THE NIGERIAN
Weekend
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
CMYK
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PUBLISHED SINCE OCTOBER 6, 1990 • Vol. XI NO. 3,263 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 20 14
• N 100.00
Declining Oil Revenue
Financial Crisis Deepens
• Some States, LGs Cannot Pay Salaries • Naira Gasps For Breath
By OSAZUA IVBAZE/RICHARD IMHOAGENE
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S the nation’s financial crisis deepens following declining oil fortunes, the federal government has been compelled to introduce austerity measures which many have described as cosmetic, considering the enormity of the situation. Many have since shown dissatisfaction with the measures adopted by the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria, stating that the country requires more than mere window dressing to survive the coming days.
• Austerity Measures Can Only Weaken The Middle Class, Flush Out The Poor, And Enrich The Already Wealthy - Analysts • Jonathan Told To Look Beyond Oil Continues on pgs. 4&5
Oil installations: Neglect of agriculture has compounded Nigeria’s woes
NEWS
• Dieziani Alison-Madueke, Petroleum Minister
Pg. 2
Supreme Court Reinstates Impeached Taraba Deputy Gov Sanni Danladi
SATURDAY TOPIC
Pgs. 10/11
Boko Haram: Where Are The Missing Soldiers
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
FG Inaugurates Committee To Review National Defence Policy THE Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau (Rtd), on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated the Presidential Committee on the Review of the Nigeria National Defence Policy (NNDP). The committee has 28 members with AVM. Mohammed Umar (Rtd) as its Chairman, and Maj.-Gen. A. Adewuyi as its Vice Chairman. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Gusau said that the current National Defence Policy was promulgated in 2006. “Since then the nation has undergone a lot of transformation in terms of developments as well as security challenges. “There are also new developments and challenges in the global environment that had direct impact on our national defence and security. “All these highlight the need for the review of the National Defence Policy in order to
bring it in line with the new developments, emerging and anticipated threats and challenges.“ The minister drew the attention of the members to the terms of reference in the convening order and some fundamental issues for their consideration. He said that the 1999 Constitution 14(2)(b) states that the security and welfare of the people is primary purpose of government. Section 14(2)(c) states that the participation of the people in their government shall be ensured. He said that security embodied the defence of sovereignty, but the constitution was silent on how people should participate in defending the country. The minister also drew the attention of the members to the mention of the Armed Forces of the Federation in Section 217(1&2) of the
Constitution under the Executive, saying that it did not capture the concept of total defence which most countries had adopted. According to him, this myopia results in the
conceptualisation and implementation of the defence policy as that which affect the armed forces
primarily, adding that such an idea was inconsistent with the culture of participatory democracy. “Recent challenges suggest that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had not met
NEC Raises Alarm Over Dwindling Excess Crude Account
THE National Economic Council (NEC) has raised alarm over the dwindling Excess Crude Account (ECA) occasioned by the drop in oil price. Addressing State House correspondents after the monthly NEC meeting in Abuja, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Adefulure, said the Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, briefed the council on the state of the nation’s excess crude account. The meeting was presided over by Vice-President Namadi Sambo. She said Yuguda, who represented the Minister of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, informed the meeting
that the excess crude account stood at 4.1 billon dollars. “The Minister of State for Finance, who represented the Minister of Finance, reported to Council that the excess crude account stands at 4.1 billon dollars. “The Minister stated that the drop in oil price is affecting the inflow of money in to the excess crude account but the Federal Government is trying hard to stabilize the currency. “The Accountant General will circulate details of the account to Member.“ She announced that the council approved the need for the Inspector General of
Police to enforce the directives for the dismantling of road blocks for revenue collection on the highways across the Federation. According to her, the council also directed the Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Joint Tax Board and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to commence the process of amending the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act with emphasis on the review of the VAT rate. She said the council considered and approved the
BNCL Pledges support for World Christian November 29, 2014 at the fellowship, stating that the new Stadium in Araromi, Fellowship company was the first Akure-Ondo State.
THE Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, has called on politicians to respect constituted authority, follow due process and desist from using thugs. Abba, however, warned that the force would apply all lawful means to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country. This is contained in a statement issued by the Force Spokesman, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, on Thursday. The statement also said that the police would apply the “full weight of the law on any political actor, who violates the peace and security of the nation’’. It said that the force
By GEDU LONGLIFE/ OSAGIE GRACE
THE General Manager of Bendel Newspaper Company Limited (BNCL), Rev. Monday Aigbe has pledged his support for the Worldwide Christian Fellowship, promising to partner with them and support their vision for the country as nothing on earth can be accomplished without prayer. Rev. Aigbe gave this assurance in his office yesterday when the group’s coordinator, Prophet Okoduwa Atorkpa paid a courtesy visit to the company to solicit for partnership towards the 14th Edition of Nigeria National Fasting and Prayer Day scheduled for
The Coordinator, Prophet Atorkpa, in his speech, thanked the
General Manager for his continuous support towards the growth of the
media organisation that brought the fellowship to limelight.
‘attaché schedule’ containing the reviewed list of taxes and levies collectable by the three tiers of government for publication by the Joint Tax Board (JTB). Adefulure stated that the council directed the Ministry of Mining and Solid Development and all the relevant agencies at the state level to work closely to resolve all issues associated with the mining of solid minerals nationwide and make appropriate recommendations to NEC. She said the council received a presentation on Integrated Test Treat and Larval
IG Urges Politicians To Respect Constituted Authority, Shun Thuggery deployed its personnel to the premises of the National Assembly on Thursday following intelligence report that hoodlums and thugs were about to invade the House of Representatives. “Consequently, the police condoned off the area and began screening all members and visitors alike. “In the course of this lawful exercise, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, the Speaker of House Representatives, arrived the venue with a motley crowd, who broke the cordon and assaulted the police. “They evaded due process and the police had the duty to restore order and normalcy, using lawful means,’’ the statement said.
Tsav Lambasts Police For Playing Into Hands Of Politicians Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Louis Odion (2nd right), in handshake with the Chairman, Board of Directors, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Mr. Dan Owegie during his visit to the Commissioner on Thursday. With them is a board member, Hon. A. Asemota (left).
Supreme Court Reinstates Impeached Taraba THE Supreme Court has Deputy Gov Sanni Danladi ordered the immediate reinstatement of Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Sanni Danladi, who was impeached by the state House of Assembly in October 2012. In a unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court held that the impeachment panel set up by the House of Assembly to investigate the allegations against Danladi violated his rights to fair hearing.
the intent of the Constitution for “adequate and effective management for defence aggression, maintenance of territorial integrity and the suppression of insurrection.
The impeachment panel was said to have gone ahead with its proceedings without hearing Danladi and recommended his impeachment, while the panel snubbed his court papers which he served on it to challenge its composition. Justice Sylvester Ngwuta who delivered the lead judgment held that there seemed to be conspiracy
between both the Taraba State High Court and the “kangaroo” impeachment panel to frustrate the appellant. He held that set aside the judgments of both the Court of Appeal and the Taraba State High Court, which had dismissed Danaladi’s suit. The apex court held that the two lower courts ought to have resolved the issue
of fair hearing in favour of Danladi. Danladi was impeached about a month before the governor of the state, Dambaba Suntai, was involved in an air accident. Garba Umar, who was appointed to replace Danladi, was later elevated as the acting governor, following Suntai’s ill health that resulted from the crash.
A FORMER Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has lambasted the Nigeria Police Force for allowing itself to be used by politicians to settle scores. Tsav told newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi that the police trying to prevent the Speaker of the House of Representative, Aminu Tambual, from entering the House, was “most unfortunate”. He said the act portrayed the police as subversive agents and not law enforcers. “The Nigeria Police Force is being used as agents to breach the laws of this country; what they did smacks of gangsterism and total disrespect to national institutions. “By tear gassing the members of the House of Reps it showed that the
police are acting a script which is not only unfortunate but barbaric, this shows that the police is immature, partisan and primitive,” Tsav said. He also blamed the police for its double standard in dealing with security issues in the country. “Are the laws in this country only binding on the opposition parties, why do the police remain silent when it involves the ruling party, the PDP.” Tsav regretted the constant use of the police personnel against the opposition political parties, saying it had the potency of causing disharmony. He also advised politicians, especially those in the ruling party to exercise maturity and tolerance in handling political issues to avoid breakdown of law and order.
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BENIN CITY is evidently endowed with a rich sociocultural history with timeless structures and artifacts scattered all over the city to account for the past, adorn the presence, and chart the path of the future. For the people, such scenery does not only beautify the city, it also reminds them of what was, and gives them a hope of what is to come. The Urhokpota Hall is one of such structures. Standing firm just adjacent the king’s square, lying beside the ever-busy Oba Market, the structure is as captivating as the tales surrounding its existence. The sight suggests an ancient enclave of historical importance among the people. After several investigations by W E E K E N D OBSERVER, two main accounts seem to provide the best explanation to the origin surrounding the building and why it is an important part of the history of Benin City. An account by
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Raymond Osogbe, our Palace correspondent, states that e t y m o l o g i c a l l y, Urhokpota is a combination of two Benin words “Uro” and “Ukpota” meaning the door of Ukpota. Legend has it that Ukpota was a potent Diviner for one of the Obas at the time and hailed from Esan land. Osogbe recounts that the spot where the hall presently sits was where Ukpota’s hut was located. The available historical evidence that supports this account is not very clear about the
Urhokpota Hall, Benin City By RICHARD IMHOAGENE particular Oba that reigned at the time. However, it was said that there was not an issue or problem brought before him that he could not resolve. The other account of the origin of Urhokpota states that the word Urhokpota
refers to “Big Talk.” People sought the dweller for words of wisdom and proverbs. It is said that the one who lived there was full of rich words of knowledge and caught the admiration of all including the Oba. His prowess for “Big Talk” attracted all
and sundry from every nook and cranny of the city, making it a popular haven for social gathering among the local people. These two accounts, though similar, provide different versions of a place that has now become fully commercialized. Some
years ago, before the commission of Oba Akenzua cultural centre, Urhokpota hall used to be the hub of social events like marriages, and other ceremonial parties. Every other weekend Urhokpota hall played host to one event or the other. Recently, the tide has changed. The same Urhokpota hall appears to have fizzled out of the minds of people when they are to make choices of locations for their ceremonies and events. It has now been reduced to a car park for people who visit surrounding places or the popular Oba Market. Investigations revealed that motorists pay a parking toll of N200 for a space, as charged by officials of Oredo Local Government area. Although, this serves as revenue generation for the council, since more than 50 vehicles can be parked there at
a time, there are definitely more sociocultural benefits that are derivable from this important hall. Some other historians in Benin have simply narrowed down the history of Urhokpota hall, stating that it has only been a place for social gathering and an assembly for addressing the people. They claim that it has been in existence since the era of the Ogisos who used the place when there was need to pass important information and address communal issues. It is, however, believed that this simplified account is merely an attempt to distort history for reasons yet unknown. Whatever the case may be, there is a need to clearly spell out what this important area used to hold so that we can revisit the annals of our past, rewrite the books and set the records straight for generations yet unborn.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Declining Oil Revenue
Financial Crisis Deepens
• Analysts Advise Jonathan To Look Beyond Oil By OSAZUA IVBAZE/RICHARD IMHOAGENE EVENTS in recent days which seem to suggest a looming financial crisis, following the nation’s dwindling revenues and initiation of austerity measures by the Federal Government have sparked off reactions among Nigerians who fear that the
budding exigencies may substantially weaken the middle class, wipe out the poor and further enrich the already wealthy few. The Federal Government had, at the start of the week, introduced austerity measures in a bid to rescue
• Dieziani Alison-Madueke, Petroleum Minister
the nation’s economy from falling crude oil prices. Some of the measures include scaling down the crude oil benchmark for the 2015 budget to $73 per barrel the introduction of luxury goods tax, suspension of oversees training and foreign trips for civil servants, and so on. The recent steps taken by the Federal Government may have confirmed speculations by Nigerians in recent times, including the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who had warned that Nigeria was at the brink of impending financial crisis some weeks ago, stating that the Federal Government added insult to injury by subjecting Nigeria to a US $1Billion debt. In a statement by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as reported in the Vanguard Newspaper of November 7, 2014, she stated that the decision to cut down
“The major reason for our being broke now as a nation is because of our over bloated political class and the unprecedented quantum of cash that goes into servicing them”. He wonders why Nigeria needs over 40 ministers when it can survive with just 10.” revenue projection was part of measures designed to maintain economic stability, boost non-oil revenues further, plug loopholes and waste, as well as cut unnecessary expenditures in order to cope with the situation. She stated, “As part of the response to falling oil prices, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2015 Budget proposal to the National Assembly have been revised. Government is now proposing a bench mark of $73 per barrel to the National Assembly
compared to the earlier proposed bench mark of $78”. Although, the Minister had assured that “Panic is not a Strategy”, reemphasing that Nigeria has an advantage of a broad economy championed by a functional private sector and sound policies, several Nigerians are of the view that if sincere and adequate steps are not taken, the nation may face a worse crisis than that experienced by Germany and Argentina. Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola
Ahmed Tinubu is of the opinion that the steps taken by the Federal Government is not based on any unassailable economic principle. In his article titled, “Slum In Oil Prices: A Progressive Way Out”, the ex-Governor noted the joblessness, poverty levels, as well as the diminished status of our middle class. He writes, “After viewing these statistics, most objective economists would conclude Nigeria is mired in a long-term, secular depression. Forget Continued on page 5
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Financial Crisis Deepens Continued from page 4
the rosy GDP numbers. They signify a great economic and financial segregation between those who have and others who have not. If we continue with the policy preferences of the current administration, the haves shall become the “havesmore” and the “have-nots” shall become the “have even less”. On the viability of the austerity measures, Tinubu writes, “for this government to speak of austerity is to further enrich the affluent while casting the average Nigerian into greater hardship and deeper socioeconomic depression. “As with the Eurozone in the past five years, since the global financial crisis, austerity has not solved the dire economic weakness of the nations that employed this sickening remedy. All austerity has done is tighten the grip of the wealthy on the economy while weakening the position of the middle class and the poor”. Like Bola Tinubu, many other Nigerians have expressed incertitude and skepticism about the recently introduced austerity measures, suggesting that it portends serious hardship on the
poor majority further widening the gap between them and the rich minority. A veteran Journalist, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in his article titled “Real Reasons Nigeria Is Broke” wrote rather passionately on the lack of sincerity by the Federal Government to address the real causes of the impending financial crisis in Nigeria. According to him, “the reasons Nigeria is broke is not because the price of crude oil per barrels has collapsed in the international market nor is the reason for our sudden financial insolvency as a nation resulted from the lack of patronage of our crude oil by the United States who have found shale oil in commercial qualities as alternative to our crude oil. “The major reason for our being broke now as a nation is because of our over bloated political class and the unprecedented quantum of cash that goes into servicing them”. He wonders why Nigeria needs over 40 ministers when it can survive with just 10.
• Mr. Godwin Emiefele, CBN Governor
Concerns have also risen over the ebbing Nigerian currency which has now plunged to an alltime low. The US Dollar has shot up to more than 180 naira. The tumbling oil prices is obviously having its toll on the nation’s currency which pundits say will have a spilling effect on prices of consumer goods. Reacting to the dwindling value of the naira, Emeka Chiakwelu, a writer and journalist, noted that “with increasing oil production by United States and the creeping oil glut in the market, and together with the decreasing importation of crude oil by America, Nigeria and its naira are beginning to feel the pain where it counts, especially on its budget and value of its currency”. The nation’s apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is now in the business of working to defend the weakening naira from harsh global economic realities. One of the ways it has employed is to safeguard the
nation’s foreign reserves which stood at $36.541 billion as at November 14. Some Nigerians who spoke to Weekend Observer opined that there are better ways to handle the situation. Some even asserted that it is too early to introduce austerity measures which have the propensity to induce panic in the minds of Nigerians. Wale Oni, a Benin based economic analyst, is of the opinion that Nigeria made its greatest mistake when she concerted to operate a mono-product economy solely dependent on oil. He said, “What this implies is that any slight negative shift in the global oil market will affect our entire economy negatively, because every other industry revolves around the oil sector”. Speaking further, he said, “Sometimes I sit and wonder what happened to the booming agriculture sector of the 1960s and early 1970s.” He described the situation as worrisome, stating that Nigeria’s over dependence on oil is the major cause of this looming crisis. Another respondent, Aigbe Sunday, a school teacher stated that “although, they have said the measures are meant to take from the rich and sustain the poor, we all know that in the long run, these measures will finally erase the middle class and further impoverish the lower class like me”. “Why has the federal government not considered cutting down on the salaries and allowances of our lawmakers and members of his cabinets…why has he not made a reduction to his exorbitant allowances that run into billions annually in the name of servicing the presidential villa?” he asked. A nurse at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), who pleaded anonymity, expressed her fears on the matter. She took a holistic approach, stating that only the grace of God can save Nigeria. She stated, “The government is yet to attend to the needs of the health sector, Boko Haram is still
“As the swelling tide of misfortune gets harder, Nigerians have been thrown off balance, unaware of what to expect in the coming days. The situation is even more worrisome considering the fact that if the oil price continues to drop and the naira continues to nose dive, the current austerity measures may not be enough to stem the tides and sustain the fiscal stability of Nigeria.” in the North East wrecking havoc, and now this crisis. We are getting poorer by the day, and prices of goods are increasing. I just don’t know where this nation is headed”. Financial experts and analysts foresee bad times ahead. There is the general feeling that the CBN does not have the required resources to defend the naira and hence the naira will continue to depreciate. They are suggesting that people should begin to make adequate
preparations for the coming days. As the swelling tide of misfortune gets harder, Nigerians have been thrown off balance unaware of what to expect in the coming days. The situation is even more worrisome considering the fact that if the oil price continues to drop and the naira continues to nose dive the current austerity measures may not be enough to stem the tides and sustain the fiscal stability of Nigeria.
• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
LAGOS STREET * The Headaches *The Attractions
LAGOS Street, off kings square, the centre origin of the name by arena of Benin City, is home to one of the busiest markets in the whole of Edo state. In fact, it is said that the name was
Madam Elegon
derived colloquially as a play on Lagos state, being the busiest, most populous, and commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. One amazing sight is the amount of human traffic that navigates
the market on a daily basis. The sight is similar to what is obtainable in Balogun market, a popular commercial hub in Lagos Island. Lagos street plays host to occupational and vocational traders, men, women, and child-hawkers who display their goods in rented stores or indiscriminately by the road, and buyers who come from far and near to partake in the plethora of commodities, household items, appliances, and utilities that the market offers. However, apart from the significant role this trading hub plays in the society as a major economic contributor to the revenue of the state, there are certain
“According to Madam Elegon she is the only legitimate individual authorized to collect taxes from the traders, and in turn pay taxes to the Oredo Local government. She said that she is in charge of controlling the market and ensuring that traders pay their taxes to the government, having earned the trust of successive governments.” socio-economic and environmental issues that have arisen over time. Though over flogged, these issues continue to rise as the days go by. Ranging from alleged over taxation, disruption of vehicular traffic, ownership tussle, and the evident crowdedness of the area, these concerns combine to cause major problems for both stakeholders of the market and other residents of the city from several works of life. Weekend Observer recently met with
Omuwa Elegon, a former President of Lions Club, and recognized Head of Lagos street market, to talk on the rising issues and more. The CRPC and Justice of Peace (JP) recipient, though elderly, was full of life as she thrilled us to a comprehensive angle to the issues, erasing the ugly ordeal of navigating the crowded market from our minds. According to Madam Elegon she is the only legitimate individual authorized to collect taxes from the traders, and in turn pay taxes to the Oredo Local
government. She said that she is in charge of controlling the market and ensuring that traders pay their taxes to the government, having earned the trust of successive governments. She stated, “I was here during the time of Oyeregbulem, the Military Governor. I created the market. This market known as Lagos Street was a building materials market at the time. After spending 17years in Lagos as Iya l’oja of Lagos, covering Continues on page 7
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Tejuosho and Iponri, I retired back home because this is my home. When I came back, I ensured that the Market was opened up to embrace everybody. Even hawkers were given space to sell their goods.” Continuing, she said, “but I also ensure that traders sold in a corner, because I started in a corner, not on the road. At that time, I ensured that the road was free for vehicles to pass. Cars were passing freely without disturbance.” When asked what is done about ensuring free flow traffic through the market, she stated that she is not a police man, and at her age, there was very little she could do about it. She stated, “the Government, through War Against Indiscipline, is doing well, but immediately the officials are done clearing the road and leave, the traders go back to the road. “I think the best thing to do is to position WAI
officials here that can enforce the law, and ensure that people stay away from the road. The government of Oshiomhole is doing well. He has tried his best, but I think WAI should station some officials here to maintain discipline.” In a bid to ascertain the system of taxation, the weekend observer crew spoke to some traders. While some who displayed their wares by the road claimed they don’t pay taxes, others who maintain the positions accorded them say they pay taxes to different individuals daily, some of whom cannot be identified as belonging to any particular group or body. Isah Abu, a trader who deals in onions, pepper and other vegetables, stated that he pays at least N800 to different people. I don’t know who they are or where they come from. He claimed he does not know if they are from the government or not. In her reaction,
madam Elegon described the situation as unfortunate. She admitted to have heard about such disturbances, but has been able to identify only one person, a young man known as Adeoye, who she has been hunting for some time. In her words. “They are just causing trouble here. They are not revenue collectors. I am the only legal and legitimate contracted revenue collector in this market, and I pay to Oredo local government. “I have been faithful in keeping my own part of the contract. I have never owned them before. They are my masters and I know how to serve my masters. There has never been a time that they called on me for financial support and did not get it,” she said. A telephone call to the Chief Press Secretary of Oredo Local Government council, Edosa Okunbor confirmed Madam Elegon’s claim. Okunbor affirmed that although he doesn’t
know how much she pays to the council, but can confirm that she is the only revenue contractor with the local government in charge of Lagos Street market. On the issue of distortion of vehicular traffic, most of the motorists we spoke to decried the situation. They stated that driving through the market is a terrible ordeal as traders are no longer willing to move their wares from the road.
Eromosele Sunday, a commercial bus driver stated, “the situation is terrible. This is the price we have to pay for obeying the law. They say we should not park by the road, and so we have to come through the market. Yet, the traders will block everywhere. If you complain, they will insult you.” Suggesting what should be done, he stated, “I cannot say that the government should drive them away because this is where they get their daily bread, but I want
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
“Isah Abu, a trader who deals in onions, pepper and other vegetables, stated that he pays at least N800 to different people. I don’t know who they are or where they come from. He claimed he does not know if they are from the government or not.”
the government to provide a central park for us to always stay, so that we can do things in an orderly manner.” Dr. Omuwa Elegon, while reaching to the illegal use of the road for trading, suggested that the management of War Against Indiscipline (WAI) should improve on its efforts to ensure that their work has a long term effect. She stated, “I think the best thing is for them to station men here to ensure that the road is kept free and motorable. Benin is
getting busier and we have more cars and busier traffic. We need to keep these alternative roads open. I think that is the best solution.” She called on all traders in Lagos street to be law abiding and ensure they support the growth of the state. She urged them to understand that as much as they need to make a living, it is wrong for them to constitute nuisance that will make life difficult for other members of the society.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
“The reason why that confidence has been lost is also a factor of the fact that the society has encouraged it. When you vote for people who pay for the votes, at the end of the day you do not have that moral standing to demand delivery of democratic dividends.” Intellectually sound and profoundly articulate, he exudes confidence even as his comments on social, economic and political issues are infectiously insightful. Endowed with sharp reflexes balanced by a sense of humility, he looks like one driven by a passion for service and excellence. His foray and exposure in corporate world, which saw him rising to the position of a General Manger in a multi-national giant, MTN has significantly deepened his knowledge and understanding of the inter-play of socio-economic forces and imperativeness of social responsibility in corporate governance and social engineering. When that is added to his closeness to the grassroots, we behold a young man who has developed strong wings to soar in majestic brilliance and make profound impact in the House of Representative where he is currently seeking to represent Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency. With his progressive tendencies, his dream is to re-define politics as instrument of service. His name is Gideon Obhakhan. In this interview; anchored by Osazua Ivbaze he explains why he is in politics. Excerpts: May we know you pls? My name is Gideon Obhakhan from Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government. I started schooling in
Administration from the University of Lester in the United Kingdom. You are interested in the on-going political process. In what way
want to represent this constituency at the House of Representatives? The thing is I have been in politics for a while, supporting well meaning candidates and trying to see how we can improve the lot of our people. I have also been involved in philanthropic activities, but as you know it is difficult to reach out to the larger population if you continue to do that with your personal resources. So, the major reason I’m going into politics is to add value to humanity, to reach out to the less privileged, and to ensure that things are done properly. If you look at what has been going on over the years where people come and contest, then you only get to see them after four years when they come back to buy votes with peanuts. So, the thing is I want to be able to contribute to society and ‘up’ the level of debate
Gideon Obhakhan
Good Is Never Enough Where Better Is Possible Annunciation Catholic College Irrua. After my Secondary School, I went to the University of Benin where I graduated in Electrical-Electronics Engineering in 1999, then I proceeded to the University of Lagos where I got my second degree in Communications Engineering. After that, I obtained a Masters Degree in Business
do you intend to offer service to the people? I am contesting for the House of Representatives as the member representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency. I’m interested in politics for several reasons, all hinging on my passion to impact lives. Basically, in clear terms, why do you
-Gideon Obhakhan in the House so that people-oriented policies can actually reach out and affect the lives of people positively. The problem that Nigerians have with politicians is that they are never short of promises, but when it comes to delivering on those promises, they fail. So, over the years,
Nigerians have come to lose confidence in the political class. How do you intend to make a difference? The reason why that confidence has been lost is also a factor of the fact that the society has encouraged it. When you vote for people who pay for the votes, at the end of the day you do
not have that moral standing to demand delivery of democratic dividends. This is because when they get there, they want to first and foremost recover their money, but that not withstanding, I think the perception of the political class should not be the major concern for me at this point in time. A lot of people have actually gone into politics for money, so when they go there, they gun for the money. Personally, I am not interested in the money or the salary. The main thing is not about making money. It is about delivering the goods. I think I have a history with that, even
though I am not the kind of person that likes to publish what I do for people. I think if I have been able to work with my own money that I worked for, it shouldn’t be difficult to influence the government to come and do things for my people. Let’s look at it this way. A law making body does not generate revenue, how do you intend to use the instrumentality of the House of Representatives to attract projects and development to your constituency? If you look at my history
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s Good Is Never Enough...
A piration 9
Continued from Pg 8 and experience, you would know that it is something I can do. I have been in the corporate world for over 15 years, 13 of those years were spent with MTN where I rose to the position of General Manager. You will agree with me that working in the corporate world can expose one a lot, especially when it is an organization that is multinational and has a lot of integrity, like MTN. When I was with MTN, I was able to manage resources, upwards of N30 billions as annual budget, and I was able to put these resources to proper use. Talking about influence, I have been able to use my position in MTN to influence decisions and attract projects that touch the lives of my people. There are so many schools that I have been able to deliver chairs to. I have been able to assist those with disabilities with support equipment. I have sponsored festivals and initiated
Gideon Obhakhan
sporting competition in my area. I intend to take that same experience to the House, knowing that there is no budget in particular apart from the constituency votes, which to a very large extent has not been made known to people. As far as I can tell you now, those who are there, a large majority of them are not interested in letting the people know how much they get as constituency votes, but the point is using one’s position in the House to attract federal Government projects. By experience, I have done it before, and I can still do it again. We have had more than 14 years of uninterrupted democracy. How would you assess the journey so far? Well so far, it is difficult to really say it has been good, because Good is Never Enough, where Better is Possible. I think we have not done as much as we should have done, but you can still hand pick a few states and say they have really
done well. Edo state for instance is a good example. If you ask me, I’ll say the comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole has done really well, because you see development in real life, not on the pages of newspapers. Lagos is another beautiful example. Governor Fashola has done a lot. I can mention a few others, but you can say there is still cause for concern in several other states. However, at the federal level, I cannot say they have done well, but I believe there is room for improvement. So for me, 2015 is an opportunity for the electorate to use their votes to change the power at the centre. You just spoke about Governor Adams Oshiomhole. How well do you think he has done? It is so obvious. Everywhere you go, there has been a turnaround since he took over as governor of the state. You can see infrastructural development; the roads have been renovated and modernized. You can see decency in the system. Even the traffic management system is working well. He has been able to touch various sectors of the state, and you can also see a tremendous increase in internally generated revenues, so he doesn’t necessarily have to wait for federal allocation to do some of the basic things. One major problem with the Nigerian democracy, especially in the party system is the lack of internal democracy in political parties, which is compounded by the culture of imposition. How do you think the problem can be addressed and expunged from our political life?
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Gideon Obhakhan
I believe the first thing is to ensure that the structure is decent and then ensure that those interested in politics have the right mindset. Today, people see politics as a game, and a dirty game at that. The people who can really change things are still sitting in their offices and doing what I call armchair criticism. But if they come out and the decent people form the structure of the party, decency will come in, but when the wrong persons are left to handle things, they will attract and impose the
wrong persons who mishandle things. So you find the culture of imposition being the order of the day. What I can say about the All Progressive Congress as far I am concerned is that I don’t see where that imposition is practised, especially in Edo state. You know the person of the Comrade Governor, being the major advocate of One Man One Vote. And as far as APC is concerned today, we are seeing that happening all over the state. Finally, what is your message to your
constituency? My message to my constituency is that this time around, they should not sell their votes. They should vote in the candidate that has their progress in mind, not for the bag of rice that someone will give them, but assess candidates based on merit and then make their choice. From a promise perspective, I am not really the kind of person that will promise heaven on earth, but what I can say is that once I get to that office, I am going to do one hundred percent of what the office is meant for.
“The major reason I’m going into politics is to add value to humanity, to reach out to the less privileged, and to ensure that things are done properly.”
a BOKO HARAM WAR The Missing Soldiers THE NIGERIAN
S turday Topic 10
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
By PRINCE CHARLES DICKSON
NNEKA Nwokolo last saw her brother, Felix Nwokolo, a Corporal in the Nigerian Army, alive in 2013 when she visited him at the Maxwell Khobe Barracks, Rukuba, Plateau State in North central Nigeria. That was before he was deployed to Maimalari Cantonment, the headquarters of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Borno state. But Felix has vanished into thin air since early 2014 and the search for the young soldier has completely disrupted the life of his sister. Today, she lives her life shuttling between three cities – Enugu in the Southeast, Abuja, the Nigerian capital and Borno, in the terrorist – ravaged Northeast. An indigene of Enugu State, Nneka is now a frequent visitor at the Defence House and the Army Headquarters in Abuja as well as military facilities in Borno State as she battles to get the real story of what happened to her brother. Felix is one of many missing Nigerian soldiers who remain unaccounted for, casualty of the war against Boko Haram insurgents. By one estimate, nearly 100 Nigerian soldiers have been missing in action and unaccounted for in the last two years, while 574 have been killed. Ibrahim Kudu is also a Corporal serving in Maiduguri, Borno. He showed this reporter a clip in which was a soldier’s
half-cut arm. “That is Felix’ arm. We know because he always wore this Christian thing on his hand. I was lucky, I missed that operation because a day before, I fell and broke my leg so I was no use,” he said. Kudu’s contention, and by extension the army’s, is that Felix was killed in battle and that only pieces of his body were recovered. But Nneka simply refuses to agree, demanding to see his corpse. “Brother Felix is not dead, I want to see his corpse, he is our all,” she said in tears. There are several people like Nneka, family members of soldiers who have effectively gone missing while serving in the Nigerian Army and these people are coming together to ask questions and force military authorities to provide answers. “We know our relatives have been tortured and killed by Boko Haram. We have found each other in pain, and we will fight for justice,” said Adebimpe Fadare, mother of a missing soldier. Military authorities, speaking to this reporter, agreed that there are cases where bodies of its men killed in action cannot be identified due to several reasons and rare cases where bodies cannot be retrieved, but insisted that families were made aware of the truth. Adamu Attahiru is a member of the local youth vigilante group popularly called Civilian JTF in Maiduguri and he told our
“There are several people like Nneka, family members of soldiers who have effectively gone missing while serving in the Nigerian Army and these people are coming together to ask questions and force military authorities to provide answers.” reporter that when the Boko Haram hostilities became tough last year, several soldiers were killed and many others abducted by the insurgents. Often, he disclosed, the bodies of soldiers killed were so badly mutilated that one could barely recognize them and they were buried in mass graves by the insurgents. Attahiru knows because his brother, a soldier, disappeared last year and has not been seen till date. “I used to go to the army base to see if my brother was alive. I went back every day. I received threats. I kept going. But no news,” he said. “I have not given up hope. We try to get ourselves organized because there are many of us. But it is not easy, we all have gory stories to tell,
especially of neglect by the Nigerian army,” he added despondently. MASS GRAVES Recently a mass grave was discovered after the army raided a Boko Haram camp. To the shock of the soldiers almost all the bodies in the grave were in Nigerian military gear. After the bodies were exhumed, it was hoped that DNA tests would be carried out on them to determine their identity. A local source that was part of the exhumation exercise said that he heard that some of the soldiers in one of the grave were from Kur Mohammed Barracks in Bama, Borno State. Fadare, whose son has been missing for over a year, said that his colleagues confirmed that on more than two occasions mass graves
were discovered by Nigerian troops and apart from civilians, soldiers were part of the very decomposed bodies found in them. She said that she is not aware of any effort in getting the identity of the soldiers. “We were told by a team from Abuja that we would be informed, but its over six months now,” she added. Binta Maina, like Fadare, is also a grieving mother. Her only son, Abu, a Corporal, has been missing since his battalion was ambushed in Yobe State last year. Speaking to the sad looking woman, it was obvious that she was at her wit’s end. “We hired a lawyer and have spent so much. I am from Kaduna State and Mama (referring to Fadare) has been our strength, she has been in Borno with us for almost eight months, as we battle the army, asking questions and looking for answers,” Maina said. Her hopes were once raised that she would at least get her son’s body when she was told that his body had been found but that hope has since been dashed, leaving her even more despondent. “Indeed, a senior army officer told me that they found Abu’s body but some paperwork needs to be
done and his body released, but this is six months and still counting”, she narrated tearfully. Justice for All Investigations show that, indeed, the military has discovered the bodies of many Nigerian soldiers in mass graves, victims of Boko Haram’s mindless killing sprees. Three such graves were shown to this reporter in Bulabulin, Aljajeri, and Nganaram areas of Borno State. However, even with the discovery of such bodies, bureaucracy and an apparent lack of capacity on the part of military authorities to determine the identities of the bodies, pose a huge problem. The director, Army Public Relations, Olajide Laleye, a Brigadier General, explained the difficulty faced by the military in the matter. “It is always difficult in these matters. Like Bassey Anderson, a sergeant who left his base and went to drink with his colleagues, he simply disappeared, and we have not seen the body and cannot properly place his status.” “We cannot say that his body is one of the badly mutilated and decomposing ones we got, Continues on pg. 11
a
THE NIGERIAN
S turday Topic 11
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
“Who defends the rights of the Nigerian soldier, who is not even allowed to complain or disobey life orders even at the threat to his own life? A security expert, Max Gbanite, believes that the war against insurgency is a two-way thing and adds that, sadly, the Nigerian military is looking at just conquering Boko Haram, at the expense of its men.”
Boko Haram War And Missing Soldiers Continued from pg. 10
and we do not have the science of DNA yet,” he added. However, when this reporter met Bassey’s wife in Damaturu, Yobe state, Mrs. Anderson contradicted the army spokesman’s position. “It is a lie, my husband does not drink. I do not know what happened to my husband. I know he was in Potiskum, Yobe at the makeshift camp they set up for them.” “My husband could not just disappear. We want to know the truth. I want to know if he is alive or not. It is impossible to keep living this way,” she added. “Everyday I tell our kids, daddy would soon come back. Sadly, the army is not helping us I cannot return to Uyo.” Soldiers’ rights The issue of human rights violations by Nigerian troops, particularly in the war against insurgents in the Northeast, has been well documented and extensively reported by the media.
• Shekau
In fact, local and international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have written volumes of reports about human right abuses perpetrated by Nigerian soldiers, including extra judicial killing. However, even though such reports contain human right abuses and killings by Boko Haram insurgents, there is really no focus on the rights and sufferings of the soldier. Who defends the rights of the Nigerian soldier, who is not even allowed to complain or disobey life orders even at the threat to his own life? A security expert, Max Gbanite, believes that the war against insurgency is a two-way thing and adds that, sadly, the Nigerian military is looking at just conquering Boko Haram, at the expense of its men. “Soldiers are dying and missing, there is at best a poor mechanism to account for its men, at worse, none.” While
• President Goodluck Jonathan observing that the military is quick to take its men to court marshals with alacrity for alleged disobedience and mutiny, Gbanite wondered who
would investigate the army for its shabby handling of the lives of its own men. DNA Testing Recently, the army revealed that it was establishing an Identification Center to store biometrics and other identity specimen of personnel to help in the recognition of men and officers when need arises. In a document seen by this reporter, the ID Centre which was to be located at the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja seems like an acceptance of guilt, as the army expressed dismay that “its officers die and are declared missing because of lack of a proper identity mechanism.” “There is need to appropriately recognize and in many cases honour these men, rather than the current situation where individual corpses could not be identified therefore resulting in mass burial, robbing bereaved relatives the honour and satisfaction of seeing their loved ones a last time and
• Air Marshall Alex Badeh, Chief of Defence Staff leaving room for administrative anomalies embedded in lies and intrigues,” he document read in part. Finally So far some 574 soldiers have died, the Nigeria Security Tracker NST, a project of the Council on foreign Relations’ Africa Program records all Nigerian deaths by tracking the violence, but the army cannot confirm figures and has no database since the conflict started. But the military insists that it tries its best to protect the rights and welfare of its men whether alive or dead. In defence of the military, the Director Defence Information, DDI, Chris Olukolade, a Major General, gave an example: “I was part of the condolence team that visited the family of late Flight Lt Akweke Nwakile who paid the price in a helicopter crash in Bama. “We gave him full military honours at the National
Military Cemetery. For us, the army takes serious measures for its lost ones. Even Nwalike was promoted posthumously,” he stated. General Bitrus Kwaji, who is in charge of the Nigerian Welfare Limited/ Guaranteed also said that the army is doing all it can to take care of the families of lost soldiers. “We are doing our best. Once we have all the data, we pay out cheques to their next of kin.” But for the family members of many missing soldiers, the issue of payment of entitlements does not even arise as the military has still not discovered what happened to them, thus categorizing them as “missing in action.” This is the second report of our series, The Cost of Boko Haram War This report was supported by Ford Foundation and the International Centre for Investigative reporting.
e
THE NIGERIAN
S curity & Terrorism 12
Egbeazien Oshodi Writes Shekau LEADER Abubakar Shekau, for the sake of Prophet Muhammad, what if the Nigerian Presidency election was open to you? Would that be enough for you? Sir, just a short while after a full video of you was seen around the world preaching to local residents in captured towns in northeast Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, has come out to formally declare his ambition to contest the 2015 election. Leader Shekau, with what appeared to be a chewing stick in your right hand followed by you carefully chewing the apparent stick of life; you and your adherents were seen in praise of Allah whose worth remains priceless and graceful. Most eyes can see you purportedly reading or commenting on the great words of
Prophet Muhammad as they relate to peace and blessings for humanity and the world. Sir, no one has the right to judge you, as we don’t truly know what is in your inner mind, but many of your actions to date show that pursuing excessive political power in Nigeria is certainly to your liking and which you seem to be chasing in an intolerant and coldblooded manner. It is quite clear that you want political equality, in the light of your recent gains territorially. As a terror leader, you will certainly not be the first in the world to seek power as it relates to your possible ambition to come to the presidential office in 2015. If this is the case, let Nigerians know, as they are forgiving and good people, and are used to terror and a
dictatorial kind of leadership. It may interest you to know that Jonathan, a man of the South now running for re-election, was a presidential accident who by chance and good luck ascended to power in 2010 following the painful death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, your fellow Muslim northerner. So anything can happen in terms of your possible rise to the presidency. Leader Shekau, as a purported man of Allah, we know, like Jonathan that you may wish to see adequate security, power, education, roads, anti-corruption, and health plans instituted, as well as a just government put in place for the people in northeast especially. It is true that you may have told the world that the entire Nigerian nation must come under sharia (Islamic law) but as you know, Muhammad, the great Prophet of Islam, stated that anyone who trusts in his words must first pursue peace in a personal manner, followed by national peace. Yet, do not many of your heinous operations in recent times appear at odds with the Prophet’s message, as you possibly seek an elected office with
national power? Sir, enough is enough. No one knows which political platform you would like to contest under in regard to the coming presidential election. Jonathan, your possible co-contestant, is contesting under the platform of the current ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, while others like General Muhammadu Buhari, Abubakar Atiku, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rochas Okorocha are contesting under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sir, as you are fully aware, it is still possible for you to declare for the 2015 presidential election on whatever platform you choose, and no matter how you elect to do this, as a young democratic nation, Nigerians and the international world will give you the same human rights space as everyone else, even known terrorists like yourself. Though it’s unclear which States will come out to support you, one
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
thing is clear. You have already shown to the world that you like governance as you are presently doing in some areas of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno states. But that does not mean the people will support your intention to contest the 2015 election. The only way to know is if by tomorrow you declare your interest to take part in the coming presidential election, together with a promise to stop all the kidnapping, targeting of schools, killing of security men and women, the abduction of domestic and foreign persons, as well as putting a stop to the suicide bombings. As a human being first, and a purported man of Allah, don’t you think you have made enough statements through the series of heavy-duty attacks on the people? Sir, you have already achieved international name and recognition; so what else do you want? Just come out as we now know you are
actually alive as against the several thoughtless announcements of your multiple deaths by the struggling Nigerian security officials under President Jonathan. Sir, just come out and declare your ambition to contest the 2015 presidential election because one thing is clear. Like Jonathan, Buhari, Atiku, Okorocha and others, your love for power is quite clear. Therefore, your continued senseless war against the very people that might consider your future presidency with a seat in Abuja could show you to be more in opposition to the directions of Allah and Prophet Muhammad, and by such manner, you will stand as an abuser to the true words of the Qur ’an, and a real disbeliever in Allah and his messenger, Prophet Muhammad. Sir, should you continue on your current path, you will forever be seen as an evil doer, a physical disaster and spiritual failure that deserve no mercy.
“It is true that you may have told the world that the entire Nigerian nation must come under sharia (Islamic law) but as you know, Muhammad, the great Prophet of Islam, stated that anyone who trusts in his words must first pursue peace in a personal manner, followed by national peace.”
THE NIGERIAN
13
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
“Almost in similar vein, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), believes that unemployment has continued to grow because of the failure of the youth to explore various options available for them to get engaged in both medium and long term jobs.”
Roadmap With
Dr. John Abhuere
The Blaming Game:
The Youth Deficiency Argument
GIVEN the serious nature of unemployment in Nigeria, there has emerged fresh concern and suggestion to overcome what has come to be known as a ‘scourge’. However most of the solutions fall within the “Functionalist View” of society in which the individual is normally blamed for one form of deficiency or the other and thus in need of rectifying. The general view here is that youth unemployment is prevalent because the youths lack the skills, knowledge and ability to take on available jobs as well as opportunities in society. Hence the problem of unemployment, which according to this view is due to some deficiency in youths, could be tackled by promoting relevant knowledge and skills. This is what I refer to as the blaming game based on perceived deficiency of the individual - youth as cause of unemployment. The problem though is the failure to recognize the enemy, cases of well educated, knowledgeable and skilled men and women in society without jobs today. Along this blaming game, we hear Sunday Okon of Esther Breakthrough - an employment agency saying that, there are jobs everywhere, but most of the people are unemployable because they lack skills and experience (The Nation 20th April 2014). To Omar president, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC),the youth s are mostly affected by unemployment: 35% of the youths are either out of jobs or in low paying
jobs. To him, this is dangerous as the youth ‘constitute a veritable army of the angry, disillusioned and are capable of undermining the stability, security and peace of the nation if unattended with correct measures’. According to Segun Oshinowo, Director General, Nigerian Employer ’s Association (NECA), “Nigeria youths have to do more in their quest to fight unemployment. To him many youths with several degrees and qualifications have failed to take advantage of the peculiarity of what the nation’s economy offers. He asked them to “latch onto one or more of the initiatives provided by the government” such as ‘SURE-P’ to combat their unemployment situation. In other words, the youths are unwilling and lazy to
take advantage of available opportunities. The blaming game continues. To Professor Longmas Wapmuk, the problem is that “many youths have not bothered to improve their skills and enhance their success chances through learning, networking and engaging in creative ventures that would make them become self-reliant without being dependent on paid employment that may never come”. To him, self employment remains the only solution to the high unemployment rates among youths in the society noting that the youths have refused to adopt measures that would make them become self-reliant. While the author may be correct here, he fails to address the question of inadequate teaching or tutoring of the
youths on the value of self-employment in the country. He also ignores the underlining negative values of society that abhor self employment. In the final analysis, the attitude of the youth to self employment is only an extension of the general attitude of society that does not appreciate self employment. What we have at hand is a bad situation from which nothing good can emerge. It is indeed a classic case of an ‘inattentive generation’ giving rise to a restless generation”. Almost in similar vein, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), believes that unemployment has continued to grow because of the failure of the youth to explore various options available for them to get engaged
in both medium and long term jobs. According to Muda Yusuf, DG NCCI) “there should be no reason for intelligent youth to complain of unemployment or remain in poverty”. The agroallied sub sector alone can effectively tackle a large part of the unemployment challenge if youths decide to key into it. He emphasized the need to improve their skills and for them to aim at becoming the best in whatever they do, noting that there is a “huge untapped market in the agricultural sector, particularly in cassava growing”. Agboju sunny, opines that the problem today is related to the quality of education given to our youth. To him it is poor, stressing that that many youths lack the ability to write and speak on certain levels. (Nation
April 28th, 2014)-Tackling the unemployment scourge in Nigeria. The problem with these writers is their failure to reorganize the role of adults, parents, schools, etc, in the character education and development or formation of some attitude by the youths. Who is to develop, empower and provide opportunity for youth’s participation in society? Who is to ensure their proper direction and enablement in society? The problem of unemployment must therefore rest squarely on the shoulder of the adults. The elites whose responsibility is to ensure the positive development, proper empowerment and gainful engagement of the youth in society. As the ILO observes, there is no “one size fits all” solution to the question of unemployment. However, there is no doubt as observed by experts that to overcome unemployment, “Nigeria must promote strong industrial policies that recognize manufacturing as a key engine of growth and decent employment for the national economy. Towards this end, the federal government must urgently initiate a range of measures to revive and project labour intensive industries like textile, food and beverages, constructions, iron/steel sectors and others”. The youths need change of attitude and self education. Other helpful measures are good governance, taking advantage of current reforms of government.
THE NIGERIAN
DELTA WATCH 14
With JOEL CHUKWAGHONIM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Trado-medical Doctor Commends Govt For Recognizing Trado-medical Association been in the profession for
TRADO-Medical Doctor in Ika South Local Government
Area of Delta State, Chief (Dr.) Anthony Onuelu, the Anwun-Ama-.Alie (Odin) of Emuhun Community has expressed satisfaction with the interest shown by the government towards the tradomedical association. The Psychiatric Doctor commended the government for the interest shown so far, but said more was yet to be done, adding that the inmates of some Psychiatric homes of tradomedical doctors should be remembered and cared for through the provision of
incentives and social amenities. Chief (Dr.) Onuelu stated that tradomedical doctors could be empowered by transforming their drugs into tablets, syrups, and capsules. According to him, “drugs for the cure of mental problem, poison of any kind, stroke, snake bite, scorpion bite, epilepsy, impotence, weakerection and Asthma etc are all available through traditional medicine”. Chief (Dr.) Onuelu, who has
about S0years, has appealed to the State Government to provide social amenities to his Psychiatric home for people with mental illnesses. According to him, his major problem is that the roof of the Psychiatric home is highly dilapidated adding that people with mental problem from far near have been admitted for therapy. He said that he has cured many persons with different kinds of ailments, and has also trained many people in the profession.
FRSC Holdsimpression Stakeholders Meeting being carried in
Some Members of the FRSC, during a stakeholders’ meeting recently.
Remember Your Promises, Woman Leader Advises Newly Elected LG Bosses
THE woman leader of a political party in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Mrs. Victoria Ogala has congratulated successful candidates on the just concluded Local Government election in the state. Speaking with newsmen in her country home, Alihagwu recently, Mrs. Ogala advised all those who emerged victorious in the recently concluded local government area election to always remember their root and all those who fought for their success. She admonished them to always visit their wards to identify the problems and needs of their areas and to be able to map out the best possible ways to resolve them Mrs. Ogala advised the electorate not to allow any politician to mortgage their conscience with material things in order for them to be able to exercise their franchise genuinely she enjoined the electorate to vote for credible candidates of their choices during the forthcoming
general elections and also ensure that their voters card is intact to enable them exercise their legal franchise duty. The women leader advised the youths not to allow any politician to use them as thugs during the elections so that they can vote for a credible candidate
that will lead them well She thanked chief Morgan Oriahin, the Ihenrima of Agbor Kingdom, Mr. Mdidi Efam Iweluegim for their philanthropist attitude towards the people of Alihagwu community as exemplified by the model market they built in the community.
LG Elections
Arewa Congratulates LG Bosses
THE Arewa progressive forum in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State has congratulated the newly elected chairman Hon. (Barr.) Francis Eborka and Hon. Fred Ofume in the two local government council for successful winning the just concluded chairmanship election in Delta State. Speaking with newsmen, the chairman of the forum Alhaji Usman Jubiri, said the dream of the people has finally come true and prayed
to God to grant the chairman wisdom, strength and the resources to perform credibly in moving the area councils to greater height. In his speech, the public Relations officer (PRO) Aihaji Junadu Iman stated that Hon. (Barr.) Francis Eborka and Hon. Fred Ofume are Philanthropists who have contributed immensely both within and out side their local government before their successful emergence as local government chairman.
Woman Leader Congratulates LG A POLITICAL stalwart in Ward 8 Ejeme — Aniogor, Boss, Councilors Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Mrs. Veronica Nzemeke Ufoh, has expressed joy with the chairman and councillors who won the local government election in the state. Mrs. Nzemeke advised the successful local government representatives to remember those who made the local government election successful for them, charging them to always visit their constituencies, know the problems in the area and find ways to solve them because
THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Unit RSS. 22 Agbor, Delta State, has held its stakeholders meeting with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Traditional Rulers, and other Trade Union recently the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the F.R.S.C premises in Agbor. Giving her speech at the meeting, R.C.U.A Ndubuokwu a staff of unit RSS. 22 Agbor said that the Road Safety Corps has always embarked on aggressive public enlightenment. This is with a view of correcting the
one good turn deserves another. In a related issue, Mrs. Nzemeke appealed to the people in Aniocha and Oshimili constituencies to vote for Honourable Adingwpu who is aspiring for the House of representatives. She said, Hon. Adingwpu is one man who understands correctly the problem of Aniocha and Oshimili constituency of the state, adding that Hon. Adingwpu’s commitment and quality as a philanthropist in the area speaks volume of himself, as
the local government. Mrs. Nzemeke advised people of the constituency to vote massively for Hon. Adingwpu in order to witness a rapid transformation in the constituency, if he is elected to represent the Aniocha Oshimili Constituency. Mrs. Nzemeke who is also party leader in Delta North, said the leadership of her party in Anicha Oshimili Constituency have embarked on Ward to Ward, Unit to Unit and House to House campaign to solicit votes for their candidates which
Alhaji Junadu therefore appealed to the two chairman to confirm their giant strides and also use the opportunity given to them to extend their philanthropic gestures to elicit development to the councils including areas yet to be covered. He also enjoined the people in both local government area to cooperate with the chairman to enable them to be carried along as well as enhance development. In another development, the secretary of the forum Khamis Garuba charged the local government chairman, Hon. Fred Ofume and Hon. (Barr.) Francis Eborka to always remembers the electorates whose contributions led to their successful win in the election. The secretary also enjoined the local government councils to always visit their wards in order to know the challenges confronting them so as to proffer solutions and better means of resolving them because according to him, one good turn deserves another.
many quarters that the increasing rate of road traffic crashes during this period are as a result of blood sucking spirits lurking around the roads waiting to suck blood. Ndubuokwu said it is our belief in FRSC that the increase in vehicle and human movements during these periods and the attendant rush by drivers to make as many trips as possible within the shortest possible time and flagrant disobedience to traffic rules are some of the major causes of the increase rate of road crashes.” “As we all know that the large percentage of dead bodies as of those slain in battle (carnage) on our roads is traceable to the attitude of drivers on and off the roads, which are caused majorly by over speeding, overloading, use of phone while driving, wrongful-overtaking, dangerous driving, lane
indiscipline and other road traffic breaches too numerous to mention. “Hence, the need to sensitize motorists and other road users on the need to be safety conscious”. In a related issue, the unit commander RSS.22 Agbor, Assistant Corps Commander I.G. Offiong advised road users, particularly drivers and motor-cycle riders, to always check their vehicles, motorcycles to avoid tyre burst wad break failure etc. A.C.C. Offiong, in addition charged drivers to stop carrying overload, motorcycle riders to stop carrying overload and they should always wear the Helmet as the head is one of the most important parts of the body. He warned the drivers using mareine, new Lagos Onitsha express road as motor park to desist from using the area as motor park and crossing of the pavement at Uromi Junction, Agbor.
Stop Killing Cattle Rearers - Muhammed
THE state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Association Koute Hore of Nigeria Delta State Chapter Abdusalam Mohammed has appealed to Deltans to stop the killing of cattle rearers and their cattles in the state. Alhaji Abdusalam who made this call recently in a chat with newsmen in his office at Number B Uromi Junction Agbor Delta State the chairman said many of the cattle rearers in the state have been killed as well as their cattle’s. He said in 2012 Seventy cattle rearers were killed while in 2013 about eighty of them were also killed. The chairman appealed to Deltans particularly the farmers in the area to report farm crops damages by cattle’s to the association Agbor at Number 13 Urom, Junction, Asaba Abraka Market New Lagos Asaba Road and other areas could report in Warri Miyetti Allah office or to the traditional rulers palace, Nearest to the
police station, to enable peace reign between the Miyetti Allah association and farmers in the area. He said that as farmer ‘s are farming for progress Ukewire are the cattle rearer’s down for progress Dignities who were present at the meeting were Alhaji Aliyu Ondo State Miyetti Allah chairman, Alhaji Haruna Sogidi the Kogi State Chairman, Alhaji Alimekudi father of state committee, Alhaji Abdusalam Mohammed the Delta State chairman, Alhaji Abdul Garuba the Delta State Vice Chairman. The chairman Alhaji Abdusalam charged all the Fulani in Delta State to dust their voter ’s card for the forthcoming elections. He also advised the successful candidates to always remember those who made them win the successful election, for one good turn deserves another so let them ensure proper representation of the people.
THE NIGERIAN
D scourse 15
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Weekend
Discourse OPEC Headquarters
Slum In Oil Prices
A Progress Way Out Awash in the great tide of politics, we must not forget why politics can be a noble endeavor. It leads to governance. When done correctly, governance can reform a nation and improve the lot of the people. In the hands of the ignorant and the mean, governance cast abundant misfortune upon a nation and upon the welfare of its citizens.
This commentary concerns governance and policy more than it does politics. I offer it to generate debate on an important economic issue. No matter who is in power, we must do whatever is in our capacity to steer the nation away from economic woes. The people have suffered too much hardship already.
By BOLA TINUBU Neither side of the political divide should seek to purchase transient advantage at the high price of dousing the people in greater economic calamity. Thus, I suggest this progressive position on how best to shape economic policy during this period of falling oil prices. I state
this hoping those in charge will take pertinent advice from any quarter. My prayer is that they are not so stubborn as to adhere to a strategy that will deepen the economic misery of our people even when better policy measures are proffered. I confess to writing this also for a reason
essentially political but non-confrontational. It accentuates the distinction between the conservative PDP and the progressive APC. The nation faces momentous elections when next year turns to its second month. The choice is a stark one; but many people do not believe as such. The differences are vast especially regarding
economic policy. On the one side, the PDP champions a conservative, elitist economic model based on the theory that wealthmoney must first go to the already rich and wellheeled who shall determine how small a fraction of it will trickledown to the rest of Continue on Pgs 16 & 17
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THE NIGERIAN
W ekend Discourse 16
Continued from Pg 15 this, the federal government claims it has less money at its disposal and the paucity of dollars necessitates austerity measures. Most people accept this position as gospel; debate about its correctness has been nil. Yet, the stakes are much too high to assume this subjective position as an economic certitude or uncritically accept its propriety. What they proclaim as policy is not based on any unassailable economic principle. It is a statement of economic bias that beckons to the wealthy while auguring unnecessary hardship for most Nigerians. Look at joblessness and poverty levels as well as the diminished status of our middle class. After viewing these statistics, most objective economists would conclude Nigeria is mired in a long-term, secular depression. Forget the rosy GDP numbers. They signify a great economic and financial segregation between those who have and others who have not. If we continue with the policy preferences of the current administration, the haves shall become the “have–mores” and the “have-nots” shall become the “have even less.” The vast majority of the claimed GDP growth has fallen into the laps of those already enjoying obvious luxury. The rest of the people are left to gaze at the enormity of the income and wealth
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
...A Progressive W
chasm separating them from the cabal orchestrating the discordant political economy. While a small group flourishes, the rest of the nation subsidizes their economic bounty. A tight confederacy rides an economic skyrocket while the bulk of the people languishes in the swamp. For one group, the economy is effervescent. For the other, it is catatonic. Nigeria is one nation with two economies. For this government to speak of austerity is to further enrich the affluent while casting the average Nigerian into greater hardship and deeper socio-economic depression. As with the Euro zone the past five years since the global financial crisis, austerity has not solved the dire economic weakness of the nations that employed this sickening remedy. All austerity has done is tighten the grip of the wealthy on the economy while weakening the position of the middle class and the poor. Austerity weakens aggregate demand, deflating an economy already fatigued and against the ropes. Those with hefty portfolios, profit as the value of their holdings appreciates by the very dynamics of deflation. Those who don’t have, find money even dearer to come by. Jobs and commerce
disappear. Debt climbs. Deflation turns a noble but pour household into a committee of beggars and street urchins. The austerity that the current Administration offers is an insensitive, myopic policy that lends primacy of favor to meaningless accounting figures instead of to the material wellbeing of the people. Austerity undermines our economic pillars and breaks the spirit of the people. Austerity is the merchant of pessimism and hopeless futility. If you desire a nation of thralls, by all means continue this bleak path. If we want a nation of prosperity and economic justice, a different course is our due. Listen carefully to the position of the Jonathan Administration as articulated by the finance minister and you shall collide into the barricades of illogic and its weighty consequences. The claim is that government is low on funds because the lower price of oil means fewer dollars are being collected from oil sales. This sounds logical but for one fundamental point. The dollar intake is basically irrelevant to determining the amount of naira the government commands and places into the political economy. This fundamental point reveals the government’s position to be the antiquated relic of
a past era. It is the way of the gold standard which ceased to exist over forty years ago. As such, government’s stance is based more on superstition than on the actual functioning of modern economy with a sovereign fiat currency of its own. The last I looked, Nigeria operates a Naira-based economy not a dollar-based one. There is no legal or moral restriction strictly limiting the amount of Naira in the system to match the amount of dollars collected via oil sales. More importantly, there is no economic justification for the close linkage implied by the government. If we take its position at face value, the Jonathan Administration is advocating that we effectively place the Naira and thus our fiscal policy on a “dollar standard.” The world jettisoned the gold standard in 1971 because it proved unworkable, reducing the policy space in which government could pursue fiscal programs promoting full employment and social welfare. We should likewise reject this government’s imposition of a dollar standard on our nation’s fiscal operations. Under the gold standard, a national government took pains
“For this government to speak of austerity is to further enrich the affluent while casting the average Nigerian into greater hardship and deeper socioeconomic depression. “
Namadi Sambo, Vice President of Nigeria
not to incur budgetary deficits that exceeded the dimensions of its gold reserves. This was because the currency had no value by itself. Its value was based on the convention that the currency was backed by the nation’s gold holdings. Those governments that ran deficits had to pay those debts in gold. Given that gold supplies were always and everywhere finite and exhaustible, a nation had to keep its deficits within the confines of its ability to pay debts in gold. Because of this straitjacketing effect, nations would abandon the gold standard during harsh economic times in order to give them the fiscal freedom to rejuvenate their economies. This was the case during the Great Depression with the major economic powers. This should be the case with Nigeria today since the bulk of our people live in conditions redolent of the Great Depression or any other depression for that matter. Our government
persists that it must limit fiscal outlays to the amount of dollars the nation holds. Similar to the operation of the discarded gold standard, following this path is to strap ourselves to austerity and the chronic deflation of austerity produces. Worse, it serves to enthrall the fiscal policy of our sovereign nation to the monetary policy of another country. That nation plies monetary policy to serve its interests and not the economic interests of Nigeria. I am baffled why this government would give such power over the fate of our economic wellbeing to another nation that does not incorporate our interests into its decisional processes. This government makes our nation the economic servant of another so that government may turn about to make the Nigerian people its economic servant. While there is a certain logic to this dynamic, it is a perverse and debilitating one. Because we operate a sovereign fiat currency
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th is d n in m fi T to e d T re N to re p m N d b c b le s fo d w m a th e e a c to is p in
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THE NIGERIAN
W ekend Discourse 17
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Way Out
Okonjo Iweala, Minister of Finance
he federal government ssues at its sole discretion, policies can never be rendered nsolvent in Naira. This means it can run Naira scal deficits indefinitely. The only outer bound is o ensure the fiscal expansion does not incur damaging inflation rates. There is no logical eason to peg the flow of Naira into the economy o the flow of dollars eceived. The correct perspective is not to mechanistically restrict Naira expenditure to dollar intake. This would be tantamount to those crippled with economic blinders forcefully eading those who can see and we are heading or disaster. It points to deflation, recession and worse. The better methodology is to ascertain, then achieve, he level of Naira expenditure needed to expand the economy and create jobs without causing inflation to rise o dangerous levels. This s how broadly-shared prosperity is generated n a sustainable manner. In this way, the nation’s economic engineers should focus primarily on
allocating value and opportunity to our underutilized labor force and our idle, yet potentially productive capital in a way that promotes wealth creation and expansion of aggregate demand. It is this sustainment of aggregate demand that empowers the nation to rescue itself from the whirlpool of economic contraction. This avenue is more benign than the one the federal administration now advocates. Their way calls for us to forget growth and for government to preoccupy itself with allocating economic misery among those segments of the population too poor and weak to contest the immiserating actions of government against them. In the face of r e c e s s i o n a r y headwinds, government should run countercyclical fiscal policy by using its Naira sovereignty to fund fiscal deficits. The deficit is not simply for the sake of running a deficit; the funds cannot be spent
on nonproductive matters. It must be used to fuel infrastructural and other projects that not only employ great numbers of people but enhance the overall productivity of the economy. The funds must be used to backstop state governments in a nonpartisan manner so that each state government may continue to pay salaries and pursue projects essential to the state’s economic critical path. To accomplish this, the federal government needs to reverse the inimical “dollarization” of the national economy in two ways. First and most importantly, it must abandon the outdated peg of fiscal policy and expenditures to the dollar intake. The one actually has no correspondent nexus to the other. Any commanding connection we give it is an artifice not an economic necessity. Related to this, we must reverse a trend that has gained momentum under this government. Among government-aligned elites, the fad has been to conduct domestic business transactions in dollars. Policy must “nairasize” the economy by requiring all domestic transactions occur in our legal tender. As this is done, the government’s infinite ability to issue Naira will come to outweigh the limitations inherent in the overuse of the finite supply of another nation’s currency for transactions wholly internal to our domestic economy. Inflation is the major risk of running budget deficits to spur growth. We can contain inflation to acceptable levels by ensuring additional g o v e r n m e n t
Oil Installation
expenditures are for items that can be supplied domestically, particularly labor. Naira paid to poor and working class people mostly circulates in the domestic economy, spurring additional local commerce and production. This is because their consumption patterns do not approach the level of import expenditures associated with their wealthier compatriots. Related to this, we must decrease our level of superfluous imports. These measures will place downward pressure on the Naira. Devaluation will not be destructive but it will be noticeable. For most nations, such devaluation would be welcomed as it would make export industries more competitive, thus creating jobs and export earnings in the process. However, this will not be the case initially for us because of the moribund state of our industrial sector. Here, government would need to initiate crash programs aimed at enhancing those domestic industries perched on the borderline of i n t e r n a t i o n a l competitiveness. In the end, the policy I propose is not without risks, inflation being the chief concern. Yet, if wisely prosecuted, the rewards of job creation and economic growth allocated among the bulk
of the populace outweigh the inflationary risk. More to the point, the policy now pursue bears no risks at all. It is certain to toss the average man’s economy into a stagnation that will resemble the onset of a major recession. Saving the people from this unnecessary plight is sufficient imperative to eschew the policies of old and embrace the progressive course. I offer this advice, this warning, because the people have suffered enough hardship. I offer this advice in the slim hope that those in power will ignore the messenger and objectively weigh the quality and humane nature of the message. If so, they will spare the people the grief visited upon a vulnerable
people when their government blindly imposes last century’s policies in a modern setting inappropriate to the old structures. Regardless of our partisan affiliations, let us consecrate this land by dedicating ourselves to the betterment of the poor, weak, and needy members of our national family. Let this moment not pass like so many others where we have demanded that the most vulnerable among us bear the greatest weight of the national burden. Let us give them the hope, change and dignity they deserve and human decency demands. This is how we make the nation great. When I speak of a common sense revolution, this is what I mean.
Minister of National Planning, Shamsudeen Usman
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THE NIGERIAN
N tion 18
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
“Since 1999, till date some of these recycled political leaders and elders in the six geo-political zones see nothing wrong in creating political violence that will halt the smooth sail of Nigeria’s democratic process” Jega
IG of police
2015:
The Future Of Nigeria At a recent open and free discussion with a group of educated, experienced and exposed Nigerians most of whom are in responsible positions in the civil and public service, the media and the industry, our deliberations quickly shifted to the current Nigerian political scene. To this end therefore, it became apparent that most of us were so disenchanted with the recent Boko Haram insurgents in the Northern parts of Nigeria and our socalled politicians defecting from one political party to another who are either looking for a second term or aspiring for higher political offices or probably completed their tenures with the ruling political party. We further observed that some of the political office holders are busy holding nocturnal meetings in one part of the country or another, thereby putting in oblivion their basic and constitutional responsibilities. We further observed that in previous elections that the country had held, there was a discernible lack of serious debates on national issues and objectives, instead there was plenty of personal mudslinging and the electorates were being compelled to vote for personalities rather than issues. Based on the versality, training and background of my group of emergency elite friends at that discussion, most of us were at a loss on how to cast our votes in the previous elections especially for some of them who have not achieved anything meaningful in their first tenure and are looking for a second term higher political
office or planting their cronies to continue and defend them and still make treasury available to them from where they will stop, come May 29,2015. The exodus defection of the ruling political party members including the recent defection of the House of Representatives Speaker, Rt Hon.Aminu Tambuwal to the opposition party is an indication of politicians fighting to remain in power till thy kingdom come. The body language of Hon.Tambuwal had since defected to APC since one year claiming to be a bonafide member of PDP.APC is not left out in defection; even LP and APGA members have also joined PDP in recent times too. One question for these zealous defectors is that, are they only considering 2015 as do or die affairs or want to divide the country into two? Whether PDP or APC, none of these political parties are free from party politics or corruption. The recent APC national registration and miniconvention of the party indicated these certain politicians have nothing to offer Nigerians in 2015.There is no difference between PDP and APC in Nigeria.APC is trying to accommodate PDP defectors with their bended party constitution.2015 is heading towards bloody crises if not prevented by prayers from anointed men of God. Now that President Goodluck Jonathan has declared for 2015 Presidential election though PDP provided only one Presidential form while those that bought PDP Presidential forms are wailing for their money. Some of the angry defectors are using
By GODDAY ODIDI Boko Haram insurgents to cover their multiple sins in Nigeria. It is God that installed President Goodluck Jonathan and Pastor Tunde Bakare and his group must be commended for the Save Nigeria Group rally held in Abuja 4 years ago to persuade the National Assembly to make then VicePresident Goodluck Jonathan to continue from the administration of Late President Musa Yar’Adua before 2011 elections. President Goodluck Jonathan’s government never instigated Boko Haram, even as we claimed that Boko Haram insurgence started since 2009 by one late dreaded islamic leader Mohammed Yusuf but the fact remains that Northern killings was initiated by one infamous Cameroonian national, Mohammed Marawa who lived in Kano city in the 70s and 80s, spearhead the unwarranted violence in the guise of religious evangelism in December 1980,leading to the death of over 100,000 people. Before Boko Haram insurgence, Maitatsine riot took place in the North East States of Kano,Katsina and Sokoto to the Cosmopolitan Kaduna State and heterogeneous Plateau State in the central part as well as the desert prone North East States Adamawa ,Bauchi,Gombe and Borno,Maitatsine riot spread like wildfire leaving tales of death,destruction,anguish and pains in their wake. The riot lasted for about six years in these areas. The frequent Boko Haram
insurgents in the Northern is an indication of political undertone over President Jonathan’s leadership since 2011 and the sudden demise of Late President Musa Yar’ Adua in 2009.Nigerians hardly learn from history which a second thought of reminding the defunct CPC Presidential candidate and now APC Presidential aspirant, Alhaji Mohammed Buhari of his callous media statement that Nigeria’s leadership would be ungovernable.Today,the more intensive deployment of military officers to the Northern areas to combat Boko Haram insurgents, thousands of people had been killed while property worth billions of naira destroyed. 2015 portends that some political desperados want to get into political offices by crook or hook as far as Jonathan continues to seek for second term. No soothsayers need to tell you that 2015 elections is heading towards political fiasco if not prevented by intense spiritual prayers from our notable acclaimed ministers of God in Nigeria. Since 1999, till date some of these recycled political leaders and elders in the six geo-political zones see nothing wrong in creating political violence that will halt the smooth sail of Nigeria’s democratic process than making Jonathan’s government as a mockery and nothing else. That praise singers’defectors should know that the ruling political party they left actually gave them the political publicity
they enjoy today why now seeing PDP as a failure. We have more of baby politicians and applicants seeking public offices to discredit others. How many of these elected political office holders since 1999 in various positions can boast of any tangible programmes and projects executed in their states or local governments? Is this how the like of Late Rt.Hon Dr.Benjamin Nnamdi A z i k i w e , A h m a d u B e l l o , O b a f e m i Awolowo,Waziris and others played their politics and succeeded? President Jonathan is the first PhD holder to assume as the President of Nigeria, yet political enemies are interested in nailing his government to the bud. The Obasanjo’s letter to President Goodluck Jonathan almost painted his administration as a failure and the latter that created the inherited political problem that the former is suffering now. Over 50 political groups have signified interest to support President Goodluck Jonathan for 2015 Presidential election while opposition parties are fighting to unseat him. Jonathan is not the problem of Nigeria but gentocrats want to dictate powers at all means. No wonder Jonathan said Boko Haram members are in his cabinet. Even the killing of Boko Haram leader recently has not stopped the multiple attacks of the insurgents to innocent Nigerians in the Northern part of Nigeria. Does any one fault that allegation? This is a country where a former Apex bank leader and now a prominent traditional leader
could turn into a political analyst than protecting the financial institution assigned to him. The recent crops of political defectors to APC is a sign that Nigeria is yet to get a real democratic process that can make the country a united one. Expectedly, if President Goodluck Jonathan is reelected in 2015, Boko Haram insurgence, kidnapping and other social violence will continue because some certain persons want to remain in power till thy kingdom come. The like of Rt Hon Rotimi Amechi of Rivers State who never contested election but was sworn in as a then PDP governor, Aminu Tambuwal and others must be blamed for democratic failure in Nigeria. Nigeria will still maintain political peace and unity at all levels of governance. The National conference is a symbol of everlasting peace across the country. Political leaders should seek visionary and creative manifestoes that will help the electorates to know the relevance of politics in Nigeria. Some private media houses are established to frustrate President Goodluck Jonathan’s government at all means, even some callous critics only see this administration as a mirage. The so-called opposition leaders cannot give Nigerians any visible leadership than creating unnecessary political attentions to run down this present government. In spite of all the elements of intimidation, victimization, criticism, harassment, Boko Haram insurgence, corruption and others, the future of Nigeria is bright that no man can change the already established political structure of our forefathers. In all PDP, APGA, LP, UPN, DPP, NCP and others should know precisely that election is not meant to eliminate ourselves and visions but to see that our electorates enjoy the dividends of democracy come May,29,2015.
THE NIGERIAN
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P rspective 19
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Like Idris Derby’s Ceasefire, Like Davis Claim From the blues came Dr. Stephen Davis, an Australian hostage negotiator with some claim to add up to the highpiling conspiracy theories on Boko Haram, in what is rocking the country to its foundation even more than the murders perpetrated by the extremists. Like all works of fiction, Davis looked for prominent names as characters to get attention to his work. He accused former Army Chief of Staff Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), of sponsoring Boko Haram, the very terrorists the Army general decimated in his wellcoordinated campaign against terror and other forms of militancy. The Australian, who claimed to have been working with the Nigerian federal government to negotiate a release of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls, told his tale when he was already thousands of kilometers away from Nigeria where he claimed to have met with commanders of the sect to gather the information about its sponsorship. Curious. Not too long after, the nation woke up with news of a ceasefire deal between the Nigerian government and Boko Haram, said to have being brokered by Chadian President Idriss Deby. Danladi Ahmadu, a man claiming to be the sect’s general secretary, had told the Voice of America on October 17 that the government was negotiating with representatives of the group. Acting on this, Alex Badeh, the country’s Chief of Defence Staff, then went into work: he quickly addressed the media, asking Nigerians troops to ceasefire because of the deal which he said included releasing the 219 Chibok schoolgirls in Boko Haram captivity. This ceasefire deal turned out to be a phantom, appearing like the one hatched and delivered by Dr. Davis. Much of the territories captured by the sect happened during the period of this phantom ceasefire. More women were also abducted by the sect during the period of the Idriss Deby-brokered ceasefire, with no trace or known efforts by the Nigerian authorities to locate and secure their release. A new Boko Haram video which was obtained by AFP news agency, showed the sect leader, Abubakar Shekau, and his fighters in an armoured vehicle apparently ceased from the Nigerian military, openly moving around in an unidentified town they apparently control and preaching to locals. In the video, Shekau denied any ceasefire deal with anyone, saying Boko Haram does not negotiate. So, the question on lips is obvious: who did Davis and Deby meet for their information to deceive Nigeria? We have read volumes about how Deby, the Chadian President is now
unreachable by Nigerian authorities trying to establish contact to find out if he actually met with the actual sect members, or he met with frauds. And we will be asking Davis the same question; if he met with frauds during his negotiations to secure the Chibok schoolgirls? We are of the opinion that Davis, like Deby, met with some frauds masquerading as sect members, in which case we will be suggesting that he quickly retracts his scandalously fictitious tale
By ADAMU S.K. ALHERI conclusions, hoping that Davis will come out himself to prove he is not a fake like the frauds he had contacts with. Davis has a duty to prove his credibility in the face of the sect’s new video. Davis should have made studies himself, to investigate and verify the information he had after listening to the said “commanders” of the sect he met. Such investigations would have brought him closer to the truth. Such
Idris Derby of Chad Daga Bashir Ibrahim Idris about how Lt. General Ihejirika sponsored Boko Haram. Like Deby’s phantom ceasefire deal which has only succeeded in inflicting a psychological pain on Nigerians, and especially families of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and many more, Davis’ claim about the involvement of Lt. General Ihejirika with the sect has only reinforced our worse fears that the Nigerian government is engaging the wrong characters masquerading as “NEGOTIATORS” to reach members of the sect. We are of the opinion that like Deby, Davis was overzealous in his assignment. The credit alert to his bank accounts by the Nigerian government he claimed to have worked for, must have entered his head, and set him running after anybody, including frauds who told him they are commanders of the sect. Now, Shekau, the sect boss himself came out to declare: “We don’t negotiate with anyone,” including Davis. We have been slow to making conclusions on Davis, since then. But with this revelation from Shekau that “we don’t negotiate with anyone,” we are compelled to question his source of information which mould his claim about General Ihejirika. We make bold to say Shekau’s new video puts serious doubts about the credibility of Dr. Davis. We will be slow in making
is someone in the cosmological mold of General Ihejirika. Just think of it: what will motivate an Ihejirika to empower Islamist Boko Haram with Nigeria’s military equipment under his care? Would he like to live under an Islamised Nigeria? Would he like to be forcibly converted to Islam? Certainly not.” A careful verification of the information he obtained from God knows who, would have compelled Davis to trash
Steve Davis
Chief of Defence Staff investigations would have opened his eyes to the obvious; which is that General Ihejirika, an Igbo, would not have elected to sponsor a group of Islamists in the murderous campaign which targets include the former Army Chief’s kinsmen. One writer, Ocherome Nnanna best captured this when he wrote: “Ihejirika is an Igbo man and a Christian. As such, he is an enemy of everything that Boko Haram stands for. If there is anyone who will like to finish Boko Haram today, it
read of how Badeh commanded the troops to ferry out his relatives to safety, using a military helicopter just before the sect struck. It is as if Boko Haram recommended the removal of the General. His exit created the opening for them to launch their bloody campaign; it blew air under their wings. They have been flying since then, taking women; taking territories. From Mubi to Michika to Vintim to Uba to Gwoza to Bama to Abadam, through Sambisa Forest to Buni Yadi
them (information) as a piece of trash. Such verification would have drawn his attention to the years General Ihejirika headed the Army, and led the successfully coordinated military campaign to stamp the terror. Under General Ihejirika, Boko Haram never captured a hamlet. Now, they do on a daily bases, completely altering the country’s territorial map in a murderous campaign that has taken up Mubi, hometown of Air Marshal Bade, the CDS. We
to Ashaka, a large chunk of the Nigerian territory has fallen into the hands of the terrorists who have gone full lengths at renaming the captured territory. Recently, the sect struck a major blow: killing dozens of young compatriots at an assembly ground preparing for classes at a public secondary school in Potiskum, Yobe State. Eight months ago, it was Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. The sect fired their way into town, and abducted schoolgirls they now said they have since married off. Yet, this happened several hours after the military under the command of Ihejirika’s successors were tipped off. All of these and many more happened after Ihejirika retired in January. Boko Haram attempted to set up camps in Kogi, Niger, Kano, Sokoto, Adamawa in their bid to spread. Ihejirika, commanding with clear and unambiguous instructions, led the Army to stop the sect, beating the, silly in their quest to advance. Less than a year after Ihejirika’s retirement, the same group which engaged in isolated hit-and-run, now have an Army on ground; running into about 10,000 committed fighters who are daily emboldened by their advances and captured territories. We now read of how troops dump their firearms and flee into Cameroon. The latest run was to a small town in Niger. Davis failed to go to the records of Amnesty
International, whose accounts indicted the military under the care of Ihejirika alleged war crimes against the sect members. General Ihejirika’s iconic strategies are verifiable, as they visible. He established counter-terrorism training centres and units within the Nigerian Army as sure steps that enhanced the fight against terror. He enhanced the capacity of officers and men in the counter-terrorism with requisite trainings, as he set up the Nigerian Army Dog Centre and Counter-terrorism centres in Lagos, and Kontagora as part of his proactive steps to stamp terror. He embarked on mass recruitment beyond routine, as he set up new units and barracks in hotspots, in what decimated the insurgents. A military strategist, General Ihejirika established and maintained liaison with the United States African Command (AFRICOM) in the fight against terror, in what led to the setting up of the Special Operations Command. He initiated and personally supervised the successful beefing up of strength and supplies/holdings of the Army component of the then Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno, after military authorities transferred control of operations from the JTF to the Army Headquarters under Ihejirika. There was the robust military/civilian relation, as there was the establishment of an Army FM Radio Station in Maiduguri, to disseminate information about counterterrorism to the local populace, as he also tasked the Nigerian Directorate of Islamic Affairs to undertake outreach campaigns to civilians in selected flashpoints. This, he did in collaboration with the Jama’tu Nasril Ismaiya (JNI) to counter the sect’s incisive teachings and indoctrinations, and designing requisite counter-terrorism messages in English and local languages to dissuade the local populace from embracing terrorists ideologies; as part of the military strategy to stamp the sect and win the battle of hearts and minds of innocent Nigerians from the extremists. These are records any government will be looking for to make appointments to advise authorities on war strategies. Ihejirika will make a good consultant on counterterrorism and other warfare. The records are there, if Davis cared to obtain them. The records would have brought Davis face to face with the reality; which is that Boko Haram cannot give positive accounts of General Ihejirika, their arch enemy. But Davis ignored the decency to look at the records, preferring to concoct his stories based on information he obtained from co-conspirators.
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THE NIGERIAN
M ddle East 20
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
The Falacy Of Gaza Withdrawal The Netanyahu government has forcefully and consistently promulgated the notion that Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, its subsequent takeover by Hamas, and the violence emanating from it strongly suggest that the Palestinians aim for Israel’s destruction rather than regaining lost territory. Netanyahu argues that Israel must learn from this experience and thus should not withdraw from the West Bank, which is far closer than Gaza to Israel’s urban centers. The takeover of the West Bank by Hamas, the argument goes, would make it another staging ground from which to launch rockets attacks, cut Israel in half, and inflict incalculable losses in lives and property. Unfortunately many Israelis bought into the fallacy of this argument, and indeed, if Israel were to precipitately withdraw from the West Bank, as it did from Gaza, a similar result could theoretically reoccur. The three violent wars between Hamas and Israel – Operation Cast Lead in 2008, Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012, and this year ’s Operation Protective Edge – are used by Netanyahu to falsely demonstrate the consequences of the Gaza withdrawal, rather than the consequences of maintaining the fragile conditions between Israel and the Palestinians. Using lofty phrases to describe these operations against Hamas is not the answer. Depicting Hamas’ behavior and its doctrine of promoting Israel’s destruction to justify Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians in the West Bank only plays into the hands of extremist Palestinians. Netanyahu is deliberately misleading the public to justify his obdurate refusal to embark on a significant withdrawal from the West Bank by rewriting the history of the withdrawal
Dr. ALON BEN-MEIR from Gaza and linking it directly to national security concerns. Israeli intelligence at that time knew that Hamas was politically popular and had military capabilities that could overwhelm the PA’s internal security forces under Abbas in any confrontation. But the desire of thenPrime Minister Sharon to rid Israel of a denselypopulated Palestinian area, and his belief, as stated in the Kadima Party Platform, that “…in order to maintain a Jewish majority, part of the Land of Israel must be given up to maintain a Jewish and democratic state,” provided the impetus to evacuate Gaza first. To demonstrate his intentions that the withdrawal would not be limited to Gaza, in August 2005 Sharon ordered the evacuation of Sa-Nur and Homesh in northern West Bank, thus setting the nation on a course that could have ended the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, Sharon ignored the need to fully coordinate the evacuation of Gaza with the PA and failed to produce a well thought-out plan to implement the withdrawal in stages, which had significant national security implications. Ideally, following the withdrawal, the Palestinians should have immediately embarked on building the infrastructure of a state and developing a substantial economic program to provide jobs and opportunities to tens of thousands of young Palestinians while demonstrating their commitment to live sideby-side Israel in peace. The fact that this did not happen in Gaza should not affect the situation in the West Bank, especially since the PA, following the end of the second Intifada in 2005, officially renounced the use of force to achieve its political objective—an independent
Palestinian state. The PA has begun in earnest to build the foundations of a state with schools, clinics, a network of roads, and private and government institutions. They were even praised by Israel’s top security officials for their full cooperation with Israel on all security matters, even in times of increased tension between the two sides. The Gaza experience in a way was positive and
Gaza experience to justify the continuation of the occupation rather than working out airtight plans
Netanhaya Israel PM
Palestinian Leader instructive in that it has shown the mistakes that Sharon made and how to avoid similar mistakes in any future disengagement from territories in the West Bank. Leave it to Netanyahu, however, to use the Gaza
with the PA that would entail security measures to ensure that the West Bank does not become a staging ground for attacks on Israel. Although both Sharon and Netanyahu believe that “the Israeli nation has
a national and history right to the whole of Israel,” Sharon realized that he must give up part of it to preserve the Jewish national identity of the state. Conversely, Netanyahu is driven by his conviction that Israel is not an occupying power and that the establishment of a Palestinian state on the same land forfeits Israel’s inherent right to the entire land. That said, Israel is in a perfect position to withdraw from most of the West Bank without risking any aspect of its legitimate security concerns. In fact, a withdrawal based on preconceived plans and procedures will enhance rather than undermine Israel’s national security. No one in their right mind can suggest that Israel should withdraw from the West Bank precipitously like it did from Gaza and Sothern Lebanon in 2000 almost overnight, with no coordination and no agreement with the Palestinian Authority (PA) or the Lebanese/Syrian governments, respectively. Instead, it should be based on a number of agreed upon phases to be implemented over a period of five to ten years and entail well-defined reciprocal measures to be executed on schedule by both sides with monitoring mechanisms to ensure full compliance and prevent escalation. In addition, mutual security arrangements should be determined in advance and a comprehensive economic development program
must be central to any agreement so that the Palestinians develop vested interests and have the incentive to preserve it. The Netanyahu government finds it extremely convenient to exploit the current violence in Jerusalem and the death of innocent Israelis and Palestinians by pointing out the “wisdom” of his policy to maintain the occupation and his refusal to make territorial concessions, presumably because of national security considerations. Regardless of what precipitated the current violence, it only demonstrates that the status quo is untenable. The Israeli occupation is an occupation by any definition and is the mother of all evil that plagues Israeli-Palestinian relations. Whether or not Israel has biblical or historic rights to the land is no longer relevant given the unshakable reality of the Palestinians, but Netanyahu and his company are too possessed to see the light. It is time for the Israeli public, which has been systematically misled, to shed the fallacy behind the withdrawal from Gaza and demand that the Netanyahu government resign and elect new leaders who are totally committed to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I know this is a tall order, but there is always a moment in time when people rise above their human frailty. I believe that it is time for the Israelis to create that moment.
o
THE NIGERIAN
P litics 21
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
“It was not easy to change this wrong impression about a man upon who destiny has thrust the mantle of leadership of Anambra State. Resilience is the second nature of born leaders, and so, undaunted, Willie, as he is fondly called, soldiered on, breaking new grounds with his oratory, and issuedriven campaign.” Obiano, Anambra State Governor
Peter Obi
Anambra State
Obiano-Weathering The Storm Of Betrayal The cross is the symbol of the passion of Jesus Christ in Christendom. It represents Christ’s tribulations, culminating in his physical bearing of the wooden cross in a procession, customary to the ancient Roman Empire, derogatorily preserved for thieves and allied criminals, stoned and jeered at on their way to final execution by tying their hands and feet, and then nailing them to the cross for a most gruesome death. It represents excruciating pain, betrayal and abandonment by one’s trusted friends in his moment of great need. Conventionally, people regard their tribulations and vicissitudes as crossbearing, especially Christians whose master and founder redeemed via the cross. Governor Willie M a d u a b u c h i Obiano(Akpokuedike), has had his fill of cross-bearing, since his entry into the murky waters of Nigerian politics. Before his enigmatic return from the United States of America to join the political race, following the consensus to zone the governorship to the North Senatorial Zone of Anambra State, an array of contestants had been paraded by the erstwhile governor, Peter Obi. Each of the contestants had the firm promise of Peter Obi, causing confusion and bad blood amongst them. In the rat race, following the entry of Chief Willie
Maduabuchi Obiano, Akpokuedike, almost at the last minute, there was an almost spontaneous propaganda of calumny by the candidates, who accused him of numerous shortcomings. His record of retiring from Fidelity bank where Peter held sway, did not help matters. It was easy to presume that Chief Obiano was therefore the anointed candidate of Peter. In unison, all the candidates, without exception, accused Chief Obiano of being a stooge and a lackey of Peter Obi, whom they said was scheming to ensure that his flanks were covered. They called him a minion and an impostor and an empty vessel that only made noise and nothing more. They impugned on his character, associating him with objectionable and obnoxious acts not professional to be repeated here. This formed the basis for a very disparaging public image, bandied about by opposing parties and the generality of electorates. For a man of uncommon pedigree, candour and panache, it was a huge pain in the heart to be so maligned. An astute accountant, banker and international external auditor for Texaco worldwide, among others, it was a cross too heavy to bear, especially, coming from his brothers from Anambra North. It was not easy to change this wrong impression about
By AUSTEN CHUDI ANYAEJI a man upon who destiny has thrust the mantle of leadership of Anambra State. Resilience is the second nature of born leaders, and so, undaunted, Willie, as he is fondly called,
by Peter, pitching a new National leadership of APGA, led by Chief Maxi Okwu against the authentic national Chairman Chief Victor Umeh, became a big cog in the wheel of the party.
Bianca Onoh Ojukwu soldiered on, breaking new grounds with his oratory, and issue-driven campaign. A “child” of destiny, Willie won the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with a landslide. In a twist that still smoulders with a pungent smoke of blood-letting and fratricidal acrimony, the lingering squabble ignited
This faction trumped up an alternate governorship candidate in the person of Chief Chike Obidigbo, an industrialist also from Anambra North. In the heat of this chicanery, came the big surprise of the slim runnerup of the governorship primaries, maverick Mrs Uche Ekwunife, rushing to court to stop the candidature of Chief Obiano, claiming
the mandate, on the spurious ground that Chief Obiano was not properly elected, and technically disqualified by double registration. She later, dramatically withdrew the suit, but continued as a black leg of APGA till her carpet-crossing to the People’s Democratic Party, thus ending the guess as to where she stood. Peter’s desertion on the heels of the defection of Ekwunife and her fellow renegades proves beyond all reasonable doubts that he was the mastermind of Ekwunife’s bold moves to snatch victory from Obiano through the backdoor. Up to the Supreme Court, the alternate APGA candidate, Obidigbo, PDP’s Nwoye and APC’s Ngige formed an unholy coalition aimed at bringing down Chief Obiano at all costs. Unfolding events have proved a deeper betrayal of the authentic APGA by the reprobate leader, Peter Obi. From the pitching of Okwu as alternate national APGA Chairman against Chief Victor Umeh because of their (Peter vs Umeh) imbroglio, Obi had decided to throw away the baby with the bath tub. Peter ’s jig saw game stripped him of any authentic claim of being the “god father” of any candidate. At best, he had played the dangerous game of one shaky leg here and another there, leading to his loss of control and respect.
Before Obiano’s swearing in as governor, Peter literally emptied the state’s treasury by indiscriminate award of contracts, payments, donations and all time employment of Labour at the twilight of his departure. It was indeed a huge cross for governor Obiano to watch the state’s impoverishment by the outgone megalomaniac Peter. It was also rumoured that Peter monopolized appointments into the new government by insisting on prime positions for his cronies. The cross of all crosses for governor Obiano was the jumping of ship by Mr Obi almost rocking the boat of state in search of a “greener pasture” in the PDP, after failing to clinch the position of Aviation minister, long rumoured to be his inwaiting. The patient dog eats the fattest bone. With his focused, non-ambitious determination, governor Obiano, within so short a time, has set an all high record of turning the state around with people-oriented projects, devoid of vain glory and showmanship. He has passed through hard and trying times, abandoned in the lurch too soon, by his self-styled godfather Peter. So, without weaning, this “baby”, without crawling, learnt by force, to stand, and indeed, almost running. This is the very dividend of crossbearing, a truism of the old wise saying that there is no CROWN without a CROSS.
THE NIGERIAN
o
C unselling 22
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
With
Healing From Mother Nature
NICE to know that every clinician must recognize that every treatment has a cultural component. Western medicine is founded on a scientific basis, but we recognize that this scientific basis holds no inherent guarantee of quality or efficacy. While we may teach the importance of evidencebased medicine, there are many therapies for which we have not yet accumulated evidence of effectiveness so should you dismiss all these therapies that are not yet proven? One suggestion is to proceed with an open, but enquiring mind-be skeptical but not cynical. The culture of western medicine places diagnosis as a central goal, where as, other approaches including Nigerian medicine see it as less central and pay more attention to finding a safe environment in which the patient may recover. For conditions such as mental disorders, this latter approach may prove more effective than struggling to attach a label to the disorder. Research shows that Nigerian medicine contains innumerable folk remedies, many of which have formed the basis for pharmaceutical treatments that we use routinely in western medicine. Traditional approaches to healing are holistic and consider mind, body and spirit. Medicine is distinguished from healing, which goes beyond mere treatment of sickness as sofowora points out, it is some what ironic that modern physicians say they provide health care when they really treat diseases. The healing relationship is based on series of virtues; respect, humility, compassion, honesty, truth-sharing, hospitality and divine love. Nigerian care recognizes many more routes to healing. Folk healing
Eight percent of the worlds population cannot afford western high- tech medicine, indigenous traditions still collectively play an important global health-care role- so much so that the world heath organization recommended that they be integrated into national health-care policies and programs (WHO Traditional medicine strategy 20022005. world health organization, 2002). Common themes such as spirituality and nature’s key roles often exist in many of the world’s geographically diverse traditions, especially, among those with more ancient origin. Ancient wisdom often has much contemporary validity. Traditional medicine considers spirit as an inseparable element of healing not only is the patient’s spirit important, but the spirit of the healer, the patient’s family, community and environment and the medicine itself. More importantly, healing must take into account the dynamics between these spiritual forces as a part of the universal spirituality. We are all synergistically part of a whole, that is greater than the sum of the parts, healing must be considered within this context. Traditional indigenous medicine is holistic healing system of the body. Herbal medicine is a universal practice among the entire world’s traditional medical systems, which developed. The holistic healing philosophy of medicine states that man is essential, a product of nature or the natural environment. Health is living in harmony with nature and disease results when these harmony and balance are upset. Healing is therefore restoring this
O.C. Madu
lost harmony and integration. Man and all other living beings on this planet grew and evolved within this all pervasive biosphere and have been relying on it for their survival, for food and medicine for millions
medicines were the best way of health and healing. The entire world’s great religion all have passages from their sacred texts advocating the use of herbal for health and healing. Nature- mother- nature is a healing. The remedies for all man’s illnesses are to be found in the biosphere or the
lose track of the traditional holistic and vitality priorities of Greek medicine in supporting and building the natural resistance of the organism that doctors began to look for stronger and stronger
of years. The use of medicinal plants in healings not exclusive to the human species. Research shows that when an animal in the wild gets sick or feels out of sort, it will stop eating and munch on some healing herbs, until, it feels better. Herbal medicine amongst humans first evolved as an imitation of this universal healing practice of the animal kingdom. And so, herbal medicine is a universal practice among all the world’s traditional medical systems, which developed system or modern of herbal healing is based on the holistic healing principles and concepts inherent to that system. African traditional medicine is no exception too this rule and bases its own system of herbal medicine upon it care concepts. Common sense totals the common man for hundreds even thousands of year that Nature’s botanical
world of nature, which alone heals. Ecological science also, tells it’s that this is so. The entire animal kingdom for food, for medicine, indeed for the very air we breathe. The tremendous and selfless sacrifice made by the plant kingdom to ensure the continuity of life cannot be overestimated. ‘ Throughout the vast majority of mankind’s history, herbs and other natural medicinal substance was the mainstay of medical practice. Only in the late 19 th century did. The switchover to chemical medicine start to happen, after the introduction of antibiotics as the new, “wonder drugs”, in the 19305, the triumph of synthetic pharmaceutical drugs seemed complete. The writings of Hippocrates and Galen clearly show that, they gave priority to the nutritive, tonic approach over the repentic intervention. It was only when medicine began to
drugs and radical intervention. This search for strong medicine research says, led first to an increasing emphasis on potent, toxic botanicals like opiates, henbane and Belladonna and a gradual abandonment of the gentler, safer remedies that how once been the mainstay of medicine it then led to the use of harsh, inorganic mineral drugs and toxic mercury preparations like calomel and finally, with the advent of antibiotics, synthetic pharmaceuticals took over God holds the paten on herbs and he is not selling them out. So, for the chronic degenerative disease that now plagues mankind. Herbal medicine is the answer. What then is herbal medicine? Herbal medicine is the use of plants and other natural substances in healing. Although plants and botanical medicines are the mainstay of the world’s great herbal healing traditions, not all
GSM: 08056379608 the natural substances used for medicine are of plant origin. Botanical medicines make up about eight- five percent of traditional pharmacies, with mineral substances comprising about ten percent and those of animal origin about five percent. In botanical medicines, all parts of the plant are used. These include herbals leaves, flowers, fruits, kernels, seeds, pods, peels, finds, barks, resins, essences, stems and roots. The book of genesis in the bible tells us that the fruit of the tree was used for food and the leaf for medicine and so it is with many plants- one part is used for food medicine another is used for medicine. Hippocrates said; let your food, your medicine and your medicine be your food”. There is no clear distinction between food and medicine; they are all part of vast continuum. Herbal medicine is very superior because they have the nutritive values. The more natural, whole and unrefined a substance is, the higher it is in nutritive value and the better, it is assimilated and metabolized by the body. Herbs work by enhancing the natural physiological functions and defensive healing reactions of the organism. Herbs are gentle, safer and have far fewer negative side effects and they also, have nutritive value and they have biological intelligence of the life force inherent in them. Herbs are living medicines that can vitalize and energize the organism. Also, the biological intelligence inherent in herbs gives many of, them a bivalent capacity to adjust or optimize key bodily functions, like digestion, circulation, metabolism and immunity.
e
THE NIGERIAN
B auty & Health 23
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Tattooing And Medical Tattooing (4) IN the 1980s, Scholar Arnold Rubin created a collection of works regarding the history of tattoo cultures, publishing them as the “Marks of civilization” (1988). In this, the term “tattoo Renaissance” was coined, referring to a period marked by technological, artistic and social change. Wearers of tattoos, as members of the counter culture began to display their body art as signs of resistance to values of the white, heterosexual, middleclass. Today women sometimes use tattoos as forms of bodily reclamations after traumatic experiences like abuse or breast cancer. In 2012, tattooed women outnumbered men for the first time in American historyaccording to Harris Poll, 23 percent of women in America had tattoos in that year, compared to
19percent of men. In 2013, Miss Kansas, Theresa Vail, became the first Miss America contestant to show off tattoos during the swimsuit competitionthe insignia of the U.S. Army Dental Corps on her left shoulder and one of the “serenity prayers” along the right side of her torso. In recent years, various lawsuits have arisen in the status of tattoos as a copyrightable art form. However, these cases have either been settled out of court or are currently being disputed, and therefore no legal precedent existing directly on point. In relation to medical tattooing, tattooing a new nipple and areola is a well-established step in breast reconstruction surgery on women who have had cancer. Tattoo artists’ techniques for creating the illusion of depth could help plastic surgeons to
By OMEIZA ROBINSON
better reconstruct nipples for breast cancer patients. However, experts now say that the plastic surgeons that usually create the tattoos can learn something from professional tattoo artists when it comes to making the tattoo look more realistic. Traditionally, most nipple-areola tattoos have been created using lighter ink for the areola and a central circle of darker ink for the nipple as reported by Dr. Eric G Halverson, a plastic surgeon at Brigham and women’s hospital in Boston. He added that although this method produces some factory result, that they recently used three-dimensional technique inspired by a tattoo artist, with improved results. Halverson also said that nipple-areola tattoos are usually performed more than
three months following breast reconstruction. The traditional technique for nipple areola tattooing ignores the aesthetic principle of light and shadow that create the appearance of depth on a two-dimensional surface. The threedimensional technique performed by tattoo artist offer an aesthetically superior result according to Halvorson. Halvorson coauthored an article on the topic that appears in the May issue of the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (seven side effects of cancer, and how to cope with them). There are several reasons why the tattoos created by doctors in medical facilities don’t measure up to those done by professional tattoo artists. For one, medical
Practitioners use machines that work at higher speed than those of a tattoo artist, which can result in a longer time to heal, scarring and poor pigment retention. The pigment choices used in medical facilities are often very limited and also have been known to fade over time. The threedimensional tattooing technique that tattoo artists use can also address asymmetries following nipple-areola reconstruction, thereby avoiding additional surgery. Although Halverson said he still performs nipple-areola tattoos in his practice, he has modified his technique to replicate the results obtained by professional tattoo artist. He also said that they are limited by the equipment that they have. Many women according to Halverson have reservations about visiting a tattoo
parlor and prefer to have their procedure performed in an established medical facility. Medical tattoo practitioners have much to gain from paying attention to the technique used by professional tattoo artists. Patients will benefit greatly when the two industries are able to share resources and knowledge, he added. The tattoo industry focus on realism has the potential to expand the role of medical tattooing to other areas of the body, including the eyebrows, lips and nail beds as observed by Halverson. Which-ever position people seek to consider tattoo and tattooing, they should endeavour to establish and maintain balance in their judgment so that they would rather be objective instead of being subjective in their view. Concluded.
i Nigeria: Playing Chess On A Precipice THE NIGERIAN
V ewpoint 24
A FEW months ago, the Nigerian Government engaged in wild celebrations to mark Nigeria’s 100 th Anniversary as one united geographical entity. As I reflected on the events that characterized that centenary celebration, it occurred to me that the diverse peoples and ethnicities of this country had actually lived under a common national identity for a century. For 100 years, Nigerians had seemingly buried their hatchets, underscored personal and ethnic interests, and set aside religious bigotry to collectively pursue a common goal. Recent events enveloping the polity may have exposed our hypocrisy and insincerity in that supposed social contract we deceitfully entered into in 1914, when Northern and Southern Nigeria were amalgamated. Regrettably, the Nigerian nation has catapulted rather retrogressively into an era characterized by portentous and sinister events which have threatened the future of the colloquial West African giant. It is rather worrisome the current state of affairs which our geographical entity now finds itself. Coming on the heels of political instability, economic mismanagement, and a looming financial crisis, the country plunged deeper at the dawn of the 21st century when a budding disaster was left to incubate, hatch and unleash its evil on an unprepared people governed by an unresponsive group of rulers. Today, we are obviously on the cliff of fortunes, and we dance
on ignorantly. Nigeria is today faced with a myriad of challenges. Some over ambitious politicians have taken advantage of the situation to build campaigns, speeches and “points agenda”. Much of these problems will discriminately suffice as subject matters for political vocal wars and verbal battles in the build-up to the 2015 General elections. Over six months later, over 219 teenage girls still lie captive in the gruesome nest of the ruthless Islamist sect, Boko Haram. While we continue to nurse our emotional wounds as a nation, and decry our military inadequacy, the violent sect continues to unleash terror on both old and young, man and woman, Christian and Muslim in the heated North-East region. Days ago, precisely on Monday 10th of November, 47 school children were killed by a suicide bomber in Yobe State, attracting widespread condemnation of the sect obvious disregard for the life of a minor. Some Nigerians have described the onslaught as senseless, misplaced and wicked, calling it a reprehensive attempt to deprive Nigerians total peace and security. The very fact that the murderous sect continues to perpetrate evil unchecked, questions the ability of the nation’s military to tackle the insurgency currently ravaging the North-East. The challenges recorded in recent times over arms acquisition is
EDUCATIONIST and educational philosophers has not agreed on the definite definition of education. As a consequence, there are numerous and varying definitions of education. The earliest definition of education is that of Plato who says that “education stands for granting the souls and bodies as much as possible the amount of aesthetes and perfection”. The definition comprises physical and spiritual education. The former is the education which sows corporal development and prosperity, while the latter is that which creates perfection and virtue. According to Oxford
Dictionary, Education can also be said to be the field of study that deals with methods of teaching and learning. Perfect education is that which helps man to perform his job accurately and skillfully in times of peace and war. Education is the culture which each generation purposely gives to those who are to be successors, in order to qualify them for at least keeping up and if possible for raising the level of improvement which has been attained. The church has defined education as the sacred task of forming the character of the child and aiding him to
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
By RICHARD IMHOAGENE another matter of great concern which resulted in a national embarrassment and further splashed grease on the nation’s already faulted integrity. In the face of all these, President Goodluck Jonathan recently declared his intention to run for president in 2015.
memory of the children, rather than thrown an extravagant party at the Eagle Square in Abuja. The problems of Nigeria did not just erupt in one day. It is a result of an accumulated neglect of social justice, economic welfare, infrastructural development,
The main opposition party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) was quick to react, describing the action of the president as insensitive, irresponsible and careless coming barely 24 hours after the murder of 47 children in the N o r t h . In his reaction, former Governor of Lagos State and APC chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinibu stated that the President should have stayed in the villa, called a Broadcast and declared his intention in
human capacity building, and a lack of political institutions that could have set the feet of this nation on a concrete foundation, and foster its development on a reliable pedestal. When Nigeria got her independence from Britain in 1960, nobody would’ve thought that the nation would be trapped in such a miry situation today. After independence, Nigeria was looked upon with great hope and admiration, particularly
within Africa and among black people all over the world. According to Folorunsho (2010), a blogger and political analyst, “recent events in Nigeria may compel many political analysts interested in African politics to wonder what has gone wrong with the self proclaimed “Giant of Africa”. However, he said, “if there was any element of surprise at all, it would probably be the speed at which things have been
allowed to deteriorate”. Lack of tolerance among the political class, unwillingness to abide by the rule of law and fair play in government, and political instability precipitated by the civil war, aggravated by successive military regimes, and sustained by an unending banquet of corruption, are some of the factors that have led Nigeria on this path of self destruct. Our momentary period of peace and stability, coupled
with the oil boom of the 1970s may have prompted analysts to predict a bright future for Nigeria with a prospect to compete with world powers like Britain, America, and France. Fifty four (54) years after independence, the issue dominating public discourse is whether or not Nigeria will survive as one big united entity. The nation is currently ravaged by poverty, unemployment, lack of infrastructure in every sector, poor health service delivery system, insecurity and violence championed by the blood-thirsty and ruthless Boko Haram Islamist sect. It appears overwhelming the way and manner the resolve of Nigerians has kept them together in the midst of all these troubles. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s headcount ratio at national poverty lines is 46.0%, rural population with access to water is 49%, life expectancy at birth is 52%, and so on. About 70% of Nigerians live below $1 per day, and the American Government has tagged Nigeria as one of the most dangerous places to lives in. With all these heart wrenching and saddening statistics, one cannot help but tread carefully as one walking on a minefield. What Nigeria requires is a total overhauling. Reduce the powers of individuals and empower institutions instead. Only sincerity and unwavering commitment for change can heal the country and put it on its rightful place in the comity of nations.
Parents As Primary Educators Of Their Children By AGARREY UFUOMA
attain the purpose of existence. True education is directed towards the formation of the human person in view of his final end and the good of that society to which he belong and in the duty of which he will, as an adult, have a share. The parents are the primary educators of their children. The task of giving education is rooted in the primary vocation of married couples to participate in God creative activity by begetting in love and for love a new person who has within himself or herself the vocation to growth and development. Parents by that very fact take on the task of helping that person effectively to live a fully human life. Since parents have conferred life in their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it. For it behoves on the parents to create a family atmosphere so animated with love and reverence for God and others, that a well-
rounded personal and social development will be fostered among the children. Hence, the family is the first school of those social virtues which every society needs. The right and duty of parent to give education cannot be over emphasized and is essential, since it is connected with the transmission of human life, it is original and primary with regard to the educational role of others, on account of the uniqueness of the loving relationship between parents and children, it is irreplaceable and inalienable and therefore incapable of being entirely delegated to others or usurped by others. Parents are said to be the first and most important educators of their own children and they also possess a fundamental competence in this area where they are educators, because they are parents. It is also being affirmed that the primary and inalienable rights and duty of parents is to educate their children. It should be noted however that while parents are the primary educators of the children, their interpretation of doctrine can never supersede the legitimate authority of the churches or schools. Parents
are responsible for the education of their children and have the right to choose a school which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible, parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task and shaping the child to a better life in future. Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators. This role in education is so important that only with difficulty can it be supplied where it is lacking. Parents are the one who must create family atmosphere animated by love and respect for God and man in which the wellrounded personal and social education of children is fostered. Hence, the family is the first school of the social virtues that every society needs. It is particularly in the Christian family, enriched by the grace and office of the only sacrament of matrimony that children should be taught from their early years to have knowledge of God, to worship Him and to love their neighbour. Here, too, they find their first experience of a wholesome human society and of God. It is through the
family that they are gradually led to a companionship with their fellowmen and with the people of God. Parents must teach their children from the moment they are born, infancy and childhood, as parents are regarded to be the first and most important indispensible teacher of their children while every other teaching are only a substitute to the child The first institution of a child where he lives is his home. A child passes most of his time with his parents and learns from his parents and the environment provided for him by his parents in the home. Parents play a vital role in the education of their children, whatever the children’s ages are, if parents pay attention to their children, they make more scholastic achievements than those who are ignored. If parents take care of the following things they can improve the education of their children by given their children more time, no matter how busy a parent should be. Spend time with your children and know what they do at every given time. Help them in their studies; if possible, make them aware of the importance of study in their life. Don’t ignore your children, it will make them feel irresponsible and they will lose interest in study.
THE NIGERIAN
25 “Be wise and reconcile with Him as your trouble might be a stepping stone to a higher ground.”
RUMINATION SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
With
Ernest Ikhureigbe
Who Do You Seek When Trouble Comes? In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. John 16:33. It is quite unfortunate that the Bible gives the promotion of tribulation in the course of one’s life journey. Life itself is a sea of trouble and challenges that we cannot but contend with if we are to attain the next level of prominence. John 14:1 states “let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me”. Beloved, no one can be at peace with oneself if one disregards the instructions of the Prince of Peace. He, even, knows when you lost His fellowship. His response is spontaneous.
Adams and Eve lost the cordial relationship with their Creator and they immediately realized it, Gen. 3:10 Adam said “I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because (I realized) I was naked, and hid myself. For Adam, instead of seeking God, to repent of his sin, he thought he could hid from God! This was the genesis of their predicament. “So He (God)drove out the man and He placed at the East of the garden of Eden, Cherubums, and a flaming Sword which turned everyway to keep the way of the tree of life”. Abraham forsaw the calamity that would befall
his nephew, Lot and his entire family if the will of God on Sodom and Gomorrah were to be executed. He had to intervene. Abraham knew Sodom and Gomorrah was a great city inhabited by a large population. He, therefore, asked if, at least, ten persons were found there to be blameless, will the LORD still destroy the city? He was assured that “I will not destroy it for ten sake, Gen 18:32, unfortunately, the city suffered destruction for the act of sodomy and wickedness. King Nebuchadnezzar had trouble that caused him sleeplessness. Daniel 2:1 “Nebuchadnezzar
dream dreams, where his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him”. Instead of the King to seek God, he sought his personal personnel to unravel the mystery. “The king commanded to be called magician, and the astrologers, the sorcerers and the chaldeans for to show the king his dream, so they came and stood before the king. Daniel 2:2. The king thought in his mind that if his private cabinet could not help him out of his predicament, he would killed them and probably recruit a better ones that can do exploit and expand his court. Fortunately, among his cabinet were Daniel and
other Hebrew slaves. He threatened to kill them if nobody is able to unearth and interpret his dream. Daniel and his men sought God over the dream the King had. “Daniel 2:19 states, “Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision” then Daniel blessed the God of heaven”. Daniel and his brethren were not only spared, they also earned promotion in the province of Babylon. Daniel 2:48-49. In 2nd kings 1:2, King Ahaziah was never spared when he decided to seek the god of Ekron in his moment of distress. Instead of asking for God’s mercy, he went further,
attempted to arrest the man of God, who revealed the word of God and what would befall him. He died as declared by the prophet of God, so also were one hundred and two soldiers perished in their bid to arrest him. 2nd king 1:1014, 17. Beloved, our God knows the end of every matter of one’s life from day one. He is also in the know of the happenings at every second of one’s life. It is arrant nonsense to disregard Him as He could be terrible when He is dishonoured and relegated. Be wise and reconcile with Him as your trouble might be a stepping stone to a higher ground.
great in serving God is to be a servant of others, just as Jesus came to serve others and not to be served. Now, this runs contrary to the me-first culture of our time. Jesus is saying that you become great by serving God and others rather than serving yourself. Now, for a lot of people, this is a scary and frightening thought. I hear it nearly every week from people and it basically goes like this. “my life is in such trouble that I’ve got to look out for myself first. I don’t have any time or resources to help anybody else, in fact I’m so busy taking care of myself that I don’t have much time for God or the church either. Maybe when I pull myself together, I’ll have time for God and serving others” People are basically afraid that if they give to God and others that they’ll come out on the short end of the stick and their stick is pretty short to being with. If you are one of those people today, here is what God says to you “just close your eyes and jump into serving me and others and see what happens. See if your life doesn’t change for the better, don’t be afraid just jump in. The psalmist in his quiet time of prayer is considering
the great mercies of the Lord in dealing with Him. He had been a sinner and sought refuge of the Lord. He had come to the place where the pangs of hell had caught hold on his soul, and he cried for mercy. When your life is insured in Christ, it prepares you for Heaven and provides you the acknowledgement of the fact that there is need to be conscious of your position in Christ and especially that there is a home and mansion to inherit. Hold unto God today and you will have a reason to rejoice. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever Hebrew 13 vs 8, He is the Lord that changeth not Malachi 3 vs 6, just call on Him and be ready to go at any length with Him. God Almighty is always ready for as many as are ready to make a change in their lives. Remember! He is the essence for our existence and the source of our being today and forever, serve God, it pays to serve Him. I therefore charge you that the conclusion of the whole matter is to fear God and keep His commandment. Eccles 12:13.
It Pays To Serve God Have you ever come to the point where you ask yourself a question such as: why was I created? Why do I exist, and who is responsible for my being? This question goes a long way repositioning your mindset towards God, the one who owns your life. It is disheartening to state at this juncture, especially this present generation that many have fast forgotten their God. They now substitute God for the mundane and ephemeral things of the world. The benefits of serving God are unending and unlimited in naming them. The whole of this write-up is just a glimpse of what one stand to gain when serving God. One of the most predominant benefits of serving God is that your life is insured in the life of Christ. Jesus is the bishop and owner of our soul. We need to cleave unto Him. When your life is insured in Christ, you are secured and protected from every form of attack of enemies both spiritually and physically. The treasure in Christ is inexhaustible. No wonder the general superintendent of the deeper Christian life Ministry, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi coined ‘GRACE’ to
be God’s riches at Christ expence. Jesus Christ has made everything available to us through his death on the cross at Calvary. The blood he shed on the cross at Calvary is still flowing even till now. Anyone who goes under that blood will be made purified and holy to serve God and be like him. However, we must come to the understanding that before we can start enjoying the benefit of serving God is that you must surrender your life and totality to the sovereignty of Christ. This is because, our life is a reflection of God’s goodness and mercy and this is the more reason why we must give credence to His majesty as we surrender our lives to Him. Thus, God’s divine plan and will for mankind is that they should leave and continue to stay in good health. He also desires that His children prospers and experience success in all ramification at every point of their life. Another benefits of our service to God is that we will become the ‘apple of God’s eye’. This means that God will take special care of our lives. Our needs, dreams, aspirations and desires are numerous and
By PIUS ABAH
only God can grant us our expectation. Furthermore, anyone who serve God will not only be blessed but will become blessings to others. Blessings in this context encompasses both financial, academicals, spiritual and otherwise. Before expanciating on the benefits of serving God, it is pertinent to x-ray the meaning of serving God. According to a Daily blog Rss-an internet serverserving God mean to do what he says in a way that makes Him look supremely valuable in Himself. Also, it means to submit to Him in a way that makes Him look thrilling. One of the foreign pastor and also an Evangelist, Pastor Dan Walker elaborated on the importance of serving God. While he spoke on the topic “created To Do What?” he explained that the basic truth underlying this series is that you and I were created by God with a purpose in mind. God created you to do something special with your life, to do something unique that only you can do. When you become a believer, God implants a desire in your heart to please God. God
gives you a desire to fulfill the purpose you were created to fulfill. The desire of an unbeliever is to please himself first and foremost, but the desire of a believer is to please God first and foremost. If you are living life with a me-first please myself mentality, you are headed down a dead end street, you will never fulfill the potential God created you with. But that can change today and you can become a God pleaser, you can become someone who serves God. The big question is “How can I serve God”? the short answer to that question is to live as Jesus lived. Jesus is our example. When we pattern our lives after Him we will serve God as He did. Now, I don’t want to just get by in life, I want to be great in the kingdom of God, I want to be great in God’s eyes. How about you? Here’s what Jesus said to His disciples who also wanted to be great. NIV Matthew 20:26,28 whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant just as the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. So the key to become
a
THE NIGERIAN
N tion Misgovernance? 26
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Go To Aba And Weep In well over two decades as an active writer, journalist and media strategist I have had many reasons to have written and made suggestions on the situation of Aba, the commercial capital of Abia State in terms of the systemic and deep rooted neglects that it has gone through and I can state without any fear of contradiction that the last eight years has seen the most primitive and criminal neglect of the state of infrastructure in Aba by the current administration and the concomitant and/or cumulative effects of this abysmal abandonment of that city by the political mal-administrators in Abia State is that Aba wears the looks of a 14th century weather beaten township no thanks to the collapsed state of roads and other basic necessities of life. In Aba as I write most people who cherish the decent things that money can buy have felt that since the politicians in Umuahia, the political capital seem to have abandoned the people to their cruel fate of total lack of any functional modern day infrastructures and those amenities that make lives meaningful and constructive, they are beginning to migrate to places like Port Harcourt in Rivers State and many have emigrated to foreign jurisdictions where civilization and modernity are ever present.
By EMMANUEL ONWUBIKO For many years the people of Aba have never known anything like subsidized clean pipe borne water because the only sources of drinking water have always been the boreholes that have sprang up all over the poorly planned and poorly maintained streets. Aba unfortunately has speedily lost its pride of place as the center of commercial excellence and one town whereby all Igbo can proudly identify as their own given that it is a microcosm of the South East and even the naming of the streets from days immemorial epitomizes the above stated existential fact. From recorded history by those who know, Aba is classified as a city and a big trading center, just as a contributor to Wikipedia the online free encyclopedia stated that upon the creation of Abia state in 1991, Aba was divided into two local governments areas namely; as Aba south and Aba North. Aba south is the main city center and the heart beat of Abia State, south-east Nigeria. It is located on the famous Aba River just as Aba is reportedly made up of many villages such as; Umuokpoji Aba, Eziukwu-Aba, ObudaAba, Aba Ukwu and other villages from Ohazu merged due to administrative convenience. In the thinking of this
writer which I don’t subscribe totally to, Aba was established by the Ngwa clan of Igbo People of Nigeria as a market town and then later a military post was placed there by the British colonial administrators in 1901. It lies along the west bank of the Aba River. The above stated author was economical with the entire facts of how Aba came to become a metropolitan town that has this pulling force for all Igbo speaking people because the place called Aba today was actually built by the sweat of all residents irrespective of whether they are Ngwa or not. Aba no doubt is an Ngwa town but in actuality it was built by all people drawn from virtually the entire South East. On the neglected state of public and institutional infrastructure in Aba a writer who contributed an article on the historical position of Aba as the foremost township for all Ibo people stated that; ”the current state of Aba bespeaks an atrocious indignity on the residents of the once thriving city of commerce. Aba has been brought to its knees by years of systemic rot and obtuse negligence that only came short of an executive assault on the people”. The writer further continued thus; ”Nobody outside Aba can fairly
Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji
“Aba unfortunately has speedily lost its pride of place as the center of commercial excellence and one town whereby all Igbo can proudly identify as their own given that it is a microcosm of the South East and even the naming of the streets from days immemorial epitomizes the above stated existential fact.” estimate the horrifying extent of dilapidation in the city that once prided itself as the hub of commerce in Eastern Nigeria. It is rather tough to believe there is a government in place anywhere near Aba. In saner climes, the chaos called Aba would only exist in places where law and order; state and local governments; budget implementation and policy pronouncements are non-existent….” This writer cited above has actually summed up the totality of criminal neglect that Aba has faced over the years and especially since the last eight years. Worst still I was told that there is a killer squad in the entire Abia state whose job is to mark out critics of the administration and that any sign of disagreement with the status quo would result in the disappearance of such a critic. But how can a population live under perpetual fear of the unknown? How can the population in Abia state
go through this horrendous neglect from their own government and yet are not allowed to express their opinions freely? How did Abia state get to this lowest state of anarchy and tyranny? Interestingly, the entire governorship aspirants have already promised to bring about the comprehensive repairs of the extensive damage to the state of infrastructure in Aba city with the plan to once more restore it to become the pride of place for all Igbo speaking people globally. The voters must shine their eyes so that they can elect the governor that they can hold to his words and especially they must never elect a person of doubtful origin and/or someone who is not on ground in that state. Luckily, there are a few of these aspirants who have good background in businesses that can be traced and who have good reputations that can not be toyed with. Aba should be the premier
campaign issue for the 2015 election and the people must extract a binding social contract with whomsoever will have their votes. The way to go about it is that the credible representatives of the different blocs such as organized town councils; faith based leaders of all the major Christian religious affiliations such as the Catholic and the Anglican and also the Pentecostal Church that have earned the respect and trust of the people should be tasked to enter into constructive and open agreement with all the leading candidates of all the political parties authorized by the electoral panel to present candidates for the governorship poll on the mission to reconstruct Aba. These candidates must be tasked to tell the people how this noble objective will be achieved and also state the penalty that could be enforced should they fail to meet the timeline of the rescue mission.
THE NIGERIAN
NEWS-XTRA
27
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Today’s Diet With Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Arise Now!
Memorise: then arise to you And make straight paths for your feet lest that implies that you should which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it begin to soar (2 rather be healed. Hebrews 12:13. Corinthians 3:1 8). Read: Isaiah 60:1-3 All these changes in WHEN God speaks, it feet receives strength position are can be in various forms: now and I command possibilities with God, it can be an advice, an you to be upstanding in not just by your own invitation, an Jesus’ Name. To the strength. Once you are encouragement, a fellow standing, arise willing and you trust in warning, a declaration implies that he should Him, you will or a command. The jump into action, this your word “Arise” in the was the situation of experience change. divine statement of Samuel in the house of desired However, you have to today’s Bible reading is Jesse (1 Samuel purely a command. 16:12-1 3). If however recognise your current Just like in Genesis 1:3, you are already state. A dead fellow where God walking, arise to you feels nothing, for such commanded light to means that you should people, no matter what appear in the midst of begin to run. David was they hear they are not prevailing darkness, already in action touched, they don’t feel “Arise”, is a command against Goliath, but a it. Unfortunately there from the Commander- time came he stepped are even some in- Chief Himself to you up his action by running ministers of God like today. towards Goliath before that; they are Your spiritual position releasing the stone impervious to the voice or posture, prior to from his sling (1 of God. “Arise now” receiving this command Samuel 17:48). This may be the last chance to arise, will determine implies you need to add for such to come alive. the type of response speed to your action. expected of you. Suppose you are Whatever your state Hence, to an already running already, arise may be, a change for dead fellow, arise to you means that you the better is possible, means come back to should begin to fly and it is coming your life. If your spiritual case Possibly, you are way this season in can be said to be a already in the air flying, Jesus’ Name. dead situation, this day, you will come back to ACTION POINT life in Jesus’ Name. To “Sincerely assess your spiritual the one who is asleep, arise means wake up. position and pray accordingly.” If you have been spiritually asleep, by God’s mercy you are being awoken from your slumber in Jesus’ Name. To the one who is sitting down, arise means stand up. To be sitting is better spiritually than to be asleep, yet this is far from what God expects. If you have been spiritually sitting or you are spiritually a lame person (Hebrews 12:13), your spiritual
“Your spiritual position or posture, prior to receiving this command to arise, will determine the type of response expected of you. Hence, to an already dead fellow, arise means come back to life.”
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
ABOLAYE- I formerly called Miss Abolaye Oluwatoyin is now known and called Mrs. Oluwatoyin Aghedo. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
IMONIKHE –I formerly known as Miss Imonikhe Oghozele Felicia Vivian now wish to be known as Mrs. Atagamhen Oghozele Felicia Vivian. Former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public please take note.
AISOSA-I formerly known and addressed as Miss Kate Aisosa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kate Nicholas Ekhorugue. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
OSUNBOR- I formerly called Elvis Ehima Osunbor is now known and called Elvis Otiti Enaruna. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
AIGBIREMHON –I formerly known and addressed as Miss Martha Aigbiremhon now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Arebhose Martha. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and general public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME AWOMAKOU –I formerly called Miss Augustina Meme Awomakou is now known and called Mrs. Augustina Meme Ramoni. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
OVIA- I formerly known and addressed as Miss Emilia Uloma Ovia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ngele Emmanuel Emilia Uloma. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, National Human Rights Commission and general public should please take note.
OMOIKE – I formerly known as Miss Jane Odion Omoike now wish to be known as Mrs. Jane Odion Ukpor. Former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public please take note.
THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE
MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT - BENIN CITY PUBLIC NOTICE The general public is hereby notified that the underlisted NGOs/Associations/Unions/Clubs/ Meetings have been enlisted for registration/regularization with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Benin City, Edo State. NAMES OF NGOs AND ADDRESSES
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
Immigration Officers Wives Association Immigration Service, Ramat Park, Benin City Edo State.
Chairperson – Mrs. Alana V.A Secretary – Mrs. Eniolorunda S. PRO – Mrs. Kadiri I.
Centre for Edo Delta Development Initiative 2nd Floor, Unity Bank Building Mission Road, Benin City.
Chairman – Chief Sam Igbe (MON) Coordinator – Lawrence E. Omoregie
Good Governance Group (G3) 2 Ogbelaka Street, Off Sakponba Road, Benin City.
President – Mathias Esabu Secretary – Abure Julius Esq PRO – Erasmus Ikhide
Edo Women’s Development Initiative 1, Modupe Asemota St., Off Adesuwa Grammar Sch, Road GRA, Benin City
President – Prof. Yinka Omoregbe Secretary – Dr. Esohe Aghatise Treasurer – Barr. Stella O. Ojeme
5.
Esan Widows & Orphans Foundation 1 Mission Road, Ibhiolulu-Owessan Irrua, Edo State.
President – Rev. Fr. Christopher Ojeaga Secretary – Mr. Pius Okhiria Treasurer – Mrs. Catherine Owanlan
6.
Widow Women In Christ 16 Osawe Street, Evbomodu Quarters Benin City.
7.
Danobby Foundation 3, Ekhaguere Street, Off Okoh Central Road Benin City.
1. 2. 3. 4.
President – Mrs. Victoria Akugue Secretary – Mrs. Osayuwa. Chairperson – Pastor Obby Okeke Vice Chair – Pst. Dan A. Okeke Secretary – Uzoamaka Chukwuma
Any objection to this registration should be accompanied with a sworn affidavit and a nonrefundable deposit of the sum of N1,000.00 (One Thousand Naira) only NGOs/Associations/ Unions/Clubs/Meetings in Benin City and those outside Benin City are to pay N2,000.00 (Two Thousand Naira) only to be forwarded to the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Benin City within 14 days of this publication. Signed Princess (Mrs) M.E. Jos-Bazuaye For: Honourable Commissioner
p
THE NIGERIAN
O inion 28
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Nigeria: For A Woman President
WOMEN have featured greatly in history and have ushered in new dawn in many lands. The role of woman in nations building is critically important and one that can not be overemphasized. For a nation to be truly prosperous and successful, women must be included and carried along in policy and decision making and must be considered when it comes to holding exalted offices as their management prowess is unrivalled and unparallel. Different people have different ways of viewing things for me; I know some women are capable and would even handle the country than men. The Bible says the men are the head of the house and the women
should follow their lead, but in a situation like this I would advocate for a woman to rule the country to see if there would not be a great change in Nigeria. We are Nigerians and we know what is obtainable in our country. That is why we should give the women a trial and see if there would not be improvement in our country. Yes they say the men are the head of the house, we all know about that. The men have been ruling us in this country and we have seen the way they have been ruling. Why not give the women a chance and see if the women will not rule us well. There is a saying that goes like this, “what a man can do, a woman can do it better”. In our present day, we can see how hardworking the women are
WHEN you talk about patriotism, it means the love, strong feelings one has toward his own nation. Love is an extra ordinary feelings one has towards somebody. It is a very strong affection, great liking. The burning zeal, burning passion you have toward your country that is what I call patriotism. This kind of love is that, you love that person even when the person is wrong. It is an unexplainable love. This is one thing that many people do not talk about. Each time we look at our situation, it appears corruption or poverty is the root cause of our problem in Nigeria. I discovered that the duos are symptoms of our problem and not the problem. When malaria sticks, you will run temperature and have headache, but the duo are not the problem but malaria is. In the same manner, corruption and poverty stares at us daily, but the problem is lack of patriotism. You could remember few months back a little boy sneaked away from home to the Benin airport. Undetected, the teenager got to the Arik plane. He grabbed one of the aircraft’s tyres, held on to it for the duration of the flight, apparently less than an hour in order to leave this country. What an irony, he found himself still in Nigeria he was running away from in Lagos airport. Many Nigerians are so determined to leave the country because of one problem or the order; they are determined to cross the most deadly desert and seas in the world. They are so determined in traveling abroad by crossing 300km sea with a Zodiac. Lack of patriotism cuts across, tribe, religion, age and status, that is the reason you see the Igbo’s queue behind and defend a national thief who is an Igbo man, the Hausas and Yoruba’s do the same when one from their
tribe is caught stealing the nations resources. Even majority of this thieves are being given national awards, they are now celebrated in the society. Where is now the place of patriotism in Nigeria? When our leaders drive flit of cars, enjoy ill-gotten wealth; live in mansion, more so living the country in a more deplorable state. Most of our youth today are not patriotic even our leaders they are not also patriotic. They travel abroad, forgetting that where they are heading to, is the result of patriotic individuals who contributed greatly to their national development. A great patriot in South Africa NELSON MADELA did wonders in his country during his time. He fought against apartheid policy of separating the Blacks from the Whites; he fought for freedom for South Africans. That is why the South Africans are where they are today. What of MARTIN LUTHAR KING JUNIOR? He did the same thing also in his country. He fought for equality of Blacks and the Whites. He was a clergyman and human rights activist. From what we have learned from these two great men who fought for their countries, I try to look around in Nigeria to see if I can find anybody just like them, I found none except Dora Akuryili. The late Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Minister of Information and Communications from 2008 to 2010, she was a pharmacist. Following her appointment as the Director General of NAFDAC in April 2001, Akunyili established as a top priority the eradication of counterfeit drugs and unsafe food. Before her assumption of office in NAFDAC, fake and substandard foods and drugs were sold in Nigeria without any form of regulation. She
By EHIGIE PRECIOUS IVIE
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala trying to make ends meet and to be independent, this is because, they believe what a man can do, a woman can do it. In some family today women are the ones providing for their family. So
for that reason, I believe a woman can also rule this country even better than the men. We know presidency is a very high post which anybody cannot just attain and it also
calls for strong character and that is the main reason why we should give the women a trial in this coming election in the year 2015. Ambassador Ebun Oyagbola, who happens to be Nigeria’s first minister, certainly thinks it’s time, for female to rule as a president. She said “I want my fellow women here today to remember Shehu Shagari as the first president to consider women as worthy for any position because in Nigeria when a woman gets a position she is looked at as somebody who had been in bed with the man. It is not so, please, men, our fathers, our brothers, our husbands, begin to think better about women; they have a lot to offer. The moment you give Nigeria the chance to have a
female president everything in this country will change. We have to stop the thinking we have about our Nigerian women, they are ambitious women in our country, women that are ready to turn the country for good. Women that are planning for the better of Nigeria. All they need from us is our encouragement and support. If we give them the opportunity they deserve, we will see how marvelously, peaceful and well coordinated Nigeria will be. My fellow brothers and sisters let us for the sake of Nigeria’s progress and development gives women a chance to rule and govern the country. Let us join hands together to support the women in the next general elections in 2015
house is on fire and you call the fire service, they tell you that they don’t have fuel or water in their tank. Is terrible. What of our electrical sector? Despite the billions of Naira that always budgeted for the sector, Nigerians are still swimming in the ocean of darkness. The Nigeria electrical power authority (NEPA) is not supposed to be addressed like that because we are not seeing the illumination. Instead it should be addressed as NEVER EXPECT POWER ALWAYS (NEPA). Even the destitute are ignored in the society. They are not recognized by the government. Every day, they are always in the streets begging in order to survive the battles of life. A government where the poor are always molested by the rich and nothing is done to avert the situation is bad. A government where Honourable are fighting in the national house of assembly in the presence of their children that came to visit (school children). A government where a bomb blast will occur and there will not get a clip to show to the public of what really happened. When Twin Tower was bombed in America, the clip was shown to everybody in different parts of the world. A country where you will make a call and no body will respond to you, no body will give you sense of belonging. When you have such a government, you have no choice but to leave the country. The other point is society. The society goes beyond the people who are in government positions. Society ranges from the leaders (Traditional, Religious and Political) and citizens. In simple definition the conglomeration of everybody. The society becomes a problem when the societies celebrate criminals. Majority of our students who cheat are gaining admission while that
faithful individual does not have access to quality or gain admission. The society celebrate these guys, they even go to the extent of giving them national awards. A society where the youth can not really boost off in other countries. They are mentally trapped in the fantasy of the outer world. The society at large is one of the major causes why majority of the citizens are not patriotic. Peer groups over the years have influence so many youth to take to their heels that nothing good can ever come out of the country. Peer group in simple definition, it means a person of the same age, status etc. When two individuals who used to move together, play together, and eat together and suddenly one of them traveled abroad living the other one behind. When that individual who traveled, returns and is now a big man, he will want to influence his friend to do the same thing he did. That is peer pressure and it is very dangerous to the society. It has greatly affected the patriotism of many Nigerians. We have seen the causes of lack of patriotism. Now how can we still have that love (patriotism) for our country? This countries we are running to, they one’s have their challenges. These countries were the hand works of great individuals who decide to stay and invest in the country. They were ready to fight and die for the country. We are the hope of tomorrow; we can still love our nation. Remember blessing does not come from abroad but from above. In whatever profession you found yourself, always try to be the best. In every point of national difficulty, God raises men and women that will bring about change and you are the change.
Where Is Patriotism In Nigeria? By MUSA JOSEPH/AIGBE BLESSING
was disheartened that “so many of her countrymen and women were fighting killer diseases like malaria and tuberculosis with little more than sugar syrup and chalk tablets, cynically packaged”. Looking at it very well, she faced a lot of risk, but she was able to demonstrate the power of patriotism by bringing the activities of those unpatriotic citizens to an end. She died June 7, 2014 at the age of 59. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen! The big question now is what are the causes of lack of patriotism in our country? Could it be the parental up bringing, the society we found our selves, the government or peer groups. The first place of learning is the home. Parents over the years have shown lack of interest to their children, they don’t even understand what their children want. Most of these parents are too busy to even look after their children; they don’t even care about their child’s education. These parents encourage their children in crime by advising and comparing their children to other people’s children who have done one or two things to succeed. In Edo state, lets say 8years ago, majority of the girls were dire need of going abroad (Europe) and if this individual didn’t want to accept, the parents will be blaming the child. Apart from that, these parents cite example like look at Esohe, she went to Europe and now she and her family are enjoying. With this, even when the child doesn’t want to go because of the example her mother gave her, she will be encouraged to go. Europe becomes like heaven where you must go.
Most of the children don’t want to go to school because of their parent’s attitude toward their education. Majority of this parents don’t buy text books for their children, they end up buying films and home videos for this children to watch. We have a stronger power of propaganda by the Europeans showing us how beautiful their classrooms are and how educational system is so easy and flexible and other things. When these children after watching this films, they tend to be discouraged with the Nigerian educational system. A young girl once asked who is your mentor? She called her Aunty not her mother. To show that parents are the major cause why this up coming Nigerians are not patriotic. The other aspect I will like us to consider is the government. Government contributes to the reasons why majority of the citizens are not patriotic. Government is an institution that is in place to offer leadership and direction that is subjected to periodic change. Government has massively contributed to why most of the youth don’t like the country. When a teacher is not questioned for her attitude toward the children, how do you expect these children to be patriotic? Most of these teachers don’t even come to class but at the end of the month, they will be paid by the government. What of our health centres? Majority of them are not well equipped. Even when a patient is admitted, they don’t commence treatment immediately except the patient pays an extra amount for some certain things. Where is now the place of patriotism? A situation whereby an individual’s
THE NIGERIAN
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
FIFA Agrees To Review World Cup Corruption Report FIFA will further review the 2018 and 2022 World Cup corruption investigation, putting the status of hosts Russia and Qatar back in question. The head of FIFA’s auditing committee will examine the full 430-page confidential report by American prosecutor Michael Garcia into impropriety during the
bid process, reviving a probe which seemed closed one week ago. Domenico Scala, a Swiss businessman who serves as the football body’s audit
Tim Howard Named US Soccer Male Athlete Of The Year
GOALKEEPER Tim Howard was named the 2014 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year on Thursday. As revealed on ESPN’s “Sports Center,” Howard received more votes than five of his teammates as the top performer for the United States men’s national team, which reached the knockout stages of the World Cup this summer. “It’s pretty special to have my name up there with the greats,” Howard said. Howard garnered global attention for his performance against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 on July 1. His 15 saves set a World Cup record and helped keep the match scoreless until extra time, when Belgium would go on to win 2-1. Despite his excellence against Belgium, Howard said he couldn’t pick a single moment that stood out from his year. “It’s hard to pick one moment as you can imagine,” Howard said. “That whole ride, with that team for about a month and a half, when we got together for training camp and then flew down to Brazil, we had a really good time. “That whole month and a half felt like a blur, but if I could put that into a singular moment, that of course makes 2014 so special for
me.” Howard reflected on the United States’ growing profile in global soccer, and acknowledged that the team gained a lot of new followers around the world because of their performance in the World Cup. “I think we’re a special group, we’re a special team,” Howard said. “Certainly we raised a few eyebrows getting out of the group of death. I don’t think most anyone would have picked us to do that. But we have fight and we have spirit and we have heart, and that’s what we bring into every game. “And so I think a lot of neutrals often pull for us and we saw that down in Brazil, because they know that we’ll never lie for anybody and when the bell rings we answer it, we always do. I think that appeals to a lot of people.” In total, Howard started eight games for the United States in 2014, and was credited with three wins, three defeats and a draw. Before the World Cup, Howard led to the U.S. to a sweep of three warm-up friendlies against Nigeria, Turkey and Azerbaijan, against which Howard posted his lone clean sheet of the year.
panel chairman, will then decide whether to turn over any evidence to FIFA’s executive committee. The decision to hand over the documents to Scala came a week after FIFA ethics judge Joachim Eckert ruled that the case against Russia and Qatar was closed. Within hours of the German judge’s decision being published, Garcia appealed to FIFA, objecting to “numerous materially
incomplete and erroneous representations”’ of his work. That led to a meeting between Eckert and Garcia in Zurich on Thursday. The pair “agreed that it is of major importance that the FIFA Executive Committee has the information necessary to evaluate which steps are required based on the work done by the FIFA ethics committee,’’ they said in the statement. Last Thursday, Eckert’s summary of Garcia’s report
• Sepp Blatter (right) chatting with a player after a world cup match
judged that any corrupt acts in campaigns dogged by allegations of bribery, favourseeking and collusion did not justify re-opening the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. FIFA at first welcomed a “degree of closure’’ in Eckert’s ruling that corruption across the 11-nation bidding contests was “of very limited scope.’’ However, FIFA stepped up scrutiny of the case Tuesday by filing a criminal complaint with Switzerland’s attorney general against possible lawbreaking by unnamed individuals. Swiss federal prosecutors are now studying Garcia’s investigation report, which is sealed by strict confidentiality rules in FIFA’s code of ethics. Garcia’s own prosecutions of FIFA voters and bid staffers will not be affected by parallel work being done by the Swiss federal agency, nor Scala, according to Thursday’s statement. Scala will be stepping into the heart of the corruption case after more than two
Mackay Set For Wigan Bow MALKY Mackay will get the chance to concentrate on football matters when he takes charge of Wigan for the first time against Middlesbrough at the DW Stadium. The Scot is controversially back in football just three months after the FA launched an investigation, which is still ongoing, into text messages which he admitted were “disrespectful of other cultures”. He will hope to call on both Latics skipper Emmerson Boyce (ankle) and striker Andy Delort (back), who were back in training over the international break, but
Ivan Ramis (hamstring) remains doubtful. After only meeting the Wigan squad for the first time on Thursday, Mackay may call on familiar figures such as former Cardiff players Andrew Taylor and Don Cowie. Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has a minor concern over defender Ben Gibson ahead of the trip. Gibson damaged an ankle on international duty with England’s Under-21s in France on Monday evening but is expected to be fit for the weekend. Fellow central defender Kenneth Omeruo was part of the Nigeria squad which
drew 2-2 with South Africa in Uyo on Wednesday to miss out on the African Cup of Nations finals, and his participation or otherwise will depend on when he returns to Teesside. Full-backs George Friend and Ryan Fredericks head into the game still on four bookings for the season with the deadline for avoiding a ban for five fast approaching. However, defenders Jonathan Woodgate (thigh), Damia Abella (knee) and Rhys Williams (Achilles) and midfielder Muzzy Carayol (cruciate ligament) are still out.
Werder Bremen Suffer Di Santo Blow Ahead Of Derby
• Tim Howard
THE Argentine, who has netted six goals in 11 league games this season, was preparing for this weekend’s Bundesliga clash at Hamburg when he sustained the problem on Wednesday. MRI scans on Thursday revealed the extent of the injury, meaning Di Santo will be missing for Sunday’s Nordderby. “This is obviously a setback for us,” said coach Viktor Skripnik. “Franco was in very good shape, we would have
liked to have had him here. “But we have good alternatives who have our full confidence. “I am sure that we will compensate for the loss together.” Ludovic Obraniak is also expected to miss the derby fixture with a thigh injury, while Sebastian Prodl will be assessed during training on Friday following his return from international duty with Austria.
• Manuel Pellegrini
years monitoring FIFA’s billion-dollar annual revenue. He has evaluated deals with FIFA commercial partners, blocked grants to FIFA member federations and stopped bonuses to executive committee members, while also doubling their annual stipend to a reported $200,000.
Man City Battle Swansea THE defending Premier League champions could be without four first-team regulars as they look to reverse a poor run of form at the Etihad Stadium this weekend. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions and were held to a 2-2 draw at lowly QPR prior to the international break. The hosts - who face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday - are likely to be without the injured Aleksandar Kolarov (ankle), while captain Vincent Kompany (calf), David Silva (knee) and Edin Dzeko (calf) are also doubtful. However, Swansea boss Monk insists City have the squad to deal with such problems. “The players they have to come in would get in most sides,” he said. “They probably look at this as a chance to get three points, but hopefully we can put on a performance to try and get points. “They’re a good side. It’s a tough place to go, they are an extremely good squad, defending champions. It’s a tough proposition for us but one we look forward to. “The players relish playing them to see how far they’ve come as individuals and a group and we can see how far we have come.”
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
How Real Madrid Can Get Away With Being 600 million Euros In The Read
“FOR the 10th consecutive year, Real Madrid will be the highest earning sports institution in the world. And, for the third year running, Forbes considers us the most valuable club,” boasted Florentino Perez in announcing the club’s financial figures for 2013-14 in September. As statements go, it was entirely accurate but in many ways incredibly meaningless. What But the club certainly cannot he failed to mention was that continue to overspend as they Real Madrid posted a debt of have in recent times. The +602 million, a +61m increase arrival of Bale from Tottenham played a significant part in the on the previous year. Borrowing went up by +41m +61m debt growth in 2013-14, to +283m, while all financial while the additions of James liabilities now total +459m as and Kroos this summer suggest opposed to +396m some 12 Perez and the remainder of the months earlier. Gains made on board have no issue at all with accruals, costs to public the club’s rising costs. Madrid currently have administration and other provisions did little to eat into working capital of minus +94m the total debt of +541m in - that is to say the club is owed 2012-13, meaning the club +267m but has to produce +361m from somewhere to pay continues to lose money. Perez has regularly claimed its immediate debts. That figure that the debt is much lower, will be offset by the sales of citing only the near-+100m Xabi Alonso and Angel Di owed to banks. But there are Maria since the transfer fees also huge fees against Madrid’s paid for James and Kroos will name in debits to clubs, sporting institutions, players and public bodies. Some supporters point to the Forbes-cited debt to value of four per cent - compared to, for example, Manchester United’s 19% - as justification for the club’s spending, but that doesn’t take into account the entire debt, only that owed to banks. Such figures are not placating all of Madrid’s interested parties, with fans groups rightly worried. “We are concerned that the club cannot meet commitments and future payments which must be met,” admitted Carlos Mendoza – the president of Valores del Madridismo, which is made up of club members aiming to preserve the values of Real Madrid. More pressing still is the short-term debt. Of the +602m in the debit column, +361m is owed in the next 12 months. In layman’s terms, that’s Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos’ transfer fees added together. In reality, it will not take the Cristiano Ronaldo sale of their five star players to meet the demands of creditors.
be gradually written off over the course of their contracts, meaning the short-term debt has provided some leeway. But that does nothing to address the problem over the longer-term, and transfer fees for the likes of Bale, Kroos, James, Isco and Illarramendi are still to be paid. All the while, future earnings are already being traded off. “The club have two new credit lines, but they’ve had to use the advertising income and the season ticket sales for the next three or four years as guarantees to the banks, because they don’t trust the club... That’s not me saying that, it’s from the club’s annual accounts,” Mendoza added to AS. “They’ve been pawned
basically. Just like when you go to the pawn shop, they give you money and you leave a guarantee, something real. If you don’t pay them back, they keep whatever it is you left. Here, if Madrid don’t pay back the money, the bank has the right to the money from the advertising income and the season ticket sales. “Obviously the banks are asking for an extra guarantee from Madrid because they don’t trust the club’s situation. Under normal circumstances they wouldn’t demand it.” The huge debt has been racked up in part due to the club’s unparalleled position within sports. Almost nobody else would have been granted a free rein in the market while such large figures remained
THE Colombia international did not feature for his national team in their recent wins over United States and Slovenia, but he was quick to stress it was not due to a recurrence of his knee problems. Falcao missed the latter part of last season at Monaco due to a torn cruciate ligament , which also ruled him out fo the World Cup and hampered his first few weeks at Old Trafford following his loan move in August. On Thursday, Van Gaal told a media conference the striker, who has not featured for United in a month, will also sit out upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Hull City. Meanwhile, while the 28year-old told the club’s official website he is itching to get back to first-team action.
“I am getting better, I feel well and I hope to come back to the pitch soon,” he said. “It is disappointing that I can’t play but I have to be calm and recover because that is important to help the team when I return to the games.” Some media reports had claimed Falcao had suffered a recurrence of his previous knee injury, something which annoys the striker. He added: “It is a bit frustrating. Well, it is more than frustrating actually and it detracts from the credibility of the media that there is so much speculation and that so many falsehoods have been written about it. “I think with an audience of so many millions of people, it is not right. I did take a small injury to my calf, which is something that I need to be careful with, but there are a lot of stories circulating that are pure speculation.”
Falcao Still Two Weeks Away From Return
Ajax Bank On ABN AMRP Extension the sponsorship manager
DUTCH bank ABN AMRO has extended its long-standing partnership with Eredivisie champions Ajax Amsterdam. Under the renewal the bank has agreed to invest an average of +2.55 million (US$3.2 million) per year in the team for the next three and half seasons, up until 30th June 2018. An Ajax statement also said that the contract
earnings are consistently traded off as capital to allow them to spend beyond their means, the Blancos could be forced to become a PLC rather than a socio-owned club. Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna are exempted thus far from being forced to become a PLC under Spanish sporting laws, but under the assumed condition that each club is run in a suitable financial manner. For now they are okay, with
the LFP announcing last year: “The club has the capacity to deal with the debt and the figures show that Madrid is economically solvent, within the economic controls established.” This largely spans from the club having racked up debts placed against the value of the club. The depth of valuable players in their squad, the value of the Santiago Bernabeu – situated on prime real estate near the centre of the Spanish capital – and the number of big-money sponsorship deals all grouped together to make the club worth +2.7 billion according to Forbes. But leading Spanish economist Jose Maria Gay de Liebana is worried that the dam will break at some point, leaving the club with difficult questions to answer. And he has told Goal that money has been spent in the wrong places.
outstanding. But Real Madrid are Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world with the greatest pulling power, the most incredible strength of brand and countless key contacts across industries outside of football which can help to arrest the tide. Yet if debt levels continue to rise an d the club’s future
includes a ‘variable component’ of up to +300,000 (US$375,000) each year. ABN AMRO’s investment will be primarily directed towards Ajax’s Toekomst sports complex, their youth academy and their women’s side. ABN AMRO branding will also continue to feature vertically on the
club’s playing shirts. Edwin van der Sar, the former Ajax goalkeeper who now works as the club’s director of marketing, said the new deal “fits well with our ambitious plans for the future”, adding: “Ajax and ABN AMRO have known each other for years and I am glad that we will work closely again.” Ernst Boekhorststraat,
year early. Bayern supervisory board chairman Karl Hopfner said continuity in management was one of
the club’s trademarks and will remain so.? Sammer, a former player with 51 international caps
at ABN AMRO, added: “The Ajax youth academy is a concept in international football. We are proud that the name ABN AMRO is connected to it. “This partnership fits perfectly with the sponsorship policy at ABN AMRO, where talent and building community partnerships is central.”
Sammer To Continue As Bayern’s Director for Germany, has been GERMAN soccer Bundesliga leaders said the Of Sport contract was extended a involved with the club giants Bayern Munich have extended the contract of Matthias Sammer, the club’s director of sport, until 2018. In a statement, the
since 2012. In response to the extension, Sammer commented that he wanted to help Bayern “reach the big goals”.
Radamel Falcao
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
English Premier League... English Premier League... English Premier League...
I’M Happy Welbeck Is Playing At Arsenal -Van Gaal WELBECK has something he could made an impressive never have start to his Gunners guaranteed due to the career after a 20 million Euros deadline day switch from Old Trafford, scoring five goals in 12 appearances in all competitions while also netting five times in six games for England. Van Gaal insists he is not surprised by the 23-year-old’s form and believes the striker’s progress is the result of starting every week -
Martinez Faced With Injury Concerns
ROBERTO Martinez has several injury concerns to contend with ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash with West Ham at
Goodison Park. Midfield duo Gareth Barry and James McCarthy sustained ankle and hamstring problems
respectively in the Merseyside club’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland last time out. Leighton Baines then pulled out of the England squad after
Senderos Sidelined For Villa
ASTON’S Villa defender Philippe Senderos is out for a month with a calf injury he suffered on international duty with Switzerland. His absence adds to the growing defensive problems ahead of the visit of Southampton with Ron Vlaar (calf) also unavailable and Nathan Baker (knee) sidelined for two months. Jores Okore stands by to make his first appearance of the season with Villa down to their last two fit centre-backs - but right-back Alan Hutton (ankle) is fit. Fabian Delph (shoulder) remains sidelined until next year along with Libor Kozak (leg) while Christian Benteke is suspended.
Arsene Wenger
Louis Van Gaal
Arsenal, United In Battle Of Wits By NICHOLAS EBOIGBE
PERENNIAL arch-rivals Arsenal and Manchester United will slig it out at the Emirates Stadium in week Tevelve English Premier League match today.
Arsenal will undoubtedly be looking for a win in this game as part of effort to garner three points in order to boost their standing on the league log. The Gunners have not got it right in recent years
Louis Van Gaal must work harder to remove the almighty Red Devils from the present predicament. If they are to win today’s match, it would be additional points for them. Arsenal is just ahead
LUCAS Leiva’s agent has revealed that the midfielder could leave Liverpool during the January transfer window and that a move to Napoli would appeal to his client. The Brazil international has fallen down the pecking order at
Anfield this season, with the 27year-old having been afforded just two Premier League starts by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers. Consequently, Lucas’ representative, Henrique Coelho, has admitted that the former Gremio man could be tempted to move elsewhere in
United with one step as they have 17 points from eleven games while the latter have 14 points from the same number of matches to win the league. Indeed! They have a very big battle to contend with today beating he Red Devils who have been a torn in their flesh over the
year. Manchester United have not been doing well in recent times after Sir Alex Ferguson left the club as manager. The Red Devils are in a precarious situation so far in the season as they are in the 7th place on the league table with 16 points from eleven matches.
suffering a hamstring injury in training during the two-week international break, while Darron Gibson complained of pain in his knee after playing for the Republic of Ireland against Scotland last Friday. Steven Pienaar (knee) and Kevin Mirallas (hamstring) will also be assessed along with Seamus Coleman (Achilles wound), while Bryan Oviedo, Arouna Kone (both knee), Antolin Alcaraz (dislocated shoulder) and John Stones (ankle) remain sidelined. Martinez is hopeful that his squad will not be significantly depleted when Everton attempt to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions on Saturday. “We’re checking Leighton on a daily basis,” said the Everton manager. “He’s someone that heals really quickly. “He had a grade one injury on Friday, that was with England. At the moment, it’s difficult to know whether he’s going to be involved on Saturday or not. It’s touch and go. “Normally it takes between 10 and 14 days - with Leighton you can’t really rule him out. I’ve seen him recover from a grade one hamstring problem in eight days.” Martinez added: “James McCarthy picked up a grade one hamstring problem against Sunderland and we’re assessing him. We’ll see how he recovers. “Darron Gibson hasn’t been able to train yet. His knee suffered a little bit in the game against Scotland. “Plus Seamus Coleman played with five stitches against Scotland, so we need to check the wound.
Roberto Martinez
Lucas Open To Leaving Liverpool For Napoli
Today’s Fixtures Tomorrow Pairing Leicester City v Sunderland Manchester City v Swansea City Newcastle United v Queens Park Rangers Stoke City v Burnley Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion Everton v West Ham United Arsenal v Manchester United Tomorrow’s Pairings Crystal Palace v Liverpool Hull City v Tottenham Hotspur Monday 24 Nov. 2014 Aston Villa v Southampton
search of regular first-team football. “Is it possible that Lucas could leave Liverpool in January? Yes, naturally,” the agent admitted in an interview with Calciomercato.com. When asked if his client would, therefore, be interested in being reunited with Rafael Benitez at Napoli, Coelho replied: “Lucas likes him a lot. “After all, the two know each other well from when the Spaniard was coaching Liverpool.” Benitez signed Lucas from Gremio in the summer of 2007 for a reported +6 million and, after a lengthy adaptation period at Anfield, the midfield enforcer went on to establish himself as a regular in the Reds’ starting line-up. The South American was heavily linked with a move to
the San Paolo last summer but Napoli’s failure to qualify for the Champions League group stages
Lucas Leiva
- and the resulting loss of revenue - reportedly played a part in the Partenopei’s inability to push through a deal.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
Fed Cup: Udoh, Eduok Square Up In Cup S U N D AY ’ S Final and are yet to lose a Nigeria Federation
UK Training Programme
NFF To Sponsor 17 Persons THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) will sponsor 17 persons on a two-week training programme to improve the quality of coaching, match-reading and backroom analysis in the country. This decision was part of the resolutions made after the association’s third Board meeting in Uyo on Wednesday. According to the meeting’s communiqué signed by Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, the proposal for the training in the UK was adopted to ultimately improve the fortunes of the various national teams. “It is a move to improve the quality of coaching, match-reading and backroom analysis, and improve the fortunes of the various national teams. “The board adopted the proposal, which was brought by the NFA Chairman, Amaju Pinnick,’’ it said. The communiqué listed the persons to include John Obuh, Ladan Bosso, Shuaibu Amodu, Salisu Yusuf, Paul Aigbogun, Kelechi Emeteole, David Ngodigha, Edema Fuludu, Yisa Sofoluwe and Nwankwo Kanu. “The rest are Austin Okocha, Garba Lawal, Dahiru Sadi, Siji Lagunju, Ann Chiejine, Florence Omagbemi and Garba Musa,’’ it said. The communiqué added that a Technical Study Group, which would be focused on getting talented Nigerian players into the developmental Leagues in Europe, had been constituted.
“The Technical Group is for the purpose of creating a pool of future Super Eagles’ players, and work hard at getting more Nigerian-born footballers in Europe to commit to representing their fatherland.’’ It said the group’s Chairman was Okocha, while the rest of the members were Benedict Akwuegbu, Celestine Babayaro, Michael Obiku, Darlington Omodiagbe, Finidi George, Taribo West and Tijani Babangida. “The rest are Kashimawo Laloko, Henry Nwosu, Peter Rufai, Dominic Iorfa, Kanu, Sadi, Gbenga Ogunbote, Mutiu Adepoju, Omagbemi, Mercy Akide-Udoh, Chiejine, Eucharia Uche, Yusuf, Alloy Agu and Benedict Iroha,’’ the communiqué said. It also added that with the imminent resumption of Amodu as NFA’s Technical Director, the board agreed that the current Director, Technical, Emmanuel Ikpeme, be addressed as Deputy General Secretary immediately. “Board also agreed to review the contract of the NFA management staff by the end of the first quarter of 2015. “The Board also adopted the reports of all standing committees and judicial bodies of NFA since inauguration of the present Board. “In addition, the Board set up a three-man panel to look into the case of the Boards of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women League (NWL) and Nigeria Nation-Wide League (NNWL).
A cross-section of football coaches in the FCT on Thursday in Abuja expressed disappointment over the Super Eagles’ 2-2 draw with South Africa on Wednesday in Uyo. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the draw at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo was in the final round of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers. The draw in the final Group A match meant the
Super Eagles could not earn a ticket to Equatorial Guinea. The coaches however, in s e p a r a t e interviews, expressed the hope that the Eagles would get better to qualify for the 2017 AFCON 2017. A good number of them however said the players did not show commitment in the match against South Africa, saying part of the problem was that the players were not focused.
Cup final will again pitch league hotshots Mfon Udoh and Emem Eduok as their respective clubs do battle Sunday. Enyimba striker Udoh finished as goal king of the concluded Nigeria league season with 23 goals, while Eduok of Dolphins netted 20 goals. Eduok is the leading scorer in the cup competition with four goals, while Udoh has scored twice. And both Dolphins and Enyimba will have a score to settle when they
Amaju Pinnick
Eaglets, Flying Eagles Resume Training Camps NIGERIA U17 and U20 teams are set to resume training camps ahead of major continental tournaments.
The U17s, the Golden Eaglets, will commence camping in Abuja next month ahead of the 11th African U17 Championship in Niger Republic from February 15 to March 1. The Eaglets
under coach E m m a n u e l Amuneke have qualified to represent Nigeria in the competition, which will serve as qualifier for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Similarly, the country’s U20s, the Flying Eagles, will resume training camp on November 24 to screen for new players ahead of the 19th African Y o u t h Championship to be hosted by Senegal from March 8 to March 22.
slug it out after the Port Harcourt side stopped Enyimba from annexing the league title. Hosts Dolphins drew 1-1 with Enyimba in Week 37 of the league to allow Kano Pillars win a third straight l e a g u e championship with a match to spare. Dolphins have won the trophy four times since 2001
John Tukura, the coach of Basic Maracana FC, said the Eagles did not show the n e c e s s a r y commitment in the match. “They have a good chance of scoring three goals in the first half, but they behaved as if they were playing a national friendly match. “All what we wanted was a win to save our name and for us to qualify for the 2015 AFCON,’’ he said. A b u b a k a r
Owolabi, the coach of Abees Academy, said the defence let the Eagles down throughout the qualification phase. “This is a lesson to us as a nation, and we should be able to pick players by merit. “Pride was one of the factors that did not help us to qualify. “What I expected from team head coach Stephen Keshi was to call players who would help the team
qualify. It was a critical situation,’’ he said. Muhid Wadata, the coach of Young Tigers, said the Eagles did not play with determination. “The Eagles did not play with the spirit they had in their last two games, and they all wanted to be heroes and were individual in their play. So, the team suffered it. “Ahmed Musa missed so many chances, and Keshi should have
Emem Eduok
CGF Elects Ndanusa Into Sports Committee THE President of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC), Sani Ndanusa, has been elected into the Sports Committee of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). A statement from the CGF on Thursday said Ndanusa was elected with five other people into the committee, to be chaired by Hilary Atkinson. “The elected members of the Sports Committee (until the 2015 General Assembly) are: Sani Ndanusa (Africa), Philip Guishard (the Americas), Chris Chan (Asia), Chet Greene (Caribbean), Don Parker (Europe) and Don Stockins (Oceania). “In addition, the
2015 AFCON: FCT Coaches Express Disappointment Over
Eagles’ Non-Qualification
cup final. Enyimba have won the cup thrice in 2005, 2009 and 2013.
replaced him before the end of the first half.
Chairman (appointed by the Executive Board), Broadcasting Expert (Richard Russell), CEO (David Grevemberg) and Director of Sport (Matthew Curtain) serve the Committee as ex-officio members,’’ the statement said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sports Committee typically meets biannually and its key functions are to provide technical expertise and support to the CGF Executive Board. This will be in relation to the development and management of all aspects of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games sports programmes. The Committee also engages with International Sports Federations, future host cities and bidding cities.
Sani Ndanusa
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