THE NIGERIAN
The Nigerian
1
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
• Vol. 37 • NO. 251 • TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2 013 • N 100.00
PERSPECTIVE Pages 16-17
EDHA adopts business calendar
Media And Electioneering In Edo State
By KEN ABU/ WINIFRED OSASOBO BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly has adopted its legislative Business Calendar for the first quarter, third session of the fifth assembly.
The adoption of the legislative business was sequel to the presentation by the majority leader and chairman House standing committee on rules and Business Government House, Hon. Philip Shaibu and its
subsequent consideration and approval by parliament. While presenting the proposed business calendar at the floor of the House, Hon. Shaibu said that, the house will sit for the total period of 50 days during the first quarter
commencing from June to August 16, 2013. He disclosed that the House will sit for 15 days in June, 23 days in July and 12 days in August totaling a period of 50 sitting days. Hon. Shaibu stated that
Continues on pg.2
Power System Collapse DISCOURSE CMYK
Page 28
Curbing the use of N AMA NAMA as a tool of presidential oppression
FG inaugurates probe panel ABUJA - The Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, in Abuja yesterday inaugurated a 13member Technical Investigative Panel to articulate ways of mitigating constant system collapse in the power sector. The members of the Olubiyo, President of panel include Fatai Network for Energy Olapade, Chairman; A. Reforms. Adebisi, Secretary; as Nebo said that the well as Sanusi Garba, panel would determine Sam Amadi, R. Dagogo- the immediate and jack, and J. Ognonna. remote causes of the Others are Kingsley system failures and Achefe, O. Ekpo, James review all system Olotu, Mike Uzoigwe, collapses which occurred Chris Akamnonu, Don since January. Priestman, and Kunle He urged the panel to
review the performance and effectiveness of the grid’s protection system in the period under review. The panel is also expected to recommend measures to further
strengthen the protection mechanism and to consider any other system collapse related issues in the sector, Nebo said. He gave the panel two weeks to submit its report
and warned that the ministry would not tolerate any excuse or failure to carry out the assignment. Earlier, the Minister of State for Power, Hajia
Zainab Kuchi, urged members of the panel to be ‘bold and innovative’ in their investigation. She called on the panel to get results that would
Continues on pg.2
Child Health Immunization By FRIDAY OBANOR Prog begins BENIN CITY – The week long 2013 maternal, newborn and Child Health Immunization for children between the ages of 0 – 59 months commenced yesterday in all the health centres across the eighteen local government council areas of Edo State. A visit by The N I G E R I A N
OBSERVER Health correspondent to some designated centres in Oredo, Ikpoba/Okha and Egor Local Government Areas revealed that even though the exercise was yet to commence in full swing, the turn-out of mothers for the free Medicare was not too encouraging. At Umelu Primary Health Centre in Ikpoba/
PREVENT FIRE OUTBREAKS Have a Fire Extinguisher in your home today. Courtesy: Edo State Fire Service TIT BIT “A complex life-style would have been useful in confusing our enemies about us; but regrettably, it also makes it difficult for our friends to tolerate us.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
Okha Local Government, it was business as usual as care-givers assigned for the programme were yet to start attending to the few persons that were on ground as at 10.00 a.m. The situation was not different at Ugbekun Health Centre in same council area as the officials on hand said they were still waiting for some of the vaccines needed for the programme from the headquarters. At Oredo Health Centre,
Continues on pg.2
VISIT: Mr. Andrew Loveday, President, Access to success, a retired Professional basketball player presents a ball to Governor Adams Oshiomhole during a visit of the group to the Governor in his office, yesterday.
Governor assures on youth empowerment
BENIN CITY Governor Adams Oshiomhole says Edo State Government will render adequate support to groups and individuals involved in keeping the
youths occupied positively as this would reduce the crime rate in
the country. Speaking yesterday during a courtesy visit of
on the lives of the people.
in the country is unemployment. According to him, “part of the problem in Nigeria today like you have in America is the problem of youth unemployment and because the youths are idle, some of them resort to crime and some other activities which is quite dysfunctional.” According to him “anything that will keep them busy and keep
Continues on pg.2
Continues on pg.2
a United States-based group, Access to Success, Oshiomhole said part of the problem
Oshiomhole, laying foundation for the state to its economic Industrial height that dev of Edo - Ize-Iyamu and would impart positively
BENIN CITY – The National Vice Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, South South Zone, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has
described the administration one that is laying a solid of the Edo State Governor, foundation that must be Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole as improved upon to take
THE NIGERIAN
2
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
News Governor assures on youth empowerment
Continued from page 1
them thinking to encourage themselves to recognise there is a future and seeing people like you, they will imagine that they also can overcome the poverty trap. “It takes some level of passion to assist those in need and to share your life experiences and empower others. For you to come back home and want to give back to society, I appreciate this. “As a state government we will do anything within our competence to sustain your effort to see that it is sustained,” He noted that “the primary reason for seeking office is to use political power to allocate resources in a way that will impact on the greatest number of citizens and you coming from Edo state know what the story is and how we have been neglected for long under previous military rules and the first set of civilian governments. “I came from a background of advocacy, mobilising the people against public authority on good governance and democracy, bottom up approach to policy formulation and for me it is a rare opportunity to have the executive powers to try and translate and do those things I agitated for. “We have restored integrity in our schools, we have made substantial investment in Education, investments in urban renewal, working on drainages and flood control,” he noted. Earlier, the team leader of Access to Success, Mr. Andrew Loveday disclosed that there are three hundred
youths participating in a free coaching clinic for basketball players in Edo State. “I was born here, not born into a family of means, I went to Edo College, I remember trekking from Sakponba road all the way to Aduwawa to get my WAEC registration. I know
what the kids right now are benefiting in the state. I want to say thank you, since I was born we have never seen anything like this and living abroad and hearing the good news from people, when you are doing a good job you don’t have to go out to blow your trumpet, as there are people
Oshiomhole, laying foundation for including public assets dev of Edo capital Pastor Ize-Iyamu who made in order to make life easier for
Continued from page 1
this declaration in a keynote address delivered on the occasion of the Leadership Conference and Achievement Award 2013 stated that what the state needs for there to be meaningful development in terms of provision of basic amenities and other infrastructural development is grassroots leadership. “As a people bonded by the socio-cultural affinities and economic circumstances, the stakes are too high for us to
lose in 2016 the hard won political freedom; midwifed by the Grace Group philosophy and courageous battle, to overcome the vice-group of political godfathers and commence the dogged pursuit of infrastructural transformation of the state”, he said. Pastor Ize-Iyamu also emphasized the need for urgent and sustained development of the human
FG inaugurates probe panel Continued from page 1 be permanent to solve the problems of power in the country. Responding on behalf of members of the panel, Olapade said they would submit the report within the specified period.
BENIN CITY – The palace of the Oba of Benin has maintained its earlier position regarding the boundary dispute between Ugbor and Amagba communities. A palace statement issued yesterday and signed by Secretary to the Oba of Benin, O. Oronsaye-Guobadia, a copy of which was given to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER reads: “I am directed by the
Court. The accused are facing a six-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery and use of forged documents. At the resumption of proceedings, EFCC Counsel, Mr. Francis Usani, informed the court that the accused had no legal representation. Usani said: “My Lord, I am aware that Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Mr. Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN)
Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, to refer to your letter dated 22nd May, 2013 requesting for a copy of Palace ratification on Omo N’Oba’s earlier decision (contained in the Nigerian Observer Press Release issued by the Benin Traditional Council on 26th July 2011 and 17th August, 2011) regarding the boundary dispute between Ugbor and
Continued from page 1
are in this matter, and there seems to be no explanation for their absence. “Today was fixed for hearing of two applications filed by the first accused (Ogunbambo). “One of the applications is for quashing of the charge preferred against him, while the other is asking the court to vacate the forfeiture order on his assets.” The judge consequently adjourned the matter till June 25 for hearing of the applications.
Child Health Immunization Prog begins Continued from page 1 Sapele Road, Benin City, the turn out was a little impressive but some of the pregnant women who came for the tetanus toxoid injection were asked to come the following day as their primary concern for
EDHA adopts business calender if the house graciously approved the proposed legislative business calendar, the House would have gone a long way in meeting with the 181-day sitting as required by law for a legislative year. Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uyi
Edo citizens with the high quality of the robust political governance of our state. The ACN stalwart also stated that, the state government has consistently ensured the spread of infrastructural facilities and development across the state, stressing, “I am proud to be part of this political and developmental landmark of our dear state, and a strategic player in the remodeling of our body polity”, he added.
Ugbor, Amagba boundary dispute has been resolved - Oba of Benin Palace
Subsidy Fraud: Absence of defence counsel stalls trial of 2 suspects IKEJA - The Absence Of Defence Counsel has Stalled the Trial Of Two Oil marketers, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Habila Theck, for N979.6 million fuel subsidy fraud. The marketers are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alongside their firm, Fargo Energy Ltd., before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of an Ikeja High
who will sound it for you. A lot of people living abroad know about the things you are doing for the state and we really appreciate it,” he noted. According to him, “Access to Success was founded in the United States of America, and having the platform of basket ball, I was able to found this organization through which we are now reaching out to kids who are not privileged in Benin City.”
Igbe, while affirming parliament’s approval for a legislative Business Calendar for the first quarter, also used the medium to welcome the house members from recess and expressed the resolve of parliament to continue making laws for the betterment of Edo State.
today (yesterday) was purely for immunization of children. This year ’s programme which commenced yesterday (Monday) state wide is expected to cover immunization of children between the ages of 0 – 59 months, administering of deworming medicines to children, administering of Tetanus toxoid injection to pregnant women and vitamin A supplementation for children from 6 to 59 months amongst others. However, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aihunuwa Eregie was not immediately available for comments on the exercise due to the state executive council meeting, which she was said to be attending.
Amagba communities as finally reached on the 25th May, 2013 and to say that after much deliberation on the recommendations of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee (head of Chief Eduwu Ekhator Obasogie, the Obasogie of Benin) by the Omo N’Oba and Chiefs that: This followed a demand for the resolution on the boundary dispute by the principal counsel, Osagie Obayuwana & Co, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana “After careful study of both Press Releases, it reveals that the area referred to as Ire River was never a river but has relics of river, valley and hill (Okeze) and did not at anytime belong to Amagba community. Rather from the second press release, it was a boundary natural landmark between them and that it gave land to Omo N’Oba, which he never received. This tallies with the account of how Ugbor gave land to Omo N’Oba, which was encroached upon as stated in the first Press release and was later relocated. “The ruling of the 25th day of July, 2011 has a binding force on the affected communities. The second Press release is innocuous and therefore has no bearing on the palace ruling as all it did was to attempt to correct an impression that there was no river but relics of river, valley and hill (okeze), the palace therefore submitted that the second Press release cannot alter or water down the clear and unambiguous ruling/ decision of the Omo N’Oba. The affected communities having given the consent, to be bound by the decision of the committee, the Palace Statement emphasised, are advised in the interest of peace and unity to restrict their activities to their boundaries. The Palace statement stated that the Omo N’Oba and Chiefs accepted the C o m m i t t e e ’ s recommendations.
Ikpoba-Okha flags-off Child Health Week IDOGBO – The first round of maternal New Born Child Health Week has been flagged-off in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, an exercise which begins today and ends June 14, 2013. Performing the flag-off ceremony, the chairman, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council. Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan Osahon Ogbeide implored all the Health workers, supervisors, ad-hoc health workers, nursing mothers and community leaders to extend more hands of cooperation and support to make this round of immunization exercise a huge success. The council boss said the maternal Newborn Child Health Week are days set aside to particularly address the problems of child killer diseases that are vaccine preventable, through regular and considered administration of various antigens. Mrs. Itohan Osahon Ogbeide used the medium to advices all nursing mothers, care givers to cooperate with the health worker by taking their children under the ages of
0 –5years to any health centre closest to them for immunization. Earlier in her remark, the representative of the Ministry of Health to Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, Mrs. Izevbigie urges mothers to ensure they take their children to any of the health centre closest to them as this is not house-to-house immunization. She said Vitamin A will be given to 6 – 59 months old children, while all other antigens will be given to 0-59 months old children. Also speaking, an Independent monitor, Dr. Akalonu Ogechi admonishes nursing mothers to ensure that they take the immunization exercise seriously as the vaccines have been tested and approved by the NAFDAC/ UNICEF and World Health Organisation (WHO). Among those present at the ceremony were Hon. Chief B.I. Osifo, Vice Chairman, the leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Matthew Ikhide, Secretary to the Local Government, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, Supervisor and Primary Health Coordinator, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, Dr. Ezomon.
Out-Of-School Syndrome
Govt pledges commitment to boy-child BENIN CITY - The education
sensitization and advocacy tour of Edo State by the National Implementation Committee on the integration of out-of-school children from the SouthSouth and South-East States into the Universal Basic Education Programme, has been rounded-off with a call on relevant stakeholders to partner with the Federal Government in its quest at tackling the menace of school drop-out by the boy - child for the betterment of the Nigerian society. The Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon. Patrick Aguinede, Chairman of House Committee on Education; Hon. Foly Ogedengbe, SUBEB Acting Chairman/ Permanent Secretary, Barr. Usi Osemowa and Director, Social Mobilization – SUBEB; Mrs. Juliana Ejemen Oghedegbe, played host to the team on arrival in Benin. Addressing the delegation in Government House, the SSG affirmed the commitment of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led administration towards transforming the education sector; maintaining that the
provision of free, comprehensive and qualitative basic education remains the priority of the present administration. Professor Ihonvbere assured that the State Government would make land available for the construction of the two (2) model schools/ vocational centres for training of the out-of school boys as requested by the Federal Government and commended the Presidency for the initiative. SUBEB Director of Social Mobilization, Mrs. Juliana Ejemen Oghedegbe, guided the team, led by Prof. Emeka Ezeonu, on behalf of the State Government on advocacy visits to Edo South, Central and North Senatorial Districts, and engaged traditional rulers, community leaders, e d u c a t i o n a l stakeholders, representatives of nongovernmental/ faith based organizations, including women and youth groups as well as one-on-one interaction with out-of-school boys on modalities for the s u c c e s s f u l implementation of the programme
THE NIGERIAN
3
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Inside Edo Edo Compol Warns Criminals
Students Hold leadership Training Conference BYOPEYEMIOLUGBEMIRO
BY RICHARD EWEKA BENIN CITY - The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo has called criminally minded people in the state to repent from all act of criminality or relocate to other states as the police under his command is determined to keep the state free from criminal activities. The police boss made the call while speaking in an exclusive interview with the Nigerian Observer to mark his 100 days in office as Edo State police commissioner. Speaking further he said the task of policing the state is very challenging adding that the police in the state is determined to face these challenges before it. “Criminals keep planning new strategy and as they plan, the police has sleepless night as we also plan and strategies to out shine them and keep the state safe for all to live in. Our Labour is yielding positive fruits”. Mr. Foluso Adebanjo called on the citizens to provide the police with relevant information as this will help them investigate and solve crime cases. “The police is your friend not your enemy, we are not ghost or superhumans we are human like you, to help us do our job better we need your assistance in the area of information. We need to be partners for us to keep the society free from crime”. The police boss commended the support from the Comrade Adams O s h i o m h o l e ’ s administration which has gone a long way towards assisting the police in discharging their responsibility. “The government is doing well, the governor gave us money to refurbish some of our vehicles that were damaged. The vehicles we have refurbish now is 15 in number, and it has helped us fight crime better”.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, Deputy Governor, Edo State congratulates Prince Tony Omoaghe, former Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria, Edo State as he celebrate his 70th birthday. Photo: MOSES OBOH.
BENIN CITY – A total number of 1120 students from different secondary schools in Edo State last Saturday, gathered at the main Auditorium (Akin Deko), University of Benin, for a leadership Training Conference. The conference which was organized by the Secondary School Visitation (SSR) activity group (An arm of the Christian Union- Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students, CU-NIFES, UNIBEN / UBTH) had about 45 schools in attendance. The list of schools included University Demonstration Secondary School (UDSS), Edo Boys High School, Oredo Girls College and
Jubilee Academy. The Conference which was themed “let your light shine” was aimed at developing and producing God fearing leaders of Tomorrow, people who will shines as light in the society. Dr. Walter Osawagboe, who spoke on “A better me for a between world told the students that they could achieve anything they want to in the world, with hardwork and God as the perfect ingredient. He also added that is also important avoiding distractions from various vices in the society. Other speakers in the programme were Dr. Omokhod Adeleye and Dr. Eunice Aghimen, who spoke on “ let your shine” and Personal Health and General counseling respectively”.
Oshiomhole Wields Big Axe Against Illegal Loggers BENIN CITY - Edo State government has warned against illegally felling of trees as it would be firm in dealing with people who contravenes the law. Governor Oshiomhole of Edo State who stated this at the Tree Peace Planting Exercise at the Ehor Forest Reserve in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area said, weekend, government would adopt proactive measures on tree planting, environmental cleanness, erosion and flood control in the State.
Oshiomhole said: “I like to use the occasion to warn that government would be more firm in dealing with all those involved in illegal felling of trees. We must use the method of carrot and stick. If you are caught felling trees recklessly in a manner that has not been authorized in clear violation of our laws and our commitment to protect the forests, government
will not only step in, but ensure you are severely punished”. The Governor while flagging off the 2013 tree planting campaign, supported by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. Bert Ronhaar said: “it is important to begin not only to talk tough but act even tougher. We must recognize that it does not make sense to fell ten trees and then plant two to
LEADS Honours Neighbourhood By NDIDI OJIEH Watch Chairman BENIN CITY- The Executive Chairman of Edo State Neighbourhood Watch, Maj-Gen Charles Omoregie (rtd), was last Friday honoured with the LEADS Nigeria Merit Award of Excellence as “ICON OF PEACE / NATION BUILDING” of the year in recognition of his developmental strides and immerse contributions to Nigeria’s quest for peace, territorial integrity and Nation building among others. The National President of the Association, the League of Democratic Students, Hon. Ochekwu Morgan Stated that Maj-Gen. Omoregie earned the award because he distinguished himself conspicuously through his dynamic, visionary and versatile attitude towards his duties and amity towards humanity, adding that they are exhilarated to reckon with him. He describe Maj-Gen. Omoregie as a proven gallant Combatant both in the NigerDelta where he served as Joint Task Force (JTF) commander before retiring and now the ESNW Executive chairman, adding that his patriotism, hardwork, Outstanding qualities and contributions to national security among others are visible to all, and can not be allowed to go
unnoticed hence the award and honour to encourage him more never to relent in efforts. While inducting Maj-Gen. Omoregie into the League Hall of Fame, the Vice President Miss Zubair Rashidat thanked him for contributing his own quota by investing in the lives of youths and students through youth empowerment and described ESNW as one of the best peace and security asset that Edo State and indeed Nigeria has for eradication of crimes and criminality. The Secretary- General of the Association Hon. Osisiogu Osikenyi applauded MajGen. Omoregie for his selfless effort, generosity and compassion towards everyone that comes across him no matter the religion, profession or social status adding that many prominent persons around today always builds very high wall around themselves unlike Maj-Gen. Omoregie who is receptive to both young and old. Responding, Maj-Gen Omoregie thanked them for the honour and award. He dedicated the award to God Almighty who inspires him to contribute towards humanity in his little capacity by touching the lives of people positively, the Comrade Governor Adams Aliu Oshiomhole for giving him
the opportunity to serve the state and everyone around him. He commended the youths for recognizing patriotism and encouraged them to continue to make the country proud because this means Nigeria still has hope and would continue to move forward adding that with the honour bestowed on him, his going to continue in touching the lives of persons in many ways.
replace them. “I invite all of you to be genuine stakeholders. Don’t see the forest as a place to be devastated. The government and the people must work together to protect the forest”, he noted. The Governor said government on its part will enact and enforce environmental regulations and co-operate with relevant organizations to ensure adherence to environmental regulations to check the general problems of flooding and erosion. Oshiomhole said, “in recognition of the role the forest plays in the environment, government recently revoked 109,000 hectares of de-reserved lands with a singular view to regenerating them. I like to mention that as part of our 2013 tree planting campaign, my government has released 50,000 tree seedlings for planting in Ehor Forest Reserve.” He disclosed that, “we have now planted over 750,000 trees
between 2009 and 2012 with the first tree planted by my wife Clara Oshiomhole, of blessed memory and I have given a new target of two million trees seedling capacity for our Nurseries and I am confident that this would be achieved before the end of my second term”. Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities, Prince Clem Agba said this government is conscious of the threat posed by climate change and has demonstrated a commitment to reviving the situation. Prince Agba acknowledged the support of the African Initiative for World Peace, a nongovernmental organization for partnering with Edo State Government to protect the forest. The high point of the exercise was the planting of the peace trees in memory of Edo first Lady, by Governor Oshiomhole and the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ronhaar who planted trees in memory of the victims of the 9/11 September 2001 attack on the World Trade Centre in the U.S.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, Deputy Governor, Edo State (right) with Chief Dr. John Odigie Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State at Prince Tony Omoaghe’s 70th birthday celebration. Photo: MOSES OBOH.
THE NIGERIAN
4
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
ABUJA- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians and political parties against embarking on campaign toward the 2015 general elections. This is contained in a statement by Mr. Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman.
Across The Nation 2015: INEC Warns Politicians The commission warned politicians and the political parties to desist from the act or face the law. Idowu said such act was unhealthy, portended ill for the
political process and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. He said the commission had called on security agents to apprehend violators. He said the commission
observed that campaign posters were being indiscriminately displayed. “Electioneering broadcasts are being aired outside the statutory provision for
campaigning towards elections into various elective offices,” he said. The spokesman reminded all players that the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) was still in force. He stressed that “the period of campaigning in public by every
political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day”. Idowu cautioned all political parties to note that campaigning outside the law was unacceptable. He warned that the commission would not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against culprits as provided by relevant sections of the law.
Owan West Flags Off Child Health Week
L-R: The Editor, NIGERIAN OBSERVER, Barr. Solomon Imohiosen, Asst. Editor, Tunde Eigbiremolen, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe and Deputy Editor, Leo Atakpu in a group photograph with the speaker shortly after an interview with the speaker on his second anniversary. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.
SABONGIDDA-ORA The Chairman, Ovan West Local Government Council, Hon. Barr Godwin Aigbodion has flagged off the first round Maternal New born and child Health, Week (MNCHW) with an assurance to make the delivery of quality health services routine in all the health facilities in the area. He said the future and survival of any country is inevitably tied to the health and wellbeing of her children and their mothers being the most vulnerable groups, hence the importance of these high interventions packaged for the Maternal New Born and Child Health Week aimed at reducing the childhood and maternal diseases and death. Barrister Aigbodion then called on the community leaders, traditional rulers,
Nomination Of Candidates,
Vicar Lauds ACN SABONGIDDA-ORA - The Action Congress of NIGERIA (ACN) has been commended for its genuine and fair disposition in the nomination of candidates in the last local government election in Edo State. The Vicar of the Cathedral of St. John, Sabongidda Ora, Ven. Zee Obaigbo made the commendation in a special thanksgiving service by the chairman of Owan West Local Government Council, Hon. (Barr.) Godwin Aigbodion to climax the thank you tour of all the eleven (11) wards of the local government area for their support during and after the local government election. The Vicar who took the special thanksgiving message from Mark 4:38 – 39 said the nomination of Hon. Barr. Godwin Aigbodion (Okpa Man) by the ACN was appropriate at this point in time, so that other clans in the locality will feel and have some sense of belonging, as Owan West is One”. He urged the chairman to have Jesus in the boat of his life as the disciples did when there was turbulence for him (chairman) to be able to do the work he was elected to do for the growth and development of Owan West. The Vicar further urged him to always seek the face of the Lord, consult him, glorify him and obey him so that the Lord will not leave him, saying it is the only way to keep the Lord awake knowing that the problem ahead
is enormous. While advising him to execute projects that will be of immense benefit to the people, Ven. Obaigbo also called on the other elected members in the council to give the chairman their support and cooperation for him to succeed. The thanksgiving was attended by ACN Chairman in Owan West, Sir Peter Eguabor, Hon. (Barr.) Jimoh Ijegbai, Hon. Emmanuel Momoh, Chairman Owan East and Etsako Central respectively, Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Barr. McDonald Obasuke, the Vice Chairman Owan West, Hon. Reginald Okun, Secretary to the Council, Hon Edward Ehizoje, leader of the arm council, Hon. Emmanuel Okizi, Women Leaders, councilors amongst others.
The Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Barr Godwin Aigbodion (middle), his wife, Mrs. Ruth Aigbodion and the Vice Chairman, Hon. Reginald Okun, during the thanskgiving service.
religious leaders as well as politicians in the area to give maximum support to the campaign and to completely mobilize the people and participate fully to ensure that all eligible target group have access to all the intervention. In an address delivered at the occasion by Mrs. Oyaletor, Director of Nursing Services, Primary Health Care Department, Owan West Local Government Council at the Eguarelu Palace ground, said the strategy for the campaign will be based on outreach and fixed post as there will be no movement from house to house. While calling on the Mothers to come to the nearest health facilities with their card, she said the campaign involves giving antigens and vaccines to all children less than 5 years and women of reproductive age (15-49) and provision of Vitamin A supplement, growth monitoring, health education, deworming and malaria prevention. Mrs. Oyeletor further said immunization involves the use of antigen and vaccines to stimulate the body to produce antibodies and calls that help the body to fight against infections. She said it is safe and free for children and pregnant woman in Nigeria and urged mothers, families, and community not to deny the child the right to be fully immunized and prevented from the agony of suffering or dying from the preventable childhood killer disease. The highpoint of the flag off was the immunization of the children by the chairman, Hon. Barr. Godwin Aigbodion assisted by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Reginald Okon, the Secretary, Hon. Edward Ehizoje and other community leadaers present.
Afegbua Family Remembers Late Patriarch OKPELLA- Member, Board of Trustee of ACN and Edo North Leader of the Party, Prince Abdulmalik Afegbua has called on leaders and those in authority to strive towards excellence and integrity in their service to humanity. He made this remark on Saturday during the remembrance ceremony of late Alhaji Afegbua, the District Head of Okpella who died on June 8, 1954.
He said that Alhaji Afegbua served the people of Okpella and the British Colonial government between 1906 and 1954, adding that the legacy he bequeathed will continue to be a source of inspiration to the people and those who may aspire to lead them. He stated that the late District Head was an epitome of diplomacy and tact in his dealings with the colonial masters and his people, stressing that this earned him the order of the British Empire (OBE).
Also speaking was Bar. Isah Afegbua, a grand child of Alhaji Afegbua. He said that the ceremony which attracts prayers has become an annual event, adding that the Afegbuas both at home and in diaspora take it will all seriousness. “It affords us the opportunity to emphasize our family unity in line with the dream of our Great father.” On his part, Hon. Suleiman Afegbua described the
strength of the Afegbua family as one that emanated from unity. He said that this strength and unity will continue to be used not only for the development of Okpella but the advancement of national unity and social integration. Dignitaries at the occasion included Alhaji Usman Shagadi, High Chief (Hon.) Stanley Okpo Odidi, (Former Etsako East Local Government Chairman), top politicians, Islamic Scholars and businessmen.
Late Alhaji Afegbua
THE NIGERIAN
5
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
South South Flood: Delta Gives
Grant To Churches
L-R: Governor Uduaghan of Delta State; Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue and Vice President Namadi Sambo, at a joint meeting of Niger Delta Power Holdings Company and National Council on Privatisation (NCP) in Abuja weekend.
Delta To Revive Youth Empowerment Programme ASABADelta’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Misan Ukubeyinje, has said arrangements had been concluded to revive the Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture (YETA) programme in the state. He told newsmen in Asaba that it was regrettable that the programme was rested for about two years due to “institutional and operational issues”. “But Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan has directed that it should be revived immediately,’’ Ukubeyinje said. He said the programme would be “up again’’ before the end of
June, adding that the programme was “dear to the governor ’s heart’’. The commissioner said this was because the programme was designed to help the state government in realising its objectives of employment creation through the agriculture agenda. “We have been holding meetings with the consultants of the YETA programme and by next week we shall come up with a review document for the programme which will be presented to the governor. “So, I assure that YETA will be coming back in the state soon,’’ Ukubeyinje said.
HIV Prevention: A/Ibom
Gets More Clinic UYO - The Akwa Ibom government says it has increased the number of its PMTCT clinics for the prevention of mother-tochild transmission of the HIV disease from 45 to 90. Dr John Markson, the state’s HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator, told newsmen in Uyo this was to further prevent the infection of new-born babies with the scourge. He said the state government was committed to increasing the “uptake’’ of Prevention-ofMother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services. “The creation of additional sites for PMTCT services by 100 per cent was part of government’s efforts at helping pregnant women to easily access ante-natal clinics in the state’s 31 local government areas (LGAs),’’ the co-ordinator said. Markson said the state’s Ministry of Health had commenced an intensive sensitisation programme to
create awareness among pregnant women in the state on the services. He recalled that Akwa Ibom had 10.9 per cent HIV/AIDS prevalence in 2010, second after Benue. The co-ordinator however expressed regrets that ante-natal clinic attendance was still low in the state. “Our 2011 records revealed that only nine per cent of pregnant women in the state accessed PMTCT facilities,’’ he said. Markson said PMTCT was one of the effective means of preventing new infections, especially infant HIV “which has been completely eliminated in the advanced world’’. A visit by a journalist to Emmanuel Hospital in Eket, where PMTCT services are rendered, however showed that weekly ante-natal clinic attendance has improved from less than 50 to 127.
It will be recalled that the YETA programme was first rolled out in 2008, only to be grounded in 2010, and the state government has since then been trying to revive it. Commenting on the programme, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Mr. Gery Ossai, lauded the efforts of government in trying to revive it. He said this would provide a platform for training youths on agricultural schemes. “No less than 450 youths benefited from the scheme before it was jettisoned, and the beneficiaries were trained in different aspects of agricultural production,’’ Ossai said. He however warned that politics should be removed in the selection of participants and the implementation of the
programme. “Consideration should be given to youths in rural communities,’’ the former commissioner said.
ASABA- The Committee on Management of Federal Government Funds on Flood Disaster in Delta says it has given N18 million grant to churches affected by the 2012 flood in the state. The committee’s Chairman, Retired Justice Francis Tabai, told newsmen in Asaba that the grants were disbursed through the state chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Tabai said CAN representatives in the 14 local government areas (LGAs) affected by flood in the state received the money for the churches, and that the grants were disbursed in Warri. He said no less than 1,220 churches in the affected areas were devastated by the flood. “The CAN branches in the LGAs got between N500,000 and N2.9 million, depending on the extent of devastation,’’ Tabai said. He however explained that the grant was only a token from the state government. “It was not to replace what the churches lost, but to support the rehabilitation process. “The money may not be able to take care of all the needs of
the churches, but it will assist them in putting one or two things in place,’’ the committee chairman said. Tabai however added that more assistance would still be given to the churches as the rehabilitation process continues. “The state government is determined to mitigate the hardship caused by the flood to persons and groups,’’ he said. The committee chairman said the grant represented the first time the committee was giving cash to the flood victims in the state since it was inaugurated in October 2012. “We did so because of the role of the church in nation-building,’’ he said. It will be recalled that the LGAs affected by the flood in Delta include Burutu, Bomadi, Ughelli South, Ughelli North, Warri South-West, Isoko South and Ndokwa East. The rest are Ndokwa West, Aniocha South and Oshimili South, Patani, Isoko North, Ukwuani and Oshimili North. It will also be recalled that the state government, through the committee had distributed relief materials which included farm inputs and food items to the flood victims.
NSCDC Nabs 16 Suspects
Illegal Oil Activities: ASABA- The Delta Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested16 persons, including two women, and impounded six vehicles for suspected illegal oil activities. The Delta NSCDC Commandant, Mrs. Obiageli Obiajulu, newsmen in Asaba that the suspects and vehicles were rounded up between January and April 2013. Obiajulu said the impounded vehicles contained a total of 40,550 litres of petroleum products. She gave the registration numbers of the vehicles as XB 143
UBJ, XZ 888 EKY, XD 357 KSF, XZ 312 AKD, XD 375 DGE and AT 326 LSD. “The vehicles and suspects were apprehended at OgwashiUku, Asaba, Agbor, Obiaruku and the Asaba –Benin highway, during the period,’’ the NSCDC official said. She said four of the six vehicles were impounded in February, just as 10 of the 16 suspects were also arrested in February. “They were with a total of 26,375 litres of petroleum products, which they could not
account for,’’ she said. Similarly, Obiajulu disclosed that two vehicles, carrying 14,175 litres of petrol, believed to have been illegally obtained were impounded in April, while the six suspects involved in the incident were arrested. The NSCDC official said six of the 16 suspects were arrested along Benin-Asaba highway, five at Agbor and Obiaruku and five at Asaba and Ogwashi-Uku. She said the processes of prosecution had already begun in all the cases involved.
L-R: Former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Josephine Anenih; Senator Hope Uzodinma; Dr. Jumbo Ofor; former Senate President, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Businessman, Chief Arthur Eze at the burial of Mrs Colette Obi, the wife of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Sen. Ben Obi, in Awka weekend.
THE NIGERIAN
6
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
South-West Iredia Tasks Police On Effective Communication IBADAN -Mr. Tony Iredia, the former Director-General of NTA, said on Saturday that the Nigeria Police Force would achieve its goals only through effective coordination of resources and communication. Iredia said this at the Police South-West Zone Intelligence Sensitisation and Community Partnership workshop held in Ibadan. According to him, effective communication would go a long way in improving the police by helping the force to maintain a cordial relationship with the public. ‘’Internal mobilisation is key as everything is not all about talking to communities. ‘’Before the police relates to the public, they must learn to communicate with themselves on what is appropriate at all times. ‘’Mixed communication, which can confuse the public, must be avoided; which is why you must mobilise your workforce on the way to go. ‘’You must do away with stereotyping, be honest with your public because it is only when they understand and agree with you that communication can be said to be effective,’’ Iredia said. He also implored members of the force to always conduct themselves appropriately in public as people would address them as they were perceived. Iredia criticised acts of intolerance by some members of the police force against the media, adding that it constitutes a hinderance to their public relations efforts. ‘’The police should never assault media men or confiscate their recording items. It is wrong by law. ‘’The best start in communicating is by using the media as partners in crime fighting through specialised reporting.’’ Reports say that aside policemen, traditional rulers across the South-Western states attended the event. Also present was the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Adeyemi, and the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Abdulrahman Akano. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police spokesperson, DSP Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor, advised the public not to disrupt peace during the Annual Egungun Festival which runs from June 9 to July 8. She said the police would not refrain from discharging its duties throughout the duration of the ceremony and urged people to go about their business without fear.
Direct Labour Saves Ondo N1.2bn
L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State; Chairman, University of Ibadan Governing Council, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (Rtd) and member Governing Council, Sen. Doguwa El-Jibril, when members of the Governing Council visited Gov. Ajimobi in Ibadan recently.
Residents Blame Vandals
Pipeline Explosion: IBADAN -An explosion has rocked the NNPC pipeline located at Olorunkemi/Alaakia village along Elebu Road in Ibadan. Residents of the community situated in Ido Local Government area of the state, told newsmen that the inferno did not claim neither life nor property They attributed the cause of the fire which started at exactly 9.00 a.m, to the recent activities of pipeline vandals who stormed the area around midnight to perpetrate the illegal act. Mrs. Funmilayo Oladele, a resident of the area, told newsmen that she was inside her room when suddenly she heard a very loud sound which she claimed preceded the fire. “ I had to rush out of the room with my children because we were so scared that we didn’t know what next to do except to run away.” She said the residents had to contact the State Fire Service so that the fire could immediately be put out. Mr. Najeem Adeniyi told newsmen that the sound of the explosion could be likened to that of a bomb explosion. “We thought it was a bomb explosion and we had to rush out of our different homes. “Government should do something about it because we know it was the work of pipeline vandals.’ he said. Mr. Oyekunle Gafar, Director, Oyo State Fire Services, who led his men to the scene also agreed that the explosion was caused by the activities of pipeline vandals. “We rushed down here because of the distress call from the residents that there was an explosion.
“We faced serious challenges as we could not easily have access to the scene of the explosion due to the muddy nature of the road. “ We had to pass the pipe supplying water along the bush to ensure the fire is put out,’’ he said. Gafar said they had to work in collaboration with some NNPC officials to put out the fire. “We also brought 37,000 litres of water to the scene and we have exhausted it. We have since sent for another supply of water. “ We brought two water tankers, one with 22,000 litres and the other 15,000 litres. The NNPC men brought their water too”. Prof. Joseph Olowofela, the Caretaker Chairman of Ido Local Government of the State told
newsmen that he rushed to the scene on receiving the news. “Though I have not confirmed the cause of the fire but I am
sure it must have happened due to the activities of pipeline vandals.” Olowofela called for the combined effort of security agencies and the local government to put an end to the activities of the vandals.
AKURE - The Ondo State Direct Labour Agency says it has saved the government nearly N1.2 billion, representing 30 per cent of the N4.096 billion spent to construct 33 markets and other projects. The Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr. Deji Akinwalere, told newsmen in Akure that the agency had contributed positively to rural-urban development. “It is a revolution which has brought about a drastic change in economic and commercial activities in both the rural and urban areas of the state.’’ He explained that the amount represented 70 per cent of the cost of executing 33 projects, if they had been awarded to contractors. Akinwalere noted that direct labour had created job opportunities for many youths, adding that the agency did not discriminate during recruitment. He said that the Mimiko administration would not relent in providing infrastructure across the state for better living.
Osun To Relocate Street Traders OSOGBO -The Osun Government has commenced arrangements to relocate traders from the popular Alekuwodo Road in Osogbo, the state capital. The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, gave this indication while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo. The Alekuwodo market, where traders sell their wares by the roadside, is located along the popular Olaiya-Okefia road. Akere said the government had begun to pull down illegal structures around the new Orisunmbare market, to create room for the street traders.
“It is the desire of government to relocate the petty traders who sell along Olaiya-Alekuwodo road to the cleared area. “This is in the spirit of urban renewal; at the same time, we want to move Alekuwodo traders off the road to a safe place. “As much as we do not want to disrupt commercial activities, it is the duty of government to protect the lives of the traders.’’ The information commissioner said the Osun Government would move the street traders as soon as all illegal structures around new Orisunmbare market had been pulled down.
He said it was wrong for anybody to have put up a permanent structure on a piece of land owned by government. Meanwhile, the commissioner for lands, Mr. Muyiwa Ige, who corroborated the development, told newsmen that “notices were duly served on owners of illegal structures in the area. “In the first instance, illegal structures are prohibited on government land and that area is zoned commercial. “We also have a duty to complement the ongoing development at the train station corridor, which is in the same vicinity,’’ Ige said.
L-R: Representative of Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Duro Oni; Director, Academic Planning Unit, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; Deputy Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Abayomi Okanlawon and Dean Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prof. Afolabi Lesi, during the Faculty of Clinical Sciences College of Medicine, University of Lagos 10th Faculty Conference in Lagos recently.
THE NIGERIAN
7
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Lagos FAAN To Eject Customs Agents From Airports By RAHEEM IBRAHIM
IKEJA- The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to eject customs agents operating in its premises at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. Mr Yabuku Dati, General Manager, Corporate Communications of FAAN, told newsmen in Lagos that the authority had constituted a task force to that effect. He said that the authority would not rescind its decision to eject the cargo operators. Dati recalled that FAAN in June 2012, suspended an eviction notice given to the customs agents. He said that FAAN had agreed to relocate the agents, having realised the
prominent roles they play in generating revenue for the government. Dati said that the authority had also agreed to establish a cargo village for agents in the airport’s master plan. He also said that FAAN was set to relocate all fuel tankers parked within the vicinity of the access gate of the Airport. According to the general manager, the fuel tankers will be relocated to a safer location along the airport road. “The present location does not only pose a security risk, but it impedes traffic during peak periods. “Since we are in agreement with them and have had several meetings with them, the plan is still ongoing and we shall surely move them,” he said. He explained that the plan
to relocate the tankers followed a series of meetings with the stakeholders, including oil companies. Dati, however, debunked the allegation that the Bureau de Change operators still operated at the car park of the MMIA. He said that those of them operating legally were relocated to designated places, while the illegal ones were told to stop operation.
Illegal Dues: Taskforce
Arrests 46 Suspects By RAHEEM IBRAHIM
LAGOS - No fewer than 46 suspected touts who collected illegal dues from commuter bus drivers
Students Union Appeal LAGOS -The National To Fashola Governor Babatunde Fashola on the celebration of his 2200 Union of Lagos State School Fees:
Students (NULASS) has appealed to the State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola to make education more accessible to the indigenes of the State by paying their full school fees of N250, 000: 00 directly to the management of the Lagos State University (LASU). The appeal, which was contained in a release from NULASS National Secretariat and signed by the National President and LASU President, Mr. Medemaku Abayomi and Mr. Adeyemi
Onikoro respectively, added that the body would not mind even if their request involves the suspension of both bursary and scholarship to indigene students in LASU. It noted that since Lagos State University (LASU) is the heritage of the indigenes, the cost of education should be made more affordable by the state government to the average Lagosian in order not to mortgage the future of the State which the youth represents. While rejoicing with
Bode Sowande Theatre Company in a play titled ‘Mammy water’s wedding’ to mark world environment day in Lagos recently
days in Office, the students, however, thanked him for his magnanimous approval of the payment of N80, 000: 00 bursary to Lagos indigenes in LASU to cushion the effect of the N250, 000: 00 school fees paid by the students. The National Union of Lagos State Students (NULASS) is the only indigenous State Union of Lagos State Students, comprising of students from the Five Divisions of the State with a membership of 285, 000 students in various institutions in Nigeria.
A man working on a high power tension on airport road in Benin City. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.
outside motor parks in Lagos have been arrested by officials of the State Taskforce on environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit. They were arrested along Ikorodu Road, between Mile 12 and Agric Bus stop area of Lagos State while perpetrating the illegal act. Some of those arrested were said to be members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), who collected dues from commuter bus drivers outside their motor
parks. The Taskforce officials used under-cover vehicles while carrying out the operation to rid the state of touts who collect dues outside motor parks. The Taskforce Chairman, Bayo Sulaiman, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said a knife was recovered from one of the touts warning that collection of dues outside motor parks must stop. “They should stop collecting illegal dues from commercial vehicles outside the parks. They left
the road before and are now back and we shall go after them,” he said. Those arrested were charged to the Special Court in Alausa in accordance with the laws of the state. Those convicted were sentenced to 50 hours community service, such as cleaning drains, sweeping the toilet and some places, which they would carry out today at Oshodi. The Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2012 prohibits collection of dues by unions and others outside their motor parks.
Experts Wants Health Counselling For Prison Inmates LAGOS- Experts have suggested the provision of mental, health counselling and treatment for inmates of prisons nationwide to stem the rate of mental and physical illnesses. They told newsmen in Lagos that the prevalence of mental illness and lack of access to health care among the inmates had become worrisome. The experts, including a medical practitioner, Dr Jude Iromba, urged governments to initiate policies that would keep the inmates in good physical and mental conditions. Iromba said that prisons in the country were congested, unkempt and nonreformatory.
Iromba said that due to lack of structured educational system, rehabilitation or medical care, prison inmates were affected psychologically and health wise. “Environment affects peoples‘ psychology. When people live in dirty and enclosed place awaiting trial for years, with high level of hopelessness, they tend to develop mental and physical illnesses. “If the environment is terribly inhuman, there is no way people will not have psychological and health problems,” he said. Iromba urged governments to train and deploy psychologists, psychiatrists and physicians
to prisons. Dr Adejoke Oyatokun, a psychologist at the Lagos State University (LASU), said that the state of the prisons could cause aggression, tension and psychosomatic complaints. Oyatokun said that some inmates exhibited suicidal attempts, hallucinations, self-harming attempts and low mood. She said that some conditions such as depression and bipolar disorders being experienced by some inmates were chronic and could not be cured, but managed. According to her, regular physical and mental health counselling should be provided for the inmates to help them cope with life in prisons and stay healthy.
THE NIGERIAN
8
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
North
Ansar-Ud-Deen Confers Award On Sambo, 34 Others
SOKOTO- Hajiya Amina Sambo, the wife of the vice president, was among 35 distinguished Nigerians conferred with merit awards by the northern states council of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria. Reports say that the award , was received on Sambo’s behalf by the Sokoto State women affairs commissioner, Hajiya Kulu Nuhu, at the association’s 6th Triennial Congress held in Sokoto. It was also reported that Sambo, who donated N1 million to the society, said “I will continue to cherish this honour and it will spur me to do more.’’
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Lagos, Alhaji Munnir Bankole, who was among the awardees, also pledged to continue to support the cause of Islam, the society and the entire country. Bankole, who also donated N500,000 to the council, dedicated the honour to his family, staff and colleagues and promised to continue to give the association the necessary support. ‘Wealthy individuals, irrespective of any religious, political, cultural or ethnic
“Wealth is not only for us and our families alone; rather, it is for the common good of all. affinities, should continue to He stressed the need for assist the less privileged wealthy individuals to members of society. complement government’s
efforts at providing basic social needs of the people,’’ he said. Prof. AbdulGaniyu Salawu of the Faculty of Education and Extension Services, Usman Danfodiyo University,
Sokoto, who chaired the occasion, explained that the awards were in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the awardees to the society, Islam and the country in general.
Muslim Faithfuls Hold Special Prayer DUTSE- An estimated two million Muslim faithful in Dutse, Jigawa, participated in a special prayer session for peace, unity and prosperity in the country. The prayer session, held was part of the five-day activity organised for the 27th Maulaud celebration to commemorate the birth of Sheik Ibrahim Nyass, a famous leader of the Tijjaniya Islamic movement. Muslims faithful from within and outside the country attended the prayer session held at the Dutse Triangle Square.
Kebbi Varsity
Emir Commends Jonathan BIRNIN KEBBI- The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashar, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for approving the establishment of a federal university in Kebbi. Bashar, who is also the Chairman, Kebbi Council of Chiefs, was speaking in Birnin Kebbi when Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, the Minister of Education, paid him courtesy visit. He said the establishment was in fulfilment of the president’s campaign promise, adding that “the fulfilment of that promise was historic.” The emir gave an assurance that the traditional institution in the state would support the university, especially in instilling ethical and moral values in the students. He decried poor quality teaching, especially at the primary school level, and stressed the need to emphasise quality education. The minister had commended the emir for the interest shown in the development of education. he said that the Federal Government earmarked N1.5 billion as initial grant to the university and another N1.1 billion budgeted for the construction of hotels. The minister said the university would commence academic programmes next year.
Malam Ahmad Inyass, who led the congregation, prayed for peaceful co-existence among the people for sustainable social and economic development. “We pray to Allah to give us peace, enrich our wealth in agriculture and the general economy of the country”. Inyass admonished Muslims to be upright, honest and dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah in accordance with the teachings of Islam. He also counselled Muslims to be guided by the teachings of the Quar’an and traditions of Prophet Muhammad and commended the state government for its support to the group. Reports say participants in the prayer session included the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa and his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud, and Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi. Others were renowned Islamic scholars, Alhaji Isiyaku Rabiu, Sheik Dahiru Usman Bauchi as well as Muslim faithful from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Niger, Senegal and Republic of Benin.
Bauchi State Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Bappah Azare (left), with the Vice Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Prof. Muhammadu Hamisu during a courtesy call by the Vice Chancellor in Bauchi weekend.
Aviation Stakeholder Hails Planned Intervention Fund SOKOTO- Alhaji Munir Bankole, the Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Lagos, has commended the Federal Government for its proposed Aviation Sector Intervention Fund. Bankole told newsmen in Sokoto that the aim of this “laudable” intervention by the Federal Government was to make the airports more active and vibrant by providing modern aircraft to cover more domestic airports across Nigeria . Speaking shortly after he was conferred with a merit award by the Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, northern states council, also commended the Federal
Government for the ongoing reforms in the aviation sector. He specifically hailed the rehabilitation and modernization of the nation’s airports, saying: “This would make them more
befitting .’’ ‘’The entire nation’s airspace is now being covered by radar and this is a very good omen for the aviation sector, its operators, all the stakeholders and Nigerian
citizens.’’ On Hajj, Bankole underscored the need for all the contracting airlines to deliver the required services diligently and with the fear of God.
Disengaged Workers Demand Salary they were being owed over N715 GEMBU (TARABA) Arrears million outstanding salaries and Workers of the former Nigeria Beverages Production Company in Gembu, Taraba, have appealed to the state government to pay the 54 months’ salary arrears owned them. Mr. Friday Arisu, the spokesman for the workers, made the appeal when they visited the
Paramount Ruler of Mambilla, Dr Shehu Audu Baju I. He told the traditional ruler that more than 241 staff of the company were disengaged following the acquisition of the tea factory by the Taraba Government in 2012. Arisu said the staff were retired as the company was renamed Mambilla Beverages Nigeria Ltd without paying them their retirement benefits even when
allowances. “The entire staff have spent their years serving the company which survived turbulent years up to the time it was acquired by the Taraba Government only for us to be laid off without paying our entitlements” Arisu said. The group, therefore, urged the traditional ruler to intervene so that the affected workers could start a new life to earn a living.
Gombe Donates Relief Materials To Victims Of Wukari Crisis
Procession by management and Academic Staff of Plateau Polytechnic during the matriculation of 2012/2013 students of the polytechnic at Barkin-Ladi in Jos weekend.
JALINGO- The Gombe State Government has donated relief materials to victims of the recent sectarian crisis in Wukari, Taraba State. Presenting the materials to the Taraba State Ag. Governor Garba Umar in Jalingo, the Gombe State Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Jalo Bajoga, explained that the government and people of Gombe State were touched by the crisis. Bajoga, who said he was in Jalingo to represent Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, explained the people of the two states shared the same ancestors and
that what affected one, also affected the other. He prayed for calm and sustained prayers to ensure lasting peace in not only Taraba, but also the entire region. In his remarks, Ag. Governor described Dankwambo as “true brother”, said the crisis in Wukari was unfortunate and gave an assurance that measures had been put in place to avert future reccurrence of the carnage. Garba said that the relief materials, which comprised 600 bags of rice and 300 cups of maize, had come handy and would go a long way in assisting the victims of the crisis.
THE NIGERIAN
9
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Across The Nation Residents Defy MASSOB’s Sit At Home Order ENUGU -Residents of SouthEast states on Saturday defied the directive of MASSOB to sit at home in protest against the killing of Igbo people in the North by the Boko Haram sect. The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) had issued the directive to residents in the states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. The Newsmen report that commercial activities did not commence early in the morning. across the five states. In Imo, the residents went about their normal businesses in spite of the MASSOB directive, following a directive by the state government. The Commissioner for Information in Imo, Mr. Chinedu Offor, had in a statement, urged the people to ignore the directive and go about their normal businesses. Also in Abakaliki, the markets were open and people carried on their normal businesses. Chief Basil Akilo, a businessman, said, “It is difficult for people to forsake their business activities for a cause which would not have direct impact on them.” DSP Sylvester Igbo, the Ebonyi Police Command Public Relations Officer, said although individuals or groups had the right to express their views, it should not constitute a threat to public peace. “We have, therefore, stationed our officers at strategic positions of the town and other parts of the state to forestall the breakdown of law and order. “We call on the citizens to go about their businesses without fear and report suspicious persons or movements to security agencies,” Igbo said. In Umuahia, armed policemen and other security agencies, paraded major streets. Some traders, who opened their shops, said they did so because of the tight security provided in the state capital. Mr. Geoffery Ogbonna, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, told Newsmen that the police adopted a proactive approach to neutralise the MASSOB directive. “Our aim was to nip their intention in the bud to ensure that residents carried out their normal activities. “That was a proactive measure which we carried out,” he said. In Aba, the commercial city of Abia, business activities did not commence early in the morning
as shops opened about noon even in the ever busy Asa-Park Road axis. Mr. John Nwiwu, a motor park worker, said that he and some others had to wait till their colleagues who came on surveillance reported back. “Right now you can see that the park is full. It was not so some hours ago. “Our people stayed at home until some of our men who came out to see what was happening reported back to us on phone that there was no problem. “Now everybody is here and passengers are being moved to all the destinations that buses and taxis in this park go to,” he said. But in Onitsha, Anambra, security operatives dispersed MASSOB members, who came out to make bon-fires on major roads of the commercial town. Newsmen report that more than 200 policemen supported by detachments of the army and navy were stationed in strategic locations in the town. Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, a chieftain of Ohaneze in Anambra, said the signs of compliance with the directive noticed in the town were due to fear instilled in the people. “Brave people among the people went out and nobody molested or waylaid anyone,’’ he said. However in Awka, the Anambra capital, there was low human and vehicular traffic. Although the city was calm, the popular Enugu-Onitsha road was deserted. At Eke-Awka Market, the major market in the town, shops remained shut as the vigilance group in-charge of security in the market did not allow traders to gain entry into the facility. There were bon-fires at OyeAgu Junction but Newsmen learnt that the MASSOB members were dispersed by security operatives. A resident, Mr. Chuma Ndukaife, said he did not want to risk going out because of the uncertainty of the security situation. “I cannot go out because I am confused with the different statements. “MASSOB said we should be indoors and the government said otherwise but as you can see, the streets are empty,’’ he said. The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, said the sit-athome directive failed since there was vehicular and human movement throughout the state.
Embrace Agriculture, Monarch Urges Youths
L-R: District Head of Yabo, Alhaji Muhammad Maiturare; National Secretary, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdullateef Karim and its National Welfare Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani at the opening of the 6th Triennial Congress of the Northern States Council of the Ansaru-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria in Sokoto weekend.
A cross-section of Women delegates at the opening of the 6th Triennial Congress of the Northern States Council of the Ansaru-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria in Sokoto weekend.
Imam Seeks Peace Among Nigerians ABUJA -The Deputy Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura, has called on Nigerians irrespective of religious creed to preach peace
Debt: Bank Threatens LG Boss EKET (AKWA IBOM) Access Bank Plc, Eket branch, has threatened to seize the property of Mr. Aniekan Akpan, the Eket Local Government Chairman, over an alleged debt of N10 million. In a statement made available to Newsmen in Eket the bank’s lawyer, Mr. Ben Ndedde, said the chairman obtained the loan in December 2008. The statement said Intercontinental Bank, which was acquired by Access Bank, granted a loan of N4.5 million to Akpan boss through his
company, Trading as Fast Service Nigeria Enterprise. It said that the inability of Akpan to pay off the loan within the stipulated period resulted in an increment in the interest rate. “The accumulation of the interest had resulted in the upsurge in the amount initially borrowed to the whopping sum of over N10 million. “We have judgment against Trading as Fast Service Nigeria Enterprise, it is an enterprise owned by the present chairman of Eket Local Government Area. “Before going to court, the
PORT HARCOURT -A first class traditional ruler in Rivers, Eze Robinson, has urged youths to engage in agriculture to cushion the effects of unemployment in the country. Robinson, who is the traditional ruler of Ekpeye kingdom in Ahoada local government, made the call in an interview with Journalists in Port Harcourt. He enjoined youth to embrace agriculture as a means of livelihood instead of engaging in crime and other vices. “Idleness does not mean that you should commit crime, idleness should not give you licence to commit crime. “Nobody should be idle; there is something for everybody to do; there are palm trees in the bush; there are large farm lands for people to farm. “People farm plantain and banana in my area, a lot of youths are building houses through plantain and banana farming. “Anybody who is committing crime because of idleness is just a criminal and has no excuse for doing so.’’ The traditional ruler said he would not give room to criminality or cultism in his domain. Robinson said he had handed quite a number of youths who hid under the guise of unemployment to commit crime and indulge in cultism to the law enforcement agencies. “I had once sent several youths to prison through the law enforcement agencies; the youths know my stand when it comes to fighting crime in my domain. ‘’Recently, youths in my domain have embraced selfdiscipline, because my administration does not tolerate indiscipline among youths.” He, however, urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for small and medium-scale businesses to thrive in the country, to check idleness amongst youths.
bank had written repeatedly and brought to his attention that he is owing Access Bank and that he should pay the money,’’ the statement said. It said that the bank is determined to enforce the judgment, adding that the bank had obtained a court order to seize the chairman’s personal property. However, Akpan disagreed with the position of the bank that he was indebted to it. He said the claim was a ploy by his detractors to malign his well earned integrity.
and work for the unity of the nation. Onilewura made the call in Abuja at the 11th Executive Walimatul-Quran and Merit Award of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Academy. The Imam, who delivered a lecture titled, ‘Reading the Quran: Living in Peace’, emphasised the need for peace and unity for the country to develop. He described Islam as a religion of peace and urged Muslims to live by the dictates of the Quran. “The word, Islam, connotes peace, according to the tradition of Prophet Muhammad ‘Peace is Islam’ this means that peace is one of the prerequisites of Islam,’’ he said.
He stressed the need for Muslims to read and understand the Quran properly to pave way for better society and a prosperous nation. “The Quran, avers that reconciliation is best (Q4:128), and judging by the consequences, the way of peace is far better than that of confrontation. “Allah has decreed that success will be met with only on a reconciliatory part, and not on confrontational or violent course,’’ he said. Onilewura urged Muslim and Nigerian leaders to always follow the path of peace as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad. Earlier, Chief Imam Of AlHabibiyyah Academy, Imam Fuad Adeyemi said the Quran Studies programme by the
academy was aimed at building a better society. He said Al-Habiyyah had been working hard through its various programmes, such as its Zakat Foundation, to build a peaceful and righteous society. He said the Al-Habibiyyah Zakat (Islamic Charity) Foundation had disbursed over N250 million to 300 categories of beneficiaries since March 2010 when it was founded. “We are pleased to see many people becoming business owners through this scheme,” he said. The event was witnessed by Islamic scholars, the academia and government functionaries. A total of 89 students received certificates for completing various courses in Quran and Arabic studies.
THE NIGERIAN
10
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Business + Economy Senator Blames Insurgency On Bad Governance ILORIN -The Chairman, Senate Committee on New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD), Sen. Simeon Ajibola, in Ilorin blamed insurgency in the African continent on bad governance and economic instability. Ajibola, representing Kwara South Senatorial District, told newsmen that there was also the need for improved quality education for African youths in order to stem the rising wave of violence. “Bad governance, low level of education and economic instability are the major challenges confronting Nigeria and other African countries, as well as being the root causes of insurgency,’’ he said. The senator said available information has shown that a group outside Africa, the AlQueda, which is generally against western influence has penetrated some parts of the continent. “This is because of low level of education”, he said. On the menace of robbery, Ajibola appealed to the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Eruku-Egbe road linking Kwara and Kogi. He said this would help to stem incessant robbery incidents on the road. “The road has become a nightmare for motorists as a result of robbery incidents which occur on the route on daily basis,’’ the senator said.
Ogun Declares June 12 Public Holiday
L-R: Economic Officer, U.S. Embassy, Sarah Johnson; Environmental Officer, Mr. Azeez Olorunsola; President, Nigeria Quintessential Business Women Association, Shimite Katung and Environment Officer, A.U. Commission, Dr. Victor Fodeke at the launch of the face of the Earth Africa Brand Stream on Global Warming in Abuja recently.
UPN Registration
Fasheun Explains Delay LAGOS -The proposed Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) has said that it would take a longer period for it to meet the registration requirements of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), The Founder of the UPN, Dr. Frederick Fasheun, disclosed this to journalists
in Lagos while reacting to the delay by INEC in the registration of the party. “The UPN is very much on ground. If INEC was not going to register the party, it would not have collected one million naira from us. “They would also not have issued us a receipt. “All we need to do now is to fulfil their conditions and
Jonathan Has Constitutional Right To Run For Second Term - Fasheun LAGOS -The Founder of the O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasheun, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan has a constitutional right to run for a second term in office. Fasheun told newsmen that the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly only recently acknowledged the right of Jonathan to seek two terms in Office, as provided for in the Constitution. Reports show that controversy had trailed the third conference of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) held on May 20, at the Eko Hotels in Lagos. The leaders at the Conference had been accused of unanimously endorsing Jonathan for the 2015 presidential polls. “The Forum only acknowledged that the President has the
ABEOKUTA -Ogun Government has declared June 12 a public holiday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election believed to have been won by late Chief MKO Abiola. This is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, issued in Abeokuta. It said the holiday would enable people to further appreciate the watershed that the annulled election represented, particularly as it served as the forebear of the current democracy which the country now enjoyed. It said that during the anniversary, now known as
constitutional rights to contest in 2015,” Fasheun told newsmen in Lagos. “The SNPA was attended by credible leaders of Southern Nigeria. These leaders cannot but say the truth about the constitutional rights of the President. “However, Nigerians also have a right to decide either to vote for him or not, but we cannot deny him his right. “Every Nigerian has the right to his or her constitutional rights; the constitution is an unbiased arbiter,” he said. Fasheun said that the issue of Jonathan running in 2015 was a matter of the right granted to all Nigerian citizens by the constitution. On the issue of zoning, Fasheun, who is also the Interim National Chairman for the resuscitation of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), said that the party had not taken a position on that. The UPN was founded by
the late Pa Obafemi Awolowo in 1978. He said that though he personally disapproved of zoning, the UPN does not have an official position on it as yet.
you cannot fulfil those conditions in just one hour,” Fasheun said. He added that if the group was eventually registered, it would introduce ‘pervasive democracy’ to the people. “We don’t want to introduce Lagos or Abuja democracy to the people, but a pervasive democracy that takes time,” Fasheun said. The party leader said the new UPN believed in the four cardinal points, as enunciated by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, “and as a dynamic platform, it will seek to improve upon them, to enable Nigerians to cope adequately with the challenges of today”. He said the party would
also enunciate “social justice, a fair democracy, free purposeful education at all levels and mass housing, among others”.
Democracy Day, the government would host a Democracy Walk and rally in Abeokuta. According to the statement, participants will include workers, students, market women and men, artisans, members of civil society, prodemocracy groups and nongovernmental organisations. It said the walk would begin at 7. 30 a.m. from the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto and move through Oke Ilewo, Lalubu Road, newly-constructed IbaraSokori-Totoro Road to Enugada/Lafenwa to Ago Ika, OkeIdo. Its first stop will be at the family house of late Abiola in Oja Igbo where Governor Ibikunle Amosun will lead others to pay homage to the family of the late politician. According to the statement, from Abiola’s family house, the crowd will move to Odo Oyo, Itoku, Sapon, Ago Oko, Ake, Isale Ake, Oke Ejigbo, Ijaye, Iyana Mortuary to Abiola Way back to MKO Stadium where the governor will address the public. It advised motorists who must travel along the route slated for the walk to be conscious of human traffic expected on the roads.
FRSC Begins Special ABUJA -The FRSC has Patrol begun a nationwide special patrol as part of strategies to reduce road traffic accidents during the rains. A statement issued by Mr Jonas Agwu, the FRSC’s Public Education Officer, said the week-long exercise, tagged “Operation Rainstorm”, would focus on strict enforcement of traffic rules. “The enforcement will be on number plate violations such as covering of number plates with plastic, use of Peace Ambassador number plates and use of plastic number plates.
The representative of the President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Oyewole (middle), inducting new members of the Institute in Abuja recently.
The exercise will also focus on the use of broken and defaced number plates which negated the National Road Traffic Regulations 2004. The statement also said that speed limit violation, overloading, dangerous driving, driver’s licence violation, non-use of the passenger manifest by some fleet operators and light sign violations were other areas to be addressed during the period. It said that in addition, there would be robust public enlightenment campaigns as well as inspection of fleet and certification under the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme. It said the programme would be done through massive deployment of personnel, patrol vehicles, motorcycles, ambulances and tow trucks along designated routes and highways across the country. It would recalled that a similar exercise in May, witnessed a 24 percent reduction in road crashes and 70 per cent increase in the number of traffic offenders arrested and arraigned before mobile courts. The statement warned motorists to comply with all traffic rules and regulations as violators would be prosecuted.
THE NIGERIAN
11
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(10/06/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
LIVESTOCK
5.94
6.53
0.59
172
7,589,832
48,525,958.93
7UP
52.5
52.5
0
16
31,548
1,690,869.40
MANSARD
2.4
2.25
-0.15
20
947,000
2,115,812.20
ABCTRANS
1
1
0
16
3,117,174
3,105,070.00
MAYBAKER
2.8
2.8
0
32
573,644
1,628,267.10
0.5
0.5
0
1
8,000
4,000.00
ACADEMY
1.75
1.92
0.17
13
398,686
758,603.70
MBENEFIT
ACCESS
11.7
11.54
-0.16
348
44,009,913
511,584,899.50
MCNICHOLS
2
2.08
0.08
10
330,502
674,760.46
AFRIPRUD
1.81
1.81
0
45
458,112
827,235.57
MOBIL
119
119
0
19
26,822
3,171,204.50
AGLEVENT
1.58
1.48
-0.1
12
559,803
854,020.79
MRS
16.7
16.7
0
14
13,086
225,224.20
AIICO
0.96
1
0.04
59
4,445,219
4,404,360.76
MULTITREX
0.5
0.5
0
3
21,940
11,040.40
AIRSERVICE
4.52
4.52
0
4
75,400
338,565.00
MULTIVERSE
0.5
0.5
0
1
40,000
20,000.00
ASHAKACEM
27
28.5
1.5
72
1,712,028
47,361,859.95
NAHCO
7.8
7.71
-0.09
60
981,946
7,495,142.63
AVONCROWN
1.9
1.9
0
1
52
88.92
NASCON
12
12.15
0.15
70
3,711,191
44,395,362.91
178
177
-1
223
1,464,030
259,954,636.21
BERGER
9.46
9.46
0
10
57,918
579,438.10
NB
BETAGLAS
10
10
0
3
21,300
213,213.60
NCR
18.7
18.7
0
1
20
411.2
BOCGAS
7.5
7.5
0
3
10,400
83,024.00
NEIMETH
1.25
1.37
0.12
12
497,950
682,191.50
CADBURY
57.05
57
-0.05
123
4,269,615
225,597,765.64
NEM
0.8
0.82
0.02
40
3,097,004
2,474,904.17
CAP
59.89
59.89
0
52
179,270
10,659,255.72
NESTLE
1075.17
1070
-5.17
117
481,946
515,565,350.23
CCNN
10.67
10.6
-0.07
30
434,894
4,582,378.79
NIGERINS
0.5
0.5
0
3
1,442,307
721,153.50
CHAMPION
4.84
5.32
0.48
3
1,058,333
5,206,831.70
NNFM
25.91
25.91
0
6
30,116
848,033.31
1.09
1.09
0
9
310,871
338,849.39
CHAMS
0.5
0.5
0
1
3,000
1,500.00
NPFMCRFBK
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
10
562,238
281,119.00
OANDO
15.4
15.07
-0.33
195
2,804,334
42,536,371.30
CONOIL
24
24
0
17
72,335
1,810,610.86
OKOMUOIL
51.04
51
-0.04
99
1,292,615
66,068,169.32
CONTINSURE
1.28
1.25
-0.03
20
2,274,695
2,803,584.00
PAINTCOM
1.4
1.4
0
3
18,620
27,188.60
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
8
355,000
177,500.00
PREMBREW
0.68
0.68
0
2
633
468.42
COSTAIN
1.36
1.49
0.13
52
3,186,135
4,624,103.06
PRESCO
34
34
0
46
278,130
10,040,722.54
COURTVILLE
0.77
0.79
0.02
17
1,069,001
829,470.75
PRESTIGE
0.65
0.65
0
12
230,800
141,918.05
CUSTODYINS
1.75
1.8
0.05
28
2,228,020
3,859,432.81
PZ
52.98
52.98
0
67
250,591
13,375,314.87
CUTIX
2
2.18
0.18
17
511,200
1,084,696.00
REDSTAREX
4.79
4.79
0
18
163,520
776,437.98
0.5
0.5
0
1
25,000
12,500.00
DAARCOMM
0.5
0.5
0
6
19,829
9,914.50
REGALINS
DANGCEM
210
210
0
159
256,591,249
45,960,862,981.91
ROYALEX
0.6
0.66
0.06
22
1,677,100
1,086,711.16
DANGFLOUR
9.51
9.5
-0.01
56
1,828,355
17,380,376.84
RTBRISCOE
1.87
1.9
0.03
23
299,201
566,784.59
DANGSUGAR
10.75
11.6
0.85
200
18,587,199
209,990,076.28
SKYEBANK
4.8
4.99
0.19
159
18,786,758
91,924,895.56
DIAMONDBNK
6.8
6.8
0
67
2,670,912
18,126,693.24
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
2
4,000
2,000.00
DNMEYER
1.68
1.68
0
2
7,400
11,467.00
STANBIC
17.15
16.4
-0.75
54
930,894
15,271,773.35
ETERNA
3.99
3.99
0
47
1,132,600
4,439,231.18
STERLNBANK
2.75
2.7
-0.05
85
7,791,057
21,374,713.85
ETI
16
15.82
-0.18
84
712,827
11,371,223.04
TANTALIZER
0.5
0.5
0
1
41,220
20,610.00
1.32
1.32
0
1
74
88.06
ETRANZACT
3.47
3.47
0
3
2,403
7,521.39
THOMASWY
EVANSMED
3.09
3.35
0.26
28
3,401,940
9,571,278.34
TOTAL
166
165
-1
16
255,735
42,189,036.04
FBNH
18.24
18.44
0.2
717
36,229,608
669,625,051.58
TRANSCORP
1.3
1.3
0
141
16,075,890
20,899,019.08
FCMB
4.99
4.99
0
62
2,920,164
14,497,477.77
UAC-PROP
15.22
15.22
0
19
99,513
1,553,025.21
FIDELITYBK
3.14
3.29
0.15
185
32,577,412
102,897,706.71
UACN
60.15
59.2
-0.95
52
453,185
26,820,679.03
FIDSON
2.22
2.44
0.22
213
21,782,371
52,985,978.36
UBA
8.7
9.07
0.37
492
32,804,445
296,753,481.99
FLOURMILL
95.16
95.16
0
61
240,631
25,030,681.74
UBCAP
1.25
1.2
-0.05
55
1,341,139
1,627,662.55
13.09
14.39
1.3
155
2,054,017
29,208,272.90
FO
15.4
15.4
0
24
72,439
1,227,116.66
UBN
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
3
16,900
8,450.00
UNILEVER
67.94
67
-0.94
57
1,377,423
92,061,301.48
GLAXOSMITH
68
68
0
23
102,464
6,850,128.70
UNITYBNK
0.64
0.67
0.03
81
9,863,613
6,441,636.31
GNI
0.55
0.55
0
9
1,211,600
613,380.00
UNIVINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
2
9,019,705
4,509,852.50
GUARANTY
28.2
28.3
0.1
369
8,969,194
253,628,562.62
UPL
5.55
5.55
0
8
98,400
538,344.50
GUINNESS
277
288
11
71
279,706
78,061,049.28
UTC
0.76
0.77
0.01
6
57,945
44,643.40
HONYFLOUR
3.3
3.4
0.1
82
2,362,840
8,085,236.69
VITAFOAM
3.69
3.75
0.06
39
1,655,019
6,205,251.12
IHS
2
2
0
7
101,215,932
202,431,864.00
WAPCO
99.1
99
-0.1
76
1,202,897
119,214,999.64
IKEJAHOTEL
0.93
1.02
0.09
24
3,084,380
3,064,778.40
WAPIC
0.91
0.97
0.06
13
991,567
930,748.44
1.18
1.2
0.02
26
2,522,187
2,967,057.04
22.8
22.79
-0.01
414
28,268,251
644,283,938.04
INTBREW
25.9
25.9
0
31
207,773
5,225,858.50
WEMABANK
INTERLINK
4.9
4.9
0
1
21
92.61
ZENITHBANK
IPWA
0.6
0.66
0.06
3
94,300
61,523.00
JAPAULOIL
0.56
0.54
-0.02
69
2,628,194
1,429,983.43
Stock
Close
Gain
Stock
JBERGER
56
60.5
4.5
25
208,939
12,534,001.23
JOHNHOLT
1.44
1.44
0
8
50,910
71,555.00
JOSBREW
1.25
1.25
0
8
290,100
362,725.00
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
2
355,000
177,500.00
LEARNAFRCA
1.8
1.8
0
5
26,498
44,881.62
GUINNESS JBERGER ASHAKACEM UBN DANGSUGAR LIVESTOCK CHAMPION UBA EVANSMED FIDSON
288 60.5 28.5 14.39 11.6 6.53 5.32 9.07 3.35 2.44
11 4.5 1.5 1.3 0.85 0.59 0.48 0.37 0.26 0.22
NESTLE NB TOTAL UACN UNILEVER STANBIC OANDO ETI ACCESS MANSARD
TOP 10 GAINERS
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Close 1070 177 165 59.2 67 16.4 15.07 15.82 11.54 2.25
Loss -5.17 -1 -1 -0.95 -0.94 -0.75 -0.33 -0.18 -0.16 -0.15
THE NIGERIAN
12
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
THE crushing poverty level in today’s Nigeria has become so overwhelming that over 70 percent of Nigerians have unwittingly bowed to the pangs of biting hardship. POVERTY is today a generic term and has been so since attempts at its classification by various study and academic groups with Non Governmental organizations (NGOs) ever more vehement and critical on the problems associated with large scale poverty and ways to improve the economic status of those classified in the group. SOCIAL scientists in attempt at plausible stratification and definition of the term find it necessary to contrast it with such opposite terms as richness, wealth, comfort, affluence and the likes as the terms carry inherent semantic undertones that most climes solicit sympathy, empathy and compassion from those afflicted with the plague which poverty has come to symbolise. HOWEVER, by daily interactions within society and among communities and nations, it is clear that poverty has striking universal perception and similarities because of its cross country feature and characteristics. The basic feature being that people suffer hunger and deprivation with not enough to eat, lack shelter and clothing as well as basic necessities required for human existence. FOR instance, the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights aptly sums up poverty as a “human condition characterized by the sustained or chronic deprivation of the resources, capabilities choices, security and power necessary for the enjoyment of all adequate standard of living and other civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights”. THERE is, as a result, conscious efforts by many organizations to mitigate time harsh effect of poverty which is more endemic in developing countries and many parts of Asia while in
THE
NIGERIAN
Unemployment And Poverty Burden Nigeria, government’s effort at providing palliatives and putting in place workable measures from some of its economic policies that cause poverty shocks are yet to yield the desired impact. IT is the concern for the world’s poor and to find solution to speeding poverty crisis that the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) is celebrated worldwide in order to push people up the ladder of comfort where health care, food, shelter, clothing’s among others are assured the citizenry without experiencing the pain of deprivation. IN Nigeria, however, government has put in place social programmes as National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies (NEEDS), the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to tackle problem of youth unemployment, a crucial poverty indicator among the socio cultural stratification. IT presents a sad scenario that despite several policy initiatives the menace of poverty is a staggering reality and may have accounted for the loophole in myriad of social vices, most notably are high incidence of armed robbery, kidnapping, corruption, advance fee fraud (419), prostitution Rings, human trafficking and “the likes perpetuated and perpetrated by the authors as the quickest route to scale the poverty barrier. THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its 2000/2001 Human, development
report on Nigeria, states that 70 per cent of Nigerians are in abject poverty while massive unemployment of people and the under utilization of resources are the order of the day. Since the report, nothing about the poverty level changed dramatically. IN assessing Nigeria’s poverty level, based on its oil wealth which it described as a mixed blessing, the report explained that it was not the oil resources that are the problem, but the management of those resources. A general overview of Nigeria’s poverty crisis indicates therefore that there is a fundamental problem which the Federal Government needs to identify and tackle in order to address the continuing poverty level in Nigeria. The NIGERIAN OSERVER urges the government to re-appraise some of its economic policies and those geared towards poverty eradication. Beside, it is remarkable that government insensitivity to suggestions put forward to it is increasing and is not being addressed as they should. A holistic reappraisal is therefore inevitable at all sectors of the economy and mitigating measures put in place if government is to succeed in it poverty eradication drive. IN the face of glaring discontent at the increasing poverty level, the World Bank proffered in its report that “oil and natural gas will generate continuing wealth for many years on which Nigeria can build, if it manages this wealth well. If it channels more of this wealth to the development of its people and to the productive use of its land and other resources, then Nigeria has a promising Future”. WE implore the Federal Government to continue to put policy measures in place to scale down poverty level. Corporate bodies and organisation can play a part by partnering with the various governments to alleviate poverty in the land.
THE NIGERIAN
13
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Continued from Part 2 TODAY, I conclude my series on “After Oshiomhole, What Next? In this piece, I identify the individual who meets the parameters outlined last week on this page, as those that must be met by anybody wishing to succeed Oshiomole as Governor of Edo State in 2016; the individual I believe has what it takes to receive the gauntlet from the present man on the job, when the time comes, and lead Edo State into another glorious dawn. While Philip II of Macedonia
(Dr) Pius Egberanmwen Odubu; a man who qualifies as a soldierhero in his own right. He is the man who has all the essential attributes required to succeed Adams Oshiomhole come 2016. Now that the suspense has been broken, I will proceed to state my reasons for given it to this man, out of the several other candidates eyeing the executive seat in Government House when its current occupant vacates it. Rt Hon (Dr) Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (BL) hails from Uhromehe in Urhonigbe
that mark that separates wheat from chaff; that insignia of greatness; that distinguishing label that draws the line between the ordinary and the special. True to the dictates of his hunches he went for the man he saw not just as a political ally, but as a potential brother and friend; somebody he could trust; somebody who was ready-made for the task at hand; somebody who had no qualms standing up to whatever challenges the – then – dilapidated project was bound to throw up; somebody
Cutting Edge With Obuseh Jude GSM: 08033510173
After Oshiomhole, What Next (3) was still king, he taught young Alexander the art of statecraft. The man, who later became Alexander the Great, the conqueror of Euro-Asia, and one of the most brilliant military strategists that ever lived, picked up most of his shrewdness from his dotting father, Philip, who knew the enormity the job of ruling a kingdom entailed, and sparred nothing in ensuring that the next person in line to succeed him was properly prepared to step into his great shoes. Alexander impressed Philip by always coming out on top of every challenge that was thrown his way. He proved himself to be an avid student, as well as a loyal follower. On several occasions when it seemed he would fail, he always found a way of emerging unscathed, scaling all the hurdles set before him, and confounding spectators, including his father, in the process. One particular incident that sparked off the legends that accompanied his later exploits was the Taming of Bucephalus, a wild Thessalian Strain. A horse dealer named Philonicus the Thessalian offered Bucephalus to King Philip for 13 talents, but the horse was so wild that no one could mount it. So, Philip challenged his son to mount the wild horse and subdue it; a seemingly impossible task that even the most skillful horsemen in the whole of Macedonia had failed to carry out. Alexander promised to pay for the horse himself if he failed to tame it, and went ahead to surprise all by matching his words with commensurate action by successfully mounting the horse and taming it. Philip was so impressed with the heroic deed of his son that he told the boy: “O my son, look thee out a kingdom equal to and worthy of thyself, for Macedonia is too little for thee”. With that singular act of valour, Alexander, at the tender age of thirteen, proved himself to his father and king, and cemented his position as a worthy heir to his father ’s throne, setting the precedent that would later define his glorious career, both as a statesman and military strategist. There is only one man in Edo State, who, within the ambits of this discourse, qualifies as the contemporary parallel of Alexander: He is no other person than the current Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon
North, in Orhionmwon Local Government area of Edo State. A family man with four children, he is a Barrister at law of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, having been called to the bar in 1986. He attended St Pius Primary School, Urhomehe, Immaculate Conception College, Benin City, in the defunct Bendel State, where he received a Scholarship Award from the then Benin Area Joint Board. In 1977, at the tender age of 19, young Pius proceeded to the United States of America, to further his education. While in God’s own Country, he attended Georgetown University Law Centre, Washington DC; Southern University School of Law, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Philandersmith College, Little Rock, Arkansas. Odubu holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in Law, a Masters of Law in International and Comparative Law, and a B.A (Hons) in Political Science. On returning to Nigeria in 1985, he proceeded straight to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, and was called to the bar in 1986. He is the recipient of several awards, amongst which are: College Marshall (Best Student), College of Arts and Humanities, Southern University, Baton Rouge Louisiana, USA, May, 1980; Managing Editor, Southern University Law Review; National Dean’s list (USA); Member Southern University School Law Moot; Member – WHO is WHO in American Universities; and several others too numerous to mention due to lack of space. With the return of democracy to the country in 1999, he ventured into politics, and won election into the Federal House of Representatives, representing Orhionmwon/Uhumwode Constituency of Edo State. He was returned again in 2003. During his stint in the National assembly, he worked under several Committees, and attracted several development projects to his Federal Constituency. All these he achieved before taking up his present assignment as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. Just like Philip II, Governor Oshiomhole, saw the spark of excellence in Pius Odubu before choosing him as his deputy; saw the mark of genius in this man;
ready to break the Gordian Knot of mind-bending poverty the state was knotted to; somebody who was ready to succeed against all the formidable odds that starred them in the face; a warrior who would not scamper for safety in the face of battle; a winner and conqueror in his own
garnered over the years from his several callings have adequately prepared him for the formidable tasks of leading a state as complex as Edo State. Like Alexander, Odubu has proven to be pacesetter in his own right, properly acquainting himself in every capacity he has
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State right. He saw these and even more before making up his mind on his choice of a deputy. Without mincing words, Odubu has all the requisite pedigree to step into Oshiomhole’s mighty shoes when the time comes, having being properly schooled in the art of politics. An ardent student of the utilitarian school of practical politics, the current Deputy Governor is in pole position to successfully take over from his present boss, and continue in the same stead that has seen Edo state metamorphose from a failed state into a prosperous hub of splendor. The lessons so far
being called to serve - both in the past and present. His highly impressive records are strewn everywhere for all perceptive minds to see: A distinguished academic vocation, a trailblazing legal profession, and a thriving political career that promises to spew out better things in the coming years. This man is roundly equipped to take up the challenges of safely and expertly captaining the ship of governance in Edo State, and take her to another era of boom. Odubu has displayed an atypical sense of humility; a rare trait among today’s politicians – especially public office holders – who, as soon as they get into
office, become puffed up with pride; assume god-like images that mere mortals are expected to revere. Not this man, who has remained as down to earth as is unusual with somebody occupying a high office in Nigeria. Both in his relations with his boss and the ordinary
that nothing good can come out of over ambition – out of a greedy overstretch that saps us of our humanity - vain pursuits that are as empty as they are worthless. It is this unity of purpose between these two men that have driven the groundbreaking feats the present administration has so far achieved - with more in the offing.
Dr. Pius Odubu, Deputy Governor of Edo State man on the streets, this man has maintained a demeanour that has sets him apart from the crowd. He has maintained a fluid, cordial and blissful relationship with his boss in his capacity as an assistant; a synergistic affair that has stood the test of time, resulting in the impressive results that have become the signature of this administration. Unlike the traditional practice in some states where deputies engage their bosses in wars of attrition, this man has stayed true and committed to his job description - never crossing the line of decency, nor engaging in any sterile personal pursuits. He is a team-player who believes
After Oshiomhole, let’s give it to Rt Hon (Dr) Egberanmwen Odubu! He can continue from where our Comrade Governor eventually stops and take us to a new dawn. He has proved his mettle over the years, and given the opportunity at a higher level, can bring his Midas touch to bear once again. Just like Alexander did when he expanded his father’s kingdom into the first global empire, this man has the will and sagacity to consolidate on the yeoman’s job Oshiomole has so far done across the state, and even take us to pastures new. Can he do it? Yes, he can! Concluded
“Alexander promised to pay for the horse himself if he failed to tame it, and went ahead to surprise all by matching his words with commensurate action by successfully mounting the horse and taming it. Philip was so impressed with the heroic deed of his son that he told the boy: “O my son, look thee out a kingdom equal to and worthy of thyself, for Macedonia is too little for thee”. With that singular act of valour, Alexander, at the tender age of thirteen, proved himself to his father and king, and cemented his position as a worthy heir to his father’s throne, setting the precedent that would later define his glorious career, both as a statesman and military strategist.”
THE NIGERIAN
14
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Nutritional Health And Dietetics
Health Secrets NERVOUS or depressed people are frequently addicted to foods that do harm to the skin. They reach for fats and sweets, in an effort to calm themselves or for coffee and chocolate, to try and boost their energy level. Addictions signals the presence of an imbalance trying to maintain itself. We must break the cycle of nervousness, depression and addictions that lead to low energy, poor digestion and more addiction. Cut Your Additions in half If you crave sweets, cut your pastries in half. I mean literally eat half of the doughnut. If it is cigarettes, cut them in half. No matter whether it is carbohydrates, cream sauce or chocolate – cut them in half. Then fill in the rest with one of the skin cleansers. Bitter cleansing herbs to reduce addictions and clear the skin, bitter cleansing herbs reduce sweet cravings and reduce impurities because, they cleanse the liver and blood. When your body is cleaner, you crave cleaner food. That is how additions work. They maintain our balance or imbalance. The trick is to develop healthy habits. The best herbs for cleaning the skin are diuretics, antiinflammatory, blood and lymph-cleansing etc. these work well because impurities leave the body through the best route of exit. If diaphoretic herbs and foods are used for example, Echinacea or honey – a rash will get worse. These sweet – increasing foods make acidic impurities leave the body through the skin. You can prevent or treat rashes by eliminating irritating foods and by adding herbal cleansers. Dandelion is a wonderful cleanser for the skin, blood and lymph system. An especially good combination for cleansing the skin is honey suckle (an antibiotic herb) along with dandelion twice a day.
Make sure you take yoghurt anytime you take antibiotic herbs. Sarsaparilla is a diuretic usually recommended because it reduces the itch of herpes, it is antiseptic and cooling. Sugar, salt, coffee and alcohol: No Taboos. Recommendations; Sugar: Don’t avoid it obsessively – but do go easy on high sugar foods. Salt: If you have or are at risk for developing high blood pressure, cut down on salt to minimise your risk. Coffee; if your blood cholesterol level is high, drink only drip filtered coffee or decaffeinated coffee to be on the safe side. Alcohol; One or two drinks a day is fine, but more is not better and there is no reason to start if you are not a drinker. These American favorites have been implicated in ills ranging from heart disease to juvenile delinquency. But they don’t deserve such a study reputation. Sugar; it has long been accused of causing diabetes, depression, obesity, hyper activity and even criminal behaviour. In fact, for most people, the only real problem sugar contributes to is tooth decay (ken, 1999). While sugar is not a nutritional demon, however, there are good reasons to eat it in moderation. Each year Stephen said that the average American eats tens of thousands of calories worth of sugars in candy, sweetened snacks, soft drink etc. These sugars provide empty calories that contribute energy but nothing else, and many sweet foods such as ice-cream and cookies are also, high in fat, which is a major player in weight gain. For these reasons, government guidelines continue to urge people to rein in their taste for sweets and our experts tend to agree. Salt; An anti-salt sentiment has been part of public –
health guidelines for decades. The sodium in salt is clearly a problem of about half of the 60 million people in the US. With high blood pressure whose blood pressure changes in response to the amount of sodium in their diet. Since sodium can also interfere with the action of blood – pressure drugs, even patients who aren’t naturally salt – sensitive may benefit from cutting down on salt if they are taking medication. National research council advises all Americans to reduce salt to 6
linked America’s favourite morning beverage to high blood – cholesterol levels, while other reports have failed to find a link. Studies showing the most consistent link between coffee and cholesterol have come from Norway, where people prepare coffee by boiling it. When researchers compare the effects of boiled coffee to filtered coffee, as several studies now have, only boiled coffee raises blood cholesterol. Apparently, filtering removes some still –
gram a day. While there’s no apparent harm in restricting salt intake as our experts suggest, medical consultants believe that cutting down on sodium is beneficial only for people who have hypertension or are at risk of developing it – those who have a family history of the disease or are overweight or elderly. Coffee; Over the past three decades some studies have
unidentified component that has potent cholesterol – raising effects. Most studies now show that moderate amount of filtered coffee up to five cups a day are safe. Our experts, agree that there is little evidence that drinking coffee – caffeinated or not increases the risk of coronary heart disease. A slight majority believes it would be ideal to limit caffeinated coffee to two cups a day, but
“The best herbs for cleaning the skin are diuretics, antiinflammatory, blood and lymph-cleansing etc. these work well because impurities leave the body through the best route of exit. If diaphoretic herbs and foods are used for example, Echinacea or honey – a rash will get worse. These sweet – increasing foods make acidic impurities leave the body through the skin.”
With
O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 that’s not an urgent goal for most people. You probably don’t need to skip coffee breaks unless caffeine gives you the jitters or you have medical problems such as stomach ulcers or an irregular heart beat. Alcohol; one of the most consistent research findings in the diet-health arena has the medical community in a quandary. It seems that having
recommended, people will think four or five are better say Peter Kwitero Vich chief of the lipid research and atherosclerosis unit at the John Hopkins school of medicine. He tells patients who already take one or two drinks a day that it probably won’t hurt and may indeed help. All our experts agree however, that pregnant women and people with
one or two alcoholic drinks a day reduces the risk of heart disease, alcohol appears to raise the levels of HDL cholesterol, the protective component of blood cholesterol that is difficult to improve by other dietary means. However, research has not been conducted to show that the raising HDL levels actually reduces heart disease risk. And alcohol abuse is a major public health problems. For this reasons, nobody is eager to advise the public to take up drinking for health. Although half of our experts believe there is strong evidence for the health benefits of moderate alcohol intake, virtually none recommend that people purposely start drinking even in moderation, to reduce heart disease risk. If a drink or two a day are
personal or family history of alcohol abuse should abstain. Vegetable and fruits; Eat all the various fruits and vegetables you can. There is nowhere you can get the injections of ant aging and antioxidant portions you get from eating fruits and vegetables. They are not trivial creations of nature, but mighty forces to be reckoned with. They posses countless known and unknown agents that transform your cells into fortresses against the free radical forces of aging. Remember, much of what we call aging is really a fruit and vegetable deficiency. Fruits and vegetables are parked with so many known and unknown anti-oxidants.
THE NIGERIAN
15
WHEN I was a child, my father Okhifo Omonokhua inculcated in me the strength of unity akin to the priestly prayer of Christ for unity: “Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they may be one like us” (John 17, 11). It is important that every Christian should read the whole of John 17 to feel the passion and flavour of this prayer. Jesus admonished the disciples to resist the temptation for selfish ambition, worldly gains, desire for power and vain glory. After the ascension of Jesus Christ, the unity of his community was threatened in the time of the apostles. This was occasioned by the admittance of the Gentiles into the Church. This led to the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). This Council was convoked by the apostles of Jesus. The disagreement between Peter and Paul (Galatians 2) was reconciled in such a way that none of the apostles saw the need to begin a separate Church to become a general overseer. St. Paul appealed to the Christians in Corith: “I urge you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, not to have factions among yourselves” (I Cor 1, 10). This appeal is most relevant in our world today. It is interesting to note that the Church in the time of the Apostles remained united and survived as one Church for a very long time and thereafter the divisions which may be summarised as follows: • The post Chalcedonian schism (about 470 AD) which gave rise to the Neophisite churches of the East. • The Great Schism of 1085, caused by an unfortunate quarrel between the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople over jurisdictions, which gave rise to the present Orthodox Churches, under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (Istanbul - Turkey). • Luther’s Protestant Reformation of the 16th century that gave rise to the split of what was left of the Church in the West into Catholics and Protestants. The Protestants have continued to split since then. The division in the Church was indeed a scandal and contradiction to the will of Christ (I Cor I, 13). Efforts to restore Christian unity by some separated Churches was conceived in 1910 but not much was achieved until 1961 when Christian bodies merged with the International Missionary Council to form the World Council of Churches (WCC). The Catholic Church declined membership and has remained a non-member until today, even though there is a lot of common reflection and action between the two bodies. The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) was formed as a Nigerian counterpart of the WCC. This was why the Catholic Church in Nigeria, following the position of Rome, did not join the CCN. In November 21, 1964, the Second Vatican Council came out with a document, “Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Reintegration’ to provide guidelines and principles for Ecumenism. On August 27, 1976, some Church Leaders of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Catholic Church in Nigeria arrived at the decision that they should form an organization to work together on common concerns. The Christian Association of Nigeria founded in 1976 was like an expanded form of the CCN plus the Catholic Church. Right from the beginning there were some other churches in Nigeria who did not belong to the two groups mentioned above. They were accommodated under the general vague title of “Others’. The “others” eventually became two groups within CAN, the
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
“Aladura Group of Churches” as they were called then, and the rest who came under the name of “evangelical fellowship”. These were the FOUR groups within CAN for a long time. It is only recently that the fifth group sought and was given an autonomous identity as Pentecostals. It is on record
BOTTOMLINE With Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua GSM: 08034006260
Ecumenical Dialogue! that their admission was not without a heated debate! Today, there are branches of CAN: Zonal, State and Local Government. CAN has Women and Youth Wings, a National Executive Council consisting of 105 members (which elects the President), and a General Assembly of 304 members (which ratifies the President’s election). The Motto of CAN was and remains: That they all may be one (John 17, 21). The founding fathers of CAN did not envisage that a time would come when a state CAN, would need a civil court to validate or invalidate an election as against the biblical injunction that Christians should settle their differences
internally to avoid scandal in secular courts. Perhaps some Christians have forgotten St. Paul’s exhortation: “With all humility and gentleness, and with patience, support each other
“CAN is not an army put in place to defend Christians against Muslims. Rather CAN is an association whose main objective is to promote unity among Christians and peaceful coexistence with people of other faith. This is the essence of the directorate of Inter-faith and Ecumenism of CAN. It is unfortunate that the present terrorism in Nigeria has become a major distraction to CAN who cannot just sit down to watch the destruction of Christians and Churches. This is however giving a negative impression that CAN prefers “defence” to dialogue”
in love. Take every care to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together” (Ephesians 4, 2). This chaos consequent upon struggle for power is a key indicator to reevaluate the original vision, mission and specific objectives of CAN through a thorough study of the principles of ecumenism and the theological basis for Christian unity. I hope to develop this in the next publication. CAN is not an army put in place to defend Christians against Muslims. Rather CAN is an association whose main objective is to promote unity among Christians and peaceful
coexistence with people of other faith. This is the essence of the directorate of Inter-faith and Ecumenism of CAN. It is unfortunate that the present terrorism in Nigeria has become a major distraction to CAN who cannot just sit down to watch the destruction of Christians and Churches. This is however giving a negative impression that CAN prefers “defence” to dialogue. I plead that while Christians continue a serious interdenominational dialogue (ecumenism); let the Muslims too not relent in their inter-sect dialogue to enable both religions prepare adequately for inter-faith dialogue in the name of one God, to restore peace and security in Nigeria. Otherwise the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC) and all other inter-faith bodies will be seen as a photo trick. Indeed, the present situation in Nigeria calls for a thorough examination of conscience. We need to ask ourselves what exactly we want from ecumenical dialogue. hi the Old Testament, all the true prophets claimed that they were not worthy whenever God called them to a specific mission. It was that feeling of unworthiness that created a space in their lives for God to take charge and use them as his divine instruments. May God deliver us from any ambition that is contrary to his will! Amen.
THE NIGERIAN
16
POLITICAL HISTORY OF EDO STATE FROM ITS WESTERN REGION/ MIDWEST ORIGINS MIDWEST comprising Edo/Delta provinces was the outcome of political agitation. Oba Akenzua II in 1947 had formed the Midwest Peoples Party (MWPP) as a vehicle to achieve the objectives of the movement for the creation of a future Midwest State at the inception of provincial administration which was introduced by the colonial government as far back as 1939. The 1951 constitution which created regional governments incorporated the Midwest-Benin Delta provinces into the Western Regional design. The British in their self interest felt that grouping ethnic nationalities into three regions no matter how, would make for them a less expensive administrative set up in Nigeria. The whole country was divided into three regions with Lagos as British colony as part of Western region. The desire for the creation of the Midwest State had been on the drawing board even during the Action Group crisis of 1962. The Midwest leading politicians including Chief Dennis Osadebay, Omo Osagie, Chief Festus Okotie Eboh and a host of other leaders of Midwest origin, intensified their efforts and Midwest State was eventually created in 1963. Throughout this period of the Midwest region, political leaders emerged through selection and imposition. There never was a true test of the people’s will to elect their own leaders. POLITICAL HISTORY OF BENDEL STATE The Gowon led administration in the wake of the Civil war divided the regions into 12 states. And while military rule and the Civil war raged, elections were not allowed as the constitution was suspended by a decree. Col Samuel Ogbemudia was the first military governor of the newly created state “Midwest state”. The renaming of the State in 1976 was a refection of its preindependence colonial political arrangement of Benin and Delta provinces.Col Husaini Abullahi, Brigadier Abubakar Waziri followed in that order as military administrators of the state until 1983 when Ambrose Folorunsho Alli won the governorship of the state under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), 1983. Samuel Ogbemudia under National Party of Nigeria (NPN) became the second civilian governor of the state followed by John Odigie Oyegun. (Shortly after, Military took over and piloted the affairs of the nation again till 2003.) POLITICAL HISTORY OF EDO STATE
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Perspective Media And Electione
In 1991, Ibrahim Babangida’s regime separated the two provinces comprising Benin/Delta into Edo/Delta States. The two states today are part of South/South zone of the six zone political arrangement of North West, North East, North Central, South West, South East and South/South in Nigeria. The state created from Bendel state on August 27, 1991, had her first test of the electoral process in the 1991 gubernatorial election during the 3rd republic. The election was between Chief John Evboyomwan Kenneth Odigie Oyegun of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Mr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion of the National Republican convention (NRC). According to Amarere, Ezomo and Anigara (1991:1) : Chief John Oyegun of SDP scored 51 percent of the total vote of 507,394 cast, beating Mr. Lucky Igbinedion of NRC with a majority of 13,490 votes. Both candidates won in seven Local governments Council each with Chief Oyegun scoring 260,442 votes to defeat Mr. Igbinedion who scored 246,952 votes. After the conduct of the election, the result was contested by NRC candidate Lucky Igbinedion. The allegation against Oyegun then was that the Oba of Benin and one of his Chiefs, Nosakhare Isekhure, unfairly supported Oyegun. The personality of the Oba of Benin was said to have come to play here as in the two step flow theory, accounting for the link between influence and the voting pattern of the electorate. The cognitive component of attitude came to play as the actions of the electorate were alleged to toe the line of the monarch and align with the thought of the Oba of Benin. Dr. Mowoe submitted that the ingredient required in undue Influence could be found in section 106 of Decree 50 and Over-red that the tribunal expressly found one Chief Isekhure guilty of undue influence because he made a broadcast on Election day (14/12/91) and the tribunal found it offensive. (Ezomo and Alli 1992:1) The election tribunal therefore nullified the election on 4th February 1992. However in a dramatic twist due perhaps to political power play, Oyegun’s victory was upheld on 18 th of March 1992. The journey was truncated with the annulment of the June 12 election that ought to have ushered in an elongated 3 rd republic. At the return of democracy in 1999, Chief Lucky Igbinedion came into the race with a wealth of experience he gathered as Chairman of Oredo Local Council and as one of the board of Directors of the then Okada Air. His nomination was a
smooth sail as he was adopted by his party, the PDP. He went on to win the governorship election. Lucky Igbinedion of the PDP scored 447,336 votes to be declared winner of the election. His closest rival, Lucky Imasuen of All Peoples Party (APP) scored 189,405 while Daniel Akereja of Alliance for Democracy (AD) scored 7,875. (Observer, 1998). Aside winning the 1998 gubernatorial election in the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion also won a second term in 2003. His victory may be attributed to the personality of his father Dr. Gabriel Igbinedion who is a successful businessman and has contributed to the development of the state. Performances appeared not to be the influence of voters here but rather the two step flow theory account for his vote in the 2003 election. The circumstance surrounding his victory was however questioned as a result of the alleged rigging against his party (PDP). However in 2007, in a bid to perpetuate the PDP candidature, the election was massively rigged in favour of the party and Professor Oserherimen Osunbor was selected and imposed on the people as was always the tradition. According to Ighile (2012), the 2003, 2007, governorship election was characterized by corruption, fraud and embezzlement of state funds. The election that brought in Professor Oserheimen Osunbor was nullified by an election petition tribunal on March 20, 2008. The ruling was based on irregularities recorded during the course of the election that make the Tribunal to focus on valid and invalid votes of the election to truly ascertain the winner of the April 14th 2007 governorship election. Justice Umeadi said “we proceed to invalid votes which were not stamped and signed at the back; PDP 51,534; AC 13,610 and in the final analysis we have 129,017 votes for PDP and AC we now have 166,577 votes. We hold therefore, that for the election for the office of the governor of Edo state held on the 14th of April 2007, the third and 4 th respondents scored 129,017 valid votes while the the first and second petitioners scored 166,577 valid votes. We therefore, declare that the first and second petitioner scored the highest number of valid votes in the election. The Election petition tribunal sitting in Benin City declared Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the winner of the government election in Edo state and was sworn-in-on November 12, 2008. In a second term election bid, carried out on July 14 2012, and the election was said to have been free, fair and credible by both local and international observers. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of the ACN won the election in a landslide victory with 447,478; PDP
By RICHARD OKORO EWEKA
144,235; ANPP 3,642; CPC 2,793; LP 604; NCP 504 and SDMP 809. This result gave Oshiomhole a landside victory at the poll. (The Nigerian Observer July 16th 2012) POLITICS AND ELECTIONS There is no doubt that elections in Edo state like elsewhere in Nigeria have been chaotic affairs or what an author prefer to refers to as “fiasco” and this is responsible for the chaotic or “fiascochic” leadership and political culture experience of the state in time past until the last 8 years with the coming on board of the present administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Elections over the years have become one of the sore points in the evaluation of our democracy. Since its earliest beginning, elections in Nigeria have been marked by chaos, violence, voter’s dissatisfaction due to all kinds of election malpractices. Many scholars have all come to the same conclusion. The Nigeria political system and the average Nigerian, by implication; have inculcated an attitude of dishonesty and fraudulent practices in their proclivity towards elections. Curiously, election malpractices have taken on a more sophisticated posture cashing in on the higher levels of education, technology, and intellect amongst the Nigeria elite. The ruling elite that ought to give its service in dedication to the growth and stability of democracy have become the apostle of election fraud and deception and who take advantage of the mass ignorance and lack of political initiative among the populace. Over the years, elections in Edo state has never been decided by the electorate through the ballot box rather, leaders emerge through “selectocracy”. They are never voted into office by the electorate but by godfather influence and finance who rig elections for them and control them when in office. But in recent times, especially during the 2011 governorship election in Edo state, it appears elections are being decided by the electorate, through the ballot box as those who vote freely vote for the candidates of their choice. The conduct of 2011 governorship election in Edo state has shown that our democratic process is now gradually becoming stable and credible due to the manner elections are conducted in the State. This has further deepened the democratic journey and the electorate now can decide the fate of candidates through the ballot box. The recently concluded gubernatorial election in Edo
state, on July 14, 2012, is considered a step ahead of that of the presidential election in 2011 as a result of the peaceful conduct of the exercise seen in the matured way and manner of the electorate, and agents of the various parties. The spirit of sportsmanship displayed by contestants in the election is worthy of commendation. VOTING PATTERN OVER THE YEARS Secret ballot has been in use in all our electoral processes
until the coming on board of President Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) in 1983. IBB introduced the “Option A4” which has since been discarded and we have reverted to the Secret ballot method. This is a system where you vote secretly to elect your leader without anyone knowing who you voted for in an election. This system poses a lot of challenges in the electoral process as electoral fraud can become prevalent. Option A4 on the other hand is a system whereby the electorate queue up behind the poster of whoever they want to cast their vote for. The system is open because it was free from rigging. However, it was exposing for those who collect money from politicians and never wanted to vote for them. The system was last used in 1993 during the general election in the country. The fourth republic between 1999-2007 in Edo State did witness series of power struggle within the ruling class which threatened the corporate existence of the state and our nascent democracy. Our political pattern in the state is centered on godfathers’ who always decide the pattern
and the way election result goes. These men have become so powerful that they decide the fate of the electorate and the state without anyone objecting or questioning openly the wish or verdict on any election issue. Over the years, there have been sensitisation and electoral education especially in the media. The electorates have thus become aware of their voting rights, which is their power to decide who leads them in any given period through the ballot box in an election.
in t mo H can for ele on att Co to hol obj ess som stim
In 2007 during the Governorship election in the state, the people changed their mind and refused the godfathers who have held the state hostage for year and decided to vote their conscience by voting into power a choice leader from another political party and not the ruling party. The swing was completed with the verdict from the election petition tribunal. PARTY DEMOCRACY With the return of democracy in 1999, the stage became set for election for the registered Political parties which was just three at that time; Alliance for democracy (AD), All Peoples Party (APP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In Edo state, the three political parties contested the governorship election and Lucky Igbinedion won the election on the platform of the PDP, scoring 447,336. He was nicked named the “Action Governor” due to his rapid service delivery and achievements in office in the early part of his first term in office. He put smiles on the faces of civil servants in the state through training and retraining of the work force and improved welfare and salary package for workers. He came in and broke the draconian rule of the military of self sustenance
fro the dis par affe pla em ele sti pre tha his
term sur que of pra a b can ma and Os (im the aw fro cha Osh P T trac of the tha peo of wh rath
THE NIGERIAN
17
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Perspective ering In Edo State he state and paid workers 22 nths’ salary owed them. is performance, certainly, be linked to his re-election a second term in office, the ctorate cast their votes based the cognitive component of itude. The cognitive mponent of an attitude refers the beliefs the individual ds about the stimulus ects. These beliefs are entially the acceptance of e conclusions about the ulus. But he however deviated
while our political leaders were busy looting the treasury. The ACN’s candidate Adams Oshiomhole took PDP to court challenging the 2007 election result which gave Prof. Osunbor of the PDP, victory at the poll. The ruling of the Tribunal went in favour of Oshiomhole, and he was declared winner of 29th May, 2007 governorship election. According to THE NATION NEWSPAPER front page of March 21, 2008 with a screaming headline: EDO
m what won him the heart of people, gradually connected himself and his ty from the people. The ctive component of attitude yed up as the feeling or otional reaction the ctorate had towards the muli was negative. This pared the way for the swing t took place in the political tory of the state. He however won a second in 2003. The circumstances rounding this victory were stioned as there was out cry fraud, rigging and corrupt ctices. However in 2007, in id to restore the PDP didate the election was ssively rigged for the party Professor Oserherimen unbor was selected and posed on the people against ir wish). This eventually led ay to the fall of the party m power as the result was llenged by Comrade Adams iomhole of ACN. DP DETHRONED he fall of the party can be ed to the poor performance the party and failure to give electorate quality leadership t will improve the lives of the ple of the state. The dividend democracy was never any ere in sight in the state but er the state was at a standstill
TRIBUNAL’S VERDICT: Oshiomhole, bye-bye to bad governance. The tribunal presided over by Justice Peter Umeadi the declared Edo AC candidate governor. The first petitioner, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is hereby declared as the elected governor of Edo State, being the candidate who has scored the highest number of valid votes and has satisfied the requirements of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2006. We order that the certificate of return issued to Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as elected governor of Edo State is hereby withdrawn and nullified (The Nation Newspaper 2008:1). With this Tribunal judgment, PDP lost its grip on power and was dethroned and evacuated from Dennis Osadebe House in G.R.A., the seat of power in Edo State. ROLE OF THE MEDIA AND MASS MEDIA EFFECTS The electoral campaign for the 2012 governorship election took off on a rough start. It was quite acrimonious throughout the state. All the parties that contested the election wanted to secure victory. Three parties
however stood out of the rest: Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). Media effects not only refers to the consequences or impact of media use on individuals, society, and culture; media effect also is a rather welldefine area of scholarly inquiry that examines the impact of media. The media during the 2013 governorship election in Edo state appeared to have played an important role in the election by setting the pace and creating a platform for the electorate to decide who to cast their votes for. The media played a very vital role in the electoral process as they embarked on the sensitization of the electorate in newscasts, reporting, analysis, and advertising. The media educated, mobilized and created the enabling environment for all the candidates to sell themselves and their political party. The media also created a platform for a Political debate which was beamed live to both an International and the Local audience on Television and Radio. There were verbal missiles fired to and fro at the Best Western Hotel, venue of the debate organized by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group for the candidates of the political parties for the July 14 governorship election in Edo State. The verbal warfare was especially fierce between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole incumbent Governor and candidate of the ACN and retired Major General Charles Airhiavbere, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party. The political debate broadcast live to both International and Local viewers created a platform for the electorate to know their leaders very well and as well as know their capability and their IQ. The political debate served as a platform for candidates to sell their manifesto to the electorate who now could decide who to vote for based on their presentations. It also serve as a channel to educate the electorate on the best candidate who deserved their votes. For a long time the question has been, what is the actual effect of the mass media on Institutions, cultures, belief, customs and traditions, electoral processes, government policies? Over the years this has been a thorny question on the effectiveness of the media to actually influence the thinking of the people on a particular course and mobilising them towards the cause they believe. POLITICAL MEDIA DEBATE The political media debate created room for all political parties to talk and interact with the electorate and sell
themselves. Some candidates made very good use of the opportunity while others spoit it for themselves by making some utterances that cost them to lose more electorate. During the second phase of the Political debate that saw the candidate of the PDP, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere and ACN candidate Adams Oshiomhole at logger head, the PDP candidate made utterances that provoked some section of the voters who immediately reacted and ask for apology. The utterance seemed to be pointing to the students and products of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma. In a swift reaction, there was a riposte. The Student Union Government (SUG) of the State owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, condemned what they described as the ungodly and highly provocative utterances of the people’s Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate, Gen. Airhiavbere at a live debate programme on both National and international television and radio audience across the world. The PDP candidate had referred to the students who graduated from the School as armed robbers and goats which prompted the SUG under the Leadership of Comrade John Ogun Ologie, to call the former Army General to order (Observer July 7, 2012). The media may have contributed in one way or the other to the attitude of the electorate and the decision in the choice of candidate voted for in the July 14th 2012 election in Edo state. Attitude according to Ife (2003:42) says that it is a positive, negative, or mixed evaluation of an object, expressed at some level of intensity – nothing more, nothing less. It’s important to realize that attitudes cannot simply be represented along a single continuum ranging from wholly positive to wholly negative-as you might expect if attitudes were like balance knob on a stereo that directs sound to the left or right speaker or like the lever on a thermostat that raises or lowers temperature. Performance, personality, party may have been responsible for the direction of voters as the media created that platform that enable the electorate exercise the power of choice to vote for their preferred candidate in the election. The tow step flow theory may equally have played a significant role in attitude formation and eventual decision taken by the electorate on who deserve their vote. The media in an effort to educate, inform and enlighten the electorate on the conduct of the election may have played up the issue of religion and ethnicity in the various political adverts in a bid to win the votes of the electorate. This may have
woken up the consciousness of the electorate on the line of attitude. Over the years, as we March towards democracy from military dictatorship, the electoral behavior of the electorate was in doubt. They were not well grounded in political issues that will advance the cause of the society, state and country at large; as such their electoral behavior was mis-guided by money politics, as the highest bidder got more votes in an election. The intervention of the media to create electoral awareness of the importance of voting for a preferred candidate that will make a difference in terms of developing the society, state and nation at large, has stimulate positive electoral behavior in the line of performance, party, personality and the likes. EDO 2012: HOW OPINION POLL TALLIED WITH EDO GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION OUTCOME According to an opinion poll conducted by The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), a Benin based NonGovernmental Organisation using students from UNIBEN, Auchi Polytechnic and Ambrose Alli University (AAU) administering questionnaire on over 3,400 people answering 13 simples question conducted by 120 volunteers. The poll anticipated that ACN will capture 68.88% of the Edo vote, a 4.84% margin of error against the actual 73.72% election result. When the actual result of the election came out as published by The Nigerian Observer of July 16, 2012. Oshiomhole was declared winner of the election with a landslide victory. According to ANEEJ opinion poll result, it stated that ACN victory was resounding, clear and emphatic, capturing every single local government area in Edo state. The margin was particularly embarrassing for the PDP in the South Senatorial District, with the ACN winning by a crushing margin of 68% of the vote cast, and by 49% in the North Senatorial District. The Central Senatorial District proved to be more competitive, with the ACN margin of victory measured at 9.73%. None of the other candidates really featured, with all other party’s obtaining 1.29% or 8,386 of the total vote, less than the 2.72% spoiled ballot papers (17,599). CHAPTER FIVE 5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Using the media as a yardstick to measure political awareness and growth, this researcher conducted a research on “media, political campaigns, electorate behavior and voting patterns: using the Edo State governorship election of 2012” The mass media remain one of the potent tools for information dissemination. It is a means of
information, entertainment, mobilisation and education. It has been a platform for national growth and development over the years. The media which comprises print and broadcast have served as channels of growth and development in various spheres of life as well as sectors of the economy including politics. Talking about politics in Nigeria, the media is very instrumental at all time either to make or mar the process. The potency of the media depend on its effectiveness of the owners, be it government or private. The findings in chapter four shows that the media played a vital and important role in the success of the 2012 governorship election in Edo state as the study shows that larger percentage of the electorate actually voted compare to previous election in the state. They seemed to know their civic rights through the help of the media according to the findings of the study. The media carried out one of its major function which is to mobilise the people to achieving a particular course. The media shows the importance of the vote of an individual and what it could do to bring about the right choice of candidate for the development of the state. This led to larger number of the electorate participating in the political activities like attending political rallies, watching the live political campaign, and this enhanced the chances of the candidates in the votes on Election Day. Based on the findings, the following recommendations are presented;1. Due to the power and effectiveness of the media, more electoral programmes should be created to educate the electorate on the importance of voting in an election. 2. The media should stress the importance of every eligible voters to perform their civic rights. 3. The importance of participating in every political process is important for the electorate and it is recommended. It will help the electorate on the choice of candidate to vote for. 4. More electoral debates should be conducted for every political contestant vying for future political positions not only in Edo state but also across the nation. 5. The media should make it as a point of duty to present the score card of the various contestants to the electorate to make their choice. 6. The media should continue to emphasise the importance of performance rather than party, religion, ethnicity, tribe and personality. 7. The media should lay more emphasise and show the correlation between political party and personality. These two elements is very important and vital to the success of every election.
THE NIGERIAN
18
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Perspective
When Loyalty Is In Deficit By STEVE IDAHOSA
JULIUS Caesar became very uncomfortable when he saw the looks on Cassius face. He turned to Mark Anthony and said “Let me have men about me that are fat………. Cassius has a lean and hungry look………….such men are dangerous.” And yet, this was Caesar who bragged about death, saying “cowards die many times before their death…………..seems to me most strange why men should fear………….death is a necessary end, will come when it will come.” He recognised the need to be careful of Cassius. Julius Caesar’s worries explain the agony of a leader who has subordinates or assistants he cannot trust. It is painful working with a man whose mind is far from you. When the loyalty of a subordinate is in doubt, the leader, becomes highly uncomfortable. He lacks concentration as he becomes overwhelmed by the psychology of disloyalty or dialectics of perfidy. Disloyalty has ruined empires, brought down kings and princes, it has ruined marriages and punctured relationships and has placed hurdles on the road to genuine interactions. Consider what happens to a marriage when the woman is perfidious or disloyal. In the political space, disloyalty is as lethal as it
is deadly. I was a member of a student delegation in the 80s that visited then Deputy Governor of Bendel State. Along the line he was complaining bitterly about the Governor his boss. We were shocked and angry. We left, feeling disappointed. That of Tinubu is still very fresh. His deputy, a woman never accorded him the respect he deserved as governor of Lagos. What happened thereafter is now history. When, therefore, at a recent birthday talk shop on Deepening Democracy, Comrade Oshiomhole described Odubu as the most loyal deputy governor in Nigeria, many Edo people had their spirits lifted up. They were happy. I am told that before that day the comrade governor had had cause to express delight at Odubu’s high sense of loyalty and humility. That is how it should be. To be an effective and successful leader you have to be a good follower. That is what Odubu is. He is not timid. He is one of the most civilised politicians I have ever seen. Like American Vice Presidents, Odubu knows that he has to stand behind his boss at all times, sharing in his burdens and joy. Certainty, Odubu’s past and present has brilliantly defined his future. Once upon a time Oshiomhole was Deputy President NLC. He was loyal to Pascal Bafau then president. So when he talks
Governor Adams Oshiomhole
Dr. Pius Odubu
“We owe our future a responsibility. Edo state has suffered too much in the hands of cruel men. Before Oshiomhole came in, ours was internal colonialism. We must therefore guide against reenactment of mis-governance. We can’t afford to play into the hands of political philistines who are lurking in the shadows to re-take and re-conquer the state. Agents of brutal capital must be shunned.” about loyalty, he understands what he is talking about. He knows that he cannot afford the luxury of a disloyal deputy. The achievements he has recorded would certainty have been abbreviated if he had a deputy whose loyalty cannot be vouched for. If he had a perfidious deputy who is consumed in envy, it would have been difficult to have the kind of peace that Edo State is enjoying today. Oshiomhole is a radical. His ideological inclinations are therefore not shrouded in mystery. His radical ferment may not be a product of Marxist dialectical materialism, but certainly he is a politician of ultra progressive bent. There is no doubt that from Oshiomhole, Dr. Odubu has acquired requisite ideological temperament for effective political leadership. Because he is humble he has learnt a lot from Oshiomhole. Besides, he has demonstrably shown that he can be trusted with power. He is not the kind of
man that power will spoil or make mad or detach him from friends and those who have made him. Odubu’s robust knowledge of democratic governance has no doubt contributed to his civilised disposition to the concept of corporate political leadership. Listen to Odubu when he pontificates on governance and concept of political power. What you find and behold is a scientifically penetrating and ideologically insightful mind that shatters the ambience of simplistic rationalisations. As a humble man, he knows when no to talk, for silence makes no mistake. And yet he has a bold and large heart except that he is differentiated by his wellcultured mind which is constantly riveted on issuesdriven and ideas-motivated projects. For Edo people, Odubu is a source of pride. His infectious humility with loyalty to the Governor has endeared him to many people who continue for
yearn for purposeful and productive governance. In media circles Odubu is seen as a respecter and promoter of democratic ideals. It is well-known that freedom of speech, freedom of association and of the press are very essential to the growth of free society. Citizens deserve to be adequately informed and to vote according to their own best interest. It has been averred that a basic feature of democracy is the capacity of individuals to participate freely and fully in the life of their society. Representative democracy, consensus democracy and deliberative democracy are all major examples of attempts at a form of government that is responsive to the needs of the people. As we look forward to a post-Oshiomhole era, it is hoped that appropriate machinery is being articulated and put in place to ensure historical continuity of good governance. And we feel the
time for a real search should be now. We owe our future a responsibility. Edo state has suffered too much in the hands of cruel men. Before Oshiomhole came in, ours was internal colonialism. We must therefore guide against reenactment of misgovernance. We can’t afford to play into the hands of political philistines who are lurking in the shadows to retake and re-conquer the state. Agents of brutal capital must be shunned. And for those who may not quite understand Odubu, truth is that beneath his mien is an irrepressible spirit and dynamic energy. He knows that as deputy governor, he has to support his boss, because his office is both of a business and political nature and is of the highest importance to the health of the state. Thank God he has robust knowledge of men whose faith in him has helped, immeasurably to swell public confidence in Edo State government.
THE NIGERIAN
19
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Drumbeats
How To Generate Money For Investment (4) DO you have desire to always write or do people comment positively when ever you write an article, letter and deliver speech in public places? One of the quickest ways to prosperity is through book writing. Book writing can help you to generate funds for investment. The world of writing has produced many millionaires and billionaires and people are fast coming to the reality that writing is a business of its own, especially, with publishers around the world. Develop good writing skills. Writing skills can be developed. What will enhance your writing skills is determination. If you are determined, disciplined, persistent and dedicated in terms of writing becomes very easy. Then you will soon discover that writing is pleasurable. For those who possess good writing skills, writing is surely one of the quickest means of making money from the scratch, making a lot of money as a matter of fact. All you need is constructive creativity that will be put together in a book. Let it interest people. In this business of writing, if you are able to get a reliable and competent publisher, you don’t need a dime to start. All you need is the presentation of your sound manuscripts. Another important point worthy of note is that you do not necessarily need to be a graduate of English or Literature in English to be a good writer. You may have the talent through merely having read a lot of other writers’ works. Develop the habit of reading popular and non popular authors’ books. Writing is simple. Through patience, discipline and perseverance you will discover that writing fiction or non fiction is not difficult. There are different kinds of book in the market, ranging from motivational, business, politics, science, academic, biographical and fictional books; and large market exists for these. Is not about big grammar. One of the greatest obstacle why many people avoid writing or takes writing as a hobby is fear of not having big grammars to backup their writing.
Friends, big grammar does not make you a good writer, neither does it determine the readers, your writing in simple form is what makes you a good writer. SHARPEN YOUR WRITING SKILLS There are however some things which are critical for someone venturing into writing a successful book or writing career. You need to sharpen your writing skills. Your writing skills must first be develop if you hope or want to succeed as a career writer. Find out people that have idea that can help to enhance your writing skills. Your ability to sharpen your writing skills can make you a bestseller in the world of writings. Anybody who wishes to be successful in book writing must know one or two things about essays. For you to be successful, you have to come up with idea that is strange to others. As much as possible, you should give people information that they need. Your focus as a writer is to solve people’s problem and also seek to solve problem that tends to destroy your country The ideas in your book should solve global financial problems or resolve national conflicts or help to avert wars between two or more countries. It is through this you can carve out a niche for yourself. You must conduct an extensive research in order to enrich your work and achieve the desired results. If possible, it will do you a lot of good to attend a writing course or workshop so that you can learn how to write in a way that is both interesting and pleasurable. Writing is a career that has made so many famous and rich in our society. Most people complain that books don’t sail. 1 find these statement very offensive and unrealistic. Book sales; depend largely on your theme, context and style of writing. For example why I am still writing this book, a major topic that can make millions of Nairas and fame for me came into my mind. The title is Ten things President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan must do. Do you need an angel or a prophet to tell you that such
book will do well in the market? Businessmen, politicians, bankers and intellectuals will want to know ten things Goodluck Jonathan should or must do. I say to you again that ;book writing can give you wealth, fame and fortune.
Who should write books? Anybody can write a book. You may not need to be a grammarian, a graduate or have Ph.D. before you can be a good writer. Though higher education enhances your writing skills, but basically, its not a major criterium for any one who sincerely want to be a writer. How to write book. 1. Look for a conducive environment to writer. One of the major things that enables writers to develop writing skills and be celebrated globally is a conducive environment. For example avoid playing music or staying in a noisy environment when writing or trying to write a book. A noisy environment is the best place to write. This will help you to develop new ideas while writing. 2. Choose a good topic. The reason why most of my books sell very well and found in the hands of those in government and in private places is due to the kind of topics I write about. e.g The Church and Politics. Others like: How to Handle Fame, Women in Politics in Biblical and none Biblical Perspectives, Secret of Success, How to Exercise Your Authority, Faith for Your Zero Hour, Crises
Management, the Nigeria of my Dream, What to do in times of Trouble etc. Before anybody buys your book the first thing he looks out for is your topic, table of contents, about the book and about the author. 3. You must be knowledgeable in the area you choose. You don’t write one book in ten or twenty years. The reason why many
people spend several years in writing a single book is lack of knowledge or material to complete the book. Procrastination and laziness are also important factors to avoid. You must have adequate knowledge about what you intend writing about. 4. Have a good story Line - You should endevour to have good story to tell. Most book sell much in the market because of the story it contains. A good story can market your book faster than your personal effort to market it. 5. Be consistent in writing. Develop consistency in writing. Don’t allow writers block to debar you or hinder you from writing. 6. Go for huge market. Most common books sell between 2,000, 5,000, and ten thousand in the market. A good and well refined book can sell 100,000,500,000 and 5,000,000 copies. 7. Do not hurry to finish a book. The book you hurry to sell may be neglected, because of lack of value and content. You should settle down properly to write. Avoid distraction why writing. 8. Tell people about it. Some years ago a pastor once told me that he had a
With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593
good book to write. As a writer I asked him to inform me of the topic of the book he intend to write about. He said the topic is “adultery is not a sin”. Friends, need I remind you that I almost fainted.
to say that there are no good and honest publishers, but the truth is that it could cost you much more to find good ones. Ten Ways Of Getting Rich Quickly Wealth and riches are
To say I was angry would be an understatement. Thank God he voiced it out and I quickly stopped him from writing such satanic book. Learn to discuss the book writing with people. Their help to enhance your book you from writing the book. Except you have established yourself as a good writer, then can you avoid showing or narrating your book to others. This will help to avoid stealing your dream or topic. 9. Have a good introduction and table of contents. Your introduction should not be narrow minded. It should cover your entire ideas in the book you intent to write. Make your table of content to be good, debatable and reasonable. If our introduction and table o content does not satisfy your audience they could you intend ideas could or dissuade avoid buying your book even when the topic is good and attractive. 10. Sell your book yourself or give it to a good publisher. Your ability to sell your book personally will help to avoid cheating from dubious publishers. Though you are compelled to make limited sales or to the bulk that could have been sold by established publishers, yet at times it could be better to sell your books by yourself. This is not
products of what we do, think and say. You can’t be thinking of poverty and failure and expect to be rich. You cannot spend twelve to fifteen hours of the day watching films and visiting people and expect to be rich. Below are some of the vital information that may help you if you want to be rich quickly. Number one fastest way to be rich quickly is to desire riches. God wont commit riches and wealth into your hands if you have no desire for them. It takes strong desires to achieve ones goals and dreams in life. One of the major secret that enhance the wealth of millionaires is their desire for riches. The second way of getting rich quickly is to fire your boss. It is a common practice that employers are good and quick at hiring and firing their employees. For you to be rich you must not wait for your boss to initiate your exit out of his or her office. Be the first to fire your boss and be your own boss. You don’t get rich quickly by working for others. There is no way you can be greater than your boss, if you spend all your years for others. Building wealth is not automatic, is a process and don’t be afraid. To be continued
THE NIGERIAN
20
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Religion OKUNISM or the Benin worship of Olokun is an expression of African traditional religion practiced before the arrival of Islam and Christianity. Therefore, Olokun worship is the oldest religion in Benin kingdom. As a worship form, Okunism has its won world view of certain concepts. Of first interest is religion. What is it in the thinking of Okunism? Religion Okunists see religion as a system of faith, belief and worship. To them, religion establishes a framework for members of a tribe, community and an individual to achieve a good atmosphere where righteousness and justice prevail. Hence for the Okunists, religion gives the right mental attitude to a convert which places him in a position not to offend his god, his neighbours, his ancestors as well as the gods and goddess most especially if he is an African religionist. Justice Okunists say justice exist when there is an exercise of authority in such a way that there is a maintenance of people’s rights, equity, peace and harmony within a community or social organisation. Yes, justice is associated with doing what is in order and what is regarded as righteous to the Okunists. Also, the Okunists believe there is a link between the concept of religion, justice and righteousness. For instance, the Okunists hold the view that religion and justice both uphold righteousness. You cannot therefore claim to be a religious or just person when you don’t practice righteousness. What is more, it is only through religion, justice and righteousness that institutions in society can be well regulated to promote peace, harmony and desirable orderliness. In other words, all the Okunists are saying is that we need religion, justice and righteousness for conformity in human conduct or behaviour in our society. Additionally, Okunists believe that a system of justice does not hang in the air. Rather such a system is made up of rules and regulations drawn from the religious tripod of Christianity, Islam or African
traditional religion. This is the truth. However, the quarrel of Okunists is that justice based on African traditional religion is unknowingly neglected in the process of governance. This is not surprising. There is the virtual absence of traditional religion adherents in government at the local, state and federal levels. Hence, Christians and Muslims are dominating the ways of government. Yet, had government upheld justice as promoted by Okunists and African traditional religion Nigeria would have been on the path of progress. This is because Okunism’s ethical system, stated above already, subscribes to doing the right thing so as not to offend God ( Osanobua), Olokun, our ancestors and all legal authorities. Okunists realize that unless people keep divine and traditional laws as well as uphold moral values, concepts, beliefs and observances the society would not be united in love, peace and justice. Peace Okunists teach that the purpose of law in society is to create legal values and norms that guide human behaviour. Also, taught by Okunists is that law is an instrument for the regulation and control of individuals in a state, society or community. To Okunists, the end product of such a law is therefore the promotion of harmonious co-existence of people in society which is the basis for justice and peace. Okunists practice what they teach. For instance, they have a unified system of moral and ethical values, beliefs as well as practices that guide the lives of all Okunists. This is why you find Okunists living as members of one family wherever you find them. All Okunists, indeed, believe in one peaceful, just and indivisible society under one constitution. In addition to the rule of God, Olokun, the gods/ goddesses and the ancestors in Benin cosmology. In summary, Okunists are saying that we need to marry religion with justice, harmony, love and peace in all we do. Without these values, Nigeria cannot move forward. The devil
Okunism As A Traditional Religion By EKAIWE OMO OMOREGIE
The colonialists came with a lot of distortions so as to gain converts to their foreign religion and then their system of administration. One way they did this was with their concept of the devil. They told us that he is a heathen god, an
evil spirit and satan himself. But Okunists will tell you that what the colonialists did was to give only one meaning of the devil. They left out the other meanings of the devil. For your information, a devil also mean: A junior legal counsel working for a principal…Someone who does what his employer takes credit for and pays for. When you take a look at these other descriptions of the devil, omitted by the colonialists, you will discover that the devil is not as black, evil and demonic as they claim. Neither is a devil
an African as the colonialists said. Conscience Now, let us see how the Okunists look at conscience. To start with, they share the views of popular sayings on conscience. In other words,
Okunists believe in the statement that “your conscience will judge you,”…”Most people don’t have conscience.” Also, Okunists believe that conscience is a moral issue. It concerns matters of right and wrong or good and bad. Conscience, similarly, intervenes to decide conflicts of principles to ensure proper conduct, according to Okunists. Similarly, the Okunists uphold the ideas of conscience money and freedom of
“Okunists teach that the purpose of law in society is to create legal values and norms that guide human behaviour. Also, taught by Okunists is that law is an instrument for the regulation and control of individuals in a state, society or community. To Okunists, the end product of such a law is therefore the promotion of harmonious coexistence of people in society which is the basis for justice and peace.”
conscience. To begin with, conscience money Okunists explain, is paid to relieve the conscience. For instance, payment made for evaded income tax is conscience money. On the other hand, freedom of conscience allows citizens of a country free choice of religion or other life issues.
down in the constitution of the country. In the same way, a preacher with a conscience would always practice whatever he teaches so that he can be a good role model. It is because we have false preachers that is why we have exaggeration of religion which
You become a prisoner of conscience if you are not permitted to exercise your freedom of conscience. Therefore, if you are put in prison because you exercise your freedom of conscience, then you are a prisoner of conscience. Furthermore, Okunism regards conscience as the inner voice which tells a person about what is good or evil. It also differentiates between truth and falsehood. Invariably, conscience enables a person to always strive to be honest and truthful in all his or her dealings. Through this, individuals reap better and richer dividends in their lives. All said, Okunists teach that we must learn to have a good conscience because such a conscience fears no accusation. Society benefits when its citizens have conscience. A judge with a conscience for example, will dispense justice
is leading people to spiritual destruction today. Final word All I have been trying to do in this article is to explain the ethical code of conduct of Okunism, a form of African traditional religion. As a parting shot, I will now leave you with this moral teaching of Okunism. It says: “Be not guilty of that offence which if everybody committed will be of immense benefit to all. But be guilty of that offense which if everybody committed will be of immense sufferings for all.’ Meanwhile, we should appreciate that Nigeria is a complex country inhabited by people of different religions. Therefore, understanding the belief systems, practices and observances of other religions will enhance harmony among Christians, Muslims and African traditional religion. We are one people. Let no religion divide us.
THE NIGERIAN
21
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
A g Issues riculture EVEN though Nigeria has the capacity to produce enough rice for local consumption and even for exports, the country still imports two million tonnes of rice, valued about N356 billion, annually. The Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration is also aimed at redressing the trend. Under the ATA, it is expected that Nigeria would become self-sufficient in rice production by 2015. ATA is expected to develop a vibrant rice value chain that will attract investments in local rice production, while raising the level of rice production from 3.3 million tonnes to six million tonnes annually. Irrigated rice farming is accorded top priority under the ATA, as irrigated rice farming is considered to be pivotal to efforts to attain the rice production target. Some of the states, identified to be suitable for lowland irrigation rice production, include Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano, Niger, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Kwara, Ebonyi, Cross River, Bayelsa, Borno , Enugu, Ekiti, Ogun and Zamfara states. Dr Adewumi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, recently visited Zamfara and Kebbi states to assess the rice fields, being cultivated under the Federal Government’s irrigation schemes. The schemes are the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme in Talata Mafara, Zamfara and the Argungu Irrigation Scheme in Kebbi. The minister, who visited the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme as well as the Bakalori Dam site with his team, said that about 38,000 farmers were engaged in the dry season rice production
project. It was learnt that each of the farmer engaged about 76 workers in the first three months of the dry season rice cultivation. Adesina said that about 500,000 tonnes of paddy rice were expected to be produced at the Bakalori site between January and May this year. The minister and his team also visited the rice fields located in the flood plains of Argungu, the Suru Paddy Rice Market and Kebbi State’s new airport. The state government intends to use the airport for the transportation of rice produced in the state, while the Suru Paddy Rice Market is to serve as the hub for paddy rice sales in the state. Prof. Olumuyiwa Osiname, the Rice Value Chain Team Leader, who accompanied the minister on the visit, stressed that Nigeria had the capacity to produce enough paddy rice for rice mills across the country. “What we are doing now is to show people that we can produce enough paddy rice for our mills. “We are also showing that it is possible to produce enough paddy rice to satisfy Nigeria’s needs,” he said. Osiname, nonetheless, noted that no matter the capacity of a dam, if its water was not carefully channelled and distributed, irrigation farmers would not be able to derive maximum benefit from it. “The problem is that oftentimes, some of the canals are damaged; so water cannot flow freely. “Sometimes, you have typha grasses growing in the canals and the grasses block the waterway, so the water cannot move on fast enough to supply the farms. “So, maintenance has been a big problem with the distribution system.
Boosting Dry Season Rice Production In Nigeria “The Federal Ministry of Water Resources is always complaining of paucity of funds; this might be one reason why they charge the farmers a small amount of money per hectare. “In some dam projects, they charge the farmers up to N5,000 yearly so that the canals can be maintained,” he said Osiname said that with the high cost of diesel and the unreliable public power supply, it had always been a difficult task to pump water for the dams. The team leader, however, noted that dams were not cost-effective, urging the Federal Government to use small dykes for irrigation purposes as they constituted a more efficient way of harnessing water for irrigation farming . “We can dyke small rivers and use the water to irrigate
about 500 to 1,000 hectares of farmlands. All these small rivers you see, you can impound them so that you get a lot of water and make them flow by gravity,” he said. Nevertheless, Osiname suggested that all the irrigation facilities of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources should be handed over to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for proper management. “Let the water resources ministry generate water, which can be used for any purpose such as drinking and irrigation. “But when it comes to how irrigation should be done, it should be left to the Ministry of Agriculture,’’ he said. Osiname allayed fears over the possible closure of any of the rice mills, as each
“The problem is that oftentimes, some of the canals are damaged;
so water cannot flow freely. Sometimes, you have typha grasses growing in the canals and the grasses block the waterway, so the water cannot move on fast enough to supply the farms. So, maintenance has been a big problem with the distribution system”.
of the 12 integrated mills to be located in some of the clusters, should be able to process 30,000 tonnes of paddy rice produced within the first four months. In anticipation of the challenges which millers could face in transporting paddy rice purchased at distant locations, the Federal Government pledged to subsidise such purchases. Some of the farmers told the newsmen that even though they were able to produce up to 30 bags of rice from an acre of farmland, they accomplished the feat by using their personal resources to procure inputs from the market. Mohammed Bello, a 25year-old farmer at the Bakalori irrigation site, however, stressed that not all the farmers, who were registered under Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme, could get agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, seedlings and pesticides, among others. He also noted that he did not benefit from the services of agricultural extension workers, adding that he relied solely on the farming methods which his father
taught him. Bello argued that if he had received the inputs and services, he could have been able to double his production and financial returns. Nevertheless, the minister underscored the need for farmers to participate in the government’s agricultural programmes. Adesina conceded that only 15,000 farmers in Zamfara were reached under the electronic wallet (ewallet) scheme, while about 46,000 farmers, who produced 184,000 tonnes of paddy rice, were reached in Kebbi. All the same, observers stress the need to reach more farmers in the e-wallet scheme, which is part of the GES programme of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Jonathanadministration. They note that if the farmers’ registration for the GES programme is increased, the farmers’ access to agricultural inputs will consequently be expanded and strengthened, while the government’s agricultural programmes will become more fulfilling and beneficial (NAN).
THE NIGERIAN
22
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Issues Do Maritime Laws Reflect Realities In The Sector? THERE is no gainsaying the fact that shipping serves as a catalyst for the economic development of any country with a thriving maritime sector. The importance of shipping and its contribution to a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can never be underestimated because it enables the country to engage in large-scale imports and exports. It is, therefore, not surprising that tangible efforts are always made by the government and all the stakeholders to develop a thriving and businessfriendly maritime sector. In a bid to fast-track the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Federal Government initiated the reorganisation of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) to create a more efficient port system, as part of efforts to boost the national economy. The NPA reforms are aimed at reducing the turnaround time for vessels, while enhancing the security of cargoes and reducing cargo dwell time. Perceptive economic analysts note that these reforms have resulted in improved cross-border trading within the West African sub-region. Mr Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), said that the reforms had induced changes beyond Nigeria’s borders. He stressed those maritime ties between Nigeria and some countries
By FOLASADE FOLARIN
like Niger and Chad, which ceased over 10 years ago, had been restored via the instruments of the reforms. “Now, shippers from those countries have realised that Nigerian ports are efficient and more competitive than the ports they were hitherto using. “We informed them about the opportunities and the competitive nature of our ports and they think we should work on how the movement of transit cargoes will be restored. “If we do that, we’ll have about three million tonnes of cargo coming through Nigeria and the advantage is that it will boost our economy “Reports obtained from Nigeria Maritime Ports and Terminals (NIMPORT) Conference indicates that shipment of cargo into the country has grown significantly in recent times as a result of the reforms. “The number of vessels that called at the ports has increased significantly. “Similarly, the cargo throughput increased from 46,150,518 tonnes in 2006 to 82,763,384 tonnes in 2011. “This performance is a direct result of the Federal Government’s reform policy, which has reduced the diversion of cargo to neighbouring ports,’’ Bello said. However, maritime experts have been asking questions as to whether or not the extant maritime laws reflect the current realities in the sector.
Bello said that some of the maritime laws are not addressing the current trends in the maritime industry, stressing that the laws ought to be reviewed to maximise the potential of the sector. He stressed that the statutes establishing the nation’s maritime agencies,
“You will agree with me that there has been passage or a fusion of time since that time and international trade has grown in leaps and bounds. “Here, we are in the age of electronic interface, we are in the age of multimodernism, door-to-door cargo delivery and so many other nuances of trade and a law has to codify such
for instance, were no longer in tune with current realities. “The need for the reform of Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act is imperative because it is an old Act which was enacted in 1978, more than 35 years ago.
developments,’’ he added. Bello said that the statutes establishing the agencies as public authorities did not take into account the fact that they could be run by the private sector. He noted that although the NSC Act gave the council
“Now, shippers from those countries have realised that Nigerian ports are efficient and more competitive than the ports they were hitherto using. We informed them about the opportunities and the competitive nature of our ports and they think we should work on how the movement of transit cargoes will be restored.”
some regulatory functions, the functions were largely advisory. Bell particularly stressed that the government could no longer manage the roads, the railways, freight and sea ports without encouraging private participation which, he said, was never envisaged by the laws. All the same, in spite of these reforms and their accompanying success stories, the general consensus of opinion is that without efficient laws, the reforms will not be able
monitor the shipping companies and the concessionaires will not produce tangible results. “Without a commercial regulator in place, government might as well go back to the other models specified in the NPA Act of 1999,’’ he added. Amiwero, nonetheless, argued that the port reforms had not justified all the promises made by the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) with regard to a reduction in the cost of doing business in the country.
to fully achieve its desired goals. Mr Lucky Amiwero, a freight forwarder, said that the port reforms would not be effective if they were not duly legalised. “This is because the existing laws are not in consonance with the Federal Government’s port reform policy. “Ports’ concession, for example, is not backed up by law; it is outside the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Act 38 of 1999. “Besides, ports’ concession without a commercial regulator to
“If government is serious about generating jobs and wealth in the maritime industry, it needs to review some of its policies. “Port concession is a new tool; the policy document does not specify functions of the various government agencies,’’ he said. All in all, stakeholders insist that the success of the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime sector largely depends on if existing reforms, policies and laws are restructured in sync with global maritime practices.
THE NIGERIAN
23
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
The Patriotism: WHEN I was still in primary school and even during my secondary school days, I relished the lyrics of the national anthem. Then, we were told to stand at attention anywhere and anytime we hear the sound of the national anthem. I could still recall how we placed our right arms on our chests while the lyrics: “Arise of compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey. To serve our fatherland, with love and strength and faith”, reverberated the atmosphere. Then, there was punishment for anyone who does not act in the above manner. However, it is now a fading fashion for people to be patriotic. There is little regard for even those that try to exhibit patriotism. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, defines patriotism as love for one’s country and willingness to defend it. Also, the website, dictionary.com, defines patriotism as devoted love, support and defence of one’s country; national loyalty. Now, the questions that come to mind are: “Are Nigerians still patriotic about the country? Where are these patriots, if we still have? Growing up and being told stories of great patriots as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa
Nation
A Tool For A Better Nation
Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli and the likes, jiggled our hearts back in the days. We all wanted to grow up and be like them. According to African Journal of Research, there is a correlation between greatness and patriotism. The Journal went further to state that
By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU treasury of such country? I ask again, should a patriotic office holder (political, religious, economic etc), not feel concerned about the interest of the people they are leading rather than their own? With the nation
President Goodluck Jonathan
countries as America, UK and the rest, attained greatness due to the high level of patriotism exhibited by their citizens. Starting from the leaders, the level of patriotism has received continuous threat. How can a leader that is devoted to the country and ready to support and defend it, loot the
producing millions of barrels of oil daily, we are still at a stagnate state. The mindset for political position is to get a share of the national “moi-moi”. In the words of Niger State governor, Aliyu Muazu Babangida, patriotism, more than corruption, poverty or ignorance, is probably the most serious
challenge to Nigeria’s development. He went further by stating that great nations are built not merely by technological advancement but by the combination of the right values, the right attitudes and commitment of the people to the promotion
Yes, it is agreed and obvious that previous leadership of the country have not done what they are supposed to do, but do we continue to moan over spilled milk? Should we because of the age-long feud amongst the leadership elites and the masses, become determined to destroy
Senate President David Mark
of national interest. Constitutionally, the government is saddled with the protection of lives and properties in the country. Government does everything possible to protect the interest of its citizens outside the shores of the country and within. But what do we get from these people? Siphoning of money. Is that patriotism?
the country instead of saving it? As Nigerian citizens, how many times have we volunteered to do something for the country? Have we ever prayed for the nation’s growth? How can we talk about making Nigeria a great country when we see ourselves as people on transit? How many Nigerian obey
“Now, we lay blame solely on government officials and other top functionaries forgetting that these leaders were at a point in time followers. We forget that the local government chairmen, state governors and the likes, did not jump from heaven. They are our brothers, sisters, uncles, cousins etc. we cannot get good leadership when we have bad followership.”
traffic rules? When we see national symbols, do we respect them? Do we see ourselves as refugees who are not interested in cleaning up the refugee camps? Now, we lay blame solely on government officials and other top functionaries forgetting that these leaders were at a point in time followers. We forget that the local government chairmen, state governors and the likes, did not jump from heaven. They are our brothers, sisters, uncles, cousins etc. we cannot get good leadership when we have bad followership. We should stop sitting on the fence and acting as if repositioning the country is only meant for some select few. Nigerians should bear in mind the proverb which says that when thieves rob a man, his neighbour should know that it can be his turn anytime. For every duty that is neglected, there is an equal reaction; for every action, there is equal and opposite reaction. Nigeria cannot be fixed by foreigners. We should start demonstrating our commitment to building a greater nation that should be the envy of all. Start from your little corner. That small office or shop that we are occupying, that small job we are doing, why don’t we use them to develop our country? Can someone who is not faithful in little things, become faithful in big things? What are we doing to ensure we are contributing to the growth of our fatherland?
THE NIGERIAN
24
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Issues Grounding Of Governors’ Aircraft New Battle In Town? By ERNEST OMOARELOJIE
FOR even the most cursory observer of the country’s recent political development, Friday, June 7, 2013, will go down as another day of infamy. About mid-afternoon, news filtered in that the aircraft on which Edo state governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, was billed to travel to Awka, the Anambra state capital for the burial ceremony of the late wife of Senator Ben Obi, a senior aide to President Goodluck Ebelle Jonathan, has been grounded. According to the information, the helicopter, flown by a Filipino pilot who has been hired severally by the governor for emergency trips, was ordered by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, to return midway into the flight with a stern warning that if he proceeded beyond where he received his order to divert his craft, the chopper would be grounded permanently. Not sure of what was amiss the stunned pilot made his way back, dropped the bewildered governor and headed straight to the airport where he was told he failed to comply with aviation regulation of producing his manifest, paying landing fees, etc. Against his routine of making all payments after the completion of his task as he has done on the many occasions he came to Benin City, he made the payment formalities which he completed in less than ten minutes. But for reasons that were not made clear, he was detained at the airport for more than one hour, forcing the governor to cancel the trip. NAMA, initially reticent with an “I don’t have anything to say to you on the matter,” a careful catch-phrase put forward to avoid pre-empting a more carefully worded politically acceptable refrain, suddenly found its mouth a few days later. Through Nnamdi Udoh, its managing director, the agency pointed out that it aborted Oshiomhole’s journey because of the chopper pilot’s inability to file a flight plan, including the submission of manifest. Supo Atobatele, the agency’s General Manager, public affairs, also attempted to disabuse the mind of observers over the motivation behind the fiasco. But he did so with a trite catch that makes it clear that high handed political directives from above may indeed be the real issues at stake, just as it was over the Amaechi aircraft saga. “We want to be emphatic with our declaration this afternoon that the safety and security related issues raised by our men on Friday at Benin airport are about the flight plan and passenger manifest. It has no political undertone at all but purely an aviation matter bordering on rules and regulations. Basically, as a matter of rules, we needed to know where the aircraft was going and how many people were on board.” For the sake of argument, let us assume that the drama was not politically motivated or that the demands enumerated by NAMA are in line with global aviation conduct, irrevocably sine qua non to initiating any flight. In doing so, one would expect that the agency would insist on sorting them out the same time the pilot was granted permission to land in Benin. Why then did the agency wait for flight to progress with the governor on board if the motive is not to embarrass the government and people of Edo state? Some of us are familiar with trends in the transport sector. For instance, the practice is that every taxi operator must pay a certain amount to regulation agencies every operation day. Sometimes however, some operators may plead for time as they have not made much for them to pay immediately. Common sense would suggest that such waiver be granted particularly as there is no proof of past defaults. Would the country’s aviation industry collapse if the pilot was allowed to pay after the flight which he explained, was the way he did it time and again until the botched flight to Awka? The last I checked, the federal government insisted that the driving force behind its insistence on the enforcement of all aviation regulations to the letter is the need for safety on the country’s airspace. Curiously, one may at this point ask the question of how the failure of the OAS pilot to pay landing fee became an immediate threat to safety rules. The question is particularly relevant given the pilot made it clear that he has been in the state severally to fly the governor and that on each occasion he completed his assignment for the day before making the payments. Would one really blame him therefore for aligning himself with a subsisting mutually acceptable understanding? Amazingly, he was ordered back with a caveat that if he flew further than where he received the message, his craft would be grounded permanently. Assuming that there is
no ulterior motive, it is indeed a very curious order by any stretch of the imagination. Promptly, the pilot obeyed the order and brought the governor back to the office before heading to the airport where, within ten minutes, he completed the payment formalities. Curiously, he was not allowed to leave the airport in order to proceed on the journey until well over one hour, by which –time the governor decided against continuing with the journey. The absurdity of the whole drama no doubt has a precedent. Not too long ago, an aircraft belonging to Rivers state was detained and grounded in Akure under the same circumstances. The order was executed on a day the governor, Rotimi Amaechi visited the home state of Segun Mimiko, one of the major coconspirators against his NGF chairmanship ambition.
send the message to even those in the opposition that they must contend with federal might for aligning with an enemy of the ruling party, its agents, including His Excellency, Lord Emperor. If the dynamics of power show must be explained, the victimization and intimidation obviously meant to whip into line certain people perceived to have different views from the president and his agents particularly on his 2015
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor
Incidentally, Oshiomhole’s craft suffered the same fate on a day he was billed to make an important journey to state capital of Peter Obi’s state, another major anti Amaechi protagonists. The difference between the Akure debacle and this incident is that unwittingly, the action is more like that of a blockhead in an African axiom who threw stones into a market in full swing unaware that one of his relations would be hit. Ironically, the conspiracy happens to be against the interest of Senator Obi, an aide of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, whose agents are generally fingered to be Jacobs wearing Esau’s hairy arms. From all indication, the development appears to be in line with the desire by the anti Amaechi forces to add more casualties to their collateral resume by dealing with those perceived as the River state governor’s allies who failed to kow-tow the directives of the president over the governor forum’s unfolding debacle. Unabashedly, they are throwing everything they have in the ring with a view to sending the message that with federal support at their disposal, they will stop at nothing to drive home the point that all opposed to their game plan will be crushed. So far, two governors, already primed for a potentially embarrassing exit from the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, have been hastened (one suspended over the very flimsy excuse that he did not take the party chairman’s call) out with a pre emptive suspension. Indications are rife that the party hierarchy is in a hurry to identify others with the same intention with the announcement earlier that more governors under the battered umbrella may be visited with the same fate sooner than later. The hammer on Oshiomhole’s craft is an attempt to
second term ambition, may end up with a different outcome altogether. Times without number, the presidency has publicly dissociated itself severally from the vendetta against Amaechi and those perceived to be his allies. Indeed, some observers have tendered arguments in support of this position. Assuming however, that it is true, allowing the harassment of the elected chairman of the NGF and his supporters to continue would give the impression that the claim is not only false but also that the presidency has lost its capacity to rein in its agents provocateurs. In the likelihood that the latter scenario is true, Nigerians may have more reasons to worry besides the seemingly intractable security situation in the country. One of the
reasons would be that the president is an unconscious pawn in the hands of power brokers within his party, who may be engineering a deceptively grand scheme in which Jonathan himself may turn out the ultimate loser. The likelihood of the scenario above appears very real, particularly now that the anti-Amaechi forces have not only shown a willingness to wash their dirty linen publicly but are equally ready to court international embarrassment. That is if the reaction of the pilot is anything to go by, following the (beyondaviation-safety) threat to ground his plane if he dared to move further than he did or even ask why he was so bullied into cutting short his flight midway. The hapless pilot reacted thus: “I was even threatened that after payment that the aircraft will be grounded completely if I argued with them. I have flown for 35 years, seven of which I spent in Nigeria and this is the first time I am encountering a situation like this. I don’t know what problem they have with the governor…” It would be recalled that following the uproar generated by the saga involving the grounding of Amaechi’s aircraft in Akure, the House of Representatives committee which investigated the matter exonerated the Rivers state governor from all the accusations leveled against him. The house went further to advice the Attorney General and minister of Justice to institute a suit against Caverton for deceiving Nigerians into holding the impression that the governor erred in the process leading to his acquisition of the aircraft and or subsequent operation in the country. Up till now, nothing has come out in the form of a suit from the Attorney General. What that tends to suggest is that the whole uproar leading up to the grounding of the aircraft was tacitly engineered by the federal government through its agents. The same indicators appear to be obvious in the similar, saga in Benin City involving Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole NAMA would need to do more than it has done so far to remove the indicators which seem to suggest that it is carrying out the instructions of an emerging, intolerant emperor. Ernest Omoarelojie writes from Benin City.
THE NIGERIAN
25
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Politics
The Ogbemudia Expose
Oshiomhole And PDP: By NASAMU JACOBSON I was fascinated by one opinion article headlined “Amaechi, Wammakko: Who’s next?” which appeared in a national daily on Friday June 7, 2013. The reason is that the article was published the same day some national newspapers also published comments by two-time governor of former Midwest and Bendel states and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia. Going by the present disposition and logic in the ruling party, Dr. Ogbemudia’s comments qualify not for suspension but expulsion. Dr. Ogbemudia, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) told newspaper reporters in Benin City last week that the PDP Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, speaking on behalf of the party early in May this year, lied when he said and was duly reported that “In 2007, Adams Oshiomhole begged to be given an opportunity under the umbrella but we considered his governorship aspiration an assault on the existing zoning formula in the state and quietly turned him down. Again in 2012, Adams once more came cap in hand and our great party again rejected him”. According to the revered political leader, “this statement is untrue. Due to the effort to bring peace to Edo PDP and bring more people to the party, I led a delegation of myself, Senator Oyofo, Dr. Willie Ogbeide, and three others to persuade Oshiomhole to come to PDP and he told us that if he comes to PDP, his friends in the media will kill him. I was therefore embarrassed when I
heard that PDP said he came to them and they rejected him.” My fear for Dr. Ogbemudia stemmed from the fact that both himself and Metuh are leaders of PDP and it seems that dissent, in the party, is outlawed and punishable with suspension. If you are still wondering why Dr. Ogbemudia’s rebuttal of the PDP barefaced lie is cause for worry then a rehash of recent suspensions will enhance a better understanding of the Ogbemudia debacle. Last week Wednesday, the National Working Committee of the PDP rose from its 338th meeting in Abuja, with a suspension order placed on Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamako for what the party described as “act of insured nation”. According to the same National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Elisa Metuh, the Sokoto State Governor shunned the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party when he was called to appear before it to answer some questions. Wamakko was alleged to have failed to pick Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s telephone call. Nigerians already know that some governors had been penciled down for suspension/expulsion for offences ranging from their alleged roles in the defeat of the infamous Jang gang at the recent Nigeria Governors Forum election to their perceived disloyalty to the 2015 presidential ambition of President Goodluck Ebelle Jonathan. The Wammakko suspension brings to two the number of such punitive actions meted on governors elected on
the platform of the party in two weeks. Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State was suspended from the party about four days after winning re-election as Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum on Friday May 24, 2013. The official reason given by the party for moving against Governor Amaechi is his alleged
the truth hinging Amaechi’s suspension on the imbroglio involving the local government and the state. The Governor’s offence is his effrontery in contesting and winning the chairmanship of the NGF when the party had asked him not to contest the election. Governor Amaechi is
Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia’s legendary candor may put him in Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s range for the hammer for putting records straight with respect to the attempt by Chief Olisa Metuh to rubbish the image of the performing governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. It is, however doubtful if either the party or the presidency can muster
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor
refusal to obey an order to rescind the state government suspension of a local government chairman, a matter that is still properly before a court of competent jurisdiction in Rivers State. However, it is common knowledge that the PDP was merely being economical with
contesting his suspension in court. Wammakko may also head for the court to challenge his suspension. The question, who’s next, therefore, is not difficult to proffer an answer to going by the present character and temperament of the leadership of the PDP.
the courage to move against Dr. Ogbemudia who has become an institution in the party. His comments may already have drawn the ire of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party as it may have been behind the grounding of a helicopter ferrying the governor to Anambra
State on Friday for the funeral of the wife of Senator Ben Obi, a PDP chieftain and adviser to the President. Governor Oshiomhole was already airborne when the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, called the chopper back to Benin airport for alleged nonpayment of landing and aerodrome fees, a step the pilot described as unusual in his 35 years of flying. Even after the tax had been paid, the chopper was detained on the tarmac for over an hour, a development which led to Governor O s h i o m h o l e disembarking and travelling by road to his Iyamho home instead. Next in line for Tukur’s guillotine must be Niger State Governor, Dr. Aliyu Muazu Babangida who Governor Yisa Yuguda has accused of betrayal of the party’s arrangement for the confirmation of the nomination by consensus of Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, as chairman of the NGF last month. Other governors who may be axed for their alleged roles in the NGF saga include Adamawa governor, Murtala Nyako and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano. For every action there is/ are reactions and how the Peoples Democratic Party responds to them will determine its fortune/misfortune in 2015. Nigerians are waiting. NASAMU Jacobson wrote from Benin City.
“Dr. Ogbemudia, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) told newspaper reporters in Benin City last week that the PDP Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, speaking on behalf of the party early in May this year, lied when he said and was duly reported that “In 2007, Adams Oshiomhole begged to be given an opportunity under the umbrella but we considered his governorship aspiration an assault on the existing zoning formula in the state and quietly turned him down.”
THE NIGERIAN
26
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
BENIN TRADITIONAL COUNCIL
Palace 113/Vol. XI/S/21 Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, Principal Counsel, Osagie Obayuwana & Co., 13, 2nd Ofumwengbe Street, Off Owoseni Street. New Benin Benin City.
6th June 2013
I am directed by the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, to refer to your letter dated 22nd May, 2013 requesting for a copy of Palace ratification on Omo N’Oba earlier decision (contained in The NIGERIAN OBSERVER Press Release issued by the Benin Traditional Council on 26th July, 2011 and 17th August, 2011) regarding the boundary dispute between Ugbor and Amagba Communities as finally reached on the 25th May, 2013 and to say that after much deliberation on the recommendations of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee (head by Chief Eduwu Ekhator Obasogie, the Obasogie of Benin) by the Omo N’Oba and Chiefs that: 1) After careful study of both Press Releases, it reveals that the area referred to as Ire River was never a river but has relies of river, valley and hill (Okeze) and did not at anytime belong to Amagba Community. Rather from the second Press Release, it was a boundary natural landmark between them and that it gave land to Omo N’Oba, which he never received. This tallies with the account of how Ugbor gave land to Orno N’Oba, which, was encroached upon as stated in the first Press Release and was later relocated. 2) The ruling of the 25th day of July, 2011 has a binding force on the affected communities. The second Press Release is innocuous and therefore has no bearing on the Palace ruling as all it did was to attempt to correct an impression that there was no river but relies of river, valley and hill (Okeze), it is therefore submitted that the second Press Release cannot alter or water down the clear and unambiguous ruling/decision of the Omo N’Oba. 3) The affected communities having given their consent to be bound by the decision of the Committee are hereby advised in the interest of peace and unity to restrict their activities to their boundaries. 4) The Omo N’Oba and Chiefs accepted the Committees recommendations. Above for your record purpose, please:
PALACE PRESS STATEMENT RESOLUTION ON THE CASE BETWEEN UGBOR AND) AMAGBA AKENGBUDA/AMAGBA ERESE BY HIS ROYAL MAJESTY OMO N’OBAN’EDO, UKU AKPOLOKPOLO, OBA OF BENIN The boundary dispute between Ugbor/Amagba came up for hearing in the Palace on the 20th of July, 2011 with the Omo N’Oba presiding. The Omo N’Oba while delivering judgment narrated how Ugbor community had offered him a piece of land long ago. The Omo N’Oba went further to say the day he and his Chiefs went to inspect the land, he was surprised to see that the land which Ugbor claimed to have given to him was already encroached upon by some people. The Omo N’Oba then queried the then Odionwere of Ugbor why a parcel of land claimed to have been given to him by the community was allowed to be encroached upon by people. But the Odionwere begged the Omo N’Oba claiming that he was ignorant of the fact that the youth in the village had entered the Omo N’Oba’s land. He then begged the Omo N’Oba for forgiveness, and said that they were going to replace the Omo N’Oba’s land with another parcel of land in another location. He then appealed to the Omo N’Oba to allow them show him another area in replacement. The Omo N’Oba obliged. He then proceeded to show Omo N’Oba the new land, which the Omo N’Oba objected to in view of the remote nature of the new land shown to him by the Odionwere. After much deliberation on the lingering boundary dispute by the Omo N’Oba and Chiefs, the Omo N’Oba resolved as follows: 1. That the area where the community shrine (Okhuahe and Nometene N’Ugbor) is located that was tagged as buffer zone as suggested by Chief Esogban when he first investigated the dispute for the Omo N’Oba should remain as such. 2. That the River Ire that was mentioned by Ugbor people should be the natural boundary between Ugbor and Amagba communities. Both parties were asked to allow the matter be as the Omo N’Oba had pronounced for peace to reign in both communities.
Signed: MR. ROBINSON OSAYAMWEN, Information Officer, Benin Traditional Council CHANGE OF NAME
OKOJIE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okojie Clementina now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ben Iriogbe Clementina. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, NYSC and the general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME
USIOHEN – I, formerly called Miss Nehizena Edith Usiohen now wish to be called and addressed as Nehizena Edith Okoro. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME ODUAVWOYA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oduavwoya Ogheneyenrovwo Blessing now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Ogheneyenrovwo Uto. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
PLACE YOUR COMMERCIALS HERE CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
ABUREKI – I, formerly called Miss Abureki Mary is now known and called Mrs. Eghosasere Osariemen Mary. All former documents remain valid. Edo State Government, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
EHIMUAN – I, formerly called Miss Jophetta Ehimuan is now known and called Mrs. Jophetta Ehimuan-Akatugba. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Edo State House of Assembly and the general public should please take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE
CHANGE OF FAMILY SURNAME AIZIBA - We formerly known, called and addressed as a) Nelson Oso’s Aiziba b) Mrs. Efe Aiziba (Nee Egbon) c) Master Nelson Jr. E. Aiziba d) Miss Monalisa .O. Aiziba e) Miss Emmanuela .O. Aiziba is now known, called and addressed as a) Nelson M. Edebhagba b) Mrs. Efe Edebhagba c) Master Nelson Jr. E. Edebhagba d) Miss Monalisa .O. Edebhagba e) Miss Emmanuela .O. Edebhagba All documents bearing our former names remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
THE NIGERIAN
27
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Encounter
Killing In The Name Of God Is Evil CHIEF Ada Ekhorutomwen is a public affairs commentator. In this chat he speaks on Jonathan’s ambition, State of emergency in the north and recent Brazilian business delegation to Edo. What is your reaction to Jonathan’s re-election bid and the North’s vow to retake power? There is nothing wrong in Jonathan’s ambition to recontest. Constitutionally, and legally too, he is not encumbered. He is free to express his desire which I think is the essence of democracy. In the same vein there is nothing wrong in the North’s determination to call for power shift. All these are mere wishes. What I feel we should hammer on is competence and capability to perform. That is why I am against zoning. I am not interested in where the president comes from. The President can come
from any area in the country provided his choice is based on competence. We should focus on those things and issues that can grow democracy, instill accountability on governance and provide effective political leadership. This is not the time we should still be talking about state of origin, tribe or ethnicity of aspiring political leaders. See what Obama is doing in America. He is an African. Tribalism hampers democratic growth. How about the state of emergency in some parts of the North? It came rather late. It should have been imposed earlier. That would have minimized the spate of destruction and callous killings of innocent souls the region has suffered. The emergency is in order. This country cannot continue to be held ransom by evil men who soak and bath in human blood. Boko Haram is evil.
Therefore, no measure is too high in dealing with the situation. Boko Haram is a threat to the political stability of this country. And where there is
- Chief Ekhorutomwen no stability, there cannot be economic growth. Foreign investors are scared while
• Chief David Ada Ekhorutomwen
local investors are inclined to export their investment drives. We cannot afford to be driven into that situation. Nigeria needs peace and everything must be done to preserve it. Religion is a personal issue. Therefore for any group to be using it in pursuit of its agenda is evil satanic and ungodly. Besides, I am not aware of any religion that says we should kill to attain salvation. All said, I commend Jonathan for declaring a state of emergency and I do hope he will have the same political will to prosecute it with all decisiveness. Brazil’s interest in doing business in Edo State? This is highly commendable. It is cheering news. Brazil’s interest in Edo State reveals Oshiomhole’s capacity for international
business networking. My advice is that we should take advantage of their interest by creating the enabling environment for others to come in. You see, this kind of partnership provides employment opportunities, thereby minimizing social tension and armed banditry. Brazil’s Business Delegation also visited your Bone-Setting Clinic. Yes. They did. And I felt very happy. These are people who invented orthodox medicine and yet have interest in native or herbal medical practice. Here in Nigeria, it is unfortunate that government has no interest in alternative medical practitioners despite the great work they are doing. Truth is that no prophet is respected by his people. But I tell you, we are the stones the builders rejected.
“This is highly commendable. It is cheering news. Brazil’s interest in Edo State reveals Oshiomhole’s capacity for international business networking.”
Issues Curbing Menace Of Cyber Crime ALTHOUGH the internet and other internet related devices have helped a great deal to foster development and aid man’s world, it has nonetheless had its fair share of abuse. It is a common phenomena to hear people use expressions as “maga don pay”, “yahoo-yahoo” and “I don hamer” to describe one form of internet fraud or the other. The rate at which crimes are committed via the computer and internet, has become alarming and jaw-dropping. Recently, a lady, Cynthia Osokogu, was murdered by friends she met on social network, Facebook. According to Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, the number of people who have access to the internet in Nigeria is 48 million. With the access to internet, many Nigerians now
By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU
have facebook accounts, mail accounts and do some other things via the internet. Cyber crimes come in different forms such as e-mail scams, hacking, distribution of viruses, data theft, extortion, impersonation among others. At some time, the cyber criminal lures his victim through scam mails. Most times, when you “pay a visit” to your e-mail account, you will be surprised at the number of messages telling you stories of how a huge deposit is placed in an account needing only your signatory to claim it. A visit to cybercafe across the nation will reveal how these crimes are committed. Perpetrators often pose as business oriented individuals who are seeking for partnership. They sweet-talk their suspects into
depositing huge amounts of money into their bank accounts only to vanish into thin air in no time. According to Cyber Crimes Watch in 2011, Nigeria is ranked third in global internet crimes after the United Kingdom respectively. Again, The Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3), had also placed Nigeria third in 2009 Cybercrime Complaints. In that same year, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), noted that 70 percent of attempted or successful fraud/forgery cases in the Nigerian banking system, were perpetrated through the electronic channels. According to myfinancialintelligence.com , the current 25 percent youth unemployment and weak legal systems, are major incentives propelling cyber
crime in Nigeria. Most cyber criminals, embark on the act in order to make ends meet. Can you imagine a graduate who has been searching for work for about five years? What would you expect that person to do? Will he fold his arms and watch himself held ransom by the biting effects of unemployment? Similarly, the lack of proper and stringent laws to halt cybercrime that is burning like wild fire is not good for a nation wishing to stop or reduce cybercrime. Although, efforts have been made before now to halt cyber offences, they have not been tough enough. Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo had, set up a committee known as the Nigeria Cyber Crime Working Group (NCWG), to tackle the menace. Following the death of Cynthia Osokogu, the House of Representatives, is
considering a bill called “The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Offences Bill. The bill is meant to strengthen the criminal and penal codes on cyber-related crimes. In addition to this, security personnel, in order to fight cyber fraud, must be found of high level of IT intelligence. The rate of acquisition of IT knowledge by cyber criminals, cannot be matched with the current low-level of information technology by people saddled with the responsibility of securing the citizens and their properties. Without the knowledge of these ICT’s, the security personnel, will not be able to tackle cyber-fraud which is an information and intelligence based activity. You cannot fight cyber-crime with a security personnel who cannot operate a computer system effectively. Computer-related crimes can easily be investigated where existing infrastructure
is reliable. In some countries where cyber-fraud has received a good battle, there is regular supply of electricity. In Nigeria, however, the same cannot be said. The epileptic power situation, has further jeopardized the fight against the monster. According to Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), the country has lost about 2 trillion naira to cyber-related offences. Also, in 2007, the Central Bank of Nigeria (C.B.N.), noted the banking sector lost N7.3 billion to computer crimes. For individuals, these figures, portray a need to stamp out computer offences in the country. It can be said that although efforts have been made to reduce or stop this trend described as “419” by most Nigerians, it is not enough. More needs to be done if our country’s dented image in the world, caused by computer-crime, van be saluaged. Yes, we can fight it!
THE NIGERIAN
28
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Discourse
Curbing The Use Of NAMA As A Tool Of Presidential Oppression
IT started with the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and Rivers State Governor were on board the Rivers State aircraft from Akure when suddenly National Airspace Management Authority Officials grounded the aircraft, not minding whether the number four citizen of the nation and the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi were on board. All kinds of laughable reasons were later to be adduced by NAMA for the embarrassment of the top government officials believed not to be in the good books of the Presidency. “Oh, the aircraft flew into Nigeria illegally.” “Ah! The aircraft had no manifest.” “Elm, the aircraft has been flying without due registration.” “Oh! NAMA is now a born again institution now determined to enforce aviation laws. Good talk abi? Enforcement of aviation laws for all those perceived to be against presidential second term bid? Or what? Nigerians were yet to comprehend the kind of politricks being played out by NAMA which seems to have extended its official work brief to now include the militant wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which now attack, harass, embarrass and molest ( if need be) Governors , Speaker of House of Reps, other notable Nigerians who are sympathetic with Governor Amaechi which the presidency believes is interested in becoming a Vice Presidential candidate to a Northerner come 2015 general elections! This was the insanity visited on our beloved Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole last Friday. He does not have an official aircraft like other buoyant state Governors, so he chattered a helicopter to carry government functionaries to attend the burial of the mother of
Senator Ben Obi. NAMA struck, called the helicopter’s pilot mid-air and told him to reverse back and land compulsorily or his certificate would be withdrawn and his helicopter permanently grounded. Thank God for the person of the Comrade Governor. When the pilot told him of the development, he encouraged him to make a U-turn and land for his callers. Lo and behold, the same PDP and Presidency militant wing, NAMA reeling out the same Amaechi aircraft story of “no manifest”, “ no payment of air charges.” “ No sufficient aviation fuel” and all the nonsense they had to say. One do not need to be an aviation expert to know that before an aircraft takes off from an airport, it has to be given approval of the airport authority. Also, no plane would land in an airport without the clearance of the aviation authority except in a situation of security breach. Why then do the airport authority allow the helicopter take off if it had no manifest? What kind of agbero NAMA is that or is it using nama nama brains to act the script handed them by Abuja? Why should the helicopter take off only to be returned mid air to be told cock and bull stories? Okay. The Comrade Governor waited patiently for over an hour and half to truly see if it was a case of manifest as he was erroneously told, before he left the airport in disapproval of the embarrassment which NAMA, the PDP and Presidency militant wing had unleashed on his person and office? There is also an incontrovertible case that
BY DAN OWEGIE helicopters don’t run like normal airline operations as they can operate from anywhere, not even from the airport. Oshiomhole had nothing to hide that is why he used the airport to make his trip, but NAMA chose to
condemnation of the crass display of official insanity by NAMA. The consensus is also that there is more to the motive of NAMA than meets the ordinary eyes, since the ground PDP could not kill the governor during
dubiously claimed the tipper driver and his motor boy were both card carrying members of the ACN! What an abracadabra? Sadly too, both men were also sent by the PDP Inspector General of Police to investigate the cruel murder of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde when he
President Goodluck Jonathan bare its fangs on the wrong person because they have murdered sleep. To add pepper to injury, aviation spokesperson Ifeanyi Nwankwo who was not in Benin Airport when the madness occurred says the helicopter had not taken off when they stopped it. Tufiakwa! What a big fat lie! Nigeria is heading for serious chaos with these kind of persons in position of authority. We are pleased that notable Nigerians have risen in
the campaigns last year when they got a truck to ram into his convoy in Auchi and later got their hit squad in the Nigeria Police led by AIG Peter Gana and Chris Ezike to investigate the matter following the outrage that greeted the attempt on the governor’s life. They came and made mess of what was to be an investigation as the Edo PDP used the so-called findings of the policemen on campaign grounds even before it was released officially by the police. They
was murdered in questionable circumstances for which the PDP and the police are still busy covering up till date! It is sad that NAMA has had to now take over from where they let off. They are sure to fail. Why should a nation’s aviation authority condescend so low to partisan politics in the manner they are carrying on now? What does the Aviation Minister Ordua want to achieve? Is that what she needs to become the
“It is sad that NAMA has had to now take over from where they let off. They are sure to fail. Why should a nation’s aviation authority condescend so low to partisan politics in the manner they are carrying on now? What does the Aviation Minister Ordua want to achieve? Is that what she needs to become the Governor of her state or to retain her ministerial position? God forbid!It is only proper that NAMA tenders a public apology to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.”
Governor of her state or to retain her ministerial position? God forbid! It is only proper that NAMA tenders a public apology to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. We also urge the National Assembly to investigate the remote and immediate circumstances surrounding the embarrassment of our Governor, otherwise, we would take action that would be unpalatable to the Federal Government. This has now led the loquacious Edo PDP Chairman, Mr. Dan Orbih to go to town to misbehave. He has now linked NAMA’s madness with teachers unwarranted strike even as he has turned Edo PDP to a trade union, the same offence that the Presidency and PDP in Abuja is accusing Governor Amaechi and nobody has suspended Dan Orbih. SO, it is politics of convenience. When the Trade Union PDP favours Abuja, then it is permitted but if it is against another important Nigerian such as Comrade Oshiomhole, then it is allowed. The PDP should as a matter of urgency suspend Dan Orbih who has converted Edo PDP to a trade union, so that Nigerians can begin to take the PDP serious again. The desperation of the President to retain office in 2015 is shockingly embarrassing to many Nigerians. One wonders if the pursuit of Rotimi Amaechi in Rivers, Babangida Aliyu in Niger, Wamako Magatakarda in Sokoto, Tambuwal in Abuja, Fashola in Lagos, Kwara Governor, Rochas in Imo Lamido in Jigawa and several other governors is the best way to realize a second term bid come 2015. Someone close to the President needs to convince him to urgently stop these needless fights because he is being generally perceived to be oppressing citizens because of his 2015 ambition and nobody knows where such a tactic will blow Nigeria and the presidency to when the game is up. Mr. Dan Owegie is the Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.
THE NIGERIAN
29
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Winning Champions League Worth More Than WCcoming - Oddo up to the final.
EX-Milan defender Massimo Oddo has Winning it was an sensationally claimed that winning the 2007 immense satisfaction. Champions League was “worth more” than winning From there we also won the the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy. European Super Cup and The right-back tasted World Cup. I arrived at Club World Cup. In a year success on both the Milan in January [2007] and a half I’vewon national and domestic and I was immediately everything.” Oddo came through the front, having played a catapulted into the Rossoneri youth ranks in crucial part in Italy’s claim Champions [League] 1993 and was sent on of their fourth World Cup which I had done barely several loan spells before as well as Milan’s seventh featured with Lazio. the club sold him to Napoli “I played all the games in 1999. Champions League crown. Yet, despite having Zidane Says Real May Break broken records with Signing Record For Bale Marcello Lippi’s Italy, he believes that the European REAL Madrid adviser finances not to be put off by title carried ‘an immense Zinedine Zidane has hinted a record-breaking fee like satisfaction’. that his club may be tempted that.” Tottenham manager Andre “It was a beautiful to break the transfer record in Villas-Boas has stated their bid to lure Gareth Bale satisfaction, a little bit of consistently that he expects revenge in the sense that away from Tottenham. Zidane has spoken of his Bale to remain at the club once the Rossonerihad sold admiration of Welsh forward next season despite their me [in 1999] and my goal Bale on numerous occasions failure to qualify for next was to come back,” he told in recent weeks, fuelling season’s Champions League, yet talks over a lucrative new TMW Magazine. speculation that Real Madrid contract for the PFA and “Personally, the are ready to tempt Spurs with Football Writers’ Player of Champions League I won a huge offer for their star turn the Year appear to have stalled in the last month. is worth more than the this summer.
Ex-Milan Defender, Massimo-Oddo
No Bayern Move For Lewandowski - Dortmund
ROBERT Lewandowski will not sign for Bayern Munich this year, Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said in an interview published yesterday, amid speculation the Poland striker was eyeing a move to the German and European champions.
“Robert Lewandowski will definitely not be transferred to Bayern in 2013,” Watzke was quoted as saying by the tabloid Bild. “That’s final. We’ve told Robert and his agent.” Watzke accepted that it was “completely understandable” that players can talk about their future
Modric Not Eyeing Madrid Exit claims he has no desire to leave
LUKA Modric has revealed he is attracting interest from other clubs, with Chelsea rumoured to be in the frame, although the Croatian midfielder
Juventus Send Warning To Madrid JUVENTUS director Beppe Marotta has warned Real Madrid that any deal involving Gonzalo Higuain will not include an exchange of players. The transfer mogul revealed to Sky Italia the discussion he had with Galacticos president Floretino Perez following a lunch meeting on Sunday. “We met with President Perez and it’s obvious that we also talked about football at this lunch,” confessed Marotta. “It is all still to be defined, because Real have not yet clarified their coaching situation. Therefore any debate on players is postponed. “The two clubs have an excellent rapport and they showed appreciation for some of our players. It is possible to see market strategies.” Moratta went on to insist that they will by no means be parting with the likes of their ‘best players’ in Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal.
Real Madrid. Modric joined Real last summer from Tottenham, but struggled to hold down a regular place in the side. The departure of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea has cast doubt on the 27-year-old’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu, as it has been claimed the Portuguese wants to take the midfielder to Stamford Bridge. Mourinho may well outline his transfer blueprint during his opening Blues press conference on Monday, but Modric has no plans to move on. “I’m not even thinking about the possibility I could leave Madrid this summer, but there is interest from other clubs,” Modric is quoted as saying in The Sun. “Every kid who plays football dreams about playing for Real Madrid. It was the same with me. “Of course I was sad when Jose Mourinho left. He was the one who insisted on bringing me to Madrid. He is a fantastic coach and I am honoured to have worked with him. “He really impressed me. It’s such a pleasure to play in his team and talk with him about football. I wish him all the best in Chelsea. I believe he will use all his knowledge and expertise at Stamford Bridge once again.”
and revealed that he had discussed the matter twice with his counterparts in Munich. “We explained to Bayern that, if only for financial compliance (as Dortmund is listed on the German stock exchange), we needed a written offer for Lewandowski. But such an offer hasn’t been received yet,” he added.
“The matter’s closed and there’s no anger or resentment... if Robert still wants to go to Bayern, he’ll have the chance to do it next year.” Lewandowski, 24, told Bild earlier this month that he wanted to leave the beaten Champions League finalists before the start of
next season, although he did not specifically mention Bayern. Should Lewandowski leave Dortmund next year, the club would take a financial hit, given that he would no longer be under contract, allowing Bayern — or any other club — to acquire his services for free. Currently, he is thought to be worth an estimated 25 million euros ($33 million, £21 million). Bayern, runaway winners of last season’s Bundelsiga, as well as the German Cup and Champions League, have already secured the transfer of Dortmund’s young Germany prodigy Mario Goetze for 37 million euros.
Now the French legend has admitted it may take “recordbreaking money” to lure Bale to the Spanish capital, admitting his club may be ready to eclipse the £80 million landmark fee they paid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United in 2009. “The talk about Gareth Bale is not a surprise,” Zidane in quoted in the Daily Mail. “It is impossible to have the season he just had and not be linked with the biggest clubs in Europe. “If any club is going to tempt Spurs, then it will take big money - maybe even record-breaking money. There are four or five clubs at the moment who have the
A transfer bid of magnitude Zidane is hinting at for the 23year old would test the resolve of the north London club to the full, in what looks set to be a transfer story that will run and run throughout the summer.
Gareth Bale
Ribery Scoops Player Of The Year Award FRANCK Ribery has been voted the Bundesliga Player of the Year by his fellow professionals, while his Bayern Munich team-mate Manuel Neuer was chosen as the league’s
Frank Ribery
best goalkeeper but boss Jupp Heynckes missed out on the top coach award. In the bi-annual kicker poll - completed by 228 top-flight players - the Bayern Munich winger kept hold of the top spot he claimed in the winter, securing 29% of the vote. Ribery, who has just extended his contract until 2017 with the Treble winners, finished ahead of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski (17.3%) and Bayern teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger (12.4%). The 2013 Ballon d’Or candidate’s ten goals and
15 assists over the course of the Bundesliga season was enough to sway the vote in his favour. A much closer race for the Goalkeeper of the Year award ended with fellow Bayern player Neuer at the top of the pile. The Germany international won 23.2% of the vote, just 2.6% more than Dortmund shotstopper Roman Weidenfeller. Hamburg ‘keeper Rene Adler was unable to defend his winter title, finishing in third position. Meanwhile, a whopping 48.7% named Freiburg
boss Christian Streich as the “winner amongst the coaches”. He was followed by Bayern’s Heynckes and Frankfurt’s Armin Veh, who dropped down from the top spot he secured during the winter. When questioned about the best league in Europe at the moment, the Bundesliga players opted for the division which they currently play in. A majority of 80.9% believe the German top flight is the continent’s superior league, with 14.3% naming the Premier League in second place.
THE NIGERIAN
30
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Eagles Aim To Maintain World Cup Group Lead ANOTHER win on the road on Wednesday against Namibia would give Nigeria a more comfortable lead in their World Cup qualifying group. and it needed the individual Nigeria currently set the pace brilliance of Ikechukwu Uche to in Group F with eight points after make the difference. four rounds of matches, two The tone has been set for points ahead of second-placed Wednesday’s showdown Malawi and could well extend following the sensational their advantage even before their resignation of Swedish coach last game at home against Roger Palmgren as Namibia Malawi in September. coach. FIFA Confederations CupPalmgren threw in the towel bound Nigeria beat Namibia 1-0 following threats to his family in the reverse fixture in June, but and the Brave Warriors will thus it was anything but an easy win
Togo Fears Over Libya Trip TOGO captain Alaixys Romao has admitted his team fear a repeat of their horrific 2010 Africa Cup of Nations experience if they go to Libya for Friday’s World Cup qualifier. Three people were killed, including two members of the Togolese delegation, by machine-gun-wielding separatists when the team made its way to the Angolan enclave of Cabinda for its group-stage games at the Nations Cup three-and-a-half years ago. Didier Six’s team are due in Benghazi this week, the Libyan town were 30 people were killed and more than a hundred injured in fighting last weekend, and Romao told L’Equipe the prospect has reawakened the squad’s worst nightmares. “It brings back so many bad memories,” the Marseille midfielder, who cowered for safety on the team coach in Cabinda as it was peppered with bullets for 20 minutes, said. “We’ve talked about it among ourselves, those who went through that. “We don’t want to go through the same drama as in
Angola. The killings on Saturday must change something. It’s frightening.” Libya’s 0-0 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Tripoli on Friday passed off without major incident, but Six has been told by the French embassy in the north African country his security cannot be assured if he goes to Benghazi. Romao is concerned the tension on the pitch will merely inflame the situation, and hopes FIFA will move the game to a different venue. “We don’t want to play in Benghazi. We’re very worried after what happened on Saturday. There were more than 30 killed and they want to send us there?” he explained. “Why should we take so many risks for a match? We shouldn’t be afraid for our safety. And if we win, what happens then? So we’re going to see what can be done with FIFA. Of course, if we’re made to go there, what can we do? But who would find that normal?” Libya are currently top of Group I while Togo - in last place in the four-team section are only two points back after their 2-0 victory over Cameroon on Sunday.
be led by Ricardo Manetti. But countries have clashed five times with the Eagles winning all, a feat they would wish to continue with on Wednesday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek. Last week’s goalless draw Namibia recorded against hosts Malawi will be a morale boaster for them to challenge the African champions, but the Nigerians are equally fresh from a hard-fought win in Kenya. The match winner against Kenya Ahmed Musa told MTNFootball.com this encounter is also crucial and they hope to win to keep them on track for a place at next year’s World Cup in Brazil. “We are all Nigerians and what we love most when it comes to football is victory, so we are prepared for that and going for it. We are not taking this game lightly and that informed why we came here straight from Kenya,” said the CSKA Moscow striker. “I will do my best against to get one of the goals, while also playing for the team to win.” Academica de Coimbra of Portugal midfielder John Ogu told MTNFootball.com that he is looking forward to his second victory with the Eagles. “World Cup ticket is our target and so this game against Namibia is as important as the previous ones. We are approaching it the same way we have done for our other games and we want to win again,” he said. “I am personally looking forward to another victory and probably getting my second international goal for Nigeria. But we are not going to underrate
threats. “The president of the Namibia Football Association John Muinjo hereby announces the resignation of the Brave Warriors’ head
Rogers Palmgren, resigned Namibia Coach
“We the players desire victory than anyone else, we know we are representing our nation. We are well prepared for the game. It is important to us,” said Ambrose. “I am calling on Nigerians to
pray for us as we give our best to win on the pitch. Their prayers are very important and we won’t let them down.” For Namibia, a shock win could see them leapfrog Malawi in second place in this group.
Victor Moses
Martinez Wants Everton Reunion With Victor Moses RVICTO Moses could well be the first signing by Everton new boss Roberto Martinez, according to media reports.
Namibia Coach Quits After Receiving Death Threats SWEDE Roger Palmgren has quit as Namibia coach after just a month in the role saying he fears for the safety of his family after receiving death
them.” Scotland double champion Efe Ambrose told MTNFootball.com that the spirit is high and they are carrying over the Kenya victory spirit to Namibia.
coach Roger Palmgren who tendered his resignation with immediate effect this weekend due to serious threats directed towards him and his family, as stated in his resignation letter,” the NFA said in a statement. Palmgren was unveiled as coach on May 2 and led the team to two 0-0 draws, in a friendly against Zambia and a World Cup qualifier in Malawi last week. Namibia face African champions Nigeria in Windhoek in a qualifier on Wednesday, with former Namibia midfielder Ricardo Mannetti placed in temporary charge of the side. Namibia trail group leaders Nigeria by four points with two rounds of matches left.
Martinez desires Chelsea forward Victor Moses his first signing for Everton reported Mirror football. The Nigeria international may struggle to get regular game time with Chelsea with new boss Jose Mourinho arriving to put his stamp on
his new squad coupled with the arrival of Romelo Lukaku with Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar still ahead of him in the pecking order. Victor Moses, who cost Chelsea £9m, may go for £10m. Capped 12 times by
Nigeria, Moses is only 22 years old and has a massive future ahead of him. Martinez could also bring in Moses’ former team mates at Wigan namely James McCharty, Callum McManaman, Ivan Ramis and Arouna Kone.
FUFA President Rewards Cranes
FUFA president has rewarded the Cranes with winning bonuses after Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier 1-0 home win over Liberia. Federation of Uganda Football Associations boss Lawrence Mulindwa said the Cranes deserved to be
appreciated for a job well done. “We always believe in rewarding team’s when they perform well and there is a lot to come as we still have other matches to come,” Mulindwa told MTNFootball.com.
Nigeria Pro League Results (Wk 17) Rangers Nasarawa Enyimba Nembe Wolves Kaduna Kwara Gombe Dolphins Lobi
3 1 1 0 2 2 2 1 1 1
Heartland Sharks Sunshine ABS 3SC Akwa Bayelsa Wikki Pillars El Kanemi
1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1
Mulindwa gave the Cranes an equivalent of US$24,000 (Uganda Shs60 million) and promised additional bonuses should they beat guests Angola in their next Group J game on June 15 at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. The Cranes win over Liberia lifts them into second place in Group J on five points, one behind leaders Senegal after four games played. Meanwhile, Uganda sporting successes stories rarely receive monetary rewards from government and are instead awarded bonuses by their respective governing sporting bodies. However, 2012 London Olympic marathon gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich and 2010 Commonwealth and 2011 All Africa Games 5000 meters gold medalist Moses Kipsiro were excepted to the rule after the Uganda government rewarded them for their outstanding performances.
THE NIGERIAN
31
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
Sex-For-Fixing Referees Jailed In THREE Lebanese Singapore public has Singapore an“The football referees pleaded interest in preserving guilty Monday to accepting free sex from a gamblinglinked global syndicate in return for agreeing to rig a match, with a Singapore judge jailing two and deferring sentencing for the third. A district court judge jailed assistant referees Ali Eid, 33, and Abdallah Taleb, 37, for three months. He deferred sentencing till Tuesday for referee Ali Sabbagh, whom state prosecutors said was the most culpable. The assistant referees broke down into sobs and repeatedly looked up as if to thank God when Judge Low Wee Ping said they could be freed by later Monday or Tuesday, after remission for good behaviour and due to time already served awaiting
Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand Worried Over England’s Future MANCHESTER United’s Rio Ferdinand has expressed worry over England’s football future after their U-21s crashed out of the junior European Championship on the weekend. Ferdinand spoke out after the The Under-21 players arrived in senior side’s draw with the Israel with high hopes, especially Republic of Ireland last week, considering the seasons the likes debating the coaching strategies of Tom Ince and Wilfried Zaha that are in place at under-age have had. levels. Ferdinand did acknowledge the Ferdinand, who retired from the Three Lions earlier this year, went on to question his own JOHN Barnes believes ‘golden generation’ of players, and on Saturday night sought English football is stuck in the Dark Ages and would have more answers. After Pearce’s men were struggled at the Under-21 humbled 3-1 by Norway in European Championship even Israel, Ferdinand, responding to with the players they were a Tweet which referenced denied. The Young Lions became the Pearce’s claim that he needed to be able to field his strongest first team to exit the competition side, said: “It starts way down following defeats to Italy and Norway. A key issue for Stuart the chain. “For me u should b able to Pearce’s side has been the string pluck an u18s player out n put of high-profile players made him into the 1st team n not have unavailable, with eligible players to school him tactically,just such as Alex OxladeChamberlain, Phil Jones and school on opposition. Danny Welbeck instead linking “Would not happen now at all for us,in contrast if Spain or up with the senior side. However, former England Germany threw a u18 in he would know his role as these international Barnes does not believe their absence is behind countries have an identity.”
talent at Pearce’s disposal, but voiced his concern that the players were not being exposed to good enough opposition. “We have some real talented u21 players too,” said the 81-cap international. “A lot of other coaches are getting players who already
understand the system to play in so start ahead b4 a ball is kicked!” A Twitter user replied to Ferdinand questioning the standard of Pearce’s squad, to which the former West Ham man said: “We do, trust me. We have talent in that squad, are they being exposed at top level?”
... Barnes Blasts Oldstructure.” English Barnes is not the first highMindset profile figure to hit out at the
Wild David Luiz Could Risk Brazil’s Chances THE last thing that Brazil need when they try and win a sixth World Cup on home soil next year is for their players to lose their cool at a crucial moment in the tournament. Brazil should have learned the lesson in 2010 when they imploded in the second half of the quarter-final against the Netherlands after the whole team, including coach Dunga, let their anxiety get the better of them. Yet, there were worrying signs in Sunday’s 3-0 friendly win over France that it has not been heeded. Central defender David Luiz, a pivotal member and leader of the Brazil team, showed the tempestuous side of his character which he appeared to have largely subdued with Chelsea this season.
Early in the game, he took a wild hack at French striker Karim Benzema’s leg in an incident which happened near the halfway line. Having somehow escaped a booking for that offence, he made sure of a yellow card a few minutes later with another crunching tackle from behind on Dmitri Payet. Again, there was no danger to the Brazil goal whatsoever when he did it. If it had been a World Cup match with a stricter referee, Brazil would have been down to 10 men in less than half an hour. The Chelsea defender also produced France’s best scoring opportunity when he diverted Mathieu Balbuena’s cross straight towards his goal and was only saved by goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who pulled off a point-blank reflex stop to keep the ball out.
the Young Lions’ failure, insisting the issues run deeper than that. “We are not even producing enough players for the senior side, never mind the under-21s,” he told talkSPORT. “The way we’re talking you would think we have under-21 superstars who are being plucked away from the under-21s and if they played they would win the under-21 championship. If we played our best players from the under-21s, I still don’t think we would be good enough to win the under-21 championship. The players aren’t there. They are not good enough. “We still like this old British mentality of up-and-at them, get stuck in, because we are not comfortable keeping the ball if it is seemingly going nowhere. “Spain don’t keep the ball just for the sake of it, but in England we have this attitude that, if you are keeping the ball for 20 passes without getting over the halfway line, they are doing it for no reason. We have to change our philosophy and our mentality.” Aware of the need for progress, the Football Association opened St George’s Park training complex last year - a structure seen as key to the future of English football. “St George’s Park and the infrastructure and the money they have spent has nothing to do with addressing the problem,” Barnes said. “It has to do with the philosophy. You don’t need a St George’s Park to change the philosophy, you can do that in an open park. It is the culture we have to change, nothing to do with spending £50million on a
English game over the course of the Under-21 European Championship. Former England managers Glenn Hoddle, Graham Taylor and Steve McClaren have all expressed their concerns, while former defender Sol Campbell feels certain young stars have approached tournaments with an unhealthy sense of entitlement before they have achieved anything in the game.
sentence. Turning to Ali Sabbagh, 34, the judge said: “I need time to consider your sentence. I don’t, for the moment, accept that you should be sentenced to six months.” Deputy public prosecutor Asoka Markandu described Ali Sabbagh as “the most culpable” among the three as he was the one approached by the syndicate and the one who persuaded the two linesmen to accept the sexual bribe. The three men were arrested and charged on April 4 with corruption for accepting sexual favours in exchange for agreeing to fix an unspecified football match. They had been abruptly pulled out of an Asian Football Confederation Cup match they were scheduled to officiate in Singapore on April 3 between Singapore-based club Tampines Rovers and India’s East Bengal. The three were denied bail and have been detained at Singapore’s Changi prison since April 4. Eric Ding Si Yang, 31, a Singaporean businessman who allegedly supplied the prostitutes, has also been charged with corruption and granted bail. The judge lashed out at the FIFA-accredited referees for bringing disrepute to the sport, saying they were probably the first international football match officials to be charged with corruption in Singapore. “That alone, the fact that you are international officials, in my view, is already an aggravating factor,” he said.
football as a professional sport in Singapore. This is because it has social, recreational and economic value,” he added. Defence lawyer Gary Low cited his clients’ previously unblemished records, their guilty plea and the fact that their acceptance of the sexual bribe did not result in any football match being rigged. “The gratification was arranged by Mr Ding Si Yang with a view to fixing a football match in the future. Our clients did not reach an agreement with Ding to fix a particular football match,” Low said. “In these circumstances, our clients’ conduct did not in any way affect or influence the outcome of any football match.” State prosecutors have said Ali Sabbagh, a sports teacher with Lebanon’s education ministry earning $850 a month, was approached by Ding in “mid-2012” in Beirut, indicating a “clear international dimension” to the offences. Ding, described in Singaporean media as a nightclub owner who drives an Aston Martin sports car, is facing three counts of corruption charges but was freed after posting bail of Sg$150,000 ($121,000). Singapore has a long history of match-fixing, and syndicates from the wealthy Southeast Asian island have been blamed by European police for orchestrating a network responsible for rigging hundreds of games worldwide.
ATP Rankings: Nadal Rewarded With
Rankings Drop After Franch Open Triumph RAFAEL Nadal won a historic eighth title at the French Open on Sunday night but curiously woke up yesterday morning having dropped a place in the world rankings. Even more gallingly for the King of Clay, the man who has replaced him in fourth in the ATP rankings is David Ferrer, his compatriot whom he dispatched 6-3 6-2 6-3 in the final at Roland Garros. “It’s strange, no?” Ferrer said. “I lost the final against Rafael, but tomorrow, I’ll be No. 4. Anyway, I would change. I prefer to win here and to stay No. 5.” The rather bizarre situation may have dire implications for Nadal ahead of Wimbledon, which starts on June 24, as he could well be seeded fifth in line with his ATP status. Wimbledon decide their own seedings but last year they mirrored the ATP standings identically. If he is fifth seed then Nadal is likely to face one of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer or Andy
Murray in the quarter-finals, and may have to play all three of his big rivals in succession if he is to win Wimbledon for a third time. The reason for Nadal slipping a place despite his crushing victory over Ferrer is that you earn no rankings points for defending a title under the rules of the ATP’s 12-month rolling system. Ferrer, meanwhile, improved on last year’s performance when he lost to Nadal at the semi-final stage, so made ground on his fellow Spaniard, who is lying unexpectedly low in the rankings due to an injury-ravaged 2012. However, Nadal now has the chance to enjoy a profitable second half of the year as he only competed in two competitions following the French Open in 2012 and therefore has plenty of points to accrue. “There are still six months ahead of us,” Nadal said. “I could be number one again if I continue at that level and if I’m not injured. But this is not 100 per cent sure.
“To be number one in this era, you need to play during the whole season. You have to play during the whole season and do well, because the other players are very competitive. “They’re going to be there. I need to keep winning a lot of points if I want to have any chance to be number one at the end of the season.”
Rafael Nadah
THE NIGERIAN
CMYK
32
NIGERIA celebrates fourteen years of Democracy. However, few days after president Jonathan’s team organised a lavish event to present a mid-term report of its achievements as part of celebrations of Democracy Day, the newspapers reported a secret meeting of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) leaders where the Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman, Chief Tony Anenih,
physical infrastructure it builds then the most democratic governments we have ever had in Nigeria were the military governments. Because of this implication I do not think we should submit to this notion of hinging the success of democracy on infrastructural developments. The Jonathan administration did same with the launch of the mid-term report of its achievements, which it has
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013
made in freeing the political space to allow for healthy competition or confronting the growing incidences of rights violations across the country. We did not hear anything about countering the trends of closed door consensus arrangements and endorsements of political god-sons and stooges by small grey-haired cliques. It would have been nice to read- for once- a report that informs on steps to correct political
Still A Democracy Of Endorsements, Fourteen Years After called for automatic endorsements of the president, and governors who are judged to have performed creditably in their first terms, to run for second term in office. It is ironic that an elaborate event organised to celebrate Nigeria’s democratic gains is followed by a decision that totally mocks the event. Nigeria’s new found political environment has obviously changed in many ways: In fourteen years, we have seen a change in public perception of leadership. as much as there has been a growing awareness of what governance entails and the responsibilities of government to the people. As a friend once put it; “ before, Nigerians barely knew what NEPA’s duties entailed. Today, at least, we know what megawatts are and we can raise more informed issues on power”. Beyond this, our voices have become louder in criticising policies and programmes that we consider unsustainable- even when our opinions are not acted on. While these reactions have largely remained in print and on social media sites, there are indications that we are slowly garnering the resolve for physical marches. This is probably the aspect of the democracy that we are celebrating. Beyond these, all other criteria that have been used in assessing the success of Nigeria’s democratic experiment have been largely misconstrued or outrightly deceptive. An obvious one is the popular “Dividends of Democracy” mantra that promotes the narrative of a perfect synergy between democracy and socioeconomic growth. All governments since 1999 have been responsible for feeding this narrative, whether out of a clear understanding of the Nigerian need to only judge success based on physical proof of wealth or out of a misconception of what democratic gains are supposed to be. I have always said that if we are to judge a government’s allignment with democratic principles by the volume of
sold so far as proof of its allignment with democratic principles. While the report stressed, in its over 200 pages, on achievements in the
anomalies and achievments in the improvement of political and social rights of Nigerians. When the building of roads become more descriptive of
Chief Tony Anenih, BOT Chairman different sectors of the economy, showing figures and citing speficic projects and their progress so far, it seemed to conveniently ignore what many would consider the core of democratic governance; the superiority of popular choice over individual whims and the defence of civil rights. I am sure many people would be asking whether the event was intended to celebrate democracy or intended to showcase the government’s bullish drive towards meeting its Transformation goals. In some ways, the event was apt: for one, it was well timed in the sense that it enhanced the government’s touted belief in accountability as an important factor in strengthening democratic governance. To have chosen democracy day to give account of its efforts so far was on point. However, this is where the democratic disposition of the event ends as far as I am concerned. In this huge volumed report, like all other attempts at publicising achievements by federal and state governments, there was hardly any mention of efforts
democracy than the respect for, and defence of, the rights of Nigerians, I believe there is a disconnect somewhere. Ironically, our Lesbian and Gay communities would be reminiscing about the military era rather than celebrating the dawn of a dispensation that is supposed to have been more considerate of their preferences. It is ironic that a bill is passed in the Nationall Assembly, only a few days before the celebration of democracy, that further promotes the victimisation of a people already facing intense persecution in the country. Frowning on homosexuality is one thing but imposing a prison sentence for
something that is more determined by mental inclination than an intentional act of criminality is strange. As the government’s mid-
principle of popular choice; we have also seen how alliances are easily formed and destroyed whenever it suits the whims of those
President Goodluck Jonathan term achievement report makes the rounds, we are still faced with the seering cauldron that is the 2015 general elections. More than anything, the events that have played out so far are more expressive of what the last fourteen years has bequeathed than the midterm report has done. In the last two weeks, we have seen how the power of incumbency- when infused with burning ambition- can tilt the balance of power in one single event and turn the whole democratic process on its head; we have seen how political decisions are reached in the dark without the slightest submission to the
involved, regardless of the implications for the country’s stability. If I am not wrong, this democracy is spupposed to do away with previous dictatorial trends: while we may tolerate intense lobbying and shifting political alliances as necessary evils, I am not sure that the outright victimisation of potential opponents in a supposedly open political space would pass as one of the components of a democratic system. Beyond the vindictive nature of our present political structure, we are also dealing with some of the most fraudulent election processes anywhere. There are not many who would describe Nigeria’s elective process as
“This idea of endorsement as an acceptable alternative to the elective principle is probably the first indicator of the consequences of a pretentious democracy. Since we have never made any real attempt to question the process by which parties reach the decision on who they present as candidates in elections, and we choose simply to ignore the malfeasance in internal party politics, the brutal reality of our apathy- induced by official suppression of our rights to choose- is gradually being exposed in the neglect of the elective principle in determining who governs us. This is not limited to the ruling party- which bears the brunt of public distrust for obvious reasons- but to all political parties.”
expressive of a true democracy. While many chose to ignore the events of 1999, because it was largely umpired by the military, it is impossible to ignore the events that have played out under democratically elected governments since then. In 2003, the intrigues that virtually brought a president to his knees were as much expressive of the power of political alliances as they were indicative of a counterforce to presidential whims; It was then that the all powerful state governors formed a potent force that continues to check presidential influence to this day. Where presidents have attampted to stifle the political influence of this bloc, it has not been out of a desire to strengthen democracy but more out of brutal fight for control of the country’s political space. Democracy, as we know and demand it, has been elusive so far. This idea of endorsement as an acceptable alternative to the elective principle is probably the first indicator of the consequences of a pretentious democracy. Since we have never made any real attempt to question the process by which parties reach the decision on who they present as candidates in elections, and we choose simply to ignore the malfeasance in internal party politics, the brutal reality of our apathy- induced by official suppression of our rights to choose- is gradually being exposed in the neglect of the elective principle in determining who governs us. This is not limited to the ruling party- which bears the brunt of public distrust for obvious reasons- but to all political parties. The idea that the selection of candidates is no longer determined by popular choice destroys any pretence of a democratic process. The fact of our democracy is already being exposed: with reports that the ruling party has, for the second time in as many weeks, opted for endorsement of candidates instead of elections, we are sure to continue hanging precariously on the edge, holding on to system that is best described as a pseudodemocracy. We may celebrate civil rule, but we are very far from a democracy.
Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor: Barr. Solomon Imohiosen (07030699646), Marketing Manager (08023457566), Advertisement Manager (08023808856) Lagos Office: 3/4 Amode Close, Kudirat Abiola Way, By Olushonsun Bus Stop, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to: 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com (ISSN 0331-2674)