Nigerian observer 18 08 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 NO. 058• MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2 014 • N100.00

VIEWPOINT Pg. 14

The NIGERIAN OBSERVER Is A Project That Must Not Be Allowed To Fail

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- Dr. Ogbemudia

FOCUS

Pg. 21 Strategies To Revive Refineries And Matters Arising

Industrialisation: Edo Govt meets stakeholders over biochemical industry

By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI BENIN CITY – The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural

Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh has held a meeting with stakeholders and representatives of n e i g h b o u r i n g

communities at Uhunmwode Local Government Area where

Ekha Biochemical Industries Limited would be sited.

At the meeting which Continues on page 2

Nigeria will- Oshiomhole, defeat terrorists Army Chief

BENIN CITY - Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Kenneth Minimah have expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Armed Forces to defeat the terrorists troubling parts of the county.

Speaking weekend at Mess, facilitated by the the Nigerian Army Corps state government, and School of Supply Comrade Oshiomhole and Transport, Benin said terrorism and other City during the violent crimes are alien Commissioning of its to the nation and will be remodeled Officers stamped out in no

distant future.

According to him, “We in Edo state appreciate the sacrifices which the

men and officers are paying at this critical time of our history

dealing with new forms of crime that one never thought was possible in

this country a couple of years back.

Continues on page 2

Edo to pay media workers Weigh-in allowance soon - HOS BENIN CITY – Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Jerry Obazele has assured media workers in the state public service, of government preparedness to pay all their entitlement.

The Head of Service gave the assurance in Benin City when the leadership of the state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid him a courtesy call.

He disclosed that as soon as all necessary modalities are put in place, the weigh-in allowances for media workers in the state public service would be implemented.

As a precursor, the state Head of Service announced the

composition of a committee with the Permanent Secretary in Establishment to, in conjunction with the NUJ executive, fine-tune the processes for effective commencement of the payment.

According to him, the report of the committee would form the basis for a memorandum to be sent to the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s for his consideration and subsequent approval.

Mr. Obazele, praised the state-owned media for their role in propagating the activities of the state government, thus enabling the citizens to know the progress the government has made

TIT BIT

“Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this world ... if you do so, you are insulting yourself.”

- Bill Gates

so far.

He particularly thanked the Ministry of Information, Edo Broadcasting Service and The Nigerian Observer Newspapers and urged them not to relent.

The Head of Service told his guests that the governor is one person who appreciates the efforts and contributions Continues on page 2

COURTESY VISIT: Commandant-General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Commandant Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Maj.-Gen. E.T. Nienge during a courtesy visit of the Army Chief to the Governor in his office last Friday.

BENIN CITY - The Chief of Army Staff, LtGeneral Kenneth Minimah has appealed to state governments to emulate the efforts of the Edo State government

and support the Nigerian Armed Forces in its fight against terrorism in parts of the nation.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at the

weekend, as part of his visit to the state to commission a newly remodeled Officers Mess of the Nigerian

Army Corps and School of Supply and Transport, Benin City, General Minimah said “I want to thank the Governor and people of Edo state, not only for this project but for other interventions in

ABUJA - The Federal Ministry of Environment, has started a survey of the distribution of animals in Abuja, as part of its contribution to

check the spread of Ebola virus.

The Minister of Environment, Mrs.

Laurentia Mallam, stated this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by her Press

Secretary, Mr Ben Goong.

She said the survey Continues on page 2

Support our troops, Army Chief appeals to states Ebola: Ministry conducts animal distribution survey

the Nigerian Army barracks in Edo state. I recall that just last June, Edo State Government provided a commercial borehole and a 500KVA generator for Ekenhuan Barracks.

“I am also aware of His Excellency’s promise to provide support for the family of late Commanding Officer of 195 Battalion Lt Col Shangai and some other soldiers who were Continues on page 2

News

Edo govt meets stakeholders

Continued from page 1 recorded a huge attendance, the project, the proposed out grower scheme, employment opportunities and other salient issues that would be beneficial to the host communities formed the basis of the assemblage.

Addressing the various representatives at the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh who reiterated Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole administration commitment to bringing development to the nooks and crannies of the state said the 10,000 ha parcel of land allocated to Ekha Biochemical Industries Limited at Ehor Forest Reserve was for the purpose of developing a cassava based business project.

While stressing that it was going to be for the purpose of growing cassava and developing its value chain, he maintained that this was one of the flagship project Edo State is promoting under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda which has both the Federal Government, World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) support.

The commissioner who emphasized that the purpose of the State Government is to boost the socio-economic environment thus bringing prosperity to majority of Edo people in all sectors of the economy especially through agriculture, noted that other communities who are interested in the out-growers will help source for more lands for the purpose as the cassava the company requires to run the factory will be enormous, while the ministry would always be on hand to monitor the process

Weigh-in Continued from page 1 of others and assured the NUJ that the government of Edo State will partner with them in actualizing the welfare of the media workers.

While calling for a close collaboration between the Press and the State Government, Mr. Obazele pledged to support the Union with some chairs, beside a personal visit to the unions secretariat.

Earlier, Chairman of NUJ Edo State Council, Comrade Desmond Agbama, congratulated the Head of Service on his appointment, saying it was well-deserved because of the Head of Service’ pedigree.

Comrade Agbama used the occasion of the courtesy call on appeal to the Head of Service to assist the union in realizing the payment of the weigh-in allowance which he said is already being enjoyed by media workers in some other states.

He also appealed to the Head of Service to donate 200 plastic chairs to the union as well as visit to the Union’s Secretariat to see the progress the present executive has made so far.

to know how many jobs are created and how it affected the people and the larger society positively.

Responding to the views canvassed by of the various representatives at the meeting, Hon. Oroh gave them the assurance that the company cannot source for foreign labour where the local labour is available, adding that the state government had signed an agreement with investors that if by specific time the land they are allocated are not put into use, such would be revoked and allocated to another who is

ready to utilize it for the benefit of Edo people as well as broaden the economic base of the state.

He, however directed that a committee be constituted under the vice-chairman of Uhunmwode, Hon. Walter Osarenkhoe with two persons from each of the affected communities which he said must be submitted to the ministry by Monday, August 18, 2014 for further discussion.

Also speaking, the chairman of Biochemical Industries Limited, Dr. Sam Aiwekhoe hinged the

development of any society on agricultural development giving example of Osun and Niger States who are only 25% poor owing to their agricultural success recorded over the years.

While describing Edo down to Kogi State as the best cassava land in the nation, Dr, Aiwekhoe assures that the various host communities stand to gain in the sitting of the company in the area, he said a minimum of 30 tonnes per hectare was expected and assured them of better life when the industry becomes operational.

500KVA generator for Ekenhuan Barracks.

“This gesture and many other support by Edo State Government is deeply appreciated and worthy of every level of commendation.

I call on other state Governments to take a cue from the Edo state

Government and support our troops to confront the current security challenges bedeviling our country.”

In a welcome address Major General Nienge commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his interest in officers and men of the Nigerian Army in Edo state.

‘Nigeria will defeat terrorists’

Continued from page 1 “We appreciate the will, the determination to confront the risk and to defeat them. I believe the Commander-inChief and our President, Goodluck Jonathan, is providing the leadership and the Nigeria Army is doing an excellent job in making a bold statement that these terrorists will be defeated. By the grace of God Nigeria will be secured for generations yet unborn”. he said.

“I want to thank Mr President who graciously approved the Army to support and compliment the efforts of the Nigeria Police. For us in Edo, the Nigeria Army is part and parcel of the community.

Edo people are proud of the Nigeria Army and are proud of the contributions you are making to make Edo state safe” he added.

He thanked the Army for acknowledging the support of the state government. He said: “Giving the support is one thing and making judicious use of it is another.

I think the officers who remodeled this building have shown the capacity of the Nigeria army to manage resources judiciously.”

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Kenneth Minimah, assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will overcome the current security challenges facing the country.

He said “Let me reassure Nigerians that the current security challenges and other security challenges bedeviling the country are surmountable and will soon become a thing of the past.

The Nigeria Army will not relent until all forms of terrorism and criminal activities are driven out of our shores. We cannot, we must not and we will not fail the nation.

“At this point I want to thank the President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his untiring support of the Nigerian Army and the armed forces as a whole. I equally thank our political leaders in all levels of Government for their solidarity of the Nigerian Army, particularly the Governor and people of Edo state.” He noted.

The Chief of Army Staff said “I want to thank the Governor and people of Edo state, not only for this project but for other interventions in the Nigerian Army barracks in Edo state. I recall that just last June, Edo state Government provided a commercial borehole and a

Ebola Continued from page 1 was part of the ministry’s environmental health control measures to curb the spread of the virus.

“We are focusing on fruit bats, which is numerous in many of our urban cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, to mention but a few, is now our major focus.

“We have started a survey of their distribution in Abuja where we have found a substantial population in Wuse Area, the Three Arms Zone and some areas of Maitama District and Kubwa.

“We have equally commenced a similar survey in other states and towns in order that we may implement a comprehensive exercise.

“We are also in touch with the various states of the federation on the implementation of a massive disinfestation of homes and public places infested with bats, rats and other pests.’’

Mallam said another area of concern in the spread of the virus was the

management of healthcare wastes at various hospitals in the country.

She said in most cases, healthcare wastes were combined with municipal wastes and disposed at open dumps indiscriminately.

‘Even where their exposure remains hazardous and perilous, the menace of scavengers in healthcare wastes are indeed harmful and potential sources of spread of Ebola virus.’’

The minister also commended the Federal Government for the ban on cross boundary movement of corpses, and stressed the need to protect health workers. ‘ Environmental officers working directly in areas of danger, and are responsible for sanitation at the quarantine centres, should be adequately equipped.

“We are also planning to provide on-thespot screening facilities for houseto-house premises inspection by environmental health officers, ’’ Mallam said.

Jesus Breeds Ministries ordains new clergies

By VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY – The Annual National Convention of the Jesus Breeds Ministries Int’l Inc. Benin City climaxed yesterday with some ministers of God ordained as Reverends, Pastors, Deacons/Deaconess and Elders by the Chief Host, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Eddy OmoruyiOkundaye Amongst those ordained were, Rev. Monday Aigbe, the Acting General Manager of the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publishers of the Observer titles, Rev. Julius Imade, Deaconess Imuetinyan Aigbe, Elder Benjamin Igie, Pastor (Mrs.) Augusta Aguebor, Elder Federick Amayo and Patricia Usuanlele amongst others.

Speaking, the guest speaker, Bishop Sunday Ikedemhe from Ibadan, Oyo State noted that this year’s theme: “Seeking to Accomplish” was apt because of the “benefit of

seeking the Lord.”

Bishop Ikedemhe who spoke on the topic: “Benefit of Seeking the Lord” said, “In every village or town, there is a particular god they believe in,” adding that “it is quite unfortunate that in this end time a lot of people have left the true God.” He said it is difficult today to differentiate between the true men of God and the fake ones.

While noting that to seek is to go after something without reservation, the clergy said, “The benefit of seeking the Lord is when you seek Him in truth and spirit He will change your story and put a new song in your mouth.

Rev. Monday Aigbe while addressing newsmen expressed gratitude to God for the elevation.

He described his new position in God’s vineyard as a clarion call to do God’s works, promising that he would dedicate more of his time to the work of God.

By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI

He said the opportunity would enable them develop a career for themselves as well as getting jobs out side the ministry.

Also speaking, the Director in the Engineering Department, Engineer Nicholas Abhulimen stressed the need to train many tractor operators who would take over the responsibility of driving and repairing government tractors.

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Comrade Osayande Ugiagbe commended the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for initiating the Edo YES, which he said created the platform for them to be trained.

He also commended the Commissioner who has created the enabling environment and the Engineering Department that has decided to impart the knowledge that would help them as they go through the journey of life.

The training which is continuous is its first phase.

Ministry trains youths on tractor driving

BENIN CITY – The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has embarked on the training of tractor operators to address the issue of man power shortage in the Engineering Department of the Ministry.

The trainees who were mainly of the Edo Youths Empowerment Scheme (YES) comprises of five females and 25 males.

Prior to the inauguration of the training exercise, the Commissioner said the aim of the training was to enhance manpower shortage in the department which was occasioned by the high number of operators that had retired and are still retiring from active service.

While congratulating the trainees for volunteering to offer themselves for the exercise, the Commissioner enjoined them to be focused and hardworking as they go through the rudiments of operation.

Army Chief appeals to states Continued from page 1 serving in the state before their deployment to other states in the North East where they paid the supreme sacrifice in their service to the fatherland.

“This gesture and many other support by Edo State Government is deeply appreciated and worthy of every level of commendation.

“I call on other state Governments to take a cue from the Edo State Government and support our troops to confront the current security challenges bedeviling our country.”

General Minimah said: “We commend in very wide terms your support and assistance to the Nigerian Army in Edo State.

I must sincerely own up that

you have done so much to transform some of our facilities in the state.

“Our tour here today is to commission the Officers’ Mess at the Supply and Transport Division, and it’s on record that you singlehandedly built it. This speaks of your efforts and desire to ensure that the Nigerian Army is well placed socially and well placed professionally to carry out its constitutional roles which includes the protection of lives and properties, defense of the society of Nigeria and promotion and sustenance of democracy.”

In his response, Governor Oshiomhole commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for standing firm on the side of democracy and unity of the country. He said: “I know for a

fact as one of the senior players in the Nigerian Politics, Society and Economy that no one can lay claim to supporting democracy much more than the Nigerian Army is doing. The Nigerian Army has stood firm on the side of democracy and above all, you have continued to build bridges of unity across all the divides of the country.

“So I am personally very appreciative of the role of the Nigerian Army in our present democratic dispensation and I trust that we can continue to count on the Nigerian Army in the defense of democracy “I thank you, your officers and men for the support which we have continued to enjoy from the Nigerian Army. I never hide the fact that but for the intervention of the Nigerian Army, even normal internal

security challenges had become a big challenge when small boys who chose to resort to kidnapping even threatened their victims that if you go to the governor, it won’t do you any good because even himself can be picked any day we feel like picking him”, he said.

Oshiomhole said, “They have kidnapped my commissioners, wives of commissioners, and all manners of people. It was on the strength of this that we had to appeal to the President and Commander in Chief to permit the Army to join the Nigerian Police and the SSS in matters that are otherwise pure internal security issues and since then, the Army has been one of our most potent pillars in the fight against violent criminals and other people with criminal intentions.

News SURE-P To Support Abuja Light Rail Project said.

He added that the rail line

ABUJA- The Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Gen. MartinLuther Agwai (rtd), said the programme would support the completion of Abuja light rail project with N10 billion.

Agwai made this known in Abuja while briefing newsmen after an inspection tour of the project.

He expressed satisfaction with the engineering design of the project and commended the Transport Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the effort.

He explained that SURE-P’s support of the project was to ensure its speedy completion, saying that the rail line would reduce the burden on the city’s road transport system and enhance economic and social activities in the country.

Earlier, Mr Kashim Ali, Director, Special Program

Implementation Unit of SURE-P in the FCT, said that contract for the light rail project was awarded in 2009 to CCECC Nigeria Limited at the cost of N106 billion.

Ali said that work on the project was delayed due to paucity of funds for about three years, adding however, that it had attained 52.7 per cent completion and would be completed at the end of 2015.

He said that the project was being jointly funded by the Federal Government and EXIM Bank of China, with the Chinese bank providing a concessionaire loan of 500 million Dollars.

“From the EXIM Bank loan we have spent about 249 million dollars and from the Federal Government, we have spent 162 million dollars,” he

was 45.24 kilometres from the Central Area to Airport Road in Abuja, while the entire network of the project comprising six lots, covered a length of about 300 kilometres.

“What we are doing now is 45.24 kilometers. The Lot 3 takes off from the Central Business District around where you have the NNPC Mega station.

“That is the Metro Station and runs all the way through Idu to the Airport.

“Then Lot 1A takes off from Idu to Kubwa and terminates at Bazango station,” Ali said.

He said that when completed, the light rail, which would be a mass transit system, would have 12 stations and well furnished modern coaches with air conditioners.

The Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Barr Godwin Aigbodion (middle) after he was honoured with traditional white cloth by ward (4) All Progressives Congress (APC) executive in group photograph with Mr. O.D.K. Iruobe (2nd left) also an awardee and other chieftains of APC.

RATTAWU Demands Reinstatement Of Enugu Broadcasting Service Workers ENUGU- The Radio, Televisions, Theater, and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) has called for the unconditional recall of workers of Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS).

The RATTAWU National President, Mr Yemisi Bamgbose, made the call on Thursday in an interview with newsmen in Enugu.

Bamgbose said the situation at the broadcasting station which had led to a crisis between its management and staff members was uncalled for.

“We are here discussing how we are going to be successful in terms of the 2015 elections and a whole television station is shut down.

“The Enugu State Broadcasting Service, the television arm, of it has been shut down in the last one year.

“The radio is not even

broadcasting news and the programmes of that station, according to the information at our disposal, are alien to the people of this place.

“And again majority of the workers have been asked to go and sit down at home.

(The) Gate of that organisation is locked against workers.

“Workers have been asked to move out of their residential quarters and we want very good coverage of elections knowing fully the role of the electronic media in informing, educating, enlightening and entertaining the public as well as the effect of a grassroots radio and television station such as ESBS that should be able to get to people unhindered,“ he said.

Bamgbose appealed to the management of the station to recall the workers without further delay and make the

Monday expressed the determination of the forum to embark on awareness campaign against the virus in

rural communities, to enable people to take preventive measures and maintain proper hygiene.

The forum is a socio-political platform for all elected councilors of the PDP in the 36 states and the FCT.

OSOGBO- The Police in Osun State have arraigned two men, Wasiu Isola, 57 and Ganiyu Ahmed, 51 before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for alleged theft of vehicles.

The accused were arraigned on a two-count charge of theft and conspiracy.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Duro Adekunle told the court that the accused conspired with others at large to commit the offence.

He added that they committed the offence on July 14 at No. 11 Ayedun Aiyetoro Street in Odi Olowo area of Osogbo.

“The accused positioned themselves at different locations to commit the offence and were arrested by the Police when they were not able to tender particulars of the vehicles.

He said the vehicles were owned by Ogundipe Olusola and Thomas Jadeyemi.

Adekunle said the offences contravened sections 516 and 390(9) of the criminal code cap 34, Vol.11 Laws of Osun, 2003.

The accused however pleaded not guilty to the charges counsel to the accused, Mrs Bose Dada, prayed the court to grant her clients bail on liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mr Adebayo Lasisi, granted the accused bail in the sum of

The Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Barr Godwin Aigbodion (left) waving to the crowd after he was honoured by ward 4 APC executives with a white cloth (traditional cloth) which signifies purity and unity of Owan West. With him is the APC Chairman in the LGA, Hon. Tunde Onwruan and woman leader, Madam Aisitu.

Forum Criticises Confab’s Recommendation

Scrapping Of LGs: ABUJA-Mr Onogu Monday, the Chairman, National PDP Councillors’ Forum, has in Abuja criticised the recommendation by delegates to the National Conference to scrap local government from the constitution.

Addressing a news conference in Abuja on the “social and security situation in the country’’, Monday said the recommendation was “retrogressive”. “ We the National PDP Councillors’ Forum, comprising over 80 per cent of elected councilors in Nigeria, categorically condemn in strong terms the move. “ We also warn of the dangers associated with this recommendation which include

unemployment, insecurity and total backwardness at the grassroots.

He recalled that local governments were created in 1976 to bring development nearest to the people.

He said that developments recorded across the country since their creation would not have been possible, adding that the councils should be retained. “ What we need is autonomy for local governments,’’ he said.

The chairman commended President Goodluck Jonathan for setting up a special committee to tackle the spread of Ebola virus in the country.

He said that the measure contributed to containing the spread of the virus within Lagos State.

environment suitable for their duties.

“The position of RATTAWU is that workers should be allowed to go in and continue to do their jobs. The television station should be attended to.

“Government should make money available and get equipment that will bring that station back on air.

“Workers should be able to perform their roles; management should be allowed to perform its own role.

“The unions should be called together. That is the essence of the two unions that are existing there - NUJ and RATTAWU - and they are not just ordinary associations.

They are legal entities.

“Let’s sit down together and find solutions to the problems that are confronting ESBS,“ Bamgbose said.

When contacted on phone, the Managing Director of ESBS, Mr Jika Attoh, said that the state government was carrying out an exercise to reposition the station and that he was only a consultant.

Members of staff of ESBS had on Tuesday last week embarked on a peaceful protest to the State House of Assembly over their continued clampdown.

Theft: Police Arraign 2 Men N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum.

He said the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, must show evidence of payment of tax and deposit their passport photographs to the court.

The Magistrate said one of the sureties must be a civil servant on grade level seven, while the other must be a owner of landed properties.

Lasisi adjourned the case till September 18 for mention.

News

Release Fund For Maritime Academy, Group Urges FG EKET (AKWA IBOM) -The Federal Government has been urged to release the funds meant for bridging education infrastructure gap at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.

A group, Oron Patriotic Movement, made the call at a news conference in Eket, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

The leader of the group, Mr Clinson Emene, said proper funding of the academy would

enable the completion of ongoing projects in the premier maritime training institute.

“We want the federal government to encourage the academy by releasing more funds to complete ongoing projects in the institution. We are not happy with the slow pace of projects in the institution’’, he said.

He alleged that funds that came in through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety

Church Executes Community Service

By VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY – Market men and women, including residents of the Ekiuwa market axis, TV Road Benin City, weekend jolted and engaged in ecstasy when members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ihogbe Stake, Benin City went all out to clear the bushes and filth around the market.

Speaking with the Nigerian OBSERVER, the president of the church, Ihogbe Stake, Okeke Romanus C.N. described the exercise as an annual event of the church taking place simultaneously across African countries.

He said the exercise was part of the church’s effort towards contributing to humanity and the society at large through humanitarian service.

According to him, Christianity was all about serving God, adding that there is no other way to do that without first serving humanity.

While noting that government alone could not do everything, Okeke therefore, called on well meaning citizens to cultivate the spirit of giving and partner in such programmes geared towards the betterment of the society.

The church’s public Affairs Director, Asse Uwaole, Bright, said the need to carry out the exercise at the Ekiuwa market

area became imperative because of the need to ensure cleanliness within and around the market.

“We discovered that the market was overgrown with bushes preventing the market men and women from accessing the facilities, like toilets, hence we deemed it necessary to extend our selfless service to the area,” Bright stated.

He therefore stressed the need to for the people to always keep their surroundings clean, declaring that cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Agency (NIMASA) had been split to other similar institutions in Warri and Port Harcourt.

“If you go to Oron, you will see the level of abandoned projects which is not encouraging due to recent splitting of its funds “I therefore call on NIMASA to see the need of releasing more funds to Maritime Academy, Oron so that they can complete those projects.

“We appreciate the efforts of the Rector of the school, Mr Joshua Okpo, who is working assiduously to give it a facelift, and for his prudent management of scarce resources’’, he added.

He listed the rector’s achievements to include introduction of Certificate of Competence 1, 2 and 3, procurement of training vessel and foreign training for cadet officers, among others.

Cross River To Restructure Missionaries’ Nigeria (PCN).

“This generation and the CALABAR- The Cross River Imoke, represented by Mr Eyo generations to come will not Cemetery Government has concluded plans to restructure the Missionaries’ Cemetery to boost tourism in the State.

Gov. Liyel Imoke announced this at the 21st General Assembly to mark 168 years of existence of the Presbyterian Church of

Vote In 2015, Elechi Advises Electorate ABAKALIKI- Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi has collected his permanent voter’s card at the Echi-Alike polling booth in Ikwo Local Government Area.

Speaking with newsmen after collecting the card, he advised those who had collected the card to ensure they voted in the 2015 elections.

“Those who have the card should endeavour to vote during the 2015 general elections.

“Carrying out our civic duty on a day of election is a synergy between registration and voting,” he said.

The governor also urged those

Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh (in cap), and the Director, Engineering Department of the Ministry, Engineer Nicholas Abhulimen (Commissioner’s right) and other staff of the ministry on the occasion of the inauguration of training of tractor operators in the ministry.

who were yet to register to do so during the impending continuous voter registration.

He said the INEC had recorded improvements in the election processes in the country.

“This feat is worth commending because in the last few years we have witnessed overwhelming improvements compared to what they used to be in the past,” he said.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ebonyi, Mr Okechukwu Ezeani, said the exercise would continue till a few months to the elections.

The President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint, Ihogbe Stake, Benin City, Okeke Romanus C.N. (left) surpervising the clearing and packing of dirts during the All Africa Project Service of the Church held at the weekend. Photo: VICTOR OMOALU

Okpo-Ene, his Special Adviser on Religious Matters, said the restructuring is in recognition of their stewardship having spent their lives inculcating Christian values in Nigeria.

“The Cross River government, in liaison with the PCN, is restructuring the missionaries cemetery located at Creek Town in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state to meet its tourism initiative.

“In line with current repositioning of our heritage, culture and religious sites, we are doing this because Cross River State drives the tourism flagship of Nigeria.

forget in a hurry the enormous contributions to humanity by early missionaries like Mary Slessor, Rev. Hugh Goldie, Samuel Howell, and others.’’

The governor stated that PCN was one of the first Christian missions established in Nigeria with its roots in Calabar, and most of these early patriarchs and matriarchs of faith were members of the PCN. According to him, the government will continue to support the church in all its activities.

Imoke urged Christians in the country to emulate the virtues of early missionaries who denied

themselves of all comforts to make sure that Christians showed their pride in Christ.

Rev. Emele Mbauka, the Prelate of the General Assembly of the PCN, called on Christians to emulate the virtues of missionaries who came to Africa to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mbauka said the church would continue to pray for peace, love and unity of Nigeria.

He urged Christians to see themselves as brothers and sisters who are in the vineyard of God. The theme of the assembly was: “The King is Coming.’

Mr. Lechiffiart stressed that the company which has customers in metropolitan France, French Antiles, Central Congo, Guyana etc and has a good image around the wood, cocoa rum and other agro-food industries, fuel storage and transfer, water treatment and evacuation.

He enlightened the commissioner on the possibility of generating electricity from

Association, Dr. Peter Osagiede, said it was a welcome development for the company to generate electricity for small scale farmers.

Dr. Isona Gold emphasized that the issues are important for the development of Edo State as small power plant would increase power production and fast track industrial development of the state.

BENIN CITY – A Commissioner for Budget and Finance under Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion led administration in Edo State, Dr. Clement Ehebha is dead.

He died in Benin City on Tuesday August 12, 2014 during a brief illness at the age of 58 years.

Dr. Ehebha served as Special Adviser on Due Process in the Professor Oseriemen Osunbor led government and later a Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the Adams Oshiomhole led government in Edo State.

Prior to his death, he was at various times Regional Manager of UAC, co-ordinator, Riv Security and Safely Agency; CEO

Riv Investment and Yeno investment respectively.

The burial program will be announced later.

Edo Govt Assures Investors Of sawn dust and many other waste.

By DOROTHY Support In their various comments the EGBOBAMWONYI chairman of oil palm Growers, BENIN CITY – The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hon. Abdul Oroh has assured intending investors of the state government’s readiness to encourage and support them in the area of provision of land which must be put into use.

Hon. Oroh made the assertion recently at a meeting between farmers from the three senatorial districts, a France based power generating firm Antlantique Thermique France and the Ministry.

He told the farmers that it has been proven and shown that power can be generated from waste, like kernel shell, sawn dust and other waste from the palm tree.

He cited an oil palm industry in the state which generates between 70-80 percent of its electricity from waste and therefore urged the finance based firm to liaise with the oil palm company for a synergy on areas of cooperative advantages that would be beneficial to both.

Earlier, the representative of France Power generating company, Antlantique Thermique France, Mr. Romain Lechiffiart said the company has been closely working for the industrial world for more than half a century.

Clement Ehebha Dies At 58

Late Dr. Clement Ehebha

Lagos Catholic Bishops Opt For Communion In Hand

L-R: FRSC Sector Commander, RS 4.1, Plateau Command, Mr. Sunday Maku, representative of Plateau State Governor, Mr. Abubakar Dashe and Zonal Commanding Officer, Mr. Yakubu Attah, at the public presentation of FRSC Zone 4 in House Magazine in Jos recently.

First Nigerian Ebola Patient Discharged LAGOS - The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, announced that the first Nigerian confirmed to have contracted the Ebola virus had been discharged after full recovery.

Chukwu, who briefed newsmen in Lagos, said the patient was discharged “after conclusive discharge protocols’’, adding that she could go home to resume her normal life.

According to him, five other Ebola patients have almost fully recovered.

Reports state that a female doctor had attended to the Liberian, Mr Patrick Sawyer, who brought the disease to Nigeria.

Chukwu said that Nigeria had recorded a 12 confirmed cases, four deaths and 189 persons under surveillance in Lagos, and six persons under surveillance in Enugu.

He said that all the persons under surveillance were secondary contacts.

“All the patients under treatment have now moved to the new 40-bed capacity isolated ward provided by the Lagos State Government.

“Additional equipment has also been made available to the new isolating ward by the Federal Government’’, he said.

The minister also said that the Nanosilver drug which was made available to the Emergency Operations Centre in Lagos on Aug. 14, did not meet basic research requirements.

“The experimental drug, Nanosilver, did not meet the requirements of the National Health Research Ethics Code.

“Accordingly, approval was withheld by the National Health Research Ethics Committee.

“Other candidate drugs are being evaluated by the Treatment Research Group of Ebola Disease.

“As soon as any of the experimental drugs is cleared by the National Health Research Ethics Committee and is made available, we shall include it in the treatment regimen subject to the informed consent of the patient.’’

Chukwu denied the rumour of Ebola virus in Imo, Abia and Cross River States, adding that

the case of the disease in Kwara was still under investigation.

“The mother of the child in Kwara tested negative and we are still investigating the child.

Also, the corpse in Anambra was embalmed and we are awaiting result of the test.

“All the mortuary attendants who had contact with the corpse

tested negative, so there is no need to panic’’, he said.

On suspension of resident doctors’ training by the Federal Government, Chukwu said there had been problems with the training which also informed the ongoing doctors’ strike.

According to Chukwu, the suspension is with all federal government hospitals, adding that states’ teaching hospitals were not affected.

LAGOS (LAGOS STATE) - The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has approved the reception of Holy Communion in the hand as a precautionary measure against the spread of the Ebola virus.

This is contained in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Martins.

The statement said although the traditional receipt of Holy Communion remained communion on the tongue, “the faithful must prepare for this alternative means of receiving it.

“Due reverence to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist must be maintained.

“It is important that when the faithful receive the Eucharistic bread in their hands, they must put it in their mouth, consume the host immediately before returning to their seats”, added the statement.

It stressed that the traditional formula for receiving Communion must be maintained, adding that when the Priest says, “The Body of Christ”; the communicant responds:

“Amen.”

It emphasised that care must be taken not to allow the particles of the host to fall or scatter.

“The communicant must keep his or her hands clean and maintain a reverential comportment that befits the Body of Christ.

“The Priest or Eucharistic Minister should give the Communion to the faithful themselves. The faithful are not permitted to take the host from the Ciborium or Paten.’’

The statement said the kneeling down and expressing adoration and reverence before receiving communion must be observed, adding that it was spiritually significant.

“For in kneeling, a person makes himself/herself small before the presence of God before whom every knee shall bend (Phil. 2:10).

“As Benedict XVI reminded; here his bodily gesture attains the status of a confession of faith, we must insist on this.’’

Martins, in the statement, prayed that the Lord Jesus present in the Holy Eucharist should heal Nigeria and protect her in these trying times.

instead further aggravate the problems in the sector.

“NMA condemns in totality the alleged presidential directive via the Federal Ministry of Health suspending residency training in the country.

“It could be recalled that such action was taken in 1985 during Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s regime. The Lagos State Government also sacked some striking doctors in Lagos on

May 7, 2012.

“These actions had not yielded positive results and can never stand the test of time.

“Government should show commitment in resolving the current impasse with the NMA rather than resorting to punitive measures that will only further aggravate the already deplorable situation’’, he said.

Ojo said that the current strike would continue and that the immediate reversal of the sack remained the only condition to resume talks with government.

He, however, advised the affected doctors against collecting any sack letter or signing any register opened in any hospital.

Dr Olusegun Akinwotu, the President, Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, said that such sack would have negative implications on the sector.

Akinwotu said that it would have huge effect on the operations of the hospital, as 50 to 70 per cent of the doctors in government hospitals were resident doctors.

“It will affect medical schools as they will remain shut because these doctors contribute about 50 per cent to the training of medical students.

Rescind Sack Of Resident Doctors, Association Urges FG

LAGOS - The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos Chapter, has appealed to the Federal Government to reverse its directive and withdraw its circular sacking resident doctors in the country.

The Chairman of NMA, Dr Tope Ojo, made the appeal at a news conference in Lagos on Saturday.

It will be recalled that the Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, had on Aug.13, issued a directive terminating the residency training for doctors until further notice.

Ojo said government should engage the association in dialogue to provide lasting solution to the problems in the health sector.

According to him, such sacking the doctors will not yield positive result and will

Lagos Lawmaker Lauds Acting IGP

By SURAJU RAJI

LAGOS - The lawmaker, representing Lagos Island constituency1 at Lagos assembly has congratulated the acting Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, on his appointment as acting police boss.

He made the commendation during his interaction with house of assemble correspondents.

He revealed that the new police boss is an officer with wide experience, but he cautioned and advised him not to be the inspector general of People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He pleaded that there

should be peace in Nigeria.

Speaking on security, Hon Marsha said it is how you manage your people. He revealed that some security agents don’t respect themselves, explaining that some of them get returns from touts.

On election at Osun State, Hon Marsha said politicians have learnt lessons. He said we should come closer to our people. He remarked that the elected Governor Aregbesola worked hard and was closer to his people at grassroots. He advised politicians to carry their people along any time, while appealing to police to be respectful.

AIG Zone 2 Command, Mamman Tsafe (left), presenting a plaque to the Customs Comptroller, Federal Operation Unit, Zone A, Mr. Turaki Umar, during the Customs Boss familiarisation visit to the AIG’s office in Lagos recently.

Bauchi To Train Youths In Israel BAUCHI-The Bauchi State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board said it was considering plans to train young indigenes of the state on holy pilgrimage to Israel on capacity building during the 2014 exercise.

The Chairman of the board, Rev. Shuaibu Byel, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi weekend Byel explained that the training would be conducted in partnership with a Ghanaian university, adding that the programme was intended to equip the youths to be self reliant.

He said that the university would conduct the training and award certificates to participants.

“The holy pilgrimage would be observed for four days and the remaining three days will be used for the capacity building,“ he explained.

The chairman also said that the board had carried out awareness campaign to intending pilgrims in the three senatorial districts in the state.

“The campaign was mainly to create more awareness for self sponsorship for churches, groups, politicians, wealthy individuals as well as business men and women.

“We have also drawn the attention of the intending pilgrims that only those going for the first time will be considered.

“In view of that, the National Christian Pilgrims Commission has directed that those who participated in the exercise from 2010 to 2013 will not participate this year, “Byel said.

He called on intending pilgrims not to see the exercise as a tourist trip, but a spiritual exercise and advised them to prepare their hearts for “a wonderful spiritual experience that will change their lives for good”.

“To visit the Holy Land is not just for tourism. There are a whole lot of benefits that will accrue to pilgrims.

“A pilgrimage to the Holy Land means to come with the desire to meet and reconcile with God, “ he added.

Across The Nation

Horse riders entertaining guests at the turbaning of Taraba Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Batulu Hamman-Gabdo as the first Sarauniya of Gashaka by the Chief of Gashaka, Alhaji Hamman-Gabdo Sambo in Taraba recently.

APC To Participate In Adamawa Governorship Bye-Election

YOLA The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa said in Yola weekend that it would participate in the October 11 governorship bye-election.

This is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day stakeholders meeting of the party.

It contended that this was “with a view to reclaiming the stolen mandate of the party.’’

The communiqué urged all members to be united and reconcile with one another for the success of the party.

The communiqué, read by Mr Phineas Padio, the party’s Public Relations Officer in the state, said the Adamawa leadership of APC had agreed to embrace the political reality in the state.

“The APC regrets the unfortunate removal of

Nyako. The party also resolved that while the pending legal issues subsist, the party’s leadership has agreed to embrace the existing reality.’’

“The meeting acknowledged the

tremendous support and goodwill enjoyed by the party across the state.’’

The communiqué called on major stakeholders to ensure the survival and operational viability of the party by providing the necessary

logistic and material support to it.’’

It also said that the meeting received situation reports from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state, adding that the party was healthy and vibrant

Mixed Reactions Trail Acting Gov’s Decision To Contest YOLA – The decision of the Acting governor of Adamawa, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, to seek for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the October 11 governorship by-election has attracted mixed reactions around the state.

Fintiri had on Friday told newsmen in Yola that he had picked PDP’s “Ëxpression of Intent” form for the byelection.

A PDP chieftain in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Kari, told newsmen that the development was welcomed as the acting governor would be a popular candidate, if picked by the party.

Kari said the emergence of

Fintiri as acting governor enabled PDP to recover “its stolen mandate” from former Governor. Murtala Nyako, who was elected on the party’s platform but defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said that the actions of Fintiri had been attracting goodwill from people in the state since he assumed office as acting governor.

Also commenting on the development, some civil servants, including Bello Abubakar, Janet Ibrahim and Emmanuel Danlami, lauded the development and called for support for the acting governor’s ambition.

In his contribution, a legal practitioner in Yola, Mr

Sunday Wugira, said that though Fintiri had the right to contest for the position, it was morally wrong for him to do so while in office. Äccording to him, if the acting governor wants to contest, he would need to resign first.

On his part, an aspirant in the race, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, also said that it was morally wrong for the acting governor to contest.

“He has no moral basis to contest. He is supposed to be an impartial umpire as the acting governor,” Gulak told newsmen on telephone.

He, however, urged PDP to ensure a level-playing field for all aspirants in the primaries.

Damaturu Residents Turn Out En Masse Permanent Voter Cards:

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Batulu HammanGabdo acknowledging cheers during her turbaning as Sarauniya of Gashaka by the Chief of Gashaka, Alhaji Hamman-Gabdo Sambo in Taraba recently.

DAMATURU - Eligible voters turned out in large numbers in Damaturu the Yobe state capital at the weekend to collect their respective permanent voter card (PVC).

House wives in Damaturu suspended their domestic chores to queue up early at the various collection centres.

Most of the eligible voters said they had identified their

names in the register and this had given them a sense of confidence.

Babayo Tela, a resident of Nayinawa ward, told reporters that he was happy to collect his permanent voter card.

Abacha Kaka, a resident of Ajari, said people were apprehensive initially due to the rumour that many names were missing from the register.

Musa Abubakar of Ali Marami Housing Estate expressed satisfaction with the early arrival of INEC and security officials for the exercise.

Sadiq Musa, the INEC Resident Commissioner in Yobe, assured the public that the exercise would continue at the INEC local government offices after the first official three days of the exercise.

Abuja FG Withdraws 600 Mining Licences

NAN MD Bags Rotary Club Award ABUJA - The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Ima Niboro, conferred with an award of professional excellence and honorary membership by the Rotary Club, Gwarinpa District, Abuja.

The award was presented to Niboro for his humanitarian services at the official installation of the club’s 6th President, Mr Emeka Anuforo.

Reports state that the award was in recognition of Noboro’s contributions toward the growth and advancement of the media, the public relations industry and the nation in general.

Niboro, who was represented

by Mr Julius Enehikhuere, the Coordinator, Directorate of Foreign Operations of NAN, thanked the club for the award.

He pledged his total support and commitment to the growth and development of the club.

“Thank you so much for the honour and recognition. I promise not to let you down and I and my organisation will continue to support the club for the development of humanity.’’

The immediate past President of the club, Mr James Ugbeda, congratulated Niboro, and urged him to continue in his good works.

Ugbeda, however, called on the general public to join and donate to the club in order to make humanity better, adding “no man is an island as we all depend on one another.’’

The guest speaker at the occasion, Dr Sam Amadi, Chairman, Nigeria Electrical Regulatory Commission (NERC), urged Nigerians to be patriotic in their activities.

Amadi noted that the leadership of the country was more ceremonial than functional due to lack of political will.

He added that future leaders of the country should be determined to eradicate corruption to ensure a better country.

Minister of National Planning Commission, Mr. Sulaiman Abubakar; Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau and Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja recently.

Borno: Multi-National Task Force Clears

ABUJA - The Defence Headquarters has said that troops of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) had cleared a terrorists camp in Buduram, north of Doron Baga in Borno.

A statement posted on the Defence Headquarters w e b s i t e : www.defenceinfo.mil.ng, said the dawn raid operation was carried out on Friday It said the troops raided the camp where the terrorists were regrouping and reorganising to carry out a reprisal attack after being routed in Doron Baga in a previous encounter on Aug.10.

According to the statement, 17 terrorists died in the operation, while some who escaped into neighbouring islands in the Lake Chad Peninsula are still being pursued.

It noted that calm had been

Terrorists’ Camp

restored to Doron Baga after the Aug. 10 attack by the terrorists who infiltrated the community with some of them disguising as women in

hijab.

It added that five of the terrorists died in the counter offensive to defend Doron

Baga by troops of the MNJTF. According to the statement, many of the inhabitants of the community who fled into nearby bushes for safety are now returning.

HP Cautions Nigerians Against Buying ABUJA - Hewlett-Packard Counterfeit Products (HP) Nigeria Limited, the producer of HP telecommunication equipment has warned Nigerians against buying fake products.

Mr Jean-Paul Pinto, the District Manager, English Africa, printing and Personal System of HP, said this in Abuja during the company’s 2014 Anti-Counterfeit Conference.

He said it was cheaper to purchase quality product than counterfeits and advised people to always check any product before purchasing it to get value for its price.

He said the company was carrying out enlightenment

programme to educate Nigerians on the need to purchase quality products.

According to him, inferior products have caused immense reduction in global economic growth and have negative effect on business worldwide.

The district manager said consumers were at the receiving end for buying inferior products.

He said the company was strengthening its tentacles to tackle the increase in piracy of telecommunication and other products in the country.

“This conference is for us to combat illicit counterfeit

L-R: Governor Idris Wada of Kogi; Director-General, MDGs, Precious Gbenoil and Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger; at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja recently.

practices, increase awareness and share best practices amongst government officials, law enforcement agencies, HP partners, customers and other stakeholders.

“In each year, businesses worldwide lose excessively due to counterfeiting and piracy, especially in the IT industry.

“Nigeria is one of the global largest mobile growths and it becomes necessary for us to raise this call because one in 10 IT products sold globally may be counterfeit.

Dr Joseph Odumody, the Director General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), said at the occasion that the organisation was working within its power to fight counterfeit in Nigeria.

“We have a bill before the National Assembly that will soon be passed into law; this is to combat inferior products by destroying them within 90 days and prosecute the importers and distributors.

“Government alone cannot fight this problem, Nigerians should collaborate with us; this conference will also enable us to collaborate more with the HP and other manufacturers to fight counterfeiting.

“Most importantly, the sole distributors contribute immensely to the sales of fake products in Nigeria; it is the responsibility of the manufacturers to put a check on their agents,” he said.

ABUJA - The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Mohammed Sada, said the Federal Government has withdrawn over 600 mining and extractive licences of companies that failed to comply with its rules and regulations.

Sada made this known in Abuja during the presentation of 2013 Annual Report and audited account of Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG).

The minister said Federal Government was ready to ensure that the sector operated in accordance to international best practice.

He said the government took the decision during his visits to some of the quarries where it was discovered that the operators were violating the rules and regulations guiding their operations.

“We have carried out audit exercise in some of the quarry sites where one of the so called engineers, who is not even qualified is performing about four or five functions.

“If you want to establish a quarry, you must have the capacity to employ the right personnel.

“We have to withdraw the licences of some of them because of the non-compliance to the rules.

“In the last exercise, we withdrew over 600 licences of companies who failed to adhere to the rules of the game.

“We closed some quarries because of not making use of the right personnel. We have had the cause to withdraw some other licences, especially those working around Abuja,” he said.

The minister said government had also put in place the structures that would ensure that certain level of employment belong to Nigeria.

“We will not allow companies to just bring in anybody, we closed some quarries because of that.

“When we got to a company, we discovered that only two Nigerians were working with about 14 Chinese.

“We found out that these two Nigerians were basically doing almost all the work, so we asked the company to close shop until we were able to take the census of their staffing.

Sada, who warned the operators to comply with the regulations of the sector or face sanctions, said the exercise would continue until the sector was completely sanitised.

The Chairman of COMEG, Chief Chambers Oyibo, while briefing the minister on the audit, said the exercise revealed that most of the audited companies were not registered with COMEG.

Business + Economy

Terrorism: PAN Donates To Victims

ABUJA -Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), an indigenous vehicle manufacturing company in the country, said it had

donated N125 million to the Terrorism Victims Support Fund.

This is contained in a statement by the Head,

Corporate Communications of the company, Mr Musa Usman.

The statement said that the donation was in response to

President Goodluck Jonathan’s call on corporate organisations to support the fund.

The fund, launched by the

president on July 31, is an initiative for the rehabilitation of terrorism victims in the country.

The statement said that the company would support the secretariat of the fund with vehicles worth N25 million.

It explained that it indicated the mode of its donation to the fund in a letter to Secretary of the Government of the Federation on August.1.

Aside from the vehicles, the company said that it would provide additional

N100 million in scholarship to 100 qualified family members of the victims of insurgency.

The company stated that the scholarship would be used to train the beneficiaries on technical skills in automobile repairs and maintenance.

Commending the establishment of the fund, PAN remarked that the fund would ensure speedy resettlement of the victims for sustainable livelihood.

ADO-EKITI - The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Ekiti has destroyed substandard products valued at N8.5 million.

Items set ablaze by the agency in Ado-Ekiti included fake electric cables, vehicle tyres and expired consumables such as

detergents, cereals, snacks, vegetable oil and margarine.

The Head of SON in Ekiti, Mr Rilwan Fashina, who supervised the exercise, said the items were seized with the help of residents.

Fashina also said that SON officials confiscated some fake gas cylinders, adding that they had already been transported to the agency’s Lagos office for proper action.

He said SON was committed to the Federal G o v e r n m e n t ’ s Transformation Agenda using the instrument of standardisation.

Fashina, however, urged residents to refrain from endangering their lives through the purchase of cheap products in the open market.

He promised to ensure the confidentiality of informants while vowing to ensure the prosecution of those caught.

SON Destroys N8.5m Substandard Products

L-R: Director-General, NTA, Mr. Sola Omole, Chairman, Executive Committee, Nigeria Election Debates Group, Chief Taiwo Alimi and representative of Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mr. Sani Suleiman at an International Debate Best Practices Symposium in Abuja recently.

New Electricity Tariff Will Create Strong Investment Incentive - NERC

ABUJA - The Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr Sam Amadi, said new electricity tariff in the country would boost investment in the sector.

Amadi stated this in Abuja at a public consultation on the commission’s “Draft Regulations on Rate Review and Investment in Electricity Networks”.

He explained that new regulations on procedure for

tariff reviews in the nation’s power industry would cover the “major, minor and extraordinary review of tariff.”

“These regulations will ensure the delivery of capacity at levels already projected in the revenue requirements for the sector for the price control period of 20122017,” he said.

He stated that licensees in the

industry were concerned about running profitable ventures and being able to expand their services.

“So, what happens to them when the cost of doing business changes is important,” he said, adding, that what NERC had done was to set up a clear process for review of tariffs to

Lagos State Polytechnic.

The others were National Metallurgical Institute, Enugu, Gombe State Polytechnic and Federal Technical College, Orozo, Abuja.

He said the council had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with these institutions to train other artisans.

“An Italian-based company, Motor Scan Incorporation, made the supply and the installation of the equipment to the institutions” “The company conducted the train-the-trainers’ workshop on how the equipment should be used,” he said.

Mamudu said 400 experts had so far been trained across the country.

In related development, the director said the equipment would also be installed at the three safety laboratories before December 2014.

The council had established material testing laboratory at Zaria in Kaduna State; Component test laboratory in Enugu and Emission testing laboratory at Lagos.

“All this is to ensure that the components to be produced meet up with international standard,” he said.

Mamudu urged the stakeholders in the automobile industry to support the new National Automotive Industry Development Plan which aimed at providing employment, generating revenue and conservation of foreign reserve.

Automotive Council Equips 6 Institutions

ABUJA - The National Automotive Council said it spent N100 million on the installation of training equipment on modern car electrical and electronics maintenance in six institutions across the country.

The Director, Policy and Planning at the council, Mr Lukman Mamudu, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Mamudu said the equipment installed was to equip the students and specialists in the auto industry with the expertise to address problems associated with wiring and maintenance of modern cars.

The director listed the institutions to include Kaduna Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Port Harcourt and

assure investors of their investments.

Amadi clarified that the new regulations would have provisions for tariff concession to individuals and communities that had made investment by buying transformers or other equipment in their neighbourhoods.

Making a presentation on the proposed tariff regime, the Head, Tariff and Rates of NERC, Dr Haliru Dikko, said notice of commencement of the review would be sent to

electricity licensees.

Dikko said that the notice would be sent to the licensees “a year to the termination of any five-year major tariff in force”.

“Every six months, the commission will carry out a minor review of tariff, either at the end of June or at the end of December.

“Changes will be made if there is any change in price of fuel and in Nigerian inflation rates, dollar exchange rates, and the daily generation capacity.

L-R: Representative of INEC Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Igbani; representative of the Editorin-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alhaji Lawal Ado and Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Alhaji Abubakar Jijiwa, at an International Debate Best Practices Symposium in Abuja recently.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT FRIDAY (15/08/14) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

NEM

0.8

0.8

0

0

2,119,149

1,695,525.00

7UP

115

115

0

0

25,378

3,216,729.39

NESTLE

1110

1110

0

0

39,682

42,258,294.69

ABCTRANS

0.7

0.7

0

0

22,520

15,763.80

NEWGOLD

2057

2054

-3

0

9

18,486.00

ACCESS

9.74

9.74

0

0

33,450,483

322,705,418.30

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,661

830.5

AFRIPRUD

3.3

3.25

-0.05

0

1,087,498

3,530,297.57

NPFMCRFBK

1

1

0

0

1,259,108

1,259,108.00

AGLEVENT

1.4

1.4

0

0

480

638.4

NSE30

1893.93

1880.27

-13.66

0

179,977,594

2,163,583,681.00

AIICO

0.81

0.81

0

0

3,511,649

2,844,784.68

NSE50

2050.13

2037.34

-12.79

0

448,530,647

2,570,740,928.00

AIRSERVICE

2.1

2.1

0

0

12,500

26,540.85

NSEASEM

951.96

951.96

0

0

30,000

6,300.00

ANINO

0.21

0.21

0

0

30,000

6,300.00

NSEASI

41750.41

41379.49

-370.92

0

481,625,056

2,636,837,045.00

ASHAKACEM

32.55

34

1.45

0

1,495,816

50,587,138.16

NSEBNK

423.16

420.21

-2.95

0

113,143,902

1,240,049,893.00

AVONCROWN

1.69

1.69

0

0

337

596.49

NSECNSMRGDS

1031.22

1030.83

-0.39

0

10,594,738

248,300,931.50

BERGER

8.62

9

0.38

0

89,579

795,941.44

NSEINDUSTR

2739.97

2695.44

-44.53

0

3,509,565

171,996,989.60

BETAGLAS

17.11

17.11

0

0

42,320

752,920.00

NSEINS

144.43

144.03

-0.4

0

218,134,754

216,202,533.30

CADBURY

67.02

67.02

0

0

66,421

4,237,857.70

NSELOTUSISLM

2793.94

2768.03

-25.91

0

6,811,633

317,718,746.10

CAP

39.52

39.52

0

0

57,920

2,305,419.43

NSEOILGAS

473.32

473.39

0.07

0

4,094,575

214,793,916.30

CAVERTON

5.9

5.9

0

0

170,301

1,004,307.90

OANDO

26.97

26.69

-0.28

0

2,675,109

70,671,361.42

CCNN

13.65

14.33

0.68

0

660,359

9,364,220.94

OKOMUOIL

36.47

36.47

0

0

100,689

3,550,142.46

CHAMPION

8.31

8.31

0

0

565,600

4,468,240.00

PAINTCOM

1.61

1.61

0

0

129,900

209,649.00

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

0

100,000

50,000.00

PHARMDEKO

2.27

2.27

0

0

189,200

448,694.00

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

0

125,000

62,500.00

PORTPAINT

5.35

5.09

-0.26

0

464,300

2,364,175.30

CONOIL

67.24

65.2

-2.04

0

455,281

29,745,496.14

PREMBREW

1.05

1.1

0.05

0

52,000

57,200.00

CONTINSURE

1

1

0

0

208,340,598

208,339,939.00

PREMPAINTS

10.93

10.93

0

0

10,000

103,900.00

CORNERST

0.5

0.52

0.02

0

206,495

105,669.45

PRESCO

37

37

0

0

11,850

433,610.00

COSTAIN

1.2

1.2

0

0

342,249

396,163.86

PRESTIGE

0.54

0.52

-0.02

0

636,136

330,790.72

COURTVILLE

0.57

0.55

-0.02

0

500,000

275,000.00

PZ

37.3

36

-1.3

0

358,508

12,823,994.42

CUSTODYINS

3.85

3.98

0.13

0

1,288,995

5,091,706.67

REDSTAREX

4.28

4.4

0.12

0

387,000

1,696,226.80

CUTIX

1.95

1.95

0

0

31,200

60,328.00

REGALINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

800

400

CWG

5

5

0

0

120

576

RESORTSAL

0.5

0.5

0

0

200,000

100,000.00

DANGCEM

231.95

226

-5.95

0

386,672

87,624,597.19

ROADS

8.46

8.46

0

0

200

1,776.00

DANGFLOUR

7.4

7.5

0.1

0

310,896

2,311,080.40

ROYALEX

0.58

0.6

0.02

0

435,893

261,324.08

DANGSUGAR

9

8.94

-0.06

0

2,222,948

19,982,771.58

RTBRISCOE

0.95

0.95

0

0

97,960

90,174.00

DIAMONDBNK

6.28

6.21

-0.07

0

17,108,097

107,088,784.30

SEPLAT

695

695

0

0

21,083

14,295,645.69

ETERNA

3.99

3.99

0

0

272,180

1,053,744.00

SKYEBANK

3.1

3.12

0.02

0

5,136,025

15,916,116.27

ETI

17.25

17.22

-0.03

0

1,112,082

19,119,214.81

SKYESHELT

100

100

0

0

963

96,300.00

EVANSMED

2.26

2.26

0

0

8,735

19,741.10

STACO

0.5

0.5

0

0

550

275

FBNH

15.3

14.85

-0.45

0

4,305,550

64,079,002.30

STANBIC

29

29.15

0.15

0

453,334

13,298,334.98

FCMB

4.39

4.25

-0.14

0

717,788

3,057,547.85

STDINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

130,200

65,100.00

FIDELITYBK

2.03

2.03

0

0

20,923,328

44,060,256.93

STERLNBANK

2.14

2.1

-0.04

0

5,408,891

11,504,284.02

FIDSON

3.15

3.01

-0.14

0

385,821

1,164,143.10

TOTAL

179

180

1

0

19,713

3,533,082.50

FLOURMILL

80.9

80.9

0

0

228,821

17,588,323.56

TRANSCORP

5.63

5.63

0

0

62,378,125

349,437,463.00

FO

230

226

-4

0

248,126

55,807,832.91

TRANSEXPR

1.79

1.79

0

0

10,500

17,955.00

GLAXOSMITH

63.5

63.5

0

0

14,910

952,234.35

TRIPPLEG

1.88

1.88

0

0

200

358

GUARANTY

29.12

29.1

-0.02

0

11,714,289

340,038,760.80

UAC-PROP

17

16.5

-0.5

0

185,490

3,061,344.30

GUINEAINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

10

5

UACN

60

61

1

0

440,073

26,785,919.93

GUINNESS

190.06

189

-1.06

0

84,930

16,109,778.78

UBA

7.34

7.2

-0.14

0

3,450,637

25,172,995.67

HONYFLOUR

4

4.12

0.12

0

3,255,505

13,115,176.51

UBCAP

2.1

2.16

0.06

0

6,887,217

14,711,230.84

IKEJAHOTEL

0.78

0.79

0.01

0

2,122,522

1,654,696.58

UNHOMES

0.5

0.5

0

0

320

160

INTBREW

27.5

27.5

0

0

58,723

1,584,488.05

UNIC

0.5

0.5

0

0

2,000,000

1,000,000.00

INTENEGINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

123,309

61,654.50

UNILEVER

49

49

0

0

611,143

29,931,869.04

JAPAULOIL

0.54

0.53

-0.01

0

3,722,767

1,954,061.06

UNIONDICON

14.11

14.11

0

0

50

670.5

JBERGER

65

65

0

0

88,774

5,690,180.63

UNITYBNK

0.5

0.5

0

0

36,556,273

18,278,136.50

LAWUNION

0.5

0.5

0

0

350

175

VETGRIF30

18.94

18.79

-0.15

0

20,040

379,737.28

LEARNAFRCA

1.51

1.58

0.07

0

196,828

306,121.36

VITAFOAM

4.25

4.25

0

0

106,923

452,145.14

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

150

75

VONO

1.37

1.37

0

0

19,539

25,596.09

LIVESTOCK

3.22

3.22

0

0

345,775

1,109,656.46

WAPCO

120

118

-2

0

151,499

17,932,600.12

MANSARD

2.52

2.5

-0.02

0

211,000

527,940.00

WAPIC

0.8

0.78

-0.02

0

2,765,462

2,164,545.10

MAYBAKER

1.62

1.6

-0.02

0

120,380

194,319.00

WEMABANK

0.96

0.98

0.02

0

1,030,958

1,008,292.73

MBENEFIT

0.54

0.54

0

0

847,990

457,924.60

ZENITHBANK

24.15

23.9

-0.25

0

14,726,350

353,523,152.00

MOBIL

175

175

0

0

248,336

44,386,876.27

MRS

56.53

54

-2.53

0

175,830

9,595,523.04

MULTITREX

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,971,492

985,746.00

MULTIVERSE

0.5

0.5

0

0

150

75

NAHCO

5

5

0

0

414,551

2,082,861.97

NASCON

9.8

9.87

0.07

0

2,327,317

23,240,666.99

NB

174.98

171.3

-3.68

0

331,943

56,979,515.20

NCR

13.72

13.72

0

0

22,213

319,222.94

NEIMETH

1.07

1.12

0.05

0

438,163

490,254.55

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock ASHAKACEM TOTAL UACN CCNN BERGER STANBIC CUSTODYINS HONYFLOUR REDSTAREX DANGFLOUR

Close 34 180 61 14.33 9 29.15 3.98 4.12 4.4 7.5

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

Close

Loss

1.45 1 1 0.68 0.38 0.15 0.13 0.12 0.12 0.1

NSEASI 370.92 NSEINDUSTR 44.53 NSELOTUSISLM 25.91 NSE30 13.66 NSE50 12.79 DANGCEM FO NB NEWGOLD NSEBNK

41379.49

-

2695.44

-

2768.03

-

1880.27

-

2037.34

-

226 226 171.3 2054 420.21

-5.95 -4 -3.68 -3 -2.95

THE need for gainful employment of citizens in any society cannot be over emphasised, as it provides the key to a chain of other stabilising socio economic as well as political activities in any given society.

MANY a country or society with employment problems have had their social, political and economic structures dislocated as the scourge of unemployment has a spiraling effect on all other sectors of the economy. This among other reasons explains why countries of the world, make frantic efforts to ensure that unemployment as a problem, is tackled headlong so as to keep it in check DIFFERENT countries of the world, adopt various means of checking the scourge especially youth unemployment. The advanced democracies for example, have some cushioning measures like welfare scheme in which the unemployed are given some stipends to keep body and soul together before they are finally fixed up with jobs.

COUPLED with this scheme, are also Employment Agencies which serve dual purposes of acting as data bank and middle men” for the employers as well as jobs seekers; providing useful information for employers of labour as to the availability of qualified applicants who register with them with details of their curriculum vitae, and to the applicants, who are well fed with vital information of available jobs with details about such job specification, qualification required, remuneration and all other such information as may be required.

HERE in Nigeria, spirited efforts have been made over the years to also address the issue of unemployment especially among youths who have created social, economic and political problems for governments at all levels.

IT will be recalled that as a way of redirecting the attention of unemployed Nigerian youths, the then military government of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo floated a youth employment scheme which it tagged. “Operation Feed the Nation’ (OFN), the aim of which was to have our youths go back to the land and farm for the benefit of all.

PHILOSOPHICALLY, the scheme was to serve

THE NIGERIAN

Tackling Unemployment Challenge the dual purpose of directing the energies of the teeming unemployed youths into productive venture and also to reduce the army of the unemployed even as Nigerians were to have abundant food to eat.

REALISING the unending scourge of unemployment, the then Alhji Shehu Shagari’s administration also made effort to contain it by floating the ‘Green Revolution” programme to achieve a zero unemployment status.

AFTER these, the then IBB administration created a body called the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to try and collate and coordinate the task of registering and giving employment to the unemployed. The OBJ’s second coming, saw the creation of the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), all aimed attacking unemployment, IT is imperative note at this point that all these strategies have not been effective due mainly to policy summersaults and inconsistencies on the part of every succeeding government.

TO this end, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER applauds the moves by the Federal Government effectively tackling unemployment problems in Nigeria, by liaising with relevant stakeholders in terms of job creation.

COMRADE Governor Adams Oshiomhole unequivocally expressed his concern about the threat to social and economic peace by the scourge of unemployment, noting that “the only way to measure the economic progress of any nation is by the number of jobs created.” He then promised to do everything within his powers to collaborate with the federal government in the area of job creation.

WORTHY of note is the Edo State continuous creation of jobs for the unemployed youths in the state. Already, this has taken shape with the employment of many graduates under the Youth Employment Scheme (YES). Against this background, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER admonishes that the proliferation of institutions saddled with the responsibilities of creating jobs like the National Directorate of (NDE) and the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and other employment agencies be made more functional or if possible, merged Into one for proper handling of employment administration in the country.

TO effectively tackle the menace of unemployment in the country there is the need to conduct a survey on job creation in Nigeria.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) needs to create a data base on the true state of unemployment in terms of both the skilled and unskilled.

BESIDES, we need to constantly Improve on available information and data on the Nation’s labour market through appropriate statistical methodology for tracking variability In the number of jobs created or lost every quarter.

This is where the readiness of NBS to conduct such a survey is heart warming.

SINCE accurate, timely and reliable data are major pre-requisites for strategic planning and development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and National Planning Commission (NPC) should collaborate to boost job creation in the country.

ALSO worth mentioning is the federal government’s resolve to develop people without skills to make them employable, through the establishment of Skills Acquisition Centres nation-wide. This is in tandem with Edo State’s maintenance of its already established Skills Acquisition Centres wherein the unemployed and other victims of human trafficking have been getting rehabilitation over the years.

BY and large, it must be observed that the only way to solve the problem of poverty is to invest in skills acquisition through human capital development so as to make job seekers to become employers of labour.

Footprint

Champion Of The Proletariat

Karl Heinrich Marx:

By OBUSEH JUDE

FOOT PRINTS, today, examines the life and works of one of the most influential thinkers of the twentieth century; a man whose works stimulated a global revolution of cataclysmic proportions; a man who espoused a seductive philosophy that changed the history of the world; the champion of the Proletariat: Karl Heinrich Marx (18181883), German political philosopher and revolutionary, and the creator of a system of thought called Marxism or scientific socialism (now known as communism) Karl Heinrich Marx was born on May 5, 1818, into a comfortably middle-class family in the city of Trier, Germany. He was educated at the universities of Bonn, Berlin, and Jena. In 1842, shortly after contributing his first article to the Cologne newspaper Rheinische Zeitung, Marx became editor of the paper. His writings in the Rheinische Zeitung criticizing contemporary political and social conditions embroiled him in controversy with the authorities, and in 1843, Marx was compelled to resign his editorial post, and soon afterward the Rheinische Zeitung was forced to discontinue publication.

Marx then went to Paris.

There, as a result of his further studies in philosophy, history, and political science, he adopted communist beliefs.

In 1844, when Engels visited him in Paris, the two men found that they had independently arrived at identical views on the nature of revolutionary problems.

They began a collaboration to elucidate systematically the theoretical principles of communism and to organize an international workingclass movement dedicated to those principles. For information on their collaboration, which continued until Marx’s death, see Engels, Friedrich.

In 1845 Marx was ordered

to leave Paris because of his revolutionary activities. He settled in Brussels and began organizing and directing a network of revolutionary groups, called Communist Correspondence Committees, in a number of European cities. In 1847 these committees were consolidated to form the Communist League, and Marx and Engels were commissioned to formulate a statement of principles. The program they submitted, known throughout the world as the Communist Manifesto, was the first systematic statement of modern socialist doctrine and was written by Marx, partly on the basis of a draft prepared by Engels.

Marx contributed the central propositions of the Manifesto, which embody the materialist conception of history, or historical materialism. This theory was later explicitly formulated in Marx’s Critique of Political Economy (1859).

The Manifesto’s propositions are that in every historical epoch the prevailing economic system by which the necessities of life are produced determines the form of societal organization and the political and intellectual history of the epoch; and that the history of society is a history of struggles between exploiting and exploited, that is, between ruling and oppressed, social classes.

From these premises, Marx drew the conclusion in the Manifesto that the capitalist class would be overthrown and that it would be eliminated by a worldwide working-class revolution and replaced by a classless society. The Manifesto influenced all subsequent communist literature and revolutionary thought generally; it has been translated into many languages and published in hundreds of millions of copies In England Marx devoted himself to study and writing and to efforts to build an

international communist movement. During this period he wrote a number of works that are regarded as classics of communist theory. These include his greatest work, Das Kapital (volume 1, 1867; volumes 2 and 3, edited by

Civil War in France (1871), analyzed the experience of the short-lived revolutionary government established in Paris during the FrancoPrussian War (see Commune of Paris, 1871). In this work Marx interpreted the formation and existence of the Commune as a historical

translated 1922): “Between the capitalist and communist systems of society lies the period of the revolutionary transformation of the one into the other. This corresponds to a political transition period, whose state can be nothing else but the revolutionary dictatorship of the proletariat.”

During his residence in England Marx also contributed articles on contemporary political and social events to newspapers in Europe and the United States.

He was a correspondent of the New York Daily Tribune,

Karl Heinrich Marx

Engels and published posthumously in 1885 and 1894, respectively; translated 1907-1909), a systematic and historical analysis of the economy of the capitalist system of society, in which he developed the theory that the capitalist class exploits the working class by appropriating the “surplus value” produced by the working class. See Capital.

Marx’s next work, The

confirmation of his theory that it is necessary for workers to seize political power by armed insurrection and then to destroy the capitalist state; he hailed the Commune as “the finally discovered political form under which the economic emancipation of labor could take place.” This theory was explicitly projected in Critique of the Gotha Program (1875;

“Marx’s influence during his life was not great. After his death it increased with the growth of the labor movement.

Marx’s ideas and theories came to be known as Marxism, or scientific socialism, which constituted one of the principal currents of 20th-century political thought.”

edited by Horace Greeley, from 1852 to 1861, and in 1857 and 1858 he wrote a number of articles for the New American Cyclopedia, edited jointly by the American writer and editor Charles Anderson Dana and American journalist and literary critic George Ripley When the Communist League dissolved in 1852, Marx continued to correspond with hundreds of revolutionists with the aim of forming another revolutionary organization. These efforts and those of his many collaborators culminated in 1864 when the First International was established in London. Marx made the inaugural address wrote the statutes of the International and subsequently directed the work of its general council or

governing body. After the suppression of the Commune, in which members of the First International participated, the International declined, and Marx recommended moving its headquarters to the United States. The last eight years of his life were marked by an incessant struggle with physical ailments that impeded his political and literary labors. He died in London on March 13, 1883.

Manuscripts and notes found after his death revealed that he had projected a fourth volume of Das Kapital to comprise a history of economic doctrines; these fragments were edited by German socialist Karl Johann Kautsky and published under the title Theories of Surplus Value (4 volumes, 1905-1910; translated 1952). Other works planned and not executed by Marx included mathematical studies, studies embodying applications of mathematics to economic problems, and studies on the historical aspects of various technological developments.

Marx’s influence during his life was not great. After his death it increased with the growth of the labor movement. Marx’s ideas and theories came to be known as Marxism, or scientific socialism, which constituted one of the principal currents of 20th-century political thought. His analysis of capitalist economy and his theories of historical materialism, the class struggle, and surplus value have become the basis of modern socialist doctrine. Of decisive importance, with respect to revolutionary action, are his theories on the nature of the capitalist state, the road to power, and the dictatorship of the proletariat.

These doctrines, revised by most socialists after his death, were revived in the 20th century by Vladimir Ilich Lenin, who developed and applied them. They became the core of the theory and practice of Bolshevism and the Third International.

Karl Heinrich Marx’s ideas, as interpreted by Lenin, continued to have influence throughout most of the 20th century. In much of the world, including Africa and South America, emerging nations were formed by leaders who claimed to represent the proletariat. He was a true champion of the proletariat whose trailblazing works have remained evergreen markers of a life defined by struggles for the overthrow of global capitalism by an army constituted by the oppressed members of the world’s working class – the several victims of bourgeoisie greed.

Viewpoint The NIGERIAN OBSERVER Is A Project That Must Not Be Allowed To Fail - Dr S.O. Ogbemudia THE Nigerian Observer is a child of necessity and history; it was established at a time when information dissemination was a huge task to accomplish in the nation. The people were been starved of information not deliberately but due to circumstances, hence the need to put machinery in place to ensure that Nigerians as at then know what was happening in their country and equally contribute to the development of the nation.

One patriotic, young, intelligent, courageous, determined Nigerian Military Officer under the Gen Yakubu Gowon led administration Dr. Osaigbovo Samuel Ogbemudia came to the rescue by establishing a well accepted, vibrant, well circulated and one of the nation’s best selling newspaper “THE N I G E R I A N OBSERVER” The establishment of Bendel Newspaper Company Limited publishers of the Observer tittles by Ogbemudia was applauded by all as it not only fulfil the need and the hunger for information and it’s dissemination to Nigerians but also created jobs for Edo state indigenes and Nigerians at large because people from other states work and are still working in Observer.

All over the country, the newspaper was well read and cherished by all especially government officials who as a tradition must first read the OBSERVER before DAILY TIMES and other newspapers that were in circulation then. It would beat your imagination to

know that this newspaper set the standard for all other newspapers to follow in the country and many who are thriving in the newspaper business today all started from Observer or have a link with the Observer. The newspaper has made men, shaped lives and destinies, brought people out of poverty and set a pace for the media world. All other newspapers that came up at the era of the Nigerian Observer are all dead and are now history including the DAILY TIMES but the Observer is still publishing today and over the years continue to survive various odds facing her.

When the two – time governor of Mid – West and Bendel state Dr. Osaigbovo Samuel Ogbemudia established the Observer, he held it close to his heart and even today if you are fortunate to meet one on one with this great man, he still cherishes the Observer and it is dear to his heart and pleased that the paper is still in the news stand.

The achievement of the paper is second to none, and to him, the paper must not be allowed to die or fade away from the news stand.

He is always ready to identify with this project which brought the region into the front burner of the nation and a paper that made the then governor Ogbemudia a house hold name in Nigeria.

Observer Newspaper which was established on May 29 1968 was the delight of the nation and Observer news was seen and taken as the truth. The then Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon will always and continually refer you to the Observer if you want to

By RICHARD OKORO EWEKA

know anything about his government. He onced left the country for an official assignment, on his arrival at the airport, journalists in their usually manner nosing for news asked Gowon, how was his trip abroad?

He replied, “if you want to know about my trip, please read the Observer”. This goes a long way to show the importance and value placed on the observer newspaper.

founded and established it.

But what will you say about the Oba of Benin who is also in love with the paper and reads it on a daily bases? Men with great minds read the Observer not minding the present state of the newspaper. For these men, Observer can never die but rather will gradually pick up to attain its place in history and prove enemies of the paper wrong.

recorded at that time.

Executives of the Nigerian Union of Journalists Observer Chapter were led on a courtesy visit to the residence of the elder statesman recently by the editor of the paper Barr.

Solomon Imohiosen to intimate Dr. Ogbemudia on the preparation for the annual forum of the body and the plans to use his name for the forum which will come up in November this year.

Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia

As the newspaper was cherished by government officials, businessmen, civil servants, religious leaders, students, the traditional rulers were not left out as they found delight and pleasure in reading the Nigerian Observer.

Ogbemudia is still glued to the Observer and reads it on a daily bases. You may say he cherishes it because he

A visit to the palatial garden of the founder of the Observer, Dr. Ogbemudia saw the story of Observer told over again as this patriotic and gallant military officer never gets tired of talking about the newspaper; how it was established, how much it cost the government then, the need of the establishment, the challenges and the success

“The Head of State then General Yakubu Gowon was full of praises for the Observer Newspaper based on the content, coverage and acceptability of the paper in Nigeria.

The Newspaper was the best in the country in the 60s.”

Speaking to the visitors, Dr. Ogbemudia began to relay the story of the Observer to all those present. He said the present space occupied by the Nigerian Observer was first occupied by state government police before Observer took over and build the corporate head office of the newspaper.

The building of the company cost the Mid – West government 39, 000 pounce while the administrative block alone cost the government 14, 000 pounce. The money might look very small but then it was big money, really big money. The machines were the best and these machines put the

newspaper on the news stand and made it the CNN of Africa.

“The Nigerian Observer Newspaper was born at a time when there was difficulty in passing information to the public.

Everybody looks forward to reading the newspaper daily as the news is seen as factual and business men rush to advertise in the paper as it provide them the platform for their businesses to thrive based on the acceptability, credibility and wide coverage of the paper. The newspaper went to all nooks and crannies of the nation using various means of transportation including air in delivering it to the door step of readers and lovers of the papers. The Observer had two editions; the first was circulated to other parts of the country as copies must leave early as possible while the second printing was circulated in the region. The only newspaper that compete with the Observer was Daily Times which was circulating about 25, 000 copies across the nation and 6, 000 copies in the Mid – West region while Observer circulate 30, 000 across the nation and 10, 000 in the Mid – West region. The Head of State then General Yakubu Gowon was full of praises for the Observer Newspaper based on the content, coverage and acceptability of the paper in Nigeria. The Newspaper was the best in the country in the 60s.”

The elder statesman said Gowon always read the paper first before other papers then in circulation.

He said the first General Manager of this Organization was Mr. Abiodun Aloba, who led the way for other GM who came after him. The Abiodun Aloba’s era was the glorious era of the paper and we pray that such glorious days will return he said. The paper had passed Continues on page 15

Viewpoint Continued from page 14

through thick and thin and it’s still surviving today where others have failed. “I am looking forward to the day when Observer will return to become a national paper that will be read every where in this country.

The problems these days with the Newspaper are lack of adequate funding and serious policies

implementation to drive it to a greater height.

“The governor has done well in terms of infrastructural development in the state; almost all the local government areas have their own share of the development. Also with government owned organisations like Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS). We know the

The Nigerian Observer Is A Project... governor has a great plan for the Observer and will rescue the paper at the appointed time. Since coming on board, he has been magnanimous enough to revive the state from the darkness of infrastructural decay to a marvellous state it is now.

“The Nigerian Observer is a project that must not be allowed to fail in this present administration because the administration itself is not a failure. The input of the governor has tremendously changed the status of the state to an enviable height amongst

“THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is a project that must not be allowed to fail in this present administration because the administration itself is not a failure.”

other states in Nigeria today. For this reason and the achievements of our Comrade Governor, the paper will surely receive the blessings of the people’s governor” he said.

People that once worked in the organisation and are still alive still come to the premises of the organisation with pride to see what was termed the headquarters of CNN in the 60s. For some of us working here now, we are only hearing of the good old days when Observer was Observer. We want to

Dutse Royal Golf Course And Nature Park A Budding Tourist Attraction

FROM all indications, ecotourism in Nigeria is bound to receive a remarkable boost with the establishment of the Royal Golf Course and Nature Park in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State.

The golf course and nature park, which is located about three kilometres from Dutse, is the brainchild of the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi.

Tourism experts say that the nature park will boost efforts to promote ecotourism in the country and stem travels to famous ecotourism destinations in countries like South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.

They describe nature park as a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation, while providing special opportunities for sightseeing, study or research.

As regards the Royal Golf Course and Nature Park in Dutse, Sunusi says that that it was established as part of his designed efforts to develop Jigawa State and boost the country’s tourism potential.

By ABDULLAHI SHUGABA

Observers describe the emir’s decision to set up the golf course and nature park as very pragmatic, as tourists from all over the country now come to the park, either to play golf or have a good time.

Even people from countries like Niger Republic, Mali, Chad, Cameroon, Benin Republic and Ghana now visit the park for vacation, they add.

Sunusi says that the Royal Golf Course and Nature Park is a natural environment which consists of a golf course, a nature park and an amusement garden.

He explains that the nature park is home to a variety of wildlife and aquaculture.

“The wild animals in the park include spring duck, deer, camel, antelope and ostrich, while the aquatic creatures include crocodile and different species of fish, among others,’’ he adds.

Sunusi says that the golf course has a network of roads which traverse the entire area.

The emir concedes that he once had some problems in getting adequate water to make the golf course to remain

lush all year round, adding that this compelled him to construct earth dams around the course.

“The idea here is

the animals and the vegetation throughout the year.

He says that eight boreholes were also constructed in the area to

greens’’ (luxuriant green carpet-grass) planted on it.

He says that plans are underway to construct additional nine holes to complement the existing

simple; if the dams could trap and harvest rainwater at least twice a year, there would be enough water to water the course for a whole year,’’ he says, adding: “And the arrangement is working quite fine.’’

The emir says that 42 earth dams were constructed in the entire area to provide water for

provide additional water for the flora and fauna.

He says that over 60,000 species of trees were planted in the golf course and nature park, which covers a total area of 120 hectares of land, fully fenced.

On the golf course, Sunusi says that it has 18 holes — the international standard — with “putting

18 holes of the golf course, adding that the extra holes would make it one of the biggest golf courses in the world.

The emir says that the golf course and nature park has 22 permanent workers and 40 casual workers working in various departments.

He expatiates that the park also has a standard club house, with

see what happened then happening now. It is possible, it can be done, and the dream can come to reality with the support of the Comrade Governor Adams Aliu Oshiomhole who is the benefactor and publisher of the Observer today based on his position as the governor. The governor is full of surprises and has been able to transform the state from darkness into the marvellous light she enjoys today. Revamping and repositioning the paper to its old glory is possible.

reception, cafeteria and changing rooms as well as a banquet hall.

Sunusi, however, says that there plans to build a first-class hotel and a theme park for tourists in the park.

He also says that plans are underway to establish a Golf Academy to train young people who are aspiring to become professional golfers.

He, nonetheless, solicits the collaboration of the Nigerian Tourism D e v e l o p m e n t Commission (NTDC) and other stakeholders in efforts to boost the tourism potential of the area and attract investors.

Sunusi explains that Jigawa State is endowed with a lot of tourism resources that have yet to tapped, adding that the favorable weather conditions of the state will also aid efforts to transform the state into a good tourist destination.

All the same, analysts underscore the need for all stakeholders in the tourism sector to encourage all innovative plans to develop the vast tourism resources of the country.

They also emphasise that pragmatic efforts should be made to specifically encourage investors like the Emir of Dutse, who are striving to develop the ecotourism sub-sector of the country’s tourism industry.

Focus

IT is sad and a pathetic situation that a country like Nigeria, despite being blessed and endowed with so many mineral resources, in this case, crude oil and natural gas, that has the propensity to catapult and transform the country into a world class economy to reckon with, is still struggling to attain the judicious use of these abundant resources for the benefit of its citizenry.

Despite Nigeria’s over 50 years of crude oil and natural gas discovery, the country’s technological and scientific stance and advancement have not been able to holistically capture the ‘refining capacity’ that is required to properly make it benefit from these mineral resources on the global market.

We consider it as an abnormality that Nigeria, with a population of over 160 million, and is blessed with abundant oil and gas resources, is still facing the woes of “refined petroleum product availability.” Reasons for this have been traced mainly by stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to the continued comatose nature of the nation’s four refineries.

In its bid to turn things around, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was reported to have recently strategized for temporary solutions to revive the country’s ailing refineries, even as it continued negotiations with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), who had refused to come into the country, due to security challenges.

According to the report, the immediate former Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu, who addressed the town hall meeting after a facility tour of the corporation’s Research & Development Centre, the Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), and the Port Harcourt Refinery in July 2014, said the management has gone ahead to procure some of the components that needed to be changed in the refinery and has started fixing some of the critical units that need urgent intervention.

It was also revealed that all the four refineries in the country are scheduled for Turn Around Maintenance (TAM), but the refusal of the OEMs to come to Nigeria has been a major impediment.

Yakubu explained that, though the plan to bring in the original builders of Port Harcourt refinery, JGC of Japan, for the TAM has not sailed through, NNPC was still in negotiation with the companies nominated by JGC to see what value they can add to the project, even as the corporation has, in the meantime, been pursuing some other measures to keep the plant running. The former

NNPC boss also stated that the perennial power challenge faced by PHRC would soon be a thing of the past as a dedicated independent power plant was on the verge completion, to provide uninterrupted power supply to the refinery, stressing that the plant, which will be ready for commissioning in a few weeks’ time, would go a long way to boost the efficiency of the refinery.

The now former NNPC GMD also disclosed that more subsidiaries of NNPC are beginning to make profits in their respective operations as a result of some initiatives his management introduced upon his assumption of office two years ago. Yakubu disclosed that as opposed to the past when the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), and NNPC Retail Ltd were the only SBUs running at a profit, more subsidiaries, including the three refineries, have joined the train of profit making centres as a result of the introduction of a scheme to supply crude oil to them by marine vessels. He explained that the scheme was developed as a result of the constant attacks on the crude supply pipelines which created crude supply challenges for the refineries over several years.

On the long term solution to the problem of pipeline vandalism which was responsible for the crude supply challenges of the refineries, the former GMD had explained that plans were underway to deploy the horizontal directional drilling technology in all the corporation’s pipelines to reduce the incessant attacks on the pipelines which have become a huge drag on the operations of the Corporation as well as a drain on the national economy. With the recent appointment of a new GMD of the NNPC, in the person of Dr. Josehp Dawha, who said the transforms being carried out by the NNPC under the immediate past GMD, Andrew Yakubu, would be sustained by him, it therefore means that the above stated strategies of the NNPC will remain.

Let us reiterate here that the importance of doing everything possible in ensuring that Nigeria is able to refine all of its crude oil and natural gas produce to satisfy both domestic demand and for exports, cannot be overemphasized. Aside the fact this will earn more revenue for Nigeria, it will also address all the ‘headaches’ created by ‘subsidy’ on petroleum products and will also make Nigeria less dependent on imported petroleum products. But to actualize this, it is imperative

Strategies To Revive Ref

for the NNPC to realize that maintaining the four refineries in the country will not be enough to guarantee that Nigerians enjoy steady supply of petroleum products. In fact, even with the four refineries work at full capacity (which is most unlikely), satisfying domestic demands will still be a struggle, not to mention having petroleum products for exports. It is worthy to note that this is not the first time we have witnessed the NNPC and its GMD coming forth to reassure Nigerians that it is making plans to revive the nation’s ailing refineries to improve availability of petroleum products. One time, a former NNPC GMD, Alhaji Mohammed Barkindo, expressed his regret to the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (downstream) during his tenure, that the nation’s refineries were still not optimally in spite of the huge sum of money sunk into them through Turn Around Maintenance (TAM). The then GMD also said he was concerned over the high cost associated with importation of Petroleum Products.

This unprofitable situation has not changed even with the present NNPC strategies.

Aside some changes mentioned in ensuring that the NNPC and its subsidiaries become profitable, which gladly support and have seen with the NPDC, however it appears the NNPC current GMD is on the ‘normal path’ like his predecessors did by focusing on TAM as a strategy to revive the nation’s ailing refineries within the nation’s unutilized oil and gas industry.

The reliance on TAM every now and then to resuscitate the ever ailing four refineries in the country has proven not to be the best solution in addressing the availability of petroleum products once and for all in Nigeria. The use of TAM on the nation’s four refineries, is not only costly, but has become a channel through which public resources are misappropriated and mismanaged. It is also appalling that former NNPC bosses like Alh. Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, Dr. Funsho Kupolunkun, and others, solely depend on TAM of the nation’s refineries to ensure availability of petroleum products. The TAM strategy has obviously not been helping us as a nation. Despite previous TAMs that had been initiated by the NNPC, Nigerians have remained dependent on imported Petroleum products to service domestic requirements, not to mention export demands as well.

It is really unfortunate that

Nigeria, said to be Africa’s leading crude oil exporter and a regional leader in installed crude oil refining capacity, sadly, remains the continent’s largest per capita importer of refined petroleum products.

The country’s four crude oil refineries, with a combined refining capacity of over 445,000 barrels of oil per day, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), should easily be able to meet the current domestic demand in refined products (excluding export). EIA estimates this is about 270,000 barrels of oil per day.

However, in spite of promises by successive governments to improve the performance of the refineries and commit significant resources to their rehabilitation, the four refineries continue to operate at an average of 22.9% of installed refining capacity in 2012 (NNPC Annual Statistical Bulletin). The simple fact is that Nigeria has to import nearly 80% of its requirement of refined petroleum products. In 2011 and 2012, Nigeria spent between 12 and 15 billion dollars annually to meet the deficit – something that, frankly, deserves sober reflection. It is also instructive that the cost effectiveness of the crude for oil SWAP deals (that is swapping crude oil for refined petroleum products), has raised more questions in recent times. The process, designed to mitigate the depletion of Nigeria’s Foreign exchange reserves, diverts potential foreign exchange reserves that can potentially be used to bolster local infrastructure.

A former lawmaker of the House of Representatives, but now a Senator, Sen. Clever Ikisipo, some few years ago spoke on the state of the nation’s refineries. In his words, then: “There is a worrisome situation in this country; our problem is the state of our four refineries; it is as if the NNPC has been deceiving Nigerians”. He also observed that there were rumours that some powerful cartels were responsible for the failure of the refineries and had urged NNPC to dislodge the cartels in the interest of Nigerians. And the truth is that there are indeed, powerful cartels that are responsible for the failure of the nation’s refineries. And so long as these cartels, which are benefiting heavily from the continued deplorable state of our refineries, are left to continue with their clandestine activities, the nation’s refineries will never function to optimum installed capacities. Back then, Sen.

Ikisipo also urged relevant authorities of the NNPC to simplify the process of issuance of operational licenses to Private refiners in the country to solve the problem of non-workability of NNPC-owned refineries and engender healthy competition.

Also reiterated is the need to ensure supply of petroleum products across the nation at the recommended retail market price and decried the situation whereby such petroleum products were

invested in the healthcare sector, for instance, they could have more than doubled the federal allocation to all 15 teaching hospitals and enhanced indelible services and training to millions around the country. Furthermore, poor refinery operation and maintenance, and fuel importation allegedly engendered massive corruption and fraud, which in turn, are adversely impacting the country’s

Olu was few Oba NNP selli perc Kad Con five mil ($57 not for t Tho repo Olus the duri

bought at a higher pump rate in some parts of the country.

The issue of pipeline vandalism was also noted, as well as that of the unending Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of refineries that had turned out to be one of the avenues used to siphon the nation’s resources/funds.

The failure of these government-owned and operated refineries costs Nigerian citizens colossal sums of money in foreign exchange and government revenue, to the detriment of education, healthcare and other badly needed public services. N122 billion was essentially wasted in 2011 on maintaining refineries that never produce to their installed capacity. Refinery output fell between 2011 and 2012 from 24% to 22% (NNPC Annual Statistical Bulletin). Were these funds

image.

For the obvious fact that Nigeria, despite being ranked 7th in the world in terms of oil and gas reserve, is still dependent on the importation of refined Petroleum Products, is enough reason for The Federal Government, The Ministry of Petroleum Resources and The NNPC to change their strategy of only relying on TAM on the nation’s four refineries to address inadequate supply of petroleum products.

Honestly, we do not see the reason why the nation’s four (4) refineries should be left for experimentations. The same problems plaguing the refineries today have been there for over the past thirtyfive years, and yet nothing seems to have changed even with the not so clear Privatization exercise done by the last administration of

the Yar’A sale of tran Presi in reco refin to in unde proc conc Petr note gove reha whil possi TH Th allow cont ‘exp refin addr espe prov

By ZIK GBEMRE, JP

Focus

fineries And Matters Arising

segun Obasanjo, where it revealed that in the last w weeks of his tenure, asanjo privatized the PC-controlled refineries, ing controlling stakes, 51 cent in Port-Harcourt and duna refineries, to Bluestar nsortium, for a whopping hundred and seventy one lion dollars 71,000,000), which has been properly accounted to Nigerians up till date. ough, there were other orts that former President segun Obasanjo approved sale of the refineries ing his administration but

necessary expertise for the scheduled TAM exercise. We are not trying to be pessimistic here, but we try to face the reality before our nation. The Organized Private Sector, Corporate bodies and giant International Oil Companies (IOCs) should be given more room in taking over completely the operations of the nation’s refineries and in turn build new ones. They should be in the better position to source for funds and use local raw materials to make the refineries work to their optimum capacity.

Though, there are fears, fuelled by the politicized nature

late President Umaru Adua in 2007 reversed the of the refineries for lack transparency in the saction.

However, ident Goodluck Jonathan November 2012 ommended that the neries should be sold due nadequate finance and er-performance. That cess has not been cluded till now. As the roleum Minister once ed in this line; the ernment would continue to abilitate the refineries le it explored the ibility of privatizing them.

HE WAY FORWARD he bottom line is that, wing the NNPC to tinue with their perimentation’ with our neries will not permanently ress pressing issues, ecially now that it is ving difficult to bring in the

of past and present dialogues in the privatization initiative in this sector; that the privatization of the refineries will lead to the consolidation of wealth in a small subset of the country (further aggravating an already apparent income gap in the population), and that it will also lead to loss of jobs, however, all that can be addressed with the right attitude and transparency in the entire process. Also, the nature of competition is such that private entities are bound by responsibilities to maximize shareholder value.

The need to develop core competencies and achieve efficiency savings is the driving force behind the ethos of private sector institutions. A privatized refinery does not draw maintenance funds from a seemingly bottomless pit of funds sourced outside its

operation. By its very nature, a privatized refinery must justify such expenditure in line with its operating profits.

With the world’s current overcapacity for refining petroleum, local refineries face strong competition in an increasingly open market. A private sector run refinery can operate uninhibited by the lethargic and inefficient nature of public sector institutions both in cost, efficiency and transparency. The facts are that transparent and robust privatisation of these refineries will raise government revenue, conserve foreign exchange, decrease vulnerability to imported petroleum products, reduce fuel cost, increase employment and reduce corruption in the petroleum sector.

There are overwhelming evidence which indicates that the private sector has served the Nigerian public and stakeholders better than government-owned and operated utilities and parastatals.

To this end, we urge the Federal Government and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to intensify current efforts in making the existing refineries to function to their optimum built-in capacity by involving the organized private sector, and encourage the building of more refineries in the country. This arrangement should be a Public-Private Sector Partnership arrangement that is transparently carried out, to serve as a permanent solution.

Like we have always reiterated before now, in the same line, the Federal Government should, more importantly, compel the existing (exploration and production) IOCs, as well as indigenous oil and gas companies like the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) in the industry to refine at least, half of whatever crude oil or natural gas they produce.

These IOCs and indigenous oil and gas companies should have refineries (plants) beside their production facilities, to refine natural gas and crude oil for domestic use in the country and for export purposes.

Besides, they will also benefit immensely from the huge profit that will be abound.

Though, in 2007, attempts by the previous administration to facilitate the sale of the refineries were reversed due to pressure by the unions and NNPC management renewed commitment to revamp the refineries, but there is need for us to start doing things differently to see the needed changes we seek. In 2011

alone, Nigeria reportedly spent $760 million on refinery maintenance, and the operational capacity of the refineries hardly changed. In the five years since the reversal, we have spent over US$30 billion in oil subsidies.

These sums spent on Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) could have collectively funded our health and education budget for three years! This cannot continue.

Under the Greenfield Refinery initiative, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) planned to undertake a public-private partnership project to expand local refining capacity, eventually settling on establishing a 350 000 BPD refinery in Lagos. This, along with calls for liberalising the sector by awarding licences for only new refineries, saying it worked for the telecommunications industry and GSM licenses, make up a myriad of policy suggestions on solutions to the refinery problem. The fact is that these are not mutually exclusive policies, as excess capacity can be exported. It is instructive to note that, although several refinery licences have been awarded in the past, not a single refinery has been successfully refurbished. As liberalisation has so far failed to work in the refining subsector as a viable policy option, selling the refineries is a faster and more efficacious means of building refining capacity.

Moreover, even when new refineries eventually come on board, it will not negate the need to sell the existing ones – just as the GSM licences did not negate the need to sell NITEL. While Nigeria continues to squander a fortune on importing petroleum products, we know that attempts by governments to offload the existing refineries to competent private investors remain hampered by misguided policies, corruption and the lack of political will to confront entrenched, short term interests and fears, such as the unions like the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), whose fears are proven to be largely unwarranted. Savings from the reduced cost of import in the form of tariffs and demurrage on landed vessels can ease the need for budgetary allocations to oil subsidy funds. But It is in the public’s best interest for these refineries to be sold. And there is no better time to do so than now, which will raise much needed revenue,

conserve foreign exchange, reduce corruption and augment national security by reducing our vulnerability to imported oil and gas products. It will be for our mutual and collective benefit as a nation.

Though, it has been reported that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources would continue to discuss with the labour unions on the option of privatizing the country’s refineries, as it has maintained that the government should not be in the business of running refineries, however, it is also imperative for the Government to take steps in the direction suggested above. That is, to compel the IOCs like Royal Dutch Shell in Nigeria the NPDC of the NNPC to build refineries and Plants alongside its current assets/facilities to refine at least 50 per cent of its crude oil and natural gas produced in the country.

Private indigenous oil and gas companies in the country should be compelled to do same.

This will not only ensure the “transfer of technology” on the part of IOCs, it will also make IOCs to be more involved in refining petroleum products for domestic and export purposes, other than being only in the extractive industry.

All of this will bring about more industrialization and increased employment opportunities for the countless idle youths on our streets. We believe the IOCs need to be more involved in the growth process of Nigeria’s economy other than focus solely on exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas for export. It might interest us to know that Royal Dutch Shell, for instance, currently has the largest Gas-To-Liquids Plant in the world in Ras Laffan industrial city, which is about 80km North of Doha, Qatar.

Apart from producing diesel, petrol, and kerosene the said Plant is also producing base oils for top-tier lubricants; a chemical feedstock called naphtha used to make plastics and normal paraffin, which is used to make detergents as well. Why can’t Shell and other IOCs equally establish such Plants in Nigeria? What stops them from doing so?

Why can’t the Nigerian Government think and act towards these lines of action?

For instance, there is need for the expansion of the current gas facilities in Utorogu (OML 34), in Iwhrekan Community, Ughelli South LGA, Delta State, to include Gas-ToLiquids Plants just like Shell has done in Doha, Qatar. This is hinged on the fact that there are enormous gas reserves in Utorogu. In fact, the largest

natural gas reserve and condensate reserve in West Africa is in Utorogu. Utorogu Gas Plant for instance is described by Shell

(SPDC) as the “gas hub of West Africa”. Utorogu can best be described as the “life wire of Nigerian Power Stations and domestic industries”, and is also where gas is supplied to neighbouring West African countries through the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project (WAGPP). All these important Utorogu oil and gas assets are currently being operated by NPDC with excellent results to show forth.

Though, the local content law had made provisions to compel IOCs operating in the country to establish refineries that will refine petroleum products, however, we believe the prescribed 1000 barrel stream per day is too small and is onesided on petroleum products expansion, hence the suggestion above. When half of the crude products they produce are refined in the country, and other chemical Plants built, the finished products will be more than enough for export purposes and to service domestic demands. And ultimately, Nigeria will become less dependant on imported refined petroleum products and petrochemical products in due time.

Besides, it is about time we stop exporting crude oil and natural gas at a cheaper price and import the refined products at a higher cost. This is counter - productive to the nations’ economy.

Conclusively, the truth is that successive and present Nigerian Government has not harnessed the enormous potentials of crude oil and natural gas reserves in the country to develop other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

All the Nigerian Government and its parastatals/Ministries are known for all these years is to depend more on crude oil and natural gas revenues to run their administration. They cannot continue to sit and wait for crude oil/natural gas revenues without taking practical steps to harness the “refining potentials” of these natural resources for the good of all. The Nigerian Government should stop all the dilly-dallying and take the bold initiative/steps to re-organize the oil and gas industry and the nation’s refineries, as suggested here. It is a shame that Nigeria with her abundant oil and gas reserve, is still heavily dependent on the importation of refined petroleum products, when rather, it is the country that is supposed to be doing the exporting of refined products.

The government should create the enabling environment to encourage private investors to go into the oil and gas sector, to build refineries and pay taxes to government, rather than allowing ex-public officials to do same in other countries in Africa and across the globe. This is the best way forward.

Media

A group of persons protesting the Egyptian verdict on 3 Al-Jazeera journalists.

Jailing Of Al-Jazeera

By AKPESIRI OGHENERABOKE

UNITED States of America, USA, Secretary of State, John Kerry has described as “chilling and draconian” the recent guilty verdicts passed on three Al-Jazeera journalists, Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohammed by the Egyptian government.

Kerry’s readtion to the verdict was followed by a statement credited to the White House spokeman, Josh Earnest, who urged Egypt’s new President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, to “pardon these individuals (journalists) or commute their sentences so that they can be released immediately and (to) grant clemency for all politically motivated sentences. The three journalists who had been held in custody for months were found guilty on charges of endangering national security and consequently handed jail terms of between seven and ten years.

The unsavory development began in December 2013, when the trio were arrested for allegedly spreading false news and aiding a terrorist organisation in the country, following their coverage of the military ouster of the country’s former President, Mohammed Morsi, in July 2013, and the ensuing civil unrest. Consequently, Greste, Fahmy and Mohamed were clamped in detention, joining Abdullah Elshamy, another Al-Jazeera journalist attached to the Arabic section who had been arrested much earlier.

Expectedly, a preponderant segment of the international community condemned the arrests in strong terms and watched in apprehension, hoping that the journalists would eventually be released or acquitted, since all indications pointed to the fact that the charges were spurious and that the journalists were only carrying out their lawful duties in the country.

The unfolding scenario, however, reached a climax on Monday June, 23 2014, when an Egyptian court thought otherwise and found the trio guilty. The fourth, Elshamy who had embarked on over five- month hunger strike in protest, was set free for lack of evidence.

The prosecution said Greste, an Australian, and his Egypt bureau colleagues aided the proscribed Muslim Brotherhood organization and produced false news reports of the situation in Egypt. Part of evidence items produced,

Journalists

according to reports, included “a BBC podcast, a news report made while none of the accused was in Egypt, a pop video by the Australian singer Gotye, and several recordings on non-Egyptian issues.”

But the Egyptian foreign ministry has backed the judgment by saying that “due process was adhered to” in the prolonged trial, creating an impression that it was a fair trial.

But the Guardian (London), which was the only newspaper to attend and report the entire trail’s thirteen sessions, said it “witnessed a litany of flaws.”

Meanwhile, Amnesty International, Al, the global human rights body which also observed every session declared that “the prosecution failed to produce a single shred of solid evidence,” noting that the defense maintained that the journalists were wrongly arrested and that the prosecution failed to prove any of the charges that have culminated in their conviction.

Reacting to the attempt to gag journalists and deny the Egyptian people their right to information, United Nations rights Chief Navi Pillay said “journalism is not a crime” and urged Egypt to “promptly release” those jailed for doing their job.

Similarly, Al-Jazeera condemned the verdict in strong terms, when its Managing Director, Al-Anstey, said the verdict defied “logic, sense, and any semblance of justice.”

In a statement that apparently captured the mood in Al Jazeera newsrooms all over, Anstey said that “today, three

colleagues and friends were sentenced, and will continue to be kept behind bars for doing a brilliant job of being great journalists. ‘Guilty’ of covering stories with great skill and integrity. Guilty of defending people’s right to know what is going on in their world. Peter, Mohamed, and Baher and six of our other colleagues were sentenced despite the fact that not a shred of evidence was found to support the extraordinary and false charges against them.

At no point during the long drawn out ‘trial’ did the absurd allegations stand up to scrutiny.”

Foreign Minister of Peter Greste home country, Australia, Miss Julie Bishop, expressed the mood amongst Greste’s countrymen, when she said “We are deeply dismayed that a sentence has been imposed and appalled at the severity of it”.

All over the world, media practitioners and other professional institutions have staged protests, using postures with their mouths gagged with black tapes while others have simply carried the message ‘journalism is not a crime.’

For instance, the popular New York Times left its back page virtually blank save for the message. “This is what happens when you silence journalists,” along with the #FreeAJStaff and the URL Aljazeera.com/freeajstaff.

In Ireland, the country’s National Union of Journalists also staged a protest recently outside the Egyptian embassy in Dublin.

Among the protesters were Patricia King, Vice president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and NUJ executive members, Seamus Doole, amongst others.

In London, hundreds of journalist from the BBC and other news media held silent protest in support of the jailed journalists. The journalists, who had black tape over their mouths, gathered outside the BBC headquarters to express their support for their embattled colleagues.

The BBC head of News, James Harding, said the judgment is “unjust” and the case against the Al-Jazeera team “unfounded.” He also said the Egyptian authorities are not just robbing three innocent men of their freedom, but also intimidating journalists.

BBC investigation reporter, John Sweeny, who has experience working in Afghanistan and North Korea said the verdicts were “wrong, wrong, wrong.”

Concerned media personalities in Nigeria have also lent their voices to the outcry, starting with the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, A Garba Muhammed, who condemned the jail sentences and revealed that the union will be organizing a mass protest by its members come very soon.

According to him, “the Nigerian Union of journalists will be organizing a mass protest against the judgment, as we condemned it in totality. The judgment cannot be justified because you cannot criminalize press offences.

And we are going to join in the protest and ask the judge to take another look at the case.”

The President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adeshina, also said that, “Anywhere in the world, where you jail journalists, other than for criminal purposes, can only be termed obnoxious and condemnable. We are not saying journalists should be above the law, but jailing them for doing their jobs is totally unacceptable.”

“Concerned media personalities in Nigeria have also lent their voices to the outcry, starting with the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, A Garba Muhammed, who condemned the jail sentences and revealed that the union will be organizing a mass protest by its members come very soon.”

Family Planning

EDSG And NURHI Collaborate On Family Planning THE role of family planning in saving lives and promoting national development cannot be over emphasized. This role could be cited as the major reason why the Edo State Government dedicated a budget line of five million naira (N5,000,000) in the state 2014 budget to family planning services. Thanks to the undying effort of the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) who has played a strong advocacy role for the promotion of family planning in Edo State. Some local Government Councils in Edo State have also pledged to follow the track laid out by the state government, with Egor Local Government dedicating five hundred thousand (N500,000) budget line to family local government area.

Benin City which is estimated to have a population of 1,086,882, whose main occupation include craft work, agriculture, family, now pride herself with 37 Primary Health Care Facilities, with each local government having at least one to two on the average. Family Planning Services, are available at PHC, Secondary and Tertiary health levels. The contraceptive prevalence rate is 23%, while unmet need for family Planning is 20%. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is 700/100,00 live births and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) -100/1,000 live births.

This shows a significant improvement in the city’s maternal and new born health. Indeed, family planning improves maternal health, reduces unintended pregnancies and abortions, prevents the spread of HIV?AIDS, and promotes responsible development and environmental sustainability. A recent study on “the social and Economic Benefits of Women’s ability to Determine whether and when to have Children” by Adam Sonfield, Kinsey Hassfedt, Megan L. Kavanaugh and Ragnar Anderson, concluded that the use of modern contraception enhances women’s educational attainment,

workforces participation, and economic stability.

Benin City is lucky to be among the six cities NURHI operates in Nigeria and most stakeholders are of the opinion that, this rate privileged caused the Edo State Government to cooperate with NURHI and then dedicate budget line for family planning services in the state’s 2014 budget.

NURHI is a five year (2009-2014) project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that aims to increase the use of modern family planning (FP) methods among the Urban poor in the six cities of Abuja FCT, Ibadan, Kaduna, Ilorin, Benin City and Zaria by at least 20 percentage points. NURHI is part of a broader Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (other sites include India, Kenya, and Senegal).

Nigerian women have an average of six children over the course of their life time and the national population – already the largest in Africa – is expected to double within 25 years. Poor access to and under – utilization of modern family planning methods and children across the country, but with the renewed interest of Edo State Government,

With ERANGA ISAAC - 08059233001

in family planning services, the mortality or death rate of mother and child, including adolescent girls, is getting to the job.

With the project divided into five thematic units which include: system strengthening, Quality improvement, and generation, Advocacy and Monitoring and Evaluation, NURHI operates in 10 centers in Benin City. In the area of system strengthening, NURHI has distributed family planning (FP) job Aids to various Primary Health Care Centers in the city. Also distributed include cruffy equipment to High Value Sites (HVS) which include sphygmomanometers, stethoscope, Angle-poised lamp (use in examining vagina in the course of inserting object), lamp, bed screen, etc. There is also in monthly integrated supportive supervision (ISS) and on-the-job training (OJI) visits to HVS. In terms of quality improvement, NURHI Benin, had five day FP refresher training for clinical providers from HVS and private facilites. A ten day Long-Acting Permanent Method Training for clinical providers from HVS and private facilitators were also provided.

NURHI advocacy visits produced divided of N5,000,000 budget line in Edo 2014 budget and N500,000 from Egor Local Government including the promises for Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha.

According to the program manager of NURHI Benin, Mrs. Adetoke Adesomi Akinbami, “the people of Benin City are now well informed.” She said NURHI experienced tremendous achievements in the five thematic units. “NURHI brought every body that have something to do to provide FP service together,” she said.

Mrs. Adetoke Adesomi added that the implication of the government setting apart N5,000,000 is to encourage all women and adolescent girls that are sexually active to embrace family planning methods. During NURHI Benin, years Annual review meeting, Mrs. Adetoke said women should not be afraid of using family planning methods, that before they are provided with a method, their body system will first of all be examined – saying different body system for different method. She said the meeting which consists of key stakeholders was to bring out issues that will form NURHI’s activities and responsibilities in the forthcoming year.

In the year under review, there is an observed increase in up take of family planning client in Benin and from January 2014, experienced 27% increase of new client.

The method mix being dominated by injectable (Depo provera and Noristerat) – 64%. Completed referral are principally community driven via mobilization.

The state government should not hesitate to release the N5,000,000 so that the women and sexually active adolescent girls in Benin City can have access to the family planning method suitable to their body system.

The same plea is also made to the various local government councils that have pledged and those yet to pledge.

“Benin City is lucky to be among the six cities NURHI operates in Nigeria and most stakeholders are of the opinion that, this rate privileged caused the Edo State Government to cooperate with NURHI and then dedicate budget line for family planning services in the state’s 2014 budget.”

Discourse

Adichie’s Feminism:

Contiunued from last week I know for a fact that African feminists qualify as the worst globally—the least informed, specifically. And I’m not very surprised by this truth, given that they try to copy a Western ideology they know practically nothing about. Not long ago I tried having a conversation on feminism with a black South African feminist—herself a writer just like Adichie. She was incapable of submitting a single point that was valid. In the end she gave a miserable example of a girl in rural South Africa who, on her way to school, has to stop at a river to wash herself because she isn’t furnished with sanitary pads by her parents.

When I asked whether this was a case of gender inequality or plain poverty, she responded by exiting the conversation.

Although I never took Adichie seriously from the getgo, a certain reaction of hers did put the final nail in the coffin as far as my assessment of her opinions goes. That ultimate event took place very close to where I live, in Sweden precisely. Adichie was visiting a gathering there, and when a member of the audience asked for her judgment of the Swedish society and people, she answered that she hadn’t been very impressed. Her reason was that as she struggled with multiple bags in a hotel elevator, citizens stood by and watched who could have helped or simply offered to assist her.

Such a thing wouldn’t have happened in her beloved Nigeria, she said.

The guests were unimpressed with her reaction, and I quickly discerned her misguided belief in eating her cake and having it too. Adichie is ignorant of the unnerving truism that in the genuinely feminist countries, like up here in Scandinavia, women and men cater to their own needs and nobody gives a real damn about anybody. How does she expect to be a hardcore feminist and still want other humans to assist her in carrying her bags? Seeing that particular video clip, I knew immediately of her unfamiliarity with the fact that at the very core of the idea of feminism, lies the most advanced form of selfishness the world has ever known.

Feminism has been my reality for all of my adult life.

Well over ninety per cent of Scandinavian females are inherently feminist—it’s our rule, not the exception—so I do know what I speak of. And so if we agree that feminism typically starts out as a journey, then it’s accurate to indicate that Scandinavia has long reached the final destination of that journey. The simple facts of life up here, which I’ll now present

and of which Adichie and her fellow African feminists appear to be unaware, should enable the very same Africans, who’ve been under her constant onslaught, to envisage their society’s future if they should be gullible enough to toe the feminist line.

The women of Finland were the first in the entire world to be granted the ballot. The year was 1906. Norway followed in 1913. And then Denmark and Iceland in 1915. But one can always juxtapose for the purposes of clarity. On August 26, 1920—fourteen years after Finland did it—the 19th Amendment granted the ballot to American women. In February 1918 British women over the age of 30 received the right to vote, but suffrage rights for men and women were not equalised before 1928 in that country my Nigerian compatriots think is their God—that’s 22 years after Finland took the step. France was in 1944. Belgium, Italy, Romania, and Yugoslavia were in 1946. Switzerland was only in 1971—and that’s six years before Adichie was born— while Liechtenstein, a country in the very heart of Europe, had to wait until 1984, my year of birth.

Approaching independence, both the men and the women of Nigeria voted jointly in 1951— and it was the first time for each of the sexes. In other words, there was never a time in the history of Nigeria when only men were allowed to vote. I should also emphasise that Nigerian women were 20 years ahead of their Swiss equals.

As a people who initiated feminism and have finally arrived at the journey’s final destination—a state of existence completely unimaginable to the likes of Adichie—this is how we live as Scandinavians: 1. There is no chivalry left in the land. Men open doors for themselves. Women open for themselves. Anything other than that is foreign and the exception, not the rule.

2.

Men pay their bills.

Women pay theirs. A couple visits a café, the man pays for his coffee and the lady pays for hers. Anything other than that is foreign and the exception, not the rule.

3. Men do not compliment women. Instead, because men and women are engaged in an eternal battle for equality, each party expects to be complimented. Anything other than that is foreign and the exception, not the rule.

4. Like the French and the Germans jointly told Britain when that island nation pushed to renegotiate its EU membership conditions: The

Vacuums

And Fallacies

By A. GONZAGA

European Union as an organisation isn’t an à la carte setting where one enters and decides what to take and what to omit. You either are fully in, or fully out. Put differently: there’s no such thing as cherry picking when attempting to adopt feminism. You can’t say ‘I want that aspect of it, but not the other one’. It is and will always be a chain of realities— imperceptibly linked—and once you try securing an element, be sure to welcome the rest which will inevitably follow.

5. We Scandinavians have championed the feminist cause since time immemorial. Still, our women over here have yet to invent anything beyond roadside hair salons. The national innovation coffers are accessible to both sexes equally.

But it’s the men who continue to invent and innovate and help this region maintain its spot as the leading innovator globally.

That’s to say that there is no proof that feminism could turn women into the world’s top inventors of things and founders of top companies. The reality in Finland, after one hundred years of feminism and equal opportunities, is that men alone still found the major companies whose taxes take care of the nation, and when such firms employ women it isn’t purely for their skills but also for the sake of diversity.

6.

Unfortunate rivalry or war between the sexes is big in our homes and workplaces.

7.

Our families are often broken and passionate love is now foreign or the exception.

8. It’s not uncommon for our children to be victimised by battling parents, and for them to be eventually raised by the government.

9.

We no longer make enough offspring to perpetuate our civilisation.

10. And finally: there is little to zero love, kindness, and humaneness left around here.

We seem to have stifled all of it with the warring energy we’ve been emitting for the past hundred years. This was the reason nobody thought it necessary to assist Adichie in carrying her bags in Sweden.

Any citizen who argues the opposite is either delusional or merely lying.

I’m wrapping up and probing: Do I enjoy having such a gloomy reality as a member of the Finnish society? I certainly don’t. Can I live with it? I have been living with it and am now very used to having it as my reality. But would I like

to see the same system replicated in Nigeria—my first country? The answer is a strong no. Tellingly, when Adichie was then asked in Sweden about how she sees Nigeria evolving and the sort of society it might eventually become; she answered that she hopes it evolves into its own kind of society and doesn’t resemble the Swedish one. Rather shamefully, this was the same Adichie who fights tooth and nail to export Scandinavia’s feminism to that same beloved Nigeria—her only refuge, my

seriously—lead their private and professional lives with a grace that compels the stranger to reckon, even from afar, that these achievers are surrounded by the right set of people.

As I indicated in my subtitle, this is not a politically correct presentation. And so I’ll go ahead to remark that according to my Igbo culture, when a woman goes about town or country acting out of control and spewing sheer arrogance as has been the case with Adichie the writer, sensible adults tend to point fingers of blame at one ultimate culprit—a vacuum— and it specifically has to do with the absence of a real man in the woman’s life, either as a strong father figure, or as a strong and influential brother or partner.

One could say ‘husband’ instead of ‘partner’ if they will. (And I add that this fourth is also the

of the mind and emotions. I hasten to add that the urge to take advantage of a man or of the vacuum he allowed when he relaxed and stopped being the man, is even larger and much wilder in a black woman’s frame. An African-American comedian once joked that ‘Once a sister makes 9 dollars an hour, she thinks she’s Oprah’—id est she becomes impossible to handle or be with. Meaning that it’s hard, evidently, for most black women to be both successful and classy. Again, since most Nigerians wrongly understand ‘class’ to mean ‘fancy and flashy physical appearance’ I should mention for a second time that in the international sense—the correct sense—‘class’ stands for ‘tact and sophistication of the mind’.

I speak here of that correct meaning of class. Can you be

final vacuum.)

Of her name-changing declaration—i.e. ‘Nobody can force me to change my surname’—a Nigerian commented thusly on social media: ‘I have known Adichie to be an idiot! I don’t blame her; her husband’s name doesn’t open doors.’ Indeed, faceless strangers could be more sensitive and sharp-eyed than we give them credit for. But how Adichie has brought herself so low would baffle any observant mind. Because Nigerians are now logically tearing her apart, and I should add, in a style they very much relish.

Otherwise stated: the Igbo, my people of south-eastern Nigeria, understand that nature abhors a vacuum—a favourite philosophy of my good friend, Mitterand Okorie. It’s also a universal knowledge that a woman is, by nature, ever ready to become exploitative once the man slacks. The relationship between a man and a woman, for those who know better, is therefore a never-ending game

equally successful and humble?

Can you be successful and still recognise the value of class, embracing it fittingly? Can you be trusted? It seems the temptation of acting crassly and harshly never ever vacates the black woman’s space—more so once she has had a taste of some professional success.

Why else did Adichie choose to address the grown men vying for the Caine Prize as ‘my boys’—with no pun intended— the very height of arrogance and tactlessness! And we all saw the writers, to whom she referred, fighting back. The decisive verdict is this: In the international field of courtship, the Black woman is purely not the most attractive option, because Asian women, White women, Arab women, Hispanics, would fare much better. It’s no wonder then that black men— where they are presented with options—may increasingly feel tempted to date outside their communities. These are interesting times. And happy people with class don’t explain their choices to the world.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

only refuge, from the madness of our joint Western existence.

And she’s eager to wreak havoc over there in Nigeria with her tireless presentation of impulsive sermons, keen to upset the balance, and one suspects it’s also because she’s desperate to sell more books— at the expense of her own people’s lives and happiness now and later.

Another mini moment of bliss: Books like ‘The Twilight series’, ‘The Harry Potter series’, ‘The Fifty Shades trilogy’, ‘PS, I Love You’, were all written by women of our times. But how come we rarely hear of these women and their socio-political opinions? It surely has to be for the truism that a sophisticated human is first and foremost humbled by their success. And such humbleness (which in essence is ‘sincere gratitude’) is best expressed by one’s actions as opposed to their potentially bogus words. Therefore these women—despite their individual top tier achievements dwarfing Adichie’s rather

Archival Matters

The Ebola Conundrum SINCE the Ebola conundrum broke with vehemence into the international domain in July 2014 many revelations have come into the open. Firstly, it is that Nigeria presently passes as an eye in the storm.

And also any event that occurs in the country attracts much international concern.

Indeed, when an event makes Nigeria to sneeze the world “catches” flu Imagine, in recent times Ebola virus disease began to ravage Guinea in February 2014. The event then wasn’t much news to the world. Not much alarm was raised.

Then, the disease crossed into Sierra Leone and Liberia. Still, the world treated the scourge without much concern.

Finally, one top financial expert with dual citizenship of America/Liberia turned up in Lagos on his way to Calabar for an ECOWAS retreat. Behold, he fell seriously ill and was rushed to an Obalende Hospital in Lagos where he died of Ebola disease on July 25, 2014. As soon as he did the world went abuzz with red alerts on the disease. Alas, the world considered it no longer a child’s play.

Therefore, Nigeria’s landscape deserves much commendation for sensitizing the world on the need to see Ebola disease as a major epidemiological disaster about six months after the disease pitched tent in West Africa using Guinea as a strategic staging post.

This is the first revelation about the Ebola conundrum.

Another one is that the disease which killed Patrick Sawyer dramatizes the trite existentialism of life as captured by William Shakespeare.

In MACBETH, the great English play wright said: “life is both a walking shadow. A poor player struts and frets his hours on the

By MICHAEL ODIGBE

stage. And, then, he is heard of no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury but signifying nothing!!.

Yes, Shakespeare tells us in these poetic words about the nothing ness of life. It is a mere wind song here today, gone tomorrow with the gaseous speed of ammonium chloride. For instance, Patrick Sawyer left Liberia for the Calabar retreat hoping to return in flesh and blood back to his country and family. However, he never made to Liberia. He died in Lagos. Thereafter, his body was cremated, although he isn’t an Indian while the funeral ashes of his remains were returned home. Not his corpse. That is the irony of life many of us are yet to accommodate in our earthly journey. As a person, you know whom your parents are. You are aware of your nativity and nationality. But you will ever know where you will die how you will die, or where you will be buried. Never!! Too true the journey of life is not subject to scientific determinism or meteorological prediction.

Another revelation about Patrick Sawyer’s episode is that it opens our eyes to the reality that most of us live dangerously by not bothering to acquire basic knowledge about health. It is because he was a crass health ignoramus, like the late mega pop star Michael Jackson, that he forced himself to make the trip to Calabar for the ECOWAS retreat after he had been diagnosed of the Ebola disease and advised against the trip in Liberia.

If only he was personally aware that the disease is deadly, has no cure and is highly contagious, I think he would have cancelled the Calabar trip. Thereafter, he would have sought medical attention for the ailment which also requires adequate

rest, sleep relaxation from life’s stress, confinement and intensive care. God willing, maybe, he would have still been a life today – not necessary cured of the disease but probably batting to survive the fight against it in America.

Yes, I mean America, not Liberia. Recall he had dual citizenship of America and Liberia. Because of this status America, maybe would have allowed him to benefit also from the special Uncle Sam treatment given

to Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebel, two American Christian volunteer missionaries who contacted the disease in Liberia. The duo were treated with an experimental anti-Ebola drug Zmapp in Liberia before being flown to the United States for further medicare.

Available information say the missionaries are still alive, today and are responding to

treatment.

Meanwhile, Patrick Sawyer is not only dead and cremated, he has become a diplomatic nuisance to his country. It has now openly apologised to Nigeria for his sacrilegious offence of exporting Ebola disease to Nigeria which we will spend billions of naira in real and opportunity terms to fight.

Already, the federal government alone has initially budgeted N1.9 billion to stem the tide of the disease.

Also, state governments are putting

money into the “war” against Ebola. Then, of course public engagements that attracts large crowds have been put on hold. Secondary and primary schools may not reopen in September 2014, drastic life modification changes have occurred in the behavioral patterns of individuals, while bush meat sellers are out of business.

Indeed, Patrick Sawyer brought calamity to the

“If only he was personally aware that the disease is deadly, has no cure and is highly contagious, I think he would have cancelled the Calabar trip. Thereafter, he would have sought medical attention for the ailment which also requires adequate rest, sleep relaxation from life’s stress, confinement and intensive care.”

country when he canie calling with a proven, indexed case of Ebola disease in him.

The lesson here is that it is time the a personality in us which drives us to overwork, without regards to health considerations, is jettisoned.

Always put your health first not your work as it is now the singsong in our digital world where some of us spend about 14 hours daily before a computer. Secondly, it serves no useful purpose for a person to be uniformed of the basics of health and diseases but he can tell you the colour codes of the dollar pound sterling ced duetchmark peso and naira.

one day. However, the question that God, the owner of our lives, will ask us is how well we managed the life he gave us before losing it.

Still another revelation of the Ebola conundrum is that Liberia has an incompetent President without a mother’s carrying instinct in her.

Incredible!! Ebola disease, which in February 2014 in Guinea a next door neighbour, saw Mrs Ellen Johnson sir leaf fast asleep in Monrovia. She took no step to curtail its spread to Liberia, her country. It was when her citizen Patrick Sawyer, had exported Ebola disease to Nigeria in July

Michael Jackson, the world’s greatest pop star, played into this ignoramus trap. So in 2009, he died of blood poisoning from propofol, larazepam, midazolam, diazepam, indocaine and ephedrine.

Five pain killers in his blood at a go! Yet kindergarten knowledge of drugs would have told him that what he was ingesting or being asked to take by his personal doctor was wrong. But like Patrick Sawyer and most of us Michael Jackson’s over drive for material earthly achievements, backed by health knowledge deficits blocked out his consciousness of the reality that death waited in ambush for his health mis-step. It is true everyone of us will die

2014 and 271 others including 32 health workers had died of the disease in Liberia on August 5, 2014 she now woke up from her slumber to declare a state of Ebola emergency in her country. Madam, you fail.

Resign now!! It is when your friend’s beard catches fire you quickly rub your own beard with water. Not after wards.

All said, what the Ebola conundrum summarily reveals is that the black man tends to trivialise serious issues. We ignore them until they become Fran Kenstein monisters before we began to attend to them. Isn’t it too later to cry when our Ebola head is off? Tell me.

Science

With Oyakhilome Clementina

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LUMBAR VERTEBRA. 1. It has a large neural canal 2. It has a stout Centrum.

3. It has a long neural spine, which projects upward and forward.

4. This projection is reffered to as the hypapophyses which arise from the lower end of the centrum.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SACRAL VERTEBRA They are five (5) in number in man, and they are fused together to form a rigid sacrum that supports the pelvic girdle.

Both the lumbar and sacral vertebra, supports men weight, the entire weight really rests on them, hence especially the Lumbar vertebral are thick and stout, aiding pregnancy women, carry weight during pregnancy.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CAUDAC VERTEBRA These are bones of the tail, this refers to animals with tail like rats and rabbits.

1.

They form the skeleton of the tail 2.

As they approach the tip of the tail, there is a loss of normal parts of a typical vertebra.

3.

The vertebra of the caudal part that are far from the sacrum have no neural spine, No neural arch, no neural canal and no transverse processes.

The tail bone of the rat and rabbit are there, just to balance the weight of the body of the animal.

TYPES OF VERTEBRAE MAN RAT CERVICAL 7 7 THORACIC 12 13 LUMBAR 5 7 SACRAL 5 4 CAUDAL 4 15 3.3 46

Characteristics Of A Typical Vertebra 1.

It has a Centrum 2.

It is surrounded by a neural CRCH 3.

There is a Posterior (back) and anterior (front) view of each vertebra.

4.

There are special facets, known as Zygapophyses which occur at the neural arch, and both are found at the front and back view of the vertebra.

5.

The front pair is known as pre-zygapophyses.

6.

While the back pair is known as post zygapophyses 7.

Above the centrum is the neural canal.

CERVICAL VERTEBRA 1.

It has an additional transverse process on each side of the bone referred to as a cervical rib.

2.

The centrum is broad and short.

3.

There are vertebraterial canals that runs through the neural arch, they protect, the veins, arteries that run from the head down to the main body.

4.

The neural spine are very short, which distinguishes them from any other vertebra.

5.

The transverse process are small and bent backwards.

The cervical bone in every animal is seven (7) be it a rat or a giraffe from research it has been discovered that the cervical vertebrae though are seven in number but has two types due to their closeness to the skull and the kind of function they perform. They are the atlas and the axis.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ATLAS 1.

This is the first cervical bone, that is just next to the skull 2.

Its neural spire are small.

3.

The neural canal is large.

4.

It has no centrum.

5.

The transverse process are prominent.

6.

The back view bears two postzygapophyses for the axis behind it.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AXIS 1.

It has vertebraterial canals 2.

It has a centrum that the other vertebra fits into.

3.

It has a neural spine, that is more prominent than the ATLAS. 4.

It has a cervical rib that is flat.

5.

It has a protrusion of the Centrum known as the odontoid process.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THORACIL VERTEBRA 1.

It has a long neural spine, that point upwards and backwards.

2.

It possesses a long neural canal that is surrounded by a large neural arch.

3.

It has a large centrum 4.

It has a pair each of the front and back zygapophyses which 5.

Each supports two ribs one on ether side of the vertebra.

The vertebral column of man is 33, while the total bone in a man is 206.

There is a small memory verse or recitation to know the vertebral column of man heart.

CE LU SA THO CA 7 5 5 12 4 CERVICALLUMBAR SACRUM THORACIC CAUDAL

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYMPATHETIC AND PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEMS. AREA IN BODY EYE

1

SYMPATHETIC NERVIOUS SYSTEM

PARASYMPATHETIC NERVIOUS SYSTEM

2 Dilates the pupils Does not stimulate the secretion of tears. stimulates the secretion of tears MOUTH secretion of Saliva GUT movement LUNGS

Constricts the pupils

Inhibits Secretion of Saliva

Stimulates the

Inhibits peristaltic movement

Stimulate peristaltic

1

2. Stimulates the dilation of bronehi and bronehioles It increase ventilation rate Cause the Construction of bronchi and bronchioles Decreases ventilation rate HEAT Causes the increase in the rate of heart bear Decreases the rate of heart beat SKIN 1 2 3 Causes the contraction of erector (hair stands on end) muscles of the hair Increase secretion of sweat Arterioles in the skin of lumbs constricted making skin to become white Does not cause the contraction of erector muscles of the hair Does not increase secretion of swear Arterioles in the skin of the face are dilated making the facial skin red KIDNEY 1 2 Reduces Urine output Causes contraction of the sphincter muscle of the Urinary bladder output It inhibits the sphincter muscles.

Penis Stimulates ejaculation Adrenal In emergency, it adrenal Gland Release Adrenaline from adrenal gland. gland Blood Causes the increase in blood pressure pressure

Does not reduce urine

Stimulates erection Does not release Naline from adrenal Reduces blood

Politics OBSERVERS of the August 9 Osun governorship election, in which 20 political parties participated, note that its results became unpredictable, few days before it was held.

They recall that the calculations changed with the last-minute decision of two ex--governors of Osun State — Isiaka Adeleke and Olagunsoye Oyinlola — to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Although it was reported that some candidates of other parties had declared their support for Sen. Iyiola Omisore, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in reaction to the development; the arrangement did not work.

The observers agree that this last-minute realignment of political forces in Osun altered the political calculations in the three senatorial districts in the state.

Analysts note that the defection of Oyinlola and Sen. Kolawole Ogunwale from PDP to APC particularly boosted the APC’s performance in Osun Central Senatorial District, which comprises Boluwaduro, Boripe, Ifedayo, Ifelodun, Ila, Irepodun, Odo-Otin, Olorunda, Orolu and Osogbo local government areas.

They argue that the contest was keen in Osun East Central Senatorial District, which produces the leading contenders – the incumbent governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, and Omisore.

The senatorial district, which comprises Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Obokun and Oriade local government areas, also has substantial number of voters.

As regards Osun West Senatorial District, home to Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), the defection of Adeleke to the APC, barely 48 hours to the election, perhaps, influenced the outcome of the election in the district.

The district comprises Ayedaade, Ayedire, Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Irewole and Isokan local government areas.

Perceptive analysts observe that in spite of the intrigues, the peaceful conduct of the election somewhat signifies that the 2015 general elections will be peaceful and credible.

After voting and collation

of results, Prof. Bamitale Omole, the Returning Officer for Osun State Governorship Election, declared Aregbesola as the winner.

He said that Aregbesola, the APC flag-bearer, polled 394,684 votes to defeat Omisore, the PDP’s candidate, who polled 292,747 votes.

The results also indicated that Akinbade, the LP’s candidate, polled 8,898 votes.

Omole said: “Aregbesola satisfied the requirements of the law, having scored the highest number of votes and is, therefore, declared winner and returned elected.’’

Further analysis of the results indicated that Aregbesola won in 22 local government areas (LGAs), out of the 30 LGAs in the state.

A report from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed that 1,407,222 voters were registered for the election, comprising 661,394 males and 745,828 females.

It also indicated that there were 332 registration areas, 3,010 polling units and 3,379 voting points in the state.

The INEC report signified that in Ilesa West LGA, Aregbesola’s local government area, APC polled 15,427 votes, while the PDP secured 5,449 votes.

In Ife Central LGA, Omisore’s local government area, PDP secured 24,555 votes, while APC got 9,608 votes.

Commenting on the election, Alhaji Waheed Lawal, the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of National Conscience Party (NCP), lauded INEC for the way it handled the election, urging the commission to sustain the feat in the 2015 elections.

“Since INEC got it right from the beginning, I can confidently say that the election was credible and fair,’’ he said.

Besides, Lawal said that since the outcome of the election reflected the true wishes of the people, the other parties should cooperate with Aregbesola in efforts to move the state forward.

Mr Sunday Akere, Osun State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, thanked the people for the confidence they reposed in the APC-led government.

He said that the victory would spur the governor to do more for the people of the state.

“We advise the opposition parties to support us and

The Intrigues And The Facts

Osun Governorship Election:

By KAYODE OLAITAN

forget our differences; our acceptability is unquestionable.

The governor’s second term will be a period of action,’’ he said.

Reacting to the outcome of the election, Omisore urged his supporters to remain calm, assuring them that the PDP was still studying the election results to determine the next line of action.

“It was not a race we came into, unmindful of the odds stacked against us.

“In spite of this and the fact that all democratic structures in the state are in the hands of our opponent, our supporters still fought gallantly in every polling unit to achieve the feat we posted in this election.

“In the meantime, our situation office and party are analysing the results of the elections against field reports.

“We shall be making public our findings and the appropriate steps will be taken accordingly,’’ he said.

Nevertheless, Omisore emphasised that the result of the election reflected that the

PDP was no longer a pushover in the South West geopolitical zone.

“This is success we are thankful for; we must celebrate the PDP’s leadership, its members and the extensive engagement of supporters of the Iyiola Omisore Organisation on all platforms,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Akinbade said that he did not regret partaking in the election on the platform of the LP, urging the people of the state to support efforts to develop the state.

However, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, the Director of Publicity Research and Strategy of APC in Osun, urged the other parties which participated in the election to collaborate with Aregbesola in efforts to develop the state via purposeful administration.

He said that in any election, a candidate had to win, while the others were expected to team up in providing advice and assistance to the government in power.

Chief Rueben Fasoranti,

the leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural group, congratulated Aregbesola, saying: “This is democracy in action; it is the wish of the people, he should dedicate the victory to the people.’’

An election monitoring group, Reclaim Nigeria, commended the security agents that provided security during the election.

Mr Adewole Adewale, an official of the group who observed the exercise in parts of Osogbo and its environs, said that the police, in particular, exhibited exemplary professional conduct.

“I went round almost all the polling units on my motorcycle and I saw an excellent display of professionalism by the security agencies,’’ he said.

Adewale also commended INEC officials for their good service delivery while conducting the election.

During the election, security agencies, especially the police and the army, mounted heavy surveillance on strategic areas across the state, in form of patrols and searches at checkpoints.

President Goodluck

Jonathan, during the PDP campaign rally in Osogbo on Aug. 2, assured the people that the Federal Government would beef up security in the state, so as to prevent miscreants from disrupting the election.

Besides, Sen. Musliu Obanikoro, the Minister of State for Defence, re-echoed the government’s commitment toward ensuring the conduct of peaceful and credible elections across the country.

“We should not lose human beings because of elections; our people should not be traumatised because of elections if truly we want to serve our people,’’ he said.

All in all, observers note that although Nigerians are becoming more eager to participate in the election of the country’s leaders, tangible efforts should be made by all stakeholders to guarantee the success of future elections in the country.

“Through such efforts, the country’s democracy would be strengthened,’’ they add.

International Islamic State Executes 700 People From Syrian Tribe

President Barack Obama speaks on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, recently.

Possible Immigration Rift For Obama With Democrats WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is facing potential rifts with members of his own party in tough re-election contests as he barrels toward a fall fight with Republicans over his ability to change immigration policies.

If Obama takes the broadest action under consideration — removing the threat of deportation for millions of people in this country illegally — the short-term risks appear greatest for Senate Democrats in conservative-leaning states. Weeks before the November vote, they could find themselves on the hot seat for their views not only on immigration but also on Obama’s use of his presidential powers.

Wary of what could be coming, some of those lawmakers have said Obama should act with caution.

“This is an issue that I believe should be addressed legislatively and not through executive order,” said Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., one of the top targets for Republicans trying to retake control of the Senate.

Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., another vulnerable incumbent, said in a statement that he also is “frustrated with the partisanship in Washington. But that doesn’t give the president carte blanche authority to sidestep Congress when he doesn’t get his way.”

Such statements have immigration advocates on edge.

A coalition of advocacy groups, in a letter to congressional Democrats on Friday, said immigrant families should not have to wait until after the November elections for relief. The organizations said any attempts by Democrats to delay or dilute administrative changes “will be viewed as a betrayal of Latino and immigrant communities with serious and lasting consequences.”

The letter was released because of advocates’ concerns that leading Senate Democrats may be shifting their positions because of political considerations after previously urging Obama to act.

A spokesman for Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., declined to say Friday whether Schumer still believes Obama should act by October, as Schumer had said before. A spokesman for Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the second-ranking Democrat, said the timing of executive action on immigration was up to Obama. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s spokesman had no comment on timing.

Still, Obama looks determined to move forward on his own despite the political risks for Democrats.

He is irritated by House Republicans’ inaction on immigration legislation passed last year by the Senate. The crisis over unaccompanied minors arriving in South Texas does not appear to have deterred him, and the slowdown of arrivals at the border may be shifting the issue away from the spotlight anyway.

The exact contours of Obama’s plans remain unclear.

Advocates and lawmakers who have talked with administration officials anticipate that he could expand a program that granted work permits and deferred deportation to more than 700,000 immigrants brought illegally to the U.S. as kids. It could be extended to include parents of those children, as well as parents of U.S. citizens, or potentially others — groups that could add up to perhaps 5 million people.

During a news conference this month, Obama was not specific

on his immigration plans. He did say that in the absence of congressional action and in order to address the crisis involving unaccompanied youths, he had to shift resources on his own and exercise prosecutorial discretion.

“I promise you the American people don’t want me just standing around twiddling my thumbs and waiting for Congress to get something done,” Obama said.

Some GOP leaders worry that opposition to a comprehensive overhaul will harm their party in the 2016 presidential race, where Latino turnout is higher than in midterm elections. Hispanics are a fast-growing sector of the presidential electorate and backed Obama overwhelmingly in 2012.

But Republicans also see a nearer-term chance to translate Obama’s potential executive actions into electoral success in November. Republicans need to win a net of six seats in order to take control of the Senate for the remainder of Obama’s term.

The GOP already is all but assured of maintaining control of the House.

As Republicans meet with voters in their districts during the summer break, lawmakers have raised alarms about the scope of Obama’s potential plans. In some cases, they are hearing clamors for impeachment in return.

“It is up to Congress to actually go back and restrain this guy,” one voter told GOP Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland at a town hall meeting on the Eastern Shore. Harris had warned that Obama could expand an existing deportation relief program to 4 million or 5 million more people, “competing with Americans for work.”

Republicans have tagged Obama as an “imperial president” who goes around Congress rather than working with lawmakers, and House Republicans have moved to sue him over it. The prospect of the president making a unilateral move on a contentious issue such as immigration has Republican consultants salivating.

“President Obama’s executive amnesty would inject adrenaline into an electorate already eager to send him a message of disapproval,” said Brad Dayspring, communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Also problematic for Obama: His apparent plans to act on his own authority come after years of saying that he did not have the legal justification to proceed without Congress.

“If, in fact, I could solve all these problems without passing them through Congress, I would do so. But we’re also a nation of laws,” he said in November. A heckler had interrupted a speech he was giving in San Francisco, prodding him to halt deportations, which have reached record highs on Obama’s watch.

Since then the White House has apparently concluded otherwise.

Democratic pollsters argue that any executive action by Obama could give a political boost to Democrats, not just from newly energized Latino voters but from an electorate at large that would welcome any action from gridlocked Washington.

“Voters are so sick of the do-nothing Congress they don’t mind if there’s an imperial president,” said Democratic pollster Celinda Lake. “They would just like someone to get something done about something.”

BEIRUT/AMMAN The Islamic State militant group has executed 700 members of a tribe it has been battling in eastern Syria during the past two weeks, the majority of them civilians, a human rights monitoring group and activists said on Saturday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has tracked violence on all sides of the three-year-old conflict, said reliable sources reported beheadings were used to execute many of the alSheitaat tribe, which is from Deir al-Zor province.

The conflict between Islamic State and the alSheitaat tribe, who number about 70,000, flared after the militants took over two oil fields in July.

“Those who were executed are all alSheitaat,” Observatory director Rami Abdelrahman said by telephone from Britain. “Some were arrested, judged and killed.”

Reuters cannot independently verify reports from Syria due to security conditions and reporting restrictions.

Proclaiming a ‘caliphate’ straddling parts of Iraq and Syria, Islamic State has swept across northern Iraq in recent weeks, pushing back Kurdish regional forces and driving tens of thousands of Muslims, Christians and members of the Yazidi religious minority from their homes, prompting the first U.S. air strikes in Iraq since the withdrawal of American troops in 2011.

The insurgents are also tightening their grip in Syria, of which they now control roughly a third, mostly rural areas in the north and east.

An activist in Deir al-Zor who spoke on condition of anonymity told Reuters that 300 men were executed in one day in the town of Ghraneij, one of the three main towns of the alSheitaat tribal heartland, when Islamic State stormed the town earlier this week.

Another opposition activist from Deir al-Zor said residents of al-Sheitaat

towns had been given three days to leave.

“Those who were executed during the storming of the al-Sheitaat area are around 300. The rest were killed in the course of the battles,” he told Reuters on condition of anonymity to protect his identity.

Civilians fleeing alSheitaat towns had either taken sanctuary in other villages or travelled to Iraq, he said.

More than 170,000 people have been killed in Syria’s civil war, which pits overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim rebels against President Bashar al-Assad, a member of the Shi’itederived Alawite minority, backed by Shi’ite militias from Iraq and Lebanon.

The insurgency is split between competing factions in Syria, with Islamic State emerging as the most powerful.

Tribal powers in Syria and Iraq have had to make the choice between fighting Islamic State or pledging allegiance.

On Friday, a video posted on YouTube showed men who said they were from the al-Sheitaat towns of Kishkeih and Abu Hammam pledging full support for Islamic State.

“We say that what Islamic State stands for is justice,” a tribal member sitting in a room with dozens of other men said in a statement that was read out.

The head of the alSheitaat tribe, Sheikh Rafaa Aakla al-Raju, called in a video message for other tribes to join them in the fight against the militants.

“We appeal to the other tribes to stand by us because it will be their turn next ...

If (Islamic State) are done with us the other tribes will be targeted after al-Sheitaat.

They are the next target,” he said in the video, posted on YouTube.

Islamic State was condemned on Friday in a U.N. Security Council resolution for “gross, systematic and widespread abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law.”

International Ukraine Rebels Getting Tanks And Reinforcements UKRAINIAN rebels are receiving new armoured vehicles and fighters trained in Russia, with which they plan to launch a major counter-offensive against government forces, a separatist leader said in a video released on Saturday.

The four-month conflict in eastern Ukraine has reached a critical phase, with Kiev and Western governments watching nervously to see if Russia will intervene in support of the increasingly besieged rebels - an intention Moscow denies.

Alexander Zakharchenko, prime minister of the selfproclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, said the rebels were in the process of receiving some 150 armoured vehicles, including 30 tanks, and 1,200 fighters who he said had spent four months training in Russia.

“They are joining at the most crucial moment,” he said in a video recorded on Friday. He did not specify where the vehicles would come from.

Moscow has come under heavy Western sanctions over its annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea and accusations it is supporting separatists in east Ukraine with fighters, arms and funds. Russia denies those charges.

In a sign of concern at the latest rebel comments, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko agreed in a phone call on Saturday that deliveries of weapons to separatists in Ukraine must stop and a ceasefire must be achieved, a German government spokesman said.

The risk of outright war between the two most powerful former Soviet states was highlighted on Friday when Ukraine said it partially destroyed an armoured column that had crossed the border from Russia. The report triggered a sell-off in global shares.

But Moscow made no threat of retaliation, instead saying it was a “fantasy” that its armoured vehicles had entered its neighbour’s territory.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also spoke to Poroshenko on Saturday, and the White House said: “The two leaders agreed that Russia’s sending military columns across the border into Ukraine and its continued provision of advanced weapons to the separatists was inconsistent with any desire to improve the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin called on NATO to provide military support for Ukrainian troops.

The rebels, who have ceded ground to government forces in recent weeks, have been promising a counter-offensive for several days but have yet to launch one.

Ukrainian native Zakharchenko took over from Russian citizen Alexander Borodai last week and his combative comments will probably dash hopes that changes at the top of the rebel leadership might signal willingness to end hostilities.

Adding to the tensions, Russia and Ukraine have been at loggerheads for days over a convoy of 280 Russian trucks carrying water, food and medicine, which remained about

20 km (12 miles) from the Ukrainian border, unmoved since Friday.

Officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross said most procedures had been agreed

by Russia and Ukraine but the two sides still needed to figure out how to provide security before the convoy moves ahead under the ICRC’s aegis. It was not clear when a deal on security could be agreed.

Russia says it is a purely humanitarian mission in support of civilians in areas hit by the conflict, but Ukraine is concerned it could serve as a Trojan Horse to infiltrate military supplies or create a pretext for armed intervention.

The crisis has dragged relations between Russia and the West to their lowest point since the Cold War and set off a round of trade restrictions that are hurting struggling economies in both Russia and Europe. The United Nations said this week that an estimated 2,086 people had been killed, with nearly 5,000 wounded.

The Finnish President, Sauli Niinisto, held talks in Kiev with Poroshenko, a day after discussing how to settle the crisis with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I do not see a great risk of an outright war,” Niinisto said. “My hopefulness is based on the fact that communication is open, at least by a crack.”

France said a meeting of Ukrainian, Russian, German and French foreign ministers scheduled in Berlin on Sunday could be a first step towards a peace summit.

A rebel Internet news outlet said on Saturday that separatist

- Separatist Leader

fighters had killed 30 members of a Ukrainian government battalion in fighting in Luhansk province, a rebel-held area of eastern Ukraine adjacent to the Russian border.

A Ukrainian military spokesman, Andriy Lysenko, contradicted the rebel assertions.

He said three Ukrainian servicemen had been killed over the past 24 hours. Ukrainian security forces had spotted Russian drones and a helicopter crossing illegally into Ukraine’s airspace, Lysenko told a news briefing.

He denied Kiev’s forces were firing artillery on Donetsk, one of two rebel strongholds in the east, where a Reuters reporter said explosions were audible in the city centre on Saturday. The Donetsk city administration said four people were killed in shelling that destroyed homes and set several buildings on fire.

The momentum on the ground is with the Ukrainian forces, who have pushed the separatists out of large swathes of territory and nearly encircled them in Donetsk and Luhansk. Kiev says it now controls the road linking the two

cities.

Russia says the Ukrainian offensive is causing a humanitarian catastrophe for the civilian population in the two cities. It accuses Kiev’s forces of indiscriminately using heavy weapons in residential areas, an allegation Ukraine denies.

In the past week, three senior rebel leaders have been removed from their posts, pointing to mounting disagreement over how to turn the tide of the fighting back in their favour.

Lysenko, the Ukrainian military spokesman, said he had reports of rebel fighters abandoning their posts in Luhansk, and preparing to leave

Donetsk and seek safe haven in Russia.

“A mood of panic is spreading and rebels are trying to leave through the small gaps that remain,” he said.

In Donetsk, the red, blue and black flag of separatists was flying on a pole in front of the headquarters. Ten people armed with Kalashnikov rifles were standing on guard outside the main entrance in mismatched camouflage.

“Why should we flee? People are still coming and filling our ranks. Those who have lost their houses to Ukrainian shelling, what else would they do but fight back?,” said a fighter who gave his name as Communist.

Trucks forming part of an aid convoy destined for Ukraine, travel on a road to the border control in the Rostov-on-Don region of Russia recently.

Police Deploy Tear Gas To Impose Ferguson Curfew ONE person was shot and seven people were arrested early Sunday morning as police used smoke and tear gas to impose a curfew in a St. Louis suburb where a black teen walking down the street had been shot by a white police officer.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson said during a news conference that police are still seeking the person who shot the critically wounded victim and defended his department’s strong strategic response that came after a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew took hold in Ferguson, Missouri. Johnson said the strong police response was precipitated by two events.

Johnson said concerns about people who’d broken into a barbecue restaurant and taken position on the roof overlooking approaching police was one strategic concern. He said another involved a man who flashed a handgun and appeared in the middle of the street as armored vehicles approached the crowd of protesters.

Johnson said someone also fired at a patrol car, but no officers were injured.

Hundreds of other protesters left peacefully before the curfew took effect in Ferguson, where 18-year-old Michael

Brown was fatally shot on Aug. 9. The shooting has prompted protests, unrest and claims of civil rights violations.

But remaining protesters — chanting “No justice! No curfew!” — refused to leave the area. As five armored tactical vehicles approached the crowd, officers spoke through a loudspeaker: “You are in violation of a state-imposed curfew. You must disperse immediately. Failure to comply, may result in arrest.”

As officers put on gas masks, a chant from the distant crowd emerged: “We have the right to assemble peacefully.”

A moment later, police began firing canisters into the crowd of protesters.

Highway Patrol Spokesman Lt. John Hotz initially said police only used smoke, but later told The Associated Press that they also fired tear gas canisters. He said of police efforts: “Obviously, we’re trying to give them every opportunity to comply with the curfew.”

Jayson Ross, who was leading the protesters toward police before the canisters were fired, said: “They got guns. We got guns. We are ready.”

The unrest between police and protesters came after Gov. Jay Nixon on Saturday declared

a state of emergency in Ferguson.

Nixon’s curfew announcement came after tensions again flared in Ferguson late Friday night.

Earlier that day, local police identified the officer who shot Brown as Darren Wilson and released documents and video footage alleging that Brown had robbed a convenience store just before he was shot. Police said Wilson was unaware Brown was a suspect when he encountered him walking in the street with a friend.

As the curfew approached late Saturday night, New Black Panther Party leader Malik Shabazz roamed the street with a bullhorn, encouraging people to leave for their own safety.

Many appeared to follow his suggestion.

“C’mon you all, let’s roll out,” Shabazz said through his bullhorn. “Let’s roll out of here, get some rest and come back tomorrow.”

Crowds that were in the hundreds prior to the curfew had dwindled significantly in the final hour.

Keyon Watkins, a 26-year-old computer science worker from St. Louis, said on Saturday that if many others stayed in the street, he would join them.

“All of this is just building up

— pent-up aggression by being mistreated on a daily basis,” Watkins said.

In announcing the curfew, Nixon said that though many protesters were making themselves heard peacefully, the state would not allow looters to endanger the community.

“I am committed to making sure the forces of peace and justice prevail,” Nixon said during a press conference at a church that was interrupted repeatedly by people objecting to the curfew and demanding that the officer who shot Brown be charged with murder.

“We must first have and maintain peace. This is a test.

The eyes of the world are watching,” Nixon said. “We cannot allow the ill will of the few to undermine the good will of the many.”

State statute gives the governor broad powers when he declares a state of emergency, but he hasn’t indicated that he plans to do anything other than imposing the curfew and empowering the state highway patrol to enforce it.

Meanwhile, Nixon said the U.S. Department of Justice is beefing up its civil rights investigation of the shooting.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson, who is in charge of security in

Ferguson, said 40 FBI agents were going door-to-door in the neighborhood starting Saturday, talking to people who might have seen or have information about the shooting.

Johnson on Saturday said police would not enforce the curfew with armored trucks and tear gas but would communicate with protesters and give them ample opportunity to leave. Local officers faced strong criticism earlier in the week for their use of tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters. Johnson said one tear gas canister was deployed Friday night after the group of rioters became unruly and several officers got trapped and injured.

Brown’s death had already ignited several days of clashes with furious protesters.

Tensions eased Thursday after Nixon turned oversight of the protests over to the Missouri Highway Patrol. Gone were the police in riot gear and armored vehicles, replaced by the new patrol commander who personally walked through the streets with demonstrators. But Friday night marked a resurgence of unrest.

On Saturday, some residents said it appeared the violent acts were being committed by people who came from other suburbs or states.

International Israel Must Accept Palestinian Demands Or Face Long War - Hamas CAIRO - Hamas has rejected as insufficient offers made in Cairo to Palestinian negotiators seeking to end Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip, and raised the possibility of renewed fighting when the current truce expires.

Israel said it had also not yet accepted any proposals made in the Egyptian-mediated talks but, like the Palestinians, its envoys would continue attending them yesterday.

The ceasefire concludes tonight.

Hamas, Gaza’s dominant Islamist group, wants an IsraeliEgyptian blockade on the coastal enclave lifted, as well as the establishment of a seaport and airport, as part of any enduring cessation of hostilities with the Jewish state.

“Israel must accept the demands of the Palestinian people or face a long war,” Osama Hamdan, the head of Hamas’s foreign affairs, said on Facebook.

Israel, which launched its offensive on July 8 after a surge in cross-border Hamas rocket attacks, has shown scant interest in making sweeping concessions. The Israelis want Gaza to be disarmed under any long-term deal - something Hamas rules out.

Egypt, which is mediating between the sides and, like Israel, views Hamas as a security threat, has given little detail on any progress in the talks.

“As of now, Israel has not agreed to any proposals,” an Israeli official said on condition

RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Uche Cyprian wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Uche Cypren as appeared in my documents.

Henceforth, I now wish to be known and addressed as Uche Cyprian. All former documents remain valid.

Ministry of Youth and Sports, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

of anonymity.

“Understandings (on a longterm truce) will be reached only if they clearly satisfy Israel’s security interests,” the official added, without elaborating.

Israeli envoys were due to return to Cairo yesterday, as was a Palestinian delegation including representatives of Hamas and of U.S.-backed President Mahmoud Abbas, who brought his former Islamist rivals into a unity government in April.

Speaking in Ramallah, the seat of his government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Abbas promoted Cairo’s mediation. Turkey and Qatar, regional powers sympathetic to Hamas, have also sought to serve as go-betweens - to Israel’s chagrin.

“Our goal is to stop the fighting and to stick to the Egyptian initiative, and no other,” Abbas said in a televised speech.

The United Nations said

425,000 of the 1.8 million population of Gaza have been displaced by the war, which has killed more than 1,900 Palestinians and, on the Israeli side, 64 soldiers and three civilians.

Most of the Palestinian dead have been non-combatants, Gaza hospital officials say.

Israel and the Palestinians agreed on Wednesday to extend a ceasefire agreement in Gaza by five days to continue indirect negotiations on a lasting truce.

The two sides are not meeting face-to-face in Cairo: Israel regards Hamas, which advocates its destruction, as a terrorist group.

The Gaza offensive has had broad public support in Israel.

However, the prospect of a longterm truce that improves Hamas’s economic or diplomatic standing has drawn misgivings among Israelis and within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rightist government.

Iraq: US Strikes Islamist WASHINGTON - The United States has conducted air strikes in Iraq against Islamic State fighters near the Kurdish capital of Arbil and the Mosul dam, the U.S. Central Command said.

The Mosul dam, Iraq’s biggest, fell under control of Islamic State militants earlier this month. Control of the dam could give the Sunni Islamists the ability to flood cities and cut off vital water and electricity supplies.

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Fighters

After the Islamic State’s capture of the northern city of Mosul in June, its swift push to the borders of Iraqi Kurdistan alarmed Baghdad and last week drew the first U.S. air strikes on Iraq since the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2011.

“The nine air strikes conducted thus far destroyed or damaged four armored personnel carriers, seven armed vehicles, two Humvees and an armored vehicle,” the U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

It said the strikes were conducted with a mix of fighters and drones, adding: “All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.”

The Central Command said the strikes were aimed at supporting humanitarian efforts in Iraq and protecting U.S. personnel and facilities there.

Iraq has been plunged into its worst violence since the peak of a sectarian civil war in 20062007, with Sunni fighters led by the Islamic State overrunning large parts of the west and north, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee for their lives and threatening ethnic Kurds in their autonomous province.

The Islamic State has also seized large parts of Syria as it tries to build a caliphate across national borders drawn up by European a century ago.

Following the announcement this week by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki that he would step aside after eight years in power, U.S. officials have said Washington may accelerate U.S. economic and military aid to Iraq if the new leadership is more inclusive.

Encounter

Culture Is Dynamic, There Is Need For Update - Akhigbe

ENGR. Eddy Osibemhe Akhigbe hails from Fugar in Estako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He is a democrat who is propelled by the undying desire to serve his people and make life better for all those who come across him.

In this chat with the NIGERIAN OBSERVER through RICHARD OKORO EWEKA, he spoke about the passion of his late elder brother Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe and the need for a commission that will update our culture to meet the present realities.

Excerpts: Can I meet you sir?

I am Engr. Eddy Osibemhe Akhigbe.

May I know your background?

I am born to the family of Akhigbe Alemoh of Iviagbanakhu Quarters, Fugar, Edo state. I attended St. John’s Grammar School, Fugar and proceeded to University of Benin where I had three masters’ degrees and studied other professional courses. I was employed by NNPC in 1979 and retired in 2013 after 34 years of meritorious service to the nation as General Manager and acting Group General Manager.

You were in Fugar at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church for thanks giving, why?

You are correct. I was in Fugar to thank God and to bring the sacrifices of praise to His presence for the years of meritorious service to the nation and my graceful retirement from service. Though, it would have come earlier before now but due to

circumstances of my late elder brother Admiral Okhai Akhigbe, the former Chief of General Staff and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I decided to shift it till this time to honour him from he is a great man who have done much for this country.

Now that you have retired, what is your future prospect?

That is a very good question. I wish to dedicate my life to the service of humanity, developing the community while embarking on self – help projects. For example, in recent past, I embarked on safety campaign in order to reduce the number of accident, preserved the lives of our children who are the custodian future. It is true that when men of honour keep quiet, evil men will take over. I would want to get the people involved in the affairs of the community and the country at large.

What is your view towards your c o m m u n i t y ’ s development?

My late elder brother, Admiral Okhai Akhigbe, had a passion for developing his community, local government area, state and the country at large. That passion was absolute. He had plans to execute some projects such as; Golf Course and a Rest House – a palace where he desired to built a small hotel where foreigners can visit as site of tourism; as well as a zoo and networks of roads, before his passing on. May his soul rest in perfect peace. There are some plans which the

government has approved, waiting for others to dust it for implementation. He had absolute passion for the development of the whole of Afemai and his achievement is worthy of emulation. He passed on. A man of the people, uncommon quality, bold, ready to stake his life for the good of mankind. On my part as the junior brother, we had similar views on development of the society and I have an idea of what he wanted to

institutions and the likes.

To put these things in place requires a lot of work, men with vision and leaders committed to development.

We need leaders that apply Peter’s principle – what affects me, affects you. We need men of characters, ready to sacrifice, risk personal comfort for others like the billionaires that give succour to the orphanages. They use their

is, Avhianwu Traditional Chiefs Council. This is the first time in the history of Avhianwu clan. It is advisable that the summit be sustained. The initiators and those driving it now should ensure that it is not high – jacked by individuals or political gladiators. When I heard of the people involved in putting the submit together, I was happy. The topics

resources to improve the welfare of the communities. Such are the leaders we need. I am ready to contribute my small quota to serve and develop the community.

You were present at the Avhianwu Summits, what have you to say about it?

The summit was very timely. I highly commend the organizing committee and also the initiators – that

were very good and lectures delivered were very good and quite revealing. We need good governance and private enterprises to take our community to greater height.

Many challenges about our culture were deliberated upon. Culture is dynamic. I suppose we need a commission and not a committee to go in – depth and bring our culture to date to meet present realities. For instance, between 1970 and 1972, bride price skyrocketed and it was reduced to N60 by the elders.

Look at the area of hereditary. A woman cannot inherit her parent’s property except it is a male child. This should be reviewed. The proper

• Engr. Eddy Akhigbe

do. I promise to continue where he stopped and create other opportunities.

Despite his achievements, there is room for further development. Afemai and Fugar need to sustain and take some of the things to higher height and there is so much to be done. The things that nourish the society are countless. The society has no water, industries, higher

“On the area of age group, we should emulate the Uzairue people. The age group is actually children born within three years, but not age difference of six to ten years. Most of these issues need to be viewed holistically if need be.”

writing of “Wills” should over ride that of the culture.

In a situation where a woman helped her husband to build a house and the husband died without a male child, what happens to the woman? She is simply asked by the man’s family to move out of the house she laboured to help the man build. Where will she now move to? Who will come to her rescue?

Who will hear her own side of the story?

On the area of age group, we should emulate the Uzairue people. The age group is actually children born within three years, but not age difference of six to ten years. Most of these issues need to be viewed holistically if need be.

There is need for us to have these documents which could guide and regulate our society orderly development.

What did you offer to do for the church?

My contribution is to be published in the media; I don’t want to make it open because I don’t want to glorify myself but God. So what ever assistance I will give to the church is left to me and God. What is your message to the people?

I want us to imbibe the quality of Christ message that we should love our neighbour as ourselves. We should love God and serve him above everything on earth. Jesus died for us and teaches us to scarify for others well being. Let us empower the community and emulates the examples of Jesus Christ. Let’s involve in human capital development and make our community a better place to live. Reduce acrimony and let us not force ourselves on the people as leaders. Let us adopt the lessons of Christ which are humility, love, peace, joy, development and the progress of the well being of all.

Juventus To Offload Liorente

Fernando Llorente

JUVENTUS and Liverpool reportedly asked AS Monaco for Radamel Falcao on loan, as Valencia want Fernando Llorente.

The Colombian international hitman only left Atletico Madrid for £50m last summer, but is widely believed to be unhappy at Monaco.

His first choice would be moving to Real Madrid, but they cannot make a bid this year due to Financial Fair Play rules, having already spent £90m for the likes of James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Monaco would be prepared to loan Falcao out for one season so that he can find

his fitness after a lengthy injury lay-off.

That way he’d be able to bide his time and wait one year for Real Madrid to take him on, or agree a buy-out clause with this new club.

Juventus have approached Monaco to ask for his signature, but face competition from Liverpool, who are still seeking a replacement for Barcelonabound Luis Suarez.

The Mail on Sunday claims Monaco are demanding a £12m loan fee, though it could well be negotiated down.

The Bianconeri would pay for this move – and his huge £10m per season wages – by accepting Valencia’s bid for Fernando Llorente.

Juan Cuadrado

Real Madrid Ravages For Barcelona Hint At Cuadrado Bid Super Cup Clash With Atletico

EUROPEAN champions Real Madrid could be without the world’s most expensive player Welshman Gareth Bale and Portuguese defender Pepe when they meet city rivals and domestic champions Atletico Madrid in tomorrow’s first leg of the Spanish Super Cup. European champions are aiming Both players were unable to for a clean sweep of all six train on Friday when they trophies available to them nursed injuries ahead of Real’s including the Spanish Super final friendly fixture against Cup and their local rivals’ La Fiorentina in Warsaw on Liga crown.

“We are going to try to win all Saturday, a game they were the trophies,” he said. “It’s good treating as a key warm-up for to win this trophy (the European their reunion with Atletico.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti, Super Cup) to give confidence rotating his squad before to the team and let’s see next meeting Atletico again for the week against Atletico what we first time since they beat them are going to do.”

Boosted by the combined 4-1 in the all-Spanish €120 million arrival of three Champions League final in Lisbon in May, made nine World Cup stand-out players in changes to the team that started Rodriguez, from AS Monaco, Tuesday’s UEFA Super Cup Germany midfielder Toni Kroos final against Sevilla in Cardiff, from Bayern Munich and Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas which Madrid won 2-0.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo, who from Levante, they hope to scored both goals, and newly- retain the Copa del Rey and the arrived Colombia playmaker Champions League.

No club has successfully James Rodriguez were retained defended the European Cup in as Madrid, the King’s Cup winners, finalised their the Champions League era, nor preparations. Ronaldo scored an since 1990, when current Real early goal but Real lost 2-1 to Madrid coach Ancelotti was in midfield for Arrigo Sacchi’s Fiore.

Bale, whose solo winning goal masterful AC Milan team, in the King’s Cup final against European champions in 1989 Barcelona in April secured and 1990.

According to Ronaldo, they Real’s place in the Super Cup, hope also to win the Club World trained on his own while Pepe did only some light stretching. Cup, but acknowledge, before Both, however, were on the any of that, they will face determined, if much-changed, bench in Warsaw.

French defender Raphael opponents in Atletico tomorrow.

Since their disappointment in Varane is likely to replace Pepe while Spanish midfielder Isco is Lisbon on May 24, Atletico have tipped to step in for Bale, if he sold Spain striker Diego Costa is unfit for the clash at the and Brazilian left back Filipe Luis to Chelsea, who have also Santiago Bernabeu.

The return leg is at the Vicente recalled Belgium goalkeeper Calderon on Friday, three days Thibaut Courtois from his loan before the Spanish champions at the Calderon.

In a period of almoststart the defence of their La Liga customary upheaval, they have title at Rayo Vallecano. Real open their league campaign the also lost important squad same evening against Cordoba. players including former Spain Ronaldo issued a warning to striker David Villa as they Atletico and all their rivals after balanced the books.

In their place, Argentine coach Real’s win in Cardiff that the

Diego Simeone has spent about 95 million euros to sign highlyrated forwards Mexican Raul Jimenez and Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, from America and Real Sociedad respectively, and Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak from

Benfica to compete with Miguel Angel Moya from Getafe.

He also signed Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic from Bayern Munich, among others, as he rebuilt the team in the same durable image of last season’s successful side in which defensive strength and organisation was a priority.

BARCELONA coach Luis Enrique has openly suggested that the club will make a move for Fiorentina’s Juan Cuadrado.

The Blaugrana and Manchester United are reportedly in a bidding war over the €30m-rated Colombian.

“I won’t talk about Cuadrado

because he is not my player,” Luis Enrique told a reporter during a Press conference.

“Having said that, our market isn’t closed yet. At times it can happen that we like players, we negotiate for them and the other clubs aren’t always prepared to sell them.”

Fiorentina beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a friendly last night, but Cuadrado did not take part and Coach Vincenzo Montella explained why.

Victor Moses Joins Stoke City

Gareth Bale

AC Milan Are Chasing Grenier - Agent

OLYMPIQUE Lyonnais midfielder Clement Grenier is a transfer target for AC Milan, according to the player’s agent.

Grenier has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this year, with Arsenal credited with an interest before Newcastle United emerged as unlikely contenders for his signature.

The France international fuelled speculation that he wanted to quit Lyon when he missed a training session at the

start of August, although he later insisted that talk of a “controversy” was blown out of proportion.

His representative, Frederic Guerra, has since claimed that Milan and two unnamed clubs are still keen on signing the 23year-old, though he made it clear Grenier would not aim to force an exit from Stade Gerland.

“We will wait and see, as the transfer window is still open.

There are three interested clubs, including Milan,” he told Foot Mercato.

“I have been in contact with the Rossoneri, as he is a player who is of interest to them.

“In any case, Clement isn’t determined to leave Lyon at all costs.”

Grenier has a contract until June 2016 with Lyon.

NIGERIA international Victor Moseshas teamed up with English Premier League outfit Stoke City on a season-long loan from Chelsea football club.

Moses spent last season on loan at Liverpool but struggled for game time in Brendan Rodgers’ title-chasing side.

Jose Mourinho who featured him for in the Blues’ pre-season win over Ferencvaros admitted he was considering keeping hold of Moses earlier this week but the Nigeria is thought to want first team football, which he is unlikely to get at Stamford Bridge with competition from the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Andre Schurrle.

“We are delighted to have secured the services of such an exciting young talent in Victor,” Stoke’s chief executive Tony Scholes told the club’s official website.

“He will certainly add to our attacking options and from talking to him it’s obvious that he’s really excited about the prospect of making an impact in the Premier League with Stoke City.”

Moses will wear the NO. 13 jersey and could make his Potters debut against Hull next weekend alongside compatriot Osaze Odemwingie.

Why We Let Pulis Walk Away - Palace Chief

CRYSTAL PALACE Co-chairman Steve Parish does not feel let down by former boss Tony Pulis but expects to see him working again soon. transfer business in the summer.

But although Parish is sad to Pulis stunned Palace by asking to leave his role as see the Welshman move on, he manager just two days before is adamant he did the right thing the season started, with Parish by not stopping him from walking. agreeing to his request.

“I can’t explain it, I’d love to Former Stoke boss Pulis - who guided Palace to a miraculous be able to tell you everything escape last season - was that went wrong,” he told Match reportedly unhappy with the of the Day. “There was a good way the club had done their transfer budget agreed, there was a lack of targets that I think

the manager felt was good enough in the window and it came to a point where he felt he didn’t want to carry on.

“I can’t have people at the football club who aren’t 100 per cent committed to what we’re trying to do, so reluctantly I agreed to let him out of his contract.

“I can’t be let down for what

• Tony Pulis

he achieved for us. He doesn’t owe us but we don’t owe him.

He did a fantastic job for us but we are what we are. I got this club from administration to where we are now by taking decisions to create a positive environment.

“If people don’t feel they can work in that environment then it’s fine for them to move on.”

Parish also thinks that his old boss will be back working again soon.

“You’ll have to ask him but I think he intends to work. You have to assume that if he doesn’t want to be at this club there’s one that can give him the things that he wants and can make him happy.”

Meanwhile, Palace caretaker boss Keith Millen said he wanted the job on a full-time basis after his resilient team made Arsenal scrap all the way before snatching a 2-1 victory on Saturday.

“I’d like to continue, I enjoy being in charge,” Millen said after Palace narrowly lost their opening game of the season.

“Whether it’s the right time or not I’ll speak to the chairman tomorrow.

“If the chairman felt it was right for me then I would sit down and talk to him about it. I like working at this club.”

Millen also served as caretaker for a short spell last season following Ian Holloway’s

exit. He distanced himself from the full-time role on that occasion, citing inexperience.

“The circumstances of last year were that we had a really poor start, winning one in 10 games,” Millen explained.

“There was a lack of Premier League experience at the club.

At the time I felt someone like Tony could give us that. This group of players now have that experience.”

S/Korea Fails To Reach Deal With Van Marwijk

TALKS between the Korea Football Association and Bert van Marwijk over the national team coaching job have broken down and South Korea will now turn their attention to other candidates, the KFA said on Sunday.

The Dutchman had been the KFA’s top pick to fill the role left vacant by Hong Myung-bo, who resigned in July following

South Korea’s woeful World Cup campaign in Brazil.

Local media reported that tax issues had been a major factor in the breakdown of the contract talks, while the 62-year-old had also said he wanted to spend more time back home in Europe than in South Korea if he took

Suarez Will Play Today

BARCELONA head coach Luis Enrique has confirmed Luis Suarez will play in the club’s pre-season clash with Club Leon on Monday.

The Uruguayan returned to training this weekend after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his ban from ‘all football-related activity’ that allows him to take part in training and club friendly matches.

And Luis Enrique has been sufficiently impressed by Suarez to allow him some playing time in Monday’s Gamper Trophy encounter.

“Luis Suarez will play some minutes in the Gamper tomorrow,” the Barca boss told reporters on Sunday.

“During two training sessions he’s already shown he is really talented. He looks like the player we were looking for.”

Full-back Dani Alves has been linked with a move away from Barca this summer, with Sao Paulo claiming they would sell the Brazilian and sign Douglas as a direct replacement.

Luis Enrique, however, insists

- Enrique

he does not wish to let Dani Alves leave in the immediate future and refused to comment on Douglas.

“I’ve said this several times.

He arrived late to the squad [after the World Cup] but he has an [great] level of fitness. Alves is at Barca, he is in the squad and there he will remain. In the future, we’ll see. I will have opportunities to meet with anyone,” he said.

“I don’t comment on players who are not here.”

The former midfielder also explained that he allowed Gerard Deulofeu to join Sevilla on loan to continue his development and has challenged him to prove his deserves a place at Camp Nou in future.

“The club must always look to get stronger. Deulofeu was my decision: I don’t believe he would have got enough minutes to continue his development.

It’s a coach’s decision.

“He needs to improve a few things and show he can be at a club like Barca.”

the job.

“Contract negotiations with Van Marwijk have broken down,” the KFA said in a statement. “Lee Yong-soo, head of the KFA’s technical committee, will hold a media briefing at 10 a.m. on Monday.”

Lee had flown to the Netherlands on Aug. 5 to meet with Van Marwijk, who led the Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup but has been out of work since being fired by German side Hamburg SV in February.

Following Hong’s departure in July, the KFA committee narrowed their search for a successor to three foreign

• Luis Suarez

coaches, with Van Marwijk their number one choice.

The Koreans are now likely to have an interim manager in charge for friendlies against Venezuela and Uruguay in September.

They also travel to Tehran to play Iran in November as part of their buildup to the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia in January, and are looking to arrange two friendlies in October.

Neymar

Neymar Has To Win World Cup - Dunga

NEW Brazil boss Dunga

Barca Makes Bid For Brazilian Defender

BARCELONA have made a firm and final offer to Sao Paulo for defender Douglas, thought to be in the region of €6m.

Catalan daily Sport believes that the Blaugrana tabled the offer on Friday evening, telling the Brazilian side that they will not be upping the bid.

The Camp Nou outfit want an answer from President Carlos Miguel Aidar sooner rather than later, and are hoping they can tie up a deal before the end of next week.

Sao Paulo are thought to be desperate for cash, and are likely to accept the deal.

The move could mean the end of Barca’s interest in Fiorentina wide man Juan Cuadrado.

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has warned Neymar that to be at the top of the game, he has to win the World Cup. The Barcelona youngster was seen as the face of the tournament this summer, with the competition being played in his home country.

However, following an injury against Colombia, he watched as the Selecao were thrashed 7-1 to Germany in the semi-final.

But the new man in charge has insisted that the superstar has to forget that and lift the trophy to be seen as one of the game’s greats.

“To have star status, you have to have world champion credentials on your back,” Dunga told Epoca Magazine.

“But we are going to work to make sure that when he’s with the Seleçao, Neymar performs above the level that defines a star.”

Ivanovic Beats Sharapova To Reach serve only once and recorded Finals

SERENA Williams rallied past Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki to reach the Western and Southern Open final in Cincinnati where she will face Ana Ivanovic, an upset winner over French Open champion Maria Sharapova.

Top-seeded Williams had to overcome a sluggish start to beat Wozniacki 2-6 6-2 6-4 while Serbian ninth seed Ivanovic eventually prevailed in a rollercoaster 6-2 5-7 7-5 win over the Russian fifth seed that lasted nearly three hours.

The Cincinnati tournament is the last of the key tune-ups ahead of the Aug. 25-Sept. 8 U.S. Open, the year ’s final grand slam, where Williams will defend her crown.

The day’s first semi-final was a rematch of the thrilling quarter-final in Montreal earlier this month between Williams and Wozniacki that the American won in three sets.

Williams looked a pale shadow of herself in the 29minute first set as she held her

twice as many unforced errors as winners.

“I got off to a little bit of a slow start, but I was definitely in it,” said Williams, who lost the 2013 Cincinnati title in a third set tie-break to Victoria Azarenka.

“I was just physically grinding and trying to get in there and really just trying to grind out everything.”

Williams came out firing on all cylinders in the next set as she opened with a break, the first of three that set, before serving out the set at love.

The third set was a sloppy serving affair as Williams and Wozniacki exchanged seven breaks. But Williams’s two holds of serve proved enough to get her into the final of a tournament she has never won in five previous appearances.

“I just didn’t serve well myself today. I didn’t get many first serves in. When I did, they weren’t placed very well,” said

Barkley Could Be Out For Months

EVERTON boss Roberto Martinez has said he fears England midfielder Ross Barkley could be ruled out for months.

Barkley, 20, damaged the medial ligament in his right knee in training the day before their opening Premier League match at Leicester, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Everton will have to wait to find out the scale of the damage, but Martinez said: “He had a scan but it was a bit difficult to determine the extent. With the swelling, we don’t really know how bad the injury is.

“We know it’s a partial tear, but that could be seven weeks... and I’ve seen injuries like that take four or five months.

“Ross Barkley is a phenomenal footballer and we’re going to miss him, there’s no doubt about it. He was so sharp in pre-season — I thought he came back with a different approach.

“He was very unfortunate, and now he’s going to be out for a long time.

“The squad should be big enough to be able to cope with

Ross Barkley

- Martinez

losing a player and be able to perform well, but it’s a disappointing moment when Ross Barkley was going to have a really big start to the season.”

The injury means Barkley looks certain to miss the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Switzerland, San Marino and Estonia.

Wozniacki.

“It’s frustrating, because you lose a match 6-4 in the third and you only hold serve once in the third set. I actually broke Serena three times in the set, too - I don’t think that really happens very often to her, either.”

Next up for Williams is an opponent she has dominated her entire career having taken six of seven matches versus Ivanovic, including a quarterfinal win in Stanford earlier this year.

But Ivanovic, who beat Williams in the round of 16 at this year’s Australian Open, will take plenty of confidence into the match having held her nerve against a determined Sharapova.

Ana Ivanovic

Szczesny To Cut Out Errors

GOALKEEPER Wojciech Szczesny is happy for Arsenal to win ugly, but knows they cannot afford too many costly defensive relapses if they are to challenge for the Barclays Premier League title. by some all-too-familiar slack The Gunners came from behind defending as Brede Hangeland to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at the guided a near-post corner into Emirates Stadium on Saturday the opposite corner, where there through a dramatic stoppage-time was no player on the line.

Arsene Wenger ’s side winner from Aaron Ramsey, which denied the managerless managed to level before halfEagles what would have been a time when Laurent Koscielny well-deserved share of the points flicked home a deep free-kick on the opening day of the new from Sanchez, but then struggled to break down a campaign.

Despite all of their attacking determined Palace side.

Finally, though, Arsenal were potential, with B£30million summer signing Alexis Sanchez able to open up the visitors, who making his Premier League were reduced to 10 men after a debut, Arsenal were again undone second caution for winger Jason

Luiz Hits Out At Brandao PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN Head-Butt hopeful the Swede is not defender David Luiz has sidelined long-term. criticised Brandao after the Bastia striker head-butted Thiago Motta on Saturday.

After Bastia’s 2-0 loss to PSG, Brandao waited for Motta in the tunnel and clashed with the midfielder, leaving him with blood running down from his nose.

Luiz was disappointed by the behaviour while PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi wants Brandao to be banned for life.

Brazil international Luiz said: “As footballers, we have the best job in the world. However, part of that job is to set a good example and especially to the

children watching.

“What happened after the game [Brandao head-butting Motta] does not set a good example and that sort of attitude is something that you don’t want young children to see.

“It is not part of football. It is something that should not be allowed to happen, not only in football but also in life.

“We need to respect each other and touch the hearts of the people that watch us in a good way, but not in a bad way like this. Our job is so important in terms of setting an example.

“He [Brandao] is not a young guy, he has played for a number of teams in France. He needs to have a bit more respect and also to remember that he is setting an example with his behaviour.

“I don’t think that this is the first time that he has tried to fight with someone. It is up to the league to now decide how to punish him. He needs to just concentrate on playing football because he can be a good player.”

In the first half of the victory key striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was substituted after suffering a back injury — and Luiz is

He added: “Right now, we do not know much about the injury.

I hope that he will be able to play in the next game though, because he is obviously a very important player.

“He is a fantastic player and provides a lot, so let’s pray [that he recovers].

“Zlatan was one of the players who clearly explained PSG’s plans for the future to me and he helped to convince me to come here.

Puncheon, when Mathieu Debuchy’s shot from a knockdown by substitute Olivier Giroud was saved by Julian Speroni, only for Ramsey to lash the loose ball in from close range.

“Maybe it was not the most beautiful of games, going 1-0 down we had to respond, but we will take the three points,” Szczesny said.

“We conceded to another piece which was not very good, although it was a good delivery and a great header, so that is something we can hopefully improve on.”

Sanchez showed some positive touches, albeit without setting the match alight.

Wenger is confident the Chile forward will soon grow into his new surroundings.

“I am very happy with his attitude because he kept on fighting for 90 minutes, even if he is not completely ready physically,” said the Arsenal manager.

“Tactically he needs to improve his understanding with his partners but he looked lively

and dangerous until the end.

“I am happy with his overall attitude and performance.”

Arsenal, who are said to be closing in on Olympiacos centreback Kostas Manolas, head to Istanbul on Monday ahead of their Champions League playoff first leg against Besiktas.

Full-back Kieran Gibbs will be assessed after limping off early in the second half with what looked like a hamstring problem. Midfielder Mathieu Flamini missed the Palace match through illness but could yet be well enough to travel.

Szczesny is confident Arsenal can get a positive result at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, having beaten Fenerbahce 3-0 in Istanbul at the same stage of the competition last season.

“We love important games, so we can’t wait to go to Turkey. It will be a good atmosphere,” the Poland goalkeeper said.

“We did really well in Istanbul last season, so will be out to do the same thing over again.

“The crowd is fantastic for the home team but they were out there last year too, so hopefully we can do it again.”

The past year has been a nightmare, according to the Germany international, who said he regularly just locked himself in his home without wanting to see or hear from anybody.

“I just didn’t want to go out of the house,’’ he said. “My thoughts revolved around when I would be able to be fit again. I couldn’t enjoy anything else in life.’’

Even watching the World Cup this summer was the source of little satisfaction.

“Because I would have been there and now I would have been world champion,’’ he explained. “I missed this great

tournament and that’s not a nice feeling. I’ve lost a whole year.’’

Gundogan has picked up light training and could be back in action within a month, although given the number of setbacks he has already had to stomach, he is not setting an actual target for a return.

On Saturday, teammate Marco Reus made an unexpected return to action as Dortmund’s captain in their DFB-Pokal win at Stuttgarter Kickers, without having planned to return before September.

Ilkay Gundogan On Comeback Trail

BORUSSIA Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says he is happier than he has been in a long time as he closes in on a return to action.

The 23-year-old missed almost the whole of last season due to a troublesome back injury.

He has had to put his return delayed several times, but now he can see the end of his injury agony on the horizon.

“I’ve not been as happy as I am now in a long time,’’ he told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. “It’s fantastic to be able to train with the team again, even if I’m only restricted to running exercises.’’

United Confidence Smashed - Van Gaal LOUIS van Gaal has told the BBC that Manchester United’s confidence has been “smashed” after their 2-1 loss to Swansea City.

Van Gaal’s first Premier League match in charge of United ended in defeat as Ki Sung-Yeung and Gylfi Sigurdsson scored at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney equalised early in the second half to seemingly give the home side the momentum but Sigurdsson netted the winner with 18 minutes remaining.

Pirlo Backtracks On Intl Retirement ANDREA Pirlo “will gladly accept” an Italy call-up from new Coach Antonio Conte, postponing his retirement.

The Juventus midfielder had written in his autobiography that he’d hang up his Azzurri boots after the 2014 World Cup. However, the arrival of exBianconeri tactician Conte on the bench could well change his mind.

“The Nazionale? I am available,” Pirlo told Tuttosport after bagging a brace in a 5-0 friendly win over Singapore.

“If Conte calls me, then I will gladly accept, as always. If he decides not to call me up, then that will be fine too and it’ll mean my story with the Azzurri jersey has concluded.

“He will make the decision and I will adapt to it.”

Van Gaal said: “When you have preparation, win everything, then lose your first match, it cannot be worse.

“We have built up a lot of confidence. It will be smashed because of this.”

He added: “I have said before that I know how big a job I face here. Our wins in the United States and against Valencia meant that the expectation was so high.

“In the first half I saw a lot of my players looking very nervous and making the wrong choices.

The players have to get used to that expectation because this is Manchester United and they have to cope with that pressure.

“Of course I am very disappointed to lose - for the players and fans and for myself and my staff.

“But we have to remember this is only one of many games and nobody is champions now.

You are the champions in May.”

• Kell Brook

Boxing: Brook Claims Welter Weight

BRITAIN’S Kell Brook claimed the IBF welterweight boxing title after a over Shawn Porter in Carson, California.

The Sheffield-based fighter claimed the bout on a majority verdict, winning 117-111, 116112 and 114-114.

Brook started off on the back foot and sustained a cut over his left eye early on, but grew in confidence as the fight progressed and eventually came away a comfortable winner, stunning Porter in front of his home crowd.

“You can tell how much this means to me. From a nine-yearold I’ve dreamed of being a world champion,” said Brook, whose record improves to 33-0.

“I was born to do this. I always find a way - I always deliver.

“I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was nineyears old. It’s unbelievable.

“I was scrappy tonight, and not as slick as I wanted to be. But I’m the world champion now, baby. I was born to do this.

“I’m ready for a mega, mega fight next. I’ll take on Keith Thurman or Floyd Mayweather.

Amir Khan should get in queue now. I’m the world champion now so they’re all going to want to fight me.”

The result was a major shock for the world of boxing as Porter - who beat Devon Alexander and Paulie Malignaggi in his previous two fights - lost his crown, and Porter immediately asked for a re-match.

“I think I’m still the champion,’’ he said. “I’m 24-1 and Team Porter will be back to the drawing board. There are no excuses. I do want the rematch.”

World Crown

How the fight progressed The Stub Hub Centre was a subdued host to approximately 3,000 fight fans. Jimmy Lennon Jnr must have thought he was in the wrong place for a card which had three world titles on the line, and the main event was a fairly untidy affair from round one.

Making the second defence of his IBF title, Porter, 26, was keen to impose himself on the inside and score with body shots. Brook found his jab tricky to land due to good head movement from the American, who launched powerful hookladen flurries. Brook landed with a right hand before the bell to gain his attention.

Brook started the second with a better jab, but was prone to hold on quickly when Porter was in close and couldn’t get any rhythm together. A large cut

opened up above his left eye, caused from a clash of heads as Porter came in low.

At points during the early rounds, it looked like the physical strength of Porter coming forwards and his industry on the inside would prove to be too problematic for Brook, who couldn’t land cleanly with his lead punches.

Single shots were not enough to keep the ‘Duracell Bunny’ away, but as the fight progressed, Porter ’s attacks became ungainly and Brook started adapt and cope.

As the sixth got underway, Brook stood his ground, and while Porter answered back in kind, the cleaner work came from the challenger. Porter was now cut above the left eye from a head clash.

Brook’s progress was halted temporarily by a left hook halfway through the seventh,

Federer Faces Ferrer In Cincinnati FIVE-TIMES champion Final hard courts and keep on playing

• Roger Federer

Roger Federer tamed bigserving Canadian Milos Raonic with a comfortable 6-2 6-3 win to join Spain’s David Ferrer in the Cincinnati Masters final.

Federer won all 16 of his service points in the first set and closed out the match in 68 minutes, sending a clear message to his rivals that he is in top shape heading into the year’s final grand slam at the August 25-September 8 U.S. Open.

The 33-year-old Swiss, in a rematch of the Wimbledon semifinal that he won in three sets, improved to 6-0 against the Canadian fifth seed and will be playing in his second final in seven days after he lost to JoWilfried Tsonga at last week’s Rogers Cup in Toronto.

For Raonic, 23, his usual booming serve produced six aces to Federer’s two, but he also had three double faults compared to none by his opponent.

He put a bit of a dent in Federer’s serve in the second set but the Swiss managed to break serve for a third time in the eighth game of the second set, clawing back from a 0-40 hole, to record the straight sets victory.

“I’m playing much better (than last year). I can move freely again,” Federer told ESPN after the match.

“I’m happy the results show.

It’s more fun playing this way.

Now I am playing the right way.

“It’s great for the confidence to switch from clay to grass and

well. I’ve had a very complete season so far.

“This is my eighth final of the season. I hope I can win another final here.”

Sixth seed Ferrer, playing his first semi-final in 11 trips to Cincinnati, breezed past Frenchman Julien Benneteau 63 6-2 to move one win away from his 22nd title and second of the year.

Ferrer, who has reached at least the quarter-finals of all four tournaments he has played since crashing out of Wimbledon in the second round, needed just 71 minutes to earn his sixth victory in 10 meetings with Benneteau.

The 32-year-old Spaniard saved the one break point he faced and did not double fault all match long against Benneteau who was coming off a surprise win over third seed Stanislas Wawrinka.

and he was forced to absorb a spirited but ugly attack from the American until he buzzed him with a right hand and followed up with eye catching shots to end the round.

Porter tried to steamroller in at the start of the eighth, while Brook continued with the front foot plan. His jabs provoked more aggressive flurries, which were crude and not scoring Porter enough clean hits to guarantee many of the later rounds.

As Brook’s confidence grew, he began to make Porter look one dimensional. When he returned to his corner at the close of the tenth, he was was in the driving seat and remained so in the eleventh and a scrappy closing round which was difficult to score for either.

Reds Complete Alberto MorenoDeal

LIVERPOOL have completed the signing of Sevilla defender Alberto Moreno.

The 22-year-old left-back becomes Brendan Rodgers’ eighth summer signing after a medical at the club’s Melwood training ground.

However, Moreno — who will cost the Merseysiders around 12 million pounds — was not registered in time to play in Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Southampton at Anfield yesterday.

He told Liverpool’s official website: “In my view, Liverpool are the best club in England, and I couldn’t waste an opportunity to come and play for them.

“I spoke with Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa, and they told me this is a spectacular club whose fans follow it in a very special way.

“They all told me I can grow a lot here as a footballer as this is a massive club. I’m very happy to be joining a club as big as Liverpool. I hope to give my best and do all I can to help.”

CMYK

Gold Must Not Rust At Reps Committee On Public Petitions THE Federal House of Representatives Special Committee on Public Petitions is seen by many Nigerians as the ‘last hope or bus stop’ for obtaining justice in a Federal Republic of Nigeria where corruption has been institutionalized as norms.

The ‘last bus stop’ so to say in a society where people do all sorts of terrible things and get away with it, in a country where rules and regulations are bent without qualms; where black markets judgments by some corrupt judges are handed down to innocent law abiding citizens because they are poor.

The Reps Committee on Public Petitions is indeed viewed by many citizens whose rights, privileges, entitlements have been brazenly and maliciously trampled upon, as the ‘last bus stop’. Yes! The Reps Special Committee on Public Petitions is regarded as the ‘last bus stop’ for people who had gone to the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), obtained positive results there, but could not be compensated because some Chief Executive Officers (CEO), Executive Directors (ED) or ViceChancellors have decided to play God by refusing to implement the verdict of the body statutory set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

One can go on several situations on instances where citizens of the Federal Republic are being cruelly undermined and dealt with by fellow Nigerians. As a Conflict Resolution Consultant and a Veteran Human

Rights activist, I am privileged to narrate a particular heart wrenching case which I witnessed during one of the proceedings of the House of Representatives Special Committee on Public Petitions in

force officer (name withheld) graciously allowed the said officer access to the key to the Signal Room.

That singular innocent action by the said Airforce officer was to cost him not only his job but

his last bus stop for justice. My heart sank as I watched and listened to the testimony of a man whose brilliant career was cut off without any error on his part just because he assisted a junior officer to download some

Petitions can hurriedly put smiles on his sunken face.

There are thousands of citizens like the above mentioned Air-force

Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives November 2013 in its committee sitting room in Abuja.

This is the pathetic case: an Air-force officer who had put in several meritorious years in the service of his father land was viciously maltreated by his superiors, with just few years to retirement.

What was his perceived offence? A junior officer pleaded to use the signal room, which he was incharge of in Dodan Barrack (the nation’s former seat of Government), the Air-

eventual dismissal from the service of the Nigerian Air-force, along with the junior officer he assisted. One thing led to the other according to the testimony of the said dismissed Air-force Officer, he was bundled out mercilessly and thrown out of service just like that, even after he had exhausted all avenues within the Nigerian Air-force to seek justice to no avail.

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions happened to be

information pertaining to his career advancement.

I wept within my soul as I looked at the man (dismissed Air-force officer) narrating his ordeal in the hands of people who were supposed to be his friends and colleagues.

Looking at the man, the last twenty years of his sudden disengagement had really messed him up physically and emotionally. For me he was a finished man. Only if the House of Representatives Special Committee on Public

officer who are going through harrowing and humiliating situation today and whose petitions are presently with the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions.

Giving my privileged position of assisting a petitioner to the committee for most of the last quarter of 2013, I know absolutely that there are many cases (including the one I assisted to the place) that have been thoroughly investigated and waiting to be taking to the floor of the

“I know the Chairman of the Committee on Public Petitions is a practical, sensitive, thorough and progressive personality who will never trade his reputation and integrity for a pot of porridge.”

Federal House of Representatives for urgent consideration and adoption.

I know the Chairman of the Committee on Public Petitions is a practical, sensitive, thorough and progressive personality who will never trade his reputation and integrity for a pot of porridge. I have seen him in action; I am confident he will expedite action on those cases that have been investigated by bringing the reports to the floor of the Green Chamber without delay.

In doing so, those whose rights have been vandalized and brutalized will have the immense benefit of getting justice and respite before the present House of Representatives winds up its last session of the year 2014.

I am hopeful that the expectations of those who have taken their petitions to the body will never be caught short.

I know that the gold which the Committee on Public Petitions represents today in our democracy will never be allowed to rust. Those who have been alleged in certain quarters to have collected financial inducement because they are working with the committee (so that the committee report will favour a particular party) to subvert justice and bastardise the sanctity of the committee should not be allowed to have their way. Nigerians are waiting and watching impatiently. Gold must not rust in that committee!

Nowinta is an author and a conflict resolution practitioner based in Benin City

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