Nigerian Observer

The Nigerian

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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

LAW Pg. 13

Understanding The Concept Of Grund Norm

HEALTHY LIVING Pg. 19

Addressing The Burden Of Asthma In Nigeria

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

• Vol. 37 • NO.230 • MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013 • N100.00

UBTH CMD 2nd term bid: We’re not The Vice Chairman of BENIN CITY - Trade Medical and Dental partisan - Unions the Unions in the University Consultants Association of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) have said that they are not partisan in the reappointment bid of the incumbent Chief Medical

Director, Prof Michael Ibadin.

The unions made the clarification weekend at an enlarged press conference in Benin City

where they refuted media reports that members were championing the second term bid of the UBTH CMD.

of Nigeria (MDCAN), UBTH, Dr. Bazuaye Nosakhare warned that those behind such

Continues on pg.2

Royal fathers confer Oshiomhole with trad title BENIN CITY - Royal fathers in Edo state, weekend, conferred a traditional title of Oshiosimua (Divine Redeemer) on Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Assembly, state The royal fathers in lawmakers, the Edo North, were led by academia and others the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji said the title showed that Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe “his people in Edo North, 111 to confer the title on and indeed all people of the Governor.

Edo State appreciate The Crown Prince and him for his Edaiken of Uselu, Prince achievements and say Eheneden Erediauwa they are solidly behind who was Chairman of him to do more for the the ceremony which state.” attracted the cream of He said: “we must the State including commend His traditional rulers, Excellency Adams members of the National Oshiomhole for

demonstrating that a free and fair election can hold in Nigeria without the attendant violence. Oshiomhole has become a shining touch bearer and flagship of democratic

practice in Nigeria that Nigeria can get to the promise land of a desired level of democracy.

He recalled, “When I was serving as an Ambassador in Rome I

heard that the Comrade had introduced taxes. I spoke to some of his critics on phone that the governor was only implementing existing tax laws, that the payment of tax was a

sine qua non in developed countries. I said payment of tax was a necessity for development and that I had confidence the governor will use the tax

Continues on pg.2

Shun detractors, Crown Prince urges Oshiomhole BENIN CITY - The Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom and former Ambassador to Italy and the Scandinavians, HRH Prince Eheneden Erediauwa has told Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State to ignore his critics and continue with the good works he is doing in the state, saying even Jesus Christ was criticized and crucified.

The Crown Prince who was Speaking during a reception organized by traditional rulers from Edo North at Auchi,

Etsako West Local Government Area, weekend, the Crown Prince said the reception was a departure from the biblical saying that a prophet is not always honored in his own country.

According to the Crown Prince, “when Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his team showed up, a little bird whispered to me that God has finally answered our prayers in Edo State. At this juncture it was apparent that the much awaited

TIT BIT

“There is no person who finds it most easy to notice the pride in others as a proud person.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

messiah has arrived.”

The Crown Prince who commended the Governor for championing the one man one vote approach to election added that, “we must commend the governor for his relentless effort for combating the godfatherism syndrome in Edo politics which I hope other parts of Continues on pg.2

RECOGNITION: Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole being decorated by the traditional rulers of Afemai land as the Oshiosimua of Afemailand in recognition of his developmental strides in Edo State. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

Nasarawa killings: Police dedicate hotline

Abuja- The Nigeria Police have established a dedicated telephone line to enable the public to partake in the ongoing

investigation into the killing of some policemen in Nasarawa State.

Some policemen were

killed by unknown gunmen in the state on May 9.

A statement issued by CSP Frank Mba, the

Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, on Sunday in Abuja gave the hot line as 07066228200.

Enogie targets varsity for community He unfolded his plans

By OSAZUWA AKONEDO

OGHADA - The new Enogie of Oghada Community, His Royal

Highness, Chief E n w e a n s e f e Iyiewuaefo-Eweka has said that he is targeting the establishment of a

university in the community as part of his ambition to bring development to the area.

on Saturday while delivering his maiden speech shortly after his

Continues on pg.2

The statement also advised anyone with useful information on the incident to reach the police via their e-mail: policemonitor@npf.gov.ng.

It promised that the police headquarters would treat all information with utmost confidentiality.

The statement

Continues on pg.2

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

News Shun detractors, Crown Prince urges Oshiomhole Continued from page 1 Nigeria have drawn a lesson from.

“We must also Commend His Excellency Adams Oshiomhole for demonstrating that a free and fair election can hold in Nigeria without the attendant violence. Oshiomhole has become a shining torch bearer and flagship of democratic practice in Nigeria that Nigeria can get to the promised land of a desired level of democracy.

The Edaiken of Uselu applauded the infrastructural development in the state, saying that in the past Edo State was an abandoned

project, but today the governor has turned all that around, making Benin City and Edo state a destination of choice.

He recalled, “When I was serving as an Ambassador in Rome I heard that the Comrade had introduced taxes. I spoke to some of his critics on phone that the governor was only implementing existing tax laws, that the payment of tax was a sine qua non in developed countries. I said payment of tax was a necessity for development and that I had confidence the governor will use the tax money judiciously.”

In his words, “today we are

Royal fathers Continued from page 1 money judiciously.”

In his words, “today we are all witnesses to more of the project the governor has done with tax payers money in the state.”

Also speaking on the occasion, the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Momoh on behalf of the Edo North Traditional Rulers said the reception was in recognition of the outstanding performance of a son of the soil and Edo State at large.

“We are here today to celebrate a young man who has served his nation. God says you look at the past to determine the future and the present. Now, what is the past of this young man. He was the foremost pioneer of a detribalized Nigerian Labour Congress and was the famous pioneer of the fight to finish of the rights of man.

“He has delivered this most successively before ever he thought about going into politics. Like I said this occasion is grounded in the spirit of Edo State that is why we invited the Crown Prince to be the Chairman of this occasion to analyze and itemize the profile of the governor which he has delivered today,” he noted.

“The man we are celebrating today is not Oshiomhole, is not Adams, not the comrade but Almighty God who has made him what he is and given him the soul to do what he did in the NLC and his first term in office which everybody in the state has bought into,” he added.

The Otaru of Auchi disclosed that the traditional rulers of Edo North in appreciation of this good delivery which has been categorized, “we now wish to declare as witnesses for these outstanding performances as witnesses to God for the truth which has been embedded in Edo State.

Responding, the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole promised to do his best to

meet the expectation of the people.

“Let me thank our Royal fathers from different local governments in Edo North for your decision to honour me this afternoon and like the Crown Prince said, it is not everyday you find respected royal fathers from various kingdoms and domain coming together in unison to acknowledge and to give honour to their son.

“By your action you have increased my burden because as they say to whom much is given much is expected. Last year I had the fortune of being recognized and appreciated by the royal fathers from Edo Central, from Esan land when they all agreed to confer on me the Adolor of Esanland. When I understood the full interpretation in English and that which you confer on me today it will appear that the minds of our royal fathers are working the same way.

“I am humbled and I am grateful, I am indebted and committed to continue to do my best using the instrument of my privileged office to deliver joy and happiness and prosperity to the greatest number of our people in Edo state,” the Governor added.

UN road safety week FRSC records fewer accidents - Corps Marshal Lagos - The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that its campaign during the 2 nd UN Global Road Safety week, which ended today, May 13, has aided efforts to reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTC).

Mr Osita Chidoka, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, said this in Lagos on Sunday, while addressing the Mowe Unit Command of the FRSC during its “Operation Shield Special Patrol’’.

Chidoka, who was represented by Mr Danjuma Garba, the Deputy Corps Marshal (Motor Vehicle Administration), said that only two lives were lost to RTC during the week, as against 10 lives that were lost in the previous week.

all witnesses to more of the project the governor has done with tax payers money in the state.

The Edaiken expressed joy at the cordial relationship between the governor and traditional institutions.

“You will agree with me that there has been no governor in the history of Edo State, defunct Bendel and old Midwestern region that has shown so much respect, recognition, promoted and uplifted the traditional instititution as much as our very amiable incumbent governor,” he added.

Advising the critics of the governor to take it easy, the Edaiken said, “to those people who in spite of these achievements doggedly want to continue to criticize the governor of this and that should remember that he is just human like every one of us.

“Jesus Christ himself, reputed by Christians to be son of God who has done so much for mankind was still heavily criticized and crucified.

“We must please therefore commend the governor for his bold, resolute, resilient, and principled approach in his handling of the many issues that have undermined the political, economic and social development of the state.

The Comrade Governor has been the biblical David in front of Goliath”, he added.

Continuing, “our amiable Governor is a source of pride and hope to all of us in Edo State, Nigeria and Africa at large. He has given the correct meaning to governance in Edo State.

“An achiever like our Comrade Governor deserves encouragement, I hereby encourage him not to be

deterred by detractors, but to continue his development agenda for the state. I urge all well-meaning individuals, groups and agencies in the state to continue to render unflinching support to the Comrade Governor to encourage him to take Edo State to the next level.”

Nasarawa Continued from page 1 reminded the public that an attack on the security forces of any nation was an attack on the entire nation.

“To this effect, the Inspector-General (Mohammed Abubakar) appeals to Nigerians who may be in possession of information that could aid ongoing investigations not to hesitate in providing same to the police.

“He, therefore, appeals to Nigerians to support the police as they strive to tackle this and other security challenges facing the nation,’’ it said.

Meanwhile, in a bid to assuage the plight of the families of the slain officers, the IG has ordered the immediate relocation of the Force Welfare Officer, DCP Abiodun Ige, from the Force Headquarters to Nasarawa State.

The statement said that move was to enable Ige to effectively and speedily coordinate all welfare-related issues concerning the families of the late officers, including the payment of benefits and relevant compensation to them.

It said that Abubakar appealed for the patience and understanding of families and friends of the slain officers, particularly with regard to the delay in the release of their bodies for burial.

UBTH CMD 2nd term bid Continued from page 1 rumour should desist forthwith.

His word: “We want to state categorically that the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) UBTH Chapter as I mentioned before, is a collection of very Senior Colleagues, is not a group that should be cajoled or blackmailed in supporting any candidate for the position of a Chief Medical Director (CMD).

Other Union Leaders expressed shock describing the said publication by the Benin National Congress (BNC) as an ugly trend stressing that partisan politics is prohibited in the hospital due to the nature of their job. They were quick to add, that the mandate of the union is to maintain neutrality, be dedicated to their duties, ensuring industrial harmony and also promote the Welfare of Members.

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, UBTH Branch, (NASU) members as a union, according to the chairman, Comrade Sunday Bello said that the body has no legitimate authority to endorse the candidacy of the Chief Medical Director.

Speaking further, he said that the selection of the Medical Director in any Federal Establishment such as the UBTH purely lies on the Board of Management, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidency.

Other Union Representatives present included the Chairman M.H.W.U.U. Comrade Ben Aifuwa, the Secretary MDCAN, Dr. P.R.O.C. Adobamen, Vice Chairman NANNM UBTH Branch, Comrade M.A Avwenaghegha as well as the President, Association of Resident Doctors, UBTH, Dr. Okafor Kingsley Chinedu.

Cleric solicits respect for mothers LAGOS - Monsignor Gabriel Osu, the Director of Communication, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, on Sunday solicited respect for mothers, in appreciation of their positive roles in the society.

Osu made the call while speaking with journalists in Lagos on the International Mothers Day. Describing mothers as gift to humanity, Osu said: “We need to respect motherhood not only biological mothers but also those that take care of groups, especially orphanages.

“I enjoin all to appreciate mothers for their contributions to human and national development.

Mothers should be respected and honoured,’’ he said.

Osu, however, noted that some children clung to their teachers more than their biological mothers.

He, therefore, advised mothers to pay more attention to their children’s

upbringing, rather than leaving them in the care of house helps.

Mrs Anne Mbamara, the President of Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), St. Timothy and Titus Catholic Church, Isheri, stressed that mothers played pivotal roles in the development of the family and society.

“We are celebrating mothers today because we are a special breed given by God, just as Mary, mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, was chosen to be the mother of our Saviour,’’ she said.

Mbamara, nonetheless, called on mothers to visit orphanages to give the orphans motherly love and a sense of belonging.

Mr Abel Aham, a worshipper at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Obalende, Lagos, urged women to be proud of their God-given endowment and empowerment, adding that they should also strive to be good mothers.

Enogie targets varsity Continued from page 1 rd

coronation as the 3 Enogie of Oghada Community, noting that his major focus will be in the area of education.

He pointed out that the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has done a very good job for the community in the area of education and commended the immediate past Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Tertiary Education, Barr.

Ekpenisi Omorotionmwan for the job done in the state and Oghada Community in particular.

Chief Eweka assured that his years of stay and working experience in the United Kingdom would be brought to bear in the development of Oghada community, saying that, in a not too distant future a university would be established in the community.

He urged all sons and daughters of the community to work with him with one voice so as to move the community forward into a brighter future.

Notwithstanding his years abroad, he assured that he would live with them in the village, hence his desire to develop the community.

“I remember visiting Oghada in the late seventies as a teenager and again in the 1990s, I still have very fond memories of Oghada, what I know is that I find peace and tranquility here and that is why I will make Oghada my first home. I will not be a visitor, but a host in Oghada”, said the Enogie.

He added that he would pursue the building of very

good health facility in the community.

“Do you know that Oghada in particular and Edo State in general have some of the best doctors in their respective fields, yet health facilities in this part of the world is very poor. In the whole of Edo State we don’t have MRI scanner. To have a scan, you will have to travel to Lagos or Abuja and that is just the tip of the iceberg. I will like to suggest to everybody in Oghada and Edo State at large that we should raise the awareness of having good health care in our communities and I sincerely hope that this administration and subsequent administration will take this issue of better healthcare very seriously”, he stated.

Also speaking, the Queen , Mrs. Veronica IyiewuaefoEweka said her husband would bring his innovations to bear and do great things in the community in order to improve the living condition of the people.

Chairman of the Coronation planning committee, Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan lauded the new Enogie for showing interest in Education and health which he noted would go a long way in ameliorating the plight of the people.

Uhunmwode Local Government Council Chairman, Mr. Roland Alari who was represented at the occasion by the Council ViceChairman, Mr. Walter Aiwekhoe described the coronation as colourful and successful ceremony and urged the people to continue to respect traditional institution.

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Inside Edo FRSC Holds Certification Programme For Drivers

By NDIDI OJIEH BENIN CITY – In a renewed drive to improve the capacity of drivers and ensure safety on the nation’s high ways, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Zone Rs 5, Benin, has held a two-day Drivers Certification Programme for commercial vehicle drivers and fleet operators in Benin City.

The programme was flagged off by the Rs 5 Zonal Commander, Assistant Corps Marshal Wole Olaniran.

Thereafter, the drivers were taken on a training by the Zonal Transport Standardization Officer, Assistant Corps commander Mmenyene Asuquo Bassey.

According to information made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER , the drivers were made to under-go driving test, eye test and Blood Pressure (BP) test.

The training also highlighted the imperatives of the 2004 National Road Traffic Regulation which provides that drivers must rest at least eight hours before embarking on any journey, they should stop and exercise themselves after four hours of driving to allow blood to flow while no driver must

drive for more than nine hours in any 24 hours period.

The training programme also emphasized the dangers of night driving while further emphasis was made on the need for the proper filling of the passengers manifest with every details in place so as to enable easy identification of victims in case of any road mishap.

Tips were also given on operators safety standard, vehicle and drivers safety standard.

According to the training officer, fleet operators should ensure the convenience of passengers, provide food, ensure transparent safety

managers and motivate drives with good incentives.

The drivers, he said must be well trained and knowledgeable in road sign and traffic regulations while the vehicles must be in good order with tyres that had not expired.

In addition, the brake and lighting system must be functional while the driver must be functional while the driver must check the oil and water level before embarking on a journey as well as make use of seat belt at all times.

The participants were certified to have improved on their driving skills and were later presented with certificates.

R-L: Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Crown Prince of Benin and the Chairman of the occasion Prince Ehenede Erediauwa and Hajia Ashetu Oshomhole during the reception for the Governor by the people of Afemai land. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

Etsako East LG Gets Press Secretary AGENEBODE – A new Chief Press Secretary has been appointed for Etsako East Local Government Council. He is Mr. Isabemoeh James Roy. Also appointed is Hon. Abdulrauf Aliu Abubakar as Personal Assistant to the local government chairman.

Speaking during the inaugural meeting of the council, chairman Prince (Hon.) Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua congratulated the new council officials having been found competent and worthy to serve in their various assigned positions.

Prince Suleiman, while de-

scribing the two officers as men of impeccable character who

Isabemoah James Roy

have the will and sheer determination to assist in the effort to transform the local government toward ensuring meaningful development, however, called for concerted effort among the entire workers in bringing about meaningful development to the locality.

Prince Afegbua noted that progress in terms of the provision of infrastructural facilities such as good roads, health care centres, schools, markets can only be achieved with the cooperation of both council workers and the people.

He also enjoined elders of the community to join hands

Council Boss Charges Teachers AFUZE-EMAI – The Chairman of Owan East Local Government,Hon. (Barr.) Jimoh Ijegbai has charged teachers to be more committed to their job, just as he warned them against absenteeism.

The council boss, who gave this charge when he played host to the local government chapter of the Nigerian Union of teachers (NUT) in his office, said his administration will not tolerate absenteeism, lateness to work

and idleness at their duty post.

Hon. Ijegbai reminded the teachers of their important role in the moulding of the character of the child, hence the need for them to be more dedicated.

The council boss assured them of his administration’s support as they remain the bedrock of any society.

Earlier, the chairman of Owan East chapter of NUT, Comrade Anthony Evboifo, who

said they were in the chairman’s office to felicitate with him on his electoral victory in the last local government election, appealed to the council boss for assistance in completing the Union’s Secretariat.

He acknowledged the developmental strides of the Action congress of Nigeria (ACN) as a party and solicited for the council’s support in organizing workshop and training for

Some traditional rulers at the event in honour of the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole

teachers as a form of capacity building.

In another development, Hon. Ijegbai played host to the Ekpoma Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and said the standard set by governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State in governance, should be seen as a challenge to legal practitioners occupying political offices.

He stated that as a pace setting governor, Fashola’s achievement in government would challenge him as a lawyer, to give his all in administering Owan East Local Government.

The council boss commended the Ekpoma branch of the NBA for organising its maiden law week and pledged the council’s support.

The chairman of the Ekpoma Branch of NBA, Prof. Dominic Badaiki had commended Hon. (Barr.) Ijegbai for his resounding victory in the last local government poll and pledged the branch’s unalloyed support to his administration.

Prof. Badaiki used the opportunity of the visit to formally invite the Council boss to the branch’s forthcoming maiden law week billed for June 13, 2013.

with the local government council in its efforts and determination to rehabilitate basic infrastructure which will impart positively on the lives of the people.

Speaking in an interview, the new Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Isabemoeh Roy thanked the local government chairman unbehalf of other officials recently appointed by the chairman for the opportunity to serve in the council.

The Press Secretary noted that the essence of leadership is all about good governance that will improve on the lives of the people, adding that, the

new era in Etsako East Local Government council will usher peace and progress in the area.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the council, has given portfolios to the new supervisory councilors of the council.

They are Hyatt Asunugie as Supervisor for Works, Barnabas Oshiobor (Health and Environment) Nasiru Idodo, (Education), Eddy Aiyegbeni, (Youth and Sports) and Momoh Momodu, (Agriculture).

Association Donates To Orphanage

By JUDE EHEBHA EKPOMA-The Green Circuit Association, Esan chapter has donated to the Courage Orphanage in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State in line with its humanitarian objectives.

The Association which is a world wide organization, donated items which include, one carton of bathing soap, one cartoon of peak milk, large quantity of tissue papers, packs of diapers, beverages, packets of cabin biscuit, one crate of Bobo drink and several bottles of dettol disinfectant.

President of the Association, Hon. Odigie Eromosele explained that the event was a global exercise, as Green Circuit Association has May 11 as its world charity day; hence the event was on-going throughout the globe.

Hon. Eromosele who was, however, shocked to discover a child with both parents at the orphanage.

On enquiry, the president was told that the parents were estranged; hence the custody of the baby girl fell on the

mother, who allegedly dumped the girl at the orphanage so as to raise money through prostitution.

In disappointment, Hon. Eromosele advised parents to endeavour to take responsibility for the up keep of their offspring just as he advised on the need for people to show love to the orphans.

On the part of the association members, the president said they had individually resolved to regularly visit the orphanage to present items.

Members of the association who spoke, including Barrister Lucky Esekhaigbe, Barrister Cyril Odiboh, a member of Edo State Law Review Commission and Engr.

Gabriel Omhenra, ex-president of the association, expressed their passion for charity, noting they were glad to identify with the orphans.

Responding, Miss Mercy Jatto who received the association on behalf of the proprietor of the orphanage, expressed gratitude to the group for the donated items and prayed God to bless the members and the association.

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Inside Edo Bayelsa Community Laments Impact Of Gas Flare YENAGOA - The people staying near Shell’s new gas field in Opollo Epie, have bemoaned the negative effects of ground-level gas flares to the atmosphere.

Ms Sabina Yibowei, who resides along the TombiaAmasoma road in Yenagoa, told newsmen that the flares had affected the weather and raised the temperature in the area.

According to her, buildings surrounding the gas facility usually witness vibrations and high noise levels during the flaring exercise.

“Shell has been putting us in a tight corner because the vibrations and noise caused by the flares will not allow us to sleep at night and the people are leaving in fear.

“They have never thought it wise to explain what is going on in the place to the people leaving in the area.

“Take a look at the vegetation near the place and you will see that the toxic fumes have consumed the vegeta-

tion and that is the air we breathe in daily,” Yibowei said.

Mrs Joyce Onyeukwu another resident of TombiaAmassoma Road, said, “Since Shell commenced these gas flare exercises, life has become unbearable.

“I am considering relocating from this area, but I still have some rent arrears.

“My children cannot sleep well and their performance at school has dropped due to this development.”

Meanwhile, a source close to the gas field said that Shell was drilling a new gas well and was conducting the flare to burn off impurities before feeding the gas into its gas gathering facilities.

Reacting, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) said the ongoing ground-level gas flares at its gas field in Bayelsa were within tolerable limits.

A press statement by the SPDC’s spokesman, Mr Precious Okolobo, said the com-

Dietician Advocates Substituting Red Meat With ABUJA - A dietician has advised that substituting one compounds such as nitrites Fish service of red meat a day with might lead to exposure to carother sources of protein like fish and chicken will enhance one’s health.

The dietician, Ms Yemisi Olowookere, told newsmen in Abuja that red meat should be eaten moderately.

Olowookere said that red meat could be harmful to the health if taken excessively because of its high fat, it could contribute to heart diseases, diabetes and other substances that could promote cancer.

She said that when taken in small amount; meat might be beneficial to the health.

“Meat is an important source of nutrients such as proteins, iron, zinc and several B vitamins,” she said.

She said that concerns about meat arose from studies that found an overall increase in early deaths in people with high intake of red and processed meat.

Olowookere said that a recent study found that processed meat was potentially more harmful than red meat.

“Processed meat like sausages, salami and bacon have more saturated fat.

“As part of processing, the visible or saturated fat is ground into the meat, whereas visible fat on red meat is often removed before it is cooked or eaten,” she said.

Olowookere said that saturated fat had been linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease.

She said that another possible explanation was that processing, salting, curing, smoking and the addition of

cinogens, a compound that causes cancer.

“You do not have to give them up completely, keep your quantities small and change your eating habits.

“You can add them to your bowl of vegetable salad and still enjoy your meat flavour, ”she said.

Olowookere said that eating too much of red meat could raise the blood cholesterol level.

She said that it also contributed to plaque that builds up in the arteries that raises levels of blood pressure and reduces blood flow to the heart.

pany was testing the potential of five gas wells for implementation of the Gbaran-Ubie project in Bayelsa.

The statement said that the exercise, which began two weeks ago, involved brief simulated production to determine the potential of the wells and flaring of released gas in isolated locations.

It said that the project would eventually reduce routine gas flaring.

“On completion of the tests, the wells will be hooked up to the Gbaran-Ubie central processing facility which will process the gas for domestic and export markets.

“One of the recipients of the gas is the Bayelsa State gas turbine at Imiringi.

“In line with industry regulations, SPDC has secured permit from the Department of Petroleum Resources and engaged communities before commencing the well tests,” the statement said.

The statement quoted Mr Calistus Iwu, the GbaranUbie Phase 2 project, as say-

ing that the testing of the gas wells was in line with standard international practice.

Iwu also said that the exercise would last for about four weeks.

“As we explained to the communities, the flares from the tests for each well typically last only a few days.

“The Gbaran-Ubie project has significantly helped to

reduce operational flares in Gbaran, Kolo Creek, Etelebou and Zarama since it achieved first oil/gas in June 2010,’’ Iwu said.

The Ogumozu from Ekperi displaying at the event organised to honour Edo State Governor in Auchi. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE

Minister Wants Gender Violence Awareness In School Curriculum ABUJA - Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs I, has advised that gender violence awareness be included in the country’s school curriculum to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Onwuliri said this in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the objectives of the GlobalPOWER Women Network Africa meeting scheduled for June 27 to June 28.

The minister said that the meeting would, among other things, review the impact of HIV on women and girls and the state of sexual and gender based violence in Africa in line with meeting with the targets of the MDGs.

Onwuliri said that the inclusion of gender violence and HIV/AIDS awareness in the school curriculum would help sensitise the youths on gender related issues.

The minister also said that the recommendations made at the end of the meeting would help address gender based violence and address issues relating to child health and maternal mortality.

“One of the expected outcomes of this meeting will be to implement global and regional commitments to promote gender equality and woman empowerment.

“It is all about sensitising Nigerians on the importance of the girl a child and women; letting

The Pirori cultural group in Iyamho dancing to the admiration of all at the ceremony in honour of Edo State Governor, for his developmental strides in Edo State. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE

them know that the relationship between both sexes is a partnership.’’

Onwuliri also said:“If families inculcate the respect and dignity of what the woman represents, it will help young Nigerians come up, and in schools, we are looking at how some of these things can be put in the curriculum of schools.

“At that level we raise the consciousness that the girl and boy are citizens of this country and it is not a question of rivalry but partnership at the different levels of the society.”

Also speaking, Dr Jantine Jacobi, Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) Senior Programme Officer in charge of Gender and Mobilisation, said that the GlobalPOWER Women Network was aimed at influencing gender related policies.

Jacobi said that the meeting would address challenges hampering the achievement of the MDGs related to HIV and gender issues.

“If you look at the figures, Africa bears the brunt of the infection of HIV of all the infections taking place around the world, nearly 70 per cent are in Africa.

“Unfortunately the women are most infected and among them, the young women and the girls; nearly 60 per cent of women are living with HIV and 31 per cent of all new infections are among young women and girls between 15 to 24 years.

“Young women of this age group in Africa are more likely to be infected than their male peers; so we see this is an issue that needs to be addressed if we want to reach the MDGs and end

the spread of the virus.

“That is why on the part of UNAIDS we have prioritised gender equality and diversity.’’

She expressed optimism that the UNAIDS goal of “Getting to Zero” to halt the spread of HIV and mitigate its impact on infected women and girls globally would be achieved.

In her remarks, Rep. Beni Lar, the Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, reassured of the support of the House to ensure the implementation of gender based policies.

“Another thing we are doing in the National Assembly is to ensure that all international treaties Nigeria has signed are immediately ratified and domesticated.

“We are going to look at the over 200 international treaties that are just laying dormant and examine them one by one taking into cognisance our own home grown environment.

“When we do this, I think we will find out the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.”

GlobalPOWER Women Network Africa is a USAID supported network of African women at decision-making positions with the aim of advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The meeting would be held in Abuja and has as its theme “Accelerating the implementation of the global and regional commitments for women, girls, gender equality and HIV/AIDS in Africa; and adopting post-2015 priorities.”

5

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

South South Be Steadfast, Cleric Urges Christians

By ROLAND OSAKUE

The newly installed Enogie of Oghada, HRH Prince Enwaensefe Iyiewuaefo-Ewake, right and other Enigie from the state at the ceremony. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

Pastor Silver Wealth Iyamu

Lack Of Dams Hindering Agriculture In A/Ibom, C/River

Oil Coys Urged To Support N/ Delta Development ASABA – Mr. Fidelis Adaka, the Financial Secretary of the Nigeria Statistical Association, has called on oil companies and other companies operating in the Niger Delta region to collaborate with the government to develop the area.

Adaka made the call in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Asaba.

Speaking on the challenges facing the region, Adaka noted that development of the region should not be left to the federal and state governments alone.

Adaka stressed the need for the public and private sectors to be involved in the development of the region, especially the remote communities where most of the natural resources are exploited.

He frowned at the concentration of social amenities and industries in cities to the detriment of the rural areas where the large number of the populace reside.

Adaka called for the exploitation of the numerous raw materials in the rural area as a way of developing them and providing jobs for the rural populace.

“We should try as much as possible to identify the raw materials closest to every area and tap them.

“We have a lot of untapped raw materials in our various communities and tapping these raw materials and not waiting for the government will attract more development to our areas,’’ he added.

Adaka called for change of attitude on the part of the people

BENIN CITY – The Spiritual leader of Canaan Land Deliverance Ministry, (World Liberation Centre) Pastor Silver Wealth Iyamu has enjoined christians to be spiritually conscious of heaven and be steadfast in their service God. Pastor Iyamu, who gave the admonition during a 21 days with Christ Programme with the theme: “Final Solution” in Benin City urged christians to deliberately move from their poor spiritual realm and launch an onslaught in the territory of the enemies through fasting and fervent prayers.

He noted that christians were always on the defensive in their prayers and also asking God for immediate material wealth rather than posing as an arrow in God’s hands against powers and principalities in high places.

The cleric told the congregation to remain steadfast and be focused on God, as the holy spirit was ever-ready to lead them out of every plans of the devil, provided they watch and

pray without ceasing.

According to him, “it is better to challenge the devil with God’s word so as to make him flee from you”. He maintained that the programme was for spiritual cleansing that would open all barricades and closed doors.

Pastor Iyamu however, called on the people, irrespective of their spiritual denomination to take advantage of the programme, just as he told them that Jesus Christ was ready to meet them at the point of their needs.

A cross section of palace Chiefs at the ceremony. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

CALABAR – Mr. Mfon Essien, the Managing Director of Cross River Basin Development Authority, has said that lack of functional dams was hampering irrigation farming in Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

Essien told newsmen in Calabar that many dams that were started by successive administrations in the two states were abandoned for lack of funds.

“Kwa Falls Dam in Akamkpa was the first proposed dam in the country when Calabar was the capital of Nigeria. I have been told that the contractor has withdrawn from site because of lack of funds.

“Also, the dam in Ijegu Yala was designed since 1980 and up till now, we are still looking for funds to finish the construction of that dam. These are just a few among many others,’’ he said.

Release Counterepart Fund, RUFIN Tells A/Ibom

UYO - The Akwa Ibom Rural Finance Institution, Building Programme RUFIN, has lamented the non- release of counterpart fund to ensure the success of the poverty-eradication programme in the state.

Speaking in an interview with newsmrn in Uyo, the state Coordinator of RUFIN, Mr Earnest Awakessien, said the state government had not released its counterpart fund for 2011 and 2012.

He said that release and payment of the fund by the state government would attract 2.5million dollars from the international donor agencies to the state for successful implementation of the agricultural empowerment programme.

“Since the RUFIN programme is Counterpart Cash Contribu-

tion (CCC)- based, Akwa Ibom government had made a budgetary provision of N80 million for 2011 and the same amount for 2012 in the approved estimate.

“The fund is meant to take care of the government annual counterpart cash contribution and the soft loan microcredit facility assistance to the RUFIN farmers groups across the three senatorial districts of the state,’’he said.

Awakessien said that Akwa Ibom government was the first among the 12 states running the programme to pay its counterpart funding to kick start the empowerment programme.

He, however, expressed worry over the hitches experienced in

the remittance of subsequent counterpart funds by the state government.

“We are sure the governor will release the counterpart fund so that we can access that of the international donors, but I feel something is wrong somewhere as we have been sending reminders,” he said.

According to him, the programme is important to the growth of the economy of the state as it contributes to the reduction of poverty through improvement of income, food security and sufficiency.

“The programmes will also help to improve the general living conditions of the rural poor households with particular focus

on women, youths and the physically challenged,’’ he added.

Awakessien said that the objective of the programme is to develop and strengthen microfinance institutions, establish a linkage between these institutions and formal financing institutions in order to create a viable and sustainable rural financial system.

He said that the essence of the programme was to enable the rural population to have access to credit facilities which would help them improve the productivity of small rural enterprises.

Awakessien said the state RUFIN had provided capacity

According to him, the development has affected farming in the areas and caused the country to lose abundant food in the areas.

He said that the Kwa falls dam had components for electricity and water supply, but regretted that the Federal Government could not even pay its 15 per cent statutory funds.

According to him, with functional dams, the country has no reason to import food into the country.

He said the Cross River Basin was currently rehabilitating the abandoned Obudu dam in Cross River with the assistance of the World Bank, adding the size was being expanded.

The managing director said the Cross River Government was providing a water treatment plant for the dam with a view to supplying water to Obudu and Obanliku.

“The state government is also doing a water treatment plant so that, God’s willing, before the end of 2014, there will be good drinking water in Obanliku and Obudu, using the dam,’’ he said.

He said that many youths from the area had been employed by the contractors handling the dam and that it had created many jobs.

The managing director noted that one of the statutory functions of the authority engagement in irrigation agriculture, adding that many farmers in the two states had been trained on irrigation farming.

He condemned the often misconceived view that people in the southern regions of Nigeria do not require irrigation farming.

“Irrigation farming is as necessary here in the south as it is in the north,’’ he said.

6

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Across The Nation

Google To Train Nigerian Journalists LAGOS The Communication and Public Affairs Manager, Google Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, has said that the organisation had concluded arrangements to train Nigerian journalists on data journalism in 2013.

Kola-Ogunlade stated this in a statement made available to the newsmen in Lagos.

“This year’s training is aimed

at helping Nigerian journalists to understand how to use online data journalism tools that would help them develop more datadriven news.”

He said the training would focus specifically on using Google fusion tables, Google forms and Spreadsheet, Advanced Search 2.0 application, Google Earth Maps and Crowd Sourcing with the Social Media, to enhance news gathering by journalists.

He said the training would also include sessions with application software developers who worked closely with journalists and the media to enrich the training experience.

He said the 2013 edition of the training would have a different structure to fit the feedback received by the organisation after the 2012 edition of the new media training.

Kola-Ogunlade said the

number of participants at the training would be reduced to 50, to ensure easier access to resources and facilitators.

“This means that after registration, there would be a random short-listing phase where we cut down the number of participants to 50.

“Secondly, because the

training this time is a lot more intense, attendees must attend all the 3 classes to qualify for certification.

“The reason is that we want everyone who attends to have a good grasp of the tools,” he said.

He therefore urged applicants to ensure that they would be

available for all the three sessions before filling the form.

He said that the 2013 training series would be a 3-Session Data-Tools Training, beginning from June 4.

“The training will kick-off at Google’s one-week outreach event slated to hold in the week of June 4, 2013,” he said.

Man, 20, Arraigned For Abduction, Rape

MAKURDI - A 20-year-old businessman, Emmanuel Adole, has been arraigned in a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court over charges of alleged abduction and rape.

Police Prosecutor, Mr Michael Ewoh, told the court that the case was reported to the ‘D’ Division police station, Makurdi by one Mr. Paul Alade.

He said that the complainant told the police that he came back home from work and did not see his 14-year-old daughter (name withheld) so he went to the police to lodge a complaint.

Ewoh said, while the father of the victim was at the police station lodging a complaint about his missing daughter, he received a phone call that the girl had returned home.

However, the girl told them that she was abducted and raped by one Emmanuel Adole in an uncompleted building behind Modern Market, Makurdi.

He said the accused was arrested during police investigation and he confessed to committing the crime which contravened sections 273 and

283 of the Penal Code.

When the case came up for mention, the accused person did not take plea for lack of jurisdiction.

He said investigation into the matter was still in progress and prayed for another date for mention.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Theresa Wergba, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Federal Prison, Makurdi.

Wergba adjourned the matter to June 5, for further mention.

HRH Prince Enwaensefe Iyiewuefo Eweka, Enogie of Oghada, reading his address during the installation ceremony, while Hon. Josef Omorotionmwa and others listen. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

Clerics Call For Renovation Of Kaduna: 783 Arrested For Cemeteries Traffic Offence

KADUNA -Christian and Muslim leaders in Kaduna State on Thursday urged the state government to renovate grave yards to insulate them from continued desecration.

The clerics, who made the call in separate interviews with newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna, noted that the condition of grave yards across the state was appalling.

Pastor Yohanna Buru of Peace and Reconciliation Foundation said there was need for the government and communities “to respect grave yards and take good care of them”.

“Those in the graves are people we live together with and are now back with their creator as such there is need for us to respect them,’’ he said.

He said taking care of and visiting the graves were religious obligations to “remember the departed souls who touched our lives in one way or the other”.

Buru urged religious leaders to advise their followers on the need to keep grave yards clean and protect them against abuse.

In his comment, an Islamic scholar, Malam Abdulraham Muhammed of Barnawa area of Kaduna, also cautioned against abuse of cemeteries, saying the they were important abode for all human beings.

Muhammed frowned at situations where some residents use grave yards as refuse dumps, saying it was irreligious and inhuman.

He advised residents to use their wealth and energy to clean the grave yards.

Also the state Youth Leader of Christian Association of Nigeria

(CAN), Mr Obadia Haruna, called for the fencing of all cemeteries “to reduce the level of dubious activities perpetrated by irresponsible citizens”.

Clarice

KADUNA - A total of 783 motorist were arrested in Kaduna metropolis for various traffic offences between January and April this year, the state Director, Vehicle Inspection Unit, Malam Magaji Umar, has said.

Umar told newsmen in Kaduna that “some of the motorists were charged to court while others were instantly fined”.

He said the unit would continue to monitor vehicle owners in the state and enforce relevant laws to safeguard road users.

Umar reminded commercial vehicle owners in the state to paint their vehicles as specified by law, warning that any unpainted commercial vehicle apprehended would be impounded.

The director advised drivers

unions to advise their members on the need to obey traffic rules and regulations, especially in ensuring proper documentation of their vehicles.

He said the Kaduna State Government had engaged consultants for the e-registration of drivers licences, to avoid the issuance of fake licences and other malpractice.

On rickety vehicles plying the

LG Spends N6m To Fence WURNO (SOKOTO Cemeteries STATE) - Wurno Local Government in Sokoto State on Wednesday said it spent about N6 million to fence four cemeteries in different parts of the area.

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

weds Monday The solemnization of marriage between former Miss Clarice Taiwo Ajayi Owanekun (A Business woman) and Mr. Monday Omorogbe-Akpata (A Technician) took place on Saturday, 11th May, 2013 at the Oredo Local Government Council marriage registry in Benin City.

Amongst those present were Mr. and Mrs. John Akpata (Groom’s parents), Mr. and Mrs. Ajayi Owanekun (Bride’s parents), Mr. Daniel Omorogbe-Akpata, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the Registry. Congratulations! Photo Sonnie.

roads, the director said 70 per cent of vehicles in the state were road worthy, adding that the unit would continue to ensure that all vehicles meet the required safety level before being put on road.

Umar urged all stakeholder in the transport sector to cooperate with the state government and agencies responsible for traffic safety to ensure safety on the roads.

There will be a public auction sales of scraps, junks and unserviceable items, including generators at the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre premises, Airport Road, Benin City on Wednesday and Thursday May 22 and 23, 2013 at 10.00 a.m. prompt.

Items can be inspected at the said premises between 8.00 am. to 3.00 pm Monday through Friday for further information contact.

G.M. Osazuwa Public Licensed Auctioneer 08029428253

Alhaji Shehu Chacho, Chairman of the council, told the newsmen in Wurno, that Gidan Magaji, Kaurare, Dinbiso and Marinawa villages benefited from the projects.

He said open wells and security men were also provided at the cemeteries to prevent bad eggs from tampering with the graves.

Chacho said the council embarked on the project because of its significance, to prevent animals from encroaching into the sites. “ We will all join them one day, hence the need for the living to prepare smooth ground and to prevent ritualists from tampering with the dead ones,’’ he said.

He called on the people in the area to continue to live in peace with one another as more policies and programmes would be implemented to raise their standard of living.

7

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

News Abuja Residents Tasks AEPB ABUJA - Residents of On Waste DisGwarinpa Estate in Abuja have said that the infrequent disposal lay unattended for long periods about the laxity of the waste of waste by the Abuja Environaround posal the estate. management contractor hanmental Protection Board “This is not acceptable. There

Chairman Ovia South West Local Government Council, Hon. Morrison Ogunrobo presented with a congratulatory card in his office recently by Ovia Rebirt pix show from left Co-ordinator General of Ovia Rebirt Godwin Ekhator and Hon. Morrison Ogunrobo recieving the card.

(AEPB) posed a health hazard to residents of the area.

The residents, who spoke to newsmen said that the board had shown “some laxity” in carrying out its duty within the estate.

Mr Paul Adei, a businessman, who resides at 6th avenue, Gwarinpa, observed that most times, waste remained in front of his house for weeks, resulting in bad odour pervading the environment.

Adei, therefore, appealed to the board to be more serious in the discharge its duties, stressing that the absence of an efficient waste disposal strategy posed a threat to human life.

Mrs Shade George, a civil servant and resident, said it was saddening to observe that waste

Doctor Advises Family On Asthma Allergies ABUJA - A medical practitioner, Dr Salisu Aliyu-Pas, has said that family history of asthma increases the risk of allergies.

Aliyu-Pas told newsmen in Abuja that having one type of allergic condition made one more likely to be allergic to another thing else.

He said that one could even become allergic to something at any age, and that children were more likely to develop allergies than adults.

“Even if you get treatment for allergy symptoms, you still need to try to avoid your triggers.

“Common triggers include outdoors airborne allergens at home or at work, certain foods,

insects or medications.

“Some allergic reactions are triggered or worsened by temperature extremes or emotional stress.’’

He urged that when trying to identify exactly what caused or worsened allergy symptoms, one should try to track all of his daily activities.

He said that when symptoms occurred, it would help patients and doctors to identify and take good steps to prevent and treat them.

He advised that in the event of an occurrence, “write down what happens, this may help you and your doctor identify triggers as well as the best steps to prevent and treat them.’’

Water Yam Consumptiopn Slow Ageing -Nutritionist ABUJA - Water yam can slow down the ageing process and boost the immune system, a nutritionist, Hajiya Jummai Abdul has said in Abuja.

Abdul told newsmen that water yam was good for diabetic patients because it contained fibre, a substantial amount of antioxidants and Vitamin C and helped to suppress blood sugar.

Water yam belongs to the family of dioscorea alata specie of yam, a tuberous root vegetable.

Abdul said the high fiber content in water yam could be used to manage pile (hemorrhage) and constipation.

“The fresh roots of water yam contain good amount of antioxidant and Vitamin C. The vitamin C in water yam plays so many roles in anti-ageing, immune function, wound healing and bone growth.

“Also, it contains small amount of vitamin E and betacarotene level. The tubers are in deeded one of the vegetable rich sources that has a lot of minerals, like copper, it has calcium, it contains potassium, iron and also phosphorus; these are all essential elements contained in

water yam.

“It’s good for diabetic patients; it suppresses the blood sugar because of the high fibre content.’’

According to the National Cancer Institute, an online journal, antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

“Free radical damage may lead to cancer.’’

Reports say that beta-carotene is good for vision, immunity and overall health.

Abdul also said water yam was a good source of the Vitamin B complex and energy, among others.

She explained that anything that had fibre could help to prevent constipation and also reduce pain for pile patients “because when it comes to bowel movement, you have hard stool, but by the time you eat water yam, the stool softens because of the fibre content.’’

The nutritionist also advised Nigerians to always eat local foods for good health.

Aliyu-Pas, a General Practitioner with Wellness Clinic, Apo, Abuja, said the causes of allergies were pretty common, that both genes and environment played a role.

He said the immune system normally protected the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses.

“It also reacts to foreign substances called allergens, which are generally harmless and in most people do not cause a problem.

“But in a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognises an allergen, the immune system launches a response.’’

Aliyu-Pas said eating something one was allergic to could cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhoea, or a severe life-threatening reaction.

He, however, warned that most allergies could not be

cured, saying a number of treatments could only help to relieve symptoms of the condition.

are people in charge of disposing this waste; but anytime I pass round some areas in the estate, I see waste by the road side.”

George called on the board to assist in keeping the environment clean by assigning a monitoring unit to always move round to ensure proper waste disposal.

Mrs Aisha Habu, a house wife, told NAN that people brought out waste from their homes on daily basis and if not properly disposed, it would continue to pile up.

She said it was unhealthy for waste to pile up in residential areas and advised that the relevant authorities should be alive to their responsibilities so that environment could remain clean and habitable.

Reacting to the issue, Mr Joe Ukairo, the Head, Information and Outreach Programme of the board, explained that in the last two months, there had been a remarkable improvement in waste collection and disposal in Gwarinpa.

He said that the development followed several complaints by some residents late last year

dling the area.

“We have since then changed the contractor in charge of the estate, who has been working for two months now.”

He said that contractors faced a challenge in terms of the size of the estate, addig that by August 2013, more contractors would be assigned to the area.

Ukairo also explained that residents had a duty and responsibility to complain to the board, if they were not receiving appropriate services.

“AEPB operates an open door policy whereby residents are free to call our SERVICOM hotline or the FCT Call Centre toll free lines and register their complaints.

He called on residents to play their part for efficient service delivery by purchasing standard waste bins to store their waste, pending the time the contractor would come around.

Ukairo noted that most times, residents deposited waste on the bare floor, thereby defacing the environment, adding that defaulters would face appropriate legal sanctions.

ANPP Chieftain Endorses Interest Free Loan For Students ABUJA - An ANPP Chieftain in Benue, Prof.

Daniel Saroh, has endorsed the proposed interest-free loan for indigent Nigerian students in the country’s tertiary institutions.

Saroh, who said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, commended the House of Representatives for the gesture.

A bill, which seeks to provide interest free loans for Nigerian indigent students in the country’s ivory towers passed through the second reading in the House of Representatives recently.

Saroh said, “I commend

the efforts of the House of Representatives members for taken the right step at the right time.

“The bill, when it becomes law will go a long way in giving indigent students the opportunity to receive higher education without stress.

“I support the scheme, and I don’t think the issue of recovery should deter the acceleration of the scheme.”

The ANPP chieftain said the programme should be put in place and it should pass through the necessary procedure.

He said that the legislators wanted to create student loan

The Chairman Ovia North East, Hon. Barr. (Mrs.) Lucy Izoduwa Omagbon (left) receives Okaka Ruth on behalf of her Business Outfit based at Okada during a solidarity visit to the secretariat.

scheme because Nigerians had come to accept that education was the best way to attain high quality of life.

According to him, the quest for education has increased tremendously; this is why the lawmakers are coming up with the loan scheme.

“The scholarships should not be a national cake, it should be given to those who need them desperately,’’ he said.

Saroh said that the issue of interest-free loan scheme for indigent students had worked in other countries and could also work in Nigeria.

According to him, students who undertake such loan should be monitored throughout their stay in schools until they graduated and get a job.

He advised the Federal Government to create a data base that would have a complete detail of every person in enhancing social-economic development of the country.

The scholarship should be based on the need and commitment of the students to take the loan and pay after getting a job.

“The loan scheme project will work in Nigeria since it has been working in other African countries; I don’t think it should be a difficult issue here in Nigeria,’’ he said.

The chieftain called on the champions of the proposed scheme to put in place right procedures and orientate Nigerian students.

8

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Business + Economy PHCN:

Residents Protest Estimated Bills

ENUGU - The people of Ozara Obosi near Onitsha in Anambra State on Wednesday stormed Enugu to protest against the estimated bills routinely given to them by PHCN. Reports say that the people stormed the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company headquarters in numbers carrying placards some of which read “we are tired of estimated bills”.

The residents complained that

the PHCN had been billing consumers in the area by estimation and that the bills were not commensurate with the electricity supplied or consumed.

They claimed that families were billed various amounts up to N16,000 per month, saying the amount was not sustainable.

Reacting to the development, the company’s spokesman, Mr.

Eseme Udoh, said it had set up a committee to look into the matter.

“We have set up a committee to investigate the matter for us to resolve the problem amicably,” Udoh said.

He also assured the residents that the committee would resolve the problem and urged them to remain calm and law abiding.

FCTA Reads Riot Act To Park Operators ABUJA - Mr. Jonathan Ivoke, Secretary, Transport Secretariat of the FCT, said that the FCT Administration (FCTA) would sanction “Park and Pay’’ concessionaires operating in open fields.

Ivoke, who gave the warning in Abuja, said any operator found functioning in an open field and unmarked areas would be penalised.

According to him, FCTA as yet to allocate open fields to any operator and as such no operator must trespass or violate the mandate of the policy.

“The operators are only entitled to operate in areas marked and with their sign posts of park and pay fixed on space allocated to them.

“If they are operating in open fields or areas not marked, then they have gone beyond their mandate and they will be sanctioned,’’ he said.

He said some residential areas in Wuse 2 and other places were allocated for the services

because of commercial activities happening in such areas.

However, the secretary said four operators were currently implementing the park and pay policy, adding that the minister would soon review the implementation.

He listed the operators as, Integrated Parking Services (IPS), Platinum Parking Management Services (PPMS), Najec Parking Ltd., and ATB Nigeria Ltd. He called on FCT residents to report any misconduct of operators to the Transport Secretariat and promised that such report would be investigated.

“We have handled several cases from complainants and they were happy by the end of our intervention; we don’t condone misconduct, it’s against the letters of agreement and licence issued to them.

Customs Collects N223m In Revenue SOKOTO - Mr. Bamidele Akande, Area Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, said on Wednesday in Sokoto that about N223 million was collected as revenue from January to April.

Akande told newsmen in Sokoto that contraband worth more than N22 million were seized in the first quarter of the year.

He said the goods included fairly used cars, fake drugs and rice, adding that the command had fashioned out detailed security measures to facilitate the arrest and prosecution of smugglers in the command.

“Since the inception of the command, the amount collected in the first quarter represents the highest so far ever collected.

“Already, all identified routes of smugglers had been blocked by competent officers to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the smugglers.

“I have said it times without number that my areas of jurisdiction are no go areas for smugglers as dedicated officers are battle-ready to prevent smuggling business,’’

he said.

Akande also solicited for the support of traditional rulers in sensitising the people to the need to offer intelligence reports on the movement of smugglers in their areas.

“Such collaboration will enable the command to come out with stringent security measures that will see to the arrest and prosecution of smugglers.’’

“ We want FCT residents to comply with the rule of the service that if they stay beyond 10 to 20 minutes they paid for, it will attract fines.

“But in the absence of the marshal to issue a ticket to you when you park and you arrive later and meet the car clamped, report such issue to the Transport Secretariat,’’ Ivoke said.

He said the park and pay services had eased traffic congestion in the city centre, adding that the 10 per cent of revenue being paid by the service providers to FCTA was being used for the maintenance of infrastructure.

Reports say that the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed had announced plans to review the park and pay policy.

He said it became pertinent to review the policy, following series of complaints and petitions against the concessionaires.

“We have received series of complaints and petitions against the unholy activities of some concessionaires” and called for the review of the policy.

Cross section of Catholic Media Practitioners (CAMP) at St. Peters Catholic Church during the celebration of the 2013 World Communications Day in Benin City yesterday.

The President, Life International Foundation, Dr. Olubunmi Usim-Wilson (middle), presenting gifts to a widow, Madam Rabi Musa as the best dancer, during the Life International Foundation Outreach Programme in Abuja weekend. With them is MiSs Big Queen 2012, Femi Felicia-Adu (left)

Nigerian Breweries To Pay 80 Percent Dividend

LAGOS - The Nigerian Breweries Plc has said it has increased its dividend policy payment to 80 per cent of profit from 60 per cent to compensate investors.

Mr. Nicholas Vervelde, the Managing Director of the company, disclosed this at the company’s 2013 pre-AGM

Investors’ Forum/Media Briefing in Lagos.

Vervelde said that the company invested N36 billion on the expansion of its various projects to increase its market share value and improve on

dividend payment.

He said that the amount was an increase of 98 per cent over the 2011 figure.

He said that the expansion was to prepare the company for the expected growth in the

Association Warns Against Illegal Courier According to him, there is a without licence.

LAGOS – Mr. Toyin Olufade, “When we identify them, we growing band of illegal Operators the President of the Association mention them to CRD and the operators, hence the need for the of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO), has advised customers to stop patronising illegal operators in the sector.

Olufade told newsmen in Lagos that the illegal courier operators were not professionals and were bringing the sector into disrepute.

Reports say that the illegal courier operators are those that are not licensed by the Courier Regulatory Department (CRD).

Olufade said that apart from denting the image of the sector, the illegal operators were taking the larger chunk of the business and profits.

CRD, the industry watchdog, to clamp down on them.

Olufade called on the Federal Government to fast-track the transformation of CRD to a fullfledged commission to further empower the department.

Olufade said that such transformation would assist it to check activities of touts in the courier industry.

“We have a myriad of problems, but it is only when we have a commission that is enabled, that is backed by law, that we can tackle these challenges.

“That is what we have been

shouting for in the past six years,’’ he said.

The ANCO president said that with a commission, the courier industry would be fully positioned to contribute its quota to the gross domestic product of the country.

He said that the activities of the illegal courier operators were gradually eroding the integrity of the business.

“We have the airlines that are doing courier business without licence; we have the transport people also doing courier without licence and we have individuals doing courier

department tries within its confine to arrest them.

“Business that should come to us, who are licensed, are not coming, but the touts are doing the business at unscrupulous rates and tariffs,’’ he said.

Olufade called on the members of the association to continue to forward information concerning the illegal operators to CRD for appropriate actions.

“We should identify the illegal practitioners and forward our findings to the authorities because we lack the legal backing to intercept or prosecute them.

industry and support growth of its brands.

“The excellent revenue performance is supported by the continuous investment in rich portfolio of brands as well as their route to the market.

The company is well positioned to take advantage of any growth in the market to sustain its leadership position and maintain healthy yield on investment for its investors,” Vervelde said He explained that the company would have paid higher than N3 per share dividend for the 2012 financial year, but for the projects.

Reports say that the company declared a turnover of N253 billion against the N211.07 billion declared in 2011, an increase of 19.7 per cent.

Its profit after tax stood at N38.04 billion when compared with the N38.43 billion declared in the corresponding period in 2011.

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Abuja APC Ready To Deepen Nations Democracy

Civil Servant Docked For Allegedly Stabbing His ABUJA Wife - The police has

- CPC Chieftain ABUJA - All Progressive Congress (APC) is set to provide the basic needs for the people to deepen the nation's democracy, a CPC Chieftain, Pastor Ezekiel Longe, said in Abuja.

Longe, the National Financial Secretary of CPC told newsmen after the last midterm national convention of the party, that APC's primary objective was to deliver the dividends of democracy to all citizens.

He expressed optimism that APC would offer Nigerians good governance that would bring an end to insecurity, poverty, economic down turn, and general unpleasant situations being experienced in the country now.

Longe said all member of the association had agreed to uplift Nigeria by providing a viable alternative political platform to promote Nigeria in a manner that Nigerian citizens had not witnessed before.

The National Financial Secretary urged Nigerians to believe in the ideologies of APC in order to establish true participatory democracy in Nigeria.

He described CPC national convention as a vast success, adding that the resolutions at the convention would be sent to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the registration of All Progressive Congress (APC).

He appealed to INEC to remain unbiased in all its dealing towards registration of APC as a political party in Nigeria.

Longe urged the Federal Government to tackle current national challenges in order to promote development.

HRH Prince Tenet Idu Akenzua, the Enogie of Oghobaghase in a handshake with Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom during the Installation ceremony of HRH Prince Enwaensefe Iyiewuaefo Eweka, the third Enogie of Oghada over the weekend. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

FRSC Celebrates Pedestrian Safety Week ABUJA - Mr. Vincent Jack, the Bayelsa FRSC Sector Commander, said on Saturday in Yenagoa that the commission was promoting pedestrian safety, as pedestrians were integral part of road users He said the commission was promoting the pedestrians' safety consciousness in line with the 2013 theme of the UN Global Road Safety Week.

The theme of the week is `` Pedestrian Safety''.

The sector commander, told newsmen after a walk/cycling rally that the commission

Abuja Hails Tinsel Crew Members ABUJA - Abuja residents on Saturday thronged the Silverbird Galleria to have a glimpse of crew members of the popular soap opera, Tinsel.

Reports say that Tinsel is MNET Africa's daily soap opera showing on Africa Magic Entertainment on DStv. The crew members were going round to meet fans, ahead of their 1,000 episode on May 23.

At the galleria, they shook hands with the fans and signed autographs for them.

Some of the fans told newsmrn that they decided to meet the Tinsel family to demonstrate their support to the actors and actresses featuring in the soap opera.

Mr Ayobami Yusuf, a Geologist, described Tinsel story line as a unique production with superb picture qualities.

According to him, more is needed to be tapped from the quality of production to

promote Nigeria's film industry.

Miss Nancy Ani, a student, said that her meeting the crew offered her an opportunity to appreciate Tinsel's efforts in projecting the Nigerian film industry to greater heights.

Zainab Muhammed, a banker, said that Tinsel had continued to raise the bar in the industry, and ``needed to be appreciated''. ``It has a creative concept to entertain fun-loving Nigerians, it was creatively positioned as an economic agenda to keep hundreds of Nigerians gainfully employed while they entertain the viewers,'' Zainab added.

Some of the crew members were Iretiola Doyle, Linda Ejiofor, Chris Attoh, Victor Olaitan, and Ihuoma Ejiofor among others.

Reports also said that more than 90 per cent of the crew members are from Nigeria.

would enlist the support of the Bayelsa House of Assembly in the campaign for pedestrian safety.

According to him, the FRSC is seeking the collaboration of the legislature in Bayelsa so that it could make pedestrian friendly laws.

He also said that the FRSC was promoting the habit of walking and cycling as a means of keeping fit and maintaining healthy lifestyles.

The sector commander said that walking and cycling were effective antidotes to obesity, heart diseases and other life threatening ailments.

Mr Peter Akpe, the Majority Leader of Bayelsa House of Assembly, who participated in

the rally, promised that the assembly would provide the legislative support for the campaign.

He said that he would also be walking and cycling to the assembly on selected days to encourage fellow lawmakers to imbibe the practice Reports say that participants in the rally moved round major areas of Bayelsa, covering five kilometres.

A cycling team from Bayelsa chapter of Cycling Federation of Nigeria participated in the rally.

In a related development, the FRSC has blamed the high pedestrian accident rate in Lokoja to the lack of pedestrian bridges in the town.

Mr Olakunle Motajo, the

Kogi FRSC Sector Commander, said the increasing rate of pedestrian deaths at intersections on NATAKO, Ganaja and Murtala Mohammed/Ibrahim Babangida roads in the city had reached alarming level.

Matajo spoke in Lokoja after a walk/ jogging organised by FRSC as part of activities to mark the UN Pedestrian Safety Week.

He said the command would, during the week, shift focus from the highways to pedestrians' safety.

He expressed delight that no single death had been recorded among pedestrians since the commencement of the UN Safety Week on May 6.

arraigned a 29 year old civil servant, Ejiga Jacob at the Karu Upper Area Court for allegedly stabbing his wife.

Jacob, who resides at Kubwa village allegedly stabbed his wife, Mrs. Butius Ejiga, 25, with a knife on her left breast.

The police prosecutor, Cpl. Israel Nando told the court that on the May 2 at about 1.30 a.m., Butius reported the matter at the Apo Police Station. ``During a little argument, Ejiga used a knife and stabbed her on her left breast. ``She sustained a serious injury," he said.

Nando told the court that the offence contravened Section 246 of the Penal Code.

Section 246 states that ``whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year.''

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The presiding judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50, 000 and a surety in like sum. ``The surety must be reasonable, have a reasonable means of livelihood. ``The surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court."

He ordered that the accused should stay away from the victim.

Kagarko further ordered that the accused be responsible for his wife's treatment pending the determination of the case.

He adjourned the case to July 2 for further hearing.

Cross Section of Catholic Media practititioners (CAMP) at St. Peter's Catholic Church during the celebration of the 2013 World Communication Day in Benin City yesterday.

10

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

11

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Tribute

OLAITAN OYERINDE: The Odyssey “They have tortured your body, broke your bones even killed you then they have had your dead body not your obedience” ….Mahatma Ghandi.

THIS book is about Olaita Oyerinde. Nothing else – no plot, no characterisation and no setting set aside according to the rubrics set aside for fictional writing – and that is because this is not fiction. This is a true story of Olaitan Oyerinde who was known to many people by many platitudes.

When the decision to write this book became moot, there were a lot of challenges – the chief of them being the fact that investigations concerning the manner of his death are still being carried out. How then can a book be written about him?

We have no answers to this weighty question but in writing about him even in death, our hope is to keep his spirit alive and raise this document as an accusative wand against the people who masterminded his untimely death.

Olaitan was a leader who broke from the past and the old.

His role as a student activist with the Nigerian Labour Congress, and the Edo State Government presented a new brand of dedicated, intelligent and industrious leadership which symbolized his progressive ideals and strong work ethic.

Not one to be cowed, he didn’t compromise on the truth.

His fight was a fight to set generations free from any kind of intimidation. Olaitan hated intimidation. Even when death faced Olaitan many years ago, he didn’t die. Although Olaitan was murdered and the traumas and pains linger, his death was glorious because he left an indelible mark behind: he was able to pass the torch of activism to many young comrades both male and female; colleagues both senior and junior and future leaders.

His role as a father radically inspired many to learn.

Nigeria as a society does not support good people, protect good people, or encourage good people, or help to facilitate the good works of intellectuals. But Olaitan, aka General to a circle of his friends in the media believed that every society must be anchored on truth.

He once said: “If as Nigerians we all decide to be truthful this nation will move forward and develop but as long as we continue to play politics with every serious national issue Nigeria will remain the way it has been. But we must resist the kind of leadership that have continued to put us in this kind of state. We must insist on

sincerity and truth anchored on purposeful leadership. I believe we will get there, this is why the media must also show commitment and transparency.”

He supported good leadership in all spheres and the progress of democracy in Edo State and Nigeria in general through the Nigeria Labour Congress. His passion for the state was an expression of true love.

Therefore, why would anyone want to kill Olaitan? Olaitan helped Adams Oshiomhole to get others to willingly follow the governor’s egalitarian brand of leadership. We all saw how the people of Edo accepted Adams Oshiomhole with their votes. Even though no one saw Olaitan at the victory ground at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium or King Square in Benin with the Governor, we all felt his good spirit hover around the entire place. Ola’s dream was hinged on how to help Adams Oshiomhole prepare for higher platforms of responsibility.

As leader with a clearly articulated vision, he had a vivid picture of where he was going, as well as a firm grasp on what success looks like. He also knew how to achieve it. His was not in having a vision but his was a strong belief in having a clearly articulated vision and sharing it and acting upon it. He would create a vision, articulate it passionately and drive it relentlessly to completion.

A true gladiator, he did not compromise on the quest for a better Nigeria. According to Olaitan, a good heart of discipline is what everyone needs to transform Nigeria.

‘We must constantly work towards good vision’, he once said.

Olaitan was not a victim of “analysis paralysis”. He was always doing something to pursue his vision, inspiring others to do the same. He was the integration of his outward actions and inner values.

Olaitan was the same on the outside and on the inside.

Undoubtedly this was why Adams Oshiomhole reposed so much confidence in him to work as his principal private secretary mostly because of the fidelity of his core values. Olaitan had the trust of friends, associates and acquaintances on this score.

He was known to deal an honest hand. He was predictable in a positive sense: someone who had well controlled emotions devoid of tantrums or intemperate outbursts. He was a leader rooted in the tenets of integrity and had an approachable and outgoing personality.

Olaitan was dedicated nearly to a fault. He invested quality time, resources and energy to accomplish a task at hand.

By LOIS ADAMS

• Late Olaitan Oyerinde

Colleagues were inspired by his dedication, leading by example, doing whatever it takes to complete the next step toward the vision. By setting an excellent example, he showed followers that there are no nineto-five jobs on the team, but rather, only opportunities to achieve greatness.

He gave due credit.

A magnanimous Olaitan - he ensured that credit for successes was spread out as evenly as possible. Conversely, he took personal responsibility for failures: one universal quality of good leadership. This sort of reverse magnanimity helped other people feel good about themselves and drew the team closer together as a nucleus.

Olaitan always listened to new ideas even if they were not in conformity with his own. When listening to those ideas, he would suspend judgement and weigh the merit inherent in that thought. He built mutual respect and trust between himself and others; he did this to further the vision he had for Nigeria and the whole world but this unfair world was not fair to Olaitan.

He always thought differently.

His ideas were always out of the box – in a bid to free himself from the constraints inhibiting the solutions. He had the ability to see things that others have not seen and this led his admirers in the new directions that they may not have seen.

Olaitan taught a lot of us the distinction between being assertive and being aggressive.

He was not aggressive but assertive – being the ability to clearly state what one expects so that there will be no

misunderstandings. Yes, a leader must be assertive to get the desired results. Along with assertiveness comes the responsibility to clearly articulate what followers expect from a leader. Many leaders have difficulty striking the right amount of assertiveness.

Studies have shown that being under assertive or overassertive may be the most common weakness among aspiring leaders. This was what Olaitan got right - he tried to take Nigeria to the ‘promise land’, a land where potentials can be exploited, a land of peace, a land of cultural integration and a land that will not only be the ‘Giant of Africa’ of Africa but the Universe.

Ola’s had a sense of humour – I guess this was his way to diffuse tension and boredom.

He knew how to use humor to energize friends and acquaintances. Humor is a form of power that provides some control and vitality over the work environment.

And lastly, Olaitan recognized that he was no better or worse than any other member of his team. He tried to elevate everyone who had the privilege to meet him. Olaitan also understood that his status did not make him above other people.

Olaitan was so proud of being among us always, especially the people of Edo state. He mentored and nurtured young professional journalists across Nigeria and he didn’t do this for personal gain. I got my inspiration to write this proposed piece in his memory because I was deeply influenced by his life.

Olaitan Oyerinde : the Odyssey is not a piece for making profit, not a book to garner popularity nor is it a book to get sympathy. Rather, this is a piece to remember a young man who fought all through his life to improve the lot of Nigerians; it is about a man who was so humane to a fault; a proactive man in everything he did.

For this reason, we wish to request that you support this dream; support a dream which would enable every Nigerian have this book as an enduring legacy and memorial to sustain the legacies Olaitan dedicated his life to.

Through this project and with your collective efforts and determination, we will continue to fight injustice and the abnormalities Olaitan fought against.

The 4th of May, 2013 marked one year Remembrance of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde.

We had planned to unveil the book today but for some reasons, we decided to put it on hold to be published soon.

More tributes, intellectual supports and contributions are still welcome. We have decided to notify you to contribute to a book to remember Olaitan, our brother, friend and son that would be published soon…

Rest in peace.

Adieu.

Synopsis of Chapters/ Excerpts (Chapter 1, page 1) Olaitan Oyerinde: the Odyssey “That he got involved in unionism was not surprising.

He had a very strong drive to make things right. The first time he was detained over a long period of time (about 3 months) at Alagbon, during Babangida’s regime, they asked him about his experience, especially the suffering in detention, he said that if you belief in and fight for a cause, then you should expect some inconvenience, suffering and possibly death”. He said he was beaten during interrogation and kept in solitary confinement.

He said that won’t stop him from fighting for what he believed in for a better Nigeria” (Chapter 4, p20) Olaitan Oyerinde: the Odyssey Lois Adams wrote: “Now, as the murder of Oyerinde, Oshiomhole’s former aide upped the stake in the numerous acts of impunity pervading the country, and with the police still investigating his death and those of others, the questions are, who is the next victim? Will the nation’s law enforcement agencies perpetually remain handicapped in the quest to provide a safe environment for

the country and its inhabitants?

How far can the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, go in carrying out the order by President Jonathan that not only should the killers of Oyerinde be arrested but that all cases of unresolved murders should also be re-opened for thorough investigations? In this regard, we pray for the repose of the soul of our own Olaitan Oyerinde whose spirit is still wavering in the air in anticipation of an egalitarian response of the government that has become ‘almighty’ of sorts.

Rest in Peace Olaitan”.

(Chapter 1, p.3) Olaitan Oyerinde: the Odyssey “He was very fearless; he used to go round the neighborhood throwing stones into wells. One day, he fell into one of the wells, and he was rescued by the neighbors. He didn’t sustain any injury and that didn’t stop him from going near a well. When he was about 3years old, he was knocked down by a car, while trying to cross the road to a photographer shop across the road from his father’s office who was a kind of honorary Uncle to him. Olaitan use to go and play in his shop and make some troubles at his free time. On the day of the incidence, the man swore that he only turned away from him for a moment. He sustained some injuries; he had bruises and fractured on one of his legs that gave him a permanent scare on the leg. The accident must have had some psychological impact on him while he was growing up as a man” “His maternal Grandmother used to live at Centre Igboro, very close to the Pediatric hospital. Olaitan and his sister used to go and spend the day with her. One day, shortly after his father dropped them, his sister noticed that he was trying to blow something out of his nostril and when she checked, it was the small plastic stopper of a ‘Lady Gay’ perfume bottle. He warned her not to tell mama that he would blow it out. When his dear sister saw that it was taking too long, she alerted mama who promptly raised an alarm. The neighbours tried to remove it, but they couldn’t. Mama took him to the pediatric hospital where they told her that they had to put him to sleep before they could remove it. Mama brought him back home that she was scared that he might just decided to die to see how the other side look like. It was a neighbour that eventually removed the thing from his nostril. Some few hours later, he was found trying to insert something else in the other nostril. And then, Mama nicknamed him ‘Erin ko ku’ – Elephant that refuse to die ” (Chapter 1. p 4)

12 NIGERIA is blessed with abundant human and natural resources which nature has endowed her with. The country’s climatic conditions favour wide variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of wheat. Additionally, Nigeria is the most populous country in the Continent of Africa, with abundant economic resources, which, when properly harnessed, may enable the country to achieve the status of a rich and developed nation.

ALTHOUGH its industrial sector is underdeveloped due, in part, to inadequate capital for investment and lack of technological know-how, yet the country has prominent industrial concerns such as giant oil industry, iron and steel complexes, steel rolling mills, pharmaceutical companies, food processing Industries, car assembly plants and so on. Although most of these Industrial concerns are not functioning optimally and many of them depend on imported inputs, they can serve as a basis for industrial take-off, if we put our acts together.

HOWEVER, despite Nigeria’s extensive landmass, growing population, agricultural and industrial potentials, the country remains economically backward, indeed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had at a time classified Nigeria as a heavily indebted country with difficulties in meeting debts servicing obligations; Certainly, these attributes are a minus in our national drive towards socio-economic and political development.

THERE are divergent opinions on the relationship between effective leadership and the economic organization of Nigeria, and how to expand the productive base of the country. Literally, economics is the distribution of scarce resources for optimum development of a society.

Thus, successive governments had pursued vigorously, policies that will strengthen economic growth and development in Nigeria. But despite the economic efforts of past and present governments, Nigeria is yet to achieve basic economic aspirations.

LITERATURES on the Nigerian economy have cited leadership problems as a major cause of the

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Improving The Nigerian Economy country’s inability to effectively mobilize her resources. Critics have shown quite clearly effective leadership is a great obstacle to development in Nigeria. Leadership problem has hampered the country’s progress in the political, economic, military and socio-cultural sectors. Poor leadership lies at the root of our continuing social, moral, economic and political crises. Practically, all our misfortunes in Nigeria have been due to poor leadership. It seems, therefore, that the Nigerian leadership structure determined to place the blame for the unstable situation the frustration and difficulties confronting them on their leaders.

THUS, in contemporary Nigeria, we have observed and rightly too, that there is a great yearning for the total transformation of the process of producing appropriate leadership. This yearning, which grows more urgent by the day, is both legitimate and understandable. After decades of hopes raised and hopes dashed, it should not be surprising that Nigerians are wary and weary.

HAVING gone through decades in which their faith in their national leadership have been abused and affronted, Nigerians impatience with their leaders and almost total distrust of government functionaries can no longer, be-dismissed as mere cynicism.

AT independence, expectations throughout Nigeria were high and the possibilities for greatness were almost limitless. Considering her vast resources, the country appeared set for good attainments, and fulfills what the international community saw as her destiny to lead the black race into the main stream human and technological civilisation.

REGRETABLY, the Nigerian economy has hit an

all time low. There is massive under utilization resources. What is more painful is that our industrial sub-sector is not producing at full capacity.

Despite being blessed materially and humanly, our cost of production remains high with growing unemployment. Also only crude oil is being seriously tapped, and production was negatively affected by the Niger-Delta crisis, thanks to the amnesty programme which has largely restored the oil sector. Our concern here is that outside oil, resource mobilization efforts are rather disappointing. In our estimation, if the attention given to crude oil had been extended to other minerals and the agricultural sector, definitely. Nigeria would have attained desirable and sustainable development.

THERE is no doubt that Nigeria is richly endowed. The country has all It takes to become a super power. Somehow, our major problem is the leadership question, which has inevitably impaired our ability to mobilise our resources. However; we believe that our system of government has contributed to this poor leadership problem. Our political structure especially the adoption of a warped federalism has combined effectively to deprive Nigeria of a sound process of getting the right leadership Even democracy which is expected to produce effective leaders is now, a major political problem in Nigeria. WE believe that problems such as corruption, and inter-ethnic wars and suspicion, which have contributed a lot to the failure of leadership, can be adequately tackled, particularly as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has braced up to the problem in recent times.

AT independence in 1960, the international community amazed at the economic potentials of Nigeria, was quite certain that if our resources were appropriately managed, Nigeria would one day become the giant of Africa. Unfortunately, due to the failure of our leadership to strategically mobillise our resources for political, socioeconomic and cultural advancement of our nation and people, Nigeria is yet to make appreciable gains in development, worsened by a very poor infrastructure base.

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Understanding The Concept Of Grund Norm IN attempting to give an answer to the question under review, it is appropriate , to first of all, state the general position of the concept “grund norm” vis a vis its role in a country’s legal order.

In his treatise ‘the Pure Theory of Law” Prof Hans Kelsen a major proponent of the Analytical Positivist school of Jurisprudence formulated the time- honoured concept of the grund norm.

He said: the pure theory of law is a theory of positive law... it is extensively concerned with the accurate definition of its subject matter. It endeavours to answer the question what is law?

But not what Law ought to be? It is a science not politics of Law”.

The Important point to note from the above dictum of the highly revered positivist is that the search of the grund norm inquires into what Law is (i.e. de lege lata) as opposed to what Law ought to be (delege ferenda).

Prof. Kelsen in proposing the pure theory of Law criticized the Austinian view of command and sanctions as an explanation for the validity of Laws. In his view, particular norm is obeyed or presumed valid because of its relationship with a higher norm and, the higher norm has to trace its validity to the highest norm which he identified as the basic norm or, in fact, the grund norm. Though in a contradictory fashion, he asserted that the grund norm is not a norm of positive law. Further, he opined that it functions like a constitution in the transcendental logical sense; say for instance, the 1999 constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as “CFRN 1999).

With due deference to the foregoing, Dr. Akinola Aguda posited that “between 1979 and 1983, the undoubted and incontrovertible grund norm of the Nigerian Legal order was the 1979 constitution”.

However, in his subsequent treatise ‘the General Theory of Law And State”

Prof. Kelsen said: The norm which is the reason for the validity of another norm is called the higher norm. But the search for the reason of a norm’s validity cannot go on indefinitely like the search for the cause of an effect. It must end with a norm which is the last and the highest”.

In this connection, since the kelsenian Pure theory of Law is not conclusive, in practical terms, on the exact locus of the grund norm, it is humbly submitted that his subsequent theory on the scope of the grund norm will now be adopted for the purpose of clarity.

In his General Theory of Law And State, Prof.

Kelsen agrees that the search of the grund norm must end with a norm which is the last and highest. This assertion can be further viewed from the backdrop of his description of the grund norm as the “authorizing norm on the hierarchy of norms” i.e. the fons et origo of the entire legal order. The question then is what is the fons et origo of the Nigerian legal system?

In his treatise on the topic “Is There a Nigerian Grund Norm” Justice Kayode Eso emphatically said that the existence or other wise of the Nigerian grund norm Vis a ‘Vis the topic question was primarily a function of the existing legal order. For the benefit of hindsight, the topic question was the basis of a public lecture delivered by the learned Supreme Court Justice (as he then was) at the first Justice Idigbe Memorial lecture series, on 31 January 1985 - a period

when Nigeria was under the control of a military government. For the records, it is instructive to note here that Decree No. 1 of 1984 outrightly modified the supremacy and repugnancy clauses contained in section 1 (1) and (3) of the 1979 constitution.

Moreover, Justice Eso said that before the advent of British rule “...the chief was the ultimate and what he declared as law was the

October 1 1979, the question of where the Nigerian grund norm resided was an issue of public Opinion.

Although at a point he said that in a civilian dispensation the grund norm could be located in the Judiciary because of its final interpretative powers over acts of the executive and legislature.

It is noteworthy to emphasise that the above assertion of the Learned

law that governed the people. There could be no doubt that in the hierarchy of norms if norms could be applied to the situation it was the highest”. Equally, he said that in the Colonial era the grund norm could be Located in the British Crown and parliament.

Furthermore, he opined that at the inception of the second Republic on

justice is undoubtedly premised on the functionalist view of Law. But, it is humbly submitted, with profound respect, that the aforementioned view of the learned Justice of the Supreme court (as he then was) could easily he faulted on all fours.

Firstly, it amounts to an obvious misapprehension

Law With IKHUEBOR VIKRAM OSARUMEN Iconicuik2olo@yahoo.com or departure from the neopositivist view of the grund norm; since the judicial organ of government cannot be equated to a “norm” within the intendment of the pure theory of Law. Secondly, it is a settled legal maxim, (though rebuttable), that the constitutionally conferred powers of the Judiciary is ‘jus dicere” (i.e.

to sate the Law) as opposed to “jus dare” (to enact Laws). Lastly, the grund norm cannot be said to be Located in the Judiciary, in that as one of the Organs of government.; like the others, the judiciary derives its powers from a superior norm which in this case is the constitution.

Consequently, under the present civilian dispensa-

“Arising from the foregoing, it will now be logically correct to say that the constitution is the highest norm not because it is the grund norm, rather it is the grund norm because it is the highest norm in the Nigerian Legal order. This proposition is however Limited to a situation where the supremacy of a country’s constitution, as the highest norm, has not been put in abeyance.”

tion in Nigeria, the CFRN 1999 can easily be identified as the fons et Origo, in that it is the authorisng norm that gives validity to all other norms (whether physical or juristic); as the basic or fundamental law of the land. The CFRN 1999 empowers the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to make laws. In that same vein, it empowers the executive and judicial organs to implement and interpret the law, respectively.

Again, as to the supreme status of the constitution in terms of its ascendancy over and above other norms in the Nigerian legal order, the combined effect of Section 1 (1) and (3) of the CFRN 1999 is instructive.

It provides thus: Section 1 (1); “This constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria” Section 1 (3); “If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution, this constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void”‘ Arising from the foregoing, it will now be logically correct to say that the constitution is the highest norm not because it is the grund norm, rather it is the grund norm because it is the highest norm in the Nigerian Legal order. This proposition is however Limited to a situation where the supremacy of a country’s constitution, as the highest norm, has not been put in abeyance. Thus, after a successful revolution or a military Coup’ de etat, the position of the grund norm is debatable and, as such, its search becomes even more elusive.

In conclusion, it is needful for us to concede to the undeniable fact that the quest of locating the Nigerian grund norm will, indeed, be an endless search if we are to subject same to the limitations inherent in the pure theory of Law.

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Development BY most accounts, the Roadmap for Nigeria Water Sector, which was launched in 2011, is aimed at making potable water available to all Nigerians by the year 2025.

Speaking at the launch, President Goodluck Jonathan decried the inability of government over the years to make potable water available to the citizens.

He, however, pledged that his administration would redress the trend.

“Our target is to ensure that by the year 2015, 75 per cent of Nigerians will have access to safe drinking water and by 2025; the figure will rise to 90 per cent.

“No Nigerian child should in the next few years, trek long distances to carry water on his or her head before going to school,’’ he

Ministry of Water Resources recently organised the Presidential Summit on Innovative Funding for the Water Sector.

Dr Sanjo Bamgboye, the Executive Director, National Water Resource Institute, Kaduna, said that over N350 billion was needed annually to meet the country’s water and sanitation targets.

Jonathan, who declared the summit open, said that the Federal Government proposed N39 billion in the 2013 budget for its expenditure on waterrelated projects, in addition to the special intervention funds earmarked for that purpose.

He, however, noted that the funds so far spent on the water sector had not achieved the desired results.

“The situation in our rural

Boosting Potable Water Supply vowed.

Dr Godknows Igali, the former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, said that the implementation of the roadmap would enable the country to meet the target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on water supply.

“The overall impact of this roadmap will be the achievement of 75 per cent of national water supply access and 65 per cent national sanitation access by 2015.

“The impact will also be the achievement of 100 per cent coverage in water and sanitation by the year 2025,’’ he said.

To bridge the funding gap for water projects across the country, the Federal

and sub-urban areas as regards access to clean water remains unacceptable.

“Government is actually investing significantly in the water sector. On the average, only one in five rural households has access to clean water.

“Most families collect water from unsafe sources such as rainfalls, ponds, streams and rivers,’’ the president added.

As part of efforts to boost funding for small-scale water providers, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI).

Igali said that the agreement was aimed at making funds available to small-scale water providers

By CECILIA OLOGUNAGBA

to enable them use modern methods of water distribution in their business.

The Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that the water roadmap would succeed as the government would receive additional N158 billion from donor agencies over the next five years to boost water supply and sanitation.

“This is about three times what we provided ourselves with our own resources,’’ she said, stressing that the resources would be mainly used to fund water projects.

The minister stressed the need for Nigeria to sustain the funding of water sector projects, adding, however, that such finance should not

be left for the governments alone.

Okonjo-Iweala noted that taxes on airline tickets and international financial transactions constituted a potent source of alternative finance for the water sector.

She emphasised that these two sources should be exploited, adding that slightly over 2 billion U.S. dollars (about N320 billion) had been generated through airline tax in the last five years.

However, Bamgboye specifically suggested that Water Tax should be introduced in the country to boost the funding of waterrelated projects.

“What we’re asking for is what other countries have taken as basics; they don’t

take it as an issue to have water in any village in Europe.

“It is even not an issue to have water in most of the Asian countries, they are moving beyond us,’’ he said.

Nevertheless, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, the Minister of Water Resources, said that with the current initiative of seeking additional funds, Nigeria would soon join the league of developing countries that had overcome their water supply challenges.

She said that the ministry had created opportunities for private sector participation in water projects via the establishment of a PublicPrivate Partnership Unit.

Ochekpe said that the unit was working with other

relevant agencies to screen various water sector projects across the country for concessioning arrangements.

“This will ensure better operation and management of the projects and thereby lead to increased production from such investments,’’ she added.

In a nutshell, stakeholders want the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to sustain the public-private partnership arrangement in the provision of potable water for the citizens.

They also urge the Federal Government to encourage the state and local governments, the private sector, civil society organisations and donor agencies to participate in the execution of water projects.

“What we’re asking for is what other countries have taken as basics; they don’t take it as an issue to have water in any village in Europe. It is even not an issue to have water in most of the Asian countries, they are moving beyond us.’’

15

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

16

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Focus I have done several articles on Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his administration in Rivers State, published by some of the leading social media outfits and National Newspapers, where I highlighted his revolution on Education, Health, Security, prudent management of State funds, Road infrastructure to mention a few. But the task before me now is to establish the toga of a villain being placed on him in order to crucify him or the heroic moniker on him in some quarters based on the current political upheaval in Rivers State. Although some see a villain as an antagonist, the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, defines a villain as “a cruelly malicious person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime; scoundrel; or a character in a play, novel, or the like, who constitutes an important evil agency in the plot”. A hero, on the other hand, according to Dictionary.com is defined as, “a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities; person who in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a role model or ideal”.

Sadly enough, those who want Amaechi to be pushed out of office describe him as being arrogant, power drunk, evil, possessive and a stumbling block to their political agenda without minding the constitutional consequences. Rather than addressing serious issues, such as the lingering insecurity in some parts of the country, where the lives of innocent Nigerians have little or no meaning, the massive corruption under the incumbent Federal Government recently captured aptly by the United States Government. Nigeria is also being confronted with the menace of unemployment amongst our teeming graduates and youths, breakdown of institutional infrastructure, the list is endless.

This grandstanding and view of Amaechi as a villain that must be taught some political lessons seem to be the major concern of these powerful hands in the country.

This prevailing state of affairs seem to lend credence to the views in some quarters that the judgement of the Abuja High Court presided over by Bello which ousted the duly elected PDP Executive of Chief Godspower Ake leave much to be desired. The national dailies are awash with moves by the Presidency to curry the favour of the Governors to ensure that Amaechi is not reelected Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), even while the

constitution of the forum allows an incumbent chairman to seek re-election. What crime has Amaechi committed to warrant all these attacks?

Much as one would not like to dabble into the unfortunate turn of events in the Rivers State PDP, one is challenged by the words of Nobel laureate and world renowned author, Prof Wole Soyinka who in his famous book the ‘Man Died’ said “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny”. Doesn’t the above quotation underscore the macabre dance being displayed in the politics of Rivers State revolving round Governor Amaechi, that those who ought to speak out at this time prefer to watch the unfolding events from the sideline to avoid being dubbed pro-Amaechi.

This intolerable situation may have prompted one great mind residing in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Ohunene Scott-Ananaba in her lamentation titled “POLITRICKS RIVERS STATE STYLE” wept and inquired, “Where are all these people who stood on the stage with Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on that sunny day at the Rivers State College of Science field in Rumuola at the Obio-Akpor leg of the ‘Change you can see’ Campaign in 2011. Ha! Where are all those that spoke valiantly that day when I took this picture one of hundreds?

Where is the Bulldozer Sargeant Awuse who was ready to follow you to the end? where is Nyesom Wike who anchored your campaign, where is Honourable Dakuku Peterside,where is Magnus Abe,where is Dawari George,where is Tele Ikuru?

Governor Rotimi Amaechi,where are they?

Where are the Chindas et al.

If any of them are still with you let them identify openly here and now or hold their peace. I wonder if anyone of them would have conceded to you the way Prince Tonye Princewill did in 2007, yet the same people drove a wedge between you and him”?

Now that Amaechi seem to be a leper and a villain and to demonstrate your political power and patriotism it becomes ideal and wise to keep off from him at this period, but one can take solace in the wise stand of Benjamin Disraeli’s famous quotation that “There is no act of treachery or meanness of which a political party is not capable; for in politics there is no honour”. According to one of the best minds in Journalism from Rivers State while reacting to Nene’s lamentation counselled those aspiring to be politicians to learn from the political development in Rivers State.

They should also engrave it in

Amaechi In The Eye Of The their hearts these words by Tennessee Williams: “We have to distrust each other. It’s our only defense against betrayal.”

Nene my sister, you need not weep so much because one with God is in the majority!

Amaechi is not an ordinary human being except you have lost track of his background and his rise to his present state and I am convinced that God who saw him through in the past will surely see him through now. But if you are not counselled then read 11Timothy 3: 1-4 (“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”). Come to think of it, Amaechi is not alone after all considering the backlash from key stakeholders in the crude oil and gas rich State! The Rivers State House of Assembly, the Traditional Council of Chiefs, members of the National Assembly from the State, the Rivers State indigenes resident in Abuja, the State Chapter of the Association of Local Government Chairmen, (ALGON) and other segments of the State are with him as demonstrated during the historical solidarity visit on April 20, 2013, where a mammoth crowd gathered to re-assure him (Amaechi) of their support at this period of his trial. In a similar show of love and solidarity, women in the State gathered on April 22, 2013 to commit the political situation and the Governor to God who is the only one that can truly decide the fate of man. The embattled Chief G.U.Ake, the ousted PDP Chairman throw more light on why the political imbroglio is been staged in Rivers State, “my ouster though temporary is targeted actually against Amaechi”.

According to Malcolm X, “To me the thing that is worse than death is betrayal. You see, I could conceive death, but I can not conceive betrayal”. In line with this fact of life among civilised people and capturing the happenings in Rivers State aptly, an illustrious son of the State and former Minister of Petroleum Resources Prof. Tam DavidWest described Amaechi’s “orchestrated travails” as unfortunate in view of the fact that the governor has worked

hard enough in restoring the glory of Port-Harcourt, also known as the Garden City of Nigeria. To the University Don, Amaechi’s travails is “Nigerian paradox “where excellence is relegated and mediocrity is elevated. “I’m particularly worried about the trend, not only because I am a Rivers State elder, not only because I am a strong supporter of Amaechi without any regret, I am worried as a Nigerian because what is happening to Amaechi underscores a terrible Nigerian paradox, which I call the paradox of excellence. We support him because those of us who grew up in Port Harcourt as a famous “Garden City” knew how the city changed to a rotten city, Amaechi who is also a Port Harcourt boy, returned the city back to its glorious “Garden City” status. Any person that does not realize this is not only blind but terrible.” This great Sage reminded Amaechi’s opponents that he who laughs last, laughs best, stating with emphasis that the governor would laugh last because his first name, Chibuike means “God is strength.”

In recognition of the feats of the Governor, the Council of Traditional Rulers in Rivers State through its Chairman and Gbenemene Tai Kingdom, His Majesty King GNK Gininwa OFR, JP in a well advertised advertorial to Governor Amaechi on his recent Vanguard Personality of the year award stated, “All the traditional Rulers in the state are proud of your various achievements. This award is an addition to many more you will receive and a reward for your steadfast leadership because as a detribalized Nigerian, you are simply a big fish in a big sea and no man can stop you. Keep up the pace. On the other hand, the National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar has described Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as a pillar of democracy in the current dispensation. Omar spoke when he led a delegation of top NLC officials on a courtesy call on the Governor in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

The NLC President and other members were in the Rivers State capital for a conference to elect new executive of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services (AUCPTRC). Omar said: “Nigerians are watching.

Nigerians are very, very intelligent people. They are

watching, they know things, they know what is happening (to Amaechi) and they are also passing their own judgment.

“You have been one of the major pillars of democracy in this dispensation and we always like to in our only small way, associate with good things, especially I recall when I was here last, you decided to show me some of the projects, at that time, a lot of them were not even completed but by the time we arrived this time and we passed through some of them, especially primary schools are completed. “I have not seen any where the children in public primary schools are

By EZE a humanist, administrator par excellence, visionary, egalitarian, radical, respected, a pragmatist and exemplary leader was born on May 27, 1965 in Ubima, in Ikwere local government area of Rivers State and is an alumnus of the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State. He was the Rivers State Speaker of the State House of Assembly from 1999-2007; Chairman, conference of speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria (1999 – 2000), Governor of Rivers State (2007 – date), current

the gre play o colour famous Centre in Lag Nigeri celebra Hon. C CON, G and Ch Forum compr Govern This live in channe Silver

Gov Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State learning under such very conducive atmosphere. This is what is required of democracy, for leadership to provide the dividends of democracy to the people practically, not theoretically, and I think that is very abundant in Rivers State. We believe in what you are doing because we have seen it and we only want to urge you to continue in that direction”.

A cursory look at some of the issues and opinions shows that the ‘villain’ toga does not suit Amaechi, however, let me attempt to bring it to the fore what Amaechi truly is, after looking at his giants strides and achievements in Rivers State from 2007 when he came into office as the State Chief Executive and ponder if the heroic toga fits him. The real verdict will be known sooner than later!

Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi

Chairman of the Governors’ Forum in Nigeria. A winner of several awards including the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON. To capture the current rating of Amaechi in the political psyche of Nigerians, the recent award as the personality of the Year for 2012 on him by the Vanguard’s Newspaper says it all. This was an event aptly captured by the great Aristotle the famous Greek critic, Philosopher, Physicist and Zoologist as far back as 366 BC; “In the arena of human life the honours and rewards fall to those who show their good qualities in action”. This extraordinary thinker as if not satisfied with the above feat went further to state and I quote, “Dignity does not consist in possessing honours, but in deserving them”. This is awesome and breath-taking as the stand and postulations of

broadc by one Federa Gener Babag Newsp Gover honou honou acknow stride notewo infras impart all sec River Amae strides going improv as roa new to touchi develo educat other endeav In li

17

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Focus

e Storm: CHUKWUEMEKA EZE

eat Aristotle came into on 6th April, 2013 at a rful event held at the s and prestigious Expo e, Eko Hotels and suites gos where Nigeria and ians stood still to ate one of her bests, Rt. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi Governor of Rivers State hairman of Governors’ m of Nigeria, a forum rising of other 36 nors in Nigeria. historical event beamed most of the key network els of AIT, Channels, rbird and public

caster, NTA was chaired e time President of the al Republic of Nigeria, ral Ibrahim Badamasi ganida where Vanguard papers gave reasons why rnor Amaechi was ured, “Amaechi is being ured for his widely wledged developmental es which have seen orthy improvements in structure and the tation of governance on ctors of the society in rs State. Governor echi’s development s have been observed as beyond infrastructure vements in sectors such ads, electricity, sports, owns and the likes, to life ing and human capacity opment initiatives such as tion, healthcare among economic boosting vours”. ine with the thought of

A Villain Or Hero

Susan RoAne, “Rewards go to the risk-takers, those who are willing to put their egos on the line and reach out to other people and to a richer, fuller life for themselves”. I will like just to highlight few areas that have made Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi not only unique but a pointer to the fact that we still have hope about the future of our nation not minding the challenges and obstacles.

EDUCATION:The standard set by the administration of Gov Amaechi in Rivers State is a big challenge both to the Federal Government and other States of the Federation. The State has won several awards in this regard. From records, the government is targeting building 700 model primary schools with 500 completed each with 20 classrooms costing N3.1Billion each and equipped with ICT facility, modern library, science laboratory, football field, basketball pitch, volleyball pitch and Nursery playground.

These model Primary schools are built to the standard of the United Nations and obtainable in developed parts of the world.

It is also building 24 model secondary schools across the 23 local government councils in the state; well-structured and fully equipped with modern day educational, recreation and boarding facilities with standard housing for teachers, these secondary schools have grossly been referred to by observers as Universities. The government is currently running free primary education with free books and uniform, provisions of library and internet facilities for the primary schools. The Rivers State Government has been adjudged the best performing state in the Education sector within the South-South zone.

In recognition of this the Federal Ministry of Education has rewarded the state with the sum of N70 million for its performance. The process of employing extra 13,000 Teachers has been concluded.

The State has offered scholarships to over 2,000 students in Nigerian Higher Institutions and has spent about N5bn for her students in foreign Intuitions. The State is building a world Class University which when completed will turn out well equipped graduates that will hold their own in any field and compete with the best in the world.

2. THE JUDICIARY Contributions to the Judiciary

by Amaechi are awesome and overwhelming. My good friend, Ken O.Olumati a legal counsel based in Port Harcourt in an article he titled,

‘Ameachi’s Debt to the Law’ captured what Amaechi has done to improve the judiciary in Nigeria. He stated that, “It is noteworthy that the various decisions of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in Governor Amaechi’s case were reported in Parts 1040 and 1065 of the Nigeria Weekly Law Reports. In Part 1065 alone contains six decisions on Amaechi’s case; three by the Supreme Court and three by the Court of Appeal. This in itself underscores the significance of Amaechi’s battles through the courts. Few cases have enjoyed similar attention in the annals of Nigeria’s legal institution.

Some of them include the case between Amodu Tijani V Secretary, Southern Nigeria, and the late Oba Oyekan’s legal battle for the Obaship of Lagos in the 1950’s, which went as far as Her Majesty’s Privy Council before a clear winner was installed. In recent memory, the case of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi against the Nigeria Bar Association as well as his numerous court battles against the Military Government of former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

3. HEALTH Under the Rivers State Government, tremendous revolution in the Health sector is taking place; the Government is offering free health services to all her citizenry in all government owned hospitals or health centers. To achieve this, Government has Constructed 160 Health Centres in all the LGAs and construction of 1000 beds in specialist hospital with other special intervention in this area. These facilities are available free of charge to both indigenes and none indigenes residing in the State. The Health sector today is about one of the foremost employers of labour in Rivers State. The State has gone into the medical industry as she is about developing an area in part of the Greater Port Harcourt city to be called the Medical Industrial Region where the syringe factory, the malaria diagnostic and test tube factory shall be situated.

So far, about 100 medical Doctors have been employed to staff most of the Health Centres in the rural areas. The Rivers State Government has currently embarked upon the exercise to eradicate malaria vectors from the State. The Health Centre at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology will soon be opened to the public. The State was lauded last year for its daily commissioning of a health centre over a 60 day period in 60 communities in its 60-60-60 initiative. The Dental Hospital located in the

Garrison area of Port Harcourt is now opened. All of these will also generate employment amongst the youths in the State.

Rivers State Government says it has concluded arrangements to commence a partnership with the Economic Community of West African States for the production of Biolarvicides to control and eliminate malaria in the state. Few weeks ago, Rivers State was adjudged the best state of the federation in the area of malaria elimination and control programme.

4.

STEPS TO A L L E V I A T E UNEMPLOYMENT SCOURGE IN RIVERS STATE Apart from concluding plans to employ 13 thousands Teachers, below are some other plans highlighted by Amaechi that will hopefully alleviate unemployment: He stated that the Rivers State Government has signed a long lease contract with Siat Firm to revamp and manage the RISONPALM. According to him, when fully operational it would create about 4,000 job opportunities.

Additionally, the Rivers State Government has commenced paper work to establish and develop a N20bn Agric Scheme. According to him, “The scheme would encompass a settlement and cluster units in different areas of agriculture and is geared towards providing jobs for the teeming youths of our State”.

He said the project is expected to have about 300 housing units, a processing industry and primary schools. This multibillion Naira Agricultural Scheme will be splintered into three areas of the State housing 100 families each in the 100 housing units to be constructed. Construction is now on-going to construct a multi-purpose Shopping Mall located at the Front gate axis of the Government House. On completion the mall will employ about 600 youths.

The state is embarking on establishing a Banana Farm at Ogoni where about 200 workers will be engaged.

The Rivers State Government has established a Fish farm at Buguma where many youths are today engaged.

He reiterated government’s commitment to revamp most of its ailing companies to create jobs for the youths based on Public/private partnership to avert the pitfalls of the old system. In this regard, both the SUPABOD and the Olympia Hotel will soon be leased out.

5. SECURITY You can only appreciate what Gov Amaechi achieved in this

sector if you know of the security challenges facing the State before he assumed office as the Governor. Find time to read my article on this sector titled “AMAECHI: SECURITY CHALLENGES IN RIVERS STATE, HIS STRATEGIES & SCORECARD” to grasp the full impact of the inputs of the Governor in this regard.

All the same, the State has purchase two equipped and modern Helicopters for aerial surveillance to fight crime in the State. To the Governor, “inability of elected leaders to provide adequate security for the citizenry is an impeachable offense.

6 PUBLIC POWER SUPPLY The Power Sector in the State is working tirelessly to ensure an end to epileptic power supply in the State by the year 2013 this would also serve to boost employment in the state and will also encourage entrepreneurship among the Youths. Apart from all these the Rivers State Government has built three power stations at Omoku (150 Mega watts), Trans-Amadi (130 Mega watts) and Eleme (75 mega watts). By June, 2013, capacity will be increased to 500 Mega Watts under the $195 million dollars 180 MW gas turbine awarded to Saipem. Seven Transmissions stations (132/33 kilo volts) and 7 Distribution injection sub-stations 33/11 Kilo Volts built.

7. AGRICULTURE Four fish farms-buguma, Andoni, Opobo and Ubima.

Banana Farm in Ogoni-100 hectares have been done out of the total 250 hectares. It will employ about 500 workers.

Rivers Songhai learning initiative has a centre for training, agricultural production, research and development of sustainable agricultural practices. The farm project sits on a 314-hectares land in Bunu-Tai, an agrarian community in Tai Local Government Area of the state.

It is about 20 times the size of the Songhai model in Porto Novo – an integrated farm which combines livestock, arable farming, fishery, snail farming and poultry. There is a 2,000-hectare farm in Etche with a total available land space of 3,000 hectares. The farm is projected to cost $140 million. The state is investing $100m; the foreign partner $40 million. The farm would have 300 farming houses, agro processing and 3,000 hectares for cultivation. The 300 houses would accommodate 300 farming families who would live and work on the farm.

8. ROAD NETWORK According to the Governor,

“I don’t emphasize roads.

There is just one road we are building now, the Trans-Amadi Road. It is going to take about three flyovers; one at Garrison, one at Slaughter and another at Nbogo Junction. It is going to cost N47 billion. It is 10 kilometers long. There is another new road we are going to build now to the airport to decongest Aba Road. It is going to cost N200 billion and fifty percent of that will be spent on bridges with about four flyovers and interchanges.

The Rivers State Government has invested over N100b per year from 2008 till 2011 in provision of roads, bridges and Social amenities.

In this regard, the Government has engaged in the construction of 800km roads with 250 already completed.

10 major bridges under construction with 3 already completed. 20 minor bridges under construction with four completed, 2flyover/ interchange under construction.

6 Land reclamation/shore protection projects at Andoni, Opobo, Buguma, Abalama, Olombie/ Owukiri Island, Oba Ama, Okirika with 1,1400,000km 2 completed. 2 major markets and a shopping mall under construction (phase 1 of mile 1 market housing 960 shops and two banking halls completed). dualisation of eight major roads in Port Harcourt – RumolaRumuokuta (completed), Oginigba-Rumuokbiakani Rd (completed), Eastern by passAmadi Amaa-Oginigba (reconstruction completed), Old Aba Road (80% completed), ElekahiaRumuomasi (70% completed), Rumuokuta-NTA-Choba Rd (60& completed), Tam DavidWest Rd (80% completed), d mega-Airport-IsiokpoOmerelu dualisation (42km Federal Rd, 50% completed), Rumukurusi-Eneka-Igwuruta Rd (ongoing), award of 850 km of roads, completion of 260km of roads. Two overhead bridges completed; two under construction, four bridges completed and four under construction. It is to the credit of this administration that very soon communities in the Riverine Areas hitherto inaccessible by road will be linked to the road network.

9.

PREUDENT MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES OF RIVERS STATE To demonstrate the high prudent management of recourses at the disposal of the State, It is on record that Rivers State has again been affirmed a ‘B’ international rating by Continues on pg 20

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Environment

From Waste To Wealth IT will be somewhat difficult to convince a firsttime visitor to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), that there are some waste dumpsites located in some remote areas of the city.

Investigations have shown that apart from approved refuse dumpsites, smaller dumpsites are sited in some areas of the city where the operations of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) have yet to be felt.

Although, the AEPB has created the Gosa village waste dumpsite as part of its efforts to keep the FCT clean, the public perception of the dumpsite somewhat reflects the ugly side of an emerging cosmopolitan city.

The dumpsite is certainly the biggest dumpsite in the FCT and it serves as the central dumpsite for domestic and industrial wastes from all parts of the city.

Located in Idu Industrial Layout, about 30km off the popular Jabi Road; the dumpsite, which is home to most of the refuse generated

by FCT residents, is obscure and relatively unknown to most residents.

Funny enough, the heap of

By ADEREMI KOLEOSO

solid wastes at the site has inadvertently been a source of livelihood for scavengers who always throng the site in search of discarded items, which could either be sold or recycled for commercial purposes.

However, the collection of these items entails multiple processes, as some people are always engaged in sorting the trash into different categories and loading them into trucks and articulated vehicles.

For instance, Malam Babale Adamu, a young man who hails from Kano State, said that since he started the garbage-sorting business at the dumpsite, he had been able to eke a living.

He said that his wife and children had also joined him in the business.

“We are happy doing this because it is better than idleness and stealing, we’ve been able to overcome the current unemployment challenge facing many people across the country.

“Several able-bodied men and women are now willing to engage in all kinds of menial jobs to keep the body and soul together,’’ he

added.

Adamu said that they got regular earnings from loading the sorted waste items into trucks for entrepreneurs that came to the site to buy discarded plastic items for recycling in other parts of the country, particularly Kano.

The health hazards of the business notwithstanding, Adamu claimed that he grossed between N6,000 and N10,000 daily for loading waste items into trucks and articulated vehicles.

Investigations show that no fewer than five articulated vehicles are loaded with assorted items at the site daily.

However, Malam Ahmad Sani, another worker at the

site, stressed that they would have loved to be engaged in a more befitting vocation than scavenging for recyclable items at the waste dumpsite.

In spite of the economic benefits of the dumpsite, particularly to scavengers, government has consistently bemoaned the filthy state of the dumpsite, saying that it was tainting the image of the FCT as a modern capital city.

For instance, the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on the FCT has also complained about the dirty state of the Gosa refuse dumpsite “I am sad with what I see here with my colleagues, it’s an eyesore that does not befit any human being in any city no matter how uncivilised.

“But this is what we are confronted with,’’ said Sen. Smart Adeyemi, the committee’s chairman, after an oversight visit to the site.

He said that the committee had recommended some measures to deal with the filthy situation at the site.

However, the AEPB’s Acting Director, Mrs Aishat Adebayo, stressed that board had initiated some waste-management procedures at the site to handle the situation.

“The site is still under construction and when it is fully completed, there would be facilities for sorting waste materials that could be recycled and others that could not.

“We are currently benefiting from the Federal Government’s national priority projects at Gudu, Mpape and Kubwa and the dumpsites have waste sorting facilities ; those refuse that could not be recycled would be deposited at the Gosa refuse dumpsite,’’ she said.

Besides, Adebayo said that the road to the site was being reconstructed to ease the movement of wasteevacuation trucks in the area.

“When completed, there will no longer be any need for scavengers; we are trying to discourage their activities and we are also looking into how we can integrate some of them into the system,’’ she said.

To buttress Adebayo’claims, Diamond Construction Ltd., has recently resumed reconstruction works on the Gosa dumpsite’s access road, according to media reports.

The media reported that road construction machines, which were earlier removed from the site, had returned,

while the company’s vehicles were seeing moving materials back to site.

The 12-km road project, whose contract was awarded by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) at the cost of N422 million in 2010, was initially expected to be completed within six months but it was abandoned in 2012.

Mr Kingsley Obiakor, the Group Managing Director of Diamond Construction Ltd., said that the company’s return to site was sequel to the FCDA’s directive that work should resume at site and its pledge to fully pay up the contract fees.

Obiakor, who attributed the delay in the project’s completion to the lack of funds, said that the FCDA had so far paid the company N112 million.

“We were given this job to execute for a period of six months and we started work immediately.

“So, it is not our fault to have stopped work but we have resumed again because they have asked us to come back to site and they have promised to pay,’’ he said.

Alhaji Ahmed Bello, the FCDA resident engineer supervising the project, also conceded that paucity of funds had delayed the completion of the road project.

All the same, analysts said that tangible efforts should be made to adopt modern waste treatment techniques in the FCT, insisting that filthy dumpsites are an anathema in contemporary waste management processes of the 21st Century civilisation.

“Investigations show that no fewer than five articulated vehicles are loaded with assorted items at the site daily. However, Malam Ahmad Sani, another worker at the site, stressed that they would have loved to be engaged in a more befitting vocation than scavenging for recyclable items at the waste dumpsite.”

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Healthy Living PRISCILLA, a 40-year-old public servant, has been living with asthma for the last 32 years.

When Priscilla was first diagnosed of asthma, her grandmother called her an ogbanje because of the way she struggles to breathe.

Narrating her story, Priscilla said that growing up was not easy, as she was hospitalised on several occasions.

She stressed that she had to consciously avoid cats, dust, fur and feathers, recalling that her contacts with such objects usually triggered asthma attacks.

Priscilla also recollected her harrowing experience while growing up, saying that she was usually isolated because other children avoided her like a leech, thinking that asthma was a contagious disease or some kind of epilepsy.

Besides, Temilade, a secondary school student, said that she could not participate in a lot of school activities because she was asthmatic.

She noted that her attacks could be very severe, adding that her condition often scared away some of her peers, particularly whenever she started coughing uncontrollably, gasping for breath.

The two cases aptly exemplify the plight of several other asthmatic children because of the general lack of awareness about the medical condition called asthma.

The Global Asthma Report 2011 says that asthma is a serious public health concern because of the fact that it is a chronic respiratory disease which affects not less than 235 million people worldwide.

Christophe Perrin, the Coordinator of Asthma Drug Facility (ADF), International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, said that the percentage of adults suffering from asthma had increased appreciably over the years.

Perrin added that the number of children and adolescents suffering from asthma had also increased significantly because more people were now coming forward for health checks for asthma.

Dr Yinka Ojugbele, a general physician, said that asthma or bronchial asthma was an allergic condition which affected people’s respiratory system.

He said that the allergy usually affected the airways of lungs, making the conduit to swell and become narrow, leading to wheezing, shortness

of breath, chest tightness and coughing.

Ojugbele stressed that asthma was usually triggered by certain factors such as rugs, pollens, dust, fur, food and extreme weather conditions, adding that these factors, however, varied from person to person.

“When asthmatic patients are exposed to such things, they have attacks and most of the time, these things are readily available in the house but they could be avoided,’’ he said.

Ojugbele explained that there were two categories of asthma, adding that these were extrinsic and atopic asthma.

Atopic asthma is common in children, while the intrinsic or non-atopic asthma usually affects adults.

According to the Global Asthma Report 2011, the less frequent causative factors are stress and certain foods, beverages or medicines, while the environmental risk factors include allergens such as dust mites, animal fur, pollen, mould and inhaled irritants like cigarette smoke, cooking fumes, vehicle exhaust fumes, cosmetics and aerosol sprays.

The report shows that the burden of asthma has been growing over the past 30 years, particularly in low- and middleincome countries, while people suffering from asthma were facing increased challenges.

Dr Regina Oladokun, a consultant paediatrician at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said that a study indicated that about seven per cent of Nigerian children were suffering from asthma.

She noted that due to the societal stigma attached to asthma, many parents often rejected asthma diagnosis for their children, even when presented with results of medical tests confirming it.

Besides, Oladokun noted that many asthma cases involving children in the country were often misdiagnosed in both private and public hospitals “Many asthma cases are misdiagnosed even by medical practitioners as bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis,’’ she added.

The consultant said that other challenges facing asthma control in Nigeria were the fact that many medical practitioners were not up-to-date in current asthma management procedures.

Oladokun also noted that some medical practitioners only attended to acute asthma cases, while refusing to follow up on

Addressing The Burden Of Asthma In Nigeria their patients’ repeated attacks.

Dr Olusoji Ige, the President of the UCH chapter of Nigeria Society for Asthmatics, said that majority of patients did not use inhaled corticosteroids, while others had limited access to such drugs because the medicines were not affordable.

‘The 2011 survey of selected essential asthma medicines

revealed that prices of inhaled corticosteroids remained high in many countries, while only a minority of countries had the inhaled corticosteroids on their essential drug list,’’ he added.

On the management of asthma, experts note that even

By OKEOGHENE OGHENEKARO though the condition is not curable; it can be effectively managed with existing medicines.

Perrin said that that the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease believed that it was very important for countries to have

“We also need to train more doctors, nurses and health care workers about how to identify, diagnose asthma patients and care for them. ‘’ Perrin added that education must be provided to people as to how to use inhalers and identify asthma symptoms.

He said that in managing

standard guidelines for asthma management.

“The medicine procurement system needs to be functional.

Proper prescription of medicines is also important to enable people to know what to use.

asthma, there were two groups of medicines that were basically required.

“Most of the people require bronchodilators, which are of course very important medicine but apart from that, what the Union is really trying to push forward in as many countries as possible and also through ADF are inhaled corticosteroids.

“Inhaled corticosteroids are the medicines which would help in healing the lungs of asthma patients because asthma is all about inflammation of the lungs; inhaled corticosteroids are the key medicines that would cure this inflammation.

“However, inhaled corticosteroids are not available in desired quantities in many countries such as India, Nigeria,

“According to the Global Asthma Report 2011, the less frequent causative factors are stress and certain foods, beverages or medicines, while the environmental risk factors include allergens such as dust mites, animal fur, pollen, mould and inhaled irritants like cigarette smoke, cooking fumes, vehicle exhaust fumes, cosmetics and aerosol sprays.”

Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe, according to a study we conducted.

“We need to ensure the availability and accessibility of affordable and quality medicines for all people with asthma,’’ Perrin added.

Nevertheless, Ojugbele stressed that teachers and parents had vital roles to play in managing asthmatic children.

“Most children with asthma or any other allergic disease tend to keep to themselves a lot because they see themselves as different from other children.

“It is important for their teachers and parents to encourage them; they should give such children the needed psychological and moral support,’’ he said.

All the same, experts insist that the best way to prevent asthma attacks is for patients to eat balanced diets, avoid exposure to trigger factors and avoid smoking.

They also stress that untreated and poorly managed asthma leads to suffering and diminished lives, also causing disabilities or even deaths.

20

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Focus Continued from pg 17

leading international financial analysis agency, Standard and Poor’s (S & P) in a report released recently. The long-term outlook for the state is revised upwards from last year rating of “Stable” to “Positive” on the strength of significant ongoing infrastructural investments (in roads, ICT, health care, education and urban renewal) and relentless efforts to transform the public finance framework. All this would help lift the state’s social and economic status in the long run. The agency in its 2012 credit analysis report on Rivers State, noted that the state currently had a high credit quality, owing to its strong cash holdings, low debt and a healthy operating balance.

More importantly, the state’s efforts towards modernising public sector administration, which included information technology upgrade and an improved transparency and accountability in administration is a plus to the administration. Standard and poor’s also noted that Rivers has a strong liquidity base with no substantial debt burden.

HOW HE IS LOVED IN RIVERS STATE To demonstrate on his acceptance by his people in Rivers State, he is a beneficiary of various traditional titles from most of the kingdoms in Rivers State though he hates to be addressed as a Chief and Patron to various professional groups in the State. His associates and friends in the State hold him in high esteem.

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, KING ALFRED DIETESPIFF the military Governor of the old Rivers State, from 1967 to 1975. He was also a member of the Supreme Military Council (SMC) under General Yakubu Gowon’s administration and currently, the Amayanabo of Toun Brass, Bayelsa State once stated and I quote, “Yes, I am attributed to be the father of the old Rivers State but without sounding immodest let me reiterate that Governor Amaechi can be described as the builder of the modern Rivers State if all the infrastructure he has put in are anything to go by. I am so proud of his feats and if he continues like this, Rivers State will be a proud state to all Nigerians”.

To PRINCE TONYE PRINCEWILL the scion of the King of the Kalabari Kingdom and an associate of the Governor but better addressed as the Prince of Niger Delta Politics while reacting to the Vanguard’s award to the Governor stated thus, “A good move. If he had listened to our advice he would have been winning it every year. The award should be seen not as just an achievement but as a signal that he is being watched.

Until he hands over power successfully to one accepted by the Rivers State people, he carries a powerful readership under his belt. As a guest writer with my own column in the Vanguard Newspapers, I believe I should know.

Amaechi is an asset to Nigeria and the world”.

ENGR. TELE IKURU, FNSE the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in his contribution titled “My Boss is Vanguard Personality of the Year stated and I quote, “God has been gracious to you so much that you have increasingly become an instrument of transformation, an icon of performance, a symbol of excellence in public service, and a refreshingly quintessential model for good governance. This is now public knowledge. The Vanguard Newspapers’ 2012 Personality of the Year Award is a testimonial to this fact”.

RT. HON. OTELEMABA DAN AMACHREE the amiable Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Principal officers, Members and entire staff of the Rivers State see Amaechi as a pace setter. To them the Governor have come a long way and his leadership style is worthy of emulation as his endless strides continue to speak for itself.

MR GEORGE D. N. FEYII the unassuming Secretary to the Rivers State Government in his well-advertised advertorial on the Governor’s feats stated and I quote, “Celebrating your leadership is a celebration of the landmark profile of your giant developmental strides in the new Rivers State. It is unarguably a moment to celebrate a phenomenon of our time; a man of distinction who has given so much to his people in infrastructural development, ethical reorientation and a sense of pride among the comity of states. Your doggedness, focus and track record of achievements are leadership qualities that have set you apart from the crowd”.

To DR DAWARI GEORGE one time Commissioner under the administration of Amaechi before becoming a member of the Federal House of Representatives, “Gov Amaechi has redefined governance. He has been able to reconcile leadership and compassion. A good heart he has. A workaholic, restless and impatient with d status quo, a man who left no one in doubt that he is in charge and able to mobilise all his followers behind a common vision for the future”.

To HON. CHIEF DAKUKU PETERSIDE a formidable force while holding forte as the Commissioner of Works under the administration of Governor Amaechi and currently the Chairman of the Downstream Committee of the Federal House of Representatives in his remarks stated, “It is an honour

Amaechi In The Eye Of The Storm... he truly deserves and rightly earned. Gov Amaechi without doubt has revolutionized the infrastructural landscape of Rivers State. The whole nation has come to acknowledge that he is the new gold standard in good governance. His democratic credentials are exemplary and above all his principled stand on issues stands him out. He taught us to always stand by the truth no

politics, HON. (CHF.) IKE CHINWO,KSC,FNIM one time member of the Federal House of Representatives and presently the National President of the UNIPORT Alumnus Associate, “Many may not know but let it be said loud and clear that what actually propelled Rotimi into politics was his worry about the high level of poverty and lack of development in the land

Gov Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State matter the inconvenience and that truth will always prevail.

We are indeed privileged to have studied at his feet and we are proud of his accomplishments”.

To DR TA M U N O I Y O R I A R I SAMPSON PARKER the Commissioner of Health, “we commend your efforts in repositioning the health sector through the building, equipping, and the staffing of hospitals, model primary health care centres, provision of drugs and other health facilities for the benefit of all residents in the state”.

To BARR ACHI WILLIAMS and other members of the PAN RIVERS LEADERSHIP NETWORK, an organisation set up by some of the best brains in Rivers State whose vision is for a better Rivers State in an advertorial signed by over 100 of its leaders stated thus – “Your Excellency, leadership is about influencing the thinking, behaviour and development of others. To us all, you are our leader as you have positively influenced our behaviour and thinking and we are delighted that your leadership qualities and contributions to nation building are being recognised nationally. To us, you are not just the Man of the Year; you are the Man of this Generation”.

Given an insight into what prompted Amaechi into

and the quest to ameliorate the situation among our people, the state, nation and humanity at large. From the projects and programmes he has initiated since he was elected as Governor and the passion with which he is vigorously pursuing them one can see the justification. So, I am not surprised about his achievements. I am convinced he will attract more laurels by his works”.

AMAECHI AS A NATIONAL FIGURE Apart from been a onetime Chairman of the Forum of Nigerian Speakers from 1999 to 2011 and currently the Chairman of the Forum of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, he was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate Degree from various Universities in Nigeria including the Usmanu Danfodiyo University of Sokoto. He is a holder of the Commander of the Order of Niger, CON and Man of the Year recipient of Sun, Leadership, Compass and recently Vanguard Newspaper.

The following comments by some outstanding Nigerians attest to the above.

Under an advertorial by 32 members of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly of Nigeria signed by Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, “Today as always, we rejoice with you, our worthy friend, a democrat, a patriotic Nigerian and an

epitome of good governance as you add another feather to your cap as Vanguard Man of the year 2012” and that signed by over 200 members of the Federal House of Representatives indicates the wide acceptance of Amaechi as the “Standard Torch Bearer” of a better Nigeria.

President Jonathan Goodluck had during a working visit to Rivers State to commission Owerri Road a Federal Government Road constructed by the Rivers State Government to ease the suffering of commuters at N45B, lay the foundation of the Adokie Amiesiemaka Stadium that has hosted a lot of International meets and the foundation of the Rivers State Monorail Initiative that is intended to revolutionize transportation in Rivers State and a challenge to other States of the federation, the commissioning of the Trans Amadi based Gas Turbine eulogized the Governor of Rivers State over his vision in the choice of projects that impacted positively on the people. President Jonathan hinted that the several road networks embarked upon by the Rivers State Government and the Monorail transport system planned by the government has significantly shown that the state is moving ahead, “beside the road network, I want to commend Governor Amaechi on the three major projects, the quality of Primary and Secondary Schools that we saw, as well as the Power Project that would aid Small Business Enterprises”.

To Prof. Tam David-West, “If you compare the administration of Odili and that of Amaechi, you will agree with me that the present administration under Amaechi has done in two years far more than what Odili did in eight years”.

To Governor Shekarau of Kano State who was in the State to witness some of the great feats of Amaechi remarked, “I feel highly fulfilled by coming here today to hear and see the dividends of democracy, as I urge Governor Amaechi to build more of such schools which he described as vehicle for change. But for time, I would have borrowed a leaf from Amaechi by replicating the quality of schools I have seen here in his state”.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L STATURE OF GOV AMAECHI To demonstrate the international posture of Rivers State and how the Governor has taken Rivers State to the outside world; he was one of three high profile speakers at this year’s Commonwealth

Observance day held at the Westminister Abbey in London. Governor Amaechi was invited to speak at this year’s Observance because of what was described as his “incredible achievements at the national level, personal commitment to policies that encourage enterprise and create opportunity and not least his personal engagement”.

Attesting to the international figure of this great gift to Nigeria by God, the former President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda during his visit to the State described the leadership of the Governor of Rivers State as a focused one. Dr. Kaunda noted that with the focused leadership of Governor Amaechi, Rivers State would continue to be of service to humanity for many years to come.

Following up, the Deputy Speaker of Ugandan Parliament and Chairperson of CWP Hon Rebecca Kadaga, lauded the developmental efforts and policies of Governor Amaechi especially those geared towards improving the lot of children and women, saying that the issues already canvassed confirm that what the CWP was set to achieve are already in place in Rivers State.

In appreciation to the great feats of Amaechi’s administration, the former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert stated recently that, “The impression I always get when I come to Africa is that these countries have enormous potential and your country and your State (Rivers) have enormous potential and I think that you happen to have at this time in history also, a dynamic, energetic and capable leadership that can make the dreams of building up the State into a reality of life for the 5.1 million residents in Rivers State that want their lives to be of much higher and greater quality.” Mr, Ehud enthused.

In extolling this great revolutionist, the United States Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins while exchanging ideas with some Journalists stated, “I must commend Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State for embarking on numerous people-oriented projects and showing enthusiasm on Niger delta issues. “We are very appreciative of all that Amaechi has done. we are quite clear that addressing the issues of the Niger Delta, the challenges require focusing on things like education development, agriculture, health, all sorts of issues, and the governor was kind enough to show us, on the ground, some of the projects the governmentContinues of Rivers on State is pg 24

21

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Archival Matters ANGER is a basic emotion of every living organism being part of our biological paraphrenalia.

Therefore, the issue is not exorcising it. You can never do so. If God with all his eternal perfection can be angry, is it man that will be anger free?

Certainly, no. This explains why our focus today should be anger management for productive ends. A lot of us have been able to do so, fortunately. Take the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Rev (Dr) Ignatius Kaigama, for instance. Reacting to the chilling bombing of St Finbars's Catholic church, Rayfield, Jos in 2012 he said: "If I were to give vent to my anger, what I will do here, none of you can do it.

But I tell myself to calm down. That God is in control. So my dear brothers and sisters evil has taken place but evil will not triumph".

Indeed, the Catholic Archbishop is a pacifist: Sadly enough, not many of us share his divine deology of neighbourliness. Hence, all the killings around the world where now for as little as 20 naira, a Nigerian policeman can kill. Beyond this trite motive for killing, the spur, urgency and frequency to kill as well as the macabre inhumanity of such killings is bloodcurdling.

Enter Nigeria. It has experienced its own share of killing sprees. Remember Dele Giwa. On October 19, 1986 he was blown to death by a letter bomb while at his breafast table with his colleague Kayode Soyinka.

Similarly, elder statesman Alfred Rewane was killed in his home by gunmen, still at large today, during the Abacha dictatorship.

Imagine, an old man in his

The Chechnya Paradigm eighties was shot dead without remorse.

Then in 2005, six Nigerians enjoying nightlife fun in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja were sent to their early graves allegedly by police bullets. Till date, the trial of the policemen, who killed them, is still on. Again one recalls that sometimes in 1999 at Odi in Rivers State youths killed 12 policemen sent to keep the peace there . In response, the federal government sent an expedition force to Odi on November 20, 1999.

The result? Odi was wiped out from the world map.

Balance of terror. Still more killings.

Dateline: December 27, 2012.

Because of a land dispute, a community leader was abducted in Eziali-Mgbidi in Imo State by a criminal gang of five. Subsequently, he was buried alive at Ozara a neighbouring village!!

Don't forget that it was in the same 2012 that Miss Cynthia Osukogu was drugged, raped and then strangled to death in a hotel in Lagos. A facebook murder? Yes, it was.

The year 2013 in Nigeria wasn't any different . There were killings. Left, right and centre, also. On January 18, 2013 two killings occur.

Firstly, three body guards of Alhaji , Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano, were killed when unknown gunmen attacked his convoy while he was returning from an Islamic quiz contest at 10.30am. On that same day, two soldiers were dispatched to the great beyond when vehicles

By MICHAEL ODIGBE conveying soldiers up North were ambushed at Okene by gunmen. Civilians have now trained themselves to attack and kill soldiers!!

A day later, over 18 corpses were found afloat Amansea

State on December 30, 2012 the sect bound up 15 men, women and children.

Thereafter, they slit their throats as rancuous shouts of "Allahu Akbar" rent the eerie air. This scene

River bordering Enugu and Anambra state. The corpses were tied to logs. No bullet wounds were found on their bodies. A ransom of N5million naira was offered for information to find killers. But till date none of them has been arrested.

Boko Hara!!! Killing, maiming and destruction of peoperty as well as the institutionalization of a climate of morbid terror have been professionalised by the Islamic sect. At Musan village in Borno

bespeaks the wizardous insensitivity of killers who are nothing but mentally deranged human cannon let loose by Belzebub on mother earth.

Every person is game for Boko Haram.

No discrimination. Hence on February 7, 2013 the sect killed 8 health workers carrying out polio vaccination in Kano.

Meanwhile, Global Polio Eradication Initiative dismal rating in polio control. It told us that the country

“Indeed, the Catholic Archbishop is a pacifist: Sadly enough, not many of us share his divine deology of neighbourliness. Hence, all the killings around the world where now for as little as 20 naira, a Nigerian policeman can kill. Beyond this trite motive for killing, the spur, urgency and frequency to kill as well as the macabre inhumanity of such killings is blood-curdling.”

recorded 121case of polio that year in contrast to the scores of Pakistan (58) and Afghanistan (37) which has been at war since 2001 unlike Nigeria.

Come April 22, 2013 the sect attacked and killed a soldier on a multi-national joint patrol team in Baga, a border town in Borno State.

A shoot -out ocured leading to the loss of 185 civilian lives among other casualties.

When you turn your gaze

paralympic competition reportedly shot at his girlfriend Reeva Stseenkamp thrice through the bathroom door "mistaking her for an intruder". And, so on Valentina's Day, the lady died, killed by her own boyfriend in his home.

At this juncture, one has established with facts that there is a cluge of killings all over the world. So, what is the way out? The

abroad, the canvas is equally painted red with human blood. First port of call is America. In November 2012 a mentally -sick youth gunned down 26 American citizens without any provocation. After a month of this incident, available statistics revealed that over 9000 Americans have been killed by insane gun wielders.

Iraq invaded by American in 2003, has never know peace since then. No month passes without bad news of killings filling the airwaves.

On January 22, 2013 for instance Iraq recorded 16 persons killed all over the country. How about Tunisia? In this nation, an opposition leader Chokri Belaid was killed in front of his home on the 6th of February 2013 in cold blood.

Now, let's turn our attention to South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, a double amputee who ran in the 2012 London

Chechnya president Ramaza Kadyrov has the answer. Here it is While commenting on the Boston Marathon Bombings in April 2013 that were traced to his countrymen Tamerian and Dzezokhar Tsamaevs :"Any attempts to link the Tsamaevs with Chechnya are in vain. They grew up in America and their views and beliefs were formed there.

One therefore needs to seek the roots of evil in America….."

Behold, the Chechya paradigm for seeking a solution to our diarrhoeic killing urge in the world. If we follow the paradigm;s cue we will discover that bad parenting is ultimately responsible for killer living next door to us. Teach a child to love his neighbour and he will not grow up with a hate ideology to take his life. A mango tree brings forth only mango fruits.

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Science

Characteristics Of Living Things Contd from last week

THE entire world we live in is Composed of living and non-living things. We can easily differentiate between living and non-living things non-living things includes umbrells, keys, moon, soil, ruler etc while man, frogs plants are all living things.

Substances that make up these living things are gotten directly or indirectly from either water air and soil which are non-living. This has brought about a close relationship between living and non-living things.

Only living things, carry oil all the processes of living things which are as below.

MOVEMENT All living things have the tendency to move either their whole or part of the their body. The reason beside this, is that they are in search of food, shelter, mate and escape from enermies plants are fixed to the ground but are able to move the shoot and roots, opening and closing of some flowers and leaves.

Some non-living things are able to move. Air moves in the form winds, water in the form of currents. All these are caused by external factors while in living things, structures in and flagella.

RESPIRATION This is the breakdown of food substances within the cells of the body to release energy. This energy released allows the organism to carry out its life processes.

NUTRITION Food is needed by all living organisms to provide them with chemical energy for work, growth and repair of worn out cell.

IRRITABILITY It is the ability of living things to respond to changes in external and internal stimuli like light, water, sound, temperature, hunger, chemical and physical substance for example when you mistakingly touch a hot object, you quickly withdraw your hand, the hot object is the stimulus. Shoots of green plants bend towards source of light, white roots bend towards source of water.

GROWTH All living things increase in size, weight and complexity due to the synthesis of fresh protoplasm from nutrient materials.

EXCRETION This is the removal of metabolic waste product from the body of the organism If these waste remain in the body, the organism will die.

REPRODUCTION All living things must reproduce their same kind for the continuation of life. This could be done either Sexually or Asexually.

LIMITED SIZE All living things grow to a specific size in life; no matter whatever they take for example. A goat can never grow to the size of a cow, no matter how well you feed it.

LIFE SPAN All living things have a definite life span no organism lives forever for example dogs do not exceed fifteen years of age.

COMPETITION Living things compete amongst themselves for survival. They can either compete for light, space, water, food and mates.

ADAPTATION What makes an organism to live successfully in its environment is

known as Adaptation. All living things have to adapt to certain conditions in their environment in order for them to survive.

CLASSIFICATION OF LIVING THINGS KINGDOMS, MONERA, PROTISTA AND FUNGI, PLANTAW AND ANIMALIA All living things are classified into these five kingdoms as below: Monera Protista Fungi Plantae and Animalia KINGDOM MONERA They are the most simplest living organism. They are small and made up of a single prokaryotic cell that is enclosed within a rigid cell wall. Their cell structure is simple with no definite nucleus with the chromosome lying at a free particular part of the cell. Examples are bacteria, blue-green algae.

The blue green algae are found mostly in fresh water and damp places on land locations. They exist as single cells or as colonies.

They are able to manufacture their own food because they contain chlorophyll, even when they mask with either, blue, yellow, brown and red pigment that overshadows the green colour, which has earned them their name. Examples of blue green algae include nostoc, Oscillatoria and Anabaena CHARACTERISTICS OF ALGAE 1. They are simple plants without roots, stems, and leaves.

2. All have chlorophyll, but some mask the chlorophyll with either blue, yellow brown and red pigments.

3.They are mainly aquatic with a few on damp soils and shady places.

4. Majority are non cellular, while a few are multicellules.

KINGDOM PROTISTA They are unicellular organisms that are made up of Eucayotic cells.

The cells here have a complex cell structure well defined nucleus and are bigger than the prokaryotic cell.

“Substances that make up these living things are gotten directly or indirectly from either water air and soil which are nonliving. This has brought about a close relationship between living and non-living things.�

With OYAKHILOME CLEMENTINA They are found in moist places, body fluids, waters - rivers, seas, body fluids of living organisms. They can move with the aid of a flagella or cilia or forming pseudopodia, which are false feet as well as finger-like projections.

KINGDOM FUNGI Mushrooms, toad stools, breed moulds and slime moulds are examples found here. The one motile, meaning they can move, only the slime mould are non-motile. They have no chlorophyll therefore, they cannot manufacture their own food. They are mostly saprophytes meaning they feed on dead decaying organic matter. They cause diseases to plants.

They reproduce by spores (asexual) and sexually.

CHARACTERISTICS OF FUNGI They are single celled (unicellular) e.g. yeast, some are multicellular with filament known as hyphae e.g. Phizopus.

2.They do not possess chlorophyll, some may be saprophyte e.g.

Rhizopus or parasitic e.g. Rhizopus or parasitic e.g. puccinia.

3. They have cellulose cellwalls or carbohydrate cell walls.

4. They can reproduce sexually and asexually.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF FUNGI 1.They destroy our food.

2. They are used to produce important antibiotics.

3. The mushrooms are edible foods used in our meals.

4. They are used in fermentation process like wine making, bread brewing a raising agent and baking of breed.

5. They improve soil fertility and recycle inorganic materials by decomposing them.

6. They cause diseases to our crop plant.

KINGDOM PLANTAE All green plants belong to the kingdom plantae, those that produce flowers are angiosperms. They can manufacture their own food, because they contain chlorophyll.

They cannot move from one place to another, but can move some parts of their body like moving towards light, a process known as phototropism.

They are therefore non-motile.

They are multicellular organisms, because they have more than one cell, they have a cellulose cell wall that has lignin.

The plant kingdom is further divided as below: a.Schizophytes e.g. bacteria b. Thallophytes e.g. fungi, algae c. Bryophgtes e.g. mosses and liverwort d. Pteridophytes e.g. ferns e. Spermatophytes, seed plants (1) Cymnosperms e.g. non floweing plants (2) Anglosperms e.g. flowering plants.

THE SNAIL They are found in damp places.

1.The body is massive.

2. It has a shell that houses the soft body.

3. The body has a heed and a flat foot.

4. The head bears two pairs of tentacles.

5. It has a pair of eyes on stalks.

6. It has a mouth with a pair of jaws.

7. The soft part of the body is covered with a slimmy substance to keep it moist.

THE FISH Two types of fish exist, we have the cartilaginous and bony fish.

Examples of cartilaginous fish are shark, dogfish and sting ray while bony fishes comprises of Tilapia, Catfish, electric fish, goldfish, mackerel and guppy.

EXTERNAL FEATURES OF TILAPIA 1.It has a streamline body, without any neck.

2. There is cycloid scales that covers the entire body.

3. The colours is grey in colour.

4. The mouth is terminal and bears teeth.

5. It has a pair of nostrils on the head for detecting smell.

6. It has literal lines on each part of the body to detect vibration and changes in the pressure of the water.

7. It has fins for locomotion, it has pectoral and pelvic fins for steering and balancing and tail fin for properling itself.

THE FROG The body is divided into head and trunk.

The head has a (1) wide mouth (2) A tongue (3) a pair of nostrils (4) a large bulging eyes (5) Two eyelids and a third nictitating transparent membrane (6) A poison gland.

THE TRUNK 1.It has two short limbs (2) two long hindlimbs (3) A cloaca 4. Dry warty rough loose end and grayish brown skin.

5. The skin prevents evaporation.

MOSSES (FUNARIA) They have erect stem with slender stem with many leaves arising from it.

The leaves are one cell thick with simple structures. They grow in damp places on land. They have rhizoids, which are false roots that performs the job of a root and grows into the soil from the base of the stem.

The rhizoids which acts as roots are used for anchorage and for the absorption of water and mineral salts. They lack cuticle.

The rhizoids, stem and leaves form the gemetophyte which alternates with the sporophyte resulting in alternation of generations.

THE FERN (DRYOPTERIS) They are perennials with underground rhizomes. Rhizomes grow horizontally beneath the ground from the rhizones the leaves arise from the buds, the leaves are feather-like with pinnate arrangement and circinate venation. Venation is the arrangement of veins on the leaf.

They have true roots that come out from the rhizome. They have adventitious roots, which have long slender and equal in size. They have monocotyledonous stem and parallel leaf venation. The roots are very strong and help keep the plant firmly to the soil. They also

23

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Entertainment

Why Nigerian Artistes Are Unstable FOR some years now, the Nigerian entertainment industry has experienced tremendous growth. The movie industry in Nigeria popularly called Nollywood has experienced growth in the level of production. Producers now shoot their film with high definition cameras. Films like ‘Ije’ and ‘fi gunine’ have attracted international recognition. The comedy industry is not left behinds and rib cracking jokes. But of them all, the Nigerian music industry has been the most impressive, leap forging its African Counterpart.

The industry still promises to expand as more record labels emerge. Such record labels are saddled with the responsibility of identifying and nurturing up coming acts. This labels accommodates the ever growing list of artists and lunch them into the global music world.

Artistes have been reported to have walkedout on their record labels in recent times in search of new labels for reasons best known to them.

The industry still promises to expand as more record labels emerge. Such record labels are saddled with the responsibility of identifying and nuturing up coming acts.

This labels accommodates the ever growing list of artists and lunch them into the global; music world.

Separation between artist and their record labels usually takes two forms: oneparty withdrawer, where an artiste decides to leave the record label. He simply walks off on the label or the label drops the artist. Mutual separation, where the artist and record label decides to part ways probably when the artist has sign out his contract.

Numerous artist have decided to toll this line, and have either walked out or mutually terminated their contract.

Dbanj Notable amongst such artist is the koko master himself Mr. Dayo Oyebanjo aka Dbang Dabnj parted ways with his good friend and business partner Don Jazzy in what we were made to believe was in amicable terms.

It lead to the folding up of mo-hits records which was owned by the pair. It was reported in some quarters that D’bay wanted to remain the number one artists after seeing his position devalued by the signing of wande coal and D’ Prince. He has founded his own record label called Db records. K-switch (Dbani younger brother J-sol are some of the artistes signed to the label.

B-Red Davido’s Cousin B-Red was also some time reported to have left HKN Label in March this year. His reason for leaving was reported to be

that he felt HKN record label was not committed in helping him attain spotlight because of the presence of Davido as the Main artist.

But he has recently come out before cameras to debunk the claims that he had dumped the label because of a feud and Sina Rambo have against Davido and his brother Wale Adeleke.

Jesse “Abaga” Jagz Jesse Jags, the younger brother of MI Abaga has recently declared he dropped out of chocolate city record label and he has started his own label called JAGZ NATION. JESE “Abaga” Jagz who was responsible for producing the labels biggest hit single.

Oleku by Ice Prince, has some songs to his credit under Chocolate city., which include “Wetin dey”. His elder brother M.I (Jude Abaga) C.E.O loppy records and Ice Prince have voice their best wishes for him.

Wizkid (Ayo Balogun) One of Nigeria fastest rising stars of recent time Wizkid left EME records in February. EME whuch is CoOwned by the duo of Bankole “Banky W” Wellington and Tunde Demuren were said to have dissatisfied Wizkid with the new contract that was presented to him. Wizkid formerly Operates a contract that was 50, 25, 25 sharing formula. 50% for the label, 25% for himself and 25% for his manager Osagie. Wizkid has long sacked his manager and employes Godwin, M. I former manager. It was reported that EME still want Wizkid vehemently rejected.

This led to his leaving EME to flaunt his own record label called “STAR BOY” which has hit making producer Maleek Berry under its fold. But Wizkid has being reported to have settled with his EME (empire mates Entertainment) bosses MAY D May D also had a business romance with Square record which is owned by the twin singing sensation of P square and their elder brother Jude Okoye. May D left the label in unfriendly circumstance to fault his own label called confam entertainment Olamide The Yoruba speaking rapper Olamide is now running his own record label called YBNL nation. He was formerly with Tunes Owned by I.D cabasa and he was also formerly managed by Toni Payne management. He did not give any concrete reason why he left Codede tunes.

But he is reportedly doing fine and his being managed

by Tony Nwakalor management.

Turface Idibia Former member of the defunct platashun boiz. Tuface had a brief spell with Kennis

By OGBOLU OSHOGWE GEORGE music owned by Kenny Ogunugbe and his partner Dayo Adeneye aka DI. Tufac who recently got married parted ways mutually with Kennis music to kick start his own Hypertek records which has up coming artistes Dammy krane and Rock steady.

When an individual or group start record label he is expected to be able to nuture the artist and project

on the level of his literacy.

The deal can be 70-30 talking about the sharing formula of how much they make from the artist. But if the artiste negotiates well, the recording contract can be 6040 which talks about his entitlement (The record label takes the higher percentage).

If it is not 60-40, then it is 55-45 which is the standard in developed countries”.

Having sited examples of

thereby neglecting other artistes under it fold. This would reduce the trust such artiste has for his label.

A critical case was the reported disagreement B-Red had with his HKN recording company. Speaking further Barrister Akinyemi said “it behaoova the recording label to help the artistes to realize his potentials before moving to the next level. Some recording labels are doing just fine but some can be said to be reaping off their talented artistes and this breeds lacks

Edem Duke, Minister of Culture and Tourism him to global audience in order for the said artiste to be a success and gain enormous profit. This is also down to the kind of contract signed by the artiste. According to entertainment Lawyer, Barrister Akinyemi”. The recording label determines the artiste worth in their own estimation.

A record label is normally aimed at developing the talent of an artiste and Weighs his contract by it, depending

artistes and explaining the various contractual agreement it is important to explain why various artist drop their record label for another or establish their own.

Absence of total trust When an agreement is reached and trust does not exist, it is only a matter of time before such agreement crumbles. A particular record label may solely focus it resources on one artist that generates money for them

of trust which in turn causes conflicts that makes a musician leave his record label or seek to terminate his recording contract due to one reason or the other”.

Financial Problem With money constantly being pumped into the music industry by the government, cooperate bodies individuals and fans, this has resulted in a crumble between artiste and record label alike to make the excessive profit. When a la-

bel can no longer guarantee the financial success of an artist. Such artist tend to shift camp for greener pastures.

To this regard Akinyemi noted “ The major issue confronting many record labels in Nigeria is the issue of money and how much, the artiste is suppose to make from his work and this is based on the pre-existing contract if there is any. If an artiste feels being cheated he may get to the point that he has no choice than to walk out of the record label that he or she is involved with.

On the other side, the record label can deem it fit to terminate the contract with the musician if they have a reason to doubt his loyalty to the company like any corporate firm. This happens a lot in our music industry and the onus is on the artiste to be loyal to his or her contract with the label.

Unachieved goals When a record label is dropped by an artiste it might be because of what the artist expected to get from the label, he or she did not get.

Basically when an artiste is left behind by his pairs, he would strive to regain his footing thereby leaving his label for pastures anew. Even recording companies can terminate the contract of an artist if he does not meet up to expectation on “most of the times, it centres on the expectation on either the part of the artiste or the owner of the record label.

If the record label does not live up to the expectation of the musician. Say in three years, they promise him or her an album and a concert tour to follow but the label does not live to the promise, this can make the artiste to leave the record label and you can see a lot of this happening in our music industry.

Another issue from the point of the musician is when you are not promoting my music, you are not ensuring my productions are coming out in commensurate to what the artiste feel he can offer.

This can cause the artistes to walk out on his existing contract because he feel another company can offer him what he desires”.

“With money constantly being pumped into the music industry by the government, cooperate bodies individuals and fans, this has resulted in a crumble between artiste and record label alike to make the excessive profit. When a label can no longer guarantee the financial success of an artist. Such artist tend to shift camp for greener pastures.”

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Focus Continued from pg 20

working on, so we are very deeply appreciative of his support”.

RIVERS STATE AND INTERNATIONAL MEETS The results of the peaceful state of Rivers State under the watch of Gov Amaechi has resulted not only the attraction of foreign investments but today Port Harcourt is now the haven of both International and National championships. Apart from hosting one of the best organised National Sports Festival ever in Nigeria, the just concluded School Sports and the Police Games by March 2013. Port Harcourt apart from Abuja and probably Lagos is the only State to have hosted US-Nigeria biennial National Conference, Pan African Parliamentary; Garden City Literary Festival, hosted CARNRIV involving several foreign countries to showcase the rich culture, potentials and beauty of her people, the 2nd Dr Claude Ake Memorial Lecture, Rivers State Investment Forum and Governor’s Interactive Session with Rivers State Youths.

Apart from the above other major events hosted by Rivers State include the ION Film Festival where the world best Film Producers were feted with the hospitality of Rivers State,

Miss ECOWAS Pageant, Garden City Literary Festival, Guild of Editors, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), a trade delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on an enlighten mission for private companies within the South-South zone on how to access business opportunities available within the ECOWAS sub region among many other major events hosted by the Rivers State Government. The State is the UNESCO’s World Book Capital 2014. What a feat and what an accomplishment.

HONOURS AND JUSTIFICATION OF MANDATE Governor Amachi got the Sun Newspaper Man of the Year Award in 2007 and the Compass Newspaper Award for Security in 2008. The Governor of the year 2009 Award was presented to Governor Amaechi at the ‘Leadership Award for Excellence – 2009’ chaired by former Head of State of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd) in Abuja.

He was also conferred with the prestigious “SERA’s” award for his contributions towards the social development of Rivers State, in line with the objectives of the

Millennium Development Goals (MDG), especially in the areas of Health and Education.

SOLUTION TO THE POOR LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE OF NIGERIA Barr Olkayo Ajulo in his article titled “Leadership Crisis and the future of the Nigerian Youths” he listed the woes that have befallen our nation.

According to this erudite writer, “To state it more clearly, everything that is synonymous with underdevelopment is synonymous with Nigeria. Our hospitals have become mortuaries due to lack of equipment, drugs and personnel; our universities lack the adequate facilities for adequate manpower training and development and the graduates of these universities are now regarded as halfbaked; our transport system have gone moribund – our roads are riddled with potholes and our airspace is unsafe to fly with incessant crashes; there is high rate of unemployment; insecurity of lives and properties has become the norm; there is no power to drive our industries making investment difficult and occasioning industries to close shop. These and many others may have propelled the description of Nigeria as a failed state”. What may have

caused all these woes, Barr Ajulo came up with an answer, “On the whole, we have produced leaders that have failed the nation in its cry for development, leaders who in recent times have been described as accidental public servants being unprepared for leadership. The failure of the leadership at all levels of government to coordinate, direct and harness the human and material resources of the country accounts for the Nigeria’s underdevelopment today. But must we as a nation continue like this?” Can we continue in this current state of mismanagement and plundering of our natural resources? We obviously cannot forge ahead like this”.

Yes, we cannot continue like this as the former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) has an answer to that malaise of poor leadership in Nigeria.

According to him, the winner of the Vanguard Personality of the Year Award 2012, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the governor of Rivers State and the runner-up, Group Managing Director (GMD), Access Bank, Mr. AigImoukhuede, are two gentlemen that represent the normative order of a new generation leadership

International

orientation that is anchored on love for country, service delivery and patriotism. “In fact, given their humanity, there is nothing extra-ordinary about their creation but there is something, extra-ordinary about their leadership emanations. For example, Governor Amaechi is not just a governor in whom I am well pleased, but one that has been able to make a bold impression about promise and performance, in a Nigerian political space that is grappling with challenges of development and good governance. Amaechi has been involved in scholarship programmes for Rivers State students some of whom Amaechi also sent to schools up North for foundational studies in the spirit of national integration.

“His conviction that the federating units in the country should be allowed to enjoy some level of independence and exploit their comparative advantages often gets him into trouble, understandably so.

With leaders who are brutally frank about issues and the politics of transition, leaders who are driven by their conviction like Amaechi and Aig-Imoukhuede, Nigeria still has tremendous hope. We must make the votes count in order

to produce leaders such as Governor Amaechi. I do not envy him. With leaders who are brutally frank about issues and the politics of transition, leaders who are driven by their convictions like Amaechi and Aig-Imoukhuede, Nigeria still has tremendous hope”. With all the above submissions, I agree vehemently with General Babangida in his wise counsel to Nigerians on Amaechi CONCLUSION In conclusion, let me assume that most of the travails of Gov Amaechi are political because of his beliefs and political calculations come 2015 but if I may ask, what is wrong seeing the credentials and feats of this visionary leader from offering himself to higher responsibility in the leadership of this country?

This brings in Prof Tam David-West once again.

According to him, Amaechi’s “orchestrated travails though unfortunate is “Nigerian paradox “where excellence is relegated and mediocrity is elevated”. If I may ask, must we continue to promote mediocrity in our leadership sphere and allow our nation to continue to bleed? The choice is ours!

Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt

Compiled By EDOBOR HARRISON

Rapes On Rise In Somali And, Say Medical Officials MOGADISHU - An upsurge of gang rapes has hit the breakaway region of Somaliland - a normally peaceful enclave considered by many to be a sanctuary from Somalia's decades of violence.

Knife-wielding young men follow women along the dusty streets of Hargeisa, the capital of the region, dragging them inside buildings to rape and rob them.

Children are among the victims.

At least 84 women have been raped since the beginning of this year, according to rights activists and medical officials.

"This year is more terrifying than last year when we were barely receiving two or three in each month. This year we are seeing a new victim for every day," said a nurse at a hospital in Hargeisa. She insisted on anonymity because she is not authorized to release the details.

"It's rampant and victims are being attacked at homes, streets or anywhere now," she said.

The northern region of Somaliland declared independence from the rest of Somalia in 1960, but it has not won international recognition as an independent state. Having escaped decades of conflict in Somalia, Somaliland employs its own security and police forces, justice system and currency. It is seen by some neighboring countries as a bulwark against terrorism. It also has a reputation

for successfully maintaining law and order for its population of 3.5 million.

The outbreak of gang rapes in Somaliland began early this year and has surprised local residents who blame gangs of young men.

Confronted by the spate of attacks, police have arrested dozens of suspects, but the rapes continue on Hargeisa's streets and in back roads.

Some of the victims were beaten while others suffered stabbings by the gangs. This could dent the women's freedom in Somaliland where they can drive and exercise many freedoms. Many women do not wear the veil in public.

But now some religious leaders suggest that women remain closer to their homes to avoid the rapes.

"This is in fact a horrible outbreak, raped and bleeding children are being brought into hospitals every day," said Nimo Hussein Qowdhan, Somaliland's deputy health minister. "It's becoming out of control. We must concentrate on fighting it."

Two young children were recent victims of the gang-rape attacks, said officials.

"It's a disturbing development, even children are being raped by criminals," said Fathia Hussein Ahmed, chairwoman of Somaliland's national human rights

commission. "According to a report we have made, children are the most affected."

She said rapes continue to haunt victims, as many women are shunned by some communities after being raped by gangs. Some

are divorced by their husbands because of the rapes.

"We are creating awareness among local communities to illustrate the negative impact of rape," she said.

The sexual attacks have brought the long-taboo subject into street conversations and have provoked calls for a new approach toward rapists, instead of the traditional clan-related legal solutions. Clan elders often

Best Mother’s Day’ever For Mother Of Freed Cleverland Captive CLEVELAND - The mother of Gina DeJesus is celebrating the "best Mother's Day" ever after her daughter was freed with three other captives last week from a long imprisonment in a Cleveland home.

DeJesus, 23, Amanda Berry, 27, and Berry's 6-year-old daughter were welcomed into their family homes last week after an escape and rescue from the dungeon-like house.

"This is the best Mother's Day I could ever have," said Nancy Ruiz when asked by a reporter last week how this year's celebration of motherhood would differ from those during the nine years her daughter was missing after she vanished while walking home from junior high school.

Mother's Day has a changed meaning for Berry, who during 10 years in captivity lost her mother and conceived and bore her own child, who DNA indicates was fathered by accused kidnapper Ariel Castro, police and prosecutors said.

There was no homecoming for the fourth captive, Michelle

Knight, 32, the longest-held, who slipped into seclusion after being released from a hospital on Friday. She shunned hospital visits from family members, some of whom believed she was a runaway when she disappeared 11 years ago after losing custody of her young son, her grandmother said.

The Cuyahoga County prosecutor is seeking murder charges, which could carry the death penalty, against Castro, 52, a former school bus driver who police said induced several miscarriages by beating and starving Knight.

Castro is being held on $8 million bail on charges he kidnapped and raped the three women while keeping them locked up in a rundown Cleveland home stocked with ropes and chains.

Knight was kidnapped in 2002 at the age of 20; Berry in 2003 the day before her 17th birthday; and DeJesus in 2004, when she was 14. Castro forced Knight to deliver Berry's daughter, and he threatened to kill Knight if the

baby died, according to a police report.

Berry told police her escape had been her first chance to break free in the 10 years she was held, seizing an opportunity during Castro's momentary absence. With the help of neighbors, she and her daughter broke free, and police freed the other two women.

The community has rallied around the women, with offers of help pouring in from around the world and people offering cash, furniture and even use of a vacation home to help them rebuild their lives.

Three members of the Cleveland City Council have set up a fund to provide financial assistance to the women.

"It's a big healing process that is beginning," Councilwoman Dona Brady said on Saturday.

Since it was established last week, the fund has raised more than $50,000, said Cleveland Councilman Brian Cummins, who helped arrange the Cleveland Courage Fund, which

let off rapists with softer punishments. In Somaliland, it is common for the clans to make their own rulings to evade harsher sentences from the government judiciary.

Senator: Obama Should Apologise For IRS Targeting WASHINGTON - A Republi-

can senator says she's disappointed that President Barack Obama hasn't personally condemned the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of conservative political groups during the 2012 election.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine says Obama "needs to make crystal clear that this is totally unacceptable."

The agency blames low-level employees and says no senior officials were aware of the extra scrutiny to see if conservative groups were violating their taxexempt status.

But a draft of a watchdog's report obtained Saturday by The Associated Press says senior officials knew agents were targeting tea party groups as early as 2011.

Collins tells CNN's "State of the Union" she doesn't "buy that this was a couple of rogue IRS employees."

She says the targeting is "absolutely chilling" and contributes to the public's "distrust" in gov-

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International

Compiled By EDOBOR HARRISON

Egypt’s Mubarak Talks For First Time Since Detention

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron meets guests at a reception for delegates of the Global Investment Conference, at St James's Palace in central London recently.

CAIRO - In his first comments to the media since he was detained more than two years ago, Egypt's ousted leader Hosni Mubarak said he is dismayed at the country's state of affairs and particularly the plight of the poor.

The 85-year old Mubarak said in remarks published yesterday in Al-Watan newspaper that it is also too early to judge his elected successor, Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, because he has a heavy burden to deal with.

He also warned against a muchnegotiated loan from the International Monetary Fund, saying it would make life harder for the poor in Egypt, where over 40 percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day.

The authenticity of the interview could not be immediately verified. Calls by

The Associated Press to Mubarak's lawyer Farid ElDeeb went unanswered, but he was quoted as telling Ahram Online, the electronic version of the state-owned Al-Ahram, that the interview was a "fabrication."

Al-Watan's reporter, Mohammed el-Sheik, took photos of himself near and inside Mubarak's medical helicopter, without the ex-leader inside. ElSheik said he conducted the interview after sneaking into a waiting area where Mubarak was held during his trial Saturday, apparently before the hearing began.

He also told the private ONTV station yesterday that he couldn't record the interview because he had to avoid Mubarak's tight security.

Mubarak has been a longtime nemesis of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group from which Morsi hails. In his comments to the privately owned Egyptian paper published yesterday, Mubarak appeared to be gloating, painting a picture of a nation that has unraveled position in the European Union following his 2011 ouster and but my preference is for a change portraying himself as a protector in Britain's relationship with the European Union," said Gove, seen as a possible rival to Cameron.

"Life outside would be perfectly tolerable, we could contemplate it, ANKARA -Turkish Prime there would be certain advantages."

Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Cameron came to power in a says Turkey will not fall for a coalition with the pro-Europe "dirty scenario" and be dragged Liberal Democrats in 2010 with a into the conflict with Syria. plea to his party to "stop banging Erdogan was speaking on about Europe" - a squabble that helped to bring down his yesterday, a day after two car predecessors Margaret Thatcher bombings in a town near the Syrian border killed 46 people and John Major.

Cameron Faces Growing Party Splits Over Europe LONDON - A senior British minister said he would support an exit from the European Union if there were a vote on the issue, as Prime Minister David Cameron faces a revolt over Europe from lawmakers in his own party.

Up to 100 eurosceptic Conservative members of

parliament are expected to back an amendment this week criticizing the legislative plans unveiled by the coalition government last Wednesday because they did not include a bill for a referendum on Britain's continued EU membership.

Ministers have been ordered not to join the rebels but will be

Second French Coronavirus Case Confirmed PARIS - A second diagnosis of the new SARS-like coronavirus has been confirmed in France, the Health Ministry said, in what appeared to be a case of humanto-human transmission.

The new infection was found in a 50-year-old man who had shared a hospital room with France's only other known sufferer, the ministry said in a statement.

Health experts are concerned about clusters of the new coronavirus strain, nCoV, which was first spotted in the Gulf and has spread to France, Britain and Germany.

There has so far been little evidence of direct and sustained human-to-human transmission of nCoV - in contrast to the pattern seen in the related Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

virus, which killed 775 people in 2003.

The first nCoV case in France, confirmed on May 8, is a 65-yearold man who fell ill after returning from Dubai late last month.

Both French patients are in hospital in the northern city of Lille, where the younger man was transferred to intensive care yesterday as his breathing deteriorated.

His case suggests that airborne transmission of the virus is possible, though still unusual, said Professor Benoit Guery, head of the Lille hospital's infectious diseases unit.

"Fortunately, this remains a virus that is not easily transmitted," Guery told the BFMTV channel. "I don't think the public should be concerned it has been out there for a year and we have 34 cases globally."

allowed to abstain, a sign of the extent of the divisions that have dogged Cameron's party for decades.

Three senior ministers, including Education Secretary Michael Gove, said yesterday they were ready to abstain.

Gove went further, becoming the most senior Conservative figure to publicly confirm that he would back Britain's withdrawal from the European Union if there were a vote based on the current terms of the relationship.

"I'm not happy with our

Turkey Says It Won’t Be Drawn Into Syria Conflict

Benghazi Police Bombed For Second Time In 3 Days BENGHAZI, Libya - Two more police stations were attacked in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi in the early hours yesterday morning, the local council said, after two others were bombed on Friday.

The attacks are the latest signs of insecurity in Libya's second city, birthplace of the uprising that toppled the dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Nearly two years after his fall, rebel groups that helped to overthrow him are still refusing to disband and remain a more visible presence on the streets than the state security forces.

"We are not satisfied with the performance of the Ministry of Interior," said Osama Al Sharif, Benghazi's local council spokesman. "And especially with the leadership of

Benghazi's police."

The recent violence against diplomats, military and police includes an attack in September that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.

This week, diplomats began to withdraw from the capital Tripoli, where security took a turn for the worse in late April when armed groups seized two ministries for about a fortnight to press demands on parliament.

Bangladesh Arrests Top Islamist Leader On War Crimes Charged DHAKA - Bangladeshi security forces arrested the leader of the country's biggest Islamist party on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, a senior police official said.

AKM Yusuf, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, was arrested in the capital Dhaka and charged with offences dating back to Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence with Pakistan.

His arrest comes after the sentencing to death last week of another Islamist party leader for wartime atrocities. That decision brought a wave of violent protest from supporters, and police say they are concerned about the risk of a backlash from Jamaat activists.

More than 100 people have been killed in protests and counter-

of the poor.

Mubarak stepped down in February 2011 in the face of a wave of popular protests whose main slogan was "Bread, Freedom and Social Justice." Protesters accused Mubarak of fostering a culture where power was centralized and police acted with impunity. They also believed Mubarak was grooming one of his sons to succeed him.

Mubarak's comments to AlWatan also appeared to be addressing a growing segment of the population which has grown nostalgic for Mubarak's days amid continuing turmoil in the two years since his ouster. The country has been plagued by tenuous security and an enduring standoff between Morsi's Brotherhood and its Islamist allies and the largely secular opposition, which launched the 2011 revolt but failed to make political gains since.

Mubarak told the newspaper reporter he was "very, very sad" for impoverished Egyptians. He said he was also dismayed by the state of the economy, the industrial cities built during his nearly 30 years in office, and the country's lack of security.

protests since January, when a tribunal set up by the government to investigate alleged abuses in the war sentenced to death in absentia a former senior Jamaate-Islami figure.

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

The party was not immediately available for comment yesterday.

On top the political violence, Bangladesh is reeling from a garment factory collapse that killed more than 1,100 people last month. The unrest is one of the main challenges facing the government of Prime Minister Staff remove damaged items following a bomb explosion at a police station Sheikh Hasina as it approaches by unknown assailants in Benghazi yesterday. elections that are due by next

and raised fears that Turkey may be drawn into the conflict.

Erdogan says "we have to maintain our extreme coolbloodedness in the face of efforts and provocations to drag us into the bloody quagmire in Syria."

He say that "those who attack Turkey will be held to account sooner or later."

Officials say that nine Turkish citizens believed to be link to the Syrian intelligence agency have been detained in connection with the bombings.

Nine Turkish citizens believed to have links to the Syrian intelligence agency have been detained in connection with twin car bombings that shattered a Turkish border town, officials said yesterday, as Syria rejected allegations it was behind one of the deadliest attacks in Turkey in years.

The bombings left 46 people dead and marked the biggest incident of violence across the border since the start of Syria's bloody civil war, raising fears of Turkey being pulled deeper into the conflict.

Harsh accusations from both sides signaled a sharp escalation of already high tensions between the two former allies, with Turkey vowing a strong response and Syria branding Turkey's prime minister "a butcher."

"This incident was carried out by an organization ... which is in close contact to pro-regime groups in Syria and I say this very clearly, with the Syrian mukhabarat," said Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler. He did not name the organization.

Among the nine people detained overnight was the mastermind of the attack and more were expected, Guler said.

"We have determined that some of them were involved in the planning, in the exploration and

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International

Compiled By EDOBOR HARRISON

Police End Hostage Stand-Off In New Jersey, Detain Suspect

SWAT police personnel walk near a house, where an armed man with multiple hostages remain barricaded in, in Trenton, New Jersey weekend.

A woman cries at the scene of one of the explosion sites, after several explosions killed at least 18 people and injured dozens in Reyhanli, near Turkey’s border with Syria, Saturday.

NEWARK, USA - A tense weekend standoff in a South Trenton, New Jersey, neighborhood ended early yesterday when police took a man into custody after he held several children hostage for about 36 hours.

“The hostage situation has been resolved,” State Police Sergeant Adam Grossman told Reuters. “The children are safe.”

Grossman said the suspect was taken into custody at 3:45 a.m. EDT (0745 GMT), but declined to comment on his identity or any other details of the standoff.

The man barricaded himself inside a house in the New Jersey state capital on Friday afternoon after police were called to do a wellness check on a resident at the address, a Trenton police spokesman said on Friday.

On Saturday, the Times of Trenton cited two unidentified law enforcement sources as saying police officers checking on the house had discovered the partially decomposed body of the man’s girlfriend, but pulled back when they saw he had a gun.

The newspaper also reported that one of the

Turkey: 9 Detained In Connection With ANKARA - Nine Turkish citizens believed to have links to the Syrian intelligence agency have been detained in connection with twin car bombings that shattered a Turkish border town, officials said yesterday, as Syria rejected allegations it was behind one of the deadliest attacks in Turkey in years.

The bombings left 46 people dead and marked the biggest incident of violence across the border since the start of Syria’s

Car Bombing bloody civil war, raising fears of Turkey being pulled deeper into the conflict.

Harsh accusations from both sides signaled a sharp escalation of already high tensions between the two former allies, with Turkey vowing a strong response and Syria branding Turkey’s prime minister “a butcher.”

“This incident was carried out

800,000 People To Need Food Aid In Niger - UN NIAMEY - Some 800,000 people will require food aid in Niger in the coming months despite a good harvest last year due to problems supplying cereals to markets, which have pushed up prices, and an influx of Malian refugees, the United Nations said.

The U.N. office for humanitarian coordination (OCHA) said they would need food from now until the start of the rainy season, which is usually in July, July and August.

It said the situation was critical in 13 regions surveyed

by the government in March, where 84,000 people needed emergency food aid.

The agency cited problems with supplying food to markets in some areas, such as the northern mining regixon of Arlit and Tahoua in central Niger and Tillabery in the west, which had driven up cereals prices.

Recurrent shortages in recent years have forced pastoralists to sell livestock, including valuable young females normally kept for breeding, reducing their resistance to food shocks.

by an organization ... which is in close contact to pro-regime groups in Syria and I say this very clearly, with the Syrian mukhabarat,” said Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler. He did not name the organization.

Among the nine people detained overnight was the mastermind of the attack and more were expected, Guler said.

“We have determined that some of them were involved in the planning, in the exploration and in the hiding of the vehicles,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said Turkish authorities determined that the nine were involved through their “testimonies and confessions,”

but did not elaborate during a joint press conference in Hatay, near the border town of Reyhanli where the bombs struck.

Saturday’s twin bombings fifteen minutes apart damaged some 850 buildings in the town, a hub for Syrian refugees and rebels just across the border from Syria’s Idlib province. It also wounded dozens of people, including 50 who remained hospitalized Sunday.

Syria and Turkey became adversaries early on during the uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad that erupted in March 2011. Since then, Turkey has firmly sided with the Syrian opposition, hosting its leaders along with rebel commanders and providing refuge to hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees.

woman’s children was killed and that the man was holding three more of her children inside the house. A fifth child, age 19, was reportedly safe at another location with relatives.

State police said tactical units, including hostage negotiators, canine units and SWAT teams, were on the scene. Federal investigators

Sharif Poised To Form Strong Govt After Pakistan Poll ISLAMABAD - Toppled in a 1999 military coup, jailed and exiled, Pakistan’s Nawaz Sharif has made a triumphant election comeback and looks set to form a stable government capable of implementing reforms needed to rescue the fragile economy.

Sharif may not win enough seats to rule on his own but has built up enough momentum to avoid having to form a coalition with his main rivals, former cricketer Imran Khan’s Tehriki-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

The steel magnate held off a challenge from Khan, who had hoped to break decades of dominance by Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and the PPP, led by the Bhutto family.

The two parties have formed governments whenever the military, the most powerful force in the nuclear-armed nation, has allowed civilian rule.

Khan put up a strong fight and he is likely to remain a force in politics, possibly becoming the main opposition figure. The PPP, which led the government for the last five years, has done badly and could come in third place.

Television channels said of the results declared by midday yesterday, Sharif’s PML-N had captured 94 of the 272 contested National Assembly seats.

Based on trends, it was likely to get around 130, and should easily be able to make up the required majority of 137 with support from independents and small parties.

The PTI has secured 21 seats while the PPP won 19. The elections, held on Saturday, were marred by a campaign by Islamic fundamentalists to block the voting.

Despite pre-poll violence and attacks that killed at least 40 people, voter turnout was a robust 60 percent.

Once it establishes a majority,

Zimbabwe Voter Campaigners HARARE - Zimbabwe’s state They are still waiting to appear Arrested radio says police arrested three in court. information on polling polling campaigners for illegally promoting voter awareness ahead of crucial elections.

The radio said yesterday the activists were not authorized to carry out voter education by the official elections commission. It said they were giving out

procedures in an upmarket Harare suburb on Saturday.

Another 19 democracy activists were arrested last month for allegedly impersonating state election officials in a drive to get potential electors to register their names on voters’ lists.

and hostage negotiators were assisting state police, according to the FBI. Grossman said additional information would be released at a news conference in Trenton at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT).

A spokesman for the Trenton police could not immediately be reached on Sunday morning.

President Robert Mugabe, 89, said Friday he will proclaim a date for the elections next week, after the parliament passes a new constitution.

He wants polls earlier than the September date demanded by his opponents in the disputeridden coalition government.

Sharif ’s party would be allocated a majority of 70 other parliamentary seats that are reserved for women and nonMuslim minorities.

Sharif has waited patiently to rule Pakistan again. As the main opposition leader, he avoided undermining the PPP when it was in trouble, and analysts describe him as more cautious than when he was prime minister twice in the 1990s.

“Seemingly a genuinely changed man from his troubling stints as prime minister in the 90s, Sharif now appears to have both a genuine mandate as well as a grasp of the direction Pakistan needs to be steered in,” said political analyst Cyril Almeida.

In one sense, the polls were a democratic landmark, marking the first time one elected government was to replace another in a country vulnerable to military takeovers.

But Saturday’s vote failed to realize the hopes of many that the hold of patronage-based parties would end after years of misrule and corruption.

Egyptian Man Kills Wife, Commits Suicide ASSIUT, Egypt - Egyptian security officials say a Coptic Christian who stabbed his wife for converting to Islam has killed himself by jumping out of a fourth-story courthouse window.

The officials say Romany Amir committed suicide yesterday as he was waiting to be interrogated by police at the main court in the southern city of Assiut. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media Amir ’s wife remained in hospital in critical condition following the stabbing on Saturday.

Amir was buried later Sunday in his village near Assiut. The area is a stronghold of Islamists and mourners chanted slogans against them during the funeral.

Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s 90 million people and complain of discrimination by authorities.

27

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Opinion ACCORDING to Oxford Advanced Learner Dictionary, crime is a serious offence committed, which is punishable by law. It is also an illegal act committed as a whole.

Crime rate in Nigeria is on the increase and has taken different dimension, cutting across all spheres of life. It ranges from armed robbery, kidnapping, fraud, corruption etc.

When you mention crime in the Nigerian context what readily comes to mind is armed robbery, kidnapping, fraud like 419, internet fraud and the likes. Corruption is the biggest of them all as it has kept the nation stagnant and has successfully given birth to other crimes.

Talking about crime, armed robbery is another crime that is still striving today in Nigeria despite all efforts by security agents to put it under check. As security agents close in on their operations, they have also continued to devise new means of operation to beat security agents.

Diversionary tactics is one of the system used by robbers.

The robbers put a vehicle on the road and cause intentional accident or hit an unsuspecting vehicle and both vehicles stops (robber and victims) to check the cause of the damage. The robbers will swap on the unsuspecting victims and rob them of their valuables at gun point.

Secondly, robbers may mount road blocks at police check points after the police men had left or better still mount their own, like police men.

They then stop unsuspecting motorists and rob them of their belongings. Thirdly, they also deliberately puts sharp objects like nails on the high way to rob victims.

Fourthly, robbers now operate with motorcycles dispossessing victims of their belongings and any attempts to fight back may lead to death.

They also gain entrances into their victims residents at gunpoint.

Kidnapping, which is another heinous crime in Nigeria is threatening the existence, growth and development of the nation. A media report questioning Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Poluso Adebayo said “we have found out that the people behind these acts are high profile and their mode of operation is highly sophisticated” kidnappers are

Crime, The Nigeria Nation mostly attracted to flossing cars which automatically becomes their target. They believe that those who ride on expensive cars are rich people in the severity. The act of kidnapping sometimes lead to death.

Recently, some kidnappers adopted minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonji-Iweala’s

By WINIFRED OSASOBO putting the nation in a bad light before the international community.

Corruption is the biggest of them all. It is an endemic disease that has eaten deep into the ends of the Nigeria nation. The scourge has continued to destroy the image of

Mohammed Abubakar, IGP mother killed another of their victims, Mrs. Reginal Obi of Ogwuagbe after collecting N2 million ransomed out of N10 million they demanded.

Another crime that is threatening the unity of Nigeria is fraud, its very rampart today in our society. It is classified into Bank fraud, tax fraud, phone fraud, internet fraud and organizational fraud. The image of the country has been battered by Nigerians both high and mighty who have in one time or the other engaged in this form of crime. The nation and her citizens have continued to be at the receiving end

separate personnel, no single agency exercise authority independently, but in Nigeria the reverse seems to be the case.

Acts of corruption includes vices like bribery, fraud and other related offences. Corruption can sim-

The judiciary has been alleged to be engaged also in the corrupt activities and had received it fair share of tracks in recent times with different subvention indifferent gubernational appeal cases, especially the Sokoto case during the Katsina-Alu regime. We cannot forget the

Ibrahim Lamorde, EFCC Chairman the nation while Nigerians and non Nigerians alike have continued to condemn the act. The chairman of Trade Union congress, Comrade Peter Esele “said it appears that there is an agreement between the three arms of government in Nigeria, the executive, legislature and the judiciary to assist corruption to grow in Nigeria”.

The three arms of government include legislature who makes laws, executives put the law into operation and the judiciary interprets the law. They all work together for the progress of the nation.

Each power is carried out by

ply be seen as corrupt practices of policies, policy makers, bureaucrats, business men and women.

The advent of public administration and the discovery of petroleum and natural gas are major events that have fueled corrupt practices in the country. Over the years, Nigeria political leaders like Obafemi Awolowo raised a salient issue that “since independence, government have been a matter of few holding the cow and milk and under this circumstance, everybody run over everybody, to have a portion at the expense of others”.

justice, Ayosolami Saga.

Also Justice Talbs was temporarily kicked out from the bench, following the committee convoked by the NJC to thoroughly investigate allegation of abuse of his desertion in a case involving pension thief, Mr. John Yusuf who confessed and was convicted of stealing N27.2 billion belonging to pensioners.

The government have been over subsidizing oil, providing subsidies for 59 billion litres of fuel per day, while Nigeria had been consuming an average of 35 million liter per day.

The effects of corruption on

“The advent of public administration and the discovery of petroleum and natural gas are major events that have fueled corrupt practices in the country. Over the years, Nigeria political leaders like Obafemi Awolowo raised a salient issue that “since independence, government have been a matter of few holding the cow and milk and under this circumstance, everybody run over everybody, to have a portion at the expense of others”.

Nation-building have been observed by scholars and this include; 1. diversion of development resources for private gain 2. Misallocation of talent 3. Negative impact on quality of infrastructure and public service 4. It slow down the economic growth of the nation.

In combating corruption before president Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime only the police and some related agencies were the ones fighting corruption. However, when Obasanjo become President in 1999, the Economic financial Crime commission (EFCC) end the independent corrupt practices and other related offence (ICPC) were put in place. The EFCC and ICPC have a number of role to play in fighting corruption in Nigeria.. the EFCC have collaborated with international and local agencies toward fighting corruption in a country like Nigeria, much is expected to be done. The police need to be equipped with arms and ammunitions to properly secure the troubled spots and surveillance cameras should be mounted in the areas which should transmit live pictures to security agents in the country.

Sensitive places like banks, government personnel should be fortified with monitoring equipments that can survey people’s movement in the building to capture the in and out of individuals entering the places.

This will greatly assist in controlling crime acts in the country.

Also individuals in the country should emphasize transparency, integrity and accountability in all their private and public transaction.

Parents and guidance have to play their own part in the upbringing of their children by inculcating good morals values and norms so that they can become better future leaders of the country.

The entroment of anti-corrupt law should be total and without fear or favour.

In conclusion, corruption in Nigeria is systematic. It can be addressed by systematical approach. That is all inclusive. All schools should return to the teaching of morals empowering children with the spirit of stewardship while adult should live exemplary lives that reflect truth, kindness, dignity of labour and integrity.

28

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Martins, Lukman Shine Abroad

NIGERIA stars Obafemi Martins and Lukman Haruna were on target for their overseas clubs on Saturday.

Martins, who has been sidelined by a nagging knee injury, returned to action for Seattle Sounders in the American Major League Soccer (MLS) to score as his team beat San Jose Earthquake 4-0.

The former Levante striker sealed the victory for Seattle in stoppage time as a defensive miscue from centre backs Morrow and Bernardez allowed him to tap in a fourth goal for the home side.

Martins was a 55th minute substitute for Evans. He has now scored two goals for Seattle.

The 4-0 loss to the Sounders kept the Earthquakes in fifth place in the Western Conference with 14 points from 12 matches played, but

• Lukman Haruna

Seattle are only two points adrift with three games in hand.

Lukman Haruna was the hero of his Ukrainian team Dynamo Kiev when he netted the match winner against Illichivets.

Haruna scored in the 16th minute and was booked in the 61st minute before he was substituted in the 79th minute

by Aliyev.

Dynamo now have 59 points and have secured Europa League spot.

Compatriot Taye Taiwo was on for the entire duration of the match, while Brown Ideye was a 58th minute substitute for Marco Ruben.

Former U17 and U20 captain Haruna has now scored five goals in the Ukraine league.

He told MTNFootball.com he was thrilled to be Dynamo’s match winner.

I am happy to have done it again. I will keep doing my best in terms of scoring and see if my goals could lift the club to secure a Champions League ticket,” he said.

“I am still very much confident that we can play in Champions League next season, but we must be very ruthless and be thoroughly focused in the remaining games.

“It’s great for me to score every week. I hope to keep this form so that it will yield something good for me at the end of the season. Hard work has really paid off for me and I have shamed my critics.”

Grassroot Soccer Development, the Chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council, Prince (Hon.) Abdulmalik Suleiman Afegbua presenting a trophy to the winner of the novelty march to herald the recent Okpekpe Road Race at Okpekpe, Auchi

Rangers React To Wikki Tourists Walk-Over Claim

ENUGU Rangers have reacted angrily to claims by Wikki Tourists that they have been walked over on Friday evening after they failed to honour the Week 10 game at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.

The Tourists claimed to have walked over the Flying Antelopes and thereby earned the three points on offer after their opponents failed to show up.

But Rangers media officer, Foster Chime told Goal that there is no way they can be walked over since they duly informed the League authorities that they will not be able to make the trip to Bauchi since

Adebayor Eager To Frustrate games,” he added.

TOTTENHAM striker Arsenal “I don’t see why we can’t Emmanuel Adebayor has said he hopes to “kill” Arsenal’s hopes of a top four finish with successive wins to end the season as Spurs fight to secure Champions League football.

Adebayor, 29, scored his fourth league goal of the season in the midweek 2-2 draw with Chelsea and looked in good touch despite having a difficult season under Andre VillasBoas.

The Tottenham boss hit out at recent criticism of Adebayor’s form and the Togo international believes he can be the driving force in Spurs’ topfour charge, which rests on his former club Arsenal slipping up.

“My head, my concentration, my focus, my life belongs to -Tottenham. Arsenal was a different life. Now, I prefer Tottenham and -everything belongs to Tottenham. I don’t care what Arsenal do, what they achieve. That’s not my -problem anymore,” he told The Mirror.

“If I can kill them, I will -definitely kill them because we are in a game where you have to do your best for your team. And now I’m in -Tottenham, I have to give -everything to Tottenham. Of course, Arsenal can drop points. Why not? They have dropped points throughout the season and they can drop points again now.”

Tottenham travel to the Britannia Stadium on Sunday requiring all three points to keep the pace with Arsenal, who host Wigan on Tuesday.

Adebayor has urged his team-mates to focus on finishing the season with maximum points rather than worrying about the results of their fellow top-four contenders.

“We have two games more and if we talk more about Arsenal and Chelsea, that will kill us. We don’t have a choice, we have to beat Stoke and take six points from our last two

finish in the top four this year.

We just have to keep the belief alive. No matter what, we have to get into the Champions League and I am positive we will.”

they returned to the country on Tuesday from Angola and got back to base Wednesday.

“We really don’t understand the news we are hearing that we have been walked over in our week 10 game against Wikki Tourists,” Chime said.

“Last week Thursday, we travelled to Angola through Addis Ababa and after the game on Saturday which we lost, we returned to Nigeria Tuesday afternoon.

“By the time we came back on Tuesday, there was no flight back to Enugu. We slept in Lagos and returned to base with the first flight.

“We have another game on Sunday against Bayelsa United before we start preparation for our Confederation Cup game

against CS Sfaxien next week Sunday.

“And the League authorities want us to travel the next day to Bauchi to play a game on Friday. When we arrived Lagos, we made contact with the League authorities and explained to them why they should help us and shift the game.

“We also wrote to them that they should postpone the game.

Varane To Miss Copa Del Rey Fnal REAL Madrid central defender Raphael Varane suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s 1-1 La Liga draw at Espanyol and looks set to miss the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old France international, who has burst into

Mikel Fit For Europa Final MIKEL Obi has said that he has regained full fitness after a hip injury and so he is ready for Wednesday’s

• Mikel Obi

Europa League final.

Last season’s UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea face Portuguese giants Benfica on Wednesday night in this season’s Europa League final at the Amsterdam Arena.

“It is not always good feeling when one is out of action but I am good now. I returned to full training on Friday,” Mikel informed MTNFootball.com “I am set for Europa league final and I am looking forward to it as well

We were waiting for them to reply us and the next thing we heard was that we have been walked over.

“Rangers as a responsible, responsive and creditable football club will never shirk from its official responsibilities of prosecuting scheduled matches.

“The League body should look into our request and shift the game to a later date,” Chime concluded.

as the last game of the season.”

Mikel last featured for Chelsea in a 2-0 win over Swansea on April 28.

Meanwhile, Victor Moses passed a late fitness test to start for Chelsea in the allimportant clash with Aston Villa on Saturday, which ended 2-1 at Villa Park in favour of Chelsea courtesy of a Frank Lampard brace.

Moses had picked up a knock in a 2-2 draw at home with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Real’s team this season, fell awkwardly after a tackle in the 19th minute and had to be substituted.

“His meniscus is affected. We will see what the scans say in the morning,” club director Emilio Butragueno told Canal Plus television.

In the post-match news conference, coach Jose Mourinho added: “I don’t want to speak ahead of the doctors, but it looks relatively serious and it is likely he will miss the Cup final and the two or three remaining games we have.”

Real play city rival Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final at the Bernabeu on Friday, their last chance to secure major silverware this season, after the draw at Espanyol saw Barcelona crowned league champions.

Varane has been one of Real’s outstanding performers in recent weeks but Mourinho sought to play down the significance of losing the player.

“We have alternatives. It’s a position where we have people who are playing, and who are fit,” he added.

29

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Madrid Fans Deserve Copa Del Rey Joy Butragueno EMILIO Butragueno has encouraged Real Madrid's players to rally after conceding La Liga on Saturday and wants them to console the fans with victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

Los Merengues were held to a 1-1 draw away at Espanyol on Saturday, a result which confirmed Barcelona's status as this season's league champions.

Butragueno admitted that the title had been beyond his side for some time but hoped a victorious cup clash at the Santiago Bernabeu offered some chance of redemption.

"We made many mistakes [in the first half of the season]," the director of institutional relations explained to Madrid's official website.

"Barcelona took advantage and we were not able to reduce the gap. But starting today is the countdown [to the final]. It is key that the game is in our stadium.

"It will be unpredictable but the team is very excited and the fans deserve some joy. The main thing is to prepare for the final and we can count on everyone to do that."

Atletico Madrid Coach Dikego simeone hails Barca

La Liga

Champions Barcelona Shift Attention To Transfer Market After Winning 22nd Liga Title BARCELONA were turning their attentions to strengthening the squad for next season after second-placed Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Espanyol on Saturday, to gift them a fourth La Liga title in five years.

Barca, who play at third-placed table as Jose Mourinho's team Atletico Madrid later on Sunday, trail them by seven points with have an unassailable lead in the only two games left to play.

"There'll only be a few changes," Barcelona vicepresident Josep Bartomeu told Barca TV. "It's a very competitive team and it's very difficult to substitute the pieces." "(Spain goalkeeper) Victor Valdes has told us he doesn't want

Turkish Airlines Add Dortmund To TURKISH Airlines has added Sponsorship Roster German highflier Borussia Dortmund to its sponsorship roster, taking fierce competition with Gulf carriers from the skies to the world's premier football stadiums.

After mythic clubs Barcelona FC and Manchester United, Dortmund is the third football giant to be sponsored by THY, which is vying to dominate the airways with just-as ambitious Gulf carriers, such as Emirates and Qatar Airways.

The deal, estimated in the tens of millions of euros, is well timed, coming just as Dortmund secured its place in an all-German Champions League final against Bayern Munich on May 25, in what sports analysts said was a Bundesliga resurgence.

"In our pursuit of marketing our product and shaping our brand, we have taken on sports to represent our face to the public," said THY chairman Hamdi Topcu.

Crowned best European airline in 2011 and 2012, Turkish Airlines is expanding furiously and chalking up clear victories in an industry known for cut-throat rivalries worthy of the Premier League.

The airline carried 39 million passengers in 2012 -- Emirates carried 34 million -- and paid $20 billion for some 200 Boeing and Airbus jets in a frantic push to carry 96 million passengers by

2020, when it hopes Istanbul will have beaten Madrid and Tokyo to host the Summer Olympics.

The idea is to advertise a "good product to provide us with visibility across the world," said Ali Genc, deputy chairperson at the airline.

The push has already paid off, at least on the web, with a television ad featuring basketball superstar Kobe Bryant and Lionel Messi, the football living legend, viewed over 100 million times.

"Sport sponsorships is like fireworks," said Lionel Maltese, a marketing professor at Aix Marseille University in France, explaining the "big buzz" an airline gets for bankrolling sports glory.

But a famous name comes with a price, experts say, especially when economies flush with petrodollars are on the hunt for exposure.

In football, Dubai-based Emirates is now patron to Paris St.Germain, AC Milan and has long backed Arsenal, whose home field was named Emirates Stadium in a game-changing 2004 deal worth $200 million.

Emirates will also sponsor 15 of Formula One's 19 Grand Prix over the next five seasons.

"It is very simple -- sports sponsoring is very successful

because people tend to remember sports more than anything else," said Boutros Boutros, the head of Emirates' Corporate Communications.

to continue, so we will try to find a replacement this summer. Also a central defender and a forward."

Coach Tito Vilanova's team made a record-breaking start notching 55 of a possible 57 points in the first half of the season, but have faltered in the knockout competitions over the last couple of months as injuries and fatigue took their toll.

Defeats to Real in the King's Cup semi-finals and a thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich in the last four of the Champions League had many predicting the end of Barcelona's recent glittering run of successes.

...Barca World Best ATLETICO Madrid boss Diego Simeone has labelled Barcelona "the best team in the world" ahead of the two sides' Liga meeting on Sunday night.

Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Espanyol on Saturday handed the Catalans their fourth Spanish title in five seasons, but some pundits have suggested that the Blaugrana are not the side they once were, particularly in light of their embarrassing 7-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of this year's Champions League.

However, as far as Simeone is concerned, Barcelona remain the dominant force in the global game and he is viewing their visit to the Vicente Calderon as the perfect preparation for not only his side's Copa del Rey final clash with the Blancos, but also next season's European campaign.

"There is no better way to get ready for a cup final than to face the best team in the world," the Argentine is quoted as saying by Marca.

"When you meet the best, that

- Simeone is a good thing. And tomorrow we take on the best of the lot.

"We are lucky enough here to see the best teams. Barcelona is a tremendous side, certainly the best in recent years.

Butragueno, a former Blancos striker who enjoyed six Liga titles and two Copa del Rey wins with the club, expressed his frustration with the draw against Espanyol and also gave some detail on injury sustained by Raphael Varane in that fixture.

"Every time we enter the field we have an obligation to go and win because we are Real Madrid," the 49-year-old Spaniard continued.

"We tried but they [Espanyol]

were also inspired and we fell behind. A set pieces cost us a lot.

"It's bad news [for Varane], because he has hurt his knee.

Let's see what the MRI says. This a very bad sign sincerely, but we'll see. He has improved a lot and we are very hopeful for their future and it would be a shame not to have him."

Madrid have 81 points from 36 games, seven behind Barcelona who have currently played two less.

Mourinho Praises Barca For itTitle Win is impossible that he will play

REAL Madrid boss Jose Mourinho congratulated Barcelona after his side's 1-1 draw with Espanyol handed their rivals the La Liga title on Saturday evening.

Holders Madrid needed a victory to prevent Tito Vilanova's men from reclaiming the crown.

But Christian Stuani's 23rdminute strike ended their hopes, despite Gonzalo Higuain's 58thminute equaliser.

"First of all I want to congratulate Barcelona, their coaches, their players, their managers and their fans," Mourinho said on his club's official website.

"They have just won the league title, which was ours until now, and I think the least we can do is congratulate them.

"Last season we won and wanted, justifiably, to speak about a great league campaign and I think it makes sense at this point is to congratulate the champion. You should give the champions the importance they deserve."

Mourinho again defended his decision to bench Pepe, but the defender could yet play in Friday's Copa del Rey final after Raphael Varane picked up a knee injury in Saturday's match with Espanyol.

Mourinho said: "It was my decision and that's it. I'm the coach.

I don't have to justify anything.

"From the first to the last day I'll always be the one to decide.

Sometimes Ican share the reasons for my decisions and sometimes not, I'll take that option. On Friday you'll see who plays and it will always be my decision and responsibility.

"I don't want to second guess what the medical services have to say but at this point it looks like there is a certain degree of gravity, fairly serious let's say and

Schalke 04 Coach extends club deal

the cup final or the two or three matches left until the end of the season.

"We have alternatives. It is a position in which we have people who are playing well and that's good. We are obviously sorry that he cannot play in match that everyone wants to play, but there's no need to make a drama about it because we have solutions."

Xabi Alonso, who replaced Varane in the first half, turned his attention to Friday's game.

"The aim now is the cup and we have fight for the title that we have left to play for," he said.

Jose Mourinho

Schalke Coach Signs New Deal SCHALKE have extended the contract of coach Jens Keller, with the 42-year-old set to remain at the Veltins-Arena until June 2015 after a successful start to his tenure at the club.

Keller was promoted from his position as Schalke's Under-17's coach in December after Huub Stevens was sacked as first team boss and has lifted his side from seventh to fourth in the Bundesliga.

Although Saturday's 2-1 defeat

by Stuttgart put Schalke's topfour hopes in doubt, team manager Horst Held believes Keller is the right man to lead the seventime German champions forward.

"We are convinced by his work in that we have seen the team evolve in the past few months," Held said. "Facing up to his critics he has stuck firmly and consantly to his line and put Schalke on the right road."

The deal laid to rest rumours that Keller would be replaced by former Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo or ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Stefan Effenberg in the summer.

30

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Scholes Announces Retirement LONG-SERVING Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes announced his retirement for a second time on Saturday — just days after veteran manager Alex Ferguson said he would be standing down at the end of the season.

Former England international Scholes, 38, first quit in 2011 to take up a position on United’s coaching staff but returned to first team action in January last year.

“Yes, I am finally hanging up my boots for good,” said Scholes, who is expected to make his first appearance since January in Sunday’s Premier League match against Swansea at Old Trafford — Ferguson’s final home match as United manager.

“Playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United, under the greatest manager of all

time, has been an honour,” Scholes added.

The one-club man came through the United system revitalised by Ferguson, becoming one of the Scot’s favourites players and arguably the best English midfielder of his generation.

“Paul is a truly unbelievable player,” Ferguson said Saturday.

“He has always been fully committed to this club and it has been a real privilege to work with him for so many years.

“Paul will play at Old Trafford on Sunday against Swansea and will collect an unbelievable but well-deserved 11th Premier League medal.”

Scholes will be making his 498th Premier League appearance for United on Sunday and the 716th of his career with the Old Trafford club. He scored the last of his 155 United goals against FA Cup winners Wigan back in September.

AVB Tells Bale To Stick With Spurs

• Wigan Coach Martinez with Watson holding the FA at Wembly Stadium on Saturday.

FA Cup Winner Whelan Wants Great Escape After Cup Heroics WIGAN owner Dave Whelan celebrated his moment of FA Cup final redemption by challenging his team to follow their stunning victory over Manchester City by upsetting the odds again with another great escape in the Premier League.

• Paul Scholes

Ben Watson’s stoppage-time header sealed Saturday’s dramatic 1-0 win against 10-

Di Canio Offered To Leave Sunderland Over Fascism Row SUNDERLAND manager Paolo Di Canio revealed on Sunday that he offered to leave the club during the media storm over his political views that followed his appointment.

Di Canio’s arrival at the Stadium of Light provoked a maelstrom of controversy due to political statements he had made in the past, and forced him to release a statement in which he said he does “not support the ideology of fascism”.

The Italian met with Sunderland owner Ellis Short to discuss the matter and says he would have been prepared to walk away from the club.

“I told him, ‘Tell me what I have to do. Bye bye. No problem, because I do not want to be a problem for the club,’” Di Canio told British newspaper the Independent on Sunday. “‘If I don’t represent a problem for you, I am OK, I am ready to handle the pressure. It is no pressure for me. All day rubbish me, I don’t care. It is my life, but if you think, ‘Mmm, probably, yeah, I let you be free,’ I don’t want nothing and I go.’

“He said, ‘Absolutely, you have to stay. You are our man.’

“That for me was enough.

Refocus. I will never forget what he did. He gave me a big chance of my dream to become manager at the top level. Next year I hope I can be here. You never know what is going on in life.”

Sunderland sit three points clear of the relegation zone with two games remaining in the Premier League and were due to host Southampton later on Sunday.

• Paolo Di Canio

man City and clinched the first major silverware in unheralded Wigan’s history.

But Roberto Martinez’s team are still engaged in their annual battle to preserve their top-flight status and face a crunch clash at Arsenal on Tuesday before

hosting Aston Villa on the final day of the season.

The Latics are three points from safety and that gap will become even more daunting if Newcastle, Norwich and Sunderland have positive results on Sunday.

“If we go down it will be a disaster. There is no other word for it. We want to stay up,” Whelan said.

“We have two big games to

Lampard Eyes Four More Years CHELSEA midfielder Frank Lampard has set his sights on playing for another four years after becoming his club’s alltime top goalscorer on Saturday.

Lampard, 34, scored his 202nd and 203rd goals for Chelsea as he helped his side clinch a 2-1 win over Aston Villa that all but secured their Champions League qualification.

The England international’s second strike saw him surpass Bobby Tambling’s all-time record for the Blues, but, in spite of that feat, he has yet to be offered an extension to his current deal at Stamford Bridge which expires this summer.

“I’d love to carry on as long as I feel I can do and I feel I’m fit,” Lampard said, before outlining the inspiration he takes from Manchester United’s 39-year-old Ryan Giggs.

“I’d love to do that, for another three or four years. I’d love to emulate those boys.

Ryan Giggs (has) got an aura around him. All the players at the club look up to him. He’s the mark.”

Asked about the uncertainty regarding his future, Lampard said: “The easiest part about this season has been playing games, in terms of the speculation.

“When you are thinking about it too much at home it becomes more detrimental, but when you’re playing and training and want to do well for the team then it’s easier.”

go. The lads are deadly calm.

They know they have some unfinished business and we are up for it.

“We are good enough to stay up. You have seen the fantastic performance we have given here and if we can do that against Arsenal and Villa we should have no problems staying up.”

Watching his Wigan underdogs cause the greatest Cup final upset since Wimbledon beat Liverpool in 1988 was the culmination of a remarkable journey for Whelan, who bought the club in 1995 when they were playing in the

Zabaleta Highlights Lack Of Passion In City DEFENDER Pablo Zabaleta highlighted a lack of passion and desire in the Manchester City side after their shock FA Cup final loss to Wigan.

Zabaleta himself created unwanted history on a dismal day for City at Wembley as he became only the third man to be sent off in a cup final as the Blues lost 1-0.

“It was one of those days I

. . . As Rafa Makes No Promises RAFAEL Benitez has refused to promise record-breaking Frank Lampard a starting place in Wednesday’s Europa League final.

The Blues take on Benfica in Amsterdam on Wednesday and travelling fans would be delighted to see Lampard line up in midfield after he broke Bobby Tambling’s club record of 202

TOTTENHAM manager Andre Villas-Boas has told Gareth Bale to sign a new deal at White Hart Lane and end speculation linking him with Real Madrid.

Although the newly-crowned footballer of the year is currently under contract until 2016, Spurs are keen to give Bale a pay rise to fend off interest from Real after netting 20 Premier League goals already this season.

Bale will be looking to add to that impressive haul when Spurs visit Stoke on Sunday in a match crucial to the north Londoners’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, which would be a major boost to their hopes of persuading the Welsh midfielder to remain at White Hart Lane.

“It would be good for him to sign a new contract,” said Villas-Boas, whose fifth-placed side are one point behind fourth placed Arsenal and three behind third placed Chelsea.

“I think he deserves it for the season he’s had. Obviously we could put to bed every single speculation that’s coming out.

“It would be excellent and I think a reward for what he has achieved this season.”

Villas-Boas has yet to beat Stoke in two attempts - drawing 0-0 in both games - and he knows the hostile Britannia Stadium will present a tricky test of Spurs’ European ambitions again this weekend.

“We have to do our job in the two remaining fixtures and it’s time for somebody to slip up,” he added.

“At the moment, we can only focus on ourselves, try to get the maximum points possible and wait for something to happen.

goals against Aston Villa on Saturday.

“You have to play with 11 players and they all have been working very hard for me,” he said.

“The main thing for me is to pick the right team. Frank has been a really good professional when he has been playing and even when not playing to help the team.

think. We tried to do our best but the team looked without passion, desire and it was difficult to find an answer why everything went wrong,” Zabaleta said.

“The only thing we can say now is congratulations to Wigan, they played better than us and they deserved this.”

The Argentina defender, arguably City’s best player this season, was dismissed for a second bookable offence after hacking down Callum McManaman moments before the unheralded Ben Watson headed a last-minute winner.

City had hoped for a consolation victory after disappointment in the Barclays Premier League title race but, after a build-up overshadowed by speculation over manager Roberto Mancini’s future, they suffered one of the great cup upsets.

31

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Pardew Fears Axe NEWCASTLE manager Alan Pardew admits he could be facing the sack even if he guides his struggling team to Premier League safety.

Newcastle's fate remains undecided going into the final two games of the season and Pardew concedes there is uncertainty over his future after his side failed to build on last year's fifthplace finish.

Even a victory at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, which will all but guarantee their top flight survival, might not be enough to extend his two-and-a-half year reign on Tyneside.

Pardew is set for end-of-season talks with the club's multimillionaire owner Mike Ashley, which he admits will be 'uncomfortable' for both men after nine months of under-achievement.

The 51-year-old will meet Ashley in the days following the final match of the season at home to Arsenal on May 19, as the dust settles on a troubled campaign.

Pardew, just seven months into an eight-year contract, said: "I'll sit down with Mike as soon as we know where we are, and what division we're in.

"It'll be uncomfortable for us both, because we've both underachieved. Him as an owner and me as a manager.

"We need to find out what the reasons are and then it's for Mike, hopefully with me, to decide how to go forward. We've underachieved as the club, so the point is we all take responsibility.

"That ultimate decision is not mine, so we could get the points we need and Mike could decide he needs to move to another manager, though I'd like to think that he won't.

Tottenham still Believe In Top all want and that's our target for the season."

Four Finish After being named Footballer concentrate on ourselves and

TOTTENHAM star Gareth Bale is adamant that Champions League qualification is still possible, noting that "there are a lot of funny things which can happen in football".

Two games before the end of the season, Spurs are one point behind fourth-placed north London rivals Arsenal and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year is optimistic of overhauling them.

"Everyone at Tottenham still believes it; we know it is not in our hands but there are a lot of funny things which can happen in football and there are two games to go," Bale told The Times of India.

The main thing is we need to

SEAN Davis insists that former club Tottenham are capable of challenging for the title next season, but only if they can keep hold of star man Gareth Bale.

Spurs are battling to finish in the top four in 2012-13 but have proved that they are capable of

Wayne Rooney

mixing it with the Premier League's powerhouses with the PFA Player of the Year winner leading their attack.

Davis, who signed for the White Hart Lane club from Fulham back in 2004, feels that his old side have improved under current manager Andre VillasBoas and insists that they can

Arsenal Plans Shock Rooney Bid AFTER losing their main striker to Manchester United last season, Arsenal are reportedly looking to reverse the trend this summer.

The Gunners were forced to Wenger is now looking to take sell Robin van Persie to their advantage of the uncertainly rivals in August last year for around Wayne Rooney's future at £22.5m and then had to watch Old Trafford by making a shock the Dutch striker's 25 goals help move for the 27-year-old.

The paper says: "Arsenal are fire United to the title.

However, according to the ready to put to the test Man Daily Star on Sunday, Arsene United's claim that Wayne Rooney is not for sale.

we have to wait and see how they are," said interim Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez.

"John Terry has twisted his ankle and we have to wait for a scan on Hazard who hurt his ankle. We will have to wait and see."

Benitez paid tribute to Lampard after his 88th-minute winner saw him make Chelsea history and insisted the 34-yearold, who is out of contract in the summer, can continue to play at the top level.

"I think it's great news for everyone, he's a great player and he has been working so hard to be there," Benitez said.

"To achieve what he's achieved is amazing, he's a very good professional and I'm really pleased for him because he

Suarez’ll Learn From Biting Ban - Jol LIVERPOOL forward Luis Suarez has a "problem" with biting but will learn from his 10game suspension, feels Fulham manager Martin Jol. The Dutchman signed the striker when he was in charge of Eredivisie giants Ajax, where the Uruguayan landed himself in hot water by sinking his teeth into Ottman Bakkal in November 2010.

He has since repeated the offence on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic but Jol, who describes his former charge as "a

of the Year by the Football Writers' Association as well as the PFA, Bale says that he is humbled to join some exalted company.

"It's an amazing honour, especially when you look at the list of names that have won the awards before," he enthused.

"I got the award on Thursday and I sat there looking at pictures of all the previous winners and they are legends of the game. It's a dream come true to be up there with them. It's such a massive award, a historic award."

Asked about his favourite goal of the season, the attacker replied: "There's been a few but probably my winning goal against West Ham

...Davis Insists Spurs Can Challenge For Next Season Title With Bale

"Emirates boss Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the England striker and is armed with a major transfer budget this summer.

"That could lead to a £25 million offer for Rooney, 27."

Rooney's £200,000-a-week wages and the fact that United would not like to sell to a Premier League rival are likely stumbling blocks, but if Rooney does leave then United could

Injuries Cloud Chelsea’s Europa Build-Up

CHELSEA are facing an anxious wait to discover if Eden Hazard and John Terry will be fit for Wednesday's Europa League final against Benfica.

Hazard and Chelsea captain Terry both suffered injuries during Saturday's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, secured thanks to a Frank Lampard double which saw the England midfielder overtake Bobby Tambling's previous all-time club record of 202 goals.

Terry was carried off on a stretcher after a collision with Ron Vlaar, while Hazard pulled up in added time following a challenge by Eric Lichaj.

Both players are now set to undergo scans to determine the extent of their problems.

"The injuries are the bad news,

hope that little bit of luck goes with us. If we win both our games, at Stoke City and then home to Sunderland, we give ourselves the best chance.

"I can see other teams dropping points so it can still happen.

"Since I first came to the club six years ago, when they showed me the plans for the club and what they wanted to do, it's been going forward," he added of Spurs' capacity to push on, top four or not. "There's been a progression ever since I've been here.

"I hope that continues and I hope we get Champions League football because that's what we

nice boy", is confident that he will grow up.

"Luis is a terrific player but he has this problem. He did it with me in Holland," the Cottagers' boss told reporters.

"He will learn from this and he will be better next year."

Jol revealed that Suarez, who scored 30 goals this season before his suspension, has visited him for advice whenever Fulham have played near Liverpool.

The striker will be unavailable for the Reds when they visit Craven Cottage.

scored two goals and he won the game. I said before that it's not my decision. He's a great professional and he is working so hard, he is giving everything for the team," the Spaniard added.

"All the information we have, the data is good. You can see he can play games.

"I think he is a great professional, he is very intelligent, so I think he can play in a very good team for a while.

How long, you never know."

This victory effectively secured Chelsea's place in the Champions League next season -- one of the key tasks that confronted Benitez following his controversial appointment in November following the sacking of fans' favourite Roberto di Matteo.

"I think it was important for us," said former Liverpool manager Benitez.

"Since I came everyone was talking about how I had to qualify the team for the Champions League. It's nearly done, top four guaranteed. We will see if we can finish in the top three. But at least we are in a position we wanted to be."

Asked whether he regarded the season as a success, Benitez replied: "100 percent, we have achieved what we wanted to achieve."

He added: "I always concentrated on my job from the beginning -- it was clear to me having been the Liverpool man was not ideal for some of the fans.

"But I can say I have had a lot of fans tell me that we are doing a good job and congratulating me for my start here.

"You cannot convince everyone but I am sure a lot of them will be pleased with the job we have done.

bring in Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as a replacement.

According to the Sun the French international interests David Moyes and if Rooney is sold they would use the cash raised to launch a £30 million bid.

One big name striker who looks unlikely to now move to Premier League though is Atletico Madrid striker Falcao who is set for a shock £50m move to mega-rich French club Monaco.

The club from the principality have only just won promotion back to Ligue 1 but their Russian owner Dmitry Rybolovlev has deep pockets and a salary of •9.8m-a-year is expected to secure the Colombian according to the Sunday Times.

trouble the likes of Manchester United and City in 2013-14.

"We're so used to Manchester City and United only winning the title but, I think, if Spurs keep hold of their players and invest a little then it could be a four- or five-horse race for the title next season.

"If they do that, then they won't just keep looking to make the Champions League - they'll be looking to win [the Premier League]."

Gareth Bale

Lampard Dedicates Scoring Record all but assured Champions FRANK Lampard paid To Mum League football next year and tribute to the man he replaced as Chelsea record goalscorer, before dedicating the landmark to his late mother.

Lampard's pursuit of Bobby Tambling's mark of 202 goals for the Blues has provided a fascinating sub-plot throughout

the season and he crossed the line in dramatic circumstances in the 2-1 win at Aston Villa - first equalising Christian Benteke's opener and then sealing victory with a close-range finish in the 88th minute.

The brace secured the points,

Frank Lampard (right) and Joe Cole celebrate Chelsea’s Villa weekend.

also ensured Lampard's name would go down in Chelsea history.

But the veteran midfielder, mobbed by appreciative teammates after both strikes, was gracious after the match singling out both his mother Pat, who died in 2008, and Tambling for special mentions as well as lauding the Chelsea faithful.

"It means everything to me. It's amazing, the support I've had from team-mates, and you could see that at the end," he told Sky Sports.

"I'm thankful to each one of them as they are the ones that put it on a plate for me sometimes, and the fans have been willing me to do it for a long time and are probably frustrated alongside me not getting there.

"But I'm just delighted the way the fans were at the end. That is what means everything to me.

"Bobby Tambling is a great man, he hasn't been well recently but he's a great man and I didn't want to overcook the celebration out of respect for him. To go and break it, I was delighted and very pleased to do it in this game.

"I've been here a long time. I lost my Mum a few years ago and

CMYK

32

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Boy, Was Chief Ofotokun Angry?

I had not seen Gabriel Ofotokun, now Chief Gabriel Ofotokun, for a very long time since after we left Edo College, Benin City, in 1967. He remains the same, petit frame, gab-toothed, ever smiling Gabriel, who in all circumstances exudes a happy mien spirit. You can hardly spot him out in a crowd of tall people because of his size, but you certainly cannot miss out his voice whenever, and wherever he spoke and particularly when he is agitated and angry. Oh boy, was Chief Ofotokun agitated and angry last week Friday?

It was in this circumstance that Chief Gabriel and I met again last Friday at the premises of the State Ministry of Works where all vehicles impounded by those popularly referred to as the ‘’Oshiomhole Police’’, take their ‘victims’ to for traffic offences in which the ‘’Police Officers’’ are the accusers and judge in their own court. They pronounce a fine and that is it. I was one of the many just like Chief Ofotokun.

I had also not seen Mr. Alegbe, a Senior Staff of the State House of Assembly for quite awhile too. We met last Friday at the Ministry, under the same circumstance.

While waiting, we played catch-up, discussing our common situation and my brother-in law, a professor at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, near Jos in Plateau State. The Prof. is Alegbe’s good friend and they share a great number of sweet memories. We shared some of these on Friday while waiting.

Until Friday, I never also met Mr. Amadin, head of the ‘’Oshiomhole Police’’. I have seen him on television programmes severally, explaining his work and those of his men, defending what seems their offensive conduct in the eyes of the public and straining many-a-times to placate when he can.

Watching him on the

tube shows a man on top of his job without him, having to say so. I am not too sure if I share that same view after our meeting face-to-face last Friday. He was driven into his ‘’dominion’’ at the Works Ministry just after Chief Ofotokun was

conduct of the young ‘’Oshiomhole Policeman’’ who brought him in was evil. Of course, the boss noticed. He acted quickly, as I mentioned earlier, to placate the angry chief.

He bellowed on one of his men to return Chief Ofotokun’s car key to him.

For a moment, the anger was over. They exchange pleasantries and Chief Ofotokun was on his way

and that was why I chose to share this with you While we waited, an officer of the Immigration Service was brought in.

He too was agitated and angry. The bubble burst and there was a free-for-

Hon. Isimeme Iriogbe, Commissioner for Transport

Gov Adams Oshiomhole

driven in with one ‘’Oshiomhole policeman’’ on the passenger seat in front of his Mercedes 300 E. In comparison, Mr. Amadin is a pole apart from my school senior, Chief Ofotokun. You could smell him a mile away, tall and standing ramrod in his fitting uniform. Is it always bedlam whenever he shows up in the tiny operative office at the Ministry of Works? The boss has arrived and everyone knows.

Alegbe and I recognised the chief as he drove in and we welcomed him.

No one else did. Was he agitated and angry? Of course he was, and he showed so much of it. He was that angry that he vented it in some unprintable words. He was insisting his driver didn’t break any traffic law or regulations, insinuating that the

many others waiting and angry because the accusation that they had violated one traffic law or the other, smacked of trickery and intimidation. That was the popular comment from all who

to Sapele in Delta state.

He is the proprietor and Chairman of Board of the International Junior and High Schools, Sapele.

I had awaited the arrival of the boss for close to four hours before he eventually showed up about 3.30 pm. I was told he alone could mitigate my sentence and fine. I was not alone, there were

awaited the boss. I was angry too because I found myself in the mess for playing the gentleman. My colleague in the Press tried to intervene to no avail. It took one CPS and another CPS to finally get out of the mess at about 6pm. My experience, to say the least was humiliation but no animosity. I was not alone

all fight. It took the boss to calm nerves, but not after he too was assaulted somewhat in the fray. His uniform was all stains and was hit on the head with an empty jerry can that was freely used while the fracas lasted.

One company driver, who claimed to be new in Benin, said he sought permission and was directed to where he parked on the

busy Mission road. The same officer who directed him to where he parked watched as his vehicle was towed away.

The boss intervened when the driver’s bosses came around and went on to pay the price of towing his vehicle to the Works ministry compound.

Every one of us had a story to tell and they were not pleasant. I believe our collective unpleasant experiences prompted a local television news story last Friday, raising complaints about the ‘’Oshiomhole Police’’. I hope it won’t degenerate to this level of the story I am about to share. It is an echo from the past.

Just before the demise of the PDP Government in 2007 or thereabout, a beverage company wanted to use its old premises on Sapele Road, Benin for a factory for the production of popular bottled water. They sent in a consultant who drove in from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

At the Ring Road, he stopped to ask for direction to Wire Road. The then ‘’Oshiomhole Police’’ who largely behaved like area boys, swarm his car. Before he knew it, two of his phones were gone. Accompanied by a colleague, he ended at the police station. The long and short of this story is that the consultant recommended that Benin, the Edo State capital was not safe for business.

We must not degenerate to that level in what many now say is all in pursuit of IGR.

Every one of us had a story to tell and they were not pleasant. I believe our collective unpleasant experiences prompted a local television news story last Friday, raising complaints about the ‘’Oshiomhole Police’’.

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