The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 NO. 403 •WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 20 14 . N100.00 ISSUES Page 11
Edo APC on rampage ... sweeps Dan Orbih’s home town as scores dump PDP
NEW HORIZON Page 20
Sex and love in reality (1)
Dev of AAU: VC appeals to public
spirited individuals, organisations EKPOMA – The ViceChancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Professor (Mrs.) Cordelia Agbebaku has appealed to public spirited
individuals and organizations to help in the educational and infrastructural development of the school.
She made the appeal during an interview with The NIGERIAN OBERSVER, noting that the development of the AAU should not be
left for the government alone but needed the intervention of well meaning individuals in its areas of domicile to help Continues on page 2
Death Of Queen Esther
Oshiomhole leads condolence delegation to Oba Erediauwa By RAYMOND OSOGBE/ADAMS OYIBOKE
BENIN CITY - Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his Deputy, Dr. Pius Eberanmwen Odubu yesterday led Civil Commissioners and other top government Functionaries in Benin City on a condolence visit to the Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Ukuakpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa on the demise of his eldest wife Oloi Esther Omoyemwense Erediauwa, the Esib E’Erie of Benin Kingdom. He prayed God to grant sympathy”. Responding, on behalf of the soul of the departed the Monarch, Secretary, Oba’s wife eternal rest. It would be recalled that Benin Traditional Council the Late Oloi Esther (BTC), Mr. Frank Irabor Erediauwa died on thanked the Governor, his Deputy and other top Saturday last week. According to government functionaries Oshiomhole, “Your Royal for their prayer and Majesty, on behalf of my commiseration. Meanwhile, the Governor family, government and the good people of Edo left the palace of the king Upper Mission State, accept my for
Extension where he inspected the ongoing Road construction. Governor Oshiomhole who expressed
satisfaction at the extent of job done urged the contracting firm to expedite action on the job.
In an interview with some residents of the area, Madam Dele Isibor, Mrs. Agness Odiase, Mr. Jonah Kadiri and Emmanuel Ewanle submitted that the road, when completed, would enhance social/ economic activities in the area.
According to Madam Dele Isibor; “we living in this part of Benin have suffered greatly because of the bad road. “Sometimes, when it rains we spend as high as N200.00 to get home from New Benin, in fact, we can’t thank Osho Baba Continues on page 2
Reps in rowdy session over leadership, Rivers crises By JOSES SEDE/ EDITH IMOISILI ABUJA - A rowdy session broke out yesterday at the House of Representatives during a debate on the disruption of a peaceful rally in Rivers State where a Senator of the Federal Republic was allegedly shot. This is even as the Senate approved that the matter be discussed at today’s plenary, when Senator Wilson Ake (Rivers West) shall present it under Matters of Urgent National
Importance. The Senate approval followed the request by Sen. Ake, who had called the attention of the Senate to the happenings in Rivers State, bemoaning that the crises were taking a difficult and dangerous dimension. He added that “every constitutional provisions for fundamental human rights are being breached; people are no longer allowed to hold peaceful rally, people are no longer allowed to assemble”.
TIT BIT “There is no society, where its peoples are created bad or goodl it is only in adhering and guarding their rules that the people become bad or good.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
To this end, he requested that the matter be discussed by the Senate with a view to stemming the tide. When the question was put, it was approved for today’s plenary. At the House of Representatives however, trouble started, when Continues on page 2
CONDOLENCE VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, addressing the Benin Monarch, HRM Oba Erediauwa (left) during a condolence visit to the palace over the demise of Oloi, Esther Erediauwa. With them is Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, Deputy Governor, Edo State (right). Photo: MOSES OBOH.
Govt to punish perpetrators of violence
By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR
BENIN CITY – Edo State Government yesterday has assured that it would do everything within its reach to ensure that those who take to violence in order to achieve their selfish aims are brought to book. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere gave the assurance when members of Eziobe community, Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the
State paid him a courtesy visit in Benin City to appreciate the state government’s efforts at checking activities of criminals in the state, particularly in Igarra.
- Ihonvbere
He noted that the Oshiomhole-led administration will not tolerate a situation where some persons take
delight in procuring arms for criminals so as to “destroy” others to enable them achieve their aims.
According to him, those who perpetrate such evil acts will not go unpunished under the present administration in the state. The SSG commended Continues on page 2
Defence Staff and three Service Chiefs of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the National Assembly for necessary confirmation.
“Confirmation of Ministerial Nominees”, dated 20th January, 2014, which was read on the floor of the red
chamber by presiding Senate President David Mark, reads in part: “In accordance with Continues on page 2
Jonathan sends list of Defence Chiefs, 12 ministerial nominees to NASS The letter: nominees, and Chief of By JOSES SEDE
ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, forwarded lists of twelve ministerial
News
Reps in rowdy session over leadership, of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, Continued from page 1 other principal officers of the Rivers crises Minority Leader, Femi in the All Progressives House and its defecting
Gbajabiamila, while making his contribution referred to the Deputy Majority Leader, Leo Ogor, as the ‘Deputy Minority Leader’. The comment caused uproar as members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the House reacted angrily to the comment, while their colleagues
Congress (APC) defended their leader. When order was eventually restored, the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal cautioned the lawmakers to use their mandates in the interest of Nigerians. A Federal High Court sitting in
Oshiomhole leads condolence delegation to Oba Erediauwa Continued from page 1 enough. He has come to wipe away our tears and sufferings, God will grant him good health and long life to serve the people of Edo and Nigeria”, she stressed. Oshiomhole was also at the Upper Forestry Axis of Benin City to inspect the road/ drainage under construction where he was enlogised by traders at the Upper Forestry Yam Market for infrastructural
development in the state. Speaking with the Governor at Upper Forestry, the site Engineer, Engineer Charbel said the road would be completed within the next 25 days. In his remark, Governor Oshiomhole commended the contracting firm and urged for a speed up work in order to ensure that the road rehabilitation and construction of the side drainage system are completed by the end of February.
Govt to punish perpetrators of violence
Continued from page 1 the delegation from Eziobe community for appreciating the efforts of the state government on security matters. Prof. Ihonvbere expressed dismay over the recent “unrest” in Igarra, stressing that those behind the unfortunate incident would be uncovered and brought to book. The leader of the delegation and the Oshemi Ananyimi of Igarra, High Chief Josiah Adefarati Sanni, in an address read on his behalf by Chief Lawrence Oshomah, appreciated the police arrest of nine persons allegedly involved in the recent shootings in Igarra.
High Chief Sanni who is also the Chairman of Eziobe community in Igarra made up of Ezidowo, Anonyete, Anona and Eshimozoko, appealed to the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to continue to pay due security attention to Igarra so as to flush out criminals in the area. He appreciated the Police swift reaction to the incident and the subsequent arrest of some persons. Also speaking, High Chief Gabriel Ojo who was part of the delegation appealed to the state government to look into the remote causes of the problems bedeviling Igarra community as it affect Chieftaincy matters and the Ezuochi traditional festival.
Abuja had restrained the House of Representatives and its principal officers from effecting any changes in the composition of its leadership. The court order was handed down during the hearing on a case filed by the PDP against the House of Representatives and some of its members, seeking to restrain the Speaker
VC appeals to public spirited iindividuals, organisation Continued from page 1 the university grow. She noted that the development and growth of state universities are such that contributions from private individuals and organizations have always helped to spur the needed growth in the system. Professor Agbebaku further disclosed that the 500 ultra modern lecture theatre built and equipped by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy is billed for commissioning soon, urging philanthropic individuals and organisations in Edo State to follow the good gesture. While dispelling insinuations in some quarters that she is not qualified to head the institution as its Vice-Chancellor, she explained that she has taught law in the university since 1987, starting off as an Assistant Lecturer. She also pointed out that she was the Dean of the Faculty of Law before she was appointed Vice-Chancellor and has headed the four Departments in the Law Faculty at various times. Professor Agbebaku said that those who make such insinuations are touting them for their own self-interests because they are also interested in the position. According to her, she has produced personalities of note as a Law Lecturer who have passed through her as students of Law including former Commissioner for Education, Barr. Ekpenisi Omorotionmwan,
Jonathan sends list of Defence Chiefs, 12 ministerial nominees to Senate
Continued from page 1
Sect. 147 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I have the honour to forward the under-listed ministerial nominees for Senate confirmation. Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos), Hon. Muhammad Wakil (Borno), Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan (Osun), Amb. Aminu Wali (Kano), Hadijia Jamila Salik ( Kano), Mrs. Akron Etim Eyakenyi (Akwa-Ibom), Lawrencia Labaran Malam (Kaduna), Dr Tamuno W Danagogo (Rivers), Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger), Gen. Aliu Gusau Muhammed (rtd) (Zamfara), Mr Boni Haruna (Adamawa), and Dr. Khaliru Alhassan (Sokoto). Copies of their Vurrivulum Vitae attached herewith. It is my hope that this exercise will receive the usual kind expeditiously consideration of the Distinguished Members of the Senate of he Federal Republic” Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos), Hon. Muhammad Wakil (Borno), Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan (Osun), Amb. Aminu Wali (Kano), Hadijia Jamila Salik ( Kano),
Mrs. Akron Etim Eyakenyi (Akwa-Ibom), Lawrencia Labaran Malam (Kaduna), Dr Tamuno W Danagogo (Rivers), Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger), Gen. Aliu Gusau Muhammed (rtd) (Zamfara), Mr Boni Haruna (Adamawa), and Dr. Khaliru Alhassan (Sokoto). While Aminu Wali is Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Obanikoro was ambassador to Ghana. Salik, the other nominee from Kano State, is a lawyer. Also, Wakil, the Borno State nominee, is a former Majority Leader in the House of Representatives and Malam from Kaduna is a former chairperson of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area. The Osun nominee, Adesiyan, was commissioner for education under the administration of Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Danagogo, one time Commissioner in Rivers State Government, might have bagged his nomination on account of his joining forces against his former principal, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who has defected from the ruling party to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Also, President Jonathan’s
members from taking any step “to alter or change the leadership of the 1st defendant (PDP). The PDP had filed the suit after 37 members of the House of Representatives defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), increasing the number of lawmakers of the APC. Before their defection, the PDP had majority of the members.
letter of January 20, 2014, conveying the names of the Defence Chiefs nominees, reads in part: “Appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chief for the Armed Forces of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, dated I write to forward, in compliance with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the names of the under listed for the kind confirmation of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for appointment as Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Air Marshall Alex Badeh (Chief of Defence Staff), Maj. Gen. Minimah (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Vice Marshall Adesola Amosu (Chief of Air Staff). I look forward, Distinguished Senate President, to the usual kind expeditious consideration of the above request by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Please accept, as always, the assurances of my highest regards and esteem”.
the current Commissioner for Education, Barr. Washington Osifo and the serving Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Boih Donald as well as Barr. MacDonald Obasuke, Commissioner for Special Duties who were all her students. However, on the qualifications for becoming a Vice-Chancellor, she said this had already been spelt out in the Ambrose Alli University Law 1999 (As Amended). A copy of the Law which was made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER states: “The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Visitor after consulting with the Council and the Senate from amongst selected persons of academic positions of not below the status of a University Professor”. She affirmed that she is therefore, fully qualified for the position having been a member of management for many years and as a result, was versed in university administration following various portfolios that she has held at different times. On her achievements since becoming Vice-Chancellor three years ago she said included construction of 3-in-1 300 capacity Lecture Theatre, construction of Faculty of Social Science building complex, procurement and supply of 969 volumes of books in 26 subject areas in the university central library, procurement of brand new Toyota (STP) Ambulance bus equipped with medical facilities, furnishing of the 1000capacity lecture Theatre with modern theatre seats and construction of 500-capacity Lecture Theatre, among several others. Prof. Agbebaku further hinted that she has been able to attract foreign investment to the university from the Association of African Universities which had extended small grant project to the university towards staff development. “During my period, the university has been rated by international organisations as the best in Law and Architecture”, she added.
Professor (Mrs) Cordelia Agbebaku, AAU VC
Govt bars LGs from issuing Corporate parking permits BENIN CITY – All Local Governments in Edo State, their consultants and agents have been directed to stop forthwith, the issuance of Corporate Parking Permits. Any corporate body that obtains any local government corporate parking permits does so at its own risk and such permits shall be treated as invalid. This is contained in a Government Special Announcement signed by the State Commissioner for Transport, Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) and made available to newsmen in Benin City yesterday. This statement is a follow-up to the realisation
by the State Government that some local government in Edo State now indulge in the issuance of Corporate Parking Permits to corporate bodies, including banks, bus terminals and other manufacturing firms in the state. “Consequently, all corporate bodies should seek and obtain or renew their 2014 Corporate Parking Permit from the Ministry of Transport on Forestry road, Benin City within the next two weeks,” the statement stressed. According to the statement; “it is pertinent to mention unequivocally that it is only Edo State Government that issues Corporate Parking Permit to any corporate body in the state through its Ministry of Transport.”
Edo Speaker Inaugurates TIN Registration By VICTOR OMOALU
BENIN CITY – The speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Uyi Igbe yesterday formally Inaugurated the Tax Identification Number (TIN) registration exercise in the state. The ceremony which took place at the Assembly Complex had the Speaker and other members of the House participating in the registration exercise. The speaker acknowledged the TIN projects describing it as a welcome development. He said the registration exercise would further help in identifying eligible
taxpayers in the state. While asserting that its relevance could not be overemphasized, the speaker however urged the people, especially taxpayers to comply with registration exercise by registering with the relevant revenue offices in the state. Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah stated that TIN project was put together by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) in collaboration with the state boards of internal revenue for the purpose of identifying eligible taxpayers in the state. The TIN, Chief Elamah said would help eliminate the issue of double taxation in the revenue collection system.
Late Madam Muni Theresa Obasuyi for burial Jan 25 BENIN CITY – The death has occurred of Madam Muni Theresa Obasuyi in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State at the age of 82 years. Until her death, she was a devout Christian of the Catholic Faith, worshipping at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Benin City. In her lifetime, she was a businesswoman and general contractor working with various Federal and State Government Departments in and outside the State. The late Madam Muni Theresa Obasuyi is survived by four children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relations. A statement issued by Mrs. Helen Efue on behalf of the family, indicated that burial ceremonies will start on Thursday, January 23 with a Vigil Mass at her residence, No. 48 Oguola Street, off Erhunmwuinse or off Siluko Road, Benin City at 4.00 p.m. On Friday, January 24, 2014, the body will be taken in a motorcade from God’s Care Mortuary, Ekenwan Road by 7.00 a.m. to her residence for lying-in-state.
At 9.00 a.m., the body will leave her residence for Requiem Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City. Interment follows thereafter at her residence, No. 48 Oguola Street, Benin City. On Saturday, January 25, 2014, socials and Obituary Party will take place at 12.00 noon at Baptist High School, TV Road, Benin City. The statement concluded that the burial programme will end on Sunday, 26 January with a Thanksgiving Mass and Outing Service at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City at 10.00 a.m. to be followed by entertainment of guests at her residence.
Late Madam Muni Theresa Obasuyi
Association Honours Edo Commissisoner BENIN CITY – The Edo State Chapter of the Association of Christians in Authority, South-south zone has honoured the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Chief Lucky James, with a merit award, citing his excellent contribution to community and church development. Receiving the award on behalf of the commissioner, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Rev. Solomon Ohonba, thanked the Association members for the honour and for their continuous prayers and visitation which he said has continued to make him strong and focused. Acknowledging their sustained prayers for him, he assured that he would justify the confidence reposed in him.
The commissioner further encouraged them to keep the flag flying and continue in prayers for Nigeria at this trying period of her political history. Chief James however promised to continue to associate with them and not to relent in contributing his best to a more developed Edo State and Nigeria at large. Earlier, president of the Association, Pastor Efosa Idahosa, said that Chief James was carefully selected as an obvious result of his contribution to the development in the state, as well as his contributions to the church of God and other associations in the state. He said the award is meant to appreciate the commissioner’s effort and to motivate him to do more.
News
Upper Mission Road in Benin City presently under construction. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBOESERE.
KEDC To Take Delivery Of 40,000 Prepaid Meters
KADUNA - The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) will take delivery of 40,000 prepaid metres from the World Bank in February, the company’s Managing Director, Malam Mohammed Idris, said. He told newsmen in Kaduna that the prepaid meters would
Drop In Revenue Slows Down Development - LG Boss EGOR - The Chairman, Egor Local Government Council, Comrade Victor Osayande Enobakhare has expressed fears that the dwindling state of revenue accruing to local government council in Nigeria would slow down development, on less it is checked. The council boss fears were expressed recently when he played host to members of a delegation of an NGO Legal Minds for Good Governance in Edo State who were on a courtesy call.
Comrade Enobakhare who expressed the local government determination to impart positively on the lives of people in his locality said the low and irregular revenue to the council was militating against grassroots development. He identified other reasons for the drop in revenue to evasion of taxes by worker of various categories as well as owners of businesses. Leader of the delegation, Barrister Samuel Abasilim who represented the chairman,
Afe Babalola Varsity Gets Acting VC
Chief R.E.O. Esite (Esg) said that the Association has the mandate to evaluate the performers of the local government chairman in the state. Barrister Abasilim gave assurance that assessment would be extended to the other 17 local governments chairman in the state during their first year in office. He revealed that the association is charged with the responsibility of cutinizing the revenue generation and expenditure of local government councils.
solve the current dearth of the equipment in the state. Idris said the company had marked the areas that the new meters would be installed. The managing director said that the debt profile of the company stood at N40 billion. He, however, added that the company had introduced new measures that would enable customers to pay their electricity bills promptly. He added that “we have introduced new metering programme and we are
confident that it is accepted by customers. “The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said if you have money and want a meter but cannot wait for the free meters from government, you can pay to accredited vendors, approved by the commission. “Some electricity consumers who keyed into this arrangement will get their meters installed in five weeks. “We are glad that the arrangement is working and we have recorded successes.’’
ADO-EKITI - The Board of Trustees and Council of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has appointed Prof. Michael Ajisafe, as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution. This information is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Tunde Olofintina, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, in Ado-Ekiti. According to the statement, the appointment is with effect from January 5, The stated that Ajisafe’s appointment followed the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Sidi Osho, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university on January 4, It stated the new acting vice chancellor, the first professor of sports in Africa, had worked in several universities in Nigeria. The statement stated that until his appointment, Ajisafe doubled as Deputy Vice Chancellor and the Provost, College of Sciences. It added that Ajisafe, who was the former Director, National Institute of Sports, Lagos, had assumed duty and would remain in office until the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.
ALGON Scribe, Others Felicitate man. With Kadiri healthy In his remarks, Hon. Kadiri
AUCHI – The Secretary, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman, Owan East Local Government Council of Edo State, Barrister Jimoh Ijegbai has felicitated with his Etsako West counterpart, Hon. Hassan Kadiri after a successful medical checkup abroad. During a visit to Kadiri by members of ALGON, in Auchi, the headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area, Ijegbai said the entire members of ALGON are happy to have the Etsako West council boss re-
unite with the people of the state. Barrister Ijegbai remarked that the period of health challenges should not be one for speculating rumours of death rather, should be one for unsolicited prayers for any person undergoing such challenge Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Momoh on his part said Hon. Kadiri defiled all permutations of mischief makers and return home a happy and
appreciated his visitors for their prayers to God which he said worked wonders. He said he was reunite with them after his brief stay for medical check outside the country. In an interview, Vice Chairman, Etsako West Local Government Council, Hon. Idaro Alasan Muhammed, while appreciating God for sparing the life of his council boss, saying that his rumored death was the handwork of detractors.
Superintendent of the Mission, Rev. (DR) Godspower Ogbonmwan. Rev. (Dr) Ogbonmwan in his sermon titled: “Jesus Power” admonished Christians to always have faith in Christ Jesus adding that no matter the problem God will never fail to answer their prayers. He quoting from Matthew 9:1-8, he said “with God, it is still possible, though there could be hindrance, God’s Power Pass other Powers”.
Amongst those ordained as a minister during the service by Rev. Dr. Ogbonmwan Rev. Imade Victor Agho. Rev. Imade Victor is a staff of the Nigeria Observer Newspapers, he is ordained into the office of a Pastor who is presently in-charge of Urora branch Ikpoba-okha Local Government Area of Edo State. Rev’d Imade is married to Mrs. Gladys Eniye OmoImade and the marriage is bless with children.
CACGM Marks 40th Anniversary, By VICTOR IMADE Ordains 16 Ministers BENIN CITY – The
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole waiving at the resident of Upper Mission Road, during his inspection of projects in the area. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.
Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission (CACGM) Worldwide on Sunday, held its 40yrs anniversary and ordination service at the Jubilee Centre Church’s International Headquarters, Benin City. Many Minister, from within and outside Nigeria graced the occasion, in which 16 Ministers were ordained into different positions/ offices. The service was presided over by the General
APC Has Good Programmes
News 2015 C’ttee To Propose Adequate Funding For INEC
- Women Leader
BY JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM OTTAH (Igbanke) – The women leader, All Progressive Congress (APC) ward 11 in Igbanke East, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Mrs. Grace Ekpega, has said that the APC is a party with good programme and elaborate manifesto to bring the desired change into the state and the nation. According to Mrs. Ekpega, APC is the only party that has structures and has what it takes to
Nigerian Students At Risk In Cyprus
transform Edo State. Mrs. Ekpega said, All Progressive Congress (APC) would bring desired changes into the country, saying that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has failed the country. She assured that there was nothing to fear as the party was intact but urged the people to support the party to effect the desired change. She thanked the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, his Deputy, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Pius Odubu for their distribution of democracy dividend across the nooks and crannies of Edo State.
Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememem; (middle) Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama (left) and Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the presentation of 2014 Federal Budget in Abuja on Monday.
--Father Of Slain Student BY TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN BENIN CITY – Father of the slain Nigerian student of Cyprus International University (CIU), Nicosia, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, Comrade Soriwei Patrick Dubamini has warned Nigerians of the dangers inherent in studying in the tiny country of North Cyprus, where, according to him, there is no value for human life. Comrade Dubamini, who raised the alarm during a press briefing at the Edo NUJ Press Centre in Benin City yesterday, said his 20yr-old son, Gabriel Peremiyentei Soriwei, a residential part one Electrical Engineering student of Cyprus International University was recklessly knocked down by a drunk woman driver in July 2013, saying up till now, the killer is completely being shielded by the authorities. According to him, “the authorities of the Cyprus International University sent Gabriel’s corpse to Nigeria as a cargo on September 12, 2013 without his belongings” until the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa intervened and the University sent about half of the son’s belonging in December 2013. He further alleged that a bank statement of his son’s account showed that while he was involved in the accident on July 13, 2013 and in coma between July 15 and 16, 2013, the entire money in his account (about 400 dollars) was withdrawn, while his ATM card was with Nicosia Police. Comrade Dubamini further lamented: “ while my son was in coma, the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria gave me a two months visa to visit the boy but North Cyprus immigration officers reduced it to 15 days at Nicosia International Airport... This also shows that Cyprus is dangerous to Nigerians, just to say the least”. Comrade Dubamini explained that he had to warn Nigerians to be wary of sending their wards to North Cyprus for studies in order to save young Nigerians from going to where there is no value for human life, adding that North Cyprus is “a dangerous occupied territory.”
Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoI w e a l a presenting 2014 Federal Budget in Abuja on Monday.
ABUJA - Rep. Jerry Manwe, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, has said that the committee would ensure adequate funding for the Independent Electoral Commission ( INEC ) in the 2014 budget. Manwe told newsmen in Abuja that the committee would critically look at the provision for INEC in the budget to ensure that it was adequate for it to conduct the 2015 general elections. He said that if it became necessary to allocate more funds to the commission to enable it to conduct free and credible elections, “it will be provided,” he said. “If more funding would enable the commission to conduct credible, free and fair elections, the committee would go ahead to propose that,” he maintained. He explained that the House “does not give funds to agencies of government but could make proposal”. According to Manwe, the committee will also look at the entire operations of the commission to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the task ahead. “First, we will look at their budget and invite them and ask them questions on the level of their preparation towards the 2015 elections,” he said. The legislator said that the performance of the commission in the conduct of the elections would depend largely on the funds that it would be given.
EDHA May Pass 2014 Budget Today By KEN ABU BENIN CITY – There are strong indications that the Edo State House of Assembly may pass into law today, the state 2014 appropriation bill for the sum of N160.6 billion. At yesterday’s sitting, following the presentation of
the report on the bill by the committee on Appropriation and Project Monitoring, the House will today make a clause by clause consideration of the bill at the committee of supply level. Presenting the report to the House, the committee chairman, Hon. Peter Aliu
said, after due consideration with the various heads of ministries, the committee made slight adjustment to the budget estimate of N159.21 billion presented by the Governor on December 11, 2013 to N160.6 billion. A breakdown of the new figure shows an estimate of N84.47 bn for capital
Admission Registration Into Air Force Military School Begins BENIN CITY – The on-line registration for the 2014/2015 academic session for Common Entrance Examination for Admission into JSS One in the Air-Force Military School, Jos has commenced. A statement issued by Odion O. Ogun, for Secretary to the
Edo State Government, (SSG) and made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER, yesterday, urged interested Edo State indigenes and members of the general public to take advantage of the ongoing registration. The statement advised interested candidates to
purchase the scratch card for accessing the application on the Air-Force Military School Portal at the Directorate of Cabinet, Political and Special Services, Governor’s office, Benin City, at the cost of N1,500.00 (One Thousand five hundred Naira) only.
expenditure and N75.58bn for recurrent expenditure. Parliament during the consideration of the report of the committee approved the recommendations of the committee that various ministries should forward quarterly report on income and expenditure on projects and other services delivered to parliament to ensure prudent management of funds made available to them. Parliament during deliberation yesterday announced the receipt of a letter from the office of the Governor. The Governor, in his letter dated January 3, 2014 and signed by the secretary to the State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere said that 30 copies of an executive bill referred to as Edo State statistical system and bureaus of statistical bill had been
forwarded to parliament for speedy consideration and passage into law. Meanwhile, the, Edo State House of Assembly has expressed condolence with the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa on the demise of Queen Esther Erediauwa, the Eson N’Erie who passed on January 18, 2014. The member representing Oredo – East Constituency, Hon. Patrick Osayimwen who announced the demise of the Queen on the floor, described her as an embodiment of peace and unity whose motherly disposition helped strengthened the unity and harmony binding the diverse ethnic groups in the kingdom. Parliament however observed a minute silence as a mark of honour to the Queen and prayed God to strengthened the Royal Family in this moment of grief.
South-South
Gov Amaechi Dares Police By ELIZABETH AGBOEGBULEM PORT HARCOURT - The Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and the Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, may be heading for a showdown next Saturday, January 25. This is coming on the heels of Governor Amaechi’s resolve to attend a sensitization rally to be organized by the Save Rivers Movement, SRM, a NonGovernmental Organisation, under the ambit of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at Bori, in Khana Local Government Area. A much publicized rally by the SRM was disrupted by early morning shootings by political thugs from the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, and thugs from the APC, that shot sporadically for hours, in furtherance of their scramble for the largest political space in Rivers State. Up to August last year, the state was controlled by the PDP until Governor Amaechi defected to the APC, at the height of his running battle with President Goodluck Jonathan and the Rivers State Chapter of the PDP, led by the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike. Although the police through its spokesman, DSP, Ahmad Muhammad, told the press that the APC/SRM rally scheduled to hold at Bori, on Sunday, at 1.pm, could not hold because the organizers of the rally failed to inform the police of their willingness to hold a rally and consequently secure a permit, and as such were attacked by political thugs, the APC maintain that the police did nothing to repel the premeditated attack by hoodlums. Governor Amaechi declared: “I will be there next Saturday, January 25. I am going there for a rally on Saturday and I will invite Channels. First, we will try as much as possible to replace the things that are missing and stolen. On Saturday I will be there”. Governor Amaechi spoke at
Government House, Port Harcourt, in response to the claim by the police that it did not provide security for the organizers of the botched rally and the venue of the rally, Anglican Grammar School, Bori, in Khana Local Government Area. “When they say former President Obasanjo is lying about snipers and one thousand names, they said Nigeria Police has no rubber bullets. Where did rubber bullets come from? Is it one of the snipers that shot at Magnus Abe? Could it be that they were aiming it at me? But for the first time I will want to expose myself, I will be there. I will be there on Saturday, let them come and shoot”, Governor Amaechi dared. Governor Amaechi further accused Mbu of declaring war against the government and people of Rivers State. “We heard Mbu called a meeting at the Police officers mess and declared war against the Rivers State Government and Rivers people. He is determined to ensure that they are not protected and warn them in advance not to protect anybody at the rally. The interpretation of that means that he knows that there is going to be an attack and he must have been part of the process of the attack”. He lamented: “If he did not, then when the people started shooting from 4am, what did the police do? It shows how desperate the federal government is to win 2015 election. As the governor of Rivers State if you hear gunshot from 4am, we will seek protection from that 4am, we will go and look for those who are shooting from 4am. 4 to 6am, then they attack press men and the Commissioner of Police did no care, did not respond, they attack citizens, I hear two persons are lying critically ill in the hospital, which I have to visit them in Bori and I have told them even if I have to come they should transfer them to Port
Harcourt so that we will make sure they do not die.” Governor Amaechi continued: “So, they want to win Presidential election and governorship election at the cost of human lives; they don’t care. One responsibility government has, and that is the oath of office you take, is to protect lives and property. There is no oath of office that says I must provide water, light. What the oath of office says is that I must protect
lives and property and as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan holds Rivers people the responsibility of protecting their lives, and their lives are not being protected because he sent a Police Commissioner through the wife, to pursue an election that is one year away. There is a difference between President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leader of PDP”.
“Who do you turn to, if the people you are suppose to turn to are the people shooting you? Just one week ago, Magnus Abe is at the hospital. It is not a Nigerian Hospital where you say they went and arranged something. He is at the hospital with a heart condition caused from Mbu, and you ask yourself what is going on. Don’t I have opponents? I am not going to provide for them the services that I swore that I will provide for them? Let the President take
L-R: Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara; Executive Director, Editorial Operations, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Isaac Ighure and the Acting Managing Director of NAN, Otunba Jide Adebayo at the newsroom of the Agency during the Executive Secretary’s visit to NAN headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
charge!” “When they say former President Obasanjo is lying about snipers and one thousand names, they said Nigeria Police has no rubber bullets. Where did rubber bullets come from? Is it one of the snipers that shot at Magnus Abe? Could it be that they were aiming it at me? But for the first time I will want to expose myself, I will be there. I will be there on Saturday, let them come and shoot”. Accusing the police of bias in its handling of the political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Amaechi wondered why the police have been giving the Grassroots Development Initiative, GDI, police protection in all its rallies, while refusing to accord the SRM the same treatment.The GDI is a political platform founded by Wike. Governor Amaechi noted: “The GDI is having a rally now with police protection? That is what I am saying; the President has to distinguish between himself as Goodluck Jonathan that I elected and the reason for electing him is to protect me and the difference between him as President whose responsibility is to the whole Nigeria and him as leader of the PDP. So, you want to win Rivers at all cost even if all the whole human beings die. Is the President saying he has lost control of Mbu? He can’t remove Mbu or he can’t tell Mbu what to do or is it that Mr. President has directed Mbu here to kill me and kill others?”
Bayelsa Govt Warns Against Extorting Students
YENAGOA The Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa, Mr. Sola Adikumo, has warned principals and headmasters in all public schools in the state against extorting students. Adikumo gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa. He said the government would sanction any head of school reported to be asking students to
pay for any service. According to him, the state government is releasing funds monthly for the administration of the schools including the conduct of practical lesson and examinations. “Under the present dispensation, no pupil or student pays school fees and examination fees in public primary and secondary schools. “The government has taken over the responsibility of paying
the fees for all pupils and students “No parent or guardian buys books and other materials in the state primary schools,” he said. The commissioner added that the government had commenced the distribution of desks, uniforms, exercise and text books to secondary schools for the 2014 academic session. Adikumo reiterated the government’s commitment to sustain the free and compulsory education policy.
According to him, the policy is meant to offer every school-aged child access to education so as to developed the necessary manpower needed by the state for its development. The commissioner said the administration would also sustain the foreign scholarship grant to deserving students, and urged the people to support the government to discharge its mandate successfully.
2015 Poll: APC’ll
Defeat PDP - Eriyo By VICTOR OMOALU
Retired Brig-General Johnny Mbanefo (left), speaking before presentation of a gift to the outgoing Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment, Brig-Gen. Taritimiye Gagariga (right), at his send-off by Honorary members of the Officers’ Mess in Onitsha on Sunday.
BENIN CITY – A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and former Youth Leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), in Edo State, Comrade Lucky Eriyo has expressed confidence that the APC will floor the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) come 2015 general elections in the country.
In a chat with newsmen in Benin City, the former chairman, Committee on Forestry said that with the massive defection of PDP stalwarts into the APC fold, APC now has formidable strength to take over presidency in 2015. While condemning the insinuation in some quarters that there is a crack within the APC, Comrade Eriyo said the party was rather waxing stronger.
“We in Edo State have embraced the new party (APC) and we are putting the right things in the proper position:, stated the former chairman, Committee on forestry, Edo State. He described the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s leadership style as wonderful, adding that the leadership has brought tremendous progress to the state.
South-West Chief Judge Re-Assigns Fraud Case LAGOS - The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, has re-assigned the case filed against former Managing Director, defunct bank PHB, Francis Atuche, charged with N125 billion fraud. The case which was initially before Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia, has now been transferred to Justice Saliu Saidu. No reason was given for the transfer. The matter is now scheduled to come up before Justice Saidu on February 20. The EFCC filed an amended 45-count charge bordering on the alleged offence againt Atuche and the former Managing Director of defunct Spring Bank, Charles Ojo. The accused were re-arraigned before Ofili-Ajumogobia on November 14, 2012, following the retirement of Justice Akinjide Ajakaiye, the first judge. They had each pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail. The charge, the accused were alleged to have granted fraudulent credit facilities, manipulated shares and committed general banking fraud to the tune of over N125 billion. The offence is said to contravene the provisions of Section 15 of the Failed Banks (Recovery of debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act, 2004. The prosecution had yet to open its case before the transfer.
NGO To Build Library
Muslim faithful celebrating takutaha in Bauchi on Monday
Immigration Dept Advises Foreigners BADAGRY (LAGOS To Obtain Resident Permit STATE) - The Comptroller of Immigration, Seme Area Command, Mr. Rasheed Oduteyin, has urged foreigners coming into the country through the border to obtain resident permits, to avoid trouble. He made the remark during an interview with newsmen in Badagry, Lagos State. Oduteyin noted that such foreigners must obtain resident permits from the Ministry of Interior, in order to avoid deportation from the country. “Foreigners coming into Nigeria through the borders must ensure that they get registered with the ministry of interior and all necessary valid documents must be shown at the
embassy. “In a situation where a foreigner is coming to work in Nigeria, then the company which is employing him or her must obtain a quota for where they would be placed. “Quota is work or assignment that Nigerians can’t do, which requires the need for an expert to have it done. “Also, within three months, they must regularise their stay by submitting all relevant papers which would be submitted to the State Security Service (SSS). “It is after this exercise that they would be given a green card, which is valid for a year. “Failure to comply with these requirements would result to
NAFDAC Moves Against Unregistered Water Producers OSOGBO - The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Osun said it would no longer allow producers to sell unregistered sachet water in the state. NAFDAC‘s State Director, Mr. Kayode Fagboyo, told newsmen that the agency had been receiving complaints from residents over the poor quality of sachet water being sold in the state. Fagboyo said based on the complaints, the agency conducted a field survey which revealed that many of the sachet water producers do not follow NAFDAC’s standard procedure. He said the agency also discovered that many of the sachet water producers with NAFDAC’s approved numbers were no longer working under the conditions in place when their factories were approved. “Through our field survey, we have discovered that many of the factories are no longer producing sachet water under the condition that made us to grant them the
LAGOS - The Coordinator of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Slum to School, Mr. Orandamn Otto, said that the group was planning to establish a library for students in Makoko, Lagos Makoko is a riverine community in Lagos State. Otto told newsmen in Lagos that the organisation was partnering with some book publishers and private sector to ensure that the project became a reality. He added that the proposed project, when on board, would enable students in the community to have access to a facility that would inspire them to improve on their reading habits.
approval to produce from the beginning. “But we have made it clear to them, we will be visiting their factories once in a month unannounced. “ Any factory we get to and find out that the conditions which existed when the approval was given was no longer in place, we will withdraw the approval and appropriate sanctions will be imposed,’’ he said. The NAFDAC chief noted that the agency had also resolved that no unregistered sachet water would be allowed for sale in the state. “What we did in 2013 was to appeal to the conscience of sachet water producers in the state through a workshop we organised for them on the need to strictly adhere to production standards. “But henceforth, any person caught selling sachet water without NAFDAC approved registration number will be made to face the wrath of the law. “What we are doing at the moment is to make sure that the sachet water producers comply sufficiently with the regulations
of the agency. “Our mandate is to protect and not only to protect, but to also safeguard the health of the citizenry and the agency will never relent in ensuring that,’’ he said.
deportation by officials of the Nigeria immigration Service.” he said. Oduteyin rebuffed speculations from some quarters that officials of the command assisted illegal immigrants to cross the border, without papers and valid documents. “People would always talk and say what they want to say, that’s life and we have to just accept it that way. “Officers at this command do not assist people to cross the border, without proper evaluation and cross checking of their papers and documents. “We are professionals and make sure we keep everything professional and we discharge our duties effectively. “People who claim to have seen this should provide evidence to support their empty words.” he told newsmen. Oduteyi noted that the command experienced difficulties in exercising their full authority at the border, since it’s on a foreign land. “We also need
communication gadgets to ensure we can communicate with other officials and to make our job easier.” he noted. He advised Nigerians not to be overzealous in foreign lands, adding that they should be well behaved.
“The organisation is planning to partner with some private sector and book publishers to build a library for students in the Makoko community. “The library will provide the students access to good books and inculcate in them reading habit,’’ he said. Otto said that the library would be of assistance to the students, especially after school hours, as well as give them opportunity for research, rather than idling away. He further told newsmen that the NGO was waiting for approval from the community for a place to site the library. “After the approval has been given, we will also seek necessary approvals from the Lagos State Government before work can commence’’. One of the Directors of the NGO, Miss Kemi Olaleye, added that the initiative was as a result of her passion for education and children from the slums. She said that education had been the major challenge facing the country, especially of the children living in the slums. It will be recalled that in November 2012, the NGO gave scholarship awards, worth N9.6 million, to 320 indigent students of the community.
LASWA, To Give 5,000 Life Jackets To Boat government’s efforts to make the Users waterways safe for all users.
LAGOS - The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) said that 5,000 standard life jackets would be distributed freely to boat users in the state to ensure safety in the waterways. The Managing Director of the authority, Mr. Olayinka Marinho, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. Marinho, who said the authority had mandate to make waterways safe for travellers, said that the safety equipment would be given to people using the waterways. He urged boat operators to provide standard life jackets for their passengers to complement
President Goodluck Jonathan (4th-L); Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina (M) and other officials, cutting a cake at the launch of dry season farm support programme at the presidential villa in Abuja on Monday.
“We have been giving out free life jackets to people, even to the leaders of various communities around our jetties. “No fewer than 5,000 life jackets will be distributed this year to further enhance safety around the waterways,’’ Marinho said. The LASWA boss said that the gesture was part of the company’s effort to make water transportation safe for users. “About two million people now travel by water in Lagos monthly. So, we are making efforts to guard against unforeseen circumstances by providing safety equipment,’’ he said. Marinho added, “passengers are always encouraged to use their life jackets before embarking on any voyage and this has been helpful”. The director, who described safety as paramount to the company, urged boat operators to consider safety as It would be recalled that LASWA had last year confiscated no fewer than 450 sub-standard life jackets. Marinho urged the state’s water guards to intensify efforts to arrest operators who indulged in the use of sub-standard life jackets. “Our water guards must be up and doing in inspecting and certifying all boats before allowing them to operate, to enhance safety.’’ He promised that the State Government would invest more in water transportation as part of efforts to decongest the roads.
Lagos Revenue:
Cultural Displays At Carnival Not Fetish -MD LAGOS – Mrs. Nneka Moses, the Managing Director of Goge Africa, a cultural and tourism firm, said the impression that cultural displays at carnivals in Nigeria were fetish was erroneous. Moses told newsmen in Lagos that the perception was responsible for clergymen and women not participating in carnivals, adding that it was an attempt to rubbish creativity. “Some people think that those objects, masquerades and other traditional displays at carnivals are fetish (Juju), they think that all those displays are ungodly and also used for rituals. “That is the reason they don’t attend carnivals and other traditional cultural activities, but few clergymen and women know that these objects are the creative works of people who are not lettered. “Because of the gift that God has given to them they were able to produce such objects, “ Moses said. She said the elite among the religious leaders should understand better that traditional displays at carnivals were not fetish but the illiterate ones would not understand. The managing director said there was need for sensitisation of the people to have better understanding of the objects and cultural displays at carnivals. “Cultural practitioners should go from school to school, street to street and church to church to sensitise the people about
relevance of objects and cultural display at carnivals. “They should understand that it is the tradition of our forefathers and it is also creative work,” she said. She said that such cultural displays and objects produced by our forefathers up till now had remained relevant. “The teach of cultural displays and traditional objects should be introduced into the school syllabus to educate the young generation that such objects are not used for rituals. Moses said the sensitisation campaign would improve patronage of carnivals because more people would have been enlightened about the relevance of the cultural displays.
L-R: Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Governor Babatunde Fashola and Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Ayo Mabadeje at a briefing on Public Security System Demonstration in Lagos on Monday.
Deaf Group Urges Members To Overcome Challenges LAGOS – MR. Okikiade Adeyemi, the National Coordinator, Deaf Supporters Group of Nigeria (DSGN), has urged people living with disability to live their normal life as every other person. Adeyemi, who spoke in Lagos at a forum organised by DSGN for its members, said they should do away with whatever that inhibits their social life. He urged deaf persons to maximise their talents and achieve their goals in life. “This is an environment that is tough for people that are ablebodied. It is even tougher for the
Lagos Assembly Bans Smoking In Public imprisonment. Places “It shall be an offence to smoke LAGOS - The Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) has passed a law prohibiting smoking in public places in the state. The bill is for a law to provide for the regulation of smoking in designated places in Lagos State and for connected purposes. Some of the designated public places by the bill include public toilets, tertiary institutions, public transportation vehicles, shopping centres, stadia and restaurants. The bill is initiated by Mr. Gbolahan Yishawu (APC-EtiOsa II). It provides that any person who contradicts the provision of the legislation shall be liable to one year imprisonment or option of fine not less than N15,000. It also stipulates that any person involved with the management of public place should put a ‘NoSmoking’ sign in conspicuous areas. The bill also provides that any person who contradicts the section of the legislation shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine of N100,000 or six months
Fg Urged To Explore Cultural Resources
in the presence of a child under 18 years or expose the child to any form of injurious smoke,” the bill said.
deaf. “The deaf face a lot of challenges, especially with communication and trying to be understood. “Against all odds, the deaf should rise and try to overcome their challenges through some of their God-given talents, Adeyemi said. “We should live up to expectation despite all disabilities and contribute to the socio-economic and political development of our nation. “Technology has made things easier, so, we should channel all efforts to pursue and achieve personal and corporate goals.’’ The association’s coordinator, urged members who engaged in street begging to think of other less demeaning ways of earning a living. He also called on the government to put in place things that would help to improve communication and lives of deaf people by giving them enlightenment. The President of DSGN, Mr. Afolabi Dahunsi, said that more could still be done by the government and individuals to
reduce the challenges of the deaf in the society. “The average deaf person in his effort to widen his gifted social skills often approaches the hearing world with trepidation. “Unemployment is higher among the deaf. We want the Federal Government and well-meaning individuals to intervene and encourage us in schools and at work. “Despite our hearing limitations, we need employment. Establish skills acquisition centres where we can learn hairdressing, computer, shoe-making and sewing. People should come to the aid of the group,” Dahunsi
said. He commended the efforts of people who showed care and compassion to the deaf in the society. “We appreciate those who contribute to the welfare and development of deaf people. “Since the inception of DSGN, there have been major changes that improved the quality of lives of many deaf people. “Some local government chairpersons and some other individuals have engaged the services of some deaf people in their workforce and we appreciate these gestures,’’ Dahunsi said.
Toll Collection:
LAGOS -The DirectorGeneral, Ekiti State Centre for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Yetunde Fosudo, urged the Federal Government to explore the huge cultural resources in the country to raise more revenue. Fosudo told newsmen in Lagos that the role of arts and culture in the country could not be over-emphasised. “Arts and culture will play very significant roles, if included in the government’s transformation agenda. “We have over one million youths who are talented in the area of arts and culture. If they are well empowered, this will boost national development. Fosudo said that it was imperative that the industry be taken more seriously, The director-general was optimistic that the sector would contribute immensely toward improving government’s revenue. “Arts and culture are valuable platforms used in showcasing the nation’s image and there is need to safeguard their important roles. “It is also important to note that most civilised societies today have recognised the contributions of the arts and culture industry to their economic development,” she said. The director-general urged government to utilise the available resources to train young artistes, to improve on their creative abilities. “Creative youths can bring glory to the nation. “There is need to encourage the youth to be self-reliant and to believe that there is hope for them in future,” the director-general said.
Court Ajourns Suit To Feb 7 LAGOS - A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed February 7, for hearing in a suit against the Lagos State Government, over
A victim of gun shots during Wednesday’s Igarra Masquerade fracas in AkokoEdo.
collection of tolls on the newly constructed Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge. A Human Rights Activist, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, had filed the suit, challenging the collection of tolls on the bridge, arguing that the bridge was erected on a federal navigable waterway. The suit which was slated for parties to file written addresses, was adjourned, as the trial judge, Justice Saliu Saidu, was said to on be on official assignment. A new date of February 7, was subsequently, fixed for the hearing. It will be recalled that Adegboruwa had filed the suit on November 26, 2012, seeking an order of injunction, restraining the Lagos Government from collecting any toll or tax in any form whatsoever, from motorists on the bridge. Joined as first and second respondents are the attorney general of the federation and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). The Attorney-General of Lagos
State, Mr. Adeola Ipaye, and the Lagos State Government, are third and fourth respondents, respectively. The applicant wants the court to determine whether the Lagos Government has the power and authority to erect a bridge on the Lagos Lagoon and the Lekki Lagoon, which are both categorised by law as federal navigable waterways. He also seeks a determination of court as to whether there exists any law in Nigeria, authorising the collection of such tolls, tax or fee, from citizens. Adegboruwa, therefore, wants the court to declare that the imposition of such a tariff on road users, is an illegal form of taxation and is inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At the last adjourned date on December 5, 2013, Saidu had ordered all parties in the suit, to file written addresses on the approval obtained for erection of the bridge.
Across The Nation Jigawa Spends N90bn On Road Projects - Commissioner KAZAURE (JIGAWA) - The Jigawa State Government said it had spent N90 billion on the construction of 40 road projects totaling 1,800 kilometers in the last six years. The Commissioner for Works and Transport in the state, Alhaji Baba Santali, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kazaure. The commissioner explained that before Gov. Sule Lamido’s
administration, most facilities in the state were in total decay. According to him, Lamido’s administration had taken bold steps to boost socio-economic activities of the state through the development of those facilities.. Santali said before the present administration assumed office, there were some areas that had potentials in agriculture and had been agitating for roads to be constructed in their localities.
He stated that the roads were constructed in Hadejia, Gwaram, Fagam, and Garungabas, among others areas. The commissioner explained that the roads would enable farmers to move their farm produce to major markets in the state. Santali said that his ministry had also rehabilitated all dilapidated roads in the state.
Suspected Robbery Kingpin Dies In Prison
LAGOS - The 42-year- old Hamani Tijani, a suspected cross-border robbery kingpin, died after suffering partial stroke for nine months at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons in Lagos. DSP Biyi Jeje, the spokesman for the Nigerian Prisons Service, Lagos Command, confirmed this to newsmen in Lagos. Jeje said that Tijani died at about 9.00 am in the clinic of the maximum prison. He said that the service had earlier invited the state officials to examine Tijani’s health in December for possible transfer to another hospital. According to him, a team of medical experts were sent to the prison by the Lagos State Government before Christmas to examine him, but the outcome
of their findings was not made available. Tijani, a citizen of Niger Republic, was arrested sometimes in September 2003 in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and moved to Abeokuta, Ogun State, briefly before he was transferred to Kirikiri. The deceased spent 11 years in prison custody while his trial was still ongoing before his death. Tijani was standing trial before Justice Sybil Nwaka of Lagos High Court on a threecount charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery and receiving stolen goods. The defendant had through his lawyer, J. H. Bashir, filed a “no case submission’’ and asked
the court to discharge and acquit him for lack of diligent prosecution. His request was, however, refused by Justice Nwaka in a ruling delivered on October 23, 2012. When the matter came up on January 14, 2013, the prosecution was not in court and the case was adjourned till March 12, 2013. However, the trial was stalled again on the adjourned date as the court did not sit and the case was further adjourned till May 9. Jeje told newsmen that Tijani’s corpse had been deposited at the mortuary in Ikeja General Hospital pending further instruction from the appropriate authority.
President H. H. Brown and Associates Inc., Mr. Henry Brown (left), presenting a legacy Award for International Service to Nigeria’s Ambassador to the US Prof. Ade Adefuye in Washington recently.
President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd right), inspecting fish and fishery products during the launch of dry season farm support programme in Abuja on Monday. With him are: Vice President Namadi Sambo (2nd left), Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina (right) and Chief Executive, Fish and Fishery Product Exporter, Mrs. Jerry Uwheraka.
Politicians Told To Embrace Internal Democracy ABUJA - Political parties in the country have been advised to embrace and practise internal democracy or risk to lose in the 2015 general elections. Mr Dennis Aghanya, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), gave the advice in an interview withnewsmen in Abuja. Aghanya said that the political parties often shut out majority of their members in decision-making for only few members to rule the parties. “If political parties do not allow the wishes of their members to prevail, definitely it will affect their success in the 2015 elections,” he said. He said that lack of internal democracy accounted for the failure in CPC in the 2011 elections and that same problem was currently hunting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Aghanya particularly listed the hijack of the party structure by some few powerful members as another factor. According to him, the imposition of candidates on
Cleric Tasks Politicians On 2015 Elections
IIORIN - A cleric, Alhaji Ahmed Ahmed, has advised politicians to shun utterances capable of heating up the polity as 2015 polls draw nearer. Ahmed gave this advice in an interview with newsmen in Iiorin. The cleric said that some
statements coming from politicians were capable of causing disaffection among Nigerians. He said it was absurd for some people to continue to fan the
embers of discord while others were striving to preach unity. The elder-statesman, who assured that Nigeria would not disintegrate as being insinuated, called for attitudinal change.
Ahmed urged political office holders to make the welfare of the people their priority to ensure a better society. He also called on clerics across the country to continue to pray for the country to avert the wrath of God.
party members often lead to crises like defection and antiparty activities. Aghanya advised the leadership of the All Progressive Compressive (APC) to be mindful of issues that could threaten the party’s cohesion as it prepared for the general elections. He said that lack of democracy within the parties had the tendency to affect the electorate. Aghanya said that this could also affect the conduct of free and fair polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “Definitely, lack of internal democracy in the parties will affect our polity and make a
mockery of the entire system,” he said. Aghanya advised politicians to play politics by the rules and allow candidates for elections to emerge through democratic processes. “Let there be free and fair conventions for national offices of the political parties. “By having good manifestoes and credible people in leadership of the parties, they will do well in elections”. Aghanya also advised politicians to avoid selfish interests and see Nigeria as one constituency and that politicians should focus on things that would help the country.
NRC Seeks Support To End Trading On Rail Track LAGOS - Mr. Akin Osinowo, the Regional General Manager of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in Lagos, has called for the support of Lagos State Government in the fight against trading along the rail tracks. Osinowo made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. According to him, the district has increased the number of trips under its Mass Train Transit (MTT) services for frequency of trips. “We have been giving people orientation and have not failed to chase them away
to the point of arresting some. “The main problem is that once we chase them away, before you know it they are back on the rail tracks again,” he said. “ If the government provides market places, many of them will desist from the habit of turning rail tracks to shops, “ he said. Osinowo said that the district would soon double the number of its daily trips to make train movement more frequent. Osinowo said that the management would not condone the habit of traders selling their wares on rail tracks any longer.
Abuja Deprived Communities
Resident Doctors Appeal To Deprived Govt, NGOs
A cross-section of dignitaries at the presentation of the 2014 Federal Budget by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Abuja recently.
Anti Gay Legislation
Cleric Commends Jonathan ABUJA - Sheikh Nura Khalid, the Chief Imam of Apo Legislators’ Quarter’s Mosque, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill into law. Khalid, who made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said it was a welcome development. According to him, the marriage is against the teachings of Islam and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad. “Marriage as an institution ordained by Allah and practised by the Holy Prophet; it is a legally contracted union between a man and a woman. “Engaging in gay marriage, lesbianism, and other forms of marriage, which contradict what is laid down in the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith, is a horrible sin in the face of Allah,” Khalid said He said the signing of the bill into law was a major achievement by Jonathan’s administration, adding that it would promote peace, understanding and harmony among Muslims and Christians in the country. He said that the Holy Qur’an kicked against same sex marriage, adding that it was the greatest sin before the Almighty Allah. Khalid advised pro-same sex marriage to have a rethink, reminding them that supporting it amounted to destroying reproduction
system. “ The world will be no more if same sex marriage is allowed to be practised. “ This is because there will be no procreation and if there is no procreation, the population will be diminishing gradually. He called on the Muslim faithful to avoid any act capable of destroying mankind, especially in area of procreation. Khalid also urged parents to constantly counsel their children not to engage in negative behaviours. The chief imam described the reactions trailing the signing of the law by the international community as baseless. He said that Nigeria had the right, as a country, to do whatever it deemed necessary. It would be recalled that President Jonathan signed the bill into law, thus banning same-sex marriage and membership in gay organisations.
The law says that anyone who participates in gay clubs or “makes public show of a samesex amorous relationship in Nigeria” commits an offence and faces up to 10 years in prison. It adds that anyone who enters into same-sex marriage or civil union contract could face up to 14 years in prison. The signing of the bill has not gone well with some western countries, including the U.S. and Canada. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, said the country was “deeply concerned” about the law, which he said, undermined the protections enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution. He said that the law had dangerously restricted freedom of assembly, association and expression for all Nigerians. The statement said that in spite of the passage of the law, antigay sentiment remained high in many African countries.
ABUJA – Dr. Frank Nwanodu, a member of the Association of Resident Doctors, National Hospital Chapter, has called on government and NGOs to assist FCT’s deprived communities to improve their health care system. Nwanodu, a Senior Registrar, Anaesthesia and Critical Care in the hospital, made the call during a medical outreach organised by the association to Jahi 1 community in the FCT. He said: “We discovered that the method of sewage disposal here is quite appalling. “Most of the time like the Chief actually said, they pack them in cellophane and overtime dogs and other animals disperse them which is also a means of spreading diseases across. “They actually do not have a very good source of water supply but they eventually got a borehole which, at the moment is not functioning. “And we know that when the source of water is not properly defined and is not pure it predisposes them to a lot of diseases. “ The essence is for us to bring this to the knowledge of the government, that Abuja being the Federal Capital Territory, in this kind of community that exists, this could be a proper
point for spread of disease even to the main cities of Abuja. “ It’s an eye opener that other communities apart from this Jahi community also exist, that have similar problems and they are yet to be discovered. “ For a community of this nature, we need at least a primary health care centre. “The Government cannot do it alone we need NGOs to come to the aid of the government to also help out in areas like this,” he said. The community leader, Chief Adamu Dogu, had earlier lamented the poor state of amenities in the community, saying that the community lacked a proper refuse disposal system and a functional borehole. He said that with poor refuse disposal, diseases were easily spread and therefore, called on the government to address the sanitation challenge in the community. Dr Abullahi Nasiru, President of the association, National Hospital Chapter, said Jahi 1 community was chosen because of it peculiar health challenges. He said: “When we came here we saw a lot of problems, ranging from water related disease. “So we felt we should come down here to identity some of those problems, possible water
related disorders such as typhoid, not only limited to this but other problems we can find out from them, we treat them. “Our mission to Jahi 1 village today is to render some medical services particularly to the less privileged ones among the community and its actually a way we give back to the society were we work. “We know not everyone that has ailment can access the hospital because of the problems of finances and other things. “So we have deemed it fit to reach out to them, to ensure that their health is improved upon, those that have problems we identify those problems and treat them. “ The complicated ones that we cannot handle here today, we will refer them to the appropriate specialist and hospitals where those problems will be taken care of,” he added.. Nasiru said the outreach would consist of a health talk on basic health precautions, first aid measures such as diarrhoea, treatment for children and women and referrals for the complicated cases. He said that the outreach was done annually to signify the end of an EXCO year but expressed the hope that more would be done, at least quarterly.
Muslim faithful celebrating takutaha in Bauchi on Monday
WACOT Mgr Urges FG To Revive Textile Industry
Government to revive the textile industry in the country through the cotton value chain. Chawla spoke with newsmen in Abuja. He advised the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to empower cotton farmers the way it did cassava and rice farmers so that the crop would get a boost. Chawla said that until the end of the value chain was fixed, the crop might take a long way to achieve its value. “Cassava farmers are getting their returns because the end of the value chain has been fixed. “For cotton, the end of the value
chain which is the textile industry is yet to be fixed and until this is done, the scenario will remain the same. “If we move at the same pace we are moving on cassava, there is no way the industry will not be revived,” he said. Chawla said that cotton had export value as such, would bring returns into the economy. However, he noted that exporting the produce would not help the farmers unless the country’s textile industry was secured. According to Chawla, the President has a vital role to play in initiating the change.
“If the President can eat cassava bread, he can of course wear fabrics made out of Nigerian cotton. “By so doing, he will boost the confidence of the people to begin to wear Nigerian made fabrics. “Today, rice value chain has been fixed; we do both dry and wet seasons farming. “Cassava also has been fixed and so the country is moving towards food security; cotton should be fixed too, ” he said. Chawla said that his company
had in 2013 distributed close to 3,000 metric tonnnes of cotton seeds through the Federal Government to farmers and different ginneries. “Farmers have started bringing back their produce; we are processing the seeds and in time we will be able to know the total quantity to be distributed for 2014 planting season “The distribution will again be determined by the Federal Government,” he said. Speaking on WACOT‘s role in the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), Chawla said the company had invested in the
production of five value chain seeds namely rice, soya bean, sesame, maize and cotton. According to him, the company participated under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme through its contribution of agricultural inputs. “We participated under the GES in close to 30 states through the supply of seedlings. “This year, we will do the same; we are just waiting for government to spell out its 2014 road map for the programme and we then pick it up from there,” Chawla said.
Business + Economy FG Loses Revenue To Illegal Minning - Official
ABUJA - The DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO), Malam Muhammad Amate, said the activities of illegal miners made it impossible for the nation to enjoy the potential of its solid mineral deposits. Amate said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. “It is difficult to quantify but definitely I can tell you that the nation has lost a lot of money due to the activities of the illegal miners who neither pay for royalty nor pay for licences to the government. “In fact, we do not know how much they are carting way, so the government is losing a lot of revenue that would have accrued to the it as a result of the illegal mining. “It will be difficult to give the estimate of the amount because these are people we do not know where they are and we do not know what they are taken away,’’ he said. He said that illegal mining had been a major challenge facing the mining sector with people engaged in mining activities without licences while others engaged in mining using wrong
licences. “If you have a licence to do exploration and you engage in mining it is illegal because the licence we gave to you was purely for exploration programme and not for mining,’’ Amate said. He said that the Federal Government had come up with the policy to put these groups of illegal miners into cooperatives and issue them with licences so that they would be mining under the ambit of the law. Amate said that the Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Department in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) was established to organise the illegal miners into cooperatives. He said the that Mines Inspectorate Department in MMSD mandated to police mine fields had established offices in all the 36 states. According to him, initial investigations showed that illegal mining activities are carried out by the foreigners and Nigerians, especially in the area of gem stones and gold.
“There are a lot of illegal activities carried out by the foreigners. “We have been arresting people and this takes place in the various states on a daily basis because we have offices in all the states,” he said. He said that the ministry was collaborating with the local and state governments through the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committees (MREMCO), to address the issues of environment and illegal mining activities. Amate said President Goodlack Jonathan had earlier in 2013 set up a high-powered committee to look into illegal mining activities.
?????????? Vice Chairman, South-East, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma addressing a news conference in Enugu on Monday
Kogi Farmers Score Fadama III Project High
ALAPE (KOGI) - Some Fadama farmers in Kogi State said that the Fadama III project had transformed the economic fortunes of their communities.
Gov Kashim Shettima of Borno inspecting a guard of honour at the Government House in Maiduguri on Monday
The farmers said this in an interview with newsmen while assessing impact of the project on their livelihoods in 2013. Rating the project high, the farmers recommended more such projects to build the rural economy and rural-urban migration. The farmers described the project as truly developmental. They urged the coordinators not to relent in their efforts to enhance the standard of living in rural areas. Mr. Aminu Francis, Chairman, Fadama III Southern Bunu Sector of Oduapa, Kogi, said that projects executed in the area had improved the standard of living of the people. “I am happy to inform you that as far as the Fadama III farming project is concerned, it has been very successful; it is a successful agency of the world body.
“On the Fadama cassava site, about 45 hectares of land was cultivated within a period of three months; it is not only cassava, they have also executed fish ponds and poultry. “We have about five Fadama user groups and they have all embarked on fish production and the fish pond has been very successful. “Poultry projects are scattered around too, we have about eight Fadama user groups farming broilers and layers and are supplying the public meat and eggs.” He thanked the World Bank and the Federal Government for initiating the programme and urged the coordinators to do more, to ensure that rural dwellers were freed from poverty. In a separate interview, Mr.
Borno Govt To Inject N1bn To Revitalise Maiduguri Flour Mill
MAIDUGURI - Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State said the state government plans to inject about N1 billion to revitalise the Maiduguri Flour Mills. Shettima stated this while receiving a delegation of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Maiduguri. He said that the government was negotiating with owners of the company and would be ready to inject between 500 million and a billion naira once they reached an agreement. “The Maiduguri Flour Mills
is very dear to us, as it is the only functional factory in the state for a very long time. “We were disturbed about the shut down, so we wrote a letter to the Board of Directors on our intention to intervene. “ We have made inquiries in the company and we found out that the machines are in good shape. “What is lacking is the inputs which can only be sourced with capital,” Shettima said. He said however that
owners of the company must agree to the government terms before it injects the fund. “The shareholders structure must change with the government’s intervention, so that we can have a certain control to safeguard our funds. “Once this is agreed upon, we will go ahead to release the fund, as our priority is to get the company back in operation, the governor said. The governor told the union leaders that the administration halted the sales of government
houses to their occupants when it discovered that most of the house had been sold out to businessmen. “We were on the verge of granting approval for outright sale of the houses to the occupants last year. “We had to stop when we found out that 70 percent of the houses have been bought by businessmen”, Shettima said. Earlier, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Titus Abana commended the state government for its numerous
developmental projects. “As partners in the Borno project, the generality of the state workforce have observed with keen interest your efforts in transforming the state in spite of unimaginable obstacles. “We must say with all sense of modesty that we could not have gotten a better governor,” Abana said. The Flour Mills, a subsidiary of the Flour Mills of Nigeria was shut down in August 2013 due to shortage of operating capital.
Joseph Ayedoma, the President, Fadama III Farmers Association, Ogolupo, another community in the state, said that the project had put smiles on the faces of rural dwellers. He said the community had become a centre of economic activities as neighbouring communities come to buy eggs and fish. “Fadama has been very successful in our area and it has put back smiles on our faces. “They gave over-head tanks to supply water to poultry farms and fish ponds; they helped us to establish our businesses; these have never happened before now. “We usually go to Lokoja or Kabba to buy fresh fish but now, we have it right here with us and neighbouring communities are coming to buy too. “We also have cassava and corn projects that have flourished and we know more are still coming; we have benefitted from Fadama and we can say it is very successful,’’ he said. He called for the extension of the project and appealed to the coordinators for more financial assistance to sustain the projects. In his comments, Mr. Christopher Joseph, Chairman, Asejere Fadama Community Association, described the project as a huge success and expressed high hopes for more benefits while the programme lasts. Joseph, however, appealed for more finance saying: “if there is money, whatever you need on the farm, the machinery agro-chemicals can be provided.’’
Issues
AS muslim faithful across the globe celebrated Eid-el Maulud, the birth of Prophet Mohammed, the APC in Edo State was busy driving the final nail into the political coffin of the Peoples Democratic Party in Etsakor Local Government Area in the state. Incidentally, funneral of the party was performed in Ward 4, Ogbona, the home town of Chief Dan Orbih, the Edo State Chairman of the PDP. Date was Tuesday, January 14, 2014 and the chief undertaker was no less a person than the leader of the APC in Edo state, the Comrade Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiom hole. As expected, it was with the active support of APC bigwigs in the state. The roll call was endless. It however included Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, the immediate past National Vice Chair of the APC, South South,interem state chair, Chief Osaro Idah and interim scribe, Alhaji Momoh. Other APC chieftains who witnessed the great fall of Ogbona were Chiefs Malik Afegbua, Joseph Alemhoh, Alhaji M. Z. Naboya, J B Aloye, Alhaji Usman Shagadi, Sir Waziri Oshiomah, Commissioner of Police J a c o b Oshiomhogho(rtd), Prince Stephen Alao, Dr Tom Asekhaonu (TOMSEK) and of course, the lady people love to call “General” because of her political ruggedity, Chief (Mrs.) Evelyn Omokhodion. As early as 8am, the community square at Ogbona was parked full with party supporters from across the council area and beyond for an event schedulled for 11am. It was carnival like as the village
Edo APC On Rampage
...Sweeps Dan Orbih’s Home Town As Scores Dump PDP By EBOMHIANA MUSA
literarily emptied into the square adorning their best and clutching the broom, symbol of the APC. The old and young riggled their waists responding to the music blarring from the live band mounted by King Benji Igbadumhe. The elated council chairman, Emmanuel Ozimhede Momoh told the enthusiatstic crowd that the event marked the death and final burial of the PDP in the local governmet, describing it as one of the happiest moments in his political life. “We have now scored 10/10 just as the Comrade Governor scored 18/18. We have finally buried the PDP here in Etsako Central. Out of the 10 councillors in the local government, only Hon Peter Akhugie belonged to the PDP, but today, he has finally come to the fold of the progressives. The victory is now total.” Yes, it was a sad day for the PDP in Etsako, nay in Edo State as its last vestige in the council caved in to the pressure of the rampaging APC.Hon Peter Akhugie, the councillor representing Ogbona ward 4, decamped to the APC with his horde of supporters. Akhugie, the man who shamed Orbih at home by taking his own destiny in his hand, boldly told the gathering that he decided to dump the PDP for the APC because “ of my conscience and I want the best for my people and not deceit.” And the great confession? “PDP leaders are using us to make money for themselves, rather than for the people but we have said no,
enough is enough. We have decided to join Oshiomhole and the APC so as to make our state and council better for our
Fugar, headquarter of Etsako Central Council. Unfortunately, he has never won any election since the PDP lost the state to the then AC in year 2007 general
progressive party, he remains in Benin telling lies to the people, but politically, he is finished at home.By the time I am out of government, I will be proud to go
Scene at the decamping ground people.” For those who know the political history of Ogbona, the total fall of the ward to the APC gives cause for real celebration. It is a strong political statement to the PDP camp in Edo State. Like the PDP national leader, Chief Tony Anenih, Dan Orbih who leads the party in Edo State has also lost his political base. The Chief of Staff to the president, Mike Oghiadomhe is from
elections. This latest development simply means that the tripod that holds the PDP in Edo State has crumbled, Chiefs Anenih, Oghiadomhe and Orbih no longer have political base. The Comrade Governor has totally decimated the PDP in Edo State, using the Armourd Personnel Carrier (APC). Oshiomhole told the cheering crowd that” while Dan Orbih’s people are moving to a
round Edo State to say this is what I did and my successors on APC platform will build on where we stopped”. He is not done yet as he went further to tell Ogbona people that “I have come not only to welcome Peter into our fold, this Local government is now 10/10 exactly the same way it is 18/18 in Edo State after my election. And that to recognize that our strength is not in empty
rhetorics, making promises that we will not keep, I have come to assure the people of Ogbona that we have done one borehole before , we will do another one. The weapon we have against the PDP is our developmental efforts and they have no answer to it. ..........When you were not with us, we did a borehole and now that you are with us we will do more. We will continue to build and rehabilitate more schools because education is the foundation for our tomorrow. Politics is about the people, it is about development, it is not about sharing rice and sugar during election periods”. Rukies of Edo politics may not understand the strong pressnce of the APC leaders on the occasion and why the governor had to personally receive the decampees. The import of the cross over by “a mere councillor” is better appreciated by these party leaders given the strategic importance of Ogbona in particular and Etsako Central generally in Edo politics. One of the decampees aptly described the event in his Etsako local dialect as “emancipation from the slave yard of Dan Orbih”. Ogbona has been in the firm grip of Dan Orbih with all the traditional cum spiritual sentiments attached to it. But the Comrade Governor has demystified this and unmasked the masquerade as the wall has fallen and the “political slaves” freed. Musa Ebomhiana is a Benin based public affairs analyst.
STREET trading is the act of engaging in the buying and selling of goods and articles, in undesignated and unauthorized centres by traders and their customers alike. This in recent times in Nigeria especially in our towns and big cities has become one of the menacing social and commercial activities of some Nigerians. IN both traditional and modern Nigerian societies, certain areas are reserved as centres for commercial activities and designated and built as markets for traders to go and occupy for purposes of displaying their wares and engaging in the buying and selling of same, and this was well organised. BUT today, what we find is wanton blockade of major streets and centres meant for other purpose by traders, who, with impunity and effrontery engage in their businesses without due consideration for other road users, or the health implications of their actions. Centres like Ojuelegba in Lagos State, Ore in Ondo State, Obolafor in Anambra State, Dugbe in Oyo State, Lagos Street and the popular Ring Road in Edo State to mention but a few, have been notorious for acts of street trading overtime, FACTORS responsible for the use of undesignated centres for trading are not far-fetched; the lack of respect for constituted authorities by such traders; the fact that the society has become highly organic in nature, thereby attaining a level
THE NIGERIAN
Eradicating Street Trading In Benin of sophistication that human activities are getting more and more complicated; the fact that there is population explosion to the extent that Nigerians now migrate enmasse from the rural to urban centres; the effect of urbanisation and development with all its attendant advantages and disadvantages, the high level corruption on the part of our law enforcers, who, after collecting gratifications, financially or otherwise from these traders, leave them undisturbed to carry out their illegal street trading. BEING that the disadvantages of street trading far outweigh the advantages, governments and concerned Nigerians have individually and collectively kicked against the act, calling for a halt to such attitude. FOR instance, there have been instances where vehicles with mechanical faults, crushed traders who display their wares very close to the road; an experience which have in the past, left relatives of victims in pains and agony. ALSO, street trading in undesignated centres in our cities and towns, have added in no small measure, to bastardization of
the aesthetic value of such areas, even as it has also contributed to the depreciating health status of the people who live in and around such market areas, due to the high volume of filth generated from the activities of such illegal traders. THE effort of the Edo State Government to sanitize the Ring Road, Upper Mission and other areas from the activities of street traders and other hawkers of assorted wares is commendable. AGAINST this background, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in addition appeals to market women to abide by and listen to wise counsel from government by moving into vacant stalls inside the markets, to help add to the aesthetic value of our cities, even as they are also admonished to help enhance their health status. IT is something worthy of note to see how the city centre (Ring Road) looks like when it is devoid of any street trading. The fact is that the scenario provides a beautiful atmosphere to behold and equally something of pride that Benin City could be equaled to any beautiful city in the world. HENCE, we enjoin all residents to continue to maintain the standard that has been set by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led administration who is desirous to ensure that a befitting infrastructure base is put in place that will be something of pride to everyone.
Issues
POWER supply is a device that takes an incoming electrical current and amplifies it to levels required by various devices. In many instances, this type of device is also implemented to take the incoming electricity and deliver it across many other electronic devices, often at different present levels. This devices allows manufacturers to create electronics and machinery that can handle different tasks from a single source of power, without the need for various adapters and additional hardware. Within other devices, a power supply is used to transform various types of power into a compatible format to be stored like solar energy to electrical energy. Modern vehicles require a type of power supply in order to function, and it is referred to as an alternator. Although, the wiring and design maybe different, it essentially works in the exact same manner by taking incoming power and delivering it throughout the vehicle at the necessary levels. Alternators can be found on everything from lawn mowers to sea craft and industrial equipment, and without them, the device will be rendered useless. Another common type of power supply can be found on windmills and solar panels, and its primary function is to convert various types of energy into electricity so that it can be stored and distributed across a grid. This is referred to as generator, and it is often a free-standing object that is installed between the power supply and the storage unit. Home and commercial generators, used during power outages, also work off of this same premise by transforming petroleum products into electrical energy by means of an engine. Many types of industrial tools also implement a type of generator. Other common types of power supplies are used within circuit breakers, battery –powered items and transformers.
Epileptic Power Supply In Nigeria
Electric power supplies is the most important commodity for national development. With electrical energy the people are empowered to work from the domestic level and the cottage industries, employment in the large-scale manufacturing complexes. In these days, depriving people of electric power is tantamount to castration. Electric power generation maybe through one of the following sources of energy: - Coal, oil, or natural gas - Hydro power (water turbine) - Nuclear power (steam turbine) - Solar wind or waterwave turbine - Solar thermal generator - Solar voltaic generator Coal, oil, gas and hydro power are abundant in Nigeria. Presently Nigeria mostly employs gas-fired and hydroelectric turbines for bulk generations, oil being too expensive and coal-fired stations have gone moribund. Coal, the progenitor of the industrial revolution in Europe, is still the main source of energy in most of the industrialised countries of the world. However coal-fired stations have the problem of pollution in the emission of carbon gases which deplete the ozone layer thereby causing global warming. Coal is likely to be overtaken by nuclear energy. Nuclear power stations have their problems of hazards radiation and in disposal of radioactive wastes, not to mention sophistication in operation and maintenance. The most abundant, cleanest and safest energy source is solar power, particularly in the tropical countries. The tropical countries, like Nigeria, must invest heavily in research and development on the exploitation of solar energy, because herein lies
By USIWO-OGHENE D. ETHAN
their salvation. The viable option is a hybrid system combining generation, which is available during the day. The maximum solar radiation power reaching Nigeria’s land surface (area: 924,000 square kilometers) is about 600 megawatt per square kilometer, peaking at
consumption or peak demands on the population and industrialization of a country. If the maximum supply meets the peak demand, there is a surplus otherwise there is a shortfall. Supply, demand and losses are related by the equation: Supply-demand = supply-
noon and descending to zero at sunset. If only a small fraction of this power is captured, by way of wind turbine, solar thermal or voltaic generators, it would satisfy Nigeria’s needs for domestic consumption and industrialization. The sahara desert, with a sparsely populated land area of about 9,000,000 square kilometers, receiving a maximum of about 700 megawatts. Per square kilometer is bound to be the power house for Africa if not of the world. The harnessing of solar energy by Africans is a do-or-die affair in the twenty first century. Maximum power
actual needs –losses =surplus losses =heat losses +wastages +diversions. In Nigeria, the power supply system is run with a shortfall where demand exceeds supply. Power generation, transmission and distribution involves flow of currents with heat losses in conductors. Heat losses can be minimized through better design, construction and maintenance. Wastages, resulting from lack of control, misuse, abuse, negligence or ignorance, may be eliminated through effective education and public enlightenment. Diversions, as willful and
“Electric power supplies is the most important commodity for national development. With electrical energy the people are empowered to work from the domestic level and the cottage industries, employment in the largescale manufacturing complexes. In these days, depriving people of electric power is tantamount to castration. Electric power generation maybe through one of the following sources of energy:- Coal, oil, or natural gas -Hydro power (water turbine) - Nuclear power (steam turbine) - Solar wind or water-wave turbine - Solar thermal generator - Solar voltaic generator Coal, oil, gas and hydro power are abundant in Nigeria.”
fraudulent practices, like illegal connections and official thefts, may be stopped by legislation, regulation, supervision and prosecution offenders. For the installations of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Independent Power
Project (IPP) of the states and the rural electrification schemes, financial capital injection to increase power generation, should go handin-hand with campaigns aimed at checking wastages and diversions. By watching these losses, a shortfall may be reduced to zero or even turned into a surplus, without increasing supply. A surplus energy may be used for greater industrialization or sold to an external consumer at a profit. To the consumer, the advantages is eliminating wastages and reduction in electricity bill, increased longevity in the usage of electrical appliances and lessening of accidents and fire risks. Government promises to generate 6,000 MW, or even more power, is achievable this year, given the installed capacity of PHCN and ability of staff of the company to deliver. In fact, Nigeria, through the old Electricity Corporation of Nigeria, the former Niger Dams Authority and the defunct Nigerian Electric Power Authority, had the best trained technical and
professional staff in Africa. Now, the PHCN is saddled with a plethora of nontechnical staff and hampered by officialdom. Power generation, transmission and distribution should be a knowledge-based integrated and controlled
system-a technical and economic undertaking – devoid of politics. Failure to use it’s human and material resources and to nature and keep and efficient and dedicated work force, in the power sector, has turned Nigeria into the world’s biggest importer of generators. Use of private generators to supplement external supply or cutting down demand to reduce shortfall, is not only inimical to social, economic and technological development but verging on criminality. The low distribution voltages and disruption, due to frequent switching off and on, are deleterious or sensitive equipment, especially those with moving parts. That the Nigerian Power sector has persistently been erratic and running with a shortfall, in spite of heavy funding and despite the availability of abundant coal, natural gas, hydro power and inexhaustible solar power, remains not only a challenge but a shame to the Nigerian scientists, engineers and technologist.
View Point
Addressing Drug Abuse And Addiction DRUG abuse is a disorder that is characterized by a destructive pattern of using a substance that leads to significant problems or distress. Drug addiction is a disease that is characterized by a destructive pattern of drug abuse that leads to significant problem involving tolerance to or with drawal from the substance as well as other problems that the use of the substance can cause for the sufferer. Drug abuse and addiction are unfortunately quite common, affecting 7% and more than 2% of people at some point in their lives, respectively. Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a drug-abuse or dependence issue in addition to a serious mentalhealth problem in an individual. Virtually any substance whose ingestion can result in a euptionic (high) feeling can be abused. Inhalants like household cleaners are some of the most commonly abused substances while the specific physical and psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction tend to vary based on the particular substance involved, the general effects of abuse or addiction to any drug can be devastating. Although drug abuse and addiction have no single cause, there are a number of biological, psychology , and social risk factor that can increase a person likelihood of developing a chemical abuse or chemical dependency disorder. Symptoms of drug abuse include recurrent drug use that results in legal problems, other in potentially dangerous situations, interferes with important obligation or results in social or relationship problems. Symptoms of drug dependence include tolerance, with drawal, using a lot of the drug or for a long period of time, persistent desire to use the drug, unsuccessful efforts to stop using the drug, neglecting other aspects of life because of their drug usage and spending inordinate amounts of time or energy getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug. While the specific effects of
drugs on the brarn can some what vary depending on the brain that is being used. Virtually every drug that is abused has an effect on the executive functioning areas of the brain. Drugs particularly affect the brain ability to inhibit actions that the person would otherwise delay or prevent. Since there is no one test that definitively indicates that someone has chemical abuse or addiction, health care practitioners diagnose these disorders by gathering comprehensive medical, family, and mental-health information as well as securing a physical examination and lab tests to assess the suffers medical state. Treatment services for drug abuse and addiction remain largely unutilized by most sufferers of these conditions. The primary goals of recovery are abstinence, relapse prevention, and rehabilitation. During the initial stage of abstinence, an individual who suffers from chemical dependency may need detoxification treatment to help avoid or lessen the effects of withdrawal. Ofter much more challenging and time consuming than recovering from the physical aspects of addiction is psychological addiction. The treatment of dual diagnosis seen to be more effective when treatment of the sufferer’s mental illness is integrated with the treatment of the chemical dependency. Drug addiction increases the risk of a number of negative life stressors and conditions particularly if left untreated. Recovery from substance abuse is usually characterized by episodes of remission and relapse. WHAT IS DRUG ADDICITION Drug addiction also called substance dependence or chemical dependency is a disease that is characterized by a destructive pattern of drug abuse that leads to significant problems involving tolerance to or withdrawer form the substance, as well as other problems that use of the substance can cause for the sufferer, either solidly or in terms of their work or school performance. More than 2.6% of people suffer from drug
By NWALI PEACE addiction at some time in their life. The term dually diagnosis refers to the presence of both a drug abuse or dependence issue in an individual. Substance abuse or dependence unfortunately occur quite commonly in people who also
alcohol is a toxic substance, particularly, to a development fetus when a mother consumes this drug during pregnancy. One of the most common, addictions, alcoholism can have devastating effects on the alcoholic individual’s physical
organ failure. Caffeine: While it is consumed by many, coffee, tea and soda drinkers, when consumed in excess this substance can be habit forming and produce palpitations, insomnia, tremors and significant anxiety. Cannabis: More commonly called Mariana and scientific
NAFDAC Boss, Paul Orhi have severe mental illness. Individuals with dual diagnosis are also at higher risk of being non compliant with treatment. WHAT TYPES OF DRUGS ARE COMMONLY ABUSED? Virtually any substance whose ingestion can result in a euphonic (tight) feeling can be abused while many are aware of the abuse of legal substance like alcohol or illegal drugs like marijuana (in most states) and cocaine, less well known is the fact that inhalants like household cleaners are some of the most commonly abused substances. The following are many of the drugs and types of drugs that re commonly abused and/or result in dependence. Alcohol: Although legal,
health, as well as his or her ability to function interpersonally and at work. Amphetamines: This group of drugs comes in many forms, from prescription medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerts) and dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (aderall) to illegal manufactured drugs like methamphetamine (meth). Overdoze of any of these substances can result in seizure and death. Anabolic steroids: A group of substances abused by body builders and other athletes, this group of drugs can lead to terrible psychological effects like aggression and paranoia, as well as devastating long term physical effects like infertility and, or
“These drugs can be dangerous in their ability to alter the perceptions of the user. For example, a person who is intoxicated with a hallucinogen may perceive danger where there is none and to think that situations that are truly dangerous are not. Those misperceptions can result in dangerous behaviours (like jumping out of a window because the individual thinks they are riding on an elephant that can fly).”
name for cannabis is tetrahydor cannabino I (THC). In addition to the negative effects, the drug itself can produce (for example, infertility, paranoia, talk of motivation), the fact that it is commonly mixed (cut) with other substances, so drug dealers can make more money selling the diluted substance or expose the use to more addictive drugs exposes the marijuana user to the dangers associated with those added substances. Examples of ingredient that marijuana is commonly cut with include baby powder, oregano, embalming fluid, PCP, Opiates and cocaine. Cocaine: A drug that tends to stimulates the nervous system, cocaine can be snorted in powder form, smoked when in form of rocks (cracker cocaine, or injected when made into liquid. Ecstasy: Also called MDMA to denote its chemical c o m p o s i t i o n (methyheneofioxy methamphetamine), this drug tends to create a sense of euphoria and an expansive love or desire to nurture others. In overdose, it can increase body temperature to the point of being fatal. Hallucinogens: Examples include lsd and mescaline, as well as so called naturally
occurring hallucinogens like certain mushrooms. These drugs can be dangerous in their ability to alter the perceptions of the user. For example, a person who is intoxicated with a hallucinogen may perceive danger where there is none and to think that situations that are truly dangerous are not. Those misperceptions can result in dangerous behaviours (like jumping out of a window because the individual thinks they are riding on an elephant that can fly). Inhalants: One of the most commonly abused group of substances due to its accessibility, inhalants are usually contained in household cleaners, like among, bleach and other substances that emit fumes. Brain damage, even to the point of death, can result from using an inhalant just once or over the course of time, depending on the individual. Nicotine: The addictive substance found in cigarettes, nicotine is actually one of the most addictive substances that exist. In fact, Nicotine addictive is often compared to the intense addictiveness associated with opiates like heroin. Opiates: This group is also called narcotics and includes drugs like heroin, codeine, vicodin, oxycontin, percolet, and percodan. This group of substances sharply decrease the functioning of the nervous system. The lethality of opiates is often the result of the abuser having to use increasingly higher amounts to achieve the same level of intoxication, ultimately to the point that the dose needed to get high is the same as the dose that is lethal for that individual by halting the person’s breathing investigatory amest). Solution: A number of different prevention approaches have been found to be effective in decreasing the risk of drug abuse and addition. Simple lifestyle changes, like increased physical activities and using other stress reduction techniques, are thought to help prevent drug abuse and dependence. Among teens, more formal programs have also been found to be helpful for examples, the raising healthy children program, which includes interventions for teacher, parents, and students has been found to help prevent substance abuse and addiction in elementary school children when the program goes on for 18 months or more. The prevalence of easier access to technology has led to the development of computer-base prevention programs. Such programs have been found to be very promising in how they compare to more traditional prevention programs as well as how many people can be reached through technology.
Midweek Magazine WE all know the problems or challenges of leadership in Nigeria and Africa. Let me state clearly that it is the failure of leadership that has landed us in the wahala we all face today. If the LEADERS have been in charge just before and since political independence, then can we say that they have succeeded or done well? Some Nigerians even believe that life was better under colonialism. This is unfortunate because life can never be better under slavery, discrimination, domination, and colonization. However, such statements are simply a measure of the general frustration and disillusionment with our contemporary leaders. Let us look at the problems of Nigeria in the last twenty years: poverty, unemployment, insecurity, lack of water, lack of adequate housing, crime, corruption, rural underdervelopment, low industrialization, technological backwardness, nepotism, ethnic distrust, religious violence, deteriorating infrastructure, illiteracy, poor pay for workers, lack of social security, unreliable power supply, poor public transportation system, malnutrition, high maternal and child mortality, inadequate health services,
Leadership And Sustainabi environment that promotes accountability, social justice, fiscal discipline and responsibility, transparency, service delivery and accessible leadership. Good governance requires that the people remain primary in the deployment of governmental powers, the allocation of programmes and policies as well as resources. Good governance demands a leadership that emanates from the people and functions within the context of dialogue, consultation, and contitutionalism. In an environment of good governance, the public will and public good dominates and the people, their communities and constituencies are consulted before governmental actions are taken. Good governance is about the people, their hopes, dreams, relationships, cultures, values, and general socio-cultural environment. Can we say that we have been experiencing and enjoying good governance in Nigeria and Edo State in particular? I leave that to your judgment for now. The truth is that our leaders have, in large measure, failed us. Not only have they failed to promote economic
profits, structural fragility and eventual collapse. A home without leadership also culminates in crisis, violence, indiscipline and collapse. A state or government with bad Leadership lacks focus, discipline. credibility, capacity to deliver and ends up inflicting pain and punishment on the people. Democracy is about the people, their security, prosperity, progress and living conditions. Any leadership or government that can not ensure and assure these conditions, or at the very least, be seen as capable of meeting these conditions, can be described as useless. As a young African leader put it not too long ago. Good leadership brings hope and energy to the people. It attracts the best minds as well as local and external support. Good leadership brings about quality and good governance, progressive policies, happiness in the people, and general dynamism. Good leadership brings out the most purposeful, creative and innovative qualities of citizens and expands the capacity to share the pains of reform and to establish strong platforms of tolerance,
There are also those that often find it difficult to distinguish between populism and realist environments, between opportunism and actual delivery and between government and governance. For instance, government is the existing structure that you can fight, challenge, even overthrow. However governance is that process you organize, consolidate, and operate to serve the people. The former, government, any one can fight. The later, governance, requires commitment, dedication capability, education, discipline, sensitivity, experience, exposure, positive networks and long term commitment to the steady transformation of existing socioeconomic and political structures and institutions. A final word on leadership. What exactly have we, the people done to offend our leaders that they inflict so much pain on us? Why do they relish in lying to us again and again? Why do they waste our resources on white elephant projects and frivolous travels? Why do they engage in criminal misgovernance and arrogance of power? Why do they fail to realize the importance of
“Good leadership brings hope and energy to the people. It attracts the best minds as well as local and external support. Good leadership brings about quality and good governance, progressive policies, happiness in the people, and general dynamism. Good leadership brings out the most purposeful, creative and innovative qualities of citizens and expands the capacity to share the pains of reform and to establish strong platforms of tolerance, mutual support, cooperation, innovation, and social justice. In fact, no matter the level, there is no alternative to purposeful honest focused dedicated and patriotic leadership.” political instability and rascality. I can go on and on. Now tell me, are these problems not still with us today? Are they almost solved? Are they 50% solved? Are Nigerians happier today? That is the crux of ‘leadership and democracy. Bad leadership cannot enhance democracy. Bad leadership cannot promote accountability, discipline, social justice and good governance. Bad leadership cannot encourage discipline, productivity, creativity, unity, and patriotism. Bad leadership and bad governance are directly related. But what exactly is good governance? By good governance we refer to the existence of an
development to improve the living conditions of the people in general but they have also done everything to undermine all laid down rules and regulations that guide socioeconomic and political development. The evidence is around us in dilapidated infrastructure, massive unemployment and underemloyment, breakdown of public institutions, general inefficiency, unbelivable corruption and waste, and the contamination of the souls of our people. In government, political parties, educational institutions, businesses and at home, bad leadership spells disaster for all. A business under bad leadership accumulates debts, declining
mutual support, cooperation, innovation, and social justice. In fact, no matter the level, there is no alternative to purposeful honest focused dedicated and patriotic leadership. A good leader encourages the emergence of other Ieaders, encourages people to take charge and to want to make a difference (President Faure Eyadema, 50th Birthday Lecture for Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Benin City, 2006). Of course, we do have some very good leaders in our country. Those that we can call Islands of integrity and dedication. Their efforts unfortunately, are often contaminated, compromised and undermined by the others that are just political rascals.
education, a clean environment, and good roads? Why can’t they see the direct linkage between unemployment and criminality? Why are they so blind to the poverty around them? Why do they relish in manipulating class, religion, ethnicity, profession and other primordial considerations to get to power? Why can’t they play a politics of credibility and democratic discipline? Why do they relish in the imposition of candidates, manipulation of primaries and elections, and discrimination against women and credible aspirants for political office? Why have many so- called leaders turned elections into a business thus virtually bankrupting aspirants before
they become candidates? The questions can go on and on. The truth is that we have many rulers and selfappointed leaders but very few leaders and statesmen. We have been lucky in Nigeria. In spite of our peripheral commitment to true democracy, accountability and transparency, we have recently celebrated 10 years of unbroken civil governance. Some like to call it, democratic governance because the worst democracy, as the saying goes, is much better than the best military form of domination. In large measure, this is very true. But how do we sustain this civil rule and ensure and assure good governance, good leadership and true democracy: one that involves the people, their communities and constituencies, gives privilege to their needs and dreams, that is accountable, respects due process and the rule of law, believes in allowing the will of the people to prevail at elections, and where parties operate as peoples organizations rather than the property of a few individuals? How do we consolidate democracy with the situation in the Niger Delta, violence in many states, continuing ethnic distrust, the violation of human rights, abuse of office, ongoing waste and misplaced priorities, and unbelievable cases of corruption that we hear and read about dailyTranscorp-Hilton, WilbrosHalliburton, Siemens, power sector, and Federal Ministry of Health to mention a few? I do not need to remind you of the hundreds of billions of naira that have been frittered away by the Nigerian power elite. How can we consolidate democracy with 30% interest rates, with industries closing down, with millions of graduates unemployed, with kidnapping now a very lucrative business, and with elected leaders that are not accountable to the people? For our democracy to be consolidated we must take ourselves more seriously. We must take the people seriously. All this nonsense about primitive accumulation, political rascality and violence, social irresponsibility, fiscal indiscipline, and parties that function more like mafia gangs must stop. We must
By PROF begin to generate the capacity to vision and to take merit seriously. We cannot continue to experiment with opportunists, false leaders, herbalists, crooks, exconvicts and vagabonds in power (VIPs). Let me begin to conclude by identifying some major steps or actions that must occur for our democracy to become sustainable and consolidated: Political Parties Our political parties must
as w appro and s any enco arrog viole that cases are s cours can respo free p and
Prof Julius Ihonvbere
begin to function like true political parties. The proliferation of parties is not a measure of the strength of democratic practice. In fact, it shows lack of ideology, focus, consensus on national issues, and crass opportunism. Parties must practice internal democracy, learn to cooperate in their -programs, mobilize and educate their members and the populace, prepare manifestoes or platforms that guide their performance in office. Identify and present the best aspirants and candidates for political office, commit to free and fair elections, restrain their members from involvement in electoral malpractices, and define a clear mechanism for sanctions against members that behave in undemocratic ways. Elections We must see elections as opportunities for exercising the civic rights of citizens and not
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Midweek Magazine
ility Of Democracy In Nigeria
F. JULIUS IHONVBERE
war. The do-or-die oach to politics is wrong should have no place in modern society. It ourages political gance, rascality and ence. It is embarrassing even after two years, s on the 2007 elections still in the courts. Of se, a free and fair election only come from a onsible and corruption police force, a disciplined unbiased Electoral
ommission, cooperation mong political parties and the eparedness of the people to otect their votes. We must ot only focus on elections at e national and state levels. ections within organizations cluding formal NGOs, ocial clubs and other oluntary bodies are just as mportant. When we fail to actice internal democracy nd conduct free and fair ections in civil society, we y the basis for similar actices at the national level. believe that there is national nsensus today that without ectoral reforms, our edgling democratic xperiment is bound to be mpromised or demolished. Corruption This country and its emocratic efforts will go no here if corruption is not ought under control. No ation in the world is rruption free, However, in
Nigeria, it is brazen and almost institutionalized. Corruption exists in the family, workplaces, political parties, government, religious organizations, trade unions, educational institutions, and in the private sector. So, how on earth are we going to make progress when we worship and protect corrupt persons, appoint them to political positions, allow plea bargains for convicts, and have endless litigations while those
accused of corruption remain in office? We make a lot of noise and no one is in jail. The EFCC says the lawyers and judiciary are the problem. There is no amount a Nigerian can not steal knowing that nothing would happen. We have run down all our public institutions in the name of corruption. No one believes in doing anything the normal way. We all look for short cuts. Even to run for office, many begin by looting public funds directly and indirectly, then bribe some so called god father and leaders, bribe the police and security forces, bribe electoral officers, even bribe some journalists, and there you go, the criminal gets into office. Now you know why our hospitals, roads, schools, and social institutions are not working. Until we take the fight against corruption seriously, there would be no
hope for sustaining or consolidating our democracy Leadership I have said a lot about this already. The sort of leaders that we need to widen, deepen, sustain and consolidate our democracy must embody character, commitment, courage, exposure, honesty, discipline, sensitivity, compassion, knowledge, humility, responsibility, positive worldview, vision, creativity, innovation, respect for history and culture, and Godliness.
Agents of Change We can only consolidate and sustain our democracy when all office holders, including bureaucrats, youth groups, and those in the private sector transform themselves into agents of change. This will build the much needed collective spirit to shun violence, waste, nepotism, corruption and the arrogance of power. We have no future without this critical development in our political economy and the younger generation can never be inspired along positive and progressive lines. Those in power, appointed and elected, owe the rest of us this debt. Constitution and constitutionalism That the 1999 Constitution is flawed in several sections is no longer the issue, but you
can all see how badly the review process is going. The fight is over chairmanship and co-chairmanship and at bottom of the fight is the control of money. When are the politicians going to grow up and keep the interest of Nigeria at heart? People are being killed or kidnapped daily in the Niger Delta, there are disputes on resource allocation, there are debates on the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists and over issues of state police. Yet, we are fighting over chairmanship. If the National Assembly cannot work together, what hope do we have that they can harmonise their reports and conclusions? Until the constitution is adequately amended to reflect the interest of Nigerians, it can not serve as the foundation for democratic sustainability. The process must be accountable, transparent, people driven, consultative, an issue-driven. We must engage i n c o m p a r a t i v e constitutionalism to learn from the experiences of other nations. I will particularly recommend South Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda and Ghana as special successful examples of consultative, inclusive and participatory constitution-making. Then, after the review, we must develop a culture of constitutionalism where the document becomes a living document because it comes from the people and structures are created to mass produce, distribute, abridge and teach the Constitution to the people. When they see and understand the constitution, then it can be deployed to defend their individual and collective interests. Not just lawyers and parliamentarians having access to the document and quoting it to defend narrow interests. As you can see, we have not started on this journey. Development By development I am speaking of a process of systematic structural transformation, anchored on the creative energies and needs of the people, that moves a society towards a capacity of meeting the basic human needs of the vast majority of the people. While on the one
hand, development requires and promotes progressive pro-people planning, infrastructural development, holistic people-centred policy making, its end point is to ensure and assure adequate housing, access to health services, education, employment, and services for the enjoyment of life here on earth. It is only under such conditions that democracy can thrive in modern society. Please, note that it is possible for a nation to achieve and sustain high growth rates without development and this may not redistribute wealth, provide appropriately for women, the youth and the aged, provide social amenities for the majority, guarantee freedoms and rights, and consolidate democratic practices and institutions. Though Nigeria today is not moving in the direction of true people-centred development, it is still possible to get it right with the correct leadership, necessary political will, a check on waste and corruption, and putting the right people in positions of responsibility so we stop starting everything all over every time, including the renovation of Government offices, governors lodges and so on. National discipline and ideology A nation and people must believe in something that unites, energizes, motivates and propels them to seek higher grounds. It cannot be soccer or rebranding. True, Nigeria is a nation-state composed of many nation. We must find strength and a mission in the general commitment to collective struggles for democracy and development. In our country today the culture of impunity reigns. People do and say what they like. The arrogance of power is suffocating democratic spaces. The rich and well-connected believe they can get away with anything and quite often they do. They believe that they can loot the treasury, murder innocent people, destroy communities, promote violence at elections, rig elections, run down public institutions, suffocate democratic spaces and bastardize democratic processes and nothing would happen. This sort of indiscipline compromises the emergence of a national philosophy, contaminates democratic discourses, and tears our people and their communities apart. A process designed to contain or stop this trend must go beyond conferences, sloganeering, publicity stunts and the careless use of public funds to support narrow interests. We must give our people something to believe in as they plan their lives and communities for democratic existence. Conclusion Democracy is clearly better than dictatorship. The rules of democracy are very well known to all. However, the sustenance and viability of democracy depends on how the operators and the people respect the rules, deepen and widen the system, give meaning to their collective dreams, strengthen democratic institutions, and commit to social justice and fair-pay. To date, we toothache and bellyache about democracy and its dividends. Yet, We do so much to undermine, contaminate and compromise democracy, its institutions and processes. In fact, we do not show that we understand the linkage between democracy, peace, progress and development. Our goal is to take all we can for private ends and leave nothing for posterity. Then when such actions breed militants, angry youths, alienated communities, and disgruntled public officials, we complain, and resort to prayers. God will certainly not answer such prayers because we are the architects of our misfortunes. It is not too late. If we all in the hall commit today to democracy, due process, merit, and the struggle against corruption, imposition of political mediocres and opportunists, we would have started something. If we decide not to be deceived by opportunistic and noisy politicians, to study them well before giving them our votes, to demand that parties should respect their own rules, we would have contributed to building a truly democratic society. If we take things for granted, try to manage bad leaders, and allow our present and future as well as those of our children to be toyed around with, history may not be very kind to us. Clearly, we can only move forward and enjoy the good things of life. If, and only if we strategize together, plan together, work together, struggle together and put our true leaders in charge of our affairs. Talk is cheap. Anyone can talk. Go to the motor park or the markets and you will see a lot of talking. However, action, focus, serious mindedness, discipline, commitment, and democratic conduct can only be found in few places and in fewer people. A word, they say, is more than enough for the wise.
Midweek Leisure
7 Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make This Year!
THE new year started on a very clean note; there was an onrush of rain in several parts of Nigeria and the world at large. There was even deluge in some parts. The maddening rush of flood swept the filth of the outgone year away. God Himself was in a haste, so to speak, to cleanse the world and make it start on a clean slate in the new year. Perhaps, too, 2014 has been predestined to be a greater, better, more promiseoriented and fulfilling year than the year before. For that reason, those who are in this new year and already geared to live the life that is exploitsdriven should equally be geared up for the packages within. Attitudes must have to change if they didn’t change negatives the year before. If they did, there could also be improvements. Resolutions may be common place and cheaper by the dozens, but subtlety in personal reappraisals would go a long way in helping individuals get the best out of the year. You may not call them “Resolutions” but you may regard them as personal resolve to cause change. I have therefore identified some simple, but basic tools, or personal resolves that would help you chart a new course and cause a paradigm shift in your fortunes this year. (1)Learn to take a stand: Don’t be a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ individual just for the sake of making a statement. Let your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ send the your ‘yes or ‘no’ send the right signals. Mean it as you say it. Don’t go out to please someone just because you couldn’t take a personal stand on an issue. In the common parlance, let your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ be it! (2)No African Time, please: The concept of African Time,
for crying out loud, who brought it about? One person came late for an event and the others follow suit, isn’t it? So, it has become a tradition, right? How has it favoured us as individuals? There is absolutely nothing positive to write home about “the African time”. Put mildly, it has made us lose what we would have gained wherever it was practised. Those who came late always stayed lost until time out, except someone volunteers to bring them back into the fold: yet, all they eventually got were mere summaries or left overs. Being on time is invaluable. Time management is an asset. Get an alarm set on your bedside and be ahead of the bunch. You will remain ahead of the pack! (3)Don’t lie about your whereabout on the phone or whatever. A colleague told me a short story about a ride on the ‘Oshiomhole Bus’ just before the close of the yuletide. Her dear friend was at the back end of the bus while she boarded and sat just behind the driver. She never knew her friend was in the bus, behind her. The friend, just by way of playing a prank or pulling a joke, dialed her number and lowered her voice and whispered: “How far? Where are you?” At that moment, several lies came to he mind, all based on her stress and the desire not to prolong the conversation at that moment, but she wiped them all away and replied, “I am in Oshiomhole Bus. What’s up?” “Okay Look behind you and you will see me” The friend said, now laughing loud. And she looked back, and also laughed. Lesson learnt? She told me that she vowed there and then never to lieto anyone about her where about, no matter
By IJEOMA UMEH
who was involved or the circumstances that pervaded. Trust could be compromised and relationships that had spanned several years could be in the line of fire. (4) Don’t get involved in money matters that you cannot explain, or business
business deal. (5) You have heard about diversification of interests, but it has not changed the fact that some jacks still do all trades yet master none. Two key areas of interest or priority may be all you may need to focus your resources on to do the desired exploits.
that you don’t fully understand. Seek expert advise before investing any amount of money in a
Don’t ‘scatter’ your resources abroad. Gathering them doesn’t keep them in one
piece anymore. Do something and do it well! Keep reappraising it to get a masterpiece. (6) Don’t let people’s opinion you weigh you down. You are a good spirited person; but a snag in your development as a human being could upset your course and rattle you a while; don’t let that snag keep you down. Dust off the spot
where you hit the ground zero and run! Keep running! Run! There is the target ahead!
(7) Don’t trust everyone, but trust someone! I haven’t heard of someone who succeeded by totally closing the ‘bank of trust’ and shutting their doors to hands of fellowship whether as offered by friends, or by foes. Keep the door of trust a little
ajar, shut it if you smell a rat, but open it again to let the smell the dead rat ooze out. Trust God, self, others!.
“Resolutions may be common place and cheaper by the dozens, but subtlety in personal reappraisals would go a long way in helping individuals get the best out of the year. You may not call them “Resolutions” but you may regard them as personal resolve to cause change.”
Natural Medicine
With
Dr. MAO
Health Tips To Begin the Year I know someone who doesn’t take drugs or any herb for malaria. As soon as it attacks him, he treats it with proper dieting. He begins to eat and drink only organic fruits/ Vegetables as well as their juice. No more cooked food. In no time he is completely healed. To those of us in natural medicine, what this man does isn’t strange or magical. This is because from books and field experiences, a naturalist knows that nutritional therapy is a potent way of healing the body of physical disease. Hear, dear reader. When you feed the body very well with the energy nutrients from organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains as well as other natural foods, the body’s self healing power called VIS MEDICATRIX NATURAE is unleashed for eliminating any disease wherever it is hiding in the body. It is in recognition of this fact that Dr. Majid Ali (MD) with Capital University of Integrative Medicine, Washington DC, USA notes: “ Most physicians practicing conventional medicine for not understand the basic concept and not with drugs” Need I say more? No. Therefore, don’t trifle with the advice to always eat a lot of highly nutritious nuts, seeds, whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables from organic farms. If you can afford this then ensure that 80% of your food intake are eaten raw while the remaining 20% could be cooked.
Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamin C. All of us need this vitamin because of its biological values. For instance, the vitamin enhances the body’s healing process, boosts the immune system, helps in stabilizing our blood pressure, enables us to fight off flu colds and catarrh as well as improves capillary circulation. Invariably, Vitamin C is vital for good health. However, the body cannot produce this vitamin, nether can it store it for long. Meanwhile, an adult needs a minimum of 1000mg of it a day. Put simply, since most of us don’t bother to get it into our body, it means we are always deprived of this vitamin out of sheer ignorance. Yes, unknown to what we may require for that stubborn illness troubling us is more fruits and vegetables to enable us get vitamin C into our body. Either this or we take to Mega Vitamin C supplementation which, fortunately, comes with a bioflavonoid called rosehips. Such a vitamin C can stay at work in the body for 24 hours without being lost via urination. Other variants of vitamin C only work for 30 minutes. The B-complex vitamins share a similar biological code with vitamin C. This is because also the body cannot manufacture or store them for long. Both vitamin catgories are water-soluble. Therefore,
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they are more easily lost through urination unlike the fat-soluble vitamins A,D, K and E. At this juncture, I must advise that you don’t trifle
practitioner diagnosed the man of vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency and that his body required detoxification and alkalinization.
At this juncture, let’s turn our attention to while, refined sugar and its variants like spoonful, as partame, saccharine, equal and nutrasweet. For the
with vitamins. Reason? Read this story. There was one man that had diminishing poor vision. Several visits to orthodox eye clinics couldn’t be of any help to him. Then one day, he ran into a natural medicine practitioner who advised him to patiently try to eat his way out of his predicament and see what happened. The advice proffered was based on his medical/ clinic histories and complaints. After listening attentively to him, the natural medicine
See, thiamine deficiency can lead to a dysfunction of the brain, nervous system and eye muscles. Ultimately, the eye sight is affected. Therefore, don’t think thiamine only enhances carbohydrate metabolism. What happened after the sick man began his treatment? He was soon able to heal his eyes. Still, this is another clear proof that eating right is one of the best way of fighting off the scourge of diseases and sick organs.
umpteenth time, I am saying that you should avoid them if you want to stay healthy, Also, stay away from foods/drinks containing them. Therefore, I am bemused whenever I see youths and infants being fed lot of sugarized biscuits and soft drinks. Studies have shown that all refined white sugar weakens the immune system without which your body cannot prevent infectious diseases as well as pick out and destroy
“Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamin C. All of us need this vitamin because of its biological values. For instance, the vitamin enhances the body’s healing process, boosts the immune system, helps in stabilizing our blood pressure, enables us to fight off flu colds and catarrh as well as improves capillary circulation.”
emerging cancer cell. So, you can see that all the scramble for sweet, artificial sugar is a race to sick beds in preparation for a kiss from Mr. Be warned, therefore. Several killers abound in our modern, digital no-man’s world. Some of these killers are
known. Others are unknown even with our high, level of science and technology. Of what benefit does it serve you therefore to patronize these known killers of mankind which researches have uncovered, so far? Last line: Learn to have adequate sleep, rest and relaxation daily. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Also, try to lead a stress –free life in most case, stress is that witch troubling you with one illness or the other. There is no drug or herb that keeps away stress. What drugs and herbs do is to manage the damage already done by stress. Given this, you need a personal effort to keep stress at bay…HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY.
New Horizon
Sex And Love In Reality (1) “WHILE contemplating the objects of the senses a person develops attachment for them and from such attachment, lust develops, and from lust anger arises. From anger delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory arises. And when memory is bewildered, ones intelligent is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool of sense gratification” Before one can control his senses, he must control his thoughts, and speech, which leads one to act in foolish ways. What causes one to yield to lust even though one knows better? When one contemplates on the object of the sense- a beautiful girl or boy, for instance - he becomes attached to the idea of enjoying them. From this mental aspect, lust develops. The object giving mental pleasure must be enjoyed. If this desire is frustrated, anger arises. A person gets angry at whatever stand between him and such enjoyment. A boy might get angry at a rival boy friend, or at his girl friend or at his own lack of money. Anger always affects the thinking process. A person becomes deluded, thinking my girl friend left me because I have no money. Her parents looked down on me. How frustrating life is, let me take some drugs and forget my problems. Such deluded thinking bewilders, and as one becomes more bewildered, he becomes more angry, more attached, more transtrated and he turns to drugs, sex or some material objects for temporary relief from the pain caused by mental dissatisfaction. Of course this only makes the problem worse, and one falls deeper and deeper into the material whirlpool. Indeed one might even bring upon himself horrible deaths the drugs, AIDS etc. We should notice how this process begins just by contemplating the objects of the senses, by having sense graficatiory fantasies Sexual fantasies for example. “Sex today is slimed over with the thought of pleasure”. (Edward carpenter). When the name of an objects is heard, a subtle form arises in the mind. Infact, the mind
cannot conceive of a thing without mentally projecting it in subtle form. The mind tends to repeat and dwell on these desires, thoughts and erections, which it had found enjoyable. When thoughts arise in the mind, they do not end there but produce a series of related desires and thoughts, gaining momentum until they finally force one to act on them, even against his better judgment. Lusty thoughts and desires upset mental equilibrium and deprive us of the determination necessary for celibacy - sex control. Lusty thoughts causes reactions, and as sexual thoughts become more frequent and forceful, the sex glands automatically begins to secret fluids that sometimes pass as urine, or nocturnal emissions may occur. Semen can sometimes be lost by merely 1ooking at sexually stimulating object. Moreover, thinking of sense enjoyment, which is subtle form of sense gratification inevitably leads to the gross physical enactment of desires. Lusty thoughts precede lusty acts. Perfect sex control is observed mentally when we neither think of gratifying our sexual desires nor entertain it with setual thought and fantasies. Regardless of how vigilant we are, what yogis call vasanas are bound to occur. A vasana is a wave on the lake of the mind. Vasanas agitate the mind and turn a beautiful placid lake into a stormy, dangerous one. Due to vassals, we experience attraction, repulsion ad attachment for the things of this world. When the mind contemplates an object, finds it attractive, and begin to desire it, a vasana is forged or present. As such desire intensifies, it turns into lust, and a strong determination to enjoy such object develops. The mind then attempts to experience that object through the senses by seeing k, feeling it, tasting it, smelling it, or hearing it. In the sexual act, all these senses are stimulated to the maximum to provoke organism. And it all began as a mere ripple on the lake of the mind. Even if a vasana is successfully resisted by someone, it will not necessarily go away, rather it
might arise again and again in the mind and sometimes with redoubled force. Unless the mind is properly trained or fixed in yoga, we cannot resist such constant agitation. We will finally yield and
become a slave to such material and sensual desires. Even if we aspire to resist such desires, we must strive to control the unruly mind and impetuous senses, and thereby stand calm in the midst of the storms of lust that may arise from time to time. A person who is not disturbed by incessant flow of various desires that enters like river info the ocean which is ever being filled but is always still, can aidne achieve peace of mind, and not the man or person who
With VICTOR ANIUKWU
strives to satisfy such desires. Just as thinking of sex can spoil ones potency not celibacy, so can talking about it can also. Of all the senses, the tongue in some ways, is the most difficult to control.
to occupy the mind, otherwise it, will direct the senses to do this or that. It is impossible. to do nothing, much less to think nothing. More so technology and wealth have given Americans in particular and the world at large a lot of free time, but what being done
It is always voracious. If the tonque is not eating, it i Usually wagging from one end to another. People generally and compulsively talk, talk, talk. And after thinking nor talking about sex, the next step is to have it. Factually any idle talk is undesirable because h easily degenerates to a sex talk because the purpose of both is the same. The mind cannot exist in a vacuum a any moment. An idle mind is the devil workshop. There must be clean and filtered thoughts
with it. Ironically, high suicide rates are found in countries in which people have the most leisure time. Instead of using their time for spiritual advancement, people squander it in many self-destructive ways or at best frivolous ways. Precious hours are wasted on spectator sports, drinking, drug-taking, chit-chatting and perhaps worst of it all —. watching Television indiscriminately. Watching so much violence certainly hardens a person or a child. How can a child be
expected to develop into a compassionate adult with respect for life, if he is constantly being exposed to violence. Dr. Thomas Narut from the United States navel Hospital at NATO Headquarters in Naples has reported the efficacy of showing violent films to soldiers who are not inclined
to lull. After watching film in which the enemies are killed or maimed, the soldiers become desensitized to the idea of killing. And moreso, these* soldiers were xposed to a mere fraction of the violence that the. average child watohes on elevision day in and day out. Studies on Television programming also reveal that sex is used sell everything I rig and the sex act most frequently portrayed is nothing but helerosexual Intercourse Contd on pg 24
“A vasana is a wave on the lake of the mind. Vasanas agitate the mind and turn a beautiful placid lake into a stormy, dangerous one. Due to vassals, we experience attraction, repulsion ad attachment for the things of this world. When the mind contemplates an object, finds it attractive, and begin to desire it, a vasana is forged or present. As such desire intensifies, it turns into lust, and a strong determination to enjoy such object develops.”
Place Of Prayer
Place Of Helpers In Destiny Fulfilment
FOR every miracle you need, there is a needed helper. If the miracle is delayed, it is an indication that the needed helper is not yet in place. God works out miracles in your life through people He places on your path, this is God pattern of working things out for His Children. There are things that will never happen in a persons life until that person comes in contact with the appropriate helper. Your speaking in tongues will not change things, God works with a pattern. The enemy’s strength is in stopping you from making contact with your helper. If the enemy succeeds in stopping you from making contact with the person God has divinely programmed to take you to your next level, then he would have succeeded in robbing you of your miracle. You must pray on a daily basis that God should help you established contact with all those you need to move to your next level. Job 14:7-9 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will be bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. Although, it is God’s desire that your latter end be better than your beginning, there is a necessary contact you must make to make this possible. Just like the rush (a plant that grows in wet areas) cannot grow without contact with mire (mud), or a flag (a plant of the iris family) grow without contact with water, so can you not experience meaningful growth until you make contact with the person that carries the nutrient you need for growth and expansion. Even a tree that is cut down will sprout again as long as it has contact with the earth and with water. If there is no contact, while the plant is yet green, it withers before every other plant. The strength of the devil is in breaking your contact with those who are important to your success in life. He knows that no matter how good your dream is, it will not be fulfilled if you do not meet with those that help you fulfill the dream. And so, he tries to shift your helpers out of place because he knows that if they are in place, you will surely get to your destination. This
is the reason why he causes quarrel between husband and wife and causes separation in marriages. He may have discovered that as long as that man and woman are married to each other, their greatness is assured. When you discover an acceptable, compactable contact, do not break the relationship, no matter the excuse. Do not allow the devil to bring up disagreement between you and those God has placed on your path to lift you up. All those who break contact with their destiny promoters always suffer the consequences. God allows certain things to happen in our lives in order to connect us with the necessary contacts that will help to speed up the manifestation of our dreams. That is why the bible tells us in Roman 8:28 that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Sometimes, without a dislocation, there cannot be a relocation. Joseph is a good example of this. Even though he had a beautiful dream, his dream could not come to fulfillment till God dislocated him from his family and relocated him to first Potiphar’s house, and then prison, where he made the contact that took him to the palace. Some unpleasant situations you may be experiencing right now may have just been programmed by God to make you have contact with the right personalities that will take you to your next level. Sometimes you need a push out in order to experience a push in. don’t ever cry when you are pushed out; celebration with the knowledge that all things that happen in your life is for your good. As you celebrate, you will pushed in to your miracle. A lot of people who have very good dreams are suffering today because they are in the wrong location; for although God’s thought and plans towards us are thoughts of peace and not of evil to give us an expected end (Jer. 29:11), He still works with men to bring about the fulfillment of dreams. Imagine if Joseph had lived with his father and brothers all through his life; his dream would not have seen the light of day. God had to take him to Egypt where his needed contact dwelt. My prayer for you is that you make contact
With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339
with your helper by God’s leading in this season, so that you will be transformed into your paradise, from poverty to riches, from stagnancy to progress, from crying to celebration, from failure to
When the Philistines gathered to make a mockery of Samson after his capture, Samson prayed to God and asked Him for one last chance to bring judgment upon the Philistines. God gave him a lad who led him and placed
from the wicked plot of Haman. Without this contact, both she and all the Jews in the Kingdom would have been destroyed. Ruth was a young, poor
with Peter and John and his limbs that had been weak from birth received strength to carry him (Acts 3:l8). That man would have remained lame and a beggar all through
success and from sickness to health. All through scriptures, we see several examples of people whose contact with their destiny promoters brought about a transformation in their lives. The following illustrations reveal to us that not everyone is important to you; just a few people have been divinely mandated to help you get your needed miracle. Until you make contact with them, you will continue to struggle with out meaningful results.
his hands on the pillars that supported the building. That lad became the needed helper for the fulfillment of his desire to avenge the Philistines for plucking out his two eyes. Judges 16:25-30. Esther’s life was not worth writing about until she made contact with King Ahasuerus. Her selection and marriage to the King automatically transformed her from being an ordinary peasant girl to the Queen of a large empire. Her position placed her in the right position to save her people
widow assisting her old and impoverished mother-in-law until she made contact with Boaz. This contact not only gave her a rich and loving husband, it made her one of the ancestors of King David and of the Lord Jesus. Overnight she was transformed from a nobody to a very important personality. Her life and that of Naomi was completely transformed for better when she made contact with Boaz. The lame man at the beautiful gate made contact
his life but for his contact with Peter and John. You maybe down now, but there is a needed contact that will soon raise you up. When that contact is made, your success and progress will happen effortlessly. Not all successes are products of personal effort. My prayer for you is that as God establishes your contact with the right personalities, you will begin to speak unhindered in those same places where you could not speak before.
“God allows certain things to happen in our lives in order to connect us with the necessary contacts that will help to speed up the manifestation of our dreams. That is why the bible tells us in Roman 8:28 that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Sometimes, without a dislocation, there cannot be a relocation. Joseph is a good example of this. Even though he had a beautiful dream, his dream could not come to fulfillment till God dislocated him from his family and relocated him to first Potiphar’s house, and then prison, where he made the contact that took him to the palace.”
International
Beijing Puts Grassroots Citizen Activists On Trial BEIJING - Several citizen activists who want many of the same things Chinese leader Xi Jinping says he wants — less corruption and a fairer society — stand trial this week in Beijing in cases reflecting Xi’s intense campaign to quash any potential threat to one-party rule. The essentially closed-door trials starting today underline the Xi administration’s determination to nip the buds of any social groups that might blossom outside the Communist Party, even if their goals largely overlap with the party’s stated drive to root out corruption, restore its connection with ordinary folks and build an equal and fair society. “It is really the effort by the regime to prevent any organized opposition,” said Dali Yang, a political scientist at the University of Chicago. “One of the many ironies is that the calls by the defendants are authorized by the Chinese law, and it is very hard to argue that they are subverting the government.” The activists, members of nascent, grassroots groups known as the New Citizens movement, are typically charged with gathering crowds to disrupt public order. The prosecutions come amid the Chinese leadership’s broader crackdown over the past year on dissent, including the silencing and detentions of influential bloggers and advocates for minority rights in Tibetan and Muslim Uighur areas. “It is fear of a big crisis that might overthrow the party,” said political observer Willy Lam of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. “The crackdown is a sign of weakness.” The centerpiece of the New Citizens crackdown is the trial Wednesday of the movement’s founder, lawyer Xu Zhiyong, in Beijing’s No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court. He is charged with disrupting public order in connection with groups of up to 100 people gathering in public places to call for education equality or the disclosure of public officials’ assets to curb corruption. No media or outside observers have been allowed to attend the proceedings. The vaguely defined charge can result in a prison sentence of several years. Xu has been seeking social changes within Chinese law and wants to foster a civil society by making more Chinese aware of their rights as citizens. He has been cautious not to form any organization, though the charges against him appear to be linked in part to his call for people to gather for monthly dinners to discuss China’s constitution. At least six other people — Zhao Changqing, Ding Jiaxi, Li Wei, Yuan Dong, Hou Xin, and Zhang Baocheng — go on trial later in the week in Beijing on the same charge. They are believed to be the movement’s more active members. Critics have called the crackdown hypocritical given that one of the movement’s foremost objectives — fighting graft — aligns snugly with Xi’s hallmark campaign to crack down on party and government corruption. Both the movement and the
government also call for equity in education. “Instead of President Xi Jinping’s promised clampdown on corruption, we are seeing a crackdown against those that want to expose it,” said Roseann Rife, East Asia research director at Amnesty International. The U.S. State Department has expressed concern that Xu’s prosecution amounts to retribution against his social activism and urged Beijing to release him. During Tuesday’s regular briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Xu’s case is “a regular criminal case” that is being handled in accordance with China’s law. He asked foreign countries not to interfere. In an additional trial in the southern city of Guangzhou, Liu Yuandong, an activist involved in public rallies for a weekly newspaper that had been censored by party officials, will go on trial Friday on charges of disrupting public order and falsely reporting capital in business registration. Liu is one of the founders of the Southern Street movement, separate from New Citizens, but also an amorphous, grassroots group with similar goals. The Southern Street movement, however, also calls for an end to one-party rule.
Last year, a document purportedly circulated by the Communist Party’s top leadership warned of the dangers of citizen movements, saying they would eventually form a political opposition force to challenge the party at the grassroots level. The circular, known as Document No. 9, has been published in the Hong Kong-based Mingjing Weekly and is widely believed to be authentic, though it has not been confirmed by top officials. The document characterizes citizens’ calls for public disclosure of officials’ assets as a tactic by antiChina forces in the West and dissidents at home to incite discontent. One activist who made such calls, Liu Ping, was charged with illegal assembly over a photo of her and two others holding signs calling for the release of other protesters in the southeastern province of Jiangxi.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn during a press conference in Addis Ababa on January 13, 2014.
Venezuela’s President Blames Telenovelas For Crime CARACAS, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has a new villain as he campaigns to bring down Venezuela’s spiraling crime: telenovelas. He accuses the TV soap operas of spreading “anti-values” to young people by glamorizing violence, guns and drugs. The criticism follows attacks last year by Maduro on violent video games and the Hollywood movie “Spider-man.” On Monday night, his vice president, Jorge Arreaza, met with
broadcast and pay TV operators to review the prime time lineup, warning that they could be in violation of a 2004 law mandating “socially responsible” programming. The two sides will meet in a week with the aim of drafting an agreement on meeting those obligations. It’s unclear whether the
government will take steps to restrict programming or impose harsher rules on telenovelas, which are hugely popular across Latin America. Analysts say arm-twisting is unlikely to reduce Venezuela’s high homicide rate, which the United Nations ranks as the fifth worst globally, and they warn that Maduro’s campaign could
Russia: Rescinding Invitation To Iran A Mistake MOSCOW - The U.N. chief’s decision to rescind the invitation to Iran to join this week’s Syria peace talks was a mistake but not a catastrophe, Russia’s foreign minister said yesterday. Sergey Lavrov said that Ban Ki-moon’s decision to withdraw his last-minute offer to Iran to attend the conference set to begin Wednesday in the Swiss resort of Montreux would have a negative impact on the United Nations image. The invitation to Iran extended by Ban on Sunday put the talks in jeopardy, with the U.S. pushing for rescinding the offer and the Syrian opposition threatening to skip the event entirely. “This story hasn’t helped strengthen the U.N. authority,” Lavrov said at a news conference, adding that recalling the offer looked “unseemly.” The controversy over Iran’s participation in the talks reflected deep differences over Syria between the United States and Russia, which has been a key ally of Syria, shielding Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime from the United Nations sanctions and continuing to supply it with weapons throughout the civil war that has killed more than 130,000. He reaffirmed Russia’s stance that the presence of Iran was essential for the success of the talks. Iran has been Assad’s main regional ally, supporting his regime with advisers,
ago.
money and materiel since the uprising began in 2011. Lavrov warned that spurning Iran would deepen division lines in the Islamic world and would have a negative impact on global efforts to fight terrorism. “The absence of Iran isn’t going to help strengthen the unity of the world’s Muslims,” he said. Lavrov insisted that Russia is not supplying Syria with any weapons that are “banned (by international agreements) and could destabilize the situation in the region.” At the same time, Lavrov voiced hope for the success of the talks that would put the government
and the opposition at the same table for the first time since the start of the conflict three years
“There is no catastrophe. We will push for a direct dialogue between the Syrian parties without any preconditions,” he said.
Italy Police Re-Arrest Vatican Monsignor
VATICAN CITY - A Vatican monsignor already on trial for allegedly plotting to smuggle 20 million euros ($26 million) from Switzerland to Italy was ordered arrested in a separate case yesterday for allegedly using his Vatican bank accounts to launder money. The financial police in the southern city of Salerno said Monsignor Nunzio Scarano’s accounts had been used to
transfer millions of euros (dollars) in fictitious donations from offshore companies. Police said millions have been seized and that other arrest warrants were issued. Scarano’s lawyer, Silverio Sica, said his client merely took donations from people he thought were acting in good faith to fund a home for the terminally ill. He conceded that the money ended up being used to pay off Scarano’s mortgage, however.
Ukraine protesters sing the national anthem during a mass rally of the pro Western opposition Independence Square on January 12, 2014.
be used as an excuse to further gag media criticism of the government. “It’s a smoke screen to distract attention away from the real causes” of violence and crime, said Roberto Briceno Leon of the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence, which estimates the country’s murder rate has quadrupled in 15 years of socialist rule. Pressure on the government to crack down on crime heated up this month after former Miss Venezuela Monica Spear and her ex-husband were shot to death by robbers, with their 5-year-old daughter looking on. The double slaying shocked even Venezuelans hardened by rampant bloodshed and put the government on the defensive on an issue that surveys say is the biggest concern among voters. In his state of the union speech last week, Maduro took aim at a popular soap opera, “De todas maneras Rosa,” produced by Venevision. He accused the nation’s biggest broadcaster of profiting from violence by celebrating the crimes of one of the melodrama’s lead characters, Andreina Vallejo, a psychopathic former beauty queen who fatally poisons her own mother to hide the paternity of her son. “Mama, everybody in the world knows that the relationship between parents and their children is completely accidental,” a smiling Vallejo says as her mother gasps for breath in her daughter’s arms. Alberto Barrera Tyszka, the creator of several soap operas, said television only reflects the alarming levels of violence present in society and is already tightly regulated for content deemed unsuitable for minors. He said Maduro should turn his attention to the root causes of crime instead. “It’s ridiculous to blame the violence on what’s seen for one or two hours a night on television” said Barrera Tyszka, who also wrote a biography of Maduro’s predecessor and mentor, the late Hugo Chavez.
International
Pakistani Jets Hit Militant Hideouts In North West DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — Pakistani fighter jets pounded militant positions overnight in the country’s northwest following a Taliban bombing campaign against security forces, military officials and residents said yesterday. The strikes are likely to hamper the government’s efforts to hold peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban. There were conflicting claims
about who was killed in the air strikes which took place in North Waziristan, a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban as well as other militant groups. A military official said the strikes targeted militants and killed 25 of them. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. But at least two residents
reached by telephone in North Waziristan said civilians were among those killed in the airstrikes. They said many residents slept in the open out of fear their homes might be hit. “How would the jet fighters know who is living where and who is a militant and who is a civilian in the dark of the night,” said Habib Dawar who lives in Mir Ali, one of the main towns in North Waziristan.
Shi’ite Muslim Houthi group in Sanaa yesterday while driving to attend the final session of reconciliation talks aimed at tackling the country’s political and security challenges. Yemen has been torn by rising violence and lawlessness as the U.S.-allied country struggles to overcome political turmoil after long-serving President Ali Abdullah Saleh stepped down following months of mass protests against his rule in 2011. Officials said that Ahmad Sharafeddin, a Houthi delegate at the reconciliation talks who had been dean of the law faculty at Sanaa University, was killed when gunmen opened fire on him in his vehicle from a speeding car in central Sanaa. They said he died instantly and the gunmen escaped. It was not immediately clear who was behind the assassination, but another Houthi
leader, Abdulkarim alKhiwani, accused hardline Sunni Muslim militants of carrying out the attack. The Houthi group fought radical Sunni Salafis in northern Yemen from October until earlier this month, when a ceasefire was reached earlier to relocate the Salafis to another city some 250 km (155 miles) away. But clashes have continued in other parts of northern Yemen with tribesmen allied to the Salafis. More than 210 people have been killed in the fighting that erupted in late October after the Houthis accused the Salafis of recruiting foreign militants in preparation to attack them. The Salafis, who follow an austere brand of Sunni Islam, say the foreigners are students of Islamic theology. The sectarian rivalry has cast a shadow over reconciliation efforts in Yemen, a neighbor of
top oil exporter Saudi Arabia and home to one of al Qaeda’s most active wings. Yesterday’s attack was the latest in a string of killings against highprofile Yemenis and foreigners. Last week an Iranian diplomat was killed in Sanaa when he resisted gunmen who were trying to kidnap him. Despite the challenging security conditions, President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi addressed the final session of the reconciliation talks, which is due to produce a new constitution for Yemen and approve a federal system for the country. The talks, which began in March last year, have been stuck on southern separatist demands to revive the state that merged with North Yemen in 1990. The delegates have agreed on a federal system but have yet to work out some of the details, which will be tackled by a special committee headed by Hadi.
Gunmen Kill Leading Figure Of SANAA - Unknown assailants Yemeni Shi’ite Group shot dead a leader of the Yemeni
OKABARE COMMUNITY PUBLIC NOTICE
CAVEAT EMPTOR The Executive of the Community Development Association (CDA) of OKABERE Community wish to bring for the information of the general public and all concerned authorities that the subject of Boundary dispute and Customary Right of Occupancy in a Community land matter pending in the Appeal Court in the Benin Judicial Division in Benin City has since been concluded in favour of the Respondent Community The matter has been pending between Okaniro Community (via Benin), Appealant and Okabere Community (via Benin) Respondent in suit “Appeal NO. CA/B/309/2012 and the case has since been subsequently concluded as the Appeal Court declared that the land in dispute belong to OKABERE COMMUNITY. The Court of Appeal hereby held that Okabere community are entitled to a customary right of occupancy over a large piece of land measuring half a mile by half a mile lying and situate between Plaintiffs’ community and Defendants’ community and Defendants’ Community stretching from “Obo junction to the Moat on the right hand side of the Okabere/Sapele Road and from Obo junction to the boundary between Okabere and Oka-Ogo village on the left hand side of the Okabere/Sapele Roac which parcel of land is verged RED in survey plan NO. MSC/ED/2000/125 dated 1/6/2000. The above is for the interest of the general public that Okabere Community is the rightful owner of the said land that has since been in dispute. Land buyers, land speculators, property Agents, General public should please take note of this Court judgment and are hereby warned that decisive Legal action will be taken against any body or authorities that transact with any other Community other than Okabere Community on any portion of the said Land. Signed: (1) Mr. Monday Ogbonmwan Community Chairman. (2)
Mr. Osamede Iyamu Youth Chairman
The area where airstrikes occurred is remote and dangerous for journalists to access, making it impossible to independently verify the conflicting casualty claims. The overnight strikes came after two days of attacks claimed by the Pakistani Taliban killed 34 security personnel. On Sunday, a bomb planted in a vehicle killed 26 troops inside an army compound in the northwest just before their convoy was to head into North Waziristan. Then on Monday, a suicide bomber killed 13 people, including eight security personnel in Rawalpindi, a garrison city near the capital Islamabad.
The violence has put pressure on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to show he’s doing something to address the violence that has plagued Pakistan for years. Sharif has repeatedly expressed his desire to negotiate with militants instead of using military force to subdue them, but so far the Pakistani Taliban have shown little desire to negotiate with Sharif’s government. The Pakistani military in recent years has carried out several offensives against the Pakistani Taliban in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. But airstrikes like the ones hitting North Waziristan late Monday and yesterday morning are considered
CAVEAT EMPO R of Idumuore I, Pa Meety Igue, T Odionwere Quarters of Idumu-Odion Community, Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State hereby warns members of the public within and outside Igbanke not to trespass or encroach into the community reserve farm land. The said farm land belongs to Idumuore Quarters in Igbanke community. Therefore, any person or persons who trespasses or encroaches upon the land do so at their own risk. Signed Pa Meety Igue Odionwere
F.B. Igudia Secretary
F. O AMENAGHAWON & CO. (LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, PROPERTY & CORPORATE CONSULTANTS) FAME CHAMBERS No.21, Upper Sokponba Road, Benin City. E-mail: f.amenaghowon©yahoo.com Tel: 08057921853, 08060588064
CAVEAT EMPT OtoRthe general public Notice is hereby given that the Traditional Head of Ekowe Community is the Okaevbo presently known as the OWEOBA N’IGUIKO. Accordingly any correspondence including titles to land emanating or purporting to emanate from Ekowe Community, Ovia North-East that does not have the consent/signature of the Okaevbo, the Oweoba N’lguiko, Osamudiamen Richard Eghaghe remains null, void and invalid. Nobody should transact any business including land matters with any other person or group of persons as any one who does so, is as his own risk.
rare for that area. Pakistani intelligence officials say the strike killed at least five fighters in the village of Hamzoni, while four others were killed in a nearby Tappi village. They said 13 people killed in a mosque near the town of Mir Ali were believed to be Uzbek fighters. The officials said that Adnan Rasheed, a top commander of Tehreek-e-Taliban, which is the formal name of the Pakistani Taliban, narrowly escaped one of the strikes. The intelligence officials also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. But angry residents insisted that civilians were also among the dead. One resident, Yar Mohamad, said women and children were among those killed. “If that continues, we will be forced to flee into Afghanistan,” she said.
CHANGE OF NAME OMOREGBEE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omoregbee Tina Ivie now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ivie Tina Elaiho. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME UDOH – WILLIAM – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Hannah Udoh-William now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hannah Akpeji. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. CHANGE OF NAME EDEH - I, formerly
known and addressed as Edeh Matthew now wish to be known and addressed as Felix Martins. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. RECONCILIATION OF NAME
I, Usiosefe Presley wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Omorogieva Presley Osaremwinda as appeared in my various documents. Henceforth, I am now known and addressed as Usiosefe Presley. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
New Horizon Continued from Pg 20 mostly between unmarried people. There arc many frequent portrayals of prostitute — sex than married sex. Presently sex is portrayed as a weapon to world power over others. And more so Norman and Harris writes to say that: There will probably never be a return to the white dresses with pink slashes. Both girl and boys are dressing as sex symbols in their skintight jeans, even in prepuberty. Madison Avenue has created enticing erotic advertisement and commercials that sell sexuality as part of the total dress package. Soap operas, movies and television programs do not hesitate anymore to dramatize previously taboo subjects such as rape, abortion, incest, killings etc. Still educators are baffled over juvenile crime and sexual promiscuity. And it is not only the children who are affected — What about the adults who provide these lustful tool — televisiqn, but without any control including the various government levels, and yet various government cry wolves, on moral decadence - who now are the wolves and Quo Vadis? Naturally, Factually and gentlemanly, it is better to control the mind first and then the senses. Others think that it is better to control the senses by following a strict discipline then the mind will be clamed with practice. In either case, the bottom line is the same both the mind and senses must be controlled. But we should avoid getting the cart before the horse. Even if we forcibly succeed in restraining the senses from their objects, we are also in danger if the mind is. always dwelftng on sense objects. Hankering for sex can actually be thore harmful than gross sense gratification because it habituates the mind to the idea of experiencing
enjoyment in sex. It is therefore said that it is better to be in a brothel, wanting to be in a church than to be in a church and wanting to in a brothel. if one doesn’t control his mind by spiritual’ discipline, external renunciation alone will ultimately prove futile. It is always best when reforms begin with the head, and then there is less chance of things going wrong. When intelligence is established in higher spiritual kirnwledge, in the methods and reasons of renunciation in this material world, the mind is automatically and perfectly controlled. A controlled mind will then properly direct the turbulent senses. “Our animal desires have hidden us from our true life. The real misery of man is that he is self obscured, lost in the midst of his own desires”. (Tolstoy) “As long as our desires are in conflict with the Universal Law, we will continue to suffer pain”. (Tagore) As to err is human, so to desire is human indeed. It is an essential nature of the soul, We can never be free from the bondage of desires until all material desires in us are eliminated. Sometimes people speak of such a state as nirvana —the cessation of all desires. Some claim to have attained this completely desire less state, but it is doubtful because desire is the symptom of being. Desires must be there. Not to desire at all is to be dead. But the quality of our desires can be changed from negative to positive desires. Majority of people think negative due to disappointment, lack of money, lack of trust, lack of job etc. Lord Buddha did not teach the extinction of all desire, but the extinction of material desires beginning from Ahimsa — nonviolence. And he once declared.” I proclaim the annihilation of all material desire. I teach not the
With VICTOR ANIUKWU
...And Love In Reality (1) extinction of everything but the extinction of Lust. One need have his mortal dead to avoid the clutches of concupiscence. This Lord Buddha called for the blowing out of human passions, epitomized by lust. He did not advocate the blowing out of the soul, which is impossible. it is certainly not beneficial to blow out the desire for spiritual knowledge, nor the desire to lead a life dedicated to the spiritual advancement of others, nor the desire for selfrealization or God consciousness. These are all spiritual desires. Rather we must purge ourselves of desires for sensual pleasure, those
desires resulting from human passions. Note that freedom from lust is truly the highest happiness. From lust all creatures run into distress as they are further tormented in all their spheres of existence and finally visit the cemetery again and again. As it is impossible to eradicate all desires, so we can certainly change the object of our desire. This means transforming material desires and lust into spiritual ones. Actually desires can be purified. This is the purpose of yoga practice or religion. Impure desires can be also be replaced by pure ones, mateial desires can be replaced by spiritual. The transformation of desire accompanies the
“Charity, mildness, compassion, modesty, determination, liberty, liberality, contentment, truthfulness, benevolence and freedom from anger and malice. Finally, “Self control gives us the fortitude to withstand tribulation and endure great suffering in defense of what is right. By it, the mind becomes clear and discriminating. In short, self-control open wide the great doors to material and spiritual peace and joy”.
transformation of consciousness which motivates us to enjoy a higher pleasure and find happiness in it. When the spiritual mind takes control and redirects us to things spiritual, we will come to the realization of the true essence of life. Sex has a natural healthy role to play in human society. But when misused, it brings sufferings, divorce, unwanted pregnancy, which leads to unwanted progeny, disease and even death. We are pleasure seeking creatures. Everyone shuns pain and pursues pleasure. Pleasure in this world means gratifying the senses by contact with sense objects. To gratify the sense of smell, I smell a redolent of lower, to gratify hearing, I listen to music, to gratify sight, I look at something beautiful. To gratify taste, I eat and drink, to gratify touch, I feel an object with my hands. Because sex brings all these senses into play, it is the most in tense form of sense indulgence. During sexual intercourse, all the sense are being excited and gratified. The object that gives us pleasure are varied, and apparently limitless. Although there is a kind of general agreement among people about what is pleasurable, its often said that one man’s pleasure is another’s pain. In the animal kingdom, pigs like stool, and cows eat grass. Swans like nectar, crows like garbage. Of all creatures, man experiences pleasure in the greatest variety of ways: Sensual, intellectual, and spiritual On the sensual level, people take pleasure in sex, eating, sleeping and intoxication. On the intellectual level, pleasure is found in ideas, books, theater, music, architecture etc. And on the spiritual level, pleasure is taken in devotion to God and renouncing sense gratification. Freud saw the life instinct propelled by the need to gratify hunger, thirst, and sex. It is commonly said that a man first thinks of satisfying his stomach, then his genitals. When a man is hungry and thirsty, he eats and drinks, and thereby satisfies his needs and reduces pain and tension. On the gross level, pleasure is simply the relief of pain.
“An intelligent person does not take part in the sources of misery, which are due to contact with the material senses. Such pleasures have a beginning and an end, and so the wise man does not delight in them”.(Bagavad Gita) Infact there is no victory more glorious than the mastery over our own mind and senses. ‘When we are self controlled, we sleep peacefully and awake enthusiastically. We know happiness and contentment. Self-mastery means conquering the body and subduing the restless mind. Until we control the body and mind, we are subject to the slavery of cruel taskmaster such as lust and ignorance. He who rules his own mind and senses has no need for crown and scepter. He is already the Lord of himself and is a real superman. It is harder to control oneself than to rule the world. Indeed he who has conquered himself has already the entire world. To be self-controlled, we must be well established in renunciation. This means renouncing the mind’s endless and insatiable desire to know and experience new things. Temptations must be resisted, evil thought subdued, and baseless desires rejected. Only then will we have lasting peace and joy. Self control is discipline. It is restraint by oneself over oneself It is the power to keep the mind and senses submissive to the direction of the intelligence and eternal soul. Self control yields all knowledge. It increases energy and infact purifies. A wonderful entourage follows in its path: Charity, mildness, compassion, modesty, determination, liberty, liberality, contentment, truthfulness, benevolence and freedom from anger and malice. Finally, “Self control gives us the fortitude to withstand tribulation and endure great suffering in defense of what is right. By it, the mind becomes clear and discriminating. In short, self-control open wide the great doors to material and spiritual peace and joy”.
Opinion
How To Cope With Anger And Hostility
THERE are a number of practical ways that individuals, couples, families and communities can empower themselves to make small yet significant differences in the amount of violence that’s happening in society. Anger is an emotional or behavioral reaction of displeasure to an un met expectation, demand or belief. Anger has tree (3) components: Thinking, feeling and Acting. The Thinking part is negative thoughts and beliefs about others. When we are angry, we may think, “ I ll have to remind her three times and get mad before she’ll set the table” “ you can’t trust him! He’s always out to get what he can for himself” ‘ those gang members don’t deserve protection”. If we think this way, judgments may increase our feeling of threat and actions of defensiveness. The feelings derived from anger include from low to high levels: disappointment annoyance, Irritation, resentment, frustration, contempt and rage. We may turn our thoughts and feelings into actions. When people are angry, they may do a variety of things, shake their finger and say” you turkey! Get your car out of the way!” You called me a turkey? Well see about that”. It helps to understand anger if we look at its three components. The first step to managing anger is to. Be aware of and acknowledge the feelings that indicate you are angry. The early symptoms of anger are disappointment and irritation. One method to control anger is the STAR-R approach stop, Think, Ask, Reduce and Reward.
Habitual hostility can lead to heart attacks and can increase your risk of dying from other causes. Extreme actions that expresses anger include assault and violence. How To Manage Anger There are many popular ways to manage anger. Count to 10 take three deep breaths, take time out, leave the situation, ask yourself if anyone will remember this problem in five years etc. The first step is to STOP: be aware of and acknowledge the feeling that indicate anger, the more aware we are of the early symptoms of disappointment and irritation. The more likely we can take effective steps to solve the problem, decrease our anger and prevent a potentially violent scene. The less aware we are of our anger the more likely we are to have trouble controlling our anger which can turn to rage and actions that hurt ourselves or others. Many times we get angry at others who fail to meet our expectations, when this happens express the anger and unmet expectations in a constructive way that is likely to lead to a resolution. A coustruetive way is to use an “1” statement rather than a “you” statement you always forget to or “ you never pick up your clothes” “you” statements blame when we are blamed, we usually defend ourselves. “What do you mean, I never pick up my clothes? I picked them up the day before yesterday”. How To Control Anger Have you ever been so angry you couldn’t see straight or you felt like taking it out on anyone who
happened to be available, like the dog a spouse or child? These are good times to back off and control your anger.
you’re really angry about; what do-you want? All too often, the family member we’re angry at is just in the PATIENCE B wrong place at the wrong time. you want to run away? THINK-Try to picture Its usually safer to take our the consequence if you anger out on a spouse or lose control. Most of us child than on other people,
Once we control it. We can channel it into successful problem solving by beginning with an I statement. One approach to use is the STARR approach. Stop- notice when you get angry and look for the signs. Is your voice rising, neck tightening face getting hot, hand shaking, jaw tightening and breath shortening? Do
don’t want to hurt our children, spouse, coworkers or others either physically or emotionally. If you try to picture the consequence both for you and for the person with whom you are angry, It can help you engage your brain before you engage your tongue or list. Ask- Ask yourself what
By EJENAVWO
but it is better to deal with anger; let it wear out. REDUCE ANGER- Often we’re so angry that we can’t resolve the problem until we cool down. Ask yourself “what can I do to reduce my anger”? Take a walk or a 20 minute run, a cold shower or bath listen to relaxing music, do stretching exercise, call a
friend, split wood, or sit in the shade and unwind. REWARD-Reward yourself by saying “I did a good job and I’ m going to –“ You have controlled your anger and maintained a bond with a family member, friend or other fellow human being. To continue this new behavior reward yourself, go to lunch, see a movie, buy something special, or spend time with a friend. By controlling anger and thinking about effective solutions we increase our chances of finding health solutions to our problems While research on the effect of hostility and health is relatively new, there is growing evidence that habitual hostility is associated with increased risk of suffering a heart attack and increased risk of dying from other causes. Some researchers find that people who remain angry and hostile much of the time also have less physical activity, less self care e.g, adequate sleep and dental hygiene. More smoking, more alcohol consumption, and more frequent drinking and driving episodes ironically, sometimes anger hurts the angry person most. Each of us can help reduce violence by changing our thoughts of fear, anger, hostility, and possibly rage, to optimism, gratitude and tolerance. We can change our feelings that we or our families are victims.
“While research on the effect of hostility and health is relatively new, there is growing evidence that habitual hostility is associated with increased risk of suffering a heart attack and increased risk of dying from other causes. Some researchers find that people who remain angry and hostile much of the time also have less physical activity, less self care e.g, adequate sleep and dental hygiene. More smoking, more alcohol consumption, and more frequent drinking and driving episodes ironically, sometimes anger hurts the angry person most.”
EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 28, 2014 LUCKY 1.2. X SELECTIONS 8 INTERNATIONAL NOS. HOT PAIRS 13 1 18
2 9 19 30
BANKERS
31
36 40 OUTLOOK
N 7
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14 16 19 42 43 47
1. HIBERNIAN
2
HOT
2. MOTHERWELL
4
TIP
3. STENHOUSEMUIR
16
BBC
4. ALMERA
22 UKB
FALKIRK
8
5. VALLADOLIO
31 NAP
PARMA
38
6. FLORENTINA
33 007
7. INTER MILAN
34 PAY
ELGIN CITY
19
8. TORINO
40 NAP
LIVORNO
36
9. LAZIO
35 CBK
10. LIVORNO
36 XXX
DUMBARTON
7
11. NAPOLI
37 PXT
VALENCIA
12. MORTON
10 PXI
13. DUNDEE UTD
1
}
999
14. ELGIN CITY
19 OKP
15. ST MIRREN
6
CBK
16. DUMBARTON
7
CBK
17. VALENCIA
30 XXX
18. FALKIRK
8
XCB
19. HAMILTON
9
CBK
20. AIRDRIE UTD
12 XXX
30
} } }
XOX
XOX
CCB CCB T0P T0P
BIG BELLS AIRDRIE UTD
12
ACB
STENHOUSEMUIR 16
BXX
VALLADOLID
31
CBK
LIVORNO
36
DEP
TORINO
40
EAT
By SAM EHEBHA GSM:08056626091
SATURDAY RITUALS
7 8 9 10 11
GOSSIP NAP
20 21 22 NAP
47 48
}
PAIR
IF NOT NOW WHEN?
8
A 8 P 9
18
EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 28, 2014 WATSON WEST 1.2.X FORECAST
By SAM EHEBHA GSM:08056626091
Your Star
EDITOR’S NAP
RICHWELL NAP
NAP 40 XX 40 XX 40 NAP 47 XX 47 XX 47 PAIR 19 Vs 36 PAIR 21 OR 22 GOODLUCK LET IT BE
PAIR 11 OR 12 WATCH OUT
OKUNS NAP NAP 30 XX 30 XX 30
PAIR 7 OR 36 THERE IS HOPE
NAP 6 XX 6 XX 6 PAIR 10 OR 19 EXECUTIVE
J. B. NAP
SUNNY NAP NAP 16 XX 16 XX 16
MURPHY NAP
NAP 31 XX 31 XX 31 PAIR : 1 or 2 BE A WINNER
PAKER NAP NAP 24 XX 24 XX 24 PAIR 8 OR 38 FOR SURE
PAUL NAP
ODION NAP
NAP 31 XX 31 XX 31 PAIR 1 0R 16 DRAW IS DRAW
NAP 10 XX 10 XX 10 PAIR 31 OR 32 BE MY GUEST
GUESSING GAMES
36
31
47 16
@
40
SMOKING GUN BEWARE
3 4 11 15 20 23
5 25 26 32 37 45 48 FOR THREE DRAWS?
Hazard Rules Out PSG Switch EDEN Hazard has ruled
Mata Move Would Lift Man United
GARY Neville does not believe Juan Mata fits in with the “typical philosophy” of Manchester United - but feels the Chelsea star would bring plenty of positives if he did make the move to Old Trafford. In the wake of stories suggesting an approach for the Spain international was imminent, United have denied making a bid. However, with almost two weeks left before the transfer window closes there is still time for United to possibly try and make the kind of addition many fans have been crying out for. During his commentary of the Red Devils’ 3-1 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday, Neville outlined a view that his old club needed at
- Neville
least three players to lift flagging morale, but in the difficult January window, getting them would be virtually impossible. Mata’s desire to cement a place in Spain’s World Cup squad, having failed to secure a regular starting berth under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, may make the situation far easier in his case, even if Chelsea, rebuffed twice in their attempts to sign Wayne Rooney last summer, may wonder why they should do business with the Old Trafford club. It has been suggested Neville does not believe it is a good idea either. However, in a series of Tweets this morning, England’s assistant coach has clarified his view.
David Moyes
No Panic Buys At United - Moyes
Juan Mata
MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes insists there will be no panic buys in the wake of the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea. United are now 14 points behind Manchester City in adrift of Arsenal at the top, 13 second and 12 away from Chelsea. But, despite their struggles, Moyes insists that their longterm planning will not be replaced by short-term thinking, no matter what their Alex Ferguson and his players to results are. regain the title in 2013. It is clear the squad Moyes Asked if he could change his inherited needs a radical plans to fix their short-term overhaul, but despite seventhissues, he told Sky Sports: “Not placed United trailing leaders because of results. Arsenal, Manchester City and “The club know exactly what Chelsea by 14, 13 and 12 points, we want to do and the direction respectively, Carrick is refusing we want to go and the type of to throw in the towel. players we want to bring to the “We just keep going,” Carrick club and a lot aren’t available added. in this window. If we could get “We don’t want to write any of them we would do, we anything off at this stage. It is not are trying but more than likely a position we are used to or most people know it is difficult. accustomed to. “I think the club have always “We never give up. We will said it is long-term, we know keep fighting. That is what we do. there is a job to be done and “We still believe. We have to we have an idea of players we try and win as many games as we
Carrick, Moyes To Pay Back United Fans
DAVID Moyes and Michael Carrick hope to give Manchester United supporters a reason to be cheerful in Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final with Sunderland. United fell 14 points off the Premier League pace with defeat at Chelsea on Sunday, their fourth loss from five games in 2014. Moyes’ men are six points adrift of the Champions League qualification places, but overturning another deficit is of more immediate concern when Sunderland visit Old Trafford with a 2-1 first-leg advantage. “The fans have been unbelievable over the last month or so especially,” Carrick told MUTV. “Times have been difficult. Performances have not been that bad actually but results have been pretty awful for us to take. “We are giving everything at the minute, it is just not going our way. If we all stick together I am sure it will turn soon. “We want to play again as quickly as possible. Wednesday is another big game. “It is an opportunity to get to a final. You can’t take that lightly.” Moyes added on MUTV: “We will try and do everything we can to get through. “I want to give the supporters something to cheer about. There has not been an awful lot. I am fully aware of that.” Even if United do overcome Sunderland to reach Wembley, the rampaging Manchester City would be their likely opponents after their 6-0 first leg defeat of West Ham. It was City’s 2012 Premier League triumph on goal difference which inspired Sir
can and see where it takes us.” Changes are inevitable against Sunderland after Nemanja Vidic earned a three-match ban for his late dismissal for a bad tackle on Eden Hazard and Patrice Evra limped off in the second half. Moyes might have been contemplating a defensive overhaul anyway after Samuel Eto’o capitalised on United’s shortcomings at the back three times . “If we are going to give goals away from set pieces like that it is going to be very hard for us,” Moyes said. “I knew the game would be tight, and it was except two setpieces which has really changed the game. Apart from that I think we have had as many chances if not more than Chelsea. We had done a lot of good things in the game but football is about scoring goals and we didn’t and Chelsea did. “We can only blame ourselves, nobody else.”
would like to bring in and we would like them now, but more than likely won’t be.” Moyes refused to rule United out of the title race, but admits it would not be easy from here. “It is a long way away, we will never say it is gone and we will do our best to get back in and the only thing we can do is try and win our next game and we will try and do that,” he said. Talking about the game, Moyes admits whilst his side played well in patches, their defending let them down. “We got a bit unlucky with the first goal and a deflection but the other two came from set-pieces and that is our own fault and that is nobody else’s fault. Terrible defending on the first goal and just as bad on one just after half-time,” he continued. “I thought we played quite well at times, especially in first period but we just lacked that bit. We just needed someone to take on one of their chances.
out leaving Chelsea to join Paris St Germain this month. The Belgian attacking midfielder has been in thrilling form for Jose Mourinho’s team but has also been linked with a move to the French capital. He scotched the prospect of such a move during an appearance on the French television programme Telefoot, on channel TF1. Hazard, 23, said: “In every transfer window for the last four years people have been saying I’m going here or there. “It was the same when I was at Lille. It’s often Paris, because Paris have money, Paris are a big club. “But my choice is Chelsea, I play all the time, and I like it here.
“There’s no chance of seeing me leave in this transfer window. Even in the summer. “I’ve no desire to leave. I think this is the best place for me to progress.” Hazard was prised away from Lille by Chelsea in June 2012, costing a reported £32 million. Mourinho said earlier this month there was “no chance” of selling Hazard.
Eden Hazard
Eto’o Hoping For Mallorca CAMEROON international Return Samuel Eto’o says he is hoping to rejoin Mallorca at the end of his spell with Chelsea. The former Barcelona player scored a hat-trick as the Blues registered a 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday after he was handed a rare start by Jose Mourinho. “Before the game I spoke with Jose,” said Eto’o. “I told him I like big games and I wanted to play in this game. “It’s tough. He has big strikers, Fernando, Demba. He gave me my opportunity. “I’m so happy for me, for the
team and the supporters.” Eto’o joined the Blues on a one-year-deal at the start of the season but he admits that he still has a soft spot for former club Mallorca. “I’ll always like Barcelona, but I personally prefer Mallorca,” he said. “My son has pressured me to finish my career there, my son is from there. “I have signed on at Chelsea for the entire season and will try to enjoy it and later on, I will go to Mallorca.”
Cazorla Apologises To Spurs Fans
SANTI Cazorla has apologised for any offence caused after a picture circulated on Twitter of him holding a sign insulting club rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The controversy started due to an image of Cazorla holding a sign with a French fan and former Arsenal player Robert Pires which read: “What do we think of Tottenham? S—. And what do we think s—? Tottenham.” The picture was posted on Twitter and was retweeted more than 1,000 times. The Daily Telegraph reports that Arsenal “reminded Santi Cazorla of his club responsibilities”
following the controversy, although the Spain international tweeted to say that he had been unaware of what was written on the sign.
Arsene Wenger
Samuel Eto’o
Spurs Eyeing Kalou TOTTENHAM Hotspur are Swoop inching closer to the signature of Ivory Coast international and Lille winger Salomon Kalou, according to the Daily Mirror. Kalou has been in excellent form making the trip from Chelsea two years ago to return back to Ligue 1 and has so far scored six goals in his second season at the club, while his first saw him rake in 14. The North London outfit are keen to add extra scoring reinforcements with Jermain Defoe having left the club and Roberto Soldado yet to hit form, and it is said that the Ivoirian is the club’s primary target. It is also rumoured that the Lilywhites will have to fend off
bids from Liverpool and Arsenal, who also seem to have stirred some interest in him.
Salomon Kalou
Uli Hoeness Defends ‘Major Mistake’
Barca Bosses Propose New Stadium At Camp Nou BARCELONA president Sandro Rosell on Monday dismissed the idea of building a new stadium elsewhere in the Catalan city and instead proposed that the Spanish club build on the site of the Camp Nou. “The Board has unanimously decided to put the plan to build a new stadium on the structure of the Camp Nou to the shareholders,” Rosell told a press conference. “The option of building a new stadium in a new location has been ruled out ... the final cost of the operation could jeopardize the club,” said Rosell. “The cost of going to Diagonal (the proposed new location) is very high, almost double,” he said. “It has been a difficult decision, the two projects were extremely attractive,” he said, stressing that the responsibility of management “was to present viable project.” FC Barcelona director for economic and strategy Jordi Moix explained that the plans for the Camp Nou was a “complex technical project” which would cost an
“acceptable” 600 million euros and would extend the venue’s capacity from 99,000 to 105,000 spectators. The new stadium would cost about 400 million euros and the remainder would cover the upgrading of facilities, club economic vice-president Javier Faus said. FC Barcelona members can vote on the project in a referendum on April 5 and 6. If approved, the project will take place over the next six or eight years, said Faus. Built in 1957, the Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe.
Uli Hoenes
Monaco In David Versus Goliath Tie
THE romance of the Cup is very much alive in France, where Monaco’s trip to fourth-tier amateurs Chasselay in the last 32 today will see them come up against one very familiar face. The principality side, second Monaco, captaining them on in Ligue 1, will look to avoid their run to the 2004 an upset when they meet Champions League final first opponents who are battling to time around and then returning avoid relegation from the for a season in the second French Amateur division two years ago. In between, the little winger Championship. Chasselay are struggling won the Champions League despite the presence in their and two Spanish titles with side of one of the most Barcelona, had a spell with decorated players in the recent Roma and spent three years at Paris Saint-Germain, helping history of French football. Now 37, Ludovic Giuly them beat Monaco in the 2010 enjoyed two spells with French Cup final.
Anelka Charged Over ‘Quenelle’ ‘quenelle’ salute, putting one WEST Bromwich Salute arm across his chest and Albion striker Nicolas Anelka has been charged after making an allegedly anti-Semitic salute during a recent match, the
Nicolas Anelka
BAYERN Munich president Uli Hoeness has insisted he is “not a bad person” as his trial for tax evasion draws closer. Hoeness filed a voluntary disclosure in January last year that showed he had not paid tax on money in a Swiss bank account, and he will go before a Munich court in March over the charges. Speaking at a fan club meeting in Aalen on Sunday, Hoeness — who had previously been lauded for his charity work — said: “I don’t want to be glorified as a holy man. I know that I’ve committed a major mistake, but I don’t think that makes me a bad person.” He has received the backing of the club and, during the Bayern AGM last year, asked for a vote of confidence from the club members. Bayern’s sporting director,
Football Association announced yesterday. The 34-year-old French striker performed the
straightening the other, during West Brom’s 3-3 draw at West Ham United in the Premier League last month. “The FA has charged the West Bromwich Albion player Nicolas Anelka following an incident that occurred during the West Ham United versus West Bromwich Albion fixture at the Boleyn Ground on 28 December 2013,” read a statement published on the FA website. “It is alleged that, in the 40th minute of the fixture, Anelka made a gesture which was abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper, contrary to FA Rule E3[1]. “It is further alleged that this is an aggravated breach, as defined in FA Rule E3[2], in that it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief.”
After ending his top-level career last year, Giuly returned to his native Lyon and joined tiny Chasselay, his very first club who are coached by Stephane Santini, son of former France boss Jacques Santini. Together, they are plotting the downfall of Radamel Falcao’s Monaco in a game that will be played at Lyon’s Stade de Gerland rather than at their own modest home, the Stade Ludovic Giuly. “This is like a jubilee for me. It couldn’t be better. We will try to pull off a shock,” said Giuly, and plenty of other minnows will try to do the same thing. Lille, who are third in Ligue 1, are preparing for a derby against fifth-tier minnows Croix, who hail from the suburbs of the northern French city. Meanwhile, in-form Lyon go to fourth division outfit Yzeure, who eliminated Ligue 1 Lorient in the last round, and the holders Bordeaux go to Corsica to face Ile-Rousse.
There are also two all-Ligue 1 ties, with Marseille facing Nice in a south-coast derby that has added importance for both teams given that the French Cup is their only chance of winning a trophy this season. “It is an objective for us because it’s a trophy so we will do everything we can to win it,” said OM coach Jose Anigo ahead of the match at the Stade Velodrome. The last two Ligue 1 champions also go head to head, with Paris SaintGermain hosting Montpellier at the Parc des Princes, where the capital club have not lost since November 2012. Already five points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and through to the semi-finals of the League Cup, PSG are chasing an unprecedented domestic treble and few expect them to have any problems against a struggling Montpellier side, even if they have shown signs of improvement recently.
Schalke 04 have banned almost 500 Borussia Dortmund fans from their stadium for five years after crowd trouble marred this season’s Ruhr valley derby. With the two teams set to meet in Dortmund in March, Schalke said it had banned 498 visiting fans from watching a game at Auf Schalke arena or in the surrounding stadium area until 2019. “The stadium bans are against visiting fans in the derby who on purpose cause trouble and
endanger the safety of all fans, players and officials in the stadium,” Schalke said in a statement yesterday. Dortmund supporters destroyed stadium fencing, lit flares and threw them onto the pitch and into the home supporters’ stands during their 3-1 win at Schalke in October. The decision comes three days after clashes between Cologne and visiting Schalke supporters before a friendly game that left one man seriously injured.
Schalke Ban Hundreds Of Dortmund Fans For BUNDESLIGA club Five Years
Matthias Sammer, told another fan club meeting on Sunday that Hoeness remained key to the European champions. Munich-based newspaper Abendzeitung quoted him as saying: “We need Uli. He is our dad!” Former Bayern defender Breno has revealed that Hoeness has regularly visited him during his imprisonment for arson. The Brazilian, who is hoping to be released from prison in order to join Sao Paulo, told Bild: “Uli Hoeness has always been very close to me. I have my fingers crossed that he does not have to go to prison. He is a good man, a fantastic person. I hope that everything will turn out fine for him.”The Hoeness case, which begins on March 10, is expected to last four days. If convicted, Hoeness could be facing imprisonment, parole or a heavy fine.
Pereira Agrees Sao Paulo Switch ALVARO Pereira has expressed his enthusiasm at joining Sao Paulo from Inter on an initial 18-month loan. The Uruguayan yesterday evening completed formalities on the temporary deal to leave San Siro to sign for the Brazilian outfit. Having struggled for playing time this term under Walter Mazzarri, the midfielder has stated his desire to make the most of this deal, which includes a purchase option of 7m Euros. “It is a pleasure and a great responsibility for me to play here,” Pereira commented after the transfer’s completion. “It is going to be a major challenge for my career, because I want to continue the success of Uruguay players who have made history with Sao Paulo. “It is a dream for me to defend the colours of one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am sure that this will add a lot to my career. “I want to stay here for a long time and give joy to the fans.”
Alvaro Pereira
Ronaldo Honoured By Portugues President
Beckham To Star In Special Only Fools And Horses Episode SPORTS relief have announced that David Beckham will feature in an Only Fools and Horses one-off sketch in aid of the charity later this year. On 21 March, the former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United midfielder, who is said to be a big fan of the show, will make a special guest appearance with legendary actors David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst — aka Del Boy and Rodney Trotter.
Portuguese forward and winner of the 2014 FIFA Ballon D’Or, Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva standing near the trophy before a ceremony at Presidential Palace in Lisbon.
Govts Must Do More To Fight Fixing, Says FIFA
FOOTBALLERS who take part in match-manipulation risk sports federations and betting losing their careers if caught but those who induce the players companies to take joint-action and set up the fix do so at almost no risk to themselves, according against match-fixing. “This means that when we to FIFA’s head of security Ralf Mutschke. In the last few years, dozens of which the governments are not come from FIFA or a national players have been banned, many doing,” he said referring to a FA, trying to convince the for life, for trying to manipulate resolution passed in 2011 police to launch investigations, matches, often driven to do so in which called on governments, they say we have no desperation after months of not being paid at all by cash-strapped clubs. Recent cases have involved, among others, the Austrian Bundesliga, English football’s semi-professional sixth tier and the El Salvador national side, where 14 regular internationals, who have formed the core of the national side for the last decade, received life bans. “The fixer is moving from one player or referee to the next, and is basically exempt, cannot be prosecuted, but when we know about the players, we ban them from life from football,” said Mutschke. “It’s not a good deterrent for FIFA Head of Security, Ralf Mutschke organised crime, for the criminals, and I say clearly, we need the assistance of governments, and the political will to change. “We would like the criminals, the ones bribing the players, to get FORMER table tennis perseverance,” Xinhua quoted a stricter sentence to deter them. world champion Cai Zhenhua Cai as saying. Currently there is no deterrent, has been appointed the new “What I am saying is not a they are moving around, they president of the Chinese slogan. By determination I approaching people, with what we Football Association, the mean I will put in real efforts call cold approach. Xinhua news agency said on to set goals and to bring “They have no risk, and that is Tuesday. Chinese soccer back to its right awful.” A well-decorated paddler track,” said Cai, credited for Mutschke said governments who achieved greater success laying the foundation for his were, in most cases, “not doing as coach, Cai, also China’s vice country’s table tennis enough. sports minister, will replace the supremacy in the last two “In Italy they are doing 75-year-old Yuan Weimin decades. something, and they have a lot of following the first reshuffle of Football will pose a bigger criminal investigations. But, in the the CFA executive board in a challenge for the 53-year-old other parts of Europe, most decade. as powerful football countries do not have proper laws “There are so many heavy bureaucracy, poor against match manipulation. tasks and time is limited. I just management, piecemeal youth “Look at the Council of Europe, want to say three words: training schemes and you have an initiative that match determination, confidence and widespread underground manipulation should be penalised,
jurisdiction and it is not a priority for us. This is not acceptable.” In one case, a court in Switzerland, FIFA’s host nation, acquitted three players in a match-fixing case, saying there were no obvious victims of bets place online. FIFA president Sepp Blatter described the verdict as “an own goal.”
CRISTIANO Ronaldo was on Monday awarded one of the most prestigious honours in Portugal from the country’s President Anibal Cavaco Silva. The Portugal captain and Real Madrid forward was awarded the Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique, the Order of Prince Henry, in the presidential palace in Lisbon. Silva paid tribute to “the extraordinary talent of Ronaldo ... who brings prestige to Portugal around the world.” He congratulated Ronaldo for “his talent, discipline and the determination he has always shown ... an example for young generations.” The 28-year-old received an honour that was created in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of one of the most important figures in the Portuguese Empire. The ceremony took place at the presidential palace in Belem, just outside Lisbon, a week
after Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or title for the second time, and the world’s top footballer brought his new trophy with him. The trophy will now go on display in the museum opened last December in Madeira, the Portuguese island from where Ronaldo comes. “It gives me great pride to represent Portugal in the world,” said Ronaldo. “This distinction is a source of additional motivation to continue to work harder and represent Portugal at the highest level.” Silva had intended to award the honour to “CR7” on January 7 but the ceremony was pushed back following the death of Portuguese football legend Eusebio. Ronaldo, who also own the Ballon d’or in 2008, is the first Portuguese player to receive the award twice. Eusebio won it in 1965 and Luis Figo in 2001. The former Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United player has played 109 times for Portugal, scoring 47 goals.
Benzema Will Plead Innocence their respective clubs. While KARIM Benzema’s lawyer has stated the Real Madrid player’s determination to prove his innocence in the face of allegations that he had sex with an underage prostitute. Neither Benzema, 26, nor fellow France international Franck Ribery, 30, were in court when the hearing into accusations against them began in Paris on Monday. While Ribery has admitted having sexual relations with Zahia
Former Table Tennis Champ Heads Chinese Football betting rings have corroded the sport and restricted China to just one World Cup finals appearance and no Asian Cup success. China are also without a manager since sacking former Spain boss Juan Antonio Camacho in June following a bad run of results, including a 5-1 loss to Thailand, with Fu Bo in temporary charge. They are ranked 92nd by world governing body FIFA. Cai sounded conscious of the challenge ahead. “The stern reality of Chinese soccer forces us to make complete changes. I am burdened with a colossal task,” he added.
- Lawyer
Defar, now 21, in Munich in April 2009, he denies knowing she was underage at the time. Benzema, on the other hand, denies any sexual relationship with Defar, who is alleged to have slept with the Real Madrid striker after a French football awards ceremony in May 2008. “From the very start, Karim Benzema has explained that nothing happened on May 11, 2008,” Benzema’s lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, told media outside the courtroom. “We’re going to try and show that’s the truth, perhaps even prove it. I’m hoping the case will be dropped. [It should be] dropped pure and simple, not simply on the basis of benefit of the doubt or an allegation. There are inconsistencies and undoubtedly lies in the case against him.” The pair, who face up to three years in prison and a 45,000 euro fine each if convicted, were both absent due to commitments with
Ribery is due to resume the Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich this Friday, Benzema will feature for Madrid in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey tie at Espanyol. “The law states absolutely that you can be represented by your lawyer,” Cormier argued. “It’s widely practiced, actually. There’s no reason there should be an exception on account of his fame. A schedule was worked out for the hearing, and an unforeseen obstacle came up with qualification for the Copa del Rey, which falls right in the middle of this.”
Benzema
CHAN 2014... CHAN 2014... CHAN 2014... Gabon Target Historic Quarter final
Obasuyi Wants Super Eagles To Remain Consistent By NICHOLAS EBOIGBE
THE Head Coach of Football, Edo State Sports Council, Emmanuel Obasuyi has charged the Super Eagles to remain consistent in their performance during the rest matches of the Africa Nations Championship holding in South Africa. Obasuyi said if the home Eagles are able to do so by stepping up their game, they will surpass the quarter finals and win the title. “Agreed that they did not do well in their opening game with Mali but you can see that they improved in the other two matches against Mozambique and South Africa”. He explained that the Super Eagles performance in the quarter final Match will determine whether they will win the trophy or not. He advised Keshi to strengthen the defence and strike force in order for the Super Eagles to live up to expectations in subsequent games of the championship. Obasuyi believes that same of the players are good enough to feature in the World Cup in Brazil. “You have players like Azubuike, Ozoeyin with greet potentials. These Ozoeyin with great potentials. These are brilliant materials that will go places”. He urged the Nigerian Football stakeholders to support Coach Stephen Keshi and the team with prayers so they can triumph in matches.
Nigeria’s Rabiu Ali (left) in aerial contest withChabangu of South Africa during their last group game of CHAN. Nigeria won 3-1.
GABON face Mauritania today at the Free State Stadium, in a 2014 African Nations Championship match day 3 encounter in Group D (kick-off is set at 19h00 CAT). Currently lying in fourth and last place of their pool after two consecutive losses, the Mourabitounes are already out of the continental tournament but will be looking for a last stand against the Panthers. However, Patrice Neveu’s men have no reason to be ashamed of their performance in South Africa, following a narrow loss at the hands of DR Congo and a last-second blow against Burundi. Mauritania’s first participation in such a
Super Eagles Played With Relaxed Mind
THE Super Eagles Team Psychologist, Robinson Okosun, said yesterday that the team was made to play with relaxed mind in order to secure their 3-1 win against South Africa. The Eagles’ victory pressure and so, they propelled the team to the should play their normal quarter-finals of the ongoing game. Africa Nations “If you check our Championship (CHAN). records, you will find out Okosun told journalists in that the first games are Cape Town, South Africa, always difficult for that the Eagles handlers used Nigeria, the first two games against “But, what we have Mali and Mozambique to done is to use the first game to check our evolve a winning formula. “In the match against mistakes and propel the South Africa, they were told team forward,’’ he said. to play with relaxed mind. Okosun said Eagles “We also told them that the goalkeeper, Chigozie South Africans will be under Agbim’s improved
Stephen Keshi
-Team Psychologist
performance was due to the confidence infused in him by the team coaches. “After our first game, I took Agbim on and had five closed sessions with him personally — one-on-one and you can see the result. “His confidence is back and it will continue like that until the end of the
tournament,’’ he said. Okosun said the 3-1 defeat of the hosts boosted the morale of the team to go all out to aim to win the tournament. “Having come out from our group, Nigeria is the team to watch in this tournament,’’ he said.
continental tournament was the opportunity for them to gain experience, two months before the start of the 2015 AFCON qualifying campaign. After a slow start against the Swallows in their opening game, Gabon managed to bounce back and keep alive their dreams of a last eight ticket following their 1-0 win over the Leopards, thanks to a powerful header by US Bitam defender Erwin Nguéma. In second place in Group D with four points under their belt, the Panthers are on equal footing with Burundi, who top the group on goal difference. And a draw against the Mauritanians should be enough for Daniel Cousin and his teammates to book their spot in the next round. Absent from the first edition of the African Nations Championship in Ivory Coast in 2009, Gabon exited the tournament after the Group stage in 2011 in Sudan, finishing third in their Group A. And a qualification for the quarterfinals in South Africa would be a great achievement for Gabonese football. In the other Group D encounter, Burundi will clash with DR Congo at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
... Battle Morocco For CHAN Semis
NIGERIA will now Saturday in Cape Town. Morocco finished top of battle Morocco in the Group B with five points, quarterfinal of African while Nigeria finished Nations Championship on
The Boys Have Made History, Says Gorowa
ZIMBABWE coach Ian Gorowa says that he is thrilled for his Zimbabwe team who made history by reaching the CHAN 2014 quarterfinals. The Warriors beat Burkina Faso 1-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals along with Morocco – who beat Uganda - from Group B. Masimba Mambare scored the all-important goal, a brave near post header which sent the thousands of Zimbabwe fans at Athlone Stadium into a frenzy. “We have been playing well and scoring goals. I think we can still do better. But I was happy with our performance
in the first two games – we just could not score,” reflects Gorowa. “History has been made because Zimbabwe has never made it to the quarterfinals of any tournament. But we can improve and I am very proud of my boys.” “The supporters have been amazing, I must be honest. They have supported us through and through, right from the start of the event, and I think the fans give our players an edge. “I think this win at Athlone Stadium (against Burkina Faso) we will dedicate to our fans.” Zimbabwe face Mali on Saturday in the quarterfinals.
second in Group A with six points. Morocco beat Uganda 3-1 in their last group game on Monday to book a place in the last eight, while Nigeria stopped hosts South Africa by the same goal margin to reach the knockout stage of the competition. The two nations are making their debut in the competition this year having missed the two previous editions. Kick-off on Saturday is 5pm Nigerian time. Incidentally, Morocco ousted defending champions Tunisia to qualify for this year’s tournament. Both countries have met 18 times at full international level with Morocco having upper hand, winning eight games against the six won by Nigeria, and four games have ended in draws.