THE NIGERIAN
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The Nigerian
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Page 13 Make decisions with your wife
JUDICIARY Pages 16 - 17 Towards decongesting the prisons
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
• Vol. 38 NO. 294• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2 013 • N 100.00
Nigerian business group tasks NASS on PIB By JOSES SEDE
ABUJA - The Lagos chapter of the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA)
has urged the National Assembly to urgently pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in order to kick-start the
reforms in the oil and gas sector of the Nigerian economy. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce which is an
umbrella group for Nigerian businesses, said the legislation holds the key to solving corruption and other forms of fiscal problems Continues on page 2
New Naira notes out in Sept - CBN ABUJA - The Central Bank of Nigeria will take delivery of new naira notes before the end of September for circulation, the Deputy Director, Operations, Dr. Tunde Lemo, has said. Lemo stated this in an the first instance, then interview with newsman later the lower in Abuja. denominations,” he said. The Apex Bank had On the scarcity of the earlier said that new lower denomination naira notes would be in notes, Lemo blamed circulation by June, and commercial banks for that the smaller what he called “poor denomination notes (N5, circulation.” N10, N20, and N50) “For the lower would be reprinted on denomination; well, I paper. think the banks are really “We are going to take the ones that are really delivery of the new notes not allowing the lower from this month of denomination in August. We will take circulation, largely, delivery of the new notes because of the carrying before the end of value. September. “Most people don’t “The public will get a require small large quantity of the new denomination. But for notes to replace the old buying things in the and mutilated notes, market, if you look at the particularly the higher veracity, you find out that denomination notes in the N50 circulate more
than the smaller ones,” he said. Meanwhile, Lemo has urged law enforcement agencies to arrest all illegal hawkers of new naira notes.
He also called on commercial banks to keep watchful eyes on their staff to avoid being used as conduit for illegal transfer of new notes to unauthorised hands.
Lemo said this should be done to ensure effective protection of the currency from abuse. “We have done all we can do in the sense that we have criminalised this in the 2007 Act “It is clear that if you hawk notes, if you abuse the currency, it is a criminal offence and it is punishable. “We expect law enforcement agencies to do the arrest. We don’t have power to arrest. We
know it is going on,” he said. Lemo said commercial banks should “dispense and pay their customers with new notes”. He said the apex bank had carried out sensitisation campaigns to inform the public and warn them about the dangers of patronising hawkers. “I think that is the limit Continues on page 2
Evacuation Of implementation Flood Victims ASUU insists on of agreement NEMA seeks EU’s support
ABUJA - The National E m e r g e n c y Management Agency (NEMA) has called for the support of the EU in the evacuation of vulnerable people from flood-prone areas. The Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-sidi, made the call yesterday in Abuja when he received a 10-man delegation from the EU on a 10-day visit to Nigeria. He sought the expertise of the EU in convincing vulnerable people to vacate disaster areas to safer grounds. Sani-Sidi said the contingency plan for the prevention of a reoccurrence of the 2012 disaster was being bedevilled by the nonexistence of functional state emergency management agencies in most states of the
federation. He, however, said measures were being put in place by the agency through sensitisation and awareness creation in affected states on the need to prevent the reoccurrence. Sani-Sidi said that NEMA, in an effort to effect disaster risk reduction in affected areas, had high consultative meetings and advised governors of affected states on the need to prevent disasters. He said the contingency plan for the prevention of disaster was also being affected
Mandela Cup Nigeria South Africa
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by the lack of functional fire service, absence of ambulance services and poorly-equipped hospitals across the country. He said NEMA, in an effort to overcome some of the challenges, embarked upon the training of youths and executive volunteers to assist in emergencies. Continues on page 2
MEETING: L-R: Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Niger Delta, Mr. Darius Ishiaku, Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Okon Bassey-Ewa, Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tamino Turaki and Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja yesterday.
Doctors strike paralyses UBTH
By FRIDAY OBANOR
BENIN CITY – The indefinite strike embarked upon by Resident Doctors of the
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Benin City, is beginning to take its toll on patients as relatives of some of the patients had started
relocating their relations A visit by The NIGERIAN from the hospital. OBSERVER to some
FG develops new teacher educ curriculum ABUJA - The Federal Government yesterday said it has developed a new Teacher Education Curriculum in line with the current needs of the
education system in the country. The Minister of
Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, told newsmen in Abuja that,
the new curriculum for teachers was part of the four-year strategic plan for the development of the education sector. Continues on page 2
wards at the Teaching Hospital yesterday revealed that patients who were still in their sick bed in anticipation that the strike would soon be called off were disappointed when they were left unattended to by the striking doctors. An inside source told our correspondent that the Doctors are on strike Continues on page 2
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
News
Doctors strike paralyses UBTH
Continued from page 1
because of the centralized system of payment of their monthly salary which has resulted in the delay in payment of their salary in the last three months. It was also gathered that the shortfall in the manpower needs of the hospital, especially doctors had led to heavy work load, as the few available doctors are being made to overwork themselves. It was further gathered that the Resident Doctors had vowed to continue with the strike until the Federal government and management of the hospital do something positive to recruit more Doctors at the hospital. Efforts by our correspondent to get the comment of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof. Michael Ibadin proved abortive as he was said to be busy with other official engagements. The Resident Doctors Union Chairman, Comrade Charles Okafor could not be reached for
New Naira notes out in Sept
Continued from page 1 the central bank can go,” the deputy governor said. Reports say that new naira notes are sold at Dei Dei along Kubwa Express Road, Abuja, as well as other locations across the country.
comment as he was said to be out of the hospital premises for a meeting as at the time our reporter called at his office. It would be recalled that
the Resident Doctors of the Hospital embarked on indefinite strike on Monday this week to press for the payment of their three months
salary arrears as well as get the hospital management to recruit more doctors as the present staff strength is grossly inadequate to meet the demands by patients.
FG develops new teacher educ curriculum
Continued from page 1 and
“We recognise the importance of teachers in the quality of education delivery. “It is one of the reasons that a framework on National Systems is being developed on Teacher Development Needs Assessment and Teacher P r o f e s s i o n a l Development. “This will help us to continually be aware of our teacher needs, fill the gaps and also enhance the professional development of our teachers, ‘’ she said. Rufa’i said that MicroTeaching Laboratories were also being constructed in 58 federal
She said that, at the tertiary education levels, 6,840 academic staff in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education were benefiting from scholarship programmes within and outside Nigeria. The minister said that, a total of 1,641 of those were studying outside Nigeria, adding
state colleges of education at a cost of N11.6 billion to further enhance the quality of training for teachers. She said that would go a long way in supporting the integration of modern technology in the teaching and learning process. According to her, in the area of Continuing Professional Development, over 200,000 teachers and other education personnel participated in programmes to improve their skills and competency in the past year. She said those included specialised programmes within Nigeria and overseas for teachers of Sciences, Mathematics and the English Language.
that it was meant to improve the number of lecturers with Ph.D. degrees. She said that 100 graduates were the initial beneficiaries of the Presidential Scholarship for Innovation and Development. The minister said that those beneficiaries had started their studies and that would go a long way to further enrich our academic communities.
National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has been stuck in the parliament for more than five years because of disputes between the government and foreign oil firms. Meanwhile, UK-based country risk monitor, Business Monitor International (BMI) has projected that the PIB could be passed by the first quarter of 2014. “Adoption of the Petroleum Industry Bill, which we expect around Q4 13-Q1 14, would be a strong signal for investors that Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector is ready to move forward,” BMI said in its latest report on the Nigerian oil industry. The lawmakers however held a public debate on the PIB in July, which threw up sharp disagreements among legislators in two key areas, namely a special fund for communities hosting oil fields and facilities, and extra powers granted to the oil minister. The chamber which is one of Nigeria’s most influential economic pressure groups with membership drawn from all sectors of the economy,
companies operating in Nigeria, such as Shell and ExonMobil, also expressed concerns over the dwindling fortunes of Nigeria’s oil sector due to “structural gaps in its regulatory, fiscal and business practices which have supported high [levels of] inefficiencies.” The group said in a statement issued on Monday that enacting a competitive, inward looking Petroleum Sector Act, the PIB by the Federal Government of Nigeria is germane to curbing corruption and other forms of fiscal leakages in the oil and gas industry. “While we note that the passage and implementation of the PIB will not entirely eliminate the problem, it would expand investment, curbing corruption and other forms of fiscal leakages, further stabilizing the economy,” the statement added. The statement also noted the oil executives have equally observed that continued delay in the passage of the bill has brought uncertainty to businesses and has held up billions of dollars of investments in exploration and production.
federating units. “A situation where a council chairman cannot determine the number of staff you need and does not have the power to employ or sack even teachers that you pay. “Or a situation you are giving financial autonomy and you are being guided on how to spend the money. “Autonomy is good, but a situation where you don’t have the independence on the
power given to you as a council chairman.” The chairman described paucity of funds as the greatest challenge confronting council areas in the country today. He said the problem had degenerated to the extent that most council areas in the country found it difficult to even pay salaries. “It is bad that even if you manage to pay salaries, you do not have the resources to meet other obligations,” he added.
Nigerian business group tasks NASS on PIB Continued from page 1 including foreign oil
in Africa’s biggest oil producer.
The PIB seeking to radically overhaul Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, from fiscal terms to restructuring of the state-owned Nigeria
NEMA seeks EU’s support Continued from page 1
The director said the executive volunteers comprised medical practitioners who were willing to offer free medical assistance during emergencies. He said the agency, with assistance of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), organised a train the trainer workshop for selected volunteers. According to him, the beneficiaries are expected to in turn train volunteers at state and local government levels on emergency management and response. The Leader of the delegation, Mr. Kimmo Tuominen, said they were in Nigeria on a 10-day visit to share experiences from EU member-counties that had witnessed flood situations in recent time with Nigeria. He said the visit was also
intended to strengthen the existing relationship between Nigeria and the EU as well as to offer technical assistance on the management of floods in the country.. He said the team would in the course of the visit, set up an EU Humanitarian Office in Abuja for the coordination of all its activities in the country. Tuominen expressed the organisation’s willingness to offer its expertise, support and advice as well as make recommendations on early warning, planning and management of disasters. He said the visit of the delegation was also intended to share experiences from recent floods in EU membercountries, with an aim to look for a way forward.
Government Area of Edo State, Mr. Abdul-Malik Afegbua, says only a total modification of the country’s federating unit will guarantee council autonomy. Afegbua disclosed this at a news conference yesterday in Agenebode, the Etsako East administrative headquarters. He said that the recent debate on local government autonomy seemed to be centred on councils’ financial autonomy, noting that the
problems of the councils were far above that. He urged the people to look beyond the call for financial independence for councils, and advocated for a holistic view of what autonomy entailed.. According to him, “What we have is a constitutional problem and not issue of autonomy; all we need is a complete structural modification of our
Council boss calls for modification of Nigeria’s structural organisation AGENEBODE (Edo) - The federating units Chairman, Etsako East Local amounts to a wasted
Solid Minerals: Govt
directs payment of haulage fees By THOMPSON ERHOMONSELE BENIN CITY – Edo State Government has directed owners and drivers of vehicles hauling solid mineral around Oluku-Ifon axis in or out of Edo State to ensure total compliance with the payment of Haulage fees and road taxes to the state. They are to make the payment to the state appointed revenue collection consultant in the area. Agents of the consultant, he said can be identified with the inscription, “Ministry of Special Duties, Oil and Gas”, written boldly on their uniform. This is contained in a Government Special Announcement signed by
the Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo and made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in Benin City yesterday. According to the statement, “it is hereby announced for the information of the general public, especially stakeholders in the solid mineral sector that in accordance with Edo State Haulage Law 2004, the payment of Haulage fee/ Road Tax by vehicles transporting solid minerals on the Benin-Ifon Road in the state is still in force.” “The Edo State Police Command has accordingly been notified of this development,” it stressed.
BENIN CITY- A Journalist with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER newspapers, Comrade Roland Osakue has been attacked by armed robbers in Benin City. The robbery operation occurred at Erhunmwunse by Agho Street Junction, Evbuotubu Quarters Benin City at about 8:30 pm on Tuesday. Narrating his ordeal, Comrade Osakue said he was driving home at the time when the gunmen struck. He revealed that on approaching the failed portion of the road, he slowed down while the hoodlums who were driving behind him swiftly used their operational vehicle to block his, thereby forcing him to stop abruptly.
Comrade Osakue added that within a twinkle of an eye, three armed men alighted from the car and at gun point ordered him to lie face-down as they ransacked him and his vehicle. He disclosed that his office and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) identity cards, IBTC bank ATM card, flash drive, N10,000 cash and some friends complimentary cards were taken away from him by the robbers. Comrade Roland Osakue, Our Judiciary Correspondent also disclosed that the robbery incident has been reported at Evbuotubu Police Station.
BENIN CITY- Edo State Ministry of Transport has Suspended Mr. Gilbert Enahoro, Head Traffic Operations, Ekehuan detention centre, for alleged acts inconsistent with his office mandate. This is contained in a statement made by Barr. Isimeme Iriogbe, Hon commissioner for transport when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Ekehuan detention camp following reports of extortion by members of the motoring public. He directed the former Head Traffic Operations to hand-over all government property/documents in his possession to the permanent secretary, while all vehicles at the detention camp have been moved to the ministry of works, Sapele Road, detention centre. The Hon. Commissioner advised members of the public to visit the vehicle detention centre at Ministry of
works to collect their vehicle with proof of ownership. Meanwhile, a new traffic Detention point has been opened at Upper Sakpoba Road by the Edo state Ministry of Transport. This is to take care of Traffic Management on the Upper Sakpoba/Gorretti axis of the State Capital. Declaring the place open, the Commissioner, Barr. Isimeme lriogbe reiterated Government’s resolve to ensure free flow of traffic in the State. He advised motorists to see officials of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency as friends working in their best interest, just as he warned the officers against extortion. In his response, the head of the operations unit, Mr. JohnbulI Edenezogie pledged to carry out their duty diligently and thanked the State Government for the appointment.
Nigerian OBSERVER journalists robbed
Extortions: Govt suspends
traffic chief
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Inside Edo Fadama Farmers To Establish Micro Finance Bank BENIN CITY- The Edo By KEN ABU
State Co-ordinator of Fadama project, Mrs. Judith Momodu has called on all farmers under the auspices of Federated Fadama Community Association to contribute to the N50 million capital base for the establishment of a fadama Micro-finance Bank in the state. She made the call in Benin City at a meeting with the Fedama farmers in the 18 Local Government Areas of the state. Mrs. Momodu said the meeting was aimed at sensitizing them on the need to contribute to and own a fadama Micro-finance Bank that would ease their accessibility to loans. Explaining the commencement of the process,
she remarked that only registered farmers who make reasonable contributions towards establishing the bank would access the loan. Speaking further, the state co-ordinator of FADAMA said that the operations of the micro-finance bank would be guided by experts from Central Bank of Nigeria CBN and other commercial banks, saying that a board of Directors would also be constituted to oversee its operations. According to her, the efforts of the state federated fadama community association was geared towards the sustainability of the goals and aims of Fadama which would also be complimented by the
Orphanage Sues For Public Support By VICTOR IMADE BENIN CITYThe Managing Director of Oronsaye Orphanage in Benin City, Professor Jude Oronsaye has sued for public support for orphanages in the society. The professor who made the call in a chat with newsmen in Benin City said such support would positively impact on the lives of orphans. According to him, orphans requires the assistance and support that would enable them live meaningful life. He said it is imperative for government to understand the relevance of orphanages in the society, saying that most have had to contend with the challenge of financing their operations. He noted that government at all levels have not provided adequate support and therefore urged government to appreciate the existence and welfare of orphans in order to give them a greater sense of belonging. Professor Oronsaye however
expressed appreciation to individuals and corporate organisation who through various support have assisted in given meaning to orphans in the orphanage.
local, state and the federal government. She expressed the state government readiness to partner with the farmers to ensure smooth take off of the micro-finance bank. On his part, the state chairman of federated fadama community association, while commending the state government and the local government for the payment of their counterpart fund, she noted that the bank when established, would enhance farming through easy access to loans..
The Oredo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Osaro Obazee (right), addressing members of the Dream Alive with Pikolo, led by its Convener and SSA to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Daniel Eremosele (aka Pikolo) during a courtesy call on the Chairman in Benin City. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE
UPN ’ll Rebrand Nigeria - Chairman BENIN CITY- The Chairman of the reborn Unity party of Nigeria, UPN in Edo State, Prince Sylvester Eweka has said that the purpose of resuscitation of the party was to bring about socio-economic development in the country. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The NIGERIA OBSERVER in Benin City, the Chairman of the party Prince
Eweka disclosed that about 18 coodinators have taken over in virtually all the states of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory. According to him, the party has been able to reach out to old politicians, the youths and women who have pledged to work assiduously and support the new party saying, No party is a threat to UPN since a gang up has always failed in the
nation’s political history.” Prince Eweka also disclosed that the UPN as a household name which was founded by the late chief Obafemi Awolowo is known to be an all embracing party which had given equal opportunities to all political parties. Prince Eweka stated that the UPN plans to embark on its old tradition of free education at all levels, free health care, massive construction of low-cost houses nationwide as well as the provision of employment for the people. He also debunked a recent newspaper report which
BENIN CITY- To mark 20 years of existence as a NonGovernmental Organisation, the Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC), has organised a lecture on Fela Anikulapo Kuti to mark the 2013 International Youth Day. The celebration which drew the active participation of youths from different sphere of human endeavours featured a keynote address by Yeni Kuti, the daughter of Fela Anikulapo
• Prince Eweka
Mrs Stella Aideyan For Burial By ISEMHENBITA FAITH
The Chairman, Oredo Local Government, Hon. Osaro Obazee in a handshake with the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism/Covener of the Dream Alive with Pikolo, Daniel Eremosele (aka Pikolo) and members of his organisation during a courtesy call on the Chairman in Benin City. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE
BENIN CITY- The families of Ehanire, Adebayo, Aideyan and Ehana have announced the death of their mother, grand mother, great-grand mother and Aunty, Mrs. Stella Imudiase Aideyan (Nee Ehanire). She was aged 76 years. Late Mrs. Stella Imudiase Aideyan, who died on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 was a retired Educationist, a renowned caterer, a market leader, and a politician. She is survived by four children 15 grand children and
Youth Day: WHARC Celebrates late Fela By DANIEL EDOBOR/ BERNADETTE IDIALU
purportedly claimed that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is the most popular party in the country.
Kuti was centered on, “Understanding Fela, his music and message to the youth”. The Keynote speaker, who was highly interactive in her presentation while reliving memories and personal struggles of the late Afrobeat icon stated that her father, popularly referred to as the Abami Eda (weird one) in music cycles was a man who was highly misunderstood by many. Explaining this, Yeni a retired dancer by profession and eldest child of Fela observed that a music star, Fela tried to instill
the tenets of self worth and the belief in the Afro-centric culture and values. “People who zeroed in on his negatives did not understand the man as a person, she said. Yeni Kuti, a believer in Afrobeat music which was made popular by Fela sees the music genre as a form of expression that is highly revolutionary, politically insightful and entertaining. She encouraged youths to speak up and stand for their belief, urging them to believe in their dreams even in the face of
impending persecution Yeni Kuti noted that her dad even in death was an acclaimed musical figure in many parts of the world. Continuing, Yeni Kuti revealed that in order to keep her father’s legacy alive there is the yearly celebration of Felabration Festival of Music and Culture which is billed to take place later this year. The Executive Director of WHARC, Professor Cyril Mokwenye in his address, recalled how in 1999, the United Nations (UN) declared August
12 as the International Youth Day to be observed globally every year to sensitize the society on the needs and care for youths. As a precursor to mark the event, an essay competition with the theme “What would you want government to do to improve youth development? Was organised by WHARC, Professor Mokwenye while addressing winners of the competition and participants of the youth day celebration advised them to shun the bad examples by some elders in the society.
five great grandchildren. The children include Eghosa Russ Aideyan, Nosaba Peter Aideyan, Abiemwense Oyegoke and Amenaghawon Millicent Ehana. A statement endorsed by Eghosa Russ Aideyan for the family indicated that the burial ceremonies would commence today August 15, 2013 as the body would be taken from the Igbinedion Hospital Annex, Sapele Road to her residence, No 1 Aideyan Crescent, Off Aikhionbare Street, Off Ihama Road, GRA Benin City for lying in state from 11am-2pm. This is to be followed with a burial service and interment from 2-4 pm and socials at 4 pm.
Mrs. Stella Imudiase Aideyan (Nee Ehanire).
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Kano To Prioritize Mass Literacy
KANO - The Commissioner for Education in Kano State, Dr Farouk Iya, said mass literacy would be made a priority in the state. Iya made this known at workshop on the revitalisation of adult and youth literacy, which took place in Kano. Newsmen reports that 111 facilitators drawn from the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State attended the workshop. He said for the country to achieve full mass literacy, other states of the federation should also double their efforts to reach out to people at the grassroots. The UNESCO representative at the occasion, Prof. Abubakar Haladu, pledged the support of the organisation to similar training programmes in the country. Haladu urged the state government to utilise the facilitators, pointing out that though they were not many, the state could get the best out of them if they were supported in the discharge of their duties. The Kano State Executive Director, Mass Literacy Programme, Prof. Fatima Umar, said the five-day workshop would equip the facilitators with quality training skills.
Bauchi Registers 100 Tsangaya Centres BAUCHI The Coordinator, Girl Child Education Project in Bauchi State, Alhaji Umar Sani, said that 100 Tsangaya schools had been registered under the state integrated Qur ’anic Tsangaya Education. The coordinator who said this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi said that pupils enrolled by the Qur’anic schools would be trained using a harmonised curriculum. “The state government has posted facilitators to teach core subjects in the centres,” he said, adding that more centres would be registered. Sani said that monitoring and evaluation tools were also developed for effective and efficient service delivery. He said a monthly inspection had been adopted to ensure pupils’ attendance at the centres.
Umar charged the participants to pay attention to their trainers, saying by so doing they would be in a better position to subsequently train others on mass adult and youth literacy in the state. She said the training was supported by UNESCO Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), National Mass Education Commission (NMEC) and Kano State Government. The executive secretary commended UNESCO, MDGs and NMEC for their continued support and promised that the directorate would not fail in pursuing mass literacy in Kano state.
Across The Nation
L-R: Interim National Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, National Secretary, Alhaji Tijjani Musa Tumsah and Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, at the first Executive meeting of APC in Abuja recently. Photo: OMOYE AMINU.
APC Will Promises Leadership Style
MAIDUGURI Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno has said in Maiduguri, Borno State that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would adopt a new leadership style and offer exemplary leadership to Nigerians. Shettima told newsmen that the party would tackle poverty in the country by addressing their underlining causes. “Governance is not about having large sums of money in bank accounts, it is about changing peoples’ lives for the better. “The APC will no doubt meet the aspirations of the people, especially those at the grassroots by improving their living conditions,’’ he said. He said the party would create jobs in the agricultural, industrial and
other sectors of the economy, to address the root causes of poverty at the grassroots level. “We have to evolve strategies to create jobs for our youths because youth employment is crucial to the survival of the nation. “Very soon we will leave office and all the security apparatus around us will be gone and we will return and live with the people,’’ he said. The governor urged Nigerian leaders to safeguard the future by striving hard to tackle unemployment among the youth. He commended the Borno Youth Vigilante Group for tackling the Boko Haram insurgency, and described them as God sent. According to him, the
emergence of the vigilante group can best be described as divine intervention; hitherto everybody is afraid to talk about Boko Haram. “By now a group of youths, armed with only
sticks and cutlasses have succeeded in chasing and apprehending the gunmen known as Boko Haram militants,’’ he said. Shettima said that government would soon
offer employ opportunity to members of the group as a reward for their courage.
Election Violence
Cleric Cautions Politicians AWKA - The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, cautioned politicians to desist from election violence and malpractices or face the wrath of God. Ezeokafor spoke on the backdrop of the forthcoming Local Government and Governorship elections scheduled to hold in Anambra. The cleric, who made this
L-R: The Minister of State for Works, who represented the Minister of Works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Kabiru Danbaba and Surveyor-General of the ‘federation, Prof. Peter Nwilo, during the Minister’s visit to the Emir’s Palace in Gusau on Tuesday.
known in an interview with newsmen, called on the people of the state to pray for the smooth conduct of the polls. He stressed the need for politicians to abide by the rules to ensure that the elections were hitch-free. According to him, the elections should not be business as usual where politicians snatched ballot
boxes and rig the polls against the wishes of the electorate. Ezeokafor urged the youth to reject any offer from politicians who try to use them as thugs for their selfish ambitions. The local council and governorship elections are scheduled to hold on October 5 and November 16, respectively.
DUTSE - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa State has arrested a 34 year man, for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Hadejia Local Government Area. Mr Muhammad Gidado, the NSCDC Commandant in the state told newsmen in Dutse that the suspect was arrested at Walawa quarters of Hadejia town. Gidado said that the suspect allegedly lured the girl into an uncompleted building and committed the offence. He said that the suspect was arrested following intelligence report. The commandant told newsmen that medical
doctors at the General Hospital, Hadejia, confirmed that the girl was raped. Gidado said that investigations into the case had been concluded adding that the suspect would soon be taken to court. According to him, the command has also launched man hunt for the arrest of three other suspects in connection with another rape case in the area. It would be recalled that on Sunday, April 7, the NSCDC confirmed the arrest of six men who allegedly gang raped a 12year-old girl in Maigatari Local Government Area of the state.
Man, 34, Nabed For Raping Minor
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Abuja Nigeria Conductive To Investment, Africa’s Youngest Billionaire Affirms ABUJA- Africa’s youngest billionaire, Ashish Thakkar, said in Abuja that Nigeria remained a land of opportunities for investors despite negative stories about it. Thakkar, President of Mara Group, stated this in an interview with State House Correspondents after holding a closed door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa. The Uganda-born billionaire said that the reality and the potentials in Nigeria were quite
PDP Advises Members To Address Grievance ABUJA- The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged aggrieved party members to use the party’s internal resolution platform to redress their grievances. The National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, gave the advice in Abuja during a news conference. He said as much as the party respected the constitutional rights of individuals to public opinion, movement and association, such exercise should be done with some element of civility. This, he said, should be done in accordance with the norms of the society and the party’s constitution and guidelines. The PDP national chairman said his commitment to the ideals of the party’s founding fathers was total and unwavering. He promised to take the party to greater heights and to ensure that it captured most states that it lost to the opposition. “I will continue to run the party with all sense of humility, commitment and ideals of our party. “I will also ensure that peace, unity and love exist among party faithful,’’ Tukur said. He said the party leadership was doing everything possible to ensure that aggrieved party members were reconciled so that they could reap the benefits of working together. He said the party was working hard to ensure its victory in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election slated for November 26. “Our commitment to Anambra is to work hard and put in place a PDP administration that will deliver democracy dividends to the people of the state,’’ Tukur said. On the leadership crisis rocking its Anambra chapter, Tukur said the duty of INEC was to supervise and not to recognise anybody. According to him, all hands are on deck to ensure that the issue is resolved before the polls. Tukur debunked allegations by the newly registered All Progressive Congress (APC) that the PDP-led Federal Government had not delivered on its mandate to the people.
different from the negative report of the country in the international media. “There is a huge difference between perception and reality. “I think the perception happened to be negative today but it is a very unfortunate case because when we come here, what we see and what we experience shows that Nigeria is a very different place. “Nigeria is going through transformation and I think Africa as a whole, is going through transformation. I think one thing as African is that we are 54 countries and we generalise in our assessments. “In Nigeria, we may see some few pockets of challenges, but, overall this is a country full of opportunities with people with lots of energy. “You can feel the energy when you arrive here. I have travelled to so many different countries every month, but when I arrive in Nigeria I feel the energy which is the amazing point,’’ he said. Thakkar stressed that Nigeria remained his best investment destination in Africa. “We have offices in 22 African countries, but when the CNN recently asked me my favourite country in Africa, I said Nigeria. “This is something that we are very serious about and we are very confident of,’’ he said. He said his conglomerate had investments in few States in the country and already had about 200 employees. “We have glass manufacturing plant in Rivers State. “We have done ground breaking on glass manufacturing plants. Phase one is over 110 million dollars, while the phase two is about 100 million dollars. “We are also looking at investments in the agricultural sector, we have ICT investments. We are very confident of the Nigerian market and the future of Nigeria’’, he said. The 32-year old billionaire advised the youths to be focused, work hard, be honest and persevere to attain their dreams.
Special Assistant to the Minister of Information on Media, Mr Kingsley Osadolor (L), with the Acting Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, Chief Jide Adebayo, at the presentation of mid-term report by the Minister of information to the National Working Committee of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Jonathan Meets Security Chiefs By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan, met with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for about two hours behind closed-doors. Issues discussed were not
known at the end of the meeting as the security chiefs kept sealed lips. There was also no official statement by the Presidency. It was however gathered that the meeting is not unconnected with the security situation in the country.
Among those that attended the meeting are the National Security Adviser (NSA), Dasuki Sambo, Chief of Army Staff, LtGeneral Azubike Ihejirika, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar and the Director-General of State
Security Service (SSS), Ita Ekpeyong. Others are; the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Obada, Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim.
Youth Minister Pledges To Partner Centenary C’ttee ABUJA- Alhaji Inuwa AbdulKadir, the Minister of Youth Development, has said that the ministry would work with the Presidential Committee on Nigeria’s Centenary Celebration, to commemorate the International Youth Day and the nation’s 100th anniversary. Abdul-Kadir made the remark in Abuja at news conference on the sideline of activities marking the International Youth Day, celebrated on Aug.12, of every year globally. According to him, the theme of the youth day which is “Youth Migration; moving development forward”, is apt and reflects the positive contribution of young people towards nation building. He said that plans were underway by the ministry to partner with the Committee to
come up with awareness programmes for sensitising the youth on ways to be self employed. Abdul-Kadir said “this 2013 International Youth Day is very special to us as it coincides with preparations for the centenary celebration. In line with this, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development is partnering with the Presidential Committee on Nigeria Centenary Celebration, to come up with a deserving national celebration. “The partnership will not only
reflect the significance of the international youth day celebration in 2014, but also commemorate Nigeria’s 100th years of nationhood. ” He said that poverty and poor sanitary living conditions and the search for decent employment, were responsible for young people migrating from one region to another. He observed that the practice where young migrants take jobs from locals in other communities, exposes them to risks of discrimination. He cautioned that the practice
Alleged Theft Of Black Berry: ABUJA - A Karu Senior Magistrates’ Court in the FCT has ordered that two men, Buba Ali and Abdul Umar, should be remanded in Keffi Prison for allegedly being in possession of
2 Men Remanded
a stolen Blackberry phone. Ali, 22, and Umar, 20, both of Mararaba in Nasarawa State are standing trial on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and receiving stolen property.
Participants at an interactive forum of stakeholders in the Film Industry in Jos recently.
whereby migrating parents leave young people behind, could expose them to psychological and social challenges, advising that people should guard against such practices. in her remarks, Mrs Victoria Akyeampong, Resident Representative, United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) said that migrants mostly formed 40 per cent of the world’s population. Akyeampong said that the population mostly comprised of people between the age brackets of 25 to 30 years.
Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Atteh Effiong, told the court that the accused persons were arrested, following a petition to the FCT Commissioner of Police by one Shittu Temitope that he was attacked by armed robbers on March 28. Effiong alleged that a group of armed robbers broke into Temitope’s house at Mpape and made away with his valuables worth over nine million naira He said that the robbers made away with the complainant’s Blackberry phone during the operation. The prosecutor said that the two accused persons, through the help of the police, were caught in possession of the Blackberry phone, but refused to disclose where they got the phone from. The offence is punishable under the provisions of section 97(1) and 317 of the Penal Code. The accused persons, having listened to the First Information Report (FIR) read and translated to them in Hausa Language, pleaded not guilty.
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South West Man, 50, Docked For Kidnapping
Don’t Be Used, Ajimobi Warns Youths IBADAN - Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has warned youths in the state to refrain from being used to destabilise the state. The governor, who gave the warning in Ibadan while speaking at the grand finale of the 2013 Youth Week celebrations, also urged them to shun all forms of vices detrimental to their well-being. He described youths as great assets to any nation having constituted a great percentage of the manpower driving socioeconomic development. “ This is why proper attention must be paid to issues that relate to their growth and well-being,’’ he said. Given the importance of youths, the governor said there should be governmental social interventions geared toward their empowerment and development. This, he said, was why his administration had taken the issue of youth empowerment seriously through the employment of 20,000 youths in its YES-O scheme. “In spite of its teething challenges, this is still about the biggest leap forward by any state government in Nigeria in solving the problem of youth employment in its state,’’ he said. Ajimobi said some of the YES-O cadets had been given permanent employment in the state Civil Service. He said some of the YES-O cadets had also undergone specialised training in different vocations with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). Ajimobi noted that the wealth creation programme organised by the Agency for Youth Development in 2012 provided opportunity for the participants to go through intensive skill acquisition training in branding and customizing, hair-dressing and barbing. According to the governor, all these efforts are geared toward making youths to be gainfully employed after exiting from the YES-O scheme.
L-R: National Ex-officio, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhaji Waheed Odusile, Deputy National President, Prince Rotimi Obamuwagun and President, Malam Garba Mohammed, briefing newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday on the endowment fund for the three members that died in an autocrash recently.
National Publicity Secretary, Joint Action Committee of Northern Groups, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed (right), with the Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council, Chief Dominic Uzu at the news conference on activities of the Joint Action Committee of Northern Groups in Kaduna on Tuesday.
kidnapped and unlawfully imprisoned one Zakari Salman, a 30-year-old night guard. According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened sections 516 and 364 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000. Chief Magistrate Fatima Badrudeen, however, adjourned the case to Tuesday for ruling on whether the defendant should be granted bail. If Majekodunmi is convicted, he risked being sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
OSOGBO - The PDP in Osun has said it is determined to win the governorship position in next year’s poll. The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu OlaOluwa, said this while addressing journalists after a meeting with the aspirants in Osogbo. He said the meeting was to inform the aspirants that the election was a collective battle that must be won by the party. “ This is the first time we are bringing all of them together and we will sustain this kind of family meeting until we agree on the candidate “ Either by consensus or through primaries, the party will be fair in its judgment so as to retain the confidence of all the aspirants. “ They are all suitably qualified to contest for the seat of the governor, but as we know that all of them cannot contest for the seat at the same time. “That was why we invited them to ensure that they were
all carried along in the decision and ensure that anyone that is picked is supported by everybody,’’ OlaOluwa said. He said the party would do everything possible to ensure that a credible and acceptable candidate was presented to contest the election. OlaOluwa said the meeting was attended by all the aspirants, including Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Sen. Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, Hon. Wole Oke and Alhaji Fatai Akinbade. The chairman also said all the aspirants agreed to respect the decision of the party with a view to ensuring victory for it in the gubernatorial election. Also speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Omisore said the PDP was formed to win while the All Progressives Congress (APC) was to remain an opposition party. “As long as the PDP is fair in its process, I will abide by the decision of the party and support any candidate that emerges,’’ he said.
duo committed the offences on July 20 at Slicks Bar and Kitchen, Victoria Garden City, Ajah on Lagos-Epe Expressway. “They accused conspired with others still at large to defraud Slicks Bar and Kitchen of N330, 000 on July 20 under the pretext of marking Abdulrahmon’s birthday. “Abdulrahmon asked his friends (unspecified number) to order for food and drinks and
after the birthday party, he failed to settle the bill. The accused were arrested and handed over to the police,’’ he said. Donny noted that the offences contravened Sections 166, 313 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Mr. O.O. Fowowe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
PDP Vows To Win Osun Guber Poll
2 Men Docked For Fraud LAGOS - Two men, who allegedly defrauded an eatery of N330, 000 under the pretext of celebrating a birthday, have been charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The accused — Tayo
Bamidele, 43, and Bankole Abdulramon, 25 — are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and breach of the peace. Bamidele, a driver, lives at
is under prosecution in the Magistrate Court 11, Ota, with nine suspects arraigned. ‘’The suspects were arrested as a follow up to the ongoing investigation into the series of robbery operations of the syndicate by a special team of policemen. ‘’The team was led by Ifo Divisional Police Officer, CSP Gbenga Megbope, and the suspects have confessed to the crimes. ‘’Items recovered from the suspects included one locally made double barrel gun, one
locally made single barrel gun, 20 live cartridges, 10 cell phones and jewelry. ‘’Others are three brand new
No.15, Apata St., Somolu, while Abdulramon, an ex-student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, resides at No. 68, Muyiwa Close, OkeIra, Ogba in Ikeja. The Prosecutor, Cpl. Raphael Donny, told the court that the
Police Nab 3 Robbery Suspects
ABEOKUTA - The Ogun Police Command has said that it had arrested three suspected armed robbers terrorising Ogun and Oyo States. The command’s spokesman , Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement in Abeokuta that the robbers were arrested on Sunday. He said the suspects were apprehended at Obada Oko and Papalanto in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun at about 5 a.m. ‘’The suspects are members of a robbery syndicate that was burst in Ifo recently and the case
IBADAN - A 50-year-old doctorate degree holder , Dr Olaribigbe Majekodunmi, who was accused of kidnapping a night guard, was arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court. The Prosecutor, ASP Grace Akinsehinwa, said that the defendant was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping. Akinshinwa told the court that Majekodunmi committed the crime on Friday at 1 a.m. at Omitowoju area of Ibadan. She said that the defendant, with four others now at large,
unregistered Bajaj motorcycles in addition to five guns earlier recovered from the colleagues of the suspects, ‘’ Adejobi said.
PCC Receives 412 Complaints, Resolve 232
OSOGBO - The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in Osun has received 412 complaints between January and June, out of which 232 cases were successfully resolved. A statement issued by an official of the PCC, Mr. Tunji
Olaoye, quoted the commission’s Federal Commissioner in the state, Prof. Rasaq Abubakre, as saying N1.45 million was also recovered. Abubakre commended Governor. Rauf Aregbesola
for providing an enabling environment for the successful operation of the commission in the state. He also commended the complainants, respondents and some media houses for expressing belief in the ability
of the commission to fulfill its mandate. The commissioner urged residents of the state to visit any of its offices in Osogbo, Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ilesa, Ikirun, IlaOrangun, Ejigbo, Ifon-Osun and Ikire to lodge their complaints.
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Lagos Association Wants Fadama Projects Monitored
LAGOS - The Community of Agricultural Stakeholders of Nigeria has advised the Federal Government to ensure effective monitoring of the Fadama III project. Mr. Sontoye Anga, the Coordinator, Agribusiness and Youth Empowerment of the association, told newsmen in an interview in Lagos, that the extension of the project to 2015 would be worthwhile. Anga stressed the need for more inclusion and involvement of stakeholders in the programme to enable it to meet its objectives. “When this World Bank project started, one of its objective was to increase food production to attain food sufficiency which should be the focus of its operations. “Fadama project ensures that agricultural production is carried on during the rainy and dry seasons, to empower farmers to increase their yields and income.” Anga said that Fadama had uplifted the living standard of the participating local farmers and therefore, called for the expansion of its scope. The coordinator underscored the need to fashion adequate monitoring strategy to ensure that the extension of the programme was worthwhile. He, however, commended the progress of the project in meeting its objectives, adding that it would no doubt do better with proper monitoring.
Lagos To Boost Water Transport LAGOS - The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) said it had embarked on the refurbishment of five 80-seater ferries to boost water transportation in the state. Mr. Adeyinka Marinho, the authority’s Managing Director, told newsmen that two of the ferries would be ready for use by the end of the year. He said that from available records, 1.8 million passengers were being conveyed monthly on the waterways in Lagos. Marinho gave the routes covered by the ferries and boat operators to include Ijede in Ikorodu to Badore in Aja; Ikorodu to Ebute Ero; Ikorodu to Marina; Lagos Island to Ojo, and Ikorodu to Falomo, He said that to further boost water transportation in the state, additional operators would soon be contracted. “We are expecting more operators with bigger ferries before the end of the year. We also plan to concession some of our terminals and renovate some old jetties to help open up new routes on the waterways,’’ Marinho said.
FRSC Laments Increased Cases Of Accidents
L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Governor Babantunde Fashola of Lagos and Governor Idris Wada of Kogi, during a condolence visit to Governor Fashola on the death of his father in Lagos recently.
BADAGRY, Lagos - The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Badagry Unit, has expressed concern over the increased cases of ‘hit-andrun’ on the Badagry-Seme highway, which leads to the Republic of Benin. “Since the Federal Road Maintenance Agency started rehabilitation of the road, which leads to other West African countries, we have been experiencing cases of hit-and-run. “Some motorists drive carelessly and do not consider other road users and this has resulted in cases of pedestrians being knocked
down or even killed,’’ Mr Salisu Galandunci, the Unit Commander, said. Galandunci told newsmen in Badagry that cases of hitand-run had almost become a regular occurrence. “We are putting measures in place to ensure that this stops as soon as possible because our commission doesn’t tolerate any form of reckless driving,’’ he said. The unit commander said that, henceforth, reckless drivers, who commit infraction on the highway, would be sanctioned. He said, however, that no accidents were recorded on the Badagry-Seme highway during the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.
Group Seeks Balance Of Trade
L-R: Wife of Lagos Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, widow, Agunbiade and Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the 8ith day Fidau for Pa Ademola Fashola in Lagos recently.
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Motorists Call For Quick Rehabilitation LAGOS - Motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have appealed to the Federal Government to speedily rehabilitate and reconstruct the road to reduce transportation problems. The motorists told newsmen in Lagos that they spent much time on the road due to its bad state. A businessman, Mr. Dele Alabi, said that potholes on the road caused much traffic congestion. “This road is still very bad; and nothing seems to have been done. An engineer in Sagamu, Ogun, Mr. Stanley Onwubiko, said that the pace of work on the highway was so slow. “One expected that the reconstruction would have begun; President Goodluck Jonathan flagged it off almost a month ago,” he said. Another motorist, Mr. Taofeek Abdul, said that the bad portions of the road had
made travelling on the expressway a ‘nightmare’. He urged the government to expedite action on the road project. A hairdresser in Magboro, Ogun, Mrs. Lentena Obiora, also appealed for quick implementation of the road project. However, a banker, Mrs Rose Alhassan, told newsmen that some bad portions of the road had been patched. “Last week, we saw Julius Berger, one of the contractors, filling the potholes, but the work has stopped,” she said. She appealed to the
Federal Ministry of Works to speed up actions on the road project. Meanwhile, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Mr Oluwatoyin Obikoya, said that Julius Berger had begun rehabilitating the bad portions of the road. Obikoya said that logistics was also being put in place by the construction company to begin reconstruction of the highway. He told newsmen that the contractor had been able to secure a site yard, and was building it for the take off of the reconstruction.
“Anybody who knows the road and has travelled on it recently will notice some improvements. “We had a meeting with them (Julius Berger) that they should start work on the bad sections of the road. “The company has started to free the road by putting stone base to make the road good. What I cannot confirm is where the contractor has reached, but the work will cover all the sections. “That Julius Berger has not got to some sections of the road does not mean it is not working,” he said.
LAGOS - An NGO, Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa, has urged the Federal Government to ban the importation of goods manufactured locally to promote balance of trade. Dr Dafe Akpocha, DirectorGeneral of the centre, told newsmen in Lagos that the ban would hasten the growth of local industries. Akpocha noted that the importation of all manners of goods manufactured locally had caused many companies in the country to fold up. “For instance, there is no need bringing in electricity metre when it is manufactured locally. “There are some locallymanufactured products here that can match or do better than the imported products. So it is time we begin to encourage our local industries. “Although the government cannot totally stop importation for now, it can gradually discourage the importation of such goods by supporting local industries. “The government should urgently tackle electricity and other facilities that will encourage the growth of local industries to compete internationally,” he said.
Lack Of Fund Hindering Healthcare Delivery LAGOS - Dr Gbite Ogunmokun, the Chief Medical Officer, Eko Hospitals, Lagos, has said lack of fund was a major hindrance to effective maintenance of people’s health. Ogunmokun told newsmen in Lagos that this became apparent during a week-long health week recently organised by the
hospital. He said that many Nigerians realised the need to go for medical checkup annually, but, majority of them “are deterred by the cost’’. “During the health week, while they were being screened and counselled, we asked them questions about their health issues and cost was just a
- Expert
reccurring theme. “When a patient goes to the hospital for the first time, he is expected to pay N5, 000 as registration fee and an additional N5, 000 as consultation fee. “It means the patient will be expected to pay N10, 000 before
treatment and this is a huge sum of money for a common man to afford. “Government should please do more by developing a scheme that will provide free medical treatment for the elderly in both the public and private hospitals. “Anybody above 60 should be able to walk into any hospital and be attended to,” Ogunmokun said.
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Across The Nation IPMAN Secretariat Burgled By ROLAND OSAKUE
BENIN CITY – The Secretariat of the Independent Petroleum Maketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) along the BeninAgbo Road in Benin City has been burgled by unknown persons, suspected to be members of the factional group of the association. This is coming in the wake of the lingering leadership tussle between the Chairman of IPMAN Benin depot, Mr. Victor Ighile and the said David Ikhuoria led executive. Investigation by The NIGERIAN OBSERVER however revealed that as at
Crude Oil Laden Vessel Sinks YENAGOA - A vessel suspected to be laden with crude oil has been reportedly distressed and sank within Odioama community at the fringes of the Altantic ocean in Bayelsa coastline. Reports say that residents of the coastal community confirmed the presence of the distressed vessel but said they did not know where it was coming from or its destination. Chief Mark Eketekpe, a community leader in Ijawkiri area of Odioama told NAN: “actually, something like that happened a few days ago but we don’t know where the vessel came from. “Besides, the authorities have come around to arrest and take away the captain of the vessel. Another resident who pleaded anonymity said: “Yes, we heard a vessel that ran aground within our environment.” Spokesman for the Joint Task Force in the state, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said he would establish contact with troops in the area before commenting.
press time, nobody has been arrested by the Police. Speaking with Newsmen, the General Secretary of IPMAN, Benin Depot, Mr. Monday Irabor lamented the recent development at the secretariat and vowed that the perpetrators of the act would face the wrath of the law. Irabor, who attributed the mischievous act to the parallel factional group, said he was surprised that some members of the association still took the laws into their hands, inspite of undertaking they enleved into with the Assistant inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Benin City on July 7, 2013 promising to maintain peace and order in the Secretariat. He stated that, the tenure of the incumbent executive led by Victor Ighile was still in place as
it would expire in 2015 as entrenched in the IPMAN constitution, saying that they were awaiting the national body of the association to act on the matter. He therefore described the purported election said to have been conducted by the factional group as illegal null and void, stating that the association was a responsible association and not a place for hooliganism. The General Secretary therefore called on the law abiding members of the union to remain steadfast with the leadership of the incumbent Chairman, Victor Ighile. Efforts to reach the David Ikhuoria faction of the union for comment was however rebuffed as Ikhuoria warned this reporter never to come around them again.
L-R: Representative of Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Wunti; Director, Schools Services, Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Hajiya Asma’u Fateh and Director, Science, Technical and Vocational Education, Alhaji Muhammad Misau at the 2013 Camp for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Technology for Girls in 20 Local Government Areas in Bauchi State recently.
FG To Recruit 500 Science IIORIN - To boost the Teachers teaching of science education in the country, the Federal Government will soon recruit more than 500 science teachers from Kwara State. The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Sakariya Onimago, disclosed this in IIorin in an interview with newsmen. He said that the ministry and the state Universal Basic Education Board had been collating the credentials of qualified science teachers who have the NCE for the recruitment exercise. Onimago said that officials
from the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja would soon arrive in the state to carry out the exercise. The commissioner also said that officials from his ministry had visited some schools in the state to ascertain schools in urgent need of science teachers. He reiterated the commitment of the government to continuous recruitment of teachers, saying: “On quarterly basis, the ministry always examines the number of teachers who had retired from service in order to replace them.’’
BENIN CITY- The funeral rites of late Madam Ovbokhan Ehimamieogho Igbinomwanhia (nee Umweni) of Iguezomo and Ilobi in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State comes up tomorrow Friday
August, 16, 2013 in Benin city. Late madam Igbinomwanhia passed on at her residence after a brief illness. She is survived by two children, grand children and great grand children. She was aged 100. A statement signed by her eldest son, Deacon Godwin Igbinomwanhia (a.k.a) (Newspaper Vendor) stated that the remains of his late mother will leave central hospital to her Imariabe street, off Oguola street residence, where she will be laid in state before interment. The statement further stated that a thanksgiving service at the Arm of the Lord Bible Church comes up on Sunday at 25 Omoruyi street, Off Oguola Street in Benin City.
Late Madam Ovbokhan Igbinomwanhia Goes Home
Students attending the 2013 Camp for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Technology for Girls in 20 Local Government Areas in Bauchi State recently.
Rising Traffic In Jos: Don’t Celebrate, Lawyer Tells Taskforce
JOS - Senator Gyang Pwajok has asked the Special Task Force (STF) to “critically study’’, rather than celebrate the rising traffic in Jos city. “Practically all roads and streets in Jos are recording very high traffic and I have often heard security agencies say that it signified a return of peace. I don’t agree much with that. “I think it is rather a time to analyse this increase in traffic and the influx of more people because it could signal the arrival of insurgents fleeing from various directions,’’ Pwajok told newsmen in Jos. He said that such insurgents could take advantage of the peace in Plateau to re-launch their activities and throw the state into fresh chaos, and
advised security agencies to be “very alert’’. Pwajok particularly called for stiffer measures to safeguard Plateau borders with Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Taraba. “There must be a network of collaborative peace efforts; the STF must identify stranger elements and track down criminals by raiding their their training grounds and camps. “There must be improved and increased intelligence gathering to make for effective proactive steps so as to check criminals before they move,’’ he said. The Senator said that special attention should be
paid to the surrounding settlements and advised security agencies to comb “even the smallest settlements’’ for suspects. He also spoke on the peace efforts between the Fulani and Berom in Plateau North, and expressed satisfaction that the parleys he initiated in May had indeed yielded the desired results. “The attacks are now very rare and am happy because that has spared enough time for security agents to go after cattle rustlers and other petty crimes,’’ he said. He also expressed happiness that the Fulani had come to understand that cattle rustling was being carried out
by criminals and not by specific communities. “There are still some elements of suspicion because villages that are routes of cattle thieves are seen as either bodes of the suspects or their conspirators which makes some villages vulnerable to attacks, but we are changing that impression with more enlightenment in the parleys.’’ Pwajok said that gangs responsible for cattle rustling had been discovered and their operational tactics uncovered, and expressed optimism that the new discovery would help to check the menace. He said that community leaders had been encouraged
to settle cases of farm destruction by cattle with individuals involved, rather than allow it to look like a communal issue that rope in every one. “We have always said that such disagreements should never be communalised otherwise they attain wide dimensions that could snowball into major crisis,’’ he said. Pwajok advised Plateau residents to always be alert as “conflict merchants’’ out to truncate the peace, would not just disappear. “Peace is not something you can easily get, but where people are determined and can organise themselves to guard it, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel,’’ he stated.
Late Madam Igbinomwanhia
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News Man, 35, Arraigned For Assaulting Wife
Part of a collapsed classroom block at Gwadabawa Primary School in Sokoto State recently.
ABUJA - The police arraigned Adekunle Onabekan, 35, at Grade 2 Area Court in Kado, Abuja for allegedly assaulting his wife, Mopelola. Prosecutor Salihu Mohammed (Sgt.) told the court that Mopelola, of 29, Rwang Pam Street, Works and Housing Quarters, reported the matter at the Gwarimpa Police Station, Abuja on July 4. Mohammed said Mopelola was assaulted before a court official, Mohammed Ibrahim of Kado Area Court 1, FCT, who had gone to serve a court summon on the accused. He said when the complainant and the court official got to the house to deliver the summon; the
accused stopped them and dragged Mopelola out of the officer’s car and beat her up. “The accused beat and tore her clothes, leaving her stark naked. He inflicted injuries on her. “The accused refused to listen to the court official’s plea to leave her alone. He refused to listen to neighbours who had gathered and begging him to spare his wife”, he said. The prosecutor said the offence amounted to criminal force, assault and mischief and contravened sections 265 and 327 of the Penal Code. Newsmen reports that the offences attract three years maximum imprisonment with fine or both.
N550m Rice Theft
Lebanese, 8 Nigerians Await Bail Ruling ABUJA - The Federal High Court in Abuja reserved today for ruling in bail applications filed by a Lebanese national and eight Nigerians, charged for allegedly diverting bags of rice worth N550 million. Justice Sylvester Chukwu reserved the date after the parties made submissions and counter submissions on the applications. The Inspector-General of Police on August 7 arraigned Bassam Abood, the Lebanese, as well as Kelechi Madukanya, Amadi Richard and Enyi Christopher, Godwin Edet, Samuel Abeh, Chiwendu Ekete, John Abbah and Daniel Onuoha. The accused allegedly conspired among themselves and obtained 5,055 bags valued at N550 million from Port Harcourt-based Cem Nig. Ltd between February and March. They denied knowledge of the allegation as all of them earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to the charge, the accused persons are likely to serve up to three years in prison if found guilty, having contravened the provision of the advanced fee fraud and other
frauds-related Act. Earlier, Mr. David Aliko, counsel to Abood, Madukanya and Richard, led other defendants’ counsel to urge the court to grant their clients bail. According to the counsel, the charge filed against the accused is “frivolous and unsubstantiated’’. They submitted that Cem Nig. Ltd, the nominal complainant could not link the applicants directly to the alleged missing goods. Aliko and the other defendants’ counsel prayed the court to use its discretional powers to grant the accused persons a mitigated bail term, adding that “they are prepared to stand justice’’.
Bauchi State Local Government Chairmen at a workshop on Information Communication Technology and Skill Development-organised for 20 Local Government areas in Bauchi recently.
KWALI (FCT) - Alhaji Ibrahim Usman, the Emir of Wako, Kwali Area Council, has called for additional senatorial and Federal Constituency seats in the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT). Usman told newsmen in Abuja that the numbers of seats given to FCT were not commensurable to the population of the territory. He said while states had
Monarch Seeks More Seats In National Assembly
Infrastructure: Jonathan Urged To Declare
State Of Emergency In South-South
ABUJA - A group, the southsouth Consolidated Forum (SCF) has tasked President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in the south-south to address the problem of decayed infrastructure and under development in the region The group which spoke through its president, Chief Dick K.L Harry while addressing newsmen in Calabar recently emphasized the need for government to take the stand in the interest of the region that produces the wealth of the nation. Chief Harry regretted that even after 55 years when oil was first discovered in the south- south, the zone still suffers deprivation, neglect, poverty and environmental degradation. While lamenting the plight of the citizens of the south-south in spite of the abundant natural and human
resources, the Group president said the time has come for the government to focus attention on the development of the south-south region. “We believe the federal governments owe the people of the south-south a lot in terms of development especially in the areas of infrastructure, roads, education, health, environmental degradation, poverty reduction and above all sustainable development” the SCF president stated According to him, the amnesty granted by the late president Umaru Musa Yaradua has brought peace to the Niger Delta region and boosted oil exploration and thus enhancing the revenue base of the country. He called on multinationals exploring oil in the region to review their policies of
marginalizing indigenes of the area in their recruitment policies. “We did an independent research on the activities of the multinationals and we discovered that only about 15% of the manpower was drawn from the south-south, this is indeed a sad story” the SCF president lamented. Chief Harry, a successful businessman from Andoni in Rivers state said the forum was set up in 2011 to serve as a “voice” for the south-south and has since then discovered that the region has lot of challenges which must be addressed in the interest of equity ,justice and fair play. While lamenting the lack of unity among leaders in the zone, he urged them to shun the divide and rule method which has been used to frustrate the unity of the people of the region.
administrative problems faced by the office of the minister.
three senators each and many House of Assembly members, the FCT had only a senator and two members of the House of Representatives, making their impact insignificant to the inhabitants. “We are not saying that Sen. Philip Aduda, is not doing well, but giving our enormous demographic endowment in the FCT, he is definitely overwhelmed as a single senator. “Therefore, it is natural that his impact as people’s representatives will be limited. “It is a common knowledge that each of the 36 state has three senators and we have just one, it is also a matter of fact that he will be speaking with a lone voice in the mist of 109 senators. “Again, all the states have
a minimum of five House of Representative members, while we have only two. “It is pertinent that the challenge of providing incentives to the constituents is limited giving the numerical strength of the constituents, especially that there is no mayor in the FCT,’’ he said. The monarch also called on the Senate to reconsider the issue of mayor in the ongoing constitutional review, noting that the status of mayor would enhance grassroots access to good governance. The Senate had rejected a proposal to grant the FCT a mayoral status in the ongoing constitution review. Usman stressed the need to grant the mayoral status as the structure would reduce a lot of
He, however, commended the FCT Minister, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, for carrying the indigenes along, especial in the new land policy. The land policy, he said, compel users of the FCT lands to develop infrastructures that would benefited by the indigenes. He also commended the minister for instituting a panel to address some of the problems faced by various chiefdoms. “It is worth a commendation for Balla Mohammed, whose administration is giving indigenes a sense of belonging, especially in the new land policy of ‘land swap’. “I also want to commend him for stepping into the FCT traditional council affairs with a view to addressing some of the problems faced by the chiefdoms within in the territory.’’
THE NIGERIAN
10
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Business + Economy Body Wants Hotels Classified
ABUJA - The Hotel and Personal Services Employers’ Association of Nigeria (HOPESEA) said the public stood to gain immensely if hotels in the country were classified. The President of the association, Mr Samuel Alabi, told newsmen in Abuja that if hotels were classified the public would be protected from undue cheating by hotels. Alabi said hotels would no longer be able to sell products at high rate as these products would be charged to customers according to the grade of such hotel. “The classification will enable state governments have a procedure that allows for public complaint if one feels he or she has been cheated by a hotel,” he said. He called on state governments to take up the challenge and ensure prompt grading and classification of hotels in the country. The president listed human resource, finances to mobilise people and understanding stakeholders as some of the challenges they were likely to encounter. He emphasised that all hotels in the country should be classified, including those located in rural areas. “Even those in urban centres that are dilapidated due to lack of care and proper maintenance should also be classified. “Hotels that do not meet the requirements of classification will be told what they need to do. They may need to refurbish old infrastructure and acquire new equipment before being graded. “There is a bench mark or standard a hotel must attain before it can be classified either as a five star, four or three star
hotel,” he said. Alabi said that every hotel in the country should be able to fall under one category. It would be recalled that the Supreme Court, Abuja, had dismissed a case filed by the Federal Government challenging the powers of Lagos State Government to regulate hotels and restaurant businesses in its area of authority. The court ruled that only state houses of assembly could make laws on licensing and grading of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses in a state. The court, therefore, upheld that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, only empowers the National Assembly to regulate on tourist traffic not on hotel registration or licensing.
ABUJA - The National Agricultural Seeds Council says efforts are being made to douse the fears of local farmers yet to fully embrace the improved seeds which the Federal Government is providing. Mr. Kehinde Adelugba, the Director, Seed Information and Capacity Building at the council, made this known on in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. Newsmen report that the seeds are given free of charge as part of the Growth Enhancement Support scheme under the President Goodluck Jonathan’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, which seeks to revitalise the agricultural sector. Many farmers are yet to totally embrace the improved seed have been encouraged to
do so, to boost crop yield through the use of upcoming pest-free, flood and droughtresistant seedlings. “The problem is inadequate extension services; because the farmers are not aware, if the benefits of a particular crop is not demonstrated to them, they will keep up with what they have been doing before. “In the past, in the North, most of the farmers didn’t use fertiliser because of the fact that they said fertiliser would destroy our land. But now when the issue of fertiliser has been demonstrated, farmers now go to any extent to get fertiliser in order for them to be able to produce their crop. “It’s the same thing that we are doing also with seed; because we found out that
L-R: Enugu State coordinator, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Mrs Fausta Chima, Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Enugu State Chapter, Chief Romanus Ezeh and AFAN Deputy Chairman, Mr Okwudili Abba, during RMRDC Capacity building Workshop in Enugu on Tuesday.
CBN Sells $221.57m Worth Of Forex
are having.” Adelugba further assured farmers that the council was capable of guaranteeing quality seeds through its well-trained staff, building capacity and ensuring collaboration with seed agencies in developed countries.
LAGOS - The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said that it sold 221.57 million dollars (N3.4 billion) worth of foreign exchange at its 30th bi-monthly Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS). The apex bank disclosed this on its Website, released after the WDAS trading. The volume of the forex sold dropped by 78.43 million dollars (N125.6 million), against the 300 million dollars sold on July 29. Newsmen reports that the naira maintained its appreciation against the dollar at the auction, trading at N155.75 to the dollar. Newsmen also reports that the exchange rate was N155.75 to a dollar, compared with the N155.76 at the auction on July 29. The report added that 18 banks participated at the biweekly WDAS auction.
revenues, business opportunities for budding entrepreneurs, and employment creation. Leka said that the foreign exchange earnings realised from tourism industry could be used to develop other sectors of the economy. “Tourism industry is a monopolistically competitive industry.
“It has many relatively small enterprises producing slightly differentiated products and services which can help in the growth of individuals and the country. “ From data collected, the hotel accommodation sector alone provided about 18.3 million jobs world-wide in 2005, according to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
Expired drugs worth N25m, voluntarily handed over to the National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) by traders at Bridge-Head drug market, Onitsha on Tuesday.
Improved Seeds: Council Allays Farmers’ Fears farmers think that their own seeds are better than the one they have. “There is need for greater awareness in terms of demonstration; let farmers know what are the new innovations for production and let them be able
to accept it. “It is only when they are aware of something that they can accept it. “That is what we are doing, carrying out demonstrations for farmers to be able to know the advantages of using improved seeds better than the one they
ABUJA - Mr. Simon Leka, the Head, Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has urged the Federal Government to use the tourism sector to generate substantial economic benefits. Leka said this when he spoke to newsmen in Abuja. He said that government needed to pay attention to tourism industry with a view to
generating greater wealth for the country. Leka said that if tourism sector was properly harnessed, it would generate substantial economic benefits for both the people and the county at large. He said that the tourism industry was an important industry to developing countries in the world. According to him, the benefits of tourism to a country include huge foreign exchange earnings, tax
Expert Advises FG To Build Tourism Industry
THE NIGERIAN
11
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(13/08/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
MBENEFIT
0.5
0.5
0
5
338,000
169,000.00
7UP
74.2
74.2
0
16
36,024
2,410,678.20
MCNICHOLS
1.5
1.5
0
3
7,333
10,299.51
119
119
0
18
21,084
2,415,318.70
ABCTRANS
0.85
0.87
0.02
15
568,224
495,795.40
MOBIL
ACADEMY
1.95
1.95
0
6
33,575
65,421.25
MRS
36.14
36.14
0
5
7,000
227,910.00
0.55
0.6
0.05
1
100,000
60,000.00
ACCESS
11.06
11.15
0.09
242
5,391,244
59,972,966.10
MULTITREX
AFRIPRUD
1.85
1.85
0
38
51,915
97,989.48
MULTIVERSE
0.5
0.5
0
2
7,000
3,500.00
6.08
6.08
0
25
135,024
843,162.88
AGLEVENT
1.4
1.4
0
5
31,048
44,667.20
NAHCO
AIICO
0.91
0.91
0
41
2,281,266
2,037,183.30
NASCON
11.01
11.01
0
52
606,470
6,548,838.50
169.99
167
-2.99
90
173,165
28,987,577.34
AIRSERVICE
4
4
0
9
22,500
88,180.00
NB
ASHAKACEM
23.01
23.07
0.06
50
265,137
6,117,927.05
NCR
18.7
18.7
0
1
500
8,415.00
1.35
1.35
0
17
213,796
287,843.70
ASOSAVINGS
0.5
0.5
0
2
1,000,100
500,050.00
NEIMETH
AUSTINLAZ
2
2
0
1
20
44
NEM
0.7
0.64
-0.06
32
1,559,472
1,021,320.20
1000
930
-70
83
149,646
139,481,018.50
BERGER
9.61
9.61
0
14
120,012
1,041,084.20
NESTLE
BETAGLAS
13.18
13.18
0
2
1,000
12,063.00
NIGERINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
5,000
2,500.00
29.7
29.7
0
6
95,553
3,121,716.51
BOCGAS
6.77
6.77
0
5
39,764
242,622.76
NNFM
CADBURY
52.19
52.19
0
67
257,546
13,121,475.14
NPFMCRFBK
0.88
0.88
0
2
234,212
206,106.56
12.9
12.75
-0.15
189
2,927,137
37,739,556.71
CAP
48.5
48.5
0
15
24,448
1,069,545.10
OANDO
CCNN
9.4
9.21
-0.19
17
163,531
1,509,980.85
OKOMUOIL
47
47
0
43
283,191
12,424,195.00
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,000
1,000.00
CHAMPION
17.71
19.48
1.77
57
926,858
18,052,731.50
OMATEK
CHELLARAM
4.41
4.41
0
1
37
146.89
PAINTCOM
1.87
1.87
0
5
71,300
125,215.00
1.85
1.85
0
1
1,000
1,850.00
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
4
132,000
66,000.00
PHARMDEKO
CONOIL
33
33
0
35
73,373
2,314,321.18
PORTPAINT
5.96
5.56
-0.4
8
102,500
576,566.46
36
37
1
20
168,808
6,218,716.86
CONTINSURE
1.2
1.13
-0.07
17
1,681,835
1,901,458.55
PRESCO
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
7
425,883
212,941.50
PRESTIGE
0.55
0.55
0
6
226,250
123,872.50
44
40.18
-3.82
60
224,704
9,012,434.47
COSTAIN
1.22
1.18
-0.04
32
765,800
904,960.72
PZ
COURTVILLE
0.79
0.72
-0.07
7
150,077
109,617.43
REDSTAREX
4.7
4.49
-0.21
29
561,904
2,532,283.04
0.5
0.5
0
5
556,178
278,089.00
CUSTODYINS
1.45
1.51
0.06
11
172,579
259,458.52
RESORTSAL
CUTIX
1.99
1.99
0
6
48,907
96,647.93
ROADS
9.06
9.06
0
1
2,000
19,920.00
0.51
0.51
0
2
4,259,285
2,172,245.55
DANGCEM
194
193.5
-0.5
61
582,405
112,392,640.45
ROYALEX
DANGFLOUR
9.5
9.38
-0.12
95
1,602,118
15,108,557.80
RTBRISCOE
1.5
1.5
0
17
179,037
267,728.96
5.32
5.32
0
1
10
47.9
DANGSUGAR
11.04
11.05
0.01
71
16,803,261
186,580,622.46
SCOA
DIAMONDBNK
6.6
6.7
0.1
78
4,468,009
29,997,759.35
SKYEBANK
4.3
4.18
-0.12
103
3,141,342
13,136,964.96
0.5
0.5
0
2
286,000
143,000.00
DNMEYER
1.58
1.58
0
4
54,000
78,090.00
STACO
DUNLOP
0.5
0.5
0
8
2,590,000
1,295,000.00
STANBIC
17.25
17.25
0
21
594,389
10,253,210.25
0.5
0.5
0
2
112,500
56,250.00
ETERNA
3.15
2.91
-0.24
17
257,428
762,855.87
STDINSURE
ETI
14.5
14.7
0.2
97
2,807,412
41,234,185.65
STERLNBANK
2.85
2.8
-0.05
67
7,611,214
21,199,594.27
0.73
0.73
0
7
1,100,464
801,985.55
ETRANZACT
3.47
3.47
0
1
1,000
3,130.00
THOMASWY
EVANSMED
4.74
4.74
0
11
124,402
534,985.38
TOTAL
155
155
0
18
20,270
3,140,124.40
1.35
1.3
-0.05
77
6,437,103
8,526,455.64
FBNH
16.74
16.1
-0.64
523
35,257,581
581,109,907.00
TRANSCORP
FCMB
4.39
4.39
0
47
514,940
2,257,104.48
TRANSEXPR
0.8
0.88
0.08
31
3,050,930
2,573,356.70
2.29
2.29
0
2
4,742
9,815.94
FIDELITYBK
2.85
2.79
-0.06
95
8,096,416
22,631,804.73
TRIPPLEG
FIDSON
2.13
2.12
-0.01
35
891,620
1,880,966.40
UAC-PROP
16.6
16.6
0
20
108,136
1,764,524.97
55
57.01
2.01
107
928,717
52,893,761.17
FLOURMILL
86.3
86.3
0
62
253,495
20,313,387.59
UACN
FO
39.65
38.91
-0.74
60
244,468
9,376,376.63
UBA
7.87
7.58
-0.29
278
20,923,881
158,001,850.33
1.25
1.26
0.01
107
5,322,688
6,552,797.35
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
3
6,000
3,000.00
UBCAP
GLAXOSMITH
63.5
63.5
0
25
98,145
6,231,475.63
UBN
11.1
10.71
-0.39
56
360,214
3,891,968.69
0.5
0.5
0
1
150,000
75,000.00
GNI
0.5
0.5
0
2
1,000
500
UNIC
GUARANTY
25.14
25
-0.14
345
13,023,065
326,426,669.74
UNILEVER
63.1
63.05
-0.05
48
200,542
12,639,780.47
0.5
0.5
0
13
2,670,560
1,335,280.00
GUINEAINS
0.5
0.5
0
6
277,360
138,680.00
UNIONDAC
GUINNESS
248
248
0
54
26,252
6,435,453.71
UNITYBNK
0.57
0.57
0
59
7,857,964
4,441,184.94
4.09
4.1
0.01
40
1,795,691
7,218,809.60
HONYFLOUR
3.05
3.2
0.15
41
1,114,000
3,512,230.23
UPL
IHS
2.56
2.56
0
7
216,000
598,650.00
UTC
0.8
0.8
0
2
165,000
131,998.00
4.3
4.3
0
15
32,675
138,315.12
IKEJAHOTEL
0.87
0.79
-0.08
10
410,320
332,385.35
VITAFOAM
INTBREW
21.93
21.5
-0.43
54
1,030,822
22,370,978.75
VONO
0.57
0.62
0.05
4
60,957
37,793.34
98
98
0
51
264,744
24,777,318.48
INTERLINK
4.9
4.9
0
1
100
441
WAPCO
IPWA
0.95
0.95
0
2
193,900
184,185.00
WAPIC
0.75
0.81
0.06
17
2,040,110
1,601,544.98
1.09
1.1
0.01
43
2,099,755
2,284,631.77
21
21
0
439
246,060,826
5,168,854,249.61
JAPAULOIL
0.52
0.52
0
54
2,309,185
1,195,296.50
WEMABANK
JBERGER
77.4
72.84
-4.56
50
1,844,249
135,397,762.85
ZENITHBANK
JOHNHOLT
1.28
1.16
-0.12
8
234,230
272,114.30
JOSBREW
0.89
0.97
0.08
5
315,101
305,647.97
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
2
275,000
137,500.00
Stock
Close
Gain
Stock
LAWUNION
0.5
0.5
0
1
250,000
125,000.00
UACN CHAMPION PRESCO ETI HONYFLOUR DIAMONDBNK ACCESS JOSBREW TRANSEXPR CUSTODYINS
57.01 19.48 37 14.7 3.2 6.7 11.15 0.97 0.88 1.51
2.01 1.77 1 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.09 0.08 0.08 0.06
NESTLE JBERGER PZ NB FO FBNH DANGCEM INTBREW PORTPAINT UBN
LEARNAFRCA
1.7
1.7
0
9
25,720
43,275.20
LINKASSURE
0.5
0.5
0
3
220,000
110,000.00
LIVESTOCK
4.6
4.4
-0.2
35
551,420
2,447,483.70
MANSARD
2.26
2.11
-0.15
12
417,015
903,350.10
MAYBAKER
2.67
2.65
-0.02
19
303,240
790,554.00
TOP 10 GAINERS
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Close 930 72.84 40.18 167 38.91 16.1 193.5 21.5 5.56 10.71
Loss -70 -4.56 -3.82 -2.99 -0.74 -0.64 -0.5 -0.43 -0.4 -0.39
THE NIGERIAN
12
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 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 1 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,
THE NIGERIAN
Support For Higher Education Bank Bill Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of education 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 concur 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 recouched 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.
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Make Decisions With Your Wife
EVERY wife wants a husband who will take full responsibility for spiritual leadership in marriage and in the home. How can we do this when it seems like our wives don’t agree with us or won’t support our leadership? Ken Nair, in his book Understanding the Mind of a Woman states, “Contrary to popular notions, most wives do not want to occupy the throne in their marriages. A wife wants her husband to be her spiritual leader, but she is designed by God to feel secure only when she sees that her husband is not the final authority in their marriage, that he is looking to God for direction and guidance. Only then can she be confident that her relationship with her husband will be based on scriptural principles and not on her husband’s personal preferences, which she recognizes can be prejudiced or selfishly motivated. Rather than argue with her, when a husband discovers that his wife truly feels that he is prejudiced or selfish, he should be willing to learn what he can do to change in order to restore her confidence in him. From God’s perspective, becoming Christlike is more important to a man than developing a home government in which the husband is established as king. And more important than being the boss is having the character traits of mercy and justice. God notes the benefits of that thinking in Proverbs 20:28: Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by loving kindness he upholds his throne. “ I agree wholeheartedly with Ken. Throughout my interaction with couples, I can’t remember a time when a woman was glad that her husband simply said, “Yes Honey, whatever you want, we will do it your way.” A wife wants the opportunity to influence her husband with the counsel she believes God has given her, yet she knows that it needs to be balanced by other wise counsel. The motto Often wrong but never in doubt can be applied to some wives but for the most part even these wives don’t want the final responsibility for making all the decisions. Wives truly want the privilege of discerning the will of God as a couple. Scripture states, How can two walk together unless they be agreed?+ (see Amos 3:3). Wives want more than anything the joy of being one with their husbands. They know that they will be able to support their husbands if they will allow them to be involved in the decision making process. In business consulting I usually refer to the statement No involvement equals no commitment. The secret to raising morale and motivating a workforce is to involve them in the decision making process by asking for their input. When a leader truly believes each person has some piece of the answer, he will dig deeply to draw out the counsel in the heart of every man or woman involved. King Solomon stated Counsel in the heart of man is deep and a man of understanding draws it out.+ (see Proverbs 20:5). How to make a decision with your wife 1. Connect with your wife by listening to her The way a woman feels about a decision is at first more important than the decision itself. She wants to know how willing you are to hear her thoughts and feelings. This shows her the value of her worth to you as a wife. You can review the four elements of connecting with your wife by viewing From Zero to Hero You can also ask her the 10 questions of a courageous conversation if you really want to understand her heart and rescue her from her fears. 2. Tell her you will seek counsel in prayer, from God’s Word, and from others “You can calm your wife’s fears and frustrations by giving her a time in which you will get back with her. Even if you don’t have a definite answer by this date, give her an update of what you have been doing and what thoughts you have so far. Sometimes it is the wife who needs to process the information and seek counsel so she can be supportive of her husband. King Solomon wrote many proverbs in regards to seeking counsel such as the following: • “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 • “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15 • “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Proverbs 15:22 • “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” Proverbs 19:21 3. Incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to
understanding Take the counsel you have been given and begin to sift through it. Ask the Lord to lead you through the night and give you counsel in your reigns (gut) while you sleep. (See Psalm 16). The nineteenth-century mathematician Jules-Henri Poincare proposed a model of the basic four stages of the creative act that more or less holds true today. Phase one is Preparation – immersing ourselves in the problem, gathering a broad range of data and information. This first stage more often than not leads to a frustrating impasse: lots of impossibilities, but no insights. It may lead to the paralysis of the analysis for some people. • Phase two is Incubation – the information and possibilities simmer on a mental back burner. We let the mind play: daydreaming, free-associating, brainstorming, harvesting ideas as they float up.
• Phase three is Illumination – that “aha!” moment where the breakthrough insight comes. This is a thrilling moment, a culmination. • Phase four is Execution – following through with action. This demands a dogged persistence despite all the objections, setbacks, trials, and failures that typically arise with any innovation. 4. Ask God for special insight from His Word These Words from the Lord are called rhema words. There are two words in the Greek that refer to “word,”+ they are logos and rhema. Do a word search on www.blueletterbible.org and you will discover that man does not live on bread alone but by every rhema that proceeds from the mouth of God. They are the written words spoken to our hearts regarding a specific situation. These are the words that we ponder in our hearts like Mary did when she was given many rhema words by the angel concerning the Son of God. 5. Share with your wife the decision you are contemplating Allow your wife the opportunity to ask any further questions and give any last minute counsel. The following questions could be used to review your decision with your wife before making
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Relationship With IMOISILI EDITH 07089364470 it final. Ask questions regarding Biblical principles: • Does this decision conform to God’s design? • Are our authorities in agreement? • Does our conscience question it? • Am I willing to yield my personal rights to serve God and others? • Will it cause others to stumble? • Will it advance God’s purposes? Ask questions regarding priority: • Person – will this decision enrich our daily walk with God?
• Partner – will this decision foster a greater oneness in our marriage? • Parent – will it nurture a greater unity in the family? • Provider – will this decision maintain good name and uphold God’s reputation? Will this decision cause us to violate prior commitments? • Proclaimed – will this decision advance the kingdom of God? Ask questions regarding the rightness of the decision: • Is it the right thing to do? • Do we have the right motive? • What is the right method? • When is the right time? • How will others be affected by this decision? Sleep on this counsel. Ask the Lord to lead you in the night. Be ready to write your thoughts down during the night watch. 6. Give her your final decision Take responsibility for the final decision and let her know you are willing to accept correction and ask God to show you further direction. God doesn’t always give you the final steps; he expects you to take the steps of obedience he has shown you and walk by faith.
“Share with your wife the decision you are contemplating Allow your wife the opportunity to ask any further questions and give any last minute counsel. The following questions could be used to review your decision with your wife before making it final.”
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Opinion
Need To Sheathe Swords Communal clashes:
ILLUSHI and Ugboha communities, in Esan South East LGA of Edo State, are two seperate communities with no common boundary but have since 1978, been in contention over who should be the custodian of Illushi. While Ugboha, is an Esan speaking community ruled by a traditional ruler, Illushi on its own part, is ruled and dominated by the Igalla speaking ethnic group of Edo State, just as you have the Ijaw ethnic group of Edo State. But on a contrary the Ugboha Community claim to be the founder of Illushi, disclosing that their grandfathers were first to discover and live in the land of Illushi, as against the claim by the Illushi people. According to history, the battle was rested in 1997, after an Ubiaja high court struck out the land dispute that lasted for over 10 years, for lack of diligent prosecution as disclosed by Chief Kebordih. But the matter was again resurected recently by the Ugboha community, after series of petitions targeted against the official installation of HRH, Christopher Ike Kebordih, as the clan head of Illushi community, describing him as a stranger from Kogi State. The matter this time was refered to members of Esan South East traditional council, for examination. Presentations were made by the affected communities and as we speak no white paper has been released as regard the
conclusion of the committee to investigate the claim. Recently the writter engaged the traditional ruler of Ugboha, also known as the Onojie, HRH, Eidenojie Ukato Etotoma 11, in a chat over this issue and the following were his words. “ Kogi person cannot come from somewhere else to take over my land, the government should not try it and nobody should try it, its forbidden. Ike, is not an Ishan person. We are trying to say let them go. If they like they vote in election and if they like they should not vote, giving them councillor should not be done because we have nothing in common. They are from Kogi State, that name Ike Kebordih, is not an Ishan name, I don’t know where it originated from, he cannot come and contest any kingship because of any gazette, I know how they manipulated that gazette those days, through some persons for everybody to agree with the rotation of the kingship, I don’t like it, Ike, is not an Ishan man, everybody should know. “ Esan person should take over that mantle of rulership, I will not have problem with such but not strangers, Ike, is a stranger. They only came to Illushi, in search for ropes to tie their yams and when they got there they decided to stay because of the big river for fishing and the fertile land for farming. Illushi is own by Ugboha, my grandfather disvirgined that
By OKOH INNOCENT
land and it should be given to us otherwise, problem will continue in the land and the people there will continue to face problem upon problems. “ Illushi, should remain as Illushi, but nobody should create Onojieship or clan head at Illushi Community, let Ike and his people go, he
they don’t, Illushi, is going to perish” . That was the account of Ugboha traditional ruler, HRH, Eidenojie Ukato Etotoma 11. And the story did not end there and the writer, for fairness sake decided to hear from the side of Illushi community,
claimant of Illushi, between Ugboha and my place, of which I was the first defendant representing my people while one Francis Ukato, stood in on behalf of the Ugboha people. The case was struck out for lack of diligent prosecution in my favour and when the issue came up again sometime this year, the Onojie of Ugboha, categorically told me that Illushi, is an autonomous community and cannot belong to Ugboha. “The Onojie, will recall there was a time he brought out his ancestral staff of office and we equally
Mohammed Abubakar, I.G. of Police
should not be granted any power though he is very specialize in bribbing his way through which now attract to him some acceptance.” “ The government know what to do, let them recognize the rightful owners of that place then the area will be okay, and if
which has HRH, Christopher Ike Kebordih, as the clan head and the following were his comment over the issue. “These people have forgotten that there was an issue as far back 1978, till about 1996, at Ubiaja high court when a suit between we and them on the
“And that we the Illushi, are the true owners of our land and not Ugboha as claimed by some elders and the Onojie. Infact, no one Ugboha person that lived and died in Illushi were buried on Illushi soil they are taken back to Ugboha for burial.”
brought our own to swear. So if he is claiming that Illushi, belongs to Ugboha, he should bring out his ancestral staff as we did before to swear, before further contention. And to say we migrated from Kogi State, Ugboha people equally migrated from somewhere else” . “So Illushi, is an autonomous community, known by the indigenes, the public and the government. When you get to Illushi, and which ever house you see a grave, it is interpreted the tribe of the dead. Other tribes have their respective cemetaries, only we the indigenes can bury our dead within the house. We
control the affairs of Illushi, traditionally, Customarily and otherwise. And it is a wrong notion or a misconceived thought to say Illushi, belongs to Ugboha, the government should call them to order to avoid further problem. “Oria and Onogholo, were together as one but, later the government demarcated them. Oria, now have their respective King and domain. Onogholo, too equally has theirs and that’s how Illushi, was carved out as an autonomous. I equally use this medium to call on authorities of both the state and federal government to call Ugboha Community, into order to allow peace reign” . “And that we the Illushi, are the true owners of our land and not Ugboha as claimed by some elders and the Onojie. Infact, no one Ugboha person that lived and died in Illushi were buried on Illushi soil they are taken back to Ugboha for burial. Only we, regardless of where we die we are taken back to Illushi, for burial. Our tradition and custom is the only culture performed in the community, We have Orkpa title, Ogbefi title, Ihanle title, Utegbe title, Irakpor title and many more., we perform these titles and in terms of festival celebration only we can celebrate festival in Illushi land. And so, let no one trouble us with baseless claims because he or she has some money to throw around” . You have read it all and no doubt you have started drawing your conclusion, but it is a general believe that “anything is possible there is an urgent need for the warring communities to sheathe their swords so that peace and development can take place and in this vein the potentials of the people must be thought out first. Further more, instead of thinking about how to expell any person why not consider how to tap the energy and resources of such persons and channel it to the good and development of the land. Sent from my Black Berry wireless device from MTN
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
“Uzebu Community Is At Peace And On The Move” RECENTLY, Uzebu Community, a quiet suburb in Benin City erupted in crisis as a cross section of leaders and youths of the community rose in one accord to insist on their right to determine who leads them in their Community Development Association (CDA). The Ehaekpen Road, central in the vicinity where the Uzebu Secretariat is situated was barricaded as police and other security details worked to maintain law and order as youths of the community rampaged in protest of what they referred to as “imposition of candidate”, during the election that was meant to usher in a new executive, or a new tenure following the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent, Frank Ogundeze, who had also constitutionally indicated his interest to run for a second tenure and obviously enjoyed the support of his people. Emotions ran riot, violence was rife, but at the end of it all, the coveted groom of Uzebu Community, Frank Ayore Ogundeze, got the people’s mandate, for the second time, to lead them for another four years. Now, what has become of the gunshots that were said to be ringing back and forth? What happens to feelings and emotions that ran wild? What is the way forward after an election that was said to be “the freest and fairest in the annals of Community Development Associations Elections in Edo State”.? The second time Chairman bares it all in this interaction with Community Watch. Excerpts:May we meet you, please. I am Comrade Frank Ayore Ogundeze, the MD/CEO Phrankies Hotel based in Ekenwan Road, Benin City. I am the newly elected Chairman of Uzebu C o m m u n i t y
• Charles Ehendiwo
D e v e l o p m e n t Association, the body that oversees the day-by –day affairs of Uzebu Community, duly registered by the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Edo State, and guided by a constitution.
- Frank Ogundeze Tell us about the election that ushered you in. According to the guideline of our constitution, the members are the delegates who will elect their leaders. Our honourable Chief, the Ezomo of Benin was the personality that presided over the election and some members of the Elders Council which is duly registered under Uzebu Community. 27 Executives and delegates took part in the election, through option A4. In the history of Benin we have not had such a free and fair election in any community in Edo state. Security was tight and the election was peaceful and orderly. Would you say there is now peace in your administration? The voice of the people, as they say, is the voice of God. Since it is the people’s collective agreement, and they elected whom they wanted, there will be peace. How have you been able to resolve issues arising from the election? It is going to be a family affair, an all inclusive administration. All those who participated, both opposition and all, will be carried along because it is one family. Election has come and gone. Land Disputes is a common occurrence in the communities. How would your
administration be handling such issues? This is my second tenure in office, and since we have been here, we have not had any disputes,
Community Watch With
Ijeoma Umeh Tel: 08102954489 Email: ladywithegoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk youths through empowering them towards having skills which would also help in crime reduction, and to enable them be fully
investors who have also come to see how to meaningfully engage our youths. We have also been looking at areas that lack amenities –like water and so on. We are addressing
engaged in various trades, to enable them fend for themselves as well as contribute meaningfully to the society. On my personal capacity, I have also engage some of these youths as staff in my own personal venture in the hospitality industry. No youth of this community will be said to be involved in crime. We have also done so much in poverty reduction by attracting
them. Members of the Uzebu C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t Association Executive include: Vice Chairman, Sunday Osaguona, General Secretary, Charles Ehendiwo, Treasurer, Elvis Oviasogie, Youth Leader, Fidelis Owen, Public Relations Officer, Sunday Ogbonwan among others.
• Frank Ogundeze
either in the police or the court, regarding land matters. Development Uzebu Community is already a developed quarter in Benin, but we hope to advance measures towards enhancing more development in our community. Strategies to curb youth restiveness. By our little way and little resources we have been able to engage our
“By our little way and little resources we have been able to engage our youths through empowering them towards having skills which would also help in crime reduction, and to enable them be fully engaged in various trades, to enable them fend for themselves as well as contribute meaningfully to the society. On my personal capacity, I have also engage some of these youths as staff in my own personal venture in the hospitality industry. No youth of this community will be said to be involved in crime. We have also done so much in poverty reduction by attracting investors who have also come to see how to meaningfully engage our youths. We have been looking at areas that lack amenities –like water and so on. We are addressing them.”
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Tribute FOR good reasons, Chief Tony Ahakon Anenih CFR, Iyasele of Esanland, PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman is known to many people as the grand master – the Iroko of Nigerian politics. To others especially those who relish in aliases the Chief is ‘Mr. Fix It’ – a man highly gifted with exceptional political skills. Yet to others, he is the high-flying Police Officer who made it rapidly to the top echelon of his career. Truly, he is all of these and even more – a legend of sort, a great philanthropist with extra-large heart and robust giving spirit. The great man of inestimable worth and remarkable achievement is better defined by his quiet philanthropic disposition, large heart, giving spirit, boundless energy and endless desire to serve and help the poor and needy irrespective of tribe or state. Truly his calm ways, simplicity of life, sincerity of purpose, robust giving spirit, religious commitment to human capital development, willing assistance to the poor and needy and readiness to serve humanity are rare in our clime. They are vital to understanding his choice of career and foray into politics after retirement. As one of his primary school mates Jonathan Iseghohi once observed he started to exhibit these traits early in life. Giving and assisting come to him easily and he does so out of love and concern for collective happiness. Born in 1933 in Uzenema Arue, Uromi, Edo state, he attended the Government School Uromi. He was enlisted into the Police force in 1951. Having worked hard to pass his School Certificate Examination, his way to the top echelon of the Police Force was set and soon after began to attend Officer Development Courses. After attending the Police College, Ikeja, he was selected for Advanced Training at the Bramshill Police College, Basingstoke England and International Police Academy, Washington. He returned home to join in efforts of building the nation by working in different parts of the country. The Police Force he joined in 1951 was for all intents and purposes, a colonial one but the1950s was also a period of intense nationalism when Nigerian Nationalists were pushing hard for freedom. Anenih was one of those prepared for leadership in the Police Force of independent Nigeria. He served as the Police Orderly of the Governor General of the country –an appointment that probably exposed him to the working and intricacy of government at the highest level of our nation. ECHOES OF KINDNESS: I heard much about the kindness of Chief Anenih long before I met him. He is a nephew of my maternal grandmother who was ever praying for the success of both her son-Eimakhu and uncle’s child-Anhakon who were in the Police Force. In those days, family ties were stronger and concern for the welfare of members was deeper and warmer than today. Festivals such as the yearly New Yam celebrations were highly revered and used to reinforce and strengthen family ties and other relationships especially through exchange of gifts-usually yams and fire wood. I served as errand boy for my grand- parents during such periods and at
Chief Tony Anenih At 80: Anenih’s place I often heard of praises and appreciation of the man by villagers for his seasonal gifts. The echoes of his kindness came from many directions. My grandmother with whom I grew up was always receiving words of gratitude from people who were helped by her police children. Anenih was working somewhere in Ubiaja or Ewohimi at the time but I never met the man until he returned from England in early 1960s. What he did on that occasion reaffirmed the echoes of his boundless kindness and left none in doubt of his philanthropic disposition worthy of emulation. LONG LIST OF SCHOLARSHIP: Unlike today when going and returning from abroad has become a common experience, it was a rarity in those days reserved only for the few rich or lucky ones. And those who went and returned were often treated to grand reception by their communities. In the 1960s, Tony Anenih was one such lucky ones. And scholarships were given not by individuals but by government –usually to children of politicians or their friends. One day, the headmaster of our school, LEA Primary School, Uzenema, Arue, the highly respected Sir A. Obaedo, announced to our delight that Mr. Tony Anenih was returning from England and a grand reception had been planned for him with our school serving as the venue. He directed the game master to produce calisthenics to be displayed during the reception and I was one of those selected for the special show. It was a great day for the people of Arue and traditional dances such as Igbabonelibhin, Ilo, Ikpegbeje, etc were on parade. At a point of the ceremony the man of the moment – a slim, tall, handsome man stepped out to a loud ovation. He made a speech, a very short speech. After expressing warm gratitude, he began to announce a long list of scholarship to youths of the community, some to modern schools and others to secondary schools. It was amazing-if not truly dumb-founding because as hinted earlier only the government was known then to give scholarship. That was in the 1960s and many of the beneficiaries who today are highly responsible Nigerians were truly from poor homes. That is the beginning of Anenih’s philanthropy in the open and perhaps the source of his strength and success. The heart-full prayers of people cannot be disregarded here. As they say he who gives never lacks and his hand is ever on top…the voice of the people is the voice of God. All these inform my early and lasting impression of the man as a philanthropist who gives scholarship to youths, helps traders and others in need. A PRIMAL LEADER- DIFFERENT FROM THE REST: According to Goleman & co (2004), ‘the fundamental task of a leader is to prime good feeling in those they lead, to create resonance –a reservoir of positivity that frees the best in people.’ Anenih is the
“There are many unsolicited testimonies to his boundless acts of kindness. A good example here is that of a friend of mine, a retired Commissioner of Police who visited me not long ago. In the course of reviewing some old times, he revealed how Chief Tony Anenih then a DPO of Warri or Sapele, helped in providing the seed money for his university education even though the man did not know him. According to him he had gained admission to the University of Ife (now OAU).”
A Tribute T
By DR JOHN ABHUERE
‘primal leader’ who through generosity of heart and show of understanding and support creates the right emotion in people for good performance and sense of fulfillment. Take a recent sampler: The chief is about going out of
eve he OA we Hig wa
Chief Tony Anenih
his house. The gate is open and he sees an obviously hungry and dejected young man who had been waiting but denied access to him by the Security Officers. He winds down the glass, beckons on him and after some inquiry gives him money and the young man’s spirits are suddenly lifted high. This is vintage Anenih which makes him different from the rest. It may also explain his large followership across the country and why his abode has remained a Mecca of sorts. His extra- large heart and untiring giving spirits are the allure. UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIES: There are many unsolicited testimonies to his boundless acts of kindness. A good example here is that of a friend of mine, a retired Commissioner of Police who visited me not long ago. In the course of reviewing some old times, he revealed how Chief Tony Anenih then a DPO of Warri or Sapele, helped in providing the seed money for his university education
nec am trib adm aga en So tha rec ple wo aga fat my pri T un
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Tribute
To A Great Philantropist
en though the man did not know him. According to him had gained admission to the University of Ife (now AU). In those days Nigeria was good and things worked ell: The brilliant child could easily gain admission to gher Institutions of Learning on merit. However, money as a hindrance and my friend had none. So driven by
cessity and fate he decided to seek help from Anenihman he really knows not- the passport being a fellow besman. On meeting him, Anenih demanded for his mission letter, read it and returned and asked to call ain. On the appointed date, he was given more than ough money to start off his university education. ometime later at the end of the course, he returned to ank Anenih only to find out that the Chief could not collect ever rendering such assistance to him. He was easantly shocked. He added that in later time when he ould encourage him to join the police force the chief ain helped him with some funds for the burial of his ther. I nodded and told him how upon the demise of y dad, the Chief signed for me a cheque of N10,000, a incely sum of money at that time-early 1980s. The retired CP is not the only one that had made such solicited testimonies. For instance at the IBB Golf club
a member-an Ibo man told of how the Chief favorably acted on his petition and ensured fair-play over a contract bid even though he had never met the man. As State Director NYSC Kebbi State, a corps member once offered me a book he wrote as a student. In it, he paid glowing tributes to ‘his daddy’ Chief Tony Anenih. Since his surname was different from Anenih, I was curious and so invited him for chat and in the course, he revealed that he benefitted from the generosity of the Chief. He emphasized that there were many Nigerian youths like himself in the University of Benin on the Chief’s scholarship. Another friend recounted an experience during the civil war. The Biafra’s invasion of the Midwest region caught almost everyone unaware. And it created fears and desire among the students to leave schools for home but many of them had no money to pay their way home. It was Anenih who came to their rescue by arranging for vehicles and paying their fares to their various destinations. The testimonies are endless. But his helping hands are not limited to the individuals. At least from Media reports and other reliable sources, the Chief is known to have endowed some Institutions of higher learning in the country. Thus he comes out as one with large heart, strong bias for philanthropy, uncommon concern for ordinary people – an extra ordinary giver whose goodness and kindness have been felt in all corners of the country and beyond. Judging from the admixture of his daily visitors today, it is clear that he has been open to both the rich and poor. If these are just few examples of the many acts of philanthropy which had come to define the character and life of the man over the years, what is common to all of them is the Chief’s preference for anonymity. He gives for the love of giving with the hope of bringing relief to the needy. Even in politics for which he is better known as grand master of the game, the philanthropic slant is easy to observe. The collective interest has always been above the personal. His leadership qualities and exceptional political skills had always assured him chairmanship of political parties or star role in them. But unlike many of the leading Nigerian elites, Chief Anenih has neither presented himself nor his child for elective office. Truly he detests dynasty politics: In 2011, some people baited and put much pressure on him to field any of his children for Edo governorship election, he refused. While he conceded that his children have the right to contest for any position it should however not be at his behest. Rather he went ahead to support an ‘outsider’ who won the party nomination and continued with his tradition of helping in making others realize their political dreams and ambitions. Running of political parties to help win power for others is his forte and as either chair-man or one of the leading Organizers of parties such as the NPN,
SDP, PDP. He had helped in the electoral victories and appointments of other people-many governors, Senators, Honorable members of the House of Representatives, Board members and even Presidents giving rise to the sobriquet- ‘Mr. Fix it’. And he is quick to credit such victories to collective efforts. As I grew older I began to appreciate the enormous sacrifice the chief must have made in order to make others happy and full-filled. I discovered that giving is not a function of wealth but of the mind. And power is sweet. When he gave his first public set of scholarship he was relatively still a junior Police Officer. Anenih gives or assist not because he is the richest around or had eyes on history but because of love and kind heart for giving and assisting. While giving to the poor and assisting the needy appear to be his second nature, there are millions of rich people today who do not do same. The chief is tolerant and reliable and can be so trusting. This irks me at times. One of the effects is his tendency to let things go provided they make others happy. There is much reluctance to speak to Press or even unwillingness to explain his position even in the face of obvious lies about him instead resting on time to prove him right. I once wrote a rejoinder to one of such wrong reports and when we met, he told me that I didn’t even need to because criticism is part of life. I requested for permission to write his biography and he replied that I was late as another person had started working on the project. He likes to call a spade a spade and to face reality. Chief Anenih is a highly dependable man of action. Meet him with a problem, tell him the truth and he would lend a helping hand. He is imbued with tolerance and deep sympathy for the poor and the oppressed. He is a generous and quiet giver and helper of the poor and needy, a highly detribalized citizen, a great investor in human capital, builder of Communities, a grand master of the game of politics and outstanding tactician. At home he mobilized people and resources to build felt need projects including Town hall, tarred roads, modernized Royal palace, churches etc. At 80 years the Iyasele Esan land has paid his dues making millions of citizens happy. He is worthy of high praises and mighty celebrations. As they say you don’t give what you don’t have. Only the truly blessed and highly gifted can transform others for the better. Chief Anthony Ahakon Anenih is truly blessed and gifted with generosity of heart, philanthropic disposition and exceptional political skills and prowess. A Giant among giants, his life has been a source of blessing, inspiration, encouragement, beacon of hope and fulfillment to millions of people all over the world including the old and young, the rich and poor, the powerful and powerless. Let’s therefore toast to the greatest philanthropist ever-a worthy example of all times: Happy Birthday to a Great but quiet giver and helper of the poor and needy and committed developer of men and women and communities. We wish you many returns of the day, good health and God’s protection. CONGRATULATIONS and God bless.
“As they say you don’t give what you don’t have. Only the truly blessed and highly gifted can transform others for the better. Chief Anthony Ahakon Anenih is truly blessed and gifted with generosity of heart, philanthropic disposition and exceptional political skills and prowess.”
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Security Issues
America, Drones And Global Security (2) Continued from last week BUT one of the greatest threats posed to global security is the possible proliferation of this technology in the manner the world was literally brought to a standstill during the era of the nuclear arms race when several players took a cue from the US and the defunct Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) and joined the nuclear club. Already, Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Iran and some others are said to be test-running their own prototypes prelude to the commencement of full production. The possible explosion in the production of these devices is definitely going to make the world a much more volatile place as the casualty rates from armed combats are bound to increase exponentially. Another worst-case scenario that is better not imagined is the possibility of terrorists groups acquiring Drone technology and deploying it in their zerosum wars of attrition across the globe. The new face of global terrorism, which is driven by a compulsive bloodlust, makes Drones very attractive options. The operational advantages they provide can be exploited by these groups to devastating effects. Imagine these invincible and highly lethal machines in the hands of extremist groups such as AlQaeda etal. When eventually these aircrafts become available in commercial quantity, some of the questions that will certainly pop up are: How effectively can the sale and usage of Drones be monitored? What will stop an apocalyptic group from acquiring Drones meant for civilian use and modifying them to suit their depraved purposes? These are some pertinent questions that must be answered by p o l i c y m a k e r s , manufacturers and marketers of these weapons of combat by the time they become available for use on a wider scale, outside the largely military purpose it is
currently serving. Coming closer to the home front, the U.S recently proposed to establish a Drone base in Niger Republic, a neighboring country to Nigeria, to assist in monitoring the activities of groups such as Al-Qaeda and their affiliates. Now, the implications of the establishment of such a base for the security of the Western African sub-region will be very far reaching. For a country like Nigeria, whose security has been seriously compromised by the activities of Boko Haram, an Islamist fundamentalist group reported to have ties with Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabbab and Hezbollah, there is no guarantee that the country’s airspace will not be illegally violated, as the U.S seeks to gather intelligence for the use of its military, and that it will not use this pretext to engage in other clandestine activities that might breach the country’s sovereignty, knowing the antecedents of its secret services in other theatres of conflict across the globe. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) acts like a branch of the American military in its operations, and has been known to conduct its own foreign policy, different from that of the U.S government. Unlike the military, CIA operations differ in their planning and execution. The CIA can take impromptu life and death decisions once American interests are thought to be at stake, whether the said threats are valid or not. For example, it can decide on its own whether a terrorist is going to be targeted, and in some circumstances can carry out strikes without further authorization. Pakistan is the most graphic example of a war theatre where the CIA does not require presidential authorization to launch a mission within its borders. So, what stops it from applying the same measures in Niger and its environs once it has a base in place to do so? What stops it from launching cross-border Drone strikes into Nigeria if
With Obuseh Jude 08033510173
terrorist cells are suspected to be hibernating within its borders? However, it is quite surprising to note that Nigeria, a country that claims to be a regional power in Africa, has not deemed it necessary to question the aforementioned proposal by seeking
constructively engaging the U.S on the said proposal. Sound assurances that the proposed Drone base will not transform into another permanent military base, from where clandestine operations into countries within the sub-region will be conducted, must be obtained from the ensuing parley.
predecessor in the Oval Office - an indication of the manner the U.S would prefer fighting its future wars. In all, the use of Drones as choice weapons of modern warfare is bound to determine the outcome of future wars, especially as more participants prepare to join the league of countries
production and deployment of this technology is an issue that should raise serious concerns in security circles across the globe. Thus, for world peace and security to be effectively guaranteed, in the wake of the entry of these invincible flying machines into the theaters of modern combat, there is urgent need for ethical and legal guidelines in the research, production,
clarifications on its operational modus, areas of coverage, and the duration of the program. If Nigeria’s security establishment was in seasoned hands, it would have sought for immediate guarantees from the U.S that its proposal to locate a military facility very close to its borders, will not compromise the country’s national security and that of the whole sub-region. The Nigerian government must begin to play its role as one of the continents major powers. It must immediately expedite action on this Drone issue by
As America’s role as the policeman of the globe and major guarantor of peace continues to expand, adopting a security strategy that will reduce all possible threats to its security forces to the barest minimum, makes the use of Drones and other Unmanned systems the best option. Since assuming office, US President, Barack Obama, has sanctioned the increasing use of Drones in the country’s military operations across the world. His administration has conducted more than three times as many Drone strikes per year compared to his
in possession of these tactical aerial war machines. The increasing interest in this technology in defense circles across the globe, coupled with the ongoing research into the development of other unmanned – land, air, and sea - systems are bound to tilt the scale of future combats in favour of armies in possession of these robots. For the U.S, a country whose ambition of global political, economic dominance, through gunboat diplomacy has never been a secret, the comparative advantage it currently enjoys in the
sale and deployment of these stealth weapons of combat to be established to guide countries in possession of this technology. International organizations, such as the United Nations Organization, continental bodies, sub-continental bodies, international nongovernmental organizations, and national governments must push for the hashing out of effective and far reaching policies to this effect. No effort should be spared, for any effort directed towards the: peace, security and progress of the world is worth it. God save the world!
“The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) acts like a branch of the American military in its operations, and has been known to conduct its own foreign policy, different from that of the U.S government. Unlike the military, CIA operations differ in their planning and execution.”
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Judiciary A Society which values wealth as a form of achievement without questioning the sources of such wealth will have criminals who are prone to committing offences against property - ACP M.H Katsina Freedom is a very vital part of our everyday existence but the selfishness of human nature has led to some of us throwing our freedom to the wild wind and embracing criminality just to belong to the upper class in the society, all in the craze for acquisition of wealth. This we do jeopardizing our freedom in the altar of criminality. Criminal activities have been on the rise in our society, as a result of the value, respect and reverence given to the wealthy people in the Society. No one wants to ask the sources of our wealth anymore, once you are wealthy and have money to throw around you are respected in the society, you even get chieftaincy titles for it. The crave for wealth in the society has sent many of our jobless and even the employed ones into crime as they see criminality as the sure way to wealth. They engage in criminal activities to be among the upper class in the society as we have all lost the value of our culture which places more emphasis on good name than riches. Today in the society, our people have thrown away the values of our culture as we all have embraced and begin to worship wealth. It does not matter how you make your money, just make your money and join the league of big boys in
the society and earn respect. As a result of this, crime rate has increased tremendously. The work load of the Nigerian Police, the Judiciary and other relevant agencies have become more stressful due to the high rate of criminal activities recorded in the state. The Police keep arresting and parading criminals on almost daily bases. The Court and our lawyers are busy on a daily bases with all manner of cases to deal with. When you take time to visit the Nigerian prisons across the federation, you will come across people who have decided to trade their freedom for incarceration due to greed, selfishness and the crave for wealth that has made them engaged in criminal activities without serious consideration on the consequences of their actions if caught in the act of committing the crime. If you visit Nigerian Prisons across the nation, the facilities are nothing to write home about as most of the Prisons still parade obsolete facilities that need the attention of the Federal government either in renovating or building modern structures that will aid the rehabilitation of the inmates. Prisons custody is meant for rehabilitating criminals serving various jail terms but same cannot be said of the Nigerian Prisons as inmate allegedly come out worse than they were before they were locked behind bars. The Prisons facilities have been over stretched by over population as the prisons cells are crowded with inmate and even those awaiting trial. In some
Towards Decongesting The Prisons By RICHARD OKORO EWEKA/INNOCENT OMOAKA
cases you find people in prisons who are remanded in custody for crime as assault, fighting, false information etc. Some others who have no case to
Idahosa who also doubles as the chairman of the group. This group yearly pay visits to various prisons in the state to get first hand information
team also visited the Ubiaja and Auchi Prisons. This year’s exercise which took three (3) days saw 15 prison inmates regaining freedom to the applaud of all present thanking the Chief Judge of Edo state Hon. Justice Cromwell Idahosa for giving back hope and life once more to
jail terms. Babarinde thanked the Chief Judge’s leadership in the rapid and speedy dispensation of justice since his assumption of office as the Chief Judge of Edo state, however, he complained of logistics problem facing the prison which is serving over 40
Chief Jude of Edo State, Cromwel Idahosa and other members of the Edo State Administration of Justice Committee at minimum security prison, Oko. PHOTO: Solomon Enaigbe
answer and those with cases of missing files are all kept under lock and key. These set of people remain in detention for as long as no one can tell, without any hope of freedom. Talking about given prisoners hope, the judicial system in Edo State with the support of the Government set up “Edo state Administration of Justice Committee”. The group is headed by the Chief Judge of Edo state Hon. Justice Cromwell
about prisoners, their conditions, and cases. If they discover that any of the cases needs their attention they see that it gets it. The Chief Judge who has the power to set some of them free do so after critically examining the case. This year’s visit took the Chief Judge and his foot soldiers to the Medium Security Prison Oko, Central Prison Sapele road, both in Benin City, the Edo state capital. The
“If you visit Nigerian Prisons across the nation, the facilities are nothing to write home about as most of the Prisons still parade obsolete facilities that need the attention of the Federal government either in renovating or building modern structures that will aid the rehabilitation of the inmates.”
the freed inmates; with a charge to stay off crime and contribute their quota to the development of the society, state and nation at large. Medium Security Prison Oko in Benin City was the first point of call by the visitation team led by the Chief Justice of Edo state. The exercise which started at 9:00am till 4:00pm saw 11 prison inmates regaining freedom after several years of incarceration. According to the Deputy Controller of prison Oko, Babarinde, O.A, the Medium Security Prison Oko was established on 2nd of May 1988. Presently, 1,122 inmates are locked up at the prison. 988 of them are awaiting trials while 134 has already been convicted serving various
courts in the state. “Logistics is a problem facing us, we service over 40 courts and have just 4 vehicles, and we need a bigger truck that can service Benin. We are counting on you as the Chief Judge of the state to speak to the governor on our behalf. We know your being here today is for joy, we know today God will use you to bring joy and freedom to some inmates, we pray God will continue to bless and protect you”. he said Hon. Justice Idahosa described the efforts of the State Administration of Committee in sanitizing the criminal justice system. According to him, “this is evident after a cursory look at the list of Continues on Page 21
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452
Basic Safety Rules
Vehicle Maintenance Procedure
THERE is a well-known picture in the mind of everybody, whether he or she is interested in automobiles or not. It is of those sad remnants of all brands of cars, Buses, Trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles, which dies early. You don’t want your car to die a ‘premature death”, do you? The premature death is not due to substandard material and workmanship but largely to lack of adequate maintenance procedure discussed here is not a substitute to daily and weekly checks. It is on the action to be taken and which ever comes first. Maintenance of your vehicle starts from the pre-delivery inspection (DPI). Your dealer must have done that before you take possession of the car. It must be followed with first inspection service, which is compulsory after you must have covered I,000 kilometers on one month after the date of purchase. Due to the state of our roads and poor handling of motor vehicle by motorists, It is suggested that your vehicles should be serviced at every 5,000 - 6,000 km or three or four months, which ever comes first. For the engine to serve you, you must “service” it to keep it in top form always. This is done when you service the engine at regular interval of about 5,000km, which include the following serving procedures. 1. Check Oil level in the engine sump 2. Warm the engine up to attain its working temperature before you drain the oil 3. Oil filter to be replaced with a new one.
4. Check the values clearance and adjust it necessary. Proper care must be taken during adjustment to ensure that it is adjusted to the m a n u f a c t u r e r ’s recommendation. 5. Check the contact point for excessive wear is excessive, A little wear can be corrected by using oilstone or sand paper. After 10,000 kilometers, it is advisable to replace contact. 6. Remove the spark plugs wash them in petrol and use a wire brush to remove
outraces of carbon set the plug gap to 0.75 0.85 (for vehicles). 7. Use compressed air to blow the air cleaner element properly. Replace it after 5,000km 8. Check the tension of the drive belt. It should be adjusted after 5,000km. 9. Use a timing light (ignition timing light ) to set the ignition timing correctly. 10. Set the idle speed (slow running) of the car to the recommended revolution per minute:
ALTHOUGH tyre manufacturers balanced tyre and tube , it is often necessary to balance the complete wheel assembly to ensure that wheel rotates free from vibration. Out of balance wheel may be cause by (a) Static unbalance , and ( b) Dynamic•. unbalance. (a) Wheels are statically balanced if they remain at rest in any given position. Static unbalance wheel always comes to rest in one position, which indicates the presence of a” heavy spot” directly below the wheel axis. A wheel used in this condition will tend to cause the unbalanced centrifugal force to lift the wheel of the road periodically, and produce conditions knows as” Wheel Hop” . Shimmy and uneven l wear (b) Wheels are dynamically balance when rotated . No resultants centrifugal force is
exerted . Dynamic unbalanced wheel if rotated , the centrifugal forces acting through the same line . Wheels should be balanced statically and dynamically to allow even tyre wear and free wheel vibration. Front wheel alignment is checked with different kinds of alignment equipment available in workshops and most petrol station. In checking front alignment you will measure camber, castor and toe – in. The toe - in can be adjusted if found incorrect.
The car carburetor is to form the very rapid burning charge needed by the engine. The process of preparing this suitable “charge” mixture of fuel and air is known as carburetion. The idle mixture adjusts screw on the carburetor controls, the amount of fuel air mixture that is being burnt inside the engine. The idle mixture adjust screw should not be touched unless you have a tester. Exhaust Gas Analyzer (spedal tester) is used to set it correctly. Wrong adjustment of this idle mixture screw will cause excessive fuel consumption.
Wheel Balancing You can measure steering axis - inclination and toe-out on turns which are not adjustable. If they are wrong, it means parts are bent or damaged and must be replaced. The level of fluid in power steering system should be maintained between the minimum and maximum level, else the pump will not build enough pressure for the system Leaks should be repaired immediately by skilled mechanics.
1. Keep your vehicle in good condition . Pay particular attention to light brakes , steering , tyres and direction indicator . Keep windscreens and windows cleans and free of abstractions. 2. Use your rear view and wing mirrors before moving off, overtaking, turning slowing down or stopping. 3. Signal your intention in good time and before executing them 4. On the highway, keep well within your lane. Do not wander from lane to lane or change lane suddenly. 5. Always obey traffic officers in the lawful performances of their duties 6. Do not reverse into a major road or expressway and on any road at all. Do not reverse for more than eight metres. 7. Get to know the major traffic signs and road marking and obey them. 8. Park only where you will not obstruct other road users or be a danger to them, If your vehicle breaks down, push it off the road so that it does not obstruct traffic or other road users. 9. Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 10. Be polite and courteous to other road users.
Understanding Steering System THE operation of the steering gearbox can be mechanical as we have on most vehicles on our roads or hydraulic (power steering) also as we have on some cars on our roads . The power steering reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel and makes maneuvering in a confirmed space much easier than with the conventional steering (mechanical steering). With conventional steering some steering wheels may be wrenched out of a driver grip if a tyre bursts at high speed or if the car hits a large bump. This does not happen with power steering .
Another advantage of the power steering is that car can be steered manually if the power fails. The main components of a power steering are the same as the conventional type but plus a pump which supplies the fuild driven by the engine, sensing valves operated by movement of the steering wheels or by the deflection of the road wheels, the ram and piston assembly and the connecting pipes. The maintenance procedure from the two systems are similar. But the power steering has the hydraulic system to be maintained in addition.
“Front wheel alignment is checked with different kinds of alignment equipment available in workshops and most petrol station. In checking front alignment you will measure camber, castor and toe – in. The toe - in can be adjusted if found incorrect.”
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Judiciary Continued from Page 19 inmates presently drawn up, shows that our efforts in sanitizing the criminal Justice Administration in Edo state is gradually yielding the desired results. Prior to my assumption of office as Chief Judge, what was obtainable in the High Court of Justice was a situation where civil and criminal cases on the general cause list competed fiercely for attention and the consideration on their Lordships. Given this situation, very few criminal cases proceeded smoothly to conclusion. The need for the creation of a Criminal Division to attend solely to criminal cases became apparent. “On the 17 th day of January, 2012, I issued a Practice Direction under my hand creating the Benin Criminal Division. Thereafter a presiding Judge was assigned to the newly created Criminal Division. In that same year two additional Judges were also deployed by me to further strengthen that Division. This year, I have also deployed another Judge to join their Lordships, thus bringing the total number of Judges and Courts in the Benin Criminal Division to 4 (four)”. Speaking further, Hon. Idahosa said in Oko Prison alone, a total of 503 cases are presently being handled by the (four) Courts in the Benin Criminal Division.” I commend your Lordships for your tireless efforts towards achieving regular sitting and I call for greater commitment as more cases will keep flowing in”.
He commended the Attorney General of Edo state Barr. Henry Idahagbon for the way and manner he tackled the issue of piled up Police case files in the Office of the DPP. “His timely intervention, in no small way greatly helped to ensure the prompt treatment of long overdue files. Reports reaching me indicate that a good number of inmates who were unjustifiably held in Prison custody without prima facie case have been release, whilst others have been arraigned in Court. In this regard, I also commend the Director of Public Prosecution and his team for their relentless effort in ensuring prompt filling of information. 11 inmates got the amnesty of the visitation team led by the Chief Judge of Edo state Cromwell Idahosa. They include Victor Arifo 49 years and Okpame Ikponmwso 65 years have both spent 2 years and 2 months in prison. Jonan Edeh 28, Emeka Nwaenyi 27, Nnandi Okoro 27, Lucky Uche 25 has all spent 4 years and 3 months each. Godwin Edobor 22 years and have spent 1 year and 4 months. Osaro Jacob 38 years have served one year in prison and Osahon Owie 36 years has been behind bars for 2 months and two weeks. Sunday Idodo, Mohammed Amede, Chukwuemeka Ayanwu, and Goodness Godwin. Complete the number For the freed inmates the gestures of the Chief Judge would go down to deter them from engaging in any acts that would jeopardize their new found freedom. Victor Arifo, 28, a lorry
...Decongesting The Prisons driver who has spent two years and two months at the Oko Prison told The NIGERIA OBSERVER that this was not his first time to be locked up in prison custody. According to him, his employer had accused him for attempted
his life well to contribute his quota to the development of the society, state and nation at large. Lucky Uche is a 26 year old young man and he said that his prison ordeal and subsequent freedom as a
according to him was over the demand of the Police officer to force him into selling a pair of jeans trouser to him (the Police officer) on an amount bellow the market price, and when he insisted not to sell to the officer, he was
Osaro Jacob, one of the inmate released from Central Prison Benin. PHOTO: Solomon Enaigbe
murder after the employer had learnt of his release from prison after previously accusing him for stealing and yet again found himself in prison. For Edeh who was also lucky to be released promised not to engage in any act that would truncate his new found freedom again. He promised to use
miracle of a second chance to lease of new life. Uche, who was charged for alleged armed robbery said he was innocent of the crime. Narrating how he was incarcerated, Uche said he had only gotten into argument with a Police officer, who later arrested him for armed robbery. The argument
“At the Ubiaja Prison, no inmates were discharged. Only one inmate was bailed after observing that he was suffering from tuberculosis. This according to the Hon. Chief Judge is to guarantee the safety and health of the other inmates. He however charged members of the bar to ensure that they are alive to their duties of administering justice to inmates awaiting trial before the court.”
arrested and later brought to the Oko prison. Uche looks forward tobecome a pastor having regain his freedom. They all appreciated the action of the Chief Judge which has filled them with joy as they can now happily be reunited with their family lies and find a job to keep soul and body together. The visit to the Benin Central prison saw only two inmates regain their freedom. This according to the Chief Judge was also as a result of the committee’s visit in 2012 which had resulted in about 388 cases filed at the criminal court by the Department of Public
Prosecution. In addition, 53 inmates had earlier been discharged from prison custody and more criminal cases are pending before the court. In his address to the Chief Judge, the Deputy Comptroller Prison incharge of Benin Central Prison, Ibiang Ibiang Otu stressed that though prison is the exclusive function of the Federal Government, it serves the state, where it is located. He therefore called on the assistance of the Edo State Government to help in rescuing the deplorable condition of the Central Prison in Benin City. Among the areas that needed urgent attention are; provision of boundary with the outer world, which he said had jeopardize the security of the prison, the toilet for inmates, which he said had since collapsed. He also pleaded for logistics to enable it service the 45 courts within its jurisdiction. At the Ubiaja Prison, no inmates were discharged. Only one inmate was bailed after observing that he was suffering from tuberculosis. This according to the Hon. Chief Judge is to guarantee the safety and health of the other inmates. He however charged members of the bar to ensure that they are alive to their duties of administering justice to inmates awaiting trial before the court. The exercise has come and gone, another vital point has been scored has setting 15 inmates free. This exercise is yearly and other inmates who are not lucky to be picked have started praying for God to open their book of remembrance and remember them when the Chief Judge come visiting again. How many will secure freedom come 2014? Well let us keep our hands crossed as only time will tell.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Issues
WHEN news fittered in sometime ago that the United Kingdom (UK) government is going to introduce the payment of a $3,000 visa bond for immigrates from selected nations tagged “high risk”, there were agitations from many quarters. The proposed bond is to serve as prerequisite for the issuance of a six-month visa for immigrants from Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. According to the Home Secretary, Theresa May, visitors from 18 years will deposit the money which will be forfeited if they overstayed the six month visit visa. The move is to cut immigration and abuses of the system and is to start-off from November. In a statement by The Home office, the bond, “ is the next step in making sure that immigration system is more selective, brining down net migration from the hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands while still welcoming the brightest and best to Britain”. As expected, this news has heralded response by different people who have term the policy as discriminatory and capable of running the relationship between the two countries. For the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, the bond is sure to defeat both nations commitment to double trade by 2014. Statistics revealed that trade between Nigeria and Britain rose five-fold from $2.35 billion in 2010 to $ 11.57 billion last year. For others, the policy is antithetical to the family spirit made possible by commonwealth. Ashiru noted that the development does not toe the line of commonwealth as “a voluntary association of 54 countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development”, speaking to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ashiru stated that the policy as “not only discriminatory but also capable of undermining the spirit of the commonwealth family”. This move has further lent credence to believe in some quarters that in the Commonwealth there are inferior and second-class countries. For the policy to be targeted at non-western members of the commonwealth, portrays that indeed all animals are equal in the commonwealth but some are more equal than others. Similarly, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the “Nigerian government should apply the principle of reciprocity by asking their citizens coming to Nigeria to pay N3 million”. She recalled that this similar scenario transpire between South Africa and Nigeria and that when Nigeria retaliated, the South African government jettisoned their discriminatory policy. Again , the number of law-abiding professionals and students contributing to the growth of the British economy, is on the rise yearly. According
The Bond That Tears Apart By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU
to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Nigerians spend over N80bn ($ 500m) yearly, to train people in various academic institutions in Britain. Corroborating the fact that there are avalanche of Nigerians contributing meaningfully to the growth of the Queen’s land, Dabiri-Erewa said, “if Nigerian and Indian doctors withdraw their services in the UK, their health sector will collapse” To some, the lastest move by the British amounts to falling the ladder after one has finished climbing. They stated that Britain during the colonial period had used Nigeria and other countries as reservoir to fuel their ever-burning industries. If applicants
David Cameron, Prime Minister of British for UK visa pays 3,000 Pound, the British government will get over 540 million Pound from Nigerians. This is because about 180,000 Nigerians apply for UK visa yearly. For the British coffers, this will form a sizeable Chunk of revenue that could be ploughed back to develop British within the six-months that the applicant will stay. For now, the British government is yet to announce if it plans to get interests to the monies that would be deposited to her treasury. It is more like a case of ripping off these countries that are battling to keep their financial base strong. Also, if the policy is meant to curb the spate of global terrorism, why has it not been applied to those countries that are prone to terrorism groups? Now, terrorist gangs are known to be well-funded and as such 3,000 Pound will definitely be “no money” for them to pay and do the damages.
It seems that the British Government’s move smacks off the need to adopt proper and noninsultive measures to curtail excesses in immigration. Paying for the bond cannot be the best way to stop illegal immigration. That some Nigerians engage in nefarious acts does not mean that it is every Nigerian. That there may be diehard terrorists in these countries can never be ignored. What is been asked is : Are all Nigerians high risk?. It is a case of throwing away the baby with the bath water.
President Goodluck Jonathan For the criticisms that followed the plans, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Andrew Pocock said that “the vast majority would not be required to pay a bond”. Pocock noted that the policy would only affect a small number of the high-risk visitors and that most applicants would not need to pay the bond. It was also revealed that the Prime Minister, David Cameroon was quoted as saying that he had “not signed off” details of the policy, saying any policy that jeapaidise the “open for business” agenda, might not see the light of day. As it stands now, Nigerians and the citizens from other affected nations are waiting to see. “We will not rush into judgement on this matter because this is not the first time such an issue has been brought to our notice. But as a people, we cannot sit and watch people being killed without seeking justice; we will see how the case can be re-visited”.
“This move has further lent credence to believe in some quarters that in the Commonwealth there are inferior and second-class countries. For the policy to be targeted at non-western members of the commonwealth, portrays that indeed all animals are equal in the commonwealth but some are more equal than others. Similarly, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the “Nigerian government should apply the principle of reciprocity by asking their citizens coming to Nigeria to pay N3 million”. She recalled that this similar scenario transpire between South Africa and Nigeria and that when Nigeria retaliated, the South African government jettisoned their discriminatory policy.”
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Religion
With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA
Let My People Go Continued from last week
MOSES was a gift of God to the nation of Israel He was born during a decree just passed by Pharaoh that called for the extermination of all new born baby boys of Hebrew origin, the mother not wanting him to be killed hid him for three months and when she could no longer hide him after three months, she put him in a basket and hid him by the bank of the river among the reeds arid Pharaoh’s daughter who was going for a bath in the river discovered Moses, she loved him and asked him to be nursed on her behalf by his own mother; and later he became the adopted Son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Ex. 2:110). In this royal Court Moses spent the first forty years of his life and according to the testimony of Stephen here he was educated in the sciences and oratory and with leadership qualities (Acts 7:22). Moses fled Egypt into the wilderness of midian where he spent another forty years in exclusion as a shepherd, and on Mount Horeb at the age eighty years the Lord appeared to Moses in the midst of fire calling Moses into divine service, and commissioned him (Ex. 3:1-15). Now why did God commission Moses to go and deliver the people of Israel? Because he remembered the covenant’ while the people of Israel groaned in the enslavement instituted by a Pharaoh who did not know Joseph. “And the children of Israel sighed by reason of Bondage and they cried Arid God heard their groaning, arid God remembered his covenant wit?? Abraham, with Isaac arid with .Jacob” (Ex. 2:2425). God’s mighty spirit was upon Moses and through him the Lord wrought great works of deliverance to the people of Israel. MOSES: THE D E L i V E R A N C E MINISTRY “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee like
unto me” Deut 18:15 Moses the prophet was a classical prophet a prophet with distinction, in drawing this distinction the Lord himself spoke to Aaron the Priest and Miriam the Prophetess thus: “Hear now my words, if there be a Prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision and will speak unto him in a dream, My servant Moses is not ‘so with him will 1 speak mouth to mouth, even apparen+ly ... and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold” Num. 12:6-8. The deliverance ministry of Moses was a classical one and clearly draws a distinction between the classical and nominal types of deliverance manifestations. The classical deliverance minister is one that is specifically called and commissioned usually an estactic commission; but the nominal is simply a faith exercise, Which is okay too, for did the Lord not say all believers are commissioned by faith to deliver? “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils” Mk. 16:17. There is a third class of deliverance ministers: They are the imitators; they neither have the commission nor the faith but simply want to exercise it for personal aggrandisements They are like the seven sons of sceva; who had gone out to imitate Paul’s ministry to cast out demons but were themselves overpowered bythe demons. “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying we adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And these were seven Sons of one sceva, a Jew ... And the evil spirit answered.... Jesus I know, and Paul I know but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them and overcame them and prevailed against them” (Acts 19:13-16). The fourth type of the deliverance ministers are the fake deliverance ministers. They are like Simon of Samaria the sorcerer who though claimed to be converted
yet Christ was not deeply rooted in him and sought to purchase anointing from Peter with money. “But there was a certain man called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery; and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. To whom they all gave heed... saying, this man is the great power of God.... Then Simon himself believed also and when ho was baptised, he
Yeah Moses was a classical deliverance minister, though Moses was involved in the political deliverance of the nation of Israel from the political bondage of the Egyptians and their Pharaoh yet there is a corollary between the political and the spiritual. Moses with the mighty power of God and a powerful commission fought Pharaoh boldly to a stand still and overcame: So the deliverance
continued with Philip And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money” Acts 8:910. 1 3, 18-10. So obviously there are four classes of deliverance ministers The classical deliverance minister, the nominal, the imitator and the fake deliverance minister I liken the deliverance ministries of men like Moses and Paul as classical deliverance ministries for Paul like Moses was commissioned even in the midst of fire on his way to Damascus. “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus and suddenly there shined around about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth .... Acts 9:4.
minister with a bold anointing will fight Satan and his agents represented by Pharaoh and his cohorts; and overcome them; though Moses might not have cast out demons because he was on a political deliverance mission yet he overwhelmed the demonic powers of Pharaoh and the Magicians of Pharaoh with the ten plagues that he confronted Pharaoh with. So great was the ministry of Moses that the Bible described him as the greatest prophet of the old testament. “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses whom the Lord knew face t, face” Deut 34:10. Through Moses deliverance mission was political it had a spiritual undertone. His political mission was encapsulated in his spiritual
“The deliverance ministry of Moses was a classical one and clearly draws a distinction between the classical and nominal types of deliverance manifestations. The classical deliverance minister is one that is specifically called and commissioned usually an estactic commission; but the nominal is simply a faith exercise, Which is okay too, for did the Lord not say all believers are commissioned by faith to deliver?”
mission for the Lord; as the law giver and one who firmly established through the laws the religion of Israel. However what is important to me about Moses in this presentation of my deliverance treatise is to acknowledge the uniqueness of the classical deliverance minister using Moses as a study point or a case study. All classical deliverance ministers are called and commissioned, usually in an estactic way Moses was (Ex.
“Not by might, not by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord of host” Zech. 4:6 Moses was a man of God given to withdrawals Fasting and praying. Commissioned deliverance ministers are desirous to do this It is good to prepare a deliverance minister who may be called upon at anytime to do battle with the kingdom of Satan. Moses fasted forty days and forty nights on two separate occasions; firstly when he was to receive the tables of stone The tables of covenant (Deut 9:10-Il); and again when he
3:2-1 2); Paul was (Acts 9:115). They are usually given to long period of spiritual preparation by God. They are self-prepared by God not by men. Moses was iii the wilderness for forty years even preceding his call and commission. He spent another forty years even after his commission in the wilderness leading the people to the promised land. The Spirit of God greatly humbles such characters. That their humility is just beyond the ordinary. It is not feigned or achievable by self discipline but the work of the Holy Spirit. “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Num. 12:3. They are focused; and faithful to their call - It is hard to pull them out of that focus because they are close to God by his divine manifestations. Moses was that character of a man. “My servant Moses is faithful in All mine house” Num 12:7. The zeal of God in them is reflected in such divine manifestations by the anointing of the Holy spirit. Rightly the Bible says of such zeal:
was interceding for the sin of Israel over the molten calf image worship of Aaron. (Deut. 9:16-18). Did Paul not withdraw into the Arabian peninsula for three years to be in Gods spiritual school to be taught and trained by God himself? Hear his testimony; “But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man; for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, hut by the revelation of Jesus Christ But when it pleased God who separated me from my mothers womb and called me by his grace to reveal his son in me .. I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went Ito Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me: but I went into Arabia, then after three years I went up to .Jerusalem to see Peter...” Gal. I : 11—I 2, 1 5-1 7. Paul the apostle was equally full of fastings and prayers. He did it very often as he testified (2 Cor. 11:27). The Bible says of our calling “wherefore .... give diligence to make your calling and election sure” 2 Pet. 1:1 0. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” Roms 11:29. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” I Thess 5:24.’
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
International Featurers Zimbabwe Elections And Mugabe’s Victory By DAN OMORUAN
AFTER the just concluded Zimbabwe’s general elections, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai was on the media-screaming wolf. He had started screaming monkey before the commencement of the election arising from the discovery of schema to disenfranchise local voters that constitute majority of his supporters. This is not the first time that Morgan Richard Tsvangirai will be contesting against Mugabe and loosing. He did five years ago and lost. His supporters embarked on violent demonstration to challenge the alleged massive rigging that brought about the failure of their party; Movement of Democratic Change, MDC in that election which resulted in the ruthless killing of hundreds of their supporters by the police. I admire Morgan Richard Tsvangirai in many ways. In the first instance, he was a union leader like our Comrade
person that has that fierce personality in Nigeria that can challenge an incumbent President in the polls and go a long way to win a remarkable percentage of the entire vote cast, that person is obviously the Comrade Governor. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai has that doggedness, audacity and stubbornness to challenge an incumbent stubborn President that has been in power for thirty-three years. Prior to independence, Mugabe and other independent fighters had been engaged in a struggle with the British for many years using conventional and unconventional tactics to dislodge them. They were branded, imprisoned and even tortured to make them renounce their agitation for independence, but they remained resolute and undaunted. In 1980, the British succumbed to both domestic and international pressure,
They are men who believe in confronting a problem headlong and not indulging in tactics of circumvention. These are the kind of men who are true leaders and not the crafty and evasive politicians whom Robert Mugabe represent. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai has said that the elections were fraught with irregularities. There is no doubt about that. It is quite expected when dealing with a man like Robert Mugabe who wants to die in power. This is his plan and it will be difficult for him to leave power except through death or coup. Mugabe has committed many sins while in power that he prefers to die in power and enjoy a State burial while laughing at his adversaries as he goes to his grave, rather than facing the risk of series of court actions that might see him convicted and go to jail at an old age. The conviction of Sylvio Belusconi, the embattled former Italian Prime Minister is an example of what happens to leaders who while in power, allow themselves
Robert Mugabe
Adams Oshiomhole
Morgan Tsvangirai
Governor. Secondly, if you look at him closely and sternly you would notice some elements of facial appearance to our Comrade Governor. There are other ways. He possesses that doggedness which has become the hallmark of our Comrade Governor both as Governor of the State and as the nation’s foremost indefatigable labour leader. If the nation had known in the past that a labour leader of his magnitude and caliber would emerge some day, probably it would have been better not to have tagged our late papa and doyen of labour movement in Nigeria Pa Imoudu of Ovbiokhuanrin-Ora, labour leader ‘number One’. Sometimes, I am tempted to compare their achievements. This attempt has been futile as I was only a child when Pa Imoudu was tormenting the colonialists and even the military government in his era as Leader of the Nigerian Labour Movement. A father had always prayed that his son should be greater than him. I am sure that Pa Imoudu’s must have prayed that someday, a successor greater than him should come. The only labour leader I know that fits into that class is our Comrade Governor. Knowing Pa Imoudu for what he was, he would be satisfied today, that his efforts at uplifting the condition of the Nigerian worker had not been in vain and that another dogged and brave labour leader in the like of Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole had emerged. Pa Imoudu was a man of uncommon boldness and there is no man I know today that has such unusual boldness as our Comrade Governor. This has endeared him to his contemporaries who had sometimes regarded him with subdued admiration. Our late papa was regarded as Labour Leader, Number One. Considering the energetic resonance and vicissitudes of our Comrade Governor, I am sometimes at a loss in comparing him with our late papa. For want of a better description, and not to deny Pa Imoudu his earned right, post humously, I will prefer to designate our comrade Governor “indefatigable labour leader”, just as Morgan Richard Tsvangirai. As I was saying, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai has so many things in common with the Comrade Governor. If there is any
relinquished power and granted Zimbabwe independence. By this time, many of Mugabe’s contemporaries as freedom fighters have died. With the popularity and experience gained as a political war farer, Robert Mugabe became the Presidential candidate of Zanu PF, the party that won the first democratic elections in Zimbabwe. Mugabe has been in power for thirty-three years. As President of Zimbabwe, he has earned many friends and foe especially with his unpopular seizure of large acres of farmland from white settlers and distributing them to blacks whose ancestors owned the land originally. This act was not without repercussion. It brought about the depletion of agricultural activities and products in the country. There was also a drop in foreign revenue from the export of these products. Inflation and scarcity of food in the market became a common thing. The value of the Zimbabwean dollar crashed and the economy was reduced to almost tatters. The ailing economy of Zimbabwe is the main point that Morgan Changarai has capitalized upon to challenge him at the polls. The result had so far not been favourable as it is not easy to unseat an incumbent President especially within the African context, as he has the power and greed to manipulate the law and the electoral processes. Mugabe is very cunning. He is like a monkey with many tricks up his sleeves. On the other hand, Tsvangirai is pragmatic and straight forward like our Comrade Governor.
to be carried away by the temporariness of ‘powerful power’. I admire Morgan Richard Tsvangirai a lot and believe that as long as he remains the main contender to Robert Mugabe, Mugabe will continue to conjure all the tricks applicable in the electoral process to preserve his hold on power not undermining whose ‘gourd is gourd’. Robert Mugabe will not willingly relinquish power to a tough and fearless opponent like Morgan Richard Tsvangirai who will ensure that Mugabe is brought to book in the event he takes over power from him. This is the irony and futility in Morgan Richard Tsvangirai’s bid to succeed Robert Mugabe, the lion of the Zambian forest. I want to congratulate Morgan Richard Tsvangirai for remaining calm in spite of a provocative and fraudulent electoral process that has brought about an overwhelming victory for Robert Mugabe and His Zanu PF party with about sixty-one percent of the total votes cast in his favour. His calm has restrained his supporters from going out to the streets to protest and avoided the tragedy of that characterized protestations of the last general elections in which the police massacred about two hundred of his supporters. He should take his case to the Zimbabwean court as he has said. Let us hope that the Zimbabwean court will have the justification to dispense justice justly. However, I know that Robert Mugabe is like a cat that has nine lives. He has outlived nine; there are two more to go.
“Mugabe has been in power for thirty-three years. As President of Zimbabwe, he has earned many friends and foe especially with his unpopular seizure of large acres of farmland from white settlers and distributing them to blacks whose ancestors owned the land originally. This act was not without repercussion.”
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
International Features
PRESIDENT Hassan Rouhani said on Monday he had chosen a cabinet to overcome Iran’s economic crisis and diplomatic isolation as parliament began debating whether to approve his proposed ministers. “Your vote of confidence in the ministers is not just a vote for the individuals, it is a vote for the whole government and its plans,” the Iranian president told parliament. Rouhani, a relatively moderate, mid-ranking cleric, took office on August 3 after winning a landslide in the June 14 presidential election over more conservative rivals. He had promised to combat high inflation and unemployment, pursue a more “constructive” foreign policy and allow greater social freedoms than his hardline predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Rouhani, who won the support of centrist and reformist voters but who also has close ties to conservative insiders, said he had chosen a cabinet from across Iran’s factions on the basis of their experience rather than their political loyalties. Many of his nominees are seasoned technocrats who served under centrist former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and reformist exPresident Mohammad Khatami, but conservative factions in parliament are likely to oppose some of his choices. Though widely recognized as an experienced and capable manager, conservatives say proposed oil minister Bijan Zanganeh is too close to pro-reform opposition leaders who had protested against what they called a rigged presidential vote in 2009. Zanganeh and Mohammad Ali Najafi, a technocrat picked for education minister, visited Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the 2009 election to speak on behalf of the opposition leaders, who are now under house arrest. Conservatives refer to the months of protests which followed the vote as a “sedition,” and reformists have been largely purged from powerful posts in the years since. Ruhollah Hosseinian, a “principlist” conservative in parliament, predicted on Saturday that 80 percent of
Rouhani Defends Choice Of Cabinet
Rouhani’s cabinet nominees would be approved, ISNA news agency said. But he said the assembly would bar those “who made statements in parliament and did not distance themselves from the sedition”. Hossein Shariatmadari,
hand-picked by Khamenei to edit the influential hardline daily Kayhan, wrote in an editorial on Monday that “the place for those who were present in
the sedition is prison and not the ministry”. In his speech on Monday, Rouhani said the oil ministry required “active diplomacy”
and endorsed Zanganeh for the post. Western sanctions imposed over Iran’s disputed nuclear program have halved Tehran’s oil exports since 2011, and its aging oil fields need crucial upkeep. In addition to repairing Iran’s economy, Rouhani has pledged to improve Iran’s image abroad, tarnished by Ahmadinejad’s statements against Israel and questioning of the Holocaust. On Monday, he said his government would pursue “threat prevention and alleviation of tensions” in its
foreign policy. Rouhani’s choice of foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, is a U.S.-educated former U.N. ambassador who has been at the centre of several rounds of secret negotiations to try to overcome decades of estrangement between Washington and Tehran. Rouhani said he had known Zarif since the 198088 Iran-Iraq war and called him the best man for the job, saying Iran needed a “completely aware, efficient and expert” foreign minister. Legislators began debating Rouhani’s nominees after his speech, and a vote of confidence is expected later this week.
“Many of his nominees are seasoned technocrats who served under centrist former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and reformist exPresident Mohammad Khatami, but conservative factions in parliament are likely to oppose some of his choices.”
President Hassan Rouhani of Iran
Pakistan Accuses Indian Shell Of Killing Man PAKISTAN accused Indian troops of shelling its territory along the disputed Kashmir border on Monday and killing a civilian, the latest in a series of allegations by both sides over the past week. The resumption of violence along the border threatens to sabotage recent overtures by the two countries aimed at resuming peace talks. Pakistan and India have long been enemies and have fought three major wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over control of Kashmir. A Pakistani military official accused Indian troops of “unprovoked firing” in the early morning hours Monday in three
sectors along the Kashmir border: Battal, Chirikot and Satwal. A civilian named Muhammad Zubair was killed by the shelling, the official said. A senior Indian army commander said Indian troops were responding to unprovoked firing from Pakistan and targeted military posts, not civilian areas. The firing from Pakistani started last night and continued through the night in two places, the commander said. He accused Pakistan of regularly violating a 2003 cease-fire agreement in Kashmir over the past four days. The Pakistani and Indian officials both spoke on condition of anonymity
because they were not authorized to discuss the issue with the media. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry summoned India’s deputy high commissioner in Islamabad to protest the incident and called on the country to uphold the 2003 cease-fire agreement, the ministry said in a statement. “Pakistan is committed to a constructive, sustained and result-oriented process of engagement with India and believes that serious efforts need to be made in maintaining a positive atmosphere and avoid negative propaganda,” the ministry said.
The mountainous Kashmir border is divided between Pakistan and India but claimed in its entirety by both. India directly accused Pakistani soldiers and militants of crossing into its portion of Kashmir last Tuesday and killing five Indian soldiers. The Indian defense minister, A.K. Antony, has demanded those involved be punished. Pakistan has denied its soldiers killed any Indian troops and accused Indian soldiers of severely wounding a Pakistani citizen along the border last Thursday. India has denied the allegation.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his concern about the incidents last week and said both sides should make sure the situation doesn’t escalate. He came to power in June with the intention of improving relations with India, especially when it comes to trade that Pakistan desperately needs to bolster its stuttering economy. But analysts are worried that the latest violence could give ammunition to hawks on both sides to sabotage any moves toward normalizing relations. Associated Press writer Aijaz Hussain contributed to this report from Srinagar, India.
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Man And The Visiting Of Sins Unto Third And Fourth Generation Nature
THE law of seed and harvest, cause and effect, which can also be called the law of Reciprocal Action, is a uniform law for the whole of creation, applying equally to human actions and thought and determining the course of fate. To this also, pertain happenings which are designated as chance, with the implication of arbitrariness and blind sway. In reality, however, they are the effects of lawful processes, which are often strange and inexplicable, because, man is no longer in a position to survey and recognise the invisible connections in them. By viewing his fate intellectually he advances no further. Extra-earthly realms are involved here, which are not accessible to the earthly intellect. How often we say in regard to fateful event. It was an unfortunate or fortunate accident, chance willed it so, it was brought about by a series of accident or it was a game of chance. But the game was known, it went according to incorruptible rules, determined by the laws of creation. In accordance with the same laws, many human souls must again return to earth to make good, to redeem. The sins which they once committed on earth for earthly beginning stipulates earthly ending in accordance with the law of the cycle, by which the ring must close at the place where it was begun. Thus, all quilt avenges itself on earth” according to which the Biblical expression “to avenge” means nothing other than the working out of the laws of sowing and reaping. The same law is expressed by the Biblical words. “The iniquity of the fathers is visited upon the children unto the third and fourth generation” (Exo. 20:5) the visiting does not refer to heredity. What is inherited is only purely physical. We see it for example with drug addicts and drunkards, whose children then suffer from physical defects.
But there is no spiritual heredity. Therefore, the visiting refers only to the karmic reaction of a wrong which, for instance, parents commit against their children. Its effect goes on from generation to generation, until in one generation a halt is called to the necessary atonement through better recognition and it is possible for the originator to begin with the redemption of his karma. One such sin is when parents instill into their children that life does not continue after death, that everything is then ended. This gives rise to very far reaching, adverse effects, especially, if the off spring retain this false view and pass it on to the grand children. These effects continue until in one generation the right recognition of an after life arises and the originator is only then able gradually to server himself from his quilt. The present day conditions of moral decline in particular are rooted to a considerable extent with young and old in the fatal view that man lives only once on earth. Hence, earth life is senselessly enjoyed without consideration for one’s fellowmen and with total disregard of the responsibility placed upon man by God. Escape into narcotics and drugs, into illness and suicide, is to some extent connected with this. At the same time, no thought is given to the consequences of the reaction and yet they take effect, here on earth or there in the beyond and, regardless of human volition and thinking, which rarely accords with the laws of creation. Hereditary sin was a consequence of the original fall of man. The sin or wrong-doing lay in the over-cultivation of the intellect, associated with which was the voluntary chaining of man to space and time. There were additional effects resulting from purely intellectual activity, such as love of gain, imposing upon others,
With O.C. MADU 08056379608
oppression, etc, which again brought many others, in fact all evils in their train. This process naturally had an ever increasing influence on the forming of the physical body of those people who developed themselves in a purely intellectual way. Through being continually exerted, the frontal brain which produces the intellect
that is earthly and gross material. He then becomes incapable of grasping anything that is ethereal or primordial and in addition entangles himself in all sorts of evil, which is inevitable where the intellect dominates (Abdru-shin). It is the coming into the world with this voluntarily over cultivated frontal
free him from responsibility, which he retains, for he inherits only the danger not the sin itself. He is in no wise compelled to allow his intellect to rule unconditionally and thus, submit himself to it. On the contrary, he can wield the
is freed from this mistake and its consequences, even if this takes hundreds or thousands of years. What a child so educated does after it has had the opportunity to consider and retrace its steps, would then react upon it alone. Such
became disproportionately enlarged, it was therefore, quite natural that this change in structure expressed itself in the procreation of the physical body and that at birth children entered the world with an increasingly developed and stronger frontal brain. This contained and still today contains, a predisposition or tendency towards an intectual power dominating all else, which harbours the danger that the bearer of such a brain, on awakening it fully, not only chains himself to space and time, but also to every thing
brain, containing the danger of a mere intellectual domination with its inevitable evil manifestations, which is the hereditary sin. It is the physical inheritance of this part, called an account of its excessive artificial cultivation the “great” brain (cerebrum), which expresses man from birth to the danger of too easily entangling himself in evil. At any rate the narrowmindedness which results from enchanment to coerse matter makes it more difficult to recognise God. This however, does not
great power of his intellect like a sharp sword to clear his path in the daily bustle of life, as directed by his intuitive perception, which is also, called the inner voice. But if through education and training a child’s intellect is brought to the point where it completely dominates, then the child is absolved of part of the guilt or better, or part of the reactions brought about by the law of reciprocal action, because, that part will then fall upon the educator or teacher who caused it. From this moment onward, he is tied to the child till the latter
opportunities arise through the spoken or written word, through emotional shocks in life or similar happenings, which forcibly bring about a moment of deep intuitive feeling such opportunities are bound to come. It would be useless to say more on this subject or to multiply examples, which would only be a repetition and raid to the same condition. He who reflects upon the matter will soon find a veil lifted from before his eyes. He will then have solved many questions within himself.
“It is the coming into the world with this
voluntarily over cultivated frontal brain, containing the danger of a mere intellectual domination with its inevitable evil manifestations, which is the hereditary sin.”
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Suarez Makes A U-Turn
THE Uruguay international had been angling for a move away from Anfield, with Arsenal keen, but has finally accepted the Reds’ no-sale stance and says he will remain at the club Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has performed a sensational u-turn over his future and now insists that he will remain at Anfield. The Uruguay international had been eager to leave England, aggrieved by his treatment from the British media, but the Reds were unwilling to let their star player leave. Arsenal, whose participation in the Champions League appealed to Suarez, had pushed hard to sign the 26-year-old, though a bid of £42 million - which would have smashed their transfer record - was rejected. And now the former Ajax frontman appears to have
finally accepted Liverpool’s no-sale stance, and says the club’s passionate fanbase has convinced him to remain on Merseyside. He told Uruguayan newspaper El Observador: “Right now, because of all the love of the fans, I will be staying.” Despite Suarez’s latest committal to Liverpool, the Uruguayan seemingly has a lot of bridges to mend with the club after he threatened legal action as he disputed a clause in his contract. Manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, will be delighted to be able to call on Suarez next season, though has previously insisted that the striker must apologise for his conduct. “Initially there will be an apology to his team-mates and the club,” said Rodgers. “Then a recognition that he is ready to fight for the club.
“I know that we are not seeing the Luis Suarez I know. He has spent some days working on his own. When he comes back from Uruguay we will see how it goes further. “We are all on the same page. He won’t be going to Arsenal, that’s for sure. When Luis is committed to the cause, we will welcome him back with open arms.” Suarez, who has six games remaining of his ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, was the Premier League’s second highest scorer last term with 23 goals.
THE approaching Premier League season will be defined to a large extent by the ability of the new managers at England’s three leading clubs to tackle the challenges awaiting them.
Liverpool Lining Up Move For Willian LIVERPOOL are considering a move for Anzhi Makhachkala midfielder Willian as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new Premier League season. The Brazil international is understood to be available, with Liverpool’s Boston-based owners Fenway Sports Group ready to give Rodgers the backing for a bid, sources said. Willian, 25, only joined Anzhi from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in January for £32 million. But the Russian Premier League club are understood to be looking to cut costs, having been bankrolled by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov for the last two years. That means Willian is likely to be available for a reduced fee, sparking the interest of a number of European clubs. Rodgers has made four summer signings so far — bringing in goalkeeper Simon Mignolet from Sunderland, centre-back Kolo Toure from Manchester City, midfielder
Luis Alberto from Sevilla and forward Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo. He hopes to add to that shortly with the £6 million capture of left-back Guilherme Siqueira. But his biggest transfer targets have so far eluded him, with a £22 million bid for Henrikh Mkhitaryan falling through when the Armenia
midfielder decided to leave Shakhtar Donetsk for Borussia Dortmund instead. And hopes of signing Schalke central defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos have faded because of a disagreement over his value. Schalke wanted around £18 million, while Liverpool felt he was worth no more than £12 million.
turning the club into one of the biggest names in global sport, and fans will be quick to pine for his return if Moyes fails to successfully negotiate an awkward opening run of fixtures that includes meetings with Chelsea, City and Liverpool. Moyes’ first pre-season at United has been far from ideal, amid continued speculation over the future of unsettled striker Wayne Rooney, who the manager insists is not for sale despite lingering interest from Chelsea. United’s supporters have also become restless about the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market. The champions have seen moves for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Everton leftback Leighton Baines rebuffed, but after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield, Moyes said he was happy with his squad. “We’re getting closer to signings. We’re moving forward, but the deadline is getting closer as well,” he said. “Hopefully we are. If we don’t (sign anyone), I’m happy to go with what we’ve got.” Unlike Moyes, Mourinho knows what it takes to win the
that things have not changed much under Moyes’ regime. “The only thing that has actually changed has been the manager and the coaching staff,” he revealed. “David Moyes is trying to keep as many things at the club that were set in place. It is such a big
at the chance to move to the Emirates. “My contract with Bayern runs until 2015 but it is very important that I play first-team football to keep getting called up for Brazil. I am in a very delicate situation at Bayern and this needs sorting out. I have personal and professional reasons to move,” he said on arrival in Basel for Brazil’s friendly against Switzerland. “I have heard about the
Arsenal interest. It’s a big club we’re talking about here so of course I’d like to play for them.”
• Luiz Gustavo
- Evans
operation - travel, commercial activities - everything like that is set in place - the time we get into training, everything has stayed the same. “Basically he comes in, takes training sessions and looks to put his own stamp on the team. “There is a case that you have to try and impress him, but a big thing that you can’t do is change
Premier League, having led Chelsea to successive title triumphs in 2005 and 2006. In returning to Chelsea from Real Madrid, he has ignored the old football truism that says one must never revisit the scene of former glories, but this time he is determined to lay down a lasting legacy. The 50-year-old Portuguese returns to find a squad now geared towards patient possession football, rather than the counter-attacking style he introduced during his first stint at Stamford Bridge. He will have a dizzying array of attacking midfielders to select from, with new signing Andre Schuerrle and returning loanee Kevin De Bruyne expected to compete with Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Oscar and Victor Moses for the three advanced midfield positions in a 4-2-3-1 formation. “Chelsea did very well to get these young boys with great potential, great ability and a great future, and I look forward to trying to improve them,” Mourinho said in June. Up front, he must either seek to pursue the rehabilitation of Fernando Torres or place his trust in 20-year-old Romelu Lukaku, who scored 17 goals during an impressive loan spell at West Bromwich Albion last season and has a profile similar to Didier
Drogba, the indomitable spearhead of Mourinho’s first Chelsea side. Pellegrini, the former Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga coach, has never worked in England before, but the early conclusion of City’s transfer business has given him ample time to get to know his squad. The urbane 59-year-old Chilean has £90 million ($139 million, 105 million euros) of new talent at his disposal in the shape of Spain pair Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo, Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho and Montenegrin forward Stevan Jovetic, all of whom had arrived by late July. “I think we have the best squad in England,” Pellegrini said last week. “We bought four important players, we already had a very good team and with these four players I think we improved a lot.” Pellegrini must harness the quartet’s talents to sharpen an attack that mustered a relatively meagre haul of 66 goals last season, which was only the fifthhighest tally in the league. The 2012 champions boasted the meanest defence, but they have looked porous in preseason and an injury to Serbian centre-back Matija Nastasic may oblige the club to enter the transfer market again.
Leighton Baines Will Stay EVERTON manager Roberto Martinez believes
Moyes Doing Well At United
JONNY Evans says David Moyes is carrying on with the good work of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Evans told Sky Sports News
Gustavo Welcomes Potential Arsenal Move
Moyes, Mourinho, Pellegrini Brace For Premier League Impact
Last season’s top three sides are all under new management, with David Moyes succeeding Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Manuel Pellegrini taking over from the sacked Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, and Jose Mourinho returning to Chelsea. Amid the attendant flux, there are expectations that a new order could emerge in the English top flight, but Moyes’ task is to ensure that United’s 20-year dominance persists. The 50-year-old Scot appears to face the most daunting task of the three new men. Although he inherited a squad that finished the last campaign as convincing champions, he has no experience of competing at the very top of the table and will find Ferguson’s shadow wherever he turns. Ferguson led United to 38 titles during his 26-year tenure,
• Luiz Suarez
LUIZ Gustavo has welcomed a potential move to Arsenal, with the club hopeful of completing a £14m deal for the Bayern Munich defensive midfielder this week. Having played a pivotal role for Brazil in the Confederations Cup despite spending most of the European season as understudy to Javi Martínez in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, Gustavo feels his first-team appearances for the German club will become even more scarce under Pep Guardiola and would jump
your game. “There is a thin line between trying to over impress, but as long as you keep doing what you’re good at, that is the same for all the lads in the squad, if the manager fancies you, he will pick you.” The defender would also welcome playing alongside Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo, with both players linked with the club in the last week.
- Martinez
Manchester United’s interest in Leighton Baines is a thing of the past. United boss David Moyes put in a £12 million offer for the England left-back at the end of June but it was swiftly rejected and, while there have been reports United would return with a higher bid, Everton have not received one. Martinez is confident Everton can look forward to a future with Baines remaining in their team. He told the Liverpool Echo: “Before we went to Austria, one club officially contacted ourselves with an offer and it
was a final offer. “They put something over and the valuation wasn’t anywhere near the quality of Leighton Baines. That was the end of it but since then there’s been all the speculation, which has been part of what the transfer window is. “There’s never been another club or anyone else putting in an offer for Leighton. Since then we’ve moved on and we’re continuing to focus on the start of the season.” United have also been linked with Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini but are yet to make a bid for the Belgium international.
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Franck Ribery Hopeful Of UEFA Prize
Fabregas Resumes Barca Training THE versatile midfielder is set to make his comeback after a brief injury lay-off, while Lionel Messi took part in individual training exercises Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has received a boost after Cesc Fabregas returned to training ahead of Sunday’s Liga opener against Levante. The former Arsenal man, 26, picked up an ankle problem during the Catalan’s Asian trip and was consequently forced to pull out of the Spain squad for Wednesday’s friendly against Ecuador. Nevertheless, Fabregas is expected to be match fit in time for this weekend’s match with Granotes after Barcelona confirmed on their official website that he has resumed regular training action. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi was also present at Barcelona’s training ground on Thursday, doing recovery work with physio Juanjo Brau. Messi has returned from Rome, where he was preparing for Argentina’s international friendly against Italy, to continue working on his recovery from a quadriceps injury.
Cesc Fabregas
FRANCK Ribery believes he has a good chance of winning UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award, despite facing competition from Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid. Ribery, 30, enjoyed an Muller — did not make the outstanding 2012-13 season shortlist after having as he helped Bayern claim a previously been on the historic Treble. longlist. The France international “Clearly, for me, far too could now crown his year little Bayern players are left when UEFA’s Best Player in on the list,” Ribery told Sport Europe is named in Prague on Bild. “Take Thomas Muller, August 29. who would have deserved it. Three other Bayern players Thomas has also played a — Arjen Robben, Bastian great season, it is a great pity Schweinsteiger and Thomas for him.” Ribery, however, believes the exclusion of his Bayern team-mates could increase his chances of winning the Bernabeu. Atletico sporting director Jose award. Luis Caminero said his renewal He said: “For me personally was a major boost. that is good, even if I feel bad “It was one of the club’s priorities and it is great news for for my colleagues. Messi and all atleticos,” Caminero said. Ronaldo have certainly “Diego Costa is one of the key scored more goals than me. pieces of the team, and it remains But I have won the Treble and our policy to maintain the ‘block’ that has given us so many titles are always important successes in these last years. The with such awards.” extension of his contract was one “Both of them [Messi and of our objectives.”
Diego Costa Pens New Atletico DIEGO Costa has signed a Deal new long-term contract at Atletico Madrid to end any speculation over a +25 million move to Liverpool. Costa, 24, was heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer, with the Premier League side reportedly willing to meet the release clause in his contract and treble his wages. For his part, the Brazilian had said during his club’s preseason tour of South America that he was happy where he was but wanted Atletico to show they really wanted him to stay. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers had then revealed the player
was set to sign an extension with Los Colchoneros, and a new five-year deal was confirmed on the official Atletico website on Wednesday morning. “I appreciate what the club has done in making me this offer to spend a long time here,” Costa said in the official statement. “I hope to make myself into a much bigger footballer and to conquer all the objectives that the team has. “I am very happy with his agreement after a lot of time fighting to win the respect and affection of the fans, of my teammates and the people at the club. This is a very special moment. I am very happy here.” The forward first signed for Atletico in 2007 from Portuguese side Braga, whom he had joined aged 17. There then followed loan spells at Celta Vigo, Albacete, Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano as a number of Atletico coaches, and many fans, doubted whether he would make it in the first team. However, last season Costa established himself as a regular in Diego Simeone’s side, and scored a memorable goal to help secure a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in May’s Copa del Rey final at the Estadio Santiago
Atleti have also completed the signing of goalkeeper Dani Aranzubia from Deportivo la Coruna. The 33-year-old was available on a free as Depor, who are currently in administration and were relegated to the Segunda Division at the end of last season, needed to cut their wage bill. “I am very happy to arrive at a team as big as this one,” Aranzubia told AS. “I am very happy and looking forward to getting to work.” Aranzubia, who has agreed a one-year deal at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, said he was planning on battling Thibaut Courtois for a starting spot. “I am aware that Atletico have a great ‘keeper,” he said. “But I am coming here to do my work, to compete, to help the team and to do things well.”
Gomez Reveals Bayern Frustrations
FIORENTINA striker Mario Gomez has revealed that he lost interest in winning titles with Bayern Munich and wanted to test himself in a new country. The Germany international, 28, joined the Viola for an estimated +16 million this summer following a year plagued by an injury then being mostly benched as
No Third Spot For Inter, Insists Cambiasso
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic To See Out PSG Contract
ZLATAN Ibrahimovic has quashed concerns he could leave PSG this summer following the arrival of striker Edinson Cavani, insisting he will see out the remainder of his two-year contract. The Sweden international confirmed last month that he was planning to hold talks with PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi to discuss his future at the club, although he never publicly stated his intention to leave. Ibrahimovic was linked
with a move to Manchester City, but was also rumoured to be considering retirement. The 31-year-old has once again reassured PSG fans that he will not be leaving as he prepares for Sweden’s friendly against Norway. “I will play for as long as possible,” he said. “As long as I’m well, physically and mentally, I will continue. I have a contract with PSG for two more seasons and I will definitely respect that. Then, we’ll see.”
ESTEBAN Cambiasso has stressed that Inter would never settle for third spot in the table as he feels they should always be competing for top honours. The Giuseppe Meazza side
Esteban Cambiasso
had to settle for ninth spot in Serie A last term, but Cambiasso is adamant that making it into the Champions League again is not enough for Inter. “Would Inter take third place?
Ronald] are great players, but I think that this season I have a great opportunity. The past season I was on the highest level, have been fit all the time and won everything there is to win. Those are good arguments.” Ribery also revealed that he had been approached about joining Barcelona by his France team-mate Eric Abidal during the 2008-09 season. “Of course, back then, I considered making the switch to Barcelona. They had the best team in the world. But my situation was difficult. I had a contract at Bayern and respected the club, also because of Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness, who both are very important for me,” Ribery said. “But Pep Guardiola also fascinated me. Because he is not only a great coach but also as a great person. All the more I am delighted he joined me at Munich now.”
No, I’d never settle for anything from the outset,” the 32-year-old told Sky Sport 24. “This is Inter we’re talking about here - there’s no time to get down about things. Whether you’ve won or you’ve lost, you can’t be thinking about the past. “When you play for Inter, you always have to win. That doesn’t change from one year to the next. If you win one year, you have to repeat your success the year after; if you didn’t, then you have to make up for not winning.” The Argentine midfielder then briefly discussed a potential summer move for Samuel Eto’o and refused to rule out a return to Inter for the Anzhi striker. “Anything can happen in football, in Italy people are more interested in the transfer market than actual games.” Inter were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid in their last pre-season outing and face Citadella in the Coppa Italia on August 18, before opening their Serie A campaign at home to Genoa a week later.
Bavarians romped to treble success under Jupp Heynckes. Pep Guardiola’s arrival did not change his situation and the forward has said that his departure from the Allianz Arena was down to a desire to learn a new language in Italy and try out football in Serie A. “I hope everything goes well [at Fiorentina],” he told SID. “Maybe one year from now, we’ll sit here and realise it was a bad decision. But I expect it to work out. “[Fiorentina] is exactly the kind of challenge that I’ve been looking for. “I thought to myself: ‘I can stick with Bayern, maybe sit on the bench for three years and win three more titles, or I can develop as a person and a player.’ “Of course it was tough to leave Bayern. But I envisioned playing in Italy since I was a child. “Some people might not understand this, because they define themselves with winning titles. But maybe, towards the end of a career, it’s nice to master a new language instead of winning more titles.”
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FIFA Asks For Clarity On Russian Gay Law FOOTBALL’S world governing body FIFA yesterday said it had asked 2018 World Cup hosts Russia to explain in more detail its controversial new law banning “homosexual propaganda” after criticism from athletes and activists. “In the context of the adoption of the federal law ‘on prohibition of propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations’ in Russia, FIFA has asked the Russian authorities for clarification and more details on this new law,” the federation said. Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified the new law in June as part of a wider political crackdown but it has cast a shadow over preparations for the World Athletics Championships, currently being held in Moscow, and next year’s Winter Olympics. Calls have mounted for a boycott of the Games in the Black Sea resort of Sochi and even US President Barack Obama has weighed in, commenting that he opposed intimidation against gays, lesbians and transgendered people. FIFA, whose request follows that of the International Olympic Committee last week, said its statutes and code of conduct “foresee zero tolerance against discrimination based, among other things, on
sexual orientation”. It added: “FIFA expects that all guests in a FIFA World Cup host country whether they are fans, players, officials or media, experience a great FIFA World Cup irrespective of their sexual orientation. “FIFA is firmly convinced that the staging of the FIFA World Cup can contribute to uniting people and having a positive social impact. “Russia has committed to provide all visitors and fans with a warm welcome and ensure their safety. FIFA trusts that the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts will deliver on this promise.”
Di Matteo Launches Football Campaign In Uganda
Pope Francis is applauded by Italy goalie Gianluigi Buffon, left, and Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi during a private audience at the Vatican, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013.
Soccer-Loving Pope Cheers Messi, Others
POPE Francis cheered fellow Argentine Lionel Messi and other soccer stars Tuesday as he led a morality-focused pep rally of sorts at the Vatican for Argentina and Italy’s national teams ahead of their eagerly awaited friendly match. Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, is an avid soccer fan who roots for the Saints of San Lorenzo back in Buenos Aires. Since his election as pope in March he has accumulated a growing collection of soccer jerseys tossed to him by fans at his public appearances. He got two more on Tuesday: an Argentine and an Italian team jersey, each one signed by the players. Barcelona star Messi, his
teammates on the Argentine national soccer squad, as well as Italy’s national team players were treated to a private audience with Francis in the Apostolic Palace ahead of Wednesday’s rare match, which is being played in tribute to the new pope. Francis gracefully dodged the question of whether he’d offer a papal blessing for his home country’s team. “It will really be a bit difficult for me to root, but luckily it’s a friendly match”
Sharapova’s Return Short-lived MARIA Sharapova’s return to WTA tournament play after more than a month away was short-lived following an upset loss to 17th-ranked American Sloane Stephens 2-6, 7-6 (5), 63 in the second round of the Western & Southern Open on Tuesday. In a match that lasted 2 hours, 22 minutes, Stephens overcame losing the first set and the first two games of the second and
• Sharapova
double faults on two match points to pick up her first victory over Sharapova in four meetings. “It definitely started out rough,” Stephens said. “A set and 0-2, she was killing it. I’m glad I was able to turn it around and start playing good tennis.” Sharapova, the 2011 W&S champion and a 2010 finalist, showed no traces of the hip injury that had kept her
sidelined since a second-round loss at Wimbledon. “I thought I started the match off pretty well, but when you put yourself in a really good position, you can’t let it go,” Sharapova said. “That’s what I did tonight. I didn’t continue what I was doing well for the first set and a half, and that hurt me. “You know, I stopped being patient. I started making a lot more errors, especially off the first ball — just errors that I shouldn’t make. Obviously I haven’t played in a long time, but I can’t make that excuse for myself because I’ve got to be ready from the first match. So it’s obviously disappointing, but that’s the way it goes in this game.” Jimmy Connors, who won the tournament 41 years ago, watched from the stands in his first match as Sharapova’s coach. She hired Connors, the 1972 champion and a 1986 finalist, in mid-July.
whose outcome doesn’t count in the standings, he said. The pontiff noted the influence of athletes, especially on youth, and told the players to remember that, “for better or worse” they are role models. “Dear players, you are very popular. People follow you, and not just on the field but also off it,” he said. “That’s a social responsibility.” The pope reminisced about going to soccer matches with his family as a youngster, and expressed concern about violence and discrimination in the sport, which he suggested keeps many families from attending the competitions today. Many soccer matches in Europe have been marred by brawling among fans as well as racist chants against players of African and other descent. One of Italy’s national team members, Mario Balotelli, who is black and has been the target of fans’ racism, was the only player to get private time with the pope. Francis and the striker spoke together in a small room off the sumptuous Clementine Hall where the audience was held. A Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Ciro Benedettini, said Balotelli looked “emotional” after their talk but that the player declined to say what he discussed with Francis. On Monday, Balotelli remarked that perhaps the pope might offer him special greetings because of his birthday this week. Italian national coach Claudio Cesare Prandelli said he didn’t get the chance to invite Francis to Wednesday’s game. “He anticipated my question,” Prandelli said after the
gathering. “He said he has received so many requests” to attend the game, but indicated that the Vatican security apparatus gave the thumbsdown. Prandelli said Francis told him that Vatican security officials scold him “for being so undisciplined,” a reference to the pope’s frequent breaches of protocol when he embraces the faithful in crowds or shuns bullet-proof vehicles.
FORMER Chelsea coach Roberto Di Matteo on Tuesday launched a football campaign in Uganda at Hotel Protea. The Italian launched the campaign under East African Breweries Limited as sponsors and it will be called the Guinness Football Manager. The new and unique campaign and fantasy football game will see football fans able to select and manage their own teams using their phones, the internet and computers. Speaking during the unveiling, Mark Mugisha, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) Marketing Manager, said: “We are incredibly excited about the launch of the fantasy football game which we are launching today to give fans time to select and manage their team before the English Premier League season kicks off on 17th August, 2013. We are offering football fans more exciting football experiences - everyone can play and enjoy the best experience possible.” This brand new fantasy football game is widely available for football fans to play on smartphones and feature phones as well as on a computer. It gives fans the chance to step up to the challenge of being the boss – you pick the team, you call the shots and you get the glory. You get to select players from clubs in the English Premier League and bring them together in your very own team.
Captaincy ’ll Not Change Me - RVP MANCHESTER United striker Robin van Persie says his new role as Netherlands captain will not change him as a player or person. The prolific forward replaced Wesley Sneijder as Oranje’s skipper earlier this summer and he’s determined to show that he’s worthy of the captain’s armband. “I feel really honoured and I’m very proud of it. I try to show everybody how I feel about being captain,” Van Persie told OnsOranje. “Having said that, though, I have to stay true to myself as well. I will not start to behave differently all of a sudden because I’m skipper now.” The United attacker, 30, then went on to discuss Holland’s chances at next summer’s World Cup and insisted that they will be gunning for glory. “Van Gaal is not the type of person to settle for second spot and neither are the
players. You have to be realistic, though. We’re talking about the best players in the world here. But we are aiming for the highest possible. “There are a lot of good teams, but I believe that we can go far if everything goes our way. Nobody ever won anything without a bit of luck...” Holland are currently preparing for Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal.
• Robin Van Persie
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Labour Cup 2013: Owan West,
Ihonvbere FC Qualify For Semi By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE
Pope Francis is applauded by Italy goalie Gianluigi Buffon, left, and Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi during a private audience at the Vatican, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013.
Edo Holds Maiden Martial Arts Festival Aug 23 By NICHOLAS EBOIGBE
THE maiden edition of Edo State Martial Arts Fiesta will hold on August 23, 2013 at the Indoor Sports Hall of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. According to the head precisely at 2pm. coach of Edo state Karate, He disclosed that the fiesta Sensei Lugard Osayi, the which is a grassroots contest which is a mere development programme demonstration will start will feature children. “The Martial Arts Fiesta will serve as a golden opportunity for us to discover budding talents; you don’t wait until they are old. We should hunt and fish them out at a very young age so they - Prezi THE Port Harcourt side say can master the arts gradually they will not help their city and become future rivals in any way when they champions. We want to raise play the derby on Wednesday future and world champions Vice chairman of Dolphins from Edo State,” he told supporters club, Prince Prezi N I G E R I A N Difa says Sharks should look OBSERVERsports in a elsewhere for their salvation
Dolphins Won’t Do Sharks Any Favour
and stop hoping on Dolphins as the Port Harcourt derby holds on Wednesday. Difa said today that Sharks should not depend on Dolphins to get out of relegation zone as they will not spare their visitors at the Liberation Stadium tomorrow. “Every time Sharks are in trouble they want us to help them. The truth is we did not put them in the condition they are in so they should not expect us to get them out of it,” Difa said. “We are in touching distance of a place on the continent and we can even still win the league so I wonder why they feel they will come to our stadium and collect three points on Wednesday.
brief chat yesterday. He explained that other Martial Arts such as Kung Fu, Taekwondo and Judo will be invited even as the parents of the wards will be on hand
‘Uche Kalu Model For Turkish Club’
NIGERIA striker Uche Kalu was one of the models for his club Rizespor as they rolled out their new kits for the Turkey Super League season. He was one of the four players selected to showcase the club’s new kits to the public ahead of season kick off. The former Enyimba International was a great performer for his team in the second division and scored nine goals before injury cut short his progress and his contract was terminated. He has now signed a new four-year deal with the team.
DSTV Basketball: Union Bank Emerges Champions UNION Bank of Lagos on Monday defeated Dodan Warriors of Lagos 79-63 to emerge the champions of the 2013 DStv Basketball Atlantic Conference Final Four competition. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two clubs would represent the Conference at the 2013 National Final Four Championships to hold later this year. At the national championships, the two clubs
Malawi Coach Blasts Eagles Again MALAWI Coach Tom Saintfiet has dismissed African champions Nigeria as only “super” on paper. Saintfiet, who last year was appointed technical director for Nigeria but never got to take up the job, will lead the Flames of Malawi to Calabar next month for a crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier. Malawi need to beat the Super Eagles to stand any
to watch proceedings. He advised parents to endeavour to encourage their children to participate in Martial Arts, namely Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and Kung Fu.
OWAN West Local Government male football team and Ihonvbere FC yesterday qualified for the semifinals of the on-going Labour Cup 2013 at SabongidaOra, the administrative headquarters of Owan West. The host team, Owan West defeated hard fighting Akoko-Edo side 5-4 on penalty in the first quarter final match of the day after a stalemate. Similarly, the second quarter final match between Ihonvbere FC and Living Boots FC of Warri ended 6-5 on penalty in favour of the SSG side, after a goalless encounter. As at press time, the other quarter final matches between Ine Stars of Benin and Iuleha United as well as that of Otuo United and Focus FC of Warri were being played. Meanwhile, Owan West female team, Living Boots Queens of Warri Makanaky Angels of Ekpoma have already booked their semi final places of the FEYSOC organised tournament to be decided today (Thursday). According to the
tournament organizers, Federation of Youth Soccer Clubs (FEYSOC), the tournament which is being sponsored by Edo Labour Congress in honour of late Pa Michael Imoudu, foremost labour leader in Nigeria, will come to an end tomorrow (Friday) as the final matches are to be played at the Holy Trinity Grammar School Sabongida-Ora.
chance of qualifying for the final play-off round for the 2014 World Cup. “Nigeria Super Eagles are super on paper,” boasted the young Belgian coach. “But this is one game, 90 minutes and one goal is all we need. I may have a bunch of home-based players who just featured in the COSAFA Cup, but I know we can do it in Calabar.
would meet the Savannah Conference Final Four champions - Kano Pillars - and the runners-up - Mark Mentors of Abuja. The dates for the National Final Four competition, to take place in Lagos, have yet to be
decided by the organisers, the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF). Lagos Islanders emerged third in the Atlantic Conference while Oluyole Warriors was fourth. Union Bank Assistant Coach, Chris Okoh, told NAN after his
Oboabona to Earn Sunshine .3m Euros with his compatriot Uche Kalu,
SUNSHINE Stars will earn 300,000 Euros, far short of a million Euros valuation, should Godfrey Oboabona move to Turkish club Rizespor. The Super Eagles ace defender has agreed to join Rizespor on a four-year contract and he will fly in from South Africa, where they take on the home team in a friendly on Wednesday, to complete the signing formality. Top Sunshine official Mike Idoko has confirmed the player is set to join Rizespor. Sunshine will rake at least 300,000 Euros from this transfer, according to fanatik.com Oboabona, who could play at right back, central defence or defensive midfield, will team up
who returns for a second spell at the newly promoted club.
• Oboabona
club emerged the champions that it was a great achievement. “ It is the greatest moment in the club’s history. We have had years of setbacks, but this season is just something special. “The club’s current players are obviously the best you can think of right now. “We will continue to train hard and remain positive as we prepare for the National Final Four, which is the ultimate,’’ Okoh said. Coach Peter Ahmedu of Dodan Warriors told NAN that he was proud of the team’s second position.
CMYK
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Benin Airport Saga
The Delusion Of Impunity UNDER normal circumstances, reasonable people would not expect to be pressurised to remit the money they have collected on behalf of others to their rightful owners. But here, we are apparently faced with a situation that is not normal and where people are perhaps not fully reasonable – the case of Edo State Internal Revenue Service, EIRS vs. Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN. Over the years, FAAN deducted Pay As You Earn, PAYE, tax amounting to N14,937,333.98 from the salaries of its staff in Edo State for onward remittance to EIRS. FAAN has been sitting on this money and it was not to be moved by the tons of demand notices from EIRS. Close to the point of frustration, EIRS had to seek help with the recovery of the money. It approached the State High Court. Sequel to the exparte motion in Suit no. B/RC/51/2013 dated 3 May 2013, EIRS secured a Court Order to seal up the Administrative Block of FAAN to compel FAAN to remit the deductions. EIRS officials arrived at the Administrative Block of FAAN as early as 8.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 30 July 2013 to execute the Court Order. Having put the Administrative Block under lock and key, the enabling order was conspicuously displayed at the entrance gate. We invite Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole: “The
problem with Nigeria is not immunity but impunity as people often violate the law and get away with it” When the Airport Station Manager, Mr. Sunday Ayodele, arrived for duty and met the Administrative Block sealed up, he immediately took the fight to integrity. He personally shut down the entire
grounding of Oshiomhole’s aircraft at the Airport, this false alarmist had carefully crafted his evil design so that when he announced that Oshiomhole had closed down the Benin Airport, it would be seen as a reprisal mission. Ayodele’s behavior is seditious in every respect.
Such evil men should be removed from the system. Similarly, the continued retention of Ayodele in Benin or merely posting him to another station to continue his evil trade would be a capital error. He should be sent packing, if only to serve as deterrence to others. We are also marveled at
Stella Odua, Aviation Minister
airport by locking the airport gates and directing that all lights at the terminal be switched off. This was the height of impunity and an open invitation to treason. But for the careful handling of the situation, it would have easily been blown out of proportion, capable of reducing the type of situation currently in Rivers State to a child’s play. The Airport Manager attempted to disgrace and blackmail everybody including himself, the State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General, IG, of police, etc., to believe his twisted version of the events on that fateful day. Coming soon after the
A man who had the temerity to shut down an airport could as well pull down a presidential aircraft, with the President, his Ministers and the State Governors on board, if he had an opportunity to do so. At the time he shut down the Benin Airport, a Benin-bound plane could have been airborne. To Ayodele, it would have been fair-game if such a plane crash-landed and fell to pieces at the Ugbogui axis of the State. It is perhaps only in Nigeria that a leader would jet to Benin City after midnight to get an Electoral Officer to sign and declare a fake result; and ferry the Electoral Officer to Akure to continue to perpetuate evil.
how fast the IG is turning the State Police Commissioners to zombies. Without getting full details of the case, the IG ordered the arrest of Chief Oseni Elamah, the Executive Chairman of EIRS. Initial entreaties to the Police Commisioner for his release fell on deaf ears because “the order for his arrest came from above”. The role of the IG
in ordering Elamah’s arrest was also an act of impunity. The case for state and local police is becoming attractive. We shall get there. In some of the advanced democracies where police is a subject for Municipalities and Counties, police chiefs are elected at large. The people vote – not on political party basis but at large – to decide who should be their police chief. Then, such a police boss can be truly independent. For now, we must contend with what we have – a unitary police force that must obey the master’s voice, from Sokoto to Lagos; Maiduguri to Calabar! Take away the dirty role of the Airport Manager and the not-too-clean role of the police in the Benin Airport saga and you will find that the other players clearly deserve commendation: In the face of open provocation, the EIRS officials maintained their cool. Even when Ayodele turned himself to one man riot squad, attacking every journalist and everybody in sight, they were calm. Again, in narrating his ordeal, Chief Elamah stated how the Chief of
Staff to the President, Chief Michael Oghiadomhe promptly got in touch with him. One could dismiss this as “Kukuruku parapo” but for us, it goes to the very heart of good intergovernmental relations. In contrast, it cannot be said that there are not many Rivers State indigenes at the corridors of power in Aso Rock who could have intervened in the Rivers State situation to prevent it from escalating into the proverbial mad man’s big fire when he only struck a single match. In the early hours of Wednesday, 31 July 2013, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi led a most powerful team of his management staff to Oshiomhole, to smoothen out rough edges. Bright and early on Friday, 2 August 2013, Oshiomhole was already at President Jonathan’s breakfast table where both men finally wrote the footnotes of the Benin Airport saga. You can’t beat that. All’s well that ends well. In all this, one lesson stands out: organizations must learn to promptly remit collected taxes to their owners!
“Take away the dirty role of the Airport Manager and the not-too-clean role of the police in the Benin Airport saga and you will find that the other players clearly deserve commendation: In the face of open provocation, the EIRS officials maintained their cool. Even when Ayodele turned himself to one man riot squad, attacking every journalist and everybody in sight, they were calm.”
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