Nigerian observer 14 01 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 • NO. 397 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 20 14 • N 100. 0 0 VIEW POINT

Page 22 Imperatives of states adopting Fiscal Responsibility Act

Group seeks improved funding for anti-corruption agencies

ABUJA - The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), yesterday in Abuja called on the Federal Government to properly fund its anticorruption agencies.

The Executive Director, CISLAC Mr., Auwal Musa said in a statement that increased funding would help strengthen the nation’s anti-corruption agencies with a view to effectively performing

their duties.

Musa called on governments to reduce the cost of governance and free resources to cater for the infrastructure needs of the society.

“We call on the civil

society, the media and all Nigerians to remain vigilant and vocal to ensure that the peace, tranquillity and commonwealth of our nation are safeguarded.

Continues on page 2

Oshiomhole inaugurates tax identification

By ADAMS OYIBOKE

SECURITY Page 27 Security challenges facing Nigeria

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has officially inaugurated the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Registration under the Authority of the Joint Tax Board in collaboration with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).

Governor Oshiomhole of their states of while performing the residence for the purpose registration exercise at of tax administration.

“The whole idea is to Government House yesterday in Benin City help our citizens to avoid called on all taxable Edo the incidence of multiple people to embrace the taxation, where a citizen initiative of the Joint Tax might have paid tax in one state by reason of Board.

According to him: “I being resident in that have just been registered state, at a particular point under the Tax in time.

“In the course of the Identification Number which is a National year, the tax payer Project designed to cover relocated to another state all Nigerians, irrespective and it becomes so difficult

to trace the record.

“Now, with this national effort, there will be no difficulty in tracing the tax

record and saving the taxpayer, the trauma of being treated as if he hasn’t paid tax where he

was before”, the governor said.

Governor Oshiomhole further said: “All other

things being equal, this will be in the interest of our citizens, stressing that it would help build up the National Data Bank needed for efficient and effective tax administration in the country”.

“In Edo State, taxes are obligatory, whether in Continues on page 2

Eid El Maulud

Mark, Ekweremadu urges peace

By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has again implored Nigerians to put aside ethnic, political and religious differences and collaborate with each other to build a united and peaceful nation where every body will feel free and safe.

In the same vain, he counseled politicians against making inflammatory statements or casting aspersions on

opponents ahead of the 2015 polls, saying that politics should be a call to serve for the public good and not a call for battle.

Senator Mark in a goodwill message to Nigerians marking the Eid El Maulud said the celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed should renew our faith and bond of unity as one people , one nation, our diversities not

TIT BIT “The integrity of a man can be assessed through the persons he recommends for job and how independent his assessment of the job becomes”.

- Kingsley-Ogbeide-Ihama

withstanding.

The Senate President noted the myriads of challenges facing the nation and submitted “ With the cooperation and collective efforts of all- the government and the governed, we can surmount our problems.

Continues on page 2

HANDING OVER: Out-going commander of 302 Artillery Regiment, Brig-Gen. Taritimiyi Gagariga (right) handing-over to his successor, Col. Jibrin Fagge, in Onitsha yesterday.

Edo moves to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal

BENIN CITY - In a bid to finally put an end to indiscriminate Waste disposal in Benin, Edo State Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities through the Waste management board has collaborated with the Oredo, Ikpoba Okha and Egor Local Government in the Benin metropolis in carrying out Monday Market Sanitation and evacuation of illegal dumpsites around the markets.

The Special adviser to the Governor on Environment, Comrade Onikolease Irabor who led the operations round speaking with newsmen the markets while noted that government is

committed to ensuring that the issue of waste and

illegal dump sites especially around the heart of Benin becomes a thing of the past.

He added that Continues on page 2

OBSERVER. The situation was however better in private schools, as most private schools visited had near normal situations.

Speaking with The Nigerian OBSERVER, the Assistant Head teacher of Eguare Primary School, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Mrs. Continues on page 2

Schools resume in Edo for second term

By OSE EHEBHA

EKPOMA - Public and private primary and secondary schools in Edo Central Senatorial District yesterday resumed

second term academic activities.

The resumption however witnessed low response of students and pupils in majority of the public schools visited by The Nigerian

News

Group seeks improved funding for anti-corruption agencies

Continued from page 1

“The radical and democratic measures implored by all wellmeaning Nigerians to end this high cost of governance associated with some administrations at all levels must be sustained.

He said concerted efforts

must be geared towards ensuring that government was accountable for its inaction and indecision.

The statement called on the Federal Government to strengthen the existing anti-

corruption institutions to ensure workable strategy and sincere effort to combat massive corruption at every governmental sphere.

He urged the Federal

Government to take the lead in the fight against corruption by ensuring that all its officials, whether elected, selected or appointed on permanent basis, declare their assets publicly.

Edo moves to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal

Continued from page 1

government has put measures in place to evacuate waste from unauthorised places adding that there is no better ways to do it than collaborating with the Local Governments involve.

He stated that the collaboration with Local Government Councils in Monday Markets Sanitation and evacuation of debris from illegal dump sites will continue adding that all the

stated that the combined effort collaboration is geared is geared towards ensuring towards ensuring that there adequate compliance from are no illegal dump sites and both the traders in the markets the Market Women properly and the buyers who are keyed into the Monday Market Sanitation exercise.

Earlier, the acting General Continued from page 1 Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, developed or developing, Comrade Gillian Ochugbue whether reactionary or progressive, government depends on taxation for the provision of infrastructural facilities.

He called on all citizens to pay their taxes so that they Also in his message, the could be seen as stakeholders Deputy President of the Senate, in the development process.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu has Governor Oshiomhole called on the Muslim Ummah to however expressed the hope pray and work for the peace and that the registration exercise progress of Nigeria. will lead to more efficiency in He made the call in a goodwill removing the bottleneck message to the Muslim Ummah associated with tax on the occasion of this year’s administration and save the Eid-El-Maulud. citizens the harassment and Senator Ekweremadu, who enjoined the Muslim Ummah to burden of unnecessary emulate the exemplary life of interrogation they always go

Oshiomhole inaugurates tax identification

Mark, Ekweremadu urges peace

Continued from page 1

We can achieve this by adopting a give and take approach “.

He admitted that some events in the recent time unarguably poses a challenge to our corporate existence, but insisted that “the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria cannot be compromised for anything because we have more to gain than otherwise.”

Senator Mark urged Nigerians to be apostles of love and peaceful coexistence between and among citizens so that we can be truly acculturated as one people bound by a common destiny.

He assured that the National Assembly will continue to stand by the people pointing out that all legislations would be guided by the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians .

Senator Mark also assured that the legislature will support and collaborate with the other arms of government in the task of service delivery to the people.

Prophet Mohammed, noted that the quest for national development was highly dependent on the ability of Nigerians to live and work as one family.

“On the occasion of the commemoration of the birth of the holy Prophet, it is imperative to reflect on his teachings and uphold his legacies of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence and love for one’s neighbour, which are indispensable in our quest for meaningful development and the profitable management of our diversities.

He wished all the Muslim Ummah and the nation a hitchfree and merry Eid-El-Maulud.

Christ Chosen Church Int’l confab opens

By SWEET IDEMUDIA

BENIN CITY – The 2014 International Conference of Christ Chosen Church of God Int’l was yesterday declared open in Benin City by the Spiritual leader/General Overseer of the church, Most Snr Apostle (Dr.) J.E.E.O Osasuyi at the Central Cathedral of the church, Ohovbe Quarters in Benin City.

While declaring the conference with the theme: “Beauty For Ashes” open, the General Overseer urged the participants to embrace each other with the love of God, as God in His infinite mercies has been faithful to His Church over the years.

Relying on the scriptural reading from Genesis 48:8-14, the man of God advised the ministers of God who were recently promoted by the

supposed to wait till 10:00am before coming to the market to buy stuffs.

She however called on the Market Women to support the Comrade Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole taking Edo State to the next Level.

church leadership to be ready at all times to defend the Gospel and urged those who were not promoted to wait for their turn, and be steadfast in well-doing.

Most Snr. Apostle Osasuyi asserted that when God uplifts and recommends you, nobody can stop you, stressing that God rewards people according to their works.

He pointed out that as Ministers of the Gospel, those elevated should not see themselves as working for Most Snr. Apostle Osasuyi, but for God Almighty who had called them.

Snr Apostle (Dr.) J. Onaighise, delivered a message on “Faith in God” while the Power line divisional choir ministered at the conference.

The week-long onference enters its second day today.

through”, he maintained.

The Chairman, EIRS, Chief Oseni Elama had informed the Governor of the inherents benefits of the TIN Registration to include, easy accessibility to tax records, integration of all tax information in one single universally accessible number anywhere in Nigeria.

Chief Elama also said that the registration exercise has taken off in the 36 states of the federation.

Highpoint was the registration of the State Governor, his Deputy, Rt. Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu and some civil commissioners.

Schools resume in Edo for second term Continued from page 1

Mercy Ogbebor, disclosed that only about 300 out of 1,054 pupils resumed, while all teachers with exception of one who she said was indisposed reported for work.

Mrs. Ogbebor expressed optimism that the population of the school would normalize by Wednesday, noting that low turnout of pupils was normally the case on first day of resumption.

Also speaking with The Nigerian OBSERVER, the Principal of the secondary section of, Kingdom Heritage Model School, a private school owned by Winners Chapel Church, Mr. Solomon Osazuwa, said the school recorded few absentees.

The Acting Head teacher of the Primary School section of the school, Mrs. Esther Ehimegbe similarly expressed satisfaction with pupil response, disclosing that 520 out of the total pupil population of 684 were present on the first day.

In Ikpoba-Okha and Oredo Local Government Area in Edo South Senatorial district, there was relatively low turn out of pupils and students in both private and public primary and secondary schools.

A routine visit to some public schools revealed that schools were opened for full normal academic activities as gates and doors to classrooms were seen

widely open for full academic activities.

Teachers in some schools were seen conducting Assemblies for students and pupils while others were seen organising students for sanitation both in the classes and in the school premises.

At Asoro Primary School along Sakponba Road, some pupils were seen in their few number with their bags and buckets containing water entering the school’s premises while others were seen in the field engaged in their usual playing exercise.

According to the Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Aisueni Margarele: “The teachers have resumed and are waiting for the pupils, few of which are in school and are engaged in cleaning the school’s premises”.

Similarly, at Imaguero Secondary School, the Principal of the Senior Secondary arm, who would not disclosed her name said the teachers were fully ready to commence academic activities, adding that the school is presently engaged in enrolment of students for the SSCE and NECO examinations.

For the private school, there were indications that the turn out of pupils and students were relatively low, even though our reporters could not gain access into the premises of the schools visited.

Ekehuan-Ugbighoko road

Youths appeal to govt

By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE BENIN CITY – Worried by the deplorable state of Ekehuan – Ugbighoko Road, youths of the area have appealed to the Edo State Government to ameliorate the hardship facing people of the area.

The youths made the appeal during a peaceful protest to draw government’s attention to the poor state of the road.

They appealed to the government to use this period of the dry season to carry out rehabilitation work.

Speaking with Journalists during the peaceful protest, Prince Elvis Imade and Chief Victor Enobakhare who led the protest said

they have undergone untold hardship due to the condition of the road.

Other people who lamented the sorry state of the road, included Mrs. Afiamagbon Patience, a civil servant, Mr. Fred Omoruyi and Stanley Osayande, Edo State vigilante officials who helped to co-ordinate the peaceful protest.

They expressed worry that many landlords have abandoned their houses while others have withdrawn their vehicles from the road.

According to them cost of transportation is now between N200 and N300, thereby causing hardship.

Edo Assembly adopts 3rd quarter Calendar

By KEN ABU

BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly resumed plenary yesterday after the yuletide break and adopted a 54 day sitting calendar as its first major assignment for the third quarter, third session of the fifth assembly.

The adoption of the calendar followed a proposal presented to the House of the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Philip Shuaibu which eventually resulted in the consideration and

subsequent adoption.

According to the Majority Leader, the 54 days included 14, 20 and 24 days in the months of January, February, and March respectively.

The quarter is expected to end on March 28, 2014, the Majority Leader said.

The 54 sitting days for this quarter, 60 in the second quarter and 50 in the first quarter, the House would have sat for a total of 164 days with just 16 day remaining to complete the 180 day’s minimum sitting period for a year.

Colour Code: Govt impounds BENIN CITY – An unpainted vehicle co mmercial

vehicle popularly known as “Kabukabu” has been apprehended for cutting corner to evade the Edo State Taxi colour code.

Luck ran out on the driver and his vehicle when the officers and men of Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) contravened the vehicle on Sapele Road by Third East Circular Junction, Benin City yesterday afternoon.

The balloon of the driver’s smartness was punctured when EDSTMA personnel suddenly discovered that he only used a yellow foil cellophane to cover both the bunnet and roof of his red Passat GL Station Vagon car with registration number EDO BEN 512 AH rather than painting his vehicle to the recommended gold yellow and fire red colours.

Following such discovery, the vehicle was immediately towed to the premises of Edo State Ministry of Transport on Forestry Road, Benin City where part of the foil cellophane was peeled off in the presence of

newsmen. Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) said this only demonstrated the extent which criminally minded people go to breach laws of the land.

“This is a warning to commercial vehicle drivers that there is zero-tolerance for noncompliance with Edo State Taxi colour code,” he said just as he advised drivers to paint the commercial vehicles to the light yellow and fire red taxi colours, stressing that personnel of EDSTMA and Vehicle Inspection officers would go after any traffic violator.

Hon. Omo-Ojo affirmed that the driver of the vehicle would be arrested and charged to court, just as he noted that drivers of some private transport companies in Edo State were in the habit of driving one way against vehicular traffic especially on UseluUgbowo Road in Benin City.

Abia Teachers Resumes Strike UMUAHIA - The 2013/ 2014 academic calendar for public primary and secondary schools in Abia might be distorted following the indefinite strike by the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

This follows a confirmation by the state Chairman of NUT, Mr. Enoch Omeoga, that the union had resumed the strike which it suspended in May 2013.

Omeoga told Newsmen in a telephone interview in Umuahia that the union resumed the strike because the government reneged on the agreement it entered with the union.

He said the union was agitating for the payment of the enhanced Teachers’ Salary Structure (TSS), the inclusion of secondary school teachers in the minimum wage of N21,100 and the payment of arrears of leave allowances.

The chairman said the state government agreed to commence the payment of the TSS with effect from January 2013.

“The strike will affect the completion of 13 weeks academic works for schools, the resolution of the matter is in the hand of the government,’’ the chairman said.

Private and public schools in the state were scheduled to resume the second term on

News Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority leader, Edo State House of A s s e m b l y switching on the 3 0 0 K V A transformer perking sound proof generator for Urhonigbe township street light executed by his counterpart, Hon. Friday Ogiehiakhi, m e m b e r representing Orhionmwon South Constituency at U r h o n i g b e recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

January 6 but only pupils and students in the private primary and secondary schools resumed for the second term.

Chief Eze Chikamnayo, the state’s Commissioners for Information and Strategies, told newsmen that the government was not aware that the teachers were on strike.

According to him, public schools in Abia are still on holidays and the schools will only reopen on the date to be announced later.

“The Abia government does not have any pending issue with the members of the NUT; the government has set up a labourrelated committee to resolve labour issues in the state.

“Issues concerning the other civil servants in the state will also be discussed by the committee,’’ Chikamnayo said.

NAPTIP Rescue 314 Trafficked Persons In South West LAGOS - Mr. Joseph Famakin, the South-West Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, on Sunday said that 314 persons were rescued from human traffickers in six states in 2013.

Famakin said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

He said that the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other

Related Matters (NAPTIP) had reunited 297 victims with their families.

He, however, said that 18 victims had yet to be reunited with their families due to various reasons.

Famakin said that 179 human trafficking cases were reported in the six states under the zone — Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo

and Ekiti – in 2013, while 59 of the cases were under investigation.

He said that 16 cases were forwarded to the legal department of the agency, with a view to charging the offenders to court, while 12 cases had already been charged to different courts in the six states.

“We secured 16 convictions, while 50 cases are pending in various courts in the six states.

“Thirty-one cases were transferred to sister agencies,

including the police and immigration, as well as other zonal commands for investigation and prosecution.

“Sixteen victims are currently learning various skills from some partners of the agency. Seven victims were empowered during the year with hairdressing and fashion designing equipment, including generator sets,’’ he noted.

The commander said that the agency would strengthen its partners in 2014 to carry out anti-

human trafficking messages to the grassroots, while increasing its efficiency in conducting investigations on human trafficking cases.

“We intend using the new Intelligence International Cooperation Unit Centre created at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja to gather information about traffickers from destination countries “The victims’ protection mechanism, as witnesses to prosecute offenders, will also be strengthened in 2014,’’ he said.

Destruction Of Illegal Oil Refineries

JTF Adopts New Strategy

Workers of Defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Protesting over non payment of their entitlement and gratuity in Lagos yesterday.

Regularise Your Building Plans, Edo Govt Urges Developers BENIN CITY – Edo State government has expressed concern over the erection of buildings by land developers without the requisite legal building plans and permits.

Consequently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is granting a one month amnesty to all guilty of this to get the necessary building plan approval and permits.

A statement endorsed by the commissioner for the ministry, Arch Francis Evbuomwan indicated that at the expiration of the amnesty period on February 7, 2014, defaulters would be prosecuted while their premises would be sealed.

The statement also requests all those who have submitted their building plans for approval for upward of three months and are yet to get such approval and

building permit to come to the ministry at EDPA building, Sakpoba Road, Benin City with their relevant documents for prompt attention.

ALAKIRI (RIVERS) - The Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the Niger Delta said it had adopted a new strategy in destroying illegal oil refineries in the region.

Lt.-Col. Olusegun Oladuntoye, the Commanding Officer of 29 Battalion of the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said this during the destruction of an illegal refinery in Alakiri, Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers.

He said that the strategy involved the deployment of a “Swamp Buggy’’ machine, which crushed metallic tanks, thereby making it impossible for oil thieves to revive destroyed refineries.

Oladuntoye said that the JTF had redoubled its efforts to eliminate illegal refineries and attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta area.

“Based on intelligence reports; we have discovered that the war against illegal oil bunkering cannot be completed without thorough destruction of illegal refineries.

Ministry Urges Motor Parks Operators To Register With Govt BENIN CITY – The Edo State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has urged operators of public and private motor parks and garages to register their parks and taxi garages with the ministry of transport.

Such operators are to get

planning approval from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with regards to the location and sitting of their parks and garages with two weeks.

A statement endorsed by the commission for Housing and Urban Development, Arch

Francis Evbuomwan indicated that failure to comply with the government directive would result in having the concerned parks and garages sealed by government.

The notice, he said was issued in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport.

“We have realised that whenever we burn down illegal refineries with metal tanks; some days after our troops leave the scene; the oil thieves would return and revive the refineries.

“The destruction of illegal refineries with metal tanks and their subsequent revival have posed a challenge to our operations, aimed at ending the sabotage on the nation’s economy.

“So, we have adopted a new strategy which involves the usage of ‘Swamp Buggy’ machines.

“The machine totally crushes the metal tanks and makes it impossible for criminals to revive the refineries.

“This method will go a long way in discouraging oil thieves from reviving destroyed and crushed illegal refineries because it would take them several months to revive the refineries,” he said.

Oladuntoye said that in spite of

the new approach to discourage the revival of destroyed refineries; troops would also carry out a 24-hour surveillance patrol of the areas.

He said that the operation would continue until all the illegal refineries in the area were completely destroyed.

He, however, urged the public to provide the JTF with timely information that would lead to the apprehension of oil thieves and pipeline vandals.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State on January 3 reportedly said that Nigeria lost about 40, 000 barrels of crude oil to thieves daily.

The governor said that the country lost about N640 million daily, stressing that if pragmatic efforts were not made to stamp out crude oil theft, the country would lose about N233 billion annually.

By LAMAI CASSIUS

will be for abundant blessings for those who believed in the Lord.

The sermon centred on the books of Psalm chapter 46, Isaiah chapter 28 and 1st kings chapter 5 said that once the river starts flowing, the trees on both sides will start bearing all manner of fruits which symbolize righteousness, holiness, financial breakthrough, joy, happiness and spiritual wellbeing.

Highpoint of the service was the cutting of cake to mark the end of annual fasting and prayer and the beginning of the year 2014 as a way of making a new year covenant with God.

Cleric Urges Parents To Show More Love To Their Children

BENIN CITY – Parents and guidance have been called upon to show more love towards their children and wards in order to prepare them for future leadership role.

Apostle Dr. E.S. Omomo of The Lord Sanctuary Ministries who made the call in a sermon in Benin City said children should be shown more love and help to turn away from vices that are inimical to their lives.

Apostle Omomo whose message was titled: “there is a river in the desert” said year 2014

News

Shun Corruption, World Longest Monarch Urges Jonathan

By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM

AGBOR – The world’s second longest second serving monarch and traditional ruler of Egbudu – Akah kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, H. R.M Obi Okorie Alphred JP has enjoined President Goodluck Jonathan among other leadership in the country to shun corruption H.R.M. Alphred J.P who was installed as the monarch of Egbudu-Akah on 12th February 1946 advised the leadership to equally avoid allied evils and stand up in pursuit of fairness, equity and justice.

A member of Mountain of Fire Gospel Church Egbudu-Akah branch, Obi Okorie has proved through personal conduct, that the

gospel is still relevant in our lives today, saying he is never afraid to profess Christ even to some of his subjects who have felt betrayed by his decisions to ditch their age-long customs.

He recalled the numerous battles he had fought on account of his decision to serve God, adding that he was able to conquer them not by personal might, but God’s grace. “I don’t know why God loves me

HRM Obi Okorie Alphred JP

so much by making me the longest serving monarch alive today,” he stated.

“Since I accepted Christ, when my age mates elsewhere were losing their physical, and mental faculty to old age, I remain physically agile and mentally sound. It is God’s hand at work”, he stated.

The monarch called on other traditional rulers and public office holders in the country to repent and embrace God, not only for personal interest, but for peace and harmony as well as development in the society.

Besides, he thanked the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, and President Goodluck Jonathan and prayed God to give them more wisdom, strength and resources to pilot the affairs in their offices to a greater height.

Alleged Crisis: AAU Mgt Debunks

By OSE EHEBHA EKPOMA - The authorities of the Ambrose Alli University, (AAU), Ekpoma –Edo State has refuted media report alleging that the university was in crisis, describing it as tissues of lies deliberately cooked up by mischief makers to misinform the public.

A national newspaper had on Monday published a story from a statement purportedly signed by Vice-President, External Affairs of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Peculiar Asemota on behalf of NANS, appealing to the federal government to intervene, to curb alleged crisis in the university.

The report also quoted the NANS vice-president as alleging that the present acting vice-chancellor of the university; Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku was underperforming and unqualified to hold the position.

However, the university in a rejoinder, signed by its spokesperson, Sir Chris Adaamaigbo dismissed the

NANS

claim, noting that the institution was not encountering any crisis that would warrant intervention of federal Ministry of Education or the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Contrary to the claim of Peculiar Asemota, the rejoinder said the university has witnessed unprecedented growth and development since the appointment of the acting vice-chancellor, for which she has received commendations from various stakeholders, including NANS. The statement regretted that the said Peculiar Asemota could condescend to the level of allowing herself to be used by mischief makers to distort facts for their selfish interest.

“Ambrose Alli University enjoys relative peace and tranquility devoid of the picture Peculiar Asemota and her co-

travellers would wish to paint the university with. “it must also be stated for the record that since the appointment, Prof. (Mrs) C. A. Agbebaku in May 2011, the university has continued to witness unprecedented growth and development for which she has received commendations and kudos from the state government, Governing Council, Oba of Benin, NANS Zone B, and other notable sons and daughters of Edo State.

“Prof. Agbebaku represents the acting vice-chancellor in whom the government of Edo State and the university is well pleased, going by her visible and verifiable achievements.

“As a professor of so many years standing, a one time Dean of Faculty of Law and an erudite scholar who has creditably distinguished herself in her career and legal profession, there is no doubt, Prof. Agbebaku is fit and competent to hold the position of acting vice-chancellor”, the rejoinder stated.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (right) congratulating the Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major-General Pat. Akem during thanksgiving service held in honour of Akem it the Redeemed Church of God, Upper Ekewan Road, Benin City. Middle is the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) at and Odubu. Photo: MOSES OBOH.

Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority, Leader, Edo State House of Assembly, cutting the tape to Commission the 300 School Chairs and desks donated by Hon. Friday Ogierhiakhai, member representing Orhionmwon South Constitutency, Edo State House of Assembly to Urhonigbe Primary School at Urhonigbe Town recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

NURTW Boss Counsels ambassadors to their political parties to avoid Drivers AGBOR – The being ridiculed, saying the

By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM

Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers Agbor, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, in Agbor, Umunede, Ogwashi-Uku park, Prince Ojeah I. Dumbiri Jonathan has advised drivers and passengers to be their brother’s keeper.

Prince Ojeah, who made the call in his office in an interview with The Nigerian OBSERVER told the drivers to stop double parking along old Agbor – Lagos – Asaba road by Morks Street Junction opposite Agbor Catholic church.

He noted that drivers and passengers are neighbours that should help to enforce traffic regulations and

appealed to government to reduce the price of stickers to N3,500, for affordability sake.

Prince Ojeah who is also a leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ika North East local government area of the state advised politicians to be good

Nigerians Do Not Need Police Permit To Hold Rallies - Lawyer

KADUNA - Mr Festus Okoye, a lawyer and human rights activist, said on Monday that Nigerians do not require police permits to hold peaceful rallies.

Okoye was reacting to reported police attack on Sen. Magnus Abe (APCRivers).

He told newsmen in

Family Lauds Ogbunuju’s Legacies BENIN CITY – The family of late Chief Louis A. N. Ogbunuju has lauded the good legacy and exemplary life led by the centenarian who died at 106 years old in Uga town, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, 2011, three years ago.

In a statement jointly signed by Mrs. Theresa Okolo and Lady Pauline Zuka Ogbunuju said they are remembering the death of their father, Chief Ogbunuju also known as “the great Ikpomalo of Benin Kingdom today, January 14, 2014 for his good qualities and virtues he left behind.

“Since your demise three years ago we had wished you

distribution of democracy dividends were yet to get to the root and crannies of Delta State.

He appealed to the Delta State government to speed up dualization work on the road linking Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas.

were alive but the precious memories, care, love and generosity you left behind still lingers on.

“Every passing day brings back fresh memories but we are consoled by the good legacy and exemplary life you left behind”, they stated.

Late Chief Louis A. N. Ogbunuju

Kaduna that the act of obtaining permit from police before holding rallies was unconstitutional.

Okoye said that there was nowhere in the Constitution or the laws of the country where it was written that a permit must be obtained from security operatives before holding any rally.

He faulted the explanation given by the Rivers Police Command for aborting the APC rally, saying it negated the provision of Section 40 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental rights of citizens.

According to him, the action also disregards the Supreme Court judgement which ruled against obtaining permits for rallies in a case between the CNPP and the Police.

The human rights activist said the police was only responsible for providing security to protect Nigerians during such rallies.

He advised security agencies and politicians against taking democracy for granted by behaving unconstitutionally.

“If this issue is not properly addressed it may pave ways for anti democratic forces to abort our democracy,” Okoye said.

South-South NSCDC Seals Off 10 Illegal Guard Coys In A/Ibom

Yena Communal Clash

Victims Mother Appeals For Justice YENAGOA - Mrs. Binabo Atama, The mother of Mr. Godgift Atama, who was killed in a clash between two communities in Yenagoa, has appealed to the state government to prosecute her son’s killers.

Godgift, 24, was reportedly killed on December. 7, 2013 in a neighbouring community and the timely intervention of security personnel averted a reprisal.

Binabo, Godgift’s mother, who made the appeal during a peaceful protest staged to draw the attention of the Bayelsa Government to the incident, said that she could not describe the magnitude of her sorrow.

“I really don’t have much to say; I can only demand that those who killed my son should be arrested and prosecuted according to the law. Let them be brought to book.

“I demand justice; how can I live in the midst of those who murdered my son from the next village? The government should assist me to get justice,” she said.

More than 500 youths from Ayamabele community on Sunday staged a peaceful protest to demand the trial of suspects arrested in connection with the crime.

Mr. Joel Monibo, a youth leader, said that the youths, who resisted the temptation of taking the laws into their hands, staged the protest to demand for justice for the slain man.

“We are appealing to Gov. Seriake Dickson and the commissioner of police to step in and take the right action on this matter.

“After killing Godgift, they dragged his corpse to a remote corner of the Akumoni community. We had to invite the special state security outfit, `Operation Doo Akpo’, and they came and searched for the corpse in Akumoni. ‘‘Some persons were identified as those who murdered our son and they were arrested. But to our greatest surprise, the same killers have been released by the police,” Monibo said.

Addressing the protesters, Mr. Benson Konbowei, the Speaker of the Bayelsea House of Assembly, assured them that he would personally table their grievances before the governor.

He urged them not to foment trouble, assuring them that the government would resolve the crisis to ensure lasting peace in the area.

Adamawa State Coordinator, National Directorate of Employment, Mallam Aliyu Abubakar (right) addressing beneficiairies during the disbursement of loans to Micro Enterpreneurs in Yola yesterday.

FRSC Records 43 Deaths, 100 Road Clashes In A/Ibom UYO - The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said it recorded 43 deaths and 100 road traffic crashes in Akwa Ibom in 2013.

The Uyo Sector Commander of the corps, Mr Ocheja Ameh, said this in an interview with newsmen in Uyo. Ameh explained that those who died in the crashes were 32

male, 10 female and one child.

The sector commander said that there was a decrease in the number of deaths recorded in 2013 as against 50 deaths recorded in 2012.

He also said that there was a reduction in the number of road crashes in the state in the year under review, pointing out that 131 road crashes occurred in the

Police Deny Shooting Senator Abe PORT HARCOURT - The Rivers Police Command has denied allegations that its personnel shot and wounded a member of the National Assembly, Senator. Magnus Abe. Its spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, (DSP), told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the police did not dispense any bullet while dispersing a rally by Save Rivers Movement yesterday.

He said the group was at the state College of Arts and Science for the rally when they were dispersed because they did not obtain a police

permit.

“I can confirm to you that Sen. Magnus Abe was not shot. The police did not expend any single bullet while dispersing the crowd.

“It is not true. The police did not shoot the senator, we only used minimum force to disperse the crowd at the venue of the rally,’’ he said.

Reports state that the Rivers Government has alleged that Abe was shot by the police at the venue of the rally.

Mrs Ibim Semenitari, the Commissioner for information and Communications, made the accusation in a statement

yesterday in Port Harcourt.

“Today’s attack on members of the Save Rivers Movement, a non governmental association, at the College of Arts and Science, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and especially the unprovoked shooting of Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, the senator representing Rivers South East senatorial district, is cause for worry and an indication of the length that the PDP is willing to go to silence opposing views.

“Rivers State Government therefore reiterates its call for the re-deployment of CP Mbu from Rivers State before he

Traffic gridlock at City gate on Airport road in Abuja yesterday.

turns the state into a graveyard because of his intolerance and unprofessional behaviour,’’ she said.

The commissioner assured that the state government would continue to protect the interest of the people at all times.

“We appeal to our people to remain law abiding and not to take the laws into their own hands as we promise to continue to use all legitimate and legal means to guarantee the safety of our people and their rights to exist in Nigeria,’’ she said.

The Press Secretary to Sen. Abe, Mr Honour Sirawoo, said a rubber bullet hit Abe on the chest and was taken to hospital for treatment.

He said Abe had gone to supervise the preparations for the rally when the incident occurred at about 9.00 am yesterday.

Dr Mckay Anyanwu, Medical Director of Krisany Hospital, where Abe was rushed to for treatment, told newsmen that the senator was brought to the hospital in a state of shock caused by low blood pressure.

“He was unable to talk or eat, and he was feeling restless as a result of traumatic shock.

“The implication is that there is haemorrhage; this is a blood trauma, it is not a sharp one,’’ he said.

state in 2012.

He attributed the reduction to rigorous sensitisation campaigns carried out by the command, especially in the last quarter of 2013.

“As a matter of fact, in 2013 we recorded 100 road traffic crashes in Akwa Ibom State as against 131 that we had in 2012.

“Out of the number of crashes during the year, 31 were fatal; but in the previous year, we recorded 35 fatal crashes.

“We have put a lot of measures in place to reduce road crashes in the state.’’

Ameh said that the dominant causes of road crashes in the state were speed limit violations and dangerous driving.

He, however, said the command had seriously campaigned against speed limit violations and dangerous driving in the state to reduce crashes this year.

He added that the command would organise other programmes in 2014 to drastically reduce the number of road crashes in the state.

He said, “we have been educating the public on the need to install speed limit devices in all commercial vehicles in the state.”

Ameh told newsmen that all stakeholders in the transport sector in Akwa Ibom had signed an agreement that there would be strict enforcement of the speed limit device installation.

“We have started discussion with Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC), a major transporter in the state, and the company has started installing the devices in its vehicles,” he said.

He added that the corps would enter into similar agreements with other transport companies in the state.

UYO - The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), has said it sealed off 10 illegal private guard companies in Akwa Ibom in 2013.

The State Commandant of the corps, Mr. Pedro Ideba, said this in an interview with newsmen in Uyo. Ideba said that the command had earlier given the private guard companies time to regularise their operations but they refused.

“The companies were given enough time to regularise their papers but they refused, some only came to collect the forms but never filled them,’’ he said.

He said that the private guard companies were sealed off because the time of grace given to them had elapsed.

According to him, the Ministry of Interior granted licenses to only five private guard companies that met the requirements to operate in Akwa Ibom.

The state commandant also said that the command had reduced oil theft in Akwa Ibom to the barest minimum.

Ideba, however, told newsmen that the officers and men of the corps, deployed to crime-prone areas in the state, would continue to be there.

He said that the command had discovered a new method used by the oil thieves to sabotage the economy and would counter them.

He further said that the corps had arrested three suspects, in connection with oil theft in the state.

...Arrests Politicians, 2 Other For Oil Theft IKOT ABASI (AKWA IBOM) - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said that it had arrested a politician and two other suspects in connection with alleged oil theft in Akwa Ibom.

The Commandant of the corps in the state, Mr. pedro Ideba, said this in an interview with newsmen in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom.

Ideba, who declined to disclose the names of the suspects, said the culprits used sophisticated method in committing the act.

He said that the suspects were arrested last year following a tipoff, adding that they were caught while trying to adulterate petroleum products.

“In the process of mixing the chemicals, we arrested two tankers using hydrometer in testing the premium of the products,” he said.

Ideba said items recovered from the suspects included; a Mercedes Benz car, pumping machine and two tankers.

He said that suspects were arrested on Ibiakpan Junction in Ikot Ekpene-Itu road.

South-West Librarian Cautions Against Total Reliance On Internet

L-R: Chief of Defence Staff, Adm. Ola Ibrahim; US Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. James Entwistle and Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika; at the workshop on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism in Abuja yesterday.

AKURE - Mrs Israel Omonigho, a librarian, in Akure advised students and those seeking information to avoid a total dependence on information received on the internet.

Omonigho, a Librarian at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Akure.

“Students and informationseekers should rather be avid readers of printed materials, instead of relying absolutely on the internet,’’ she said.

The librarian expressed worry over the decrease in the usage of the university’s library

Oyo Police Present Scorecard, Plans For 2014

IBADAN - The Oyo State Police Command has presented its scorecard for 2013, saying it performed well in combating crime.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Indabawa, told newsmen in Ibadan that the command had evolved an action plan to effectively combat crime in 2014.

“We shall frontally confront crimes and criminality because this time, we are mentally reengineered on improved service delivery.

“Expect to see more of vehicular/foot patrol of black spots and we shall exploit community policing outreach and sensitisation campaigns of members of the public.

“Unlike previous years when Oyo State used to be the favoured destinations of bank robbers and vicious criminals, robbers and other criminals now dread the state.

“Compared to 2012, the police command improved notably in the performance of its statutory duties.

“It ensured that the relative level of peace and security enjoyed by the pacesetter state did not diminish,” he said.

He recalled the manner the

police managed the tension over the killing of 10 Yoruba traders by suspected Boko Haram members in Borno.

“This resulted in a frosty relationship between the Yoruba and Hausa traders in the state, particularly at the Bodija market in Ibadan.

“The situation had to be managed with all sense of responsibility to prevent the conflict in the market from spilling over into the larger society,” he said.

Indabawa attributed the achievements of the command in 2013 to careful planning by the command.

“In addition, the doggedness of officers and men of the command, result-oriented leadership, the cooperation of the state government and wellmeaning citizens contributed to our achievements,” he said.

Indabawa, who was represented by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olabisi CletIlobanafor, said further that 122

suspected armed robbers were arrested in 2013 as against 102 in 2012.

“In 2013, we recovered a total number of 60,997 cartridges and ammunition, mainly from Saki, a border town in the state.

“198 stolen vehicles were recovered in the state, while 18 kidnapped attempts were foiled.

“The command recorded 365 cases of rape and indecent assault compared with 332 recorded for 2012.

“In all, 1,078 cases were successfully prosecuted in the different courts as against 789 in 2012,” he said.

facilities by students.

Omonigho said while she appreciated the fast delivery of information as offered by the internet she still believed that students should be wary of relying on it totally.

“Internet has truly influenced our students, to the extent that some don’t want to source for printed materials for the information needed.

“But there is internet etiquette, which the majority lacks.

“I think there is a problem, because a lot of them are yet to be educated on how to use the internet.

“The danger is that the student who is looking for information for his research work may not be able to verify if the information is authentic or not.

“I do tell my students that they should not rely totally on the information they get from the internet, because the authenticity of the sources cannot be verified,” she said.

Omonigho said unfiltered and uncensored information was injurious to one’s life.

“Unlike textbooks which must have undergone series of processes through a myriad of consultants before they are published, the internet is a place where everybody just goes to

and posts anything they like.

“And some of this information can damage one’s social, moral and psychological life.

“I must tell you that we do take our time to select those books that are believed to be of optimal use and benefit in a systematic manner to the yearnings of the prospective users,” she said.

The librarian urged library users not to narrow their area of knowledge, but rather let it permeate all strata of their lives.

“Some students and library users majorly use materials that concern their areas of study.

“But this should not just be the only reason of their coming to the library.

“An ideal library user should seek information that can cater for the development of their total being: the spiritual, the physical, the social and the psychological, and even their marital wherewithal,” she said.

Omonigho, however, commended the management of FUTA for the expansion work on the university’s library complex.

She said enough space would be available for use during the peak time, including examination periods, when the expansion work was completed.

Aregbesola Advises Eligible Voters To Register OSOGBO - Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has urged eligible voters to ensure that they were registered in the voters’ register.

The governor made the call in Osogbo at his investiture as the grand-patron of the Community Development Council (CDC), a pro-development organisation in the state.

According to him, the update of the registration becomes necessary as soon as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) begins the

process of election in the state.

Osun and Ekiti would hold governorship elections in 2014.

The governor, however, warned all prospective voters to avoid double registration and work for a hitch-free and peaceful election.

Speaking on the gesture accorded him by the CDC, Aregbesola said he was particularly impressed with the performance of the organisation since the inception.

He said that the council could be made more vibrant to serve the

state better even as he called for the election of new executives into all CDC offices statewide.

The governor also urged the council to ensure the mobilisation of the various communities to embark on viable self-help projects in order to complement government’s efforts.

Aregbesola said that his administration would continue to

deliver the dividends of democracy to the people and improve on its efforts to develop all parts of the state.

Earlier, Chief Michael Okediya, the CDC chairman in the state, had highlighted the reasons for the choice of the governor as the grand patron.

These, he said, included his drive for development and support to the council.

Highlights of the event were the official decoration of Aregbesola as grand patron of the CDC and the inauguration of the 2014 calendar of the council.

Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, the state’s Deputy Governor and Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), were among dignitaries present at the occasion.

FRSC To Introduce Special Intervention Patrol OGBOMOSO (Oyo State) Mr Akin Adedipe, the FRSC Unit Commander in Ogbomoso, says special intervention patrols are to be introduced to check road traffic accidents.

Adedipe told newsmen in Ogbomoso that the initiative would be carried out in conjunction with the Oyo and Ilorin units of FRSC. “This year, we are going to collaborate with the Ilorin and Oyo units to rid the roads of

accidents through special intervention patrols.

“It is our belief that the collaboration would tremendously reduce accidents on the Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin expessway,” he said.

Adedipe also said that there was a reduction in accidents on the roads in the unit due to the ‘`Operation Zero Tolerance’’ introduced in 2013.

FRSC officials, he said, were drafted to strategic locations

under the unit to enforce traffic rules and ensure compliance with speed limit.

He also said that there was average compliance in Ogbomoso unit as regards the use of crash helmets as well as seat belts, adding that those caught were prosecuted.

Road traffic accidents, he added, had reduced tremendously during the day.

Adedipe commended residents of the town for cooperating with FRSC officials, saying many had assisted in evacuating victims of road traffic accidents.

National Publicity Secretary, Northern Patrotic Front, Alhaji Musa Zubaru; National Chairman, Northern Alternative Forum, Malam Gidado Ibrahim and National Coordinator, Northern Youths Congress, Mr. Abdulmumini Tijani, at a News Conference.

Lagos FIRO To Intensify Advocacy For Passage Of Cassava Bread Bitt -DG LAGOS-Dr Gloria Elemo, Director-General, Federal Institute for Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, said that the institute would intensify its advocacy for the passage of the Cassava Bread Bill this year.

Elemo restated the institute’s commitment to the cause at a sensitisation meeting with National Cassava Processors and Marketers Association (NCAPMA) and the officials of the Bank of Industry in Lagos.

She said that the eventual passage of the bill would be a considerable achievement for the institute.

In December 2009, FIIRO sent a memorandum on the passage of the bill to the National Assembly.

The proposed bill was on the 10 per cent cassava flour inclusion in bread baking in Nigeria.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture in the same vein sent a similar bill to the House but the two bills suffered serious setbacks.

“We are going to undertake some sensitisation exercise in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. We will be canvassing for the passage of the Cassava Bread Bill.

“The former excuse for the non-passage is that cassava bread will cause diabetes.

“However, we have proved that it is not true. The innovation has undergone extensive tests and trials. It has been proved that the glycaemic index is below the diabetes causing level.

“Cassava bread is totally

safe, in fact, at FIIRO we have stepped up to 20 per cent inclusion without the use of additives or enzymes,’’ the director-general said.

Elemo said that the Cassava Bread Bill when passed was capable of job creation, wealth creation, poverty reduction and local content utilisation.

She advised the cassava processors to unite and work together as one so that they could benefit from any initiative the government would want to undertake.

Also speaking, the Chairman of NCAPMA Board of Trustees, Chief Adebayo Ajayi, lauded the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan, especially as regards cassava.

Ajayi said that the association would throw its weight behind the advocacy for the passage of the bill.

In Asoro Primary School Benin City, pupils were cleaning their classrooms and school premises as Primary and Secondary Schools in Edo State resumed yesterday. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

Lagos Fire Service Saves N165bn Property In 1,237 Emergencies LAGOS - The Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, said that the service had responded to 1,537 fire incidences out of the 2,015 emergency cases reported to it in 2013.

Fadipe told newsmen in

Lagos that the service saved about N165 billion worth of property in the process.

According to him, the emergency cases included those of collapsed buildings, accidents, people trapped in lifts and those that fell into pits and wells.

“We also had 372 false calls from members of the public during the period.

“We had 312 cases of fire; the highest of such incidence was in January 2013, followed by 194 in March and 193 in December,’’ Fadipe said.

The director blamed most of the fire incidences to power surge, which he attributed to unprofessional technical works.

He said the agency had discovered that most residents engaged the Students of Imaguero Secondary School in Benin City playing as academic services of untrained activities resumed after the yuletide. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE. persons in installing

Eatery Operators: LAGOS - Mr. Akin Akingbehin, the Lagos State President of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) has advised operators of eatery houses to ensure that their staff are medically fit.

Akingbehin told newsmen in Lagos that it was important to get the potential workers examined, to ascertain their health status before being employed by fast foods operators.

According to him, the potential workers must also meet certain requirements necessary to prevent the transmission of

“We will remain grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for being as passionate about cassava as we the practitioners.

“We specially want to appreciate the Cassava Bread Fund, a government bailout initiative. NCAPMA itself is a brainchild of the Federal Government,’’ he said.

The NCAPMA board member said that past funds to the association failed to reach it due to insincerity, greed and corruption on the part of those who were supposed to disburse them.

He said that NCAPMA would set up an independent monitoring committee to decide the would-be beneficiaries of the fund.

Ajayi noted that cassava was truly a golden crop as every part of it was useful.

Health Body Emphasizes Fitness

communicable diseases.

“They will have to meet up with that standard, such as certified medical report of fitness from a recognised hospital or laboratory, have a good food storage system and pest control examination.”

Akingbehin said eateries would have their licenses withdrawn and their premises sealed off, if they failed to meet the required standards set by the state or local governments.

“The likely penalties that such eatery owners are bound to face for not complying with regulations are many.

“They include abatement notice for non-compliance such as unhygienic and filthy site and lack of medical fitness certificate and license to operate an eatery.

“If the person is not licensed, the licence will not be granted; if the person operates without licence, then that premises will be served notice. “ When an abatement notice is served, it will stipulate the environmental nuisance committed.

“It will also stipulate correction to be taken with time frame for

such correction to be made before the next visit by the environmental health officer.’’

Akingbehin said an environmental health officer had the right to enter any eatery in the country and was expected to inspect and serve them with abatement notices when necessary.

“An environmental officer has a right to inspect all premises generally. “ But he is given a specific power, under section 13 of the Public Health Law Cap 11 Volume 6 of 1994, to inspect and detect nuisances in food

establishments.

“An officer has a right, under that law, to see if a person who handles food prepares it in a sanitary manner.

“On the kind of food on sale, he is allowed under the law, to verify the substance of the food, whether it is food that is wholesome or unwholesome,’’ the president said.

He advised eateries’ operators to adhere strictly to the stipulated laws guiding the operation and standard of eatery business.

Akingbehin also told them to be mindful of the impact of their waste generation on their immediate environment.

electrical appliances which were mostly sub-standard.

“Apart from sub-standard electrical products, over loading of appliances resulted in cases of fire outbreaks.

“When people carryout renovation in buildings, they must include all the electrical facilities in the renovation of such buildings.

“People should always switch off electrical appliances when leaving their offices or when not in use at home.

“Illegal connection to electricity can also cause fire outbreaks. Lagos Island has the highest recorded cases of fire through illegal electricity installation.Such practice should be discouraged.

“Members of the public should report illegal installation or else they would share from the problem, when fire occurs,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the director has expressed worries over recent incidences of fire caused by fuel laden tankers in the state, urging the government to check the trend.

He said that the service had responded to at least four of such cases in the last one week, including the Jan. 8 incident at OlodiApapa that resulted in the death of no fewer than 10 persons and destruction of property.

Across The Nation

Byazhin Residents Lament Demolition Of Illegal Structures BYAZHIN (FCT) - Some residents of Byazhin, Kubwa, Abuja, have lamented the demolition of their houses built under high tension wires

by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Development Control Department .

While some complained that they were not given enough notice to enable them make proper alternative arrangements for accommodation, others lamented the loss of their business premises to the exercise.

Mr Kunle Onas, a civil servant, whose was removed on Wednesday, told newsmen that he had suffered a similar fate at Phase 4, Kubwa.

“This is unfair; some years ago, my house in Phase 4, Kubwa, was marked as an illegal structure and demolished by development control and I had to move my family to a friend’s house.

“I was able to save some money to erect this one in Byazhin and look at what they have done again; where do I go from here,’’ he said.

Mr David Omoh, another resident, said that demolition

in the territory had lingered for too long and was affecting the living conditions of the people.

“When will the demolition of structures end. Even those of us that live in rented houses have to seek alternative accommodation whenever our houses are demolished and it is always frustrating,’’ he said.

Malam Sani Abu, who operated a provisions store in the area, lamented the loss of his business premises.

“It is so expensive to rent shops in Kubwa and now that my little shop has been demolished, I don’t know what to do next,’’ he said.

Mr Abubakar Sodangi, the development control officer in charge of Kubwa district, said however that the recent operation in Byazhin was to remove shanties built under high tension cables.

He said that the operation was a continuous one because anytime such structures were demolished, the owners erected them again.

“These structures were removed initially around 2007 and it is to maintain a set-back from high tension

cables.

“The approved set-back is 30 metres to the right and 30 metres to the left; structures that were removed failed to meet this regulation,’’ Sodangi said.

He expressed concern that in spite of the several warnings the government gave, the people in the area constantly raised batchers and shanties under high-tension cables and poles.

“The structures have to be cleared regularly by the department as living and trading under the high tension cable amounts to exposing the people to danger,’’ he said.

Members of National Union of Electricity Employees in a peaceful protest over the NonPayment of Severance Entitlemen in Ibadan yesterday.

Kaduna Assembly Suspends Member

Adamu, (Maigana-APC), where he made the allegation.

Adamu had in an interview on September. 23, 2013 in the electronic media and national dailies, accused members of collecting bribe of N10 million each to remove the former speaker, Usman Gangara and other principal officers.

On November. 6, 2013 when the motion was moved

by Ali, the assembly mandated its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate the allegation.

The chairman of the committee, Mr Philemon Gidan-Mana, told the assembly that the defendant refused to appear before the committee after he was summoned three times.

Gidan-Mana said by the provision of the legislative Houses (power and privileges) Act 1990, Cap L12 Section 24 (1) A, B and C, the lawmaker was guilty.

“The section says, “any statement whether in writing or otherwise, which falsely Relations escort their sisters to Wazobia Motor Park in Gwagwal as school resumes in or scandalously defame a KADUNA - The Kaduna State House of Assembly suspended its member, Dr Shehu Adamu, for six months over allegation of N180 million bribe levelled against other members.

The decision followed a motion by Alhaji Muhammad Ali, (Kawo – PDP), who drew the attention of members to an interview granted by

Abuja yesterday.

58 Killed In 32 Auto-Crashes

IBADAN - A total of 58 people were killed while 151 others were injured in 32 road accidents in Oyo State in December, 2013.

Mr. Godwin Ogagaoghene, the Oyo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, said this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.

He also said 11 private

cars and 32 commercial vehicles were involved in the crashes.

“Eight of the accidents were serious while 22 turned out to be fatal.

“In addition, the victims of these road crashes were mainly adults while seven children were involved,” Ogagaoghene added.

The FRSC boss also said 20 people were killed in 21 road crashes in November, 2013.

Another 141 people, he said, were injured.

He urged motorists and other road users to cooperate with his commission to reduce road crashes in 2014.

“We can have a reduced number of crashes in 2014 if motorists maintain maximum speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour.

“They must be willing to abide by all traffic rules and regulations.

“In addition, they must ensure that their vehicles meet up with the minimum basic standards,” he said.

legislator, House or any committee thereof shall be guilty of an offence.

“The standing penalties for misconduct by any member would result to reprimand, demotion, or withdrawal of privileges or expulsion from the House.

“The committee recommended that the house should suspend Adamu from official duties for the period of six (6) months.

“Also before he is readmitted into the Assembly he must go back to the same electronic medium to retract his previous statement with

an apology to Kaduna State legislature,” he said.

During the debate on the committee’s report, some members pleaded with the house to forgive him.

In his defence, Adamu denied the allegation, saying that he requested for the DVD to watch, so as to enable him respond but members of the committee refused to give it to him.

The Speaker, Alhaji Usman Tahir, after several debates on the matter by members, announced the suspension of Usman from the Assembly for the period of six months.

GOMBE -A female police constable, Christiana Parama, has urged a Jankai Upper Area Court in Gombe to dissolve her marriage to Alfred Albeta, a police sergeant, for alleged illtreatment.

Christiana told the court that her husband paid her bride price in December 2012 without ceremony.

She explained that after her husband paid the dowry he left his house in Arawa Quarters of Gombe metropolis and joined her at the police barracks.

The petitioner said that she had never had peace because Parama beats her daily, besides engaging in extramarital affairs.

She alleged that her husband was not responsible for her upkeeps, adding that she had been feeding herself.

Christiana said both of them were attached to the Communication Department of the Police Command in Gombe State.

The petitioner told the court that she was no longer interested in the marriage, saying: “all I want now is divorce’’.

Parama denied all the allegations, contending that “I have been discharging my responsibility as a man, I still loved her and I am not willing to divorce her.

He said he decided to park to his wife’s apartment because of the insecurity around Arawa Quarters.

The Judge, Alhaji Salihu Bappa, gave the couple one month to reconcile and report to the court.

He adjourned the case to February. 6, for further mention.

Constable Seeks Divorce For Alleged Ill-Treatment

Across The Nation

NDE Disburses N2m Loan To 100 Beneficiaries

Motorcycle Ban: Niger Govt Purchases 1,000 Tricycles MINNA - The Niger state government has purchased 1,000 tricycles at the cost of N472.5 million to address transportation problems caused by the ban on commercial motorcycles within Minna and its environ.

The state’s Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, gave this indication while briefing newsmen in Minna.

He said that contract for the tricycle was awarded to a firm that had promised to deliver them next week.

“The firm has agreed to train 400 mechanics that would be responsible for the repairs of the tricycles, while providing working tools free of charge to the mechanics. In addition there are plans to open assembly plant here,” he added.

He said the tricycles would be deployed to some routes that were not adequately covered by other tricycles operators in the town.

Mohammed said the tricycles would be distributed

to youths as part of efforts to create jobs for them.

He said the ministry would ensure that all the tricycles were not abused and also plied designated routes within Minna and its environs.

The Commissioner urged those to be given the tricycl, not to capitalize on the situation and exploit commuters.

He revealed plans by his ministry to engage500 Community Traffic Vanguards to help in monitoring the activities of operators.

“We are aware that 1,000 tricycles and buses are not adequate to cover the township but it is not an excuse for any operator to exploit commuters,” he warned.

He said the government decided to ban the commercial motorcycle operations in the township due to security concerns and the increasing cases of accidents caused by motorcyclists.

invite potential foreign investors.

He expressed the readiness of ABUCCIMA to partner with the FCT administration in harnessing the huge business and economic potential of the territory.

KADUNA - The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) disbursed N2 million loan to 100 small-scale business entrepreneurs in Kaduna State.

Disbursing the loan, the NDE Director in the state, Isa Jibril Tandama, said each of the beneficiary would get N20,000.

He said the loan would be paid within 18 months, adding that the scheme would enhance small-scale businesses.

He said repayment of the loan would commence after three months of its disbursement, adding that N1,450 would be paid monthly.

The director advised the beneficiaries to use the loan judiciously and pay back within the stipulated period.

“You should not divert the loan to your personal use. You should instead use it for the purpose it is intended.’’

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Bilhatu Williams, assured the directorate that they would use the money to develop their trades.

(NEDEP) would strengthen and improve the SMEs job creation capacity in 2014.

“This will include; helping SMEs with access to affordable finance, business development service and youth training.’’

According to the document, the National Bureau of

number of jobs created across the country in 2013 to be about 1.6 million.

It added that in spite of the jobs already created, government was also keenly aware that there was the need to create more jobs to support the nation’s growing population.

Pupils and Teachers of Russell International Group of Schools, Ugbowo, Benin City during their morning assembly as they resumed yesterday.

Abuja Chamber Of Commerce Explains Planned through trade fairs and foreign ABUJA -The Abuja trade missions during which Centenary Trade Fair Chambers of Commerce, celebration as a unique members made contact with and to do for ourselves,’’ he said.

Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) plans a Centenary Trade Fair aimed at showcasing the achievements of the country’s industrial sector since inception, its Director-General, Mr. Joe Wenegieme, says.

He disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He said that the fair, billed to hold from March 20 to April 2, would focus on Made-inNigeria goods and services.

The theme of the fair, according to him, is “Celebrating creative industrial excellence in production and innovation through unity in diversity’’.

“We as a chamber of commerce decided to organise this centenary trade fair in order that we can showcase Made-inNigeria goods and services.

“And use that centenary

opportunity for us to focus global attention on our country, our history, the people, their achievements, and aspirations and above all business opportunities in Nigeria.

“This fair is scheduled to come up from the 20th of March to 2nd of April here in our international trade fair complex,’’ he said.

Wenegieme said that participation was expected from all states of the federation, universities, research institutes and industrialists across the country.

According to him, some foreign countries especially those in North and West Africa have also indicated interest to participate in the fair.

The ABUCCIMA DG threw more light on the 13-day event, saying: “This is a made-inNigeria trade fair where we want the world to really see

Customs Generate N20.9bn Revenue In Dec

LAGOS - The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, said that they realised N20.2 billion as revenue in December 2013.

The command’s revenue figures were contained in documents signed by the Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Ekpa, which were made available to newsmen in Lagos.

The revenue also showed a decline of N1.1 billion, compared with the N21.3 billion generated in November 2013..

A further breakdown of the

revenue showed that N128 million was collected on rice in December 2013, as against the N127 million collected on the same commodity in November.

The command generated for the federation account more than N9 billion from import duty and other fees, while N10.2 billion was collected for its non-federated account.

It also showed that N933 million was collected from the Negotiable Duty Credit Certificate (NDCC).

The NDCC is a payment document for the importation of raw materials.

what we have been able to do for ourselves since these 100 years of our existence.

“And if you look at the theme, we say we are celebrating our industrial excellence in production innovation through unity in diversity. So we want to see what we have been able

On ABUCCIMA’s contributions to the economic development of the FCT, Wenegieme said that the chamber had attracted a lot of local and foreign investments into the territory.

This, according to him, is

FG To Implement New Tariff To Fast ABUJA - The Federal Track Industrialisation Government said it would Development Programme Statistics (NBS) estimated the focus on the implementation of a new Common External Tariff (CET) to fast track the industrialisation process in the country.

This is contained in a document analysis of the 2014 budget on major focus of government to ensure good governance which was obtained in Abuja from the Ministry of Finance.

It said that government would also intensify investment promotion abroad to ensure that the biggest and best companies around the world invested in Nigeria.

On small and Medium Enterprise (SME), it noted that it would continue to be top priority of the government to ensure that jobs were created through them.

“Supporting the creation of jobs by the private sector will continue to be a top priority in 2014.

“They will be supplemented by direct government programmes such as the Nagropreneurs, YouWin, Graduate Internship Scheme

and the SURE-P Community Service Programme.

According to the document, Nigeria has about 17 million registered SMEs which employed more than 32 million Nigerians.

It added that a stronger focus on the implementation of the Nigeria Enterprise

Erosion site at Nekede Community in Owerri Westof Imo yesterday.

Media

Media Participation In Conflict Resolution MEDIA practitioners in Nigeria have been charged to imbibe the practice that promotes peace and unity of the country in the discharge of their duty.

They were also urged to shun sensationalism, personal interest and reports that are capable of causing conflict or escalate it.

Speakers, which include the State of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Owah, Representative of United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Mathew Alao, Vice President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone G, Mr. Bamidele Atunbi and the Zonal Director SouthWest, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Ojone Ofonoku gave the charge at a workshop/capacity building on Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Good Governance in Nigeria.

At the workshop held at Royal Park International Hotel, Iloko- Ijesha, Osun State, organised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in collaboration with the United Nation Development Programme, the speakers asserted that there is the need for journalists to be mindful of the interest of the country and be conflict sensitive in their reportage.

Noting that this is the only

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

capacity building workshop, the UNDP boss said this will ensure a change in the way the media in the country works and promote conflict sensitive reporting.

“It is important as media practitioners to understanding between publicity and cheap popularity, most times you

way by which peace and peace and not crisis. We unity can be promoted in the should mind our language country, they unanimously about what we write as this tasked the media may make or mar our practitioners to engage in corporate existence.

Please work in the interest reports that can promote peace and shun that which of the nation and not that of is capable of promoting a particular person, do not assist prophet of doom to conflict and discord.

The speakers who further make their prediction come spoke on good governance, tasked Nigerian journalists to do more of good governance advocacy in their reportage, stressing that this will assist in sensitizing government at all level to be alive to their responsibilities.

The state Osun commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Akere who declared the workshop open, charged journalists to always promote issues that will unite the country and not that which will divide it and that they should be mindful of languages as what they write will make or mar the country.

Akere, who further charged that media practitioners should work in the interest of the nation and not that of a particular Labaran Maku, Information Minister person or region, also tasked them not to assist the to pass”. have not border to look for prophets of doom in the The IPCR boss, Dr. Owah the fact of a story, therefore accomplishment of their in his opening address noted you create more damage predictions, saying such that the media in Nigeria has than resolving it”, Dr. Owah will not do the nation any the capacity to create and remarked. good.

In his own contribution, resolve conflict, adding that His words, “The media it seems it has created more the UNDP representative, should look at things that conflict than resolving it.

Mr. Alao emphasised that unite the country and not Stating that this informed journalists are likely to that which divides it, we the resolve of both UNDP promote conflict itself should sing the song of and IPCR to organise the rather than minimizing it if

“It is important as media practitioners to understanding between publicity and cheap popularity, most times you have not border to look for the fact of a story, therefore you create more damage than resolving it”

they are not conflict sensitive in their reportage, adding that it forms the reason UNDP is committed to the training of journalists on how to do their work in order to promote peace in the country.

Alao disclosed that the UNDP will soon organised a peace summit where stakeholders will brainstorm on how to ensure that conflict is minimized in the country, adding that the agency is doing everything possible to ensure all stakeholders join in the peace process.

As a media practitioner, the NUJ chieftain maintained that journalists must be objective in their reportage, saying the absence of this will create conflict.

According to him, media practitioners have the social responsibility to protect the interest of the nation and must de-emphasise that which will divide the country in their reportage.

The firebrand unionist and activist who was critical about the country’s 1999 constitution, called for the abrogation of section 22,

The NUJ Vice President Zone G, Mr. Atunbi remarked that conflict occurred on daily basis earth domestically or nationally, but noted that its management has always been the major challenge.

He stated that the position of the NUJ on conflict resolution has always been fairness on the part of all and sundry, while asking if government at all level have been fair to the led.

Talking about good governance, he said, “we must talk about development, we must take a critical look at how the wealth and resources of the country are being distributed and its fairness to the people”.

saying it hinders the workability of chapter 2, noting that it prevents media practitioners to sue their employers while occupying public positions.

Speaking in the same vein, the NBC South-West Zonal Director Mrs. Ofonoku noted that conflict is being magnified through the manner in which headlines are cast, stressing that this further escalate rather than minimize the situation.

While describing the workshop as timely, she applauded the organisers for their efforts at ensuring the promotion and advocacy of good governance in Nigeria and conflict sensitive reporting, saying they all catalyze to peace and better society.

Issues Family Matters

Helping Your Teen Overcome Peer Pressure

By JAMES MILLICENT OCHUWA

As your children grow older, the influence and effect of friends and peer on their lives become more and more prevalent. Peer pressure can become both a positive and negative influence on them and the decisions they make.

So peer pressure can be defined as the amount of influences people of the same age have over one another either good or bad influences, here are possible ways parents and family members can help teenagers overcome negative peer pressure.

Teach them their self –worth: A child that valued a home will not be as likely to give in to negative influences when he/she is away from home. Making sure that your child

feels loved and feels valued in everything he/she does is probably the most important thing you can do as a parent to help them combat the outside influences of the world.

If your children feel good about who they are and confident in their choices and opinion of others.

Talk to your children, let them know that you value them and that they are important; include your child in important conversations and truly take their input into consideration. This will help your child feel valued and more self-confident in their own decision making process.

Encourage interests-Every children has a unique set of talent and help your child discover these interests and skill and do everything you can to encourage him/her. A child that has his own interests is less likely to be persuaded by a group of peer so help your child to make

“Talk to your children, let them know that you value them and that they are important; include them in important conversations and truly take their input into consideration.

This will help your children feel valued and more selfconfident in their own decision making process.”

a different set of friends who also share those interests this will provide in return a positive peer group that can be effective in helping to encourage your child further in achieving goals related to his/her interest.

Have a good line of communication-while your child is growing open the lines of communication effectively.

If you talk to your children about everything when they are younger, chances are they will talk to you about the more important stuff when they are older. With open communication you can talk to your children about your concerns as they relate peer and peer specific situation and scenarios that they might face and together create a workable plan as to how deal with those situations. It is important to talk to your child and help them to decide how they will act. If a child is already familiar with a choice that is presented to him and has decided on course of action, such a child is more likely to follow that plan unlike novice that may easily go astray.

While peer pressure can be an important influence on your child’s life, parent and family are still the most important. if your children feels loved, valued and supported at home, they are more likely to avoid the pressure of their peer turn to you for advice. The important thing is to remember that as an influence for good in your child’s life you need to start when they are young and be consistent.

THE basic fundamental of all economies is agriculture and all industrial nations know this. That their economies are on solid rock is basically because they have galvanized their agricultural potentials, which is also the offshoot of their industrial development. That is why concerned citizens of Nigeria have continued to warn on the dangers of continued dependence by the nation on crude oil which is today the mainstay and sustaining source of the Nigerian economy.

THE traditional focus of the Nigerian economy before the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity was agriculture and it played a fundamental role in shaping the economy of the nation and regions as Nigeria was then constituted in its immediate post independence era.

IN the 1960s, each region of the country was noted for producing some cash crops such as cocoa, groundnut and palm oil as well as rubber in commercial quantities. Basically, the Wet tern region, now the political South West except Lagos which was the Federal Capital, was noted for producing cocoa in large commercial quantities for export. The revenue from cocoa helped in shaping the infrastructure and economic environment of then Western Nigeria and its legacies and landmarks were -very very visible, as they affected virtually all aspects of life of the people.

IN the Northern region, groundnut was the mainstay of the economy, to the extent that the volume produced in the region was typified by the “groundnut pyramid�. It symbolized the success of the crop as a veritable earner of revenue which impacted economically on the life of the people.

THE NIGERIAN

Nigerian Economy And Agric Development IN the Eastern region, palm oil was its predominant feature and similarly, it was a success in boosting the economic atmosphere of the country and the region. Interestingly, it is now an irony that Nigeria has been relegated to the background in palm oil production and has been overtaken by Malaysia, a country which took the Nigerian specimen of the plant, palm kernel, and adapted it to its own climatic condition and is today a leading producer of palm oil, which is a major derivative of palm kernel.

SIGNIFICANTLY, the Midwest region was noted for its rubber plantation and was quite a huge success as the crop played its role as a major economic transformation agent to shore up principally the economy of the region.

WE are concerned that there is slow progress in returning to the traditional focus of reviving these cash crops as major sources of revenue for the Federal Government.

HOWEVER, we are aware that not too long ago, the Federal Government launched the Cocoa Rebirth Initiative, as launch pad to regenerate interest in the crop and encourage farmers who have abandoned the plant to come back on the scene to make cocoa play its role in the national economy.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER implores the Federal Government to similarly create avenues

for other cash crops as well as sensitise farmers to take proactive action towards their cultivation.

WHILE the Federal Government has shown the interest to refocus attention to agriculture, there appears to be so much disinterest in the way it has pursued the goal.

THERE is no conscious effort to empower small scale farmers to undertake mechanized farming for greater yields, as this is still the exclusive preserve of the elite farmers. Thus, farmers who are interested in expansion have no way of coping with the financial demands to undertake mechanized farming. Access to bank loans is uncertain with high interest rate, serving as enough scare to discourage the desire for any expansion.

WHILE the banks may have played significant roles in the past in assisting farmers, they did so purely on the initiative of the individual farmers and therefore expect in the new arrangement as already envisaged, a friendly lending terms that will encourage investment in the agricultural sector. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER now calls on the Federal Government to consider an upward review of allocation to the agricultural sector.

Amounts always allocated in the budget have been a pointer of the genuineness of government’s commitment to the agricultural sector.

WE assert that improving the national agricultural output should be devoid of any prohibition that will limit access to the fund by small scale farmers whose contributions to agricultural development form part of the concerted effort of the production chain that will lift the nation out of the continued dependence on oil.

Trend IN times past, skin haircut was associated with rashes on the head, especially among children; mourning as a gesture of respect for deceased relations, or among elderly men who do so to even out their baldness.

But skin hair-cut seem to be in vogue today as many young adult male, especially the youth prefer to wear clean shaven heads.

Barbers attest that many young men visit their barbing salons either to have their heads clean shaven or very lowly cut.

Observers say that even as skin hair-cut seem to be in vogue today, the reasons for preferring-the style are as varied as the individuals who wear skin-cuts. Alhaji Idris Modube, a resident of the Federal capital Territory, Abuja, says it is habitual for him to shave his head completely.

I decided to make it a habit after my first skin-cut that made me look smart.’’

Collins Chinonye, a student of the University of Abuja, says he decided to wear skin shaven head to emulate his US-based role model.

But Mr. Tom Ernest, says his reason for preferring skin hair—cut is purely economic. I save a lot of money if I do not have to visit the salon regularly; each visit costs me much and doing so fortnightly is very expensive at the end of the month,’’ he said.

Some observers argue that saving money by preferring skin hair-cut amounts to little or no savings considering that a visit to a barbing salon costs between N200 and N 500.

For Mr. James Adoke, a barber, many men who prefer skin hair-cut do so because of dandruff, adding that rashes in the hair sometimes constitute a nuisance to some individuals.

Some people say full hair causes dandruff and itching which may result in bleeding in some instance; so they have no option than to keep clean hair-cut, he said.

Experts say that the nature or texture of hair could be a reason for some men to prefer wearing skin hair-

Is Skin Hair-Cut Becoming Fashionable And In Vogue? cuts.

As much as they would like to have long hairs, other factors may compel them to be clean shaven always.

Dr Lanre Falodun, a dermatologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, says growing full hair could cause a headache.

Medically, there is nothing like headache when you do not have a hair—cut, or when you allow your hair to grow to a particular length.

We advise that whoever has such problem should go for a check-up,’’ he said.

Some people keep skin— cut for various reasons such as hair loss, the nature of their job, while others because of fashion, disease prevention or due to baldness.

Nonetheless, Lanre says that some people may have thick or coarse hair which is capable of making combing difficult, thereby causing headaches.

To avoid such a health problem, he recommends that such individuals should have their heads shaved regularly.

Also, loss of hair or baldness is believed to be one good reason for many men to prefer skin hair-cut.

Hair loss or -no loss, you lose more than 100 hair strands from your head everyday while an average scalp contains about 100,000 hair strands.

However, both men and women tend to lose hair thickness and quantity as they grow old.

So baldness is not usually caused by disease; it is related to ageing, hereditary and changes in hormones,’’ he explained.

Lanre notes that some people suffer alopecia, an

By MAUREEN OKON

auto-immune condition that occurs on some people, and cause them to lose hair.

According to him, there are also alopecia total is, alopecia areata and alopecia universal is

cause. Alopecia universalis involves rapid loss of all hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes; it is the most severe, and sortie men fall in

Lanre says that alopecia totalis is the loss of all hair on the head whose causes are unclear, but believed to be auto-immune, while alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair to fall off gradually, but does not cause total loss.

Nonetheless, this cannot prevent hair from growing as the condition is not fashionable life - threatening, while stress is thought to be the

this category.

Generally, with the occupational stress, most men find it difficult to manage their ‘hair, and they end up shaving off everything,’’ he said.

Some hair stylists say skin hair—cut is not the exclusive preserve of men, as many young women now shave their hair. concerned by the luxury of time wasting and, on many occasions, cost of keeping

with weekly hair styles sonic ladies now suggest clean shaven heads as remedy to keeping up with such expensive lifestyle.

The fact that a woman’s hair is an integral determinant of her looks

notwithstanding they say skin hair-cut is beautiful and trendy.

They argue that Britney Spears, an American musician, shaved her head in 2006 because she felt tired of everybody touching her head.

They insist that many basketball players, footballers, artistes, do skin hair-cut because they feel free by not bothering about hair-do.

But for some mothers, the reason could be due to lack of time to attend to many issues needing their attention.

Mrs. Grace Isah, a mother says: I need to shave off my hair once a baby comes; there is rarely the opportunity for bathing, let alone hours for hair styling.

Another problem associated with stylish hair is when your little child’s hands get unto the roots of

your hair, and with a sharp pull it could be painful. one serious pull and missing hair strands can make many mothers to schedule an appointment at the salon for a skin hair—do, she said.

It is generally accepted that skin hair-cut is taking a pride of place and is becoming fashionable these days, especially among the young and young-at-heart men and women.

“Mrs. Grace Isah, a mother says: I need to shave off my hair once a baby comes; there is rarely the opportunity for bathing, let alone hours for hair styling.”

Nutritional Health And Dietetics

Regimen To Cure Constipation Don’t use threats or force against your bowel, use nothing that will distend, weaken, irritate or inflame the bowel.

Absolutely discontinue the use of all laxatives, forced straining, large and high enemas and

or exercise as mentioned before. A half hour’s walk before breakfast is one of the best encouragements to a sluggish bowel to perform its duty, so is a hot full and hearty breakfast.

Never ignore the bowel’s

times.

Retain a happy, hopeful and pleasant disposition and eat your meals with zest.

During the first few days or first week of this regimen to cure constipation, use a small enema of one or two cupfuls

extra roughage.

Eat a well-balanced and adequate diet, divided into 3 well-proportioned satisfying meals a day, consisting of milk, butter, eggs, cheese, fruit and vegetables and some meat or fish.

Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. It is Nature’s own aid and stimulant to good digestion and normal bowel action.

Drink a glass or two of hot water on rising, sipping it slowly. Like thorough and prolonged chewing, sipping the water slowly stimulates the activity and movement of the entire gastro intestinal tract, thorough nerve reflexes, etc, as I have explained before.

Excessive fluid intake is not necessary. Have a glass of water with or between meals in addition to the milk and soup you take. Reduce your tea or coffee to one cup a day if you must have it.

Engage in plenty of walking

desire to act. Respond promptly.

Forming, a regular time habit of moving the bowels right in the morning is of great importance. But don’t be discouraged, if the bowel does not call for action right after you are up and about and have taken hot water drink.

Give it chance and it will surely call for action later, after breakfast. The main thing is to respond and give time and effort to having the bowel empty itself thoroughly.

For this purpose of standing in squatting posture, drawing the abdomen and relaxing the anus.

Gentle massage of the abdomen will help. Use your right fist and run it over the abdomen in a continuous movement in the direction of the large bowel, starting at the right groin and moving the fist up and then across under the ribs and downward to the left groin. Repeat a few

of plain warm water. After the bowel has responded, repeat the injection. Use the “natural method” of helping the bowel in conjunction with the enema so as to get the bowel in the habit of emptying itself completely.

A glycerin suppository inserted in the rectum and retained for a few minutes may be used instead of the enema or alternated with it on different days.

If you are not a sufferer from habitual constipation, but either from neglect or other causes, you have failed to move your bowels during the day, never retire for the night unless, you have evacuated.

Do not let bacteria, bacterial poisons and other waste products stay in and contaminate your system overnight.

Morning, scientists say, will surely find you grouchy and groggy, with a bad taste in the mouths, no desire for breakfast and the beginning

of the harmful habit of becoming constipated.

Resort to a small enema before going to sleep and you will have done the correct thing by preserving your health and preventing injury to your bowel.

Causes In a few instances, constipation is caused by some underlying disease of the gastrointestinal tract or

other organs which need medical or surgical attention.

The great army of sufferers from constipation, however, can cure themselves very easily in just one week or ten days, provided they continue to follow directions and use persistency and patience in keeping up the good habit.

The bowel that is constipated for years is like a spoiled child, it needs time, patience and re-education to make it behave normally again. Force and threat will not work.

With

O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 Worry as a cause of constipation – worry and mental depression slow up all body activity. There is no appetite or eagerness for food and therefore, a lack of secretion of the gastrointestinal juices. The bowel in these case, suffers from lack of the stimulation initiated by zestful eating.

Instead of moving the bowel, depressed and melancholic people have a tendency to regurgitate or vomit their food because their stomachs do not secret enough gastric juice to digest it.

Where the digestion is poor, food will sometimes remain in the stomach undigested for many hours and then be vomited up.

Excessive Roughage – Eating bran and excessive amounts of whole wheat and whole rye, especially, in dry form, and eating excessive amounts of vegetables and other rough foods will never cure constipation. On the contrary, it will often pack up some portion of the small or the large intestine, so tightly that a condition of almost complete obstruction will result, which if not promptly removed by repeated enemas will after two or three days result in a dangerous condition.

The bulk of the feaces according to Nutritionists consists of dead and living bacteria, dead intestinal cells and bowel secretions and excretions, no matter how little roughage is eaten, this bulk will be supplied by the intestines. That is, also, the reason why, when one is sick and subsists on an almost liquid diet, there will still be quite voluminous bowel movements.

The ordinary balanced diet supplies enough roughage for all purposes in addition to the bulk supplied by the intestine themselves. Remember that many cases of extra roughage is injurious to the bowel and aggravates the condition it is expected to cure.

The bad habit of not responding when the bowel impulse sounds its alarm.

The bad habit of not keeping your seat long enough for the bowel to empty itself thoroughly.

The bad habit of taking laxatives or using high and voluminous enemas daily or frequently.

Lack of outdoor exercise.

Worry and mental depression.

Excessive roughage in the food.

Respond To Nature’s Calling Repeatedly, ignoring the bowels natural nerve impulse to empty itself will dull the sensitiveness of its nerves and the alarm will no longer sounded leading to accumulation of faeces.

The several day accumulation of faeces in the bowel lead to obstruction of the blood circulation by the pressure of the fecal mass on veins in the bowel wall, with consequent dilation, inflammation and injury of these veins. The diseased condition known as pile is the result. Others are, coated tongue, bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, loss of appetite, sense of fatigue, heart palpitation, headache and loss of power of mental concentration. Disturbance of the special senses, as poor eyesight, noises in the ears, a clogged nose and weakening of the sense of smell.

Thanks for reading.

“If you are not a sufferer from habitual constipation, but either from neglect or other causes, you have failed to move your bowels during the day, never retire for the night unless, you have evacuated. Do not let bacteria, bacterial poisons and other waste products stay in and contaminate your system overnight.”

Bottomline

Ethno-Cultural Dialogue?

Questions For NASFAT

By REV FR. DR. CORNELIUS OMONOBHIA THE study of a human being and the attendant development in a cultural milieu has always interested me. We see people moving aimlessly and acting iii a manner that calls for serious anthropological enquiry. No one seems to ask why a person acts in a particular manner that is peculiar.

There is always something or someone to blame for any misfortune. No one seems to ever blame one’s self or heritage for an evil act. For instance how many of us in a quiet moment of reflection ever asked ourselves?

I. How old were my parents when I was being c o n c e i v e d ?

2. What events surrounded my birth?

3. Under what conditions did I grow up?

4. What are my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?

5. What informed my relationship with God and who is God to me?

6. How did my parents, teachers and political leaders assist my vision of life?

7. Who is responsible for my present situation in life?

I was thrilled in symposium organized by NASRULLAHI-L-FATTH Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) at Shehu Musa Yar’dua centre, Abuja on 01h May 2012. This syrnposiurn attracted Muslims from all over Nigeria and a few Christians.

The theme of the National symposium was: Islam and peaceful co-existence in a contemporary multi religious society. was delighted by the transformation agenda of His Excellency, Architect Namadi Sambo GCON, Vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I was encouraged by his Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 CFR Mni, the Sultan of Sokoto that the Muslims have no agenda to Islamize Nigeria.

The examples of how Muslims, Christians and

Yoruba Traditional religion live together in peace and harmony in Yoruba land by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Osun State governor was a clarion call on Northern Nigeria to locate their present problem outside religion. The presenters were erudite Islamic Scholars.

They were able to argue that islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. The definition of jihad as restraint or ability to control one’s anger was a serious illumination to the participants. Above all that Boko Haram should not be appended as an Islamic Sect.

This is a good attempt to Liberate religion from being used as an object of terrorism However, the presentation of Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf (Mni) was most exciting to the extent that I have to think of a form of dialogue that I call in this essay: EthnoCultural Hajiya Bilkisu attempted an ontological answer to the question of conflict in the Northern part of Nigeria. She located POVERTY and UNDERDEVELOPMENT as the causes of the present terrorist activities in the Northern part of Nigeria. For me this is serious hence I would like to raise some questions that could assist ethnic and cultural dialogue, in Nigeria using the North as a case study: I Who under-developed the Northern part of Nigeria?

2. Since Independence, how many years did the Northern Soldiers and Politicians had the opportunity to rule N i g e r i a ?

3. Could these Northern

leaders not have learnt enough from their Nationalist who built Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria that has produced erudite scholars from

of a miracle to expect this present administration to suddenly undo what some of our past leaders have destroyed for so many years?

Is it really true that some rich and powerful people in

Sultan of Sokoko Alhaji Saad Abubakar Northern Nigeria?

4. What happened to the groundnut pyramids in the North? Could the resources from agriculture not be used to give adequate education to the almalgiri who roam the streets begging?

5. Could it be the case that the privileged few deliberately wanted the underprivileged majority to remain intellectually redundant so that they can never have enough knowledge to ask questions - except to remain at the service of the rich to become manipulated manipulators?

6. Would it not be too much

Nigeria have vowed to make the nation ungovernable? Is it not obvious that this egoistic agenda is claiming more lives from the poor and the helpless citizens who have no hand in governance?

Perhaps Ethno-Cultural dialogue will assist the youths of all the tribes in Nigeria to identify their rights, privileges and obligations to shape their individual and collective destiny. Children and youths deserve to be emancipated from mental slavery and physical destruction.

Dialogue is first and

foremost a discussion between human beings. It follows therefore that this human being who is the subject of dialogue must first have an examine self awareness and then seek to understand the partner in dialogue. Otherwise the effort of dialogue will be akin to medical treatment that focuses on symptoms of an ailment instead of the real illness. We should even go

on religious liberty, dignitatis hronanae, 7 December, 1965 to bring the human person back to the consciousness and awareness on the right of the person and communities to social and civil liberty in religious matters; the general principles of religious freedom in the light of revelation. I congratulate our brethren of NASFAT for

Vice President Namadi Sambo further in personal dialogue, inter-personal dialogue, inter-cultural dialogue, interethnic dialogue and lnterreligious dialogue since in Nigeria, life is defined within the context of ethnicity and r e l i g i o n .

Anthropology emphasizes the dignity of the human person. All revealed religions accept that life is sacred and must be protected but today, we live in a world where the value and dignity of the human person is reduced to zero. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council made a declaration

their symposium and call on all the tribes in Nigeria to look inward in a sincere spirit of dialogue to locate the causes of violence in their different regions.

Nigeria is our home irrespective of our cultural, ethnic and religious differences. Let us bring these diversities to a dialogue round table and keep Nigeria one which is a task that must be done.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Cornelius O n i o n o k k u a Director: Mission and D i a l o g u e Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja

“Perhaps Ethno-Cultural dialogue will assist the youths of all the tribes in Nigeria to identify their rights, privileges and obligations to shape their individual and collective destiny. Children and youths deserve to be emancipated from mental slavery and physical destruction.”

Perspective BY all accounts, the successful conduct of the local government elections in Yobe on December 28 has demystified the notion that elections cannot be conducted peacefully in states under emergency rule.

This is against the backdrop of fears expressed in some quarters that it would be virtually impossible to hold elections in the northeastern states currently under a state of emergency.

The fears were heightened by the remark of INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, at a stakeholders’ roundtable on the 2015 general elections that INEC might not conduct the 2015 polls in the states under the emergency rule.

The states are Yobe, Borno and Adamawa.

“You can’t conduct elections under emergency rule because emergency rule is generalised insecurity and if there’s insecurity, how can you conduct election? The situation is that you can’t have free and fair election under emergency rule.

“If the commission were to go ahead with elections despite the insecurity in the states, we will be going through some rituals: either the election will be disrupted or people will not come out to vote.

“Ideally, elections can’t hold under emergency rule,” Jega added.

As part of efforts to allay such fears, Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe, perhaps, worked assiduously to ensure that the council polls held across the 17 local government areas of the state on December 28 were hitchfree and peaceful.

Consequently, the Yobe Government insists that there is no reason whatsoever not to conduct the 2015 polls in Yobe, Adamawa or Borno states.

“The Yobe State Government also believes that there is no reason why

Yobe Council Poll:

Boko Haram terrorists would not be routed, while peace and stability are restored within the remaining months of the current emergency rule,” Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, the Special Adviser on Media to Gaidam, said in a statement.

In spite the general perception of insecurity, voters across the state surprisingly turned out in large numbers to cast their vote in the local government elections.

Reports have it that many of the eligible voters lined up at various polling booths across the state as early as 7 a.m. for accreditation and voting.

However, there was heavy security presence at the polling booths and on the major streets of Damaturu, the state capital, with a combined team of soldiers, police, civil defence corps and immigration officers keeping watch.

Shops and other businesses were closed on the election day, while a restriction was imposed on the people’s movement from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Available records indicate that at least 10 political parties participated in the council polls, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) — the major opposition party in the state — boycotted the election.

Expectedly, Governor Gaidam told journalists shortly after casting his vote that the successful conduct of the election had proved cynics wrong about the security situation in the state.

He blamed “some mischievous politicians’’ for raising false alarm about a possible breakdown of law of order in the state.

“We know what is going on here because we are here on the ground. We know the

By SANI ADAMU

security situation in our state; that is why we went ahead to conduct the election.

“You can observe the peace around us; I inspected about three areas and the elections were going on peacefully; I am sure we will conclude it safely.

“So, I think these politicians should stop making noise since they are not on ground. We are the ones on the ground; anytime this kind of thing is happening, they should call us to give them the true position of things on the ground.

“Our resolve to conduct local council elections is geared towards restoring hope and confidence in local governance and to provide grassroots link for our new party, the APC,” Gaidam said.

The governor advised politicians against politicising the security situation in the state, adding that prominent indigenes of the state should also desist from giving a bad impression about the security situation in the state.

Alhaji Goni Lawal, a member of the House of Representatives from the state, also described the council elections as successful, adding that many people came out to cast their votes.

Lawal said that he toured about 10 local government areas to appraise the conduct of the polls and found that a large turnout of voters was recorded in many areas.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mr. Femi Bafunsho, the Chairman of Justice and Equity for All, one of the poll observers, noted that the voters’ turnout in polling units across the state was quite commendable.

Besides, Gov. Murtala Nyako of Adamawa commended the people of Yobe for the successful and peaceful conduct of the Yobe council polls in spite of the state of emergency in the state.

The governor made the

commendation in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Malam Ahmed Sajoh, in Yola.

Nyako said that the voters’ turnout and the peaceful conduct of the election had laid to rest doubts about the possibility of conducting the 2015 general elections in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa.

“The massive turnout of voters and the peaceful conduct of the council elections have proved all

“Furthermore, the successful conduct of the local government elections in Yobe has proved beyond any doubt that those flying the kite about the non-conduct of elections in our states in 2015 are just playing out an agenda aimed at disenfranchising us.”

Lessons F

sceptics totally wrong about the possibility of conducting the 2015 election in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states,’’ he said.

Nyako urged those he described as “Abuja Politicians’’ to stop misleading the Presidency, INEC and security agencies about the real situation in the

received any complaints from any quarters on the conduct of the elections.

“The successful conduct of the polls is a proof that peace has returned to the state,’’ Jauro said.

Echoing similar viewpoint, Capt. Eli Lazarus, the spokesman of the Military Joint Task Force in Yobe, said

affected states.

“Furthermore, the successful conduct of the local government elections in Yobe has proved beyond any doubt that those flying the kite about the non-conduct of elections in our states in 2015 are just playing out an agenda aimed at disenfranchising us,” he said.

Announcing the results of the council polls, Alhaji Mohammed Jauro, the Chairman of the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission, said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all the 17 chairmanship seats.

Jauro said that the APC secured 999,700 votes, of the 1.2 million votes cast during the elections, adding the party also won the entire councillorship seats contested for.

He stressed that the electoral body had not

that the force had not received any report of security breach during the polls.

Commenting on the council polls, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, called on INEC to get its acts together, ahead of the 2015 polls.

The speaker gave the advice in his New Year message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam.

Tambuwal commended Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting a peaceful and credible election that was worthy of emulation.

“The lesson in what happened in Yobe should not be lost on all of us. The election was successful in spite of the security situation in the state and its operating

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nder a state of emergency,’’ e said.

Tambuwal appreciated the oles played by the state overnment, the people and he security agencies in nsuring the success and eaceful conduct of the ouncil polls which witnessed a massive turnout f voters.

“The determination of the overnment and people of Yobe State to have emocratic structures at the rassroots played a huge part n ensuring the success of the xercise.

“It should not be lost on all f us that when all hands are n the deck and with a incerity of purpose, we can chieve success together.

“I commend the security gencies, the government and eople of Yobe State for etting an example worthy of mulation,’’ Tambuwal said n the statement.

Besides, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) auded the hitch-free and eaceful conduct of the Yobe ocal government elections.

The NGE, in a ommuniqué issued at the nd of its fourth quarterly meeting of its Standing Committee in Calabar, ommended the security

agencies for ensuring a peaceful conduct of council polls in Yobe.

The guild urged INEC to take a cue from the Yobe

experience and work towards the successful conduct of elections in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, the states currently under emergency rule, come

2015.

All in all, perceptive observers advise INEC to put in place all the mechanisms that would guarantee

peaceful, credible and hitchfree general elections in 2015.

They, nonetheless, call on the Federal Government to

expedite action in efforts to fully restore sanity, peace and tranquility in the northeastern part of the country before 2015.

A Vote For Women’s Rights

By FAITH .A. AYEDI WOMEN’S rights are the rights and entitlements claimed for women and girls of many societies worldwide.

In some places these rights are institutionalised or supported by law, local custom, and behaviour, whereas in others they may be ignored or suppressed. They differ from broader notions of human rights through claims of an inherent historical and traditional bias against the exercise of rights by women and girls in favour of men and boys.

Issues commonly associated with notions of women’s right include, through are not limited to, the right; to bodily integrity and autonomy to vote (suffrage) to hold public office: to work: to fair wages or equal pay: to own property: to education: to serve in the military or be conscripted: to enter into legal contracts: and to have marital or parental rights.

The legal rights of women refers to the social and human rights of women. One of the first women’s rights declarations was the declaration of sentiments. The dependent of women in early law is proved by the evidence of most ancient systems.

While in many ancient cultures males seem to have dominated, there are some exceptions. For instance, in the Nigerian Aka culture women may hunt, even on their own and often control distribution of resources. Ancient Egypt had female rulers, such as Cleopatra.

The status of women in China was low, largely due to the custom of foot binding. About 45% of Chinese women had bound feet in the 19th Century.

For the upper classes, it was almost 100%. In 1912, the Chinese government ordered the cessation of foot binding.

Foot-binding involved alteration of the bone structure so that the feet were only about 4 inches long. The bound feet caused difficulty of movement, thus greatly limiting the activities of women.

Due to social custom that men and women should not be near to one another, the women of China were reluctant to be treated by male doctors of western medicine. This resulted in a tremendous need for female doctors of western medicine in China.

Plato acknowledged that extending civil and political rights to women would substantively alter the nature of the household and the states.

Aristotle, who had been taught by Plato, denied that women were slaves or subject to property, arguing that “nature has distinguished between the female and the slaves,” but he considered wives to be “bought” He argued that women’s main economic activity is that of safeguarding the household property created by men.

According to Aristotle the labour of women added no value because “the art of household management is not identical with the art of getting wealth, for the one uses the material which the other provides.”

Contrary to these views, the stoic philosophers argued for equality of the sexes sexual inequality being in their view contrary to the laws of nature.

In doing so, they followed the cynics, who argued that men and women should wear the same clothing and receive the same kind of education. They also saw marriage as moral companionship between equals rather than a biological or social necessity, and practical

these views in their lives as well as their teaching. The stoics adopted the views of the cynics and added them to their own theories of human nature, thus’ putting their sexual egalitarianism on a strong philosophical basis.

Women Rights in Nigeria Women’s consortium of Nigeria was founded by Mrs. Bisi Olteru – Olagbegi because of her concern for the plight of the Nigerians women, and the gender persecution and violation of their human rights they suffer throughout their lives due to ignorance superstitious beliefs and poverty.

Nigerian women suffer violations of their human rights through: Violence in the home, Sexual harassment at school and work Rape and defilement Harsh and punitive widowhood rites Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Forced Childhood Marriages Sexual violence in Conflict situations and during armed robbery attacks.

Enforcement of gender biased laws discrimination against the girl-child disinheritance of wives and daughters harmful and traditional practices.

Although Nigeria has ratified the main international and religional women’s rights protection instruments, discrimination against women persist widely both in law and practice. The

coalition of the campaign is concerned that 25 years since Nigeria’s ratification of the convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to be invoked before Nigerian Courts.

The coalition remains particularly concerned by the following violations of women’s rights in Nigeria, persistence of discriminatory laws. Lack of harmonization between statutory and customary laws and application of Sharia laws in the northern states: violence against women, including widowhood rites: and obstacles to access to employment, decision making positions and health services.

The coalition of the campaign acknowledges the adoption of several laws and policies aimed at improving respects for women’s rights including: The passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities law 2007 by the states of Anambra and Imo, providing for affirmative action measures to redress under representation of women in appointive and elective positions and prohibiting discrimination in areas such as education and employment.

The adoption laws protecting the rights of widows in several states: Enugu (2001), Oyo (2002) Ekiti: (2002) Anambra (2004) and Edo (2004). However, implementation of these laws remains inadequate.

Nigeria is a federal republic

with 36 states which each adopt distinct federal laws.

Nigeria has a tripartite legal system consisting of statutory, customary, as well as, in the northern states, Sharia laws. The three bodies of law. Create contradictions and inconsistence and discriminatory provisions are widespread in the across of family and property law.

Article 26 (2) limits the rights of Nigeria women to transmit their nationality to foreign spouses. Article 29 (4) deems a woman to be of full age upon marriage, which lends support to early marriages and contradicts the minimum age requirements (18 years for men and women) set by the Childs Right Act 2003.

Very strict evidential requirements are imposed to prove the crime of rape, making convictions almost impossible (5.358, requirement of corroborative evidence) Abortion is criminalised (55.228-230).

In the southern region, customary laws allow marriage of girls between 12 and 15 years, while other regions marriage is authorised from 9 years. A 2004 United Nations report estimated that 28% of girls between 15 and 29 years were married, divorced or widowed, polygamy is authorised and widely practiced under both customary and Sharia laws.

Nearly one third of Nigeria women are in polygamous unions.

Sources: Google

“Women Rights in Nigeria Women’s consortium of Nigeria was founded by Mrs. Bisi Olteru – Olagbegi because of her concern for the plight of the Nigerians women, and the gender persecution and violation of their human rights they suffer throughout their lives due to ignorance superstitious beliefs and poverty.”

Nature

Kola Nut: Nature’s Wonder THE Yorubas cultivate kolanut, the Hausas eat it with great passion while the Igbos celebrate it.

Apparently, the only thing on earth which is basically not a drug is water, but note that even then water is medicine. Hence it is used for treatment in a discipline called hydrotheraphy “Hydro” stands for water while “theraphy” means medicine. What is a drug and medicine?

For the purpose of simplifying issues in this column, I will offer very uncomplicated and easy to understand definitions of the two terms. First a drug: This is a substance which, on being administered in the body causes a shift in the way the body is functioning. This is why a drug generally is said to bring about either positive or negative health results or consequences.

On the contrary, a medicine is used by a doctor for treatment in a prescribed and approved way to eliminate diseases.

From these definitions, you can see that not all

drugs are medicine but all medicines are drugs.

There are more drugs than there are medicines. Infact, invariably, if you pick up a medicine, not prescribed for you by a doctor and you use it in an unapproved way, that medicine in your hand is automatically drug.

It is against this background, that I imply that kolanut is a drug. So be warned; each time, you eat a kolanut, you should know you are drugging yourself.

Kolanuts are mainly of two types: Hausa (gbanja) and native people have different tolerance or sensitivity for each type. Some people ordinarily can get a good lift if they eat a little native kolanut but they get pissed off by eating the same quantity of Hausa kolanut. Then of course people exist who can literally eat a trailer load of any type of kolanut, and apparently will not exhibit any side effects from doing so.

Meanwhile when an Igbo eat a little piece of kolanut in afternoon, his day would be in

By GIFT ONAGHAMA

nervous tatters. At night he wouldn’t be able to sleep.

Truly it is different

a healer if he withdraws a natural medicine in which you have spent a fortune,

people, different strokes for kolanut.

Kolanut lesson learnt here is that people have different bio chemical affinity for drugs from this stand point, one can understand why people also react differently to medicine so don’t be angry with

and replace it with another similar one.

He is doing so because it is not body friendly.

There are drugs sensitivity test for bacteria in laboratories before such drugs are administered. But none exists for life style, non-bacteral

“It is against this background, that I imply that kolanut is a drug. So be warned; each time, you eat a kolanut, you should know you are drugging yourself.”

luness.

Kolanut contains caffeine, an alkaloid stimulant also found in coffee, coke, pepsi and some brand of tea. Naturally,

excitability sleep disorders and nervous restlessness. In simple terms, what is being said here is that kolanut can cause you stomach

kolanut promotes wakefulness, relieves some headaches and pains. Also kolanut is a mood enhancer builds one selfconfidence, promotes sociability and provide motivation for work.

However, the benefit on one’s biochemical affinuy for it and whether one is a habitual/addictive user of the substance or not.

Habitual eater of it usually drive more of these benefits from it.

The side effect of eating kolanun: they include gastic irritation, over

trouble, tostart with.

The suggestion is that in some cases, kolanut can bring about peptic ulcer in conjunction with other causative agents. If you have stomach disorder please stay away from kolanut. You can see therefore, that kolanut has its good, bad and ugly sides. It is left for you to decue whether to continue eating it or stay away from it entirely. This choice is your because the choice in life is always yours.

Drumbeats

Power Of Focus

GOD is the originator of focus, everything about God speaks of focus, infact He is focus personified. It is only a manufacturer of a product that can effectively advice you on the advantages and disadvantages of his product and its usefulness to humanity.

A thorough and a careful study of the Solar system will tell you about the nature of God and his perfection of a focused life in creation.

“The Solar System consists of the sun and the nine planets.

The sun is at the centre of the Solar System and all other planets revolve around it in their elliptical orbit.

The sun- the sun is the largest star in the solar system and has a surface temperature of well over 6,000°C with an interior temperature of over 20,000,000°C. in size, the sun is about 300,000 times as big as the earth. The stars which appear singly when viewed from the earth actually exist in groups or clusters which are better referred to as galaxies or nebulas.

The Solar System consist of mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter. Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

The earth in which we live in has a population of about seven billion people of all that God has created none has ever diminished or reduced in size.

After his creation He made us in his image and likeness and told us “to be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth”.

Genesis 1v28.

It takes a man who is articulate and focused to achieve great success on earth.

The reason God achieved all these is because of His focus, greatness and sovereignty over the universe. “Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord made: and be said unto the woman, yea, bath

God said ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

And the woman said unto the serpent, we may eat of the fruit of the garden.

But of the fruit of the free which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said ye shall not eat it, neither shall ye touch it lest ye die And the serpent said unto the woman ye shall not surely die; For God doth know that In the day ye eat thereof then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that It was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat and the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew both they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves apron.

And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the tree of the garden and the Lord God called unto Adam and said unto him,, where are thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself And he said, who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, the woman whom thou gavest to he with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat And the Lord God said unto the woman what is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, the serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

And the Lord God said unto the serpent, because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field, upon thy belly shalt thou go and

dust shall thou eat all the days of thy life.

And I will put enimity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed, it shall bruise thy heel, and thou shall bruise his heal”. Genesis 3v 1-5.

From the above passage of scripture you will discover that Adam and Eve fell from grace to grass because they lost their focus on God’s instruction and allowed the serpent to distract their attention. Infact, they lost their pride, grace and

enjoyment and resorted to pains, anger and death.

God who is the master planner and originator of focus knew the consequence of their act and what the serpent led them to do. He immediately placed a curse on the serpent and made alternative for man’s redemption.

Friends, if you want genuine success, please learn from God’s principle and live a focused life and see if success, security, fame and peace of mind will elude you.

What is your purpose of existence and how focused

are you in achieving that goal?

The purpose of your existence is to enjoy what your heavenly father has laboured for. Ignorance of this fact has led many people astray, due to lack of focus of the purpose of their existence.

Every man and woman has a purpose which he or she came to fulfill on this earth.

Some years ago a friend of mine in Lagos State, Nigeria: said “there are people you can kill, but you cannot kill their dreams” I quickly replied by

saying Sir, there are some people you cannot kill and you cannot kill their dreams.

The purpose of God in the life of Samson and David was to deliver the children of Israel from the hands of the Philistines.

Though Samson could not finish his assignment because of the negative role Delilah played in his life, but at the end the bible says those people Samson killed at his death were more than those he killed when he was alive.

“If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that

“Discover the purpose of God in your life and put an end to all these years of sufferings and slaving.

Don’t attribute your failures in life to the enemies.”

With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593

there should not he day and night and that there should not be day and night in their season.

Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne and with the levities the priests, my ministries. As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured, so will I

multiply the seed of David my servant and the levities that ministered unto me.

“Jeremiah 33 v 20-22.

Won’t you be glad to hear God boasting about you as he boasted about David? Then do what David did.

The purpose of God concerning John the Baptist was to announce the person of Jesus and to preach repentance of sin.

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than 1, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear, he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

“Matthew 3 v 11.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him and saith, behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

This is he of whom I said,

after me cometh man which is preferred before me, for he was before me,. “John 1 v 2930.

The purpose of God in the life of Moses was to take the children of Israel out of Egypt to the land of Canaan.

Did you see the circumstances that surrounded the birth of Moses? The enemy tried to eliminate him during and after his birth but God’s purpose in Moses life must be fuifilled.

Moses succeeded in taking the children of Israel out of Egypt. but Joshua later completed the assignment by taking the children of Israel to the promised land.

Moses and Joshua fulfilled the purpose of God concerning their lives. Jesus fulfilled the purpose of God by dying on the cross of Calvary to redeem man back to God. The question now is, of what purpose were you

born and how do you go about fulfilling that purpose?

My purpose is to reveal Jesus to the whole world through his saving and healing power.

The Bible makes us to understand in Hosea 4 v 6.

“My people are perished for lack of knowledge.”

Discover the purpose of God in your life and put an end to all these years of sufferings and slaving.

Don’t attribute your failures in life to the enemies. A discovering of the purpose of God in your life, will give you a recovery of all that you have lost in the past.

Having discovered the purpose of God in your life, how focused are you in achieving your purpose on earth. A lack of focus can prevent you from achieving your goals and dreams in your life.

I urge you to shun and avoid any thing that will distract your focus of achieving the purpose of God in your life on earth.

Aviation

Benefits Of Bilateral Air Services Agreement In spite of the rising volume of trade between between the two countries was N12.5 billion.

Nigeria and Israel and the large number of Apart from economic interests and pilgrimage With Israel Nigerians performing the yearly Christian binding Nigeria and Israel together, the two pilgrimage to Israel, there is no direct air link between the two countries.

As a result of this, “spiritual visits’ to the Holy Land and business trips have been tortuous and rigorous due to the absence of direct flights between Nigeria and Israel.

This is because anyone travelling to Israel from Nigeria has to make a compulsory stopover in countries like Turkey, France, Germany, Cyprus and Ethiopia before proceeding on the journey Statistics from Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, however, indicate that Nigeria has the highest number of pilgrims coming to Israel after the U.S. Observers, therefore, believe note that the signing of Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Israel in Jerusalem on October 28, 2013 would redress the trend.

The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof.

Viola Onwuliri, who signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, said that the agreement would deepen bilateral ties between the two countries and boost their economies.

“The agreement will augur well for movement of persons, pilgrims, businessmen, academics, the civil society and students.

“Many of our people also come here to benefit from the technology of Israel,’’ she said.

Onwuliri said that the agreement would also make a tremendous impact on trade and investment, agriculture, construction, tourism, security and capacity building.

Mr. Zeev Elkin, who signed on behalf of the State of Israel, noted that the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan, who was in Israel when the agreement was signed, provided a great opportunity for the signing of the agreement.

The Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, said that the BASA agreement would be exploited to enhance the performance of the aviation sector.

She said that the aviation sector was already targeting the operation of daily flights to Israel.

On his part, Mr. John Kennedy Okpara, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, said that the agreement could reduce the number of hours which pilgrims spent on flights, as well as cut costs.

Mr. Ike Willie-Nwobu, the Executive Director, Nigeria-Israel Chamber of Commerce (NICC), said that the BASA agreement with Israel would remove some barriers hindering trade between the two countries.

He stressed that Nigerian entrepreneurs had not been able to fully utilise the investment

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO

Stella Oduah, Aviation Minister.

opportunities in Israel because of the rigours of travelling through connect flights.

“Anyone travelling to Israel from Nigeria has compulsory stopovers in countries like Turkey, France, Germany and Ethiopia before proceeding on the journey.

“This has been a major disincentive to Nigerian entrepreneurs seeking business ties with their Israeli counterparts,” he said.

Willie-Nwobu said that the agreement would open new frontiers for investment opportunities in various sectors of the economy.

“There will be opportunities for airlines that are interested in flying through major air routes in Nigeria and Israel.

“It will also create a crash in the price of flight tickets which is currently between N400,000 and N450, 000.

“It will shorten business transactions and reduce restrictions on export of goods,” he said.

Mr. Jude Arinze, Executive Secretary of NICC, said that the BASA agreement would definitely boost trade between the two countries.

He said that the value of Nigeria’s exports to Israel had increased from N2.7 billion in 2012 to N4.5 billion in 2013.

He said that Israel’s import from Nigeria, however, declined from N14.6 billion in 2012 to N9.3 billion in 2013.

Arinze said that the current trade deficit

countries share common stance in global peace and fight against terrorism.

Israel’s President Shimon Peres, who met Jonathan during the 2013 pilgrimage to Israel when the BASA deal was signed, said that both countries were facing the menace of terrorism.

Peres said that Nigeria and Israel had been steadfast partners in efforts to combat radical religious terror groups such as al-Qaida, Hezbollah and Boko Haram.

“With Nigeria at our side on the front against terror, we remain determined as ever to combat the spread of darkness.

“The future can be saved by making peace; it is in Israel’s interest to live in peace with our neighbours.

“Peace, in itself, may be the greatest benefit to the two of us — Israel and Palestine.

‘Terrorists all over the world are united in their attempt to destroy hope and unity; those of us who seek peace and freedom must be united in order to defend our common front,’’ Peres said.

On his part, Jonathan acknowledged the unrelenting efforts of the Israeli president to bring about a peaceful solution to the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He said that Nigeria welcomed the commitment to peace talks by both sides and the recent release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

“We urge that the momentum for negotiations and eventual resolution of the crisis be sustained,’’ he said.

Jonathan noted that with the burgeoning peace between Israel and her neighbouring countries, more Nigerians would be encouraged to visit the State of Israel.

He said that the number of Nigerians visiting Israel annually was ever increasing, stressing that not less than 30,000 Nigerians visited Israel in 2012.

Jonathan also said that about 50 Israeli companies were actively operating in Nigeria, either directly or through joint ventures.

He listed the areas of Israeli involvement in Nigeria as agriculture, construction, communications, infrastructure, water management and resources, education and health.

Stakeholders urge the Federal Government to improve Nigeria’s economic relations with the State of Israel, while aiding the fulfilment of the BASA agreement with the Middle East country.

Issues Issues

IN July 2013, word spread like wildfire in Nigeria through the news and forms of the social media that the Nigerian Senate had voted to legalize child marriage Reviewing a part of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Senate took a vote on July 16 concerning the removal of Clause 29 (4)(b). The clause states that ‘any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age”, essentially making child marriage legal by establishing that any girl younger than 18 is automatically mature enough to handle the responsibilities and realities of marriage by virtue of her involvement in it. Although, the majority of the Senate voted against it, with 60 voting for removal and 35 voting for retention, the total fell short of the 73 votes required to change the Constitution, Child marriage infringes upon the rights and freedom, and damages the health and autonomy of young girls. If Nigerian citizens want to protect young girls, they must stand against child marriage and call on their Senators and Representatives to do so too, beginning by removing this legalization of child marriage from our constitution.

There are no distinctions between child marriage and slavery. If there is, child marriage is worse. Here are typical cases of young girls who were forced into child marriage: There was a girl in the riverine area of Bayalsa State whose family was very poor.

They decided to get her married to a 37 year old man when she was just 12. She soon became pregnant but had a hard labour and died.

There was also another case of a girl in Woji Estate, Port Harcourt who was 12 years of age. Her parents were too money conscious and because of that, gave her out in marriage to a 50 year old

Child Is Not Bride!

man. She took ill in pregnancy and eventually died.

This was a girl who was clever in school and wanted to be a doctor, whose life was cut short by a crude decision such as giving out a child in marriage. The girl’s parents’ intention was to improve her life but it rather destroyed it.

Though her parents were sorry, but the damage was irreparable. We should learn from these stories and educate our adolescent girls, rather than forcing them into early marriage.

Just as every human has right to accept or reject offers and proposals, a woman has the right to accept or reject marriage proposals.

Therefore giving a girl child Out in marriage is an abuse and an infringement on the child’s fundamental human rights of the highest order.

The Child Marriage Act would have been on its way out of the constitution if it had not been for the intervention of Senator Ahmad Sani Yerima of Zamfara West, who called on the floor of the Senate to reject the constitutional committees recommendation for the removal of the clause.

Yerirna, who himself is widely believed to have married a 13-year-old girl in 2009 as his fourth wife, pushed for a second vote on the matter following an initial vote which had produced the majority required to remove the clause. Arguing that under Islamic law, a woman is of age once she is married, and that Nigeria cannot legislate on marriages under Islamic rites.

This senator is a father and would not want to give his underage daughter out for marriage. So, why does he do it to other people? Our leaders should give our

By OLODIAMA E. SHANTEL

children education and not traumatize them. Child marriage is not the key to Nigeria’s problems. There are

other issues in Nigeria to be solved. Our leaders should focus on how to solve the country’s problems and bring

positive change to Nigeria, rather than compounding it with child marriage.

Child marriage is not a marginal issue in Nigeria.

According to the UN, 20% of Nigerian girls are married by

age 15. This number rises to nearly 50% in the Northwest region from which Senator Yerima hails. This statistics is very disturbing. If the Nigerian lawmakers do nothing drastic to correct this menace, the advocate for the girl child education and training will not only be retarded but will be destroyed in the next few years.

National Assembly

Essence Of Formal Education OVERTIME, there’s been intense debate over the reason for formal education in the life of the individual; formal education being defined as “the education attained through the transition from one classroom to another, under the tutelage of an accredited person.”

Some think it is to acquire certification in a particular field of study, others believe it is a rule to measure amongst their peers.

And yet, some others believe it is to enable them get a job, earn money, become a member of a reputable organization.

By BIJOR CELESTINA OMOJEUWE

And while I do not dispute the ability of education in meeting the above requirements, I would like to offer another theory. The essence of formal education is to create “awareness.”

Let us acquaint ourselves with origin of formal education. The birth of education would be synonymous with the birth of the civilization. The Europeans realizing that before trade and commerce with the Africans could be successfully ensured,

“Child marriage infringes upon the rights and freedom, and damages the health and autonomy of young girls. If Nigerian citizens want to protect young girls, they must stand against child marriage and call on their Senators and Representatives to do so too, beginning by removing this legalization of child marriage from our constitution.”

the natives had to have an understanding of the merchandise on sale; subsequently a mission to create awareness amongst interested parties was born.

Individuals realizing that the acquisition of this knowledge gave them an edge over their compatriots sought for more.

This was so as to gain relative dominance vis-visa worldwide recognition. This commenced the use of formal education as the “Syntax of the global community.

Education helps us discover societal needs, and develop faster, cheaper and more effectively ways of solving them.

In a world on whose foundation has been placed a set of rules in which people must interact with one another, so as to increase productivity – as individuals or as a group. Formal education creates the pathway and the means to successfully create the life we desire.

The reason why we fear cases of individuals getting jobs, not based on merit but rather based

on level of proximity with influential people, is because these instances are rare.

Organizations require people who can still effectively and efficiently get the job done; else the whole structure would crumble and collapse.

The increase in the acquisition and effective application of applied knowledge is directly linked to increase in value of the individual; and subsequently, increase in access to material desires.

It is inevitable that if we want to increase the money we earn and the quality of our lives as a whole we must continually pursue knowledge. We must pursue knowledge that our brain can carry, not the one that will give us problem.

Formal education is what any individual needs today, it help us to speak well in our homes and in public places. Without formal education, we can not express ourselves, we cannot get good jobs, and we cannot earn good money. Attaining education from the basic to higher levels is important to everyone especially to the youth of this generation.

View Point

Imperatives Of States Adopting Fiscal Responsibility Act AT a recent retreat in Calabar, Experts attested to the level of macroeconomic stability recorded since the enforcement of the fiscal responsibility Act, 2007 by the federal government.

They noted that the federal government saved more than N115 billion between 2008 and 2012, and suggested that the state governments should adopt the legislation. Alhaji Aliyu Yelwa. Chairman, fiscal responsibility commission (FRC), who spoke at the retreat tagged: “Awareness on the provision at the fiscal responsibility Act (FRA), 2007,” stressed that the adoption of the act by states would boost economic growth.

He stated that the federal government’s consolidated revenue fund rose from zero level in 2008 to N86.77 billion in 2012 following the implementation of the F.R.A Yelwa said that the feat would be replicated in the states if they adopt the F.R.A. After four and a half years of enforcement and monitoring of the F.R.A 2007 at the federal government level, there has been reasonable achievement in macroeconomy, prudent management of resources, fiscal discipline and transparency.

Before the fiscal responsibility commission came into being, ministries department and agencies were not obliged to pay operating surpluses into the federal government consolidated Revenue Fund.

From inception to 2012, the FRC had urged corporations to increase their contributions from nothing in 2008 to N17.09 billion in 2009, and progressively thereafter to N86,77 billion in 2012” he

said experts insist that since the FRC is working well at the federal level, states should adopt it since they collect huge allocations from federallycollected revenue every month.

Dr. Sylvester Mordi, commissioner, policy and standards at the FRC, insists that for prudent management of the nation’s resources, states and local government must also ensure accountability through fiscal responsibility.

The federal government’s share of federally – allocated revenue is not more than 32 per cent; the rest goes to the states and local government’s.

So if fiscal responsibility Act applies to only 32 per cent, the impact on the economy will be reduced; that is why we want states to come along.

Originally, the fiscal responsibility act was proposed to cover the entire federation; but the states through their agencies and the national assembly argued that the Nigerian federation is a unique one.

That states are free to manage their resources in their own way. So the law should not bind on them.

Eventually the law was passed with the states removed and the proposed punishment removed” he said. Mordi said that at present, the FRC, going by its Act and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria can only appeal to states to join and not to force them.

We cannot say punish the states for not embracing fiscal responsibility because the constitution allows them to carry out proper economic management of their states.

This is also because the Nigerian economy is both

By IFEANYI NWOBO fiscal federalism and political federation.

Fiscal federalism has to do with financial arrangement whereby the central government

should apply fiscal responsibility, you’re wrong because federal government controls only 52 per cent of the resources and the states share the rest

fiscal responsibility commission.

“Our visit is part of the training organised by UNDP. We will still come on our own to learn about the Act so that our own fiscal commission will work effectively.

“I believe that if we work

President Goodluck Jonathan

collects about 80 per cent of the money, and the money is shared between the states and federal government.

The states and local governments take 48 per cent of the revenue, while the federal government takes about 52 per cent.

And if you say that only the federal government

,” he said. It is, however, a welcome development that some states had indicated interest to adopt the FRA. Niger State recently sent a delegation to the F.R.C headquarters in Abuja to be acquainted with the F.R.A. The delegation led by Alhaji Usman Mohammed, said the state government had already established a

together we will benefit from each other for a better Niger State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

A similar visit was also paid to the FRC by officials of Benue State Government. The visit by the officials was in a bid to acquire basic requirement for

establishing the state’s fiscal responsibility commission.

Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, Director General Debt Management Office (DMO), said that states should adopt the FRA “Fiscal Responsibility is aimed at ensuring effective management of the nation’s resources, maintenance of economic stability, as well as culture of accountability and transparency,” he said.

He noted that the Act stipulates a framework for debt management and borrowing by the three tiers of government; with the FRC verifying on a quarterly basis.

Compliance with borrowing limits by each state government of the federation.” “Nwankwo also said that with the exit from the Paris club and London club debts, concerted efforts should be made to ensure fiscal discipline and prudent management by all tiers of government.

He also stressed the need for coordination as the federating units share a single economy.

“All the federating units share a single economy and there is an overriding need for coordination and macro-economic stability, even for each constituent to achieve its development objectives in a sustainable manner. Nwanko added.

Expert’s adorce is that the gains of adopting the FRA are obvious. They urge state governments that are yet to adopt the Act to emulate Niger and Benue States that had indicated interest to implement the provisions of Act.

“Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, Director General Debt Management Office (DMO), said that states should adopt the FRA “Fiscal Responsibility is aimed at ensuring effective management of the nation’s resources, maintenance of economic stability, as well as culture of accountability and transparency.”

Issues Culture Delta State of the federal republic of Nigeria is made up of 25 Local Government Areas (LGAS) and like every other state, it is represented in the Nigerian senate by three senators; Delta Central, Delta South and Delta North.

Delta Central comprises eight LGAS and is inhabited by the Urhobos while Delta Stouth also comprises eight LGAS and is home to the ethnic Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri while Delta North is home to the Ika, Enuani, Ukwuani subgroups who are spread across nine LGAS. The principal towns of Delta North are Agbor, Asaba (the Delta State capital) Ogwashi-Uku, Issele-Ukiu, Ibusa, Ubulu-Uku, Obiaruku, Kwale, Ashaka, among others. Its peoples are predominantly farmers, fisherfolk, businessmen, academic, bureaucrats and members of the defense and security forces. It is on record that at the dawn of Nigerian Independence on 1st October 1960, nine (9) of the fifty-eight (58) Indigenous commissioned officers of the Nigerian Army were from Delta North alone. Most famous of these was major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu who led the first military coupd’ etat in Nigeria in 1966.

As of April 2010, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Nigerian Armed forces and the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service both hail from Amiodia North LGA of the said Delta North.

It is also on record that the Ekumku peasant rebellion against white domination (akin to the mau mau rebllion in Kenya) mounted by the people of Delta North under Agbogidi Oligbo, the Issele Uku monarch and against the British colonialist ensured that Aniomaland was arguably the last part of Nigeria to be completely subjugated by the British colonialists. The Ekumeku war spanned the period between 1898 and 1929. Even the Sokoto empire fell in 1903, the defiant people of Delta North were still at the barricades.

Today, the predominant speaking language in the area is a hybricized dialect of Ibo but the people somehow do not refer to themselves as Igbo for the simple fact that over eighty –five percent (85%) of Anioma people are said to have emigrated from Bini empire during the 14th and 15th century reigns of Obas (Kings) Ozolua, Ewuare and Esigie of the Benin empire which lies immediately to the west of Aniomaland. The festivals language, kinship systems of the people of Delta North appear to bear testimony to this fact even to this day. Possibly they may have lost their mastery of Edo Language on account of loud separation from the Benin Empire and became subsumed in the dominant Igbo culture as a result of the fact of greater proximity to Igboland.

Delta North also, has albeit unbelievably, an indigenous and living community of Yoruba and Igala speaker.

Aniocha North Local Government Area is the smallest, most northerly and most rural in the Delta state. It consists of 16 communities grouped into the three clans of Ezechima Odiani and Idumuje.

Odiani clan comprises 8 communities which are said to have historically emigrated from the Akoko area of Yoruba during the wars which raged in that part of precoloncoil African, during the 18th century when they arrived at their present day Delta State, the Yoruba Edo (Benin) émigrés and Ibos from the east of the Niger river had been on ground for a minimum of three centuries. Unable to communicate with the hostile people all around them, they courtesied all had Sunder who they came into contact with “Olukumi” a word in the Akoko of Yorba language which means “my friend”.

To this day, the variant of Yoruba Language spoken by my people is called Olukumi by neighbouring communities further east at Ebu, a migrant community of Igala who came from central Nigeria in search of prime fishing grounds had developed and to this day, the people of Ebu still speak Igala Language.

Deep in the heart of the Igbo. Speaking people in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State are Ugbodu and three other communities where Olukumi, a derivatiue of Yourba language is the language of the people. BANJI Aluko, who visited the communities, examines how close

Olukumi: An Interface Of Yoruba And Edo Kingdoms

By OSAWARU USBI PRINCESS

HRM Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin.

Olukumi actually is to the Yoruba language and traces how the people came about the language.

While knocking at the door, a young lady, emerging from the building replied, ta niyen? When the writer heard the reply, he taught it was a mere coincidence or that his ears were deceiving him. Of course, he had every reason to be surprised since he was not anywhere near the Yoruba enclave where such a reply can only be anticipated.

After all, he was more than 100 kilometer away from the nearest Yoruba community He was in Ubodu town in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta state.

While trying to decipher why the lady gave such a reply a young girl of about five appeared and said “mofera biscuit”.

Perhaps, the people are part of the Yoruba community living in the town, the writer guessed he tries to find out from the lady and was reluctantly directed to the palace for further explantion as she didn’t have the right to answer any of such questions.

At the palace, the elders still would not talk about the similarity between their language and Yoruba. They asked the writer to wait for the king, who they said can only speak on the people, their language and their history.

The period of waiting for the king afforded one time to listen

to the conversation and the discovery was nonetheless remarkable.

It was discovered that the Olukumi speak similar language with the Yorubas.

History give it that the Ugbode Olukumi speaking people migrated from Owo/Akure axis in the present Ondo state between 9th and 11th century AD to settle down in Benin during the reign of king Ogiso of Benin. It was this period in the history of the Benin kingdom, the most neglected of the wife of the Ogiso gave birth to the heir apparent to the throne. After the woman gave birth to the child, a male, the nobles consulted the oracle and said that the oracle told them that the child should be killed for peace to reign in Benin kingdom. At the end, the child was not killed as it was said that the child was too handsome to be killed, so a fowl was killed in his place.

According to Ochei, this was the reason the Ugbodu people left Benin. “They felt that if a crown prince could be ordered for execution just like that, they could do worse things to strangers in their midst. As a result, they left Benin and came to Ewohimi, an Ishan speaking community in Edo state. Due to intra-tribal wars, they later left the place to settle down in Ugbodu which is a shortened form of Ugbodumila means bush saved me in English language”.

With the movement of the people, there was a consequent change in their language as shown in their names. According to records compiled by Prince Humphrey Ojeabu Ochei, the immediate Olihen of Ughodu, the first six Olozas bore Yoruba names namely Adeoda, Aderemi, Ariyo, Odofin, Adetunji and Oyetunde. These early kings bore typical yourba names years and decades after the establishment of the Ugbodu kingdom.

As the people gradually lost contact with their kinsmen back home, they began to gravitate towards the Benin and Edo communities. The resulting acculturative process gradually led to the adoption of Edo names among the people.

Hence names such as Ogbomon, Ozolua, Izebuwa, Ogbelaka, Izeedonwen, Osakpolor, Esigie Igbinadolor, Osaloua, Osamewamen and Ebor emerged as Olozas.

Since Ugbodu is surrounded by the Igbo-speaking Aniomas, it did not take much time before the Igbo language started to interfere greatly on the people’s language. Accordingly Igbo influence steadily and progressively made what has now become permanent and considerably impact on the socio-cultural life as well as linguistic orientation of the Ugbodu people. With this, the Edo influence began to wane, resulting in the adoption of Igbo names in preference to Edo names. Thus from the middle of the 19th century, the general shift was from Edo to Igbo names. This can be seen in the names of Olozas, who ruled between the middle of the 19th century and late 20th century such as Dike, Ochei, Ezenweani and Isinyemeze.

Investigations conducted revealed that Ugbodu is not the only community where Olukumi is spoken in Aniocha North Local Government as the language is also spoken in UkwuNzu (Eko Efun) Ubulubu and Ogodo.

“History give it that the Ugbode Olukumi speaking people migrated from Owo/ Akure axis in the present Ondo state between 9th and 11th century AD to settle down in Benin during the reign of king Ogiso of Benin. It was this period in the history of the Benin kingdom, the most neglected of the wife of the Ogiso gave birth to the heir apparent to the throne. After the woman gave birth to the child, a male, the nobles consulted the oracle and said that the oracle told them that the child should be killed for peace to reign in Benin kingdom. At the end, the child was not killed as it was said that the child was too handsome to be killed, so a fowl was killed in his place.”

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

SUNNY – I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Dorathy Nkem Sunny now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dorathy Omokafe Sunny. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note

OKAREDHE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Victory Usiwo Okaredhe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Victory Usiwo Tunde-Bello.

All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

SULE – I, formerly known nad addressed as Miss Sule Philomina now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Philomina Eshiomoleibe Julius. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

ORHUE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Orhue Osakioduwa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Isibor Osakioduwa. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

AJAYI – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajayi Courage now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esezobor Courage Ohiobhemi. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

OSUJI – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osuji Abigail Adamaka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osayi Abigail Adamaka. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CAVEAT EMPTOR This is for the information of the general public that this land measuring 26.114 hectares, situated at Obagie Ne Evbosa in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State belongs to Rev. Dr L.A. Ohenhen JP. Signed: F.S. Osadolor Esq. No. 60 Ehaikpen Street,

By Oliha Market Benin City.

International News Isreal Honours Sharon At State Funeral

JERUSALEM - Israel paid homage to former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the first of two funeral services to be held yesterday for a man hailed as a war hero at home but seen by

many in the Arab world as a war criminal.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden joined the somber ceremony in front of the Israeli parliament, Sharon’s coffin draped in the

PUBLIC NOTICE

MISSING PERSON

Patricia Amede The general public is hereby informed that Patricia Amede (f) 40 years old whose picture appears above has since been declared missing. She is about 5ft.4inches tall and fair in complexion. She speaks English and Esan Languages fluently. She was last seen in April 2013 at Ujemen, Ekpoma in Edo State after minor disagreement with her fiancé.

Any body with useful information on her whereabouts should please contact the nearest Police Station or the undersigned.

Signed: Peter Oseme 08111552576

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADDITION OF NAME

ADEBAYO – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwafisayo Christiana Adebayo and Miss Adebayo Oluwafisayo Omonigho now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwafisayo Christiana Emesiri. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CAVEAT EMPTOR

I, Orobator Sarah Osamede wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Orobator Sarah.

Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Orobator Sarah Osamede. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities, First Bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADDITION OF NAME

ASEKI – I, formerly called Sony Airelobhegbe Aseki is now known and called Sunday Airelobhegbe Aseki. All former documents remain valid.

UBA Plc, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

I, Osazuwa Patricia Omoruwa wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Osazuwa Patricia. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Osazuwa Patricia Omoruwa. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, First Bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

This is to notify the general public that the parcel of land lying, being and situate at Iyekogba Housing Estate, Plots 61/62 in Oredo Local Government Area, measuring 4068.978 sq.mtrs more particularly marked and delineated in Survey Plan No. BE/810, covered by Certificate of Occupancy No. EDSR 17045, registered as 27/ 27/B267 at the Land Registry and a consent registered as 15/15/1027 in the Land Registry, specifically described as the parcel of land bounded on the North by the Green Space, on the East

by Plots 62/64 and on the West Side by an existing road and on the South by a proposed Shopping Centre, belongs to Mrs. Rafatu Ota Fawaz, and she has no intention to lease, assign, transfer or alienate her title or interest to any person or group of persons. Therefore any person or persons that trespasses upon the said parcel of land does so at his or her own risk and this will be resisted by all legal measures. Please CAVEAT be warned. EMPTOR.

Buyer stay away!

CHANGE OF NAME

Signed: A.M. Isah (Esq) 08053488467, 08140353423, 07067012599

Israel’s blue and white flag, bathed in winter sunshine.

“We are accompanying to his final resting place today, a soldier, an exceptional soldier, a commander who knew how to win,” said Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Sharon died at the age of 85 on Saturday after spending the last eight years in a coma caused by a massive stroke.

His death has reopened debate into his legacy, with foes denouncing his ruthless conduct in military operations while friends praised him as a strategic genius who had stunned the world in 2005 by pulling Israeli troops and settlers out of the Gaza Strip — a Palestinian territory in the south.

“The security of his people was always Arik’s unwavering mission - a non-breakable commitment to the future of Jews, whether 30 years or 300 years from now,” Biden said, using Sharon’s nickname.

After the memorial service at parliament, Sharon’s body will be driven from Jerusalem to his family farm some 10 km (6 miles) from Gaza, where he will be buried later in the day.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting he had not always seen eye-to-eye with Sharon on policy matters particularly the Gaza withdrawal - hailed the former leader’s commitment to Israel’s security.

“Arik understood that in matters of our existence and security, we must stand firm. We are sticking to these principles,” Netanyahu said.

“Israel will continue to fight terror. Israel will continue to strive for peace, while protecting our security. Israel will act in every way to deny Iran the capability of arming itself with nuclear weapons.”

Israel has beefed up security for Sharon’s burial and warned Gaza’s Islamist rulers not to allow rocket fire during the ceremony, which Biden is also due to attend.

An Israeli security source said Israel had “passed the message” to Gazan authorities to prevent any rocket fire during the ceremony at the farm. Gaza is governed by Hamas Islamists who fought several times with Israel over the past few years.

“It was made clear to them that ... it would be a very bad day for anyone there to test Israel’s patience,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A Reuters correspondent

heard two explosions in northern Gaza yesterday morning which sounded like rocket impacts. An Israeli military spokeswoman said there had been no launches across the border. Israeli media said the blasts appeared to have resulted from Palestinian militants testing their weapons.

Security sources said Israel had deployed an Iron Dome rocket interceptor near Sharon’s Sycamore Farm, which has been hit by Gaza-launched rockets in the past.

How to handle Gaza is among the sticking points in Israel’s U.S.-sponsored peace negotiations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Hamas’s rival based in the occupied West Bank.

During his brief visit to Israel, Biden will discuss the so far fruitless diplomatic efforts with Netanyahu and Peres, U.S. officials said.

The vice president will also seek to ease Netanyahu’s concerns about world powers’ interim nuclear deal with Israel’s arch-foe Iran, which takes effect on January 20.

U.S. President Barack Obama, who took office in 2009 and made his first presidential visit to Israel last year, did not come. The only trip of his presidency to pay his respects to a foreign leader was last month, when he attended a memorial service in South Africa for former president Nelson Mandela.

Sharon and Peres are the last of the so-called 1948-generation of leaders who played a part in Israeli public life from the very foundation of the nation.

Sharon spearheaded military campaigns in several wars with the Arab world, expanded Jewish settlement-building on land the Palestinians want for a state, and then, as prime minister, made the shock decision to withdraw from Gaza in 2005.

Famously beefy and brusque, Sharon was also widely hated by Arabs for what they regarded as harsh and aggressive policies, including a 1982 invasion of Lebanon in a bid to stamp out Palestinian guerrillas as well as military crackdowns and settlement-building in occupied territories.

He was forced to stand down as defense minister in 1983 after an Israeli probe said he bore “personal responsibility” for not preventing the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian civilians in the Lebanese refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila by Israeli-allied Christian militiamen.

Late former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon

International Features No Resitance As Protesters Occupy Thai Capital BANGKOK - Tens of thousands of Thai antigovernment protesters occupied parts of central Bangkok on Monday, meeting no resistance from the authorities, ratcheting up a two-month agitation to force the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Police and soldiers kept a low profile as the “Shutdown Bangkok, Restart Thailand” drive got under way in the city of about 12 million people, and the mood among protesters was festive, with many singing and dancing in the streets.

Although major intersections that normally teem with cars and trucks were blockaded, city trains and river ferries were operating, most shops were open and motorbikes plied the roads freely.

But protesters said they were prepared for a long haul to tighten the noose on the

capital, suggesting the crisis could drag on for days, if not weeks, threatening to inflict substantial damage on Southeast Asia’s secondbiggest economy.

The upheaval is the latest chapter in an eight-year conflict pitting Bangkok’s middle class and royalist establishment against the mostly poorer, rural supporters of Yingluck and her self-exiled brother, billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin was ousted by the army in 2006 and sentenced to jail in absentia for abuse of power in 2008, but the former telecoms tycoon still looms large over Thai politics and is the dominant force behind his sister’s administration from his home in Dubai.

In a bid to end the unrest, Yingluck - who has a commanding majority in parliament - called a snap election for February 2.

Protest leader Suthep

Thaugsuban has rejected the poll, which Yingluck’s Puea Thai Party would probably win.

As the blockade began to bite, Yingluck invited the protest leaders and political parties for a meeting on Wednesday to discuss an Election Commision proposal to postpone the vote, according to a senior aide of the prime minister.

However, the protesters are determined to install an appointed “people’s council” to change the electoral system and bring in other reforms to weaken Thaksin’s sway.

“This won’t end easily, and the turnout today is impressive, so it seems this deadlock looks set to continue,” said Sukum Nuansakul, a political analyst and former dean at Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng University.

“Suthep has said he won’t negotiate with the government, yet the government said today it will

try to invite all warring parties to the table. The protest group’s aims to overhaul the political system in this country won’t happen overnight. This could be just the beginning.”

Eight people, including two police officers, have been killed and scores wounded in violence between protesters, police and government supporters since the campaign against Yingluck’s government started in November.

Shootings were reported overnight near a government administrative complex that protesters began to blockade late on Sunday and at the headquarters of the

we will let them into government buildings,” Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said on Sunday.

National security chief Paradorn Pattanathabutr said around 20,000 protesters had joined a march from what has been the movement’s main camp at Democracy Monument in the old quarter.

Among them was Prasert Tanyakiatpongsa, a small business owner, who backed Suthep’s plans for electoral reforms.

“I’m not sure if we can achieve what we want in a day but maybe we can after a week ... We are not out to

Thaksin, who redrew Thailand’s political map by courting rural voters to win back-to-back elections in 2001 and 2005, gained an unassailable mandate that he then used to advance the interests of major companies, including his own.

He is opposed by the elite and establishment, who feel threatened by his rise and regard his sister as a puppet.

Thaksin’s opponents include some academics who see him as a corrupt rights abuser and the urban middle class who resent, as they see it, their taxes being used for his political war chest.

Dubai Ruler Calls For Lifting Iran Sanctions - BBC DUBAI - The ruler of Dubai, a Gulf trade and investment hub with strong links to Iran, said in remarks broadcast on Monday that the international community should ease sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Under a deal struck in November, Iran is expected to curb its nuclear activity in exchange for a limited easing of the international sanctions.

The pact will come into force January 20, Iran and world powers agreed on Sunday.

Asked whether he thought it was time to lift the sanctions, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, told British broadcaster the BBC: “I think so and give Iran a space... Iran is our neighbor and we don’t want any problem, he said, adding that “everybody will benefit”.

Despite a decade of sanctions, Iran has managed to get most of the commodities and goods it needs via Dubai’s flourishing re-export market, although new embargoes imposed by the United States and its allies in late 2011 and early 2012 have hit it hard.

The vast majority of trade between Iran and its Gulf Arab neighbors is routed through Dubai, home to tens of thousands of ethnic Iranians and one of seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates.

Iran says its atomic energy program is aimed purely at

electricity generation and other civilian purposes, although past Iranian attempts to hide sensitive nuclear activity from U.N. nonproliferation inspectors raised concerns.

“I think they’re telling the truth when they say just for civilian power,” Sheikh Mohammed said in the interview.

Shortly after the November 24 deal, Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif went to the UAE to try and improve relations with the U.S. ally.

Across the Gulf from Iran, the UAE stands to benefit directly from any easing of sanctions under the nuclear deal that have dampened regional trade.

Zarif met Sheikh Mohammed during his December visit and the UAE was the first Gulf Arab state to cautiously welcome November’s nuclear deal. The UAE foreign minister flew to Iran days later, calling for a partnership with the Islamic Republic.

The six Sunni Muslim-ruled members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are wary of Iranian power in the Middle East, fearing the Shi’ite Muslim-led country is seeking regional dominance and stirring sectarian tension.

Tehran denies this.

But they have also welcomed Iran’s “new direction” under President Hassan Rouhani and said Tehran should do more to promote stability in the region.

Sheikh Mohammed also

said Egypt, which is due to vote on a constitutional referendum this week, was better off without Islamist President Mohamed Mursi who was deposed by the army in July after mass protests against his rule.

The UAE is deeply mistrustful of the Muslim Brotherhood and relations soured when Mursi became Egypt’s first freely elected president after the downfall of autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

The UAE, along with Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia, have championed army chief General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi who deposed Mursi, and have poured billions of dollars to shore up the country’s beleaguered economy since Mursi’s downfall.

There has been widespread speculation about whether Sisi, who is depicted by his supporters as a savior who will restore stability to the shaken country, would run for presidential elections slated for later this year.

Sheikh Mohammed said Sisi was better off in the army, saying: “I hope he stays in the army. And someone else (stands) for the presidency.”

On Syria, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE was only comfortable supporting displaced Syrians in Jordan and Turkey, as opposed to providing support to rebel groups, some of whom are extremist in nature.

Government protester waves a Thai National flag at victory monument in Bankgkok yesterday.

opposition Democrat Party, which has thrown in its lot with the protest movement.

At one junction, near the American and Japanese embassies, around 100 protesters sat on the road to halt traffic. Som Rodpai, 64, said they would leave after nightfall, amid fears their citywide protest could spark a violent reaction.

Suthep’s stated goal is to eradicate the influence of the Shinawatra family on Thai politics, but he says he would call the protests off if, as some fear, civil war breaks out.

Pro-Thaksin groups started rallies in several provincial regions on Sunday but are steering clear of Bangkok for now.

The government has deployed 10,000 police to maintain law and order, along with 8,000 soldiers at government offices.

“We don’t want confrontation with the protesters ... In some places

clash with police. We will sit and we will meditate,” Prasert said.

Although rumors of a coup are rife, the military, which has staged or attempted 18 coups in 81 years of on-off democracy, has tried to stay neutral this time and army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha has publicly refused to take sides.

But some fear extremists or agents provocateurs could instigate violence to provoke military intervention, leading to a repeat of 2010 when more than 90 people, many of them Thaksin supporters, were killed in an army operation to put down a rally that had closed parts of central Bangkok for weeks.

The latest protests took off when the government tried to push through a political amnesty that would have let Thaksin return home without serving jail time for corruption. The bill was ultimately withdrawn but the agitation gathered pace.

The unrest has hurt tourism and further delayed huge infrastructure projects that had been expected to support the economy this year at a time when exports remain weak. Consumer confidence is at a two-year low.

Protest leaders say they will not shut down public transport or Bangkok’s airports.

Anti-Thaksin protesters shut the two main airports for days in late 2008, causing chaos for tourists and exporters.

However, the central bank, finance ministry and some other ministries have been forced to move operations to buildings around the city or even to neighboring provinces.

“The aim is not war,” Kasit Piromya, a former foreign minister and member of the opposition who joined Monday’s protests, told Reuters. “We have to keep pressure on the government until it is crippled and cannot function.”

International CAIRO (AP) — With a presidential run by Egypt’s powerful military chief seeming more likely by the day, this week’s constitution referendum, to be held amid a massive security force deployment, is widely seen as a vote of confidence in the regime he installed last summer.

The charter is an overhaul of an Islamist-backed constitution adopted in December 2012 during the rule of Mohammed Morsi, the ousted president, and his Muslim Brotherhood. Drafted by a 50-member panel of mostly secular-leaning politicians, it criminalizes discrimination, enshrines gender equality and guarantees a raft of freedoms and rights. nd crucially, the Jan. 14-15 vote provides the country’s increasingly popular military chief, Gen. Abdel-Fattah elSissi, with a first electoral test since he ousted Morsi in a military coup on July 3. A comfortable “yes” vote and a respectable turnout would be seen as bestowing legitimacy, while undermining the Islamists’ argument that Morsi remains the nation’s elected president.

“It is not just a referendum on the constitution. It is on many things, including elSissi and the fight against violence by militants,” said analyst and columnist Makram Mohammed Ahmed, who is close to the military.

“I cannot imagine that a big ‘yes’ majority will automatically usher in a new legitimacy that will be swiftly recognized by the West, but it is a good constitution that must be given its due.”

With the stakes so high, authorities are undertaking a massive security operation to protect polling stations and voters. The deployment involves 160,000 soldiers, including elite paratroopers and commandos backed by armored vehicles and helicopters, according to military and security officials.

An even larger number of police — over 200,000 officers — will also participate. Fearing militant

attacks, troops are being stationed at airports around the country to be flown to sites of possible attacks at short notice. And military aircraft will be used to monitor rarely used desert routes to major cities, a tactic designed to stop the infiltration of militants, said the officials, who agreed to discuss the details of the operation only on condition of anonymity.

Snipers will be deployed at secret locations close to polling stations, they said.

Provinces that witness major outbreaks of violence will be sealed off from the rest of the country while the police and army move to contain it.

The charter adopted under Morsi won some 64 percent of the vote on a low turnout of about 30 percent — partly caused by the then-opposition calling for a boycott of the vote.

This week, it is the Muslim Brotherhood and its backers who are urging a boycott.

Their argument is that the entire process, beginning with the coup, is illegitimate, and they are planning mass demonstrations on voting days. The group has honed its mobilization tactics in the 85 years since its inception, winning more than 40 percent of the vote in parliamentary elections held in late 2011 and early 2012.

Still, it’s difficult to predict how effective the boycott will be, given that most of the Brotherhood’s top and midlevel leaders are either in jail or on the run. The government’s recent move to label the group a terrorist organization has in effect meant that mere membership can bring a lengthy jail sentence.

“The arrests have left entire provinces without a local leadership to organize and execute,” said a Brotherhood activist in southern Egypt, a stronghold of Islamists, who asked to be identified only by his first name, Mohammed, because he feared arrest. “We are heavily relying on sympathetic students, sisters and workers to lobby for a ‘no’ vote.”

A member of the knesset guard salutes near the flag drapped coffin of former Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon before a memorial ceremony at the knesset, Israel’s Paliament in Jeresalemn yesterday.

Vote On Charter Defines Egypt’s Post-Morsi Future To help ensure strong turnout, wealthy businessmen have been asked by local officials to fund the transport of poor voters to polling stations. The government has also decreed that voters can cast their ballots wherever they happen to be on Tuesday and Wednesday, rather than at polling centers in the districts where they are registered.

While sure to boost turnout, the move also raises the specter of fraud. The government says anyone caught voting more than once will be swiftly put on trial and that a conviction will mean a jail sentence.

Since Morsi’s removal, elSissi has remained silent on whether he would run for president, though he told a newspaper interviewer late last year he could not rule it out.

On Saturday, he moved closer to announcing his candidacy.

Addressing a crowd of military officers, police commanders, politicians, artists and writers, el-Sissi said he would run if he received a popular mandate to do so. “I cannot turn my back on Egypt,” he said.

Close aides have said that el-Sissi would view a big “yes” majority of some 70 percent and a respectable turnout as a popular mandate for him to run.

The vote will also show how much influence supporters of ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak retain after throwing their weight behind Morsi’s removal and the roadmap announced by el-Sissi in July, which includes presidential and parliamentary elections later this year.

It will also test whether the ultraconservative Islamic AlNour party, the militarybacked regime’s unlikely ally, can succeed in rallying its skeptical supporters to a “yes” vote.

The referendum is Egypt’s sixth nationwide vote since Mubarak’s ouster nearly three years ago in a popular uprising triggered by deeply rooted grievances over suppression of freedoms, police brutality, and social and economic injustice. The five previous votes were probably the freest in Egypt’s history, though they were held amid a growing sense of polarization.

By contrast, this week’s vote will be held in a climate that, in many ways, is a throwback to Mubarak’s days.

United Arab Emirates’ Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheibkh Mohammed bin Rashid Many of the freedoms won al-Maktoum takes a tour inside aircraft an Airbus A380 a Aircraft during the Dubai Airshow by the 2011 uprising have Nov 17, 2013. been rolled back since the

military coup, the brutal police tactics of Mubarak’s 29-year rule are making a comeback and a climate of intolerance for dissent is growing. Liberal youth leaders have been thrown in jail and a new law places draconian conditions on allowing street protests.

A massive crackdown against Morsi’s Brotherhood continues, with thousands of mostly Brotherhood members thought to be in detention.

They include Morsi and almost every top Brotherhood leader. The former president faces three separate trials that carry the death penalty.

Meanwhile, police have detained volunteers plastering fliers urging Egyptians to vote “no,” and the media, both state-owned and private, is firmly in the “yes” camp, continuously airing pro-”yes” propaganda, along with patriotic songs and promotional films. Thousands of giant billboards and fliers have appeared across the country, all exhorting a “yes” vote. And portraits of el-Sissi, wearing his trademark black sunglasses, are popping up in growing numbers.

Authorities have vowed to crush any attempt to disrupt the vote and in rural areas, weeks of negotiations between local officials and powerful families have won pledges by the families to stand up to any attempt by Islamists to interfere with the voting.

In an indication of the brittle nature of the Brotherhood boycott, some activists said they would be lobbying for a “no” vote while stepping up street protests starting Tuesday. One female activist

who agreed to be identified only by her first name, Fatma, said she and her fellow “sisters” would target the families of detained Brotherhood members or victims of violence.

“We will ask them to vote ‘no’ to the police state, to the random arrests, the spoiling of Egypt and to secularism,” she said.

Other Brotherhood activists said there were plans for proMorsi students to form human chains across much of Egypt to publicize their “no” message.

Meanwhile, a journalist known to be close to el-Sissi suggested in an article published Sunday in the alAkhbar newspaper that the general’s decision to run would not depend entirely on the outcome of the vote.

“In my view, neither the turnout nor the ‘yes’ percentage expresses the people’s views on el-Sissi.

They are just indicators that are taken into consideration,” said Yasser Rizk, chairman of the state-owned Akhbar alYoum company that publishes several newspapers. “Large segments of the population may reject the constitution, while at the same time realizing that el-Sissi is more capable (than anyone else) to run the country under the present circumstances.”

For his part, the 59-year-old general has urged Egyptians to vote to “chart the future of our nation and to let the world know its standing and prestige among the nations.”

Adly Mansour, the interim president, also exhorted Egyptians to come out and vote when he addressed the nation on Sunday.

Security

Security Challenges Facing Nigeria

THE Security challenge we are facing in Nigeria is as a result of the centrifugal tendency of hypocrisy from the head to the toe of the people in government and the governed.

I want to use this form to draw the attention of Nigerians to when a parcel bomb was sent to a one-time editor of NEWSWATCH MAGAZINE in person of Mr. Dele Giwa who was killed by agents of destruction through the means of this same weapon of mass destruction. There were accusations and counter accusations between the government of the former Head of State, Retired General Ibrahim Babangida, and his boys Togun, Akhilu and the rest of others; and the governed people, especially our admirable legal luminary chief Gani Fawehinmi (Late) whose petition have not been answered before he died, fought hard for justice to be wrought, to no avail.

Subsequent invitation on this issue for the ‘evil genius’ to defend himself by a publicoriented judicial panel headed by Justice Oputa to answer questions especially on the issues of security also proved abortive.

One wonders why issues that border on security of the nation and its citizens are always swept under the carpet. A lot of example abound, revealing situations during the period of the class ruling who have no regard for human lives and properties.

So many cases abound, and we recall now the UPN bigwig Chief Rewane who was killed in the bedroom, PDP stalwart from Rivers State whose killer climbed his fence got access to his house at Abuja and bedroom killed him. A onetime flag bearer of PDP Chief Williams who was preparing vigorously to contest against the Present Governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola (SAN) and was murdered in his bedroom too. Not to mention Chief Bola Ige, the former Attorney General and chief security officer of the nation who was also killed in his bedroom by unknown assassins. The shock experienced by Justice Atinuke Ige when the law, as an ass, was manipulated to suit the perpetrators’ whims and caprices made the woman to collapse in the court room and eventually died!

I can imagine the last words of “Cicero” as Bola Ige was popularly known, that the Gods and the deities would not only seek redress and justice on his behalf but also millions upon millions of Nigerians would pay with their blood, hence the blood shed we are experiencing now!

The suspected perpetrators are within and in the diaspora, enjoying their lives and continuing where Bola Ige stopped! Nothing significantly has been done to them. In the usual system of Government Camaraderie and State show manship suspected accused were arrested, presented before the Kangaroo law court and they were eventually set free. A major suspect, senator Omisore, after being detained for a while got released and even won senatorial election while under detention.

Can you imagine that?

What of a chieftain in the Oyo Obaship council who had problems with the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. Another Otunba of Egba Land was found dead in the outskirts of Abeokuta, near water pool within the precinct of his business environment. The Apo six nko? Innocent Souls were despatched to their early graves when they were shot by trigger happy policemen at their check point.

National Youth Service corps members were at different occasions and places injured, mutilated, murdered by yet to be arrested assailants in the process of serving their father land. Till when would justice prevail!

Dele Udoh, a one-time 100 metre sprinter was also killed at a check point by policemen in Ojuelegba Lagos.

We can go on and on to recapitulate sore, and sorrowful events that have become the order of the day of our life’s history.

Not too long ago, a church was bombed on Christmas day and lots of lives, from the to adults and the younger ones were wasted! Put yourself in all these barbaric and nasty situations and you will understand better what I am talking about (Oku ki ba Alaye Soro eni to ba tiku nitiegbe” Ko seni to lo sorua to pada wa mo”).

The meaning goes the dead does not speak with the living, it is the dead that is hopeless.

Nobody has ever died and come back to this world to either tell us what is happening in the other word or tell there is chance available for any of us to change

from our sinful ways for better.

Every new year’s day churches were bombed in Yobe. A market was held hostage and both

and when this dastardly act would stop.

There was also a constituency tanker fire incident in Rivers

took government and the so called stakeholders so long to understand that the fight was against the Christians by those who greatly abhor and condemn the teaching, practice, and behaviour of their fellow human being on the hopeless pretence that they are fighting Holy war!

I don’t know who is fooling who.

Is there anybody that can fight

human beings and cattles were attacked and killed. Innocent children have either been attacked and killed or died through our carelessness or through plane crash – Sosoliso, DANA, etc, to mention a few.

Just a few months month and a half ago a DANA plane started its ill-fated journey from Abuja to Lagos and on getting nearer to the airport decided to discharge everyone, including the pilot and crew from life human being to dead carcasses.

Friends, well wishers, relatives and family members are biting their nails, and fingers for people they can’t call back for bad memories that are permanent in their subconscious, for the thoughts of why, how, for what

State where over 100 people reportedly died. It has been one incident after another, all on the negative side.

Senator Gyang Danton who represented Plateau North Senatorial District was killed on July 8, 2012 while he was attending a mass burial of people killed in his constituency.

In there usual characteristic manner of our leaders, we only heard about the arrest of the kingpins or perpetrators of the dastardly act, what happens to them and their families afterwards nobody hears any more, except for reported killing of some members of the religious sect called Boko Haram. One wonders why it

for God, if not the other way round?

Again, looking inward and according to the suggestion of the former national security Adviser Retired General Owoye Aziza that this madness called Boko Haram Terrorism can be traced back to the arrangement, misarrangement of and mismanagement of the affairs of the nation by members of the federal government controlled PDP who do not know in particular how to put their house in order, the fallout of election within the party and issues arising from the general elections have come to bear on all of us, especially the innocent ones who are neither politicians

By ABAYOMI SHOYOMBO

or have anything to do with politicking.

Needless to say, anybody who must have been following issues in Nigeria politically would remember the statements made by some party stalwarts, like General Muhamadu Buhari (rtd) and former Vice President of Nigeria Alhaji Abubakar etc after losing out in the last

election. They made it clearly known to the world that since they have been denied by the powers that be, that they would not only make the country ungovernable but that those who make “peaceful change impossible would surely make violent change possible” the question remains that these people mentioned or have they not had their time and opportunities at one time or the other? So, I don’t know what they want.

Therefore, people in government must be bold enough to arrest, prosecute and jail who ever is found guilty, not minding whose ox is gored or else the incessant killings would continue unabated

“Again, looking inward and according to the suggestion of the former national security Adviser Retired General Owoye Aziza that this madness called Boko Haram Terrorism can be traced back to the arrangement, misarrangement of and mismanagement of the affairs of the nation by members of the federal government controlled PDP who do not know in particular how to put their house in order, the fallout of election within the party and issues arising from the general elections have come to bear on all of us, especially the innocent ones who are neither politicians or have anything to do with politicking.”

Defoe Says It’s Right Time To Leave TOTTENHAM Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has expressed that he feels it is the right time to leave the club, admitting that a number of reasons persuaded him to leave for Canada.

The England marksman, who has scored 143 goals in two spells at White Hart Lane, is set to join MLS outfit Toronto FC at the end of February.

The now 31-year-old admitted to SkySports News that it will be difficult to leave Spurs after such a long time at the North London outfit, but added that he is looking forward to what awaits in North America.

“I was there [Spurs] nine years so you can imagine what it is like.

I think everyone knows how I feel about Tottenham,” Defoe told SkySport News.

“I have had a special relationship with the fans over the years but its football and players move on.

“At the age of 31 it is great opportunity for me and my family.”

The former West Ham and Portsmouth forward explained that it was time for change following what has been a difficult couple years.

“I have been through some things with my family over the last few years and sometimes it is nice to have a change,” the striker added.

“I only had a year left on my contract at Tottenham. If you have a year left and someone comes in and offers you four, you have to think about it and consider your options, it is as simple as that

Pardew Apologises For His Rant At City’s Boss

Alam Pardew

Moyes Has Our Support - Fletcher

DARREN Fletcher has laid bare the growing anger inside the Manchester United dressing room at claims there are splits in the camp.

United finally registered a able to stop it much earlier.

For that may have ended the victory against Swansea on Saturday after a terrible start to debate about Moyes’ relationship with his players, suggestions of 2014.

The 2-0 win, courtesy of disenchantment over perceived second-half goals from Antonio preferential treatment of Wayne Valencia and Danny Welbeck, Rooney and even Sir Alex should at least quieten the noise Ferguson’s presence at matches building up around manager becoming an unwanted sideshow.

“It gets us angry because we David Moyes, even if a trip to Chelsea next weekend is likely to know it is not true,” said Fletcher.

“We are there every day. The see it grow again.

Fletcher’s frustration is that players are fully behind the United’s players have not been manager.

“And Alex Ferguson being in the stand has no bearing on anything. It is great to see him there supporting the team. It would be a worry if he wasn’t.

“We have got to believe in ourselves and keep a close-knit group, making sure that the experienced players are guiding the younger players in the right way. Winning games helps that.”

Rodgers Hails Offensive Display

LIVERPOOL coach Brendan Rodgers says he was pleased with his side’s attacking play following Sunday’s 5-3 away win over Stoke City.

The Reds gave away a twogoal lead in the first half but managed to secure a historic away win at Stoke as they continued their scoring spree after the break.

“Well I thought they were brilliant,” Rodgers told Sky Sports. “We made mistakes defensively which wasn’t so good and we will assess that.

“But to come here and get five goals and I think it is the first time Liverpool have won here in the Premier League, so to do that score the goals we done and put in the work and effort that we did was fantastic so I am delighted for the players.

“I think you could see that I think the aggression in our game and we were really offensive in our play.

“We are disappointed we went to 2-0 up in the first 38 minutes, it was the perfect away performance, we then lost our concentration and all of a sudden it’s back to 2-2.

“But again we went out in the second half and went again and showed the character of the team.”

The win, Liverpool’s second in a row, helped them to regain their position in fourth place with 42 points.

There has been a feeling, going back long before Moyes’ arrival in the summer, that United’s army of critics were waiting for the club to fail.

That day does appear to have arrived, giving oxygen to all manner of debate, including over Moyes’ future, even though there has been no such demand from the Old Trafford stands and leading United fanzine, Red Issue, has conducted a poll that puts the figure of those who support the Scot to be at 72.98 per cent.

“It is as if some people have been waiting for it to happen and are really relishing it,” said Fletcher.

“We’ve got to use that as fuel to prove them wrong.

“We have got some great, talented young players in this squad. We have to keep reiterating to them that they believe in themselves.

“They will come through it

without a shadow of a doubt and will be better and stronger for it.

“Hopefully they will be the ones passing on advice to the next generation when I am long gone.”

For Fletcher, his vast experience brings added responsibility at a time when, by rights, he should be free to continue his quest for full fitness after successfully coming through surgery to combat ulcerative colitis, which threatened his entire career.

Not that the Scot is complaining.

At 29, he is old enough to

remember the dark times between 2004 and 2006, when it seemed the club’s era of dominance was at an end and Roy Keane delivered his damning verdict on MUTV, which included Fletcher, the aftereffects from which are still rumbling on.

“I have been in situations when we were written off and booed,” said the midfielder.

“At those times I had experienced players around me who backed me and gave me great advice.

“I am just playing on experience.”

City’s Squad Boosted

By Aguero Return MANCHESTER City’s top scorer Sergio Aguero is ready to make his return from injury against Cardiff City on Saturday and could even feature in the FA Cup replay against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday, the Argentine said.

Aguero has not played since limping off the field with a calf injury during the 6-3 victory over English Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Dec. 14.

“I’ll be ready for action this week,” the Argentine said in a post on his official website on

Sergie Aguero

Sunday.

“My injury is improving slowly. Recovery’s going very well. I’m back to sprinting on the field and moving the ball around.

“I’ll be fully recovered by the Cardiff game and depending on how the week’s training goes I may be able to show up for a few minutes on the second leg against Blackburn for the FA Cup.” Aguero has struck 13 goals in 15 league appearances this season and his injury was considered a big blow to the team’s title hopes.

However, Spain’s Alvaro Negredo and Bosnian Edin Dzeko have stepped up with goals in his absence as City recorded seven wins in eight league and cup matches since to move top of the table.

The only blip in that run was a 1-1 draw at Blackburn in the FA Cup last week and they will host the second tier side in a replay at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

With important league fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea and a Champions League tie with Barcelona on the horizon manager Manuel Pellegrini may opt for caution on Aguero’s return date.

David Moyes

NEWCASTLE United manager Alan Pardew apologised “100 percent” for his foul-mouthed touchline rant at Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini during a bad tempered English Premier League clash on Sunday.

Pardew was seen swearing at the Chilean during City’s 2-0 success, which was littered with yellow cards after Newcastle’s manager, players and fans were left incensed by a decision to disallow Chiek Tiote’s first-half strike for offside. .

“I hear my comments were picked up and I apologise for them 100 percent,” Pardew told reporters.

“In the heat of the moment we had words as we managers always have. I have apologised to him. And fortunately he’s accepted.”

Pellegrini, who thought referee Mike Jones was right to disallow the goal, said troubled brewed on the sidelines after Pardew’s continued criticism of the official.

“I think it is impossible to complain every decision of the referee during the match,” said the Chilean, whose side went top of the table with the away victory.

“I know they are playing at home and have an advantage in that sense but it is impossible. That’s why a problem with Alan but nothing important.”

Pellegrini was critical of the referee for not sending off Newcastle’s Mapou YangaMbiwa, who was only shown a yellow card after hacking down Samir Nasri in the second half.

Nasri left the field on a stretcher with Pellegrini fearing the midfielder had suffered a serious injury.

Mourinho Would’t Add To Strike regular place under Mourinho CHELSEA manager Jose and was once again an unused Force Mourinho has no plans to add a substitute in the 2-0 defeat of new striker this month and has repeated his intention to keep Juan Mata at the club.

With the winter transfer window open for business, all eyes are on the Barclays Premier League’s top sides and their transfer activity.

Chelsea are unlikely to go through the month without making changes - Nemanja Matic is linked with a return from Benfica and Kevin de Bruyne looks likely to leave - but Mourinho was happy to close a couple of avenues.

First, he assured his strikers led by Fernando Torres, who scored for the second game in a row at Hull on Saturday - that he would not be looking for new finishers in the next two weeks.

“Fernando is calm. He knows we are not going into the market

now,” said Mourinho.

“In the summer, normally a club like Chelsea is always trying to improve and get new players but he knows that we like him and support him and he knows there is no problem.

“Everyone needs strikers to score goals; the strikers are the goalscorers.

“If you have players in other positions who can score an important number of goals better. If you have a Frank Lampard - better. If you have Eden Hazard - better. But the strikers are the ones that normally score the goals.”

One player who has had scant opportunity to add to the midfield goals tally this season is Mata.

Despite being Chelsea’s player of the year for the last two seasons he has failed to win a

Hull.

In a World Cup year that is hardly ideal for the Spain international, but a sale does not appear to be on the cards.

“The others (Oscar, Willian, Hazard), they are playing very well and the team is playing very well,” Mourinho added.

“But we need other players. If the game goes on being 0-0 then Mata is coming into the game as he is a fantastic player. But the game went into another direction, we scored and then after that my brain worked in another way.

“But we need them. We need Mata, we need (Andre) Schurrle, we need these players as we cannot do it with three.

“Maybe in February maybe some are not in the best form and Juan is coming at the top of his game.”

Allegri Sacked As AC Milan Coach

AC Milan have announced that coach Massimiliano Allegri has been dismissed following Sunday’s 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo.

The club’s general manager, Barbara Berlusconi, had suggested Allegri would lose his job in the wake of the result, and a statement on the club’s official website on Monday confirmed his departure.

The statement read: “AC Milan announce that firstteam coach Mr. Massimiliano Allegri and his staff have been dismissed with immediate effect. AC Milan would like to thank Mr. Allegri and his staff for the work they did and wish them the best for the future.”

The club also confirmed that Mauro Tassotti — who played for the club for 17 years and has been on the coaching staff for over a decade — would take temporary charge of the first team.

Allegri had already announced that he would not be staying at the San Siro beyond the end of the season, with former Milan star Clarence Seedorf having earlier been tipped to replace him.

Allegri took charge of Milan

in 2010 after two years with Cagliari and enjoyed a successful debut campaign, winning the league as well as being named Serie A’s coach of the year. Milan finished as runners-up in his second season and last year recovered from a poor start to finish third

and secure a place in the Champions League.

However, while Allegri guided the Rossoneri through the group stage in this season’s Champions League, their domestic form has been miserable, and they currently sit 11th in the table, some 30 points behind leaders Juventus.

ACCORDING to reports, German outfit Schalke could appoint former Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre-Villas Boas if the club decide to sack under-pressure manager Jens Keller.

Villas-Boas is currently attending a warm-weather training camp in Doha, Qatar.

The Portuguese is a guest of Aspire Acadamy for Sports Excellence, which is hosting

Schalke Could Appoint AVB If ...

Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and the Royal Blues according to the Telegraph.

The 35-year-old, who was sacked as Spurs boss following a string of bad results, isn’t in Doha to have talks with Schalke but it is predicted that he could take over at the club come the

Toronto Won’t Sell Bright Dike On A Cheap

Massimiliano Allegri

Andre Villas-Boas

Ribery Won’t Win Ballon d’Or, Says Uli Hoeness

BAYERN Munich president Uli Hoeness has said he believes a “conspiracy” against the Champions League winners will mean Franck Ribery does not win the Ballon d‘Or. Monday night.

Hoeness said: “Essentially, Hoeness told Munich paper Abendzeitung he felt it “does I am of the opinion that not suit some people’s plans Franck more than deserves it. that Bayern win everything.” There is no sportsperson who France international has performed more midfielder Ribery has been consistently for both FC shortlisted for the FIFA award Bayern and his national along with Barcelona’s Lionel team.

“That’s why he more than Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with the deserves it. I, however, winner to be revealed at a believe that some people ceremony in Zurich on have done things and that he

Franck Ribery

end of the season.

Schalke, who are currently in seventh place in the Bundesliga, released a statement ahead of the winter break in which they declared that results must improve but added that they back Keller to do so.

Villas-Boas has also been liked with the AC Milan job, with Massimiliano Allegri set to leave the Rossoneri come the end of the current campaign.

won’t win on Monday because it does not suit one or two people’s plans that FC Bayern win everything.”

The Bayern president also claimed the extension of the Ballon d’Or vote would count against his player, adding: “Essentially, the deadline extension has determined that Franck will not win it.”

Last month, Uli Hoeness told Munich’s tz of Bayern’s plans to scrutinise the vote amid concerns over whether it was democratic.

“We will look at every single vote that came in prior to Nov. 15 and at the votes that came in afterwards.”

Ronaldo, the favourite for the award, will fly to Zurich after training on Monday accompanied by Florentino Perez, Zinedine Zidane, Emilio Butragueno and Sergio Ramos.

Speaking after Madrid’s 10 win at Espanyol in La Liga on Sunday, Ramos told Madrid’s official website that Ronaldo would be a deserving winner.

“If I had my way, I would give it to [Ronaldo],” he said.

“There are a lot of people who think so around the world.

The statistics are there to see, and he has broken almost

every record out there.

Maybe this year he deserves it more than others.”

Messi, meanwhile, will head to Zurich from Barcelona, accompanied by club president Sandro Rosell, vice-presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Carles Vilarrubi, board members Jordi Mestre and Manel Arroyo and director of

football Andoni Zubizarreta.

But ex-Barca defender Eric Abidal feels neither Ronaldo nor Messi should win, telling Carrusel Deportivo that Ribery should take the honour after his outstanding performances for Bayern.

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s numbers with Madrid are incredible,” he said. “But the Ballon d’Or should be for Ribery.”

that soccer’s world governing body will do all in its power to ensure that match-fixing by mafia gangs does not ruin the 2014 World Cup. Mutschke, a former Interpol executive and a police officer for 30 years, said the problem of corruption is global and exists at all levels of the game, including the World Cup which gets underway in Brazil on June 12.

“We must assume that organized crime gangs will also try to fix matches at the World Cup,” Mutschke told the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) on Sunday.

But Mutschke insisted that

FIFA would be taking all the necessary measures to ensure that “everything is possible” if match-fixing is proven.

“We have security agents in the 12 stadiums. All World Cup matches will be monitored on the betting market,” he explained.

“We’re in contact with the bookmakers and are going through the social networks and specialized forums with a fine tooth comb.”

Highly-organised criminal networks are increasingly influential with 50 leagues outside of Europe being particularly vulnerable to the risks in lightly-policed competitions.

The international nature of the problem was highlighted by the

MLS side Toronto FC have said they will not sell Nigeria striker Bright Dike on the cheap after they received bids for him.

Club manager Ryan Nielsen disclosed they have received some offers for the Nigeria international, but he will only go on the right place.

The Nigeria star faces stiffer opposition in getting regular football action at Toronto FC when the season starts following the acquisition of England international Jermaine Defoe and Brazilian forward Gilberto.

“We’ve actually had quite a few offers for Bright,” Nelsen said.

“He is such an impactful player for us, and I’d love to keep him. But if we get a really good offer, then it is something we have to consider.”

The powerful striker joined Toronto last September from Portland Timbers and he quickly became a fans’ favourite.

He started five games and scored one goal for ‘The Reds’ down the final stretch of the season.

During the off-season, Dike trained with Celtic in Scotland and recent rumours have linked him with an extended stay in Europe which will help his aspiration to represent to Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

FIFA’s Policeman Vows Match-Fixing FIFA corruption-buster Won’t Ruin World Cup Ralf Mutschke has warned

case involving Singapore businessman Wilson Raj Perumal who was suspected of rigging games in several countries and was jailed in Finland in 2011. His name was also cited in cases in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Ralf Mutschke

Australia Open... Australa Open...

Venus Williams

Venus Among Early Casualties In The 31-year-old next faces VENUS Williams suffered Melbourne another promising young talent in a disappointing loss at the Australian Open but last year’s runner up Li Na cruised through to the second round.

Toni and Rafa Nadal

Faster Courts Will Ruin Melbourne Spectacle - Toni Nadal

RAFA Nadal’s uncle and coach Toni joined the world

number one on Monday in criticising Melbourne Park’s faster hardcourts which, he felt, will ruin the spectacle for the Australian Open fans.

The speed of the blue Plexicushion courts has polarised opinions with Roger Federer and Australian Lleyton Hewitt welcoming it while Nadal questioned the logic behind the change.

“The spectators want a bit of rallying, a bit of tactics.

People don’t go to Barcelona’s stadium to watch Lionel Messi taking penalties,” Toni Nadal was quoted as saying in Spanish sports daily As. “This year everything is a bit quicker, that’s my feeling and also Rafa’s.

“I don’t know if it’s because of the courts or the balls, which I think have been changed, but I don’t think it’s good for the spectacle,” he added.

Nadal, who won his sole Australian Open crown in 2009, plays his first-round match against local hopeful Bernard Tomic on Tuesday.

“Rafael is coming into this tournament in Melbourne at a good level after winning the title in Doha,” Toni said.

Rodger Federer and Stefan Edberg

Williams blew a 3-0 lead in the deciding set to crash out 2-6 6-4 6-4 at the hands of Russian Ekaterina Makarova.

Li started the Australian Open like a woman on a mission by brutally dispatching Croatian teenager Ana Konjuh 6-2 6-0 in just over an hour.

Former French Open champion Li, twice a losing finalist at Melbourne Park, simply bludgeoned her young opponent into submission with her fierce groundstrokes to lay down a marker for the other leading contenders for the women’s title.

The fourth seed has become a big crowd favourite in Melbourne Park after her two runs to the final and was again well supported on Hisense Arena as she rode Konjuh’s early challenge before racing away with the second set.

“This is my favourite grand slam, I always love playing in Melbourne,” a smiling Li said before leaving court.

Understated Ferrer Focusing On Immediate Challenge

DAVID Ferrer is ranked third in the world, has reached at least the quarter-finals at all four grand slams in the past two years yet is still not a favourite for the Australian Open title at Melbourne Park.

Not that the 31-year-old Spaniard minds. He puts enough pressure upon himself just to go out and perform.

“I don’t know,” Ferrer told reporters when asked if he thought he could repeat last year’s performance of making the semi-finals at Melbourne Park.

“I will have to play against (Adrian) Mannarino, and it’s gonna be difficult match,” he added of his second round opponent after he dispatched Colombia’s Alejandro Gonzalez 6-3 6-4 6-4 in just over two hours on Rod Laver Arena on Monday.

“He’s a lefty. He plays very flat with his shots. I am only focused (on Wednesday).”

Ferrer used his semi-final loss at Melbourne Park last year to catapult himself to an impressive season that ended with two titles,

his first grand slam final at Roland Garros and finishing the year at number three in the world.

Critics have suggested the poor year of Swiss maestro Roger Federer and lingering injuries to Wimbledon champion Andy Murray that necessitated back surgery have artificially boosted Ferrier’s ranking points.

The battling right hander, whose greatest assets are his scrambling ability and fitness, however, said he was unconcerned about the talk about his ranking. Wednesday’s match against the Frenchman was what counted.

“No, no, my pressure is for my next match against Mannarino,” he added. “I don’t care about this, I am number three of the world or number two or number five.

“I know I have to improve my game, and I will try do my best to improve my game.”

On Monday, Ferrer shook off the disappointment of a semifinal loss at last week’s Auckland Open, a title he had defended for

the previous three years, to quietly account for Gonzalez.

The 24-year-old from Medellin did provide some concern for Ferrer taking a 4-2 lead in the second set only for unforced errors to creep back into his game.

return to the Tour as a coach of Roger Federer can help the Swiss add to his record tally of 17 Grand Slam titles.

The Swede will be a part of Federer’s team for 10 weeks in 2014, including all four grand slam events.

“I am doing it because I really think I can make a little difference,” Edberg told a small group of reporters at Melbourne Park on Monday.

“If I can make a little difference, maybe that will take him back where he was.

“Roger has to do the work on

the court but it’s maybe just a different voice, different opinions and obviously I’ve been in this situation before, in the big tournaments.

“Tennis-wise he’s such a great player but there are always many things you can work on, maybe minor things in his game.

“It’s going to be a tough road but I still believe he’s good enough on a given day to beat anybody.

“If he could win a slam here this year, it would be great but it’s a tough task, a lot of good

the second round after 16-yearold qualifier Belinda Bencic beat 43-year-old Japanese Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-4 4-6 6-3 in a battle of the generations.

Makarova upset an injured Serena Williams in the fourth round of the 2012 tournament and completed a family double when 33-year-old Venus’s serve fell apart in the third set on Margaret Court Arena.

“I think she played really well, and I think just my level was a little bit too up and down,” said Venus.

Ninth-seed Angelique Kerber shook off a second-set blip to advance to the second round with a 6-3 0-6 6-2 win over local wildcard Jarmila Gajdosova.

After an error-strewn first set, the 26-year-old Gajdosova looked out of the match in the second when she rolled her left ankle on Rod Laver Arena and needed a medical timeout in the opening game.

The injury somehow sparked a comeback from Gajdosova, who exploited Kerber’s weak service game, and local fans began to believe she might advance to the second round at Melbourne Park for the first time in nine attempts.

But Kerber, who lost in the Sydney International final to qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova on Friday, quickly forgot her second set troubles and raced through the decider in 31 minutes to set up a clash with Alla Kudryavtseva, who defeated France’s Caroline Garcia 6-2 7-6(9).

Edberg Hopes To Inspire Federer To More Grand Slams STEFAN Edberg believes his players.”

With Boris Becker having joined Novak Djokovic’s team and Ivan Lendl now in his third year as Andy Murray’s coach, Edberg’s return has added to a buzz of excitement on the Tour.

The softly-spoken Swede quit the Tour in 1996 after winning six grand slam singles titles and still makes the occasional appearance on the Champions Tour.

Looking like he could still be out there himself, Edberg hinted that only Federer could have persuaded him to give up his “comfortable life”.

CHAN 2014: Eagles Urged To Remain Focused SOME football fans on Sunday in Abuja urged the Super Eagles to remain focused in spite of losing to Mali in their opening game of the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Mali stunned Nigeria 2-1 disappointment at the result of in the second game of Group the match and advised the team A played at the Cape Town on the need to stay focused.

Audu Obaje, a businessman, Stadium on Saturday night.

A cross-section of fans who spoke expressed

• Nigeria Face Mozambique Tomorrow

however noted that the Super Eagles did not play as a team. ‘`There was no cohesion at all in the team I saw. They

cannot afford to play their next game like this if they intend to go far in the tournament.

“I therefore urge the boys to calm down and not allow themselves to be carried away by the euphoria that they are the African champions,

Pillars Set CAF Champions League C’ttee CHAMPIONS Kano Pillars have named a CAF Champions League committee headed by chairman Abba Yola to ensure they do well in the competition.

The other members of this committee are Uba Danzainab, Sharu Rabi’u Inuwa Ahlan, Rabi’u Muhammad, Shehu Abdullahi and Abba Galadima with Zakari Akilu Bichi as secretary.

Abba Yola said the committee was set up to come out with modalities and strategies that would assist the club to do well in the championship considering the time constraints ahead of them.

Nigeria’s Pillars take on AS Vita of DR Congo in a preliminary round of the Champions League next month.

Meanwhile, Pillars have directed the chief coach Abdu Maikaba to continue handling the team pending the appointment of a new head coach.

The board also congratulated Pillars fans’ club chairman Bashir Ma’azu Idris for electing him as the national president of the 20-team Nigeria Premier League fans club.

The club have equally sent a message of condolence to the family of former club chairman Sani Muhammad Usman, who died on Friday.

Super Eagles CHAN squad

Eagles World Cup Watch WHAT have Nigeria stars been up to as the countdown to Brazil 2014 continues?

Michael Eneramo has quit Besiktas for Karabukspor on loan so as to get more playing time for coach Stephen Keshi to consider him on his 40-man squad ahead of the World Cup. Raheem Lawal has also terminated his contract with Turkish second division outfit Mersin Idmuyurdu and looks set to join a Turkish Super League team so as to enhance his recall to

the Eagles.

Several Nigeria stars were in action for their European clubs at the weekend as Brazil 2014 moves closer.

Mikel Obi: Nigeria star returned in time after the CAF Awards night as he featured in Chelsea 2-0 away win over Hull City. He was a 79th minute substitute for Oscar.

Elderson Echiejile: He was on for the entire duration for Sporting Braga in a 3-0 spanking of Vitoria Guimaraes. He was booked in the 52nd minute.

Osaze Odemwingie: He saw 46 minutes of action for Cardiff City as they lost 1-0 to West Ham

United. He was replaced by Craig Bellamy.

Victor Anichebe: Fit-again striker was not dressed by West Brom as they lost 1-0 to Southampton.

Joel Obi: He was an unused substitute in Parma 3-0 win at Livorno. The good thing is he is no longer injured.

Austin Ejide: The Nigeria goalkeeper was in goal for full time as Hapoel Beer Sheva beat Dele Aiyenugba’s Bnei Yehuda 2-1. Aiyenugba was also in goal for Yehuda. shola Ameobi: He was not listed for Newcastle United as

THE Head Coach of Bayelsa United FC, Ladan Bosso, yesterday commended the League Management Company (LMC) for its desire to improve on the Globacom Premier League in 2013/14 season.

He told the newsmen that he wished there would not be too rigid conditions and laws for the clubs that would feature in the competition.

The LMC had demanded from the 20 clubs for the new season their corporate, legal and governance attributes required for typical business practice and sports development.

“We have to start from somewhere. I am glad the league is taking shape for the best but it is going to be a gradual process to make it a thorough success.

“I believe the LMC means well for the clubs but I wish they can just tone down a bit on the rules as every club is trying its best,’’ he said.

Bosso also said that for the league to grow there were processes involved and that change is an ongoing process which should not be rushed.

“This is a transitional period for the league. Laws should be passed and obeyed; emphasis should be made not only on an

they lost 2-0 to Manchester City at home.

Victor Moses: The AFCON winner was an unused substitute for Liverpool against Stoke City.

Liverpool won 5-3 at the Britannia. Still a big worry how much match fit he will be in Brazil.

John Ogu: The Nigeria midfielder did not see action as he sat on the Academica De Coimbra bench for the entire duration in his team’s 4-2 win over Pacos Fereira.

Nosa Igiebor: He was not dressed as struggling Real Betis lost 2-1 at home to Osasuna. He is still recovering from injury.

Bosso Hails LMC’s Plan To Improve Globacom PL

Stephen Keshi, Super Eagles Coach

area but the league as a whole,’’ he said.

On Bayelsa United preparations for the 2013/2014 league, he said the team was in high spirits.

“We are getting ready and anticipating the kick off of the league. We just hope the league body can come up with a favourable date,’’ Bosso said.

The competition will begin in February after the ongoing Championship of Africa Nations (CHAN) in South Africa at a yetto-be determined date., The LMC and club owners are meeting on Monday in Abuja to agree on a kick off date for the new season.

because this is a different competition,” he said.

Osborn Rowland, an entertainer, said that the team lost because the boys did not play according to the coach’s instructions.

“They were playing an entirely different game from what Stephen Keshi instructed them to play.

“From Keshi and Daniel Amokachi’s body language, one could read the situation.

The team was so distracted and disjointed from the defence to the attack.

“These are not the Super Eagles we know. There is a need for them to go back to the drawing board and get things right in their next two group games,” Rowland said.

Chinedu Ezirim, a banker, said the Super Eagles players took their opponents for granted.

“The Super Eagles cannot afford to look down on any team again, because every team at the tournament is there to win.

“In fact, most of the teams are looking forward to beating the Super Eagles and make a name for themselves.

“Therefore, the team must be more serious with their remaining games and approach them as a do-or-die affair,” Ezirim said.

Henry Medekong, a medical practitioner, said that even though the team had been together only for a little time, it was still not an excuse. ‘’The team must put in all its efforts, with the aim of lifting the CHAN trophy.

“They must work very hard if they are to take something out of the tournament and, most importantly, they must remain disciplined,” he said.

Segun Adekeye, a lawyer, noted that even though the Eagles had the potentials and qualities to win the game, the Malians played a better game.

“In all fairness, it would have been cruel for Mali to lose or draw the match as they looked by far the more polished side and had more verve when going for an attack.

“However, I strongly believe that we have the qualities to win CHAN and with God on our side we will do it,” he said.

NAN reports that Nigeria is currently placed third with no points and a goal difference of -1 in Group A behind Mali and South Africa, both with three points each.

Mozambique occupy the last position after they were defeated 3-1 by South Africa in an earlier match.

Nigeria will face Mozambique on January 15.

CMYK

REGULATORS and operators in the Nigerian Capital market must have been busy since the last quarter of 2013 planning and strategizing for 2014.

The apex regulator of the capital market, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), must have been looking at how its regulatory tools fared in 2013 and sharpening its saws for 2014. Being statutorily charged with capital market development, in addition to its regulatory role, SEC must also have taken stock of its initiatives in the last year, done an impact assessment and prepared for 2014.

Investors and potential investors must also have been busy analyzing how they fared in respect of returns and potential returns and strategizing for 2014.

Their confidence in the market in 2013, will determine how they play in 2014.

As a prelude to visioning for 2014, we must take a look at the market in 2013. How was it regulated? What transpired in the primary and secondary segments of the market and what were the market infrastructure and development initiatives?

These will assist in determining wether regulation, operations and initiatives of 2013 can be counted on as credible foundations for 2014. Beyond these, however, exogenous factors to the market, for example the general state of the economy, the environment for capital market regulation and operations as well as global developments will have bearing on the market in the 2014. The budget, its early or late passage, its impact on the financial sector, alternative investment outlets, monetary and fiscal policies impacting on savings and investments, foreign and local investors attitudes will play crucial roles in the 2014 outlook for the Nigerian capital market THE MARKET IN 2013 The fortunes of the capital market were good in 2013, showing considerable recovery coming from 2012. The

All-Share-Index (ASI) closed November at 38,920.25 points compared with the 28,028.80 for the same period in 2012. Total market capitalization

investor confidence and absence of shocks that could have traumatized the market. Will the trend continue into 2014?

According to reports from the Central Bank of Nigeria

ByOKHAREDIA SYLVESTER AKELE By IHIMEKPEN

Outlook For Nigerian Capital Market In 2014

closed at N18.39 trillion (with equities market capitalization of N12.45 trillion and debt at N5.94 trillion) and Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) N 0.29b billion. The market also recorded improvement of 43.21 percent, 14.78 percent and 56.14 percent in number of deals, volume and value of securities traded respectively in November compared with the same period in 2012. The number of listed securities, however, dropped to 254 as at November from 256 in December 2012. The Net Asset Value of the 52 regulated Collective Investment Schemes stood at N146.12 billion as at Nov. 2013.

The Nigerian bond market witnessed the first supra- national bond floated by the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) early in 2013 worth N12.0 billion while monthly domestic bond issuance programme of the Federal Government was sustained with the floatation of N823.34 billion allotted in 29 issues. Total new issues were 51 worth N951.60 billion compared with 42 worth N926.58 in the corresponding period in 2012. Equity issues thrived with 117 new issues worth N94.28 billion, Corporate Bonds 10.58 billion, Sub National Bonds N11.4 billion, Supra National Bonds N12 billion and Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bonds N823.34 billion. The level of participation in the Market, which favoured foreign investors at 66.8% and 61.4% in 2011 and 2012 respectively, is now skewed in favour of domestic investors (50.05%) as at September 2013. The market statistics clearly show improvement over 2012 apparently due to better regulation, better

Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister Princess Stella Oduah, (CBN), theAviation on-going years. As a result, excess Minister of reforms in the various crude savings have fallen sectors of the economy are from about $11.5 billion at yielding positive results. In year end 2012 to less than the second and third $5 billion on November 14. quarters of 2013, real External reserves have output is said to have remained in excess of $45 grown by 6.2 and 6.9 billion only because of a percent respectively and massive inflow of portfolio projected to grow by 7.7 funds.

OUTLOOK FOR 2014 percent by the end of the According to Dr. Kingsley fourth quarter. The investment climate is said Moghalu, Deputy Governor, to have been conducive Financial System Stability brought about by a at the Central Bank of predictable macro Nigeria (CBN), following the economic environment economic performance in the Nigerian which has ensured 2013, sustained inflow of foreign economy is expected to capital into the economy. grow strongly in 2014 with Aggregate foreign capital the growth to be driven by inflows stood at N7.79 high oil prices and robust billion at the end of the domestic demand. He second quarter of 2013 believes that the reforms compared with US 4.53 targeted at various sectors billion in the second of the economy will also impact the economy quarter of 2012.

The reports also say that positively. The reforms are: i.

Government while Federal Government to improve spending overall in 2013 efforts has not been significantly transportation network and higher than 2012, oil port reform ii.

The expected revenues have continued passage of the Petroleum to decline in spite of relative stability in oil price Industry Bill (PIB) iii.

T h e and output when of compared with preceding modernization

market development initiatives and implementation, which, in my opinion, have been more or less ad hoc and not sustained. In 2013, the Alternative Securities Market (ASEM) of the Stock Exchange was launched. It is really not different from what obtained in the past except for the change of name. However, it is too early to determine its impact. That will be done in 2014 and we should be looking at the number of listed companies. The National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Over-TheCounter (OTC) market, launched in 2013 after decades of planning, can also only be evaluated in 2014, after a year of its existence. They key to measure its impact will be how much liquidity it has brought to the market.

The year 2014 is obviously a year to watch the Nigerian capital market.

With the privatization of the power sector and other reforms and initiatives it should be a good year. I cannot agree less with Dr. Moghalu, Deputy Governor of the CBN that “ while the overall outlook for 2014 appears mixed, there is a need to sustain and consolidate current efforts to address the lingering challenges of insecurity, infrastructural deficits as well as the threats to oil production such as pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft etc. There is also the need to give greater attention to the diversification of the Nigerian economy away from the current overdependence on oil export in order to avoid the vagaries in the international oil market and their attendant adverse effects on the domestic economy.” And by extension on the financial system and the capital market.

agriculture through improved seedling and value chain initiatives iv.

Financial sector reform through financial inclusion v.

Power sector reform vi.

The licensing of private refineries Dr. Moghalu also expects that the development in the external sector will be favourable and concludes that the outlook for the financial sector in 2014 is bright.

Commenting on the capital market, Dr. Moghalu believes that “Nigeria will have competitive edge in the international capital market in 2014 owing to robust growth, high reserves level, stable exchange rate and clement investment climate. The interest rate differential between Nigeria and most developed countries will continue to be a source of attraction for global capital flows to Nigeria. The retention of the BB - rating for Nigeria by Fitch and Standard and Poor’s rating agencies is an indication of the conduciveness of the country as an attractive investment destination.

Nigeria is also expected to remain a low-risk debtor country which is an indication of its credit worthiness”.

I believe that sufficient foundation has been laid for the capital market to thrive in 2014. The regulatory initiatives as exemplified by new rules and regulations put in place by the SEC, the vigorous implementation and enforcement regime, new capital adequacy requirements for operators announced in december and other new regulatory initiatives by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, market regulation can be said to be responding well to the Market.

Mr. Akele, CEO Soakel The story is not quite the Consulting Ltd., wrote same with the capital from Abuja.

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