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The Nigerian
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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 ART AND CULTURE Page 19
Stars in culture
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013
• Vol. 37 NO. 254 • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2 0 13 • N 100.00
We’re winning war against Boko Haram - Sambo
ABUJA VicePresident Namadi Sambo has said the ongoing battle against Boko Haram militants by the Nigerian Army had started yielding fruitful
results as normalcy has been restored in the troubled areas. Sambo made the
statement when he received the UN UnderSecretary for Humanitarian Affairs
and Emergency Relief Cordinator, Mrs Valerie Amos, at the State
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Ban On ‘Okada’ POLITICS Pages 22
Towards sustainable democracy in Nigeria
Oshiomhole rolls out palliatives . Extends ban to Keke NAPEP, parts of Ovia N’East, Uhunmwode
By EUBALDUS ENAHORO
BENIN CITY - Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday rolled out palliative measures to cushion the effect of the decision by the State Security Council to ban the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada in the state. However, he said that public in the state. the decision, even as it The Governor also was painful to him, was warned that tricycles, in the interest of the popularly known as security of the general
STOP OIL BUNKERING
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People of Edo State, Government has discovered that inspite of measures taken by security agents in the State to stop illegal oil bunkering, perpetrators of this shady business have continued unabated. The State Government is warning all those still involved in oil bunkering in the State to, in their own interest, stop this shady and dubious business forthwith as stiffer penalties await them. Any person or group of persons caught in the illegal business will be dealt with according to the law. All vehicles and equipment used will be burnt. Be patriotic, report any person suspected to be in the business of oil bunkering to the authorities concerned. Join Government to rid the State of enemies of progress. Edo State must continue to move forward. This message is from the Edo State Ministry of Information and Orientation
Keke NAPEP, will not be allowed on highways in the state, even as he
said the ban on motorcycles extends to Aduwawa which is Uhunmwode Local Government Area and Oluku and Ekosodin in
Ovia North East Local Government Areas which are in the Benin metropolis. The governor who
disclosed these during a meeting with the leadership of the Okada Riders’ Union at the
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... Eulogises Emir of Kano
GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has described the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, CFR, as an embodiment of wisdom and a friend of the talakawa. While congratulating the Emir on his 50th coronation anniversary, Oshiomhole said “I heartily write to pay tribute and celebrate with Your Royal Highness on this momentous occasion of your
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INAUGURAL MEETING: R-L: Prof. (Mrs.) Cordilia Agbebaku, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Prof. George Akpede, CMD Irrua Teaching Hospital, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Boyelayefa, Chairman, Board of Irrua Teaching Hospital during the inaugural meeting of the Board which took place at Irrua recently. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.
Jonathan didn’t order sack of Police Chiefs - Presidency
ABUJA The Presidency yesterday refuted reports that President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the sacking of top police officers. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said that the reports were “untrue and most misleading’’. “The Presidency views the highly
sensationalised reports as a deliberate attempt to cause anxiety and disaffection amongst the top hierarchy of the Police Force through the willful misrepresentation
of President Jonathan’s remarks. “The swearing-in of the new chairman and members of the Police Service Commission at which the president
spoke yesterday was directly covered by members of the State House Press Corps,’’ Abati said. He said the thrust of the president’s remarks
was that the new chairman and members of the Police Service Commission should strive to effectively
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Edo assures agric investors By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI OSSE – As part of government’s efforts at making Edo State the
centre for agricultural activities in the country, agricultural investors have been enjoined to site their industries in the state instead of taking
them abroad in order to engender more employment in the state. This was the message conveyed by the
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh who was on a
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News Oshiomhole rolls out palliatives Union, Mr.
Continued from page 1
Government House, Benin City said the state government has set up a committee to work out various schemes for the gen uine Okada riders, including procuring vehicles. “Okada riders who were banned from neighbouring states in the North, in the SouthSouth and the South-West found Edo as a safe haven and were all rushing here in droves. “The result is that we now have all kinds of people masquerading as Okada riders. It has become extremely difficult to actually register genuine Okada riders who are in legitimate business. “Even at this hour, I appreciate the fact that there are many bike riders who are doing very honest job and actually contributing to the social economic life of this state. I am never going to deny that they exist in good numbers. “But unfortunately, it is also true that more and more people are hiding under bike riding to troop to the state, use the bike for few hours and then use the bike for all sorts of crimes, including rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, all kinds of things and every week, I get reports during security meetings; I get detailed and graphical illustration of how, not just people using bike, but okada riders, some also taking to crime and of course they have not respected any of the things we have agreed to,” he noted. According to him, “because more people have found Edo state as a dumping place, the number of bikes in the town are probably more than the number of passengers. That has clear implication for pollution, crime and even safety on our roads. “We have reflected and asked the question, ‘can we continue to adopt open door policy’? I don’t think there are people in government who can lay claim to be more aware of the employment challenges in the country much more than myself. “We came to the holistic view of the implication of the level of
crime arising substantially from the activities of bike riders. “It is also clear to me that if the crime profile continues to rise, it is also a clear implication for investment, nobody is going to come to invest here if the number of kidnapping remains on the rise, robbery and other violent crimes.” The Governor however noted that, “we have a duty to provide for people who have been here doing Okada business without undermining security and so I believe there is no better person to talk to them than the leadership of Okada riders that we have known since 2006. “You have been there before I came here. Given that your leadership is never in dispute I believe we can entrust you to give us reliable information and identify those Okada people who have been here not because they were banned from another state. Those numbers I am sure are a small fraction of the total number of okada people in Edo state today. “We want to count on you to identify those genuine okada riders as distinct from those who find this place a dumping ground because in their first place of operation, they have been forced to relocate.” Comrade Oshiomhole
added that, “For those ones, I believe we can partner and work out some doable alternatives. “If they have interest in transportation we have set up a committee already, which is being chaired by the chairman of our economic team to work out various schemes including procuring vehicles, so that rather than ride on two wheels we have four wheel. “No keke NAPEP. We are not going to encourage Keke NAPEP in Edo State, I will not allow Keke NAPEP to ply our major high ways, and we will not replace two wheels with three wheels. That amounts to celebrating and institutionalising poverty.” “Keke NAPEP is not an alternative to Okada, because of pollution. We will procure buses, the comrade bus as well as taxis. We have opened up discussions with some banks for the taxis, how we can source funds. “For those interested in farming, this is an opportunity for them to farm and earn a good living,” The Governor assured that the pace of action on the remedies being worked on would be delivered quickly so that during the waiting time, the members will not encounter undue hardship. President of the Motorcycle
discharge their statutory function of enhancing discipline and efficiency in the service. “President Jonathan was certainly not giving fresh orders or rewriting the rules when he said: ‘People who are promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police and above must merit the rank. If you don’t merit the rank, you should be retired from the service.’ “As all police officers and their counterparts in the Armed Forces and security agencies know, the president’s words were fully in line with existing rules and regulations guiding career progression in the services,’’ he said. Abati said the Administration of Jonathan had granted access to all media organisations, who wished to report on its activities and had done everything possible to facilitate the performance of their duty of correctly informing the public. “In return, the Presidency
“We Okada riders will never do anything detrimental to the peace in the state. We have learnt from you not to lament, but to face the challenges as they unfold. We saw the security challenge and we tried to do our little best but try as we may, we found that the challenges were growing and growing and this was due to migration from other states, not necessary job migration; criminally minded ones were coming in with all intent and purpose,” he noted “I know Ghanaians are here, Ivory Coast are here, Burkina Faso are here. If you go to my data that I’ve prepared, you will see them. They come here from as far as Nasarawa.” According to him, “as you have said, those who have reason to be in this state; who have the requisite documents should be accommodated and those Okada riders from this state should be considered first, because they have been here and they will remain here, they don’t have another place to migrate to. He urged the Governor to expedite action on the palliatives to cushion the effect of the ban on the displaced Okada riders.
... Eulogises Emir of Kano Continued from page 1 and a melting pot for all landmark 50th coronation a nniversary as Emir of
Kano. “Under Your Royal Highness’ glorious reign, Kano Emirate witnessed phenomenal socioeconomic, political, educational and cultural transformation and, more than at any time in its history affirmed its pre-eminent status, as a world-renowned Emirate, centre of commerce and scholarship,
Nigerians. Despite the fast changing Nigeria’s landscape, Your Royal Highness has remained a model of how change can be embraced by a Community without sacrificing its cultural and spiritual values. “Significantly, in the 50 years since Your Royal Highness ascended the exalted throne of your forbears, you have remained a most worthy friend of the Talakawa, who have, in turn, always shown
Jonathan didn’t order sack of Police Chiefs Continued from page 1
Peter Adoroh thanked the governor for the decision to deal with the security challenges which have been due to the migration of criminally minded individuals into the state.
expects a much higher standard of professionalism and accuracy than that being exhibited by sections of the media. “Those guilty of
deliberately distorting or twisting the president’s words to promote sectional agenda and fan the embers of discord in the polity should desist from doing so,’’ he said.
uncommon admiration and fondness for their King. “As embodiment of wisdom and learning, compassion and selflessness, Your Royal Highness has continued to inspire millions, as a reference point in authentic leadership and service to the Community. Your outstanding contributions to nation building, business, diplomacy, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence within and beyond the Kano Emirate, have firmly secured for Your Royal Highness a special place in posterity. “As Your Royal Highness celebrates today (yesterday), I pray Almighty Allah to grant you more years and excellent health on the throne.”
Edo assures agric investors Continued from page 1 working visit to Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited (RENL), Osse, Ovia SouthWest Local Government Area of the state. The Hon. Commissioner who was accompanied on the visit by the Directors of Agric Services, Mr. M.I. Ainogie and Farm Services, Mr. F.E. Ezewele were received by the Managing Director, Dr. P. Hopkins and other management staff of the company. Shortly after his arrival, Hon. Abdul Oroh who stressed the state government’s determination to having the largest rubber plantation in the country, hinted that the government policy was to develop agriculture to an enviable height to prevent rural/ urban migration, ensure job creation as well as increase the state’s Internally
Generated Revenue. Oroh emphasised and assured of the state government’s willingness to assist investors to overcome challenges in the course of identifying any area which do not fall under government reserved areas. According to him, agreement will be entered into with the host communities to ensure that there are no encumbrances, as a way of encouraging agricultural investors. He commended Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited for leaving up to its corporate social responsibilities to their host communities as well as their sustainable policies. The Managing Director of RENL, Mr. Hopkins had disclosed that the company which was formally known as Michellin and sited on 5800 hectares was a socially responsible one which has
over the years executed several projects ranging from construction of town halls, civic centres, palace for traditional rulers, police stations, sinking of water boreholes, grading of community roads in the host communities in Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ogun States. He stressed the positive impact of the company on the economic lives of host communities through the award of scholarship aimed at encouraging excellent academic pursuit and contracts to qualified indigenes as a way of alleviating poverty from the people. Mr. Hopkins said that, 1,700 permanent staff and 1,800 contract staff are in the employ of RENL and hinted that Nigeria has 18 million hectares suitable for rubber.
Omo-Ojo meets Burrow Pit owners today By THOMPSON ERHOMONSELE BENIN CITY- Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Ambassador Orobosa OmoOjo (JP), will meet with Burrow Pit Owners in the state today. The meeting is scheduled to hold in the Ministry of Special Duties, Oil and Gas on Ezoti Street, Off Airport Road, Benin City at 3:00pm prompt.
A statement issued by the ministry and made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in Benin City yesterday said that members of the Burrow Pit Owners are to submit their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes and projects for Community Development Programmes executed in the last five years and their CSR plan for year 2013.
Odubu’s wife tasks 278 Skills Centre graduates By FUNMI BABATOPE BENIN CITY- The wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endurance Odubu has charged the 278 Female graduates of the state Skill Acquisition Centre, Evbomodu, Benin City to diligently practice whatever vocation they have learnt during their stay at the centre. Deaconess Odubu gave the charge yesterday in Benin City during the 10 th graduation ceremony and presentation of certificates to the female students who were trained at the centre, in different vocations for their socio-economic empowerment and self reliance. The wife of the Deputy Governor noted that the centre will continue to provide the platform out side the formal school system for women to learn and acquire new trade for their economic empowerment and general well being. Deaconess Odubu expressed satisfaction that hundreds of women have successfully trained at the centre in furtherance of government’s quest to enhance the socioeconomic welfare of women and society at large. She however urged the management and students to protect and maintain facilities provided at the centre for training and instruction. While congratulating the graduates for the wonderful feat, she enjoined them to access and take full advantage of several initiatives by the state government to assist them start up businesses, Mrs. Odubu also commended the instructors for imparting the requisite knowledge and skills in the students.
Also speaking at the occasion, the state commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. (Mrs.) Blessing Maigida, while congratulating the graduands explained that the centre was established to address the problem of prostitution and human trafficking of young girls to foreign land through training in different skills so that they can be useful to themselves and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the state. She called on young girls and women in the state who do not have life support skills to take advantage of the facilities provided by the centre to advance and up lift their positions in the society as opportunities for white collar jobs are on the decline globally. In her welcome address, the Director of students of the centre, Mrs. Stellamaris Okhuasuyi disclosed that since inception, the centre has graduated 3,140 young girls in various vocations, she added that the centre has five department which include, Computer, Secretariat Studies, Catering /Hotel management, Hair dressing/ Cosmetology and Fashion Design/Tailoring. The occasion which was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Barrister Augustine Akhuamhenkhun also featured presentation of certificate and equipment to the best student from each of the departments.
We’re winning war against Continued from page 1 House, Abuja. He said the nation’s security agencies had successfully dislodged and uprooted the camps of the militants in the states where state of emergency was imposed by the Federal Government on May 14. “It is a common knowledge that the action that the Federal Government has taken has really been successful. “I can confidently say that we have succeeded in completely uprooting the terrorists from their various locations in the North-East to the extent that the fear instilled on the citizenry by the terrorists is no longer there, as the people now assist the security agencies in exposing the militants in their midst,” he said. According to him, the Federal Government has approved additional supply of food and relief materials to victims of Boko Haram insurgency in
Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. He said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was being strengthened to enable it to meet the challenges of disaster management in the country. Sambo, who commended the security agencies for abiding by the rules of engagement in their fight against terror, charged them to always avoid civilian casualties in their efforts to restore law and order in the affected areas. In her remark, Amos expressed the readiness of the UN to partner with Nigeria in the provision of emergency relief to victims of disasters. She commended the way and manner the 2012 flood disaster was handled by the Federal Government, saying “the UN has a lot to learn from your experience in the incident.”
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Across The Nation Edo CJ To Visit Prison
President Goodluck Jonathan (right) congratulates the Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mr. Mike Okiro, after taking his oath of office at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
BENIN CITY- The Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, Benin City, Edo State. Hilary Enemaku (Esq) has released the itinerary for prisons visit by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice C.O Idahosa and members of the administration of criminal Justice committee of the state. In a letter with reference No. EDJ/100/LT/V/067, dated May 31 2013 the Chief Registrar said the visit will be to four prison formations in the state. According to the letter which was signed by the Chief Registrar, the exercise would commence on Tues-
Infrastructural Development
Commissioner Assures Communities BENIN CITY- Edo State government is determined to ensure the social infrastructural transformation of all the communities in the state. The Commissioner, Ministry of Budget Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Lawrence Aghedo made the disclosure in his office while playing host to the board members of the Community and Social Development Programme, CSDP and contractors handling their projects who paid him a courtesy /Advocacy visit. Hon. Aghedo assured the people of the state the governor ’s commitment to transforming the lives of the people, especially those living in the rural communities by providing basic infrastructures such as schools, health care centres, vocational centres, indus-
Pa Omogbemeh Ikeke Dies At 71 UZAIRUE- The death has occurred of Pa Anthony Omogbemeh Ikeke at the age of 71 years. Pa Ikeke died on June, 1, 2013 at Jattu-Uzairue, after a brief illness. Until his death, he was a businessman, agriculturist and community leader. Pa Ikeke was also a dedicated and honest practising Christian. He is survived by 17 children and 37 grand children, amongst whom is Evangelist Vincent Ikeke, a data-based administrator in the department of payroll Administration, Information and Communication Technology Agency, Government House, Benin City. Burial ceremony will commence on June 20, 2013 at his home residence, Iviegbepui, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
tries and electricity. The commissioner stated that the state government would ensure the payment of its own side of the counterpart fund soon in its drive to ensure that the rural areas are given dividend of democracy, noting that government is the collective responsibility of all segment of the society. Honourable Aghedo thanked the people for the visit, noting that his appointment as a commissioner in the state is an opportunity to serve the people and assured that government would continue to collaborate with CSDP in order to bring
development to the grassroots. Earlier, Edo State CSDP Board Chairperson, Dr. (Mrs.) Nosa Aladeselu, informed the commissioner that the visit was to seek the support and assistance of the state government in providing basic infrastructural amenities in the communities through prompt payment of its share of counterpart fund. She appealed to the commissioner to assist in influencing development to the communities in order to create employment for the people. Members of communities present thanked the Governor,
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the developmental projects in their communities, which they said was through the CSDP.
KADUNA - Gunmen have attacked Kwasakwasa village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State killing several people including security personnel. The attack, which came four days after a similar one on three villages in the area, was said to have occurred at about 6 am on
Commissioner Advises Staff bers of staff will work hand
National Anthem Composer Dies At 79 THE composer of the present Nigeria’s National Anthem and a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Pa Benedict Odiase is dead. He died at the age of 79 years in a Lagos Hospital on Tuesday following an undisclosed ailment. He was a member of the Nigerian Police Band where he rose to the position of a Director before his retirement in
During a meeting with all members of staff in the Ministry’s premises, the commissioner implored them to continue to face their responsibilities with utmost dedication, and see the fire incident as a challenge. The commissioner further stated that challenges are the elements that make great leaders, encouraging them to always remember the ministry in their prayers. He further assured the ministry’s staff that those who were displaced by the inferno would be relocated to other offices while machinery is put in place to repair the damaged areas. In response, Mrs. Gladys ldahor, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry thanked the commissioner for his prompt response to the plight of the displaced staff, stating that all mem-
visits to Ubiaja Prison, Ubiaja and Auchi Prison Auchi on Thursday August 1, 2013 at 10 am and 1pm respectively.
Ban On Okada: Ijaw Youth Leader hails Oshiomhole By EDOBOR DANIEL
BENIN CITY – An Ijaw youth leader in Edo State, Comrade Andrew Igiri has applauded Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s decision banning the use of motorcycles in three metropolitan Local Government Area in the state. Comrade Igiri in a chat with newsmen in Benin City said the governor’s action is a welcome development that is long overdue. According to him, though the action is painful, the activities of motorcycle riders were doing more harm than good in the state. He used the occasion to call on all stakeholders; especially
leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ovia South West Local Government Area to close ranks and work together for the overall interest of the party and the state in general. Congratulating the council chairman, Hon. Morison Ogunrobo Ovia for his blue print to develop the area, he applauded him for setting up a committee to reconcile all the various interest groups in ACN in the locality. He also urged all the aggrieved persons in the party to sheath their sword and join hands with the council boss in the efforts to deliver democratic dividend.
Gunmen Attack Village
Aftermath Of Fire Disaster BENIN CITY- The Commissioner for Higher Education, Barr. Washington Osifo has advised the staff of the Ministry of Education, especially those whose offices were affected by the fire outbreak to keep a firm resolve not to be deterred in the execution of their duties.
day July 30,2013 with a visit to Oko prison, Benin City, and Central prison, Benin City the next day. Both visit shall hold at 9 am. The visit shall climax with
in hand to ensure that the ministry’s activities will not collapse as a result of the fire outbreak.
Thursday. A resident of Kwasakwasa, located about 70 kilometres from Birnin Gwari, Mallam Isa Jatau, told newsmen in a telephone interview in Kaduna that four vehicles belonging to security personnel were also burnt. He said several other villagers and security men were injured, but added that the bravery of soldiers and other security officers helped to fend off the attackers. The Secretary of the local government, Alhaji Zubairu Zakariya, confirmed the attack on the village but said details
on the casualty was being compiled. He said that the Chairman of the council, Alhaji Idris Alhassan had helped to convey the victims of the attack to Birnin Gwari General Hospital. The Police Commissioner in the state, Mr. Olufemi Adenaike, told newsmen that he was awaiting details on the incident. Reports say that the thick forest in the area which stretches to parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and the Southern part of the country was being used as cover by armed gangs for some times.
President Goodluck Jonathan (4th left) and Vice President Namadi Sambo (middle) with members of Police Service Commission after their inauguration in Abuja on
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Across The Nation NAMA Diverts Plane Carrying Governor Wamakko
Ondo Assembly Recalls Suspended Legislator AKURE - The Ondo State House of Assembly has recalled Mr. Ayodeji Arowele who was suspended on March 19 for allegedly being in possession of some House documents illegally. Arowele, representing Owo Constituency I, was also accused of making the documents available to the opposition, an action that was tagged parliamentary misconduct. The Speaker, Mr. Samuel Adesina, announced the suspension on Wednesday during plenary, adding that the recall was an unanimous decision of every member of the House at a parliamentary meeting. Adesina said the legislator should resume on Thursday to enable him continue with his legislative assignments and commitments to his people. He also announced that a special sitting would be held today in honor of a former legislator, Chief Ayodele Awodeyi, who died recently at Owo, Ondo State. Awodeyi served in the immediate past sixth legislative assembly in the state.
Customs Hands Over Drug Suspect To NDLEA OWERRI - The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit zone C, Owerri, has handed over a suspected drug trafficker, Kola Onakinola, to the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The NCS also handed over to the NDLEA the 73.1kg of substance suspected to be cannabis worth of N2.6 million, found on the suspect. The Comptroller of Customs in the zone, Mr. Victor Dimka, who handed over the suspect, said the substance was concealed in nine sacks. He said his men arrested the suspect on Enugu-Port Harcourt Road following a tip-off. Dimka said that the exercise was necessary to enable the agency to further investigate the matter and take appropriate action. The comptroller stressed the need for cooperation among the organisations in the zone to ensure efficiency in their operation. He said the consumption of Indian hemp was dangerous because of its negative health and social implications. Dimka said that criminals such as armed robbers and kidnappers usually used the banned substance, before embarking on their nefarious activities. The Assistant State Commander, (Administration and Logistics) in the agency, Mr. Abdul Momodu, gave an assurance that the command would take appropriate actions on the issue.
Rt. Hon. (Chief) Boyelayefa Debekeme, Chairman, Board of Management, Irrua Teaching Hospital (right) with Prof. George Akpede, CMD Irrua Teaching Hospital at the inaugural meeting of the Board at Irrua. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.
ABUJA - The Ministry of Aviation in Abuja has said that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has diverted an Aircraft carrying, Governor Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto State, for safety. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Joe Obi, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, in Abuja. “A Donnier 328 aircraft carrying Governor Wamako and other passengers from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Sokoto airport was diverted to Kaduna airport
Judiciary Workers Demand May Salary
AWKA - Workers in the Anambra Ministry of Justice have decried the delay in payment of May, 2013 salary. Reports say that the state government and judicial authorities disagreed over the recruitment of more than 100 workers by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The state government said that the February exercise was done with its approval. Some workers of the ministry, who spoke to newsmen, described the situation as unacceptable and unbearable, noting that it had resulted to poor performances at work. “We are feeling the impact of the delay and it is already affecting our performance. “How can they say that they are not aware of the recruitment when the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Afuba, attended the meeting where JSC took the decision “We are not happy. We will soon stop coming to work
because we don’t have transport money, we pity the new staffs because they have not received salary since February. “The government should come out and let us know their stand, we are tired,” the Deputy Chief Registrar (Administration), Mrs. Irene Ndigwe, said. The Chairman, Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Mr. Mark Ifezue, said the union had met with the Head of Service with a view to resolving the impasse. “As it is now, we are expecting the Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezeoke, to give us his final opinion on the payment of salary. “The state government’s position is that they will not pay the new staff, but that won’t work. “Our position remains that they must pay all staff because the Judicial Service
Commission has the powers to recruit staff,” Ifezue said. The Deputy Director (Administration), Mr. Emmanuel Nnaemeka, said that the JSC had powers under the law to employ, discipline and promote staff. “So, when the state government talks of waiver, I
don’t know what they mean by that. “The constitution also states that money coming from revenue allocation should be paid to the judiciary and courts which has not been observed by the executive arm. “It is like we are under cash trap by the executive arm. We are not challenging them, we are only asking that they give what is due to us,” Nnaemeka said.
for safety and security precaution measure. “This followed the near breakdown of law and order at the Sokoto Airport by an unruly crowd of Wamako’s supporters who broke the fence on their way to the tarmac, to welcome the governor. “Effort by security personnel to prevent the breach of security and movement into the prohibited and restricted areas of the airport was met with stiff resistance from the crowd. “Sensing that the security and safety of the governor and other passengers is in real danger, NAMA decided to divert the aircraft to Kaduna Airport to restore normalcy at the airport,” it stated. The statement noted that the governor and other passengers on board had since returned and landed safely at the airport, after the crowd had been restrained from entering the restricted zone.
Health Officer Laments Standards Of Restaurants OSOGBO - Mrs. Ayoade Ogungbenro, an environmental health officer in Osun, has alleged that operators of local restaurants known as “buka’’ are not adhering to healthy practices on food preparation. Ogungbenro made this known in an interview with
Rt. Hon. (Chief) Boyelayefa Debekeme, Chairman, Management Board of Irrua Teaching Hospital making a speech during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin with members of the Board in Benin City recently. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.
newsmen in Osogbo. He said that the “buka or mama put’’ operators made it difficult for sanitary officers to ascertain the state of animals, like goats, they slaughtered for public consumption. The officer, who is the Treasurer, Osun State Environmental Health Officers Association, said that most of them slaughtered their goats before the arrival of sanitary inspectors to their premises. “They virtually make it difficult for us to carry out our inspection as they are in the habit of slaughtering goats for consumption without inspection. “This does not mean that we have stopped our routine inspection, it is just that many of the food sellers do not follow the procedures,’’ Ogungbenro said.
She, however, said that environmental health officers had good working relationship with butchers, who she said, had realised the benefits of good sanitary practices. “While we can give a clean bill of health to cows slaughtered in Osun, we cannot authoritatively give such clean bill to rams and goats slaughtered in obscure areas. “We are still trying to encourage them to appreciate the need to ensure that only healthy goats are sold to consumers’’ she said. She said there was still much to be done to ensure that only healthy animals were sold to unsuspecting members of the public. “That is why we advise our people to be wary in patronising such local joints, especially when it comes to beef consumption.’’
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Across The Nation Jonathan, NOA Condole Family Of National Anthem Composer
Government Advised To Cut Cost Of Governance LAGOS-Government at both Federal and State levels have been advised to reduce the cost of governance. The appeal was made by Prof. Abubakar Momoh while making his speech on 2nd Anniversary of 7th Assembly and 20 years of June 12. The professor who was a guest lecturer at the occasion remarked that the cost of governance is too high and also advised that parents should encourage their children to go to school, saying that it is a crime not to send children to school. Prof. Momoh appealed to government to always follow due process while awarding contracts. On the Nigeria police, the Prof. advised that Nigeria police force has to be reformed according to MD Yusuf report. He also called for proper oversight on the health sector, adding that pension system is faulty. Professor Momoh warned the ministry of works to stop carrying out work that are most unacceptable to the public. He lamented that government appropriates money for work not done. In addition, Prof. Pat Utomi said “we have not recognized true meaning of June 12; to understand the challenge of June 12 is to understand legitimacy “ .Pat Utomi remarked that if government has no acceptance, there would be a coup. He observed that there is deep erosion of legitimacy. He reiterated that democracy since 1999 shows that Nigeria has lost legitimacy. Commenting, the speaker Lagos state house of assembly, Rt. Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji remarked” we all have essential role to play; if we all do it rightly, we can think of a better Nigeria. The occasion was graced by former Governor of Lagos State Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and other top policies.
L-R: Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Abba Aji, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, Vice President Namadi Sambo and President Goodluck Jonathan at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja recently.
Implement Law On Free Education, Falana Urges FG LAGOS - Human Rights activist and constitutional lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Federal Government to address the rot in the education sector and implement the law on free education for Nigerian children. Falana made the call in Lagos in a lecture he delivered to commemorate the 20th anniversary
of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election. He said that 20 per cent of the consolidated revenue should be plunged into education. “20 per cent of the consolidated revenue should be put in the Universal Basic Fund
(UBE) Fund. “ It is the business of the Federal Government to put every Nigerian child in school; 10.5 million of our children are roaming the streets, 55 million Nigerians are illiterate.” Falana urged the Nigerian
L-R: Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms Amma Pepple and Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyattu Rufa’i at the Federal Executive Council meeting recently.
June 12: IKEJA Governor. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has urged Nigerians to be irrevocably committed to efforts that will help consolidate the nation’s democracy. Fashola, who spoke at a programme commemorating the 20th anniversary of June 12,1993 elections in Ikeja, said democracy, in spite of its challenges, still remained the best form of government. He urged Nigerians to shun acts that could weaken or truncate it, saying that everyone
ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family, colleagues, associates and friends of the composer of Nigeria’s National Anthem, Pa Benedict Odiase, who passed away on Tuesday. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati. “President Jonathan believes that the late police officer, who was the Director of the Nigerian Police Band until he retired in 1992, will always be remembered and honoured whenever the National Anthem which captures the vision of Nigeria as a great nation is played. “As he is mourned, the Presi-
Fashola, Tinubu Want Consolidated
should work toward its improvement to deliver the desired objectives. Reports say that the theme of the programme is, “Electoral System: The Bane of Political Instability in Nigeria’’. “There are those who contend that we do not have a democracy yet. While I understand their frustrations, I regret that I do not share in their convictions. “We, indeed, have a democracy, indeed every student of constitutional history will tell
Democracy
media to create awareness to ensure that children were educated through the UBE scheme. He said that 52 per cent of the nation’s revenue was allocated to the Federal Government, adding that the government was not doing enough to justify the huge amount. He said that the late MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, had a good programme for the eradication of poverty in the country. Quoting some sections of the Nigerian Constitution, Falana explained that the provisions of the constitution mandated the Federal Government to make education free for children. He called on President Goodluck Jonathan to implement that provision of the constitution. In his remarks, veteran Journalist and former governor of Ogun, Chief Segun Osoba, urged the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega to ensure that the All Peoples Congress (APC) was registered. “Jega must not bow to any pressure, lets have a two party system, ‘’ he said, adding that the APC would chart a new path to replace the defunct Social Democratic Party.
you that. “What I think is the problem is that our democracy is beset with challenges that are manmade and institutional. It is these challenges that we must surrender to. “One thing that our democracy cries out largely for is that it should be nurtured by law and order. “We should address this deficiency and work assiduously toward consolidating this de-
mocracy,’’ he said. The governor described the June 12, 1993 as a watershed in the political history of the nation as it symbolised hope for the Nigeria we all desired . He explained the disregard of ethnic, religious and ideological sentiments by voters during the elections showed that Nigerian could have a model democracy if the right things were done. “We must rise from this an-
niversary and identify a culture of impunity arising from a deficiency in law and order as the most single threat to our democratic aspirations. “If we continue to accumulate rhetoric about law and order, impunity will entrench itself like a malignant cancer,” he said. Fashola described late MKO Abiola, as a firm believer in democracy and rule of law, saying he would continue to remain a source of inspiration to people who believed in democracy as
dent urges Pa Odiase’s family, former colleagues in the police and friends across the country to be consoled by the knowledge that the late police officer lived an exemplary life. “In passing on, he bequeathed an indelible legacy to the nation which will continue to inspire present and future generations of Nigerians to greater heights of accomplishment,’’ Abati said. He said that the president prayed for the peaceful repose of Pa Odiase’s soul. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) also commiserated with Nigerians over the death of Pa Benedict Odiase. Mr. Mike Omeri, DirectorGeneral of NOA sent the condolences in a message issued in Abuja. In the message, Omeri described Pa Odiase, who died in Benin on Tuesday night, as an icon of patriotism and nationalism who lived a fulfilled life in the service of his fatherland. He noted that the contribution of the late patriot to nation building by giving Nigeria one of its unique national symbols was unequal. Omeri said that the Nigeria National Anthem, which Odiase composed in May 1978, stood as an enduring legacy for which posterity would forever admire him. Omeri said, “Nigeria has lost a patriot, a foremost nationalist, an epitome of loyalty to the fatherland. “His selfless service to the nation in his days as a police officer saw him rise to Deputy Commissioner of Police and Director of Music at the Nigeria Police Band before he retired meritoriously in 1992.’’ He said that it was sad that such a reputable figure in Nigeria’s nationhood was taken away from the people at a moment when they needed him more to draw from his inspiration. Omeri said that Odiase took his exit when it was expedient to render various talents and abilities toward building a more virile Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to take solace in his monumental legacy. He also urged them to ensure that what he said in his composition of “our National Anthem the labour of our heroes’ past such as Pa Benedict Odiase’s, shall never be in vain.’’ “His death is a big loss, especially as he was billed to be part of the National Symbols Day celebration and the “Do the Right Thing: Remember Our Heroes Past” programmes of the agency. “We pray for the repose of his soul and for God Almighty to grant his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,’’ the D-G said.
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South West Former Head Of Service Calls For More Vocational Centres
IBADAN - Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, a former Head of Service of the Federation, in has called on the government to establish more vocational centres to reduce unemployment. Afolabi made the call at the
first International Conference of Vocational Skills Acquisition, Technical Education and Entrepreneurship Study Centre of The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He was represented by Alhaji Alli Oyedeji, a member of the
governing council. Afolabi said, “in Nigeria today, the growing problem of unemployment is responsible
for increased poverty and social vices in the land. He said unemployment had contributed largely to the worsening problem of poverty among the populace.
This, he said, leads to frustration and disillusionment which may result in crime or drug abuse in a futile attempt to escape from and forget the pains and humiliation of poverty. “Unemployment has reached an alarming stage as millions of school leavers and young graduates of tertiary institutions roam the streets in search of paid employment,” he said. He said as a result, able bodied and qualified persons who were unemployed would be perpetually dependent on parents, friends and siblings. The Rector of the Polytechnic,
Mr Felix Adeniran, said poverty had become a global phenomenon. Adeniran attributed the problem to non-possession of vocational skills and urbanisation resulting from migration of unskilled migrants from the rural areas to urban centres. Prof. Moses Ilori, an entrepreneur, delivered a lecture entitled: “Vocational Skills Acquisition, Technical Education and Entrepreneurship for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development’’. Ilori said technical and vocational education prepared the trainees for economic independence.
NUT Calls Off Strike In LAGOS - Additional four 4 states have agreed to implement the Teachers Salary Structure The NUT President, Mr. States (TSS), 12 days into an indefiMichael Alogba-Olukoya, made
L-R: General Overseer, Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare; Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku and former Governor of Abia State, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu during the Save Nigeria Group’s June 12 Democracy Audit 2013 in Lagos recently.
nite strike by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) over non implementation of the salary structure. The strike was also to protest non implementation of the N18,000 national minimum wage by the governments of the state.
Labour Tasks FG On Private Practice LAGOS - Some labour leaders and public servants have called on the Federal Government to be consistent with the law that prevented public officers from engaging in private practice. They made the call in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos. Reports say that a circular dated June 10 entitled, “Code of Conduct for Public Officers“ from the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Buka Aji, was sent to all Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of the government. It would also be recalled that Part 5th Schedule, Section of 2(b) of the 1999 constitution reads: “without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, a public officer shall not,
except where he is NOT employed on full-time basis, engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade, but nothing in this subparagraph shall prevent a public officer from engaging in farming.” Mr Alade Lawal, General Secretary, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), said that it was against the law for any public servant to be engaged in private practice to the detriment of the services they were employed. Lawal said that it was, however, not logical to state that such public servants could also be engaged in farming. “Whether in a small or big scale, farming is farming and it can be for commercial purpose. “Since the kind of farming a
Oyo To Host Competition For Physically Challenged IBADAN -The Oyo State Ministry of Education is to host the 2013 edition of the Special Students Arts and Craft Competition in secondary schools. Mrs. Busola Adetunji, the Information Officer in the Oyo State Ministry of Education, said this on Wednesday in Ibadan while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan. ‘‘The competition is to showcase the talents and natural endowments of physically
challenged students,’’ she said. Reports say that the competition will involve special schools in all the eight educational zones in Oyo state. Among the zones are Ibadan City, Ibadan Less City, Ibarapa, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun I and II. Adetunji said that some of the works of arts that would be on display at the event include baskets, raffia bags, shoes, soap and pomade.
public servant should be engaged in is not stated, the public servant can be involved in commercial farming to the detriment of the job, “ he said. The ASCSN’s scribe said that public servants go into private
business to augment their poor pay, but called on the government to look into the section of the constitution and make proper clarification. A competent source from the
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who refused to be quoted, said that the directive was meant to discourage some public workers from using official period to run their private businesses.
Ondo Spends N250m On Food Security AKURE - The Ondo State Government spent more than 250 million as counterpart fund since 2008 to assist farmers in the implementation of the National Programme for Food and Security. This was disclosed by Mr. Idowu Olabode, the Programme Manager of the
state Agriculture Development Project (ADP), in an interview with newsmen in Akure. Olabode said that the amount was in addition to funds provided by the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Fed-
eral Government. He also said nine locations were selected in the state where money was advanced to alleviate poverty among farmers. “By the time it started, we had less than five million naira per location; right now we have an average of N30 million per location.
this known in an interview in Lagos. Alogba-Olukoya said that Cross River, Ebonyi, Borno and Niger state governments had agreed to meet the teachers’ demands. He said that the NUT had called off strike in those states but would continue the action in the remaining states until they complied. He listed the remaining states as Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Kogi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Benue. Reports say that the NUT began the strike on June 1 in the 11 states. TSS, also known as Teachers’ Peculiar Allowance, is a 27.5 per cent increase in teachers’ salaries. The Governors’ Forum agreed with the NUT in August, 2008 to implement the TSS as from January, 2009. The NUT president urged the states, which had yet to meet the teachers’ demands, to do so urgently to restore normalcy.
Front Row: L-R: Afenifere Chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; representative of Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr. Umanan Anieka, Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Olalekan, the eldest son of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Human Right Activist, Comrade Olawale Okunniyi, President, MKO Abiola Youth and Women Forum, Alhaja Aminat Irawo and other dignitaries laying wreath at the grave side of Chief MKO Abiola in Lagos on Wednesday.
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North Africa Has Lowest Secondary School Enrolment - Minister
ZARIA (KADUNA)- The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, said on Wednesday that Africa has the world’s lowest secondary school enrolment rate. Rufa’i said this at the “Multicultural African Conference, 2013”, organised by the Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Represented by Prof. Andrew Ekoji, a visiting Professor, National Universities Commission, Rufa’i spoke on “Resource Mobilisation, Management for Access and Quality
Education in Africa’’. Quoting from a report of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), she said only 28 per cent of the youths in the continent were enrolled into secondary school. According to her, about 90 million teenagers are left struggling for employment in low-paid informal sector jobs. She, however, said that primary school enrolment had increased from 58 per cent to 76 per cent, while gender gaps
were narrowing and more kids were making it through to secondary school. Rufa’i said that 10 years ago, countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Senegal were slipping backwards on enrolment. She urged the government across the continent to
extend opportunities to the most marginalised children, ensure equality in access to education, resolve conflict in volatile regions and ensure gender equality, among others. Rufa’i said progress toward Universal Basic Education had remained a critical challenge, saying: “instead
of hitting the MDG target by 2015, the out-of-school children could rise by two million’’. The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, described the lecture as timely, and urged the participants to avail themselves of the unique opportunity and acquire more knowledge.
Wamakko Vows To Remain In PDP SOKOTO - Governor. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State says that he and his teeming supporters will remain in the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). Wamakko made the declaration when his teeming supporters thronged the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport and Government House, Sokoto to welcome him from his Netherlands’ trip on Wednesday. Reports say that the event was organised sequel to the recent suspension of Wamakko by the National Working Committee of the PDP. He accused, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, PDP National Chairman, of being incompetent as well as running the party as a private enterprise. He stressed the need for internal democracy in the party ahead of the 2015 general elections, adding “the people of the state are not fighting PDP but injustice and unfairness’’. According to him, the time of imposition of candidates in the PDP is over if we want to be true and responsible democrats in tune with global trends. The governor recalled that the party had no single elected representative at all levels in the state when he took over its affairs in 2007. “But during the 2011 elections, PDP won all the elective positions from councillors to the governor and all the state and national assembly members. “I have also being a loyal and proud member of the party and I have being helping in ensuring its growth and unity both here in the state and at the national level,’’ he added. Wamakko said that the PDP
members in the state could not be intimidated or harassed. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, restated the loyalty of all the National Assembly members from the state in Wamakko and the PDP. Tambuwal said that the PDP under the leadership of Wamakko in the state remained a united political family. “So the purported suspension is of no effect to us and there is no retreat or surrender. Wamakko will continue to be our leader even after he finished his term as a governor,’’ he said.
L-R: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Deputy Chairman, ACN, Lagos State, Mr. Sariyu Sunmola and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at a lecture to mark 20th Anniversary of June 12 in Lagos recently.
Police Arrest Fulani Herdsmen
MAKURDI - The police in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue had arrested two Fulani herdsmen who allegedly attacked Ichama community on Monday night. Reports say that the gunmen killed one person and stole 43 cows belonging to Bishop Solomon Apochi. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Daniel Ezeala, made the disclosure to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday. Ezeala said that the suspects were apprehended by security agents while attempting to escape to a neighbouring state. The Chairman, Okpokwu Local Government Area, Mrs. Juliana Obeta, also confirmed the arrest of the two men. Obeta told newsmen that they were apprehended near Enugu State.
She said that all the cows stolen by them had been recovered and returned to the bishop and commended the police for their prompt response.
The chairman also commended the youths in the area for assisting the security operatives to search for the fleeing herdsmen.
“The joint efforts of both the security operatives and our youths who braved the odds and went into the bush in search of the attackers helped in apprehending the herdsmen and all the cows they stole,” Obeta said.
Mustapha commended the efforts of the faculty, which he said, culminated into the success of the lecture. Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Tijjani Abubakar, had said that the essence of the lecture was to proffer solution to poor educational standard not only in Nigeria but in African subregion.
NGO Trains 460 Health Volunteers BAUCHI -A Bauchi-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Rahama Women Development Initiative, has trained 460 volunteers on reproductive health in 46 wards of Alkaleri, Kirfi and Itas Gadau Local Government Areas of Bauchi State The organisation Programme Manager, Hajia Hadiza Musa, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi on Wednesday. Musa said that the training would prepare the volunteers on how to detect symptoms of malaria and other diseases affecting children and pregnant women. She said that the volunteers would also be expected to embark on house-to-house sensitisation campaign to enable pregnant women know the importance of attending ante-natal and post-natal clinic as well as giving birth in hospitals. Musa said that the volunteers would also enlighten women in their localities on the importance of immunisation and child spacing, among other reproductive health issues.
Pro-Democracy groups at a lecture to mark 20th Anniversary of June 12 in Lagos recently.
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Across The Nation Salaries Slash
Imo To Engage 15,000 OWERRI - Governor Youths Rochas Okorocha of Imo
Don Warns Of Industrial Unrest PORT HARCOURT - Dr Felix Igwe, a university lecturer and social commentator, has warned that the plan by the Rivers government to slash the salaries of workers of its tertiary institutions could cause industrial unrest in the state. Igwe, who is the branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt. He said that the state government was yet to fully implement the FGN-ASUU agreement of 2009 and as such, cutting workers’ salaries would negatively affect the standard of education in the state. “There was actually a meeting between Registrars, Bursars of tertiary institutions (in the state) and the Commissioner for Finance with the Head of Civil Service and they said that the salaries of lecturers and workers in tertiary institutions in Rivers state would be scaled down. “There were memos to that effect and so the alarm raised by workers about the slash is not imagination; it is real and communicated by the right officer involved in salary preparation. “If salary is slashed; it is going to affect the productivity of staffs and will affect negatively the educational standard in the tertiary institutions in the state. “When it has to do with salary; unions do not joke with that and so, workers will be united in one-force in ensuring that their salaries are not touched. “If all the avenues of remedying the situation fails; then the last option will be an industrial action and so, government should not think about slashing workers’ salaries at this time.” Igwe claimed that the ten months ASUU strike in RSUST had negatively affected academic activities in the university. It could be recalled that the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs. Ibim Semenatari, had denied reports that the state government planned to cut salaries of tertiary workers in the state. She said that instead, government was carrying out an audit of its workers in line with a directive by Governor Chibuike Amaechi to ascertain the number of workers in the state civil service.
L-R: Director-General, Special Duties, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. George Okere, Director-General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu and Director-General, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mrs. Dupe Atoki, during the visit of the CPC Director-General to SON in Abuja recently.
The Ejire Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) during its flag-off as the fourth comprehensive 24-hour flagship Primary Health Care Centre at Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Surulere, Lagos recently.
National Flag: NOA
identification from his or her traditional ruler,” he said. Okorocha warned the traditional rulers against any fraudulent practice in the course of identifying their subjects that would benefit from the special scheme. “No Eze or Government Liaison Officer should collect money in any way to sign any kind of form for the would-be beneficiaries. “Every form from the government is free, and any GLO found collecting money or misbehaving is gone,” he added. The acting Vice Chancellor, Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, commended the governor for the initiative. Awuzie said the proposed employment would boost the free education programme of the administration. “There are four new structures in IMSU Teaching Hospital and no Imo child has been sent out of school because of school fees. “This has never stage of the enlightenment campaign would, however, happened in Imo since address the problem. 1992,” he said.
State has said that the state government would employ 15,000 youths within four months. Okorocha, who announced this at a meeting with traditional rulers and some stakeholders, said the proposed employment was under the “Youth Must Work” programme of his administration. The governor said 8,000 of the beneficiaries would be teachers while the rest would be deployed to other sectors. He said the aim was to engage the unemployed graduates in the state in something worthwhile. “Each of them will be paid N20,000 monthly; it is not that we do not have teachers but we want to make sure that our youths are not idle. “Every graduate in Imo must go through the ``Youth Must Work’’ programme before any state work will be given to him or her. “Each of them must come with letters of
Begins Sensitization Campaign BAUCHI - The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Bauchi has commenced sensitisation campaign on the proper use of Nigeria’s National Flag. Hajiya Jummai Bello, the agency’s Director in the state, told newsmen in Bauchi. She said that the sensitisation exercise became necessary to awaken the people of the state on the symbolic importance of the flag. “The flag, along with other national symbols, is our national pride which should be treated with utmost sense of patriotism and dignity. “We have noticed that some government and private establishments fly tattered flags. The colour of the flags flown is often either dark or light green instead of emerald green. “There is therefore the need to re-awaken the consciousness of the people,
particularly government establishments and private organisations,” she noted. The director said that since the commencement of the campaign, she had personally sewn and distributed no fewer than 30 flags to schools, unions and government organisations in the state where abuse of the flag was noted. “I have personally produced the standard flags and anywhere we notice abuse of the flag, we give them the correct one and insist on replacement. “That helps a lot in educating people to have an idea of how the correct flag should look like,” she stated. According to her, NOA headquarters intends to produce the flags en-masse for distribution to those in need either at subsidised rate or free of charge. Bello also noted that some of the Nigerian Coat of Arms
being displayed in the state were wearing the wrong colours, adding that the next
CPC Inaugurates Merger C’tee KADUNA - The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has formed a 10-man committee to spearhead the merger arrangements with other political parties in Kaduna State. Sen. Sani Sale, the senator representing Kaduna Central, who announced this at a press conference on Wednesday in Kaduna said that, the committee was approved by the party’s Elders Committee on Sunday. He said that the committee was mandated to work “towards a successful merger in the state and remains the only recognised and legal body of the CPC to act, relate
and liaise with parties while the merger issue progresses”. “By this, therefore, all other committees in whatever guise or by whichever name within the CPC or in conjunction with other merging parties at state, local government or ward level, cease to exist, and should stop any meeting or gathering in the name of merger process.” “This decision was necessary in order to ensure smooth transition from CPC to APC without rancour and division within the ranks, so it is expected that greater sense of commitment and maturity will be exhibited by our members on this matter,”
he said. Reports say that the committee is chaired by Sale, while Dr Shehu Adamu would serve as Secretary. The eight other members are: Alhaji Garba DattiAhmed, Alhaji Muhammad Ali, Malam Samaila Suleiman, Ahmadu CocaCola, Jafaru Abbas, Jokhtan Suleiman, Garba Attahiru and Bulus Sahuta. Sale assured party members that the All Progressive Congress (APC) would be registered by the middle of July, and urged them to remain steadfast to the cause of change and the transformation of the country.
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Abuja Audit Query: ABUJA - The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has decried the low level of responses by Ministries Departments and Agencies ( MDAs) to queries from the Auditor-General of the Federation(AGF). Its Chairman, Rep. Solomon Adeola ( ACNLagos), made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. “As for the level of compliance so far recorded in terms of answering queries given out by the office of the AGF to the MDAs, it is relatively low,’’ he said.
Reps Decry MDGs Responses
He said that between the years 2000 to date, it had been the same line and design of queries. Adeola said the way government business was being carried out with
impunity and without recourse to laid down rules and regulations was wrong. He emphasised the committee’s commitment to ensure that all government agencies complied with the
laid down rules. “That is why as a committee, we are coming so hard on all the MDAs of the Federal Government,” he said. He said that until the
Adeola said that if the bill was passed into law by the National Assembly, it would check corruption and enhance transparency in the business of governance. He described the noncompliance of MDAs to AGF’s queries as a fundamental problem in the country which needed to be tackled for better results. The legislator said that it was necessary for the committee to review the auditing process before any sanction could be taken against defaulting MDAs.
Maina Ordered To File Complaint Writ Of Summons:
Pass PIB, CPC Urges NASS ABUJA - The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has in Abuja advised the National Assembly to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law. The Deputy National Chairman of CPC, Mr Mustapher Saliu, told newsmen that its passage would create an enabling environment for the sector. According to him, CPC is ready to advocate and support any measure that can bring positive change to the entire country. In a related development, Saliu commended the All Progressives Change (APC) Merger Committee and the leadership of the merging parties for their efforts. He said it was by the combined efforts of the stakeholders that made APC to satisfy the necessary conditions to apply for registration as a political party. Saliu said that APC was ready to address Nigeria’s problems, to give necessary fillip to economic and political development of the country, if eventually registered to contest in the 2015 elections. He said that APC would offer better opportunities to Nigeria and alternative to insecurity and other corrupt practices. Saliu expressed optimism that Nigeria would be greater if all the citizens could display discipline and transparency in all the sectors of national economy.
office of the AGF was given financial autonomy, the trend would continue. The legislator said that the National Assembly would ensure that the AGF had necessary powers to function effectively without the influence of the executive arm of government. He said that a bill to empower the AGF to audit corporations, boards and agencies was before the National Assembly.
Gov Peter Obi of Anambra, laying foundation for the construction of Medical Hostel for students of Anambra State University in Awka on Wednesday
ABUJA - The National Industrial Court has ordered the counsel to Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairman of Pension Reform Task Team, to file his complaint by writ of summons.
Sympathisers at the site of a three-storey building that collapsed on Tuesday as survivors pack their recovered belongings in Lagos on Wednesday
Sukur, Osun-Osogbo World Heritage Sites
Commission Lists Gains ABUJA - The National Commission for Museum and Monument (NCMM) has said that listing of Sukur and Osun Osogbo on the world heritage list is a major boost in the country’s tourism industry. Malam Abdallah Usman, Director-General, NCMM, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. He said that the listing of the two heritage sites was an international window to the world which had brought fortune to the country. He said that the two sites on the world heritage had created job opportunities for all cadres of people in the community
Usman said that the volume of tourists visiting the sites had translated to economic boom in terms of local revenue generation and foreign exchange for the country. “Between 2001 and 2004, about 30,000 tourists attended the annual Osun Osogbo festival. “In 2005 alone, the figure was about 5,000 and is continually on the increase, because of its listing on world heritage site,” he said. According to the D-G, the volume of local trade and commercial ventures in Oshogbo and Osun increased tremendously, especially in hotel
accommodation, transportation, eateries, craft and cultural entrepreneurs. “The world heritage sites are easily the most visited sites in the world because of their global importance. Tourists always make it a point of duty to visit world heritage sites in any country.” Usman listed other gains of heritage sites to include veritable tools for poverty eradication, wealth creation and distribution, acceleration of community development. Mallam Inuwa Babantata, the Curator of Sukur World Heritage Site, Yola, told newsmen that the
number of tourists patronising the site was becoming too large to manage. According to him, tourists come from different parts of the world to visit Sukur because of the level of development of the site. He said that due to the high patronage recorded daily, it had no option than to increase the number of hours it rendered services to tourists. The curator said that foreigners from countries such as Canada and Germany visited Sukur and sometimes spent close to two months in the museum.
He was also ordered to serve the defendants within 14 days to enable them to file their defence. The court also ordered the defendants to file their statement of defence and counter claims within 14 days upon receipt of service from the claimant. The President of the court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, gave the order on Wednesday in Abuja while ruling on whether the case was properly instituted or not. “I am in agreement with the submissions of the learned counsel for the defendant that a case of dismissal cannot be commenced through originating summons, but through writ by way of complaint. “I hereby order the claimant to file his complaint and serve the defendants within 14 days from today. “The defendants are ordered to file their reply within 14 days upon receipt of the service from the claimant,” he added. It would be called that Maina had sued the Head of Service of the Federation and six others, for alleged unlawful dismissal as a Deputy Director in the civil service. Maina, who instituted the action through his counsel via originating summon, is praying the court to quash his dismissal from service. He is also praying the court to order the defendants to reinstate him as Chairman, Customs, Immigration and Prison Pension Office (CIPPO) and Deputy Director (Admin), Federal Civil Service. The claimant is also seeking an order of the court to direct the defendants to pay him N2 billion damages and N500 million compensation. Maina was the Chairman, CIPPO and Pension Reform Task Team before his dismissal. Hearing in the case was adjourned to July 23.
THE
NIGERIAN
10
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013
Business + Economy Customs Collect N5.5bn Revenue LAGOS - The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said that it collected N5.5 billion revenue in May 2013 from the Port and Terminal Multi Service Ltd. (PTML) Command at GRILMADI, Apapa, Lagos. Mr. Steve Okohma, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, told newsmen in Lagos that the command collected N6.4 billion in the corresponding period in 2012. Okohma attributed the shortfall in the periods to the nonoperation of the MAERSK Line Shipping Company. “So many things could be attributed to this; number one we had two major groups here. We had MAERSK Line and GRILMADI Group. “MAERSK Line was bringing their containers to us but some two months back they pulled out of this place for reason we cannot actually tell. “All efforts were made by the
CBN May Licence More Banks LAGOS - The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it would continue to grant operating licence to more banks. Mr Okoroafor Ugochukwu, the CBN Head of Corporate Communications, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. Ugochukwu said that CBN had granted licence to two merchant banks, Rand Merchant Bank and First Security Discount House, to start operation. “These banks had been successfully processed and found to qualify for licence,“ he said. The apex bank spokesman said that more banks would be granted licence once they met the CBN requirements. According to him, the minimum capital base of merchant bank is N15 billion. “As regard establishment of banks in the rural areas, the apex bank will provide conducive environment for banks to operate, “ Ugochukwu said. He, however, said that the market forces of demand and supply would determine their operation in rural areas. Ugochukwu said that CBN would allow market forces to determine price and drive a competitive banking environment.
CAC (Customs Area Controller) to find out the reason behind it. The MD (of MAERSK) was able to tell us that they owned bigger ships and those ships cannot berth here because of the handling equipment. “And that most of the time, they will be doing trans-shipment for the ones that will be coming here and cost wise, is not profitable to them.“ He said that the clearing period at PTML had improved tremendously, adding that it took 12 hours to clear vehicles at PTML command. Okohma said that 48 cargo clearances were still applicable at PTML, adding that it was the reason the harbor was referred to as a model port.
L-R: Wakilin Zazzau, Alhaji Umaru Mijinyawa; Governor Muktar Yero of Kaduna State and Chairman, Igabi Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Kwarau, at the launching and distribution of Igabi Local Government Sure-P materials to the beneficiaries in Kaduna recently.
PHCN To Give Out Free Pre-Paid Metres IKEJA - The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company has announced free pre-paid metres for consumers who had settled their outstanding bills. The CEO of the company, Mr. Chris Akamnonu, told newsmen in Ikeja that the offer was part of strategies to encourage electricity consumers to settle their bills.
Reports say that a single phase metre costs N25, 000, while a three-phase metre costs N50, 000, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. “We have been giving out free pre-paid metres to our customers who had paid their outstanding bills to date. “We have also told our cus-
tomers that they will get free metres if they settle their all their outstanding bills and this is ongoing,’’ he said. Akamnonu expressed the hope that the strategy would encourage other debtor-customers to follow suit. He disclosed that more than 134,000 pre-paid metres had been installed in houses in the
12 Ships To Discharge Petroleum say that other ships LAGOS - Twelve ships are Products wouldReports arrive with containers, waiting to discharge petroleum products at the various oil terminals within the Lagos ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said. The Shipping Position, a daily publication of NPA issued in Lagos, indicated that nine of the twelve ships would discharge petrol, while three would discharge kerosene. According to the document, six other ships will discharge
bulk salt, container, bulk wheat, new vehicles, crude oil and bulk sugar. It said that 91 ships, carrying different cargoes, would sail into the ports from June 12 to June 29. The document indicated that 11 of the ships would arrive with petroleum products, while 21 others would sail in with new and used vehicles.
bulk salt, general cargoes, bulk sugar, fresh fish, bulk fertiliser, bulk wheat, steel product, bulk, crude oil, maize, empty containers, bulk malt and bulk gypsum . Reports also say that 20 ships are currently discharging containers, bulk urea fertiliser, general cargo, bulk wheat, fresh fish, bulk sugar, crude oil and petroleum products.
zone. Akamnonu added: “We are willing to install a metre for any willing customer who has paid up to date; such a customer should come up with his receipt. “We will not allow debtors to benefit from the services of PHCN if they continue to ignore the appeals to settle debts.” He said prompt payment of electricity bills would enable the company to meet the target of providing stable and efficient power in the zone.
Akamnonu promised that prompt attention would be given to customers’ complaints by officials of the company. He, however, warned members of the public against patronising touts in their desperate bids to get pre-paid metres. “I urge our customers not to patronise touts; they should report any PHCN staff who attempts to extort money or demand any form of gratification from them.’’
Port Operation: Coy May Halt
Logistics Support LAGOS - The management of APM Terminals Apapa Limited has said that the company might likely halt the support it was providing to those statutorily responsible for scanning
Vehicles and other materials to be distributed at the launching and distribution of Igabi Local Government Sure-P materials to the beneficiaries in Kaduna recently.
containers at the Apapa Port. Mr. Bolaji Akinola, Media Adviser to APM Terminals Apapa, said this in a press statement made available to newsmen in Lagos. “ APM Terminals is not responsible for the scanning of containers at Apapa port; besides, scanning at the Apapa port is the responsibility of Cotecna and the Nigeria Customs Service. “ We are not the cause of the delay associated with the scanning of containers there. “We only intervened by taking over the logistics to bring about efficiency in the system.” Akinola said. He said that the company was not mandated by law to scan or be operating in the scanning business. “Since our intervention to assist in providing logistics support to the port users in getting their containers scanned, the long waiting time for trucks have been eliminated,“ he said.
THE
NIGERIAN
11
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(13/06/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
MBENEFIT
0.5
0.5
0
4
4,350
2,175.00
7UP
52.5
53
0.5
23
419,074
22,199,547.10
MCNICHOLS
1.92
1.8
-0.12
ABBEYBDS
1.5
1.5
0
1
100
150
MOBIL
119
119
0
11
350,500
618,529.04
17
10,233
2.01
2.01
0
2
1,161,042.64
50,000
110,500.00
ABCTRANS
1.03
0.94
-0.09
9
735,466
703,148.04
MORISON
ACADEMY
2.32
2.43
0.11
17
336,032
811,978.60
MRS
16.7
17.8
1.1
17
118,758
2,127,307.22
0.5
0.51
0.01
2
120,000
61,000.00
ACCESS
11.59
10.98
-0.61
347
28,762,467
316,409,543.42
MULTITREX
AFRIPRUD
2
1.8
-0.2
53
1,994,613
3,590,305.00
MULTIVERSE
0.5
0.5
0
5
240,000
120,000.00
AGLEVENT
1.72
1.72
0
19
180,628
307,342.96
NAHCO
7.87
7.7
-0.17
102
2,327,564
17,498,046.42
AIICO
1.06
0.96
-0.1
80
4,540,898
4,400,576.32
NASCON
14
12.6
-1.4
58
1,819,004
22,987,776.10
AIRSERVICE
4.9
4.9
0
12
127,077
603,108.30
NB
170
157.5
-12.5
252
2,561,518
406,837,169.72
ALEX
10.55
10.55
0
2
3,500
33,250.00
NCR
18.7
18.7
0
1
500
9,350.00
ASHAKACEM
28.5
27
-1.5
81
1,877,969
49,740,264.93
NEIMETH
1.65
1.76
0.11
92
6,104,455
10,933,512.25
ASOSAVINGS
0.5
0.5
0
2
800
400
NEM
0.88
0.8
-0.08
25
2,238,988
1,818,046.56
BECOPETRO
0.5
0.5
0
5
196,100
98,050.00
NESTLE
1000
962.95
-37.05
194
478,269
436,200,230.97
BERGER
11.38
11.38
0
13
36,143
386,806.75
NIGERINS
0.5
0.5
0
5
108,100
54,050.00
BETAGLAS
10
10
0
10
341,961
3,420,705.69
NNFM
25.91
25.91
0
5
18,693
532,750.50
BOCGAS
7.5
7.5
0
1
1,800
14,850.00
NPFMCRFBK
1.2
1.2
0
18
2,070,000
2,476,549.86
CADBURY
60
55
-5
135
1,585,998
87,754,732.68
OANDO
13.95
13.01
-0.94
268
10,292,681
136,102,275.61
CAP
59.89
59.89
0
15
83,345
4,498,585.11
OKOMUOIL
50
46.92
-3.08
60
902,127
42,179,569.06
CAPOIL
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,500
1,250.00
OMATEK
0.5
0.5
0
1
300
150
CCNN
12.8
11.52
-1.28
38
624,590
7,269,487.69
PAINTCOM
1.69
1.84
0.15
7
666,000
1,202,400.00 7,480.00
CHAMPION
5.32
5.32
0
5
9,050
47,142.50
PHARMDEKO
2.07
2.07
0
2
4,000
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
17
1,078,153
543,576.50
PORTPAINT
3.88
3.6
-0.28
10
1,756,300
6,152,080.00
0.68
0.68
0
1
10,000
7,000.00
CONOIL
24
24
0
21
32,714
814,175.60
PREMBREW
CONTINSURE
1.19
1.19
0
5
475,120
554,901.36
PRESCO
34
35
1
121
2,972,463
100,545,644.77
0.59
0.61
0.02
5
137,200
79,792.00
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
12
1,237,409
618,707.50
PRESTIGE
COSTAIN
1.69
1.63
-0.06
62
2,745,490
4,265,944.72
PZ
53.62
48.26
-5.36
65
691,496
33,551,115.20
COURTVILLE
0.88
0.81
-0.07
47
3,683,163
2,999,256.79
REDSTAREX
5.01
5.1
0.09
32
772,000
3,769,713.60
CUSTODYINS
1.75
1.7
-0.05
20
21,437,200
36,445,059.77
ROYALEX
0.66
0.65
-0.01
7
1,221,352
793,887.80
CUTIX
2.28
2.06
-0.22
5
200,500
420,735.00
RTBRISCOE
1.8
1.62
-0.18
24
490,414
798,252.10
DAARCOMM
0.5
0.5
0
5
50,000
25,000.00
SCOA
5.42
5.42
0
1
500
2,440.00
DANGCEM
199
199
0
142
1,028,086
188,444,276.24
SKYEBANK
4.99
4.65
-0.34
234
12,687,806
59,835,962.87
DANGFLOUR
10.68
9.64
-1.04
131
2,661,171
25,643,858.41
SKYESHELT
100
100
0
1
11
1,100.00
DANGSUGAR
12.85
11.57
-1.28
190
21,365,369
253,373,608.93
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
5,000
2,500.00
DIAMONDBNK
6.7
6.45
-0.25
121
25,918,695
167,587,441.25
STACO
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,500
1,250.00
DNMEYER
1.6
1.6
0
8
36,012
54,266.00
STANBIC
16.7
16
-0.7
37
675,709
10,815,232.93
DUNLOP
0.5
0.5
0
1
100,000
50,000.00
STDINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,000
1,000.00
ETERNA
3.7
3.33
-0.37
33
625,096
2,131,362.46
STERLNBANK
2.69
2.7
0.01
90
12,007,741
31,987,059.26
ETI
16
14.8
-1.2
122
11,611,191
175,704,958.58
TANTALIZER
0.5
0.5
0
1
250
125
EVANSMED
3.5
3.16
-0.34
24
1,201,425
3,862,130.30
TOTAL
170
160.62
-9.38
29
152,956
24,791,877.07
FBNH
18.55
17.94
-0.61
657
23,148,129
416,201,931.23
TRANSCORP
1.17
1.2
0.03
175
27,944,414
33,427,545.70 732.92
FCMB
5
4.9
-0.1
88
10,201,735
49,946,505.70
TRANSEXPR
2.78
2.78
0
3
292
FIDELITYBK
3.2
3.1
-0.1
195
57,441,758
176,344,892.77
UAC-PROP
16
16
0
23
87,150
1,348,399.20
60.15
58.01
-2.14
104
3,122,331
183,110,100.50
FIDSON
2.26
2.04
-0.22
67
2,611,823
5,387,116.22
UACN
FLOURMILL
109.24
104
-5.24
118
736,018
73,158,648.32
UBA
9.45
8.99
-0.46
467
25,412,447
222,715,458.18
1,254,137.01
UBCAP
1.28
1.26
-0.02
90
4,310,517
5,437,830.17
FO
17.01
17.01
0
22
70,581
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
3
98,500
49,250.00
UBN
14.36
13
-1.36
120
2,116,270
27,538,552.98
GLAXOSMITH
68
67.98
-0.02
28
410,261
26,715,455.02
UHOMREIT
50
50
0
1
1,400
63,000.00
GNI
0.55
0.55
0
1
1,000
580
UNILEVER
65
63
-2
79
2,496,246
158,898,480.35
GUARANTY
27.4
25.63
-1.77
492
22,316,447
574,715,838.29
UNIONDAC
0.5
0.5
0
1
10,000
5,000.00
GUINNESS
280
270
-10
44
1,642,222
450,526,129.87
UNITYBNK
0.71
0.66
-0.05
80
10,628,850
7,202,904.00
HMARKINS
0.5
0.5
0
2
30,000
15,000.00
UPL
5.6
5.7
0.1
10
177,695
975,351.40
HONYFLOUR
3.74
3.39
-0.35
124
5,399,332
18,290,365.86
UTC
0.77
0.7
-0.07
7
131,993
92,395.10
IHS
2
2
0
2
5,000
9,110.00
VITAFOAM
4.53
4.53
0
114
8,282,364
37,529,425.08
211,890.00
VONO
1.71
1.71
0
3
8,500
13,090.00
IKEJAHOTEL
0.83
INTBREW
26.99
26
-0.99
58
847,980
21,436,993.80
WAPCO
98
88.2
-9.8
96
1,307,682
117,470,847.91
IPWA
0.66
0.68
0.02
8
160,000
108,110.00
WAPIC
0.97
0.99
0.02
13
266,700
261,790.00
JAPAULOIL
0.55
0.54
-0.01
67
6,059,125
3,229,609.08
WEMABANK
1.2
1.18
-0.02
51
1,692,490
2,016,034.57
JBERGER
60.5
60.5
0
26
175,504
9,675,284.34
ZENITHBANK
22.25
20.9
-1.35
397
20,894,512
436,242,802.28
JOSBREW
1.25
1.25
0
6
23,000
27,110.00
JULI
2.14
2.14
0
1
500
965
LASACO
0.5
0.9
0.5
0.07
0
8
1
241,000
3,500
1,750.00
LEARNAFRCA
1.96
1.77
-0.19
13
814,606
1,446,802.62
LINKASSURE
0.5
0.5
0
1
200,000
100,000.00
LIVESTOCK
6.47
5.83
-0.64
97
3,417,288
19,923,289.04
MANDRID
5.94
5.94
0
1
1,595
9,474.30
MANSARD
2.25
2.18
-0.07
21
574,200
1,259,584.00
MAYBAKER
3.38
3.05
-0.33
55
669,241
2,065,918.88
TOP 10 GAINERS Stock MRS PRESCO 7UP PAINTCOM NEIMETH ACADEMY UPL REDSTAREX IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCORP
Close 17.8 35 53 1.84 1.76 2.43 5.7 5.1 0.9 1.2
TOP TOP10 10LOSERS GAINERS Gain
Stock
1.1 1 0.5 0.15 0.11 0.11 0.1 0.09 0.07 0.03
NESTLE NB GUINNESS WAPCO TOTAL PZ FLOURMILL CADBURY OKOMUOIL UACN
Close 962.95 157.5 270 88.2 160.62 48.26 104 55 46.92 58.01
Loss -37.05 -12.5 -10 -9.8 -9.38 -5.36 -5.24 -5 -3.08 -2.14
THE
NIGERIAN
12
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013
THE Nigerian Education Bank Bill which has passed second reading at the Federal House of Representatives, as explained by the initiator, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila proposes to establish the Nigerian Education Bank, with the primary duty of granting interest-free loans to poor students seeking higher education in Nigeria. THE Bill seeks to make available to each benefiting student, a sum of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) repayable in two years after graduation. The repayment, according to the proponents would take the form of direct deduction of ten percent monthly deductions at source from salaries of beneficiaries or from the profits in the case of self employed graduates until the loan is liquidated. According to the provisions of the Bill, “applicants must have secured admission into any Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of education or any vocational school established by the Federal Government or the Government of the States of the Federation.” THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER commends the initiators and promoters of the Bill, which we consider progressive in a country where more than 70 percent of its population live below the I USD per day poverty line. For most Nigerians who have had to go through hell to obtain higher education, this is a watershed Bill not only welcomed by the poor, but groups marginalised by society such as orphans, physically challenged persons among others who do not have anywhere to turn to for higher education. IT is not much of news that students of tertiary school-Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of educa-
THE NIGERIAN
The Nigerian Education Bank Bill tion and others have gone through untold difficulties over the years to pass through such institutions. We are glad that the Bill is currently being considered by the lawmakers. IT is equally heartwarming to note that, with the proposed law, Nigeria is on the right track to join the rest of the world in subsidizing education for the poor. It is important to note that Scandinavian countries such as Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have developed sound qualitative education and almost tuition-free higher education from cradle to grave. In fact, in Denmark, the tuition is free and, in fact, international students also enjoy free tuition provided they could show evidence of $6,000 feeding and upkeep fee per annum. ALTHOUGH tuition in Australia is not free, there are a lot of grants, scholarships and bursaries instituted for both the brilliant and poor students. These are best practices that this bill seeks to emulate. WE recognise that schooling anywhere in the world is not easy and hardly cheap, it is against this backdrop that we welcome the move by
the Federal House of Representatives to introduce a law that would take such a load off parents’ shoulders. We equally wish to call on the upper legislative chamber, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to con1ir the Bill as soon as it is passed by the lower house so that it can become a law in Nigeria. OUR support for the bill notwithstanding, we are of the opinion that Section 22 of the bill must be re-couched to read that “beneficiaries should be made to pay back the loan as soon as they are employed”, not the two years contained in the bill, given the high rate of unemployment in the country. IN our view, Sub-section 4 of the bill which stipulates punishments for offenders of the law in a case of default also requires a review to avoid the culture of impunity among young Nigerians who would take undue advantage of the benefits derivable from the law. Two years imprisonment or an option of fine of N500,000 being the same amount benefited by the beneficiary is not sufficient deterrence. We recommend five years imprisonment for offenders or a fine of N700,000 instead. WE believe the Bill also throws up the need for government at all levels to take urgent steps to improve the employment market in Nigeria to absorb the army of unemployed persons roaming the streets in search of jobs. Government should redouble efforts towards guaranteeing constant electricity supply, potable water supply, roads, railway system and other infrastructure needed to boost the nation’s industrialization, as a major way of making the law work efficiently when it eventually passed and assented to by the President.
THE
NIGERIAN
13
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013
Voice of Islam
Justice Is An All-Inclusive And All-Embracing Socio-Moral Virtue (2)
Every Friday With Mallam Ikponmwosa Abdulfattah Enabulele Chief Imam of Benin
Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you judged between people, judge with justice. How excellent is the teaching which He Allah gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearing, All-Seeing (Qur’an 4:48) Justice is one of those moral virtues for which every society and culture advocate, yet it is lacking in many societies. In this hadith, the Prophet has aptly promised those who dispense justice in all their dealings with their families and those under their authority and are fair in all their decisions that they will be rewarded with paradise and will be on thrones of light near Allah. This is because justice at levels and in all its various forms is closeness to piety and righteousness as Allah described it in a number of passages in the Noble Qur’an: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just. That is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. For Allah is WellAcquainted with all that you do. (Qur’an 5:8) Justice is a spiritual, moral socio-economical, and political virtue. It is aptly described by Allah and His Messenger as a means to dealing fairly in all matters in society without allowing our souls to follow our vain desires and thereby veer away from fair dealing. Justice should be applied with everyone, including one’s self, members of one’s family, neighbours, workmates, friends, and enemies. Because Allah is the wisest and most just in all His dealings with His creation. He therefore described those who dispense justice as his own witnesses who stand up by Him in all their fair dealings. That is why justice is not an easy affair except for those who fear Allah and why its meritorious rewards are immense. Allah, the Exalted, says: Verily, Allah enjoins justice and ihsan (being patient in performing your duties to Allah, totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet in a perfect manner), and giving help to kith and kin (by giving them all the rights that Allah has ordered you to give them, such as wealth, visiting, looking after them, and any other kind of help they need) and forbids all evil deeds, and all that is prohibited by Islamic law, and all kinds of oppression. He admonishes you, that you may take heed. (Qur’an 16:90) Justice, as spoken of in the hadith under discussion and as implied bny the meritorious rewards promised for those who dispense it, is an all-inclusive and all-embracing socio-moral virtue. On the social level, when we look at the tendencies around the world: increasing crime rates, wars between nations, terrorist acts of extreme violence, insecurity, the biting poverty and malnourishment of human beings in many communities, the suffering of ordinary people in every country in the contemporary world, the global economic crisis facing many nations today that leads many societies to crime and violence, misery, bitterness, and a lack of happiness, all are attributable to lack of justice. The world today is full of all forms of oppression and injustice, be it in the international arena where big and powerful nations coerce small and weak nations into political and economic subjugation and enslavement or on a national level where corrupt and dictatorial governments constantly violate human rights in all areas of human life – political, economic, or otherwise. People blackmail or attack each other’s character for political mileage, power, wealth, or influence. Indeed, one of the poisonous habits inherent in our contemporary society is injustice. Business people oppress each other and as a consequence they end up exploiting everyone. Most government in the world today commit all kinds of injustices and oppression against their citizens which translates to bad governance and dictatorship. Governments and government officials must dispense justice by giving their citizens basic human rights. This includes helping citizens acquire the basic necessities of life, including food, education, housing, medical care and so on,
in an equitable manner without discrimination. This is part of rendering back the trust and convent which they have taken from Allah and the people who elected them to positions of power and authority. Married couples oppress each other in one way or another in the form of domestic abuse. Labourers are oppressed at work, deprived of their due rights commensurate with their production output; we see strikes and demonstrations at government and private institutions and we hear trade unions crying foul. Parents at home similarly oppress their children and the list goes on and on. Little wonder then that there is no true peace and happiness in the world today. Almighty Allah says He has raised up the heaven and imposed the balance of justice so that you do not transgress in the balance. So, establish measuring the weight of all matters in justice and do not make the balance deficient (Qur’an 55:8-9) On a spiritual level, believers have to be just and fair with themselves by not over tasking and burdening themselves with respect to devotional acts of worship. That is why on a number of occasions Allah’s Messenger forbade his Companions from overdoing acts of worship, which they would not be able to continue with, and recommended that they be fair and just to themselves with regard to devoting some of their energy and time to worshipping Allah. The Prophet established a bond of brotherhood between Salman and Abu ad-Darda. Salman paid a visit to Abu adDarda and found Umm ad-Darda dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied: Your brother, Abu ad-Darda is not interested in the luxuries of this world. In the meantime, Abu al-Darda came back and prepared a meal for Salman and said to him: Please eat for I am fasting. Salman said: I am not going to eat, unless you eat. So Abu ad-Darda ate. When it was night, Abu ad-Darda got up for the night prayer. Salman said to him: Sheep. So he slept. Again Abu ad-Darda got up for the prayer, and Salman said to him: Sleep. When it was the last part of the night, Salman said to him: Get up now for the prayer. So both of them offered their prayes and Salman said to Abu ad-Darda:
Your Lord has a right on you: your soul has a right on you; and your family has a right on you; so you should give the rights to all those who have a right on you. Later on, Abu adDarda visited the Prophet and mentioned that to him. The Prophet said Salman has spoken the truth. Anas ibn Malik narrated that a group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking about how the Prophet worshipped Allah. When they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said: Where are we with respect to the Prophet, as his past and future sins have been forgiven? Then one of them said: I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever. The other said: I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast. The third said: I will keep away from women and will never marry. Allah’s Messenger came to them and said: Are you the same people who said such and such? By Allah, I am more fearful of Allah and more conscious of Him than you. Yet, I fast and break my fast; I pray and I sheep; and I also marry women. Therefore, whoever turns away from my way of life is not from me not one of my followers. Abu Uthman narrated from Handhalah al-Usaydi and he was one of the scribes of Allah’s Messenger that Abu Bakr came across him once and found him Handhalah weeping. So Abu Bakr asked him: What is wrong with you, Handhalah? He replied: O Abu Bakr, Handhalah has become a hypocrite! When we are with the messenger of Allah we remember the fire and paradise as if we are looking at them with the naked eye, but when we return, we busy ourselves with our wives and livelihood and we forget so much. Abu Bakr said: By Allah! The same thing happens to me. Let us go to the Messenger of Allah. So they went. When the Messenger of Allah saw Handhalah, he asked: What is wrong with you, Handhalah? He said: O Messenger of Allah, Handhalah has become a hypocrite! When we are with you, we remember the fire and paradise as if we can see them with the naked eye, but when we return we are busy with our wives and livelihood, and we forget so much. So the Messenger of Allah said: If you were to continually abide in the same state that you are in when you are with me, then the angels would shake hands with you in your gatherings, in your homes, and on the streets! But, O Handhalah, there is time for this and time for that and Allah’s Messenger repeated that finals statement three times.
“Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you judged between people, judge with justice. How excellent is the teaching which He Allah gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearing, All-Seeing (Qur’an 4:48)”
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MOMOH – I, formerly Miss Victoria Omokhuwe Momoh now wish to be known, called and PUBLICaddressed NOTICE as Mrs. SHINING STARS CHURCH Victoria Omokhuwe The general public is hereby notified that the above named Uankhehi Igein. All Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companiesformer and Allied Matters Act No.1 documents remain of 1990. valid. Local Government Service Commission, THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Pastor Asika Jones. Benin City, other 2. Pastor Ohikhuai Henry concerned authorities and 3. Pastor Sylvester Ivienagbor the general public should 4. Pastor Isaac Ovu 5. Pastor Impact Ogbeide please take note.
EROMIKHODION – I,
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Any objection to the registration should be directed to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, P. M. B. 198 Garki, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.
Signed: Nath Okunbor (Esq)
LEGAL NO TICE NOTICE IN THE HIGH COUR T OF JUSTICE COURT EDO ST ATE OF NIGERIA STA PR OB ATE REGISTR Y PROB OBA REGISTRY BENIN CITY WHEREAS the persons whose names are set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and at the place stated in the column; AND WHEREAS the persons whose names, addresses and claimed relationship to the deceased are set in the second column hereunder have applied to the Probate Registrar, High Court of Justice, Edo State of Nigeria for a grant of Letters of Administration of the real and personal property of the deceased. NOTICE IS BY THIS GIVEN that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE to prohibit the grant is filed in this Registry within TwentyOne (21) days from the date of the publication of this notice. NOS NAMES APPLICANTS FOR GRANT 1. MRS. MARY PED/507/2013 O K H I A R O Mr. Festus Otasowie Omere ORONSAYE (A.K.A) MRS. MARY and Mrs. Felicia Usman of No. ORONSAYE Late of 3, Eboigbe Street, Off M.M. Okoro, Ovia North Way, Benin City, son and East L.G.A., who died daughter respectively of the on the 7th day of deceased. March, 2013 in Benin City. DATED THIS 13TH TH DAY OF JUNE, 2013 Signed: H.I. ENEMAKU ESQ., PROBATE REGISTRAR
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Insight A deep sense of sadness flowed through my being as I saw students coming back home from school on a Monday morning (3rd of June, 2013). The reason that filled the air as they came back home was that the teachers were on strike. On some faces were smiles, while those that loved school felt about the situation. It is almost becoming a reoccurring situation that teachers go on strike when their needs are not met or there is a misunderstanding between them and the government. The report from PUNCH(Monday read “The Nigerian Union of Teachers on Thursday urged teachers in 11 states to embark on strike from June1 (Saturday)...” this means that children will not have opportunity to receive and have access to their rights to be educated until this situation is resolved. The affected states in this latest strike include: Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ogun, Edo, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Benue, Zamfara and Sokoto. Addressing reporters in Abuja, the NUT president, Mr. Michael Olukoya, vowed that the strike would continue until the demands of the authorities are met (Punch). To the students, that meant no school, until the demands are met, probably to the teachers it met: more money for them and to the government: are we at this point again? The teachers are presently fighting for the payment of the 27.5 percent Teachers ‘Enhanced Salary Scale (TESS) and 18,000 mini-
mum wages. The complaint of the teachers include the fact that “on the 6th of August 2008, the Nigerian Governors Forum, under the leadership of Dr. Bukola Saraki and Arc. Namadi Sambo, then of Kwara and Kaduna states respectively, as chairman and secretary of NGF, did not only enter the affray but successfully negotiated with the NUT and granted 27.5% Teachers peculiar allowance and made payable from January, 2009. While some states after much struggle have come to terms with it, some others have refused to; this is so saddening, that the president of the NUT called the strike a “painful action” that has resulted from the deadlock in negotiations and dialogue. Also in addition to the comments of Comrade Olukoya that the parents and children will bear the brunt, a popular adage says that “when two elephants fight, the grass suffers”. In view of that, my aim is to paint a picture of the plight of the students, children and the leaders of tomorrow in this precarious situation. The teachers have a point, why shouldn’t they be properly paid for their work, “for a labourer is worthy of his hire”. With the level of importance that is embedded in their functions, their welfare is meant to be of immense importance to the nation. A law maker that joins in the process of making laws, with his work mainly to think, do research and say “AI” and “NAY” earn tens of
Strikes:
millions, while some states are struggling to pay 18,000 naira minimum wage to the people that train the leaders of tomorrow and the “Units” that hold the contents of continuous developmental edge of a nation or state; this is appalling and should to an extent provoke those teachers to take action. These people are very important and their wellbeing has a direct or indirect effect on the growth and development of any nation. Any country that does not appreciate her teachers cannot grow. In the words of Henry Adams, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence can reach”; hence they should be encouraged in every ramification including their remuneration. The obvious fact that some states deliberately exempted teachers from the payment of minimum wage (I8, 000 naira) is saddening to hear, Comrade Olukoya (President NUT) specifically mentioned Benue, Zamfara, Kogi and Sokoto. One thing that sincerely pains me is the mention of my state of origin “KOGI”. I wasn’t born in Kogi and have lived all my life in Rivers state but I was opportune to school in Ondo State, with a good percentage of the best and excellent students from Kogi state; it makes me wonder how many students would
Again, The Gra
have been best or better if they are exposed to comfortable teachers. Some of the excuses of the government have been unavailability of money,
but this same money is available to fund a largely expensive government (the cost of maintaining the government and her offi-
“The teachers have a point, why shouldn’t they be properly paid for their work, “for a labourer is worthy of his hire”. With the level of importance that is embedded in their functions, their welfare is meant to be of immense importance to the nation.”
By OLUGBEMIRO O. MICHAEL
cials in Nigeria are high). There might be issues to discuss between both parties (i.e. the Teachers and
ment of these respective states are looking at that we are not seeing... but please, if there are things like that,
Government), for the situation on ground to be properly handled. My introduction hammers on the fact that teachers in Nigeria should be properly taken care of, because the merits are more than the consequences. The beauty inherent, can take Nigeria to the promise land which is the dream of any patriotic citizens. However, I choose to believe that no government will be intentionally insensitive to the plights of her future leaders. I choose to believe that probably there are things that the govern-
it should be quickly sorted out so that the grass will not suffer too much. We the children have been left to bear the brunt, in our innocence leaders are chosen for us as we cannot vote (for those of us below 18). For some of us, the school is the only place we find succour away from the problems and hardships prevalent in the society, for others the school provides the only source of hope to make it in life and deliver their families from the prevailing bad situations. Other children go to school so as to remain relevant in
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Insight
asses Are Suffering this ever changing and developing world. Anytime teachers go on strike, these joys are taken away from us and other innocent children. For some the joy that
of. Again, the consequences flow slowly and quietly with more power and effect: Ø The children are exposed to the consequences
that an idle man is the devil’s workshop, who knows what bad habit can be imbibed in that few moments of idleness at home? One thing that should re-
fills them when they wake up in the morning knowing fully well that the effects of unavailability of electricity for the day time, the absence of food, the boredom, insecurity, absence of socialization etc that will be avoided by going to school looses its sweet smelling savour and we are left to dance to the music. Sometimes, within me I wonder, what do the Teachers seek to gain when they go on strike? The answers hurryingly fill my head like a broken dam: for their demands to be met and for them to be well taken care
of something they know little or nothing about Ø At that young age, sometimes adolescents; they are exposed to hardships and situations that can mar their thinking and mindset about their nation. Imagine someone that is made to be at home, when his mates in private schools are in school? How do you think they will feel, what view do you think they will have concerning this great nation (in the making). Sometimes, these might make them do things that they naturally would not like to do Ø A popular aphorism says
main in our minds is that the students in majority of the public schools are people from homes that are not financially buoyant, probably school has been
what has been keeping them from snapping and you take that away from them? I do not want to choose sides in this situation, but I think it will be heartless for anybody to put the leaders of tomorrow through such situation. Ø When the school resumes, the students are made to work double than normal to cover up for the lost grounds for things that are not their faults. Sometimes, some of the topics, concepts, themes etc are skipped to make up for the lost grounds and this builds a break or gap in the knowledge acquired by these students. Sometimes, I always wonder what the intended effects of these strikes are, the children of these politicians are in private schools, and those that are most times directly affected have nothing to be done about the situation. I will appeal to both camps and parties to quickly come to settlement, with the view of not allowing it happen again. The leaders of tomorrow should not continue to suffer for the consequences of the leaders of Today. From both camps, efforts should be made to prevent the children and youths from learning the wrong lessons and inculcating the worst habits. I believe if the common ground remains love for those innocent children in the towns, villages and different places in the society, the teachers and the gov-
ernment concerned in the situation will make efforts to make sure the condition is of excellent quality. With the depth of sincerity, I appeal to the teachers, arguably because after the children (students) and parents, they are the next in the chain of those suffering in this situation. The consolation that their function is to impact on lives should help fuel them even at this points where they are justifiably aggrieved. One of the beauties of the teaching profession is that it gives room for more benefits than just the remuneration, it also helps in Pride and relationship (This is key to a better survival that any remuneration can bring). Till today, those teachers that made sense i.e. they did not involve in Exam malpractice, objective and did not practice favouritism, were excellent in their respective disciplines and had excellent management skills still have my respect till today and I cannot see them in future and not handsomely reward them. For me their rewards begin here on earth and not until they get to heaven and I know, there are many people with this same view. Please my teachers, look beyond the obvious shortcomings of the government, and see the greenness that is available in the heart of these young children, and let that give you hope not to affect their calendar and lives. Your rights must be met, but please, let it not be the one, that we have these forms of consequences on the chil-
dren, who says the children will not fight for you, join even in the strikes and protest, if you show that they are more important to you than the financial benefits that come along with the profession. Notwithstanding, the remuneration is very important and should not be swept under the carpet. Dear Government (state and Federal), majority of the great men in power in different spheres of life, ranging from politics to science, to technology in Nigeria, went through public schools . People like Femi Osofisan, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Babatunde Fashola, Adams Oshiomhole, Jim Ovia etc came out from public schools. Should we deny people of such capacity in our present public schools the opportunity to learn in excellent environments? Let us not affect the quality of their education through strikes and other shortcomings in the educational sector. No nation can develop above the quality of her educational system; hence more efforts should be put in place to check the various problems affecting the children and teachers in their classrooms. For the now, the two elephants are still fighting, and the grass are suffering... too much stress on grass makes the grass dry up and die. I leave that to you to interpret. All relevant stake holders should make sure all things are put in place to prevent subsequent strikes and make the teachers and students more comfortable.
“People like Femi Osofisan, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Babatunde Fashola, Adams Oshiomhole, Jim Ovia etc came out from public schools. Should we deny people of such capacity in our present public schools the opportunity to learn in excellent environments? Let us not affect the quality of their education through strikes and other shortcomings in the educational sec-
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Art Alive Primordial Sacred Spaces Oya Bush (Igbo Oya): Igbo Oya is dedicated to Oya; one of the three wives of Sango, the Orisa of thunder and lightning, it was at this point that the great hunter of Osogbo, Oalutimehin first encountered the Orisa of herbal medicines, called Osanyin. Oro Bush (Igbo Oro): This is the divine agency connected with winds that its members invoke before major ritual events, to cleanse the community of any evil spirits. In Osogbo, The Oro ceremony takes place three months before the Osun Osogho festival in August when ancestral masquerades (Egungun) appears in the context of the Oro ceremony. Orubu Bush (Igbo Orubu): This is one of the worshiping points on the Osun River. It is under the custody of a priest diviner that through the Ifa Oracle may carry out purification a ritual that involves the bathing of the candidates in the river. Ifa Bush (lgbo Ifa): This is a sacred space dedicated to Ifa Oracle devotees and medicinal herbalists (Babalawos). Here is a school of practitioners who through the divination and practical studs are able to identify the casualty agents of diseases, the appropriate and herbal prescriptions. Epa Bush (Igbo Epa): This is the location associated with hunting and blacksmithinship as well as the ceremony associated with marshal art. It would be recalled that the cofounder of Osun Grove was Olutimehin a hunter and a friend to
With FRANCIS ODUPUTE
Worship Of Osun Deity And Its Relevance To Osogbo Art Larooye the first Ataoja. Individual Shrines: At the entrance of the Osun Osogbo Grove arc some shrines dedicated to central Yoruba Orisas hosted by Osun. These are
which arc mostly in cubic forms and some are gigantic e.g. “Iyamopo”. Adebisi Akanji and Kasali Akangbe assisted
(Aworo) accompanying the household of the King with Traditional Chiefs, High Chiefs and other notables with singing and
Sango, Oya, Esu, Obatala and Ogun. At the meditation ground located opposite the main entrance gate are the following shrines dedicated to other Orisas such as Ela and Sopoona. Sculptural and Architectural Works. Clay built sculptures and its unique architectural designs serve to provide an air of solemnity to the groove. This was attributed to the contribution of Susanne Wenger also known as “Aduni Olosa” an Austrian artist, who became a devotee of Osun after a visit to the country. She made use of shrine fine clays with cement for her constructions. The sculptural works are with complexities of figures to depict Yoruba gods and different curved structures to depict water statues
Susanne in the construction of her monumental statues and the capacity of the shine which entails a lot of synchronies of forms. Oluremi, (2001) stated that, “Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove Festival is an annual affair which revolves round Ataoja and the Osogbo people. it is the renewal of the mystic bonds between Osun and other deities of the grove and the people. “pg. 23. The twelve (12) days festival starts and ends in the town’s palace of Ataoja, beginning with the physical and ritual cleaning of the pilgrimage route (Iwopopo) from the palace in the center of the town (Ghacmu) to the grove. The royal priestess (Iya Osun) and the priest
dancing. Similarly, Aloysius, (2002) stated that, “Rites requires a period of seclusions from community life and could extend for days. Ritual rites are performed by a few selected people, whose roles are not negotiable. “pg.125. The second to the fifth day of the festival witnesses the appearance of masquerades dedicated to ancestors as well as Sango. Godwin, (1980, pg. 1 8) in his study on the Ovwuvwc Festival, says, “Its celebration covers a period of about three months but the actual celebration covers a period of about fourteen days marked with different activities.” Ahiodun, (1983,
By OGUNDIPE VICTORIA ABIMBOLA
pg.69) buttressed that “different traditional communities may therefore feature different festivals for different purposes, the essence of all remains the same. In a community a
masquerade may be seen as a link between the dead and the living, while in another as a link between a god and the people. According to Aremu, (1983) masquerade (Egungun) can best be referred to as the spirits of the deceased “Ara Orun”, “the dweller of heaven”, because of the existence of deities. It is possible to have the conception that there is after life and that between those who have gone and those who arc still on earth there is a close and active bond. Nearly all towns and villages (in Yoruba land) have their respective sets of Egungun. The night of the sixth day of the festival is dedicated to Osanyin, a deity
responsible for healing through the knowledge of the use of herbs. On this occasion a SIXTEENPOINTS LAMP is lit using cotton wicks soaked in palm oil (from 700pm to 700am). The Ataoja, his wife/wives, Ifa priests and traditional priests would dance round the SIXTEEN-POINTS LAMP, three times to the admiration of a cross section of the Osogbo people present at the palace ground. The seventh day is dedicated to the Ifa (divination) priests who also dance round Osogbo town. While the eight day activities includes acrobatic performances by personified deities like Oya. It is also to be noted that in the same way and as a preliminary to the festival, a cleansing ceremony is dedicated to Oro. The tenth day witnesses the exhibition of crowns of the past and present kings for a rededication to Osun. On this occasion, Chiefs, Priests and Priestesses will prostrate and kneel down before the crowns as mark of honors to the royal ancestors. The occasion is to invoke the spirits of the ancestors of the Ataoja for a bestowal of blessings on Osogbo people. Eating and drinking at the palace courtyard follow this. Bensandy, (2004) buttresses that, “significance of festivals, which is also inherent in culture as it is, is art. Indeed, traditional festivals are characterized by music, dance, costumes, ritual and art.” Also, Eweka, (1992, pg.3) postulates, “The cultural development of our people does not rest with art-
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Art And Culture STARS are of heavenly planets visible by night whose places in the firmament are relatively fixed as supposed influence too on ones luck. Stars and planets in biblical lore were regarded as messengers, angels in the service of God; “When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for Joy” “All the skies to night sing over us, sweet and far, star to star maketh solemn chorus, time the mid night bless is telling, when our lord God, the Word made with us his dwelling” Stars are found in large groups called galaxies. The galaxy is a wide tremendous band of light looking like cloud because the stars are so far away that they cannot be seen distinctly. It is shaped like a flat disc with the solar system lying near the edge. Stars are classed according to their brightness in magnitudes; brightness is the integrity of a star as it appears to the naked eyes and is not indicative of actual brightness, thus Orion— Aghuo magnitude appears to be hundred times brighter that Ursa Major. The pole star is so near to North celestial pole that its position appears constant. The stars close to Polaris never disappear below the horizon in their apparent rotation about the polar s t a r . The earth rotates on its axis from West to East, the stars appear to travel across the heavens in a counter directions East to West, travelling at many
kilometers per second. They only remain stationary in relation to each other because of their remoten e s s . Astronomical distance are so vast that it is more convenient to express them in the time it takes light to accomplish its journey. The kings or Wisemen understood the divine Astro-science from which flow material and spiritual knowledge. This was their religion and life was their only ceremony. These towering individuals saw human existence as a continuous progression of consciousness. These Wisemen were not like the ambitious and competitive men who Governed but were more like patrons and patriarchs. They had attained sublime state of quietude, which allowed them to perform naturally without needing to compete to change order of things. They has replaced that egotistical desire to find out with potent calm of self knowing in itself aspect of divination and divinity. The star shone brightly when Jesus Christ was born and led the Wisemen to discover the new born king. The Babylonians were the first people to evolve a system of simple Observation of the movements and named at least two constellations Pleiades and Orion (Aghoo) The Earliest observers noticed that various conjunctions of planets corresponded with certain predictable events in the nations or tribes affairs; so
With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI
Stars In Culture Astrology was strictly state matter, its finding referred to the fate and hopes of the nation. These were personified in kings for what was good for the king was good for the people.
in Finland and would die in 1632 AD. The prediction filled exactly the life and career of Gustavus Adolphus who with his armies won outstanding victories for the protestant
away. This was one of the first recorded stars that end their lives in tremendous explosion. By no means star ends its life as a spectacular supernova but every star has
cause from time to time, one of the revolving stars passes in front of the other cutting off its light and are called eclipsing binaries hence in poetry, “twinkle, twinkle little stars, how I
The church through one on the influential son-ST Thomas Aquinas declared that God ruled inferior creatures through superior creatures and so ruled earthly bodies through the stars. Dane Tycho Brahe (1546 — 1601) was recognized as accurate observer of the heavens and made an extraordinary prediction based on the appearance of a comet. He said that in 1592, a man ordained for greater enterprise in religious cause would be born
religion during the thirty year war and died at the moment of his most glorious victory over the German forces in 1632 A.D. Stars seemed to remain unchanged year after year in the sky. The constellations looked much the same to the ancient as they do now. Stars do not last for ever. In the year 1054 AD, a brilliant star suddenly appeared in the sky and for two years it shown so brightly that it was visible during the day; then faded
definite beginning and definite end. The brightest stars are thousand million times brighter than the dullest stars. In the sky the stars vary in brightness a few being very bright indeed, while others are so faint that they can hardly be seen. The brightness of a star is called its magnitude. Some stars are called variable stars and the light receive from them is changing in brightness all the time. Observations of variable stars have helped to understand the universe in several ways. In 1968 Scientist found stars that produce regular pulse of radio waves and light up to thirty times a second. The light from some binary system varies in a very special way be-
wonder what you are, like a diamond in the sky” Stars in culture have more in meaning, a pre — eminent, exceptionally brilliant person, a leading performer, one suppose to draw the public, to shine as a star, to attract attention and have been in decoration and emblems or flags to mark or adore with star or stars of many nations. Stars denote great and good fortune, important and very beneficial event to come, good news but a falling star from the sky portends disaster. A star is a brightly shinning heavenly body, usually excluding the sun, the moon, planets and comets but a planet in relation to its supposed influence on human affairs born under a lucky star in the culture.
“Stars in culture have more in meaning, a pre — eminent, exceptionally brilliant person, a leading performer, one suppose to draw the public, to shine as a star, to attract attention and have been in decoration and emblems or flags to mark or adore with star or stars of many nations. Stars denote great and good fortune, important and very beneficial event to come, good news but a falling star from the sky por-
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Ministry of Women Affairs In Focus
“We Are Set To Reinvent The Grassroots” - Maigida TUESDAY, June 11 was not like any other day in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State. On that day, virtually all, except few, of the wives of Local Government Chairmen who by virtue of their position had become chairpersons of Women Development Programme (WDP) in their various councils converged at the Ministry premises to chart a formidable course for the WDP as well as re-strategise for the overall wellbeing of the councils. Hence, the women and children’s Hall in the ministry was full to capacity as both chairpersons, secretaries, coordinators and representatives of chairs mingled in one accord to deliberate on salient issues which mainly revolved round the strengthening of the LGC monthly markets, advancing measures on how to ensure that the monthly markets are sustained and remained veritable tools for solidifying the economic base of the LGC and as avenue for showcasing each councils’ agricultural development capacities and more importantly, for boosting the markets’ strategic position as means of empowering women even while also serving as means of revenue generation for government. Presiding over the all important meeting, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. (Mrs.) Blessing Maigida, supported by a top director in the Ministry, Princess (Mrs.) Margaret JosBazuaye and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Lady Belinda Ogiefa commended the women for their prompt response and for turning out enmass for the
stakeholders forum. The commissioner reiterated the Comrade Adams Aliyu O s h i o m h o l e - l e d administration’s resolve to ensure that the dividends of the government’s proactive governance flowed from the rural to urban areas and highlighted the mandate of her ministry which, among other things, is to ensure that the wellbeing and overall interest of women and children remained at the fore front of all effort geared towards their upliftment, their empowerment in health and in wealth. She noted that this all important meeting, which was interactive in nature, would be a continuous forum for brainstorming on topical issues concerning how to improve the lot of women and children, especially those at the grassroots and not just about how to generate revenue through the markets for government, but as well as an opportunity to stress the importance of revenue generation in support of government’s development plans for the local communities. A thirty-minute brainstorming saw the women deliberating on how to clear backlogs of the N20,000.00 monthly levies for each council, the need to clear the backlogs, the importance of being diligent in paying and the need not to default. It was generally agreed that the backlogs from the era when Heads of Service held the forte to the time of caretaker committees would have been as a result of a gap in communication. Inability to transmit information through radio message transmitters was admitted. The duo of the commissioner and the Director, including the SA to the governor enjoined the
women to ensure that the radio message transmission system in each council was functional to ensure effective communication. “The world has become a global village due to the importance and strategic place communication gadgets occupy in bridging the gap between people no matter the distance. Therefore, kindly ensure the radio message transmitters in your various councils are optimally functional in order to bridge those gaps in communication” Princess (Mrs.) Margaret Jos-Bazuaye stated. On her part, the commissioner noted that payment of dues and levies was a key feature of every organized sector and that if there must be an even distribution of development, revenue generation must not be compromised. She stressed the importance of the monthly market exercise which among other things, include its strategic placement as a channel for the actualization of women empowerment, a port for the distribution of goods and services which are the end products of years of hardwork, as well as being an avenue for showcasing each local government’s special features, whether in hand crafts or agricultural produce. As discussions peaked it was unanimously agreed that the responsibility lay on wives of local government chairpersons to individually cooperate with and support their councils to pay the levy by the dutiful application of the innate qualities which nature had vested upon them. That remark, as suggested by one of the representatives of a council chair, turned out to be the highpoint, a comic
• Facilitators of Norion Foundation, an NGO, empowering women
FEMINIQUE With IJEOMA UMEH email: ladywithegoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 08182382839
• Hon. (Mrs.) Blessing Maigida: Women Affairs Commissioner, Edo State
relief of sorts as the hall snow balled into a ball room of cheerful grins, happy chatters and laughter, with each woman agreeing that they indeed had the natural endowment to evoke a change on their individual merits and capacities. Having agreed on that point, the meeting progressed into how WDP chairs should team up with their spouses to ensure they achieved success in local government administration in totality without allowing themselves to be boxed into playing second fiddle, particularly in the roles where they should be seen being at the forefront, i.e in immunization, women, youth and girl-child support and empowerment. The commissioner enjoined the women to be creative and proactive in advancing programmes that would impact as well as improve the lives of women in their various communities without being seen as engaging in power tussles with their husbands who by virtue of the process of their democratic elections, were heads of their various councils. She however, appealed to the women not to relent in taking up role-specific tasks as well as giving vibrant supports to their husbands, the Council chairs, as partners in progress. She listed out the functions of WDP Chairs to include the coordination of women in the grassroots, the advancement of empowerment measures and packages, including loans, skill acquisitions, teaching and enlightenment through seminars and workshops, health screenings and referrals, addressing the plight of the less privileged,
orphans and giving support to physically challenged persons, including grassroots mobilization of women for all the purposes mentioned. At the end of the event, the commissioner, alongside stakeholders, basked in fulfillment and in the satisfaction of a task well accomplished. She spoke to FEMINIQUE on the event: Excerpts: How would you describe the gathering today? I would describe it as a meeting at which measures to advance the cause of women at the grassroots were discussed, between the chairpersons, coordinators and secretaries of WDP at the 18 Local Government Councils and my Ministry. Issues regarding women empowerment, reinvigoration of the local markets, revenue genera-
tion and others were thrashed out. By your own estimation, would you say you had a successful meeting? Yes, a very successful meeting indeed! You can see the women all looking gay and excited because they have a lot to take back to their various councils. They have been challenged to empower the women, to support their spouses and to be creative, initiative and proactive at devising means of improving the lot of women in their locales, and to join in strengthening the monthly markets which each council is noted for. With several challenges confronting women economically, health and otherwise how ready is your ministry to tackle the challenges affecting women generally? God willing, I am ready and with the support of like-minded women at the Local Government Councils we will do all we can to consolidate on the efforts of a gender – friendly government. Those were part of today’s deliberation. How would you rate the Comrade Governor’s administration? In just a few words I would say the administration is too good to be true! Meanwhile the 10th Graduation/Prize Giving Day Ceremony of the Edo State Skill Acquisition Centre, Evbuomodu was held yesterday, June 13, 2013, while the showcasing of agricultural produce and handicrafts by the various councils would take place today, June 14 at Urhokpota Hall in Benin City.
Words On Marble If necessity is the mother of invention, then goals must be the father - Michael Leboeuf Life is like a wild tiger. You can either lie down and let it lay its paw on your head…or you can sit on its back and ride it. - RIDE THE WILD TIGER The one thing I do not want to be called is First Lady. It sounds like a saddle horse. - Jacqueline Kennedy
Next Week! Organization Empowers 100 Widows The Norion Foundation, an NGO has held one of its bumper empowerment programmes, giving support to 100 widows in Edo State. Also, 100 years of Nigerian Women, see who the unseen and unsung heroines are! CSP Patience Omokaro of the Zonal Intelligence Bureau, Zone 5 Police Headquarters Benin in focus.
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Discourse Creation Of Midwest Region Of Nigeria And Life Times Of Senator Dalhton Ogieva Asemota O.B.E. By NOWAMAJBE A. OMOIGUI Contd from last two weeks
AS a well-known Merchant and public official from Benin, Senator Dahlton Ogieva Asemota was appointed officer of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s 1962 New Year Honours. The insignia (ribbon) was sent from the United Kingdom and presented in Nigeria on the Queen’s behald. As announced on page 44 (fourth supplement) of the London Gazette of 29th December, 1961, the award was given “In recognition of service as a Senator in the Nigerians Western region Federal Upper House.” Historically, since 1689 various British classes and orders of chivalry have existed. Currently, in order of seniority, the six British orders of chivalry are, the most Noble order of the Garter, the most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, The Most Honourable Order of The Bath, The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, The Royal Victorian Order, and The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The Order of the British Empire (which Dahlton was awarded), was originally instituted on June 4th, 1917 during the First World War by King George V. Beginning in 1981 and subsequently, Military and Civil Divisions were established. As noted, it is the most junior of the orders of chivalry intended to reward valuable services to the State in war or peacetime, the motto of the Orders is ‘For God and the Empire”. Within the Order, there are five classes of members, Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE) Knight of Dame Commander (KBE/DBE), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE). Among those who were simultaneously recognized along with the Senator Dahlton Asemota (OBE) were then Lt. Col. (later Major General) JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi (MBE) who would later become Nigeria’s Head of State in 1966), and Jacob Egharevba, Esq (MBE) former Curator of the Benin Museum. DAHLTON ASEMOTA, THE MIDWEST MOVEMENT, AND LEGISLATIVE INITIARIVE As previously noted, in addition to being the Chairman of the Midwest Advisory Council (beginning in 1958), Senator Asemota was the first Chairman Midwest United Front Committee (UFC) and the first Chairman Midwest Planning Committee (MPC). He played a crucial role (among others) in the behind the scenes legislative maneuvering for unity in the creation of the Midwest. A detail that must be emphasized is that in addition to other crucial dynamics, without the tacit cooperation of certain elements within the ruling Action Group party in the western region, the creation of the Midwest may well have been impossible. A determined efforts was, therefore, necessary to de-emphasized party politics in what strategists like Senator Dahlton Asemota (OBE) aptly called a “national dream” irrespective of party affiliation. Although he was a member of the Action Group party, for example, no amount of party inducement would make him turn his people. The MPC comprised elements of the core Midwest movement, the NCNC, along with other parties like the AG and UPP. In fact the next scheduled meeting of the MPC (pre-empted by the sudden death of Dahlton) had planned to discuss the structure of the Midwest interim administration. MEMBERS OF THE MIDWEST PLANNING COMMITTEE (SPECIAL COMMITTEE) MARCH 1963 UNDER DAHLTON ASEMOTA Hon. Senator Dahlton Asemota (Chairman) Chief Hon. FS Okotie-Eboh Chief Hon. DC Osadebe Chief JIG Onyia Chief TEA Salubi Mr. EB. Edun Fregene Apostle J. Edokpolo Alhaji Chief Ja Isuman Chief AO Obasuyi
Dr. C. Okojie Chief JO Odiete Mr. JAP Oki Mr. GM Boyo Chief Hon. SJ Mariere (JP) Chief AY Eke Hon. Kessington SY Momoh The main legislative events were as follows: 1961 First Midwest motion 1962 Second Midwest motion Referendum Bill Midwest Parliamentary Bill In order to do justice to this account, I shall now quote extensively from a previous paper I delivered eleven years ago (on Friday, December 20, 2002) at the Oba Akenzua 11 Cultural Complex, Airport Road, Benin City on occasion of the fifth Late Chief (Dr.) Jacob Uwadiae Egharevba (MBE) Memorial Lecture and Award Ceremony. http//www. Waado.org/nigerdelta/ethnichistories/ egharevbalectures/fifth-omoigui.htm)
West to succeed Awolowo as the Premier. The 1960 constitution specified that for a referendum to take place seeking to establish support for a new region, twothirds majority must approve it in the Federal House of Representatives and Senate, followed by majority approval in two-thirds of regions. Recognizing the key role which the governing party in the federal government in Lagos would have in initiating any legislative move toward the creation of the Midwest, Festus Okotie-Eboh and his mentor, Humphrey Omo-Osagie, were busy lobbying got northern leaders. Eventually Festus Okotie-Eboh almost single handedly got Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu and Alhaji Ahmadu Bello of the NPC to agree in principle to make an exception for the Midwest based on its unique history, knowing they were generally opposed to states creation. Without this crucial achievement on the part of chief Okotie-Eboh, the creation of the Midwest would have been dead in the water. It was in recognition of this strategic feat that Festus Okotie-Eboh was given a chieftaincy title in Benin, the Elaba of Uselu. Chief Humphrey Omo-Osagie, the indefatigable fighter with whom Oba Akenzua 11 had his ups and downs but whose firm resolve and loyalty to his people had
“A detail that must be emphasized is that in addition to other crucial dynamics, without the tacit cooperation of certain elements within the ruling Action Group party in the western region, the creation of the Midwest may well have been impossible. A determined efforts was, therefore, necessary to de-emphasized party politics in what strategists like Senator Dahlton Asemota (OBE) aptly called a “national dream” irrespective of party affiliation.” 1960 As was the case in previous years, 1060 was full of action, for and against the creation of the Midwest, including false and real hopes and intrigue. Isuman JU. Facts about the Midwest state. Amalgamated press. On July 7th, the Oni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, became the Governor of the western region while the Alake of Abeokuta became the President of the House of Chiefs. Chief Omo-Osagie wasted no time in making a public statement about the development. Oba Akenzua 11, who had been generally snubbed and cut off from many day to day decisions in the ministry of Midwest Affairs except his approval was important to some Machiavellian scheme of the other, finally had enough. Independence was approaching and the Midwest region had still not been created. The post-independence federal government was going to be formed by the NCNC and the NPC. The vast majority of the federal legislators from Midwest belonged to the NCNC, Therefore, the Oba decided to abandon the Action group, resigning his position as a Minister without portfolio. By so doing, he realigned the traditional establishment with the “new elite” for the final push to secure the Midwest. But shortly after he did so, the action group won 15 of 30 seats from the Midwest in the Western House elections of August 8, 1960, even barely beating an Out-Edo candidate in Benin as well as Prince Shaka Momodu in Irrua, in what was regarded as an upset, perhaps influenced by manipulation of the 1959 voter’s register. This outcome emboldened creation of the Midwest until after the 1964 federal elections when they would be in power at the center-although they kept up pressure for creation of the Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers and Middle Belt States in other region, meanwhile, Barrister S.O Ighodaro had taken over the Ministry of Midwest Affairs from Anthony Enahoro, when the latter elected to go federal, having lost out to SLA Akintola who returned to the
stood the test of time, was conferred with the title of Iyase of Benin. (Egharevba, Op Cit.). The Action Group Western region government, however, refused to confirm both titles until 1962 when there was an emergency administration in office at Ibadan. Nevertheless, the Akintola government in Ibadan moved quickly to consolidate its gains. It appointed many Midwesterners to ministerial position, created a Midwest minority area and advisory council, and reorganized its administrative structure to create six new regional conference, as if in tacit recognition of the six regions it was canvassing for the country. Chief Anthony Enahoro became the Chairman of the Midwest regional executive. Which did not include AkokoEdo district and Warri division. Dalton Ogieva Asemota, a well known independent, distinguished retired from the United African Company (UAC), personal friend of Oba Akenzua 11 and first Chairman of the Midwest Advisory Council, become appointed by the Western region as the first post-independence Senator from Benin Province in Lagos, while Senator M.G. Ejaife, a householed name in Urhoboland, was appointed to represent the Delta. Dennis Osadebay, leader of the Midwest State movement, left Ibadan for Lagos to take up his new position as Senate President, to replace Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who had become the Governor-General. Chief Festus Okotie- Eboh Became the Federal Minister of Finance and leader of the parliamentary party. The straight shooting Michael Opara replaced Nnamdi Azikiwe as Premier of the Eastern region region and leader of the NCNC. Alhaji Tafawa Balewa of the NPC became the Prime Minister. Alhaji Ahmadu Belo held fort in the Northern region. DAHLTON OGIEVA ASEMOTA APPOINTED OFFICER OF THE CIVIL DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT To be contd.
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Politics
Towards Sustainable Democracy In Nigeria THE Nigerian nation is today faced with one of its greatest challenges in this 21st Century. The challenge is no doubt daunting in that the nation has finally gotten that democracy which majority of Nigerians craved for almost three decades ago. However, Nigerians are still uncertain whether the democracy commenced in Nigeria on 12th June, 1993 or may 29 1999. Nevertheless, acquiring democracy is one thing and maintaining and sustaining it is another. The human entity known as Nigeria formally got her independence from the British colonialists on 1st October 1960 through the untiring efforts of our founding fathers. The likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Herbert Macaulay, the Sarduna of Sokoto, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Anthony Enahoro amongst others were instrumental to bringing down the British flag that ushered in political independence. No sooner had the democratic experiment of the first republic been allowed to flourish than it was scuttled through military putsch on the 15th January, 1966, Two other attempts at democratic culture in the country in December 1983 and November 1993 following the election of Late M.K.O Abiola of Social Democratic Party (SDP)
analysing it. It is not surprising that even some military regimes elsewhere had once claimed to be democratic. Moreover, the concept itself has gradually changed its classical Greek meaning to a modern understanding of democracy. Thus, the el-
critical look from the political economy perspective at those tendencies that have been observed to be at variance with democratic ethics and which had often contributed in no small measure to the miniature growth in almost three decades ago. To state that the country has been so blessed by the
ementary meaning of the concept as “government of the people, for the people and by the people,” viewed from the political economist lens, emphasis is placed on the economic empowerment of the greater number of people as a sine-qua-non for political stability and sustainable democracy. It is pertinent to take a
Almighty with rich human and natural resources would be stating the obvious. However, whether these have been used to better the lots of Nigerian Youth and the entire citizenry is the million-naira question. This is because, the privilege few have appropriated to themselves, the nation’s wealth through high scale
By ADAMS OYIBOKE
and Alhaji Bashir Tofa of National Republican Convention (NRC) were by military. Hence Nigeria and indeed Nigerians have spent the greater part of their political independence years under the jack-boot of the “Khaki boys.” Little wonder then that the majority of Nigerians were so enthusiastic about the return of the country to democratic governance on 29th May, 1999 by the regime of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd). Thus, ushering in another republic under the leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, - the man who was saddle with the challenges of sustaining Nigerians fourth attempt at democratic practices. Well, the high level of unemployment stamping the faces of Nigerian youths, the locomotive structure of the postal services, the unstable value of Nigeria currency in relations to the Dollars, Pounds and Euros, the epileptic supply of electricity, high level of corruption and the dysfunctional refineries amongst others could be some of the institutional framework that maintained and sustained Nigeria democratic government in the last two and half decades, I suppose or what do you think? The term democracy has varied meanings so long as different people are engaged in discussing, practicing and
“Well, the high level of unemployment stamping the faces of Nigerian youths, the locomotive structure of the postal services, the unstable value of Nigeria currency in relations to the Dollars, Pounds and Euros, the epileptic supply of electricity, high level of corruption and the dysfunctional refineries amongst others could be some of the institutional framework that maintained and sustained Nigeria democratic government in the last two and half decades, I suppose or what do you think?”
corruption, embezzlement, misappropriation, Mismanagement and incompetence in public affairs to the total exclusion of the ordinary masses. Today, the bourgeois oppressors are found in every nook and cranny of this country, so also are the oppressed masses. It is no wonder then that while the rich of this country gets richer, the poor gets poorer through a well orchestrated economic deprivation policy. Democracy entails protecting citizen’s rights; be they social, political, or eco-
steps are taken to address the high rate of unemployment, Boko-Haram insurgency, kidnapping, assassination, rape, citizen productive capacity enhanced through legal institutional and attitudinal approach, poverty alleviation programmes such as NAPEP, SURE-P, N.D.E. initiated and implemented to the letter, so as to economically empower the greater number of the people and above all, invest heavily in the Agriculture and Education Sectors to improve and sustain human development,
nomic. Economic security is at the root of all other rights. This is why the Marxist political economists would want us to believe that the economy is the “base” upon which, lies the super structure. In other words, the nature of a country’s economy would to a great extent, determine its legal system, moral values, political life, religious belief and ideology. Show me a country that does not cater for its youths, that careless for the economic well-being of its citizens, that ill-gotten wealth is flaunt recklessly without raising an eyebrow and I will show you a society in decay, an unstable economic/political index. Unless concrete and urgent
the present democratic institution which will wound up two years from now would be under threat of social unrest, economic insecurity and political instability. The masses will continue to express their resentment to the existing status-quo through violent crimes, communal clashes, students’ cultism, ethnic and religious intolerance, political thuggery etc which are the effects of political alienation, oppression and subjugation. The antidote is simple: empower the masses, especially the unemployed youths and setting up social insurance scheme for the aged by ensuring that the wide gap existing between the rich and the poor is narrowed.
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Reflection I never knew the importance of blood donation until one day while I was traveling along Enugu-Umuahia high way. As we were approaching Enugu, a 504 salon car right in front of us had a ghastly accident. Two of the men in the car were badly injured. They were bleeding all over their body. We rushed them to a nearby hospital. After dressing the wounds the doctor requested for blood. Unfortunately, none of their family members were around to donate the required blood. One of the nurses announced that they still have two pants of blood in their blood banks. Luckily for them, it was exactly the same blood group they were looking for. As I was driving home, I was wondering, what if there was no single blood in the hospital; what would have happened to these patients? I further asked myself who must have donated this blood? Does the donor know that he or she has just saved people’s lives? Another thought came to me, which I rejected, ‘what if I was the one involved in this accident and in need of blood?’ This last thought may sound unrealistic but without the grace of God, every traveler is a potential victim of accident. Nobody prays for accident but prevention is better than cure. Unfortunately, Nigerians do not know the importance of First Aid box how much more the importance of blood donation. Yet, these are some of the things that could help in the case of emergency. June 14th is celebrated annually as the World Donor’s Day. A day set aside by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise global awareness on the importance of human blood, the life-saving nature of human blood. It is a day to campaign for voluntary donation of blood. World Donor’s Day is also a day to enlighten people on the kind of food and fruit they should take to improve the quality of their blood and health. Why must we donate blood? What are the benefits of blood donation and what are the possible side effects? Blood is the principle of life. The gift of blood is the gift of life. Donation of blood is indeed a life-saving venture. According to medical practitioners and related studies, excessive iron contributes to heart disease, especially at its early stages.
With REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE
Be Generous As The World Marks Donor’s Day Donating blood on a regular basis reduces the iron stores in the body; hence, it purifies and preserves the heart and vascular health. It reduces blood cholesterol level, the number of blood cells in our body decreases. This stimulates the bone marrow to produce new, fresh red blood cells in order to replenish the loss. By donating blood you are not just performing a charitable act you are also doing your own body good. Blood transfusion requires proper care and attention. If proper care is not taken people’s diseases and viruses can easily be transferred to others. That is why it is recommended that proper screening must be carried out before blood transfusion. There may be cases of blood incompatibility; the blood group must be dictated before transfusion. Donor may experience mild dizziness for a short while. In view of this, it is highly recommended that before donating blood, you must ensure that you are healthy; that is, you must feel well and can perform normal activities. You must be at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds and above. You are not expected to donate blood without the required interval, for instance, after donating blood you must stay at least 8 weeks before donating another blood. If you have a chronic sickness such as high blood pressure, HIV, infection, diabetes and other transmitted diseases you are not expected to donate blood. You can only give what you have and you must be healthy to donate blood to others. The donor must undergo a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood count are measured. Today, as the world celebrates world donor’s day I want to use this medium to reflect on the importance of donation and generosity. I considered generosity because it takes a generous heart to donate his or her blood. Without the spirit of generosity no one can donate his or her blood for others. Donation is indeed the fruit of generosity. A generous heart is a heart that
donates. A heart that donates is a heart is blessed. A lot of people have made sacrifices for you to be where you are today. A woman donated her womb, her time, her pleasure, her money and even her blood, for you to be alive today. Without her generosity you cannot exist in this world. Our mothers are the first and most generous people in the world. They are not only generous to us; they taught us how to be generous. Any time you remem-
to fall upon the man, and while he slept he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man.”” God would have created woman separately but to teach us the importance of organ and blood donation he decided to
The greatest act of love, according Jesus Christ, is a selfgiving and life-saving love: “Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). That was exactly what Jesus did for his followers. He sacrificed his time, his food, his precious blood and even his life for his friends. The Prophet Isaiah said, by the wound of our Lord Jesus Christ we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus was wounded for our transgression.
ber the generosity of your mother and people around you, you are invited to donate something that could affect other people’s life positively. It could be your womb, your money, your blood or even your kidney. Whatever you can do to save people’s life, kindly do so! One of the passages that encourages blood and organ donation is the book of Genesis chapter 2:21-23 where God made Adam to donate his rib for the creation of a woman: According to this passage, “The Lord God caused a deep sleep
take the rib of Adam without destroying Adam. In the New Testament, God the Father donated his only begotten Son: “For God so loved the world that He gave (donated) his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Here we are not just talking about a particular organ or a pant of blood but an entire life of an only begotten Son. God is the best donor you can think of. God donated his only son for the salvation of the world.
Jesus used many parables to teach his followers the importance of donation and life-saving sacrifices. For instance, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, where he told the story of a man who was beaten up by robbers. This Samaritan saw this man and had compassion on him. He went to him and bound up his wounds, poured oil and wine; then brought him to an inn, and took proper care of him. He donated his money. He paid two denarii to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back” (Luke 10:30-35). Remember, this Samaritan doesn’t even know the man he helped. You don’t need to know the people who will benefit from the blood that you donate. It could even be your enemy. Jesus taught his followers to love and pray for their enemies. “You have heard that it was
“Today, as the world celebrates world donor’s day I want to use this medium to reflect on the importance of donation and generosity. I considered generosity because it takes a generous heart to donate his or her blood. Without the spirit of generosity no one can donate his or her blood for others. Donation is indeed the fruit of generosity. A generous heart is a heart that donates. A heart that donates is a heart is blessed.”
said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:4345). If we must love and pray for our enemies, as Jesus taught, then we should also be ready to donate our blood for whoever may be the beneficiary whether our friends or our enemies. In addition to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Saints also taught the importance of generosity. The writer of the Book of Hebrew encour-
ages us to show hospitality to strangers, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them” (Hebrew 13:2-3). In Genesis 18:9-15, Abraham received strangers not knowing they were angels of God. As they were about to depart they assured Abraham that his barren wife Sarah will bear him a Son. You will never regret any act of generosity. Directly or indirectly you will be rewarded. Remember, givers never lack. According to St. Francis of Assisi, the mentor of our present Pope, “It is in giving that we receive.” You cannot be a good receiver if you are not a good giver. God loves a cheerful giver. It is only in giving and in caring that we can make this world a better place – for you and for me.
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International
With OKHUELEIGBE FAITH
Turkish Protesters Party In Square Despite Ruling Party Calls ISTANBUL/ANKARA Hundreds of anti-government demonstrators chanted and sang in Istanbul’s Taksim Square early yesterday after Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s AK party floated the offer of a referendum on development plans that stirred two weeks of protests. The night passed peacefully, with young men playing soccer on the square at dawn, after several days of fierce clashes between police and protesters opposed to Erdogan. But it was not clear if the referendum offer would quell protests. The pro-government Star newspaper declared in a front page headline: “The way out is a referendum”. Protesters dance in Gezi park in Istanbul’s Taksim square early June.
“Referendum game”, said Cumhuriyet newspaper, which is fiercely critical of Erdogan, whom it portrays as an increasingly authoritarian figure in Turkish politics. The deputy chairman of Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, Huseyin Celik, said late on Wednesday that the protesters should withdraw from Gezi Park, a leafy corner of the square where they have set up a ramshackle settlement of tents. At the same time, he made a concession by offering a referendum on the redevelopment plans for the square that first stirred the unrest. A heavy-handed police crackdown on Gezi Park nearly two weeks ago triggered an unprecedented wave of protest against Erdogan and his AK Party - an association of centrists and conservative religious elements drawing in secularists, nationalists, professionals, unionists and students. Riot police looked on from the fringes as crowds mingled late into the night, some protesters chanting and dancing, others applauding a concert pianist who took up residence with a grand piano in the
middle of the square. It was a contrast to the scene 24 hours earlier, when tear gas sent thousands scurrying into side streets before authorities bulldozed barricades and reopened the square to traffic for the first time since the troubles began. “The government can’t accept these protests going on forever,” Celik told a news conference in the capital Ankara following a meeting between Erdogan and a group of public figures linked to the Gezi protesters. “Those with bad intentions or who seek to provoke and remain in the park will (now) be facing the police,” he said. Police fired tear gas and water cannon day after day in cities including Ankara last week. Three people, one a policeman, died and about 5,000 thousand people were injured, according to the Turkish Medical Association. The offer to hold a referendum on the park redevelopment is one of the only concessions the authorities have publicly floated after days of firm rhetoric from Erdogan refusing to back down. Celik gave few details of how a referendum would be carried out, saying it could either be held across Istanbul, or just in the district near Taksim.
Ehiopia Ratifies Nile Accord Opposed By Egypt
This photo released on the official Facebook page of Syrian President Bashar Assad, shows Syrian president Bashar Assad working in his office, in Damascus, Syria,
Nearly 95,000 Killed In Syrian Conflict - UN
GENEVA (Switzerland) The death toll in Syria reached at least 93,000 at the end of April, but the true number of victims from the violence now in its third year may be much higher, the United Nations human rights office said yesterday. Navi Pillay, U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights, voiced fears that the bloodshed in recent battles for the Syrian border town of Qusair would be repeated in the northern city of Aleppo. “All the reports I’m receiving are of augmentation of resources and forces (for an Aleppo offensive) on the part of the government,” Pillay told Reuters Television. The military balance has shifted in President Bashar alAssad’s favour in the last two
months, with Lebanon’s Shi’ite Hezbollah fighting openly alongside the Syrian military, helping it to recapture Qusair from rebels on June 5. Rebel forces have held parts of Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city, since July. The new U.N. figure of 93,000 people killed in the Syrian conflict, which began with peaceful protests against Assad in March 2011 and turned into an armed rebellion a few months later, replaces a U.N. estimate of 80,000 issued in mid-May. The U.N. report said almost 38,000 reported killings had been excluded because records
- which require the victim’s full name and date and location of death - were incomplete. “The true number of those killed is potentially much higher,” Pillay said. The death toll has averaged more than 5,000 a month since July, and Pillay said this reflected the “drastically deteriorating pattern of the conflict over the past year”. The Damascus region, Homs and Aleppo have been hardest hit. The U.N. figures, based on data from the Syrian government and seven human rights monitoring groups, include civilians and combatants, but give no breakdown. They show that
at least 6,561 children were among the dead. “There are also well-documented cases of individual children being tortured and executed, and entire families, including babies, being massacred - which, along with this devastatingly high death toll, is a terrible reminder of just how vicious this conflict has become,” Pillay said. One of the monitoring groups, the British-based, pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said yesterday it had now confirmed at least 98,000 deaths in the conflict, but that the total figure could exceed 130,000. It said the confirmed toll included 25,040 Syrian soldiers and security personnel, and
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia Ethiopia’s parliament yesterday ratified an accord that replaces colonial-era deals that awarded Egypt and Sudan the majority of the world’s longest river. The vote comes amid a bout of verbal jousting between Ethiopia and Egypt after Ethiopia last month started to divert Nile waters for a massive $4.2 billion hydro-electric dam dubbed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Ethiopia’s growing economy frequently suffers from power cuts and needs more electrical capacity. But Egypt fears the dam will mean a diminished share of the Nile, which provides almost all of the desert nation’s water needs. Egyptian politicians have suggested attacks against Ethiopia to sabotage the dam, and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi on Monday warned that “all options are open” to challenge Ethiopia’s Nile project. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn responded Tuesday, forcefully vowing “nothing” and “no one” will stop the dam’s construction. He downplayed the prospect of conflict, saying Egypt leaders won’t go to war unless they “go mad.” African Union head Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Wednesday urged dialogue and cooperation between Ethiopia,
Egypt and Sudan. A 10-person Egypt-SudanEthiopia experts panel concluded that the dam will not “significantly affect” water flow to Egypt and Sudan, according to Ethiopian officials. Sudan said it accepts the outcome of the finding and this week announced that it supports Ethiopia’s project. Ethiopia’s 547-member parliament unanimously endorsed the new Nile River Cooperative Framework Agreement, an accord already signed by five other Nile River countries. The accord, sometimes referred to as the Entebbe Agreement, is the product of decadelong negotiations. It was conceived to replace the 1929 treaty written by Britain that awarded Egypt veto power over upstream countries’ Nile projects. Sudan and Egypt signed a deal in 1959 splitting the Nile waters between them without giving other countries consideration. The new cooperative agreement signed by Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Burundi ó aims to establish a commission to oversee Nile projects. Congo and South Sudan, which succeeded from Sudan in 2011, have announced plans to join the new pact. Eritrea is participating as an observer in the 10-nation Nile Basin Initiative.
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International
With OKHUELEIGBE FAITH
Zimbabwe President Says Election Set For July 31
HARARE - Zimbabwe’s prime minister says has received a letter from the President Robert Mugabe saying elections will go ahead on July 31. The communication is the latest development in a standoff between the two leaders over when to hold the long-awaited vote.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said yesterday that Mugabe should have shown “mere courtesy” by consulting him on the issue. Mugabe was forced by regional leaders to form a coalition government with former opposition leader Tsvangirai after violent and disputed elections in 2008.
The longtime president he is abiding by a court ruling calling for the vote to go ahead. Tsvangirai claims the lawsuit was instigated by Mugabe’s loyalists eager for early polls so that they can take advantage of loopholes in the electoral laws to rig the vote.
USA: 360-Plus Homes Destroyed In COLORADO SPRINGS USA - A wildfire burning northeast of Colorado Springs has destroyed at least 360 homes, making it the most destructive in state history. El Paso County sheriff Terry Maketa said yesterday that deputies still haven’t been able to verify the condition of 79 homes as the wildfire continues to burn. So it’s possible the figure could rise even higher. The fire is burning near where the Waldo Canyon fire burned 347 homes last year and killed two people. It was previously the most destructive in Colorado history. Fueled by hot temperatures, changing gusts, and thick, bonedry forests, the Black Forest Fire earlier prompted evacuation orders and pre-evacuation notices to more than 9,000 people and to about 3,500 homes and businesses, sheriff’s officials said. Jaenette Coyne was one of those ordered to get out as quickly as possible. Coyne estimates she had five minutes to leave home after calling 911 to report smoke behind her home. There was no time to grab wedding albums, fingerprint artwork by her 20month-old daughter, quilts her grandmother made, her family’s three cats. “We left with nothing,” she said. She and her husband later watched on television this week
Wildfire as flames engulfed their house. “I don’t know how to tell you in words what it felt like,” she said. “It’s the worst thing I’ve ever felt in my whole life.” Part of neighboring Elbert County, including two camps with a total of about 1,250 children and adults, also was evacuated. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but Maketa said officials are trying to confirm the whereabouts of one person reported missing. The cause wasn’t clear. The fire was among several that surged rapidly Tuesday along Colorado’s Front Range. Wildfires also were burning in New Mexico, Oregon and California, where a smokejumper was killed fighting one of dozens of lightning-sparked fires. The U.S. Forest Service on Wednesday mobilized a pair of Defense Department cargo planes to help ó a step taken only when all of the Forest Service’s 12 contracted tankers
are in use. At least one was fighting the Black Forest Fire. About 60 miles southwest of Colorado’s Black Forest Fire, a 4.5-square-mile wildfire that evacuated Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has destroyed 20 structures, including some in the park. The Royal Gorge suspension bridge spanning a canyon across the Arkansas River has fire damage to 32 of its 1,292 wooden planks, city officials said. An aerial tram car and tram buildings on either side of the gorge were destroyed, and the tram cable fell into the gorge. An incline railway descending 1,500 feet to the canyon floor was damaged. Another fire sparked by lightning Monday in Rocky Mountain National Park has grown to an estimated 600 acres in area with trees killed by pine beetles. Gov. John Hickenlooper has declared disaster emergencies for the Black Forest and Royal Gorge fires and a 60-acre fire in rural Huerfano County, authorizing a combined $10.15 million to help pay for firefighting and other costs.
Police officers are on parade as President Robert Mugabe inspects the guard of honour, at a police pass-out parade in Harare,
Supporters of the Iranian presidential candidate Hasan Rowhani, former Iranian nuclear negotiator, chant slogans, as they hold a banner containing pictures of Rowhani, center, former Presidents Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, right, and Mohammad Khatami, during a street campaign, in Tehran, Iran,
Former Iranian President Opposes Election Boycott
TEHRAN - On the eve of Iran’s presidential elections, a former Iranian president blocked from a comeback bid urged voters yesterday not to boycott the vote in protest over crackdowns on dissent or in an-
ger over his exclusion from the race. The appeal by former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani came in response to persistent calls by many among reformminded voters to stay away from
Friday’s election, despite the apparent rising profile of moderate candidate Hasan Rowhani, a former nuclear negotiator. The boycott drive seeks to mount a symbolic rebuke to Iran’s ruling system after years of arrests and pressures against opposition forces since the disputed re-election in 2009 of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iran’s constitution bars Ahmadinejad from running for a third consecutive term, though he could run in the
future. But a significant snub of the voting would most likely hurt Rowhani, who has been backed by his close ally Rafsanjani and other reformist leaders. His other rivals include hardliners or conservatives seen as favored by the ruling theocracy. Rafsanjani’s stature rose sharply with liberals after he criticized hard-line tactics used in the unprecedented postelection clashes and demonstrations four years ago. Opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, who challenged
Ahmadinejad in the 2009 election, and another reform-leaning candidate, Mahdi Karroubi, have been under house arrest for more than two years. Reports yesterday by several pro-reform newspapers, including the Etemad daily, quoted Rafsanjani as saying that people “should not boycott” the vote. “I urge them to vote,” he was quoted as saying. On Wednesday, thousands of supporters welcomed Rowhani in the northeastern city of Mashhad chanting: “Long live reforms.”
Mandela Spend 6th Day In Hospital
Former Miss Ruth Eigbiremolen (right) tied the nuptial knot with Mr. Godfrey Emiantor on Friday May 3, 2013 according to Esan Native Law and Customs at the Bride’s family compound at Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Congrats. Courtesy: Mr. & Mrs. Tunde Eigbiremolen.
JOHANNESBURG Former South African President Nelson Mandela is spending a sixth day in the hospital. There was no immediate update on his health yesterday, but President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday reported that Mandela was responding better to treatment for a recurring lung infec-
tion. Grandson Mandla Mandela said Wednesday that the family is appreciative of the support it has received from around the world. The leader of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, Mandela spent 27 years in prison during white racist rule. He was freed in
1990 and became South Africa’s first black president in 1994. Mandela’s official Twitter feed noted that yesterday was the 49th anniversary of the former president’s arrival at Robben Island, the prison off the coast of Cape Town where he spent the majority of his incarceration.
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International
Compiled by FAITH OKHUELEIGBE
Egyptian Pilots End Protest CAIRO - Egyptian pilots working for the national carrier staged a 10hour sit-in protest yesterday, delaying 22 flights in an effort to press their demands for management changes and bonus payments. It was the second protest involving the Cairo International Airport this month. Egypt has been hit by a wave of street rallies and strikes in the two years since a popular uprising toppled Hosni Mubarak. The turmoil has fed growing economic and political woes, often leaving the country struggling to retain a semblance of normalcy. An opposition youth movement is planning massive street protests later this month to demand the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi. Yesterday, EgyptAir pilots came to work but hung out at the main terminal instead of taking their flights. The disrupted flights included both
domestic and international. Ahmed Younis, head of the pilots’ association, said the protest ended after Civil Aviation Minister Wael elMaadawi held talks with the protesters and agreed to meet their demands for changes in EgyptAir’s top management and pay the bonuses proposed by the pilots. On June 5, striking workers at the Cairo airport blocked airplanes on the tarmac at the hub’s largest terminal. They occupied taxiing areas near runways, forcing passengers to board and disembark at the airport’s other terminal. The strikers were demanding better pay. The protest delayed the departure of seven flights and diverted passengers from three incoming international flights to another terminal. At the time, security forces refused to intervene to remove the striking workers, arguing that such a move would worsen the situation and recommended
resolving the strike through negotiations. And in May, EgyptAir baggage handlers held a strike demanding better safety measures, which left passengers on 20 international flights from European and Arab countries waiting several hours for luggage. That strike was a protest after a colleague died when a conveyer belt used to unload luggage fell on his head. Co-workers said it took more than an hour for the ambulance to arrive at the scene from the airport’s onsite hospital, a claim Newly sworn-in Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah heads his first cabinet hospital officials denied. meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah .
Czech Police Detain Prime Minister’s Aide PRAGUE - Police from the Czech Republic’s organized crime unit yesterday detained a senior aide to Prime Minister Petr Necas, local media reported, in raids on several government offices that were confirmed by police and ministry officials. Necas himself was visited
EU Condemns Jailing Of Topless Feminists In Tunisia BRUSSELS - The European Union said yesterday jail sentences handed down to three European feminist activists who staged a topless protest in Tunisia were too severe and urged the Islamist-led government to reform its laws on freedom of expression. A Tunisian court sentenced one German and two French members of women’s rights group Femen to four months in prison on Wednesday for indecency after they appeared topless in the capital last month. Marguerite Stern and Pauline Hillier of France and Josephine Markmann of Germany were calling for the release of Tunisian feminist activist Amina Tyler, who has been in detention since mid-May. “The EU is surprised by the
severity of the judgment,” a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said. “To ensure ... freedom of expression, the EU underlines the need to revise laws inherited from the previous regimes, which can be used to restrict it,” Michael Mann said. Tyler, a Femen member, caused a storm of controversy in Tunisia after she published topless photographs of herself on Facebook with the words “My body belongs to me and not the honor of others” written on her chest in Arabic. The 18-year-old was demonstrating against the rising presence of hardline Islamist Salafists in Tunisia that has alarmed a secular elite who fear this could undermine individual freedoms, women’s rights and
democracy. The topless protests have scandalized many in Tunisia, a Muslim country where public nudity is not socially or religiously acceptable. Tyler was arrested in the town of Kairouan on May 19 after she wrote a feminist slogan on the wall of a mosque and tried to bare her breasts, on the same day that the radical Islamist Ansar alSharia group was due to hold a rally in the city.
by the head of the police unit and two state attorneys, Interior Minister Jan Kubice told parliament, but the purpose of the visit was not clear. Kubice said the visit was “in connection with a step in the criminal proceedings”. He gave no further details. A spokesman for the police’s organized crime unit confirmed that the unit was involved in an operation but refused to provide any details. But Czech Television and the online version of the largest Czech mainstream daily Mlada fronta Dnes said the head of Necas’s office Jana Nagyova was arrested in the raids. A detention of a close aide would be a serious blow to the prime minister, whose centre-right government does not have a stable majority in
parliament and has nearly collapsed several times since Necas was elected to the job in 2010. Government headquarters would not transfer telephone calls to her office. Police were present at the defense ministry, a spokeswoman there said, and Prague city hall said detectives had taken away unspecified documents. There were also searches at the offices of two politicallylinked businessmen, local media said. Czech media reported that the police raids started on Wednesday night and were still underway yesterday. Parliament had interrupted its yesterday session to seek clarification about what was happening. President Milos Zeman’s office said he would meet Necas, the national police
chief and the head of the opposition centre-left Social Democrats to discuss the situation on Friday. The Social Democrats called a party leadership meeting for yesterday afternoon to discuss next steps. A small opposition party immediately called for an early election. The prime minister himself made no public appearances yesterday and his spokesman was not answering his telephone. The Czech republic was a beacon of liberty in the late 1980s when former dissident Vaclav Havel led a Velvet Revolution against Communist rule. But since then successive governments have been dogged by accusations and rumors of corruption — though none has ever led to high-profile trials.
Palestinians and may pose a challenge to peace efforts by Secretary of State John Kerry. Israeli military spokesman Maj. Guy Inbar said plans were advanced in the past two weeks to construct homes in the settlements of Itamar and Bruchin. More than 1,000 housing units are slated to be built and nearly 200 existing homes are expected to be granted official approval there. The settlements were given preliminary approval last year and the construction plans still require official endorsement following public appeals. Hagit Ofran, from the antisettlement watchdog group Peace Now, estimated that construction could begin in about a year, if approved. An Israeli government
official downplayed the development, calling it part of a bureaucratic process and not an approval. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the housing plans with the media. The move comes amid Kerry’s ongoing efforts to corral Israel and the Palestinians to return to peace talks, which have been stalled for nearly five years. Kerry has been shuttling between the sides in recent months in hopes of finding a formula to restart negotiations. West Bank settlement building lies at the heart of the current impasse in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, who condemned the new step. “It’s clear that there is an Israeli escalation and it’s not
the first time that they do this to challenge and embarrass the American administration,” said Nimr Hamad, an adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. “The Palestinian position is clear. The settlement activities are illegal,” Hamad said. The Palestinians refuse to resume talks with Israel as long as it continues to build in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, lands they claim as part of a future state, along with the Gaza Strip. Israel captured the territories in the 1967 Mideast war. More than 500,000 Israelis now live in Jewish settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, which are considered illegal or illegitimate by the international community.
Israel Moving Ahead With New Settler Housing JERUSALEM — Israel is going ahead with plans to build more than 1,000 settler homes in the West Bank, a spokesman said yesterday, a step that drew criticism from the
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, is greeted by Italian Premier Enrico Letta, upon his arrival at Rome’s Chigi government palace.
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Utd Shares Drop Significantly THE share price of Manchester United suffered a 9% hit in one day, with reports suggesting the club’s rumoured interest in Ezequiel Garay is to blame. The Glazers bought United in 2005 PA PhotosThe share price fall was similar to the drop after Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement
Everton, Hull Battle For Kone EVERTON and Hull City are reportedly interested in signing Wigan Athletic striker Arouna Kone for a fee in the region of £5 million. Roberto Martinez hopes to beat of interest from Hull, who are keen to bolster their attack before they start life back in the English Premier League. Hull boss Steve Bruce has already had a bid rejected for Glasgow Celtic’s Gary Hooper and remains keen on Burnley’s Charlie Austin and Galatasarays’s Johan Elmander. Kone was a regular starter for Wigan last season and the Ivorian could be tempted to join up with his former manager at Goodison Park. Chelsea forward Victor Moses, who played under Martinez at Wigan, has also been linked with a move to the Toffees.
United’s shares closed at $15.16 on Wednesday - a decrease of $1.53 from just 24 hours earlier. The British media was aflurry with stories of United reaching an agreement with Benfica for Garay on Wednesday and it is claimed the rumours impacted share activity, with holders preparing for a £17 million spend from the English champions. Financial website Benzigna claimed that “the large cash disbursement for the defender does affect Manchester United’s finances, who only reported cash of $113m as of the last filing.” It is believed United’s owners, the Glazer family, have a 10% stake of the club listed on the Stock Exchange. The retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson last month also proved a financial burden, with a 4.5% fall experienced shortly after the Scot’s announcement. • Arouna Kone
Robson Laments Foreign Invasion SUNDERLAND’s former chief scout Bryan ‘Pop’ Robson has expressed his concern at the club’s growing preference towards foreign imports over locally reared players. Robson was recently released from his position at the Stadium of Light and was speaking just hours after England’s Under-21 squad crashed out of the Euro-
Monaco Plotting Ronaldo Swoop NEWLY-promoted French Ligue 1 side Monaco are set to be preparing a 100 million euro bid for Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star is contracted to the Whites until 2015 but so far he has not accepted a new deal from the club, which has fuelled a lot of speculation regarding his future. His former club, Manchester United, as well as French side Paris Saint-Germain have so far been tipped as his possible destination during the next transfer window or at the end of his contract. However, Marca reports that Monaco are now willing to flex their financial muscle in a bid to lure the forward to the Stade Louis II. The club is owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev and they have shown that they are willing to spend money with the acquisition of Radamel
Chelsea Reach Accord For Schurrle Deal
Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho. Monaco are also expected to offer Cristiano a salary of 20 million euros per year, surpassing the 15 million euros per year that has been tabled by Madrid.
pean Championships group stages. Having represented both Newcastle and Sunderland during his playing career before performing a number of different roles on Wearside, Robson is already concerned at the early summer dealings of his former club. “I fear it might happen that Sunderland will concentrate solely on the overseas market,” he said, after the club signed a quartet of players from mainland Europe this week. “They might go for cheaper options, younger players, European players, Croatians, Italians
Sevilla Secure Man City Friendly SEVILLA will play two friendly matches against Manchester City as part of the transfer deal for Jesus Navas. The winger recently completed his move to the Etihad Stadium but the Sevillistas will benefit further by taking on the former English champions. “It has been an extraordinary operation. Even though it has been a great deal, they have demonstrated that they wanted him,” Sevilla’s technical secretary Victor Orta told reporters. “It is an impressive operation
– but they still have to be good enough to play in the Premier League, which is pretty demanding. But you read where probably Norwich is the only team in the Premier League that is fielding enough of a percentage of English players, and I feel that’s a sad situation.” An 81st minute winner from Ofir Kriaf condemned England to their worst ever European Championship performance, and made them just the third
team to pick up no points during their three group games. Blaming his players for England’s failure, manager Stuart Pearce is out-of-contract next month and is unlikely to be offered a new deal by the Football Association. With attention once again returning to Premier League academies, Robson admits the influx of overseas talent remains his biggest concern, with potential development hard to see.
CHELSEA have reached an agreement for the transfer of Bayer Leverkusen’s Andre Schurrle, subject to personal terms and the German passing a medical. Schurrle is set to head straight to London to finalise the deal following his release from international duty for Germany in the USA The 22-year-old is set to join the Europa League winners in a reported £20 million deal. Bayer Leverkusen have signed South Korean forward Son Heung-min from Hamburg SV to replace Schuerrle. The 20-year-old Son, who was outstanding last season, signed a five-year deal with Leverkusen, paving the way for Schuerrle’s much-expected transfer to Chelsea. “We made it clear from the start that a transfer of Schuerrle to Chelsea would only happen if an adequate sporting alternative was possible,” said club boss Wolfgang Holzhaeuser. “This alternative was now taken under contract with Son Heung-Min and so there is nothing blocking Andre Schuerrle’s transfer from our side.” Schurrle has won 24 German caps, scoring seven goals. He started his career at Mainz, scoring 20 goals in 65 appearances before moving to Leverkusen before the 2011–12 season. Versatile attacking midfielder Schuerrle scored 11 league goals last season.
Van Grinkel Coy On Chelsea Move
CHELSEA target Marco van Ginkel says he wants to play in the Premier League, but will not make a decision on his future until after the European Under-21 Championship. The Vitesse Arnhem player’s agent, Karel Jansen, revealed on Tuesday that the Blues are one of a number of teams, along
with two friendly matches against Manchester City, one there and one here. “Taking on one of the new and most powerful clubs in the world will have a strong media impact. It is all profit.” Orta also spoke about the decision made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to uphold Malaga’s ban from UEFA competitions, which could see Sevilla qualifying for the Europa League. • Marco Van Grinkel
with Ajax, that are interested in his client. The 20-year-old is currently representing Netherlands’ Under-21 side in the Israel tournament, although he was not involved during Wednesday night’s 3-0 defeat to Spain, a
result that confirmed the team as runners-up in Group B. Reports in Van Ginkel’s homeland claim that Chelsea have already agreed terms with the youngster. The midfielder, however, refuses to talk about his future plans until Netherlands’ participation in Israel comes to an end. “The Premier League is a very good league, I think every young player wants to play there,” Van Ginkel told Sky Sports News Radio. “I know what people want to hear, but I’m not going to say anything about that now. I have to focus on this tournament. After that, I will think about my future - not now.” Despite his side’s loss to Spain on Wednesday, Van Ginkel feels that should the pair meet again in next week’s final, then the outcome could well be different.
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Barcelona Keen On Lewandowski ACCORDING to reports, Barcelona have joined the race for the signature of Borussia Dortmund forward Robert Lewandowski. The Polish international has so far been linked to Bundesliga and European champions Bayern Munich, as well as Manchester United. However, according to Spanish television programme ‘Punto Pelota’, the Catalans are now looking to sign the 24-year-old striker. The player is said to be interested in a move to Bayern, but Dortmund are reluctant to sell another one of their superstars to their direct rivals following the transfer of Mario Gotze. According to the same report, Barça are willing to offer 30 million euros for the player including a possible loan deal for young winger Gerard Deulofeu.
...Fabregas Denies Move BARCELONA playmaker Cesc Fabregas has described speculation linking him with a move away from the Nou Camp as “absurd”. Fabregas has been in and out of the Barca first team following his return to the Catalan club from Arsenal in 2011 and that has led to reports that several Barclays Premier League clubs might try and tempt the Spain international back to England this summer. However, the 26-year-old has been keen to stress he sees his future at Barca and re-iterated that stance in an interview with Marca, as he said: “If someone says anything that isn’t that I want to play at Barca, it’s completely absurd.” He added: “I’ve always said that I’m happy at Barca. Whoever says that I’m leaving doesn’t know me and has never spoken with me nor with my agent, because he knows that I don’t want him to talk with other people about me.
Atletico Madrid In Hunt For Gomez ATLETICO Madrid are the latest club to be linked with a move for Bayern Munich forward Mario Gomez. Gomez, 27, has said he wants to leave Bayern after four years so he can play in “100% of games” rather than spending time on the bench. Lionel Messi
Messi Worth Five Gareth Bales IT is one of football’s great hypothetical questions: how much would Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi be worth on the open market? ‘just’ 102-118m euros (£87Could you put a price on a £100m), meaning Messi is worth player who has been named the twice as much as his big La Liga world’s best for the past four rival - according to the Football seasons, scored a ridiculous 92 Observatory at least. goals in 2012 and is already The Barca star is also worth no Barcelona’s all-time record less than five times as much as goalscorer at the age of just 25? Tottenham’s Gareth Bale, who is The CIES Football being linked with an £85 million Observatory’s Annual Review move to Real Madrid but is valued for 2013 has attempted to in this study at between 44-51m answer that question, euros (£37-£43m). producing its list of the 60 most As the study’s report explains: valuable players as part of its “If Lionel Messi was transferred, yearly, authoritative look at he would certainly break the European football. record for the highest transfer fee It’s no surprise to see Messi ever paid. The economic value of take top spot, but his estimated the Argentinian superstar is close value is staggering, with the to his buyout clause: 250m euros Football Observatory deciding (£213m). the Argentina international is “All the key parameters worth between 217-253 million generally increasing the value of euros (£184-£215m). a player converge for Messi: top By comparison, Real performing employer club, Madrid’s own goal machine consistently outstanding Cristiano Ronaldo is valued at
performances, above all in terms of goals, high level of national A-team represented, attacking position, middle career age and recently extended long-term contract.” On Ronaldo, the report adds: “With only two seasons of contract remaining and aged 28, Real Madrid probably has the last opportunity to sell him at a profit. This makes his transfer more probable than that of Messi.” Bale, though, must make do with joint ninth place, behind Wayne Rooney amongst others, in the latest report which is “estimated on the basis of an exclusive econometric model.” CIES Football Observatory 2013 Annual Review’s Top 10 players by value: 1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ Argentina) 217.4-252.6m euros 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/Portugal) 102.2-
118.7m euros 3. Edinson Cavani (Napoli/ Uruguay) 58.3-67.8m euros 4. Eden Hazard (Chelsea/ Belgium) 55.5-64.5m euros 5. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/Argentina) 48.6-56.4m euros 6. Radamel Falcao (Monaco/ Colombia) 46.3-53.8m euros 7. Mario Balotelli (AC Milan/ Italy) 45.5-52.9m euros 8. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United/England) 45.1-52.4m euros 9. David Silva (Manchester City/Spain) 43.5-50.5m euros 10. Gareth Bale (Tottenham/ Wales) 43.5-50.5m euros
Begovic Happy At Stoke STOKE goalkeeper Asmir Begovic says he is happy at the club, despite reported interest from Manchester United and
Joaquin Set For Fiorentina Switch
FIORENTINA have struck an agreement with Malaga to sign winger Joaquin. The 31-year-old is on the verge of penning a contract with the Viola, who will play Europa League football next season. No financial details of the transfer have been released, although local press are reporting that the Serie A side will pay a +1.5 million fee for the player. A statement published on violachannel.tv read: “Fiorentina and Malaga have reached an agreement for the outright transfer of Joaquin Sanchez Rodriguez, subject to the player signing a contract.” Malaga, where Joaquin spent two years, thanked the former Spain international for his services before wishing him well via a statement on their official website. The statement read: “Malaga would like to thank
Joaquin for his dedication, professionalism and commitment to the club and wishes him luck in his first professional experience outside of Spain.” Los Boquerones, who lost their appeal against a oneyear ban from European competition on Tuesday,
also saw Manuel Iturra leave for Granada on Wednesday after his contract ended at the club. Joaquin, who arrived at La Rosaleda in 2011, hit eight goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for Malaga last term, playing a key role as the side reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The winger, who has won 57 caps for Spain, has also played for Real Betis and Valencia.
Younes Belhanda
Belhanda Available For 2m Pounds MONTPELLIER president Louis Nicollin has admitted he would settle for a cut-price +12 million to allow Younes Belhanda to leave the Ligue 1 club. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Leverkusen and Fenerbahce have all been linked to the artful Morocco international, while Nicollin himself claimed in an interview with 10 Sport last week that AC Milan, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray and Aston Villa
had made approaches for Belhanda, 23. Nicollin told RMC on Wednesday he is willing to compromise on his initial asking price for a player who came through the club’s youth academy before playing a central role in their surprise Ligue 1 title win a year ago. “We’d need to get +15 million, but I’d settle for 14 or 12,” the millionaire said, revealing he had received offers for the highly-rated midfielder. “From France, no,
but from England, Germany and the United Arab Emirates, yes.” Remy Cabella, 23, will most likely be at the Stade de la Mosson next season, however, despite attracting interest from major European clubs himself. The France Under-21 international has been linked to Marseille and Atletico Madrid while Arsenal are also reportedly keeping a close eye on his progress. Nicollin, however, has
The Germany international dropped down the pecking order in the Bavarian club’s recordbreaking season, having missed the start because of ankle surgery. He joined Bayern from Stuttgart in a +35 million transfer in 2009, and his agent Uli Ferber told kicker: “Mario does not run away from anything - but he wants to play regularly. He does not want to play in 50% of games, but in 100%”. Gomez has been heavily linked with a transfer to Italy, with Napoli, Fiorentina and Juventus interested - and kicker says Atletico have now joined the race. “The tendency is still [a move to] Italy,” Ferber said. “There have been no final talks with any club.” Despite only playing in 32 Bayern games, not all of them as part of the starting line-up, Gomez has scored 19 goals this season.
frequently stated his desire to keep the Ajaccio-born attacking midfielder for a further season at least, and though he did not entirely rule out Cabella leaving the club this summer, he is unlike with Belhanda unwilling to allow his prize asset to go on the cheap. “I didn’t say he was ‘untransferable’. I think that it’s in his interest to stay another year or two at Montpellier. If a club wants to give us +40 or +50 million, we’ll sell. But that would be stupid.”
Liverpool. Despite United and the Reds reportedly monitoring the Bosnian goalkeeper, he insists that his immediate future lies at the Britannia Stadium. “I am happy to be here and I am happy to stay here. I am looking forward to reporting back in pre-season, meeting the new manager and staff and cracking on with the new season,” he told the Stoke Sentinel. “The most important thing is I am at a club where I am settled and I feel comfortable. Everyone has been really good to me and the chairman has been fantastic so I can’t really complain.” And Begovic believes that he faces a tough challenge to keep his place in the Stoke side after the arrival of Jack Butland and the continued presence of Thomas Sorenson. “Jack is a good up and coming keeper and everyone knows about Thomas and the qualities he has,” he added. “We have a strong group of goalkeepers and I am looking forward to being part of it.”
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Tennis Championship
Murray Completes Victory At Queen’s Andy Murray’s completed a 6-3 7-6 victory over Nicolas Mahut to reach round three of the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club. The Scot, a two-times former champion at Queen’s and top seed, resumed a set
up and level at 2-2 in the second. The next eight games went
with serve before Murray, who was kept out of the French Open by a back injury and was making his comeback against the man who knocked him out of the pre-Wimbledon warm-up
tournament at the same stage last year, took the tie-break 7-4 Murray will play Marinko Matosevic later in the day as he looks to repeat his feat of 2009 and 2011 when he lifted the trophy at the west London tournament.
Round 3 results 2-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) beat 16-Grega Zemlja (Slovenia) 6-3 6-4 Round 2 results: 1-Andy Murray (Britain) beat Nicolas Mahut (France) 6-3 7-6(4) 4-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
(France) beat Edouard Roger-Vasselin (France) 6-3 6-7(2) 6-3 Igor Sijsling (Netherlands) beat 14-Denis Istomin (Uzbekistan) 7-6(4) 6-1 Feliciano Lopez (Spain) beat 11-Julien Benneteau (France) 7-6(5) 6-4
. . . Tsonga Slides Through Against Vasselin
• Murray
Benin Play Spoilsport Against Mali BENIN coach Manuel Amoros has said they could be the spoilsport in Group H of the World Cup qualifiers as they visit Mali this weekend. Mali will need to beat Benin at home on Sunday to keep pace with group leaders Algeria in the race for 2014 World Cup places. Algeria are top of Group H on nine points, two points ahead of Mali, who had to come from behind to draw bottom team Rwanda 1-1 at home last week with young Aston Villa midfielder Yacouba Sylla making his Mali debut. The draw at home added with Algeria win in Benin have put Mali in a tight corner as the race for Brazil 2014 heats up. In the reverse fixture, a Razak Omotoyossi 18th minute goal had stopped Mali in Benin last
year June. “We are prepared to play the spoilsport in Mali,” said Amoros, who admitted he was not certain about his future with the West Africans. “What is certain is that if this team is allowed to work without interferences, it will be a far better team.” Mali will now hope to avenge this loss while also hoping Rwanda could at least peg back visiting Algeria on Sunday in Kigali. The Eagles of Mali have been one of Africa’s most consistent teams in the last two years after they twice finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and 2013. In June, they enjoyed their best ever showing on the FIFA rankings after they were placed
23rd in the world and third in Africa. Young French coach Patrice Carteron has stayed in charge of the Eagles of Bamako despite recently taking up a contract with DR Congo champions TP Mazembe.
FRENCHMAN JoWilfried Tsonga beat compatriot Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-3 6-7 6-3 to reach the third round of the Aegon Championships at a cool, windy Queen’s Club on Thursday as organisers tried to get the grasscourt event back on schedule. Fourth seed Tsonga, who reached the French Open semi-finals last week, did not have things all his own way on a still slippery centre court and was stretched to a deciding set. Tsonga completed victory with an ace after one hour 49 minutes and will be back in action later against Dutchman Igor Sijsling.
Top seed Andy Murray was due back on court to continue his second-round match against Frenchman Nicolas Mahut after rain stopped play on Wednesday with
Striking Eagles Miss Flight To SA AFRICAN champions Nigeria failed to fly to South Africa from Namibia Thursday due to a row over win bonus for a World Cup qualifier. They were to have boarded South Africa Airways flight SA075 in the morning from Namibia to Johannesburg, but a correspondent of Nigeriainfo FM Lagos, Arafat Aliu, who was also on the same flight, informed they did not turn up.
Gabon’s Hopes Hang On GABON’s slender hopes A of reaching the next stage of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA these two teams ended 0-0 Thread last June, but Niger were World Cup hang on a victory over Niger in their clash in Franceville on Saturday. Even a win will not be enough if Congo get a point from their match against Burkina Faso. Gabon have been far from impressive in their qualification campaign so far, the gains they seemingly made at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations have dissipated. The reverse fixture between
awarded the points after Gabon were found guilty of fielding an eligible player – Charly Moussono. That was in fact Niger’s only ‘success’ against Gabon, the latter have won all three of the previous meetings between the sides. Congo lead the pool with 10 points, followed by Burkina Faso (six), Gabon (four) and Niger (three).
Murray leading by a set. Should Murray complete his victory he will face a third- round match later against Australia’s Marinko Matosevic.
“The team are not on board. All the seats in business class are empty,” Arafat said. “Rather other passengers on this flight have been asking me when the players we board.” The Super Eagles were to have flown out of Windhoek to Johannesburg on Thursday afternoon, and be on their way to Sao Paulo, Brazil, minutes before 6pm South African time. They would then arrive Sao Paulo by midnight and connect immediately to Belo Horizonte, venue of their opening match of the FIFA Confederations Cup against Tahiti on Monday. The Eagles have insisted they be paid at least $5,000 for a 11 draw with hosts Namibia on Wednesday night. They said they were not properly communicated on this pay slash. Top Nigeria supporter Rauf Ladipo told Nigeriainfo FM Lagos: “I’m not happy with this situation. The draw was a good result for us and we should have given some consideration and we should have paid them a full win bonus. “It is not good if we are going to the Confederations Cup and the players are not happy. “The government should come and assist the NFF.”
• Man of the match Salami mobbed by teammates
Ivoirians Gosso And Abdul Razack Expelled asked to leave the squad before further sanctions. From The Squad
IVOIRIANS Jean-Jacques Gosso and Abdul Razack have been expelled from the national team after fighting at the end of a training session, at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. The two midfielders swung at each other for no apparent reason as the training was coming to an end.
It took several teammates and staff members to separate the two players, before the eyes of Federation’s president Sidy Diallo, several clubs’ presidents and a huge crowd of Elephants’ fans. The sad spectacle on their
part was not at all to the taste of the supporters, the media and the numerous officials present, with an enraged Sidy Diallo promptly leaving the stadium. And it did not take long before action was taken against the guilty parties, who were
Lamouchi will therefore leave Abidjan on Thursday morning without two of his defensive midfielders, to head to Dar Es Salaam where the Elephants will face Tanzania on Sunday in the 5th round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013
Coach Wants Board To Revamp Chess EUGENE Akliwu, a coach with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), says athletes and coaches are expecting a significant change from the new board. Akliwu made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday. He said they expect the new administration to revamp the NCF, through regular competitions, refresher courses and the provision of requisite equipment. The coach explained that the election of some of the new board members would bring about a turnaround in the affairs of the federation. “I believe the new board is ready to take chess to a higher level, and also hope that there will be programmes for coaches and athletes from now henceforth,’’ he said. According to him, most of the coaches lack the means to
sponsor themselves to international seminars and as such are not too conversant with the current trends in chess. “Implementation of new rules are usually discussed in FIDE seminars and some of us are not privileged to travel abroad to attend such seminars. “We do not have to go to seminars aboard, it can be arranged and organised locally. “All we need is a resource person from FIDE, through this, majority of us can benefit and become conversant with current developments in the sport,’’ he said. He also urged the NCF board to ensure that athletes were given the required exposure to get them more committed to the sport.
Tennis
Ondo Introduces Weekly Tourney THE Ondo State Table Tennis Association on Thursday said it had started a “Classic Weekly Championship’’ to keep its male players in shape ahead of major competitions. The association’s Chief Coach, Adedotun Omoniyi, said in Akure that the weekly tournament was organised to get players ready for competitions expected to hold in the year. According to Omoniyi, the weekly championship would enter its fourth week on Saturday at the Table Tennis Hall of the Akure Township Stadium. The championship was initiated by the coach and supported by Adam Chandy, a board member of the association. Omoniyi added that the competition would help improve the skills of the players and promote the game in every nook and cranny of the state. “It will help to test their ability on the table and the cash reward involved will encourage and make the players to remain committed to the game. “The weekly competition is only for boys and our plan is to introduce a mid-week championship for the girls, to also help their development,” Omoniyi said. National junior champion, Ojo Onaolapo, won the last edition with 10 points, while Isah Nurani placed second with nine points and Fagbamila Akinwale third with seven points. Tade Adeola and Ogini Olasunkanmi came fourth and fifth with six and five points respectively.
Stephen Keshi
Confederation Cup
Fans Anticipate Robust Performance
FOOTBALL enthusiasts have expressed hope in the ability of the Super Eagles to put up a good showing at the FIFA Confederations Cup beginning in Brazil on Saturday. The fans, who spoke in Alhaji Mustapha separate interviews yesterday Mohammed, Director of in Abuja, said they expected Finance and Administration, the team to at least have a National Sports Commission semi-finals berth. (NSC), told NAN that a The Super Eagles will face semi-final berth for the Tahiti on June 17 in Group B Eagles was a realistic target. and later take on Uruguay and “We will do well in the world champions, Spain. Confederations Cup by the grace of God. Certainly, we are aiming at the semi-finals. “As for me, if they can get to the semi-finals, they would have done well. “However, if they can go beyond that, then it will be a plus; you know that in football, anything is possible,’’ he said. NSC’s Press Secretary, Tony Ohaeri, said the Super Eagles were psychologically prepared for the Confederations Cup. “The Super Eagles are mentally sound at the moment and have not lost any competitive match since winning the Africa Cup
Nations (AFCON) title in South Africa early in the year. Ohaeri said he hoped that they could take the same spirit to the Confederations Cup. He added that it was good for our national image and the players’ psyche as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “I believe they are in the right frame of mind for the competition, though they will be competing with big football nations in Europe, South America, and so on. “But I am confident that with the crop of boys we have in the squad, they can hold their own against any team in the world. “I am not expecting them to lift the trophy, but I am sure they are going to give a good account of themselves; they will represent Africa very well.
Int’l Boxing Bout Lagosians Plot To Dislodge Londoners COACH Wasiu Bisiriyu of the Lagos State Boxing Association, on Thursday said his boxers were already preparing to defeat their British Amateur Boxing Association counterparts when they meet in London. Bisiriyu disclosed this in Lagos, while speaking on preparation by the boxers for the fourth International Bouts scheduled for October
in London. He said the boxers had begun intensive training to dislodge the Londoners who had won the first and drew in the third editions with the Nigerians who defeated them in the second. In the first edition, the London boxers won 4-3, in the second, the Lagos boxers also claimed a 4-3 victory, while they drew 3-3 in the
third. Bisiriyu said that the invitational bout was facilitated by Olawale Edun, the Chairman, Lagos State Boxing Hall of Fame and promoter of the Lagos monthly “Saturday Boxing Show’’. “We have to begin early preparation to strategise and select the best boxers from the “Saturday Boxing Show,’’
3SC Shootdown Kaduna Utd GBOLAHAN Salami shone again as Shooting Stars defeated Kaduna United 2-0 in a Nigeria league match Wednesday. Kaduna United gave 3SC a scare as the first half ended goalless, but Salami then opened scoring to the delight of the Ibadan fans in the 63rd minute win a free kick goal. Veteran left back Mutiu Adegoke made it 2-0 with another free kick goal in the 71st minute. Man of the Match Salami told MTNFootball.com he was delighted to get his fifth goal of the season. I am very happy to have ended my goals’ drought because my fans have been eager to see me get back to my scoring form. I thank God for the goal. I dedicate the goal to my fans who have been supporting me,” Salami said. I must give kudos to my
coaches who have been there for me, instructing and perfecting my free kicks.” Adegoke said his goal was a sign of good thing to come. “I am happy to get my first goal of the season in this game, I am hopeful of getting more,” he said. Meanwhile, Kaduna coach Ben Duamlong blamed his goalkeeper Raymond Kafuna and the centre referee S.E Okugbona from Edo State for the loss. “My goalkeeper just gifted 3SC cheap goals. He should have done with those free kicks,” Duamlong said. “The referee just kills my boys move because we would have opened the scoring in the first half, my boys play good football.” Furthermore, 3SC coach Akeem Busari said maturity gave them victory over
Kaduna United. “Kaduna United have good team but we were better than them with the calibre of players we paraded and this is our last home game in the first round which means we can’t afford to lose or draw,” Busari said.
Governor Fashola of Lagos State
who will defeat the London boxers,’’ he said. The coach said that four officials and eight boxers, including seven male and a female, would represent the state in London. “We are aware that the British boxers have experience, that is why we began to train early for them to be in top shape to unleash terror on their counterparts,’’ Bisiriyu said. He said that exposure was good for the boxers, adding that it would improve their competitive edge in international competitions. Bisiriyu thanked Edun for his contribution to the development of boxing in the state and the exposure of boxers to international competitions. Meanwhile, Edun, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, told NAN that the Hall of Fame and the state government would jointly bankroll the cost of the trip to London. Hall of Fame and the state government had sponsored the three editions of the International Bouts between the state boxers and the Repton Boxing Club of London in Lagos.
However, Romanus Ugwu, a journalist with the Sun newspapers, called on Nigerians not to expect too much from the Super Eagles in the competition. “You are aware that we will be playing the world’s best. It is better Nigerians do not hope on anything and enjoy the Confederations Cup matches. “My only prayer is that Africa’s representatives in the tournament are not disgraced,’’ Ugwu said. The Super Eagles will on Thursday afternoon fly to Johannesburg to connect a South African Airways flight to Sao Paulo. They will then travel to Belo Horizonte for their first match of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup tournament against Tahiti on June 17.
NNL Moves Against Violence THE Nigeria National League (NNL) yesterday in Abuja pledged to impose more “strict“ sanctions on any club that allow their fans carry out violence during matches, an official disclosed. NNL board member, Kunle Soname, told newsmen that the decision was due to continuous violence at match venues, in spite of punishments imposed on erring clubs. Reports say that until now, the NNL either ordered erring clubs to play their home matches away, or play their home matches behind closed doors. This was in addition to paying fines— depending on the extent of the violence. “We will continue to do what we have been doing, that is sanctioning teams that allow their supporters to assault or harass referees. “We will always stand up for that and we will make sure that such teams are really brought to book. “But, with the situation now, we have to start applying stiffer sanctions and penalties on teams that their supporters won’t behave themselves at match venues,’’ Soname said. According to him, violence erupted during matches because fans no longer see football as a sport. “These things (violence) keep happening and it is just unfortunate because people take football, not as sports, but as a winat-all-cost thing.” He said that it was unfortunate for some clubs that face sanctions, because the acts were at times carried out by non fans or passersby, and not club managers. “Some of these violence are not perpetrated by the management of these clubs; they are done by passersby, or people that just come to the stadium to watch,’’ Soname said. NNL is the second tier league after the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013
Should History Remember Jonathan?
WHEN President Goodluck Jonathan was proposing a-six-year single tenure for the President and Governors in Nigeria, quite a lot of persons did not understand the reasons behind it. The truth is that our current democratic practice where Ministers, Commissioners, Board members and a host of other political appointees are nominated by a chain of political party leaders creates a situation in which the President or Governors could have within their personnel, those who may be engaged in activities that are contrary to the ultimate goal of the President or Governors. In other words, the President was expecting Nigerians to reckon with the period it would take for a political ruler to understand the capacity of persons this process offers to work with. For instance, when Ministers, Commissioners and Board members are nominated from each State or local government areas, it would be highly difficult for the President or Governor to instantly become aware of the nominees’ competencies and eventual contributions to good governance. Therefore it could take as much as a total of 2 -3 years period for the President or Governors to select from the long list of suggested nominees; for the national or States Houses of Assembly to screen and approve the nominees; for the President or Governors to draw-up a budget in-line with felt needs; for the national or State Houses of Assembly to deliberate and approve the budget; and finally, the snail paced nature of implementing the budget in a country that is grappling with huge infrastructural deficits, weighty moral burden, coupled with a feedback process which is often politically manipulated in the manner that keeps a ruler totally outside the box of realism. From all of these, Nigeria has easily become a country not only with the high number of sit-tight politicians, but also the country with a worrisome number of
persons suffering from political-power-lust or comeback syndrome. Why this prevalence? Because when most of the rulers complete their tenure in office, and away from the political cradle which sycophants keep rocking in order to send the rulers into a deep
cesses, almost always succeed; whereas those who rely on the brinkmanship of rigging have always failed. It is in line with the truism ‘Show me your friends; and I would tell who you are’. This is why a prospective ruler who sits with others to
well-aimed cause, the nature of our political practice would attract the might of other detractors to ride roughshod over such an uncommon ambition. In all of this, a discerning President or Governor would only need to adopt methods that will not overtly endanger his anticipated outcome. Importantly too, we must also appreciate
• President Goodluck Jonathan
slumber, only then would such rulers come to the stark reality of all that were wrongly assumed. Accordingly, unless a President or Governor comes unto the political position with the ‘extra oil’, he or she might demonstrate nothing more than the attitude of a poorly-prepared bride. Although, this dearly needed ‘extra oil’ could have come as a divine supplement for a ruler who mounts the altar of power duly sanctified by a transparent process, but I am afraid, most political rulers lack this quality, and therefore the good Lord would not for the exigency of humanity’s progress, justify what is immoral. It is for this singular reason those who have come unto the mantle of leadership through credible pro-
scheme the means of undermining the ideal, should not expect to find saints being recommended by such partners in crime. However, we must also understand how difficult it is for a sitting President or Governor to smoothly sail as a loner in these circumstances. No matter the general acceptance of a ruler’s
how these conflicts and resolutions are bound to infringe on a ruler’s constitutional mandate and time. Consequently, if we agree that this is a corrupt and perpetually tending to be a corruptive system, it also means it would continue to grow in its magnitude and means of sustenance. And just because the President
FEED BACK By KINGSLEY OGBEIDE-IHAMA or the Governor desires not to ‘rock the boat’ at his peril, a way would always be sorted out to peacefully manage or sustain the corruption. Quite frankly, it will be difficult to find a Nigerian President or Governor who would brazenly fight corruption and risk losing the seat of power. That could be considered highly unpardonable in a society which would easily ostracise him for having attained such a position of prominence only to come out poorer. Certainly not in a society where the Christian or Moslem Institutions are not morally, if not religiously compared to make provisions for such a person’s lacks. Undoubtedly, this is no area where these religious authorities feel obligated to set examples by instilling the values and benefits of uprightness in public service. Not when in a frenzied competition of proving their better managed but exorbitant educational facilities. Or the piousness that comes from owning private jets. The tradition which makes the ordinary Nigerian a receptacle for these fallouts have only been questioned but not forcefully corrected as other nations have experienced. And for those who may want to know, such forceful processes usually never appear as picnics. For now also, President
Goodluck Jonathan would have noticed that the will to forcefully challenge certain situations is a mark of a ruler with the ‘extra lamp oil’ which is aimed at keeping the glow of good governance beyond the political barricade of sycophancy. It takes a forceful will to drive such initiatives in our peculiar circumstances. By forcefully allowing the States’ governorship elections to be freely and fairly conducted; by the civilised adoption of the ‘Emergency Rule’; by the will to challenge the insensitivity of Boko Haram; by the bold attempt at a Mid-Term selfappraisal; the President is surely beginning to demonstrate something tangible. Thus, while President Goodluck Jonathan could be pardoned for being betrayed by time; he would never be pardoned for allowing himself to be betrayed by the corruptive political system: Not when he took an oath to correct all of this on behalf of the corruptively ravaged Nigerians: Not when he is deemed to always had the capacity of ensuring his political party and indeed a lot other aspects of our common heritage are managed as Institutions for grooming upright leaders and thereby saving the President and Governors valuable time of having to find saints in the city of Sodom and Gomorrah.
“Quite frankly, it will be difficult to find a Nigerian President or Governor who would brazenly fight corruption and risk losing the seat of power. That could be considered highly unpardonable in a society which would easily ostracise him for having attained such a position of prominence only to come out poorer. Certainly not in a society where the Christian or Moslem Institutions are not morally, if not religiously compared to make provisions for such a person’s lacks.”
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