencies who assist other security organisations including the police. But I am not aware if the OPC is one of these accredited security outfits. I am just
Hashimu Argungu
alone. They need the cooperation of everyone. Afterall, criminals live in the midst of people. They are our neighbours, our brothers. Hence, we must put our heads together to fight these undesirable elements in our society. Fighting criminals is a common responsibility
hearing about it for the first time, frankly speaking. Anyway, let me point this out. If you are an accredited private security agency, your duty is only to arrest and bring suspected criminals to the police. Not to try or persecute them. It is the police that can
“People commonly complain about being asked to pay for papers used for documenting their complaints at the police stations. Well, this is to inform you that I have told the Commissioners of police in my zone to direct their Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers not to demand money for documentation of such complaints at police stations.”
investigate suspects and do other necessary things concerning them. Also, registered private security agencies can give us relevant information about criminals for us to act on. The police always act within, not outside the law. So, when I leave here I will ask the Edo commissioner of police about OPC to see if it is an accredited private security agencies. Highway Police Patrol The function of highway police patrol is to patrol the federal high ways. Therefore, it is not their function to line up vehicles for checking. But they can stop-and –search any vehicle they suspect is engaged in criminal. Activities. In other words, there is nothing like police road block because the Inspector –General of Police has stopped the practice. I challenge anybody to tell me where there is a roadblock in any part of the country. People don’t always want to speak the truth. The don’t want to call a spade a spade. Hence, they go about spreading lies that they have seen police road blocks. Indiscriminate use of Sirens The issue of siren is an issue of necessity. If, for instance, an ambulance is taking a patient to a hospital and the road is blocked it can use a siren to clear the road. Also, if the fire brigade is trying to reach a fire scene and the road is blocked, it is permitted to use a siren to make the road free. Also, we have some dignitaries which are allowed by law to use the siren when they are passing the road. So not everybody is permitted to blow the siren. Monitoring Police team We have several checks and balances in place for monitoring our policemen on duty. For instance, we have the x-squad not only
to keep their monitoring eyes on the police but on other governmental agencies as far as fighting corruption is concerned. Also, you are aware that the police does not tolerate any act of misconduct among its men. We don’t fail to punish erring policemen and sometimes charge them to court, if the need arises. We also dismiss them or reduce their ranks. Because we are taking such actions, misconduct in the police is reducing. Police uniforms Everybody is going to get the new police uniforms. They are being distributed by the police management team. So, getting it has nothing to do with going to buy it in the market. The uniforms are not sold in the market. So where will you see it to buy? No where. Wait for your turn and you will be supplied with the uniform. It is sad that instead of people to be patient on the issue of the new uniform, they are making unnecessary statements. Every policemen will be given the uniform. Already, they are coming in as every police man knows. There is no way you can get the uniforms through corrupt, short cuts. Also, uniforms for the rank and file is free but the ranks from ASP upwards will pay for them. Advice for politicians / 2015 All politicians are stakeholders in the process of promoting peace, security and development in the country. Therefore, it is important they put their heads together and work towards these goal. The rules of good conduct are there. Anyone that breaches them would face the law. That is what I have been telling all stakeholders. We are standing by our words.
Healthy Living
APPLES and Bananas are by far the most popular fruits in the world. Not only do these fruits taste wonderful but they are also densely packed with tons of health benefits, including adding value to your physical tan and skin tone. There are countless health benefits of eating these two most popular fruits other than the health advantages, the appeal of apples and bananas also lie in the fact that these fruits are relatively easier to eat. Ask anyone and they shall tell you that when it comes to food, they rather make and eat something that is quick, fast and filling. Unfortunately, this is the exact same reason for the world’s obsession with unhealthy fast food. However, due to increased health awareness, more people are turning to healthy food alternatives such as fresh fruit when they wait to eat something fuss-free and fast. When it comes to grabbing an apple or a banana, it is almost like a reflex action and you
Health Benefits Of Apple And Banana Fruits At Work:
By HAUSIOA ISMAILA/ANOAOHA UDOCHUKWU
don’t think twice about picking up one of these fruits and munching on them An apple is the easiest fruit to eat since you just pick one up and start eating straight away. A banana is not much difficult to eat and far less so than peeling
an orange or a kiisifruit. Apart from the easy accessibility to apples and bananas are also loaded with nutritional benefits, some of which are fiber. Both fruits are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which is
essential for the proper functioning of a healthy digestive system. dietary fiber is not only great for gatrintesinal health but it also helps regulate cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. Energy- Apples and bananas are the fruits to ture to when you are looking for a quick shot of natural energy. The naturally occurring sugars in these fruits in the form of natural and complex earbohydmtes provide fuel to the body’s cell and the little time to digest, helping the body absorb them faster and better. Minerals-Full of
essential minerals such as magnesium, apples and bananas provide a good source of minerals in the diet. Bananas in particular are an extremely high source of potassium which is essential in maintaining blood pressure. Vitamins_ Containing a plethora of vitamins, both apples and bananas provide a good amount of vitamin c that is important as an antioxidant in the body and is also vital for building up the body’s Immunity against clods and flu. Vitamin B6 is found in generous quantities in bananas,
that helps metabolize carbohydrates and proteins in the body. The benefits of apples and bananas are immense. They are tasty fruits and due to their wonderful flavor and ease of eating it is not hard to see why these fruits are so popular amongst people of all age groups and backgrounds, all over the world. Available the year round, apples and bananas can be enjoyed any where and anytime. However, to get the most out of them, have plety of them when they are in season. Nutrition-Apples and bananas are good sources of energy – producing nutrients, primarity in the form of carbohydrate. Each fruit contains only a small amount of protein and essentially no fat, with the nutural and simple sugar found in fruits ; Each is also relatively low calories, with a medium apple providing 95 to 100 calories and a medium banana containing 105 calories. Because your body matabolize simple sugar such as fructose rapidly, converting them into glucose which is absorbed into your blood, these fruits are good choices when you need a quick energy boost for example just before or after exercising.
“Unfortunately, this is the exact same reason for the world’s obsession with unhealthy fast food. However, due to increased health awareness, more people are turning to healthy food alternatives such as fresh fruit when they wait to eat something fuss-free and fast.”
Reflection
With Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie, OCD 08076635886
The Significance Of Ash Wednesday And ON Ash Wednesday Catholics all over the world with some orthodox Christians were busy receiving ashes on their foreheads. They do this as a mark of penitence, repentance, mourning and sober reflections. Ash Wednesday is a day that ushers in the Lenten season. It is a day of abstinence, intensive prayer and fasting. Why ashes? What is the significance of ashes in the lives of Christians? What has ashes to do with our salvation, as Christians? What is the Lenten season all about? What exactly is the essence of Lenten season? Originally human beings were fashioned out of dust (Genesis 2:7). The ash reminds us of our origin and destiny. God told the first man he created, “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the dust, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen 3:19). The Christian bible presents Ashes and sackcloth as a symbol of mourning. (Genesis 37:34-35). Sackcloth and ashes expresses mourning and anguish like in the case of Mordecai in the book of Esther 4:1. Most Christians simply believe in the resurrection of Christ. They pay little or no attention to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. For St. Paul we cannot share the resurrection of Christ with sharing in his death “If we have been united with him in death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5). Sharing in the suffering of Christ is not even optional. It is in fact a necessary condition for becoming a follower of Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Luke 9:23). It is impossible to imagine an Easter without Good Friday. After rain comes sunshine!
Ashes is a sign of Remorse and repentance. Jonah was sent by God to the people of Nineveh. When Jonah got to Nineveh he proclaimed the message of repentance, saying, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” When the people of Nineveh heard this message they believed in God; they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. As soon as the news reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, removed his robe, and covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. He even made proclamation that was published through out Nineveh, “Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; let them not feed, or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence which is in his hands.” (Jonah 3:3-8) This is exactly what Nigerians need to do at this point in time when things are almost falling apart. With the tension in our nation we don’t need anybody to tell us that we need to declare a national prayer and fasting for the restoration of peace and security. In the New Testament, the idea of Ashes was cited by our Lord Jesus Christ as a sign of remourse and repentance. Jesus confronts the cities where most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:20-21). Sackcloth and ashes is indeed a symbol of remorse and total repentance. The Lenten season is a period of mourning. It is a period when the Christians mourn for the painful death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Think of the famous
“Prayer is the key that opens the door to heart of God. It is the channel through which we get connected to God. We communicate to God through prayer. God does not answer every prayer. For God to answer your prayer it must follow certain principles.”
Lenten Season
traditional hymn: “O come and mourn with me awhile. See Mary call us to her side. Oh come and let us mourn with her. Jesus, our Lord is crucified.” The crucifixion of Christ is the most painful death in the history of humanity. This great event is highlighted in the fourteen Stations of the Cross. It helps to reflect deeply in the mystery of suffering and pain. Lenten season commemorates the period of
to return to him with all our hearts. We can do this with fasting and broken heart: “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51: 17). There are three things that make up the Lenten season, Prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These are penitential and inspirational virtues. They enable us to draw closer to God. In the gospel of Matthew 6:1-6; 1618 our Lord Jesus Christ
forty days when Jesus was in the desert praying and fasting before engaging in his public ministry. It is a period that prepares the Christian faithful for the paschal mystery. Above all, it is a time to return to God in repentance. In Joel 2:12-18, The Lord said, “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and tear your hearts and not your garments.” Commenting on this Prophet Joel said, “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy, repents of evil. Who knows whether he will not turn and repent and leave a blessing behind?” Our God is a merciful God. He is not heartless. Our numerous sins notwithstanding, God wants us back. During this period every child of God is expected to return to God in repentance. God is inviting us
highlights the three essence of Lenten season and how we are expected to practice these virtues as faithful children of God. Prayer: Prayer is the key that opens the door to heart of God. It is the channel through which we get connected to God. We communicate to God through prayer. God does not answer every prayer. For God to answer your prayer it must follow certain principles. Our Lord Jesus Christ instructs his disciples to pray in humble and sincere way: “When you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who
sees in secret will reward you.” St. Paul describes the human body as the temple of God. According to him, “you are the God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in you” (I Cor 3:16) If God’s spirit dwell in us as St. Paul wrote prayer therefore should not be an external practice. That is why our Lord Jesus Christ said we should go into our rooms each time we want to pray. Moreover St. Paul said concerning prayer, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not
all fasting is approved or acceptable by God Almsgiving: Fasting gives rise to almsgiving. He fruit of our fasting is what we are expected to share with the poor and less privileged. Almsgiving should not be trumpeted. Jesus said, “When you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that
know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deed for words” (Romans 8:26). True worshippers according to our Lord Jesus Christ do so in spirit and in truth. Fasting: Lenten period is also a period of fasting. The Christian fasting is different from starvation. Jesus told his followers, “When you fast, do not look dismay, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Fasting is not a show. We do not fast for people to notice us. We fast for mortification and for the purification of our souls. Not
your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” God sees all that is done in the secret and He is the only one that can reward us for our generosity and almsgiving. The three virtues of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are the essential virtues that characterize the Lenten season. They cannot be separated. Fasting is the oil that lubricates our prayer life. Fasting prepares the human mind for divine union and dialogue and that is what prayer is all about. Fasting leads to almsgiving. Fasting is not just a period of saving food. Rather, we are expected to share whatever we save from our fasting with the needy. Child of God as you practice these virtues, especially during this Lenten season, your life will never be the same. God will richly bless you and it shall be well with you in Jesus – Amen!
International
US General To Admit Guilt On Sex Crime
U.S. judge in Army general’s trial rules no porn in prosecution’s opening statement Reuters Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sinclair plans to enter the plea before opening statements scheduled for the morning in his court martial at Fort Bragg. The primary accuser in the case is a female captain who claims Sinclair twice forced her to perform oral sex and threatened to kill her family if she told anyone about their three-year affair. Sinclair still faces five charges including sexual assault in his trial before a jury of five two-star generals. The former deputy commander of the 82nd Airborne could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on the most serious charges. Sinclair’s lawyer Richard Scheff said the general will plead guilty to having improper relationships with two other female Army officers and to committing adultery with his mistress, which is a crime in the military. He will also admit violating orders by possessing pornography in Afghanistan and to conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman.
Scheff said in an interview that his client is taking responsibility for his actions, but also strengthening his legal position. The general had previously entered pleas of not guilty to all eight charges. By admitting guilt on the three charges for which there is the strongest evidence, the married father of two narrows the focus of the upcoming trial to charges that rely heavily on the testimony and credibility of his former mistress. “The government now has a big problem,” Scheff said in an email. “It took pathetically weak assault charges and put a fancy wrapper around them. We just tore the wrapper off. The prosecution team no longer gets to distract us with salacious details about acts that aren’t even criminal in the civilian world. All they’re left with is a crime that never happened, a witness who committed perjury, and a pile of text messages and journal entries that disprove their claim.” The case against Sinclair, believed to be the most senior member of the U.S. military ever to face trial on sexual assault charges, comes as the
Pentagon grapples with a troubling string of revelations involving rape and sexual misconduct within the ranks. Influential members of Congress are also pushing to remove decisions about the prosecution of sex crimes from the military chain of command. The defense will present evidence at trial that the female captain lied under oath during a pretrial hearing in January about her handling of old iPhone containing messages
between her and the general. Lawyers for Sinclair have painted the woman as a scorned lover who only reported the sexual assault allegations after the general refused to leave his wife. The Associated Press generally does not identify those who say they were sexually assaulted. The captain testified that on December 9, shortly after what she described as a contentious meeting with prosecutors, she
rediscovered an old iPhone stored in a box at her home that still contained saved text messages and voicemails from the general. After charging the phone, she testified she synced it with her computer to save photos before contacting her attorney. However, a defense expert’s examination suggested the captain powered up the device more than two weeks before the meeting with prosecutors. She also tried to make a call and performed a number of other operations. Three additional experts verified those findings.
During a pretrial hearing, a top Pentagon lawyer testified that the lead prosecutor assigned to the case for nearly two years, Lt. Col. William Helixon, had urged that the most serious charges against Sinclair be dropped after he became convinced the captain had lied to him about the cell phone. Helixon was overruled by his superiors and then removed from the case last month, after suffering what was described as a profound moral crisis that led to his being taken to a military hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Israel Intercepts ‘Iranian Weapons Shipment’ To Gaza
JERUSALEM - Israel said it intercepted a ship Wednesday carrying an Iranian shipment of advanced rockets bound for Palestinian militants, claiming it proved Tehran could not be trusted in international nuclear talks. The announcement came hours after Israel said it struck two Hezbollah fighters as they tried to plant a bomb near the Syrian-Israeli frontier and just over a week after Israel reportedly bombed the Iran-
EMILY Weds
NOSA The solemnization of marriage between former Miss Emily Osazuwa ( a Teacher) and Mr. Nosa Ehigie ( a Businessman) took place on Thursday 6th March, 2014 at the Oredo Local Government Council Marriage Registry in Benin City. Amongst dignitaries present were Mr. Esiegbe Ehigie, Lady M.I. Osabuohien (KSJI) Mrs. Itohan Ighavongbe, Miss Rita Osazuwa, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the Registry. Congratulations. Photo: SONNIE. E.
backed group inside Lebanon for the first time since 2006. Israel has long accused Iran and Syria of providing military aid to Hezbollah and to Palestinian militant groups, and the military spokesman’s office tweeted that the ship was carrying weapons “capable of striking anywhere in Israel”. Iran’s Arabic-language AlAlam television channel quoted a military official in the Islamic republic as denying the Israeli report, calling it “totally without foundation”. Coinciding with a visit to the United States by its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel latched onto the weapons shipment to chide Western powers for negotiating with Tehran over its nuclear programme. “While Iran is conducting these talks, smiling to the international community, it continues to arm terrorist groups, continues to perpetrate terrorism around the world,” Netanyahu said in a statement. The military said the Syrianmade weapons aboard the “Klos-C” were shipped overland to Iran and then onward towards Gaza by sea before being intercepted in the Red Sea between Sudan and Eritrea. Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner told reporters that “dozens” of surface-to-surface M302 Syrian-manufactured rockets were found aboard the ship, adding that the crew had “fully cooperated”. Lerner said Israel had followed the shipment for “several months” and that the military knew “for a fact” the Iranians were behind it. Militants in Gaza, which is governed by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, have fired dozens of rockets at the Jewish state since the
beginning of the year, and Israel has responded with air strikes killing both militants and civilians. Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said the weapons were destined for Islamic Jihad, a smaller Islamist movement which had become “the armed wing of Iran in the Gaza Strip”. Hamas, meanwhile, was “hesitant for the moment to link itself with Iran again”, he said. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad joined Iran in denying the Israeli account. “The movement has many other ways of procuring weapons,” said an Islamic Jihad official, charging that was seeking a pretext to attack Gaza. Israel, the region’s sole if undeclared nuclear-armed state, has long accused Iran of seeking to develop atomic weapons, charges vehemently denied by Tehran which insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful. The P5+1 — the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany — are set to hold another round of
nuclear talks with Iran aimed at a comprehensive agreement later this month. The ship interception report came just hours after the Israeli army claimed to have hit two Hezbollah fighters along the Syrian border with the annexed Golan Heights, without specifying what weapons were used or whether the targets were killed. Hezbollah did not immediately comment, but Syria accused Israel of firing four rockets from the Golan. Army chief General Benny Gantz charged that “Iran is supplying arms to its satellites in the north (Hezbollah) has well as in the south (Gaza).” Last month Israeli warplanes reportedly bombarded Hezbollah positions inside Lebanon for the first time since the 2006 war, prompting a threat of retaliation. Israel is bent on halting any transfer of weapons to Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters across the border to aid Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime as it battles Sunni-led rebels.
• Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
International Crimea Votes To Join Russia As EU Leaders Push Diplomacy overthrow of Yanukovich on SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine Crimea’s parliament voted to join Russia yesterday and its Moscow-backed government set a referendum within 10 days on the decision in a dramatic escalation of the crisis over the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula. The sudden acceleration of moves to formally bring the Crimea, which has an ethnic Russian majority and has effectively been seized by Russian forces, under Moscow’s rule came as European Union leaders gathered for an emergency summit to seek ways to pressure Russia to back down and accept mediation. The Crimean parliament voted unanimously “to enter into the Russian Federation with the rights of a subject of the Russian Federation”, the RIA news agency reported. Its vice premier said a referendum on the status would take place on March 16. The announcements, which diplomats said could not have been made without Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval, raised the stakes in the most serious east-west confrontation since the end of the Cold War. French President Francois Hollande told reporters on arrival at the summit: “There will be the strongest possible pressure on Russia to begin lowering the tension and in the pressure there is, of course, eventual recourse to sanctions.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov refused to meet his new Ukrainian counterpart or to launch a “contact group” to seek a solution to the crisis at talks in Paris on Wednesday despite arm-twisting by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and European colleagues. The two men will meet again in Rome yesterday. Tension remained high in Ukraine’s southern Crimea region, where a senior United Nations envoy was surrounded by a pro-Russian crowd, threatened and forced to get back on his plane and leave the country. The EU summit in Brussels seemed unlikely to adopt more than symbolic measures against Russia, Europe’s biggest gas supplier, because neither industrial powerhouse Germany nor financial centre Britain is keen to start down that road. The United States has said it is ready to impose sanctions such as visa bans, asset freezes on individual Russian officials and restrictions on business ties within days rather than weeks.
Russia’s ruble currency weakened further yesterday despite central bank intervention due to what analysts at VTB Capital called the political risk premium. The short, informal EU summit will mostly be dedicated to displaying support for Ukraine’s new pro-Western government, represented at the Brussels talks by Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk, who will attend the lunch although Kiev is neither an EU member nor a recognized candidate for membership. After meeting European Parliament President Martin Schulz, Yatseniuk appealed to Russia to respond to mediation efforts to end the crisis. The European Commission announced an aid package of up to 11 billion euros ($15 billion) for Ukraine over the next couple of years provided it reaches a deal with the International Monetary Fund, entailing painful reforms like ending gas subsidies. Diplomats said that at most, the 28-nation EU would condemn Russia’s so far bloodless seizure of Ukraine’s Black Sea province and suspend talks with Moscow on visa liberalization and economic cooperation, while threatening further measures if President Vladimir Putin does not accept mediation efforts soon. But they will hold back from further reaching steps both in hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough to ease tensions in Ukraine and out of fear of a tit-for-tat trade war with Russia, a major economic partner of Europe. France has a deal to sell warships to Russia that it is so far not prepared to cancel, London’s banks have profited from facilitating Russian investment, and German companies have $22 billion invested in Russia. Before the summit, European members of the Group of Eight major economies will meet separately, diplomats said, in an apparent effort to coordinate positions towards Russia, due to host the next G8 summit in Olympic venue Sochi in June. They have so far stopped participating in preparatory meetings and Canada has said G7 countries may meet soon without Russia. The crisis began in November when Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, under strong Russian pressure, turned his back on a far reaching trade deal with the EU and accepted a $15 billion bailout from Moscow. That prompted three months of street protests leading to the
February 22. Moscow denounced the events as an illegitimate coup and refused to recognize the new Ukrainian authorities. Russia kept the door ajar for more diplomacy on its own terms, announcing on Thursday a meeting of former Soviet states in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including Ukraine, for April 4 and saying it would be preceded by contacts between Russian and Ukrainian diplomats. Lavrov said attempts by Western countries to take action over the Ukraine crisis via democracy watchdog OSCE and the NATO military alliance were not helpful. “I want to very briefly say that we had a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on the situation in Ukraine in relation to the actions that our
partners are trying to take via the OSCE, the NATO-Russia council and other international organizations - action that does not help create an atmosphere for dialogue and constructive cooperation,” he said in a statement issued by the
ministry on Thursday. In a move that may alarm some of Russia’s neighbors and the West, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced steps to ease handing out passports to native Russian speakers who have
US former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, uses a teleprompter as she speaks to students at the University of California Los Angeles, UCLA Campus on the subject of leadership in Los Angeles recently.
lived in Russia or the former Soviet Union. Putin has cited the threat to Russian citizens to justify military action in both Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine now. After a day of high-stakes diplomacy in Paris on Wednesday, Lavrov refused to talk to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchitsya, whose new government is not recognized by Moscow. As he left the French Foreign Ministry, Lavrov was asked if he had met his Ukrainian counterpart. “Who is that?” the Russian minister asked. He stuck to Putin’s line ridiculed by the West - that Moscow does not command the troops without national insignia which have taken control of Crimea, besieging Ukrainian forces, and hence cannot order them back to bases.
Clinton Again Blasts Putin After Her Hitler Remark
LOS ANGELES - Russian President Vladimir Putin is a tough but thin-skinned leader who is squandering his country’s potential, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday, a day after she likened his actions on the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine to those of Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. Clinton, a potential 2016 presidential contender, warned during her a speech at the University of California, Los Angeles, that “all parties should avoid steps that could be misinterpreted or lead to miscalculation at this delicate time.” Putin has said he was protecting ethnic Russians by moving troops into Crimea. Clinton said Tuesday at a closed fundraising luncheon in Long Beach that Putin’s actions are similar what happened in the Nazi era in Czechoslovakia and Romania. “Now if this sounds familiar, it’s what Hitler did back in the ’30s,” Clinton said, according to the PressTelegram of Long Beach. “Hitler kept saying, ‘They’re not being treated right. I must go and protect my people.’ And that’s what’s gotten everybody so nervous.” Responding to a question submitted at the UCLA talk, Clinton said she was not making a comparison although Russia’s actions were “reminiscent” of claims
Germany made in the 1930s, when the Nazis said they needed to protect German minorities in Poland and elsewhere in Europe. “The claims by President Putin and other Russians that they had to go into Crimea and maybe further into eastern Ukraine because they had to protect the Russian minorities, that is reminiscent of claims that were made back in the 1930s when Germany under the Nazis kept talking about how they had to protect German minorities in Poland and Czechoslovakia and elsewhere throughout Europe,” she said. “I just want everybody to have a little historic perspective. I am not making a comparison, certainly. But I am recommending that we perhaps can learn from this tactic that has been used before,” she said. Clinton said Putin is trying to “re-Sovietize” the periphery of Russia but is actually squandering the potential of his nation and “threatening instability and even the peace of Europe.” In recent days, some Republicans, including Sen. John McCain have criticized the Obama administration’s policy in Ukraine. Clinton echoed President Barack Obama’s assessment that Russia’s intervention was a violation of international law, and she said she supported
the administration’s call for Russia “to refrain from the threat or use of force.” Kathryn Stoner, a Russia expert at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, said she considered Clinton’s comparison between Putin and the tactics
of Nazi-era Germany “a bit of a stretch,” in part because Putin “doesn’t look like he is intent on spreading across the Ukraine and permanently occupying this area.” In a delicate diplomatic situation “I don’t think it’s helpful on either side to say things like this, but in these crises it happens,” Stoner added.
Niger Extradites Gaddafi’s Son Saadi To Libya TRIPOLI - Niger has extradited Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saadi, who just arrived in Tripoli and was brought to a prison, the Libyan government said yesterday. The North African country had been seeking the extradition of Saadi, who had fled to the southern neighbour nation after the toppling of Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. “The Libyan government received today Saadi Gaddafi and he arrived in Tripoli,” the cabinet of Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said in a statement. Saadi, one of Gaddafi’s seven sons, was being held by judiciary police forces, the government said. It thanked Niger for its cooperation and said Saadi would be treated according to international justice standards for prisoners. The website of a government-backed militia showed what it said were pictures of Saadi wearing a blue prison uniform, calling him a criminal. Libyan news
websites also ran pictures showing him with his head shaven in prison. Saadi, who had a career as businessman and professional footballer, is not wanted by the International Criminal Court, as is Gaddafi’s most prominent son Saif al-Islam. But Libya wants to try him for allegedly misappropriating property by force and for alleged armed intimidation when he headed the Libyan Football Federation. The ICC has indicted Saif al-Islam for crimes against humanity. Saif, once viewed as a likely successor to his father, is held by a militia in western Libya, where he is being tried for various charges. Fighters from the western Zintan region caught Saif alIslam in the southern desert a month after his father was captured and battered to death by a mob in 2011. The militia has defied an order from the government to deliver him to a jail in the capital.
International US House Votes To Delay Obamacare Penalty For Non-Enrollment WASHINGTON - The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives voted to delay for one year the tax penalty Americans will pay under President Barack Obama’s healthcare law if they decline to enroll in health coverage. The vote, part of a Republican election-year attack strategy against the 2010 healthcare law known as Obamacare, marked the 50th time House Republicans had passed legislation to try to repeal or dismantle it. The measure to delay the tax penalty passed by a vote of 250-160, with 27 Democrats joining with 223 Republicans to back the legislation. The bill is certain to go nowhere in the Democratic-controlled Senate and would face a White House veto even if it succeeded. The 27 Democratic votes on Wednesday for the bill fell short of the 39 who broke ranks with the White House last November and voted with
Republicans in favor of a failed bill that would have allowed health insurers to continue to sell plans canceled under Obamacare. Supporters of the new bill cast the legislation as an issue of fairness. They argued that individual consumers should be granted a delay on the penalty because the Obama administration had postponed the implementation of some Obamacare provisions that apply to businesses. “This is an opportunity to stop the political games and put working Americans first,” said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, said after 50 such votes, “It’s time for Republicans to end their obsession with upending health reform and work with Democrats to strengthen it.” Analysts say a delay on the
penalty would undermine the law’s aim of extending health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans by destabilizing new private insurance marketplaces established on the expectation the penalty would encourage people to enroll in coverage. More than 4 million people have already enrolled in private insurance through the marketplaces. The open enrollment period ends on March 31. One of Obamacare’s most unpopular provisions, the individual mandate requires most Americans to be enrolled in health coverage by March 31 or pay a tax penalty that is being phased in over three years.
Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (left) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Secret Flight: Osama Bin Laden’s Kin ‘Confessed’ To FBI - Prosecutor
Jurors seated just blocks from Ground Zero of the September 11, 2001 attacks were told by U.S. attorney
Osama Bin Laden’s kin ‘confessed’ to FBI on Secret Flight.
Nicholas Lewin that they would be played a tape of Ghaith’s confession to FBI agents, allegedly made as he was spirited to the U.S. from Jordan last year. Ghaith, who prosecutors said appeared with bin Laden and other al Qaeda leaders a day after the 9/11 attacks, has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals and providing material support for terrorists. Ghaith was seen in a propaganda video weeks after 9/11 in which he seated next to bin Laden while the terror leader praises the attacks that caused the deaths of nearly 3,000 Americans. American officials have previously identified Ghaith as a longtime member of al Qaeda’s inner circle, a high-profile
US Questions China Intentions, Amid Budget Hike
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Pacific commander voiced concern over China’s intentions as the Asian power announced its latest double-digit hike in defense spending. Several lawmakers questioned Adm. Samuel Locklear about U.S. ability to contend with a rising China and sustain a “pivot” to Asia amid growing pressure on the U.S. defense budget. China announced Wednesday a 12.2 percent increase in military spending to $132 billion — likely a considerable underestimate of actual spending, but still far less than the $600.4 billion the U.S. spent last year. Locklear noted China’s spending increase, and added that the 12.2 percent rise is “just what we can see.”
He told the House Armed Services Committee that there has been a slow and steady growth in the U.S.-China military relationship, and that the U.S. wants China to provide a positive contribution to regional security. But he said China’s recent activities were calling into question how it will proceed. “What’s frustrating is what’s happening in their own backyard as it relates to their relations with some of our allies,” Locklear said, citing China’s “ambiguous” territorial claims in the South China Sea and its declaration of an air defense information zone over the East China Sea, in an encompassing airspace above
Japanese-controlled islands also claimed by China. “This all complicates the security environment and makes us wonder,” Locklear said. “Whether the (Chinese) military will rise, I think that’s a given. It will. The question is: is it transparent, what is it used for, is it cooperating in the larger security environment with neighbors?” he said. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki also told reporters that the U.S. was urging greater transparency from China, and encouraging it to use its military capabilities for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. House and Senate committees on Wednesday were quizzing U.S. military commanders about
budget requests for 2015, against the backdrop of tensions between China and its neighbors in East and Southeast Asia, and the Russia’s intervention in Ukraine. The Obama administration is looking to develop a smaller, more modern military force, but some in Congress worry that could weaken U.S. capabilities in a period of growing uncertainty in Europe and Asia. Republican Sen. John McCain took aim at the administration for presenting a budget “that constrains us in a way which is unprecedented since previous times.” He cited remarks reportedly made by a senior defense official Tuesday that budget cuts mean the “pivot” can’t happen — comments the administration quickly rolled back.
spokesperson for the group and the highest-ranking al Qaeda member to face trial in the U.S. “Hours after the [9/11] attacks, Osama bin Laden turned to this man,” Lewin said while pointing to Ghaith, seated passively in a government-issued suit, “and asked him to help al Qaeda in a more public way… Osama bin Laden asked that man to deliver al Qaeda’s murderous decree to the entire world.” Arrest of Bin Laden’s Sonin-Law Reignites GITMO
Debate Lewin also said Ghaith was responsible for sustaining al Qaeda’s “lifeblood”: new fighters for the cause. Ghaith’s defense attorneys did not deny their client made inflammatory statements, and in fact said the jury “should” be outraged by them. But attorney Stanley Cohen said that was not enough to find Ghaith guilty of conspiring to kill Americans and that the government was “substituting alarm for evidence.”
Iran To Get Second Tranche Of Payment Under Nuclear Deal TEHRAN - Iran will soon receive a second installment of previously frozen assets which are being returned to it under an interim nuclear agreement with world powers, the official IRNA news agency quoted its central bank chief as saying. The official, Valiollah Seif, said on Wednesday that the new funds would be transferred to Iran’s account “in the next three days”, but did not state the amount. Under a November 24 accord reached in Geneva, Iran is to scale back its nuclear activities for six months in exchange for sanctions relief from six major powers: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Iran agreed to suspend enrichment of uranium to 20 percent fissile concentration - a relatively short technical step away from the level required for nuclear bombs - and is taking action to neutralize its holding of the material. In return, it is gradually winning back access to $4.2 billion of its oil revenues frozen abroad, along with some other
sanctions relief. The funds will be paid out in eight transfers on a schedule that started with a $550 million payment by Japan on February 1. Last month, banking sources said South Korea was set to make two payments in March totaling $1 billion. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a pivotal role in checking that Iran is living up to its part of the accord. Its head, Yukiya Amano, indicated on Monday that Iran had made sufficient progress to receive a scheduled March 1 installment of $450 million. A third payment of $550 million is due on March 7. The nuclear agreement aims to give the two sides six months to reach a comprehensive deal to address all questions about whether Iran seeks nuclear arms. Iran denies any such intention, saying its program is for solely peaceful purposes such as generating electricity and producing medical isotopes.
EVERY FRIDAY WEEK 34, 2014 LAST SEASON RESULT Anderson Richwell 1.2. X. Forecast
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World Cup Warm-Ups ... World Cup Warm-Ups ...World Cup Warm-Ups
Worries For Germany, Chile Rue Missed Chance HEAD coach Joachim Loew admitted Germany must improve if they are to challenge for the World Cup title after their fortuitous 1-0 win over Chile in a match which the visitors dominated. Jorge Sampaoli’s Chile, who face Australia, defending champions Spain and 2010 beaten finalists the Netherlands in Brazil, had the better of Loew’s full-strength side in Wednesday’s friendly. Indeed the Germans endured a rare roasting at the hands of their fans who booed them off. The hosts enjoyed only a brief period of pressure in the first-half which led to Mario Goetze’s 16th-minute winner. Chile were only denied an
• Portugal’s Rafa vies with Cameroon’s Aurelien Chedjou
Algeria Win, Ivory coast Draw, Cameroon Crushed by a first-minute penalty Dejan Damjanovic converted. Cameroon crumbled 5-1 to Portugal in Leiria, where Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo opened and closed the scoring in a game of contrasting halves. Vincent Aboubakar levelled just before half-time only for the Indomitable Lions to be overrun during the second half by the fourth-ranked team in the world. Samuel Eto’o-skippered Cameroon are in Group A at the World Cup with Brazil, Croatia and Mexico and few pundits give them a chance of survival. Later, an experimental Nigeria squad lacking injured former captain Joseph Yobo take on Mexico in American city Atlanta.
Non-World Cup qualifiers Egypt, Guinea, South Africa and Tunisia met teams who will be in Brazil, with mixed results. Egypt defeated debutants Bosnia Herzegovina 2-0 in Austria, Guinea upset Iran 2-1 in Tehran, Tunisia held Colombia 1-1 in Barcelona, but South Africa suffered a 5-0 thrashing by Brazil in Soweto. It was a great start for Egypt coach Shawky Gharib after many years as assistant to Hassan Shehata and, later, American Bob Bradley. Mohamed ‘Gedo’ Nagy put the Pharaohs ahead on 52 minutes in Innsbruck and Mohamed Salah added a second soon after. Kevin Constant and Ibrahima Traore were the Guinean firsthalf scorers in Iran, who pulled one goal back during the second half. After falling behind to a James Rodrigues penalty against
Colombia, Tunisia recovered under caretaker coach Nizar Khanfir and Mohamed Khazri levelled before the break. Barcelona star Neymar scored a hat-trick as Brazil ruthlessly exposed South African defensive frailties to triumph 50 before a 50,000 Soccer City stadium crowd Other friendlies featured teams preparing for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the stand-out performance came from Zimbabwe against Malawi.
COLOMBIA drew 1-1 with Tunisia in a pre-World Cup friendly on Wednesday as the South Americans’ lack of a cutting edge in the absence of star striker Radamel Falcao was exposed. With Los Cafeteros’ World Cup opener against Greece just over three months away, coach Jose Pekerman gave a number of his fringe players
the chance to shine as Christian Zapata, Fredy Guarin, Jackson Martinez all started on the bench. Falcao’s Monaco teammate James Rodriguez opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Tunisian keeper Farouk Ben Mustapha had felled Victor Ibarbo after 20 minutes. Tunisia responded well, though, and were level 15
minutes later when Wahbi Khazri drilled home Yassin Mikari’s cross. Colombia, who will also face Ivory Coast and Japan in the group stages of the World Cup, had the lion’s share of possession after the break. However, without Falcao, who is struggling to make the World Cup after suffering knee ligament damage in January, and Martinez they
ALGERIA won, Ivory Coast drew and Ghana and Cameroon lost Wednesday as African qualifiers prepared for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with warm-up games. Striker El-Hilal Soudani put Algeria ahead in first-half stoppage-time and Inter Milan midfielder Saphir Taider added a second goal for a 2-0 victory over Slovenia in Blida. It was an encouraging result for the Desert Foxes, at a ground where they are almost invincible, ahead of facing Belgium, South Korea and Russia in Group H during June’s football showpiece event. Substitutes Didier Drogba and Max Gradel scored as Ivory Coast came from two goals behind to hold Belgium 2-2 in Brussels. Marouane Fellaini and Radja Nainggolan struck before Drogba halved the deficit on 74 minutes and Gradel snatched the stoppage-time equaliser. The comeback will boost an ‘Elephants’ team recently called “slow and old” by former manager Philippe Troussier. After first round exits in 2006 and 2010, Ivory Coast got a kinder Cup draw this time, sharing Group C with Colombia, Greece and Japan. Ghana had first-choice centrebacks John Boye and Jonathan Mensah back from lengthy injuries only to lose 1-0 away to lower-ranked Montenegro in Podgorica. The Black Stars, who face a daunting Group G mission against Germany, Portugal and the United States, were undone
equaliser by the woodwork when Valencia’s Eduardo Vargas clattered the crossbar with an hour gone and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer well beaten. “You could see just how strong Chile can play,” said Loew, whose side face Portugal, Ghana and the USA at Brazil 2014. “We had a lot of trouble breaking down their defence, it was incredibly difficult. “We lost far too much possession and that gave us problems. “Today we weren’t in position to dominate the game and that is something we have to work on in the coming months.” Chile had the Germans under pressure for long spells and had 17 shots to the Germans’ seven. The corner count of Chile’s 14 to Germany’s four told its own tale. “We go home a little sad,” said Sampaoli. “The result wasn’t what we imagined, but the performance gives us many positive insights. “We have shown that we can compete against one of the best teams. “We were tactically very good, but unfortunately we did not score.” German captain Philipp Lahm said the crowd had every right to voice their disapproval.
“As Chile had so many chances, you can say we had a lucky win,” he said. “We have to accept the whistles and jeers, these people paid good money to watch us. “We all know we still have work to do. “But we always prepare well for a World Cup, so I am not worried.” In the match build-up, Loew had insisted “the clock is ticking” for his squad to prove their form 99 days before the World Cup starts. But he has more questions than answers from his final friendly before naming his provisional World Cup squad on May 8. “A win’s a win, Chile were really good,” said Germany’s vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger. “We didn’t use our chances and we really have to improve but Chile are after all one of the best teams in South America.” But Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker took some positives from the win. “When we slip into such an unorthodox way of playing, then we clearly have some work to do,” he said. “We should have countered quicker and we needed too much time to do that. “It was a good lesson for us and it’s not such a bad thing to keep our feet on the ground.”
Scoreline Doesn’t Tell Whole Story - Scolari “The scoreline doesn’t tell the
BRAZIL head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari believes the 5-0 scoreline over South Africa didn’t tell the full story of what transpired on the field at Soccer City. The 2010 World Cup hosts fell to goals by Oscar, Fernandinho and a Neymar hattrick to see the Selecao inflict a
record-breaking worst defeat on Bafana Bafana. Scolari, who was gracious in victory, says Gordon Igesund’s side played a good game and commented on the areas of possible improvement for his nation.
Colombia Held By Tunisia
didn’t have the killer touch to turn their domination of the ball into goals. Mustapha made amends for conceding the penalty when he saved bravely from Fiorentina’s Juan Cuadrado. Colombia were forced to see out the final 10 minutes with 10 men when Luis Perea saw a second yellow card for chopping down Fakhreddine Ben Youssef as he broke clear on goal.
whole story,” said Scolari. “They [Bafana] played well, they moved the ball well and they are a good team. I am surprised they aren’t at the World Cup…the difference is we just have some exceptional players. “Areas to improve on? Normally any coach would say every area, because we always want to improve. “We are very happy with what we saw today in most areas [on the field]. There are obviously one or two things we need to correct but that will be done in the training.” Scolari concluded by giving his opinion on Bayern Munich’s, Rafinha, who returned to the Brazil squad for this match. “Rafinha? He was very good, he has integrated well with the team and seems to have done well.”
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Cahill Backs Aussies To Shrug Off Ecuador Shock TIM Cahill is convinced that losing 4-3 to Ecuador after being 3-0 up will have little bearing on Australia’s chances of success in the World Cup finals. The Socceroos appeared to be cruising to friendly victory in London on Wednesday thanks to two goals from Cahill plus a penalty from captain Mile Jedinak. But a red card for substitute goalkeeper Mitch Langerak shortly after Fidel Martinez had made it 3-1 signalled a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the South Americans, who have also qualified for Brazil. Segundo Castillo converted the penalty Langerak had conceded and Enner Valencia netted an equaliser before Edison Mendez, who had only just come on, sank the 10 men in stoppage time. “In the first half we played some of the greatest football I’ve ever seen from the Socceroos — and I’ve been around for a long time,” said Cahill, who was also convinced he should have been awarded more than the one penalty that was converted by Jedinak. “We learned a lot from it. We probably could have kept the ball better in the second half and a few errors turned into goals but if it’s 11 v 11 then we’re not losing that game.” Cahill’s double took him in front of Damian Mori’s record tally of 29 international goals and the 34-year-old admitted it had been a proud moment. “It’s a dream come true,” the former Millwall and Everton midfielder said. “Just to play for your country is one thing but to break this record is something else. It was a real proud moment for me.” Australia have Spain, the Netherlands and Chile in their group and coach Ange Postecoglou knows a young squad will have to cope better
with the pressure in Brazil than they did in this game. “We will analyse it in the cold light of day,” he said. “We learned some good lessons in terms of what we can do and what we can’t and what we need to improve on but overall we exposed some young footballers to exactly the type of football they are going to be facing beyond today. “I have huge belief in the direction we are heading and the players we have. There are going to be some bumps along the way but that’s part of the nature of what we are doing.” Ecuador ’s group includes Switzerland, France and Honduras and coach Reinaldo Rueda was delighted with the way his players responded to falling so far behind. “Australia are a very good team and I am pleased with the way we did not give up. Australia have a very tough group and I do not know how they will get on.”
Belgium Christian Bentebe vies with Ivoiran Kolo Toure
Below Par Messi And Argentina Fail To Impress
ARGENTINA didn’t do their tag as World Cup contenders much good on Wednesday as they laboured to a 0-0 draw against Romania in a friendly which also saw Lionel Messi struggle with illness. Argentina — who are grouped his first choice side with Messi with Iran, debutants Bosniain the playmaking role while Herzegovina and African Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo champions Nigeria in Brazil — Higuain were the strikeforce were hindered by a clearly under and other regulars such as the weather Messi, who played Angel di Maria, Javier the whole of the match despite Mascherano and Pablo being physically sick seven Zabaleta also featured. minutes in. With Messi not at his best Argentinian coach Alex little of note was created in a Sabella started with pretty much
first-half which saw few chances for either side. However, Romanian midfielder Alexandre Maxim should have done better when he was found unmarked in the 33rd minute but he aimed his downward header straight at Monaco ‘keeper Sergio Romero who kept it out with his legs. The Romanian midfielder thought he had atoned for that miss when he fired home into the far corner five minutes later
“I expected us to be better physically,” he said. “It is obvious Spain are a stronger side, but when you face a side with the quality they have and they are physically better it is very difficult. “Whenever they lost the ball, they won it back quickly and we didn’t have the same intensity. “This match serves to show what we need to correct and there is still time before the World Cup to do so.” Spain started the brighter and could have been in front after just 80 seconds when a characteristic burst forward from left-back by Jordi Alba forced Buffon into a brave save. It was the visitors who nearly went ahead in fortunate circumstances moments later, though, as Alessio Cerci’s attempted cross came back off the inside of the post and into the grateful arms of Iker Casillas. Both sides made three
changes at the break as David Silva, Xabi Alonso and Victor Valdes came on for the hosts, whilst Pirlo was introduced alongside Ignazio Abate and Mattia de Sciglio by Cesare Prandelli. It was Silva who nearly had an immediate impact as his through ball released Thiago, but the Bayern Munich midfielder was denied by a stunning save from Buffon. Silva then fired wide when he should have hit the target when well-placed just outside the area on his favoured left foot. The Manchester City midfielder was involved again when Spain did eventually make the breakthrough on 63 minutes as after a lovely one-two between him and Iniesta, the ball fell kindly for Pedro and his low effort squeezed in despite Buffon’s best efforts. Costa’s final chance for a debut goal came and went 10 minutes from time when his shot flashed across goal.
Pedro Strike Hands Spain Win Over Italy
PEDRO Rodriguez’s goal was enough to give World champions Spain a 1-0 win over Italy in their final game before coach Vicente del Bosque names his squad to defend their title later this year in Brazil. Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa was handed his debut on home soil at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in what was a rematch of the Euro 2012 final which saw Spain successfully defend their title. However, Costa failed to make much of an impression and it was Spain’s top goalscorer in qualification, Pedro, who made the difference when his shot squirmed under Gianluigi Buffon just after the hour mark. Spain will play two more friendly matches against Bolivia and El Salvador after the end of the club season before they kick-off their World Cup campaign for real against the team they beat in the 2010 final the
Netherlands on June 13. “I am very happy to have made my debut with Spain and to win to gain confidence,” Costa told Spanish TV station Telecinco. “The manager believes in me and I am going to try to play as well as I can with Atletico so I can go to the national team in the best condition. “I know that the first few games are not easy and I know I can do a lot more. I will continue working hard to hard to do the best I can.” Despite failing to find the target Del Bosque hailed Costa’s work rate as he completed the 90 minutes. “We are happy with him. He didn’t score, but he worked very hard and showed a lot of effort in everything he did.” It was a less satisfactory evening for Italy boss Cesare Prandelli as his side looked well off the pace and he admitted Spain had been both physically and technically superior.
but the linesman ruled that the ball had gone out when it was crossed into the box. The visitors had their best chance of the first-half a minute later as a piece of individual magic from Aguero saw him slip past two defenders and into the box only to miss the target. Maxim was withdrawn at half-time — one of two Romanian changes — while Sabella kept his side unchanged with Messi seemingly recovered. Aguero had an early chance in the second-half as he slipped free of the home defence but he took the ball too wide and his shot was cleared for a corner which was the last piece of notable action for him as he was taken off and replaced by Rodrigo Palacio. Messi was still not 100% and it was left to others to trouble the Romanians with Zabaleta and Palacios combining in the 65th minute to set up Higuain but his shot shaved the post. The ponderous Palacios was at fault for a terrible miss with 20 minutes remaining. Di Maria got free on the left and found Palacios five yards out but he stumbled over the ball and saw it drift wide. Di Maria also let a golden opportunity go abegging as Zabaleta found him with a brilliant 60 yard ball but his volley went high over the bar. Argentina nearly won it five minutes from time as Messi chipped over the defence to find Palacios who then sent over a teasing cross but Higuain’s volley was tipped over the bar.
SCOTLAND manager Gordon Strachan feels his side’s 1-0 friendly win in Poland is more evidence of steady progress but does not believe it will count for anything when they return to Warsaw on Euro Scott Brown hit his second winner in two internationals as Scotland stretched their unbeaten run to five games with a third consecutive away win. Brown lashed home from 18 yards in the 78th minute after Charlie Adam’s header had been half-cleared following good work from Steven Naismith and an Ikechi Anya cross. Strachan wants to see more of such creative play and he was happy to see his side frustrate the hosts for large periods of the game. “We were a bit fortunate, we understand that, but a lot of things are working,” he said. “We are trying to be more potent when we get the ball back. We need to be more confident and trusting in people, like we did with the goal. We passed the ball and made defenders defend. “We need more of that but we are getting to understand that. But at the moment people are finding it hard to play against us, which is a start.” Scotland return to Warsaw’s National Stadium in October for a European Championship qualifier but Strachan dismissed suggestions the friendly win could have a bearing. “Absolutely not,” he said. “I think we all know that sitting here. It could have gone either way.” Strachan added: “I’m sure there will be more attackers on the pitch for both sides when we play them again. But we saw the stadium and the support and the enthusiasm of the team we will play against.” Strachan, who reintroduced Darren Fletcher to the international fold after a 16month absence, reserved special praise for Brown, who also hit the winner in Norway in November. “I thought he was fantastic,” Strachan said. “James Morrison was excellent beside him in the first half. “He’s ungamely in a way but he does what all good midfielders do: pass the ball, keep it, move it on. But then he has got the power to win the ball back. He can be really pleased with himself.” Strachan was also delighted with the attitude of 19-year-old Dundee United left-back Andy Robertson, who came on for his debut midway through the second half. “Andy came on there and the first time he picked it up he drove about 30 yards,” the former Celtic boss said. “I thought: ‘that’s fantastic’. Absolutely no grey area, I’m going to do what I do. I loved seeing that first touch.”
Gordon Strachon
Marseille Victims Of Unfair Treatment, Says Anigo
MARSEILLE coach Jose Anigo accused French football authorities of treating his team unfairly over their clash with Nice to night. Wednesday. The game at the Stade Marseille appealed to have Velodrome comes just 48 hours the game moved to ensure a after a busy midweek card of “fair championship”, but international friendlies and without success. Anigo says that due to the number of his players involved, Marseille will be unfairly penalised. “I’m worried about the Nice match. It’s costing us 50,000 euros ($68,600) in planes we’re sending to repatriate (the players) so we can assemble the night before the game, with just one training session,” said Anigo at a press conference on
As it is, they are sending members of staff to various corners of Europe, such as Montenegro, Portugal and Spain, to ensure players get the first available flight back home after their
Wednesday night matches. Steve Mandanda, Mathieu Valbuena and Dimitri Payet will be with France in Paris, Nicolas Nkoulou is with Cameroon in Portugal, while Ghanaian Andre Ayew is playing in Montenegro and Tunisian Saber Khalia is with his country in Barcelona for a game against Colombia.
Jose Anigo
Valladolid Eyeing Barca Upset REAL Valladolid forward Jeffren Suarez says his side will try to exploit Barcelona’s weakness when the two sides meet in a La Liga encounter at the Jose Zorilla Stadium tomorrow. The Catalans are currently placed second on the log standings with 63 points following last weekend’s 41 win over Almeria. Gerardo Martino’s side will now look for a similar result against Valladolid in order to climb up to the top of the table, although Real Madrid will have an opportunity to regain their lead when they play a day later. Real Valladolid have failed to win any of their last five league matches and are currently placed 18th on the table with 23 points from 26 matches.
Gerardo Martino.
Juventus Out For Tuscan Revenge
That victory remains the only ever match the Old Lady have failed to take at least a point away from and they will now be looking to exact vengeance when they meet again. Juventus will undoubtedly be buoyed by their 2-0 victory over their arch rivals Milan last Sunday evening, but more because they extended their gap over their nearest league rivals Roma to 11 points. Fernanrd Llorente, who got on the scoresheet against the Rossoneri, says he is enjoying life in Turin.
Inter Host Stuttering INTER Milan will aim to Torino build on their impressive draw
Levante Calm Ahead Of Madrid Trip
LEVANTE midfielder Momo Sissoko says his side will have nothing to lose when they visit Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu for a La Liga encounter on Sunday. The Whites played to a 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid in their last league outing but remain at the top of the La Liga standings with 64 points from 26 matches. With rivals Barcelona and Atletico in action on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti’s side could be in third place when they take the field on Sunday and Sissoko is hoping that the pressure will affect the hosts. “We do not have anything to lose but a lot is at stake for them,” he told reporters. “We have zero pressure so we’ll try to have a good game and to get points. “If we win or at least manage to get a draw, it will be a good result for us.” The Granotes defeated Osasuna 2-0 in their last league match and are currently placed eighth on the log with 36 points from 26 matches. However, the Mali international is aware that getting a positive result against Madrid will take a lot of hard work. “When you go to the Bernabeu you have to give you ultimate best,” he added. “Real Madrid are in great form at this stage of the season but I think we can get a point if we play well.” Sissoko is also looking forward to facing Carlo Ancelotti, having worked under the Italian recently at Paris Saint-Germain. “It will be a pleasure to play against him,” he said. “He’s doing a very good job at Real Madrid. “Both he and Zidane and all the coaches are getting the best out of each player and I think this year Real Madrid are very strong.”
JUVENTUS will look to exact revenge on Fiorentina as the Tuscans remain the only side in the league to have beaten the Bianconeri this season. Vincenzo Montella’s men contributed to one of the most historic games in modern day Italian football when they came back from two-goals down to procure a 4-2 victory. Carlos Tevez and Paul Pogba put the Bianconeri two-goals up heading into the interval, but a Giuseppe Rossi show stunned the crowd under the Curva Fiesole. A hat-trick in the space of 14 minutes, combined with Jaoquin’s goal was enough to undo Antonio Conte’s charges at the Artemio Franchi.
However, they have collected a point from each of their last two matches, playing to 1-1 draws against Levante and Malaga. Jeffren, who will miss the game against Barca due to a thigh injury, is confident that his side will put up a fight in their own backyard. “I was really looking forward to playing against Barcelona, but unfortunately it’s not to be,” he told reporters. “They’re one of the best teams in the world; they’re a great team, but they have their weak points and they
can’t maintain their level all the time. “I’m confident and I’m convinced that we’ll achieve our aim of retaining our status in La Liga. I encourage the fans to keep supporting the team.” With FIFA international friendlies having taken place all over the world this week, Barcelona will be hoping that their international players will be in good shape when they report for duty ahead of Saturday’s clash. When the two sides met earlier this season the match ended 4-1 in favour of Barcelona with Alexis Sanchez netting a brace.
ALMERIA striker Rodri says his side will go all out for maximum points when they host Sevilla in a La Liga encounter at the Mediterranean Stadium on Sunday. Francisco Rodriguez side suffered a 4-1 loss to Barcelona in their last league outing and are currently placed 17th on the table with 26 points from 26 matches. Sevilla on the other hand registered their second straight league
win, beating Real Sociedad 1-0 to move up to seventh place with 38 points from 26 matches. Rodri, who spent time in the Sevilla youth ranks and also appeared for the first team in 2010, says he is looking forward to helping Almeria beat his former club, but insists that his celebrations will be controlled if he scores. “If I score I’ll celebrate, but I won’t be going crazy,” he told reporters. “I’ve gone a long time without playing and I’m really keen to score
to Roma last weekend when they host a Torino side on Sunday afternoon who has suffered a dip in form. The two Serie A outfits arrived at the encounter in contrasting form with Inter having managed to turn over their dismal start to 2014 by going on a run of four matches without defeat. It took Walter Mazzarri’s men five weeks for them to secure their first win since the turn of the New Year, and they have since edged out Sassuolo and Fiorentina to victory all while drawing to Cagliari and Roma. Hernanes, who just arrived at the club from Lazio at the beginning of the year, says he is adapting to life at the San Siro and is confident the team can go far. “When I arrived here a fan had told me that I was wanted at Inter as if I had already been here for a long time,” said the Brazilian international. “I’ve immediately felt great affection from the Nerazzurri fans. I knew that sooner or later I’d be able to win over the fans, but I thought that they’d want to see me play on the pitch first. “I’m doing very well in Milan. I have found a house already and there’s an optimal climate. Therefore, I’m all set
to have a great ending to the season. “I’m really looking forward to these last 12 games. I, along with the rest of the team, really want to do well because we truly have the chance to.” Torino, conversely, have suffered a huge blip in form as their impressive run, which saw them hold Milan to a 1-1 draw at the beginning of February, and has now seen them claim just one win in four games. Their failure to secure only four points out of a possible 15 has also almost removed them from the Europa League race as they sit nine points short of a qualifying spot. It is without a doubt that they do have the squad capable enough of stunning Inter, but with the Nerazzurri growing with confidence with each pass of the ball, it will be a tough game. “It took me a while to adapt,” Llorente told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope. “Now we are in good form and we’ve got a good chance of winning the league. We’re perfect at home — we’ve won every game we’ve played there. It’s a pity about [being eliminated from] the Champions League. We didn’t start well and it just got worse.”
a goal, so if I get to do that against Sevilla, I’ll celebrate respectfully. “It’s an important encounter, we’re in the final stage of the season and all the games are crucial, most of all for us. “We need the three points and we’ll be going out there to win. We’re really battling and we have to take the maximum number of points we can, between now and the end of the season. Sevilla will be missing the likes of Denis Cheryshev and Stephane M’Bia through injury, while
Alberto Moreno and Daniel Carrico are doubtful and Rodri says they will try to take advantage of their opponents’ misfortunes. “Obviously it’s good news for us if they have players out,” he added. “But we still have to take advantage of that and make things even more difficult for them.” Rodri was on target for Almeria when the two sides met earlier this season but his goal was in vain as strikes from Kevin Gameiro and Ivan Rakitic handed Sevilla a 2-1 win.
Almeria Out To End Sevilla’s Run
NFA Hails New Sports Minister
THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Wednesday congratulated the new Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr Tamuno Danagogo, on his appointment. A statement issued by Ademola Olajire, NFA’s Assistant Director (Communications), said Aminu Maigari, the association’s Chairman, congratulated Danagogo on telephone from Atlanta, U.S. where he is with the Super Eagles. The national senior male football team are in Atlanta for Wednesday’s international friendly with Mexico. It quoted Maigari as welcoming the new minister to his new office and praying for continued success on and off the football pitch for Nigeria during his tenure. “It is my special pleasure to, on behalf of the entire Nigerian football family, congratulate you on your new appointment and wish you tremendous success during your tenure. “Our football has been experiencing a renaissance in the past two years and we pray that it continues and, in fact, gets better during your tenure,’’ Maigari was quoted as telling the new minister during the conversation. Also, the NFA chairman told the minister he had urged the Super Eagles to win the international friendly against Mexico as a welcome package for him. “We have never beaten Mexico at full international level, so it would be historic for us to win this time,’’ Maigari was quoted as telling Danagogo over the telephone. In his response, the new Sports Minister prayed for the Super Eagles’ success in the game and urged the NFA chairman to call him at the end of the match. The new minister told Maigari it would be good news for President Goodluck Jonathan if the Eagles won their match against Mexico. “Please tell them to go all out and win today’s match.
Baseball Association Sets Up Committees To Revive Sport
• Mexico’s Andres Guardado vies with Nigeria’s Victor Moses.
THE Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA) yesterday in Lagos announced the setting up of five subcommittees to facilitate the revival of the sport across the country. The association’s SecretaryGeneral, Kehinde Laniyan, told newsmen that the decision to inaugurate the committees was reached at a summit organised by the NBSA in January. Laniyan said the association’s Acting President, Jani Ibrahim, believed that findings and recommendations from the committees would form part of the blueprint for NBSA to reposition the game. “Our objective this year is to get baseball and softball back to the top where it belongs. And
Nigeria Cancel Out Mexico Again
NIGERIA drew for the third time with Mexico yesterday as both World Cup-bound teams played out a 0-0 draw in the USA. Nigeria and Mexico have drawn their last two meetings. Both teams used this match to prepare for the World Cup, which kicks off in Brazil on June 12. The two teams had chances to get on the scoreboard with Mexico the more threatening in the second half while Eagles goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide did well to ensure a clean sheet. There were debuts for Michael Uchebo, Ramon Azeez, Imoh Ezekiel and Leon Balogun, the last-minute replacement for injured skipper Joseph Yobo.
The first half was open and played at a very high tempo as both teams created chances. The first big chance of the encounter fell to Emenike in the 11th minute when he was released by Ahmed Musa only to be denied by the Mexico goalkeeper Moments later, Uchebo put Ahmed Musa through on goal but impressive Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was brave to save off the feet of the CSKA Moscow star. Mexico were slow to come into the game, but when they finally got their bearing, they almost registered the opening
• Stephen Keshi
goal. A header by Rafa marquez from inside the box on 27 minutes was brilliantly saved by Enyeama in the Eagles goal. Minutes later, Peralta fired at goal when he went clear of the Eagles central defence, before Enyeama was forced to turn away a goal-bound effort for a corner as El Tri piled on the pressure. The Lille shot stopper will then keep out another dangerous ball. In first half stoppage time, Ahmed Musa combined well with Mikel but his final effort was blocked for a corner. Early in the second half, two chances fell to Ahmed Musa. First in the 50th minute, the CSKA Moscow ace fired at the Mexico goal after a neat control from inside the box. And six minutes later, he again came close when he streaked through, but again he could not put away this big chance as the goalkeeper’s feet came to the rescue. In the 57th minute, substitute goalkeeper Austin Ejide pushed away a low drive for a corner.
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Ramon Azeez fluffed a big chance in the 68th minute when he found his way inside the Mexico box. A minute later, Ejide pulled off a double save as Mexico again threatened. Mexico again came close three minutes, but a header from inside the box missed its target to the relief of the Nigeria defence. Nigeria starting XI vs Mexico Vincent Enyeama (Ejide 46) – Elderson, Efe Ambrose (Leon Balogun 46)(Azubuike Egwuekwe 66), Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo – Ogenyi Onazi, Mikel, Ahmed Musa – Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, Michael Uchebo (Ramon Azeez 46)
Coaches Union To Launch Centenary Cup Tourney MR Godwin Bamigboye, Chairman, Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), FCT Chapter, yesterday said that plans were underway to launch a Centenary and Mega Youths Soccer Festival in June. Bamigboye told newsmen in Abuja that the Centenary Cup Competition was to create awareness about the 100 years of the amalgamation of Nigeria among youths through soccer. He said the proposed event
Flamingoes Poise To Win All Matches CHINWE Ihezuo, a striker with the national under-17 women team, on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the team would win all their matches at the forthcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Ihezuo gave the assurance in a statement issued by the team’s Media Officer, Jennifer Okoye, from Faro in Portugal, where the team are currently camping in preparation for the mundial.
The Nigerian team are on a 19-day training tour in Portugal as part of their final phase of preparations. The competition is scheduled to hold from March 15 to April 4 in Costa Rica, with Nigeria drawn in Group D alongside Mexico, Colombia and China for the first round. The statement said Ihezuo was confident the team, also known
as the Flamingoes, will not only participate but make a big impact in the three-week tournament. “The team will win in spite of our 0-0 draw against the Belgian under-17 side in a friendly match at the Alles Des Sports Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. “We played against a good side, but we were unlucky. We did very well, even though we
were too anxious to score and therefore missed many chances. “The weather was not too friendly as it was very cold and did affect our performance. “But we are assuring Nigerians that we will not only participate, but do our possible best to win all our matches and make them proud in Costa Rica,’’ Ihezuo said. The Flamingoes failed during
we have set-up committees to achieve our aim. “The members of the various committees comprise people who have passion for the sport. Their contributions will give the sport the needed impetus to aim higher,’’ he said. Laniyan also said that the committees would be expected to make strong recommendations on how the sport could be re-admitted into the Olympic Games’ programme. Baseball last featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games hosted by China. He applauded the members of the committees for taking up the task of moving the sport forward. They committees are Publicity and Promotions, headed by Tony Nezianya of NAN as chairman, Frank Ilaboya of Sports Ville as Press Officer of the association, Steve Sagbama and Jide Fashikun. Other members include Kemi Ajayi and Taiye Elebiyo both of NAN and Laniyan the secretary of the committee. The other sub-committees are Club Re-structuring, headed by Eniola Ajibola, Constitution Review, headed by Samson Omotosho, Competition, League & Sponsorship, headed by Robert Onwukwe. The last is Exploring Relationship with NSC, headed by George Nyoho. The committees are expected to turn in their reports on March 31.
the match to get a goal, and it was the first time after playing nine friendly matches to prepare them for the World Cup. In Costa Rica, the Nigerian side will face China on March 16, before facing Colombia on March 19, with both matches taking place in Alajuela. They will thereafter proceed to San Jose to take on Mexico on March 23 in their last Group D match.
was awaiting approval from the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), and that it would be a national event. “We are planning to organise a centenary football cup competition before the end of the second quarter of the year as a follow-up and support to the centenary celebration. “We are putting together a mega youth soccer festival which will be held annually so that the younger ones will know what the centenary is all about,” he said. According to him, the aim of the competition is also to create an avenue where players will come together to play and the best of players will be selected by coaches of the national teams. The chairman said that there would also be a Carnival Cup during the Abuja Carnival. “The association wants to engage in sports tourism yearly which will be held in December alongside the carnival,” he said.
CMYK
What Nigerians Want From National Conference
FROM every indications, the planned National Conference begins next Monday as states, regions and various interest groups in the Nigerian project make last minute efforts to prepare their delegates and positions for the confab. Many are on the fence on this conference, waving it off as a national distraction. They see it as a Jamboree being put in place by Mr. President to distract other politicians to enable him grab yet another four years of Presidency. Some see it as a waste of public funds as over N7billion is earmarked for the conference. A lot more had criticised the agenda of the conference as designed by the Senator Okunroumu- led Presidential Advisory committee. The advisory committee seemed to have failed to grasp what the constitution should contain. Thirty-eight items were set out to be included in the agenda of the national conference, most of which are viewed by most Nigerians as irrelevant. The agenda which was later announced by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, however, makes the conference look like a talk shop that will succeed in spinning the nation round same old circle, thereby confirming the fears of opponents of the conference. For instance, it is ridiculous to see some issues listed on the agenda such as god-fatherism, cost of governance, return of missionary and private schools, nomadic education, institutionalising tsangaya/ almajiri education system, and many others. This is opposed to what many Nigerians want discussed. Nigerians will want the confab to discuss key issues that will enable renegotiation of the bases of our unity. Such key issues that we want the conference participants to address are: The structure of the country, devolution of powers, true fiscal federalism and system of government to operate among others It is important to emphasise that Nigerians are largely interested in restructuring because today we have 36 states and 776
local governments which were creations of the military. What parameters did they use to make these creations? Are we pleased and satisfied with them? Certainly not, because, once there were calls for more state creation, the Senate received over 65 applications, which indicates that most Nigerians are not pleased with the status quo. The conference must negotiate what we want to see as our agreed
system of government is damn expensive. At the moment, we claim to operate a federal government, this is merely on paper because in reality, we are not operating a federal government. We operate a sort of unitary government. Most zones and groups are, therefore, recommending genuine fiscal federalism in a regional government. What reinforces this position is the obvious fact that most states
federalism is the issue of devolution of powers to the regions or states depending on what structure is agreed upon. There is so much concentration of resources at the centre, that has made the Federal Government so attractive to citizens that almost everyone is falling over themselves to occupy positions at the federal level. We need to give more resources to the federating states and make the centre less attractive.
which is slightly less than half of what the President spends.” He is equally of the opinion that “We should deal with attitudinal issues and not system of governance.” This presupposes that the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable so that we can spend more energy in changing our attitudes and redistributing
This is why I am very much at home with the position canvassed by Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole that whatever we do which does not translate to prosperity for the average people will have no meaning.” Oshiomhole stated that “52.4 percent of the declared revenue is under the control of the President, while the other 36 governors share 26 percent,
income in favour of the poor. Some Nigerians are also of the opinion that we give state police a try while others are opposed to it. I completely agree with the views of the Edo Governor that “desperate politicians could misuse state police to harass their perceived political enemies, and we really need to be careful with decentralised Armed Forces, we certainly can’t
By DAN OWEGIE
• President Goodluck Jonathan
geographical structure. This perhaps explains why most geo-political zones are already routing for a return to regional government. This came out from the old Eastern, western, and Midwestern Nigeria as well as to a large extent, the north. Nigerians believe that a return to regional government will help reduce the cost of governance and diversification of the economy. Another key issue is the system of government to be operated under such a regional government. Majority of Nigerians are in favour of a parliamentary system of government where parliamentarians would be made to serve on a part-time basis, also aimed at reducing the cost of governance, given the point that the Presidential
and local governments are not viable. Most of them depend only on oil revenue they share monthly in Abuja. This has reduced us to more of a consumer nation than producers. This has further cascaded down to the widespread poverty, inequality and conflicts a la Boko Haram, Egbesu Boys, Bakasi boys in the country. Also close to the issue of operating a true fiscal
have sovereignty within a sovereignty. After all the jaw-jaw at the national confab what will become of the outcome document is another major concern to Nigerians. President Goodluck Jonathan who convened the conference is of the opinion that the document will be passed to the National Assembly along with several other previous documents for their consideration in the constitutional amendment process. This is one reason many Nigerians believe it is a wasteful exercise. But to so many others, and I subscribe to the view that the outcome of the conference, should form a new constitution. The Okouromu’s c o m m i t t e e ’ s recommendation to the president also suggests alterations to the current constitution and not a new constitution. The national conference we want must be about a new constitution and not alterations. Nigerians want their own constitution not because it will solve all our problems, but because it will give ownership to the people of our country and as such the introductory part of the constitution can well read “We the people of Nigeria...” It is my considered opinion that if the conference outcome document is not subjected to a referendum and then passed by the National Assembly unhampered into law as our new constitution, then the fears of those opposed to the gathering is as good as fate acompli before the blast of the whistle. • Mr. Dan Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Edo State.
“Another key issue is the system of government to be operated under such a regional government. Majority of Nigerians are in favour of a parliamentary system of government where parliamentarians would be made to serve on a part-time basis, also aimed at reducing the cost of governance, given the point that the Presidential system of government is damn expensive.”
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