Nigerian observer 21 08 2013

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

The NIGERIAN

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 NO.298 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013 . N 100.00 ECONOMY Page 14 The paradox of Nigeria’s economicf growth

NATURAL MEDICINE Page 19

Some issues in female infertility

Boko Haram leader is dead

By JOSES SEDE MAIDUGURI - The joint task force in Maiduguri, Borno State yesterday, claimed the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, has died as

result of gunshot wounds he sustained during clash with federal troops in June this year.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Force, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa said Intelligence report

- JTF available to the Joint

Task Force Operation RESTORE ORDER revealed that Abubakur Shekau, the most dreaded and wanted

Boko Haram Terrorists leader might have died of serious gunshot wounds he received in an encounter with officials of the JTF in Maiduguri, Borno State.

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Jonathan orders end to ASUU strike

ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday directed the two Federal Government committees negotiating the requests by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), to take immediate measures at ending the on-going strike.

The Chairman of the were, Ministers of Universities Needs Education, Prof. Ruqayyat I m p l e m e n t a t i o n Rufai, Labour, Emeka Committee, Gov. Gabriel Wogu, the Executive Suswam of Benue, made Secretary of National this known after a Universities Commission, closed-door meeting of Prof. Julius Okogie and the the two committees and Chief of Staff to the other stakeholders with President, Chief Mike President Jonathan at Oghiadome. the State House in Abuja.

Speaking with State Vice-President Namadi House correspondents, Sambo, the Chairman of Suswam said that the the Earned Allowance meeting was summoned by Committee and the the president “to take some Secretary to the decisions that would end Government of the the strike”.

Federation (SGF), Sen. “The president has Anyim Pius Anyim were instructed us, as to what to in attendance at the do, and he has shown a lot meeting. of commitments to flagging Also in attendance off projects worth about

N100 billion in all the universities in the country, about 61 of them.

“So, we are hoping that we will be able to

see the end of the strike very soon.

“At the end of the day, we hope ASUU is satisfied with the measures that have so far been taken.

“The federal government will also be meeting with the Universities Councils and Vice Chancellors of our universities within

the week towards updating them on some of the decisions taken,’’ he said.

Suswam said about N100 billion had been approved by the Federal Government to his committee to address infrastructure deficit in all the Universities.

“The president has graciously agreed that in

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Pro-women clause

Group lauds Oshiomhole

By EUBALDUS ENAHORO ABUJA - The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has commended Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for his contributions to the advancement of the cause of women in the state.

National President of the Council, Mrs. Nkechi Mba made the commendation when she presented an award of excellence to the governor at a dinner to mark the end of the Nigerian Women Celebration For Peace and Empowerment in collaboration with the office of the Nigeria First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan in Abuja.

Mrs. Mba said that since the commencement of the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, women in Edo State have been given equal opportunity as the men folk, saying that the appointment of

more women into his cabinet is a testimony of the governor’s faith in women.

She noted that when given the opportunity, women could contribute to the social, cultural and political development of the state and Nigeria in general.

Other awardees include President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who was given an award of Life Time Icon, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Governors of Ondo, Kano, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Abia and Bayelsa states.

In a related development, Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and

Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida, Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Aanena Jemitola, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Lady Omorede Osifo and other executive members of the state cabinet commended the NCWS for the award of excellence given to the governor, pointing out that

Continues on page 2

INAUGURATION: Vice President, Namadi Sambo (middle), cutting the tape to inaugurate force CID building complex in Abuja yesterday. With him are Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (right) and I-G, Mohammed Abubakar.

Pricewater House Coopers wins Edo Consultancy job

WORLD renowned consultancy firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers has emerged winner of the Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Results

(SEEFOR) Project.

The Project, which is a joint collaboration between Edo State Government and the World Bank is aimed at

ensuring youth employment, access to socio-economic services, public financial management reforms and project coordination and

Teacher certificate verification

Commissioner makes clarification

BENINI CITY - Edo State Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon Patrick Aguinede said the

ongoing primary schools teachers certificate verification exercise is part of strategic plans by government to lay a solid

foundation for advancing education in the state.

Commissioner Aguinede, made the

clarification when he played host to the executive members of the Nigerian Union of

Continues on page 2

implementation support.

It further stands to help Edo State increase its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in a sustainable way by Broadening the tax/ revenue base; Verify existing tax database of Edo State; Strengthening tax administration to improve collection and facilitate the shift in tax structure from a reliance

on higher tax rate to a broader tax bases and improving efficiency and transparency in tax/ revenue collection and data management process.

To ensure transparency in selecting a consultant for the project, Edo State Government had advertised in some national dailies in October, last year and

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THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

News Boko Haram leader is dead

Continued from page 1

Shekau “died of gunshot w ound received in an encounter with the JTF troops in one of their camps at Sambisa Forest on 30 June 2013.”

Shekau was mortally wounded in the encounter and was sneaked into Amitchide – a border community in Cameroun for treatment which he never recovered.

worship and public buildings including Police and United Nations Headquarters in Abuja,” the statement said.

It also said the recent video released on 13 August, 2013 by the purported sect leader was “dramatized by an imposter to hoodwink the sect members to continue with the terrorism and to deceive the undiscerning minds”.

“The JTF wishes to appeal to the sect members to lay down their arms and embrace the Federal Government’s offer for dialogue,” the statement added.

Boko Haram, which has waged an insurgency in Nigeria since 2009, has not commented on the

statement.

The US had put a bounty of $7m (£4.6m) on Shekau’s head.

On August 14, the military said it had killed Boko Haram’s second-incommand, Momodu Bama, also known as “Abu Saad”.

Correspondents say there is no independent confirmation of Shekau’s or Bama’s death.

In May, President Goodluck Jonathan declared an emergency in three northeastern states in order to battle the militants.

Boko Haram is fighting to establish an Islamic state across Nigeria.

Thousands of people have died since it began its insurgency in 2009.

allowances.

Asked whether government would be willing to shift ground on the ASUU insistence, Suswam said negotiation was still on-going, “The federal government has opted to also meet with the

Councils and Managements of the Universities, because Earned Allowance is something that can be certified by the management and councils of the universities.

“I think that the government has demonstrated some substantial faith,” he said.

The meeting between the striking university lecturers and the federal government delegation on Monday was reportedly deadlocked.

State House of Assembly, Hon Elizabeth Ativie has donated a multi-million naira mobile clinic as her contribution towards the health needs of the people of her constituency.

Unveiling the Mobile Clinic which was specially produced in Germany and can cover any terrain, Hon Ativie said she procured the vehicle after taking note of the special health needs of her people as those in the interior villages in the local government find it difficult to get quality healthcare.

She said: “After finding out the needs of my people, I discovered that the people in the interior villages do not have access to proper medical services, so I felt this mobile clinic, cum hospital can move from village to village and that would reduce the incident of our people patronizing quacks”.

Hon. Ativie added that with the

coordinator in the local government area will be able to move from village to village on market days and give medical care to the people and that is why I went for this.”

Ativie, a trained Nurse with experience spanning over 30 years said she would set up a mini-committee of people in the local government to ensure the constant fueling and maintenance of the Mobile Clinic to ensure that it is optimally utilized.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole who inspected the Mobile Clinic praised the lawmaker for the initiative in providing the Mobile Clinic.

The governor said: “I have seen the facilities inside the Mobile Clinic, I am very excited and very impressed.

In addition to your normal legislative duties in which you have been doing well, supporting all our laudable projects, providing legislative support for the appropriation without which those projects would not have been done; in addition to these, you have embarked upon what can be described as humanitarian project by using your resources.

“You have procured a very well-equipped mobile clinic for

our rural people who have difficulty in accessing model medical facilities. We are trying to build model health centres everywhere but it would take a while for us to have a model health centre in every village.

I think your initiative is wonderful, it would afford you to take medicare to the doorstep of those who need it in the remote parts of Uhunmwode local government area”, he noted.

Comrade Oshiomhole said, “The point being made, because you have done us proud, what distinguishes ACN now APC from the other party, we recognize that we are here and the only way to remain here is to take on board the concerns and challenges of the people and that you have demonstrated by this laudable initiative.

“I also believe it would send a message to our people that women in office having the heart of a mother can do those things which are not readily obvious, maybe, to the rest of us, because women have the gift which some of us lack and this will encourage more women beyond being woman leader, to get involved in elective and executive offices, so that working together, we would take Edo State to the next level,” he said.

The Basic Education Commissioner stated that the ministry has lined-up series of capacity training and re-training programmes for teachers during the holidays, maintaining that the interest and welfare of teachers in the public school system remains a top priority of the present administration.

He expressed delight that teachers have now cultivated a positive attitude to their jobs, assuring that he would continue to employ the tools of motivation so as to encourage the teachers to be more committed.

Chairman of NUT, Esan West Wing, Comrade Ukhuleigbe

Pius has stated that the EXCO members were in his office to congratulate him on his welldeserved appointment as Commissioner for the ministry.

He expressed confidence that Hon. Aguinede would bring his wealth of experience to bear as a former legislator and Chairman of the Education Committee at the House of Assembly.

Comrade Ukhuleigbe commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his developmental strides in the education sector, while appealing for more government’s intervention in its total school transformation agenda.

It is greatly believed that Shekau might have died between 25 July to 3 August, 2013.

He was reported to have masterminded the kidnap of the seven French citizens and that of the elder statesman Alhaji (Dr.) Shettima Ali Monguno in addition to many murders of Islamic clerics in Northern Nigeria.

He was also responsible for bombings of many places of

Goup lauds Oshiomhole

Continued from page 1 the award was in recognition of his being a proponent of 35 percent gender affirmation.

They poured encomium on the women folks for

organizing the event, noting that the award would spur the recipients in enhancing gender participation in governance.

They advised Nigerian women to always speak with one voice and see themselves as one.

Jonathan orders end to ASUU strike

Continued from page 1

the first week of September he will be able to flag-off the projects.

“You also know that the procurement process will have to be followed and these projects include hostels in our universities, classrooms and theatres, libraries and laboratories among others.

“Some are renovation some are new and all the 61 universities are going to benefit from one project or another.

“So, it is not going to be selective, all the universities are going to benefit from this infrastructural revitalisation of our universities.

The governor said that the Earned Allowance Committee being headed by the SGF, where there were contentious issues, would be addressed.

“As you must have heard, the federal government made an offer of N30 billion to assist the various Councils of our universities to be able to pay the earned allowances,” he said.

It would be recalled ASUU had rejected the offer of the N30 billion by government and stood on its N87 billion demand to settle the earned

Lawmaker donates mobile clinic BENIN CITY - The lawmaker representing Uhunmwode Local to constituency Government Area in the Edo Mobile Clinic, “The PHC

Pricewater House Coopers wins Edo Consultancy job

Continued from page 1

received bids from thirty-five firms within and outside the country.

In applying the criteria for selecting the most qualified consultant for the Project as spelt out by the World Bank, the thirty-five bidding firms applauded the choice of the six firms that were short listed, based on the merit of proposals submitted.

At the end of the harmonization of the Technical and Financial proposals submitted by the shortlisted firms by a team of evaluation experts approved by the World Bank, a Nigerian company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, won the bid for the Project Consultancy in Edo State.

Announcing the winner of the biding exercise, Chief Oseni Elamah, Executive Chairman, Edo Internal Revenue Service, remarked

that sound accountability and transparency credentials of the Comrade Governor- led administration, accounted for the decision of the World Bank to partner with the Edo State Government on the project.

Commissioner makes clarification Continued from page 1

Teachers (NUT) Esan West wing, in his office.

He noted that the exercise was not meant to witch-hunt the teachers as it is being alleged in some quarters, saying that public servants in other sectors of the State would also go through similar exercise.

Hon. Aguinede disclosed that the State Government has delivered a total of 3,500 desks/ chairs to public primary schools across the State in recent weeks, while another batch of 75, 000 has been procured for onward delivery to public secondary schools.

Govt to reposition Bendel BENIN CITY – Edo State Brewery Government has taken drastic steps to reposition the Bendel Brewery Company Limited.

State Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Barr. MacDonald Obsuke made this known when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Brewery to address workers of the Factory on recent modalities employed by Government for its revitalization.

Commissioner Obasuke said the authorities are not unaware of the situation of the Brewery workers but however, assured that concerted arrangements were in place to address the plight of its workers, particularly the issue of unpaid salaries.

He enjoined them not to do anything that could jeopardize production at the Brewery, stressing that it is only when production is

sustained that funds would be available to pay the arrears of salaries owed them.

The Commerce and Industry Commissioner pointed out that leakages and other wastage channels have been blocked by government while concerted efforts were being made by government to build confidence in the suppliers of raw materials needed by the Brewery to keep production afloat.

Some of the Brewery workers, including Comrade Oscar Agbolua who is a union leader in the factory appealed to the commissioner to assist in checking the excesses of management of the Brewery while urgent steps should be taken to offset the salaries owed workers which are now in arrears of several months.

Tradomedical practitioners honours Oba Erediauwa

By RAYMOND OSOGBE BENIN CITY – National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine practitioners (NANTMP) has invested the Benin Royal Monarch, Oba Erediauwa with its highest award of Grand Patron.

This award was given to the Oba today in his palace by a national delegation of the body led by her National President, Chief T. Omon Oleabhiele JP. Going down memory lane, Dr. Oleabhiele JP told the Oba that he was chosen carefully for the befitting honour, after a careful study of individual and institutions contributions to the struggle for national recognition of traditional medicine in N i g e r i a .

In the same vein, he recalled that the Monarch in his quest to actualize the recognition of the body, advocated that national recognition be given to tradomedical practice, while patients should be given the right of choice to orthodox

and non-orthodox medicine.

The NANTMP President, therefore lauded the Monarch for what he referred to as age-long partnership with the body.

He also called on the Monarch to add his voice for the speedy passage of the traditional medicine bill pending before the National Assembly since 2006.

However, the Oba promised to assist in that regard. The president hinted that 6 state governors including Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole among others and the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu will also be honoured by NANTMP. Among those who accompanied Dr. Oleabhiele to the palace include Dr. Ibrahim D. Nakowa, National Deputy President, Dr. Charles Onuchukwu, Assistant Secretary General and Dr. Roland Ehigiamusoe a resource person, among many others.

Commissioner condemns assault on Traffic officials

BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Isimeme Iriogbe has expressed concern over the rising incidence of molestation and assault of traffic officials in the cause of performing their lawful duties.

The commissioner who expressed the position when he visited an accident scene in the Murtala Muhammed Way, Benin City, said his ministry would not allow such lawlessness to continue.

He disclosed that officials of the state Traffic Management Agency have the requisite training to be able to discharge their duties in a civilized and orderly manner.

Commissioner Iriogbe

debunked claims that traffic officials were responsible for the accident, explaining that the traffic officials were only at the scene of the accident to assist in controlling traffic built-up occasioned by the accident while on a routine surveillance to Ikpoba Hill axis of Benin City metropolis.

Explaining further, he said investigations revealed that the 7up Company vehicle involved in the accident had a brake failure while descending the Murtala Muhammed Way slope, lost control and rammed into other vehicles before it finally rammed into a residential building where the vehicle was, as at press time.

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Inside Edo APC Inaugurated In Ekperi

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Hon (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ativie, during the commissioning of Mobile Community Health Clinic provided by Mrs. Ativie for the people of Uhunmwode constituency in Edo State yesterday.

PHOTO: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

EKPERI- The people of Ekperi in Edo North, has inaugurated the newly registered All Progressive Congress (APC) and formally announced the collapse of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)structures in the area.

Inauguration Committee Coordinator, Prince Greg Ogiogwa, while outlining the background of events and inauguration of the new leaders from Ugbekpe Ekperi kingdom, Zone 2, comprising wards 6, 7 and 8 in Etsako Central Local Government Area, called for focus on rapid economic development in the periods ahead.

Describing the event as a milestone, he expressed happiness that the umbrella union under which the people of the

Education Oshiomhole Lauds

Omobude

By ADAMS OYIBOKO/ OYENMWEN OMOROGBE

BENIN CITY- Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has lauded the contributions of the National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. (Dr) Felix Omobude to the development of Technical Education of the state.

The Governor gave the indication yesterday when a delegation of the church, officials of Light House Polytechnic and Representatives of Evbuobanosa Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area paid him a thank you visit at Government House Benin City.

Comrade Oshiomhole specifically commended the lead chancellor, Light House

Polytechnic in reversing urban/ rural migration, saying that the effort has brought about rural development and enhanced social economic activities in Evbuobanosa Community.

Acknowledging the enormous task of governance, Governor Oshiomhole congratulated the PFN President and promised to improve on the infrastructural development in the state.

Governor Oshiomhole sought for prayers in order to remain focus in the infrastructural

commended the screening committee in its choice of the personalities and harped on the need to ensure that it does not go below set standards in the selection process.

medium for show casing great personalities like the Oba of Benin state governors, captains of industries, great men of God as well as prominent members. Of the society.

4 Enigie For Edo Personality BENIN CITY - Wave making he said was informed by Almanac theThis, Benin City based Image making fact that the Almanac is a Personality Almanac, publisher of “Who is Who” has released the nanes of some prominent Benin Enigie that would grace the 2014 edition of the almanac.

A release endorsed by the Chairman of the screening Committee, Dr. Roland Duke listed the Enigie as, HRH, Prince Edomwonyi Iduozee Obanosa, the Enogie of Egbaen and President, Association of Enigie, Benin Kingdom; HRH, Enigie Osazuwa Iduriase, the Enogie of Eyaen, HRH, Prof. Ereyinmwen Ogiegbaen, the Enogie of Ogbeson and HRH, Enogie Omoruyi Osagie, the Enogie of Uteh N’ Urekpoki.

The release stated that the selection of the personalities was based on their contributions to the society and their commitment to the upliftment of people as well as the society generally.

These are self-made men who are using their resources to impact positively on the lives of their subjects. Selecting them to appear on our almanac is our little way of honouring them for their commitment to the position advancement of peace and progress in their communities, the release stated.

Meanwhile, publisher of the Almanac, Steve Onweme has

development of the state.

He Assured the leadership of Light house polytechnic and the Evbuobanosa Community of government determination to fulfill all promises made in supports of projects in the polytechnic during his last visit.

He said government was doing everything humanly possible to reposition Ambrose Ali University (A.A.U) through the provision of N500 million and the approval of two blocks of hostel accommodation (one each for male and female) in order to arrest the accommodation problem faced by students of the state owned University.

The General Superintendent , New Covenant Gospel Church International, Rev Omobude had told the governor that the visit was to formally notify him of his election in February 2013 as the

New National President of PFN. He commended the state Governor for his developmental strides in the state, adding that his good works speak volume.

area articulated theirviews, Ekperi Progressive Union, had in its fold leading professionals, technocrats, political office holders, politicians and traditional authorities.

He said, “I commend our leaders from the defunct ANPP and CPC for their cooperation and for greater participation from our women and youths and urge our newly inaugurated leaders to learn from past mistakes and shun selfish personal interests.”

Mr. Athanasius Ugbome called on the youths to, “galvanize in readiness to march into the future with great zeal and passion and go well beyond achievements of previous generations.”

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated leaders, Elder Cletus Ajanaku thanked the traditional rulers and community and ward delegates present, for the honour and pledged their allegiance to Ekperi ideals, culture and development.

He said members would immediately embark on reconciliation and mobilization drive which he tagged, “Operation Total Unity and Progress.”

Sir Omizegba’s Burial Commences Tomorrow BENIN CITY- The burial ceremony of Sir Ambrose Osimeme Omizegba a retired staff of the Editorial Department, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, Publishers of observer titles commences tomorrow, Thursday August 22, 2013 with a Vigil Mass at his residence, No 18 Enoma Street, Off Oko Central Road, GRA, Benin City beginning at 4:30pm.

This to be followed on Friday August 23, 2013 with a funeral mass at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City at 9am.

At 11am, the corpse would Late Sir Ambrose Osimeme Omizegba

The SSG, Edo State, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (right) in a handshake with National President, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Comrade Ossy Faluyi, during a courtesy call by the Union at Government House, Benin City, yesterday.

PHOTO: QUEENETH A. OROBEDO

be taken in a motorcade to his home town, Ehanlen Ewu in Esan Central Local Government Area for lying–in -state at his residence at 1pm. There would be funeral mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ewu at 2 pm, interment at his residence in Ehanlen Ewu at 3pm while the days activities would climax with entertainment of guests, 4pm at his residence.

A release by Sir DAD Igboin, Worthy President, Commandery 555, Benin City, Lady Patricia Idahosa, Respected President LAUZ 463, Benin City and Mr. Austin Omizegba for the family indicated that the burial ceremony would climax on Sunday August 25, 2013 with a thanksgiving mass at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City.

Sir Omozegba is survived by his wife, Lady Comfort Omizegba (LAUX), eight children, 13 grand children, sister, cousins and other relations.

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South West Increased Food Production

Farmers Hail Adesina IBADAN – The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Femi Coker in Ibadan has commended the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for his initiative in boosting food production in the country.

The AFAN boss, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Mr. Dapo Adesina, at the inauguration of new officers of the Oyo State Chapter of AFAN, lauded the minister for spearheading Nigeria’s food production drive.

“He is being commended for spear-heading the transformation of Nigeria’s agriculture from public sector-led to private sector-driven. This has been the yearning of the current national leadership of AFAN,” he said.

The new 18-man executive led

by Chief Amos Ajibesin, was

elected from the six zones in the state: Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Okeho, Iseyin, Ibadan and Ibaraga.

Coker, who said that AFAN had a hand in the Federal Government’s transformation agenda, listed projects drawn up to boost food production as AFAN fertilizer, farmers bank, training and empowerment of youth.

“These projects are meant to stimulate the growth of the economy of Nigeria’s farming community,” he said.

The National Secretary of AFAN, Chief Okon Edohoeme, described the composition of the Oyo State Chapter of AFAN, as unique.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the inauguration, Ajibesin promised to do his best to ensure abundant food production.

L - R: Sector Commander, FRSC, Osun Command, Mr Imoh Etuk; Zonal Commander, Zone 2, Osogbo, Mr. Lukas Kinya; Deputy Corps Marshal, Operations, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi and Sector Commander, Oyo State Command, Mr. Godwin Ogagaoghong, at the Inauguration of FRSC Zone 2 Special Patrol Exercise in Ibadan on Monday.

Road-Side Trading

Govt Warns Traders

L - R: Deputy Corps Marshal (Operations), FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Sector Commander, Oyo State Command, Mr. Godwin Ogagaoghong and an official of the FRSC, Mr. Ayo Ajadi, caution a commercial driver for not using his seat-belt at the Inauguration of FRSC Zone 2 Special Patrol Exercise in Ibadan on Monday.

ONDO - The Ondo State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr Bade Omoloja, has told traders in the State to stop selling goods by the roadside to avoid gridlock.

Omolaja said this in Ondo during his visit to Moferere Market in Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner, who earlier held a meeting with both leaders and traders in the market, urged those selling along the roads to move into the market.

“Government is not happy about the refusal of

Gov Amosun, NUJ Former Commissioner

ABEOKUTA - Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has described the death of Chief Soniran Sowemimo, a former Commissioner for Information in the state, as shocking.

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, the governor said he was saddened with the exit of the veteran journalist.

Reports say that Sowemimo, aged of 71, died on Friday night.

The governor said, “he died at a time when his wealth of experience was mostly needed, not just in the pen profession, but in the socioeconomic advancement of Ogun”.

He described the deceased as “a revered media practitioner, community man par excellence and a patriotic citizen’’.

Amosun said, “He devoted his life to the service of the state and humanity in general. “Chief Sowemimo has certainly left his

footprints on the sands of time.

“The governor, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the Egba high chief, commiserated with the Sowemimo family, the people of Ogun and the media community in Nigeria, on the exit of the renowned journalist.

Also, the Ogun Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NU), said, “The demise of Sowemimo was a shock because we had looked forward to Aug. 19 to join the journalism icon in yet another memorable birthday celebration.

“The condolence was contained in a statement issued by the council’s chairman, Mr. Wole Sokunbi and made available to newsmen.

Sokunbi said, “We, however, take solace in the fact that Sowemimo lived a fruitful life and bequeathed a worthy legacy to the younger generation.

In the same vein, Rep Lanre

Odubote, expressed worry over the passing away of the former Commissioner for Information in Ogun.

Odubote, who worked with Sowemimo at Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), Abeokuta, described

him as “a team player, teacher and master in the journalism profession.

“He laid a solid foundation in Ogun as Commissioner for Information; the NUJ and indeed the entire journalism profession will miss this great master,” he

said.

Reports say that a condolence register had been opened at the NUJ Secretariat, Iwe Irohin House, Abeokuta for journalists, friends and well-wishers to express their condolences.

NGO— Mr. Sewanu Ogunfowora, on Tuesday urged private establishments and wealthy individuals to invest in the nation’s health sector to reduce maternal and child mortality.

Ogunfowora made the plea during the presentation of some medical materials to the Apa Community Primary Health Centre, in Badagry West Local

He said that the gesture was borne out of the underutilisation of the Primary Health Centre facilities in the community.

He said that this had prompted the pregnant and nursing mothers to seek healthcare at the General Hospital in Badagry— a distance of some 30 kilometres away.

facilities to reduce the increasing rate of maternal and child mortality.

“Improvement of our health sector will save many lives and reduce the maternal and child mortality rate,” he said.

Ogunfowora urged people in the community to patronise the healthcare centre, to decongest the General Hospital in

the traders to use the market.

“Government has provided all the basic facilities that will make the traders more comfortable for smooth commercial activities, ‘’ he said.

Omolaja, however, directed environmental enforcement officers, the state task force and monitoring team to remove all attachments serving as shops along the road for free flow of traffic.

The commissioner advised the traders to take advantage of the new market, adding that the state government would not hesitate to take action against any trader who disobeyed the instruction.

Responding, the Iyaloja of Ondo town, Mrs. Iwalola Adekanwa, advised the traders to comply with the government directive.

Invest In Health Sector, NGO Urges Private BADAGRY - The President, Council Development Area “Investing in the health Investors Badagry Ambassadors— an (LCDA) of Lagos State. sector will improve the medical Badagry.

“The primary healthcare centre is here to serve the community; so, people should patronise the healthcare centre to relieve the pressure on the (Badagry) General Hospital,” he said.

Reports say that the materials donated include mattresses, pillows, gloves and syringes.

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News Democratic Dividends: IGARRA - People of AkokoEdo Local Government Area have been urged to exercise patience and allow elected politicians to deliver dividends of democracy and at the appropriate time.

The indication was made at Igarra by the Leader of the Legislative arm of the council, Mr. Sunday Aliu Oyarebu while highlighting the achievements of the council since inauguration.

According to Oyarebu, “I want to plead with the people of Akoko-Edo to have patient because we are poised to deliver the dividends of democracy to all, knowing the ability of the chairman and the crop of councilors in the team that are working with him.

“We believe not in our

pockets alone but the beauty of democracy would be for the generality of the people and not in our own initiatives, having made consultations with the right people.

Lamenting the poor infrastructure in the local government area, he said, “The local government has been so marginalized; looking at that, we called on the chairman to inquire about the since the local government may have committed that is responsible for the neglect, ranging from employment/ appointments, rebuilding of schools and road rehabilitation/ construction.

“Akoko-Edo is not getting her fair share of the political equation in the state.”

Recently, some roads were advertised for bid, Akoko-Edo was

Lawmaker Sues For Patience

not included. We are appealing to the governor to come to the rescue of the local government”.

On legislative achievement, he said, “To sensitise the executive to how we can take the local government to greater height, we observed high level of insecurity in the local government before

our assumption of office; we passed a resolution calling on the chairman to as matter of urgency work with the law enforcement agencies to curb the menace of hoodlums in the local government and since that resolution was passed; those who think they would not allow peace reign have been put under

control.

“Our resolution has also made the executive rise to its responsibility to put the bridge opposite the police station at Igarra in order which before now was giving way and hindering vehicular movements.

On challenges, the leader said “local government is an enclave

L-R: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Musa Sada and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala at a workshop on solid minerals sector at the presidential villa in Abuja on Monday

New Police Boss Assumes Office, Visits LG Boss UBIAJA – Chairman, Esan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea has played host to Mrs. Edna Ogbebor, Assistant Commissioner of Police and also the Area Commander incharge of Esan Zone at Ubiaja, the Administrative headquarters of the local government area.

Mrs. Ogbebor who is on a familiarization tour to all the Divisions Police under her command, said her visit to Ubiaja was to introduce herself to the council boss who is the chief security officer in the area.

She said it was for collaboration of the local government with the police in addressing security challenges in the area.

Responding, Hon. Ikpea thanked the police boss for

the visit and also commended the police officers in the area for their efforts to checkmating crime in the area.

Hon Ikpea also told the Area Commander that the people in the area are peace loving and law abiding, Local government area is devoid of criminals and criminality.

Hon. Ikpea further said that at the Illushi axis of the local government areas revenue collections is causing serious problem, but however said his office has fashioned out ways to meet with all parties involved so as to resolve the issue amicably.

The Chairman also told the Police Area Commander that in the quest to assist the Police in policing, he has engaged the services of the vigilante to also assist in checkmating crime in the area.

of the state government, autonomy if granted would help remove all form bureaucracy that hinders effectiveness; areas we need funds to carry out responsibilities but bureaucratic system won’t allow that scale through because of the peculiar nature of our local government compare with some others.

Neighbourhood Watch Boss Visits LG Chairman

AGENEBODE – The Edo State Neighbourhood Watch has paid a courtesy call on the chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Suleiman Afegbua.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chairman, Major Gen. Charles Omoregie (Rtd) said that apart from congratulating the council boss for his electoral victory, their visit was also to intimate him on the activities of the Neighbourhood Watch.

He said it is a creation of a 2002 law by the State House of Assembly, that the body comprised of representatives from Edo State Government, the Police, House of Assembly, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Islamic council, Youth Council, Women and Traditional Ruler Law in 2002.

He called on the council chairman to constitute a

committee to work with the state executive of the body saying their duty is to provide support for the police in the locality.

Responding, Hon. Afegbua noted that the body is whole heartedly welcome and will be treated well.

The council boss disclosed that the council is boosting its internally generated revenue in order to accommodate support for the

body, adding that issues of

security requires urgent attention.

Present at the ceremony were the council Vice Chairman, Hon. John Alimikhena, Secretary, Mrs. Benedicta Altoh Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Fidelis Osikwemhe and top officers of the Neighbourhood Watch and the council.

FRSC Warns Officers Against now be based on AGBOR – The Agbor Extortion would performance, loyalty and Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Mr. Olusegun Olusola has cautioned officers and men under his command against extorting money from motorists plying the Ika/Agbor axis of Delta State.

Addressing the FRSC personnel’s, Mr. Olusola disclosed that any officer found to be engaging in the unwholesome practice would be sanctioned accordingly.

Disclosing the unit’s

readiness to rid the corps of any irresponsible official of the corps, he said extortion was capable of given the FRSC a bad image.

He disclosed that the command is working hard to restore the integrity of the organization in the minds of the public, especially motorists, hence the constitution of a surveillance team.

According to Mr. Olusola, the FRSC authority has evolved a strategy where promotion of officers in service

commitment to duty.

From January – July 2013, he disclosed that a total of 747 motorcycles riders were apprehended for various traffic offences.

Suing for the collaboration of all stakeholders in reducing accidents on the road, he appealed to the state government and other relevant agencies to assist in creating an enabling environment for the FRSC to perform their duties.

Chairman, Esan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea with Mrs. Edna Ogbebor the Esan Police Commander in charge of Esan Zone, who was on a familiarisation visit to the Local Government.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

News Lagos South-West Integration: Politicians Express Divergent Views LAGOS - Some politicians in Lagos have expressed divergent views on plan by governors in the South-West geopolitical zone to establish an integration commission to foster socio-economic development.

In separate interviews with newsmen some said that the integration would foster socioeconomic development of the zone, while other said it had sinister motive.

Reports say that governors of Osun, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti had on July 24, restated their commitments to regional

integration for all round development of the zone.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo said, on behalf of the governors in Ibadan, that the regional integration was premised on social services, commerce, health, agriculture, infrastructure development and security.

Bishop Gabriel Omoruyi, a former spokesman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Lagos, said that the plan was the best for the region.

“If it finally kicks off, the integration will help to ensure that the region has a working pattern,

especially in the area of education,” he said.

Also, Chief Ajibade EmiAbatta, a former Lagos Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), advised the governors to ensure that the project did not send wrong signal to Nigerians.

He said that the project

should be carried out with caution so that other parts of the country would not see it as “a ploy by Yoruba nation to break away”.

In his comment, Mr. Sunny Moniedafe, a former FCT Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), urged Nigerians to be excited and strive to embrace the

initiative of the governors.

“This is an eye-opener for governors of other regions.

“Through this initiative, development will now move to other zones of Nigeria because other governors will want to be seen as performing governors,” he said.

But, Chief Olatunji Shelle, the Chairman, Lagos Chapter of

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed contrary view about the initiative.

He said the integration plan was part of the 2015 elections agenda to deceive people of the South-West.

“I only hope they mean well; these governors cannot be trusted; there must be a sinister motive behind it,” Shelle said.

Family, Cleric Opts For OutOf-Court Settlement Murder Case:

BENIN CITY - The children and family of late Mrs. Iziegbe Imariagbe who was allegedly killed few meters from the church she attended, have opted to settle out of court, in the killing incident involving one Rev. Godday Osejele of Living God Gospel Church, Uwan, near NIFOR, Benin City.

In a cover story of the murder case, published in the weekend Observer of Saturday, February 18, 2012, the children through the family spokesman, Osaretin Imariagbe had alleged that Rev. Osejele’s Living God Gospel Church could not be exonerated from the killing of their mother.

On his part, Rev. Osejele who is founder of the church had also maintained his innocence when the paper had sought his own side of the story, in the publication of Saturday, February 18, 2012.

The police then investigated and charged the matter to court.

However, family spokesman,

Osaretin Imariagbe as part of a settlement truce with Rev. Osejele and his church has in a sworn affidavit dated 22nd July 2013 repudiated the family’s earlier position.

“That I state and stress that the earlier rumour and gossips associated with Rev. Godday Osejele and his members of Living God Gospel Church, Uwan, near NIFOR , Benin City as being responsible for her death is unfounded.

“That the report to the police at Ekiadolor and police Headquarters, Benin City about Rev. Goddy Osejele as a suspect was done on mere suspicion and it is hereby regretted.

“That I make this averment to clear the air of all doubts regarding the issues arising from my mother’s death in order for all parties in the matter to peacefully resolve the issues amicably without any further recourse to litigations,” he had deposed to in his: “Affidavit of Salient Facts.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (right) with the US Consul-General of the United States Consulate in Lagos, mr. Jeffrey Hawkins (left), making his remarks during a courtesy call on the Governor by the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the US Department of State Washington, Ms. Eunice Reddick and the Director for African Affairs at the White House, Ms. Leanne Erdberg at the Lagos House, Ikeja, recently.

NGO Donates To Less Privileged

LAGOS - An NGO, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, has donated N25 million to nine persons for the treatment of various ailments in Lagos.

Imam Shuaib Abdullahi, Executive Director of the foundation, said seven of the beneficiaries had holes in their hearts, while the others had kidney problems.

Besides, the NGO gave out cash, deep freezers, tricycles,

generators, computers, and stabilisers, to the less privileged, irrespective of their religion.

Abdullahi said the items were worth N5million.

“As a humanitarian organization, inspired by Islamic faith, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation do not discriminate against Muslims and nonMuslims.

‘We are concerned about humanity and the welfare of

Nigerians.

“Our activities are driven by Islamic principles, based on the sayings of Prophet Mohammed. ‘`That is, whoever alleviates one, Allah will alleviate him a lot in this world and the next,” he said.

The cleric also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and other philanthropists to support the cause of the foundation by donating to the less privileged.

Abdullahi said the aim was to assist the state government in its effort to improve the standard of living of the residents.

He appealed to kind-hearted and philanthropic Nigerians to

support the cause of the foundation.

Mr. Yusuf Mohammed, one of the beneficiaries of the tricycle, said that he was grateful to the foundation.

“I believe that from this moment, my life is going to change.

“I dropped out of a higher institution because my parents could not pay my fees. I will now save money and go back to school,” Mohammed said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Toyin Oluwa, a Christian, said with The N70, 000 she got, she would be able to start a small business to help her children.

Commercial Motorcycle

Lagos Reiterates Ban On Restricted Routes

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (4th right) with his Deputy, Hon (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (3rd right) and the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Dr. Oluranti Adebule (2nd right) in a group photograph with the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the US Department of State Washington, Ms. Eunice Reddick (2nd left), US Consul-General of the United State Consulate in Lagos, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins (3rd left), Director for African Affairs at the White House, Ms. Leanne Erdberg (right), Nigeria Team Leader for the Political/Economic Section Chief, Mr. Rolf Olson (2nd left) and some of the Executive Council members during the courtesy call on the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, recently.

LAGOS - The Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences has reiterated the ban of Okada riders on some restricted roads in Lagos Metropolis.

Mr. Bayo Sulaiman, Chairman of the Taskforce told newsmen that some motorcyclists still ply some restricted routes.

It will be recalled that the Lagos Traffic Law, promulgated on August 2, 2012, bans the operations of motorcyclists on

475 roads across the state.

“The Okada riders should desist from flouting the law of the state, or face the consequences.

“We will not fold our arms and watch some people endanger the lives of others all in the name of commercial motorcycle operations. ‘’ We are stepping up the enforcement of the Traffic Law, and we promise that anybody caught in the act will be made to face the wrath of the law,” he said.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Across The Nation Group Tasks Youths To Brace-Up

Nation Building:

L-R: Chairman, Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Information, Mr Segun Olulade; Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye; Gov Babatunde Fashola of Lagos and Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mrs Florence Oguntuwase at the signing of amendment bill on Lagos State Public Service Staff /Development Centre by Gov Fashola in Lagos on Monday

L-R: Counsellor, Head of Lagos Office, Russian Embassy, Dmitory Rumyantsev; Senior Councillor, Economic Affairs, Vallery Shafoshnikov; Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Nickolay Udovicheuko; Gov Babatunde Fashola of Lagos and Commissioner for Waterfront, Mr Adesegun Oniru, during the Ambassador’s visit to Gov. Fashola in Lagos on Monday

Girl-Child Legislation: AWKA - A member of the Anambra House of Assembly, Mrs Rebecca Udoji, has cautioned the National Assembly to be mindful of the effects of the laws it makes on future generations.

Udoji, who represents Awka North Constituency, told newsmen in Awka that the debate on girl-child marriage should be treated with caution in view of its negative consequence on the society.

The lawmaker, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, said they should make laws that would promote the welfare and social security for the girlchild.

According to her, appropriate legislation should be provided at the state and federal levels to compel families to educate their girlchild before giving them out in marriage “I tell you, there is more

MINNA-The Co-ordinator, Arewa Christian Political Forum (ACPF), Mr Victor Bobai, in Minna called on Nigeria youths to be change agents if they must contribute to the development of the nation.

This is contained in a statement issued by the forum’s Director of Publicity, Mr Ibrahim Lapini, According to him, youths offer hope to every given society as they are capable of leading a nation in view of their potential. “ We as youths should be united and develop the culture of tolerance, hard work and selflessness; these are the basic ingredients for societal growth and development of any nation,’’ he said.

Bobai urged the youths to eschew political violence, saying that their mission should be community development.

“I wish to personally apologise to my kinsmen to forgive the youth and, in particular I am calling on Gen Zamani Leckwot my leader to find it in his heart to forgive me and the entire youth from Southern Kaduna.

“We have over the years spoken evil against his personality. Most of us were shortsighted and were helpless at some stage in life when we were misguided.

“I am sure they are not in tune with what the outcome of such law would be. It needs to be rejected in its totality,’’

MAKURDI- The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Makurdi Business Unit has blamed vandals for the epileptic power supply in Benue and its environs.

The PHCN Public Relations Officer, Mr Ali Agideike, said this in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi on Friday.

Agideike said the breakdown of the Afam Power Generating Station in Rivers was caused by the activities of vandals.

The PHCN spokesman pointed out that Afam was the major station that supplied light to Benue and its environs.

He stressed that at the moment the state was only making use of only five megawatts which was the major reason for the epileptic

power supply in the state.

Agideike said that the state was initially making use of 34 megawatts which made it possible for the state to enjoy stable electricity supply.

He, however, said that the

Udoji said.

“With a trained girl-child, more of Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Prof. Dora Akunyili,

PHCN Blames Epileptic Power Supply On Vandalism

company’s staff were up and doing to ensure that they restore electricity to Makurdi as soon as possible.

He appealed to Makurdi

Kogi To Prosecute Sanitation Offenders LOKOJAThe Kogi Government will soon commence the prosecution of sanitation offenders, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, said.

Awoniyi announced this in Lokoja when the acting Secretary of the state Sanitation and Waste Management Board, Mrs. Florence Joseph, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He stressed the need to maintain a healthy living and clean environment.

The deputy governor advised the acting secretary on the need

to ensure that workers of the board lived up to the responsibility of their office.

He, however, gave an assurance that the state government would soon give a facelift to the board.

Earlier, the acting secretary thanked Governor Idris Wada for signing into law the bill for the establishment and operation of the Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board.

She said that with the signing of the bill into law, the board was now empowered to achieve a sustainable and orderly

Employment Rivers Screens 500 Candidates

PORT HARCOURT- The Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) said it had screened more than 500 graduates for employment in various organisations in the state.

Mr Toluwase Muyan, the agency’s Job Fair Spokesman, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Muyan said that more than 3,000 candidates applied for jobs, but over 500 were screened.

He explained that the RSSDA Job Fair 2013 was organised in conjunction with the state Ministry of Employment Generation and Empowerment to create an enabling environment for youth employment.

“So, as part of the state government’s efforts towards reducing the scourge of unemployment, RSSDA job fair is responsible for screening job seekers for prospective employers and opportunities.

“The job fair is an avenue for employers from various Queen Amina, Funmilayo sectors of the economy to Ransome-Kuti and Prof. Grace meet and possibly interview a large number of job seekers.

Alele-Williams will be “It offers opportunities for produced,’’ she said. job seekers to showcase their talents or qualities; the idea is to screen the best of the best that will be useful for residents to exercise patients, employers of labour,” Muyan stressing that blackout would said. soon become a thing of the The spokesman called on the past. private sector and public Reports say that for about organisations to use the job two weeks Makurdi residents fair as an avenue to assist had electricity only at night government in reducing time. unemployment.

“When youths are properly engaged, insecurity will development of the environment. reduce and economy will as According to her the duties of well improve,” Muyan said.

He urged youths to embrace the board include minimising the the job fair programme, impact of physical development adding that RSSDA was ready of the ecosystems and ensuring that owners or occupiers of to fight the scourge of premises keep their premises and unemployment and reduce surroundings clean, among youth restiveness in the society. others.

“Youths should also learn “One of the functions of the how to embrace skill board is to remove, destroy or demolish all illegal houses, acquisitions to support the federal, state and local buildings or structures.”

She thanked the government governments in the fight for making sure that things were against unemployment,” he said. done right in the state.

Lawmaker Cautions NASS

harm to that law than good to the people generally, it is only a few self-centered people that are calling for it.

“We tender an unreserved apology for our wrong doings, and we call on all youths to learn to be tolerate, respectful and honour elders so that it will be well with them,’’ he said.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Abuja Maku Solicits Support For Less-Privileged ABUJA- The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has pleaded with Nigerians to always render assistance to the less-privileged members of the society.

Maku made the appeal in a

keynote address he delivered at a dinner, organised by the Belize Consulate in Abuja.

The fund-raising event was held in collaboration with the Nigeria-Belize Chambers of Commerce, Industry and

Agriculture.

It was organized to solicit financial support for the establishment of an Inspiration Centre, a brain-child of Belize’s Prime Minister’s wife, Mrs Kim Barrow, aimed at helping the

L - R: Representative of Minister Of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Nwaobia; Minister Of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; Comptroller-General Of Customs, Mr. Dikko Abdullahi; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Chief Kola Jamodu and Chairman, House Committee on Customs, Rep. Sabo Nakudu, launching the Nigeria Trade Hub Portal and the Nigeria Import, Export and Transit Process Manuel in Abuja on Monday.

under-privileged.

The minister said that the “ under-privileged are found in every society globally and they can be found even in the holy books and what we owe them is care and support.”

He said, “faith in God is not mere theory but the practical rendering of help to the needy”.

“Today, the richest people in the world are devoting a large chunk of their wealth to helping the under-privileged in order to make the global society a better place,’’ Maku said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Ifedi, the Consul-General of the Belize Embassy in Nigeria, said the consulate organized the dinner because of its “belief in the first lady’s worthy cause’’.

He urged Nigerians to visit the consulate and acquaint themselves with knowledge of the small Latin American country and its great business opportunities.

The Belizean first lady, in her speech, said that her desire to establish the centre had been a life-time ambition she had been nursing for a long time.

She said that the Inspiration Centre , an all-inclusive, multipurpose centre that would be cited in Belize City, the country’s capital, would cater for both the less-privileged and the ‘’differently-able.’’ (NAN).

Forum Urges States To Prioritize Projects ABUJA- The Chairman, State Commissioners of Finance Forum, Mr Timothy Udah, on Friday urged state governments to prioritise their projects to avoid excessive spending of public funds.

Udah made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He said that some governments engaged in projects that were often too large and expensive to execute and manage, adding that oftentimes they never performed satisfactorily in terms of stated role.

“White elephant projects should be removed. There is no need for government to build a house or a mansion on water when there are expanses of land available.

“There is no need going to build a skyscraper when a duplex can do,’’ he said.

Udah said that by reducing outlandish projects, money that would have been used to build them would be saved. “ All that money saved could be used in providing added basic infrastructure for the purpose of growing the economy and making life more suitable,’’ he said.

Udah said that employment opportunities for Nigerians were also lost when such outlandish

projects were embarked on. “ In fact when you engage in these specialized building projects, most of our people will not even be engaged because you will need to bring in specialized expatriate from outside country.

Board Laments Loss Of for the board.

Revenue “We have sent a memo to the ABUJA- The FCT Water Board says it loses millions of Naira as revenue following the non reconciliation of customers accounts.

Jiniya disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He said the board found it difficult to ascertain who has paid from those who have not, because the banks designated to collect payments on behalf of the board were not notifying it of payments made by customers He said as a result, customers often complain that money they had paid was being reflected as arrears in their fresh bills.

“The board reduced the number of banks used for collection of water bills from 15 to nine, as part of effort to solve the problem of non reflection of paid bills but still the problem persists,” he said.

Jiniya said to address this, the board has sent a memo to the Minister to seek his permission for it to use Fidelity bank as the lead bank for collection of money

N550m Rice Theft

Court Grants Lebanese, 8 Nigerians Bail

Chukwu held that the offence for which the accused persons were charged was bailable.

They are Bassam Abood industries.

“So there is need for “In fact, that is the reason why (Lebanese), Kelechi government to prioritise, by basic infrastructure are important Madukanya, Amadi Richard, embarking on realistic capital for development because if you Enyi Christopher, Godwin projects that would serve the have roads, good water and light Edet, Samuel Abeh, Chiwendu people all way round and also in the villages, then you have Ekete, John Abbah and Daniel reduce the recurrent expenditure urbanised such villages.

Onuoha. of public funds.

“If the right amenities are in Chukwu explained that the “Also, when you prioritise, place, they could start small court was convinced with the you can have enough to businesses like pure water encourage small and medium submissions of counsel to business, or music,’’ Udah said. accused applicants that they (accused persons) would always be in court to stand trial when granted bail.

“In the spirit of justice, I The team leader of the He said this was because “the country could benefit leather value chain, Dr Bello people, from farmers to maximally from the venture therefore oblige the prayers for Yakasai, said that “leather” is exporters, stand to make a lot because of the size of its the accused persons who are given more attention than other of profit from the sector.” population as well as trending now granted bail in the sum of N100 million in like sum each. competing commodities”.

Yakasai also added that the global development.

“They are each compelled to produce a surety not less than a Director in the Federal Civil Service who must have a landed property in the Federal Capital Territory.’’

According to the charge, the accused persons are likely to serve up to three years in prison if found guilty, having contravened the provision of the advanced fee fraud and other fraud-related laws.

Reports say that counsel to the prosecution, Mr Samuel Malu, earlier opposed the bail applications as according to him, investigation into the allegation is still on.

Custom officers at the launch of Nigeria Trade Hub Portal and the Nigeria import, The judge adjourned hearing Export and Transit Process Manuel in Abuja on Monday. of the suit to September 30.

ABUJA- A Federal High Court, Abuja, admitted to bail, a Lebanese and eight Nigerians charged with theft and conspiracy.

The accused allegedly conspired and obtained 555,000 bags of rice valued at N550 million from Port Harcourt-based Cem Nig. Ltd. between February and March.

Ruling on the bail application, Justice Sylvester

FG To Promote Leather Industry ABUJA-The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is determined to promote leather production to create job opportunities and generate foreign income, an official has said.

Dr Joseph Nyager, the Coordinating Director, Livestock Value Chains, in the Ministry, expressed the view in Abuja in a statement, saying the policy was in line with the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

The director said that “over 45 million hides and skins of animals are processed annually by tanneries in Nigeria.”

He said increased leather production would complement the contribution of leather to the nation’s Gross Domestic Products.

minister to effect arrangement with our lead bank which is Fidelity bank to intensify efforts on collection of water bills from consumers,” he said.

He assured that if the memo was effected, customers would from September, receive alerts after making payments, to show that their bills have been paid correctly.

“When you pay, you will receive an alert to actually indicate that you have paid and the next bill will reflect all payments made.

Jiniya urged residents to pay their bills directly to the bank and not to any official of the board to avoid complications.

“The board has not assigned anybody to collect money from customers.

“Nobody should give a dime to any staff of the water board. We do not collect money from customers, rather they should pay to the approved bank,” he said.

The director warned that any staff caught in any sharp practises would be sanctioned.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Business + Economy

Inflation Rises To 8.7 Percent

ABUJA - The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday that the inflation rate in July stood at 8.7 as against the 8.4 per cent rate recorded in June.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Dr Yemi Kale, the StatisticianGeneral of the Federation. “‘In July, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation rose by 8.7 per cent (year-on-year); this was 0.3 per cent points higher than the 8.4 per cent rate recorded in June. “‘While changes in the Headline Index have remained in single digits for the seventh consecutive month, prices edged higher as a result of increases in all 12 COICOP divisions,’’ it stated The COICOP means Classification of Individual Consumption.

It said the increases were also exhibited in increases in both the Food and Core sub-indices.

It said the Core sub-index recorded its largest month-onmonth change since the 1.4 per cent change recorded in January due to changes across non-food sub COICOP Divisions.

The statement said that food prices as exhibited by the Food Sub-index continued to edge higher in July. “‘While market began to observe a trickle in of newly harvested crops, their quantities have not been substantial enough to impact prices.

“It should be noted that the Headline Index is made up of the Core Index and Farm Produce items.

“As Processed Foods are included in both the Core and Food sub-indices, this implies that these sub-indices are not mutually-exclusive.

“On a month-on basis, prices rose in July from levels recorded in June albeit at a slightly lower rate in July,’’ it added.

It said the headline index increased by 0.54 per cent, marginally lower than the 0.59 per cent recorded in June.

The urban composite CPI, according to NBS, was recorded at 146.3 points in July, an 8.8 per cent increase compared with levels recorded in July 2012.

“This was also 0.4 percentage points higher than the 8.4 per cent recorded in June 2013.

“The corresponding Rural National CPI recorded an 8.6 per cent year-on-year change, also higher from the 8.3 per cent recorded in June by 0.3 percentage points.

“On a month-on-month basis, both the Urban and Rural Allitem indices increased, albeit at slightly lower rates compared to rates recorded in June,” the statement said.

It said that the Urban Allitems index increased by 0.6 per cent, compared to the 0.7 per cent recorded in June. “‘While the Rural All Items index increased by 0.5 per cent, marginally lower than the 0.54 per cent recorded in June.

“The percentage change in the average Composite CPI for the twelve-month period ending in July 2013 over the average CPI

for the previous period was recorded at 10.0 per cent.

“It was lower than the average twelve month rate of change of 10.4 recorded in June.

“The corresponding 12month year-on-year average percentage change for the

urban index was 11.4 per cent, while the corresponding Rural index was recorded at 9.1 per cent.

“For both rates, this was lower than their respective twelve-month average rates for the period ending in June

2013,’’ the NBS said.

It said that the composite Food Index increased year-on-year by 10.0 per cent to 148.4 points in July. “‘This was 0.4 percentage points higher than the 9.6 per cent recorded in June.

“On a month-on basis, the food

sub-index increased by the same rate in July as in June; 0.7 per cent.

“While there have been reports of the beginning of harvests of some crops, the impact on total supply chains remain relatively negligible to bring substantial relief to consumers due to supplies.

Gov Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State (L), with the Chairman, Revenue mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mr Elias Mbam, at the Commission’s North-East Zonal Advocacy workshop on Economic diversification and enhanced Revenue Generation in Gombe on Monday

NGOs, Charitable Organisations To Pay Tax

ABUJA -Mr Idebi Alesanmi, the Assistant Tax Director, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) said NGOs and Charitable Organisations were expected to pay tax on any profitable venture they run.

Alesanmi, who spoke at a workshop titled “Tax Administration in Nigeria” organised by the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) in Abuja, said they were only exempted from paying Companies Income Tax. He said schools; hospitals and other business ventures ran by NGOs and charitable organisation were liable to be taxed as they generate revenue from them.

“Tax is a compulsory levy on individuals or organisation by government as a statutory obligation.

“Section 23 of the Companies Income tax act exempts charitable organisations and NGOs from payment of Company Income Tax not all forms of tax.

“It goes further to say that, if these organisations go further to do other businesses apart from what they are registered for, those business are subject to pay tax.

“We have found out that most NGOs and charitable organisation are ignorant of this section; they feel they are exempted from all taxes.

“NGOs are only exempted from the companies income tax as stated in section 23; they are not exempted from all other taxes,’’ he said.

The Executive Secretary of Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN), Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey said NGOs

should be supported by government as they provide humanitarian services.

He said rather than taxing NGOs and Charitable Organisations, funds should be made available to assist them to carry out their services, as government cannot do everything alone.

‘CCFN is a department of the Catholic Church that deals with issues in the society on behalf of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria.

“The Catholic Church has an estimation of 30 million persons, there are 54 Dioceses across the entire federation, 54 bishops and we represent them.

“In some advanced countries, charitable organisations enjoy a percentage of tax deduction, but, I don’t see that happening in Nigeria,” Bassey said.

He said government could not do everything and over the years, the Church has had a history of providing education, health services, and hospitality; providing services to the

common people.

“Why is there no fund for humanitarian organisations such as ours that we can benefit from and use those resources for the benefits of the poor?

L-R: Secretary, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, UCH Chapter, Mr Oladayo Olabampe; Chairman, Mr Olusegun Sotiloye and Treasurer, Mrs Omobolanle Obisesan, at a News Conference to Commence strike in Ibadan on Monday

Cashless Policy:

AWKA Telecommunication service providers in the country have been urged to improve their services in all parts of the country to make the implementation of the cashless policy effective.

Mr. Sylvester Ezeanilue, a director in the Office of the Accountant General of Anambra, said this in Awka during a meeting between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and representatives of Ministries Departments and

“There is a lot of pressure from Federal and State Governments that these Institutions begin to pay tax, whereas, what they provide are services for the people.

“In July, the highest price increases were recorded in the Meats, Oils and Fats, and Potato, Yams and Other tuber classes,’’ the statement said.

It said average annual rate of rise of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending in July 2013 was 10.2 per cent when compared with the same period in 2012.

It added that 0.2 percentage points lower from the 10.4 per cent recorded for the 12 month average year-on-year change for the period ending in June.

In July, ‘the all items less Farm Produce or Core index, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural products, increased by 6.6 per cent yearon-year.

“On a month-on-month basis, the Core sub index was recorded at 1.2 per cent, an increase by from the rate recorded in June by 0.9 percentage points.

“The increase in the core subindex was as a result of price increases across various class items in particular; Actual and Imputed Rental prices, Liquid fuels (which included Kerosene).

“Other items in the category are, Solid fuels (which includes firewood and charcoal), clothing materials, and nondurable household goods,’’ it added.

It said the average 12 month annual rate of rise of the index was recorded at 10.0 per cent for the twelve-month period ending in July 2013.

“It went down 0.7 percentage points from the 10.7 per cent recorded in June 2013,’’ the statement said.

Govt Tasks Telecom Providers

Agencies (MDAs).

The director said that the major challenge facing the policy was the poor services in the telecom sector.

“The policy is a laudable one which has the potential of transforming the state’s economy, but our major fear is the poor telecom services in the country, especially in the suburban areas.

“They have a serious role to

play in the satisfaction or frustration of this good move which the CBN will bring”, he said.

Mr Tunde Ajiboye, a Deputy Manager in the Shared Services Office of the CBN, said the state government stood to gain a lot from the cashless project.

Ajiboye said that the policy would enhance revenue generation of the state, help

identify tax payers, reduce official grafts and make for effective planning.

Mr Azubuike okoro, the Controller of Awka Branch of CBN, thanked the participants and urged Nigerians to embrace the policy as the CBN was working to improve the country’s economy.

He said that the next phase of the sensitisation programme would be street shows and public demonstration of various channels available in the cashless payment system.

THE NIGERIAN

11

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (20/08/13) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MAYBAKER

2.4

2.4

0

15

63,802

153,614.15

7UP

72

72

0

33

74,313

5,140,495.70

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.5

0

1

10,000

5,000.00

ABCTRANS

0.91

0.9

-0.01

15

223,000

198,707.48

MCNICHOLS

1.5

1.5

0

9

281,000

379,510.00

ACCESS

11.08

11

-0.08

199

6,336,657

69,784,685.07

MOBIL

119

119

0

19

13,280

1,516,788.76

AFRIPRUD

1.88

1.88

0

42

847,335

1,602,524.28

MRS

36.14

36.14

0

3

1,140

37,084.20

AGLEVENT

1.41

1.41

0

1

1,513

1,936.64

MULTITREX

0.6

0.66

0.06

1

100,000

66,000.00

6.2

6.3

0.1

46

255,411

1,601,345.97

AIICO

0.96

0.97

0.01

92

7,452,772

7,341,684.18

NAHCO

AIRSERVICE

4

4

0

8

72,123

264,756.49

NASCON

11.2

11.2

0

38

308,257

3,399,318.54

ARBICO

5.6

5.6

0

2

180

907.2

NB

169

166

-3

205

783,703

129,977,820.64

ASHAKACEM

22

22

0

30

174,565

3,744,022.76

NEIMETH

1.4

1.4

0

19

159,188

222,151.78

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

2

11,000

5,500.00

NEM

0.73

0.76

0.03

32

2,884,860

2,081,381.68

BERGER

8.7

8.7

0

23

171,288

1,485,729.95

NESTLE

935

935

0

79

80,131

75,002,801.05

0.5

0.5

0

1

500

250

BETAGLAS

13.18

13.18

0

2

10,100

121,160.00

NIGERINS

BOCGAS

6.5

6.5

0

2

27,399

167,233.90

NNFM

29.3

29.3

0

4

7,279

195,258.78

CADBURY

51

50.9

-0.1

78

554,239

28,177,546.75

NPFMCRFBK

0.83

0.75

-0.08

4

600,000

451,000.00

CAP

43.65

43.65

0

16

73,976

3,274,811.30

OANDO

11.4

10.97

-0.43

262

3,988,430

43,922,603.64

CAPOIL

0.5

0.5

0

2

10,500

5,250.00

OKOMUOIL

44.5

44.7

0.2

76

588,816

26,339,863.41

CCNN

9.3

9.3

0

19

85,005

784,306.50

PAINTCOM

1.72

1.72

0

4

23,900

40,786.00

CHAMPION

19.35

17.42

-1.93

9

90,600

1,578,252.00

PRESCO

35

34.5

-0.5

44

1,377,170

47,629,313.81

0.55

0.51

-0.04

9

809,166

429,198.66

CONOIL

29.8

29.8

0

66

325,994

9,236,704.20

PRESTIGE

CONTINSURE

1.22

1.22

0

8

486,800

587,741.52

PZ

37.6

37.6

0

55

263,058

9,368,613.08

CORNERST

0.5

0.5

0

11

27,279,539

14,449,569.50

REDSTAREX

4.69

4.69

0

11

119,965

537,920.50

COSTAIN

1.12

1.12

0

10

182,121

207,396.73

RESORTSAL

0.5

0.5

0

1

800

400

COURTVILLE

0.75

0.68

-0.07

22

6,704,827

4,998,079.25

ROADS

9.06

9.06

0

1

1,000

9,960.00

CUSTODYINS

1.5

1.48

-0.02

38

2,791,894

4,147,161.50

ROYALEX

0.52

0.55

0.03

20

843,400

456,965.49

CUTIX

1.8

1.8

0

10

126,266

227,616.80

RTBRISCOE

1.4

1.4

0

8

164,737

220,393.01

3.91

3.98

0.07

174

6,884,202

27,472,355.56

DAARCOMM

0.5

0.5

0

1

8,000

4,000.00

SKYEBANK

DANGCEM

190

190

0

26

43,247

8,137,267.95

SMURFIT

1.28

1.28

0

2

2,400

3,360.00

DANGFLOUR

9.5

9.5

0

52

406,767

3,851,186.26

SOVRENINS

0.5

0.5

0

2

160,000

80,000.00

DANGSUGAR

11

11.02

0.02

85

1,611,007

17,758,134.24

STACO

0.5

0.5

0

1

500

250

DIAMONDBNK

6.46

6.59

0.13

83

6,385,193

41,613,975.16

STANBIC

17.15

16.55

-0.6

46

915,154

15,156,398.39

DNMEYER

1.58

1.58

0

2

400

615.2

STDINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

1

20,500

10,250.00

2.63

2.46

-0.17

58

3,347,197

8,278,975.24

DUNLOP

0.5

0.5

0

2

5,500

2,750.00

STERLNBANK

ETERNA

2.81

2.81

0

27

281,726

809,824.21

THOMASWY

0.67

0.73

0.06

7

159,939

116,755.47

ETI

14.4

14.7

0.3

75

1,402,600

20,616,780.51

TOTAL

155

155

0

25

30,929

4,782,460.73

EVANSMED

4.74

4.74

0

3

5,500

23,485.00

TRANSCORP

1.34

1.29

-0.05

98

14,497,385

19,104,888.64

FBNH

16.25

16.15

-0.1

525

9,698,283

156,679,486.93

TRANSEXPR

1.15

1.26

0.11

15

209,072

263,430.72

FCMB

4.29

4.14

-0.15

98

5,467,021

22,866,472.08

UAC-PROP

18

18

0

40

435,857

7,068,987.20

FIDELITYBK

2.85

2.76

-0.09

103

10,872,396

29,408,546.43

UACN

59

59

0

40

164,785

9,697,312.92

7.99

7.72

-0.27

259

12,559,735

97,613,597.22

FIDSON

2.12

2.01

-0.11

35

742,476

1,498,277.32

UBA

FLOURMILL

76.56

76.56

0

124

594,074

41,616,331.08

UBCAP

1.25

1.25

0

65

2,958,026

3,623,481.48

FO

39

39

0

37

54,946

2,061,432.24

UBN

10.22

10.22

0

91

320,840

3,284,860.49

GLAXOSMITH

65

65

0

20

61,585

3,911,352.44

UNIC

0.5

0.5

0

1

10,000

5,000.00

GUARANTY

25.02

25.3

0.28

420

19,369,995

489,480,143.44

UNILEVER

62.5

62.5

0

55

524,180

32,763,171.90

GUINNESS

258

258

0

48

72,432

18,554,075.85

UNIONDAC

0.5

0.5

0

10

1,016,065

508,032.50

HONYFLOUR

3.22

3.17

-0.05

42

928,560

2,871,700.50

UNITYBNK

0.56

0.56

0

40

4,744,100

2,590,389.56

4.1

4.29

0.19

24

351,015

1,505,501.65

IHS

2.6

2.6

0

5

804,600

2,092,460.00

UPL

IKEJAHOTEL

0.79

0.79

0

4

14,628

11,915.28

VITAFOAM

4.3

4.3

0

26

204,335

798,021.05

INTBREW

21.45

21.45

0

35

194,597

4,097,336.32

VONO

0.62

0.68

0.06

2

55,100

37,468.00

INTENEGINS

1.83

1.65

-0.18

2

64,000

105,600.00

WAPCO

95

94

-1

48

357,794

33,623,301.54

IPWA

0.86

0.86

0

2

6,500

5,200.00

WAPIC

0.75

0.77

0.02

20

3,097,030

2,193,002.20

JAPAULOIL

0.51

0.52

0.01

56

2,999,810

1,538,133.86

WEMABANK

1.01

1.05

0.04

34

1,369,893

1,405,722.46

ZENITHBANK

20.99

20

-0.99

355

11,079,627

223,237,695.68

JBERGER

71

71

0

13

100,100

7,099,600.00

JOHNHOLT

1.16

1.27

0.11

6

85,587

107,348.19

JOSBREW

1.27

1.39

0.12

2

333,000

462,870.00

LASACO

0.5

0.5

0

1

10,000

5,000.00

LAWUNION

0.5

0.5

0

1

10,000

5,000.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.7

1.7

0

3

20,258

32,432.00

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

2

65,000

32,500.00

LIVESTOCK

4.2

3.93

-0.27

40

1,086,277

4,338,655.40

MANSARD

2.3

2.3

0

17

1,030,247

2,377,779.10

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock ETI GUARANTY OKOMUOIL UPL DIAMONDBNK JOSBREW JOHNHOLT TRANSEXPR NAHCO SKYEBANK

Close 14.7 25.3 44.7 4.29 6.59 1.39 1.27 1.26 6.3 3.98

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

Close

Loss

0.3 0.28 0.2 0.19 0.13 0.12 0.11 0.11 0.1 0.07

NB CHAMPION WAPCO ZENITHBANK STANBIC PRESCO OANDO LIVESTOCK UBA INTENEGINS

166 17.42 94 20 16.55 34.5 10.97 3.93 7.72 1.65

-3 -1.93 -1 -0.99 -0.6 -0.5 -0.43 -0.27 -0.27 -0.18

THE NIGERIAN

12

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

SUB-SAHARAN Africans have every cause to heave a sigh of relief from malaria which has been responsible for the alarming under five mortality rate with the discovery of a malaria vaccine which provides 100 per cent protection against the disease.

A research finding published at the weekend in the journal Science, the malaria vaccine has become the first to provide 100 per cent protection against the disease, confounding critics and far surpassing any other experimental malaria vaccine tested.

The researchers said the vaccine, which is being developed in the United States (U.S.), protected 12 out of 15 patients from the disease, when given in high doses; and will now be tested further in clinical trials in Africa.

WE are enthused with the progress made towards the development of effective malaria vaccine which we consider a welcome development especially to Nigeria because of the high malaria burden on our citizens, particularly pregnant women and children.

WE are equally glad with further explanations from the World Health Organisation and other experts who say there are about 20 other vaccine projects for malaria prevention at various stages of clinical trials globally and that the leading vaccine candidate in the group, RTS, S is currently undergoing the phase III trial and is likely to come into use by 2015 if all goes well as expected. The vaccine, according to the global body is being developed by Glaxo SmithKline Biologicals and PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) with funding support from Bill and Melinda Gates Founda-

THE NIGERIAN

Discovery Of Malaria Vaccine tion.

WE applaud the donor community for their relentless efforts in trying to combat major diseases plaguing mankind, particularly those prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and others. We appeal that once the malaria vaccine comes into full use, the donor community, Non Governmental Organisations and other development partners should help fund the mass production , so that it could be added to the vaccines administered to new born babies during the early years in life with an aim of ending the daily loss of lives to malaria.

THIS laudable feat notwithstanding, we must also sound a note of caution. Nigeria as a nation which will benefit from the new research finding must be careful because this is just a research that is inconclusive and from every indications, is yet to be commercialised.

IT is also very important to note that when a vaccine does become available it would only complement the tools already been deployed to fight malaria, and not necessarily replace them. This is more so when results of on-going trials have not indicated full protection against malaria.

FOR every disease condition, experts have always suggested that prevention is better than

cure. That is why the new vaccine leads the pathway to roll back malaria, other traditional preventive measures should be stepped up. We must continue to do what we should do to keep malaria at bay like keeping the environment clean without stagnant water, sleeping under insecticide treated nets, among others.

ALSO, people should continue to use Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs); pregnant women must continue to demand for Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) at antenatal visits; and every one with suspected malaria must get tested and treated with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) if found positive for malaria.

THE media and Civil Society Organisations as well as government agencies should increase public enlightenment campaign against malaria, with emphasis on preventive measures, while taking early steps to treat sufferers.

GOVERNMENT at all levels should equally enhance the annual budgetary allocations to the health sector with a view to dealing a death kneel on child killer diseases. Primary health care institutions need to be equipped with the required manpower and facilities to fight malaria head on.

UNDOUBTEDLY, keeping our environment clean is the task of all citizens, but there is need for the enforcement of existing environmental laws and bye-laws to compel citizens who always wait for the push to comply, this is because we strongly believe that only a holistic approach will see to the successful campaign to roll back malaria from our communities.

THE NIGERIAN

13

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Issues

THE recent video of a 12 year old boy that was gruesomely murdered allegedly for kidnapping another child has turned on the switch of the emotional sides of Nigerians, as the video flooded different websites, social media and blogs. The boy, whose name was said to be Samuel, was accused of kidnapping a school child with N50, and was beaten and burnt to death. It brought back memories of the ALUU 4 UNIPORT STUDENTS (UNIPORT students), Tekena Elkanah, Ugonna Obuzor, Chiadika Biringa, and Lyold Michael who were lynched for allegedly stealing phones and laptops on the 5TH of October, 2012.

They were beaten, burnt, and put to death in open light of the day and in the presence of spectators; the police came afterwards. In the words of Somi Ekhasomhi “Jungle justice is a popular act in Nigeria.( perhaps also in the rest of Africa?) whereby a particular group of people in a society take laws into their own hands in the most brutal ways. As often as not, they strip their victims naked, deprive them of their pride and gruesomely do away with their lives in broad day light, without any previous trial by the court”.

Jungle justice is not something new to the ears of Nigerians. While growing up, I was always told that if you steal in Lagos, they will put tire on your neck. But should this act be allowed to continue?

What are we doing concerning it? Are the government doing enough?

“Jungle justice solves no problem and can never be the solution to our problems.

If you take laws into your hands, you commit a serious offence and you will be

made to face the full wrath of the law because Nigeria is not a lawless country.” – The above words are those of the Deputy Force Public Relations officer of the Nigeria Police, CSP Frank Uba, October last year when the outburst from the ALUU 4 incidence was at its height.

Every Nigerian citizen is entitled to some fundamental rights, one of which is stipulated in the national constitution’s chapter four, which reads in part “Every person has the right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save the execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria (section 33(1))”.

Furthermore, section 34 on the right to dignity of his person” and then prescribe that “No person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment...” and even the Bible dictates that we should not kill, hence people should stop the application of jungle justice because of its many consequences.

Sadly, most victims of this act as the case of the ALUU 4 has revealed, were innocent of the case against them. The ALUU 4, were asking for dues owed one of them. But members of the community did not even care to hear them out before stripping them naked, put tires on their neck and burnt them to death.

Though sometimes we can relatively say that no reason is good enough for these actions to happen, but sometimes the perpetrators of this act have been pushed to the wall.

Furthermore, you live in a street that has been tormented by daredevil armed robber attacks and so many lives and properties have been lost without a credible reply from the

Curbing Spate Of Jungle Justice In Nigeria

relevant authorities. And fortunately or unfortunately for the members of that street, they catch one of the thieves, I do not think that the authorities that have not been alive to their responsibilities will come to mind. For example, if a kidnapper who in his mission, intends to murder his victim without mercy, fear and pity for ritual or other purposes, gets caught, what do you expect the people to do? Again, if Boko Haram attacked your family, and kills everyone

By OLUGBEMIRO O. MICHAEL

law should not be the option; although this may sometimes be difficult.

Also, with the consequences and effects in view, jungle justice should be discouraged. Anywhere it is taking place; efforts should be made by concerned citizens to avert the gory situation. But if we really want to stop jungle justice,

to be stopped, the corruption in the Judiciary and even in all other facets of the society must be checked with all sense of seriousness and sincerity. The integrity of the bench and bar should be emphasised because with a socially and legally accepted justice in place, the rate of jungle justice will be reduced to the barest minimum, nay

Mohammed Abubakar, I.G of Police

except you, what will you do when you stumble on a crowd battering a supposed member of the dreaded set?

Will you pass by or join the beating?

So many supposedly justifiable reasons abound why these acts have continued to soar, but killing someone which is against the

the legal and socially accepted justice system should rise up to her responsibility. I will say that often, it is because the people in charge of Justice are not performing their functions properly. The ripple effects of denied or misapplied justice have sometimes been evidenced in jungle Justice.

For this bad ugly scenario

“Moreover, I was so excited when I saw on Youtube, a video acted by Bovie. He used his comic profession to send the message to all that jungle justice was wrong and should be kicked against. Social media advocacy should be amplified on Facebook, Twitter etc, so that the messages can get to the grassroot.”

zero level.

The Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) blamed the slow justice delivery system in Nigeria as one of the reasons for the phenomena and unprecedented rise in the use of Jungle Justice. However, they described the ugly development of ‘vigilante justice’ as totally unconstitutional and barbaric.

Also, citizens should understand that they should not join or respond blindly to any suggestion or invitation to join in punishing someone without asking questions and contacting the relevant authorities. You should not allow yourself to be involved in any act that will lead to the death of another person

making you part of a naturally blood thirsty humans.

In addition, the federal government should demonstrate to Nigerians impunity is totally forbidden, by ensuring that the wheel of Justice is well oiled so that it will run without friction. This will ensure that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.

Demonstration does not only come in talk and policies but also in actions, as when the head of a nation is good, it will have a direct or indirect effect on other parts of the body.

The police and other law enforcement agencies should do a general and effective cleansing of their outfits. Recently, a video went viral of a police officer asking for bribe in Lagos. If those meant to enforce a law are adequately involved in breaking it, sanity cannot be restored to the society. The security agents should be alive to their billing in maintaining order, as it will most times reduce chances of jungle justice.

Moreover, I was so excited when I saw on Youtube, a video acted by Bovie. He used his comic profession to send the message to all that jungle justice was wrong and should be kicked against.

Social media advocacy should be amplified on Facebook, Twitter etc, so that the messages can get to the grassroot. Other stakeholders in the different sectors should also join hands to make sure this act is stopped.

As a writer querried, “Ain’t we ever going to get tired of killing ourselves all in the name of justice? Will justice ever become a thing of the past in our society?

Why kill a 12 year old boy over an alleged kidnap when he can be handed over to the police? ... Next time you see them gathering, please DON’T walk away...

STOP THEM” (porcheclassemedia).

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Economy

The Paradox Of Nigeria’s Economic Growth

“THE economic policies are nose diving, both foreign and upon statistics domestic debts are spiraling; daily our special prime minister is reeling out statistics upon statistics of economic growth and development.

Yet, poverty continues to stare millions of Nigerians in the face”-Igbotako Nowinta.

Recently, the federal government declared that Nigeria’s economy was growing. According to the Minister of State for Finance Dr. Yerima Ngama, Nigeria’s economy has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 7. 68%, making the country the third fastest growing economy in the world after Mongolia and China. The minister explained that the growth was mainly due to the impressive performance of the non-oil sector.

Basically, the GDP is one of the primary indicators used to gauge the health of a country’s economy.

For this beautiful and impressive date, one would be jumping in joy that atleast the country is doing fine.

However, the growth that has been indicated has not in any way lead to the change in the economic fortunes of the average Nigerian on the street. Nigerians are asking how credible and reliable is the figure? Where is it from?

How has it affected the woman selling tomato at Oba Market?

Of course, the economy is growing. The non-oil sector is driving this growth, right?

Statistics show that oil export account for 95% of export earnings and 85% of government revenues. shockingly, agriculture which creates employment for about 70% of the population is accountable for only 2.6% of exports.

Can the country do without oil exports? Why has it been

that as it is now, the Nigerian agricultural sector is basically subsistence in nature and yet the non-oil sector is propelling the economy? Go to any market today and check the price of goods against what it was before. Since the non-oil sector is doing well, why has unemployment level remained perpetually high?

With 60% of Nigerian youths currently unemployed, does this imply a jobless growth in terms of impact in the labour market?

It seems that the level of unemployment is growing astronomically. In 2004, it stood at 14.6% and 21% in 2010/2011. Reports say that no state in the country has 5% and below unemployment rate, which is a benchmark of relative full employment in the economy.

Since the 2008 economic meltdown, the American capital market is recovering very fast. Ironically, their GDP is about 2%. For the Nigerian stock market, statistics have shown that it is not in the right state. What have the statistics “done” to rebound the capital market?

Again, the inflation rate in the nation is galloping at double digit. The nation has turned to an “importing country”. Almost everything is imported from car to even “tooth pick” and pepper.

These are products that can be easily made in Nigeria.

Their importation has left the country in a disadvantaged position as the nations where these goods and products are imported from, dictate their price. Some persons will “categorically” say that whatever goes high in terms of price in Nigeria, never comes down . It is a case of “going higher-higher everyday,” for goods and

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

services.

Similarly, how has the “growing economy” improved the poverty level in the “giant of Africa? The teeming poverty-ravaged citizens of Nigeria are still waiting to know what the growth of the economy has in stock for them. Reeling out statistics daily with poverty feasting sumptuously of millions of

adequate security since everyone would have something doing. However that is not the case.

Everyday, reports of bombing, kidnapping, murder and the rest, hug the headlines in national dailies.

Is it a case of growing economy and growing insecurity? In most of the criminal cases, the culprits have noted that the bitting

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance

Nigerians, only amount to building castles in the air.

How many people on the average can afford the basic necessities of life? How many of the 160 million Nigerians eat three balanced square meals daily? How many civil servants and workers/ employees in the country can afford to put a roof over their head?

Normally, what Nigerians are expecting is that the “growing” and vibrant economy would translate to

economic reality in the country, pushed them into their nefarious crime.

Although many would wave it away as mere camouflage, but the truth remains that an idle mind of course “empty stomach”, oxygenate crime leading to more insecurity.

Why have Nigerians kept mute instead of throwing parties about this “growing economy”? With the epileptic power supply experienced by Nigerians, how can economic activities

“An improving economy would mean more money in the pocket sadly enough, most Nigerians are dying daily. Why? Most of them cannot afford to foot medical bills and thus will prefer staying away from the hospital.” boom? How will the economy see “light” in darkness? Can the power generation fluctuating below 5, 000 mega watts, power the ever-increasing energy demands of a booming economy?

Industrialists are groaning in

that has been wiped out of many nations, is still ravaging the country. How would a nation that has 30% of the population lacking access to safe drinking water and sanitation be growing?

Quoting a report on

Sanusi Lamido, CBN Governor

this darkness. Companies have relocated to neighbouring climes where they can be guaranteed power supply. Yet the country’s economy is “growing” An improving economy would mean more money in the pocket sadly enough, most Nigerians are dying daily. Why? Most of them cannot afford to foot medical bills and thus will prefer staying away from the hospital. A disease as polio

Vanguard newspaper, “Nigeria must, as a matter of urgency, build a solid and dynamic economy in order to fully optimize the benefits of globalization and reposition itself strategically to avert any unforeseen global crisis in the future”.

Nigerians are still asking, does the current “growth” rate connote economic development, if yes, where is it? It is a real or statistical growth? Nigerians are watching!.

“Normally, what Nigerians are expecting is that the “growing” and vibrant economy would translate to adequate security since everyone would have something doing. However that is not the case. Everyday, reports of bombing, kidnapping, murder and the rest, hug the headlines in national dailies.”

THE NIGERIAN

15

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

The Osazua

Ivbaze Column

08188922449 THE winner-takes –all element, inherent in presidential democracy will eventually lead to the emergence of a two party system. This has been validated in countries where there are two major political parties. And this is what is happening in Nigeria now.

The emergence of APC is therefore an inevitable response to the stirrings in winner-takes all politics. In winner-takes all systems, such as ours, the weaker parties are pressured to form an alliance, sometimes called a fusion to try to become big enough to challenge a large dominant party and, in so doing, gain national political clout.

Secondly, voters learn, over time, not to vote for candidates outside of one of the two larger parties, since their votes for third party candidates are usually ineffectual. As a result weaker parties are eliminated over time.

The fusion of CPC, ACN, ANPP and a faction of APGA to form All Progressives Congress (APC) marks a the beginning of a journey to the emergence of a two party system in Nigeria. This does not mean that other smaller parties do not exist. It simply means that there are two dominant parties with national appeal.

What then is a two-party system?

A two-party system is a system where two major political parties dominate voting in nearly all elections, at every level of government and, as a result, all or nearly all elected officials are members of one of the two major parties. Under a two system, one of the two parties typically holds a majority in the legislature and is usually referred to as the majority party while the other is the minority party. While the term two-party system is somewhat imprecise and has been used in different countries to mean

different things there is considerable agreement that a system is considered to be of a two party nature when election results show consistently that all or nearly all elected officials only belong to one of the two major parties, such as in the United State. Two-party system are thought to result from various factors like winner takes all.

While chances for third party candidates winning election in major national office are remote, it is possible for groups within the larger parties, or in opposition of one or both of them, to exert influence on the two major parties.

There is strong agreement that the United States has a two-party system; historically, there have been few instances in which third party candidates won an election. In countries such as Britain and Spain two major parties emerge which have strong influence and tend to elect most of the candidates, but a multitude of lesser parties exist with varying degrees of influence, and sometimes these lesser parties are able to elect officials who participate in the legislature.

In political systems based on the Westminster system, which is a particular style of parliamentary democracy based on the British model and found in many commonwealth countries, a majority party will form the government and the minority party will form the opposition, and coalitions of lesser parties are possible; in the rare circumstance in which neither party is the majority, a hung parliament arises. Sometimes these system are described as two-party system but they are usually referred to as multiparty system. There is not always a sharp boundary between two party system and a multi-party system.

As it is well-known, Nigeria is a presidential democracy and the beauty of two party system will begin to manifest

Two-Party Option

Bisi Akande, APC Chairman

in 2015 if forces in the merging parties that formed the APC put the nation before personal desires.

The registration and emergence of PDM made up of highly placed elements from PDP, cannot alter the glide towards a two party state. The chances of PDM becoming a national party, cutting across geo-political divide are very slim. At the end, the party will end up as regional party which may in future, out of frustration seek alliance with APC. Renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof Itse Sagay was right when he said, “any party the PDM collaborates with will ganer the highest votes in the North”. He said PDM will be felt in the North and not in the South. On how it will affect the potential power of APC and the existing power of PDP, Sagay said, “there is going to be splitting of votes in the North, the northern votes will be scattered independently if PDM collaborates with any of the two and that group will dominate”.

The calculation is that if

Bamanga Tukur, PDP Chairman

PDM decides to go it alone it may only succeed in the North even as it has no crossideological bridge to make a successful journey to the southern parts of the country.

How far PDM can go will depend on the extent of involvement of PDP “quarreling” governors in the party.

With APC parading 11 state governors, it is now the second dominant party in the country. In major democracies of the world, two -party system is what is on ground.

It is a system in which the electorate gives votes largely to only two major parties or in which one or the other party can win a majority in the legislature. The United States is a classic example of a nation with a two party system. The contrasts between two party and multiparty system are often exaggerated. Within each party many factions are struggling for power. The presence of divergent interests under a single party cannot masks process of struggle and compromise. Two party system is said to promote

governmental stability. In multiparty system, the formation of government depends on the maintenance of a coalition of parties with enough total strength to form a parliamentary majority. The weakness of the ties that bind the coalition may threaten the continuance of government in power. The stability shown by government of the United States has not been entirely due to its party system, it has been argued, but has been promoted also by the fixed tenure and constitutional position of the president.

Besides, “the bounty of the American economy, the fluidity of American society, the remarkable unity of the American people, and most important, the success of the American experiment have all mitigated against the emergence of large dissenting groups that seek satisfaction of their special needs through the formation of political parties”- George Edwards.

A two party system helps to moderate the animosities of political strife. To appeal for the support of a majority of voters, a party must present

programmes sympathetic to the desires of majority of the people.

In the formation of such a programme, an effort must be made to reconcile the conflicting interests of different sectors of the population.

This enables the party, if expedient, to resist demands that it commits itself without reservation to policies urged by any particular extremist element.

In Great Britain and Canada, differences in programme and in composition between the two major parties have been perhaps greater than in the United States. Nevertheless, in all of these countries a broad area of agreement exists among the leading parties.

With two major parties of similar views and approximately equal strength competing for control of a government, it is possible for governmental control to alternate between the parties without major shifts in policy so radical as to incite minorities to resistance.

“In winner-takes-all systems, such as ours, the weaker parties are pressured to form an alliance, sometimes called a fusion to try to become big enough to challenge a large dominant party and, in so doing, gain national political clout. The fusion of CPC, ACN, ANPP and a faction of APGA to form All Progressives Congress (APC) marks a the beginning of a journey to the emergence of a two party system in Nigeria. ”

THE NIGERIAN

16

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Midweek Magazine Continued from last week

AFRICA is a large continent with 54 independent nations and a population of about 700 million. While some of these states are strong, populous and economically diverse, many are mininations, landlocked, resource starved and located in the periphery of the global divisions of labour, power and exchange. The reasons for this situation are not farfetched and it is important to understand them in order to put any discussion on Africa into proper perspective. Let me list some of the factors and forces that have shaped, and continue to shape politics, power, production and exchange in Africa: • The history of colonialism, neocolonialism and underdevelopment that ensured the distortion and disarticulation of the political economy; • A peripheral location and role in the global divisions of labour and power that has made Africa vulnerable to external pressures, manipulations, shocks and influences; • Science and technology backwardness that has left most of Africa unddeveloped and thus stuck in backwardness: • Weak institutions and structures of politics, economy and society, thus unable to meet the basic human needs of the majority of the people; . The existence of a larger part of society outside the structures of power, authority and influence, especially in the rural areas, inner creeks, mountain regions and villages; . A weak, unstable, unsteady and non-hegemonic state that is unable to exercise control and hegemony over society and thus promote some rational primitive accumulation and policy consistency and

predictability; . A corrupt, dependent, weak, fractionalized and fractionalised bourgeois class with a very weak sense of mission and very limited sense of nation; . Bureaucratic inefficiency and ineffectiveness which affects policy making, processing, implementation and monitoring, hence, the overall delivery of services to the people; . Poverty, alienation, and anger amongst impoverished, neglected, oppressed and marginalized social classes — women, the youth, the girl child, workers, and the aged — thus leaving most of the larger society outside the purview of national production, GDP, and accumulation; . The emergence of dictatorships and the nurturing of an undemocratic political culture especially under military rule, one-party regimes and “big man” rule; . The suffocation of civil society, thus negating democratic and popular discourses, constraining press freedom and human rights and forcing most of its creative and innovative minds into exile or underground; The failure of democratic resurgence through several false starts, endless “political transitions” and the existence of several illiberal democratic administrations and regimes that in themselves encourage authoritarian nostalgia and contaminate genuine democratic commitments and consciousness.

Based on the above and more, we can understand why many Africans are poor, feel alienated from the state and government, and tend to distrust their leaders. There is no point in denying the fact that at the beginning of the new millennium Africa v as the poorest, most technological-backward, most politically unstable, most crisis—ridden, mostindebted and most foreign-

Leadership And Dem

dominated and exploited as we as the most marginal continent in the world.

Foreign debt represents up to 80 percent of GDP in net present value terms in most countries, inflation rates average between 12 and 45 percent, unemployment rates (excluding the informal sector) ranges between 12 and 25 percent, while the savings rate in Africa is the lowest in the world. As well, 15 of the world’s 20 most, impoverished nations are in Africa, with over 3 million refugees and 18 million internally displaced persons.

It is estimated by international agencies that over 250 million Africans lack access to potable water, while over 200 million have no opportunities to access basic health services. More than 2 million children die before their first year, over 150 million youth are illiterate, and almost half of rural females do not attend formal schools. Africa looses more than 23.000 professionals annually while it expends US$4 billion on the services of 100,000 foreign consultants and advisers. Civil wars violence decayed values, failed policies, bad leadership and governance have contributed to the brain and brawn drain and scare away genuine investors. The statistics can be disheartening and intimidating (see data from the African Union, Global Coalition for Africa.

Economic Commission for Africa, and the World Bank).

These may look rather distressing. It is also evidence of the failure of governance and leadership.

Governance has meant pains, domination, exploitation and poverty while leadership has represented same. Yes, there have been episodes of

resources, our Continent has 97 per cent of world reserves of chrome. 85 per cent of world reserves of platinum. 64 per cent of world reserves of ’ manganese. 25 per cent of world reserves of uranium, and 13 per cent of world reserves of copper, without mentioning bauxite, nickel and lead; 20 per cent of world hydro-electrical potential, 20 per cent of traded oil in the world (if we exclude the United States and the USSR); 70 per cent

direction. Of course, the contradictions, fault lines, errors, false starts, and deliberate contamination of democratic tenets are evident all over the continent; we can see signs of change. These include: The gradual disappearance of dictators, acutely corrupt regimes. frequent coups and counter-coups, civil and interstate wars, apartheid and minority rule, and wanton human rights abuses including acts of genocide; • Renewed efforts to address misplaced priorities, institutional decay, social

of world cocoa production; one-third of world coffee production. 50 per cent of palm produce just to mention a few.

With these resources, Africa can make greater progress with good leadership, democracy and democratization.

A New Democratic Wave in Africa?

Today, Africans are generally excited about the slow but steady return to democratic politics. The continent is not yet at the peak of democratic practice but it is moving in that

dislocations and violence within and between communities, institutions, and constituencies; New emphasis on strategies of conflict resolution through mediation, negotiation, compromise, dialogue, constitution reviews, inclusion, tolerance and respect for difference, gender and pluralism; . A renewed commitment to multiparty democracy, respect for human rights, periodic elections, and the doctrine of separation of power; Efforts at compacting new

By PROF JULIUS IHONVBERE

“miracles” progress, democracy, purposeful leadership, and political rationality. But these “Islands of hope”, progress and prosperity have been few and far between and have remained unconnected.

The good news is that Africa is changing. This is because it is now poised to correct the errors of the past, build new platforms of democracy and exploit its abundant resources to improve the living conditions of the people.

co ex un an th tr pe in re • ag an A u go pr m se •

Prof Julius Ihonvbere

According to the Lagos Plan of Action (1981).

Africa’s underdevelopment is not inevitable. Indeed, it is a paradox when one bears in mind the immense human and material resources of the continent. In addition to a reservoir of human

“Today, Africans are generally excited about the slow but steady return to democratic politics. The continent is not yet at the peak of democratic practice but it is moving in that direction. Of course, the contradictions, fault lines, errors, false starts, and deliberate contamination of democratic tenets are evident all over the continent; we can see signs of change.”

G O de m th po th pr • ri fo an an an ne •A pl th co

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Midweek Magazine

mocracy In Africa

onstitutions or reviewing xisting ones to expunge ndemocratic provisions nd make it more pro-people hrough a consultative, ansparent, inclusive and eople-driven approach that nvolves the people and their espective organizations; Declarations and greements within nations nd at the level of the African Union prohibiting nconstitutional overnments and rescribing sanctions for military and other illegal eizure of power; The resurgence of Non-

and the consolidation of democratic institutions and processes; • The rise of new leaders, new voices, new ideas and new discourses that shape polities and society within the context of deepening, widening and strengthening democratic values and engagements; • The new commitment of international organizations and foreign governments to the new democratic agenda that emphasizes transparency, accountability, human rights, and

G o v e r n m e n t a l Organizations (NGOs) edicated to organizing, mobilizing, and educating he youth. women and oliticians and emphasizing he need for democratic ractices; A new concern for the ghts of children, sanctions or erring politicians, free nd fair elections, human nd socio-economic rights nd issues of basic human eeds for the less privileged: A new appreciation of the lace of free enterprise and he private sector in the onsolidation of democracy

democracy in Africa with some insisting on conditionalities for foreign aid and investment.

These indicators of change are evident all over Africa and they signal a new dawn in African politics.

Leadership and Democracy There is substantial consensus on the relationship between leadership and overall growth, stability, development and prosperity of society. A nation or institution without adequate leadership is doomed to

disintegrate and end up in chaos. The history of Africa shows that even well laid out plans and basic problems of development have been complicated by bad leadership. The bureaucracy, even the private sector has been rendered ineffective by had leadership. While followership has been corrupted and contaminated by bad leadership, it is the values and institutions of society that suffer decay, dislocation, and disintegration. Democracy and its institutions cannot thus c under bad leadership.

It is reflective of the new commitments to democracy that new leaders are emerging in all sectors to drive the new democratic spirit in Africa. They are establishing NGOs. joining political parties. running for political offices, and setting up newspapers to promote advocacy that would deepen democracy. Many have received and continue to receive assistance from international NGOs and partner nations and organizations. Similarly, new leadership institutes and training centres and opportunities are emerging all over the continent.

The new discourses on leadership in Africa have placed emphasis on the need for leaders that are enlightened, educated.

Creative, innovative, compassionate, courageous, disciplined. solidly prodemocratic, and capable of addressing the dreams, hopes and demands of the people. There is consensus on the need for leaders with undiluted commitment to infrastructural development, building democratic institutions, nurturing the values of transparency and accountability, and inspiring the people to the highest points of the creative and productive abilities.

It is only leaders with these qualities that can be trusted to promote, defend and consolidate democracy in Africa. Contrary to President Obama’ s position that Africa does not need strong leaders but strong institutions, I believe that Africa needs both. The real issue is to have leaders with the qualities above and institutions that are credible, viable, efficient, effective, renewable, ICT-driven and open to the people. In any case, plural societies cannot afford weak leaders that cannot pull the various trends, tendencies, and power blocs together in the quest for nationhood.

Finally for democracy to thrive in Africa, the current repressive and non hegemonic post-colonial slate must be restructured and repositioned to serve democratic ends. It must shed itself of all the inherited violent, repressive and exploitative tendencies that have tended to promote poverty, instability, corruption, waste, and underdevelopment. Only strong, democratic and hegemonic state can contain contending forces, build strong institutions, promote a conducive environment for capital accumulation, and ensure and assure policy consistency.

Africa must strengthen civil society, promote holistic development mobilize the people around some clearly defined national ideology, and create opportunities that will enhance patriotism and national and continental pride.

For democracy to thrive, the continent must strengthen the private sector and encourage private initiative. This can happen with policy consistency and continuity; a viable credit system, enforcement of

contracts. promotion of ICT, training new skills for industry, and where necessary protecting strategic industries. The role of the state must be rolled back to fully unleash the creative abilities of the people.

Africa must take advantage of global economic developments while strengthening regional markets in order to increase intra-African trade, more people-to-people exchanges, regional projects such as those under NEPAD, and regional security.

A Note on Nigeria Nigeria is a typical Africa state that suffered colonialism, neo-colonial transition to independence, coups, counter-coups, brutal dictatorships, civil war, and a lot of wasted opportunities.

The false starts have been many and illiberal democratic conducts have characterised the practice of democratic politics. Bad leadership and the closure of democratic space have made structural development and meeting of basic needs very difficult. Yet, Nigeria is also changing for the better.

True, the road to reliable, effective, transparent, accountable and pro-people governance is still far.

However, the end of military dictatorship and the emergence of new political parties, new discourses, and new voices and leaders since 1999 have altered the content and context of Nigerian politics. Most of the contradictions and coalitions we see today are indicators of struggles between the old order and emerging blocs of power, and it is clear that the old. corrupt and s violent order is in retreat. New institutions to fight corruption have been established. scores of new political parties registered, the judiciary is alive to its responsibility, there is a vibrant debate on constitution review and the

rule of law, the press is not compromising its freedom, civil society remains virile, the private sector continues to reinvent itself for the better, and the new interest in ICT is changing communications. organisations and engagements. These are clearly indicators of progress even if not at the pace and depth to make oppressed and exploited social classes rejoice.

Like most African states, Nigeria is open for business with numerous incentives to investors, less emphasis on public sector employment or public involvement in business, a reformed banking and credit system, and continuing privatisation of inefficient and moribund government enterprises.

However, these potentials must not be taken for granted. Nigeria like other developing social formations is still coup and crisis prone and political rascality and indiscipline could precipitate costly reversals and rapid political decay.

Conclusion There is hope for Africa.

The continent has the market, the consumers, the resources, and the opportunities to become truly great. It only needs to put its house in order by carrying out far-reaching restructurings. building strong institutions, empowering the people and the communities, expanding and strengthening the private sector, building new leaders, and promoting democracy in all sectors of society. If Africa fails to build structures of accountability, fiscal discipline, transparency, social justice, the rule of law, and pro-people developmental strategies. it would have missed an opportunity to reverse centuries of marginalization and underdevelopment in spite of all the opportunities and resources at its disposal.

Concluded

“Nigeria is a typical Africa state that suffered colonialism, neo-colonial transition to independence, coups, counter-coups, brutal dictatorships, civil war, and a lot of wasted opportunities. The false starts have been many and illiberal democratic conducts have characterised the practice of democratic politics. Bad leadership and the closure of democratic space have made structural development and meeting of basic needs very difficult.”

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Education BASICALLY, Education is the acquiring of knowledge as well as skills that are accepted by a given society. It is a process, that is feared towards achieving a nation’s dreams and aspirations.

According to an online dictionary, “Education is an art or process of imparting or gaining knowledge, judgment, and a level of Intellectual maturity.

The importance of education is undeniable for every person, it plays such a rudimentary role on our society that we cannot ever imagine a life without it. It is a determinant element for the civilization of human society.

Some importance of education to any nation include; creation of an enlightened society. It is a crucial prerequisite to nation building because as people become enlightened, they would refrain from practices that will endanger the nation building effort.

• Education as a nation building, requires a meritocratic bureaucracy in order to make the state of institutions effective.

• It allows a democratic society to consider all contributions to the rich or poor; with education there are always increase in democratic participation.

The importance of education can not be over emphasized. Education is so crucial to the growth of any nation that is genuinely hoping to develop and must vehemently and

consistently appropriate a large amount of its budget in developing the sector.

This is because without education, no nation would attain a meaningful economic and social political development.

Now, when responsibility by leaders is being talked about, what it means is that, they should stop paying lip service to the educational sector. There is no doubt that the best legacy that any parent can give to their children is quality education. So the leaders should realize the urgent need to overhaul the comatose educational sector in Nigeria. As with out that the country can not have a good education. In fact this issue is cut across primary, secondary to the tertiary education in the country, the same story of neglect abound people are tired of unfulfilled promises and whileelephant projects in the sector.

After two months into the nation wide strike by the Academic Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Academic Union of Universities (ASUU) also recently embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike over the failure of the Federal Government to implement a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with lecturers.

According to media report ASUU’s grouse against the federal government, has been dragging on, since June 2009. In June 2009, ASUU had ordered its members in Federal and State Universities nationwide to proceed on

Prof Ruqayyatu Rufai, Education Minister

Grouse Between ASUU And Federal Government

By WINIFRED OSASOBO

an indefinite strike over a disagreement with the federal government. That led to the suspension of the strike.

Fast forward to 2013, after about four years that both parties had seeming come to terms of agreement, yet, the situation in the education

sector is still nothing to write home about.

One of the major reasons for the latest ASUU agitation is the lecturers’ earned allowances.

The allowance, according to the union, takes care of excess workload by

“Now, when responsibility by leaders is being talked about, what it means is that, they should stop paying lip service to the educational sector. There is no doubt that the best legacy that any parent can give to their children is quality education. So the leaders should realize the urgent need to overhaul the comatose educational sector in Nigeria.”

lecturers which include supervision of postgraduate, masters and other programmes.

According to ASUU, it suspended the strike in 2011 when it learnt that the federal government has aside N100 billion for the settlement of allowance. But no sooner was it signed and the strike called off that the body cited the inability to pay the amount by Federal Government as the FG appealed that the amount be scaled down by 20 per sent.

The question here is why would government enter such agreements and renege on such? It beats

one’s imagination that matters regarding education are handled with levity by the government.

Also, the education sector is presently in a state of rot due to perennial neglect by successive government and one wonders, how would the vision 20:2020 be achieved if the sector is not given its pride of place.

The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency, call ASUU to a matter of round table and iron out the issues with the body so that it would call off the strike to avoid violent or negative consequences.

THE NIGERIAN

19

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Natural Medicine

With

Dr. MAO

08030717341

Some Issues In Female Infertility FEMALE infertility is an extensive area for discussion that one article cannot exhaust it.

Therefore, today, I will only write about certain issues that often cause female infertility.

Firstly, insufficiency of the ovaries can give rise to the problem.

Normally, the ovaries produce major hormones like estrogen and progesterone which regulate menstruation as well as uterine function.

Specifically, progesterone produced by the ovaries helps to thicken the uterine lining to prepare it for the implantation and growth of the foetus to maturity after nine months.However, when there is progesterone insufficiency, the uterus doesn’t thicken.

The result is that pregnancy becomes difficult since the foetus cannot survive in such an environment.

Earlier on, I said that ovarian deficiency can lead to menstrual disorder. Therefore, once you notice that your menses has stopped, is irregular or is dark and scanty then suggestively your ovaries are malfunctioning. Unless you correct the disorder, pregnancy will be difficult.

One factor contributing to hormonal imbalance and ovarian insufficiency is stress. It runs down your

hormone system.

Diet is another contributory factor.

Eating the right food in the right proportion is critical in promoting female fertility. To eat right, you should consume a lot of raw, natural foods and less of Junk, dead ones. This means you should give priority to eating fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, as well as whole grains.

They nourish the body and empower it to carry out its fertility responsibilities. yes, eat more of uncooked food and less of cooked ones.

Lest I forget, over exercise can compromise your hormone system responsible for your fertility. It all goes to show that too much of everything is bad, moderation is the spice of life in all we do.

Another factor that causes female infertility is the absence of fertilization due to the inability of the sperm to reach the egg.

Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube when the sperm travels there to conjugate with the egg release by an ovary.

However, the problem is that, sometimes, the sperm cannot get to where the egg is waiting for it. A hostile vaginal environment, that kills off the sperm or weaken them, may be the cause.

Other causes include a

displaced uterus, a flow back of ejaculated sperm and cervical disorder.

When there is a prolapse or displacement of the uterus, most of the sperm is not deposited in the entrance of the uterus but around its neck.

Therefore, the population of sperm racing to fertilize the egg is reduced. Similarly, the

pillow to raise their buttocks after intercourse while lying still in bed. Sometimes, this work, at other times, it doesn’t.

Now, it is time to discuss how cervical disorder impairs fertility. a thick plug of mucus usually provides a protective shield for the uterus against foreign

chances of fertilization is considerably lowered.

This is also what happens when there is a reflux or flow back of sperm from a woman’s body after intercourse.

Here, the vagina of the woman obviously has structural deformities. To overcome this problem, some women use a

bodies like germs. But during preparations for ovulation and in reaction to rising estrogen level in the blood, the mucus soften, liquefies and becomes clear and eggwhite. This mucus is unique because when you stretch it, the mucus is very elastic and never breaks. It is sperm

“Surgical invasion of the pelvis may either not be very successful in correcting a problem there. Or it could be successful but leaves behind tell –tale deconstruction of the area like scar tissues and adhesions that end up blocking the fallopian tube.”

friendly, because it facilitates the movement of the sperm unlike the plug of thick mucus that hinders its motion towards the egg in the fallopian tube.

From the foregoing, the message is clear. Once your cervix is clogged by thick mucus before and during ovulation, may be, due to hormonal

disturbances or infection- fertility is impaired.

Usually, the soft profertility mucus that is egg-white doesn’t have odour and is clear. You will observe that it stains your underwear since it flows out because of its liquidity. Once you notice that it has become smelly and dicloured, then suspect infection of the reproductive tract which a laboratory test will confirm, certainly.

Still, another cause of female infertility is fallopian tube blockage.

Fertilization takes place in this tube. For this

reason, when the tube is blocked, there is infertility.

There are several reasons why the tube is blocked. To start with, Pelvic Inflammation disease may be the cause. Under this disease condition, the pelvics of the woman is inflamed probably because of injury, allergens or infection.

Usually, inflammation involves the “pathological” swelling of tissues resulting in the crampling of the pelvic II region where the fallopian tube is located.

Unless this disease is quickly treated, it may cause irreversible damage to the reproductive organ, not just the fallopian tube.

Surgical invasion of the pelvis may either not be very successful in correcting a problem there. Or it could be successful but leaves behind tell –tale deconstruction of the area like scar tissues and adhesions that end up blocking the fallopian tube. It is not easy reconstructing these tissues.

What can also block the fallopian tube is ectopic pregnancy –that is a misplaced pregnancy in the fallopian tube.

It is a situation whereby an egg fertilized in the fallopian tube begins to develop in the fallopian tube instead of traveling to the womb for proper implantation and growth.

Other causes of fallopian tube blockage are endometriosis, fibroid as well as birth defects of the uterus and fallopian tube. Can’t you see, therefore, that female infertility isn’t a laughing matter?

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

New Horizon

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

Paradise Lost And Regained THE word paradise indicates a special place prepared for special people. Paradise also exist both in Heaven and on earth but they are related as illusionary paradise. In the material paradise there are no restrictions, for you can be there only to do your own thing in your own style but in the Paradise prepared by God, there are codes of conduct.

The ancient days Paradise was very close to man but due to the erring of man against God paradise has been taken far away from man. That also made man to be far from God. God in his infinite mercy created the world and provided every thing necessary to exist.

The Sun, Moon, Night and Day, Vegetation, Springs, Rivers, Seas, Air, Fruits, Valleys, Mountains, Rocks, Animals, Aquatics, etc and the chief host, the human beings. There is no reasonable parent who does not from time to time put across some test for his children so as to capture their reasoning power. And so God did by creating the Garden of Eden.

He created this Garden and it’s good to the Lord for habitation. And out of compassion, the Lord placed Adam to dwell in this Garden. God is a highly disciplined personality and so wanted his children to be self disciplined. By this, God called Adam and instructed him to live in this Garden with all kinds of animals and to eat all kinds of fruits inside the Garden but that fruit in the middle of that Garden must not be eaten for any reason.

Adam accepted and lived by this moral code of the Lord. Adam lived happily amongst dangerous animals such the Cobra, Pythons, Lions, Tigers, Elephants, Wolves,

Vultures, etc. these animals were the great Companions of’ Adam in the Garden.

When Adam wants to sleep, he sleeps right in the centre of coiled cobra snake and has the lion and tiger as his pets.

Then Adam understood the language of’ the animals, Adam was never tired living with the animals nor ever afraid as in today’s world. Adam was not getting the full benefit of association from these animals because animals are of lower Intelligence.

Adam never complained nor thought otherwise. In any situation, the Supreme Lord who creates and maintains understands our temperament at any point in time and will respond accordingly. God who know our heart desires saw it necessary for Adam to have a corresponding companion in the Garden and when Adam was asleep, the Lord from Adams ribs, made a woman to manifest in whom, the Lord gave the name Eve. Adam, the man to bear a higher burden and Eve means the helper to bear the lower burden.

Adam instructed Eve about the codes of the Garden. Eat all fruits but don’t eat that in the middle of the garden. Adam and Eve live successfully, sharing the presence of the animals and giving names to the animals. Adam was happy having Eve as his direct helper. Adam and Eve never saw any difference between himself’ and the animals nor did Adam and Eve kill any of’ these animal’s for food. They lived by Genesis 1:29 according to the written words of God which states that. “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree yielding seed, to you it shall be for food”

Adam and Eve were vegetarians who never killed animals nor eat them.

They were non violent which is part of the purity

Adam could not contend but fell prey to it. When a man fails to control his subjects, there is always a counter reaction which

law and not break or be part to break it. Eve became of’ sin conscious and called on Adam to share this sin with her, and Adam who

of man. Today, violence is the key of existence. Go to, the Eastern part of the world, always boiling with great tension. We must have to believe in ourselves before we believe in others.

This violence all over the world also, erupted in the garden of Eden which

may lead to total breakdown.

This breakdown was present in the garden of Eden the breakdown of Law and order. God gave Adam the law which he passed on to Eve but Adam failed to play the role of a man who should protect the

underplayed his rights part took in the act. The presence of a woman can make generals to wither from their positive nature to degradation. Generally, if you look at a woman, it is dangerous, if you talk to her, it is more dangerous, and if you touch her your

Life is finished. Generally everything about this body had been regulated by nature but the human beings don’t want to hear or believe in anything regulatory.

Without regulatory process in our living, lots of things go wrong materially and spiritually. One who does not regulate his living is not better than an animal. That Person is just acting by instinct our thoughts, words and actions and this is the soul cause of sinful life.

When sinful life is rampant, thing will generally go downwards in most of the sectors. We are talking about corruption which is a grave sin and a canker worm. How much has this been checked, just below 25 percent? Who are the culprits? Majority of them are not disclosed.

Look at the case of Ibori, if he was to be tried in Nigeria, we will still have the case pending for want of enough evidence, been adjourned or quashed for one flimsy reason or the other. Nigerians know most of the corrupt officers in the country but will they be arrested, tried and presented accordingly as a deterrent to others EFCC is trying to do its best but so much compromise through influential big guns who will throw their weight on the issue on ground thereby putting the case to rest nor ending up with keep in view that may lead to the disappearance of the entire file in due course of time.

The intricacies of karma Continues on Page 24

“EFCC is trying to do its best but so much compromise through influential big guns who will throw their weight on the issue on ground thereby putting the case to rest nor ending up with keep in view that may lead to the disappearance of the entire file in due course of time.”

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Place Of Prayer

Are You Connected To Your Source?

EVERY living thing has a source. Nothing that exists appeared of its own accord.

We are told in Genesis 1:2, that in the beginning, the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. There was no life form in existence until the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. God is, therefore, the only life form that has no source. Every other life form has a source.

Life takes its source primarily from the God that is life itself.

However, there are secondary sources that the Lord has put in place so that once connection is in place, life goes on. But when there is disconnection, there is a halt to progression and ultimately an end to life.

Plants, for instance, need to be constantly connected to the soil for their life to be established. Fish needs to remain in water to remain alive. Man needs to continually take in oxygen to stay alive. Electronic devices need a power source for them to function properly. No matter how sophisticated an electronic device is, its beauty will not be seen if it is disconnected from its source of power. As beautiful as the earth is, it needs constant interaction with the sun for its beauty to continue. If the earth loses contact with the sun, activities in it will grind to a halt. God has patterned everything. Find out the pattern and have your life.

Once a living form is disconnected from its source, it dies off naturally. It may stay alive for a while, but it will certainly die off with the passage of time.

Job 8:11-13- Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?

Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other

herb. So are the paths of all that forget God...

God’s desire is that His children continue to increase, No matter how bad, their beginning is, His desire is that they experience increase. Life has been patterned to make this possible; but there are modalities that must be abided by for increase to be experienced.

Job 8:7- Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

Take note of the word: Should. This indicates that the normal pattern is that increase ought to come, but this increase is dependent on certain factors, chief of which is your consistent intimacy with your source. Those that forget God have disconnected themselves from their source; they will ultimately experience death. When a fish is taken out of water, it dances around for a while. To the inexperienced eye, the fish is excited to be out of water.

However, the experienced eye knows that the fish is gasping for breath. If the fish does not re-establish connection with water, it dies after some time.

The seeming progress of those that are not connected to the father is an illusion. It is not real.

Anything that man does that does not take its root from intimacy with the father is counted as nothing. John 15:5- I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

The only way you can be productive in life is by abiding in the Father.

Your ability is not a function of activity, but of intimacy. The important thing is not what you do; but the platform on which you are operating. Your ministering to

the sick may be counted as nothing by God if it does no take its root from intimacy with Him. Healing the sick is not always about God because it may be motivated by pride

or from a competitive spirit.

It is not a matter of what you do; but of your motivation.

What is your motivation?

As long as a person is connected to God, that person has the ability to do exploits.

He may be sick, but yet have the ability to heal others that

are sick. A poor man that is in intimacy with God can pray another person to prosperity.

As long as you are connected to your source, you can still perform.

The devil’s strategy is to look for what will disconnect you from your source. He knows that once he is able to disconnect you from your source, he has defeated you.

This was Gowons strategy of winning the Nigerian Civil war. He realized that the

“As long as a person is connected to God, that person has the ability to do exploits. He may be sick, but yet have the ability to heal others that are sick. A poor man that is in intimacy with God can pray another person to prosperity. As long as you are connected to your source, you can still perform.”

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

reason the Biafran army continued to be a strong force to contend with was because they were connected to their source of food and

ammunition. He was advised to block the source of the Biafrans so that there will no longer be a connection between them and their suppliers. The Nigerian army blocked the sources from which salt, food and ammunition got to the Biafran states. Gowon created more states, especially in border territories of the Biafran states so that the new states will join in preventing the Biafran states from having access to the outside community. Once the Biafrans were disconnected from their source, the war came to a quick conclusion.

Bullets are exhaustible. You can keep shooting as long as you have a source. Your connection with your source guarantees you a steady supply of ammunition. But when you are disconnected from your source, you will exhaust your ammunition. If you are disconnected from your source, your survival is only a matter of time. You cease being a threat to the devil once he is able to break your connection with God. Most Pastors that suffer crises and experience sluggishness in the manifestation of their expectations suffer all these because they are not connected to a spiritual father.

Father is gotten from the word, “pata” which means source and sustainer. When you have a spiritual father, his grace becomes a covering over you. He becomes a shield to you from the arrows of darkness. In case there is a contradiction in your life, his voice carries the needed authority to cause a change.

Your association with him grants you speed in the manifestation of your desires as you are able to soar on his wings. All those that refuse to submit to a father figure will certainly suffer crises that they will not be able to handle.

Do you seek to make an impression on earth and fulfill God’s purpose for creating you? Then you must establish a connection and remain connected to the God who formed you and gave you life.

He has the master plan of your life in His hand. Remember, you live for His pleasure. If your existence does not fulfill His desire, then you lived a wasted life and will have no reward in eternity. Men may celebrate you, but the celebration of heaven far surpasses the celebration of men. Would you rather enjoy the celebration of men and lose heaven’s applause? Cling to the source of your life today. Let your life be lived for His glory. Spend time in His presence daily. Relate with Him as a lover. Let Him into your innermost secrets and heart desires, and see how quickly you will be taken to His promised land for you.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

International Features

Will of Songun THAT day he gave field guidance to the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105th Tank Division of the Korean People’s Army.

As the first tank unit organized in the KPA, the division performed brilliant feats in many battles, including the battle to liberate Seoul, frustrating the invasion of the US and south Korean troops during the Korean war (19501953). Kim Jong Il’s field guidance to the division must be regarded with special attention that his inspection of that day was not a simple guidance to an army unit, but his first one to the military sector prior to his start of work at the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea on June 19, 1964. The inspection showed his unusual will to rely on the army in leading the revolution and construction.

With such a will, he continued to follow the road of Songunbased leadership for decades.

Holding Up Higher the Banner of Songun The Songun-based leadership of Kim Jong Il developed onto

Songun And August 25

a higher stage in the mid1990s.

When the imperialist allied forces directed all their efforts to stifling the DPRK, availing themselves of the collapse of socialism in several countries, he held up higher the banner of Songun.

He systematized the Songun idea in an integral way and formulated Songun politics as the basic political mode of socialism. And by giving constant inspections of the KPA units, he exerted utmost effort into building up the country’s military strength.

His long journey of Songun was the one that went beyond ordinary human power. He travelled the road of Songun in defiance of the blazing hot summer, severe blizzards, muddy roads under heavy rain, sharp-cut cliffs and raging storms. He

provided field guidance to over 5 200 units in the sector of the armed force till the last period of his life since he began the Songunbased leadership, including over 2 490 units between 1995 and December 2011.

He visited over 20 times the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105 th Tank Division, a symbol of Songun-based leadership.

Thanks to his Songunbased leadership, the military strength of the DPRK was strengthened in every way, thus smashing the imperialists’ attempts of aggression to pieces and staunchly defending the DPRK’s socialism.

His Songun-based leadership was not intended for strengthening the military strength of the country alone. He set up the KPA as the pillar and main force of the socialist cause, and saw to it that the army made breakthroughs in all

sectors of socialist construction and the whole society learned from the revolutionary spirit of the soldiers. Under his energetic leadership, the DPRK could build a springboard for the building of a thriving socialist country in the worst trials and adversity in its history.

Fruits of Songun Kim Jong Il’s Songunbased leadership bore rich fruits.

No army in the world can be a match for the KPA, which has developed into an army of strong idea and faith and into an invincible army with reliable war deterrent, fully prepared both for attack and defence. The whole DPRK has turned into an impregnable fortress and its national defence industry is capable of making modern military hardware as it wishes.

The consistency of ideological viewpoint and fighting spirit between the

army and people has attained the highest level, boosting the traditional army-people unity of the DPRK to a higher stage. The single-hearted unity of the army and people, who share with their leader same ideology and destiny, cannot be destroyed even by a nuclear weapon and becomes the absolute might of the DPRK the international community acknowledges.

Brilliant successes have been also made in the building of a thriving socialist country. The country has established worldwide supremacy of CNC technology in machinebuilding industry, and, on this basis, is pushing ahead with the introduction of the CNC technology in all sectors of the national economy. As a result, it succeeded in launching artificial satellites and undertaking underground nuclear tests by its own strength and techniques, thus securing the position of a

space power and a nuclear power the world recognizes.

The rezoning of land under cultivation all over the country into large-scale standardized fields and the continuous construction of gravity-fed waterways have provided the foundations for bringing about a radical turn in grain production. As many modern structures were built across the country and towns and villages turned into socialist fairylands, a bright vista was opened for the Korean people to enjoy all the benefits of socialism.

Now the DPRK, not a big country as it is, is advancing vigorously along the road of great prosperity, stubbornly countering the imperialist superpower. Credit for its marvellous reality must go to the Songun-based leadership of Kim Jong Il. The Korean people, therefore, celebrate every August 25 as a significant day in their history.

the officials said, adding that the people died of suffocation.

Those officials also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to journalists.

However, the officials’ version of event contradicted reports about the incident carried by state media. The official website of state television reported that the deaths took place after security forces clashed with militants near the prison and detainees came under fire while trying to escape. The official MENA state news agency also said the trucks came under attack from gunmen.

State media also said the people killed and the gunmen belonged to the Brotherhood.

The officials who spoke to AP said some of the detainees belonged to the Brotherhood, while others were not. The differences in the accounts could not be immediately reconciled.

The Brotherhood said in a statement that it blamed the military chief, el-Sissi, and Interior Minister Mohammed

Ibrahim who is in charge of the police, for the attack Sunday.

The group also called for an international inquiry into the deaths.

Along with the state of emergency imposed after Wednesday’s crackdown on the pro-Morsi sit-ins in Cairo and ensuing street clashes across the country, the military-backed interim government has also begun taking harsher measures to cripple the Brotherhood.

Security forces arrested hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood members early Sunday in raids on their homes in different cities, aimed at disrupting planned rallies to support Morsi. The Cabinet also held an emergency meeting to consider banning the group.

A possible ban — which authorities say would be implemented over the group’s use of violence — would be a repeat of the decades-long struggle between the state and the Brotherhood. It also would drain the group’s financial resources and allow for mass

Militants Kill 25 Policemen

Egypt Turmoil Deepens: ISLAMIC militants has ambushed two mini-buses carrying off-duty policemen in the northern region of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, killing 25 of them execution-style in a brazen daylight attack that deepens the turmoil roiling the country and underscores the volatility of the strategic region.

The killings, which took place near the border town of Rafah, came a day after 36 detainees were killed in clashes with security forces. In all, nearly 1,000 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi since last Wednesday.

Tensions between the sides have been high since the army ousted Morsi in a July 3 coup, following days of protests by millions of Egyptians demanding the Islamist president leave and accusing him of abusing his powers.

But Morsi’s supporters have fought back, staging demonstrations demanding that he be reinstated and denouncing the military coup.

On Wednesday, the military raided two protest camps of Morsi’s supporters in Cairo, killing hundreds of people and triggering the current wave of violence.

Gen. Abdel-Fattah elSissi, the country’s military chief, said Sunday that the crackdown, followed by a state of emergency and a nighttime curfew imposed in Cairo and several other flashpoint provinces, is needed to protect the country from “civil war.”

El-Sissi has vowed the military would stand firm in the face of the rising violence but also called for the inclusion of Islamists in the post-Morsi political process.

Sinai, a strategic region bordering the Gaza Strip and Israel, has been witnessing almost daily attacks since Morsi’s ouster — leading many to link the militants there to the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group from which Morsi hails.

Egyptian military and security forces have been engaged in a long-running battle against militants in the northern half of the peninsula.

Al-Qaida-linked fighters, some of whom consider Morsi’s Brotherhood to be too moderate, and tribesmen have used the area for smuggling and other

criminal activity for years and have on occasion fired rockets into Israel and staged cross-border attacks. A year ago, 16 Egyptian border guards, a branch of the army, were slain in Sinai near the borders with Gaza and Israel in a yet unresolved attack that is widely blamed on militants.

In Monday’s attack, the militants forced the two vehicles to stop, ordered the policemen out and forced them to lie on the ground before shooting them, the officials said. The policemen were in civilian clothes, said the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which also left two policemen wounded.

The officials initially said the policemen were killed when the militants fired rocket-propelled grenades at the two minibuses. Such confusion over details in the immediate

aftermath of attacks is common. Egyptian state television also reported that the men were killed executionstyle.

The killings, which took place near the border town of Rafah, compound Egypt’s woes a day after police fired tear gas to free a prison guard from rioting detainees, killing at least 36.

The deaths of the 36 and the 25 policemen take to nearly 1,000 the number of people killed in Egypt since Wednesday’s simultaneous assaults on two sit-in protest camps by supporters of Morsi.

In the deaths on Sunday of the prisoners captured during clashes in the last couple of days in Cairo, officials said detainees in one of the trucks transporting them had rioted and managed to capture a police officer inside. The detainees were in a prison truck convoy of some 600 prisoners heading to Abu Zaabal prison in northern Egypt.

Security forces fired tear gas into the truck in efforts to free the badly beaten officer,

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

New Horizon Continued from Page 20

is yet unknown to a high percent of people all around the world. The ignorance of this fact is that people always feel one can do anything good nor bad and get away with it. People generally conclude that whenever one is in a good shape, it is because he is clever, educated, wise, intelligent or powerful. But when not in shape, it becomes the work of the devil. And everything will be done to stop that devil.

People generally don’t accept nor want to see themselves responsible for the ugly situations in their Life. This aspect on our lives is related to peoples disbelief in re-incarnation.

If there is no birth, their will be no death. Because we have dislodged from our original identity we are committed to die. Our original identity is that we are “Aham Bramasmi” I am a spirit soul, part and pacel of God. Right now, we deny ourselves of that fact and See ourselves as “Aham Mamrti” I am just this body which is nothing but slump of ignorance — the entire source of sin to man. Until one changes this mentality, birth and death cannot be stopped. When you live with the view to enjoy this body always, you are bound to die and be born, again, life time after life time. But if you realize that you are spirit soul, you can begin to think higher above this body thereby realizing that you are held responsible for all your negative actions and not the devil. If you ever think of any devil, you are just the

devil? Devil is connected to all sins and evils. But who commit these Sins? Is it not I and you? Who is the Devil?

If you understand this science, you can avoid that mentality and have nothing in connection with the devil whether it exist or not.

Without understanding this knowledge you will always remain with the idea that the devil exists and it is your duty to always stop the devil from coming to block your way. For example when you are walking on a lonely dark lane at night, you will come to a point when you’ll develop some fear which will run into hallucination.

In some cases such people scream out and even in top speed just to escape.

Escape from what- just nothing at sight. And from here, people will speculate as much as they tell-That is a ghost, that is a devil - they are just waiting for you and so you are very lucky otherwise they would have killed you or cursed you.

Go and see the man of God to deliver you. Did this man see any ghost or devil -No but mere hallucination that leads one to nowhere fear is out of cowardice and cowardice is the out of unsteady situation of the mind. What about the heavy panting of your mind.

Out of your heartbeat will almost jump out of your body. There is a lot to learn about the control of your thoughts, words and actions. That makes you a better human being otherwise you are not better than an animal. When an animal is frightened it runs

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

Paradise Lost And... for its dear Life because it act by instinct. But a human being does not act by instinct because he has a higher intelligence. A human being can consider to do good or bad, to help or not to help, to speak truth or lie, to lead not mislead, to reject nor accept, to serve the

yourself as an engineer., Doctor, Professor, Chief or lawyer. These are bodily identification which leads one into great materialism.

This level is just below your nose. Try to breast out and think beyond your wise level and you will begin to realize your real identity that you are a spirit soul,

Adam and Eve sinned in that Garden, God did not waste any time in deporting them to the sinful world where we are now living. So it is said in the Bible that “We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God; We have coming e short by the glory of God; means that we are

the bible told us that, heaven and Earth shall pass away but a jot of my word shall not until it is fulfilled”. Yes, the kingdom of God is eternal; it does not pass away for anyone’s reason nor desire. The Bible also stated that, “God made the Heaven and the Earth”. That shows that Heaven is not God abode, God was in His abode —

supreme God, small gods, or demi-gods. But the animals don’t have enough intelligence for such consideration. Animals think of three major things in their live time. One -to look for food. Two to defend themselves, three To have sex. These activities are not major activities of the human beings. Human should be able to go beyond such mundane activities The Holy Bible warns man know thyself. Know thyself is not to know

part and parcel of the Supreme God. And at that stage, you are just beginning your journey back home, back to Godhead which if you attain, there is no more coming back to this prison yard called the material world — an abode of illusion.

Let us see the garden of Eden as the Kingdom of God where there is no room for sin nor disobedience.

And Adam lived and enjoyed sinlessly in this garden of Eden. And when

no more qualified and Holy to live in that abode of God which is sinless.

And so we are all thrown down to earth to learn our lesson of revival which if qualified to become pure in Heart, we can see God and live with him and will live eternally with God. We were all once with God and in God but due to envy of God, we were thrown out like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Only sin separate us from God. Right now we can go to Heaven without being pure in Heart but you cannot go to the Supreme Kingdom of God without being pure in Heart. That is the difference. Heaven is not, I repeat, is not the kingdom of the supreme God. The kingdom of the Supreme is far beyond the heavens. Remember that

the spiritual world when he made the Heavens and the earth and they shall pass away after the duration of their span of life. Heaven is a temporary place where the god of sun, and of moon, god of Air, god of Heaven resides, and they are served by the Angels.

Finally, the garden of Eden made lastly for all of us to live a better life but was lost by Adam and Eve during the testing stage through sin of the flesh. We are warned to be careful about whatever goes with the flesh, for it is like a two edged sword-Sweet at beginning, better at the end, and more so it does not go well with the giver nor the receiver. And with what we see today, when will that lost Garden ever be regained??? Now or Never.

“We were all once with God and in God but due to envy of God, we were thrown out like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Only sin separate us from God. Right now we can go to Heaven without being pure in Heart but you cannot go to the Supreme Kingdom of God without being pure in Heart.”

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Trend

Looking Good With Little Or No Make-Up THERE are many reasons why you might want to try wearing less make- up.

Whether your employer/ school doesn’t allow it, or if you just want to bring out the “real” you, wearing less makeup can bring out your natural beauty while still giving you a bit of enhancement.

According to WIKIHOW. Com, there are many advantages to limiting your makeup regimen, including less money spent on cosmetics, healthier skin, more confidence (as you see people still accept you when you don’t cover your face up), and less time spent on makeup in the morning.

Despite this, wearing little or no make-up can be daunting, and sometimes it can be difficult to decide which parts of your beauty regimen to cut out, so read ahead for tips and advice on how to successfully pull off the no make-up look.

STEPS TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR SKIN: Clear, healthy skin will give you more confidence, as well as removing the need for foundation or concealer. (a) Determine your skin type, you must do this before taking action to improving your skin so that you can choose the appropriate products, and so that you know what problems you have to tackle, and how to treat them. (b) Develop a good skin care routine, which is suitable for your type of skin.

It’s important to stick to a routines as strictly as you can, this is because it can take a while for the routine to start improving the appearance of your skin, and can sometimes take time for your skin to adjust to the new things you are doing to it. (c) Generally you should include a gentle day to day cleanser, as twice

By ISEMHENBITA FAITH

weekly exfoliating facial scrub, an appropriate daily moisturizer, when treatment for when spots pop up, and a face mask to use once a week/ whenever needed. (d) Don’t be too harsh on your skin. Try to avoid strong products, and choose natural or sensitive products instead to prevent your skin form becoming Irritated or dry. You could even try out DIY methods by making your own face masks to avoid harmful chemicals. (e) If you have any specific problems, such as acne or scars, then its recommended that you approach a specialist such as a dermatologist or your doctor to help you to develop a treatment that is right for you TAKE CARE OF YOUR LIP:A soft, plump pout looks nice and kissable, but dry chapped lips can look scruffy and unhealthy. Moisturize your lips with some balm before bed, (stay away from very cheap bands as they can cause your lips to become even more dry in the long term), and exfoliate your lips every now and again to keep them smooth, (don’t bother spending money on special products, sugar works fine).

Also, avoid smoking, and drink plenty of water to keep your pout looking good.

SHAPE YOUR EYEBROWS:A good set of brows can frame and flatter your face. Plucking is the easiest and cheapest way to shape them, just be careful to stand back from the mirror every now and again to make sure that they are even and that you’re not over-plucking.

If you’re not brave enough to do them yourself, eyebrow shaping is widely available and fairly affordable, you could get the professionally plucked, waxed or threaded.

This is definitely one of the

most important steps to natural beauty as it helps to give your face more definition.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HAIR, IT’S A

haircut, relaxed waves and loose curls are good styles that look natural while still looking pretty and feminine, as well as giving your hair life and volume. Try wearing your hair as it naturally dries or style it to enhance it’s natural shapes.

GIRLS BEST ACCESSORY!: Get a new haircut that frames and flatters your face shape. A good haircut can help to define your best features. To go with your natural theme, choose a natural-looking, easy to style,

EAT A BALANCED DIET AND DRINK PLENTY WATER : By making sure that you get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet, the goodness in your diet will show in your skin and hair, as well as

“If you wear a lot of makeup and don’t feel confident enough to go out without wearing a lot of it, then try to move away from it gradually, so firstly, cut out lipstick, then replace foundation with tinted moisturizer, then wear less eyeliner….. eventually you’ll feel comfortable in your own skin.”

making you feel good and healthy. Drinking plenty of water is important as it helps to flush out harmful toxins which can cause you to breakout, it also keeps your skin and hair well hydrated resulting in less dryness and a better glow.

If you want to wear some make up, the following will help to enhance your natural beauty without covering it up.

Try tinted moisturizer if you want some cover up, but want to avoid foundation. It

will help to even out your skin tone and tone down any blemished which you may be feeling self- conscious about, without looking as if you are wearing a cover up product, and without and caking or streaks.

Mascara is a great way of making your eyes look bigger and more awake. Many girls consider mascara to be their make-up necessity as it defines your eyes, widens them, and emphasizes the length of the eyelashes which makes the eye appear more feminine. Opt for a brown/ clear mascara, (preferably a lengthening brand rather than

a volumizing one to avoid clumping), and apply one or two coats to your upper lashes and one quick coat to the bottom lashes. If you have fairly straight eye lashes, you may want to curl them for better emphasis without adding any more products.

Blush should be chosen by using a colour which is similar to the colour your cheeks go when you pinch them lightly. To apply the blush use a fluffy brush and sweep onto the apples of your cheeks to give your face more of a glow and to make you less washed out.

If you have a golden skin tone, or if it is summer, a bronzer may be more appropriate, and this should be applied in the contours of your cheeks (beneath the apples).

Lipstick or lip gloss shouldn’t be necessary if your lips are well looked after, but if you would like a bit more colour or definition on your lips, then you could either go for a nude lip, or a slightly rosy coloured lip stain. You could get a way with a pale or clear lip gloss, and still look naturally pretty, because the rest of your face is so minimal.

Tips According to WIKIHOW. Com, if you don’t want to wear a lot of foundation but you still want to hide blemishes or scaring then dab a bit of concealer directly onto the blemish and blend in around the blemish don’t touch the actual blemish again or you’ll just rub it off!

If you wear a lot of makeup and don’t feel confident enough to go out without wearing a lot of it, then try to move away from it gradually, so firstly, cut out lipstick, then replace foundation with tinted moisturizer, then wear less eyeliner….. eventually you’ll feel comfortable in your own skin.

Make sure that you wash and moisturize your face before going to bed so that your skin can refresh and heal itself overnight rather than becoming clogged up by dirt, makeup and pollutants.

Simile! It’s the best thing that you can do to make yourself more attractive with minimum effort!

Stop worrying about how you look, women shouldn’t have to spend hours in front of the mirror juts to feel good about themselves, there are much more important things to worry about in life, and once you realize that you stop worrying so much and learn to be happy.

THE NIGERIAN

26

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

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THE NIGERIAN

27

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 06 2013 WATSON WEST 1.2.X FORECAST

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THE NIGERIAN

28

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Pardew Condemns Arsenal’s Cabaye Bid Alan Pardew has branded Arsenal disrespectful, accusing them of unsettling Yohan Cabaye with the timing of their offer for the midfielder.

The Gunners submitted a £10 million bid for the France international, which Newcastle rejected, but Pardew omitted Cabaye from his side for their opening league fixture, a 4-0 defeat at Manchester City.

And the Newcastle manager, who believes Cabaye was not in the right frame of mind to play, was annoyed by Arsenal’s approach.

He said: “It is tough for his head to be turned on the eve of a game and I didn’t see any reason why that needed to happen. Why they couldn’t do us the respect and the honour of waiting until Tuesday evening is beyond me.

“I am not sure of the exact terms of it but it is below our valuation of the player for sure. I think it is just a very difficult situation when a player gets news like that and it wasn’t us who gave him the news, that it is very hard to get your head round to play a game of this magnitude.”

Pardew believes the transfer window should have been closed before the start of the campaign and thinks the summer’s transfer sagas are proof it ought to be shut earlier next year.

“This is a terrific player. He is a player where you put him in the [Luis] Suarez and [Gareth] Bale situation which he has found himself in. There is a question about the window being closed before we kick off the Premier League season.

I know the Premier League asked the European leagues to do it and they said the European leagues wouldn’t fall in line.

After the summer we have had, the situations we have had, with [Wayne] Rooney as well, it is definitely something they need to put under the microscope again.”

Pardew revealed defender Steven Taylor has apologised for his first-half dismissal in their defeat at the Etihad Stadium. The centre-back was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after a clash with Sergio Aguero and now faces a three-match suspension.

Pardew added: “The sending off was completely out of character for Steven and he has apologised. I can’t really say anymore except that he is an honest player and made a mistake and we had to suffer the penalty for that.”

Arsene Wenger

Moyes Starts War With Former Club Everton Manchester United manager David Moyes has sparked war with his former club over Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini.

United to go to war with Everton over pursuit of Fellaini, Baines: The Daily Mirror reports that Manchester United are set to return to Everton with separate bids for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines after having their initial £28m joint bid dismissed as “derisory and insulting”. Everton were left

incensed by the bid, but the Mirror reports that the reigning Premier League champions are set to continue their pursuit of the pair. “Despite Everton’s anger, United are in no mood to back down and are ready to up their offer to £33m,” the paper reports. “It is understood United are prepared to pay £21m for Fellaini and £12m for Baines, and will make one last attempt to prise the pair away from Goodison Park.”

Dzeko Hails ‘Fantastic’ Striker Edin Dzeko says Win Manchester City wanted to send among the frontrunners for the

Gareth Bale

Spurs Edge Closer To Keeping Bale

Real Madrid fear they will have to wait another 12 months to sign Tottenham star Gareth Bale.

Bernabeu president Florentino opposition to the deal with highPerez has courted the Wales ranking members of the club’s international all summer and was hierarchy believing Bale is not closing in on a £100million world worth more than he £80m paid for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has record fee.

But Spurs are not happy with yet to sign a new agreement. the payment plan put forward by Bale will be paid an amazing the Spanish heavyweights, £180,000 a week after tax and especially as they are still owed allowed a say in image rights and cash from last August’s £33m sources say former Manchester United superstar Ronaldo has had deal for Luka Modric.

It is believed Real have offered his nose put out of joint by all the an initial £20m with the rest attention and praise being spread over the next five years, lavished on the 24-year-old from while Tottenham want the vast Cardiff. bulk banked up front before they Real are still pushing to sign agree to their prize asset moving Bale before the September 2 to the Spanish capital. transfer deadline but are Real are also facing internal becoming increasingly

Rangers Fans United Against Green Charles Green could be fired bid launched by Ahmad against from his post as a paid consultant for the Rangers board as the Ibrox directors meet to discuss his future.

The former chief executive made a controversial return to Ibrox two weeks ago on a £1,000a-month retainer but faces being swiftly removed from his new post following a public outcry by fans.

The Yorkshireman resigned as chief executive in April amid allegations of links to former Rangers owner Craig Whyte and anger over racist comments made about former club director Imran Ahmad - a slur which earned him a fine from the Scottish Football Association.

An independent investigation said that Whyte, the man who set Rangers on the path to liquidation when he put them into administration 18 months ago, had not invested in the current Rangers set-up.

But Green has faced fresh anger after telling boss Ally McCoist he would have a “problem” if he failed to lead the team to a domestic cup win while also backing a £3.4million legal

the Glasgow side after he too was forced out of the club.

Meanwhile, Rangers are considering an official request from a group of shareholders to hold a extraordinary general meeting to vote on their proposal to remove new chief executive Craig Mather, Brian Stockbridge and Bryan Smart as directors and replace them with Paul Murray and Frank Blin.

Now in a joint statement issued

by The Rangers Supporters Assembly, The Rangers Supporters Association, and The Rangers Supporters Trust, the board has been told the club’s fans want Green out.

The statement read: “There are significant concerns among our worldwide fan base over the conduct of former CEO, Charles Green.

“Mr Green has been very outspoken in the media, and has clearly undermined the manager and the team. He is also purported to be giving support to a financial claim to be made against the club which we feel represents a conflict of interest for him and the club.

concerned they will run out of time and cash as they need Ronaldo to sign a new deal with his contract winding down.

a message in their opening Barclays Premier League match after hammering 10-man Newcastle 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

City were no match for their hapless opponents, with the game all but over as a contest before half-time.

David Silva opened the scoring in the sixth minute and Sergio Aguero doubled City’s lead midway through the half, with Magpies defender Steven Taylor seeing red before half-time.

A superb Yaya Toure free-kick put City 3-0 up five minutes after the break, while Samir Nasri put the gloss on the result in the 75th minute.

It was an exemplary performance from City, who are

Ferdinand Looking Forward To Chelsea Clash

Rio Ferdinand is relishing the prospect of Manchester United’s upcoming clash against Chelsea.

The Red Devils, now under the stewardship of David Moyes following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, roared to a 4-1 win at Swansea thanks to two goals each for Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck.

Their victory came just hours after returning Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho suggested that United and previous title holders Manchester City were not ‘terrific’ winners of the top flight.

Centre-back Ferdinand was happy to respond to the early dig from the Portuguese boss and is looking forward to welcoming the Blues to Old Trafford next Monday, live on Sky Sports 1HD. The former England international said: “That was his first soundbite of the season, wasn’t it? I think we expected it.

“A lot of teams vying for the championship are going to be struggling for points at Swansea, so it was a good result.

“I’m looking forward to Chelsea. We are really looking forward to it. Now we can start playing for something.

“We are professional people and want to win. You don’t appreciate it when people don’t put you in the position you should be.

“Being champions you warrant maybe a little bit more but every next person is tipping someone else to win the league and putting us in third or fourth place.

“It seemed people thought we should have come away with zero points and there would have been a lot of noise if we’d lost.

“The vibe all week was people wanted it. So it was nice to go there - especially in the gaffer’s first real competitive game - and to win convincingly as we did.”

Premier League crown this season, which will have no doubt thrilled their new manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Dzeko said: “I think we played a fantastic match and not only 45 minutes but 90 is what the manager expects from us.

“We played the first game at home and we wanted to show everyone what we are capable of.

“We scored four goals and we could have scored more but we are happy with these four.

“I wanted so badly to score but at the end, we won the game, we have three points and we have scored four.”

While he did not manage to get on the scoresheet, Dzeko played an eyecatching role and the Bosnian striker was quick to hail Pellegrini’s influence.

“The new manager brings something different to us, especially to me; giving me the confidence and that’s what I needed,” he added on Sky Sports 1.

Toure was also quick to salute a great team performance.

“I think it was a fantastic result, fantastic beginning. I want to continue like that because the Premier League is very, very tough,” he said.

Bent Criticises Lambert Over Villa Treatment

Striker Darren Bent has hit out at Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert, in an interview published Tuesday, over his treatment during his time at Villa Park.

Bent joined Fulham on a season-long loan from Villa last week, after falling out of favour with Lambert at the Midlands club.

Villa paid a club-record fee potentially rising to £24 million ($37.6 million, 28.1 million euros) to sign Bent from Sunderland in January 2011, but he was frozen out after Lambert became coach last year.

With Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann established as Lambert’s first-choice strike partnership, the 29-year-old started just seven league games last season, scoring three goals.

“It was really difficult at Villa.

A few of us were kind of alienated to train with the kids,” Bent told the Daily Express newspaper.

“There were times when I was thinking, ‘Do I really deserve this?’ It’s all well and good not being part of the squad — but to be treated like we have been is bad.

“It was horrible. It wasn’t so much the injuries — although they certainly didn’t help — it was just

the uncertainty. There were times I was in the squad and times I wasn’t, and there was just no explanation why.”

Bent has won 13 caps for England, scoring four goals, and he hopes a successful season at Fulham will enable him to break back into the national squad in time for next year’s World Cup. I’m not just hungry to play football again, I’m absolutely starving,” he said. “I’ve missed out on a couple of major competitions with England, but I just hope this is my year.”

Darren Bent

THE NIGERIAN

29

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Sao Paulo To Host World Cup Opener

Jerome Supports Brother In Racism Row

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has taken a stance against racism after his brother, AC Milan’sKevinPrince Boateng, was subjected to abusive chants earlier this year.

The Rossoneri midfielder walked off the pitch after abusive shouts from the stands during a friendly against Pro Patria in January.

And speaking at an event against racism in football in Miami, the Bayern Munich man has called for action against abusive behaviour from supporters towards players.

“I’m happy that I could make it but I think we must do more,” the 24-year-old centre-back told SWOL.

Muller Targets Revenge On Chelsea Thomas Muller wants to settle a score with Chelsea when Bayern Munich take on the Europa League winners in the European Super Cup in Prague next week.

Bayern and Chelsea will meet for the first time since the 2012 Champions League final, played at Munich’s Allianz Arena, which the London club won in a penalty shoot-out.

Bayern Munich had dominated their English opponents throughout the 120 minutes, but were not able to secure victory.

“We do have a small score to settle, even if we can’t completely wipe away the memory of losing the Champions League final,” Muller told Bayern’s official site. “You don’t always reach the Super Cup final, so we’ll do everything we can to win the trophy.”

New Bayern coach Pep Guardiola has adjusted Bayern’s tactics but Muller explained he has not had to adapt his game under Guardiola.

“Pep Guardiola has made a few changes to our team tactics but not really to us as individuals,” he added. “Every player has his strengths and weaknesses. If Arjen [Robben] is out on the right, he does things differently compared to me in the same position.

“We have what I call structural tasks now, especially in defence. We have to maintain our positions in certain shapes, and that’s what it’s about.

“We’re not really working on individual players in training at the moment. We’re looking to go in a new direction in terms of team tactics and build up our ability to dominate. That’ll automatically made each individual better.”

“Like this is the start of the event and we must do more.

“I’m proud to be a part of it and I’m happy to be here in Miami at this time.

I’m looking forward to this event and I think it’s an important thing.

“It was also a reason [I support this event], because it’s my brother and because that is why I tried my best to come here.

“We need people in a really big positions to show that it is very important and that it doesn’t happen again in the stadium, because we all love this game and it’s about respect.”

Jerome Boateng

DFB Investigates Racist Abuse In Munich

The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed it has begun an investigation into the racial abuse that took place during a 2. Bundesliga game between TSV 1860 Munich and FC Ingolstadt at the Allianz Arena.

Ingolstadt team-mate Ralph Gunesch also addressed the issue Ingolstadt defender Danny da Costa, born in Germany to on his Facebook page.

“To persistently call a darkAngolan and Congolese parents, told SID that he had been abused skinned opponent ‘n*****’ and throughout his side’s 1-0 defeat to urge him to go ‘back to the jungle’ and accompany that with monkey the Lions on Sunday.

“Whenever the ball came near chants only shows that your IQ is me, there were monkey chants. just above that of burnt toast,” the That was a pretty bad feeling,” the former St Pauli defender wrote.

The message was shared over Germany Under-21 international 1,000 times within minutes of said. “In this form, it is something I have never experienced before.” being posted and fired up He said he had been called discussion of the issue in “n*****” and “black pig” by a Germany.

On Monday, the DFB small number of fans on Sunday, confirmed it was looking into the adding: “There were not many — just a few who thought they could abuse.

“We can confirm that the be strong in a group.”

He told referee Florian Meyer control board has started during the game that he had been investigations regarding the “viciously insulted” and “would incidents during the 1860 Munich vs FC Ingolstadt game,” a DFB no longer accept it”.

While some players, notably spokesperson told SID. 1860 Munich executive Robert AC Milan star Kevin Prince Boateng, have left the field in Schafer said the club had already response to abuse, Da Costa said: singled out a perpetrator.

“Any abuse of this type has no “That was not an option for me at place at our games,” Schafer said. that moment.”

Meyer instead asked the “We were able to identify the stadium announcer to address the person and have reported his crowd, which Da Costa felt sent behaviour. Moreover, we immediately penalised him with out a “good signal”.

a stadium ban.”

The German broadsheet Suddeutsche Zeitung featured an editorial arguing that, given the money available to German football, there was no excuse for shying away from the fight against racism.

The paper added that, while it would be wrong to label 1860 fans

Black Charged With 160 Betting Rangers midfielder Ian Black The SFA’s disciplinary Offences has been given a Scottish rule 22 states: “No club, Football Association (SFA) notice of complaint for 160 alleged breaches of rules on gambling stretching back over seven years, including three charges of betting against his own team.

Scotland international Black, who joined Rangers in 2012 after spells with Inverness and Hearts, will be investigated by the SFA and his current side over allegations he bet against his “then-registered club” on three occasions between March 4, 2006, and July 28, 2013.

Pressure Off Lyon, Says Garde Olympique Lyonnais boss Remi Garde has his sights set on the Champions League group stage but believes that the pressure is off as further European football is guaranteed.

Les Gones face Real Sociedad on Tuesday with aspirations of being victorious over the twolegged play-off and qualifying for the last 32, with defeat meaning qualification for the Europa League group stage.

Garde does not see defeat as disastrous but he has called on his players to perform well for 90 minutes after impressing intermittently in Lyon’s two victories in Ligue 1 this campaign.

“We’re lifted by the fact we’ve already qualified for a European competition this season,” he told

reporters. “There’s no black hole after this fixture, no matter what happens.

“Of course, the Europa League is not like the Champions League, but it’s still a great competition to participate in. We’re freed from that pressure.

“The successive victories gave us a boost but let’s be realistic, we have yet to play a ‘complete’ match - we sometimes did well during one half, or a part of a match, but never during the entire game.

“We need to improve in the way we control the matches. We play to win, as everyone else does, and it’s even more important given the squad is so young.”

Meanwhile, Real forward Carlos Vela is hoping that the team

right-wing reactionaries, it would be a “distortion of reality” to ascribe the problem to a single fan.

It continued: “The Lions should know that. Problems there have already led to the ‘Lions against the right’ campaign by courageous fans.

“There is only one guideline to be followed by clubs and spectators: zero tolerance.”

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said he had no doubt that Sao Paulo’s Itaquera stadium would be ready in time to host the opener of the 2014 World Cup. The arena is 86 percent complete ahead of next June’s kick-off for Brazil 2014.

“If FIFA doubted that the opening would be in Itaquera, that doubt was resolved today,” Valcke told a news conference on Monday.

“Within 10 months we will have the opening here of the World Cup,” he said. “The stadium will be delivered in time for the opening.”

Valcke visited the stadium as part of a tour of host cities amid concerns about delays.

He was joined by Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo, who acknowledged that there had been concern about progress at Itaquera.

“But now I am sure it will be delivered on time,” Rebelo said.

The World Cup will be played in 12 host arenas, six of which were delivered for the Confederations Cup in June.

The other six are to be completed by late December under a firm deadline set by FIFA, football’s world governing body.

The 2014 World Cup starts June 12 and runs through July 13.

do not crumble under the pressure of trying to reach the Champions League group stage.

“I have told [my team-mates] that being in the game you forget everything, how much is at stake, that you are in Europe,” Vela told AS. “And I just think that it is a football game. If we can put our nerves aside, which will be plenty for those who are in their first Champions League match, then the better for it, to play a great game as always.

“We are looking at what we must do. It is a special game as we play for a place in the group stages, but we face it with the mindset that it is not the most important game of the year.”

On March 4, 2006, Black played 90 minutes for Inverness in a home defeat to Motherwell.

On July 28, 2013, Black played — and scored —in a 4-0 Ramsdens Cup victory for Rangers against Albion Rovers.

The SFA said that “that there is no evidence to suggest any breach of Disciplinary Rule 23”, which forbids anyone participating in or influencing games from knowingly behaving in a manner that “could give rise to an event in which they or any third-party benefits financially through betting”.

In addition to the claims he bet against his own side, the 28year-old also faces charges of “betting on a further ten football matches that involved his thenregistered club” and “betting on a further 147 football matches”.

Ian Black

official, team official or other member of team staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall bet in any way on a football match (except authorised and registered football pools)”.

The rule encompasses football matches throughout the world, and guilty parties may be punished with a fine, suspension or expulsion from the game.

A Rangers spokesperson said: “The club is aware of the SFA’s notice of complaint and are currently investigating the matter.”

Black has until Monday to respond to the complaint. A principal hearing date is scheduled for September 12.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013

Gomo Off To Goal-Scoring Nigeria international Gomo Start Onduku has said he is thrilled “The coach wanted to start me,

World Cup Playoffs: Le Roy Backs Zambia To Oust Ghana

to start his career in Europe with a goal on his debut for Concordia Chiajna.

Gomo, who was a 48th minute substitute, scored his Romanian club’s third goal in the 85th minute.

“I am very excited to score a goal in my first game in Europe,” Onduku told MTNFootball.com

Ex-Ghana coach Claude Le Roy has tipped Zambia to qualify to the final qualifying round of the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifiers at the expense of the Black Stars.

Le Roy’s protégée Renard Herve is in-charge of the 2012 African champions and was his assistant coach when was Black Stars head coach.

The Chipolopolo travel to Kumasi to play the Black Stars on 6 September at the Baba Yara Stadium for the crucial qualifier.

Zambia need to win to topple the two-time World

Isaacs Wary Of Pirates Depth

Dominic Isaacs is wary of the depth in Orlando Pirates squad when they come up against Ajax Cape Town later this month.

The original fixture against the Buccaneers, scheduled for August 20, was postponed due to Pirates’ involvement in the MTN8 competition.

It is one of two cup competitions Roger de Sa’s men are competing in, along with the league, creating a demanding schedule of games every three to seven days for Pirates.

The match, which will be played on August 27, will be Ajax’s second competitive outing in a month, leaving them with a 25 day break in between their opening match of the PSL season against Golden Arrows.

When asked whether or not the hectic schedule could fall into Ajax’s cards, Isaacs replied: “We are expecting a tough game against Pirates.

“Pirates has a big pool of players so I don’t think they will have a problem even with their demanding schedule.

“The break has been frustrating because we wanted to play soon after our first match, but on the flip side it gives us more time with the coach.”

but I told him he should let me start from the bench so I could pick some tactics from the game before I go in since I have not played for them before, he agreed and it paid off.”

The former Sharks winger sporting jersey number 16 stole the ball away from the goalkeeper when teammate Flora pulled out before he fired home.

He dedicated the goal to God, his family and Super Eagles coaches led by Stephen Keshi.

“Firstly, I dedicate the goal to God who has been faithful to me till now, to my family who have been by me since I was born and then to the Super Eagles technical crew led by ‘Big Boss’ Keshi who I have learnt a lot from,” Onduku told MTNFootball.com

Gomo Onduku

Keshi Advised Not To Underrate Malawi

Mike Elechi, a former Permanent Secretary in the Rivers the Ministry of Sports has urged the Super Eagles not to underrate the Flames of Malawi in the 2014 World Cup qualifier.

The Eagles will host the Malawians on September 7 at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Elechi told newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday that the Eagles should play the Flames of Malawi with all the seriousness that the match required.

He said the era of minnows in African football was over because underrating any team could have severe consequences.

Elechi said that Coach Stephen Keshi had instilled discipline in the national team, saying that Nigeria would win the

encounter at the end of the day.

“I think, Keshi for the time being has been a very good coach. And the most important thing is discipline of the footballers.

“There seems to be a very high level of discipline in the Eagles’ camp and so, we should leave the tactical approach to Keshi.

“I can remember what happened when Nigeria had a friendly football match with South Africa, a lot of people would have said in the first half, ‘write off Keshi‘, but you could see

that his changes in the second half, actually brought about the winner.

“So, Keshi has been good and what is good for him is that he has the grip of discipline of the boys. Nigeria has array of stars but what has been lacking is discipline.’’

Elechi said the request for

change of venue by the Malawi Football Federation was unnecessary because Calabar had hosted a number of international matches and events.

He said that Malawi was merely playing a mind game to create tension in the Eagles camp.

Cup finalists at the top of the Group D table.

Ghana, who lie on top of the pool with a one point advantage, will go through to the third phase of the African qualifiers with a draw.

“Ghana have to draw at home and qualify for the next round and Zambia have to win but I think psychologically it is more difficult for Ghana than Zambia,’’ Le Roy said.

“I spoke to Herve Renard , they have everything to win in this game but it is also important for Ghana who wants to make a third appearance at the tournament after playing at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

“Ghana wants to be in Brazil to show that they are indeed the Black Stars but I think it will be difficult.”

Ghana lost 1-0 in the corresponding fixture played last June in Ndola.

Libya Request Cranes Build-Up Tie

The Libya Football Federation (LFF) has requested an international friendly match against Uganda Cranes in Kampala ahead of their crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Cameroon.

Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, the Cranes head coach, revealed to MTNFootball.com that the Libyans are very eager to have that build-up in Kampala.

“We need to make sure we are have finalised all logistical issues and also got clearance from the FA to have this game. I cannot say the game is confirmed at the moment,” said Micho.

The two teams are planning to use the friendly to prepare for their up-coming 2014

World Cup qualifying games next month.

Uganda face a tough test against Senegal in a must win encounter, while Libya also need an outright win away to Group I leaders Cameroon.

“This game would be very good for our team, especially the home based players who are also part of the team that will participate in the 2014 CHAN competition,” explained Micho.

In May, Libya humbled Uganda in an international friendly in Libya in Micho’s first match in-charge of the Cranes.

But the Serbian-born coach has now won four major games against Liberia, Angola and two against Tanzania in

the 2014 CHAN qualifier, while he has lost twice against Libya and 3-0 against Egypt last week.

Keshi

Orlando Pirates centreback Rooi Mahamutsa has warned his teammates against complacency in their next matches of the CAF Champions League.

After recording a 4-1 home win against Egyptian giants Zamelek and going three points clear at the summit of Group A, the centre-back has stressed the importance of keeping the same attitude intact that has seen the Buccaneers flourish so far in the competition.

Despite thrashing Zamelek in Johannesburg this weekend, the Standerton-

born defender offered his sympathies to his opponents, who are currently going through a volatile situation in their country.

“Look, I think Zamalek is a great side despite losing to us on Saturday – they have not been playing in their domestic league and that knocks any team,” he told his club’s official website.

“Even the greatest teams need to get some tough competition what they are going through in their country is sad, but football is football – we played against them and beat them so... I think looking at how we played against them, we deserved to

Mahamutsa Sympathises With Zamalek win the match.”

Bucs will travel to Egypt towards the end of the month

for the return leg against Zamalek, scheduled for August 31 in Cairo.

Players and officials of ABS FC have been placed on half pay with immediate effect due to a spate of poor results, officials said.

Coach Kabiru Suleiman Dogo has therefore been handed a three-match ultimatum to perform or face stiffer sanctions.

ABS media officer Bashir Jimoh informed MTNFootball.com: “The

players and the technical crew on half salary due to the poor performance in the league, we are not happy and so the sanctions.

“The coaches have been given a three-match ultimatum to perform or get more sanctions.”

ABS FC, who barely escaped relegation last season, are currently 18th on the 20-team league table with 33 points from 26 games.

ABS FC On Half Pay For Poor Run management has placed the

THE NIGERIAN

32

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013 CMYK

‘There Is A Country’

“

THE stark invidiousness of the ruling class in Nigeria against the toiling masses is simply beyond pardon and Olusegun Obasanjo has been the supreme commander in recent years. What a system so brutally anti-masses, with stifling conservatism, murderous rigidity to change and saddled with wanton sadism! What a colossal miss of national sense of belonging, after a re-enactment of democracy in 1999!” –Quoted in WHERE WE ARE (page 111).

Abacha, it is by a stroke of

Yesterday, as I sat down to work out my thoughts for today’s topic, the recent statement made by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida concerning the so called and much debated

luck that the Nigerian project is still on till today. That is why when characters like General Babangida and General Obasanjo open wide their mouths, I usually feel a terribly piercing pain

government such as we see everyday in this nation.

On May 23, 2013, during the burial ceremony for Professor Chinua Achebe, easily one of the greatest patriots of our stunted nation, President Goodluck Jonathan challenged Nigerians to write a book to be called “THERE IS A COUNTRY’.

Apparently, President Jonathan was trying to find a way to openly reflect on Chinua Achebe’s last controversial book before his

President Goodluck Jonathan

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo ‘disintegration of Nigeria by 2015’ quietly woke up in my mind. General Babangida actually boasted during an event marking his birthday last week that there is no force or interest that can destroy the Nigerian project.

When statement like this is coming from a man like General Babangida, I easily get angry and irritated. This is so because from available facts and figures before us, General Babangida, the first ‘unelected president’ of Nigeria headed a military regime that initiated the costliest transition programme in history, which ended in monumental fiasco, with the annulment of June 12 1993 presidential election.

From what we all went through in the hands of such evil regimes led by Babangida and General

for sure would have been languishing in Kirikiri maximum security prison by now? My heart lament the indescribable poverty and disorder which the rulers of Nigeria have imposed on us all. Where do we go from here? Must disunity, prejudice and indifference continue to be the lots of the present generation?

Everyday, we see increasing stark graft and nepotism around the seat of power.

We see and watch helplessly a comical and

in my heart. Now, only last week, ex-president Obasanjo was insulting everybody by his statement in Ibadan that Tinubu, Atiku, Buhari Ibori, Alamieseigha etc were corrupt.

Olusegun Obasanjo’s affront in Ibadan, at the Fourth Annual Ibadan sustainable Development Summit, organised by Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan, is most unfortunate, despicable and challenging to my generation. Is Olusegun Obasanjo better than the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Salisu Buhari disgraced former Speaker of the House of Representatives, James Ibori, former Governor of Delta State etc?

If we are living or having a true “country” where what is good for the goose is what is available for the gander, where the rule of law is applicable to all and sundry General Obasanjo

reckless degeneration among the new despots calling themselves “elected representatives” of the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is agonizing to know that genuine fundamental yearnings of the ordinary people of Nigeria as the ongoing debate on the amendment of the 1999 constitution has been meet by demoralizing scorn and derision.

Let’s look at this Chinese proverb which I stumbled into recently: “The chicken thief now is posing as a pillar of the community. He has not stolen a chicken for three days”. We have so called statesmen or elder statesmen who have become nothing but cringing cowards motivated only by avarice, treachery and dishonesty. Most of our so called democratic rulers are nothing but gangsters and monsters of villainy, greed and lechery. We have been victimized by the wanton.

Corrupt and inefficient

death, “THERE WAS A COUNTRY”. It is not my business today to highlight some of the issues which the legendary Chinua Achebe meticulously treated in his book.

What concerns me primarily is whether we really have a true country given the army of unemployed youths idling away in our society, where the so called leaders are embezzling everything they see on sight; where the best candidates never get elected to public office to serve their people etc?

Is there a country when those who have stolen billions of tax payers’ money are walking free, while those that stole goats are languishing in goal? Is there a country where hopelessness and terror are spreading all over the country? Is there a country where the women folks took over Abuja last week by storm and displayed our commonwealth recklessly, while the Academic Staff

Union of Universities (ASUU) is asking for proper funding of our Ivory towers?

Is there a country where members of the National Assembly i.e. House of Representatives and The Senate are the highest paid public servants in the world? Do we have a “true” country where some

Ibrahim Babangida, Abdusallam Abubakar etc are having wild parties in town despite their heinous and appalling crimes against all of us?

If President Jonathan genuinely wants us to write a book to be called “THERE IS A COUNTRY”, he should

General Ibrahim Babangida characters are recycling themselves and some anointed children are being recycled to the detriment of our collective development? Is this a country where the national minimum wage is being removed from the exclusive list in the ongoing and shameful amendment of the 1999 constitution?

Do we really have a country where nest of snakes (selfish, gluttonous and corrupt politicians) are having sleepless nights because they want the status –quo to remain even beyond 2015?Is this a country where the likes of Olusegun Obasanjo,

discourage the visibly shaken old men milling around him to resign immediately. He should remember the likes of John Kennedy, Jawaharlal Nehru, Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere etc. President Jonathan should start a national crusade; he should take the lead in campaign of austerity measures to reclaim our country from the hands of those who are idiotically leading us today. No safety nets; no social security in a rich country like Nigeria?

Enough of this nonsense!

TOMORROW ON THIS PAGE

“

Why has the pension fund suddenly become the easiest money to steal? Our system regards the retiree as a dead man.

The only language that it understands is that of strike and withdrawal of service. To the extent that the retiree can neither strike nor withdraw any service, the system regards him as ineffectual; a mere walking corpse.

”

-Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan

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