Nigerian observer 21 02 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 ART ALIVE

cmyk

Page 18 Benin plan of action

Will it deliver?

• Vol. 38 NO. 425• FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2 014 • N100.00

Senate investigates illegal kerosene

By JOSES SEDE appropriation on the million on Kerosine subsidy legislature had been ABUJA - Senate of the subsidy.

Federal Republic yesterday, mandated its committee on Finance to investigate alleged daily expenditure of N700

Adopting a motion sponsored by Senator Babajide Omoworare (Osun East), the Senate also asked the

committee to ascertain the extent to which section 80(2) and (3) of the constitution which conferred the power of

allegedly abused.

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who Continues on page 2

Jonathan suspends Sanusi

By JOSES SEDE/ EDITH IMOISILI

REFLECTION

Page 23 The essence of religion

ABUJA – President Goodluck Jonathan in the wee hours of yesterday, suspended Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from office as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, for fraud and financial rascality. Even as the House of Reps kicked against his removal. will serve as Acting The president has also Governor until the directed Sanusi to hand conclusion of on-going over to the most senior investigations into Deputy Governor of the breaches of enabling CBN, Dr Sarah Alade who

. Appoints Emefiele as successor management, prudence, transparency and . Reps oppose removal financial discipline.

laws, due process and mandate of the CBN. In a statement issued

by Dr Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President (Media &

Publicity), Mallam Sanusi was suspended because his tenure has been characterized by various acts of financial recklessness and

misconduct which are inconsistent with the administration’s vision of a Central Bank propelled by the core values of focused economic

The statement further expects the acting Governor to focus on the core mandate of the CBN and conduct its Continues on page 2

Oyerinde

Ugolor lauds Reps

BENIN CITY - The Executive Director, African Network for Environment and Economic Justice

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT As part of efforts by the Edo State Government to reposition the educational sector in the state, the State Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has invited the executives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Parents, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, (ASUSS), Benin Forum, Afenmai Forum, Esan Forum, Civil Society Groups, Non-Governmental Organisations, Market Women Association, Student Groups, Women Associations, Media Practitioners, Teachers, Parents Teachers Associations, Community leaders and indeed other stakeholders in the education sector to a one-day Town Hall Meeting on Education scheduled as follolws: Date: Tuesday February 25, 2014 Venue: Imaguero College Hall, Sapele Road, Benin City.

Time: 10.00am prompt Invited guests and stakeholders are to be seated by 9.30a.m, please.

SIGNED: PETER OKHIRIA, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Announcer

(ANEEJ), Rev David Ugolor yesterday lauded the leadership of the House of Representatives on its recommendation that the Edo State Attorney General should “take over, speed up Oyerinde’s murder case” It would be recalled that the House of Representatives, March last year, held a public hearing on the controversial killing of the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Continues on page 2

BOOK LAUNCH: L-R: Former Governor of Niger, Mr. Abdulkadir Kure, who represented Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; Mr. Chiakor Alfred, who represented Chief Arthur Eze as Chief Launcher; Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Deputy Governor of Niger, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto and Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at the launch of a Book on ETSU Nupe in Abuja yesterday.

2015: Guild of Editors

urges INEC to be impartial

LAGOS The President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adeshina, yesterday called on INEC to be impartial in

disseminating information to the media to ensure credible elections in 2015.

Adeshina made the call at the Strategy

Fadama III:

By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI

BENIN CITY – The Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul

Meeting on Media and the 2015 Elections Agenda organised by Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) in Lagos.

“INEC must be seen to be truly independent and impartial in all ramifications to ensure that come 2015, we have a peaceful and

The strike was allegedly spearheaded by one Aminu Yakubu.

Commissioner Oroh who spoke with newsmen in Benin City said Fadama III is an

intervention programme geared towards poverty alleviation and raising the standard of living of the rural dwellers.

According to him, the Continues on page 2

Oroh flays protest

Oroh has decried the recent protest for the demand for counterpart fund payment of RUFIN and FADAMA III, saying it was mischievous and misguided.

transparent elections in Nigeria,” Adeshina said.

He stressed the need for INEC to enforce the provisions of the Electoral Act in an impartial way to enhance transparency in the conduct of political parties in the country.

“It is very important that the provisions of the Electoral Act are impartially enforced by INEC.” Continues on page 2

News

Senate investigates illegal kerosene Continued from page 1 subsidy p resided over yesterday

session, said that it was clear that no fund could be spent from the Consolidated Revenue Fund unless as appropriated by the National Assembly.

Canvassing urgent stoppage of N700 million per day Kerosene Subsidy.

Sen. Omowarare submitted that the trio of admissions by the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Ministry of Finance before Sen. Ahmed Makarfi led investigation panel has shown clearly that NNPC was short changing the country by paying Kerosene subsidy.

“The current Kerosene Subsidy scheme is manifestly illegal, unconstitutional and a brazen breach of the Appropriation Acts passed by the National Assembly as they have been expenditure of public funds in contravention of sections 80 and 162(1) of the 1999 constitution and attendant Appropriation Acts.

Less than 10% of petroleum products outlets across the country sell Kerosene at the alleged subsidised rate of N50 per litre while the general price is not less than N150 per litre, “he continued.

The Osun Senator also explained that rather than reduce the suffering of poor and helpless Nigerians, the Kerosene subsidy had become a conduit pipe for draining the country’s resources.

“Since it has been incontrovertibly established that the Kerosene Subsidy scheme runs outside the national budget, it thereby impacts dangerously on the Fiscal stability of our collective

economic well-being and our future as a sovereign constitutional democratic entity”, Sen. Omowurare added.

Also noting that the matter is not about any political party, Deputy Senate Leader Abdul Ningi argued that the kerosene subsidy is illegal as there is no appropriation for it by the National Assembly.

“NNPC spends money without appropriation, that’s the crux of the matter; it is the illegality being carried out by the NNPC that we are talking about here.”

Adding his voice to the debate, Senator George Akume urged that NNPC should be compelled to stop the payments of Kerosene subsidy pending outcome of on-going investigation by the Senate Committee on Finance.

“To spend money without appropriation is a clear indication that the executive is

gradually taking over the responsibility of the national assembly. The house must compel the NNPC to stop further payment of kerosene subsidy and encourage the committee on finance to speed up its investigation”, he stressed.

On his part, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi stated that even though the kerosene subsidy was intended to benefit Nigerians, it was not reaching them.

Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba in his contribution asserted that democracy is not complete without the rule of law and indicted the National Assembly in failing in their powers of oversight functions.

He urged the Senate to leave the matter to its Committee on Finance which is already

Adams Oshiomhole, Olaitan Oyerinde where the police and the Department of State Security (DSS) presented conflicting reports on the suspected killers and motive behind the killing.

While the police indicted Ugolor, a close friend of Oyerinde as the mastermind of the killing, DSS reported a case of armed robbery.

Ugolor, a leading activist was remanded in police prison custody for several months before he was granted bail by the court. The development led to civil society organisations in the state petitioning the House of Representatives to conduct a public hearing into the controversies.

The statement from Ugolor said; “I must thank the leadership of the House of Representatives that finally after ten months, laid the report of the public hearing to rest. I must thank the leadership of the house under Honourable Aminu Tambuwal and also thank the civil society organisations who took the steps by petitioning the National Assembly demanding that the house should investigate the frameup and also look into the inconsistencies of the police investigation.

“Though I have not seen the full transcript of the report

suspension of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Some financial experts, who spoke with the newsmen in Lagos, said that the suspension was timely.

The president suspended the CBN Governor yesterday, February 20 and appointed CBN’s Deputy Director of Operations, Mrs. Sarah Alade as the acting Governor.

A former Director in CBN and an Economist, Mr. Titus Okunronmu said that Sanusi’s pronouncements of recent might have been responsible for his suspension.

Okunronmu said that Sanusi should have resigned a long time ago instead of denting his image by the

suspension.

He said that the next CBN governor should be a core professional with multidisciplinary experiences.

Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, General Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) said that Sanusi’s suspension was long over-due.

Adeleke said that Sanusi’s tenure as CBN governor should be investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

But Mr. Muda Yusuf, the Director-General of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) lauded the President’s decision to appoint Alade as the acting governor.

He said the appointment was rational because she was the most senior officer in the bank.

Jonathan suspends Sanusi

Continued from page 1

affairs with greater professionalism, prudence and propriety to restore domestic and international confidence in the country’s apex bank.

It said the government was “deeply” concerned about farreaching irregularities under his (Sanusi’s) watch which have distracted the apex bank away from the pursuit and achievement of its statutory mandate and core responsibilities.

Meanwhile, President Jonathan has forwarded to the Senate for confirmation, the name of Godwin Emefiele, the current Managing Director of Zenith Bank, as the substantive

Governor of the CBN. The president also nominated Adelabu Adebayo as the deputy governor of the bank. Mr. Adebayo is currently an executive director at First Bank.

He will succeed Tunde Lemo who retired as Deputy Governor of the regulatory bank in late 2013.

Emefiele has been the Group Managing Director of the Zenith Bank Plc, since August 2010.

Until then he was the Deputy Managing Director of the bank, having been appointed into that position in 2001.

He has been on the bank’s management team since inception and has held various management positions in the bank, including serving as the

Ugolor lauds Reps

Continued from page 1

looking into the matter.

Sen. Ndoma-Egba further urged the senate to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB and take a stand once and for all on all forms of subsidy, adding, “is time for this house to take a stand and defend the constitution. We must take a stand on subsidy once and for all because that will address the issue of Corruption once and for all too.”

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu who presided over the session said even though it has been agreed that NNPC spent illegally by paying kerosene subsidy, the finance committee must be allowed to conclude its investigations. He therefore called on the committee to expedite action.

The Senate has equally suspended plenary session till March, 2014 to allow its standing committees work on the N4.6 trillion 2014 budget proposal.

Mixed reactions trail Sanusi’s LAGOS - Mixed reactions suspension yesterday trailed the

but from the press reports, it is clear that the House of Representatives have chosen to be on the side of justice by not allowing themselves to be misled into taking decisions that would have brought opprobrium or shame to the House.

“The decision of the house to throw away the part of the recommendation of the committee calling for my rearrest and further investigation by the police demonstrates that light will

always triumph over evil and that no matter how the evil people plan, truth and justice will always prevail. I want to also use this opportunity to thank members of the National Assembly who stood for truth and ensured that the report was not confined to the dustbin. “We civil society will at this point work with Femi Falana (SAN) who represented us at the public hearing to study the details of the report and respond appropriately”.

Guild of Editors urges INEC to be impartial

Continued from page 1

According to him, as preparation towards 2015 elections gathers momentum, INEC must intensify effort to enhance public confidence in its ability to conduct credible elections.

Adeshina advised journalists to always ensure fair, accurate, objective and balance reportage to avoid misleading the public.

He noted that objective and balance reporting was very central to achieving peaceful atmosphere before, during and after elections.

He decried the use of religion and tribal sentiment by some politicians as a means of canvassing for support from the electorate.

“It is very unfortunate that some politicians are using

religion and tribalism as a political tool to canvass support from the electorate.”

Earlier, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu,restated the commission’s determination to give equal attention to all media establishment in the country.

Idowu said INEC would collaborate with all the media to ensure that Nigerians were kept abreast of the commission’s preparation for the 2015 general elections.

He said INEC would collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to train reporters on the basics of political process.

He said this would enable reporters to have better understanding of most issues in the electoral process.

Bank’s Executive Director in charge of Corporate Banking, Treasury, Financial Control and Strategic Planning.

Until he took over as Group Managing Director, Emefiele was directly responsible for all the Group’s local subsidiaries, Treasury and Correspondent Banking, and Multilateral, Conglomerates, & Private Banking.

He also had responsibilities for direct supervision of majority of the bank’s branches in Lagos and Northern Nigeria.

Also, the nominee has over twenty-six (26) years banking experience and holds a B.Sc and an MBA in Finance both from the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Before commencing his banking career, he lectured Finance, Bank Management, and Insurance at the University of Nigeria and University of Port Harcourt respectively.

He is an alumnus of Stanford University, Harvard and Wharton Graduate School of Business where he took courses in Negotiation, Service Excellence, Critical Thinking, Leading Change and Strategy.

Under Emefiele’s leadership, Zenith Bank has strengthened its position as a leading financial institution in Africa, winning recognition and getting endorsement at home and abroad for giant strides in key performance areas like corporate governance, service delivery and deployment of cutting-edge ICT as well as impact in the bank’s numerous spheres of operations.

In 2012, Emefiele’s visionary leadership saw Zenith Bank receiving acclaim from reputable institutions such as world finance, CFI and FTSE Global Markets that have named Zenith the Best in Corporate Governance, Best Commercial Bank in Africa, and Emerging Global Super brand respectively.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives was yesterday in a rowdy session as Hon Samson Osagie notified the house of CBN governor’s suspension which led to some members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, staged a walk out over the manner, the Central bank’s governor, Sanusi Lamido suspension by the presidency was handled on the floor of the House by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

Deputy Minority Whip Samson Osagie, APC, Edo

speaking on matter of national urgent importance noted that the suspension order placed on Sanusi was wrong and illegal since by the CBN ACT of 2007 as amended, there was no provision empowering the president or anybody to suspend the governor of the CBN. Hon Osagie Further sited section 2 (7) of the Act which gives the president powers to remove the CBN governor subject to approval of 2/3 majority of the senate.

This led to uproar in the lower chambers as the House got divided over party line with PDP members opposing Osagie’s motion.

Hon Raphael Igbokwe, PDP, Imo, then moved a motion on point of order by citing section 2 of the CBN Act sub section (2F) which empowers the president to remove the CBN governor.

He further admonished that since Sanusi was a public servant what applies to the employment and discipline of people in this category should apply to him The speaker calmed frayed nerves by reminding members that Osagie was only citing a motion and that when it was time for debate members were

free to express their reservations or otherwise.

Continuing, Osagie noted that the suspension of Sanusi was coming at a time when he was most needed to clarify on issues bothering on allegations of missing funds or unremitted funds into the federation account he has made against certain government officials.

He said he was further worried that allegation of recklessness by the financial reporting council upon which he was suspended did not indicate whether the CBN was given fair hearing in accordance with the constitution. He also maintained that the National Assembly had in the past made numerous resolutions bordering on corruption against certain public officials for which the presidency has refused to act.

He disclosed that uncertainty has already crept into the financial market by the suspension of Sanusi with the Dollar immediately appreciating against the Naira.

Osagie said he was disturbed that in a democracy, the rule of law and not the rule of man is the only condition that can guarantee freedom and perfect the rights of the citizen and remove impunity.

Oroh flays protest

Fadama III: Continued from page 1 FADAMA III project grant is not meant for only particular group to benefit.

Describing Fadama III as a non-charitable project, he said it has transited from grant giving to a loan giving organ.

Oroh noted that other programmes have been imbued into Fadame III, including the use of Microfinance agencies.

On his part, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Edo State chapter, Chief Emmanuel Odigie in a letter to the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole dissociated AFAN from the protest,

saying that Yakubu does not represent AFAN. Odigie noted that the protest was a deliberate attempt to smear the good relationship AFAN had established with the state government, adding that the protest was never an issue that featured in their meeting.

He however noted that the matter had been referred to the AFAN National Working Committee in Abuja for necessary action.

Odigie therefore advised members of the public against transacting business with Yakubu who is the Secretary to the state chapter of AFAN, pending the decision of the National Working Committee on the matter.

News

Edo Fire Service Saves N7.9bn Property In 2013 - Document

By MARTIN ERHARUYI/ FAITH ISIKHUEMEN

BENIN CITY – The Oredo Station of Edo State Fire Service said it saved property worth N7,854,796,200 in the III fire incidents that occurred in the state in 2013, outside the months of June and November.

A document made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in Benin City also indicated that property worth N1,091,151,200 were lost to fire during the period under review.

According to the document, the month of January recorded the highest number of fire

incidents with 22 occurrences while December with the least incidents recorded fire.

Also in January, four persons were rescued out of the 22 fire incidents while two lives were lost in one out of the nine fire incidents that occurred in the month of March.

The document also revealed that residential building recorded the highest number of fire incidents with 46 (41 percent) occurrences commercial premises 17 (15 percent) while automobile recorded 13 (12 percent) occurrences.

Others included, Hotel buildings, 2; palm plantations and drum of oil.

Oredo Local Government Area had the highest number of fire incidents with 36 (32 percent) occurrences; Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, 16 (14 percent) occurrences and Uhunmwode Local Government Area three (3 percent) Egor and Esan Central Local Government Area five (5 percent) and one (1 percent) occurrences respectively.

The document also, indicated that electrical faults were the major causes of fire incidence with 34 (31 percent) of the incidents.

UNIBEN SUG Expresses Support For Ovia North East Council Boss

By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE BENIN CITY – The University of Benin (UNIBEN) Student Union Government (SUG) has thrown its weight behind the chairman of Ovia North-East Local Government Council, Barr. Lucy Omagbon, pledging to support her quest to take the local council to an enviable height.

The students made the pledge through their president, Comrade Osasere Osifo when

they paid the council boss a courtesy visit in Benin City.

Comrade Osasere who described Hon. Omagbon as a visionary leader, said their visit was to express their appreciation to the council boss for giving them a sense of belonging with the establishment of Ovia North East Transport Line directly opposite the University Campus.

Comrade Osasere further stated that UNIBEN students are ready to patronise the transport line, disclosing the SUG’s decision to

make the Transport outfit their official transport line.

The students commended Hon. Omagbon’s foresight and investment drive which as evident in the establishment of the council’s transport line is aimed at improving the economic fortune of the council.

The council boss thanked the SUG officials for acknowledging her effort, saying that appreciation and commendations for her effort would spur her to do more for the people of the locality.

Twenty one (19 percent) of the fire incidents were suspected to have resulted from electrical faults while 18 (16 percent) were unknown.

Other incidents were attributed to human factors, such as bush

burning indiscriminate discarding of cigarettes, careless use of candles reckless driving and cooking stoves unattended to amongst others.

According to the document 55 (50 percent) of the fire incidents

ABUJA - The National

programme slated for the second quarter of 2014.

“We have set aside part of the funds needed for the proposed project.

“The balance is expected to come from the benefiting states and other stakeholders,” Thomas said.

He called for the deepening of the NHIS Millennium Development Goals Maternal and Child Health projects in states.

Thomas commended state governments for the release of their counterpart funds for the programme.

The executive secretary

occurred during the day while six (5 percent) occurred at night.

The time of occurrence of 50 (45) percent) of the incidents were however not stated in the document.

It was also contained in the document that the state fire service was alerted mainly through telephone calls from concerned citizens.

NHIS Needs N48bn To Enroll Pupils In Public Schools

Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) said it would need N48 billion to enroll pupils in public primary schools for health insurance scheme.

The NHIS Executive Secretary, Dr Femi Thomas, disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Ayo Osinlu, the Head, Media and Public Relations of NHIS in Abuja.

Thomas said that plans had reached an advanced stage to ensure that the over 24 million pupils nationwide receive effective healthcare.

He said that 40 per cent of the required fund had been set aside by NHIS for the

said that the scheme was deploying an android-driven platform and other information and communication technology equipment to fast track the registration processes for new enrollees.

“We have concluded arrangement to deploy gadgets similar to android phones to enable real time biometrics registration of enrollees.

“In this arrangement, we shall have a situation where data of enrollees are sent immediately to our head office as they are being captured,” Thomas said.

News Court Orders Ex-Lovers To Steer Clear M A R A R A B A Of Each Other Adaji said that Agbor and four others now at large trespassed (NASARAWA STATE) - A Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, has ordered former lovers Rhoda Ndukwe, 34, and Michael Agbor, 39, to steer clear of each other.

The presiding judge, Mr. Albert Maga, gave the order at the resumed hearing of the case when Ndukwe told the court that she had agreed to withdraw charges against her former fiancée.

The court was told that Ndukwe, 34, of Kabayi village and Agbor, 39, of same address in Abuja, lived together.

Ndukwe said she decided to withdraw the charges on the ground that the accused had agreed never to intimidate her again.

Maga also ordered the accused to write an undertaking never to intimidate Ndukwe

into Ndukwe’s compound and intimidated her, saying that they were going to deal with her.

“In March 2012, she entrusted N120,000 to the accused which he used to fix his car and refused to pay back” , he said.

The accused, a business man, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He said: “She is my lover, we have plans to get married soon, but all of a sudden, she started behaving funny.’’

NOA DG Urges Media To Be Responsible In mobilise the citizens to work.

Reportage

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development NIPRD headquarters, Abuja commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja yesterday.

ABUJA - Mr. Mike Omeri, the Director- General, National Orientation Agency, has called on the Nigerian media to be more responsible in its reportage.

Omeri said this during a courtesy visit to newsmen in Abuja.

He also called for the media’s support in the fight against insurgency in Nigeria.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on the Nigerian media, especially now that 2015 is approaching; that we need to be more responsible in the kind of reports that we publish.

“I think Nigerian newspapers should be more responsible and Nigerians should begin to reject newspapers that mislead them,’’ he said.

According to the DG, the media must discourage sensational reports as this can hinder the country from developing.

He stressed the need for positive reportage rather than hammering on negative aspect of a report.

“In Nigeria, there are very good people as much as there are few bad ones. So, let’s celebrate the good ones and let them dominate our reports.

“The media must be close to the people, they must be on the side of the people and must

“Looking at what is happening in some parts of the country, the media must not be negative about situations and the president who is making efforts to end the problem.

“Therefore, the media must play its role in working toward the best interest and development of the country,’’ he said.

He, however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the appointment of the new Managing Director of NAN, saying the appointment would take the agency to the next level.

Speaking, the Managing Director of NAN, Mr Ima Niboro, promised that the agency would do its best to uplift the country in its reportage.

He commended the effort of NOA in the task of portraying the country in good light to the rest of the world.

“The spirit behind NOA is to drive the idea home that Nigeria is not a bad country as seen by other countries of the world.

“NAN is a partner with NOA because we are also to take the Nigerian story to other countries,’’ he said.

Niboro, however, called on Nigerian journalists to leave politics for the politicians; as well as politicians to leave journalism for the journalists.

are also made from. But the difference is in their composition.

“Some of the composition may be toxic to the kidney. Even the orthodox medicine, which have been researched, have some side effects which can be harmful to the body,’’ the medical practitioner said.

Alayaki advised state and local governments to establish ministries and departments of herbal medicine to complement orthodox medicine.

He said they would also be able to carry out more researches and documentation on how to improve herbal medicine.

“Hopefully, when this is done, we may be able to make sense out of it, reduce the harmful effects and increase the beneficial effects of traditional herbs,” Alayaki said.

However, an Abeokuta-based herbalist, who simply gave her name as “Iya Eleye’’, told newsmen that herbs and roots were effective in treating major ailments such as cancer and fibroid.

The herbalist who said she had acquired over 30 years of experience in the trade, however,

advised those patronising herbalists to always follow their “prescription’’ when consuming the herbs.

Also, a carpenter, Mr. Jossy Adeola, who patronises the herbalist, said “it has worked wonders for me’’.

He said he had been using herbs since his childhood without any side effects on his health.

“I don’t see myself queuing up at the hospital to be given injections or that white chalk they call drugs,” Adeola said.

President Goodluck Jonathan (left), and the Chairman Governing Council, NIPRD, Dr. Stella Okoli presenting a plaque to the President after the commissioning of NIPRD Administrative and Laboratory at Idu Industrial Estate Abuja yesterday.

Don’t Be Lured By Easy Money, Judge Tells Convict

IKEJA - Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of an Ikeja High Court has warned a trader, Adebayo Okhio, “not to be lured by the urge to get easy money in future”.

Onigbanjo gave the warning after handing down a three-anda-half-year prison sentence to a 44-year-old convict, for conspiring with others to steal N48 million belonging to African Petroleum Ltd. Okhio opted to plead guilty to the 12-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and attempted stealing, preferred against him.

He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge on January 13, 2010 when he was arraigned alongside nine others for the offence.

However, the other nine defendants are yet to change their pleas and their trial will continue on April 8.

Addressing the convict, the judge noted that the court was being lenient on him because he was a first offender.

Onigbanjo said: “The sixth defendant, Okhio, has shown remorse for engaging in criminal activities.

“He admitted that he was paid N700, 000 for helping the syndicate to fraudulently withdraw the N48 million paid into his account through the stolen bank cheques.

“The car he bought with the proceeds of the crime has been confiscated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

The judge consequently sentenced Okhio to three and a half years imprisonment on each of the counts.

He said the sentences are to run concurrently, beginning from January13, 2010 when Okhio was first remanded.

Onigbanjo said it means that the convict was free to go home because he had completed the prison term.

However, the judge directed the EFCC to sell the impounded car and use the proceeds to pay the complainant as restitution.

Okhio, who was elated with

again and that both should steer clear of each other.

The accused was arraigned on October 10, 2013, on a fourcount charge of criminal trespass, intimidation, breach of trust and cheating.

The prosecutor, PC Friday Adaji, had told the court that Ndukwe lodged a complaint against Agbor at the ‘A’ Division Police Station, Mararaba on October 5, 2013.

the court’s judgment, said he had learnt his lessons and would never engage in crime again.

The EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bunmi Bosede, said the syndicate was led by one Timothy Adesanya, a dispatch rider attached to a bank in Lagos, by a courier firm.

According to her, the syndicate between April 2008 and October 2009, stole various cheques totalling N110 million which were meant to be delivered to the bank.

She said that they had approached Okhio, who was selling refrigerator parts, to open

an Afribank Account in the name of Adebowale Johnson, to help them clear some of the cheques.

The prosecutor said Okhio helped the syndicate to clear N48 million and was given N700,000 for his role.

Bosede said his offences contravened Sections 390, 509 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, 2003.

Locally Made Drugs Can Damage Kidney -Doctor

ABEOKUTA - A medical practitioner, Dr Adewunmi Alayaki, has cautioned Nigerians to stay away from consuming locally-made drugs, popularly known as “agbo’’, saying they could damage the kidney.

Alayaki told newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State that such drugs made from several herbs contained toxic compounds which could be harmful to the kidney.

He said that there had not been proper research findings to find out how much of the herbs could be consumed.

“A lot of people just go ahead and use it because of their

cultural beliefs. And, really, they may cause chronic kidney damage.

“Another thing about the ‘agbo’ is that a lot of them are alcohol-based and alcohol itself is harmful to health, especially in hypertensive patients,” Alayaki said.

He, however, said while there could be some benefits in the use of traditional herbs, researchers needed to research further to ascertain their composition.

“I don’t want to say those things don’t have any health benefit at all, because they are made from roots and herbs where the orthodox medicines

News Artisans Decry Incessant Attacks By Herdsmen MAKURDI - Wood carvers in Makurdi, Benue, have decried incessant attacks on villages in some local government areas of the state by suspected herdsmen.

A cross section of these professionals told newsmen at Agan village on outskirts of Makurdi, that they no longer felt safe to go into the hinterland to fell trees for their trade.

A 70-year-old wood carver, Mr Solomon Nyamkyor, expressed concern that the herdsmen had occupied the hinterland with their cattle .

Nyamkyor added that the activities of the herdsmen had adversely affected their business as they could no longer access the big trees suitable for their business.

“They have chased us out of our villages and taken over our ancestral lands; it is no longer possible to go there to cut down those big trees that are suitable for various forms of carving”, he said.

Nyamkyor said it was only the big, hard trees that were good for carving items like mortar, pestles, stools and collapsible chairs.

Another wood worker, Viashima Tyowua, also complained that the trees he cut down, preparatory for carving, could no longer be accessed, due to increased hostilities in the areas.

He also expressed concern that the attacks had forced down his business, thereby bringing hardship on his family.

“I support my family on the proceeds from this business as well as farming, but right now, there is no farming because of the attacks.

“No one is going to the farm, the carving business has also gone bad, so, how can we continue like this.

Mr Agashua Tyoboh, another wood carver said that the attackers had created psychological fear in the hearts of carvers adding that such traumatic experience would be difficult to erase.

“The psychology of the sudden attacks on farmers in the bush, leading to deaths of family members and friends still torment us.

“It is difficult to erase such memories so quickly and return to the bush to carry on with our business as if nothing has happened.

“Besides, these herdsmen are still occupying our lands.”

Reports say that Makurdi/ Abuja/Kaduna Expressway feature many of the wood workers who display their art works for sale.

Divorce

Kwara Establishes Marriage Counselling Team ILORIN - The Kwara government has established a Marriage Counselling Team to help curb the increasing rate of marriage dissolution in the state.

Mr Osuolale Ajayi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development, Culture and Tourism, told newsmen in Ilorin that the team was established to foster good moral standard in the state.

Ajayi listed members of the counselling team to include Mr. Olaniyi Abolarin, Mrs Mary George, Mr. Jiyah Muhammed, Mrs. Mojisola Afolabi and Mrs. Gidado Sidikat.

He said that most couples lacked sufficient understanding of the concept of marriage, thus leading to impatience in the management of homes, and peaceful

reconciliation of differences.

Ajayi said there must be room for endurance for a marriage to stand, and described the institution as a black market game that require proper guide.

He said that most marriages failed because they did not meet the pre-requisite of marriage in the first instance.

“You should be prepared to imbibe the spirit of apology, forgiveness and forgetfulness.

Whosoever first apologise, is the bravest,’’ he said.

Ajayi said that the team was expected to perform to expectation, especially in premarriage counselling of intending couples.

He advised prospective couples not to build their union on deception and superficial qualities that could easily fade, adding that not all that glitters are gold.

CALABAR - Some residents in Calabar have appealed to the state government to intervene in the issue of rising price of food items in the state.

They made this known in separate interviews with newsmen in Calabar.

A house wife, Mrs. Paulina Bisong, told newsmen that a measure of garri, which was

sold for N3, 700 about a month ago, was now sold for N4, 200.

Bisong said it was now obvious that many families in the town were already going without garri meals, adding that the high price had brought hardship to many homes.

According to her, garri was the staple food for many and the sudden increase in the price would cause more hardship to the people.

“The price of yam and rice have also gone up; a bag of stallion brand of rice now sells at N10,200 against N9,500.

“Also, 10 tubers of yam are sold for N6, 000, instead of N4, 000 which they were sold a month ago,’’ Bisong said.

Another house wife, Mrs. Ekaette Abasi, also appealed to the state government to intervene in the situation in order to enable the poor to afford common food items.

Mrs. Eno Okon, a trader at Watts Market, attributed the high price to high cost of transportation.

“I go as far as Benue State to buy tomatoes and pepper.

Transporting these items to Calabar cost a lot of money.

“This has led to the increase in the price of a bucket of tomatoes from N650 to N780,“ Okon said.

Mr. Mohammed Lawal, a dealer in onions, said that the high price of food items would drop if the cost of transportation could be reduced.

Lawal appealed to the State and Federal Governments to rehabilitate roads to enable food items be transported without difficulties.

Calabar Residents Lament High Price Of Food Items

GOC 82 Division Maj.-Gen. Shehu Yusuf (left), and Commander, 2 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Osasogie Uzamere, during the GOC’s familiarisation visit to Bori Camp during his tour of Army Formations in Rivers yesterday.

National Conference

Youths To Discuss Unemployment, Poverty

KANO - Youths from the Northwest zone of the country have agreed to table the challenges of employment, poverty and violence confronting them at the upcoming National Conference.

Alhaji Jamilu Karama, Vice-Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), made the disclosure in Kano while addressing journalists on

the outcome of the council’s meeting on February 15 in Kano.

He said that the council had formulated a template to be used in tabling youth’s challenges in the country as well as solutions to them. ‘’For a long time, youths have been left at the back stage of political development in Nigeria. We appreciate the interventions of various government

policies on youths, but we feel more is needed,’’ he said.

Karama, who was nominated to the conference by youths in the zone, attributed failures of the youth to their large population without corresponding resources and facilities to cater for

them.

He, however, urged youths to desist from being used as political tools for elections, adding that politics should be used as a bargaining power.

“With our population, we can use any platform to promote our cause. Any leader that wants our vote must be ready to, in return, provide remedies to our problems,’’ he said.

UNICAL Holds 27th Convocation CALABAR The University of Calabar will hold its 27th convocation ceremony for the awards of degrees, post-graduate degrees, diplomas and prizes for academic excellence on February 22, 2014.

A statement signed by the institution’s Registrar, Dr Julia Omang, said on Tuesday in Calabar that the

ceremony would hold at the Abraham Ordia Stadium.

The statement said that the convocation would be preceded by the inaugural meeting of the university’s stakeholders’ forum to be convened by the ProChancellor, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, on February 20 at the university’s International Conference

Centre.

It stated that a convocation lecture on “Challenges of leadership and Governance in an Emerging Economy: the Nigerian Experience’’, would be delivered as part of the ceremony.

It stated that the lecture would be delivered at the same venue on February 21

by Prof. Pat Utomi with Prof.

Hilary Edeoga, Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, as chairman.

The statement urged graduands and interested persons to visit the university’s Website www.unical.edu.ng, and some national daily newspapers for more information.

South West

Archbishop Tasks Clerics On Holiness

IBADAN - The Anglican Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Caleb Maduoma, has in Ibadan urged clerics to live holy lives.

Maduoma made the call while delivering a sermon at the consecration service of Ven. Adebayo Oluwarohunbi as the new Anglican Bishop of Yewa, Ogun.

The reports state that the service was held at The Cathedral Church of St. James The Great, Oke Bola, Ibadan.

Maduoma said clergymen were set apart by God and had

2 Men Arraigned For Theft

LAGOS - Two men who broke into a house and stole valuables worth N140,000 have been arraigned at an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused, Friday Alowe, 22, and Ifewanyi Iwuoha, 18, whose addresses are unknown, are facing charges of conspiracy, stealing and burglary.

The Police Prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, told the court that the duo broke into the apartment of one Emeka Egenti at 5, Olarewaju Adeoke St., Isashi, Ojo, Lagos on February 3 and stole valuables, including a television set and a laptop.

Eze said that the offences violated the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mr Taslimi Shomade, granted bail to the two accused in the sum of N140,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

Shomade adjourned the case to March 18.

no other option than to live godly lives.

“As Bishops and clergies, we must be godly in actions and in character because apart from God, the people expect us to be holy.

“People see us on the streets and call us ‘pastors’, but are we truly Christ-like?

“It is unfortunate that we are making the people to no longer see the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian.

“There must, therefore, be a character change in all Christians, but largely among the clergies.

“Let us not, as Bishops, become pompous because of our official regalia as rings, robes and the bishop’s throne.

“A lot more is required of us as we gather the people and if we fall, we must pick ourselves up and continue the journey,” he said.

Maduoma also warned Christians against slandering their leaders.

“You don’t have the right to judge them. They will be judged

by God. “Instead of tearing them down, what is proper is to pray for them to become persons God had called them to be, “ he said.

Reports state that Oluwarohunbi took his oath of office at about 11.40 a.m., pledging his allegiance to the Anglican Communion of Nigeria.

He swore under oath that he was not a member of any secret cult and was not a homosexual

or bi-sexual.

He was consecrated and had his staff of office handed over to him by Most Rev. Nicholas

Okah, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria.

Newsmen report that the consecration service was part of

the programmes of the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, which began on Monday.

L-R: Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Segun Okubadejo; Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State; Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh and his wife, Nkasiobi at the opening of Anglican Communion Standing Committee meeting in Ibadan yesterday.

N3.5m Fraud

Car Dealer Docked

LAGOS - A 46-year-old car dealer, Kayode Omotayo, who allegedly stole a bus and spare parts valued at N3.5 million, was charged before

an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Omotayo, who resides at No. 5, Salako St., AgbadoIjaiye, a Lagos suburb, is

facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Innocent Odugbo, told the court that the accused

Chemists Want Traders Sensitised On Dangers Of Electronic Waste

LAGOS - The Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) has called on the Federal Government to enlighten traders on dangers of electronic waste in the country.

The ICCON Head, Public Health Safety and Environment

In attendance were about 167 Bishops from the different dioceses of the Anglican Church across Nigeria.

unit, Mr. Elo Okonkwo, made the call in a paper he made available to newsmen in Lagos.

In the paper titled: “Electronic Waste In Nigeria: An Accumulating Time-Bomb“, Okonkwo said that the health hazard to which these category

Unemployed youths waiting to be interviewed for employment into Akwa Ibom Civil Service in Uyo yesterday.

of people and the environment were being exposed to, was a cause for concern.

“The menace of electronic waste (or e-waste) in the country is assuming the status of a time bomb waiting to explode.

“The term ‘electronic waste‘ includes all types of obsolete, discarded or unwanted electronic equipment.

“These items produce complicated multi-material waste with different proportions of metals, plastics and glass.

“They can be polluting, if they are not adequately treated before disposal.” he said.

Okonkwo said that the culprits were majorly traders such as those at the Alaba International Market in Lagos.

He said that these traders who handled dangerous e-waste with their bare hands, should be made to understand that the regulations against e-waste were not meant to put them out of business.

He said the traders should also be encouraged to know that the regulations were meant to provide safer and more environmentally friendly method for carrying out their business.

“Now, beyond the quick money being made by the traders, one may literally

shudder when the enormity of health hazards associated with this trade is considered.

“Is it the sea of disembowelled electronic gadgets that have been discarded and have virtually taken over the landscape?

“Or the hazardous substances (including heavy metals) to which these largely ignorant traders are exposed to?,” the ICCON chief asked.

Okonkwo suggested that the challenge should feature prominently in any policy aimed at chemical management in the country.

He called on the Federal Government to liaise with the Nigeria Customs Service as well as authorities of countries like China because they were principal players in the importation of electronics into Nigeria.

“Conservative estimates put the number of computers that arrive Lagos ports on monthly basis at about 400,000; with about 75 per cent of these being obsolete and unserviceable.

“They end up being dismantled and the residual scrap taken to landfills and other dump sites where they are burned and dangerous chemicals are let loose into the environment,”

committed the offences on Jan. 9 at Tin Can Island, Lagos at noon.

He alleged that Omotayo stole an unregistered LT 35 Volkswagen bus containing some spare parts and household appliances on the pretext of importing the vehicle for a dealer, Mr. Micheal Nwangwu.

“The accused, as part of the agreement, imported the bus from Germany for a fellow car dealer, Nwangwu.

“When the complainant went to collect the bus, he discovered that the accused had sold the bus and its contents without his permission, all valued at N3.5 million.’’

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 285 (10) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The reports state that the accused may be sentenced to a minimum of seven years imprisonment on conviction.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the twocount charge.

The Magistrate, Mr. J. Adegun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to March 12 for mention.

News Driver Charged For Stealing Employer’s LAGOS - A 34-year-old bail in the sum of N500, 000 Jeep driver, Olalekan Olatunji, was with two sureties in like sum. charged with theft of a jeep valued at N2.4 million at a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Olatunji, who resides in Surulere area of the metropolis, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Jimah Isheghede, told the court that the accused had committed the offences on February 10 at No. 58, Ajao Road, off Olufemi Street, Surulere.

He said the stolen jeep marked BDG 800 AP belonged to one Mrs Oyesola Adeyombo, the employer of the accused.

“The accused claimed that he parked the jeep outside the house on his return from an errand for Adeyombo.

“He said he went back to pick the jeep he found out that it had been stolen.’’

Isheghede noted that the offences contravened Sections 285 (7) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Olatunji pleaded innocence

of the offences.

The Magistrate, Mrs A.F. Adeeyo, granted the accused

SSA Eulogises Clara Oshiomhole

BENIN CITY – The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Protocol to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Ambassador Uche James Okoro said the late first Lady of the state, Mr. Clara Oshiomhole imparted positively on the lives of children and women in the State during her life time.

Okoro said this in Benin City, during the dedication ceremony of his ultra modern house which coincides with the 10th marriage anniversary.

According to him, the legacies of the late first lady testify to the many positive impart on the society.

Eulogizing the late Clara Oshiomhole, Okoro noted that his decision to dedicate his edifice to her memory was informed by the need to appreciate her motherly

Man Found Dead In Benin City

By GIFT OKELEKE ONYINYE BENIN CITY – A middle aged man suspected to have been a night socialist was found dead at the Ezoti Street off Airport Road in Benin City.

The deceased who’s identify could not be known as at press time was found dead at the side of the perimital fence of the popular Oba Akenzua II Cultural Complex, Ezoti Street axis with thick foaming substance emanating from the deceased’s mouth.

When The NIGERIA OBSERVER visited the scene, yesterday, people were seen trying to catch a glimpse of the deceased for possible recognition while some women waited and lamented the cause of the circumstances which

The case has been adjourned to February 26 for mention.

might surround the death of the middle aged man.

A passer –by who simply gave his name as Mr. Obazee told our reporter that the young man may have gone out to socialize himself with drunkenness, the previous night, a development he said could have resulted to his untimely death.

Obazee further stated that the Ezoti axis of the town is usually lonely at night.

Investigations by The NIGERIAN OBSERVER revealed that the deceased body was devoid of bruises and marks of gunshots with some amount of money on his side.

Contacted, the police spokes man, DSP Moses Eguavoen was not on seat but sources close to his office said the command was already investigating the death of the young man.

Oil spill site within Ogoda-Brass in Bayelsa yesterday.

disposition and detribalized nature while alive.

He appreciated God for extending his (God) unmerited favour his family, adding that, “handwork, diligence and dedication to duty pays.”

Dignitaries at the occasion included, secretary to Edo State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere; Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Stephen Idehenre; Daughter of the state governor and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Aduku and the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Lucky James.

AIG Zone 10, Alhaji Mamman Sule (right), addressing officers and men of the Sokoto State Police Command yesterday. Left is CP Shaibu Gambo.

NSCDC Seals 195 Private Security Firms

LAGOS - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it sealed the premises of 195 private security companies across the country for allegedly operating illegally in 2013.

This is contained in a statement by the spokesman of Corps, Mr. Emmanuel Okeh, made available to newsmen in Lagos.

Okeh said that the corps registered 183 new companies and renewed the licences of 362 existing ones.

He said that N275 million was generated from the registration and renewal exercise, adding that the amount was remitted into the coffers of the Federal Government.

Okeh added that the corps offered free training to about 2,190 personnel of private guards companies, to update them on modern techniques of the job.

“The corps also introduced

a biometrics capturing machine to capture the biodata of all directors of private guard companies (PGC).The aim is to tackle the problem of quacks and infiltrators.

“The corps plans to categorise the firms and

harmonise the uniform of PGC operatives, such that Category ‘A’ will have uniform different from category ‘B’ companies,” Okeh said.

The spokesman said the

move was to reposition, restructure and professionalise the industry, in line with the corps’ mandate He urged the operators to enlighten the public on their activitie,s through stakeholders’ forum.

Lawyer’s Practising Fee

Plaintiffs Head For Supreme Court

LAGOS -Five lawyers have headed for the Supreme Court over the increased practising fee by lawyers.

The plaintiffs are: Seth Amaefule, Amaka Aneke, Celestine Nwankwo, Charles Ola-Oni and Tayo Arojo, all members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

They are dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal on the matter.

The respondents the President of the NBA, Mr. Okey Wali, General Council of

the Bar, Attorney-General of the Federation, Chairman of the Lagos Branch of NBA, and Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of NBA. In their notice of appeal, the plaintiffs prayed the Supreme Court to set aside the February 11 decision of the Court of Appeal, which reversed an injunction of a Federal High Court (FHC) Lagos on the case.

A copy of the notice of appeal was made available to newsmen in Lagos.

Reports state that the plaintiff had filed the substantive suit before Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia of the FHC on February 18, 2013.

They sought an order restraining the NBA from charging the fee, which they described as too exorbitant.

Ofili-Ajumogobia had on March 28, 2013 granted an interim order for Nigerian lawyers to pay the old fee, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Not satisfied with the ruling, the defendants filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, while the matter at the lower court was adjourned indefinitely, pending the outcome of the appeal.

The defendant filed the

appeal through their Counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

Reports state that on February 11, the Court of Appeal set aside the ruling of the FHC on the grounds that it would occasion financial constraints on the NBA. The court also ordered that the case should be re-assigned to a new judge.

No date has been fixed for hearing of the appeal before the Supreme Court.

Reports state that in the substantive suit, the plaintiffs averred that the General Council of the Bar had by a circular dated April 6, 2012, made an upward review of the annual fee.

According to them, by the review, lawyers who are less than five years at the bar are to pay N10, 000 as opposed to N2,000 previously paid, while those above five years are to pay N20, 000 instead of N4,000.

Chose above 10 years at the bar will now pay N35, 000 as opposed to N7,500; those above 15 years will pay N50, 000 instead of N10,000, while Senior Advocates of Nigeria will pay N100,000 instead of N20,000.

They argued that some lawyers would suffer hardship if they must pay the new fee.

Across The Nation Deploy More Troops To North-East, Northern Governors Urge FG

Corpse of an unidentified dead man at Ezoti Street, Benin City yesterday.

KADUNA - The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has urged the Federal Government to deploy more troops to the north east to contain the upsurge in attacks by insurgents.

The governors made the call in a communique issued at the end of their meeting in Kaduna.

The NSGF Chairman and Niger State Governor, Alhaji Bababgida Aliyu, who read out the resolution to newsmen, said the security situation in the north-east was assuming a worrying dimension.

“The forum called on the federal government to deploy more security personnel with superior military equipment as well as adopt measures to boost

their morale, to enable them effectively fight the insurgents and other threats to security in the region.

“The forum called on the government to secure the country’s porous borders by restricting trans-border movements, providing adequate funding, as well as implementing all past security reports in the country.”

The governors resolved to adopt common approach towards combating insurgency in the region.

This he said would be done by “down playing political differences and working towards a common goal; improving on intelligence gathering and vigorously pursuing employment and youth empowerment programmes to take idle youths off our streets.”

The northern governors also expressed concern over the inability of the New Nigeria

Development Company (NNDC) to actualise its mission and vision.

It challenged the company to address critical issues affecting the north, “particularly human capital deficit, economic regeneration and infrastructure deficit”.

The forum directed the investment committee of the board to meet with the management of the company with a view to re-prioritise the company’s proposed five-year strategic plan.

The northern governors also resolved to nominate the “best of brains from the north” to represent it at the forthcoming national conference.

Also, the forum frowned at the continuous collection of multiple taxes on agricultural produce and cattle on the highway.

It called on such states to obey a High Court judgement which banned such collections.

Borno Govt Donates N100m To Boko Haram Victims Queue of vehicles at a filling station in Benin City yesterday. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY

GWOZA (BORNO) - The Borno Government has donated N100 million to the victims of Saturday’s suspected Boko Haram attack on Izge in Gwoza Local Government Area.

Reports state that several persons were killed and others displaced during the attack.

Governor Kashim Shettima announced the donation while addressing some of the displaced persons in Sabon Gari, Madagali, in Adamawa.

Shettima condoled with the victims and urged them to take the incident as an act of God. “Our visit here is to sympathise with you over the

Water Scarcity Hits Benue

MAKURDI - The five-monthold strike embarked on by the contractor handling the KatsinaAla and Otubi water works in Benue State, has caused water scarcity in the state, newsmen reports.

Investigations by newsmen showed that the people of Benue North and South Senatorial districts were the worst hit.

The investigations revealed that the contractor handling the project stopped supplying of water on grounds of contractual breaches in October 2013.

It will be recalled that the state government had signed a twoyear contract with CGC Nigeria Ltd for the maintenance, operation and training of staff of the ministry in 2012.

A reliable source in the Ministry of Water Resources told newsmen that the government had not paid the contractor, which triggered strike.

The source who pleaded anonymity, said: “the contractor had not been paid a single kobo.

“As I said earlier, it is not possible for the contractor to operate without funds as they need funds to acquire chemicals and other necessary materials

needed for water treatment.

“Apart from buying chemicals, they have to pay their staff and at the same time run the company.

“They were also given the task of training our engineers to ensure effective take off.”

It will be recalled that the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Dr. Innocent Onuh, had earlier blamed the outbreak of cholera epidemic in the council on the lack of potable water.

Onuh, who spoke in a telephone interview with nessmen, said that 20 infected children in the local government had been hospitalised.

“For the past one month, Otukpo residents do not have potable water; the water works is no longer pumping water because the staff had refused to work.

“The workers have embarked on strike to press for the payment of salaries.

“As a result of this, cholera epidemic has hit the local government; people are dying and over 20 children are currently on admission at the General Hospital, Otukpo.

“As for the number of deaths, I cannot specifically tell you now because most of the cases are being recorded in the hinterland.

“But we are also collaborating with the state government and the state Ministry of Health to stem the disease.

“I can assure you that we are on top of the situation; people are also receiving treatment at few private hospitals in the town.

“Apart from that, we have also intensified publicity around the town, informing the people on the need for them to boil their water before drinking.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Government had confirmed the outbreak of cholera in Makurdi that had already claimed eight lives in addition to 240 others diagnosed with the disease in February.

Reports state that a cholera outbreak has been reported in Wadata, one of the settlements in the state capital, Makurdi.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Orduen Abunku, said this on Friday, during an interactive session with newsmen in Makurdi.

“A total number of 240 cases

have been reported while eight deaths are recorded so far.

“The trend is gradually reducing as very few cases were reported yesterday and this morning.

“We are collaborating with all the necessary agencies to mitigate the spread of the disease.

“WHO, Federal Ministry of Health and other organisations had visited the affected areas to study the situation.”

Cholera is deadly disease that needs urgent treatment to avoid death Efforts to develop vaccines have not been effective.

He, therefore, enjoined the people to improve on their personal hygiene to mitigate its spread in the state.

He said that people should cultivate the habit of eating hot food, making use of clean water in everything they do.

Meanwhile, a cross-section of the residents have appealed to the state government to come to their aid, to prevent deaths and the possible outbreak of the disease in other areas.

Mrs. Janet Abutu, a resident, who spoke with newsmen on

telephone, lamented the continued spread of the epidemic among the villages in the council.

Abutu attributed the outbreak of the epidemic in the local government to the lack of potable water.

He said that many people would be affected, if the situation was not controlled through the provision of potable water.

“This epidemic started in Otukpo town few weeks ago when we could not access potable water.

“The ailment has continued to spread to other parts of the council and the fear is that it is becoming prevalent.

“The situation in the villages is alarming; people are dying, and nobody seems to be talking about it.

“These people do not have access to potable water all year round; as they rely on well water or rivers to sustain their thirty for water over the years”.

Also speaking Mr. Matthew Terwase, a resident of KatsinaAla, decried the continued lack of potable water supply in the area.

unfortunate incident. I want to assure you that we share your grief with you.

“We have approved the release of N100 million to th-e victims to take care of immediate needs.

“This is in addition to the previous N100 million approved for the victims of the recent attack in other parts of the local government’’, the governor said.

N120,000 Theft

2 Labourers Docked MARARABA (NASARAWA STATE) - Two labourers, John Abraham and Benjamin Okoh, has appeared before the Upper Area Court in Mararaba, Nasarawa State over allegations of stealing N120,000.

Dahiru Mohammed, a 28-yearold resident of Zamani Road, off Keffi road, Mararaba, had dragged Abraham and Okoh of Gidan Zakara, Keffi Road to the court for allegedly stealing the amount.

Led by Mr. Steve Kwaza, the Investigating Police Officer, Mohammed told the court that he was a security man living in an uncompleted house at Zamani Road.

The complainant, who said he had been watching over a nearby site for three years, said he lived in the building with six commercial motorcyclists.

“The accused came to work at the site, but I cannot remember the exact date because I am not educated.

“But, on the fateful date, I locked my door and left to eat at a nearby restaurant when the accused came to the site to work.

“On returning, I discovered that the accused had opened my door with another key. I quickly went to the toilet where I hide my N120,000, but found that it was missing.

“I immediately called one Engineer Ibrahim, who brought the accused to work in the site.

Abuja High Capacity Buses

FCTA Approves N500m ABUJA - The FCT Administration has approved N500 million for the purchase of more high capacity buses, Mr. Jonathan Ivoke, the Secretary, FCT Transportation Secretariat, has said.

Ivoke told newsmen in Abuja that the fund was approved by the administration for the Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company (AUMTCO) to purchase the buses.

He said the approval was in line with the administration’s effort to meet the growing need of commuters in the FCT, adding that the buses would be bought in phases.

According to him, the plan is that the administration will purchase the buses on a yearly basis.

“Currently, 300 high capacity buses are plying different routes in the FCT; we will purchase more to meet the demands of

FCT commuters and it will be done on a yearly basis.

“The provision of mass transit in any city is done with high capacity buses to convey many passengers at a go.’’

However, he recalled that the ban of coaster buses into the city centres was not meant to cause hardship on the drivers, adding that the vehicle could only convene 30 passengers.

“Coaster buses can only carry 30 passengers, which is far from the expected number required by the FCTA; therefore, they belong to the category of mini buses and must not ply the city centres.

“FCTA requirement is 80seater high capacity buses should ply the city centre, while we make provisions for routes for coaster and mini-buses,’’ he said.

According to the secretary,

ABUJA - The police have arraigned a businessman, Francis Ubong, in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court for failing to produce a suspect he stood surety for in the police station.

Ubong 30, of Peace Village in Lugbe, Abuja, stood as surety at the Lugbe Police Station on June 27 for Emmanuel Sunday who was arrested by the police for alleged cheating.

The prosecutor, Insp Jeremiah Elijah, told the court that Ubong failed to produce Sunday for interrogation and could not give satisfactory account of him.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 167 of the Penal Code.

The prosecutor said the offence is punishable with imprisonment of five years and or with an option to pay fine or both.

The accused, however, pleaded with the court to give him time to produce the accused.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr. Abdulazeez Anka, admitted Ubong to bail in sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum who must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.

Anka said the surety must be 40 years and above and should have a fixed business or work address.

He adjourned the case to March 11 for further hearing

Surety Docked For Failing To Produce Suspect

the administration will soon distribute 180 taxis as part of the second batch of the FCT SUREP programme, adding that FCT Minister would soon announce the date.

It will be recalled that that FCT administration in June 2013, released 160 taxis as the first batch of the project, to boost transportation in the city.

He expressed regret that AUMTCO, being a government company operator, had been facing some challenges, such as refusal of passengers to comply with the usage of terminals.

“The mini bus drivers from Keffi, Masaka to Nyanya are sabotaging the high capacity initiative by charging people more than expected, which is making it unbearable for commuters.

L-R: Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ado Mohammed, representative of the First Lady, Dr. Asma’u Abdulkadir and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina at the sensitisation workshop for State Commissioners, Directors of Women Affairs, Child Development and Relevant stakeholdlers in Abuja yesterday.

RMFAC Installs ICT To Enhance Operations

ABUJA - The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC), said it has commenced the installation of Integrated Information Technology System (IT) to ensure easier link with Federal Government agencies.

This is contained in a publication tagged; “Fiscal Monitor ’’ obtained by newsmen in Abuja.

The report stated that the installation was aimed at ensuring accurate monitoring of revenue accruing from sources to the federation account, and disbursement of same by the commission.

According to the publication, the commission has previously relied on old method of data collation and

physical inspection of papers of agencies for monitoring accruals and remittances.

It described the method as unreliable, inaccurate and slow in terms of data gathering, computation and references.

“Initially, allocation of revenue has been implemented with minimal input of modern information technology systems, which has been a big challenge in the area of easy reference, among other problems..

“The essence of the automation is to minimise human errors, increase rate of accuracy, and develop figures and data set that can be easily

Participants at the sensitization workshop for State Commissioners, Directors of Women Affairs, Child Development and Relevant Stakeholders in Abuja yesterday.

referenced.

“Automation will also lead to increased revenue

generation accuracy, an application which will capture online and real time, all inflow into the federation account, from the revenue generation bodies,’’ it noted.

Estate Agent Docked For Fraud ABUJA - The police have in Abuja arraigned an estate agent, Oliver Chinedu, in a Wuse Zone Two Magistrates’ Court for cheating a businessman of N1 million.

He is charged with criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and intimidation.

The prosecutor, Insp Andrew Aichenede, told the court that Mr. Sunday Oluchi of Neighbourhood Centre, Wuse Zone 3 in Abuja lodged a report against the accused.

He said the report was made through a petition to the Commissioner of Police in the FCT in December 2013.

Aichenede said the accused had sometimes in August 2013 fraudulently collected N1 million from the complainant.

“He (Chinedu) did this with the promise to secure a shop for him (Oluchi) at the Rocieno plaza in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.’’

He alleged that after the accused collected the said money he absconded to an unknown destination.

The prosecutor said the accused also threatened to deal with the complainant if he dared disturb him on phone again.

Aichenede said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 312, 309 and 397 of the Penal Code.

Reports state that Chinedu is liable to a total of 14 years in prison or a fine, or both, if convicted.

After the charges were read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations.

His counsel, Mr. Obi Chukwuma, applied for the accused’s bail, saying “granting the accused bail will enable him prepare for trial’’.

He also assured the court that the accused would not jump bail and would not interfere with police investigations.

The magistrate, Mr. Shuaibu Usman, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N1 million with a surety in like sum.

Usman ordered that the surety must be a businessman and have a fixed address which must be verified by the prosecutor and court registrar.

He added that the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction, and later adjourned the case to April 2 for hearing.

Business + Economy Inspite Of Decrease Transaction NSE Indices Grow By 0.02 Percent

L-R: Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, a politician and businessman, Sen. Isa Mohammed and Deputy Governor of Niger, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto at the launch of a book on Etsu Nupe in Abuja yesterday.

LAGOS - The market indicators of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have appreciated marginally by 0.02 per cent in spite of decrease in the volume of shares traded.

Reports state that the market capitalisation rose by N3 billion or 0.02 per cent to close at N12.530 trillion against N12.527 trillion achieved on Monday.

Also, the All-Share Index, which opened at 38,964.75, grew by 37.81 points or 0.02 per cent to close at 38,972.56.

Reports state that Nigerian Breweries led the price gainers chart, gaining N2 to close at N147 per share.

Dangote Cement came second with a gain of N1.30 to

close at N235, while International Breweries garnered N1.25 to close at N28 per share.

UAC Property appreciated by 97k to close at N20.72, while Oando chalked up 74k to close at N20.80 per share.

Guinness topped the price losers, shedding N9.60 to close at N182.40 per share.

Lafarge Wapco trailed with N4.35 to close at N105.10, while Unilever dropped N2.70 to close at N51.30 per share.

Okomu Oil lost N2 to close at N39, while Presco declined

by N1.58 to close at N40 per share.

The volume of shares traded depreciated 15.04 per cent as 475.596 million shares worth N4.22 billion were traded in 6,074 deals.

This was in contrast to the 559.768 million shares valued at N5.49 billion achieved in 5,999 deals on Monday.

Skye Bank drove the turnover volume with 58.05 million shares worth N196.05 million in 256 deals.

It was followed by Zenith Bank, accounting for 42.98 million shares valued at N888.08 million exchanged by investors in 465 deals, while FCMB traded 39.18 million shares worth N144.79 million in 67 deals.

Afriprud came fourth with 37.68 million shares valued at N134.01 million traded in 268 deals, while investors staked N481.31 million on 37.05 million shares of FBN Holdings in 679 deals.

US-Based Foundation To Fund Health Workshop IBADAN - The Fogarty foundation of the U.S. is to fund a five-day health workshop being organised by the Medical Education Partnership Initiative in Nigeria (MEPIN), College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.

Reports state that the workshop will take place between February 24 and February 28 at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The handbill for the event reads: “Fogarty Foundation’s aim is to directly benefit individuals, organisations and communities by encouraging endeavours of excellence in the

Some traditional rulers at the launch of a book on Etsu Nupe in Abuja yesterday.

2014 Enugu International Trade Fair

400 Companies To Participate ABUJA - Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, the President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), has said that more than 400 companies had indicated interest to participate at the 2014 Enugu International Trade Fair.

Okoye made this known when he visited the Managing Director of newsmen, Mr. Ima Niboro, in Abuja.

He said that the participating corporate organisations would include more than 25 companies from India, China, Indonesia, UK, Malaysia, US and South Africa.

He said that the visit was to solicit the support of newsmen in ensuring the success of the fair, the 25th edition, billed for March 28 to April 7.

He disclosed that arrangements were being made by the chamber and Enugu State Government for the fair with the theme: “Increasing the

Competitiveness of Nigerian Products in Global Market” .

The fair will be declared open

by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Okoye said that agriculture would play a central role at the fair, saying that the fair would specifically help to boost agricultural production and commercial farming.

He said that new products, prototypes, innovations and research findings would be displayed at the fair.

He assured that efforts had been made to provide security and necessary infrastructure, including power and water at the fair site.

Okoye said that the chamber was collaborating with the state government to provide the facilities.

He said that two 500 KVA generators would also be provided for use in case of disruption in public power supply at the fair venue.

“We have become familiar with the environment and will use our experience gathered in the past to create more ambience to make the environment friendly, through improved and systematic allocation of space to participants,” he said.

The ECCIMA President commended newsmen’s efforts

in advancing free enterprise and sustenance of democracy in the country.

Responding, Mr. Niboro pledged the agency’s support in making the fair a success, especially as the 2014 edition would be the silver jubilee of the fair.

Niboro urged the chamber to

ensure that its activities aligned with the economic transformation agenda of President Jonathan, noting that the administration had supported indigenous entrepreneurship.

“In the past few years, Nigeria has achieved the impossible in regards to economic development,” he said.

field of medical education in our colleges of medicine’’.

The workshop content includes lectures on research designs, bio-statistics and manuscript writing which will be facilitated by professionals with experience in the relevant fields.

The participants will be divided into groups and each member will work with a facilitator and expected to analyse data and write manuscript for selection for a selected peer review journal.

Reports state that MEPIN was established by the U.S. with the purpose of enhancing medical knowledge and skills at six medical schools in Nigeria.

The schools are University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Jos and University of Maiduguri.

Others are Ahmadu-Bello University Zaria, University of Lagos and the Aids Prevention Initiative Nigeria.

The medical schools have been receiving support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Africa.

The workshop will be replicated in the six colleges of medicine where MEPIN has offices.

Stakeholders Want Tractor Hiring Scheme Resuscitated LAFIA - Agriculture stakeholders under the aegis of Farmers League have called on the Nasarawa State Government to revive its Tractor Hiring Scheme to boost food production.

The group made the call in Lafia, when its members paid a courtesy visit on Alhaji Danladi Madaki, the State Commissioner

for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Mr. Haruna Ogwola, the league’s leader, led his members to the commissioner.

Ogwola said that the resuscitation of the scheme would complement the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) under the Federal Government agricultural transformation

agenda in the state.

“The Tractor Hiring Scheme will enable small-scale farmers to increase their cultivation and crop yield at a relatively cheaper cost than engaging in manual labour,” Ogwola said.

He urged the state government to carry the group and directors of agriculture at the local government areas along in the

distribution of fertiliser and other inputs to ensure its effectiveness.

Alhaji Danladi Madaki, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, assured the farmers that government would redouble its efforts towards ensuring increased crop production in the state.

He said the state government had already concluded arrangement to purchase fertiliser for farmers early enough before the rains.

Opinion

What To Check Out When Choosing A Role Model

IT was one of those festive seasons, we all went visiting grandparents and had come especially to see grandpa Mr. Peter Ede we popularly called Papa Pee by family members, friends, and neighbors as he has paid his dues in terms of his contribution to societal development. Now surrounded by family, children and grand and great grand, what else could a man wish for at age eighty four.

So one cool evening after dinner, the grandchildren especially those in their teens gathered around Papa Pee as he was fondly called and asked him to tell them a story like he always does. Papa P this time choose to tell a different story from his wealth of experience, but this time it was a story they were not expecting to hear but it was expedient as he had watched us keenly over the last few days and had observed a disturbing trend and like the old saying goes “it is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary” so he beckoned on them to seat around him and he began the story by asking a simple question. Who is a role model? Papa P asked. They were all excited to answer and he listened. First answer was, “a role model is someone I admire”. Another was “a role model is someone I look up to and want to be like”, the third was “a role model is someone I copy and imitate” and then a shy small voice spoke from behind and said “a role model is Papa Pee”. Then Papa P smiled as he knew what he was about to teach them wasn’t entirely new since they all had an idea.

So he asked a more personal question, who is your role model? Now all their eyes popped out in astonishment and again with a childish innocent smile little Emmanuella said you are my role model grandpa and she moved towards him and hugged him. Papa Pee after the warm embrace placed her on his laps and began to share with them about the concept of Role Model.

Papa P began to explain some truths they sure would never forget, this were his words: I have seen many days on the earth, been privileged to travel far and wide, experienced different cultures and traditions, seen people and places but one constant thing I have observed has been how people patterned their lives to be like others. The media sure is playing a major role in shaping out and helping some people determine their role models, so we see a lot of wannabe’s around. So many want to be like those they see on television, living false lives and ignoring basic principles and instructions. It has become a silent killer as it affects how they talk, dress, act, hair style, and gadgets they use and even company they keep, but such role models do have an influence that can be said to be positive.

He defined a role model as one whom a person

admires and tries to copy but it is amazing how lots of people copy the wrong things. They copy the fruit and ignore the roots and truths; it sure does not last for long that is why some assume this character today and another tomorrow, moved by the wind of trend.

The compound word role model has two simple

bad role models than good ones in society.

What many have failed to understand is that whether we accept it or not we are role models to some people around us, but what kind of role models are you? Since you really do not know who your life is influencing.

Everyone is a role model to someone, but over the

words “role” and “model”, simply put we are to model a role. Understand that a role is simply the degree to which somebody or something is involved in a situation or activity and the effect they have on it or can also be the function or position that somebody has or is expressed to have in an organization.

Before now he remarked “the media plays a major role than we realize”, the grandchildren listened keenly. Now with role defined, what is a model? A model is simply an excellent example of something and also something like a system that can be copied by other people.

Now joining these two together “a role model is simply a person who serves as an excellent example and can be emulated by others”. A role model cannot just be anyone because he or she is a superstar but anyone who inspires you to achieve your potential in life. But look around us today; we have more

years as I gained more experience, I realize there are some specific qualities common to all good role m o d e l s : -Their passion and ability to inspire others -Their ability to defy impossibility -Their clear set of values -Their selflessness and acceptance of others -Their commitment to develop others -Their diligence, integrity and humility These basic qualities of a good role model helps to reproduce kind. As like replicate like, good role models will produce other good role models by d e f a u l t .

Now I know you may be wondering but there are only few good role models. Well that’s the reason why you must make a deliberate effort to be a good role model. If you listened carefully you will notice I never mentioned qualification, education, or wealth because all you need to be a role model is commitment to excellence, live right and act right and with the six aforementioned qualities you sure a good role model.

As Papa Pee came to the conclusion, he reminded his grandchildren that they should choose wisely when picking a role model as they are not going to be any different from their role model. He then hugged each of them and bid them goodnight. From my corner I stood watching and listening I could not forget what wisdom I have gleaned off Papa P, his resounding words keep playing again in my mind “everyone is a role model to someone” so I will continually ask myself what kind of role model am i?

“it is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary” so he beckoned on them to seat around him and he began the story by asking a simple question. Who is a role model? Papa P asked. They were all excited to answer and he listened. First answer was, “a role model is someone I admire”.

ONLY 48 hours ago, the dreaded religious sect called Boko Haram, struck again in Bama, Borno state, killing hundreds of innocent souls.

MORE than any other issue in Nigeria today, the greatest concern has been the security condition of the country.

ALMOST on a daily basis, there are accounts of several security threats arising from armed robberies, assassinations, armed militancy and banditry, kidnapping, bombings and of recent, the blood-let from a religious sect called the Jaamatus Alhus Sunnah Lid Daawatis Wal Jiliad (otherwise called Boko Harm) who say they are opposed to Western education and are ready to attack every vestige of western civilization.

INDEED, the rate of crime and criminality, as exemplified in the high incidence of kidnapping, bombings and other organised crimes has sadly moved from the realm of security threat to an area of real and present danger.

THE frightening security condition in Nigeria has not only been a source of worry, it has also dented Nigeria’s International status.

FOR instance, on August 26, 2011 the terrorist group, Boko Haram bombed the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s Federal capital city. The consequences of that attack, as of today, are yet to abate.

IN the wake of the UN building attack, Nigeria, lost her hosting right of the global food security meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAQ) which was moved from Abuja, to Senegal. The meeting was an assemblage of experts and food administrators all over the globe.

ASIDE the UN building bombing on August 26, 2011 that claimed 23 lives including 11 UN personnel, local Islamic fundamentalist sect,

THE NIGERIAN

Ending Boko Haram Insurgency Boko Haram, had until late, been orchestrating series of isolated attacks predominantly in Northern Nigeria. The sect is believed to be targeting centres of international attraction, especially in the Federal Capital Territory.

CURIOUSLY, the presidential committee on security challenges in the North East Zone has identified security lapses, inter-service rivalry and lack of collaboration as factors that have encouraged the proliferation of security crises in the Northern part of the country. It also blamed the security breaches on high level of poverty, unemployment and other social ills.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is however of the considered opinion that serious security collaboration and intelligence sharing must be urgently evolved to arrest security breaches and this needs to go beyond the shores of the nation.

The federal government must build inter-agency cooperation through diplomatic channels/pacts, and international intelligence to ensure that crime of whatever scale is nipped in the bud.

MOST importantly, there is the overriding need to promptly move to demilitarize the Nigerian society and reduce the heavy influx of arms and ammunition in the country which have unfortunately gone into the wrong hands.

TO this extent, the Customs and Immigration

Services, in tandem with the Ministry of Interior should work round the clock to protect the porous Nigerian borders.

SOMETHING fundamental equally needs to be done to reduce, if not totally eliminate the existence of private militias that were established, funded and used by politicians and individuals who later dumped them after having been trained to handle arms.

ALSO, the various security agencies, beside the need to be technologically equipped and funded to carry out their assigned tasks, would need to be restructured. The structure and duties of our security agencies must be revisited so as to ensure that each organ very well knows its specific roles and function, while the laws establishing these agencies must be made clear on who does what.

THE government at all levels, particularly the federal government, urgently needs to carry out reforms in the security sub-sector to eliminate inertia created by inter-agency rivalry and react decisively to security threats with dispatch.

ON their part, the citizens must cooperate with the security agencies by supplying them with prompt, useful and relevant information on likely security breaches. This can be facilitated by the existence of a well-coordinated biometric database of Nigerians and nonNigerians alike indicating where people live, their nature of jobs and background. This will assist in fishing out the bad eggs in the society.

DECISIVE steps should be taken to cripple Boko Haram Sect and their operations as well as end their menacing reign. If anything, a safe, secure and peaceful environment is what the present democracy needs to be strengthened and sustained, as such the government and people of Nigeria cannot afford to leave this to the whims and caprices of miscreants.

Voice Of

Islam

Every Friday With Mallam Abdulfattah Enabulele Chief Imam of Benin

Forgiveness is one of the attributes of Almighty Allah.

Every human being is living because Allah is the Most forgiving and the Most Merciful. Nobody is above mistake that is why pencils have erasers. Human beings offend each other during the process of interactions. Therefore to err is human to forgive is divine.

On a particular day, Abu Ishaq, a new convert to Islam decided to ask A’ishah, (may Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Holy Prophet about the character of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

A’ishah said: He (the Prophet) never engaged in an indecent disgusting, offensive behaviour throughout his life time. He would never return an evil with an evil, but rather he was pardoning and forgiving. He was known for his leniency. He was a symbol of forgiveness.

This was the excellent character of the Holy Prophet (SAW), and Allah (SWT) directed the Messenger’s Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and the Muslims who would come after them to emulate it: “You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern of conduct to emulate for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the final Day, and who engages much in the remembrance and praise of AIlah.

The Prophet was known for his leniency. He pardoned most of the mistakes of his Companions, and Allah witness to the Prophet’s excellent behaviour towards his Companions and the whole of humankind. Allah, the Exalted, mentions: Verily, there has come to you a Messenger from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is ardently anxious over you to be rightly guided, to repent to Allah, to beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins in order that you may enter paradise and be saved from the punishment of the hellfire; to the believers he is full of pity, most kind, and merciful. (Qur’an 9: 128) It is part of the mercy of Allah that you dealt gently with them. Had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you. So pass over faults): and ask for (forgiveness for them; and consult with them about (conduct of) affairs. Then, when you have made a decision, put your trust in Allah. Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust Him (Qur’an 3: 159) No human being is perfect. All children of Adam are prone to make mistakes and offend each other in one way or another.

We are emotional creatures who become angry and falter in our interaction with each other. As such, we are bound to wrong and offend each other, as the Prophet said: “All of Adam’s descendants are prone to error, and the best of the error-prone are those who are often repentant.”

Therefore, the strong ones are those who pardon and forgive their fellow human beings. Overlooking and pardoning those who have wronged and offended us is not a point of weakness as wrongly construed by many. Rather, forgiving peoples’ mistakes is a great moral virtue as can be seen from the lives of the prophets and messengers of God. Prophet Yoosuf (Joseph) forgave his brothers, who had first plotted to kill him but later decided to sell him as a slave.

Allah, the Exalted, says: Verily in Yoosuf and his brothers are signs, proofs, evidence, and symbols for seekers of truth. Remember when they the brothers of Yoosuf said: Truly, Yoosuf and his brother are dearer to our father than we, while we are a stronger group.

Really, our father is in plain error. Kill Yoosuf or cast him out to some (land, so that the favour of your father may be for all of you, and after that you will be a righteous folk (intending repentance before committing the sin]. One of them said: Do not kill Yoosuf. If you must do something, then throw him down to the bottom of a well. He will be picked up by some caravan of travellers. They said: O father, why do you not trust us with Yoosuf though we are indeed his well-wishers?

Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and we will take care of him. He Jacob said: Truly, it saddens me that you should take him away. I fear that a wolf might devour

A Time To Pardon And Forgive him while you are careless about him. They replied: If a wolf devours him while we are such a strong group to guard him, then surely we should already have perished. So, when they took him away and they all agreed to throw him down to the bottom of the well (they did so), We revealed to him. (Yoosuf); Indeed, you shall (one day) inform them of this their affair, when they do not know you. Then they came weeping to their father in the early part of the night. (Qur’an 12:7-16) They said: O father! We went racing with one other, and left Yoosuf by our belongings and a wolf devoured him, but you will never believe us even when we speak the truth. They brought his shirt stained with false blood. He said: No, but you have made up a tale. So (me) beautiful patience is most befitting, and it is Allah whose help can be sought against that which you describe. There came a caravan of travellers and they sent their water-drawers, and (of them) let down his bucket (the well). He said: What good news! Here is a boy.

So they hid him as merchandise (sell as a slave). Allah was All-Knower of what they did. They sold him for a low price, for a few dirhams (coins), and they were of those who regarded him as insignificant (Qur’an 12: 17-20) Then year later when the brothers sought audience with Yoosuf, they said: O ruler of the land! A hard time has hit us and our family. We have brought but poor capital, so pay us full measure and be charitable to us. Truly, Allah does reward the charitable. He asked: Do you know what you did to Yoosuf and his (brother (whom they also wronged because he was so beloved by his father), when you were ignorant? They asked: Are you indeed Yoosuf? He replied: I am Yoosuf, and this is my brother (Allah has indeed been gracious to us (blessed us far above you). Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him and is patient, then surely, Allah does not let the reward of the good-doers to be lost. They said: By Allah! Indeed Allah has preferred you to us, and we certainly have been sinners. He said: No reproach for you this day; may Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy! (Qur’an 12: 88-92) In other examples of forgiveness from the prophets, Prophet Muhammad (forgave the people of Tâ’if who threw

“Allah were to punish all of the people for their wrong-doing, He would not leave, on the earth a single living creature; but He gives them respite for a stated term. When their term expires, then they will not be able to delay (accountability) for a single hour, just as they would not be able to anticipate it (or move it forward even a single hour)”

stones at him when he went to preach to them to accept the belief in one God and shun the worship of their idols. He also forgave the idolaters of Makkah, who had persecuted him for thirteen long years, plotted to assassinate him and eventually drove him out of his homeland, Makkah.

Hurayrah reported: It was said to Allah’s Messenger: O Messenger of Allah, pray against the idolaters. He said: I was not sent as an invoker of curses, rather I was sent as a mercy to guide people.

So why should we not forgive each other if this is the way of the prophets of God, who were wronged in various ways but were humble enough to overlook and pardon those who wronged and persecuted them? Furthermore, Allah says that good words and forgiving of each other’s faults is better than charity given for showing off: “Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is Rich free of all wants and He is Most Forbearing”. (Qur’an 2: 263) If we truly want Allah to forgive us our daily sins and shortcomings then we must be ready to pardon and forgive those who have wronged us. We should not hold grudges against people for many months and years, not wanting to let go and reconcile with them. For indeed, if Allah were to hold us responsible for all that we do against our fellow human beings, and even the wrong we do to ourselves, then He would not let any living creature live on the face of the earth.

Allah, the Exalted, says: Allah were to punish all of the people for their wrong-doing, He would not leave, on the earth a single living creature; but He gives them respite for a stated term. When their term expires, then they will not be able to delay (accountability) for a single hour, just as they would not be able to anticipate it (or move it forward even a single hour).

Allah were to punish all people according to what they deserve, He would not leave on the back of the earth a single living creature, but He gives them respite for a stated term.

When their term expires, verily, they will know that Allah is Seeing of all concerns of His Servants) (Qur’an 35: 45) Therefore, we must learn how to swallow our pride, conquer our egos and forgive, overlook, and pardon our fellow human beings - however much they may have wronged us - as Allah and His Messenger Muhammad have directed us, if we truly want to be pardoned for our own many mistakes and shortcomings.

Allah says: Whatever you are given here on earth is a convenience of this life, but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting. It is for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord, those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry, then forgive. Qur ‘an 42:3637 Allah praised and promised great rewards for those who, when they become angry, pardon and forgive their fellow human beings. Forgiveness is an indication of strength and not weakness, as we have already pointed out. Allah, the Exalted, says: And those who restrain anger and pardon other people; for Allah loves the good-doers. (Qur’an 3:134) It was narrated by Abu Hurayrah that Allah’s Messenger said: Charity does not decrease wealth. If anyone forgives, Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him in status.

Insight NIGERIA is a large Country in West Africa with a growing population of one hundred and sixty million people. She occupies an area of 923,766 square kilometres in the tropics.

She is extremely rich in multicultural diversities, traditions and has many languages. Nigeria is beautiful, peaceful with a very warm and friendly climate and has the largest concentration of black people in the World. She is immensely endowed with vast human and natural resources including oil and gas. It is difficult to find another Country as complex as Nigeria elsewhere in the World. A great Country that will become a prosperous Nation is a duty for all Nigerians to build through collective and individual efforts. As a Federation of people with diverse sociocultural backgrounds and origins, the basis of continued unity and

peaceful co-existence presupposes that political power and authority should rotate among the various ethnic groups without prejudice to competence, merit and National interests Nigeria is the engine of Africa and should diligently create Africa’s leading economy.

The advent of democracy in 1999 threw up an inept and irascible political leadership that has consistently put Nigeria on a steady decline in all parameters of governance. Government has, time and again, unconsciously left the generality of Nigerians in a constant state of denial that neglects the basic needs of many citizens.

Leadership and governance in the World are serious matters that are consistently handed over to and handled by the most patriotic, best informed minds and brightest brains for a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, responsibility and

Prof Attahiru Jega, INEC Chairman

The Fundamental R

By DR. PRINCE OYAKHIRE OON, PHD

prosperity to be accomplished.

Our perverted Presidential System is preposterously wasteful. It is more costly here than in America from where it was borrowed. A parasitic political class which constitutes an outpost of Nigeria’s political decay majorly peculates her wealth. It is a class of charlatans, reprobates, unrepentant rabble rousers and political liquidators.

Misrule by the elite has greatly consigned a vast majority of Nigerians to a life of despondency, attendant misery and abject poverty. Our democracy has not failed but many of our politicians have actually not fared well. The tenure of many of them is an anathema being vastly unsuitable and grossly incompetent.

Democracy is participatory governance, often traditionally established through partisanship and the instrumentality of people.

Democracy is widely embraced as a form of popular governance in most parts of the World, though, is not the best form of governance but it involves large scale participation of citizens.

Democracy is for all citizens where majority determines the winner but majority is not always right. There are numerous iniquities in partisanship which produces democracy. Nigeria’s democracy would have fared better had many credible, competent and knowledgeable electees occupied strategic positions in governance.

Politics has been hijacked by wealthy but mainly people of unrefined minds and untamed passions.

Doing for the citizens what they cannot do ordinarily on their own for themselves is the very essence and justification of Governments at all levels.

Nigeria has gone on a tangent far from the blissful future once envisaged for her economically, educationally, ethically,

morally and politically.

Nigeria has seemingly lost political direction.

She is unconsciously but rapidly descending into anarchy, despondency, financial and moral infamy. She is currently in a state of anomie.

Our clime is one of blurred vision, blackmail, culture of frivolity, impunity and failure of a system.

Our current system feeds directly into a culture of corruption, frivolity, ineptitude and impunity. It

th ex m se pe ge N bi Pa

Government is entrusted in Nigeria mainly to undeserving people, as a result, integrity is lost and citizens suffer untold hardships. The failure of a Country begins when her Policy continuously fails to guarantee security and create jobs for educated, patriotic, strong and productive citizens.

majorly and rapaciously drains resources. When representatives become Government with interests opposed to the represented, the Government is separated from its citizenry and thus e f f e c t i v e l y disenfranchised. Nigeria’s democracy exists for those in Government and

be an O pr an ex ni G L ei si ei al of po G ig pr co je ab N N w in

“Nigeria has gone on a tangent far from the blissful future once envisaged for her economically, educationally, ethically, morally and politically. Nigeria has seemingly lost political direction. She is unconsciously but rapidly descending into anarchy, despondency, financial and moral infamy.”

Insight

Role Of INEC In Democracy

he business class xcluding the vast majority of Nigerians who ee themselves in ernicious interenerational- poverty.

Nigeria does not need a i-camera Legislature. arliamentary System is

competent, disciplined, patriotic, productive, resourceful and strong in intellect in positions of authority in whom the future of the Country will be entrusted.

One major problem in Nigeria’s democracy is

etter, simpler, less costly nd more accountable.

Ours, is the World’s most reposterously wasteful nd most recklessly xpensive democracy. In ine years, Federal Government, States and ocal Councils consumed ighty trillion naira. Fifty ix trillion naira out of the ighty was for salaries and llowances of Public ffice holders mainly oliticians. Currently, Government seemingly gnores primacy of merit rinciple, abhors onstructive ideas, ettisons knowledge and bandons experience.

Nigeria wants suitable Nigerian men and women who are healthy in ntegrity, creative,

the existence of an unhealthy Electoral Body called Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). The Commission is largely NOT independent.

Every successive election conducted by INEC after 1999 suffered loss of credibility. Two major National elections conducted in 2003 and 2007 produced the most controversial, highly discredited, notoriously unreliable and widely cancelled results in Nigeria’s political history.

Governors, Senators, House of Representatives’ members and State Assemblies lost their victories at the various Tribunals. The 2011

National election did not witness a major radical departure from the floppy parody of the past. Sadly, each election was most often seriously marred by INEC’s poor organisation, widespread procedural irregularities, lack of essential transparency, significant evidence of fraud during the collation of results, disenfranchisement of voters at different stages, lack of equal conditions for contestants and numerous incidents of violence. Violence affects the integrity of an election because it undermines Authority and its legitimacy. Elections did not live up to the hopes and expectations of most Nigerians because the process was largely not credible.

Candidly, a credible Electoral Body is an inevitability as a fundamental requirement for genuine democracy, competent leadership, sustainable development, growth and international respectability. Properly conducted election will be free, fair, peaceful and transparent. Such election is made possible by a well articulated modality of vigorous publicity, creative and dependable leadership, incisive enlightenment, mass mobilisation, adequate logistics and strong financial support for

INEC as well as an impressive and ubiquitous security arrangement. It will produce credible results that are largely and truly acceptable to Nigerians.

In consequence, post electoral litigations if any will be minimal.

The Time Table recently released by INEC for 2015 general elections is timely. It is clearly a radical departure from the procedure followed since after 1999 election. INEC decided for some strange reasons to climb the tree from the top. This is a parody of nature. INEC fixed the Presidential election for 2015 to come first before others. The election of a President in favour of any Political Party will greatly influence the pattern of voting of other elections that will progressively follow particularly the Governorship election.

This position is politically unhealthy as it will not accurately reflect the political reality on the ground in the Country.

Indeed, there will be desperation as each Party in the State will do everything possible to produce a Governor in the Party that has just produced a President.

Most Governors would want to be in the President’s Party. INEC should hold brief discussions quickly with

Party leaders and revisit the Time Table rationally in National interest. The election of the President should come last to ensure equity, fairness and justice. INEC must avoid anything that will precipitate anarchy. INEC must work assiduously and must be so seen to work in public interest, National interest and in the interest of justice. The conduct of Anambra State recent election is an indication of lack of serious preparedness by INEC with its confused Voters’ Register. The names of many people including a major participant were conspicuously missing from the Voters’ Register.

They could not vote. They were disenfranchised by INEC. Names of some who are not resident in and are not indigenes of Anambra State were found in the Voters’ Register. “It was like a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing”.

Properly conducted election will produce the right calibre of leadership.

The delay, belated or late arrival of electoral materials at designated places and points on election days has remained a recurring and an embarrassing National problem. It has not been diligently addressed with

a specific sense of National commitment.

There is no logical, tangible or strong reason for this recurring slip.

INEC must seek knowledge widely.

Elections were conducted even in States with difficult terrains and no materials arrived late at the designated places.

Taraba and Oyo are good examples to emulate. The appointment of Professor Attahiru JEGA as INEC Chairman inspired Nigerians who then greatly applauded the Federal Government.

There is no doubt about his clarity of thoughts and boldness of vision but what he strongly needs is indomitable courage and impeccable political will to perform his duty. Now, he deeply understands and strongly appreciates that policy practicals are radically different from academic theories, otherwise, he should forget any optimistic result that could be considered better than the detestable records of some of his predecessors.

Some highly placed officials in the Commission who often surreptitiously play ignoble role must be quickly identified and removed because evil communications corrupt good manners.

“The Time Table recently released by INEC for 2015 general elections is timely. It is clearly a radical departure from the procedure followed since after 1999 election.

INEC decided for some strange reasons to climb the tree from the top. This is a parody of nature.”

Art Alive Benin Plan of Action: EXACTLY one year ago, Benin City played host to a two-day strategic meeting of some museum professionals in Europe with holdings of Benin art collections and top officials of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), other relevant stakeholders, including the media, and some representatives of the Oba of Benin.

One major issue dominated discussions in the two-day international meeting, and that was repatriation of looted Benin artifacts by the British government in 1897, to be or note to be. After various arguments pro and con the Nigerian people’s age-long agitation for the return of their cultural/artistic heritage stolen from Benin Kingdom the meeting adopted, in principle, a memorandum of understanding between the collaborating institutions on the matter as a major landmark in continuation of similar meetings in the past held in Vienna, Austria and Berlin on the same agenda.

The proposed MoU, which was developed and released to the press at the end of the twoday meeting on 20th of February, 2013, outlined a 7 point agenda and strategic activities that was expected to lead up to “the display of the objects in Nigeria”, sometime in the future, all things being equal.

Chief among the resolutions contained in the MoU was the development of “a data bank by the collaborating institutions on Benin art collections in their holdings in form of a digital achive of electronic and hard copies.

This data will be submitted and made available to the general public”, the document

Some Benin Artworks.

stated.

Other very critical and vital objectives set out in the MoU include items 4 and 7 which stated “that the National Commission for Museums and Monuments shall improve the university education for its staff working on the collections and on the basis collaborating institutions will assist in securing support for internship and scholarship for

steps lined out in the 7 points MoU, were to be part of the dialogue which goal was to lead to the display of the Benin objects in Nigeria. And though many participants at the twoday meeting left Benin City apparently convinced by the arguments and lecture by a scholar in copy right law, Professor Folarin Shyllon, that it was going to be a tall order for the NCMM to actually

With FRANCIS ODUPUTE

Will It Deliver? time, these looted Nigerian Art and cultural heritage to the world, sooner or later.

One year down the lane, the Nigerian public and Art Community are watching and waiting to see if words would be matched with proactive actions, at least in achieving the first objective set out in the Benin Plan of Action.

The Nigerian press is also following up on the matter,

knowing well Nigeria’s precedence on such issues.

Now, whether the “Benin Plan of Action” will deliver or not will be predicated on some absolutes some of which are the sincerity and integrity of all collaborating institutions on the agenda as being fundamental here. Besides, the will and commitment by all parties involved to see this vision achieved at all costs is

A cross section of European Museum experts and their Nigerian counterparts on the day the MoU was made public.

postgraduate studies in the Benin collections”, and “that the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and collaborating museums shall create an enabling environment for an increased exchange of touring/traveling exhibitions for the Benin art objects and other art traditions where the European and Nigerian Museums experts will work together in the planning and execution of such exhibitions.

These and other individual

retrieve or redeem the stolen Benin artifacts, based on many legal factors, yet the proposed Benin plan of Action offered a ray of hope to most Nigerians as a great step in the right direction by the NCMM and the European Museum professionals that will make it possible for Nigerians, and African in general to see with their own eyes, in their life

central to the success of the Benin Plan Action.

Also very vital is the need to carry the media along as partners in progress. The NCMM and their collaborators in European Museums should maintain an open-door policy and be generous with information sharing on any progress made on the “Benin Plan of Action” no matter how little or insignificant such progress may seem. If the press are kept in the know on progress made the general public will be carried along and only then can the NCMM and their European collaborators be taken to the appellation of being sincere, serious and indeed true to doing something historically significant to promoting Nigerian Art and cultural heritage in the context of cross cultural exchanges and peace building.

By now the proposed data bank on Benin Art collections should have been ready in virtual and or hard copies for public access, given the caliber and strength of the organisations involved in this matter Benin people, and of course, Nigerians in general, are patiently waiting. Time is of the essence.

“Now, whether the “Benin Plan of Action” will deliver or not will be predicated on some absolutes some of which are the sincerity and integrity of all collaborating institutions on the agenda as being fundamental here. Besides, the will and commitment by all parties involved to see this vision achieved at all costs is central to the success of the Benin Plan Action.”

FRANCODUS ON FRIDAY

Art And Culture

Shrines In Culture

SHRINES are sacred relics in religious formation with immemorial objects of worship by an individual or groups.

Religious formation is an organized system of belief in what the shrine represent. The shrine, in its state does not hear prayers by itself but is a memorial and honour of the spirit it represents.

The art of the shrine adds beauty and help to focus attention to the means of worship with confidence to speak to the spirit world. The spirit intercedes in the life forces that come from God. During the supplication, prayer or entreaty, the spirit would occupy the shrine on the belief that events are controlled by supernatural forces rather than the Law of movements.

Solemn prayers are said at the shrine seeking the unseen spirit but believing that the object is present — “Here we beseech thee; Here we adore thee! Here we worship thee! Here we seek thee’ “ and the worshippers feel satisfied with the solemn hymn, song, entreaty or supplication hoping for the miracles, mystery that follows.

The clergy of the religion tends to influence the supernatural forces in contact with the spirit that possess the power.

Spiritualism through sensitive medium was

able to communicate with the spirits. This entails ceremony which involves a kind of trance, announce the gods advice which may involve flay to please the gods.

Manipulation of the invisible world tends to represents one of the ways that people sought to control events.

There are shrines used as objects of memorial worships, in festivals, ceremonies and adorations, all over the universe.

In the culture, elders became ancestors and were represented in such a way as to look like the bough in the family shrines.

In the fact that the ancestors had been enshrined, their spirits had to be invoked to assist at important crises in life.

They were put in place to serve frontality as their figures were composed to give permanence and durability. The eldest person of a family kept a shrine in the family where the spirits of the ancestor — maternal or paternal, mother or father were propitiated. Their spirits could be invited to be present at family occasions.

Sacred shrines are among the noblest activities of peoples’ genuine arts and manifestations. This art is directed towards expressing in certain ways, the infinite beauty of creation in the work made by human hands.

Their ingenuities

increases praises and glory, turning peoples minds and hearts to focus devotion towards Almighty creator.

Sacred furnishings of shrines are ornaments in God’s creation. They are venerated to imbue them with the spirit of sacred

belief in the existence of superior beings exercising power over human existence with future rewards and punishments.

The characteristic of each shrine is determined by the way it emphasizes certain aspect of existence

art and of the sacred divine worship. They govern external things in sacred worship and are helpful to preserve the history of times.

Shrines in culture are human relation to divinity, to reverence, obedience and submission to mandate precepts of .supernatural beings. Shrine in culture includes all forms of

of human behaviour.

Some religious cultures of the shrines, are so deeply involved that adherents find it difficult to change to other culture.

This ultimately translates into various Life styles that give rise to an organized adoration.

Shrines should be comprehensive to present formal and external signs that recognize its services

“Sacred shrines are among the noblest activities of peoples’ genuine arts and manifestations. This art is directed towards expressing in certain ways, the infinite beauty of creation in the work made by human hands. Their ingenuities increases praises and glory, turning peoples minds and hearts to focus devotion towards Almighty creator.”

With AMBROSE EKHO SUEHI

and manifestations as all religions find their values in some sense of ultimate mystery.

The fact that people with their inbuilt antennae recognize the signs of transcendence in daily lives the reality of the mystery faces by every human being on daily basis makes believers very spiritual.

powers led to the creation of shrines and most early religions had special festivals to the shrines.

The principles of beliefs observed by the ancient peoples are still guides to the new order and believe as the gods forbid disobedience, disrespect and stubbornness.

The person, who resisted the power of the

A new scheme can find a hearing by appealing to religious instinct that had already existed in its congregation. It cannot reach this audience without taking account in the traditional forms in which religious culture is embodied.

The same faith can grow deeper in quality but change in its outward manifestation. People can share a similar faith but express it in different belief.

People adore simple objects while some groups adore sacred objects with superhuman powers containing spirit which can ward off evils and calamities.

The belief in such

authority, resisted the ordinance of the creator thereby causing damnation to themselves.

The practice and belief in shrine and the power attributed to it, and the offering of sacrifices defy the beautiful, adoration and works of arts, in the sculpture of the shrine, but protected by all instruments of belief people should cease to fear anything rather than their own potential character and manner for which they manipulate the invisible world that are represented and sought to control events and surroundings in culture.

Tourism THIRTY years ago, Nigeria’s zoological gardens and parks were among the best in Africa.

During that period, the University of Ibadan Zoological Gardens; the Yankari Game Reserves, Bauchi; the Jos Zoo and Wildlife Park and the Old Oyo National Park were the delight of tourists.

Today, however, the story is somewhat different, as the country’s wildlife parks have suffered a lot of neglect due to factors such as poaching and poor funding.

The management of the wildlife parks has not been able to replace aged and dead animals due to paucity of funds; while the cages of many zoological gardens across the country were empty with no animals.

Mr Wale Odeyemi, the Head of South West National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, bemoaned the pathetic state of wildlife parks and zoological gardens across the country.

“About 30 years ago, Nigeria’s zoological gardens were the best in Africa.

“Nigeria’s zoological gardens were then a major revenue earner in the tourism industry.

“The lack of maintenance of the animals has adversely affected major zoos across the country,’’ he said.

Odeyemi said that inadequate budgetary allocations, lack of maintenance and illegal killing of animals were some of the major setbacks of the zoos.

“Some states could not allocate enough money to maintain the animals.

Therefore, the animals were not well fed and they eventually died,’’ he said.

Odeyemi suggested that all tiers of government should make adequate budgetary provisions for the rehabilitation of existing zoos in their domains, while setting up new ones.

Mr Yakubu Kolo, the Conservator of Kainji Lake National Park, New Bussa,

Niger, noted that animals like elephants were fast disappearing from the parks.

According to him, inadequate funding is the major factor responsible for the extinction of some animals in the parks.

“Adequate funding is the key to adequate management of wildlife conservation.

“There is need to replace some of the animals that have gone into extinction at the Kainji Lake Park and other wildlife parks in the country.

“The funds will also facilitate the transportation of animals from distant places to the parks.

“It is, however, very important to make concerted efforts to stamp out poaching.

“It is also important that water does not dry up in the parks during the dry season, while providing the types of food required by the animals,’’ he said.

Besides, Kolo called for cooperation between the communities where wildlife parks were located and the management of the parks.

He said that such collaboration would stop poaching and illegal trade in animal products such as elephant’s tusks that were used in the production of ivory.

Kolo urged government to equip the rangers with adequate patrol vehicles and modern communications equipment to enable them to protect the parks efficiently.

He also called for the training and re-training of the rangers to improve their skills in wildlife management.

However, Mr Lanre Awoseyin, the National Coordinator, Nigerian Hotels Association, said that adequate wildlife conservation would boost tourism development and attract more tourists.

He noted that Nigeria had eight national parks, unlike some African countries like Kenya and South Africa which had 52 and 56 games reserves respectively.

Awoseyin underscored the

Harnessing The Potential Of Nigeria’s Wildlife Parks need to improve wildlife conservation in Nigeria, as part of efforts to boost the country’s tourism potential.

“Adequate funding of wildlife conservation would enhance its development, while generating more employment opportunities for the people.

“Nigeria is naturally endowed to have good game reserves which could attract tourists and boost its economy, if properly funded and managed,’’ he said.

Awoseyin, however, suggested that the activities of farmers, who had encroached deeply into the demarcated areas mapped out as game reserves, ought to be checked so as to preserve the existing reserves.

He urged the government

By CHINYERE OMEIRE

to educate farmers around game reserves to desist from bush burning because of its adverse effects on wildlife.

“Apart from the economic benefits of a viable wildlife park, it also beautifies the environment and preserves nature, thereby attracting lovers of beauty and nature,’’ he said.

Awoseyin stressed that as part of efforts to tackle the menace of wildlife poaching, the Federal Government should review the jail term for poachers from one month to five years.

He said that such review would serve as a deterrent to potential poachers, while saving the nation’s wildlife from extinction and making game reserves more viable.

“The existing punishment,

“Adequate funding is the key to adequate management of wildlife conservation. There is need to replace some of the animals that have gone into extinction at the Kainji Lake Park and other wildlife parks in the country. The funds will also facilitate the transportation of animals from distant places to the parks.”

which gives an offender one month jail term with an option of fine, should be extended to five years jail term, just like what obtains in Kenya and South Africa,’’ he said.

Awoseyin reiterated that the law prohibiting poaching of wildlife was not stringent enough, adding that tougher sanctions ought to be imposed on offenders.

He also noted that Nigerians’ taste for “bush meat’’ had somewhat encouraged poachers to continue illegal killing of wildlife.

He underscored the need to regulate and reduce the consumption of “bush meat’’ so as to forestall a situation where some species of wild animals would go into extinction.

The tourism expert also advised the government to improve the security arrangements put in place for existing game reserves, while demarcating more areas for wildlife conservation.

Awoseyin stressed that if the games reserves were well-managed, they would be

able to earn more foreign exchange for the country.

Nevertheless, Mrs Sophia Anyafulu, a lecturer in Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, advised all tiers of government to develop zoological parks in their areas, while educating the people on the usefulness of animals in the ecosystem.

She attributed illegal killing of wild animals to the lack of knowledge of the importance of these animals by residents of various communities, especially farmers.

“However, government should from time to time import different species of animals for continued existence of the animals,’’ she said.

All the same, conservationists urge the government to initiate decisive measures to address the menace of poaching in the national parks.

They also advise the government to demarcate more areas for wildlife conservation, as part of calculated efforts to boost ecotourism in the country.

Agriculture THE Federal Government recently approved the release of N14 billion for dry season farming.

The release of funds for dry season farming has indeed become a practice as N9 billion was released in 2013 for the same purpose.

The release of the funds underscores the importance government attaches to dry season farming.

According to available statistics, Nigeria has over 82 million hectares of arable land not fully utilised because of predominantly rain-fed farming practised in the country.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who spoke recently in Abuja at the official launch of the Dry Season Farm Support Programme, said government would sustain the dry season food support programme.

“Our resolve to expand this dry season programme is strong and subsequently it has to come up in October so that

The president said that the programme launched in 2011, was designed to add an additional 20 million metric tonnes of food to the country’s domestic food supply.

Alhaji Mohammed Yusuf, Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, who spoke recently in Bauchi at a stakeholders meeting of the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme, said agricultural inputs would be provided farmers under the dry season farming programme.

Yusuf said that in Bauchi State alone, the Federal Government provided incentives to 10,000 dry season rice farmers.

According to him, each farmer received three bags of fertiliser at 50 per cent discount and 25kg of improved rice seeds.

Yusuf said that more than 400,000 farmers from 19 participating states were being supported under the

they will get all that they need before the commencement of dry season.

“To demonstrate this, I am today announcing N14 billion to support dry seasoning farming for 2014 season.

“As more states come on board we will continue to increase the amount of money.

“We will continue to work with farmers and that is why I am announcing today that the support will become a national policy.

“Our nation shall be green, our barns shall be filled and our farmers shall prosper,’’ the president said.

2013/2014 dry season GES scheme.

“The effort produced more than one million tonnes of rice during last year’s dry season farming with just over 200,000 farmers drawn from 10 states.

“We intend to double or even triple the production this year.

“We have already carried out sensitisation campaign across the state, identified genuine farmers, enlightened them and assessed their level of preparedness in respect of land and source of water.

“I am happy to inform you that our farmers are ready;

Boosting Food Production Via Dry Season Farming

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO

they have prepared their lands in clusters and ready for planting. Very soon, we will commence distribution of the inputs,’’ he said.

The director advised the farmers to utilise the inputs to expand their production capacity, adding that the problems of processing and marketing had been addressed through the value chain initiative.

Dr Emmanuel Adanu, Director, Dams and Reservoir Operations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, urged farmers to embrace irrigation farming, as it can deliver

greater crop yield than rainfed farming.

He noted that irrigation farming was more productive because it was usually regulated and more focused than rain-fed farming.

According to him, that is why the southern part of the country is being encouraged to use the dams located in their areas for irrigation.

“We are encouraging people in the South now to go into it, though in the South we don’t have a long period of dry season for them to do continuous irrigation.

“So, we encourage them to

“The effort produced more than one million tonnes of rice during last year’s dry season farming with just over 200,000 farmers drawn from 10 states. We intend to double or even triple the production this year.”

go into some irrigation because the production from irrigation normally is better than rain-fed agriculture,“ Adanu said.

Adanu said the North engaged in irrigation agriculture more because it has a longer period of dry season and abundant expanse of land than the South.

Mr Charles Ovweigho, the Manager, Asaba Area Office of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, said that dry season rice farming would soon start at Illah, Delta after the inauguration of Illah irrigation project.

He said that the N200 million irrigation project was for dry season rice farming.

Ovweigho explained that 100 hectares, out of the 200 hectares earmarked for rice farming, was irrigated for dry season farming.

“The contract for the irrigation was awarded in 2012 and the project will soon be inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture,” he said.

Ovweigho said the farm

project extended to the neighbouring Ebu community, where 100 hectares was acquired, adding that 15 hectares had also been cleared in the community.

Ovweigho said interested large-scale farmers would be allowed to farm on the land after fulfilling some obligations.

“This is a Federal Government project and it is all over the country; no restrictions or discrimination is placed on anybody,’’ adding that interests of host communities would be protected.

Ovweigho said that farmers currently on the land, only paid for the cost of land preparations, adding that when the irrigation system becomes operational the cost would also be subsidised.

Stakeholders want the government to complete the various irrigation projects spread across the country, to ensure the success of the dry season farming programme.

(NAN),

Culture MANY centuries ago, at the time when Benin was called Igodomingodo, that geographical area now known as Benin was the hob of a conglomeration of little towns that developed into most of the areas of modern Edo and Delta states.

Throughout that period, Igodomingodo made steady progress especially in the area of spiritual, philosophical and administrative development.

Its efforts were largely concentrated on the arrangement of human order so that by the time Europeans made contact with the people of Benin in the 15th century, they had already established an administrative system which till this day baffled the Europeans and earned for the capital of this far flung African country, the appellation “City”. The nucleus of this great civilization was the monarchy which the Benins perfected around the 18th century after a series of experimentation with the Ogisos who introduced a monarchical system that is based on the principle of primogeniture.

The Owodo Era till now has made direct ascension and endured making the Benin Royal family one of the oldest families in Africa. It’s history spans more than 800 years.

Benin City remains today as conservative as it ever was.

Benin recognizes the fact that all living organisms including states and cities change. That changes has reduced to mere historical fact, the political influence Benin exercised over places such as Eko (Lagos) which she founded during the time of Oba Orhogbua at about 1550 A.D. Dahomey, Onitsha, Asaba, Agbor, Issele-uku, Warri, Idah etc. Many of this towns actually owe their corporate existence to Benin. Since the interaction between African Kingdoms began around the14th century, Benin found herself in a unique geographic position by occupying midway between what the early Europeans referred to as the “Yoruba” and the “Ibo”. This proximity to the two areas no doubt broadened the outlook

Brief History Of Benin Kingdom

of the Binis in later years.

The Eastern and Western neighbours of Benin have exercised a considerable Influence on her sociopolitical life. The Influence of the Yoruba is more felt. This is so because after about 800 years of intercourse, both cultures had to complement each other. Moreover, while the Binis have accepted many Yoruba gods, the Yoruba in return accepted the sociopolitical reforms introduced by the Benins.

The Ekaladerhan contact with the Yoruba had been a subject of controversy. He was said to be the son to the last Ogiso who was banished in the 12 th century and wandered in the jungles for several years. Neither Ekaladerhan nor the people on whom he stumbled were aware of the existence of other people on earth than those that belonged to their Immediate environment. To the people, Ekaladerhan must be a forest god, especially as they discovered him in the jungle. He was a man who hunts and understood the habits of animals to an astonishing degree. These fact put mystique on his being and personality. In no distance time, Ekaladerhan who was banished by his own people had been accepted by a people who stumbled on him in the forest. He was brought into town where he married one of them and lived to old age.

When his father Owodo was banished for ordering the assassination of a pregnant woman, Evian was appointed administrator. He tried to appoint Ogiamen his son as his successor but his effort ended in a total fiasco as a result of the opposition he faced by the Benins, this led to disorderliness and anarchy.

A search party was then sent to look for the long banished prince and the trail Inevitably ended at Uhe where Ekaladerhan had established.

Alas, he was a very old man.

Even if he accept the delegation’s plea to return

By EKUASE SUNDAY home, he was not physically capable of undertaking such a hazardous journey. He allowed his son Oranmiyan who had agreed to go with the delegation. Oranmiyan arrived around 1200AD. He fathered Eweka the first, Oba Erediauwa is the 38th king of the Edo by this direct line of succession from Eweka the first.

The history of Benin monarchy can be traced back

sacrifice to the gods to enable him have male children.

History had it that Ekaladerhan founded Ughoton which was called IGUEKALADLADERHAN (The land of Ekaladerhan) It is believed that Ekaladerhan first settled at a place now called Ughoton after several months of wandering in the jungles.

Hunters from Benin stumbled on him in the forest

to the Ogiso era in the 10th century. It is believed that there were thirty one of them before the arrival of prince Oranmiyan from Ife. The first Ogiso was Obagodo who handed in an effective system of administration, Owodo the last Ogiso was banished from the kingdom for misadministration. At the time of his banishement, Owodo has no successor because his only son and heir apparent, Ekaladerhan had earlier left for an unknown destination after having been secretly granted freedom by those sent by his father, Owodo to execute him as

and after their return to Benin, he packed up his tent and left because he was afraid that the hunters would tell of his existence and his father would give fresh order for his arrest and execution. As he feared, the hunters reported their discovery whereupon his father sent soldiers along with them to go and arrest him, But by the time they arrived, Ekaladerhan had gone! Afraid that Owodo would not believe that they did not meet him soldiers and hunters stayed put. It was they who, infact, founded Ughoton and named it after Ekaladerhan. His chance

“The Eastern and Western neighbours of Benin have exercised a considerable Influence on her socio-political life. The Influence of the Yoruba is more felt. This is so because after about 800 years of intercourse, both cultures had to complement each other.”

arrival at Uhe changed his fortunes. His adopted named, Izoduwa which means I have chosen the path to prospenity symbolic and has obvious reference to the story of his life just in the same way as Oronmiyan, the name of his eldest son.

It was the search for Ekaladerhan that took the Benins to Uhe, when he was located and his identity became known to the search party, Izoduwa refused to return with them because of

of of how Oronmiyan came to Benin, there are certain common facts namely, that Oronmiyan was the son of Izoduwa (Oduduwa) and the father of Eweka I. Ekaladerhan is said to be a tall handsome prince, endowed with great physical strength and an adept swordsman. His sudden appearance among the Yoruba people of Uhe may well be an explanation for the mysticism surroundingthe personality of odusuwa of Ife,

his old-age. But after testing the sincerity of their intention, he sent one of his sons, Oronmiyan to accompany them to Benin, perhaps the nearest account of the antecedent of Oduduwa to the Benin oral tradition narrated here is the version written by T.A Osae and S.N Nwabara in “ A short history of West Africa A.D 1000 to 1800” that the name of the much revered legendary ancestral hero of the Yoruba is Oduduwa. He is portrayed in several variants of the legend as an eastern prince who driven out of his kingdom in the east, finally entered Nigeria after a long march with his followers”. When it is realized that Benin is to the east of Ife, the version of Benin Oral tradition is further strengthened by that account Irrespective of the divergence of the version of the account

Ovonmiyan’s son, Eweka 1, became the Oba of Benin in about 1200 A.D. According to the Benin version, Eweka 1 therefore established no new dynasty. He was the great grand grand-son of the Benin monarch Ogiso Owodo. From Eweka 1 who ruled up to the middle half of the thirteeth century to Oba Erediauwa who is presently the reigning monarch, a total of thirty-eight Obas have ruled in Benin. In most cases, the period of each Oba witnessed self sacrifice, effective administration, innovation in the cultural pattern of the environment, territorial expansion and socio-economic development of the kingdom.

The history of Benin Kingdom cannot be accredited to one Oba that rules the kingdom but a collection of different Obas who at different times strengthened the kingdom through unparalled leadership style.

Reflection

With Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie, OCD 08076635886

The Essence Of Religion

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27).

WHAT is the essence of religion? How does one know a genuine and authentic religion? Where can we find a genuine religion? Who is a worthy religious? What are the things that make a religion pure and undefiled? Do we have a genuine religion in Nigeria? What of you my dear reading – are you practicing a genuine religion?

St. James defines authentic religion in terms of generosity and purity.

According to him, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). For any religion to be pure and undefiled it must take these two conditions seriously.

The Psalmist defines God as the Father of the fatherless and protector of widows (Psalm 68:5). God is the One that provides for the widows and the orphans. But He cannot come down physically from heaven to provide material food for the orphans he uses people of goodwill as his instruments.

God told Abraham, our Father in faith, “I will bless those who bless you, and him who curse you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves” (Genesis 12:3). Abraham is the channel of God’s blessing.

Child of God, like our father Abraham, you are channel of God’s blessings.

God will use you to provide food for the hungry. He will use you to provide shelter to the homeless. What will determine your fate on judgment day will not be your wealth or academic qualifications; it will not even be how prayerful we are, but how charitable and how holy you try to live your life as a child of God. According to St. James, “Faith without works is

dead” (James 2:26). Works of charity is what gives value to our faith. It is also what God will use as a yardstick for our judgment.

On judgment day, for instance, Jesus will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me” (Matthew 25:4143). Any assistance we render to our fellow human beings, especially the poor, it is to our Lord Jesus Christ that we are rendering it. He is the One that takes the glory and honour. He is the one that will equally reward us for our generosity.

Pope Francis recently launched a campaign that seeks to end world hunger before the year 2025. For the Holy Father, the only way to bring an end to hunger in the world is through Prayer and Action. The Holy Father observed, “We are in front of a global scandal of around one billion – one billion people who still suffer from hunger today. We cannot look the other way and pretend this does not exist.

The food available in the world is enough to feed everyone. The parable of the multiplication of the loaves and fish teaches us exactly this: that if there is the will, what we have never ends. On the contrary, it abounds and does not get wasted.”

In a nation like Nigeria with rich natural resources talking about hunger, as the Pope rightly observes, is indeed a scandal. Yet, this is an unfortunate reality. Most Nigerians are not able to afford one square male a day.

People are dying of hunger almost on a daily basis.

During the interview of Cardinal Onaikan to mark his 70 years anniversary, he observed that here in Nigeria “we have people who are extremely poor who could not afford their daily bread; yet on the other hand we have people who are notoriously rich who do not

even know what to do with their wealth; people who are buying jet and paying millions of money just to park them at the airport.”

With these and other observations the Holy Father came up with a passionate appeal to all people of goodwill, “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, I invite you to make space in your heart for this emergency of respecting the God-given rights of everyone to have

Hence, all the institutions in the Church must be involved.

Gone were the days when we simply pray for the poor and needy. Now the Pope is inviting us to merge words with action. As a matter of fact, Action speaks louder than words.

On several occasions in the Bible, our Lord Jesus provided food to the hungry crowd. The last thing Jesus did was to dismiss the crowd without feeding them, not

insisted that they must give the people something to eat.

He then collected their seven loaves of bread after giving thanks to God he handed them over to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. At the end they collected seven baskets as leftover.

When Jesus appointed Peter the head of the Apostles, before his ascension into heaven he

feed the Lord’s sheep that is the Lord’s faithful.

Jesus wants us to be generous with whatever God has given us. Our generosity should not be limited to our family members or only to those whom we know. Our generosity should cut across tribe, religion and ethnicity.

God himself is generous, “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and unjust” (Matthew 5:45). The

access to adequate food. We share what we have in Christian charity with those who face numerous obstacles to satisfy such a basic need. At the same time we promote an authentic cooperation with the poor so that through the fruits of their and our work they can live a dignified life.”

The Pope specifically invites all the institutions in the Church and the world to join in this campaign against hunger: “I invite all of the institutions of the world, the Church, each of us, as one single human family, to give a voice to all of those who suffer silently from hunger, so that this voice becomes a roar which can shake the world.” For the Holy Father, Charity begins at home.

just with the word of God but also with material food. In one of such occasions when great crowd gathered around him, they had nothing to eat.

Jesus called his disciples and said to them, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have nothing to eat; and if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way” (Mark 8:2-3). This is the most compassionate feeling and statement in the Bible.

The disciples were somehow skeptical and even insensitive to the needs of the people like most of us who are men of God. They asked Jesus, “How can one feed these men with bread here in the desert? For them it was impossible but with God all things are possible. Jesus

clearly demonstrated to him the reason why he chose him as the Apostles and what was expected of him as a shepherd. He called Peter three times and each time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Peter said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

Second time he said, “Tend my sheep” and the third time he said, “Feed my sheep.”

The sheep are not just the followers of Christ but all the hungry people you find along the streets, under the bridge, orphanage homes and even inside the motor parts. These were the people Jesus entrusted into the hands of the shepherds. The shepherds are expected to

more generous we are the more we become like God, our generous Father.

Child of God, remember, each time you feed a hungry person, you are not just feeding the person before you. You are feeding God through that person. By so doing, you are storing riches for yourself in heaven. May God provide for your needs!

May He bless you abundantly! As a child of the Most High God, you will never lack. God will use you as a channel of blessing. He will use you as instrument to feed the hungry, to clothe those who are naked and to provide shelter for the homeless! As you avail yourself for this noble task, it shall be well with you, in Jesus name – Amen!

International Features

LAST month, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni met in his office with a team of U.S.-based rights activists concerned about legislation that would impose life sentences for some homosexual acts. South African retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu joined them by phone, pointing out similarities between Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill and racist laws enforced under South Africa’s former apartheid government.

Museveni made clear he had no plans to sign the bill, said Santiago Canton of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, who attended the Jan. 18 meeting.

“He specifically said this bill is a fascist bill,” Canton recalled. “Those were the first words that came out of his mouth.”

One month later, however, Museveni appears to have changed his mind, saying through a spokesman last week that he would sign the bill “to protect Ugandans from social deviants.” Coming one month after Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law his country’s harsh anti-gay bill, which criminalizes same-sex marriage and activism, Museveni’s new position highlights Western governments’ apparent inability to temper governmental discrimination against gays in Africa.

The anti-gay bills are overwhelmingly supported by the general public in both Uganda and Nigeria, providing opportunities to win political points for two presidents eyeing reelection.

But international gay rights activists also blame donor countries, including the United States, which favor behind-the-scenes diplomacy intended to avoid a backlash that might come from more forceful engagement.

“Quiet diplomacy up to the final moment clearly has failed,” said Maria Burnett, senior Africa researcher for Human Rights Watch.

“We need a better strategy,” said Julie Dorf, senior adviser at the Council for Global Equality. “We do believe that our government here in the U.S. needs to ramp up the potential consequences that countries might face for these regressive anti-human rights measures. I have no doubt that President Museveni watched very carefully what happened after President Jonathan signed the Nigeria bill. And the truth is, there wasn’t much of a reaction.”

Several human rights

Quiet Diplomacy Faulted For Africa’s Anti-Gay Laws

groups are urging U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to recall his ambassadors to Uganda and Nigeria. The Human Rights Campaign, America’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, said Wednesday that Kerry should recall the ambassadors because urgent consultation is required before regular diplomacy can resume.

“The Ugandan and Nigerian governments’ decisions to treat their LGBT citizens like criminals cannot be accepted as business as usual by the U.S. government. We urge Secretary Kerry to recall both ambassadors for consultations in Washington to make clear the seriousness of the situation in both countries,” said Chad Griffin, president of the group.

Human Rights Watch and the Robert F. Kennedy Center have also called on the State Department to temporarily recall its ambassador to Uganda for consultations.

Dorf said the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, who recently went on a radio program to explain in Nigerian Pidgin English that Washington won’t be cutting aid because of the new anti-gay law, should also be brought back for talks.

Other suggested actions include suspending visa privileges for officials behind the new laws; suspending bilateral delegations or exchanges in areas of interest to both countries; reviewing and potentially revoking both Uganda’s and Nigeria’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act; and revoking invitations for Museveni and Jonathan to a U.S.-Africa summit planned for August.

These moves, though, could further jeopardize local activists who are already facing mounting vigilantism that seems to have been tacitly

condoned if not openly supported by security forces, say activists. Last week a mob armed with wooden clubs and iron bars dragged 14 young men from their beds and assaulted them in Nigeria’s capital, the latest in a series

punishment by Western countries over anti-gay legislation could be harmful.

“That’s going to make people hate (sexual minorities) more in Uganda. They’ll say, ‘You see? Our economic suf-

bind.”

The State Department seems to be reacting more swiftly to recent incidents of anti-gay violence and hate speech in Africa. The U.S. ambassador to Ivory Coast was first to condemn an attack

After Uganda’s Museveni said he would sign the AntiHomosexuality Bill, which allegedly was largely influenced by the work of American evangelicals in Uganda, U.S. officials including President Barack Obama have issued statements of protest.

Uganda’s position has not wavered. In a series of Twitter posts after announcing Museveni would sign, government spokesman Ofwono

Kenyan gays and lesbians and others supporting their cause wear masks to preserve their anonymity and one holds out a condom, as they stage a rare protest, against Uganda’s increasingly tough stance against homosexuality and in solidarity with their counterparts there outside the Uganda High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya.

of attacks that has Nigerian gays fearing for their lives.

In Uganda, Cleo Kambugu of Transgender Support Initiatives Uganda said transgender women ó who often have a hard time blending in to avoid anti-gay hostility ó have borne the brunt of a rise in violence that followed parliament’s passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in December.

Though her organization does not have the resources for comprehensive monitoring, it has been made aware of up to 40 recent incidents involving mob violence, police harassment or both, Kambugu said.

She said the imposition of

fering is because of you guys,’” she said. “By doing that, you’d actually be strengthening these beliefs that this minority group is responsible for your problems.”

It’s a “tough dilemma,” agreed Dorf of the Council for Global Equality.

“The truth is that most of the local activists in these countries are scared out of their minds right now. They’re fearful of things getting even worse for them,” she said.

“They don’t want the backlash which is inevitable when governments put more pressure, but not putting more pressure is making things even worse. We’re really in a

on the headquarters of that country’s most prominent gay rights group last month. On Wednesday, Kerry responded quickly to the latest anti-gay rhetoric from Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, who said homosexuals were “vermin” and that LGBT stands for “leprosy, gonorrhea, bacteria and tuberculosis.” Kerry said Wednesday that “the United States is deeply troubled by the hateful rhetoric used by President Jammeh ... All people are created equal and should be able to live free from discrimination, and that includes discrimination based on sexual identity and sexual orientation.”

“But international gay rights activists also blame donor countries, including the United States, which favor behind-the-scenes diplomacy intended to avoid a backlash that might come from more forceful engagement.”

Opondo slammed the international outcry, saying the U.S. is a “bully” and that “poor people have rights.” He said those opposed to the bill should challenge it in court after it is signed into law.

Burnett said the bill’s language against the “promotion” of homosexuality fits a broader pattern of Museveni’s government undermining human rights by threatening nongovernment organizations, shutting down media outlets and attacking protesters.

Museveni hopes to get support from a controversial report by a team of Ugandan doctors that says homosexuality is a risk to public health that needs to be regulated “to protect the vulnerable.”

“It is on the strength of that (report) I am going to sign the bill,” he told ruling party lawmakers last week. “I know we are going to have a big battle with the outside groups about this, but I will tell them what our scientists have to say.”

On Monday Opondo said on Twitter: “When the rant of gay activists is done over this bill, the world will move on.”

International North, South Korea Hold Family Reunion

SEOUL - More than 100 South Koreans, many of them on wheelchairs, crossed the world’s most heavily fortified border yesterday to be reunited with family members living in the North whom they have not seen since the 1950-53 Korean War. The reunions were held after the North set aside a demand for the suspension of joint military drills by the South and the United States, which it had demanded as a pre-condition.

At the Mount Kumgang resort just north of the border, long-lost relatives embraced with tears, joy and disbelief. Some failed to recognize family they have not seen in more than six decades.

Among the South Koreans

was Jang Choon, an 81-year-old in a wheelchair who was dressed in the light brown suit and maroon tie he had bought for the reunion with a brother and a sister living in the North.

“My youngest brother Hachoon had not even started school when I last saw him,” said Jang, the eldest of four siblings, one of whom has died. “But now he’s an old man like me.”

The six days of family reunions take place under the cloud of a U.N. report on human rights abuses in North Korea, which investigators have said were comparable to Nazi-era atrocities. They have said North Korean security chiefs and

possibly even leader Kim Jong Un himself should face international justice.

Pyongyang has rejected the report, describing it as a concoction by the United States and its allies, Japan and the European Union.

But the North appears to be willing to maintain a rapprochement with South Korea that may be crucial as it seeks food for its people.

The possibility of looming food shortages could have been a factor.

“Now it’s almost March, when the new farming season must begin, and Kim Jong Un has no means to feed his people,” said Kim Seok-hyang, professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University.

“He must get outside help. But looking around, the U.S. won’t give him anything, China doesn’t seem

willing to give anything and then there’s the U.N. human rights report pressuring him. The family reunions card is his last resort because he can’t neglect his people.”

The reunions used to be

held roughly annually, but have not taken place since 2010 as tensions between the two Koreas spiraled after the South said the North sank one of its naval vessels. In later months, the North shelled a South

Korean island and Pyongyang threatened nuclear attacks last year.

For many of those making the trip to Mt. Kumgang, it will be the last chance to meet separated loved ones.

Pakistani PM Approves Air Strikes On Militant Hideouts

ISLAMABAD/DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan Pakistani fighter jets bombed suspected militant hideouts in an ethnic Pashtun area on the Afghan border yesterday, killing at least 40 people, security officials said, after attempts to engage insurgents in peace talks collapsed this week.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif authorized the air strikes, a source in his office said - a possible sign he was finally giving in to pressure from the military for tougher military action against Pakistani Taliban strongholds.

“After restraining the army for three days, the prime minister himself authorized the strikes last night,” the government official said. “It was the only option to teach the Taliban a lesson.”

Sharif, who came to power last year promising to find a negotiated peace with the Taliban, has been trying to engage the militants in negotiations.

But talks broke down this week when a Taliban wing operating in the Mohmand Pashtun tribal region said it had executed 23 soldiers in revenge for the killing of their fighters by the security forces.

“At least 40 militants were killed in the precision strikes in the Mir Ali area,” one Pakistani intelligence official told Reuters.

“Six different locations were bombed.”

Another official said among the army’s targets were training camps run by Uzbek and Turkmen fighters.

Earlier, security officials had

said fifteen militants were killed.

The air strikes could herald a broader military offensive in North Waziristan, a region where many al Qaeda-linked militants are based.

The morning air attacks came just hours after the army said more than 100 soldiers had been killed by Taliban militants in the last five months, a rare admission of relatively heavy casualties.

In an unusually tough statement, Sharif ’s spokesman said in televised remarks late on Wednesday that the army was capable of crushing all enemies.

“The prime minister wants to resolve these issues without bloodshed but if the Taliban continue killing people then we will be left with no choice but to keep our citizens safe from terrorism through any means possible,” spokesman Pervez Rashid said.

Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammed Nawaz Sharif addresses the 68th United Nations General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York.

North Korean Lee Yun-geun hugs his South Korean Sister during their family reunion at the Mount Kumgang resort in North Korean.

Aid Workers Deliver Food To Damascus District

DAMASCUS - The relief agency supporting

Palestinian refugees resumed food distribution inside the rebel-held district of the Syrian capital that has suffered from crippling shortages of food and medicine for months, a United Nations spokesman said yesterday.

The UNRWA announcement comes as Western and Arab nations supporting a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding immediate access across in Syria to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to civilians under siege called for a vote this week, even though diplomats say Russia is opposed to key

provisions.

Chris Gunness, a spokesman for UNRWA agency that administers Palestinian refugee camps around the Middle East, said in a statement that the Syrian government granted access for relief workers to enter Yarmouk on Wednesday after an 11-day halt. He said 280 families received food parcels on Wednesday, adding that they are preparing to deliver more food to about 18,000 Yarmouk residents yesterday The Yarmouk refugee camp, located in southern Damascus, is one of the hardest-hit opposition enclaves that have been under tight blockades imposed by forces loyal to President Bashar Assad.

Iran Nuclear Talks End, Next Round March 17

VIENNA - Iran and six world powers ended the opening round of nuclear talks on an upbeat note yesterday, with both sides saying they had agreed on a plan for further negotiations meant to produce a comprehensive deal to set limits on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

In a joint statement, they said the next round of negotiations would begin in Vienna on March. 17, continuing a process likely to take at least six months and probably longer.

Expectations had been modest as the talks started Tuesday, and the upbeat tone on a framework for future talks appeared aimed at least in part to encourage skeptics both inside and outside Iran that the negotiations had a chance to succeed despite huge gaps between the Iranians and the six powers.

The six want Tehran to agree to significant cuts in its nuclear program to reduce concerns it could be turned quickly to weapons use.

Iran opposes cuts, saying its program is not aimed at building weapons. The U.S. and its partners say that Iran must come to an agreement if it wants a full end to sanctions crippling its economy.

“We have ... identified all of the issues we need to address for a comprehensive and final agreement,” said Catherine Ashton, the EU’s top diplomat who convened the talks between Iran and the six powers — the United States, Russia, China,

Britain, France and Germany .

The talks are designed to build on a first-step deal in effect since last month that commits Iran to initial nuclear curbs in return for some easing of sanctions. The deal can be extended by mutual consent after six months and both sides say any final deal will be tough to reach.

The six countries want to leave Iran with little capacity to quickly ramp up its nuclear program into weapons-making

mode with enriched uranium or plutonium, which can be used for the fissile core of a missile warhead.

They say Iran should dismantle or store most of its 20,000 uranium-enriching centrifuges, including some not yet working. They also want a reactor now being built to either be scrapped or converted from a heavy-water setup to a lightwater facility that makes less plutonium.

More than 100 people have died in Yarmouk since mid2013 as a result of starvation and illnesses exacerbated by hunger or lack of medical aid, according to the U.N. figures.

“UNRWA staff heard passionate and vocal demands by Yarmouk civilians for substantial, sustained humanitarian access to Yarmouk, for the restoration of UNRWA services, and for Yarmouk to be rapidly opened for normal civilian life,” Gunnnes said in a statement, urging the Syrian government and the rebels to “respond positively and immediately to these demands.”

Supporters of the U.N. resolution said the document had been put in its final form late Wednesday, with a vote likely on Friday.

It is unclear whether Moscow will veto the resolution or abstain from the vote.

Russia is supporting Assad’s government in Syrian’s nearly 3-year-old conflict. The United States and its allies in the Europe and the Persian Gulf are backing most of the opposition that is fighting to oust Assad.

International

Ukraine: At Least 18 Dead As Truce Collapses

KIEV - Fierce clashes between police and protesters ó some including gunfire ó shattered a brief truce in Ukraine’s besieged capital yesterday, killing at least 19 people.

The deaths came in a new eruption of violence just hours after the country’s embattled president and the opposition leaders demanding his resignation called for a truce and negotiations to try to resolve Ukraine’s political crisis.

The two sides are locked in a decades-long battle over the identity of this nation of 46 million, whose loyalties are divided between Russia and the West.

Parts of the countryó mostly in its western cities ó are in open revolt against President Viktor Yanukovych’s central government.

An Associated Press reporter

saw 18 bodies yesterday laid out on the edge of the sprawling protest encampment in central Kiev, the capital. In addition, one policeman was killed and 28 suffered gunshot wounds yesterday, Interior Ministry spokesman Serhiy Burlakov told the AP. Those numbers yesterday brought the week’s death toll to at least 45 in Kiev.

As the violence exploded and heavy smoke from burning barricades at the encampment belched into the sky, the foreign ministers of three European countries met with Yanukovych, after their meeting with the opposition leaders.

Later yesterday in Brussels, the 28-nation European Union was scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Ukraine, to consider sanctions against those

behind the violence.

The latest bout of street violence began Tuesday when protesters attacked police lines and set fires outside parliament, accusing Yanukovych of ignoring their demands to enact constitutional reforms that would limit the president’s power ó a key opposition demand. Parliament, dominated by his supporters, was stalling on taking up a constitutional reform to limit presidential powers.

In a statement early yesterday, the Ukrainian Health Ministry said 28 people have died and 287 have been hospitalized during the two days of street violence. Protesters, who have set up a medical care facility in a

downtown cathedral, say the numbers of injured are significantly higher ó possibly double or triple that.

A statement from the Interior Ministry yesterday said the gunfire against officers appeared to be coming from the national music conservatory in Kiev, which is on the edge of the downtown square housing an extensive protest tent camp.

Also yesterday, the parliament building was evacuated because

of fears protesters were preparing to storm it, said parliament spokeswoman Irina Karnelyuk.

The clashes this week have been the most deadly since protests kicked off three months ago after Yanukovych shelved an association agreement with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia. Russia then announced a $15 billion bailout for Ukraine, whose economy is in tatters.

Although the initial weeks of protests were determinedly peaceful, radicals helped drive an outburst of clashes with police in January in which at least three people died, and the day

of violence on Tuesday may have radicalized many more.

Political and diplomatic maneuvering has continued, with both Moscow and the West eager to gain influence over this former Soviet republic. Three EU foreign ministers ó from Germany, France and Poland ó were in Kiev yesterday speaking with both sides.

President Barack Obama also stepped in to condemn the violence, warning Wednesday “there will be consequences” for Ukraine if it continues. The U.S. has raised the prospect of joining with the EU to impose sanctions against Ukraine.

Central African Republic Muslims BANGUI - The anti-balaka Face Deadly Purge have outgrown their name.

These militias in the Central African Republic, once united under a moniker meaning ìantimacheteî in the local Sango language, are exacting their own vicious revenge upon the mainly Muslim rebels who overthrew the government last March and waged months of terror against the Christian population. They are now accused of atrocities far worse than what first prompted them to take up arms.

An Amnesty International report on February 12 said attacks on Muslims in January by antibalaka militias, made up of Christians and animists, had amounted to ìethnic cleansing.î Fatou Bensouda, chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court at The Hague, has already opened a preliminary investigation into crimes against humanity, saying some ìvictims appeared to have been deliberately targeted on religious grounds.î A top U.N. official issued similar warnings during a recent visit to the ravaged capital, Bangui, telling reporters: ìThere is an ethnic-religious cleansing taking place. It must be stopped.”

The campaign of looting and murder in recent weeks has led to an alarming demographic crisis in the Central African Republic. About 1 million of its 4.6 million people have been displaced and at least 2,000 have been killed. Muslims account for 15 percent of the population, or about 690,000 people; Medecins Sans FrontiËres said in a conference call with reporters on Feb. 18 that at least 80,000 had already left.

Entire neighborhoods in Bangui and towns in the northwest have emptied as a mass exodus pours into neighboring countries Cameroon and Chad.

Aid groups fear the fleeing of Muslim traders and cattle herd-

ers, who are crucial to the countryís food production and distribution, may spark a famine.

The scene today vastly differs from last year. ìIf you drove across the country in November, you would have been impressed by the power of the Seleka,” says Joanne Mariner, a senior crisis adviser with Amnesty in Bangui, referring to the impact of the rebelsí offensive that began in late 2012. “Now if you drive across the country, you find anti-balaka everywhere.

They are the people who are in control of the roads and the majority of the towns.”

William Lacy Swing, directorgeneral of the International Organization for Migration and a young U.S. envoy to Bangui in the mid-1970s, was ìshockedî by the scenes there during a trip in early February. ìThe Central African Republic that I knew at the time, this element now of inter-religious conflict was absent,” he told TIME, ìand now it is at the heart of some of the problems.”

An anti-government protester holds a crucifix as he prays at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine.

China Charges Former Mining Magnate With Murder, Gun-Running

BEIJING - China unveiled dramatic details of charges against a former mining magnate yesterday, accusing him of crimes ranging from murder to gun-running and extortion as part of a “mafia-style” gang he led.

In an announcement carried by the official Xinhua news

agency, prosecutors in central China said they had laid charges against the former chairman of Hanlong Mining, which had tried to take over Australia’s Sundance Resources Ltd. Police last year announced the

detention of Liu Han and an investigation into his younger brother Liu Yong - also known as Liu Wei - on suspicion of criminal activities.

Prosecutors in the Hubei

Former News International Chief Executive Brooks and her husband arrive at the Old Bailey Courthouse in London.

province said the two Lius set up the gang in 1993, along with 34 others, and it “carried out a vast number of criminal activities”.

The gang was responsible for nine murders, the report said.

“Those charged also came up with myriad ways to draw in and corrupt officials who worked for the state, seeking their protection to consolidate and expand their influence,” Xinhua added.

“Liu Han, Liu Wei and the others formed, led and participated in mafia-style crimes, murder, assault, illegal detention, interference in state functions, affray, extortion, gambling, illegally buying and selling guns, illegal gun ownership ... (and) fraud.”

Reuters could not reach Hanlong for comment. It was also not possible to reach either of the brothers for comment.

The probe into Liu, ranked as the 230th richest person in China by the Shanghai-based Hurun 2012 Report, marks one of the highest-profile cases

against a private businessmen since President Xi Jinping took power last year, vowing to crack down on corruption.

The southwestern province of Sichuan, where Hanlong is based, has been a focus of Xi’s crackdown, mostly because it was a power base for Zhou Yongkang, the retired former domestic security tsar now being probed over graft.

The police investigation into the activities of Liu and his associates eventually spanned more than 10 provinces and cities, including the capital, Beijing, Xinhua said.

It is not clear why the charges were laid in Hubei, though some of the crimes are suspected of having been committed there, according to Xinhua.

Police seized thousands of bullets, as well as 20 guns and three hand grenades, Xinhua said, an unusual detail in a country where gun ownership is tightly controlled and gun crime rare.

Xinhua bared details of the brothers’ lavish lifestyle, including the Bentley and Ferrari cars the gang owned, as well the impunity they had for their criminal lifestyles.

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Szczesny Could Face Action Over Gesture

Arsenal’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is sent off by referee Nicola Rizzoli.

Man City Resume Premier League Fight

BRUISED by their midweek Champions League disappointment, Manchester City will resume their Premier League aspirations against Stoke City on Saturday.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men suffered a minor set-back in their nearly unstoppable form on Tuesday evening when they played host to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

It was a display which highlighted why the Spanish Champions are one of the best teams in the world, but their performance was largely aided by the sending off of Martin Demichelis just after the break.

Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot conceded by the physical defender before Danie Alves wrapped up the deal to hand City their second only defeat at home this season.

Much was made of the

referee’s display on the day but the Argentinian says he must be blamed for his sending off rather than the match official.

“I have seen the moment again on TV and think ‘why did I have to tackle him and not keep running by his side?’” he told the Sun. “I was sure that I would get the ball when I made the tackle. And then you think that you will steal the ball from Messi, you realise that you don’t. But I made the foul.”

Stoke City conversely arrive into the encounter off the back a 1-1 draw Swansea City and they are in need of a league win after claiming just one victory in seven games.

With City’s title aspirations still very much in check, they know that another slip-up cannot be forgiven as they now sit five points off leaders Chelsea.

Shola Ameobi Hints At Newcastle United Exit NEWCASTLE United striker Shola Ameobi has admitted that he could leave the Tyneside club at the end of the season.

Ameobi, who has spent his entire professional career at the Tyneside club, hasn’t been offered a new deal as yet. The sturdy forward’s contract expires in the summer.

The 32-year-old Nigerian joined the club 14 years ago and has conceded that leaving the North East outfit would be very difficult for him.

“After the summer, my future is unclear,” Ameobi told the Shields Gazette “Basically, I will do what I’ve always done. Like I’ve always said, I’ve never taken it [playing for Newcastle United] for granted. Every time I step on that pitch, I relish it.

“When it does finally end [my Newcastle career], it will be a sad moment, but at the moment my focus is trying to help this club.

“That is what I’ve always tried to do, and that will never change.”

• Shola Ameobi

WOJCIECH Szczesny could face disciplinary action from UEFA after appearing to make an offensive gesture following his sending off in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

Gunners goalkeeper Szczesny was shown a red card after bringing down Arjen Robben in the box to give away a penalty shortly before half-time in the first-leg of the last-16 tie.

However, as he left the field, the 23-year-old Poland international was caught on camera making a hand gesture before heading into the tunnel.

Broadcasters Sky Sports apologised to their viewers for showing the “untoward

gesture.”

Despite the defeat, Per Mertesacker insisted Arsenal can still qualify for the quarterfinals — pointing to their 2-0 win at the Allianz Arena last year.

“It’s a blow but when you look back at last year — we lost here 3-1 — it was a bit worse than now,” Mertesacker told Sky Sports.

“We’re looking forward to Munich and why can we not repeat that from last year?”

The Germany international centre-back also admitted he and his teammates are in need

of a break after a tough run of fixtures.

Their defeat to Bayern came on the back of a 2-1 FA Cup win over Liverpool, following a 00 draw at home to Manchester United and a 5-1 defeat at Anfield in the Premier League.

“We’ve played four tough games in the last two weeks,” he continued. “Munich are a fantastic team, they play with possession very well.

“We tried everything today, especially in the first 10 minutes but overall we have to take the defeat with us to Munich.

Mentally we are stronger than last year.”

Wojciech Szczesny of Arsenal fouls Arjen Robben of Bayern Muenchen during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Arsenal and FC Bayern Munich at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday in London, England.

Wenger Questions Ozil’s Penalty Style

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger questioned the penalty style adopted by his German midfielder Mesut Ozil, after he missed a crucial spot kick in Arsenal’s 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich.

Ozil’s relaxed approach to his eighth-minute attempt allowed his German international colleague Manuel Neuer to palm away with relative ease, and Wenger admitted he is not a fan of the slow-paced approach adopted by his 42.4 million-pound club-record buy.

“I prefer that people run properly at the ball,” Wenger told Sky Sports when asked about of Ozil’s penalty technique. “Look, everyone has their own style and you have to respect that there is not one way of penalty taking. He feels comfortable like that, it’s his style.”

A dignified Wenger was gracious after defeat, as he suggested the football fates were against his side on a night

when they were matching Bayern before a red card for keeper Wojciech Szczesny seven minutes before halftime.

The Arsenal boss had few complaints about the award as Szczesny tripped Arjen Robben in the box in the defining incident of the match, but he suggested a red card was a harsh sentence.

“If there is contact I think it’s a penalty, but was it a red card?

I dispute that many times,” he stated. “These are the rules, so we have to accept it.

“It was a night when everything went against us because we could have been 30 up before they got a sniff in the game. We made big mistakes, but the spirit was absolutely fantastic.

“The penalty we missed killed the crowd and the positive vibes. Then we are down to ten men, one player injured, you have no possibility to change. Overall, it was a very difficult night, but also a night when the team has shown some quality and class, but in the end we lose the game.

“Bayern are good and we had more problems after we went down to ten men. Robben has given problems to many teams and he is a top class player.

What we will do is go there and have a go in the second leg.

You never know what can happen.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker offered an upbeat view of the Gunners’ hopes, as he reflected on last year’s 2-0 win in the

Allianz Arena as a source of inspiration.

“We won there last year, so why can we not repeat that?” asked the German defender.

“Bayern are a fantastic team and they play possession very well, but overall we have to take that defeat to Munich and mentally we are stronger than last year.

“There are a lot of ifs and buts [after this game], but we have to take the result now. It is a bit of a blow for us, but Bayern underestimated us last year, so why not again?”

Wenger said the Gunners travel to the Allianz Arena facing a gargantuan task, but he would not dismiss his side’s hopes.

“It isn’t over because we will fight until the end,” Wenger said.

Inter Aiming For Maximum INTER will be aiming for Points their third successive win of the calendar year when they host Cagliari at the San Siro on Sunday afternoon.

The Nerazzurri have started to turn the tides in favour of themselves after they ended their winless run of five matches against Sassuolo at the beginning of February.

Since then, they have acquired the maximum points off fourthplaced Fiorentina and are gunning to make it nine out of a possible nine when they host the Sardinian outfit.

Rodrigo Palacio opened the account for Inter on Saturday evening, but Mauro Icardi’s second-half strike proved decisive in cancelling out Juan Cuadrado’s equalizer.

And head coach Walter Mazzarri couldn’t help but express his joy in seeing his team finally come out on top: “I’m always happy when my team wins.

“Beyond the points we earned in these last two matches, I think the important thing was to see

Turin Derby For Juve

JUVENTUS have been totally dominant throughout the Serie A season and on Sunday afternoon they will be fighting for bragging rights against Torino.

The Bianconeri once again confirmed their intentions on claiming a third successive Serie A title when they kept their composure against a determined Chievo Verona last Sunday.

Kwadwo Asamoah scored a cracker of a goal outside of the box to open Juventus’ account against the Bianconeri as they went into the break trailing by two goals.

Their strong character was put on display when Martin Caceres turned the ball into the back of his own net. It was a rather uncanny situation in defence in which Chievo’s pace forced Stephan Lichsteiner to make a rash clearance and it deflected off the Uruguayan and into the back of the net.

The victory allowed Juventus to maintain their nine-point distance over Scudetto contenders Roma, who later in the evening claimed a 3-0 victory over Sampdoria.

Torino, meanwhile, have also been in impressive form this season and they are in the loop for taking part in the Europa League next season.

Their latest run of just one defeat in their last five games will certainly make the already heady Turin derby a feisty affair as they look to become the first team to defeat Juventus in 2014.

the team playing as they did until just a few weeks ago. That’s something that matters.”

Conversely, Cagliari’s run of results hasn’t brought them the same joy that saw them host Juventus on the back of nine games without defeat.

Since then, the Rossoblu have only acquired one win in their last five Serie A encounters and, as a result, has seen the dismissal of Ivo Pulga as the club head coach.

His sacking was sealed when they fell 2-1 to relegationthreatened Livorno which saw a thunderbolt long-range effort from Emerson rattle the back of the net.

And it has since seen Gianfranco Zola linked to the post at the club, which he has since played down.

“Me as the new Coach of Cagliari? I think that would be difficult,” Zola told Radio Crc. “I am the last person you should be asking that question, even though in football you can never say never.”

Downcast Bale Is Struggling

FORMER Real Madrid coach and sporting director Jorge Valdano has told El Larguero that Gareth Bale has looked “downcast” in recent games due to fitness issues, the expectations generated by his world-record transfer fee and competition from youngster Jese Rodriguez.

Bale has been a peripheral presence in Madrid’s latest matches, while many fans and pundits in the Spanish capital have been wowed by the zip and confidence of youth product Jese, 20, on the other wing.

Los Blancos coach Carlo

Simeone Pleased With Atletico Response

DIEGO Simeone said a halftime change in Atletico Madrid’s tactics and attitude made the difference in Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg at AC Milan.

Milan had the better of the first half at their San Siro ground and came the Serie A strugglers came close when a Kaka shot hit the

Neymar

Barcelona Face Neymar ‘Tax Fraud’ Case

THE Spanish tax authorities have launched a case against FC Barcelona for a tax ‘fraud’ of 9.1 million euros related to the transfer of Neymar last summer, according to reports in Spain. paid a total 37.9 million Madrid-based judge euros in a signing on fee Pablo Ruz is currently (10 million euros in 2011 conducting an and 27.9 million euros in investigation into the 2013) to join the club — complicated 86.2 million- money which he maintains euro deal, and has asked income tax of 9.1 million Barcelona, Neymar’s euros must be paid on. father and FIFA for all Barca have previously documentation relating to maintained that this figure the transfer amid reported was paid as a “penalty suspicions of the existence clause” which was of different versions of the triggered when the Catalan paperwork. club signed the player 12 A public prosecutor months earlier than had presented a new petition to been previously agreed.

Spain’s High Court on This money was — Wednesday outlining the according to the club’s reasons for wanting to take own website — paid to a a tax case against the company controlled by Catalan club. “There is a Neymar’s father. whole series of contracts Barca have admitted that that show signs of they paid out a total of 86.2 simulation, as well as million euros when financial engineering signing the Brazilian operations,” the writ reads player last summer, with according to El Pais. different amounts being The prosecutor, Jose paid to his former club Perals, claims that Barca Santos and an agency

controlled by his father.

Some of these payments are claimed to relate to services not directly related to the transfer, including marketing, scouting and development work in Sao Paulo.

Santos and “third-party investors” who previously held a share of Neymar’s “playing rights” are also unhappy with how the 86.2 million euros was divided up, with the Brazilian club having a request that FIFA hand over all its documentation relating to the case rejected by a court in Sao Paulo.

Catalan newspaper El Periodico printed a copy of a petition from Spain’s Fiscalia de la Audiencia Nacional which speaks of the different payments made and the issues which the authorities have with Barca’s version of events.

Sandro Rosell, who

stepped down as Barcelona president in January as the controversy over the transfer intensified, new Barca chief Josep Maria Bartomeu and Neymar Sr could all be called to testify as investigations in the Spanish capital continue.

All of the individuals involved continue to maintain that the deal was all legally above board. In January, prior to Rosell’s resignation, the Catalan club released a statement saying that the transfer was complex but not illegal.

“The complexity of the contract, which the prosecutor calls ‘contract simulation’, has never been in itself illegal and we believe that the prosecutor is mistaken to believe that it is,” that statement said.

We Didn’t Deserve To Lose “We’ve been trying to

MICHAEL Essien believes AC Milan’s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night did not tell the whole story.

The Ghana international played fullthrottle at the San Siro in his first match of the competition this season.

Diego Costa popped up with a late winner as

- Valdano Ancelotti maintains that he will not be swayed by Bale’s fee in deciding whether to start Jese ahead of the Welsh star on current form, and Valdano believes the former Tottenham talisman is not yet showing his true worth.

“Bale has a strange anxiety because you do not notice it in the intensity of play,” media pundit Valdano said. “When someone is anxious, they play at a speed above what suits them, but it is like he is somewhere else. That is the strange sensation you get from him.

- Essien

Atletico gained first leg advantage.

“I think we played a good game and we had a few chances to score. In the end, they got the goal in the dying minutes of the game but we didn’t deserve to concede,” Essien told Milan Channel.

work hard and to improve.

When you have chances to score and you don’t, then things get difficult.

“We have the return match in a month and we’ll be doing everything to get through to the next round.

It won’t be easy to get a result as things stand but we’ll do everything we can. I’m feeling good and I’m settling in well.”

Diego Simeone

crossbar and Thibaut Courtois saved Andrea Poli’s close-range header. But Atletico upped their intensity after the break and took control of the tie through Diego Costa’s late header.

Argentine coach Simeone told his postgame news conference that it had indeed been a game of two halves.

“In first half we were slow, predictable and they played the game they wanted to,” he said.

“From minute 10 to 45 they played as they wanted. Then, after the break, it was the opposite and we played as we wanted.”

Colchoneros top scorer Costa told Canal Plus after game that Atletico had not lost faith in themselves through a recent dodgy spell, and had always felt confident they could win the game.

“We have confidence in ourselves,” he said. “We lost three games and people started to doubt, but we did not doubt. We are very strong. It was a difficult game. We knew about the pressure. We went looking for the game in the key moment. We had to wait for our opportunity.”

Belgium international Courtois described his first-half contribution to UEFA’s official website at San Siro.

“I think I made some good saves, the one from the header [by Poli] was difficult because he was very close,” the on-loan Chelsea keeper said. “I was good on my feet and had a good reflex to push it against the post.”

Meanwhile, Rossoneri coach Clarence Seedorf has said there are still 90 minutes to be played between Milan and Atletico, and there is still all to play for.

Brazil Could Crack Under Pressure - Del Bosque

Coaches Gather For World Cup Seminar

WORLD Cup coaches gathered yesterday in the southern Brazilian city of Florianopolis for a series of pretournament seminars to discuss logistics.

Brazil’s 2002 winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari led the way as 24 of the 32 coaches arrived in the beach resort of Costao do Santinho a day after FIFA confirmed it is retaining Curitiba as one of 12 venues.

World football’s governing body had warned the venue faced the axe with preparations lagging well behind schedule but agreed to give the Arena da Baixada a second chance after work was stepped up over the past month.

England’s Roy Hodgson was arriving after a reconnaissance trip to the Amazonian city of Manaus, where his side will tackle Italy in the heat for their first group game before meetings with Uruguay and Costa Rica.

Hodgson’s pre-draw comments that Manaus was a place to avoid given the venue’s heat and humidity caused a storm locally but a letter to local authorities and his visit have repaired relations.

Seven coaches will not be at the workshop, including Germany’s Joachim Loew, who attended Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League drubbing Tuesday by Paris Saint Germain.

Also not present is Argentina’s Alex Sabella — who would have had a warm welcome with the Santa Catarina region home to thousands of Argentinian expats.

Further absentees are the coaches of Algeria, Belgium, Chile, Italy and Japan.

Cameroon’s veteran German coach Volker Finke, whose side will take on Brazil in their group, did make it — but initially without his luggage.

“The cases are still in Sao Paulo. I hope they get here later,” local media reported Vinke as saying as he headed for a spot of shopping for emergency supplies.

With less than four months to go, the meeting is to discuss finer details of the tournament, such as medical and media issues, accommodation and marketing.

Given the heat of some venues — southern cities such as Porto Alegre will in fact be cool in what will be a Brazilian winter — issues such as water breaks will also be discussed.

Coaches were later Wednesday to address the media while Thursday they will attend a security workshop ahead of a final press conference.

SPAIN coach Vicente del Bosque believes Brazil could crack under the pressure as this year’s World Cup hosts bid to exorcise the ghosts of their 1950 nightmare.

Brazil scored an emphatic victory over del Bosque’s reigning world champions in the final of last year ’s Confederations Cup, boosting the hosts’ hopes of a repeat triumph at the World Cup. However, speaking on the sidelines of a two-day seminar for World Cup coaches on Wednesday in Brazil, del Bosque said the home side’s famously passionate support could prove to be a burden.

• David Ferrer

Ferrer Books Quarter-Final Ticket In Rio DAVID Ferrer led a Spanish charge into the quarterfinals of the Rio de Janeiro Open with victory over Federico Delbonis.

The world number four and second seed eventually imposed himself on his Argentine opponent after an even opening to the match to post a 7-6(2) 6-1 win in one hour and 26 minutes.

During the first set, Delbonis managed to save four set points before losing it on a tiebreak but from then on in it was all about claycourt specialist Ferrer, who won six games in a row to seal victory.

Ferrer, who won the tournament in Buenos Aires at the weekend, moves on to meet Thomaz Bellucci in the third round of action in Brazil after the local wildcard downed seventh seeded Juan

Monaco 4-6 6-3 6-3.

Ferrer’s compatriots Tommy Robredo and Pablo Andujar also made it through after respective wins over Dusan Lajovic and Martin Klizan.

Fourth seed Robredo eased to a 6-2 6-1 success over Serbian qualifier Lajovic while eighth seed Andujar was handed a walkover when Klizan pulled out of their match, citing a stomach problem.

Rafael Nadal is the top seed at this ATP 500 event.

Meanwhile, a day after displaying dominant form at the Delray Beach Open, top seed Tommy Haas suffered an upset loss to unheralded

Brazil Might Deploy Military During World Cup - Rousseff PRESIDENT Dilma Rousseff said Wednesday Brazil’s military could be deployed to provide security during the World Cup, if necessary, as the host country contends with a spate of violent protests.

Rousseff, in a radio interview, said steps were being taken to improve security in the 12 cities where matches are scheduled to be held from June 12 to July 13.

• Dilma Rousseff

She insisted that fans, tourists, soccer teams and dignitaries expected to flock to Brazil for the World Cup play would be well protected.

“The federal police, the national public security force, the highway police — all these organs are ready and positioned to act within their areas of competence,” she said.

“If it’s necessary, we will also mobilize the armed forces,” she added.

Brazilian cities have been hit since last June by often violent protests — most recently one on February 6, in which a television cameraman was killed.

Rousseff said the vandalism that has often accompanied the protests were “inadmissible in a democratic country.”

Her government is working on a bill that would toughen penalties for acts of vandalism during the World Cup, and the Brazilian Congress is debating a separate “anti-terrorist” bill that also would stiffen sanctions.

American Steve Johnson 6-4 2-6 7-6 in the second round.

Haas had opened the tournament with a breezy win over Wayne Odesnik on Tuesday but the 35-year-old could not repeat the feat against an aggressive young opponent who had to win two qualifying matches to make the tournament’s main draw.

Johnson banged out 13 aces and did not fold when Haas mounted a rally and claimed the second set.

In the decisive third, Johnson held firm and dominated the tie-breaker to gain a huge victory in his young career.

“I’ve had a few wins I’ll never forget, and this is one of them,” Johnson said. “I played a good week in Dallas (Challenger) two weeks ago and I played two good matches in qualifiers (here).”

The win marks the second time this season Johnson has defeated a top-20 opponent,

after he took down Kevin Anderson, who was ranked 20th at the time, last month in Auckland.

This is not the first time Haas has bowed out of the Delray as a top seed as he was also ousted in the first round in 2010.

“I struggled at times with the lights and my focus, but I’m not going to take anything away from (Johnson),” Haas said. “I hate to lose, but I’m happy for him.”

In other action, Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt was also sent home early after he retired because of a right shoulder injury.

He was trailing fellow countryman Marinko Matosevic 7-6.

Fourth seed Anderson also advanced when opponent Ivo Karlovic was forced to retire early in the match, while sixth seed Feliciano Lopez overcame a one-set deficit to beat Adrian Mannarino 4-6 64 6-2.

“Brazil will have the fans behind them but this could come back to bite them as it heaps the pressure on,” warned del Bosque, who insisted his side’s Confederations Cup loss to the Selecao is “water under the bridge.”

The possibility of Brazilian failure on home soil continues to loom large for the hosts, 64 years after their famous defeat to Uruguay at the climax of the 1950 tournament.

The 2-1 loss before nearly 200,000 fans at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium is regarded as something close to a national tragedy, a traumatic and humiliating defeat that remains one of the World Cup’s greatest upsets.

Croatia coach Niko Kovac, whose side will open the tournament against the hosts in Sao Paolo on June 12, also warned that Brazil might be overwhelmed by the pressure.

“Brazil will have a big support, not only at the stadium but also from 200 million people in front of their televisions. But at the same time it is a pressure for the host, which could be our advantage,” he said.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted however that the country had learnt from the past and would be able to cope with the weight of expectation.

“Before 1950, Brazil had never been to the final,” Scolari told reporters. “They acted as pioneers for our five titles won since.”

Scolari, who masterminded Brazil’s last World Cup triumph, at the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea, had no qualms about setting the bar high for his current side.

Critics say his side is far from the vintage Brazilian teams of old.

“We have to think big and aim to win it,” he said.

“Otherwise what am I doing here as coach?”

Capello’s Russia Call Up Wrong RUSSIA have accidentally surprised but sincere because Player notified the wrong player that the information was official. they have been named in Fabio Capello’s preliminary squad for a forthcoming friendly.

• Capello

Capello’s side take on Armenia on March 5 and the Italian coach opted to include Terek Grozny defender Andrey Semyonov in his initial list to be involved.

However, the Russian Football Association informed a player of the same name, Lokomotiv Moscow reserve Andrey Semyonov, which is a common name in Russia, that he in fact had made the team.

Semyonov of Lokomotiv’s second string said: “My teammates congratulated me on the call up. They were

“I was surprised too to put it mildly, but I do have an experience with the under-21 team. I will do my best to get a real call-up in the future” Terek Grozny’s Andrey Semyonov, meanwhile, said: “I was surprised to see my name on the list. It’s a great pleasure to be mentioned amongst such stars.

“I knew I am getting better, and there were compliments from coaches, so progressing to the national team did cross my mind, but I never expected to get the call up so soon.”

Bayelsea Skipper Plays Down Bosso Exit BAYELSA United captain Salomon Junior has insisted the exit of coach Ladan Bosso a week to a Confederation Cup tie will not affect the team.

Bayelsa United tackle Kondzo FC of Congo on March 1 in a first round Confederation Cup clash.

Junior said he will personally miss the coach and believes the entire team will do so too, but that will not stop them from going past Kondzo FC. “Coach Bosso’s exit won’t affect us in our Confederation Cup game, we will miss him. I will personally miss him because he is like a father to me, he is the first Nigerian coach I

will play under, and he is a great Coach,” the Benin Republic international told MTNFootball.com “We won’t lose focus, we have been in Ijebu-Ode camp for two weeks, and during that time we drew 1-1 with Sunshine Stars and beat Remo Stars 2-1. We will make Nigeria proud.”

Bosso guided Bayelsa to finish third on their return to the Nigeria Premier League last season.

Flamingoes Set For FIFA U-17 Women COACH Bala Nikyu of The former Super W/Cup - Nikyu th e national under-17 Falcons’ assistant coach

women football team on Wednesday in Abuja said the team was ready for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

Nikyu said this after the team defeated Nasarawa Amazons women football club of Lafia 2-0 in a friendly match, which was part of their preparations for the World Cup. The match, which was

played at the FIFA Goal Project pitch at the Abuja National Stadium, saw the Flamingoes opening scores as early as the 10th minute through Uchenna Kanu.

They thereafter mounted pressure on their Lafiabased opponents, but could not increase their lead until the 49th minute when Goodness Onyebuchi scored.

Fazza Champ

Nigeria Off To Dubai

THE 6th Fazza International Athletics Championship in Dubai would serve to further prepare Nigeria for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Kasumu Taiwo, Technical Director, Nigeria Para-athletics Federation (NPF), said this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.

Taiwo leads Nigeria’s team of 12 athletes and four officials for the championship in Dubai on Thursday.

The director stressed that the championship would expose the players ahead of the Commonwealth Games holding from July 23 to August 4 in Glasgow.

“The Dubai championship is certified by the International Paralympics Committee (IPC) as a prelude for the commonwealth games.

“So, I can assure Nigerians that our quest to win laurels at the games had started with the Dubai championship.’’

According to him, the athletes have prepared adequately to ensure a good outing at the competition.

“All the athletes for this championship have gone through series of training to enhance their performance in Dubai.

Bright Dike

Keshi Shattered By Bright Dike Injury

NIGERIA coach Stephen Keshi has expressed disappointment over the injury setback suffered by striker Bright Dike. happening to a player with Toronto FC striker Dike, such enthusiasm to play for who has been picked for next Nigeria at the highest level, month’s friendly against we will surely miss him, if it’s Mexico, suffered what is true he would not be ready on believed to be an Achilles time for the World Cup,” tendon tear, which could Keshi said from Brazil, where sideline him for several he is attending a FIFA months. seminar.

“No, no, this is very sad. I “I can’t think of any can’t believe this is replacement for now until we

get to the real facts of the matter.”

Keshi further said he hopes the other players stay clear of injury ahead of the World Cup. “We just have to commit all the other players to God’s hands, because we can only do well if our players are in good health,” he said.

Ogbeide Blames Pillars’ Loss On League plan, let us go back to the basics Pillars crashed out of the SOLOMON Ogbeide, former and plan.“ Managers competition after losing 3-4 on Head Coach, Warri Wolves FC, Reacting to the allegation, Mr aggregate to AS Vita FC of DR has blamed the Nigerian league managers for the early exit of Kano Pillars FC from the 2014 CAF Champions League competition.

Ogbeide blamed the league managers in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

He said, “The fault is from the organisers of the league; our league is not on and people are playing in the Champions League; how do you expect the team to do well.

“Yes I’m blaming our league system.

“If the league had started, say sometime in November or December, our team must have gelled by now to play in the continent; they only just organised four club tournaments.

“All the four clubs that appeared in the championship do nothing; let them (managers)

“We are still in the preparation process, because the first friendly match we played against this same team ended 2-1 in our favour. However, I am not counting on that for now.

“I am more concerned about our level of preparations and the level at which we are growing.

“Compared to our first meeting with them, there is a little improvement on the part of my girls.

“So, for now, we have a team and in the next three weeks, we will be fully ready for the World Cup,” Nikyu said.

On the team’s proposed training tour to Faro in Portugal, the coach said its essence was for the team to have full concentration ahead of the 16-nation competition.

“We are going there (Faro) to round up our preparations, because we have not rounded up yet.

“And the essence of going there is to ensure that, for the next three weeks, all what we will have is concentration,” Nikyu said.

Mike Enahoro, the spokesman of the League Management Company, told NAN that coach Ogbeide had a right to hold an opinion on Kano Pillars’ early exit from the CAF championship.

Enahoro said, “Mr Ogbeide has his right to have his own opinion, am I supposed to respond to everybody’s opinion ? I don’t think so, that is his opinion.”

It will be recalled that Kano

KANO Pillars coach Abdu Maikaba has quit his post over “unbearable conditions” at the Nigeria champions.

A top source informed MTNFootball.com: “Mikaba has resigned as Pillars coach.

He has informed technical adviser Okey Emordi accordingly.”

However, Pillars officials refused to confirm the resignation of the respected

coach.

The former Enyimba coach led Pillars to the recent preseason Super 4 in Abuja.

He assisted Mohammed Babaganaru to ensure Pillars successfully retained the league championship in October.

He is widely known for his eye for top talent having worked at the defunct Buffalo FC of Kano and FC Abuja during which time he

On the return of Skipper Joseph Yobo to the team, Keshi said he was recalled because he has recently come back to a reach veil of form, warning however that his recall to the team does not guarantee a World Cup place.

“He played well against Manchester City, which I watched, but he must be consistent and we pray he should be in good health, those are the attributes we want in all the players that will go to the World Cup,” he said.

Congo.

The Kano based side had lost the first leg 1-3 to the Congolese side in Kinshasa and won the return leg 2-1 at home, a score that was insufficient to swing the tide in their favour.

... as Coach Maikaba Quits

produced the likes of Gambo Mohammed, Anthony Ujah and Nosa Igiebor.

A massive re-organisation is ongoing at Pillars after they crashed out of the CAF Champions League last weekend.

The board led by Abba Yola and the top management have been sacked after the Kano State Government said the club’s exit was “unacceptable”.

Aminu Maigari

however expressed optimism that the team’s first round group opponents in Costa Rica would pose no threat.

“Every team which qualifies for the World Cup has a target and that is to win the World cup.

“Each of the 16 participating countries aims to win and Nigeria is not an exception.

“But this tournament is for the youths, and at this age-grade competition, Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with.

“So, if you talk of any team you know in the last two years, you can’t be sure of what the team can offer presently, because a country will always aspire to be better.

“However, we have seen the video clips of some of their matches, and we can only assess their style of play and not individual performance.

“So, there is no cause for alarm and we know we will have a good outing in Costa Rica,” Nikyu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fourth edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup billed for Costa Rica will hold from March 15 to April 4.

NAN reports that the Flamingoes qualified for the World Cup without kicking a ball after South Sudan withdrew from the African Qualifiers.

They will be leaving Nigeria for Portugal on Friday, Feb. 21 for a threeweek training tour ahead of the Women’s World Cup. The team has since been drawn in Group D with Mexico, Colombia and China for the World Cup.

CMYK

Esan North East

Do Not Glory Yet IT is an undisputable fact that Edo State is full circle, All Progressive Congress (APC) state. During the last Governorship election in the state conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of the APC won convincingly in all the eighteen Local Government Areas of the State. During the Local Government Election, the APC made a repeat performance by wining all the Chairmanship seats in the state, given its track record of excellent performance and widespread acceptability across the state. But the PDP have been making all sorts of noise in some parts of Esan North East.

As it is customary of some PDP bad losers, who would hardly accept defeat in good fate, even in the face of overwhelming defeat they always resort to rushing to the tribunal. General Charles Airhiavbere is a typical example. This prompted the Chairmanship candidate, of the PDP, Mr. John Yakubu to proceed to the Election Petitions Tribunal to challenge the victory of Hon. Samuel Oboh who was duly returned as winner of the election by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

The tribunal led by Justice Alero Eruaga only recently delivered its judgment, in which it ordered a re-run of the council chairmanship seat.

The PDP expectedly, went celebrating as though they have won the election.

Some loquacious members such as Dan Orbih claimed they even expected that their candidate would have been declared winner by Justice Eruaga, but they forgot that the Judiciary led by women are very often incorruptible. The PDP must not glory yet.

But the point has been made, even by the judicial pronouncement that Mr. John Yakubu had no clear case he was making. The fact that you were not declared winner as you demanded in your petition shows that you lost and your arguments were

appropriately to reclaim the victory freely given to it by the people of Esan North East and Hon. Samuel Oboh will continue to govern the APC Local Government.

But most worrisome is the wicked politics being played by some sheepish

communities in the area for several decades have spoken out against this share wickedness.

The Royal fathers in Edo Central Senatorial district recently visited the Comrade Governor in Benin and commended him for fast-tracking

PDP members in Edo Central which have launched a campaign of calumny against the person of the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole to the effect that he hates Esan people.

We thank God that the custodians of the culture and tradition of the people of Edo Central who have been leading various

development in their domains. Specifically, the Royal Fathers led by the Onoje of Opoji, , Ehidiamen 1, thanked the Governor for appointing their son, Mr. Jerry Obazele as Head of Service (HOS).

Interestingly too, they said as a matter of fact, “no other Governor since the days of Mid-West State

• Chief Dan Orbih

baseless. But for the tribunal to have gone ahead to nullify the election, which you didn’t pray for, means that the judgment will be set aside by the Appellate Court because a relief not sought is void in law.

Much more, where lay the claim of Mr. John Yakubu and his ill-fated PDP victory when out of the eleven councillorship petitions taken to the tribunal, eight APC councilors were upheld while the tribunal gave victory to three PDP councillorship litigants.

This confirms the superiority of the APC over the PDP in Esan North East. The APC is studying the judgment very keenly and would take steps

By DAN OWEGIE has given recognition to royal fathers as the Governor Oshiomhole.

According to the Onojie, who spoke on behalf of his brother royal fathers, “we want to commend you for all you’ve been doing in respect of the road networks in Edo State and we in Edo Central look forward to more in this year’s budget.

“We don’t see you as an Etsako man, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom once said Oshiomhole is a Benin man, we are today saying you are an Esan man, because what we have not received from past Governors, you have done it for the Esan people.

“The Esan people are indeed grateful to you and I’m asked to thank you specially by the for what you have done for us.”

They added that before your administration, since we got the Mid-West state to Bendel and then Edo State, we have had both military and civilian governors, none has given more recognition than the current Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole.

“We are indeed very grateful and we want to assure you that we will continue to partner with you in all your programmes that will bring development to the whole Edo people.”

The Governor used the occasion of the royal fathers’ visit to again inform them of what he had done. He told them that the government has approved the appointment of Prof Cordelia Agbebaku

as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Ambrose Alli University because of her track records.

In the words of the Governor: “we are confirming the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University. I believe she brought some stability to the institution. They tried to politicise the whole thing by bringing ethnicity into it, but Edo will be driven by merit because we recognize merit.”

He thanked the royal fathers for the support that they have extended to his administration, and told them that they have been of tremendous help in shaping the policies of his government.

Clearly, the meeting between the governor and the esteemed royal fathers has put paid to the antics of some few disgruntled elements to use ethnic divisive tactics which is usually played for their selfish desires. They go to Abuja, rake in all the monies for themselves and care less about the common people back home.

Those fanning the embers of disunity in Edo State will close shops now that their tricks have been exposed by the respected Royal fathers and all Edo people now know those who do not mean well for them. The era of collecting millions and billions from Abuja only to come and buy okada and other quasi objects of life wastage to our people is over for good.

• Mr. Dan Owegie is a Chieftain of the APC, Edo State.

“But the point has been made, even by the judicial pronouncement that Mr. John Yakubu had no clear case he was making. The fact that you were not declared winner as you demanded in your petition shows that you lost and your arguments were baseless. But for the tribunal to have gone ahead to nullify the election, which you didn’t pray for, means that the judgment will be set aside by the Appellate Court because a relief not sought is void in law.”

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