THE WEEKEND
CMYK
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
Weekend
PUBLISHED SINCE OCTOBER 6, 1990 • Vol.XI NO. 3,257• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
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Nigeria, 54 Yrs After
Darkness Thickens F IFTY four years after independence, power supply in Nigeria is still at its distressingly low ebb with Nigerians plagued by darkness, indiscriminate and exploitative electricity bills, even as Ghana has disclosed plans to help solve the country’s power problems.
• As poor power supply traumatizes and suffocates social and economic life • Exploitative billing system • Ghana promises to help • What a shame Details Nigerians on 3/4
Media T.B. Joshua, Press And Hush Money
Pg. 7
• President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria
• President Mahama of Ghana
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e Pray For Peace, Oghuma Urges Nigerians N ws By LAMAI CASSIUS/ JENNIFER OWOBU
A member, representing Etsako Central constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Johnson Oghuma has called on Nigerians to pray for peace, unity and sustenance of the nation’s democracy as the nation marks her 54th i n d e p e n d e n c e anniversary on October 1st. Hon. Oghuma made the call in Benin City while exchanging views with WEEKEND OBSERVER on the significance of
Nigeria’s 54th I n d e p e n d e n c e Anniversary celebration. He said it was a thing of joy to witness 54th years of nationhood, in spite of civil war and other challenges and called on Nigerians to demonstrate high sense of patriotism to make the nation overcome her travails. Hon. Oghuma however urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 54 th Independence anniversary celebration to reflect on issues threatening the stability and corporate existence of the country.
The lawmaker noted with displeasure that the nation had been confronted with insecurity, corruption, terrorism, do-or-die politics and other vices, which according to him, had impeded the political emancipation and socioeconomic development of the nation. The House of Reps hopeful who preached love and tolerance of one another, noted that the nation had lost colossal human and material resources due to insurgency and other vices in recent years and called for a reverse of the
the “Oduma” to ensure that there would be a permanent peace within the community in particular and the entire local government area in general and trying as much as possible to erase that bad name from the community. According to him, now that God has restored peace in the community and being a students’ host community, he called on investors to come and invest in the community in the areas of hostel accommodations and other legitimate businesses. Alhaji Abubakar Akokhia while assuring the students on their adequate security is guaranteed however warned them to desist from any attempt of fomenting trouble of any kind in the area saying “as a student you should learn how to live in peace with your host community”, he concluded. The occasion which was carnival like attracted eminent personality in the political cycle in Edo north and beyond including the APC state deputy chairman, Alhaji Mogaji, who chaired the occasion, the council Chairman, Hon Barr. Hassan Kadiri and his wife Mrs. Rabiat Hassan Kadiri, leader of APC in Edo north, Chief Maliki Afegbua, aspirants into different elective positions from the area among others. Describing Alhaji Akokia as a man of peace and
respected by his people, the council chairman, Hon. Hassan Kadiri said Alhaji Akokhia is one man that means different thing to different people. The council boss advised him to always carry the people along in whatever he is doing and to continue the way he is doing in the community before now and to ensure the community remain in peace as he said the people are always behind him.
trend. According to him, “this is the time for us to unite and stand for one cause, because without this we will not be able to solve our problems and have a country of our own”, he concluded. Hon. Oghuma however tasked Nigerians to
actively participate in ensuring free and fair election in 2015, saying the success of the next year’s general elections depends on the level of their involvement in the exercise. In what he described as urgent challenge to the
yesterday, as thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party nearly disrupted the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Edo State for the foundation laying of a $1 billion (about N165 billion)
Azura Gas-powered Independent Power Project in Benin City. The President’s visit which was to show solidarity with the Edo State Government led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for attracting such a huge investment to the state and the country was however temporarily hijacked by hired PDP thugs who stormed the Airport in their numbers chanting antiOshiomhole songs. The thugs, physically assaulted some senior officials of the Edo State Government including Secretary to the State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Patrick Obahiagbon, Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Anselm Ojezua and some civil commissioners. Carrying placards with various inscriptions including placards of some PDP aspirants, the thugs disrupted activities at the Airport for several minutes
Thugs Disrupt President’s Visit IT was a show of shame a combined team of To Edo assoldiers at the Benin Airport and Policemen had
Oduma Of South Ibie Tasks His People On Peace And Harmony By LAMAI CASSIUS/ JENNIFER OWOBU
THE Elders, leaders, youths and the entire people of South Ibie community in Etsako West local government has been appealed to eschew life of bitterness and acrimony and to embrace peace and harmony for the coexistence of the entire people as that is the only way meaningful development can be attracted to the community. Alhaji Abubakar Umoru Akokhia made the appeal at the grand reception in his honour after the turbaned as the ‘Oduma” of South Ibie and the Daudu of Osu Village by the Adonoghie of South Ibie Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliu Kevin Danesi over the weekend. Alhaji Akokhia who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) party chairman in Etsako West local government said his community has witnessed a lot of crisis in the past, adding that “it is time for us to see ourselves as brothers and sisters and to live in peace with one another so as to fight for a common goal which is development for the entire community. The Oduma who was full of appreciation to the Adonoghie, for the recognition of his little contribution to the peace and development of the community said he will use his new position as
people, Hon. Oghuma urged the electorates to take active part in voters mobilization and party registration to enable them elect quality and credible candidates of their choice at all level of governance without any fear, violence or intimidation.
In his opening prayers at the occasion, Mallam Miminu Akokhia had prayed for the present administration in the state led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and enjoined the people to support the genuine transformation of the comrade governor. Others who pure encumure on Alhaji Abubakar Akokia are Milik Afegbua, senator representing Edo North senatorial district, Sen. Domigo Bende etc.
a hectic time controlling them. However, PDP men who were also at the airport to receive the President including its Chairman in the state, Mr Dan Orbih, suspended Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Mr Festus Ebea, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, among others were left untouched and did nothing to bring the PDP thugs to order. Soldiers were mobilized from the Air Force Base nearby and they quickly took charge dispersing the unruly thugs from the airport before the President’s plane touched down at 10:42am. The President was received at the Airport by Governor Adams Eric Oshiomhole and they both flew in the President’s helicopter to the venue of the Foundation-laying ceremony. This is the second time the President will be visiting Edo State, in two weeks, having attended a PDP SouthSouth rally held in Benin City on Saturday, September 27.
Sabongida Ora To Host Anglican Bishops
Alhaji Abubakar Umoru Akokhia, recently turbaned as the Oduma and Daudu of Osu Village
THE church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Bendel Ecclesiastical Province will hold meeting of their council of Bishops from October 13th-14th 2014 at St. John Cathedral, Sabongida Ora, HQ of Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State. According to the Archbishop of the province Dr. F.J. lmaehai JP. The theme of the conference is “DWELLING IN THE WORLD IN THIS END TIME” PSALMS 119:105. A release issued by the
Provincial Public Relations Officer, Sir. Rufus O. Isaac, said delegates are expected at. Ora at 4pm on Monday, 13 to hold a preliminary session of the meeting while an action plan for the development of provincial activities will be deliberated upon on Tuesday, 14th. The council meeting of Bishops is a platform where Bishops review the work of the Gospel and also consider the state of the Nation with the view to proffer solution to the perceived problems.
By RICHARD IMHOAGENE CHIEF (Dr.) Billy Osawaru, the Obazuhunwa of Benin Kingdom, has flagged off his campaign to represent Uhunmwode Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly come 2015. The technocrat, who hails from Ward 5, Umagbai North
contest for the state legislature. The part-time lecturer and Insurance Broker in the United States stated that “it is time to revolutionize leadership in Nigeria. It is time to allow visionary individuals to build the right institutions that can bring
about the empowerment, sensitization and eventual development of the average electorate”. He called on the people not to be deceived by imposed representation, but give their support to those who have the right ideologies to transform lives and the society at large.
EDHA 2015: Billy Osawaru Flags Off Campaign in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, revealed his agenda in a brief chat with Weekend OBSERVER yesterday. Chief Osawaru, who lives in the United States, disclosed that his passion to replicate sacrificial politics in his land is what has driven him to
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L tter To Mr President Why this holy agent of God in Nigeria would speak out on the state of progress and future of Nigeria at this time, and spiritually caution against your chances for a second term, and remind Nigerians of it at this critical time in your life, is beyond my imagination as a psychologist and as one who is always about human observations and prediction but only from the point of science and non-spirituality.
Dear President Jonathan
PRESIDENT Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, from a psychological point of view, this is not the time to hastily send out Reuben Abati, your special adviser on Media and Publicity Affairs, or anyone else directly or indirectly, to comment on the holy words, righteous and p r e d i c t i v e expressions of Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okojie, the first President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a body that you naturally believe in, given your life position as a man of Christian background and faith. The Cardinal is a priest who gave almost forty years of his life as a holy representative of Godly work in Nigeria. Mr. President, by your own awareness, this Chief Priest of God is one who stands in defense of the poor and the oppressed, and stands for equal dignity of every human being. In his current status he remains a devoted servant of the people and of humanity. The larger arm of Nigerians all over the universe continues to
• Try And Have Audience With Cardinal Okojie
look up to him. As you now know, this man of God, going from his own notations from the Old Testament, appears to have placed a curse on
my imagination as a psychologist and as one who is always about human observations and prediction but only from the point of science and non-
• Cardinal Okojie
your direct or indirect quest for the presidency in next year’s general elections. Why this holy agent of God in Nigeria would speak out on the state of progress and future of Nigeria at this time, and spiritually caution against your chances for a second term, and remind Nigerians of it at this critical time in your life, is beyond
weigh tortuously, twistingly or expansively on your soul, body and your way. Mr. President, you have said, in your
and into the minds of Nigerians about your undeserving status for the second term presidency? Mr. Jonathan, instead of trying to
• President Goodluck Jonathan
spirituality. On a therapeutic level, you and your family, especially your mother, should meet privately with the Holy One, Archbishop Okojie. You, Sir, as a human being first and a politician second, should find out how his spiritually explosive words, before the eyes, ears and minds of Nigerians, could
own words, “We are extremely religious people,” referring to Nigerians. This man of God, a known prudent cleric, is about foreseeing or predicting danger, wishing goodness, and always cautious in all matters. As a close friend of God, what does his spirit sense about your future that makes him declare in the air of the country
fault the points being made about your future by the Priest and God’s anointed, you should meet with Archbishop Okojie. You, as a man of politics, know about the way politicians are generally and publicly judged—power hungry, greedy, wicked, cowardly, insensitive, untruthful, and disastrous. This is the more reason you ought to
be very concerned and have a rethink about the weight of the faithful, and spiritually allergic words of the High cleric regarding your political life and future. Sir, in my position as a psychologist, I urgently advise you to have a private audience with him, not for the purpose of answering to him, as he is not God, but to at least clear your conscience for the sake of your personal, political and national future. Mr. President, remember the election of 2015 is almost here. The electorate in their state of hopefulness or helplessness, as it relates to the coming presidential election, knows that this is a man of God. While he might not have a direct telephone line to God, in his own words he has proclaimed that God is watching you and other politicians with the potential for being judged in any and every way possible. So Mr. President, I am telling you–Go and shake his hand and have a short or long talk, now!
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• President Mahama of Ghana
• President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria
“Ghana’s intention has, undoubtedly, dealt a final blow to Nigeria’s pride. The concern of many Nigerians is the embarrassment that such an action brings on the nation’s integrity. This is the same Ghana who looked up to Nigeria as a senior brother for many years. Statistics reveal that there were over two million Ghanaians in Nigeria between 1978 and 1990.”
Nigeria @ 54
DARKNESS THICKENS
THE recent disclosure by Ghana’s President, John Mahama, of his country’s plan to export thousands of megawatts of electricity to Nigeria has sparked off unpleasant reactions among Nigerians around the country. President Mahama had stated at the Africa Global Business Economic Forum held recently in Dubai that Ghana was set to increase its power capacity through
By RICHARD IMHOAGENE/GEDU LONGLIFE/OSAGIE GRACE
• As poor power supply traumatizes and suffocates social and economic life • Exploitative billing system followed that disclosure reveals the shared • Ghana promises to help disappointment in Nigeria’s misplacement • What a shame - Nigerians among the comity of improved investments with bilateral support from China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to him “we
want to generate electricity to the point that excess power can be exported to Nigeria and other countries that have power deficit. The outburst that
nations in Africa. As the continent’s giant, many expect that Nigeria takes centre stage and lead the vanguard towards infrastructural development in the
region. It is rather ironic that as the largest nation in Africa with enviable natural and mineral resources, Nigeria is still gropping in the dark in power infrastructural. Her inability to take her rightful place in the continent has attracted mockery from other countries in Africa who now refer to her as “a Butterfly that thinks itself a bird”. Nigerians feel that her current woes including corruption in all
spheres, insecurity, poverty and d e g e n e r a t i n g infrastructure (of which electricity is a part), have all been attributed to the same lack of commitment and dedication on the part of its leaders. Ghana’s intention has, undoubtedly, dealt a final blow to Nigeria’s pride. The concern of many Nigerians is the embarrassment that such an action brings on Continued on page 5 Continues on page 5
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Darkness Thickens
Continued from page 4
the nation’s integrity. This is the same Ghana who looked up to Nigeria as a senior brother for many years. Statistics reveal that there were over one million Ghanaians in Nigeria between 1978 and 1990. W E E K E N D OBSERVER got the views of Nigerians in Lagos and Benin concerning Ghana’s plan to export electricity to Nigeria and what Nigeria’s response should be. Akinosho Philip, a resident of Marina in Lagos Island, declared quite angrily that “it is an embarrassment to the Nigerian Government, the Nigerian people, and the Nigerian brand. How did we get to this point,” he asked. “This is the same Ghana who we chased out of the country during the ‘Ghana Must Go Era”. He further stated that the Ghanaian people took up menial jobs in Nigeria in the 1980s, jobs that Nigerians rejected. “Nigeria was like America to them in those days. They even began to steal from us and take the things to their country,” he said. Another Lagosian, Tunde Awoniyi, a Banker at Broad Street in Lagos, stated that President Jonathan will never allow such a thing to happen. According to him, “the President knows what’s at stake in terms of our image, his political ambition, and so on. He will not allow such a thing.” “Besides, it is one thing for Ghana to offer, it is another thing for Nigeria to accept, and I don’t see that happening,” he added. He also said that such a step is not the answer. “When that time comes, we may be paying
“Margeret Osaze, a civil servant, is of the opinion that the Ghanaian President is showing Nigeria the heights that commitment, sincerity and dedication can take a nation to.” millions of dollars for power and still don’t see it. That is what corruption can do,” he stated. A respondent, who simply identified himself as Jonathan, a resident of Tiamiyu Savage Street in Victoria Island, disclosed that our African neighbours take pleasure in spiting our nation’s reputation. “How can Ghana even think about exporting electricity to Nigeria? They even made it public as if we had already signed an agreement”. Speaking further, he said, “that’s how South
“Africa came out recently to say that they have seized another $5 million of illegal funds transfer by the Nigeria Government. A transaction that was done legally. They just want to disrepute us, especially because we are both contending for the UN security seat”. The people of Benin share similar concerns. A resident of Akpakpava Road, Philomena Osaigbovo, said that it is shameful that Nigeria has stooped so low for other nations to trample on. She emphasized that until we start getting serious, other nations
cannot take us seriously. However, she said, “me I don’t mind so long as we begin to get constant electricity. If that is the way solution to our power situation will come, so be it. Although, it is shameful”. Margeret Osaze, a civil servant, is of the opinion that the Ghanaian President is showing Nigeria the heights that commitment, sincerity and dedication can take a nation to. “We have been hearing of rumours in the past that Nigeria exports electricity to neighbouring Chad and Niger, and it makes me
wonder because I know we don’t even have enough, “she said. This move by Ghana further reveals the low esteem that Nigeria has among nations in Africa. Nigeria’s population is more than six times the population of Ghana’s 25 million people which is almost the population of Lagos. Yet, purposeful leadership has given them the vision to envisage exporting electricity to 170 million people living in Nigeria. Decades ago, a similar event took place. Malaysian authorities collected Palm Kernel
seedlings from Nigeria and planted same in their country. Today, Malaysia is the world’s largest exporter of Palm products. Meanwhile, Nigeria is yet to efficiently serve its people with the price of palm oil increasing everyday. Nigerians are of the view that Nigeria’s Power Sector ought to be stable and efficient enough to serve the whole of West Africa, but for our negligence and lack of foresight, our power situation today is quite regrettable, and it is the people’s collective prayer that we don’t get to that stage where we depend on Ghana for electricity. Furthermore, Nigerians are subjected to excessive electricity bills in the face of almost total darkness. The compulsory N750 service charge is another matter of great concern which Nigerians describe as unjustifiable and criminal.
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T.B. Joshua, Press And Hush Money By OMOZUWA GABRIEL OSAMWONYI NICHOLAS Ibekwe, a journalist with an Abujabased online newspaper, Premium Times, recently alleged that the clerical point man of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), T.B. Joshua, gave journalists hush money, commonly known as “brown envelope.” According to him, it was a ploy of spin control, which undermines journalistic obligation of disseminating objective information and the public’s need to know. Hence, he refused to accept the inducement. Soon after the audio recording of the saga was released on Twitter, it went viral. Expectedly, T.B. Joshua’s vast network of allies and sympathisers unleashed their arsenal of psychological warfare against Nicholas Ibekwe. They failed to ask if it is ethical for a religious leader to give brown envelope. Or, if journalists could collect money from news sources, yet, avoid conflict of interest and maintain credibility. Sadly, they did not make
• Sulaiman Abbas
intelligent efforts to refute Ibekwe’s claim with facts. Most of the reactions suggest that in religious issues, passion frequently trumps reason. Again, the reactions were a sordid dramatisation of an erroneous perception: It is a point of honour to condone the misdemeanours of religious leaders. Exposing them is treacherous. This thinking is hinged on a misunderstanding of the scriptural injunction, “touch not my anointed.” In fact, some Christians equate polite, nonjudgmental comments about clerical malfeasances with “the unpardonable sin.” They think it is a taboo to lovingly admonish religious leaders via news media. Refusal to keep mute when a religious charlatan behaves badly makes one an anti-Christ, enemy of the church, and accuser of the brethren. This ought not to be. We should expect and demand accountability from leaders. Otherwise, it would create room for the spirit of lawlessness to rule.
• Mallam Mohammed Garba, NUJ President In our beloved nation, it is easy to bury scandal. It is easy to transform villains to men of honour. The axiom, “you cannot carve an image from a rotten wood” seems counterfactual. Very often, the embodiments of depravity are portrayed in public as champions of ethics. Surprisingly, the positive portrayals are mostly done by men of power and pen who are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of edifying society’s conscience. It is hardly done by their uncritical fandom. Brown envelope is now a critical determinant of newsworthiness. It is one of the downsides of the commercialisation of news. The need to inform the public is not accorded due priority compared with the need to make profit. Poorly paid journalists are likely to put self-interest above public interest. They are likely to compromise the news principles of accuracy, fairness, objectivity and timeliness when news sources induce them. If the alleged giving of brown envelope by T. B. Joshua is true, it would be right to say, he does not subscribe to the high ethical principles of the ex-Anglican primate, late Abiodun Adetiloye. Reports have it that some journalists once interviewed the late Archbishop at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, on a range of topical national issues. At the end, the journalists requested for brown envelope. He blatantly refused to give them. Consequently, the interview was not published, even though, he made newsworthy comments. The spirit of investigative journalism is stifled where brown envelope syndrome rules. Brown envelope is a muffler of vital voices. It triggers half-hearted commitment to factual information dissemination. It is near impossible for a journalist to join the crusade against injustice and corruption, if he is a collector
of hush money. Instead of being a watchdog, he would be a pet dog on the laps of people of affluence and influence, and thereby, lend support to the reign of impunity. The church and the media are vital institutions that should promote principled living, stem decadence, and guide government along ethical paths of sustainable and inclusive growth. When their operators are allegedly enmeshed in corrupt practices, they cannot perform these roles. Their commitment to the uplift of humanity will begin to wane. The above partly explains why the Nigerian church is not a potent force in the war against corruption. Again, there are few genuine pastors and too many selfserving church operators. Self-enrichment by bewitchment is their true mission statement. Twisted truth is their stock-in-trade and instrument of control. On the other hand, true pastors inspire people to follow their lead by harnessing the transformational power of love to create a better world for mankind. The subtext of the messages of a church operator that bewitches his followers with the splendour of material opulence would most likely be: “Get rich or die trying.” If you fail to experience “financial breakthrough,” his explanation would be, “you have not given your Isaac.” Wealth-amassing church operators are the exact opposite of genuine pastors.
• Prophet T.B. Joshua They are everything a good pastor is not. A good pastor is committed to strengthening the ethical basis of peoplecentred progress, while religious entrepreneurs exploit ethical loopholes in society for their private gains. Church operators have no qualms giving brown envelope, if it will conceal facts and burnish their image. Religious entrepreneurs lack functional understanding of the culture-transforming mandate of the church. Hence, they hardly play transformational roles in society, state and government. Rather, they collect money from government functionaries. Thereafter, fight shamelessly over how it will be shared. A good example is Governor Kayode Fayemi’s five million naira donation to a church, which virtually led to its split. It is worth repeating: Transforming culture is a core task of the 21st century church, not filling stadia, consorting with men of power, creating star systems, or fighting over money. A church that fails to rise beyond the extant culture of its environment will be loved by power-mongers, miracle and fun seekers; because, it does not disturb the status quo. Such a church at best will function like a refrigerator that preserves perishables; instead of an incubator where culture-changing leaders are developed and released to uplift humanity to higher spheres of meaning. Obviously, many churches fit into the refrigerator model as they strive to outdo each
other in the art of whitewashing the decadent rich. Religious leaders are now the finest image-makers of pilferers of public treasuries. Thanksgiving services are often organised to enhance the political capital of integrity-deficient rulers. Televised prayer meetings are held to put seals of divine endorsement on the ambitions of political rascals. If the devil could run for an elective office in Nigeria, church operators would unhesitatingly anoint him as the people’s messiah, and give brown envelope to their allies in the media to do the same. It is said that the battle for Nigeria’s independence was fought and won on the pages of newspapers. Given the predominance of brown envelope syndrome, we cannot optimistically say that Nigeria’s war against corruption will be fought and won on the pages of newspaper. It is difficult to say it will be fought and won on the pulpit, simply because, many religious leaders are enmeshed in corruption. If Nigeria will take her due place of glory in the comity of nations, church operators and media practitioners must leave the league of ethically compromised fortune hunters, and awaken to their social responsibilities of humanising savage politicians, edifying the public mind, fighting corruption and promoting equity, fairness and justice, which are the lifeblood of peaceful and prosperous coexistence.
“Religious leaders are now the finest imagemakers of pilferers of public treasuries. Thanksgiving services are often organised to enhance the political capital of integritydeficient rulers. Televised prayer meetings are held to put seals of divine endorsement on the ambitions of political rascals.”
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N tion
@ 54
I Am Optimistic On Nigeria CYNICISM is the product of intellectual lethargy, especially when history and situational ethics have inveterate the prevailing supposition. As Nigeria celebrate her 54th birthday, the conventional dictum is to be cynical and pessimistic because of the numerous obstacles and challenges confronting Nigeria. “It is better”, as Chinese says, “to light a candle than curse the darkness”. But in reality and evaluation of the progress of the country, I can say for sure that Nigeria is gradually but steadily emerging from the darkness of yesterdays. Let us reason together, hear me out before you start calling names and gravitating to the conventional sarcasm. The leadership of President Jonathan may not be 100% perfect, but if Nigerians can be frank with each other the country for the first time in the recent memory is lighting a candle of progress. I am by no means implying that Nigeria has succeeded. Things are not yet perfect, but even Stevie Wonder can attest that Nigeria is in right direction. Yes, Nigeria still has a lot of works to be done. For the first time, Nigeria is in upward swing and Nigeria has formulated an industrial policy that will
ultimately lunch the country into a modern industrial society. The Nigerian economy is progressively becoming diversified. The oil and Gas sector of the economy is no more eclipsing agricultural sector as it used to be in the past. Nigeria has experienced massive direct investments that were streaming into the economy from around the world. But lack of infrastructures especially shortage of electric power supply and inadequacy in protection of life and property can derail economic development and deter the successful implementation of the industrial policy. There is a stabilized macroeconomic and well regulated monetary policy. Thanks to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance and the rest of the economic and financial team; the days of lackluster and scrawny management of the economy is dead and gone. Nigeria still has myriads pressing problems especially the issue of Boko Haram and its destructive force. Boko Haram has spelled a difficult and problematic matter to be contained and annihilated. But all hope are not lost, the presidency has recently renewed a sense of urgency and purpose in
By EMEKA CHIKWELU
confronting the towering problem. Nigerians must rally together to win the war against terrorism as she did to Ebola disease. The war against Ebola was comprehensive, decisive and sustainable, that can be extended to terrorism and Boko Haram: The methodology and approach the government utilized and applied to tackle the pernicious and precarious Ebola was quite encouraging. The three tiergovernments mobilized the entire country with credible plan to wage a deliberate war and defeat Ebola. I wish the government can apply a similar tactics in confronting Boko Haram, social ills and
unemployment. Let’s delve into the massive unemployment: It is making life unbearable for country’s workforce especially the country’s youths. Many of the college graduates and able body citizens are without jobs. This is a dangerous trend, if it is allow to percolate endlessly and be rooted in the society, the detrimental effect will summon an incredible doom to the society. The socio-cultural welfare and the stability of the society will be threatened when millions of young and active youths are without jobs and lack source of livelihood. This is a timing bomb that must be attended immediately with
strategic and efficient planning and implementation. Image result for president Jonathan Image result for Obiano Image result for Aliyu Babangida Image result for Fashola Well, it is not chic to say anything good about Nigerian leaders, but a bulging pregnancy cannot be covered forever. Few Nigerian leaders are trying, rising to the occasion and sustaining social contract. President Jonathan is giving a new affirmative and progressive face to the presidency; Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State is rising to the status of a statesman, and Governor Fashola is always energetic and
creative. And we cannot forget the able Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State who has contributed immensely in tackling kidnapping and criminality in the state. Governor Obiano is working zealously to restore the environmental integrity of Anambra landscape. All things being equal, Nigerians cannot afford to write off their country because there is only one Nigeria and our children have no other place to call home. Running to abroad and siphoning the country’s resources abroad are signs of immaturity, ignorance and self-hate. Let every Nigerian work together for a brighter future for our children and posterity. Happy birthday Nigeria!!!
“The war against Ebola was comprehensive, decisive and sustainable, that can be extended to terrorism and Boko Haram. The methodology and approach the government utilized and applied to tackle the pernicious and precarious Ebola was quite encouraging. The three tier-governments mobilized the entire country with credible plan to wage a deliberate war and defeat Ebola.”
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Nigerians @ 54
We Must End Mediocrity And Corruption By JOE IGBOKWE
• President Goodluck Jonathan
“We cannot eradicate poverty in Nigeria until we fix our power sector and overhaul our crumbling infrastructures. In 1999 Nigeria was under 4000 MW of electricity and almost 16 years after we are still under 4000 MW. So what are we talking in spite of all the billions of dollars invested in that sector?” WE appreciate God that Nigeria is 54 years. We thank God that we are still together as one entity despite the huge tragedies of the past. Nigeria has been a country where the best never happens and the worst never happens. But we cannot continue to celebrate mediocrity in the age of success. We cannot continue to celebrate impunity in the age of rule of law. We cannot continue to celebrate corruption in the midst of abject and extreme poverty. 2015 is decision time and we must seize the moment to bring the desired change and to put Nigeria on the path of progress. This is a task that must be done. This is our chance. Recently President Jonathan said poverty has been reduced by 50% in Nigeria. And I ask: where are the indices? Where are the empirical evidences? We cannot eradicate poverty in Nigeria until we fix our power sector and overhaul our crumbling infrastructures. In 1999 Nigeria was under 4000 MW of electricity and almost 16 years after we are still under 4000 MW. So what are we talking in spite of all the billions of dollars invested in that sector? Now what can
we call this? What is happening? Did the money get lost? Did somebody shortchange Nigeria? Is it sabotage? Is it corruption? Is it leadership weakness or incompetence? Where did the rain start beating us? The truth is this: until we fix the power sector the dream of reducing poverty to the barest minimum in Nigeria will continue to elude us. But the tragic reality is that power generation and distribution are fast turning to rocket science and only a daft and rudderless government, as we have been having since 1999 can assure this. Now, how can anybody believe that we have reduced poverty by 50% when there is massive unemployment in the land? Are we working with statistics or is it just doing guess work? Is it just dropping mere figures to please the political hangerson? Why should a president of a country be talking so off cuff in his belief that Nigerians know nothing and are not bound to interrogate? Do we just quote figures just for the sake of it thinking that we are all gullible people who will accept it hook, line and sinker? Are we not living witnesses of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
recruitment tragedy recently? Did you not witness nearly two million young Nigerians scrambling for 3000 jobs that may have been given out to girl friends, relations and friends even before that fatal tragedy? Did you not see the tragedy of losing nearly 30 young Nigerians due to stampede for jobs that were not there in the first place? Did you not see one of the characters of the immigration tragedy Mr. David Parrandang being honoured with National Award in Abuja few days back? If millions of young graduates are out of jobs, it becomes a joke taken too far when the President claims that poverty has been reduced by 50%. This is ludicrous, This is careless talk. But then, no less a person than the United Nations Secretary General revealed that Nigeria has the third highest population of poverty in the world despite our oil wealth. If we recall that the countries Nigeria trail are countries with 1.3 billion people and 1.1 billion people, we will realize why Nigeria is practically the poorest country on earth with its estimates 165 million people. In matters of National Security I think Nigeria is at the lowest level now since the
80s. Never in the history of this country has the moral gauge sunk as low as we have it today. The Armed Forces of Nigeria rated so high in the past in the comity of nations has gone down considerably, so weak that they now run away from rag tag insurgents called Boko Haram which the PDP controlled Federal Government created in order to remain in power. It is now clear to us that President Jonathan and PDP are harvesting political gains from the Boko Haram onslaught. Since the federal government negotiator Stephen Davis spoke about the involvement of PDP controlled Federal Government in the mass murder of innocent Nigerians just to remain in power they have become speechless. Now I want Nigerians to take notice of this: As 2015 draws near the nearly 300 Chibok Girls will be released from where the thieves and murderers in PDP have kept them and the gullible Nigerians will clap for them and the clamor for votes for President Jonathan will continue. Even Boko Haram insurgents will surrender their arms because their sponsors would have told them to do
so, and the gullible Nigerians will say yes, I told you so. Why do Nigerians think Modu Sherrif the founder of Boko Haram was warmly received by PDP and became a presidential consort to foreign countries when he is deeply indicted for sponsorship of Boko Haram? All these dirty maneuvers were contracted to swell more votes for President Jonathan in 2015. Nigeria’s Armed Forces until recently was one of the greatest standing Army in Africa but in order to remain in power, Nigeria’s PDP has destroyed all this. As I write this, President Jonathan has so divided Nigeria along ethnic lines that all the things that hold us together as one family are now being called to question. When there is a threat to security of lives and property then nothing is safe. In the atmosphere of chaos and strife businesses will be hampered and jeopardized, and the result is poverty and prostitution. War time is whore time! Impunity, mediocrity and corruption devastate Nigeria in no uncertain terms now. Where do we start? Is it from the stolen 20 billion US dollars, the 9.3 billion dollars loaded to South Africa, 10 billion naira spent by a
Minister to hire planes, the trillions from the petroleum subsidy, the trillions from the kerosene subsidy, the SUREP loot, the Pension scam, and crude oil theft that rose to a frightening level this year? We have gone full cycle and Nigeria is bleeding so badly from this. The fat cows that grow corruption in Nigeria have never had it so good while the poor and distraught masses have never had it so bad. We are gradually taking this madness to the judiciary and this will be the last straw that will break the camel’s back. When the institution of Justice is assaulted the way Mr Ayo Fayose and his thugs did in Ekiti State then everything is lost. This is the first time this kind of madness and brigandage is being witnessed in the nation’s history and if we treat this assault with kid gloves the madman Ayo Fayose will kill Judges even as police are standing by. With his hands tied to two murder cases, his case with EFCC, and the excess luggage of impeachment he suffered in 2006, is Ayo Fayose still qualified to be the Governor of Ekiti State, the land of knowledge?
THE WEEKEND
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
• Mrs. Dieziani Alison Madueke
• Dr. Okonjo-Iweala
• Dr. Oby Ezekwesili
When Your Boss Is A Woman DIFFICULT leaders cut across gender barriers, as no gender is left out when it comes to having a good working relationship with employers at work being their boss either as a man or a woman. The contemporary cooperate world is being increasingly penetrated by women and finding female bosses has become quite common. With this trend in place, educated women who are carrier-oriented and purpose driven to making a name for themselves and also contribute to the society, rather than have the mentality of marrying wealthy men and taking cover under their successes as their wives. Women now secure top positions in big firms, companies and even government unlike before, where it was a taboo for a woman to head a man or have good number of men
By OSAGIE GRACE
answerable to her. The hands have changed as women are being given equal rights to head big cooperate organizations and be leaders in the society just like the male folks and not just being relegated to the home to make babies and take care of the children. A good number of women CEOs, MDs, Ministers, governors and even President are now visible in the world. The likes of Mo Abudu the CEO of Ebony Life Television, Funke Ogbeke the CEO of May one cable, Deziania Allison Madueke, the Minister of Petroleum, Sirleaf Helen Johnson the President of Liberia. These women are bosses in their field and leader’s in their country. As a boss, irrespective of the gender, the smooth running of the organization lies greatly on your shoulder
• Christine Legarde, IMF President
and whatever decision made or approved by you either makes you a good leader or a bad leader. The point of focus here is the belief that it is more difficult to work with a woman being the boss in the office as both men and women also feel the same way about this assertion. As a boss, you have both male and female who are seen as qualified to work under you and your ability to work well with them to see to the success of the Organization is a big plus. Why some men find it difficult to work under a woman due to women being irritable, emotionally unpredictable and easily threatened when they see someone else as a competition, good enough or even better than them being the boss. Men see women as people who nag a lot and as
such do not want to deal with another nagg at the office as a boss, having their wives is enough to deal with at home. Another reason could be the fact that some lady bosses don’t know how to balance being a boss at work and being a friend outside the office, as they carry the bossy attitude around and this affects employer and employee relationship in and outside the office. Some men on the other hand do not have any issue working under a woman or having them as a partner at work as they do not see a woman as a challenge unlike when it’s a man like them, they have to work with and in that situation, they feel challenged, and raise their game. Women on the other hand prefer male bosses to female bosses due to some reasons with the most glaring fact that women find
• President Ellen Sirleaf of Liberian
it difficult to get along with themselves. The issue of jealousy, back biting, who is more attractive and who is better at the job sets in and hinders team work at the office between women and when the boss is a lady. Some women feel that male bosses are more understanding and reasonable and can accommodate some excuses to be away from work when there is a course to be absent for a period of time and not slash their salary, but it’s likely to be different when it’s a woman boss. Male bosses don’t feel threatened if their subordinates are good at their jobs but rather praise them and encourage them to do better as it affects the growth and progress of the organization, but some female boss would get jealous and bitch about their subordinates exceptional performance at work and feel threatened that they might replace them. Men have the ability to leave their private life at home and not let home issues affect their relationship with their workers by transferring aggression and letting out the stress at work as men are able to control their emotions better than women. Other factors that make women prefer male bosses include men being a straight talker, morel likely to share common interest without allowing age or position act as a barrier to have fun in the office when it’s time to play and also don’t have the problem of mood swings
like women counterparts do. Although the issue of sexual harassment is avoided and don’t come to play when your boss is a woman like you, that aside with other reason’s and also individual preferences, some women still prefers to have a male boss than a woman. I for one personally have reservations when it comes to having a woman attend to me whenever I visit any office due to some attitude displayed by some women, which can be avoided when it’s a man. Women by nature give attention to details and when it regards work, tends to adhere strictly to laid down rules and regulations wherever they find themselves. They see to the full adherence to office policies when they are the boss and don’t cut corners irrespective of who you are so long as you are an employee under them. Although irrespective of who the boss is at the office either as a man or a woman being a good boss is the ultimate goal as a leader of an organization without being bias and encourage your workers to be at their best all the time. Even though many women can earn their respect as “the boss,” they still have many challenges that their male counterparts may not have or may have. For the fact they have the position, it should guarantee them the respect that comes with being a boss and also the cooperation of their subordinates.
THE WEEKEND
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
d
E ucation
How Nigerian Children Have Been Robbed Of A Future By ABDULRAZAQ HAMZAT
EDUCATE a child is a project which shall identify out of school children from less-privileged homes and return them back to school. UNICEF in a recent publication stated that, 45% of the entire population in Nigeria are below 15 years, and 40% of those children between age 6-11 do not attend any primary school. With such statistics, it is safe to conclude that, almost half of the entire children in Nigeria have been robbed of a future, and that future, we must do everything within our capacity to give them back. The UN also stated in a report that, 57 million children are out of school globally, but Nigeria currently has the highest number of out of school children in the world. 10.5 million children in Nigeria
are out of school. In a nutshell, Nigeria account for 20% out of school children in the world. Also In 2010, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in a report quoted a 13 year old Nigerian child, Aminu Harona saying, I just want to earn some money to help my parents. In search of that money, Aminu became a bus conductor since aged 10. To him and many others like him, there is no thinking of any future, there is no dream, no expectation. The only thing they think of is how to work to feed and assist their parents. Investigation further shows that, many children do not attend school because their labour is needed to either help their parents at home or to bring additional income into the family. Despite the much
touted free education being advertised by government, many families cannot afford the associated cost of sending their children to school such as uniforms, textbooks and other materials. Some children also need to engage in labour to be able to meet a basic necessity such as food. And for others, the distance to the nearest school is a major hinderance and their parents can’t afford to bear such costs. In addition, study also shows that, some children that were enrolled in primary school later dropped out due to compounding challenges. Current data shows that, 30% of pupils dropout of primary school and 54% transit to junior secondary school. Reason for this low competition rate include child labour and economic hardship. As a result of the above reasons, almost one out of three primary school age and one in four junior secondary school aged children are out of school in Nigeria In view of this, I believe that, such a scary statistics need a proactive response, not just from the government, but also from all well meaning citizens of the country. This is so because, if every individual or group can take responsibility for educating a child, our
society would have been saved from future consequences of massive uneducated citizens. Indeed, our country would have been saved from the ugly consequence of ignorance, such as in security, unnecessary violence and many. Education is the key to lock and unlock wealth. The roadmap to civilization, tool for growth and route to development. It is the beginning and ending of every successful nation. If we had all been denied access to education while growing up as children, it is very unlikely that we would be here today. And if we are not here, where exactly would we be? To some extent, all educated children have a reason to dream and look into a future they desire. They have reason to hope and dream of wanting to become a lawyer, entrepreneur, law enforcement agents, doctor, lecturer, engineer, president, governor or peace personalities. What is making them dream and be hopeful in such future is their education. On the other hand, what can the uneducated children in our society hope for? What can they dream of becoming? We do not know, but what we know is that, an uneducated mind is an ignorant mind, and an ignorant mind is likely to end up worthless or
become a tool for evil agenda. Therefore, should we then watch our innocent children grow up to become threats to our survival as a nation? Should we continue to watch helplessly while Nigerian children are growing up without any education into an unknown future, nor can we allow them become tools for evil agenda’s used against our peaceful co-existence. If we are thinking of educating our children alone without thinking of other children, those uneducated children may grow up to become threats to our children education and even to our children’s life. While the educated children are hoping to be great, the uneducated may be hoping to destroy all greatness. While we are thinking to build, they might be thinking to destroy and while we are hoping to save lives, they may be hoping to kill. Therefore, We must prevent such a catastrophic future by simply supporting the child of peace project to educate a child. To prevent the over 10.5 million children from an uncertain future, peace studies and conflict resolution student association are committing ourselves to educate a child under the child of peace project and we seek your support in
this regard. On this note ladies and gentlemen, I therefore urge every NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organizations, community associations, higher institutions, secondary and primary schools (both private and government), all corporate and multinational establishments, private companies, government agencies and ministries, student union/ associations, individuals and all well meaning residents of our beloved Nigeria to take upon themselves to at least, educate a child (in addition to their own children). Let us all spare little from our limited resources to educate a child and give him or her a reason to dream. If anyone among us today support the EDUCATE A CHILD PROJECT, if we commit to this project in what ever capacity, such individual shall not only be considered as the owner of the project, he or she can proudly say, I am educating a child. We urge every one of us present here today to spread the message of peace and support the peace studies and conflict resolution student association to educate a child by donating and contributing to the child of peace project. Thank you and God bless you.
THE WEEKEND
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
a
M rital Affairs
Wife Abusers But Great Fathers By FAROUK ARESA GOING by recent cases of wife abuse by “football� players that are lucky enough to break away from the bottom of socioeconomic class in United States, one would think only rich black men abuse their wives. The fact is, it cuts across all classes, race and countries. The Problem: making African Americans the poster boys for all negative images. How soon we forget Deion Saunders with court custody of his children, some like him, that is still abused by ex-wife and her friends. If they are not good enough to be the mother or father of your children, they should not be our spouse in the first place: an old advice from an uncle. We treat mothers well to keep children we love and care for very much. So chose women you can love and respect enough to be called the mother of your lovely children not the sexy you despise, take advantage of and abuse. The notion that women stay with abusers just for the sake of their children is no more tenable. We have to balance the sanity and well being of the young mother to be strong for the children with the selfish notion of living with an abuser that are good only to his children while abusing his wife. Some mothers claim they would only leave after the children are older or in college. By the time mothers get to that point, they must have sacrificed everything with a little left to live and depend on, except the same abuser. Indeed, that makes it harder to leave the abusers later. In the words of an abused mother, she would have been spent and less likely to find another man in her
older age. It led to the breakup of the marriage because the man claimed he gave her the chance to meet another man in her late twenties before she got older. In communities where men dominate and are strong, we find more women willing to tolerate abusive men up to a point. It depends on the social welfare available to the women. Countries that are generous and sensitive to women and their children provide healthcare, food and cash assistant to single women head of households.
Other communities indirectly punish women without a man at home, especially in those countries where minority men are powerless. How do we handle great fathers of their children but abusers to their mothers? The answer to that is to remove either the abusive father from home or get the mother a tolerable place to raise their children. A good father may not be a great
daddy or vice versa, whatever that means. While mothers are far more important in children’s life than their fathers, the growing numbers of mothers with multiple men in their lives are detrimental to the future of their children. They are the children disproportionally represented from single households in the correctional system, those without high school diplomas, higher rate of truancy and usually ending up at the bottom of the social class noted for i n d i r e c t retribution. The reverse is also true that the m o r e households with two parents at home, the better their chances of completing high school and getting into college. They are more represented among the higher income earners. The two main reasons for d i s p u t e s b e t w e e n couples are money and infidelity. The two may also be reasons some women decided to or not stay with
abusers. Money and lack of it is no brainer since it is needed for survival. Infidelity depends on who was cheating or cheated a couple of times and got caught. Women are more forgiving than men generally, but there are exceptions. Once a good father or daddy, we would expect a good husband as well. But what changes a good husband into abuser may be related to the two evils: money and infidelity. These are the two areas where men become jealous and enraged. A man without money in the home is no man as far as most women are concerned. A woman that cheats couple of times may be forgiven, not the one that does it for a hobby or as a part-time job; unless the man is complicit as a pimp. The children are on a dangerous ground if money or sexual problem is systemic in relationships. Abuse by one or both of the couples would eventually affect the children. A poor manager of money would not improve the lives of the children and a sexual ego would allow different men or women into the lives of the children. The least evil must be noted, that a happy single parent household is always better than an abusive marriage because children are indirectly victimized. Abuse is abuse, no matter what the woman does. Most communities respect a man that lets a woman be where she wants and who she wants to be with. If she had decided she wanted to be
with another man and not the abuser, she should be free to do so. She could have been attracted to the abuser for variety of reasons including good behavior before marriage, money or privileges she wanted to hold on to. If your woman cheated on you, you are either becoming boring, need to introduce more zest into it or she felt like getting back. She was not your child and you could never whip her into submission. Check yourself in case there was something wrong that could be corrected. In cases that could not be handled between couples, a trusted third party agreeable to both couples may be involved. As long as it is not systemic, habitual or an addiction, it could be rectified. However, sometimes the wish is to get in and get out as soon as he or she could get what is wanted. They call those gold diggers. As long as they got their gold, they were ready to move on with the next person they would rather be with. It might work out with one man or many men. The unwise choice of women could be questioned but not the excuse for men abusive behavior. In those cases, men could gain custody of the children as a good provider and as responsible parent meaning the wife must have been at fault. It is also true that in most cases, women are awarded the custody of the children because of their support and dedication to their children. It is a difficult day in hell when a man would be awarded the custody of the children.
THE WEEKEND
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
u
H man Rights Issues
• Suleiman Abba
Amnesty International:
Fighting For Human Rights Or Sponsoring Boko Haram?
WHENEVER the Nigerian military and other security forces records and achieves great success in crushing the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram, one organisation called Amnesty International will immediately release a deliberate falsehood and propaganda called press statement alleging their so called human rights abuse by Nigerian military. Just like in previous successful operation against Boko Haram by the Nigerian military, the International sponsor of Boko Haram again within the week on Thursday the 18th of September 2014 to be precise released another press statement accusing the military of their so called “Human rights abuse. This is following the successful routing of Boko Haram Islamic terrorists in Konduga, Borno State. Similarly in March 2014, following the successful crushing by the Nigerian military of
the Boko Haram Islamic terrorists who made a daring daylight attack on the Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, the same organisation released another press statement accusing the Nigerian military of human rights abuse. Ditto May 2013, after another success by the Nigeria military against Boko Haram Islamic terrorists. Unfortunately and curiously as well, this Amnesty international has never for once condemned the scorched earth ethnic cleansing of Christians in Northern Nigeria and North Eastern Nigeria particularly by Boko Haram Islamic gang of terrorists. The Boko Haram Islamic terrorists have wiped out the villages of Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, Kirawa, Izge and Gwoza in Borno State off the face of the earth and have replaced them with Boko Haram Islamic terrorists’ members.
By NDIAMEEH BABANGIDA BABREEK
The Boko Haram Islamic terrorists’ bunch of armed robbers steal all sorts of things from military equipment to food stuff and women and children in the name of Islam. Watching all those nauseating videos on internet is a proof that they use military fatigues probably supplied to them by Amnesty International or stolen from the Nigerian military or even most probably supplied to them by the saboteurs or fifth columnists within the Nigerian military. It is still amazing that a rag tag Islamic terrorists group have stolen many Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), Anti aircraft launchers and many machine guns which they use to cause havoc in the name of Islam. This stolen ammunition is what this gang of Islamic terrorists are
using now to terrorise villages and towns in Northern Nigeria in the name of Islam. Amnesty international, most probably you are aware that the Boko Haram Islamic terrorist use the almajiri children as young as six (6) years as their fighters. You must have also seen them use girls as young as 11 and 12 years to ship guns and use same girls as suicide bomber. Remember that the ISIS in the western countries are fighting in Iraq and Syria has the same ideology with the Boko Haram Islamic terrorist group decimating Nigerian Christian population. If you cannot assist the Nigerian people and government fight Boko Haram, please stop sponsoring and encouraging them with your spurious and dubious human right reports. Definitely the
rights of Boko Haram Islamic terrorists cannot be superior to the right of other Nigerians who are their victims. As a western imperialist organisation fighting for the human rights of people, please condemn Boko Haram on behave of the 174 million Nigeria people. Use your global reach to stop Boko Haram Islamic terrorist groups from getting supply of arms from countries like Iran, Sudan, Libya and many others to kill innocent Nigerian Christian women, children and even men. After all, the Nigerian Christians are human beings and have rights too. Amnesty International please enough of your hypocrisy. Leave Nigerian military to do their job. A gang of bandit Islamic terrorist group cannot have more rights than innocent and peace loving Nigerians. More so you cannot love Nigerian citizens more than the Nigerian government.
It is simply the hypocrisy of the west promoted by their organisations like you to see that Nigeria disintegrate by or before 2015 as you have desired. Foolishly the Northern Consultative Forum (ACF) and some few misguided northern Nigeria politicians and Islamic preachers like Sheik Mahmood Gummi have fallen for the dummy sold to them. Northern Nigeria will continually be destroyed by Boko Haram, its people both Christians and Muslims and even pagans impoverished. The southern part of Nigeria will continue to grow stronger economically, socially and educationally. The North will have itself to blame for its self inflicted woes because of selfish, greedy and power hungry politicians and Islamic preachers. Oh God who will save northern Nigeria from self-destruction?
THE WEEKEND
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
DELTA WATCH With JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM
We Must Protect Our Culture AKUMAZI The Obi of Akumazi Kingdom, HRH Stephen Chukwuyemeze Osagie 3 (JP) has called on the people of Akumazi Knigdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State to ensure the sustenance of their culture as they celebrate the 2014 New Yam Festival. Speaking with newsmen in his palace, HRH Obi Osagie 3 recounted his effort to sustain certain aspects of his people’s culture and tradition which are threatened by alien cultural practices. He stated that “there is no country in the world that does not have a culture or tradition, and we must not allow our own to be suppressed by western civilization. The Royal Father appealed to the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to recognize the place of traditional rulers in the
- Obi Of Akumazi Kingdom society and pay attention to their welfare, while he charged the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to do the same. Obi Chukwuyemeze further appealed to the State Government to lift the ban on commercial Motorcycles (Okada) in Ika land so that the people can have a means of livelihood and making ends meet. He also appealed to the three levels of government to focus on youth empowerment to help graduates become independent for themselves and their families, and to reduce crime and youth restiveness. In a related development, the Royal Father appealed to all political aspirants to allow peace and tranquility reign in the forthcoming elections to enable the people choose a
God-sent leader that will lead the people accordingly. He bemoaned the state of Akumazi Kingdom, stating that it is negligence on the part of successive governments that has brought the important historical town to infrastructural collapse and complete decay. Speaking further, Obi Chukwuyemeze said that while the link roads in the area are at a deplorable state, the Health Centre which the Governor promised to complete is yet to see the light of day. He urged President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently tackle the Boko Haram insurgency that is killing people and destroying properties in the North, while he called on all Royal Fathers to pay attention to their subjects and carry them along in all matters.
Ottah Community Children Celebrate Oso-Ezi/Agbala Festival THE beat of drums echoed as men, women and children of Ottah Community, including friends and well wishers from all walks of life sang and danced at the celebration of the Oso-ezi/Agbala Festival at Ottah PalaceIgbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. In his address, HRH (Dr.) Julius Chukwuyemeze Isitor, the Onogie of Ottah Community thanked all those who witnessed the historic and auspicious celebration which ended on October 4, 2014. According to HRH Isitor, the historic festival was last celebrated 38 years ago, also with a Christian reigning monarch on the throne. He said the festival is wholly Christ-based to glorify God, and is devoid of fetish practices. He added that the programme included a cultural fiesta spanning a period of seven days and is mapped out clearly. He urged all who love rich culture heritage to seize the opportunity as Agbala tones and dance steps are a must watch- a royal dance in a royal outfit. He also challenged the people to attract tourists with the event so as to reap the gains of
such. Present at the occasion were HRM Pastor Solomon Chukwuka,the Obi of UteOkpu Kingdom in Ika North East LGA, Pastor Timothy Ozere, the enigies in Igbanke Community, Doctor Monday Okute, Mrs. Vera Uwabor of Child VAoice Organisation, the entire sons and daughters of Ottah land, the Ottah Vigilante Group, Agbala Drummers and Ottah Council Chiefs. A participant, Chief (Mrs.) Faith Agboifo thanked all the Council of Chiefs in Ottah
Community for Co-operating with His Royal Highness in the celebration of the Oso-ezi Agbala festival, and advised the youths, especially those in the diaspore to always visit home to know the cultures and traditions of their people. HRH Julius Chukwuyemeze prayed for all those who came and asked God to grant them journey mercies back to their various destinations. He also thanked HRH Oba Erediauwa of Benin, and prayed that God gives him long life on the throne.
HRH (Dr.) Julius Chukwuyemeze Isitor,
Iyase Of Otolokpo Urges Politicians THE Iyase of Otolokpo To Embrace Fairness Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief (Dr.) Ogadi Hygenus, has called on the state Government to lift the ban on Commercial Motorcycles (Okada), stating that motorcycle operators may have been forced to go into criminal activities. Chief Ogadi, who is a trado-medical practitioner stated that there are no good roads in the community for
tricycles to ply. According to him, when there is no job for them to do, these people can engage in crimes and social vices. In a related development, he called on the political class to embrace fair play in the coming elections. He advised them not to influence the electorates with material things, and charged the youths to desist from being lured into political thuggery.
Chief Ogadi Hygenus, who is a member of National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine practitioners, Delta State Chapter, said that he inherited the practice from his late father, Chief (Dr.) Ogadi Onyemulu, the Onyenweniyan of Otolokpo. He explained that he specializes in the treatment of poisons of any kind, epilepsy, stroke, Barreness, and so no.
Community Leader Urges Govt For Assistance In Infrastructural Dev elective positions in
A community leader in Igbontor, Igbanke Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Osazuwa has called on the state Government to assist the community in infrastructural development which is a hallmark of the Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Mr. Osazuwa, a youth leader in Igbontor Community who spoke to WEEKEND OBSERVER recently, said that considering the population of the area and its contribution to the economic growth of the state, it is necessary to replicate the developmental strides witnessed in other parts of the state. He said that the people of Igbontor Community deserve a feel of the massive transformation that has taken place in the state since Oshiomhole took over. In the same vein, Hon. Prince Blaize Orubor, a beneficiary of Hensmore Group of Companies Plc in the area has appealed to the State Government led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to come to the aid of IgbontorOnogie road and other link roads in the community and the installation of street solar energy light. Hon. Orubor affirmed that by tarrying the link roads in Igbontor, farming which is the major occupation of the people
is enhanced as the people are able to move their produce from one place to another. In a related development, a member of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Mr. Samuel Aghedo, a full-time APC leader in Igbontor Community has said that the people of the area have never failed the ruling party in the state and appealed to the state government to reach out to the people to make them have a sense of belonging. He assured that the APC would clinch victory in all
the forthcoming elections, adding that the party had begun ward to ward campaign in all the nooks and crannies of the state. The people expressed gratitude to Chief Hensmore Omorodion, the Odunoba of Benin Kingdom who has contributed immensely to the development of the area by single handedly providing the building of the Igbanke Police Station, the renovation of the Igbontor Royal Palace, and so on.
The road leading to Igbontor Royal Palace in Orhionmwon Local Government Area
Mbiri Community Stakeholder Wants Ban Of Okada Lifted
A stakeholder of Mbiri Community in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State Comrade Ngozi Chukwuka Usifoh has called on Government to lift the ban on commercial motorcycle (Okada) in the area, describing it as an infringement on the human rights of citizens in the affected area. Comrade Usifoh made this known to newsmen recently in a chat in his country home Mbiri, stating that the ban has no legal justification. He described it as pedestrian, the argument that the ban was occasioned by the fact that it was being used to carry out criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping and bombing. According to him “in as much as it is possible that some people use motorcycle to commit crimes, the ban amounted to punishing innocent people with criminals. Comrade Usifoh queried the work of the security agencies to
be more efficient in arresting criminals in the society rather than punishing the innocent citizens with criminals. While urging relevant authorities to have a rethink on the ban, he said it would rather promote crimes as people put out of their jobs would definitely look for something to fend for themselves. “Here lies crime as a respite”, he added. As a respite for commuters to move around easily, he urged the Delta State Government to rehabilitate links roads to make them easier for tricycles to ply. In a related issue, Comrade Usifoh said unlike many rural communities, his community did not benefit from the distribution of Delta line buses meant to ease transportation problem and enhance economic activities. While hamlets enjoy this services, my people are still faced with the challenge of transportation problem. I can’t imagine the rational used in the distribution of these buses”, he
complained. Assessing the points agenda of the state government, the comrade affirmed that his community only enjoys peace and security agenda, while both human capital and infrastructural development remained elusive. He buttressed his view by stating that “Few persons benefit from the much talked about micro credit programme of the state government while people of this community have not benefited from the state government employment opportunities or other forms of Empowerment. The pitiable state of the infrastructural decay in the community was glaring as at time of this report. Mbiri/ Emutun roads have been badly devastated by erosion while heavy sand-dunes have covered the remaining potions. He appealed to the state government to come to their aid for one good turn deserves another.
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Weekend
All religious books were written by man reflecting his perspective or understanding of God. The bible for instance is clearly a compilation of 66 books by various religious authors over a specified period. Many other religious books were written around the same time with the authors also claiming they were written under the inspiration of God. But these books were ignored. Each writer wrote what he liked, claiming God’s direction. Each of them told us that God told them to write what he wrote. Many believed these writers, concluding that they were inspired from the same source and the same person – God, even though in many cases their writings contradict each other.
DISCOURSE
NigeriansAre Slaves To Religion RELIGION focuses the attention of mankind on life after death rather than life while on earth. It has brought about the development, mainly physically and financially, of spiritual leaders at the expense of their members. Members are made to obey, listen to, seek after, worship, look forward to, long after, fear and follow a God that they have neither seen nor experienced themselves. They have to rely on the
By SYLVESTER KWENTUA interpretation and narrations of religious leaders who continually create stories of how God in Heaven discussed, visited, eat with, talked to
and made Himself known to them – even though the bible clearly states that “none have seen God above all have here man to love.” Christians are the
most gullible in this category. Though they clearly see how their money is making the religious leaders wealthy, they continue to feel that they are making a God whom they have never seen, heard from or know,
happy – because the leaders tell them so! Unfortunately, in Nigeria this is the order of the day. Majority are seeking to know and please God. They want to make heaven as narrated by these religious leaders. It is only
these religious leaders who know how this can be achieved. They in turn follow the footsteps of other religious leaders who from time immemorable wrote down directions and guidelines for their members to adhere to. All religious books were written by man reflecting his perspective or understanding of God. The bible for instance is clearly a compilation of 66 books by various religious
Continues on pg. 16/17
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• Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor authors over a specified period. Many other religious books were written around the same time with the authors also claiming they were written under the inspiration of God. But these books were ignored. Each writer wrote what he liked, claiming God’s direction. Each of them told us that God told them to write what he wrote. Many believed these writers, concluding that they were inspired from the same source and the same person – God, even though in many cases their writings contradict each other. For instance in the bible while James states Christians should not eat meat sacrificed to idols Paul states you can eat anything as there is no such thing as an idol. The numerous contradictions aside, many still believe that the same person has authored these writings and has ordered their compilation together for
the rest of us to follow! Back in Nigeria the contradictions continue. Numerous Christian leaders, especially those of the born-again genre have emerged with contradictory messages based on the same book or compilation of books (The bible.) Funny enough many, despite the obvious contradictions, agree that they were inspired from the same source. Thus, Reverend Kumuyi told us that God does not want us to watch television. Later he changed his mind and said we could watch it. ArchBishop Idahosa on his part told us that His God is not a poor God. He lived big before our eyes and told us that his wealth reflects who his God is. Reverend Chris Okotie gave us a reflection of the funky side of God. He continues to use jerry curls after becoming a born-again Pastor and sings a mixture of gospels and pop songs. He also has a strong penchant for
beautiful women. (This is one area I would like God to approve of!) Under his leading from God he has just broken up the third marriage. There are rumours that the fourth is on the way. All of such women were or are members of his church, one after the other. There is no doubt the God of this Pastor must be a sexy God! More Christian leaders emerged with their own understandings and leadings from God. And we have embraced them hook line and sinker. Pastor Adeboye told us that God is a Daddy who loves continuous praise. Dr Olukoya, a University of Lagos student cum lecturer on his part informed us that God likes solemn gatherings. He loves old gospel songs that people hardly understand. For this scientist His God wants us to engage in constant warfare, He does not like people dressing gorgeously (especially women, whom He (Dr Olukoya’s God or God according to Dr Olukoya) does not want to see wearing trousers because they were originally for men. (I wonder who shirts were originally meant for? but we have both male and females wearing them today. Even in Dr Olukoya’s religious organisation.) Before, God, according to Olukoya, did not want personal pictures put on banners and handbills promoting his name but He (whether God or Olukoya or are both of them one and the same like Jesus
and God is one and the same?- The man Olukoya has been acting like God of recent!) later changed his mind as well. Today pictures of Daddy and Mummy G.O (I particularly like mummy G.O’s hat and posture) can be seen everywhere the name of the Lord is mentioned in MFM! One may go on with these illustrations…Rev Tunde Joda says God wants you to give each other a hug and good kiss. Oyakhilome said that brothers and sisters can go a step further. Okotie said God has chosen him to be President then all of a sudden Pastor Tunde Bakare comes along and states He is vying for Vice President under Buhari and in future anything may happen. As for Oyedepo, His God is only interested in members that are millionaires. Praise the Lord somebody. No wonder the private jets! TB Joshua, though claiming to be a Christian Pastor on his part said his God embraces Christianity, Islam and Paganism. The other religious leaders said he is too greedy and are angry he is trying to control a bigger territory. They denounced and denied him. But he has his followers all the same. It is a matter of the kettle calling the pot black. The beat goes on! So today we have as many doctrines, as many preachers and if I am to be frank, as many Gods (if we are to go by their contradicting doctrines!) No wonder we hear of people calling on the God
“In Nigeria today individuals pay money to these leaders. Corporate bodies/companies who make a profit from us do the same. The government is ignored. Politicians are neither obeyed or respected and it in their best interest to make religious leaders their Godfathers. The simple reason why Nigeria is not working is because majority of the citizens – Christians, Muslims and Pagans alike, give all of their money, wealth and dedication to religious leaders hoping to secure a place in heaven when they die!”
of Adeboye, The God of Olukoya. Well, I have chosen to call upon and follow the God of myself. I cannot be jumping from one person’ to another to learn about what his God told him. Really it should just be the God that lives in Adeboye, the God that live in Olukoya is the God that lives in me. Contradictory leaders, contradicting doctrines and in most cases contraband members (they continually exchange and steal members from one another) but the same God….hmm, what a contradiction! These religious leaders have misled the hearts and minds of Nigerians for years. We have paid more to them in tithes and offerings than we have paid to the government in tax. They have built stadium like worship centres, fee – charging/ profit-making schools, universities, hospitals, bookshops, tapes and video producing outfits – all for profit. Some have even constructed massive estates asking members and branches to buy land and arise and build. There is nothing such as charity in Nigeria. She does not exist. (By the way I am talking about the virtue and not sister Charity! She is alive and a very prominent member of any successful gospel church!) In Nigeria today individuals pay money to these leaders. Corporate bodies/companies who make a profit from us do the same. The government is ignored. Politicians are neither obeyed or respected and it in their best interest to make religious leaders their Godfathers. The simple reason why Nigeria is not working is because majority of the citizens – Christians, Muslims and Pagans alike, give all of their money, wealth and dedication to religious leaders hoping to secure a place in heaven when they die! For Christianity the tagline is “give your life to Jesus” but in reality many have given their life and
destiny to Adeboye, Olukoya, Kumuyi and the ministries that they have set up. Some, even at the expense of their husbands, wives or marriage! Religion is what is killing Nigeria. None of the religious leaders patronise the government for halls or the use of Governmental facilities. Every religious body wants to have its own exclusive land, own building, own fleet of buses, own worship centre, own prayer stadium/city, own hospital, own private jet and own whatever, whatever….all in the name of God. How useful are all of these junk structures to the populace. In most cases they are empty when there is no service. In UK we can count the number of supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsburys springing up on daily basis. In Nigeria all there is to count are the number church branches. They have used the money gotten from members to buy up all the available useful space in the country. When Jesus returns I wonder which of these buildings he is going to put up in or use? But they claim he directed them to build them after all! And we wonder why the UK does not embrace Godliness? Do you want these preachers to come and take money from their citizens and amass wealth for themselves in these countries as well? Religious leaders not the Government rule and control Nigerians. As mentioned elsewhere it is only these leaders that can get Nigerians trooping out in masses, taking days and hours to gather under inhumane conditions just for a 45 minute coded message. There in the UK the government plays the role of mediating between the people and God. They collect taxes and use the money for what is beneficial to the people. The tithes and offerings here are paid in form of taxes to the government. The government builds facilities and structures for all to use. The poor, the
needy and th catere Europ religio longer have effect preac bible! Wha religio the m Anythi fancy in the Nigeria their becau the Go leade Howev are cu religio the lou save Nigeria Presi rejoic when a attrib judge case o they s home. good r electri the ch you ga If N then t and pl the w anoth chang “Jesus we m Today pastor so tha becom acqui financ hand religio hope to God owner Ibru majori took Chris organ day a he wo genera donat claime from m the co for. Th though that th
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y, the single parents, he disabled etc are all ed for. These peans introduced on to us but are no r religious since they realised its adverse ts. They no longer ch but practise the
at do the leaders – ous leaders, do with money they get. ing that catches their as long as it is done name of the Lord. ans do not challenge religious leaders use they are afraid of od they (the religious ers) talk about. ver, political leaders ursed daily with the ous leaders shouting udest! In UK it is God the Queen…In a it is God punish the dent! Many even ce and thank God a political leader dies uting it to God’s ment while in the of a religious leader say God took him . But they still want roads, hospitals and icity – go and meet hurch leaders who ave all your money! igeria will change this idea of serving leasing God through will and dictates of er man has got to ge. The bible says s became poor that ight become rich.” y the G.O’s and rs are becoming rich at the people may me poor! Many have red wealth and cial prosperity only to it over to their ous, leaders with the that they will give it d, while the original r goes broke. Celicia went to jail but ity of the money she was invested in tian religious isations. The other Man of God said that ould not return a ator. The person who ted the generator ed he purchased it money he stole from ompany he worked he Man of God said h he acknowledges he man donated the
generator he could not return it because it was now with him and belongs to God! Come on, are you guys telling me that God is so greedy he cannot return and forsake stolen property or sympathise with a woman who has given all her wealth to make his ministers happy. They tell us daily that they see and talk with God or Jesus. Many members follow suit and copy their lies. It reminds me of the story of the king that was Unclad but was told by his courtiers he was decked in the most gorgeous dress that existed. Everybody caught the gist and bowed to the king as he paraded the streets Unclad, in admiration of his make belief robe! Nigerians have been stripped Unclad and Molested by their religious leaders. They are cajoled into believing they can tithe their way into heaven. Meanwhile, this heaven remains a place in the clouds that the physical body cannot attain to. No wonder the religious leaders who teach about heaven compete with us to buy land, cars and acquire all forms of wealth, building their own heaven here on earth even though they tell us to prepare for the one in the sky! Talking about heaven, the teachings of Jesus, the role model of Christianity when read carefully sees things differently. Jesus said in my Father’s house there are many mansions there. But Jesus also told us that He and the Father are one. He said that when we see Him we have seen the Father. He also told us that he was a great temple and that we are his body and his temple as well. In other words Jesus lives in us as God lives in Him. It means both God and Jesus live in us. If God and Jesus live in heaven and they live in us as well it means their presence in us makes us heaven. Jesus died but rose again in Peter, John and the disciples who went about doing what Jesus did. The scribes and the Pharisees
were surprised that even though they had killed Jesus his disciples were now like Jesus going about doing what He did. They were no longer seeing the disciples; they were seeing Jesus in His disciples. No wonder Paul said I die yet I live but not I but Christ who lives through me. For a dead person’s spirit to rise in a person that is alive is a phenomenon recognised throughout the world irrespective of religion or race. The Yorubas would name a new born male child “ B a b a t u n d e , ” acknowledging the fact that the spirit of the departed father had resurfaced in the son. Christ died but rose again and was seen living in and through his disciples. He goes on living in and through us. But he lives in heaven. This means we are His heaven. His presence in us makes us heaven. That is why we are called Christians. “Christ’s”, “little Christ’s” or people who Christ dwells within. We are one body in Christ because we all have the person and spirit of Christ dwelling within us. With time our personality dies and the personality of Christ takes over. This happens when we become filled with the fruit of the spirit as explained in Galatians 5:22-23. At that point we all become one person. The same personality. Christ on earth. Spirits move from one body to another with time. Children take after their fathers. Wives and husbands with time look alike. Even servants develop the habits, nature and traits of their masters! When you die as a Christian the spirit departs and goes to heaven. Since heaven is where Jesus lives, and he lives and dwells in his body the church will depart to live in another Christian on earth. It is as simple as that. There are many mansions or houses in my fathers house means there
are many people inside my body the church. Each person is like a house that can be lived in – a mansion. When you die the new body you will live in on Earth will depend on how well you lived your Christian life. A poor Christian who dies and rises again to live in a person like Benny Hinn or Pastor Adegboye will enjoy as one living in heaven because these people live a prosperous life on earth. It is the same for all religions. Buddhists talk about Reincarnation. This is why some claim to have lived before. It is not the person that is speaking that lived before but rather a person that lived before that is living inside of him. Just as Christ who has lived before lives on now inside of we Christians. Muslims die and rise again in a Muslim person, Hindus die and rise again in a Hindu believer. They cannot rise to live in a Christian, who is part of the body of Christ. You die and rise in the body of a person that belongs to the body you belong to: Body of Christ – Christians, Body of Mohammed – Islam etc. If you rise and live in a person who is enjoying you are in heaven. If you live on in a body that is suffering you are in hell. Within bodies there are sub-bodies. Adegboye has his own body of followers within the body of Christ: Oyedepo has his own, so does Oyakhilome etc. With time the closest of their followers are changed to be like them. But we are all supposed to be changed to be like Christ! This is the simple secret they are all making money out of and have kept away from their members. Meanwhile, they all compete with each other for followers – for those who will form part of their body. They feed the minds of their members with information that misleads them from the truth and hold them in bondage with doctrines, rules and commandments. They instruct them to be
• Pope Francis obedient, just to ensure they identify with and remain as part of their body. It is the head that controls the body even in a single body, yet alone one made up of many members! The Nigerian religious leaders that know these facts (both Muslims and Christian leaders etc) have shared the members/ citizens in fact the nation amongst themselves. Like the Strongman Jesus spoke about in the bible they hold members in bondage with falsehood and refuse to let them understand the truth but Jesus said: “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” My fellow Nigerians are we going to remain in bondage to religion and religious leaders or are we going set ourselves free and repair our ignored, down-trodden country. Rather than travelling around the world looking for a better place to live and rest our weary heads should we not resolve to make Nigeria work. Nigerians are among the most travelled, nay restless people in the world!
It is not the politicians that are Nigerian leaders. They do not even have the commitment of Nigerians. It is these religious leaders who are in-charge, telling us all that we need to hand over money to God, with them serving as His taxcollector. Then it turns it out overnight they all of a sudden become rich. Did God forget to take the money from them or did they fail to deliver it? Pastor Tope Joshua of the Synagogue church of all nations, must be a very sad man at the moment but without trying to sound so critical, i wish to say i never really trusted his spiritual leadership. Sometime last month, i was in a vehicle going to Ikotun and along the way, i passed by his church and was shocked to the bone to find out that people are forced to queue for as long as four hours, before being allowed into the church, to worship! Is this God’s idea of worship? your guess is as good as mine To all the innocent souls who perished in the collapsed building in the synagogue church of all nations, I say rest in peace
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Nigeria Army Upgrades Food Rations - As War Rages With Boko Haram OVER the arid savannah of Borno in northeastern Nigeria, the rains did come late, but plentiful for the planting season. However, it did little to help the harvest or encourage cattle to graze. The prairie had become a battlefield wasteland that welcomes neither herdsmen nor farmers. The region is ground zero of an Islamic terrorist insurgence– Boko Haram that claims to be fighting to establish an Islamic state in northern Nigeria. The insurgence has already consumed over 12,000 lives and billions of dollars in economic damage. Described as one of the poorest and least educated region in the Nigeria, even before the Islamic insurgency unleashed terror and death, the region was already reeling from cattle hustling and poor harvest. Now, residents are skeptical if the once famous center of old
Kanem-Bornu Empire can still regain its past economic strengtheven if pintsized, given the scale of economic ruin. But as the familiar scene of war – the i n e v i t a b l e consequence when peace is made impossible, plays out with the loud explosions of restless mortar and artillery fire, there is a strange twist to the sounds of the carnage; the less noisy rumbling of hungry stomachs of soldiers at war. Make no mistake. Nothing is pretty about war and those asked to joined battle must sacrifice luxuries. However, an empty stomach is hardly luxury for a soldier at the front when supply lines are running. Long before the war on the Islamic terrorists came knocking on the door of Africa’s largest economy, gripes about poor feeding allowance for soldiers in Nigeria Army appear to be
By ERIBO KASSIM
almost incidental to any active deployment outside their barracks. So much so that at the last United Nations (UN) sanctioned deployment to Sudan, Nigerian Army soldier’s outcry over poor welfare was blended with allegations of how $43 million dollars of operational allowance disappeared into the private pockets. According to a report by icirnigeria.org- a coalition of investigative reporters, a soldier at the front, Moses Adeleke, (not real names) says the soldiers’ daily ration of mainly a miserable mess of pottage is inadequate for a 10 year old, an uncomplicated indication that the troops are poorly fed. “Many of us have to find means of buying food to supplement our ration. In this place, where we have to be alert 24 hours, where, sometimes, we go out for over 24 hours on
military campaign, food should not be an issue. But they just don’t care”, he says. Also, in the oppressive desert heat, Adeleke says soldiers officially get only three sachets of water to quench their thirst, a situation which leaves many of them thirsty and dehydrated most of the day. Such complains have the Army authorities in fits. Their soldiers, they say, are well catered for, and attributed such complains to enemy propaganda. Despite such denials, informed sources say the Nigerian army have c o n c l u d e d arrangements to upgrade the operations feeding rations to meet with US Army Special Forces nutrition standard. Although Army officials are keeping closed lips on the issue citing military c o n f i d e n t i a l i t y, informed insiders disclosed that the President’s interest in
the welfare issue may have triggered a quicker response, as rations will now include a military-grade energy bar– Soldier Fuel Energy Bars (formerly Hoorah! Bars-used by US Army Special Forces). Both military nutrition experts, and combatants have hailed the militarygrade energy bars for its high energy release and mental alertness for extended periods in extreme combat operations. When contacted, the c o m p a n y spokesperson declined comment citing confidentiality but admitted having c o m p a n y representative in Nigeria for their products. With the strings of recent victories by the Army against Boko Haram, many are skeptical that the changes have fully taken effect given the skimpy gain of territories previously lost to the terrorists,
amidst the dismal troop’s withdrawals or “tactical maneuvers” in what many speculate may be indicative of low morale and operational capacity Senior Statesmen under the Bornor Elders Forum (BEF) have called out the Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan for not doing enough to support the army to win the war. Cries of funding limitations may have given the President a plausible, momentary escape but with his request for $1 billion appropriation from Legislative house was recently approved, leaving little wiggle room for more excuses. However, such delays may turn out to be an ill-wind as the insurgency become more emboldened. This much is certainthe war against terrorism including Boko Haram terrorists will not be won by soldiers fighting on empty stomachs.
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W rld Report
Abbas Dismal Failure
AS someone who has consistently advocated a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution, I was appalled to hear the speech delivered by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the United Nations General Assembly. Instead of using the occasion to provide constructive proposals and use reconciliatory language to advance the cause of peace, he engaged in acrimonious and discordant statements against Israel that did nothing but further embitter and alienate the Israeli public, whose support he needs the most to realize Palestinian aspirations. I wonder if Abbas has any clue how his irresponsible public utterances reinforce the negative perceptions between the Israelis and Palestinians and perpetuate the endemic hostility which has and remains the core evil that has thwarted all peace efforts in the past. He gave a campaignstyle speech, appealing to his own public in an effort to salvage his sagging popularity, while being completely oblivious to the fact that he was addressing the international community to further comment its support of the Palestinian cause. To be sure, as the late Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban once said, “The Arabs [Palestinians] never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” Abbas’ performance was a classic case of a missed opportunity. His failure to strike a balance between his justifiable resistance to the occupation and the need to rally the support of the Israeli public was a major blunder, deeply injurious to the Palestinian cause. For someone who seems genuine in seeking peace, he shattered the trust of many Israelis, who view him as a reliable partner that deserves their support. In his polarizing speech, Abbas spared no d e p r e c a t i n g characterization of Israel, the very country with which
he must negotiate to end the occupation and establish a Palestinian state—a dim prospect made dimmer by his desperate need to maintain his position. He accused Israel of committing genocide three
conveniently forgot the kidnapping and summary execution of three Israeli teenagers by Hamas’ operatives—Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaer and Eyal Yifran—which
that led to the death of nearly 2,100 Palestinians and massive destruction throughout Gaza. Netanyahu clung to the larger regional picture and made a strong case that the regional challenges can be met when Israel
precipitated the latest Israel-Hamas war. I am not a great fan of Prime Minister Netanyahu and have for years been critical of his policy toward the Palestinians. However, in his speech at the UNGA, he rose above the fray and conveyed a message that resonated even among the Arab states’ representatives as he likened Hamas to ISIS. Netanyahu emphasized the danger of militant Islamists to the Arab states and skillfully pointed out that Shiite Iran is a threat not only to Israel but also to the Sunni Arab states. He drew a glaring common cause to which every Arab state could subscribe. Instead of engaging in a tit-for-tat with Abbas, Netanyahu did not even once criticize the Palestinian Authority, but rather singled out Hamas who instigated the last war
and the Arab states are at peace, which will facilitate and usher in peace between Israel and the Palestinians. As I read and reread Abbas’ speech, I wondered who the advisors are that recommended he go on with a tirade against Israel in front of the international community instead of putting forth constructive and credible plans that would advance the Palestinian quest for a state of their own. Demanding an end to the occupation within an unspecified period is not a plan; to threaten to turn to the International Criminal Court is not a plan; to join Hamas without insisting that it renounce violence is not a plan. Instead, he should have started by seeking the support of the international community to resettle the Palestinian refugees in the
By DR ALON BEN-MEIR
which will make the conflict ever more intractable. He recklessly used the word fascist twice, but however cruel the Israeli occupation may be, ascribing such a revolting
• Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Leader times, a horrifying term that enraged every Israeli. They know the real meaning of genocide, when the Jews were led like sheep to the slaughter. They also know that their army took every precaution to protect the lives of innocent Palestinian civilians during the Israel-Hamas war. Abbas invoked the word Nakba (the “catastrophe” of 1948) five times, which does nothing but enflame emotional outbursts anew, making it ever more difficult for him to make and for the Palestinians to accept any concessions to facilitate a peace agreement with Israel. In his wisdom, he referred to Israel as a racist state seven times without thinking that such maligning attribution only undermines the negotiating process and intensifies the distrust,
word reminds the Israelis of their own victimhood, which hardens rather than lessens their antagonism and enmity toward the Palestinians. As if the above charges are insufficient to paint the “true face” of Israel, Abbas throws in, for good measure, another vile characterization of Israel as an apartheid state twice and as a terrorist state, well, only once. President Abbas strongly denounced Israel’s massive air attacks against Gaza, but did not even allude to the nearly 4,000 rockets fired indiscriminately by Hamas at Israel’s urban centers including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Abbas rightfully condemned the abduction of a young Palestinian boy, Mohammed Abu Khdeir, who was gruesomely burned alive, but
West Bank and Gaza, instead of continuously using them as political pawns for seven decades. For Abbas to fall into the trap that Hamas carefully dug for him suggests only one thing: squeezed between Israel and Hamas, Abbas lost his bearings. He knows only too well that Hamas seeks his political demise and instead of calling a spade a spade, he succumbed to the bitter reality of Palestinian factionalism and Hamas’ whims. The Palestinians have no leaders with vision and courage, leaders who can change the political discourse and abandon the old narrative of hatred and animosity toward Israel and the empty slogans that have long since lost any meaning and only poison another generation of Palestinians. That said, Abbas can still play an important role in the upcoming indirect Israeli-Hamas negotiations in Cairo. He may now have one more chance to assert his leadership. He can do so by insisting that the Palestinian Authority take real charge over the security in Gaza, which in any case both Egypt and Israel insist upon. He must also make it abundantly clear to Hamas that the PA will not come to its aid under the false pretenses of a unity government unless Hamas cease and desist from provoking Israel and gradually demilitarize Gaza; otherwise, no power can force Israel to lift the blockade. The Arab states and especially Egypt, who quietly hailed Israel’s inflicting such a punishing blow on Hamas, are as eager as Israel to emasculate Hamas. Unfortunately, there is only a small chance that the negotiations in Egypt could lead to such an outcome. But then, this is the only outcome that can save Abbas politically and spare the Palestinians in Gaza from another disastrous confrontation with Israel. This may well be his last opportunity—one he cannot afford to miss.
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“I don’t think a politician will ever dream of defecting let alone carrying it out except it is to his own benefit. The major reason why politicians are switching between political parties is for the sole aim of positioning themselves literally for selfish and personal aggrandizement.”
Defection
Politics Of Malfunction AN ugly phenomenon is playing out currently in the Nigerian political scene. This is the constant changing or switching of political parties by politicians otherwise known as “defection”. The term “defection” comes from the word defect which means “a fault or malfunction”. There is no denying the fact that the Nigerian political terrain with its plethora of political parties was founded and laid on the bedrock of faulty and malfunctional ideologies, norms and ethics. It is unsurprising therefore, reading and hearing the incessant and unending names of
political defectors which if compiled can easily fill a national daily since neither the individuals nor political parties possess a clear cut ideology. Before deciding on joining a political party, it is naturally expected that such an individual must have carried out an elaborate, thorough and extensive r e s e a r c h , examination and purposeful fact finding in order to be acquainted with a party’s ideology, norm and ethics. It is in light of this, that I find all these defections ridiculous, even preposterous. The latest trend in our political scene
By UCHE OKONYE
only underscores the dirtiness, filth and pollution, which have a p p a r e n t l y submerged our national politics. It is a clear indication that our politicians lack the necessary foresight, integrity and are certainly not trustworthy. I therefore find it highly absurd and quite insultive when these politicians give excuses like a recent defector did that his defection is for the national good when it is a clear case of visionlessness and lack of ideologies. I don’t think a politician will ever dream of defecting let alone carrying it out except it is to his own benefit. The major
reason why politicians are switching between political parties is for the sole aim of positioning themselves for selfish and personal aggrandizement. It is only when their selfish agenda will not be achieved that they jump ship in the guise of pursuing national interest. Those who have defected from one party to the other have numbered into the hundreds. The latest in a tradition of defections simply underlines the absence of ideological basis for much of what goes on in Nigeria politics today. There is hardly anything that separates our
politicians in the different political parties jostling for positions. Elsewhere in the world, people make lifetime, even multigenerational commitments to political parties of their choice. This is because of the fact that, it is only the party that matches its political ideology, aspiration and line of thought. The reverse is sadly the case here in Nigeria. Dumping and defecting to other political parties has becomes a matter of conscience and p e r s o n a l gratifications. The moment an individual b e c o m e s disillusioned, or is denied the chance of contesting for an
election even as in most case, losing the primaries, he/she is certainly bound to defect to another party due to selfish interest. Moreover, our political parties out there are so rotten and corrupt that practically nothing differentiates them ideologically from each other if there is any so called in Nigeria party politics. The continuous migration between political parties have exposed our politicians and political parties alike as ideologically deficient to the full glare of the world. It is high time we forsake and abandon this politics of desertion if we are to progress as a nation.
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S curity Alleged Arms Deal
It’s About Nigeria, Not The CAN President
HAPPENINGS of the last few weeks concerning the South African incident regarding purchase of security equipments by Nigeria was indeed very unfortunate to say the least. Here is a nation that could afford it’s contractors to bypass laid procedures of international cash movement in order to maximize their profit. In fact, this has been happening in several commercial activities of Nigerian’s entrepreneurs to covertly or overtly avoid taxation. The case of the Oduah’s BMW waiver that was concealed in the importation of vehicles meant for sports’ festival in Lagos state is still afresh in the minds of Nigerians. Another mind boggling issue in that South African incidence was the attempt to make Nigerians forget about its international dimension through localizing the issue to internal politics. This is the greatest danger of it, because, in the American politics we claim to practice, their national interest is always put first before every other thing. We could remember how every American stood by their government in the wake of the terrorist attack of September 2011. At that time, the concern of each American was how to manage the shock, the international disrepute against the American war-might and how to curtail future occurrences. At that time, the American flag was flying over every home, district, county and region; in solidarity for their motherland. The case in Nigeria was different. As always, when the recent news broke that a passenger plane from Nigeria was impounded in South Africa on the alleged grounds of customs violation in which a huge amount of money ($9.3 Million) was carried into South Africa to purchase weapons for Nigeria without the necessary Customs checks and permission, the whole nation was trapped into deliberations; trying to figure out the Nigerians behind it and the possible complacency of government in the issue. This was aided and abated by desperate Nigerian politicians that are always eager to make issues even where none exist. In the first instance, deliberate effort was made to expose the immaturity of Nigerian handlers on the way they left a group to leave it’s shores with such amount of
money without informing the inbound nation. This kite was flown hoping that the usual denials from the Nigerian bureaucracy will surface, so that it could be attacked from the usual angles. However, when the government owned up and gave a convincing explanation on the circumstance and submitted that it was a procedural error, a dead end was reached and therefore another angle was taken; to focus on the personalities associated with the vessel in question. So many negative comments were made in an attempt to tarnish the hard earned reputation of His Eminence Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; the current president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to an extent that the likes of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai were insinuating that the weapons to be purchased were to be used by the “CAN foot solders” among the Boko Haram Insurgents. Needless to join issues with cheap blackmailers, Nigerians should however know that the highly revered cleric in question, like any other Nigerians has the right to hold residual interest in any legitimate business such as that of the aviation industry. This highly diverse preacher was eminently successful in establishing ventures that not only support his ministry and congregation (one of the largest in the world) but also extends his acumen to benefit numerous communities in Nigeria, Africa and globally. The most recent addition to Pastor Oritsejafor’s positive societal innovations was the founding of the Eagle Height University in the remote Obadina village. We are sure that his spelt vision at the ground breaking ceremony of providing a window for the Nigerian masses to university education was the motivation behind it. The CAN President was supposed to be celebrated the more by allowing the jet donated to him by his ever increasing sea of followers across the world to venture into income generation for the service of God and the common good of those that contributed to it’s purchase. Many are aware of his huge financial commitment to his ministry and followers worldwide. His eagerly awaited multi million Naira annual empowerment of the downtrodden at Christmas
By PROF. MOHAMMED AL-AMIN
insinuations about the cost of the equipment or it’s budgetary approval and the rest of such menial issues in the wake of the gigantic security challenge facing Nigeria amid several international conspiracies to
• Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor speaks volume about his kind heartedness and godly approach to wealth redistribution as epitomized by Jesus Christ. The Cleric’s concept of poverty alleviation was accentuated through Eagle Height Community Bank that he founded and is using to touching the hearts of indigent Nigerians that would have never enjoyed bank facilities.The resources used were all from his wisdom of maximizing prosperity to serve God. His Eminence’s resolve to run away from the luxury of having a private jet for his exclusive use is therefore part of his personal conviction in self denial for the benefit of all! There are however some treats being exhibited by Pastor Ayo that are not popular among some Nigerians. His “undiplomatic” criticism of evil; unmindful of whose goose is ored makes him highly detestful to certain elements in the Nigerian society. His unapologetic believe in the Nigeria project
had made skeptics to see him as an aberration. The Pastor ’s believe in governance as a collective responsibility on all citizens, made him seen as a staunch Gejite by the opposition; hence the need to smear his reputation and pull him down from the coveted God’s elevation. These and many similar reasons made a little few self serving element to over-blow the South African incidence and frantically made the futile effort to link the religious luminary to a scandal that never exist. Still, when the Nigerian government came out with genuine documents proving that it was one of it’s security agencies that ordered for the operational hardware, a deliberate attempt is being made now to question the route of the purchase. We are sure that if that line of argument is also blocked and frustrated by genuine reasons and concrete evidence, the next angle could be to start
pull down our cherished sovereignty. It is important to remind Nigerians that, of recent there were complaints from the Nigerian armed personnel fighting the insurgents in the north-east of lack of sophisticated weapons to match the firepower of the insurgents. In order to meet this desperate need, Nigeria has made several unsuccessful attempts to procure military hardware from its usual source and using the normal routes, however, these attempts were repeatedly sabotaged by the world superpowers on some contemptible excuses of global policing against human rights abuses wrongly associated with our troops in the fight against the insurgence. Due to war exigencies, it has been the global practice to engage refutable companies to fast-tract the procurement of military/ security hardware for countries at war. That was
what Nigeria evoked in engaging the services Messrs. Tier One Services Group to handle the financial transaction to procure the military/security hardware from Messrs. EID international Group Ltd. All these were made in order to raise Nigeria’s arms’ stoke and give our military comparable advantage in fighting insurgence. Unfortunately, Messr. Tier One Services Group Ltd. attempted to sideline the required South African currency declaration in perhaps the usual characteristics of commercial ventures to evade taxation; which consequently caused the uproar. In fact, if not of that snag, Nigerians would never have heard of the issue; as it always happen in countries at war. The only difference that would have been noticed is the increased efficiency of our troops in fighting the insurgents. Instead of Nigerians to be mobilized to note with admiration the extent of their federal government in ensuring their safety, as well as the security of our sovereign nation, some politicians have resorted to cheap blackmail, and also allowed themselves knowingly to be used in the hands of those countries that have been predicting doom for Nigeria. Nigerians must begin to cross check actions of the USA and even the South African government. We are aware of how the former was uncooperative with Nigeria in the Okar’s legal case; the way and manner they allowed interested parties to interfere in the case was unfortunate to say the least. As for the USA, their doom prediction on the future of Nigeria shall never be true. Nigerians are resilient and shall overcome the current difficulty. Similarly, the double standard with which the USA relate to Nigeria’s leadership in the fight against terrorism is indeed repugnant. The USA should respect our country and government. We need them to appreciate the uncommon/unusual circumstances we found ourselves. In these trying moments of Nigeria, what is expected of every citizen is to double our patriotism and rally round our leadership devoid of political affiliations and other sentiments being promoted by politicians and other unscrupulous elements.
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C unselling
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Never Seem To Be In A Hurry
THE trick in forcing time is to upset the timing of others, to them hurry, to make them wait, to make them abandon their own pace, to distort their perception of time. By upsetting the timing of your opponent while you stay patiently, you open up time for yourself, which is half the game. Making people wait is a powerful way of forcing time, as long as they do not figure out what you are up to, you control the clocks, they linger in limbo and rapidly come unglued, opening up opportunities for you to strike. The opposite effect is equally powerful you make your opponents hurry, start off your dealings with them slowly, then suddenly apply pressure, making them feel that everything is happening, at once. People who lack the time to think will make mistakes, so, set their deadlines for them. This was the technique Machiavelli admired in Cesare Borgia, who, during negotiations would suddenly press vehemently for a decision, upsetting his opponents timing and patience. For who would dare make Cesare wait? In 1473, the great Turkish Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror invited negotiations with Hungarian to end the offand-on war the countries had waged for years. When the Hungarian emissary arrive in Turkey to start the talks, Turkish officials humbly apologized-Mehmed, had just left Istanbul, the capital, to battle his longtime foe, Uzun Hasan. But he urgently wanted peace with Hungary and had asked that the emissary join him at the front. Research shows that when the emissary arrived at the site of the fight Mehmed had already left it, moving eastward in pursuit of his swift foe. This happened several times. Wherever the emissary stopped, the
Turks Lavished gifts and banquets on him, in pleasurable but timeconsuming ceremonies. Finally, Mehmed defeated Uzun and met with the emissary. Yet his terms for peace with Hungary were excessively harsh. After a few days, the negotiations ended and the usual stalemate remained in place. But this was fine with Mehmed. In fact, he had planned it that way all along. Plotting his campaign against Uzun, he had seen that diverting his armies to the east would leave his western flank vulnerable. To prevent Hungary from taking advantage of his weakness and his preoccupation elsewhere, he first dangled the lure of peace before his enemy, then made them wait, all on his own terms. You can play the game with the utmost artistry, waiting patiently for the right moment to act, putting your competitors on their form by messing with their timing, but it won’t mean a thing unless you know how to finish it. Do not be one of those people who look like paragons of patience but are actually just afraid to bring things to a close. Patience is worthless unless combined with a willingness to fall ruthlessly on your opponent at the right moment. You can wait as long as necessary for the conclusion to come, but when it comes, it must come quickly. Use speed to paralyze your opponent, cover up any mistakes you might make and impress people with your aura of authority and finality. Research shows that with the patience of a snake charmer, you drew the snake out with calm and steady rhythms. Once the snake is out, though, would you dangle your foot above its deadly head? There is never a
O.C. Madu
good reason to allow the slightest hitch in your end game. Your mastery of timing can really only be judged by how you work with end time, how you quickly change the pace and bring things to a swift and
eventually present opportunities you had not imagined. Research shows that waiting involves controlling, not only your own emotions but those of your colleagues, who, are taking action for power, may try to push you into making rash moves. In your rivals, on the other hand, you can encourage this same mistake, if you
The famous seventeenth – century ming painter Chou lung relates a story that altered his behaviour forever. Late one winter afternoon, he set out to visit a town that lay across the river from his own town. He
definitive conclusion. There is no power to be gained in letting go of the reins and adapting to whatever time brings. To some degree, you must guide time or you will be its merciless victim. There is accordingly no reversal to this law. When you force the pace out of fear and impatience, you create a nest of problems that require fixing and you end up takings much longer than if, you had taken your time. Hurries may occasionally get there quicker, but papers fly everywhere, new dangers arise and they find themselves in constant crisis mode, fixing the problems that they themselves have created. Some times not acting in the face of danger is your best move, you wait, you deliberately slow down. As time passes it will
let them rush headlong into trouble while you stand back and wait, you will soon find ripe moments to intervene and pick up the pieces. This wise policy was the principal strategy of the great early seventeenthcentury emperor Tokugawa Ieyasu of Japan. When his predecessor, the head strong Hideyoshi, whom he served as a general, staged a rash invasion of Korea, Ieyasu did not involve himself. He knew the invasion of area. He knew the invasion would be a disaster and would lead to Hideyoshi’s downfall. But to stand patiently on the sidelines, even for many years and then be in position to seize power when the time is right, exactly, what Ieyause did, with great artistry.
was bringing some important books and papers with him and had commissioned a young boy to help him carry them. As the ferry neared the other side of the river, Chou Yung asked the boatman if they would have time to get to the town before its gates closed since it was a mile away and night was approaching. The boatman glanced at the boy and at the bundle of loosely tied papers and books, “yes”, he replied, “if you do not walk too fast”. As they started out, however, the sun was setting. Afraid of being locked out of the town at night, prey to local bandits, Chou and the boy walked faster and faster, finally breaking into a run suddenly, the string around the papers broke and the documents scattered on the ground.
GSM: 08056379608 It took them many minutes to put the packet together again and by the time they had reached the city gates, it was too late. When you force the pace out of fear and impatience, you create a nest problems that require fixing and you end taking much longer than if you had taken your time. Hurries may occasionally get there quicker, but papers fly everywhere. You will not move from one deal to the next without completing the first one. To build your powers foundation, it can take years, make sure that foundation is secure. Do not be a flash in the pan – success that is built, up slowly and surely is the only kind that lasts. Going slower also makes what you are doing more interesting, the audience yields to your pace, becomes entranced. It is a state in which time whizzes delight fully by. Slowing time down will give you a perceptive on the times you live in, letting you take a certain distance and putting you in a less emotionally charged position to see the shapes of things to come. Hurries will often mistake surface phenomena for a real trend, seeing only what they want to see. How much better to see what is really happening, even if it is unpleasant or makes your task harder. Therefore never seem to be in hurry, hurrying betrays a lack of control over your self and over time. Always seem patient as if you know that everything will come to you eventually. Become a detective of the right moment, sniff out the spirit of the times, the trends that will carry you to power. Learn to stand back when the time is not yet ripe and to strike fiercely when it has reached fruition. Peace and love.
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P em Friends Of My Enemy By RICHARD IMHOAGENE
Little folks gather no more for moonlight play Grey-haired geriatrics sit idle on market days Aged and babes fear the homo-sapient beasts And the village square is become a graveyard The ticking clock only draws the horror nigh Brothers call on brothers no more For beastly blood now runs in our vein To beastly appetite we wholly succumb While yet the leaf of barren vines we cut off Unfruitful trees do spread beneath And woe betides us for reckless abandon That gruesome beast hath inflicted pure blood Whose eyes hath shown fiery deceit But ignorant aimless iris comprehended not.
Let Us Go On Strike
I once met a little five year old girl, who told me that she wanted to become a doctor because she wanted to save lives and nothing more and in those little glittering eyes were shimmers of hope. We met again when she turned sixteen and she reaffirmed that her aim had not changed a bit and she couldn’t wait to start snatching lives from the cold hands of death. I stumbled on her on her graduation and I saw those glittering eyes still hoarding hope and I was happy. Then I saw her a year later, I could barely recognise her, she looked ravishing and dashing then I looked into her eyes and it wasn’t glittering anymore, it was dry and banal. Where has the hope eloped to I asked myself. She was now piloting a doctor ’s strike action. Why?’ is the inevitable
By RICHARD RAYMOND
question Was it as a result of nonpayment of salaries or a drop in it that would be reasonable I reasoned conscious of the fact that a job is a means of survival but then, when the answer hit me, I became amazed. How can you go on strike because of a declaration of the Federal Government to make a post attainable by other medical practitioners! How poor, cheap, malodorous, spurious. detestable, lousy, ungodly and banal is this. Where is her love for the profession? I ask What could have killed her dreams of saving lives so soon? I ponder Isn’t she aware that persons are dying during this period? I shudder Why did you study medicine? I ask her Is it because you were
cajoled to by your parents or because you have a burning desire to save lives and bring smiles to faces of persons? I ask her A boy had a seizure and was rushed to a hospital and there was no doctor to attend to him so he died. A man with 7 children had high blood pressure and was rushed to a hospital and you were no where to be found so he passed on. A pregnant woman died with her baby because YOU were not on ground to give adequate care. A baby convulsed and died because when the parents got to the hospital, they couldn’t find YOU. A final year petroleum engineering student collapsed and was rushed to the hospital and YOU were not there. A fifteen year old boy was involved in a car crash and
rushed to a hospital but where were you. Is this your dream? What happened to your glittering eyes. The famous Ben Carson operated to separate Siamese twins for 22 hours without a break. He did this because he still has that glitter in his eyes. He’s living his dream of saving lives and putting smiles on faces. Are you living yours? Next time you want to execute a strike action, ask yourself, is it worth the collateral damage? Parents, NEVER you force a child to pursue a career of your choice because they end up being misfits and possess no love or passion for their profession. There are other ways of proving your point or stating your claim without causing UNNECESSARY collateral damages.
you, it begins with me! Making Nigeria a better nation is not the responsibility of an individual; it is our collective social responsibility, every individual, young or old, male or female, employed or unemployed, Christian or Muslim, in government or not has a role to play in this. At 54, what our nation needs is not one huge reform or policy, economic or political
theory, revolution or violence; all Nigeria needs is a “commitment” from all and sundry to the course of a better Nigeria. Nigeria will not be made great by Americans or Chinese, Nigeria will be made great by Nigerians. Let the reawakening spread, be determined to make your effort count in taking Nigeria to a greater height. Yes, it is possible if we are responsible.
Giving Meaning To Nigeria’s Independence At 54
THIS day presents to Nigerians, particularly those at the leadership structure, a time to reflect and reassess the current dispensation in contrast to the vision of the founding fathers of this nation. The independence we enjoy today didn’t come effortlessly; it came through lion approach from comrades who used their voices, pen, and physical strength to liberate this nation after tough exploitation of human resources, humiliation and reckless management of humans among others. Interestingly, Nigeria is not the only nation colonized in Africa and around the world, but Nigeria seem resilient to growth among its peers. India, South Africa, Kenya among other nations are nations who have given meaning to their
freedom by engraving the visions of a greater society in their minds, exercise the courage needed and today, their nations have overcome many of the challenges it had. However, it’s unfortunate that even after over five decades of “independence”, Nigeria is still battling with tough challenges other developing countries overcame at the earliest stage of their independence. Nigeria has hurtled through various cross roads prior and after independence; the nation has been highly ranked in misconduct and severe corrupt practices, growing insecurity that has taken different d i m e n s i o n s , incessantly rising youth unemployment,
By ROTIMI OGUNGBOLA
poor economy, fall in the standard of education to mention a few. The memories of the struggles made by our founding fathers should propel Nigerians, again, particularly leaders at all levels to uphold the dignity of this nation and ensure their visions for Nigeria speak without limit; because they selflessly suffered for the freedom we enjoy
today as a nation. Every new age gives room for new momentum; gives opportunity to amend the mistakes of years behind and create fresh records that will speak well of our history and give hope to future generations. Even at this point, Nigeria can be renewed; the tendency of a better nation is very possible, how? It begins with
“However, it’s unfortunate that even after over five decades of “independence”, Nigeria is still battling with tough challenges other developing countries overcame at the earliest stage of their independence.”
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I sues
Meet The Real Good Husband
IN today’s society, many marriages have become warfare where people now endure rather than enjoying. Cases of divorce are no longer newsworthy in this 21st century. Abnormality has become normality in every facet of life and our marriages are no exception. Could cases of divorce and misunderstanding be attributed to inadequacies of husbands? A husband is someone who is legally married to a woman. However, it takes a real man to be a good husband. Many people especially ladies will be quick to say that good men don’t exist. It must be pointed out that just as there are bad husbands so also there are good husbands. This is because anything that has bad side must have good side. Tenaciously, in today’s society, young, decent men are rare to find. This problem has become so serious that A.J. Kieling even wrote a book about it called “where have all the good men gone? in 2008. Your marriage can be the most beautiful thing to ever happen to you but only if you go into it knowing exactly why you are getting into it in the first place. There are marriages that are very successful and while it takes both parties to play their role, your partner choice really matters. Often you will ask girl to describe her ideal man and you will be likely to hear something about looks (height, complexion etc) and financial statuses. While
these are ok things to look for in a man (after all sometimes the heart wants what it wants) they will not make your marriage work! However, there are traits that differentiate a real man from a bad man. The qualities of agood husband include the following among others. A real husband is a rock to his wife. He is dedicated to his marriage and when it comes to his family and his relation with his wife he becomes twice the man. He will make it his duty to have strength for two and therefore just him alone will always provide you with the support system that you need in life as a wife. Life together will be smoother. He will always keep strong and make sure the strength rubs off on his wife and he will always want to maintain the strength enough for the two of you. A real man will be his wife’s friend and will always give his wife an audience. His shoulder will always be available for his wife. He is that man that this wife will always count for many things if not all. A real husband is that man who understands the sanctity of marriage. A man who is a marriage material truly understands the real purpose and importance of marriage. He will most likely uphold a life-long commitment of fidelity and love to his wife and the children that will eventually result from the marriage. Since cohabitation and the hookups culture have now become norms in our society, you don’t want to miss out on being with a man who wants to pursue a longlife marriage with you. In our
By STANLEY UGIAGBE
society today. It must be said that real husbands who are committed to their marriages are rare. Many men now adapt to the adage “don’t lay your eggs in one basket”. They see commitment to monogamy as marriage incarceration. As such they want to have access to marry women so as to always eat (sex) from all corners. It’s very appalling that these men approach women with sweet tongue deceiving them they are all they want just for such women to go into marriage and discover they are sex maniac. That not withstanding, real husbands who have the fear of God exist all over the globe. They understand the sanctity of marriage and are committed to their marriages lives A man who has a hard work ethic is a real marriage material. He will never give up when working towards his ambitions. He will always work hard to provide food and financial assistance to his family no matter what circumstances come his way. Remember the Bible doctrine that says a Christian husband who could not provide for his family is worst than an unbeliever. He knows that success is not meant for the lazy people. This because success is something all of us desire and wish to attain but not all who desire it would have it. It’s exclusive to a handful of people who did extraordinary things in their lives to get them to where they are today. And it wasn’t because they were lucky or just because it was handed to them but it was because
they worked hard and God blessed their hand works. A real husband is hard-working. He is very concerned about the welfare of his family and such will work very hard to provide food on the table of his family. A real husband is that man that respects his vows. Faithfulness or loyalty is one of the prime qualities a wife wants in her man. Have a sense of honour and duty. Man, remember that when you got married you took the sacred vows. The honourable thing is to fulfill the duty to your wife that you took upon yourself the day you got married. It is the duty of a man to provide for his family. A real husband never expect the wife to contribute to the smooth operation of the household. Even in this day and age of women in the workplace, most prefer to have that as an option rather than a necessary part of their lives. Motherhood and caring for a husband and home usually takes priority for her. A real man never assume that the money he earns is for him to do with as he likes but thinks big about the needs of his family and that always come first before his personal needs. A real husband is reliable, responsible and supportive. Every woman wants her partner to be reliable and be there for her when she needs her. He is that man that supports his wife in all stages of life. Provide assurance when she is feeling down. He do not be little her or hurt her ego. He is that man that is
proud of his wife and her accomplishments and do not forget to compliment her. Be available for her when she needs a shoulder to cry on or when she needs a supportive hands. When he doesn’t agree with her views, he respectively tells her he doesn’t agree with the views of his spouse. If you expect respect from others you need to treat others with respect too. This is in line with the maxim of equity that says “if you must come to equity you must do equity. Respect can be reflected in the way one talks and behaves. A real husband will always speak in a loving manner and refrain from speaking harshly. A good husband never chooses to belittle, strike, humiliate or otherwise harm his wife in private or in public. It’s better to watch what you say and to think your thoughts, through before speaking as it is not possible to take back the words once they have been spoken. A real husband treats his wife with respect in front of others and at home. He takes in the consideration of his wife when making important decisions of the family. A real husband offers protection for his spouse. A woman need to feel safe and secured with her man. She needs to feel that when he is with her no one can harm her. You don’t need to be a muscle man but at least when you are with her others should not be making a pass at her. She wants her man to behave like a man and treat her like a lady when she is with you (husband).
A good husband is not driven by resentment, anger, fear, materialism or the need for approval. He is motivated and prepared always. He is authentic, original, bases his identity in Jesus, not himself, has character, charisma, commitment, competence and courage. He is a man of discernment and discretion; generous and always take initiative. He knows that the power of leadership is the ability to influence. He doesn’t settle for the average. He knows that being an effective husband is not accidental. He never manipulates! He teaches his family more about prevention than cures. He stays on target, focuses on the current task at hand. He avoids procrastination and complacency. He is confident but not cocky. He believes what he’s doing is meaningful. A real husband is a man of integrity. He is dedicated to quality not quantity. Seeks competence in himself and others. He recognizes what is best for the family and goes for it. He knows and stands for where he is heading. A real husband show love and affection to his wife always. Every woman is a sucker of affection. A good husband will appreciate his wife and will notice her. Even after twenty or fifty years of marriage. Every woman likes to be pampered. Women, one way or the other, are nothing but over grown babies who constantly need care. A real good husband will always be there to show love and affection for his darling wife!
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RUMINATION
Enemies Of Destiny “WHEN a representative of the oppressed absorbs the ideology of the oppressor he becomes more ferocious and dangerous than the oppressor in defending that ideology” – Dr Edwin Madunagu I remember I used this quotation from Dr Edwin Madunagu when a certain leader from the South East Nigeria decided to abandoned all the things he stood for in his prime to embrace the ideology of his oppressors because of hate and politics of the stomach. I took time to remind the leader in Igboland all the things he spent his life fighting for and only to dump them for selfish reasons when it mattered most. I cannot disclose who that leader was because he is no longer alive to defend himself. Before settling down to put these words on paper, I tried to dig into the
background of this character and Political bigot called Mr Femi Aribisala. I wanted to find out if his name is attached to a single achievement in advancing the cause of this country for the better. I wanted to find out if he has taken any risk at all in his life to achieve a cause. I wanted to find out if Femi Aribisala has given leadership to his family, community and Nigeria. I wanted to find out if he has any pedigree at all. My aim of doing this is this: If Femi Aribisala had been a great man or an achiever he would have no need to try to pull down a great man. This is because nobody who aspires to be a great man will seek to bring down another great man. In fact, the only way you can become a great man is to admire great men. I could only find little achievement to ascribe to Femi Aribisala’s name in my search.
Femi Aribisala has been trying without success to pull our leaders and our great party down with his scurrilous drivels every Tuesday in his column in one of Nigeria’s leading Newspapers thinking that he will succeed probably by chance. But this wind chaser of our time has always failed in this ugly mission. Femi Aribisala must have read the book: 48 Laws of Power. One of the laws in that book says the only way to destroy a great followership is to bring down the leader. This ugly man with his ugly project has been trying to tarnish the reputation of our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This wind chaser thinks he can sway the tide of public opinion against our leader with his useless postulations and renditions. This man who lives in the past has been applying a 10th century solution to a 21st century
problem. Femi Aribisala has failed and failed woefully. The problem with Femi Aribisala is that he wasted his youth without achieving anything. What he did not achieve in his youth is what he is trying to achieve at more than 70. No, you cannot reverse the hands of the Clock. Time lost can never be recovered. Sycophancy is not a trade. Nobody goes to the university to learn sycophancy and praise singing as a course. If you cannot make it in your 40s and 50s forget it. The truth is that Femi Aribisala works for PDP just to make up the lost glories and opportunities of the past. But must you earn a living by shooting others down? Must you ride on the back of great men? No, success is not an event? It is a result of years of hard work and
“The problem with Femi Aribisala is that he wasted his youth without achieving anything. What he did not achieve in his youth is what he is trying to achieve at more than 70. No, you cannot reverse the hands of the Clock. Time lost can never be recovered. Sycophancy is not a trade. Nobody goes to the university to learn sycophancy and praise singing as a course.”
With
Ernest Ikhureigbe commitment to the welfare of the common people. Femi Aribisala may not know this man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and why he is what he is today. When the likes of Femi Aribisala are sleeping, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working. This man is trying to cut an Iroko tree with a kitchen knife. Femi is trying to dig 20 meters well with bare hands. I want to throw these questions to Femi Aribisala: Do you know the man you want to bring down? Do you know his level? Do you know his followers, his friends and associates around the world? Do you know his capacity? Do you know his network and contacts? Do you know what he controls? Do you know the thousands he has groomed and established? Do you know how many leaders he has brought up? When will you ever know the capacity and the strength of the man you are fighting? Eniti o mo Oba lo nfi Oba sere (Is he who does not know the real king that toys with him). I advise this noise maker to stop the noise and go back to do the real work that will make him get to the level of Asiwaju BAT. This man who invests in the wind has been talking about the outcome of Ekiti
and Osun elections. He and his gang in PDP stole Ekiti while we slept. When thieves at our gates got to Osun they met us awake even at 3am in the morning of August 10, 2014. In Osun Femi and his robbery gang came with helicopters, guns, bombs, jackbooths, tanks, etc but ordinary people with bare hands stopped their open robbery. Iyiola Omisore, a fake and bad product could not have gotten 50,000 votes if not because of Femi Aribisala’s gangsters and vote robbers. In the State of Osun Femi Aribisala and his forty thieves came to steal and to destroy but were stopped by the rugged will of a determined people. They shut in the air, marched on the streets, bought votes in thousands, scared APC supporters to their homes and oppressed the poor but they were not enough to stop the courage of the people of the state of Osun. Femi Aribisala has turned a blind eye on the excesses of PDP in the past 15 years in Nigeria, he cannot see the rot in Nigeria, he cannot see that PDP wants to turn Nigeria into a one party state; he does not see the changes everybody sees in his
The Eucharist Celebration AT the last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Lord and Saviour Jesus, instituted the Eucharist, the sacrifice of his body and blood (1 Cor. 11:23 26) He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the centuries, until He would come again. Thus, the sacrifice is a Sacrament of love, a sign of unity and solidarity a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet in which Christ Himself is con consequently, the mind is filled with satisfying grace and the pledge of future given to us (Vat. ii, the secret Liturgy).
Jesus had always loved His own who were with Him in the World; and now he gave this greatest proof of his love (In 3:16) so that whenever we celebrate this mystery of faith, the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist, we celebrate the LOVE of our God for His dear children. That is how this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving renews and proclaims the NEW CONVENANT of God’s love for us, sealed by the precious blood of the incarnate son of God in the sacrifice of the cross. That is also why this
By W.I. ERESE
sacrifice. - the MASSis the greatest sacrifice anyone can make to God for the forgiveness of sins and as a thanksgiving offering and petition for our needs, since in it, Christ is the Victim and hence it is the centre and zenith of catholic faith. This makes the average faithful catholic tower over other Christians. If the mass is Christ’s sacrifice, the sacrifice of the church and our own sacrifice, hence, it becomes a matters of the highest importance to participate fully with
the greatest attention, reverence and devotion and to know how we should assist at the celebration on the Altar. Everything in the Christian life and prayer depend wholly upon our proper participation in the Eucharist Sacrifice, for the mass is the peak of Christian piety. Unfortunately, many do not know what to make of the mass and so pass the time in some devotion or in reciting certain prayers arbitrarily chosen. Some fill the gaps with contemplation. Some Priest read their
breviary. They do not realize that as baptized Christians they are bound to carefully enter fully into the sacrifice, which by permitting them to share in the blessings, provides the kennel of faith that archers them to a life of prayer and piety. They do not realize that by participating in the mass they exercise their right to “THE ROYAL PRIEST HOOD” actually the primary purpose of life- to which Baptism gives them full-title. This “the height and to some extent the central point of Christian religion is the mystery of the Holy
Mass, instituted by the High Priest, Christ which He permits his servants in the church evermore to renew (Herder 65)” thus we come to mass because of Christ and in order to offer ourselves with Him to the father (Herder 101). In our participation, we should strictly follow the rituals and prayers being said by the priest without reciting any other prayers arbitrary chosen. To this end the catholic missal should be strictly followed and great attention should be paid to the actions and prayers of priest on the altar
THE WEEKEND
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
a
L w & Order
• Suleiman Abba
• Mohammed Abubakar, former IG-P
Police: From Abubakar To Abba
WE now miss the former Chief of Police Mohammed Abubakar. He is evidence that a country can be saved if we have enough behavioral change into sincere men and women that can form a quorum everywhere. When he came in and promised that he would stop road blocks, most of us not only doubted him, we thought it was so ingrained that it could not be done. He did it! Our skepticism was based on the fact that every Chief of Police promised that all semblances of road blocks and permanent check points would be dismantled. The promise never took hold until Mohammed Abubakar became Chief. As soon as he retired, the police could not wait to go back to their old ways. The noticeable difference was inflation or making up for their lost bribes. Police demanded 50, Mobile Police 100 and Soldier 200 naira. It was not that road blocks
By FAROUK MARTINS ARESA were perfectly abolished but we felt the difference in our pockets and knew the past Chief Abubakar meant business. A protest letter addressed to the new acting Chief of Police was published on the internet that road block are back; It killed the gains and peace we had based on onerous effort of one man from the top that percolated to the rank and file. All the Oga At The Top collecting money became afraid of losing their jobs and complied. Our Country Police are another reflection of the society and how low we have become. We are scorned by friends and enemies because our corrupt practices are open and practiced with impunity. The hope of Africa and the wish of the rest of the world that the way Nigeria was developing around Independence, the country would become a regional
world power, was lost. It has not come to pass. We cannot even help ourselves, not to think about helping others. Abubakar is a product of the same corrupt practices but one that became determined that he was going to make a change. He picked his own task, regardless of other wrongs he might have or might not have committed and he proved us wrong. Road blocks stopped during his reign in Nigeria. It did not matter how many enemies he made from the rank and file to their bosses collecting shares from police road blocks. We cannot forget that people got killed from refusing to give police blooded twenty naira. The few that dared challenged them or drivers and conductors that complained of double payments got shot at, and some of them died.
It became life and death issue. Some of the police claimed they had to pay to be posted there, others went as far as the House that Oga at the Top collect their own share. When salaries are not paid, bribe is what they used to feed their families. Indeed, most do not care or complain about unpaid salaries as long as they are posted to areas where they can take bribe. But then, you can hardly find any area of police work where bribes are not relatively sought. They can commandeer private molue, pick innocent citizens up at the bus stops and lock them up at the police stations until they can “prove” they are not criminals before bailing them out. You wonder if we have law and order; only due process for the rich. The amount of money saved by individuals after Abubakar stopped road blocks could be billions in estimate that served as a stimulus into the economy, instead of their way into the
“Abubakar is a product of the same corrupt practices but one that became determined that he was going to make a change. He picked his own task, regardless of other wrongs he might have or might not have committed and he proved us wrong.”
pocket of policemen. The more money in your pocket, the more you give to wife and children before leaving home since police bribe on the road was almost dead under Abubakar. If not dead, those rogue police risking it knew they were taking chances. There was the commissioner of police in Lagos State that adhere to his boss promise and even answered a woman’s emergency call to her surprise. It all points to the example, determination and change of attitude at the top. Once subordinates understood that the chief meant business, they all fell in line. While many of us were celebrating a promise fulfilled by the Chief of Police, others were busy digging up his past to embarrass and derail his changed corrupt attitude. We are not naïve; there are few saints in the police of a country that has degenerated as much as Nigeria. We have many cases of rogues and bandits that finally realized that money is not everything. After you have accumulated so much, it becomes an albatross to easy, simple and decent living. Many billionaires that made money the old fashion ways gave most away before they died as scholarships to the poor and organizations that help lift them up. You can then imagine the guilt of those that acquire money through the blood and suffering of their fellow humans. Nemesis always
catches up with them and their children no matter where they are. The Police are not better off either. They contribute to their own suffering while those they deliver to, take the money outside the country to spoil their children and foreign Susies. Others complained that road blocks and police check points are very few in the Northern part of the country if any. It may have encouraged Boko Haram to go without hindrances on their part. We know that is not true. Give credit to our brothers and sisters in the North. They do not take that type of nonsense from Police or Army. Boko Haram operates in broad day light. They have their sponsors among the politicians, Army and other billionaires. Some people actually believe road block are security checks in this day of high communication and technology. Robbers know where police are stagnant at road blocks making it impossible to mount quick arrest of kingpins and robbers that are more mobile and inform one another of Police locations who are too busy taking bribes. We have our fingers crossed and wait for the order from the Acting Police Chief that they must dismantle all semblances of road blocks and permanent check points. Is this a promise like that of retired Mohammed Abubakar or the type of promises made by all new Police Chiefs?
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
Today’s Diet With Pastor E. A. Adeboye
His name Is Wonderful
Memorise: And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from sins. Matthew 1:21 troubling you, in the Read: Isaiah 9:6-7
ONE of the names of Jesus is Wonderful. That name denotes miracles. In this name is d e l i v e r a n c e . Deliverance from an unclean spirit is a miracle. Mark 1:23—26, tells us the story of a man with an unclean spirit. A single demon inhabiting a man can be a terrible situation. But thank God that He has the power to set the captives free. The man came in contact with the Lord and he was free. The situation becomes more serious when a person is possessed by several demons. Luke 8:2 says, “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene out of whom went seven devils;” Mary Magdalene had seven demons inhabiting her, if a woman with one single demon would be considered a witch, a woman with seven demons will be a chief among witches. Now, try and comprehend the situation of a man who had a legion or six thousand demons inhabiting him. In Mark 5:1—15, a man who was possessed by at least six thousand demons was delivered. Such can only be described as wonderful. It doesn’t matter how many demons are
Name that is above every other name, you are going to be free. Let me narrate the true story of a highly educated man, who for one reason or the other was taken over by certain- demons The day they brought him, I thought they had fought a mad man. The way he was looking and everything about him showed signs of a seriously possessed person he began to tell his story. If he scratched his head, cockroaches would come out. If he put his hand into his ear, a butterfly could come out, and he wasn’t a magician. He said, “Just look at it, any part of the body I scratch, an insect will come out”. I told him that I know someone who could set a man free from Legions, regardless of how many they are. At the Name of
Jesus, every knee shall bow. I prayed a simple prayer and he left. Two weeks later, he came back. I couldn’t recognise him; he had been completely transformed. That name “wonderful” is also demonstrated through the miracle of raising the dead. Raising a person who has just died takes a miracle (Mark 5:3542). Raising someone who is about to be buried will take a bigger miracle (Luke 7:11-16). However, raising someone who has been dead and buried for four days is wonderful (John 11:39-45). Lazarus was not just dead. He was dead, buried and rotten. But there is a God. He is the One who can reverse the irreversible. He raised Lazarus from the dead. Has anything been pronounced dead in your life? This same God will attend to your case.
NEWS EXTRA RATTAWU Urges FG To Review Salary RADIO, Television, Of Media Workers Theatre and Art Workers Union (RATTAWU) has urged the Federal Government to review the salary of media workers to enhance the welfare of the workers. The President, RATTAWU, Oluyemisi Bamgbose, told newsmen in Abuja that the media industry was the most poorly remunerated in the country. “I think in this country, Nigeria is operating almost 11 salary regimes and the media is placed on the lowest. This has
CHANGE OF NAME OMOREGIE – I formerly known and addressed as Miss Queen Endurance Omoregie now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ugolo Favour Queen Egheomwanre. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
negative effects on the media workers that are retiring. “The health sector for instance has its own salary structure; the media sector is grouped under the civil service salary structure which is the lowest. “For example, if somebody retires on GL 14 in the broadcasting industry after 35 years in service, his or her pension monthly is N37, 000 based on the new arrangement of PENCOM. “What do you want someone to do with N37, 000, whereas his or her c o u n t e r p a r t s somewhere else are receiving higher pension Bamgbose explained that poor pension was due to the salary that the
CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME IGBON – I formerly called Igbon Otoaye Felix is now known and called Iseghohimen Otoaye Felix. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
AKENDOLORI formerly known and called Miss Akendolor Esohe Tessy now wish to be known called, and addressed as Mrs. Asemota Esohe Tessy. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE INDOMITABLE YOUTHS ORGANIZATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE:
Action Point: Call on that name Wonderful to bring to life everything that is dead and buried in your life.
“It doesn’t matter how many demons are troubling you, in the Name that is above every other name, you are going to be free.”
OLD 1. Miss Amenze Igiebor 3. Miss Akpobi Ufuoma 5. Dr. Oniovokukor Bright 7. Miss Ehigiator Hope
2. Mr. Idurobo Imafidon 4. Mr. Izekor Harrison 6. Mrs Alile Precious 8. Dr. Idurobo Omonyemwen
NEW 1. Mr. Izekor Harrison 2. Dr. Oniovokukor Bright 3. Miss Akpobi Ufuoma 4. Miss Okuoimose Monica 5. Mr. Idurobo Imafidon 6. Mrs. Ekhaguere Hope. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To build a society where the youths are in forefront for National Development. 2. To eradicate societal ills amongst youths through sensitization on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, prostitution and its related consequences of Sexually Transmitted Infections as well as HIV/AIDS. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication. Signed: AKPOBI UFUOMA SECRETARY 08026233860
media professionals earned. He said the Federal Government should reconsider the upward review of media workers’ because media professionals worked round the clock. He said that the media professionals were also exposed to danger due to the nature of their jobs. The RATTAWU president said that there were lots of hazards in journalism and appealed to government to consider approving a media salary structure for the benefit of the workers.
CHANGE OF NAME ESIESI – I formerly known as Mr. Jolly Esiesi James is now known, called and addressed as Mr. James John. All former documents remain valid. All concerned authorities, First Bank Plc and the general public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME ALUFOHAI - I formerly called Miss Alufohai Igwilohi Grace is now known and called Mrs. Tunde Igwilohi Grace. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME OTAMERE – I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Otamere Edith now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agbontaen Otamere Edith. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME EKPO – I, formerly called Miss Deborah Bassey Ekpo is now known and called Mrs. Deborah Chikwele Manuyewho Chuku. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
o
G vernance
• Aminu Tambuwal
Do Our Leaders Understand Democracy?
• President Goodluck Jonathan
NIGERIANS has not come to the understanding of the meaning of ‘democracy’. Democracy defined by Abraham Lincoln as the government of the people by the people and for the people”. Now looking vividly to this analogy of democracy, Abraham Lincoln did not say it is a government “for the party but a government “of the people, by the people and for the people”. However judging the Nigeria system, it purely suggests that democracy is the government of the party, by the party and for the party. Note: it is the government of the people because the representative came out from among the people and they are fully aware of the candidate. “by the people here means the people are the full participant of the electoral process in choosing the candidate and that is why the decision of who to represent the interest of the people is made by the people and not self imposed. “And for the people” points out clearly that the candidate is not there to represent his/her own interest neither the interest of the party but the collective interest of the people who voted him/her into power therefore whatever decision he/she makes is for the general interest of the public. Unfortunately in Nigeria today, democracy is not at all in the interest of the
people but of the party is represented and the interest of the individual voted into power. It is all about self aggradisement, party enrichment and defaming the image of other parties and giving their parties a favourable image before the eye of the right thinking members of the public. This preposterous act of party system practiced in Nigeria and placing at party interest above that of the masses or populace represented have place the country in a state of underdevelopment for over 53 years of its independence since 1960. The placement of party’s interest above the interest of the people have however left so many things undone. The most annoying aspect of this uncultured practice is that if a member does not belong to the ruling party and he/she is looking for a job, such a person will never secure a job. First he/ she will be asked the party he belongs to and if it turns out to be an opposition party, the job is given to another, of the same party. Nigerians, this is not democracy, it is not there presentation of the interest of some and the rejection of the interest of others to suffer. Democracy is about governance and representation of the “whole” irrespective of party affiliations. Whoever is in the place or position of authority such as president, governor, House of Reps members,
• Senator David Mark
By LONG LIFE GEDU
Senators, chairmen of local governments are representation of the whole Nigerians. Imagine the President who is representing the entire country painting other parties red all in the name of protecting the image of the party he represent rather than the people. The tenure of the former president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 was the chief architect of this mischievous practice and has since been adopted by his successor. No wonder there is no development in the country because there is no unity of purpose. If there had been unity of purpose, then party will never cause controversy during and after election because whoever carries the flag of any party is carrying it all in the name of representing the entire nation in area of governance. Opposition party and ruling party ought to join hands together all for the ultimate good of Nigeria, in that sense, political party issue will be swept under the carpet. The issue of a president of a country coming down to campaign for one individual who belongs to his party in order to win the heart of the electorate for
them to vote that party into power is highly preposterous. He is the President not for his party but for the smooth running of the government of Nigeria and he is responsible to all not his party. Ones a PDP flag bearer comes into power as the president, he expects all the 36 states governors to belong to his ruling party. The same thing is applicable to governors, he expects all the local government chairmen and everyone working under his administration to belong to his party, as oppose this, there is no fair or equal treatment of such people. Nigeria is too big to be confined in one location and that is why there is room for the creation of alternative parties, mind you all is geared towards governing the people in achieving meaningful development and not development of party. The President or Governor should not be seen supporting one party at the detriment of others because he is the number one citizen of the country and he is regarded as the father if the nation who is expected to speak good about everyone and leave the masses to vote
candidates of their choice. Just take a good look at what the number one representative of a country said while attending a party rally in Benin City. According to him the ruling party has taken over all other state in the southsouth except two other states like Rivers and Edo who according to have K legs and would be overthrown by the PDP come 2015/2016 governorship election. This statement ought not come out from the mouth of a president because he is the general overseer of the nation and indeed every other party under his government. This demise has to a large extent shortened the growth of Nigeria and that is why we keep hearing the same old stories of I will build roads, give you portable water, good healthcare system, better agricultural services, alleviation of poverty through the creation of job opportunities, youth empower etc, but yet no evidence to show for these empty promises because their hands have been tied to the party they belong thereby creating room for godfathers to dictate their manner of governance. Let’s shun all form of “my party” and face the reality of life by carrying everyone
along irrespective of the party each belong even tribe. Democracy should be allowed to have its full course and let the people of Nigeria enjoy the dividend of the democracy they have all embraced. Remember, being a president, governor, senator, chairman, minister, commission etc is not about party but making life interesting for everyone through the governing council of a leader called the president, or Mr. Governor as the case may be. Let’s stop castigating one another but run like athletes who both run in a race but one who eventually wins the race wears the crown. Three persons or two cannot at the same time emerge as winner of one election. So the other lives to contest for another day. Let’s encourage ourselves, lets be united because that is the only way we can stand as one Nigeria. Don’t forget the name “GOWON,” former military head of states of Nigeria which means “go on with one Nigeria”, (GOWON) Politicians, let stop playing on the destiny of our electorates all in the name of politics and fight for the common good of the people and the societal development, that way Nigeria will move from developing nation to a developed nation. Arise oh compatriots, Nigeria call obey.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
World Cup Wounds Have Healed - David Luiz ahead. new players and he echoed
David Luiz
Neven Subotic Focusing On Club that Subotic has not enBORUSSIA Dortmund Football tirely given up on returning defender Neven Subotic wants to focus on his club football before returning to the Serbia squad, according to the player’s agent. Subotic, 25, was axed last week, along with Roma midfielder Adem Ljajic, from the Serbia squad by new coach Dick Advocaat, who said neither are part of his plans. “My exchange of mails and text messages with Subotic has left no doubt that he doesn’t like playing for the national team,” Advocaat said. Subotic has only just returned to the Dortmund squad this summer following an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered in November 2013. With the defender having struggled for form recently and having found himself on the substitutes’ bench for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to
Neven Subotic
Hamburg, agent Stephen Kelly says his client is first determined to win his place back in Jurgen Klopp’s team before turning his attention back to his international career. “Neven wants to fully focus on BVB. There are many important games in the upcoming weeks,” Kelly told Bild. Kelly, however, added
THE defender became the face of Brazil’s disappointment following their 7-1 defeat to Germany but insists the Selecao have moved on David Luiz says Brazil have already recovered from the heartache of their 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Germany. The Selecao were favourites to win a sixth world title, and their first on home soil, before suffering their worst ever defeat at the hands of Joachim Low’s side. Luiz gave an emotional interview directly after that defeat but this week, as new coach Dunga prepares his charges for the Gillette Superclasico de las Americas with Argentina on Saturday, the Paris SaintGermain defender said the team are now only looking
“Everything has been said and explained. The wounds have already healed,” Luiz told the press in Beijing. “The new players are also aware of what happened and now we have to think about what’s coming in the future, not what has already passed. If we dwell on too much on the past we will be unable to evolve.” Atletico Mineiro striker Diego Tardelli is one of those
Mou Had Issues With Players - Ancelotti room was riddled with diviPlayer Profile sion under his predecessor
THE Italian says he was well aware of the problems the Portuguese had in the dressing room but insists they soon disappeared upon his arrival Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admits the dressing
to the Serbia setup in the future. “That’s just for now,” he said. “Following his anterior cruciate ligament tear, it makes no sense for Neven to play match after match. He wants to return to his best first.” Carlo Ancelotti
Spain’s Villa Set For A-League Debut
FORMER Spain striker David Villa will definitely make his A-League debut for Melbourne City this weekend but is not certain to start Saturday’s match at Sydney FC, manager John van’t Schip said on Friday. The 32-year-old has not Villa is the highest profile replayed since Spain’s final match cruit to the A-League this season of the World Cup against Ausand there is much excitement tralia, though, and having arrived about his 10-game guest stint on in Melbourne on Monday, there loan from New York City. was some doubt about whether he would be fit for the seasonopener at Sydney Football Stadium. “Yes, he is going to be part of the game and we will just see which part,” Van’t Schip told reporters. “We know he’s fit, he can play, he wants to play.” Villa won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and helped Atletico Madrid to last season’s La Liga league title after moving to the capital from a successful spell at Barcelona. City finished bottom of the ALeague as Melbourne Heart last
season and will most of all be looking to the Spaniard for goals - he scored a record 59 for his country - to kickstart their campaign. Saturday’s match will also be the club’s first A-League clash as Melbourne City after a rebrand in the wake of the takeover by English champions Manchester City, who also own American soccer team New York City. The Melbourne outfit’s desire to switch the red and white stripes worn by Heart for the sky blue shirt of their parent club has been scuppered by Football Federation Australia (FFA). That the FFA decision came at the behest of Sydney FC, who have worn the colour since their inception, might not add an extra edge to Saturday’s match but Villa can certainly expect a robust welcome from the home defence. “I just hope he’s ready,” former Leeds United, Liverpool
Luiz’s call to move on. “It’s part of the past. I personally try not to ask them about it, because we know how painful it was,” Tardelli said. “This is a new team with two wins under the command of Dunga and we have to cherish the moment. “Football will always give another chance to players who will be asked to erase what happened.”
and Melbourne Heart striker Harry Kewell said on Thursday. “Playing at the highest level in Europe it’s different to here, it’s a lot more physical here, it’s a lot tougher.”
David Villa
Jose Mourinho. Mourinho is reported to have clashed with a number of first-team members during his time at the Bernabeu, including training ground spats with Sergio Ramos and a public falling out with club captain Iker Casillas. Ancelotti has now revealed there were some problems under the Portuguese, but says he found nothing but peace when he arrived in the Spanish capital. “Before I arrived I was aware that there were lots of problems in the dressing room – problems between some players and Mourinho,” Ancelotti told So Foot.“Everything that happened in private would end up in the papers the next day. But when I took charge, everything had returned to calm. I didn’t inherit any tensions. “Was I responsible for returning peace to the dressing room? No, no. When I arrived there was already a lot of serenity. “Ever since I arrived, there hasn’t been one fight in the dressing room. I have never had an unmotivated player or any confrontations with players who haven’t played as much as they’d want to.”
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Djokovic And Federer Into Shanghai Quarters
Nadal Recovering Satisfactorily From Appendicitis RAFA Nadal is recovering satisfactorily from appendicitis and will continue a course of antibiotics in a bid to be fit for the remainder of the 2014 season, the world number two’s spokesman said on Thursday. Nadal returned to the court for the first time since Wimbledon last week in Beijing before he was diagnosed with appendicitis ahead of the Shanghai Masters. He was able to play his second-round opening match against Spanish compatriot Feliciano Lopez on Wednesday but lost 6-3 7-6 before returning to Spain for tests in Barcelona. “In medical terms his development is satisfactory and he is not currently showing any symptoms,” Nadal’s spokesman said in a statement. “The (antibiotics) treatment will continue for 4-5 days and depending on his recovery the necessary decisions will be taken on further treatment,” he added. Nadal said after his Shanghai exit he was planning to play the indoor hard court tournament in Basel later this month as well as the Paris Masters and the seasonending ATP Tour Finals in London. The 28-year-old will then have surgery to remove his appendix and hope to be back in time for the beginning of the 2015 season. After Nadal’s early exit in Shanghai, Swiss Roger Federer will replace him at number two in the rankings when they are updated on Monday.
Niovak Djokovic
Kukushkin for a 5-3 lead before closing out the first set but the Kazakh roared back into contention to stretch the contest to a decider. Djokovic broke his opponent in the fifth game of the third set to extend his winning streak in China to 27 matches and seal a quarter-final clash with Ferrer, who beat Murray 2-6 6-1 6-2 earlier on Thursday.
FIFA President Suggests Change To Away-Goals Rule SEPP Blatter argues it is time to ‘rethink’ the rule, which applies in the Champions League and Europa League. ons League and Europa FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for a rethink on the away-goals rule and questioned whether the method for settling knockout games still makes sense. The system, which sees the team that has scored the most goals away from home win the tie if scores are level, has been used since 1965 in European competition and still applies in the UEFA Champi-
England Coast To Win Over San Mario
EURO 2016 Group E qualifier, Wembley - England 5 (Jagielka 24, Rooney 43 pen, Welbeck 49, Townsend 72, Della Valle o.g. 77) San Marino 0 England completed a routine 5-0 win over San Marino in Euro 2016 qualifying at Wembley. Roy Hodgson’s side led at half-time courtesy of goals from Phil Jagielka and Wayne Rooney, the latter from the penalty spot, before Danny Welbeck, substitute Andros Townsend and an Alex Della Valle own goal gave the scoreline a truer reflection. England remain on top of Group E on goal difference ahead of
NOVAK Djokovic and Roger Federer notched up contrasting victories to reach the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals. World number one Djokovic laboured to a 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory over plucky Kazakh Mikhail Kukushkin who matched the Serb shot for shot for most of the third round match before being overpowered in the third set. Two-time champion Djokovic broke
Lithuania, who overcame Estonia 1-0 at home in Vilnius on Thursday evening. The national side’s next match is a trip to face Estonia on Sunday night, but there appears little in this section for England to fear as they look to validate their qualification for the finals in France. England should really have had six goals against the world’s lowest ranked country, but substitute Adam Lallana had a goal disallowed for offside when he was clearly onside. After a 2-0 win over Switzerland in their opening match, England have six points from their first two games.
League. Blatter claims the rule favours teams playing away from home in the second leg because those games can go to extra time, meaning more time to score an away goal. In his column in the FIFA Weekly magazine, which is being published on Friday, Blatter pointed out the rule was scrapped in England’s Championship playoffs in 2000. Blatter says: “It is time to rethink the system. Football has progressed since the 1960s, so the away goals rule may now be questioned. Does the away goals rule still make sense? “The idea dates back to a time when away games were often an adventure, involving journeys that could be long and arduous, and the playing conditions would vary considerably. “In reality, it favours the club that play away from home in the second leg. Where the scores are tied, that team has 30 minutes more than their opponent to score a valuable away goal. After all, in the first leg there is no extra time. “Such an imbalance has already been disposed of in various competitions. The away goals rule is no longer used in the semifinals of the promotion playoffs in English football.” Blatter suggested a modification could be used such as in employed in MLS playoffs and in the
CONCACAF Champions League in which away goals only count “double”
until the end of normal time in the second leg and not in extra time.
After squandering five break points, Federer finally broke his opponent in the 10th game to win the opening set and raced to a 5-2 lead in the second before sealing his victory when Bautista Agut’s backhanded return crashed into the net. [FERRER DUMPS MURRAY OUT OF SHANGHAI MASTERS] Czech Tomas Berdych boosted his hopes of securing one of the five remaining places in London with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Ivo Karlovic, who hit 19 aces in the third
Sepp Blatter
Colsaerts Agonisingly Short Of First European Sub-60 Round NICOLAS Colsaerts came within one shot of becoming the first golfer to shoot a sub-60 round in the 42-year history of the European Tour during the opening round of the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Club on Thursday. The 31-year-old Belgian missed a 20-foot birdie putt at the 18th hole by millimetres. Colsaerts notched seven birdies in the opening 12 holes before eagling the 15th and 17th. A booming tee shot and a short iron gave the 2012 Ryder Cup player a difficult
but makeable putt at the last hole and his effort drifted agonisingly wide. “When I made eagle on 15 I knew that if I birdied the last three holes that would have been a 59,” Colsaerts told reporters. “I parred 16 and then walking down the fairway on 17 I told my caddie after I hit a good drive, ‘it’s 59 or nothing’. “I managed to make an eagle and then hit a good drive on the 18th. It’s too bad it just shaved the edge,” Colsaerts said of his putt. “I thought it was going to be slightly left to right at the end and it kind of went
straight and basically just left it hanging. It’s going to be difficult to follow a score that low.” A round of 60 has been achieved 19 times on the European Tour, including twice in 2013 by American Peter Uihlein at the Dunhill Links Championship and Briton Scott Jamieson at the Portugal Masters. Colsaerts’ form deserted him after he played at the 2012 Ryder Cup in Chicago and he has slumped to 185th in the world rankings. He was three strokes in front of Jamieson and Alexander Levy of France after the opening round in Portugal.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
Roy Keane Attacks ‘Disgraceful’ Jose Mourinho Over Handshake Attempt
FORMER Manchester United captain Roy Keane revealed Alex Ferguson didn’t want David Beckham to wear the club’s famous No. 7 jersey. Keane has warned he Roy would be “knocked out” ifChelsea boss Jose Mourinho “I’ve seen him doing it to he tried to shake hands beother managers, it is a disfore the final whistle in Sungrace. The game is still goday league football. ing on. You wouldn’t do that Aston Villa boss Paul on a Sunday morning, you Lambert refused to take would get knocked out.” Portuguese’s hand as he But while Mourinho found prepared to head down the himself in the firing line, it was tunnel before the end of his Keane’s former Manchester side’s 3-0 defeat by the Blues United manager Sir Alex at Stamford Bridge on Sept. Ferguson upon who the spot27, and his assistant light fell as Keane discussed Keane’s reaction was even the falling-out between the more withering. pair as his time at Old Asked about the incident Trafford drew to a close in as he launched his new au2005. tobiography, “The Second The relationship beHalf,” in Dublin on Thursday tween the two men deterioafternoon, Keane said: “It’s rated beyond the point of no disgraceful.
return with the then United captain’s infamous MUTV interview and his reference to Ferguson’s involvement with the syndicate which owned racehorse Rock of Gibraltar helping to bring
matters to a head. Keane — who insisted he only ever had “five, six” one-to-one talks with the Scot during his 12-and-ahalf years at United — was nevertheless not afraid to
‘Arsenal Core Good For THE Gunners winger England’ played alongside four of his club-mates as the Three Lions defeated San Marino 5-0 on Thursday and expressed his delight at being a part of that contingent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is relishing playing with so many of his clubmates on England duty. Calum Chambers, Kieran Gibbs, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere all featured alongside the winger as the Three Lions defeated San Marino 5-0 at Wembley on Thursday evening. With Theo Walcott yet to return from injury, England could soon field as many as six Arsenal players in one match and Oxlade-Chamberlain feels that having a core of Arsenal players at international level can only be positive for Roy Hodgson and Arsene Wenger. “Being at Arsenal I’ve felt that [English] presence around our dressing room and to be able to come away with England with so many of your team-mates is a really nice feeling,” he told reporters. “I think it’s really good for England and I think it’s nice for Arsenal as a club and the fans and we’ve still got Theo Walcott to come back. We can’t count him out because I’m sure he’ll be back in the squad.” Chambers made his full international debut in the comfortable victory and later expressed his delight at playing the full 90 minutes. “I really enjoyed it,” Chambers said. “It’s an honour for me to play for my country and especially get a start, and we put in a performance and got a win, which is good. “The first half they were tough to break down and it was a bit frustrating but we kept doing the things we wanted to do and eventually it paid off and we got the goals we wanted.” England face Estonia
in their next Euro 2016 qualifier.
Roy Keane
Mangala Keen To Partner Varane
THE Manchester City defender has his eyes set on forging a long-term partnership with the Real Madrid star for France France defender Eliaquim Mangala has spoken of his desire to partner Raphael Varane for the national side ahead of their friendly against Portugal in Paris on Saturday. Mangala, Varane and Jeremy Mathieu are all in the mix for the two centre-back roles for Saturday’s clash in Paris and Mangala is
Eliaquim Mangala
confident he would develop a strong partnership with the Real Madrid man. “I know Rapha well. We played together with the France Under-21 team. We know each other well on the pitch, it’s true,” said Mangala, who has three international caps. “Now, regarding my position, when you’re part of the squad, you have the chance to play regularly. “But you only get one
opportunity to show what you can do to start. But I don’t think it’s any different for the other players who are part of this group. “There are those who are more experienced in the French team, who have already learned a lot. But apart from that I don’t feel any different.” Mangala added that he was keen to add to his two starts in the French shirt and disregarded any talk he was undeserving of a place in the national side, despite a mixed start to his Premier League career. “I deserve my place as much as anyone else who is part of this squad,” the 23-yearold said. “All those in the group have the same ambitions. I was already part of this group before. “Those who come here and are among the 23 will of course hope to play. “When I was in Porto I wanted to play. Today I’m at City and it’s the same. It’s the same for everyone. “Everyone has ambition and wants to play.”
have his say, but admitted other managers were intimidated by Ferguson. Keane’s relationship with Ferguson reached breaking point in 2005 when the midfielder was cast out of Old Trafford. He said: “I think a lot of managers would probably be intimidated by him, probably bow to him. I think a lot of managers are heavily influenced by him, of course. “I think [Everton boss Roberto] Martinez reckons he was misquoted a few years ago [saying] that Ferguson had his disciples. He obviously does. “When a manager takes players away from being on loan — I think it was Preston when Ferguson was manager — when his son [Darren] got the sack, and, all of a sudden, the players are coming away on loan.’’ Ferguson used his own autobiography, published last year, to settle his own scores with Keane and David Beckham among those to come in for criticism, a move described as “ridiculous” by the Irishman. The Scot suggested at one point that the hardest part of the midfield enforcer was his tongue, a barb which produced a cutting response. A smiling Keane said: “Well, what do you think? I kick pretty hard. I think it was a cheap dig. He was never critical when we were winning trophies and he was getting his new contracts, getting this af-
ter him, Sir this. “He was not pulling me or other players, saying, ‘Listen, you need to relax a bit’. That was the game and I appreciate the game. The game finished, but it was all the carry on afterwards.” While Keane moved on to Celtic to finish his playing days before himself heading into management, Ferguson rebuilt once again at Old Trafford before retiring in a blaze of glory, leaving the club in a period of transition which created issues for successor David Moyes that are currently being addressed by Louis van Gaal. Keane is currently assistant manager of both Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland after spells in charge of Sunderland and Ipswich. However, Keane does not blame his former manager for what he left behind, saying: “I wouldn’t be critical of Ferguson, but sometimes when you’re leaving, it gives the manager a chance to make their own mark. He [Moyes] brought in one or two players, didn’t get the players clearly that he was after in the summer. “But I don’t think that’s the manager; it’s the chief executive [executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward] who can probably look at himself. I’m sure if you ask the chief exec, he will say, ‘Yeah, we missed out on a few deals’. There were two or three lined up that fell through, and they ended up getting one or two on transfer deadline day, [Juan] Mata in January.
Koscielny Pulls Out Of France Squad ARSENAL have been dealt more bad news as defender Laurent Koscielny has pulled out of the France squad with an achilles injury. According to reports, the decision to return from international duty is precautionary, with the Gunners confident he will be fit for the Premier League clash at home to Hull a week on Saturday. Les Bleus play Portugal on Saturday and Armenia next Tuesday in friendlies building up to their hosting of Euro 2016. It is the latest injury for Arsenal, who on Wednesday saw Mesut Ozil return from Germany duty with a knee injury. Ozil could be out for the rest of 2014 after sustaining the injury against Chelsea last Sunday, when he completed the full 90 minutes before complaining of pain in his knee. The Koscielny news is another blow for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who has seen midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta
suffer injuries in recent weeks. Ramsey will be out of action for another three to four weeks with a hamstring complaint although Wenger was slightly more upbeat about Arteta, who could return after the international break following a calf problem. Ozil joins fellow firstteam players Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud as long-term injury concerns this season.
Laurentn Koscielny
THE WEEKEND
CMYK
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014
AFC0N Qualifier Eagles Not Under Pressure, NIGERIA midfielder Ogenyi Onazihas revealed that the Super Eagles are not under any pressure as they prepare to face Sudan in today’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Khartoum. Coach Abdallah Mazda’s side will be hoping to shock Stephen Keshi’s men as they seek their first win of the qualifying campaign as they remain at the base of Group A with no point from two games. According to Onazi, the Eagles have made a resolve to get maximum points toward re-launching their bid to qualify for Afcon 2015. “We’ve put the two previous games behind us now, our focus is on the game against
Super Eagles in training in Abuja
2015 AFCON Qualifiers
Tactical Options For Nigeria Against Sudan
THOUSANDS of Nigerian Football fans would have heaved a deep sigh of relief at what seemed like the denouement of the whole drama that the federation has served up in recent times. as predictable as a trashy However, there remains novel. a whiff of disbelief that the Talking Tactics election of Amaju Pinnick Keshi hasn’t exactly as NFF President is the firaked in plaudits for his nal episode of the sometactical nous or acumen; in what confusing tale in fact certain sections of both whole; more confusing than fans and the media think Egyptian Hieroglyphics or, he is tactically inept. He better still, Chinese Manisn’t known for the exdarin. tremely bizarre, so don’t Who writes these be expecting Helenio scripts? Herrera’s Catenaccio, Away from the NFF Herbert Chapman’s W-M drama, there’s Stephen formation or a Pyramid. Keshi’s forever-taking conHere are three options tractual issue, which should that the manager might be sorted out in the coming choose to employ against weeks. Those contract talks Sudan. have taken longer than a Nit-pickers and pedants defunct rail road. will most likely disagree The Big Boss has proven with the christening of this to be a divisive figure shape; they’d say 4-2-1amongst supporters of the 2-1 or whatever else they Super Eagles, with some can come up with. clamouring for his return as It’s simply a 4-5-1 with the head coach and others the known back four and strongly against his return Vincent Enyeama returnat the helm but, love him or ing between the sticks afloathe him; he’s going to be ter his exclusion due to in charge of the double personal issues. It’s an header against the Falcons identical set-up as that of of Jediane. the World Cup with Nosa But how will he choose Igiebor in the starting XI to organise his troops durafter injury to Michael ing the double-header with Babatunde. Sudan? The triumvirate is comIt’s a fairly arduous task pleted with the known trying to second-guess faces of Onazi and Mikel whatever the Big Boss has at the base of the midfield. up his sleeves re: tactics. The slight tweak is that He’s shown to be as unpreSone Aluko comes in on the dictable as weather in some cases and other times to be
right wing—partly due to Victor Moses’s injury— as an inside forward, making inward, diagonal runs into the box and sometimes doubling up with Emenike up front. The right wing is certainly not his natural position as he is a striker, or more aptly put, a secondary striker, but he has made several appearances on the wing and would put in a decent shift. Everyone wants a feel of the not-so-more-in-vogue 35-2 and Keshi hasn’t trialled it yet. It worked well for Antonio Conte’s Juventus, Cesare Prandelli’s Italy and Louis van Gaal’s Dutch team, but for Manchester United, not too well. It’s still worth a try anyway. One problem though, is that it would require Azubuike Egwuekwe to operate as the sweeper! Elderson Echiejile and Efe Ambrose should not do too badly as wing-backs and Aluko plays in his preferred secondary striker position with Emenike leading the line and Hope Akpan as the ball mover in the midfield. Musa is the casualty of this shape as it doesn’t afford space for a winger and
an Ashley Young conversion isn’t the smartest thing to do. Here comes the dealbreaker Mikel Obi plays as the regista or the deep-lying playmaker. Sadly, his passing isn’t Pirlo-esque, (the epitome of the regista role) neither is his understanding of the game anything close to the bearded Italian, but he could fill the role. Maybe he’d exert his influence, dictate the pace of the game (which I pray isn’t a crawling one) and ping couple of passes from deep. Candidly, I doubt if he’s good enough to be an ersatz version of the Italian maestro but it’s worth a try…no? Admittedly, the chances of the Big Boss using this shape should be same as Zimbabwe winning the World Cup—no offense. Even if the faintest idea of it did cross his mind, I’m sure the sheet he scribbled it on became charred material almost immediately. This seems to be the ideal formation as the team covers the full width of the pitch and there’s less onus on the wingers to cover for the defence. However, there’s also less creative in-
fluence from deep; blame this on the superfluity of defensive midfielders and paucity of creative ones. Things could be difficult against teams that defend deep and are difficult to break down, as the Super Eagles could be relegated to playing dozens of sideways
or lateral passes without any form or verticality or incisiveness. However, the shape could aid fast breaks and counter attacks against unorganized and high defence lines, with the searing pace of Ahmed Musa and Aluko on the wings, the Super Eagles have more than an advantage.
Says Onazi Sudan and we know the importance so we’re going for an outright win,” he said during a parley with the media. “We’re concentrating on the games, we’re looking forward to it with determination and we have to go out there, as we’ve always done and give our 100 percent. “I don’t think we are under, no, there is no pressure on, instaed, it’s the Sudanese that should be under pressure,” he continued. “They are playing at home, they would want to impress their home supporters and also avoid losing a second home game in a row. That for us will put them under pressure and which we will take advantage of. “We know what is at stake, we know what is expected from us and we know that Nigerians want nothing but victory from us in Sudan. We’re working hard to come out victorious in the two games. Nigeria defeated Sudan 2-0 in an international friendly played in January 2008 with goals coming from Ikechukwu Uche and Manasseh Ishaku.
Ogenyi Onazi
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