THE NIGERIAN
The Nigerian
1
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 NO. 147 • MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2 014 • N 100.00
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The Media And Sustenance Of Democracy
Edo ’ll continue to meet obligations to civil servants - HOS By ANDY EGBON
BENIN CITY – Edo State Head of Service (HOS) has said that the state government would continue to meet its
obligations to public servants, especially in the areas of prompt payment of salaries,
regular promotion and capacity building. Disclosing this in Benin City during the
annual Samuel Ogbemudia Forum organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Observer chapel, he said that the state Continues on page 2
Political tolerance
ARCHIVAL MATTERS Pg. 21 More Security Tips This Season
Ogbemudia lauds Gov Oshiomhole By LEO ATAKPU
BENIN CITY – Two time Governor of the defunct Midwest/Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia has commended the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Eric Oshiomhole for his political maturity and tolerance. (NUJ) held recently said The former Governor hitherto, the political who was speaking at the parties in power in the annual Samuel state were too extreme Ogbemudia Forum of in relating with other The OBSERVER political parties and Chapel of the Nigeria scored Comrade Union of Journalists Oshiomhole high.
“I am happy that I, from another political
party, the PDP, is being honoured by the
Nigerian OBSERVER today that is being
governed by a different political party in power, Continues on page 2
Yuletide: Price of food
stuffs remain stable
WARRI – Few days to Christmas, the price of rice, vegetable oil and spices have remained stable in Warri, Delta, a survey conducted by newsmen has shown. The survey showed that though the price of these food items was stable in major markets in the commercial city, that of onions, tomatoes and pepper witnessed marginal increase. In Ogbe-Ijoh Market, a 50kg bag of rice cost between N8,000 and N10, 000, depending on the brand. A rice dealer, Mrs Joy Harrison, said a 50kg bag of Mama Gold rice was still sold for N10, 200 while the same quantity of Royal Umbrella rice remained N10, 000. Harrison added that a
50kg bag of Ade rice cost N8,000 while Mama Africa and Stallion brands sold for N8,700 per 50kg bag. The dealer, however, decried low patronage. ‘’Customers are not coming, people are not buying as if we are not in a festive season; this is because there is no money in circulation,’’ she said. In Dugbaleh Market in Udu, the prices of various brands of rice were the same, but transaction was low. Mrs Augusta Osayande, a dealer in vegetable oil in the market, said four litres of Favour vegetable oil sold for N1, 000 while the same quantity of Ginos sold for N1, 500. Osayande told newsmen that the same
TIT-BIT
“Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others. - Plato
- Survey
quantity of Kings, Turkey and UAC Power brands of vegetable oil was also sold for N1,500. She told the survey that the price of these food items did not change despite the fact that Christmas was around the corner. Mr Dafe Ideh, the Chairman, Onion Sellers Association in Igbudu Market, told newsmen that there was slight increase in the price of the commodity. Continues on page 2
COMMISSIONING: Hon. Osarodion Ogie, Commissioner for Works, Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Hon. Wale Edun, former Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State at the commissioning of the 6-lane New Lagos Road complete with Walkways and Street lights in Benin City. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.
Tinubu commissions 60-bed hospital, hails Edo Gov
BENIN CITY - Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has commissioned a new 60-bed Specialist
Hospital, built by the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led government, in Ewohinmi, Esan South East Local Government area of Edo State. The
Hospital is complete with state-of-the-art equipment, three
bedroom quarters bedroom
Doctors’ and two Nurses’
Culture, true identity of people - Odubu BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwan Odubu has described culture as true identity of the people.
He made the remark yesterday during the celebration of Igue festival at his residence in Benin City. Igue Festival is a
festival of peace which ushers in God’s blessings and is celebrated by the people of Benin Kingdom annually.
During yesterday’s celebration, the residence of the deputy governor came alive with visits by various Continues on page 2
quarters. Speaking at the commissioning of the hospital project which was first conceptualized but abandoned over 25 years ago, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who is also a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that with the commissioning of the hospital and other projects in the state, Governor Oshiomhole has introduced Continues on page 2
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
News
Tinubu commissions 60-bed hospital 8 Killed In Cult Clash
Continued from page 1 infrastructural development revolution to the state. Tinubu said it is regrettable that the 16 years of the rule of the Peoples Democratic Party at the federal level has been a colossal waste. He said “what you have in Edo State is common sense development revolution; good security, employment, potable water supply, agriculture, good road infrastructure, vocational job to train and develop your mind and become independent in life. That is common sense development revolution. “The only way you can get it at the federal level is to have the voter’s card and vote out the PDP. The 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party did not produce anything. They were here and they did not do roads to reach your communities and they could not give you boreholes. “We have spent” six years now and with six years of our arrival with our broom, we have been sweeping the dirt away. We say change from deceit; change from lies; change from excuses. “Today, the country is in darkness because of the deception of the PDP. When you pay a policeman pittance, how do you expect him not to take bribe? “We have built new hospitals and schools in six years. If you want continuity of this development, go and collect your voter’s card and vote for APC. “You want water to flow; you want good roads; you want potable water supply, then vote for APC. “The reward for hard work is more work. So, as the APC is doing well in Edo state, you expect more work. You must vote for more work and more facilities. Democracy is not a spectator’s game. If you have no card, go and collect one and vote against the PDP. There can be no running water if you don’t vote for APC. The PDP has failed and they will continue to fail,” he said. Asiwaju Tinubu added, “Glory be to God, we now have a government that build hospitals that would save lives; emergency sections that would ensure that accident victims are attended to; that premature babies would be taken care of . Thank you Adams, thank you for leading a government that works”. In his remarks, Governor Oshiomhole said the hospital project is one of the dreams of this administration to extend development to the rural communities. He said, “For us in Edo State, the fact of being rural does not mean the people are inferior. Rural life is a function of location and not of quality and consistent with
the commitment of our party to have an all inclusive development; the one that seeks to make people feel the impact of governance, regardless of location; what you have seen is a practical statement that this is possible beyond rhetoric. “When I visited here in 2009, the previous government had awarded it, in fact several governments after government had awarded it and they were just using it to siphon money in the name of the people of Ewohimi and the blocks they
were using were so bad. We had to demolish that foundation and build a completely new hospital. “His Royal Highness informed me that this project had been on for over 25 years and somehow, they have given up. I am happy that God has used us to translate this to reality. “We have built roads connecting Ewohimi to other major towns in Esan and shortly we shall be commissioning them.” On the poor power supply
Continued from page 1 He said that a bag of onions cost between N33,000 and N35,000, as against the previous price of N30,000. He said that the cost of transporting a bag of onion from the northern part of the country to Warri had risen from N1,400 to N2,200. Ideh attributed the increase to the security challenges in the North-East which, he said, had affected the production of onions. ‘’Most of the people cultivating onions in the north have been displaced while some even lost their lives to the Boko Haram insurgency,’’ he said. A tomato seller in the
market, Mr Tanko Zakari, said the price of a basket of tomatoes ranged between N4,500 to N7,000, depending on the size. Zakari told newsmen that the cost of a basket of the commodity cost between N3,000 and N4,000. He said a bag of pepper cost between N6,000 and N8,000 as against N5,000 and N6,000 in 2013, depending on type. He also attributed the increase in the price of tomato to the insecurity in the North-East and cost of transportation. ‘’A lot of farmers are afraid to cultivate tomatoes because of the insecurity and
the outcome of the 2015 elections. ‘’I tell you tomatoes will be expensive next year because there is less cultivation this year. ‘’My customers also complained that there is no money in circulation and that has led to the low patronage we are experiencing,’’ he said. Zakari urged government to find a lasting solution to the lingering security challenges in the country. Mrs Margaret Maxwell, a tomato retailer, said sales were low as some of her customers complained of delay in payment of December salary.
Continued from page 1 the APC. It shows that the Governor is tolerant of other parties”, the Octogeneran said. “You should help me convey my gratitude to him because this is rare”, Dr. Osaigbovo Ogbemudia urged the Observer. While going down memory lane how he established The Nigerian OBSERVER in 1968, the former governor said the company was established with £100,000, primarily targeted to compete favourably with the Daily Times and noted with joy that The OBSERVER eventually circulated more copies than the Daily Times using an aircraft across the nook and cranny of the country.
Dr. Ogbemudia who also served the country as Minister of Labour and Productivity expressed gratitude to the Nigerian OBSERVER chapel of the NUJ for Immortalizing him, while alife, 46 years after he established the company. He appealed to the State Government and other stakeholders to do everything to improve the fortunes of The OBSERVER. The Elderstateman then announced the institutionalization of an award for the best Journalist of The OBSERVER in the area of development journalism, an award that will be backed by cash and a plaque every Samuel Ogbemudia Forum.
in the community, Oshiomhole said, “It is important for the people to know that as long as the PDP is in power, the people would be out of power. “So whenever you have the opportunity, let the young and old know that the problem of power supply cannot be solved unless the PDP is voted out of power.” Asiwaju Tinubu had earlier, in Benin City, commissioned the rebuilt 6-lane New Lagos road, complete with walkways and street lights.
Price of food stuffs remain stable
Culture
Continued from page 1 dance groups and cultural guilds in line with Benin custom and tradition during the festival. Armed with “Ewere” leaves which symbolize peace and well-being in Benin Kingdom, the groups presented the symbol of peace to the deputy governor and others who were in attendance. In his remarks, Dr. Pius Odubu said culture is crucial in the life of Edo people and stressed that he would continue to promote Benin Culture. The deputy governor emphasized that the acceptance of western culture should not be at the detriment of indigenous ways of life. The member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode constituency at the House of Representatives and APC senatorial candidate for Edo South, Hon. Samson Osagie and the former Vice Chairman, Oredo Local Government Council, Mrs. Joyce Osagie said Igue and Ugie-Ewere are age long practices by Benin people. They said the festival offers opportunity for the people to thank God for the out-going year and to usher in the new year. No fewer than 48 cultural groups and guilds visited the deputy governor’s residence during the Ugie Ewere celebration.
Ogbemudia lauds Oshiomhole
By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON BENIN CITY - At least, eight persons were killed by cultists who went on rampage in parts of Benin City, weekend. Among the victims included a popular car wash owner at Upper Mission Road and one Jude whose wife recently put to bed. It was learnt that the affected areas are Erediauwa Street, Off Upper Siluko Road which recorded two casualties, New Benin where four lost their lives and Okhoro said to have witnessed two corpses since the trouble started last Friday. Dependable source disclosed that the clash is between three rival cult groups as one had earlier engaged another in Upper Sakponba before some of its members in New Benin clashed with another arch rival in the area.
Ugie Festival: Community Chairman Lauds Chief Adun By LUCKY EFESE
BENIN CITY – The Chairman of Idokpa Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State and a renowned farmer, Mr. Nosa Obamwonyi has eulogized the National President of the Butchers’ Union and business mogul, Chief (Dr) John Osamede Adun (JP) the Uwangue of Benin Kingdom, for his spirited efforts in reviving the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom. Mr. Nosa Obamwonyi, gave the commendation at the residence of Chief Adun, who is also the sole Administrator of Edo Line Transport Company Limited during the “Igue Oghedohia” festivity which was celebrated by the cultural icon.
Meet obligations to civil servants Continued from page 1
government would leave the state public service better than it met it. The forum, 13th in the series which was rebranded from its original name, The OBSERVER Forum” had as its theme, “Advancing Media Freedom: The Promise of Technology. “It provided opportunity to build bridges and partnership among stakeholders in the media industry. It was rebranded Samuel Ogbemudia forum as a way of acknowledging Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia’s contributions to
humanity as well celebrate him while alive having established the newspaper house 46 years ago while military Governor of Midwest State. The HOS appreciated trade unions and professional bodies in the state, including NUJ for their support and cooperation with the state government. Describing the theme of the form as apt, he said the time was ripe for media practitioners to play their constitutional role as watchdog of the society. “This electioneering period
The fight, it was further gathered spilled over to Okhoro area within few hours after the clash began in New Benin. The cause of the fracas could not be ascertained as at press time yesterday but investigation revealed that it’s not unconnected with supremacy rivalry. Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Edo Command DSP Joseph Edogiawerie stated that two casualties were recorded at Erediauwa street as another person shot in a separate location had been hospitalized. He stated further that the police had made several arrest since the unfortunate incident broke out. The Police image maker assured residents of adequate police protection of lives and property during and after the yuletide.
is certainly a critical time in the history of our democratic governance; a season which calls for vigilance, unbiased reportage and patriotism on the part of stakeholders in the industry”, he said. He reminded them that the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria requires that the media should as a matter of responsibility set the agenda for players in politics and governance, adding that, “we need to join hands in ensuring, not only peaceful electioneering campaigns, but free, fair and credible elections”.
He noted that the Igue festival was a unifying agent of the people of Benin Kingdom which started about 501 years ago during the reign of Oba Eware, the great. According to him, Igue was a symbol of peace, love, long life and prosperity of the people of the great kingdom and that it fortifies against any harmful attack to the people. He described Chief Adun as a man of cultural and traditional values, who had used his God-given potentials to elevate the cultural and traditional integrity of the Benin Kingdom across the world, just as he challenged other prominent Benin sons and daughters to emulate him. It will be recalled that Chief Adun, was recently elevated to Chief Uwangue of Benin Kingdom, the fourth highest hierarchy of Chiefs in the palace by the most reverend monarch, Oba Erediauwa CFR, for his exemplary disposition towards the rapid promotion of the Benin Culture. The Community Chairman while thanking Omo N’ Oba for elevating Chief Adun however urged all Benin sons and daughters to be proud of participating in the on-going and subsequent Ugie festivals in the kingdom, just as he tasked the Chief Executive Office, Bob Izua Conglomerates World Wide, to see his elevation as a means to positively impact on the lives of the people of the kingdom.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
News Scholars Eulogise Prof. Oshodin At Book Launch By VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY – It was a reign of encomium at the weekend as eminent scholars from different strata of the society extolled what was regarded as unmatched leadership qualities of the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Prof. Osayuki Godwin Oshodin. They made their remarks during the luncheon party/ public presentation of the book, “Prof. O.G. Oshodin. The quintessential pathfinder authored by Mr. Emmanuel Egharevba in Benin City. Chairman of the occasion and the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe praised Prof. Oshodin for his vision towards transforming the university into an aluring institution with awesome facilities and infrastructural development. The book presenter and Vice Chancellor, University of
Benin, Prof. Osasere Orumwese, described Prof. Oshodin as a consumate administrator, iconic leader and mentor who has used his quality service to set a pace for successive administrations in the university. The book reviewer, Barr (Dr) O.G Izevbuwa, described the former Vice Chancellor, UNIBEN, as unassuming, brilliant and a goal driven man. He noted that Prof. Oshodin has always demonstrated an uncommon traits of a trail blazer maintaining that the book justifies the impactful agenda of the former UNIBEN Vice Chancellor aimed at ensuring sustainable progress. Author of the book, Emmanuel Egharevba, said that the book intended to celebrate and showcase the phenomenal service of Prof. Oshodin while serving as the Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN. He stated that the
monumental achievements of Prof. Oshodin could not be overemphasised, hence the need for documentation that would serve as reference point for generations yet unborn. In his remarks, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin commended the author for his initiative saying, but for God Almighty he would not have succeeded. He urged the people, especially the leaders to always seek God’s guidance if they must succeed.
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (right) and APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the official commissioning of the Ewohimi Hospital in Esan South-East Local Government Area, Edo State. PHOTO: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.
Edo Govt Does Not Tamper With LGs Fund - Commissioner
BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James has maintained that local governments in Edo State in recent times under the supervision of the ministry has fared better than other states in the federation. Chief James said this while
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (right), his predecessor, Senator Oserhiemen Osunbor during the wedding ceremony of Ehi Igbinedion, daughter of former of the former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion in Benin City weekend. PHOTO: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.
fielding questions from newsmen on the allegation that the monthly allocation accruing to the local governments does not fully get to the councils for the development of the area. He berated the peddlers of the allegation, describing it as a malicious and devilish one from uninformed source. According to him there has never been any case of unaccountability from the local government councils on allocation received a development which can happen in other states. The commissioner further said that it is statutory that first line charge payment from the allocation is payment of teachers’ salaries, five percent traditional rulers statutory allowances and pensions after which the local government chairmen are to develop their areas with the remainder which is sometimes meager. Chief James however said that the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is not interested in the money that comes to the local government account as he (governor) does not know what comes to local
government account. Reacting to the question of reduction in allocation, the commissioner said it is far
Christians Urged To Imbibe Spirit Of Giving By VICTOR OMOALU
BENIN CITY – Christians have been advised to imbibe the spirit of giving and share love to the less privilege members of the society. Rev. Fr. Joseph Okotie of the St. Paul Catholic Church, Benin City gave the advise during the 2014 Christmas/ End-of-year Agape GetTogether ceremony organised by Project Charilove, a Non Governmental Organisation in Benin City at the weekend. The Catholic Priest who underscored the need to support charitable initiative that would help improve the lives of the vulnerable persons, said that everyone is special in the sight of Christ. Said he, “we are here to
Land Swap Policy ’ll Address Settlement Of Abuja Indigenes - FCTA
ABUJA - The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured indigenes of Abuja that the Land Swap policy introduced by the administration would address issues of their resettlement. Mallam Yahaya Yusuf, the Director of Development Control, FCTA, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Yusuf said the policy would also encourage private funding of infrastructure in the territory. “The policy, as initiated by the FCT minister, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, involves granting of greenfield land to competent real estate practitioners, who will in turn provide infrastructure such as
roads and electricity. “This policy is expected to bring in billions of Naira from banks in and outside the country and generate over one million jobs for unemployed Nigerians,’’ he said. Yusuf said the policy was globally accepted for urban development, adding that indigenes of Abuja had
accepted it as an alternative means of addressing issues of resettlement. “Funding for resettlement of indigenes will also become more accessible through the private investors. “It has been adopted during period of rapid urban development by many European countries. It is also
beyond him as the short fall is directly traceable to the low price of crude oil in the international market.
endorsed by the world Bank as suitable for any country experiencing budget crisis,’’ he said. Yusuf said traditional rulers in the territory had endorsed the policy and it had gone a long way to make it acceptable to the indigenes. “The Land Swap policy will be beneficial to them. They will be the major beneficiaries in the jobs that would be created,’’ the director said.
make them (the physically impaired children) know that they are also special. He said that the Christmas celebration was significant as it marks the celebration of God’s intervention on peoples lives. Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Richard Iyasele expressed gratitude to God Almighty for sparing the lives of the less privileged at the Project Charilove Centre to witness the successful end of the year. He appealed to government, co-operate organisations and well meaning citizens for support for the needy, with a view to putting smiles on their faces. Earlier, the Co-ordinatorGeneral, Project Charilove, Mr. Chris Omuse, pointed out that one of the greatest sacrifices, appreciation and thanksgiving one could make is best expressed through outreach to the poor and the less privileged. He said that unless one extends his hands of fellowship to the less privileged in the society, he or she has not appreciation God. He therefore charged affluent citizens to imbibe the spirit of giving to the needy if their history must be written in the sands of time.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
News Primaries: APC To Set Up Reconciliation, Campaign C’ttees
L-R: Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (right) and a former Governor of the State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion and his wife, Eki during the wedding ceremony of their daughter, Ehi Igbinedion at the Central Baptist Church in Benin City weekend.
SOKOTO - Governor. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto state said All Progressives Congress ( APC) in the state would set up reconciliation and campaign committees across the state soon. Wamakko, at the monthly APC Stakeholders meeting in Sokoto, said that the committees would reconcile all aggrieved members and aspirants who lost at the primaries. According to him, the measures were being taken to further strengthen the party in the state.
‘’The reconciliation committees will pacify all aggrieved aspirants of the party at all levels, with a view to wooing them,’’ he said. He added that ‘’the campaign committees will be set up to show that the party is not complacent’’, stressing that it was determined to emerge victorious at 2015 general polls. Wamakko also noted that contrary to speculations in certain quarters in Nigeria,
said that the NHIS had partnered with state governments to ensure that school pupils nationwide enjoyed healthy living. “To engage school pupils in this health insurance programme, up to 20 state governments had already been involved. “These states have shown
interest by making provision for the programme in their 2015 budget,” he said. It will be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan had signed the Health Act on December.9, 2014, and the NHIS is to manage 50 per cent of the funds provided by the act.
NHIS To Make Health Accessible To Nigerians In 2015 - official ABUJA - Mr Femi Thomas, Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), said the organisation had concluded plans to inaugurate programmes that would provide adequate health care to Nigerians in 2015. Thomas told newsmen in Abuja that Nigerians in the rural areas would be given special attention while implementing the programmes. He said the programmes were in line with the Health Act whose primary aim was to
re-double the health benefits of Nigerians. “We are developing programmes that will allow us to cover more people in the rural areas in 2015 and we are close to the national launch. “When we talk of taking care of vulnerable people we make reference to about 70 per cent of the population. “These programmes will not only handle the primary health care needs of the people but also emphasis on improving
the maternal and new born health related issues. “We are going to address the needs of pregnant women and children under the age of five to add to the already existing health programmes. “When maternal and child health related issues are improved, it will go a long way in lifting the profile of the country health wise in the global landscape,” Thomas said. The executive secretary also
the party was blossoming to greater heights, and commended members and elders of the party their discipline, loyalty and prayers. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, promised to justify the confidence reposed in him and other candidates of the party in the state. Tambuwal expressed happiness with the emergence of retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s presidential candidate, saying that the candidate and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osibajo, were capable of salvaging Nigeria from its current ‘’woes.’’ Acting Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Usman Danmadamin-Isa, assured that members would work relentlessly to ensure success of the party at all levels at the polls.
. . . As Zamfara Health Workers Threaten To Join Strike GUSAU - Chairman of Medical Health Workers Union of Nigeria in Zamfara, Sabo Tsafe, said they would join the strike by National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) if the latter’s requests were not met by government. Tsafe issued the threat during interview with newmen in Gusau at the weekend. The chairman said they would join the strike if the Federal Government failed to respond to the demand of their colleagues. He said that the union officials were in Abuja to meet with the federal government on the issue, adding that the outcome of their meeting would determine whether or not they would join the strike. Dr Bello Muhammad, Medical Director of Yerima Bakura Specialist Hospital,
Gusau, however, said health workers in the hospital were reporting for work. Muhammad commended the state health workers for not joining the strike. “They are rendering assistance to sick people. I urge the federal government to answer the union’s request in order to save the lives of patients. Meanwhile, Zamfara state owned hospitals in Gusau have been overwhelmed by large number of patients due to the strike by their federal counterparts. Workers at Faridah, King Fahad, and Yerima Bakura Specialist Hospitals are having hectic time attending to people seeking medical attention. Hajiya Medina Aliyu told journalists that she had some difficulties before child birth due to the strike by NANNM. “I went to Yerima Bakura Hospital but there were many
women in labour, including those that just delivered, so I had to wait for a long time before getting medical attention.’’ Mrs Gloria Daniel said when the doctors finished with her son’s surgery; he was discharged after 24 hours to create space for other patients. NANNM went on indefinite strike on November.13.
Procession: L-R: Deputy Rector (Admin), Aigbonghae Frederick, Deputy Rector (Academics), Engr. Jafaru Buriamoh, Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Philipa Idogho and Prof. G.O Yomere, Chairman, Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, during the just-concluded 22nd Convocation of Auchi Polytechnic.
NGO Seeks Support For Displaced Persons ABUJA - Dr Radcliff Save Lives Foundation, an NGO, has called for support from government and well-meaning Nigerians to alleviate the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja camp. Dr Alexander Nnadozie, the Country Director of the NGO, made the call in Abuja during a medical outreach and distribution of relief materials to displaced persons in the camp. He said the event was
organised by the NGO and sponsored by Prince Chidi Ibe, the National Coordinator, House to House Network. Nnadozie said the call became necessary due to the unhealthy environment in the camp. “The spread of airborne and communicable diseases from one family to another can strive very well here because of the kind of houses the inhabitants are living in. “Apart from the fact that the environment is bushy, all kinds
of diseases can spread in the camp and the people are still exposed to serious insecurity”, he said. The country director, therefore, called on government to come to the aid of the displaced persons by providing shelter and water for the inhabitants of the camp. “Even if the facility being used is not for the purpose but movable accommodation could be provided for the inhabitants”, he added.
Some of the inhabitants of the camp who spoke to newsmen applauded the NGO for the gesture and called on government to come to their aid. Alhaji Usman Adamu, an IDP who had been in the camp for over seven months, noted that the environment was not conducive for them considering the pattern of the houses. “Our houses are constructed with polymer bags and we have been having challenges of poor ventilation.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
News Strike:
Teachers Give Ultimatum materials to schools, release of current examination and previous running grants to schools, and the payment of leave grant of secondary schools teachers since Dec ember 2013. ‘’In the same communiqué, we could recall that the NUT humbly requested that the state government or its representative to invite the leadership of the union for a dialogue to address the issues. ‘’Unfortunately, the state government has not considered it necessary to do so, while our
job as teachers in the classroom continues to suffer. “In this regards, therefore, the Nigeria Union of Teachers wish to give the state government an ultimatum of 14 days to address the above issues.” The statement said that failure of government to honour the demands “will force the entire teachers in both primary and secondary schools to down tool and embark on an indefinite strike until our demands are met.”
BIRNIN-KEBBI - The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kebbi State has embarked on awareness campaign in rural settlements on voter education. The acting State Director of the agency, Mr. Joseph Yaro, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the campaign was in compliance with the directive from the national headquarters. He said that the agency would enlighten voters on their civic responsibility to ensure their active participation in electing leaders of their choice. “The campaign will focus on women who are unaware of the existing registered political parties and their logos in order to ensure that their votes count,” he said.
He said the campaign would also focus on the electoral rights and responsibilities of eligible voters, adding that “our records show that rural dwellers have not been active during elections”. Yaro stressed the importance of voter education, especially the need to enlighten and educate the electorate. “It is time the citizens become active in democratic system, especially in the election of their leaders. “The campaign will be conducted in three senatorial districts and I urge stakeholders to support the campaign,” he said. Yaro added that the agency would not relent in the campaign to educate the public on government policies and programmes.
EMEVOR (Delta) - The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Ima Niboro, has in Delta, advised parents to leave good legacies for their children by living exemplary life. Niboro, who gave the advice at the thanksgiving service after the burial of his mother, Deaconess Agnes Ukeseh, said his mother left behind exemplary life that the children must emulate.
He said that although it was a celebration of life, “the passingon of my precious mother still hurts. “I take solace in this inner peace that I feel within me. I am very sure that my mother has gone to be with God because of the life that she lived. “What I always say is that, I hope the day of our own passage; our children will also know the peace we now have in knowing
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
OCHIEMHEN – I formerly known and addressed as Ochiemhen Eigbe Peter now wish to be known and addressed as Eboigbe Eigbe Peter. Former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public please take note.
IGBINIGIE – I formerly known as Miss Esohe Sharon Igbinigie now wish to be known as Mrs. Osagie Esohe Sharon. Former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
ASEHON - I formerly known as Miss Asehon Victoria Eduzola now wish to be known as Mrs. Omoruyi Omonuwa Victoria Eduzola. Former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public please take note.
OSAZUWA – I formerly called Miss Osazuwa Irene is now known and called Mrs. Irene Ekhosuehi. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
that, we, the parents have also gone to be with God. “On the day you die, what will your children think? I have peace because I know where my mother is, I know for sure where she is. “The day we will go, will our children have this same peace that they know where we are?. “So, when you think of that, let it guide your steps and lead you in all the things you do in this world so that on that perfect day, you will be with God and your children will have peace.’’ In his sermon at the occasion, Pastor Raphael Tadekhe of the United Believers Mission, urged Nigerians to live as if everyday was their last. He said that “God sometimes blesses children because of the good deeds of their parents; parents should live a good life worthy of emulation. “Life is very short, so don’t trample on people because if you look at this life, there is nothing we are taking away with us when we die. “What future are you giving your children; don’t allow an innocent child to pay for your own mistakes. “What happens in between the day you were born and the day you die is what matters most, because that is what makes up your legacy. “Many people live as if there is no tomorrow and no matter what you have, there is no substitute to the knowledge of the word of God.’’ Tadekhe urged the children of the deceased to keep the light of her good works burning in them.
OSOGBO - Teachers in Osun have given the state government 14-day ultimatum to pay their outstanding allowances, release running grants and provide instructional materials in schools. This was contained in a letter sent to Governor. Rauf Aregbesola by the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The union warned that failure by the government to meet the demands would lead to indefinite strike in primary and secondary schools. The union had, among other things, demanded the immediate provision of the required instructional materials in schools and release of current examination and previous running grants. According to the letter, the leave grants of secondary school teachers have not been paid since December 2013. The letter, which was signed by the union Chairman, Comrade Olawuyi Emmanuel, also reminded the governor of the contents of a communiqué issued on Oct. 14 where the same issues were raised. “In our last communiqué issued on October 14, 2014, jointly signed by the NUT and ANCOPSS, we requested the state government to honour and give immediate attention to the following demands. “We also demanded the provision of instructional
NOA Begins Campaign On Voter Education
Leave Good Legacies For Your Children, Niboro Advises Parents
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
News Boot Fair: Traders Happy Over Timeliness challenges he faced was ABUJA Traders Of Show that the fair was not given
participating at the Abuja Boot Motor Fair have expressed appreciation to the Bostonbug Media, the organisers of the event, over the timeliness of the show. Mr David Kim, one of the traders at the fair, told newsmen in Abuja that he was happy over the the event because he had made a lot of sales. Kim, who sells babies’ wears, expressed gratitude to the organisers. He said that the fair had made him to make more contacts and profits for his business. According to him, since the organisers of the fair charge the traders little money on the space provided, goods were cheaply sold to the customers. Kim said traders paid N15,000 on the car space they occupied. He explained that one of the challenges faced in the fair by the traders was the distance of the fair to customers coming from the Nyanya –Mararaba axis of the FCT.
Mr Michael Mark, the Manager of Amanda Hair limited, said that the fair gave him an opportunity to showcase his goods also make new customers. Mark said due to the fair, he reduced the cost of his wares to minimum price, to ensure that many customers patronised him. He said that Peruvian Hair, usually sold at N35,000, went for N25,000 while Fumy Hair, which was normally sold at N90,000 now went for N80,000. Mark said that one of the
much publicity by the organisers. Mark said that due to this, many customers did not come to the fair. Mrs Ngozi Ejike, a customer and a civil servant, thanked the organisers for the business. Ejike said as a civil servant, he was happy that the venue was nearer to the Federal Secretariat where she worked. The boot fair, involving traders displaying their wares in car boots, started on Wednesday at the Millennium Park, Abuja.
MAKURDI - Sellers of gift products in Makurdi metropolis say they are witnessing trade boom owing to the high demand for the items. A cross section of them told newsmen that both the young and the old were purchasing gift items such as seasonal greeting cards, Christmas decorations and toys. They said the prices had been increased by about 50 per cent owing to the increased demand.
At the Ayii Iyenge Plaza, off David Mark bye pass on High Level, Miss Stella Dughna, a dealer in gift items, attributed the price increase to the political activities. She said the unfolding political events in the country which coincided with the Christmas period had turned out to be a blessing for the traders. Another seller, Miss Lucy Adue, who deals on plastic souvenirs and flower vessels at the Makurdi Modern
IGP Suleiman Abba (right), presenting the cheque of One Million Naira to Sgt Bonze Pelesai (left) at the presentation of the 2nd Inspector General of Police Meritorious Award in Abuja recently. Middle is the Chief Executive Officer, Puzzles Group Limited, Mr. Bayo Adeyemo.
Dealers In Gift Items Enjoy Trade Boom In Makurdi
Bustling Idumota Market in preparation for Christmas in Lagos recently.
Market, said the high number of weddings within the season was responsible for the hike in prices. At the Old GRA, an artist, Paul Morrety, who decorates greeting cards, said this year’s patronage could only be compared to that of 2009/ 2010. He said he got prepared for the decorations shortly after the party primaries in the state, knowing fully well that politicians would heavily patronise his works. “I got prepared with much of my materials bought early again this time. “Immediately after the primaries I have been decorating congratulatory and Christmas cards; some customers even come for both,” he said. Christian Ogazie who sells Christmas caps and toys at the Tito Gate, Low Level Area, said the patronage was encouraging. Checks by newsmen showed that alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, wine and beverage were affected by the price hike. A small size of hampers, which sold for N10,000 same time last year, has now gone
up to N15,000 while a medium and big size of the same hampers which previously sold for N20,000 went up to N25,000 and N50 to N55,000 respectively. A moderate sized Christmas tree with lights on that initially sold for N20, was now selling for N25,000 . Prices of season’s greeting cards also increased from N500 to N2,000 and bigger sizes previously sold at N4,000 went up to N8,000. A cross section of the traders said a specific factor, politics, was responsible for the price increase. “I have observed that immediately after the primaries, families and friends of candidates started the patronage, “ she said.
Sokoto APC Distributes 124 Vehicles To Officials
SOKOTO - The Sokoto State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday distributed 124 vehicles to the officials of the party in the 23 local government areas the state. Newsmen reports that Governor Aliyu Wamakko assisted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Moringa Leaves Cure 300 Diseases - Don LANGTANG (PLATEAU) - A Don, Prof. Zachariah Russom, said Moringa leaves can cure more than 300 diseases. Russom, who teaches at the University of Jos, said this during a workshop for farmers in Langtang North, Plateau, organised by the Centre for
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (CBGE) of the university. He said that Nigeria was blessed with abundant agricultural potentials and called on farmers to take the advantage to grow more Moringa plant which he called “miracle plant”. ‘’Moringa is a wonder plant
which has proved to be a cure for more than 300 diseases in the world. “Growing moringa plants is like growing multi vitamins at your doorstep as science has proved that the leaves are packed with incredible nutrition that can strengthen our bodies and prevent many diseases.
He said the leaves contained huge quantities of protein, vitamins C and A, and calcium. The Chairman of Langtang North Local government, Mr Nanmwan Godwin, represented by the council’s secretary, Mr Richard Jateau, said the workshop was timely. He said the workshop came at a time when Nigeria was
Mr Thomas Atu , a civil servant, also complained of high prices, blaming the situation on politics. At one of the supermarkets in Makurdi, consumers were also seen rushing in and out with bags of gift items. Frank Odeh, a sales representative, said the patronage of gift items was high. At D.O Brothers and Nobis supermarkets, both in Wadata, the traffic proved same. Mr Linus Okoye, a supplier of gift items to supermarkets, said his company was likely to increase supplies twice before the end of this year. Newsmen reports that many residents, who decried the hike in prices of gift items in the town, condemned the idea of elections holding during festive seasons.
making frantic efforts diversify its economy owing to the daunting challenges that the oil market was facing. The Director of the Centre, Prof. Bashir Ajayi, said the aim of the workshop was to expose farmers and people at the grassroots to the usefulness of some of the plants they were growing within their surroundings.
Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, distributed the vehicles to the officials. The vehicles, which included Peugeot and KIA, were handed over to the chairmen, Secretaries, women and youths leaders of the party in the 23 local governments of the state. Wamakko said that the vehicles were donated by various members of the party to facilitate its activities in the build up to the 2015 general polls. The governor urged other wealthy members of the party to emulate the donors. The Acting Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Usman Danmadadmin-Isa, said that the vehicles would facilitate the activities of the party across the state.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Lagos 2015: APGA Presents Flags To
L-R: Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and a former Governor of the State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion and his wife, Eki during the wedding ceremony of their daughter, Ehi Igbinedion at the Central Baptist Church in Benin City weekend.PHOTO: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.
Umeh, Others
AWKA - Chief Victor Umeh, National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), was among the candidates for the 2015 polls in Anambra, who was presented with the party’s flag on Saturday in Awka. The flags were presented to the candidates, who would contest on the platform of APGA for the Anambra State House of Assembly and National Assembly at a rally in Awka. Umeh is contesting for the Anambra Central Senatorial seat; currently occupied by Sen. Chris Ngige. In his remarks, Umeh
recalled the achievements of APGA led-government in the state, dating back to Chief Peter Obi’s administration, and urged the people to continue to support the party. He said that APGA’s resolve to support President Goodluck Jonathan at the federal level was for continuity of the transformation agenda. Governor Willie Obiano who also spoke, congratulated the successful candidates, stressing that they were the best candidates of the party for 2015 general elections.
the council and the advertising industry.
They are Mrs Florence Chetden and Mrs Vera Osokoya.
No Room For Quacks In Advertising - APCON Registrar LAGOS - The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) has said that it would do all it could, to rid the advertising industry of quacks. Mr Garba Kankarofi, the Registrar of APCON, spoke in Lagos at the Long Service Award Ceremony organised to honour some of the council’s members of staff. He said that the council could not tolerate illegal advertising practitioners in the country. “We will do all we can do to ensure that we get rid of quacks in the industry, “ Kankarofi said. He said that anybody found operating illegally would be prosecuted. The APCON registrar said that the council had been able to reduce the number of illegal practitioners drastically in the last four years. “Everybody is trying to comply
with APCON rules now, being the regulatory body for all the advertising firms in Nigeria, “ he said. Kankarofi expressed gratitude to the 10 senior members of staff that were given long service awards for giving their best to the council. He urged them to continue to offer selfless service and to always strive for excellence. Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr John Iwarue of Daar Communication Ltd., urged the junior staff to emulate the senior ones who had offered exemplary service in the organisation. He said that everything was not about quick cash or fast money, but what was more important was dedication and passion for one’s job. “Some people work because of the huge money being paid while
some work because of the passion they have for the job. “The best, above all, is to work with passion, which will bring out the best in one. “If one works passionately, one day he or she will be rewarded for selfless service, “ Iwarue said. Newsmen reports that the Long Service Awards were given to members of staff who have served in the organisation for 20 years. Mr Abiodun Aghedo, Assistant Director, Administration and Personnel, who was one of the recipients, told newsmen that hard work is always rewarded. According to him, one should always work to enjoy the fruits of his or her labour. He thanked the council for the award and advised the junior staff to be dedicated to their duties. Two persons, who are not members of staff, were also given awards for their contributions to
create an impression that you have lost your sense of decency completely,’’ he said. The CP said that bail was free, stressing that any officer caught in the act of receiving money for bail would be dealt with. “Stop extorting money from members of the public in the name of bribe, and stop asking money for bail, bail is free. “It is very shameful and it won’t get us anywhere. I don’t see any good you can do with such money. “I don’t want anybody to be arrested over this shameful act, because I won’t let such person escape it,’’ he said. The police boss identified lack of effective
public. relationship. “One of my visions is to break the wall between the police and the public by allowing free flow of communication and suggestions. “Every policeman should ensure that he or she responds to distress calls at all times. “We (police) must receive complaints from residents at all times without giving them excuses,’’ he said. Aderanti also urged officers of the command to ensure that the state was free from crime during the yuletide. “No form of robbery incident should be reported during this period,’’ the boss said.
CP Urges Officers To Shun as a major Bribery, Corruption communication barrier for a smooth policeLAGOS - The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Aderanti Kayode on Friday urged officers in the command to shun bribery and corruption while discharging their duties. Aderanti who spoke with newsmen said, that bribery and corruption dehumanised the officers involved in the act. “I urge all police officers at all levels to shun bribery and corruption. Do not collect bribe that will bring shame to your family. “Run away from all form of misconduct that will lead you and the command to disrepute. “Bribery and corruption
The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to fight crime, and urged indigenes of the state to return home for the yuletide, as “criminal elements have been sacked from Anambra.’’ Newsmen reports that other candidates who were given flags were Earnest Ndukwe (Anambra South Senatorial zone ) and Dubem Obaze, (Anambra North Senatorial zone), Chief Godson Ezenagu, Mr Dozie Nwankwo and Mrs Tabansi Okoye, also received the party’s flags for Awka North/ South, Anaocha; Dunukofia/Njikoka and Onitsha North/ South federal constituencies, respectively.
Yuletide: Shoppers Urged To Avoid
Indiscriminate Car Parking LAGOS - The Mile 12 Market Traders’ Association in Lagos called on shoppers to avoid indiscriminate parking of vehicles while carrying out their transactions. The association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Odusanya, gave the advice during an interview with newsmen. Odusanya said that indiscriminate parking of vehicles, particularly, during the Yuletide, would cause traffic chaos on the expressway. “We are against illegal and indiscriminate parking by the road side while shopping in the market. We appeal to
shoppers to shun this act. “Within the market, all the places that obstruct trailers and vehicles have been cleared. In fact, we just built a new garage to create space for vehicles to park so as to de-congest the road. “We have car parks within the market that can accommodate more than 150 vehicles. The car parks are situated at ‘Shukurah yam’ and ‘perishables’ sections of the market. “A shopper will only pay a token of N200 for using the parking space in the market,” he said. The PRO said efforts had also been made to ensure that articulated vehicles that
brought goods did not park inside the market. “We have an expanse of land at Ibafo, Ogun State, where any trailer coming to the market with goods will first park. Every commodity has its own parking section there. “After offloading the trucks with goods in the market and there’s space, the monitoring team will call the next batch of trailers to come from Ibafo,” said Odusanya. He also added that the market had increased its traffic task force officials from 10 to 20, to ensure hitchfree vehicular and human traffic during the Yuletide.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi okonjo-Iweala, presenting the 2015 budget proposal to the House of Representatives in Abuja recently.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Discourse
Towards Curtailing Corruption In Nigeria By KINGSLEY MBADUGHA/OMEIZA ROBINSON/AYOBAMI OGUNGBE
MANY Nigerians were tranquillized when the global anti-corruption watchdog announced that our country is one of the 35th most corrupt countries in the world. To some people, the situation in the country is worse than what was reflected in the latest corruption perception table. Most people believe that in Nigeria, all kinds of evil act corrupt act is obtainable in the country life wire. Corruption is the major hindrance, a big obstacle to the development across all sectors in Nigeria, this is because virtually all sectors in the country are all corrupt. It has eaten deep into the life wire of the country and that is why it seems as nothing is been done about it. Nigerian government, police, civil service and businesses are plagued by bribery, extortion and other forms of corruption. While many points to a failure of leadership; corruption is largely a product of an economy fueled almost exclusively by petroleum with no vested interest in developing Nigeria’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. The wealthy simply profit from oil while the country wallows deeper into economic chaos. Nigeria’s roads are dominated by check points where law enforcement agents often demand that their palms be greased before travelling. They’ve turned check points into bribe collecting points and that is more reason terrorists, kidnappers and other hoodlums are not caught in most of their activities. What do you expect when a security man whose attention supposed to be on the individuals that look suspicious is focused on the drivers hand hoping to get N20. Nigeria as a nation is falling deeper into corruption day by day, can you tell me any sector in this country that is free from bribery and corruption? I doubt because even in football, players most times bribed coaches for them to play for the next game. Moving aside entirely to the education sector where most times students who are not qualified at the time of the examination are the ones that are referred to as undergraduates. There have been complaints that the Nigerian education sector is poor; why won’t it be, when
money is being collected to admit students into higher institution. Have you asked yourself why students mostly score higher in Jamb and when it comes to PUME, reverse is the case; that will show the level of corruption, bribery and exam malpractice in education system. Very soon in Nigeria the poor who cannot afford to pay up to #150,000, cannot be admitted into the university. The main issue about corruption in Nigeria does not lie with our government or civil service alone, citizens are also involved in this act. An electorate sells his/her vote for just a thousand naira that not is even enough for air time subscription as a result of poverty. The focal point about corruption in Nigeria to a large extent lies right in Aso rock with those that wine and dine with the people in the floor of power both at the national and the state to local level. Embezzling public fund is no more news in the country, it has become a normal daily activities. In this country, abnormality has become normality and that is more reason why all efforts to curtail corruption in the country has become negative. The country has become so corrupt that the public servants have totally lost trust in the government. The public servants hardly believe anything that the government says which are yet to be implemented. This is because the leadership in the country so far has been treading and is still treading on the ground of promise and fail. ASUU embarked on strike for a period of 6months last year, even when the government promised to meet up with their demands. There seemed to be no credibility in what government dishes out to the public anymore.
Nowadays we hear such comments likes “ I pray o” whenever it’s heard that the government has embarked on one project or another, the citizens have doubts about that. It would be difficult to identify any Nigerian leader who can be said to be successful in fulfilling his promises to the country. No doubt, the country is in this current depressing and distasteful state because her leaders at various levels of government over the years have perfected the art of
corruption within the bureaucracy is equally as virulent, commenting on this issue in his article “are we really winning the war Against corruption” Uche Igwe said. That , “a major chunk of public sector corruption happens within the Nigerian civil service. The civil service is meant to be the bureaucracy that services the policy implementation process, but today it has been turned into an arena of looting. Corruption in the civil service is the rule rather than the exception, Uch Igwee added. There is this popular saying
Ibrahim Lamorde, EFCC Chairman saying something and to an extent doing another almost at the same time. Even when any effort or whatsoever are made, it is, almost always contrary to the promise made. Human right watch estimated that the epidemic nature of corruption led to the loss of $380bn worth of revenue between 1999 and 2007in Nigeria. Then about 47 percent of companies that do business in Nigeria till date are Said to be experts to make facilitation payments to public officials in order to get them to do their work. To the observers, the parliament and the political parties are the most corrupt institutions; in line with this, I believe that
“wait for your turn” that is to say that one has to patiently wait till he/she gets to higher position and only then and only then can he join the club of bribe collectors and money embezzlers. But this is what happens in a state where abnormality has become normality. Most persons enter offices with goodwill but after some time, they begin to understand that one cannot bite more than he can chew. Even at the house of assembly and others at the local level, anyone who fights against corruption in his office stands a risk of being impeached. In most cases, they set the person up. Nigerian offices are dens of
lions where three things are involved; it’s either you join the club, resign or face allegation that could lead to your impeachment, that is the situation of things in Nigerian politics and other sectors in the country. The country has presented a bad image of herself in the eyes of other countries. Nigerians in other countries of the world are often suspected because of the evil deeds that those in power are not willing and ready to stop. So far, the main avenue for war against corruption in Nigeria is through .the establishment of anticorruption agencies. There are multiple versions of these agencies, each pursuing after complex, competing, divergent, and often overlapping mandate in Nigeria. All well and good but what has been their impact? Some of those agencies have turned out to be the biggest channels for corruption themselves. Some of these agencies when they apprehend someone, instead of charging the person to court, their pocket would be charged with money and that’s the end of such cases. The anti-corruption agencies have failed. Money controls their minds, even those who wish to fight corruption, their ‘oga at the top’ would suppress their efforts. Lest we forget, in time past, agricultural and economic indices have largely dictated a country’s growth and increases in complexity and development. Today, these variables are not all together rendered negligible, but they can hardly match the autocratic nature of influence handled by the political factors within the political sector that weave the fabric of country’s internal development and external relationships with foreign nations. That is why Nigerians have lost all available faith in the possibility of a legitimately elected representative of the people as it concerns the elective process for change of government. The unending corruption
“The country has presented a bad image of herself in the eyes of other countries. Nigerians in other countries of the world are often suspected because of the evil deeds that those in power are not willing and ready to stop.”
which has eaten deep into the fabrics of our system has helped no one either as both the government and the governed seemed to have been carried away by the turbulent sea of western dependency. Nigeria is wallowing in corruption, even the coming generation now subconsciously prepare fertile ground for the seed of corruptive influences like grafting, misappropriation and illicit propensity of for wealth. It is in Nigeria we have, though in small number, members of the so called ‘CABAL’ who seems to be in absolute control of the electoral process, which according to concerned Nigerian citizens has ironically become ‘selection’ as opposed to an election process. It is regrettable to realize that the dreams and counsel of our founding elders has been forsaken for many years to embrace corruption and the profit of greed. Our national anthem reads “arise o compatriots”, how many of our leaders are patriots, you as an individual, how patriotic are you?Feigning ignorance to this prevalent attitude of our rulers and the “chop as I chop” concept a present part and reality of the Nigerian government administration. Should Nigerians resign to a fate of failure and hopelessness without repair? Answer to this question is cryptic for it would only lead to more questions. However, there is a plausible possibility for a purge of all impurities from our present polity even though a change has never been a welcome verb for discussion where poorer and politics are concerned. But since, “nature is change is nature, then nature is the part of existence we can affect or effect”. The limited success in the war against corruption has bred deep cynicism among the Nigerian people capable of subverting trust in a democratic system of government. Conclusively, in a bid to curtail corruption in Nigeria, an effective anti-corruption agency must command public respect, be credible, transparent accountable, and fearless. It must mobilize the necessary political will as well as enjoy considerable operational independence. Since the war against corruption formally resumed in Nigeria for years, the verdict is that it has been less than effective. Our leaders should restore purity and sanity into the system and reduce the rate at which they perpetrate evil in the country and other sector officials should as well refine and redefine their minds of corruption and bribery.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Issues
Russia Growls Across The Border As Lithuania Readies For Euro GEOPOLITICS plague Lithuanians at this frozen Russian border post, where a return trip by car can mean 48 hours of queuing. It is a reminder for some of why the former Soviet republic will cement its move to the West by joining the euro zone next month. Tensions with Moscow have simmered ever since Lithuania became the first republic to declare independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, although only 6 percent of the population are Russian speakers, far fewer than in its Baltic neighbors. On Jan. 1, it will be the last of the Baltic states to join the currency bloc, hoping like Estonia and Latvia for more investment and lower borrowing costs to spur one of Europe’s poorest but fastest-growing economies. All three have felt the blowback from East-West tension over Russia’s encroachment into Ukraine this year in the form of Russian sanctions and military grandstanding on their borders. When Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite announced military aid for Ukraine last month, accusing Moscow of being a “terrorist country”, Russia launched a go-slow on the
border with its Kaliningrad enclave – home to Russia’s Baltic sea fleet and, most Lithuanians suspect, tactical nuclear weapons. The number of private Lithuanian cars crossing over plunged tenfold. “Before it only took a couple of hours,” said unemployed Lionius Medelis, one of just three drivers huddled in the cold in the hope of buying cheap gasoline in Kaliningrad. “It’s terrible what’s happening here.” The move to the euro coincides with steps towards greater energy independence and requests for more NATO troops in Lithuania, marking a new shift away from Moscow. But half those polled in this state of three million do not welcome the euro. “It is all a horror movie,” elderly Laima Krecikiene said outside a supermarket by the border. “Don’t you understand? Can you imagine how little money people in the villages have? Just look at the prices, they shot up in anticipation of the euro.” Market reforms and wider economic crisis have been tough for Lithuanians, driving many to emigrate. But few oppose its shift towards the West. Russia’s move into Ukraine has awoken fears the Baltics
could be next. NATO has scrambled its jets over 150 times this year after Russian sorties, three times more than last year. Moscow held surprise military exercises in Kaliningrad in December with 9,000 troops and 55 ships. Russian sanctions have hit Lithuania’s transport sector, which employs around 100,000, as well as its dairy industry. While the aim may be to bring the country back into Moscow’s orbit, analysts say it is having the opposite effect, focusing business minds on the west and emerging markets like Asia. “I think Russians are trying to educate us how to behave,” said Gitanas Nauseda, chief economist as SEB bank in Lithuania. “But among executives the mentality of having Russia in your strategic plan is disappearing.” With Russia still accounting for some 20 percent of exports compared with 60 percent going elsewhere in the European Union, the government, which has been among the most vocal in Europe in denouncing Russia, says there is some way to go. Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius said some businesses still did not appreciate the risks of dealing with Russia.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
2015 Budget:
LAGOS - Some oil and gas experts have expressed worries over the sustained slide in the international price of crude oil price on the Nigerian economy. Their worries were heightened by the Federal Government’s earlier benchmarking of the 2015 budget on 65 dollars per barrel. Mr Oluwaseyi Gambo, former Public Relations Officer, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), said in Lagos that the benchmarking posed a serious challenge to the country’s economy. Gambo said strong indications that crude oil prices might drop below the current price of about 62 dollars per barrel made it imperative for government to embark on aggressive diversification of its revenue base. “Time has come for government to diversify its revenue base from oil. The 65 dollars per barrel benchmark is dangerous for the nation,’’ he said. Mr Edwin Nwachukwu, Operations/ Engineering Manager, Frazimex Engineering Ltd., Port Harcourt, said that contrary to other opinions, there were signs of further depreciation of oil price dropping beyond the 2015 budget benchmark. Nwachukwu also said the overall economic scenario was
News
Experts Worry Over Sliding Crude Oil Price
that the budget would require high level borrowing to be funded effectively and meet its set objectives. “The government is advised to seek alternative means of funding capital budgets like BOT for gas/power infrastructure developmental projects that will engender economic diversification from oil. “Furthermore, measures should be put in place to reduce the recurrent expenditures, especially cost of governance and personnel remunerations,” he said. Mr Makinde Adekunle, a former President, Nigerian Institution of Electrical Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), said that the ongoing crash in the oil and gas sector clearly indicated that government should diversify the economy. Adekunle said that the recent devaluation of the Naira and austerity measures introduced by government were at variance with the intent of 2015 budget. He said that it was wrong for government to further impoverish Nigerians in the midst of global economic turbulence with additional burdens through marginal taxes. “Government should rather pursue aggressive policies that would cut cost and reduce corruption. “With the current crude oil
price it doesn’t look realistic, when benchmarking is seven dollras above current sale price, it’s already under water,” he said. Mr Mike Osatuyi, Director of Operations, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), urged government to deregulate the downstream of the petroleum sub-sector following the dwindling global crude oil prices. Osatuyi said that government should put in place adequate measures to cushion the effects of the deregulation and protect the masses from the brunt of the system. According to him, the best time for the deregulation of the downstream sub-sector of the nation’s oil and gas sector is now that the crude oil price is experiencing a downward trend. “Deregulation could have been the best automatic price adjustment mechanism that responds to the market forces without any need for intervention by the government.
“Just as the price of crude oil is dropping and some countries, such as United States of America (USA), adjusted the price of petrol from three dollars to two dollars.
Members of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), piketting the entrance of Radio House during the warning strike in Abuja recently.
LAGOS - The new controller of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Mohammed Ndalati, has declared zero tolerance for
smuggling activities at the border area. This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Ernest Olottah. Ndalati promised to harness all available resources to drive home his anti-smuggling goals and ensure that change was embraced. “I will harness all available human and material resources for customs operations while bracing up to the realities of the peculiar nature of Seme Command. “This is the time of change, we must imbibe change. We must exhibit it and show that we are change agents. “Manning the border must include behavioural management of persons,’’ the controller said. He also promised to ensure that all revenues due the government were collected in
Non-Remittance Of Dues: NIMASA Warns NIMASA to enhance smooth OGHARA (DELTA STATE) operations on the waterways”, - Mr Ibikunle Olayiwola, Maritime Operators he said. Central Zonal Coordinator, East Local Government Area of Delta, weekend. He said any maritime operator that failed to remit such dues and levies promptly to the agency would be sanctioned henceforth. The coordinator urged the operators to cooperate with NIMASA, with a view to
on the citizenry. He said that government needed to work on the effective and efficient implementation of the means of mass transportation, especially the rail system, and provide efficient and uninterrupted power nationwide.
NCS Warns Against Smuggling Activities At Border
Anglican Bishop of Gombe State, Bishop Henry Ndukuba (left), presenting an award of excellence to Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo during the farewell to 2014 Christian Pilgrims in Gombe recently.
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Warri, has warned terminal operators and shipping companies in the zone against non-remittance of maritime dues. Olayiwola gave the warning during his maiden visit to NIMASA in Oghara, Ethiope
“The price mechanism in Nigeria should also be able to adjust to a reduction in the prices of refined products (petrol, diesel and kerosene),” he said. Osatuyi said that the only criterion for deregulation was that the government should take measures that cushion its effects
building a healthier maritime sector. “NIMASA will not tolerate non-compliance with rules on payment of statutory dues and levies by terminal operators and shipping companies within the zone. “I also want the terminal operators to cooperate with
Responding, Mr Bode Ibisanmi, Depot Manager, Nepal Oil and Gas Services Ltd, Oghara, thanked the NIMASA for the visit. Ibisanmi said the visit had enabled the company to be aware of its responsibilities and promised that it would carry them out.
spite of the challenges around the border area. “Constraints will not deter the command from delivering on its responsibilities of revenue collection, fight against smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade,” he said. Ndalati commended the Comptroller- General of Customs, Alahaji Dikko Abdullahi for his human capacity initiatives which had brought about a modernised and improved status for the service. “It is no longer the branded outdated and antiquated Customs and Excise Department we used to know. In other words, professionalism is enhanced and encouraged under the present regime.” The controller solicited the support and cooperation of all stakeholders and advised importers and agents to keep abreast of government’s policies relating to import guidelines. He also urged importers and agents to comply with the Customs and Excise Management Act (amended). According to him, all those who comply with the order will have nothing to worry about while dealing with the customs. He however, vowed to match seizures with suspects as a way of fighting smuggling. According to him, this strategy will ensure that perpetrators of smuggling activities are imprisoned when
arrested and prosecuted. The controller advised those considering smuggling to desist from attempting to do so. According to him, all businessmen and companies compliant with the extant order have nothing to fear or worry about when relating with customs. He thanked his predecessor, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, describing him as a hardworking and dedicated officer. Ndalati said he would build on the good works he met on ground. He commended the Comptroller- General of Customs for his foresight in building the capacity of personnel of the service. The controller said the service had been modernised to provide all-round quality service. “My predecessor said that the officers and men on the ground are very resourceful persons and I count on that. I solicit their maximum cooperation and optimal input in every endeavour, ’’ he said. Ndalati solicited the support of officers and men of the command to enable him succeed in the task of managing the command. He noted the need for the command, not just to be concerned about managing goods transiting the border, but also to pay attention to effective control of the people.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Heritage
EDOFEST Panorama... 1
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Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, representing Governor Oshiomhole, acknowledges cheers from jubilant youths at the bonfire night. 2. Hon. Jemitola listens as Dr. Pius Odubu whispers to her at the bonfire night. 3. Dr. Pius Odubu, leads other dignitaries to light the fire during the bonfire night penultimate Saturday. 4. The bonfire lighted up penultimate Saturday night. 5. Mr. Nyahuma Mentuhotep Obika, High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, answering questions from the press, last Wednesday. 6. Hon. Jemitola, Flanked by the High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Nyahuma M. Obika (right) during a press briefing last Wednesday on the progress with EDOFEST. 7. A cross section of the Caribean troup from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, last week at the press briefing.
Photo Report by FRANCIS ODUPUTE (Arts Editor).
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
THE United Nations Office in Nigeria recently put the figures of those directly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency at six million people in the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in the north East of Nigeria. ON the strength of this number, the House of Representatives recently in a motion raised by Hon. Abdulrahman Taraba from Borno state asked the Federal Government to establish rehabilitation camps for the estimated six million internally displaced persons. WE are worried that the federal government’s approach to dealing with the issue of insurgency since it broke out five years ago has been most uninspiring. It is shockingly sad to note that it took the United Nations for Nigerians to be informed that over six million citizens have been displaced by the insurgents. Sadly too, in terms of reality, there is little effort at rehabilitating those affected. ALL Nigerians, particularly in the Northern part and the Federal Capital Territory, innocent and helpless citizens are being bombed in worship houses and other public places, several towns and villages had long been deserted, leaving the victims to roam about with no one to help them. ASIDE being the location of a large-scale Boko Haram abduction in April, Chibok and its neighbouring villages have recently been the target of the attacks. Only recently, gunmen murdered at least 44 people in Kwada and.Kautikari Villages, some 15km away from Chibok. The attacks have led to a mass exodus of villagers, who are citing constant threats to their lives. Leaders of the community revealed that the village is not only unsafe, it has been hit by famine. MORE worrisome is the obvious fact that the internally-displaced persons include women, children and the vulnerable who are lacking in basic healthcare, sanitation, clothing, food
THE NIGERIAN
Fostering Cooperation In Africa
and shelter. IT is shameful that despite the vulnerability Of people around these three states, there is no official camp to settle them, compelling them to squat in horrible and untold environments. This situation from various reports has made the victims vulnerable to various hazards such as snake bites, weather extremes and diseases such as cholera, diarrhrea, among others, more especially among women and children. FROM the foregoing, there is clear failure of relevant government agencies to perform their duties. The National Refugees Commission, National Emergency Management Agency and all such care giving institutions of government have abdicated their responsibilities to the victims even at a time when such services were most needed. THIS is why we align with the push of the House of Representatives for the urgent rehabilitation of all victims of insurgency, not only in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe but also in Kaduna, Taraba, Benue and even the Federal Capital Territory. WE call on the Federal Government to make adequate provision for the upkeep of the victims and placing them in transitional settlements. WE call on the National Border Commission and the National Refugee Commission swing into action immediately to build the camps for the displaced six million Nigerians. HOWEVER, the Federal Government should redouble its efforts to stem the tide of insurgency
and senseless bloodletting in the country. Nigeria has never witnessed the scale of near daily attacks, killing thousands of innocent citizens who know nothing about the reasons for the insurgents’ action. The heartless, cruel and inhuman slaughtering and butchery currently being unleashed in the north must be arrested. THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah has continued to assure that government would put an end to terrorism in Nigeria and has been sounding like a broken record lately. However, we urge the COAS and his counterparts in other armed forces and police to take urgent steps to route the insurgents out of the country and its borders. Mere lip service is not required at this time, but concerted effort. The fifth columnists within the armed forces in the war against terror should be identified, fished out and de well. The securities owe Nigerians a duty to free all kidnapper particularly, students of Government Secondary School, Chibok from the hands of the mindless terrorists to free their parents and loved ones from the agony heartaches. WE also, call on the country’s international friends helping to deal with terrorism to increase their assistance to the nation for quick results as Nigerians are daily looking out - with high hopes for major breakthroughs in the war against terror. THE judiciary on its part, should accelerate the trial of all terror suspects and ensure that all those found wanting are adequately punished for their acji6ns. We believe that dealing with the insurgents head-on remains a permanent solution/o the displacement of hapless citizens and time to do that is now.
THE NIGERIAN
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THERE are different ways in which journalism serves as an hindrance to corruption. Let’s consider how the media can be strengthened to enhance their role in curbing corruption. Corruption remains a sign of a poorly operating state as witnessed in most developing countries such as Nigeria. Indeed people who give and take bribes can dispose a nation wealth, leaving little for its poorest citizens. Highly corrupt countries often face particular challenges even when controlled by reform-minded rulers. Reforming public institutions and government policies is necessary but poverty limits available options. Policymakers, however can arrive at plausible solution only after understanding corruption’s effect on the efficiency and equity of an economic system. Corruption in public life in Nigeria began in the 1950’s when the first panel of inquiry was set up to look into African Continental Bank (ACB). The accusation was that the highly received politician abused his office by allowing public funds to be invested in bank in which he had interest. Corruption is a worldwide phenomenon which has been with societies through history. In both developed and developing countries, corruption is a serious problem which confronts the people and the government. Corruption differ in terms of intensity from one country to another due to socio-political specifics. The spread of corruption in almost all the aspects of life in modern society is to say the least devastating. Corruption generally, is associated with misuses of entrusted power for private gains. Corruption can also be define as intentional omission, the unwarranted exercise of power with the motive of gain for selfish reasons. This is the use of power by government officials for illegitimate private gain. An illegal act by an officeholder constitutes political corruption only if the act is directly related to their official duties is done under color of law or involves trading in influence. Forms of corruption varies, but include bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, patronage, graft and embezzlement. Corruption may facilitate criminal enterprise such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, though it is not restricted to these activities. Misuse of government power for other purpose, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality. The activities that constitute illegal corruption differ depending on the country or jurisdiction. For instance, some political funding practices that are legal in one place may be illegal in another. In some cases, government officials have broad or ill-defined powers, which make it difficult to distinguish
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
between legal and illegal actions. A state of unrestrained political corruption is known as a kleptocracy literally meaning “rule by thieves”. Some forms of corruption now called institutional corruption are distinguished from bribery and other kinds of obvious personal gain. Campaign contributions are the prime example. Even when they are legal, and do not constitute a quid pro quo, they have a tendency to bias the process in favour of special interests and undermine public confidence in the political institution. They corrupt the institution without individual members being corrupt themselves. A similar problem corrupt arise in any institution by the people in a special position of trust. The term is commonly applied to self benefiting conduct by public officials and others dedicated to public service. This negative practice includes embezzlement favoritism, abuses linking public and private sector officials in bribery, extortion, influence peddling and money laundering. The history of corruption in Nigeria is rooted in the over 30 years of military rule, out of 48 years of her statehood since 1960. Successful military regimes subdued the rule of law facilitated the wanton looting of the public treasury, decapitated public institutions and free speech and instituted a secret and opaque culture in the running of government business. The result was total insecurity, poor economic management, abuse of human rights, ethnic conflicts and capital flight. This negative phenomenon called corruption has been identified as the greatest bane affecting the rate of socioeconomic growth in Nigeria which would have led to better standard of living for the citizenry. Efforts in the past to destroy or prevent corruption and bring about proved macroeconomic stability, better public expenditure management and increase. Consider its destructive ability an socio-economic development endeavours however, continuous effort at struggling corruption need to be exerted. The causes of corruption in Nigeria are multi-faceted and diverse, these includes, low salary of public officials, job insecurity, problem of extended family, lack of transparency and accountable political process, lack of effective incentive mechanism for public officials, lack of effective reporting system cultural aspects and lack of independent and effective media. Nigeria’s reward system is perhaps the poorest in the world. The salary paid to public officials is so low that the basic needs of officials cannot be met. The influence of extended family system and pressure to meet family obligations are more in Nigeria than in any other country. This however coupled
Opinion Corruption In Nigeria
The Way Forward By KENIYE ENDURANCE
with the cost of transportation, housing, feeding and education for the children makes it difficult for a public official to make a living thereby seeking corrupt means to meet his needs. The longing for riches among public officials is due to uncertainty and anxiety of the individual about his general welfare after retirement from active service. In Nigeria there is no constitutional provision for the basic socio-economic needs of the individual, besides the poorly managed pension scheme. In other countries like Britain and United States of America, where adequate
middle east. The bank involved do not support or cooperate with Nigeria investigative efforts, on corruption this is because these bank also are using the looted fund for their banking activities which is of great benefit to their countries. Further more the banks fear that such stolen money would cease to be deposited with them in future, if the cooperate with investigating officials corruption in Nigeria has led to near crisis situation in almost all sectors of the economy. In spite of the nation’s enormous natural resources, over 95 million Nigerians constituting about 69 percent of
thus where there is freedom of the media, it is soon or later bound to be discovered and blown open. Corruption officials hate where there is free media as they resent their practices to be disclosed. It is in this light that the National Assembly could be encouraged to maintain its stand of rejecting the Media Reform Bill (MRB) 2006. The cause of corruption have been traced to many factors, these includes low salary of public officials job, insecurity and accountable political process. Others are the problems of extend family system and the absence of an independent media. These factors delays development in two ways. First
• President Goodluck Jonathan provisions are made for the citizenry in terms of cheap and easy access to basic necessities of life. The individual become afraid and easily induced into corruption practices. Culture is a way of life of a people but it is often used as a mechanism to promote corruption. The disagreement of formal custom and attitudes with new demands of government often give rise to corruption. Customary gifts that were given and received by traditional rulers may be seen in this perspectives, these gifts in the new context are termed corruption if it is accepted by public officials, public official in Nigeria comes from extended families. The join activities of Western countries bank with corruption officials is inhibiting the fight against corruption. In a bit to hide corruptly looted funds away from Nigerians and consequential recovery efforts, such fund are deposited in Western Banks. Looted fund from Nigeria are now being deposited in Bank in Dubai a growing financial capital in the
the nation population live below poverty line. This situation could have been averted if these enormous resources looted are channeled for national development. Corruption must thus be stopped before it destroys Nigeria. The EFCC and ICPC will need to be strengthened financially and legally in their efforts at fighting corruption. The agencies need independent funding that would free it from the charm unethical control of the federal executive. Further more the immunity clause in the 1999 constitution that weakens the anti corruption agencies’ ability to investigate and prosecute the heads of federal and state executive would need to be amended. The due process procedures established by the previous administration would need to be strengthened in an effort to fight corruption. Freedom of the press and electronic media will ensure free flow of information investigation journalism and safeguarding of the fundamental rights of free speech and opinion
it draw resources away from provision of social amenities into the pockets of private individuals. It also deprive government of honest criticism which is required to improve on its performance. The federal government could collect detail of how to handle the welfare needs of retirees from advance countries in order to curb out corrupt practices by public officials the CRC should remove the immunity clause from the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the federal government strengthened due process procedures depends on financial support from people who have interests that may conflict with the primary purpose of the institution. The money laundering scheme is too simple for it not to have been exploited by corrupt Nigerian diplomats. The Nigeria embassies house used the various access of diplomatic protection and immunities to cover up money laundering. The role of the media is strongly in effort against
corruption. As a result there must be careful structuring of the relationship between anticorruption officials and in many cases there must also be effort to develop and enhance the capabilities of the media to ensure that they can work effectively as recipients of information about corruption, appraise such information in a dependent manner, use it meaningfully as the basis of further communications and disseminate the information to the entire public. Curbing corruption, the autonomy of the media is essential to enable them access government information seriously and objectively and to ensure its reports are credible to the people at large. Thus, government contacts with media must be transparent and they must not compromise the essential autonomy of the media either in practice or in public perception. Strongly to autonomy and objectivity is the separation of media ownership from government or political fuctions or if this is impossible ensuring that there is a diverse to represent a full range of political opinion. The staffing of individual media should be multi-partisan if possible. For the media to access anti-corruption efforts strongly and freely they must possess sufficient technical legal economic and other expertise. Training, awareness raising and technical briefing at media personel in anticorruption efforts may also be useful. Passage of freedom and information bill by the National Assembly will guarantee the right to seek for information without inhibition and to publish or broadcast news safely and effectively. The media should be encouraged to develop, enforce adequate standards of conduct regarding their professional competence and other objectivity. The media should try as must as possible to reach much of the masses where that involves use of the people resources. For example to enable coverage of remote areas the should be controls in place that government cannot stop such resources to exert influence on the media. Furthermore journalist should be taught how to evaluate and monitor government activities and be informed about the achievements and standards of anti-corruption work in the region and at the international level. It possible representatives of those institutions should be peak to inform journalists about their work both the success and the failures.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Politics FOR many decades, presidential politics in Nigeria has been saddled with ethnicity or tribal politics, religious intolerance and more recently electoral malpractices. Well meaning and patriotic elements in the polity had wrestled with the idea of the best possible formula that will guarantee peace and stability in the country. Historically, the highest political office in the land has been dominated by the country’s citizens of Northern extraction. This was made possible by subsequent military regimes whose brands of leadership had no space for democratic contraception. The Zoning Formula was therefore envisaged to enable the Northern and Southern regions of Nigeria to have an equal chance of producing the president during an eight year presidential cycle. The Zoning
President Goodluck Jonathan
Formula was first adopted by the Second Civilian Administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Dr. Alexander Ekwueme in 1979. During the first quarter of President Shagari’s second term, the military led by Retired General Buhari truncated the regime, thereby making it impossible for Southern Nigeria to experience the plan. During the consecutive 15 years of Northern dominated military governance, the Zoning Formula was forgotten. advertisement For the past ten years, beginning with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s civilian regime from 19992007, and the administration of Shehu Musa Yar’Dua and Acting President Goodluck Jonathan 2007 to present, the (PDP) Peoples Democratic Party had started dangling the carrot of the Presidential Zoning between Southern and Northern sections of the country. Advocates of Presidential Zoning often cite peace and stability in the polity as the main reason. Nigerians must seriously ask themselves how zoning the presidential slot to a particular area of the country brought peace and stability? Can zoning or quota produce the best leadership material the
Politics Of Presidential Zoning System In Nigeria By UKO IMA
nation desperately needs at this critical time? Can national stability be maintained if there are widespread poverty by a great majority of the people? Chief Obasanjo’s Administration which started the experimentation of Presidential Zoning from Southern Nigeria witnessed a lot of instabilities ranging from Odi in the Niger Delta to Zakibiam in the Middle Belt of Nigeria.
Buhari
As presidential power went back to the North in 2007, peace and stability is still a mirage, as Jos, the capital of the Middle Belt has witnessed several bloody massacres. The examples of instabilities just mentioned clearly posits that zoning has not brought peace to the country. One must therefore postulate that the panacea for peace and stability in the nation is massive economic development of the country led by a pragmatic, smart intelligent president with a team of dedicated political leadership.Smart intelligent leadership is not confined to any ethnic group, or geographical region. When will Nigeria look for its brightest leaders from every segment of
its population? Are smart and intelligent leaders not found in all our various ethnic groups including the so called ethnic minorities? The United States whose presidential system of government was adopted by Nigeria in its present Constitution were able to achieve great milestones in their checkered history because of the belief in the rule of law, as well as a trust that every individual, no matter their race or religious affiliation, are capable of contributing towards their nation’s common good. Racial, ethnic or religious beliefs are consciously downplayed, while the country’s ideals and universal values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness through a free market economy are pursued. In this condition, your state of origin or your religious ideology is not sacrificed nor elevated to an extent that it conflicts with your love and obligation to your country. Nigerian politicians and military power brokers that are holding the country down by always looking backwards are currently in a frenzy to pick another presidential material possibly from the same generation of leaders that could not deliver the country from its economic and infrastructural malaise. Some of these leaders are heating up the polity by threatening fire and brimstone should power stay in the South South or the South East in 2011. In view of the facts that the South South and the South East are the only regions of the country that have been spectators in the production of the presidency (highest office in the land), the entire country should seriously mobilize and support these zones to produce the Nigerian president until 2015, and after that period, the zoning formula must be discarded. Nigerian masses as a matter of fact will not care which state or zone produces the president provided that the elected individual makes a big difference in the lives of the people. The country needs a president whose policies enhance rapid economic growth in security, uninterrupted power supply, employment, roads and railways, inland waterways, as well as improving the Country’s image in Peaceful International Relations. Nigerian citizens, whom fate made it possible to taste the highest office in the land, need to focus attention in establishing trusts and foundations to improve the lives of the masses all over Nigeria, and limit their political activities to advisory role on new administrations. May God bless Nigeria.
“As presidential power went back to the North in 2007, peace and stability is still a mirage, as Jos, the capital of the Middle Belt has witnessed several bloody massacres.”
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Family Planning
PREGNANCY spacing is an essential part of family planning. Understand the importance of pregnancy spacing and what factors to consider before you conceive again. Considering having another child? Pregnancy spacing can affect more than how close your children are in age. It can also have an impact on your health and your baby’s health. Find out what you need to know about family planning and timing pregnancies. Why is family planning important? Whether you’re thinking about getting pregnant for the first time or you already have children, it’s important to think about family planning and your reproductive goals. Knowing whether you do or don’t want to have children in the next few years can help you and your partner prepare for conception or choose appropriate contraception. After your first child is born, family planning takes on new meaning. Having another child will change your family’s lives. Are you and your partner ready to take care of a newborn again? How will your other child or children react to sharing your attention with a new baby? It’s also important to consider the timing of your pregnancies. While you and your partner might have preferences about how close in age you’d like your children to be, some research shows that spacing pregnancies too close together or too far apart can pose health risks for both mother and baby. What are the risks of spacing pregnancies too close together? Limited research suggests that a pregnancy within 12 months of giving birth is associated with an increased risk of: • The placenta partially or completely peeling away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery (placental abruption) • The placenta attaching to the lower part of the uterine wall, partially or totally covering the cervix
(placenta previa), in women who had a first birth by Csection • Autism in second-born children Research also suggests an increased risk of uterine rupture in women who attempt vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) less than 18 months after a previous delivery. In addition, a pregnancy within 18 months of giving birth is associated with an
increased risk of: • Low birth weight • Small size for gestational age • Preterm birth Some experts believe that closely spaced pregnancies don’t give a mother enough time to recover from the physical stress of one pregnancy before moving on to the next. For example, pregnancy and breastfeeding can deplete your stores of essential nutrients, such as iron and folate. If you become pregnant before replacing those stores, it could affect your health or your baby’s health. Inflammation of the genital tract that develops during pregnancy and doesn’t completely heal before the next pregnancy could also play a role. However, it’s also possible that behavioral risk factors, such as failure to use health care services,
By ERANGA ISAAC
Get The Facts About Pregnancy Spacing unplanned pregnancies, stress and socio-economic disadvantage, are more common in women who have closely spaced pregnancies. These risk factors — rather than the short
excess protein in your urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy (preeclampsia) • Preterm birth • Low birth weight • Small size for gestational age It’s not clear why long
and other health problems, limited research suggests waiting at least 18 to 24 months but less than five years after a live birth before attempting your next pregnancy. However, further research is needed
interval itself — might explain the link between closely spaced pregnancies and health problems for mothers and babies. Are there risks associated with spacing pregnancies too far apart? Research suggests that long intervals between pregnancies also pose concerns for mothers and babies. A pregnancy five years or more after giving birth is associated with an increased risk of: • High blood pressure and
pregnancy intervals are linked to health problems for mothers and babies. Some experts believe that pregnancy improves uterine capacity to promote fetal growth and support, but that over time these beneficial physiological changes disappear. It’s also possible that unmeasured factors, such as maternal illnesses, might play a role. What’s the best interval between pregnancies? To reduce the risk of pregnancy complications
to determine whether the effects of birth spacing on maternal and fetal health differ between developed and developing nations. Choosing when to have another baby is a personal decision. When planning your next pregnancy, you and your partner might consider various factors in addition to the health risks and benefits, including your health, age, fertility, relationship, how many children you have, how
many children you hope to have, access to health care, child-rearing support, and social and economic circumstances. Until you make a decision about when to have another child, be sure to use a reliable method of birth control — even if you’re breast-feeding. Once you feel ready to get pregnant again, ask your health care provider for guidance. How does pregnancy spacing affect children? Every child — and family — is unique. However, research suggests that closely spaced pregnancies can affect children. For example, children who are less than two years apart might experience more conflict than do children who have greater age differences. Spacing siblings more than two years apart also might mean better reading and math scores for the older children. This could be a result of parents spending more time with the older children before having a new baby. What else do I need to know about pregnancy spacing? There’s no perfect time to have another baby. And, even with careful planning, you can’t always control when conception happens. However, understanding the risks and benefits associated with timing your pregnancies too close together or too far apart can help you make an informed decision about when to grow your family. Source: Mayo Clinic Staff
“Limited research suggests that a pregnancy within 12 months of giving birth is associated with an increased risk of the placenta partially or completely peeling away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery (placental abruption).”
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Foot Print
BEING Text Of Lecture Presented At The Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia’s Annual Forum Organized By The Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ), OBSERVER Chapel, Benin City, Edo State. PROTOCOLS I would like to express my uncommon gratitude to the organizers of this programme for giving me the opportunity to give a presentation to this esteemed audience. I am particularly excited at the thematic focus of the topic, entitled. The Media and substance of Democracy in Nigeria. This is because, a dispassionate consideration, and thorough deliberation of the issue could not have come at a better time than now even as we move into the threshold of general elections in 2015, another litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy. INTRODUCTION The media consist of Newspapers, magazines, radio, and television, play critical roles in the political processes of democracies and indeed, other political systems. The nature and character of these roles, particularly in democratic settings are partly determined by the constitution, and partly by other structures Nigeria’s democracy is been built. These structures include institutions and organizations such as government, made up of the executive; the legislature and the judiciary. Nigeria, as a country has come to a critical point in the democratic process; there is therefore an urgent need for a close examination of the democratic process viz-avis the yearnings, aspirations and expectations of the citizenry. One way of achieving this objective is to X-ray the activities of key institutions, pivotal to the growth and smooth functioning of democracies. This discourse therefore provides the platform for
the assessment of the contributions of the media and the judiciary to the attainment of the aspirations of the people in the on-going political process in Nigeria. Political process has been loosely defined in this paper as the features that are characteristic of democratic process. These include formation of political parties periodic organization of elections, registration of eligible voters, electioneering campaigns, legislation, policy formation and implementation among others. The media on the other hand have been defined as those highly structured or organized social systems with well defined authority relationships which are responsible for gathering, processing, packaging and dissemination of information for public consumption. While the judiciary has been conceived as the arm of government that is primarily concerned with interpretation and enforcement of law. Williams (1965: 197) provides an insight into the nature-of the relationship between the media (press) the executive; the legislature and the judiciary as thus: “The press mainly in the eighteen century was concerned directly with supplying news relevant to the conduct of Business”. “Later, it was heard that the three arms of government -executive, legislature and judiciary would greatly plunder society because of their traditional links if there were nothing to check them then. This led to the broadening of the role of the process to include that of a watch dog, thus earning it a status of the Fourth Estate of the Realm “. The essence of Williams
The Media And S By UZAKA SEIYEFA
observation is the position that the press has been ascribed an institutional status, reckoned as the fourth arm of government, with onerous responsibility of building bridges of mutual relationship between the government (executive; legislature and judiciary). In other words, by virtue of watch dog status, the media (press) assumes the role of an ombudsman in directing the affairs of both the government and the governed. This function, undoubtedly, gives the media, the challenge of curtailing the excesses of government and the attendant frivolities of followership. The media by this function also have the responsibility of mobilizing the followership to get involved in policy making. To the extent of these functions; it can be argued that a complementary relationship exist between the three arm of government and the media (press). Little wonder then that section 22 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria accords the media a role which states expressly as follows; “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times, be free to uphold the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, and highlight the responsibility and accountability of government to the people”.In response to this provision, the media in Nigeria held the leadership of the country accountable for their actions. For example, the media indicted the then Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu and then chairman of the Senate
information Committee, Senator Zwingina for demanding a whooping sum of N54 million bribe from Mallam Nasir El-Rufai before he could be cleared for a ministerial post. A more dramatic episode involved the erstwhile Minister of Education, Prof. Fabian Osuji, who offered N55 million to the former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Nwabara, and some members of the education committee in both houses of the National Assembly to facilitate the passage of the budget proposal of his Ministry in the 2005 appropriation bill. Commenting on the issue, Newswatch Magazine of April 4, 2005 reported in its covers story that “the anticorruption war of Obasanjo administration claimed two major causalities last week (March 29)”. According to the magazine (p.17) “the Senate President emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education to come forward with necessary PR or risk a cut in his budget. The minister was given 5 days up till December 3, 2004 to produce N55 million gratification or forget the budget”. In its own account of the scandal, The Source Magazine gave details of the scam noting that “the entire amount of N55 million delivered to the house of Senator Chris Adighije was in the presence of Senator A. lbrahim, Hon. Dr. Matazia and Senator Mbata (The Source, 2005 page 17). Sequel to this development was the removal of Chief Ado Wabara as Senate President, and Prof. Fabian Osuji as Minister of Education. In a related development, the media
“The press mainly in the eighteenth century was concerned directly with supplying news relevant to the conduct of Business”.
indicted the then police Chief, Tafa Balogun for embezzling and stashing away in foreign accounts, the scandalous sum of N13b, which was unfit for his status as a police Chief. All these go to say that the Nigeria media (press) through investigative journalism have exhibited a high level of social responsibility, patriotism
falsification scandal aroun the person of the erstwhi Speaker of the House o Representatives, Alha Salisu Buhari. Buha enevitably resigned. On the part of Ettehgat Saga, the media directe the public agenda on th N640 million renovation o the speaker and Depu Speaker ’s residenc respectively. Popula
• President Goodluck Jonathan
and commitment to the policy and principle of transparency and accountability. Other remarkable examples in respect of the media’s exposure of cutting corners and sharp practices by politicians include: Buharigate, Ettehgate, Faroukgate scandals, Pension Scam etc. The Buharigate Saga was made public by a popular news magazine; The news. In its 10 July, 1999 edition, captioned “Face of a Liar”. The magazine reported the certificate and age
opinion from the med coverage of the issu mounted pressure on th two key members of th national assembly, this le to their resignation a Speaker and Depu Speaker respectively. Also worthy of note wa the patriotic role played b the media in exposing th Farouk Lawan’s affai with Femi Otedola’s Zeno oil and gas Limited wi respect to oil subsid probe of which Farouk wa the chairman of the Hous Committee’s probe pane The media disclosed th Lawan was offere $620,000 by Mr. Otedo
THE NIGERIAN
17
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Foot Print
Sustenance Of Democracy
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to have his companies removed from the list of indicted companies in “a sting operation from the state security service (SSS)”. Lawan who initially denied collecting money from Odetola could not withstand the overwhelming evidence before the public admitted guilt and was subsequently removed as the chairman of the probe
challenge to the media in their bid to consolidate democracy in Nigeria. Udoaka (1993; 100) for instance, has argued that “the mass media do not exist for a “common good” but as promotional fora for their proprietors and dossiers of short comings for their owners’ political and economic or social rivals. This implies that the media exist in most cases
• Mohammed Garuba, NUJ President
panel. Other interesting scenarios where the Nigerian media had played patriotic roles include; the third term bid of Obasanjo and pension scam involving Mama, the former chairman of the pension board. CHALLENGES OF THE MEDIA It is a common knowledge that media practice in Nigeria has a lot of challenges which include; (1) ownership influence and (2) Ethnicity O W N E R S H I P INFLUENCE This has been a major
to give impetus to the accomplishment of the political, social and economic goals of their proprietor. In other words, the media serve as mere megaphone for the
propagation of their owners’ political ideology on the one hand, and as instruments of political vendetta on the other hand. A flashback on the publications of the National Concord Newspaper (now defunct) and the Nigerian Tribune newspaper owned by late M. K. O. Abiola and Late Obafemi Awolowo respectively, (all of blessed memories) during the days of NPN and UPN in the second Republic aptly captures the foregoing analysis. Even in the government established media houses, there is little doubt that government controlled media have often been used to essentially serve the interest of those in government and associates out it, rather than the larger interest of the society. According to Jibo (2003:8) “this selfish use of the state owned media has been a major issue in all the states of the Federation”. He observed that government owned broadcast media were particularly indicted in the conduct of the 2003 general elections for denying opposition parties access to their facilities for their electioneering campaign programmes, even when such parties were willing to pay money so that their activities will be published. However, expressing this form of control over media institutions and their content in Nigeria’s democracy, particularly during elections, totally negates the very essence of the democratic process. The reason is that political information is a necessary component of the democratic process, and the media serve as channels for the provision of such political information. So restricting
opposition parties access to media facilities, amounts in real terms to disenfranchisement of the electorate. The question then is, to what extent will this practice promote democracy in Nigeria? Ethnicity has been identified as the bane of media operation in Nigeria democracy. Recently, the Nigeria media has demonstrated a line of division along regional, sectional or ethnic leverages in celebrated cases of Salisu Buhari, erstwhile speaker of the House of Representatives, Evan(s) Enwerem, former Senate President and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu. While the News and the Tell magazines ensured that Buhari and Enwerem were removed from office, these same magazines which incidentally are Lagos/ Ibadan based refused to beam their search light of probity on former Governor Tinubu. The underlying argument here is that the media has become entangled in the pursuit of ethnic enclaves and agenda at the expenses of national interest. This tendency is inimical to the deepening of the democratic process in Nigeria. SUSTENANCE OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA To consolidate sustainable democracy in Nigeria, we need to examine issues such as: national interest, freedom of information law and democracy education among others. Sustainable democracy can only be actualized in Nigeria when media houses truly embrace and consciously practice the principle of national interest. This principle deemphasizes the over bearing influence of
proprietor on the media content on one hand and the corrupt tendencies of the media on the other hand. It further posits that the interest of the country and its citizens supersede the primodial and sectional interest of individuals and ethnic groups. This in turn will strengthen democratic structures as well as deepen the democratic process. Human right activists and communication experts believed that the freedom of information law (2011) will strengthen the country’s current war against corruption, raise the level of the peoples’ participation in governance, build confidence and promote transparency. They emphasized that it will consolidate Nigeria’s democracy by enforcing inherent democratic principles, as identified by Wilson (2005) which include: Guarantees the right of access to information Guarantees the right to know Ensures the right to express oneself within the law Promotes the right to received information Guarantees the right to publish Protects whistle blower Protects democracy and its institution Helps in the fight against corruption etc. The involvement of the media in democracy education in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. Today, the Nigerian media have some measures incorporated in their programme contents, some amount of education on democracy. These contents, as Udoakah (2001) notes, appear in the form of news, stories, features articles, public service announcement.
“In spite of the positive contributions of the Nigerian media in various ways, there are noticeable challenges that plague the fourth estate of the realm which include, ownership influence, legal constraints and ethnicity.”
Democracy education in the media should be geared toward political enlightenment programme with concepts that are meant to teach people the tenets of democracy which emphasize that democracy is not about thuggery, arson, rigging, ballot box-snatching, conflicts e.t.c, rather, it is about compromise and achievement of collective goals and objectives. It is hoped that effective communication of .this idea will usher the much desired altitudinal and behavioural change. People who had credible records, and are held in high esteem be featured more regularly on political e n l i g h t e n m e n t programmes such as audience participation programmes or others likely to increases political education thus infusing new knowledge which will restrain the vulnerable electorates, particularly, the youths to the manipulation of ‘money bag’ politicians. The bottom-line of democracy education as presented in this paper, is attitude change which will ultimately lead to sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. CONCLUSION In this lecture, I have Xrayed the priceless contributions of the media to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. The roles the media have played, no doubt are instrumental to the attainment of good governance, rule of law, equity, human development and above all, a renewed hope in sustainable democracy in Nigeria. In spite of the positive contributions of the Nigerian media in various ways, there are noticeable challenges that plague the fourth estate of the realm which include, ownership influence, legal constraints and ethnicity. It is hoped that, with time these challenges will disappear from Nigeria’s political process. Thank you for listening and God bless! • Comrade USA Uzaka is the Vice President, NUJ, Zone F.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Society Igue And Christmas Festivals: Time To Make Merry THE year has come and almost gone and every child is in their happiest mode, hopping about and hoping that the year would not come to an end because they, the children could be allured to plentiful in terms of food and other gifted items. Parents are busy working hard to mark the end of the year with great satisfaction for their children and also for themselves. It is a glorious cycle of events that human beings have come to be well acquainted with. Happy Christmas and Iselogbe to everyone (Guawuenyen). This year is not different from the previous years in terms of the number of days, weeks, months that make up the year. Every year, from beginning to the end, we experience different festivities. The Idi Kabir of the Muslim faith has come and gone and during this time there was enough and plentiful to eat in celebration of Allah (God). It is now the time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and also, the time the Edos celebrate the creation of mankind by God with Igue Festival. What a coincidence that the Christmas and Igue are celebrated almost the same time of the year! The Edos celebrate the Igue by appeasing the indomitable mysterious head, harbouring the most characteristic features of the human race: the mouth, the brain, medulla oblongata, cerebellum, cerebrum, the tongue, the teeth, saliva, the nostrils, nose, eyes, hairs, and also the gateway or passage food taken into the body, and where we take in the oxygen and breathe out the carbon dioxide = Life of Human Beings. All these mysteries to the glory of God and may God’s name be praised at all times (Amen). Remember the Bible says God made man in his own image. The Edos believe every human being represents the image of God and therefore worthy of worshiping and celebration, hence the appeasement of the head to celebrate the creation of mankind by God (Guawuenyen). During the time of Christmas and Igue there is plentiful to eat, those celebrating Igue will bring out the best flock of animal that they have reserved or bought for the occasion and use it to appease the head (Head a guiding spirit of God) and in the process they mark the lintel of the house and door with the blood of the animal slaughtered so that the angel of God coming that night will recognise them and bless them accordingly. The next day they would cleanse the land from evil spirits, and anyone causing evil, havoc, and destruction in the land is cursed and handed over to God for retribution and punishment. The cleansing of the land normally starts from the holy site of God (Holy Aruosa in Benin City). The festival is a spectre of
By IMUENTINYAN PRESS/JOHN UGIAGBE intrigue and interest at the Omo N’ Oba, Nedo Uku Akpolokpolo’s palace and people come from near and far places to witness history in the making year after year. The villages, towns and cities glow in delight and joy and hardly anyone is sad on Igue day. God is merciful, children are happy and God the Udazi is glorified by everyone and there is a period of affability by all, no enmity, just like the water. Significantly and uniquely to Igue festival is the Ewere leaf otherwise known as the leaf of Jesus Christ, with red and white spittle. Traditional oral genre says the white represents the sweat of Jesus Christ and the red the blood that splattered on the leaf when our Lord Jesus Christ was being crucified. That leaf has convinced me and many like me that the Igue is a glorification of the existence of Jesus Christ, and creation of mankind by God. Some so called religion ‘Mr everything biblical’ may laugh and scorn at this but I am sure the great majority of those that really harbour the lord Jesus Christ at heart will be rational enough to see the reality of this assertion. A day after the night of Igue everyone who cares, especially the youths as the first cock crows would take a fire glowing wood stump, run with the wood and converge near the evil’s forest of their respective villages, towns and cities to throw the burning wooden fire into the evil forest and in the process placing a curse on any one causing any evil in their community. They would in turn rush to the sacred place where the special Ewere’ or Jesus’ leaves grow. They would pluck from the Jesus’ leaf and they would then rush home with a joyful song and prayer. They would go to their respective homes to share the joy of that leaf with their parents and other people in their households before taking to the street to continue sharing the leaf of our lord Jesus Christ with any other members of the society. (I have explained Igue: “in Celebrating the Edo heritage” before, so I will not detail it here). I have touched on Igue functionalities because I am passionate about my peoples’ love for Almighty God (Osanobua) and also very much concerned about the level of societal participation at Igue and Christmas celebration. I do not think there is another race anywhere that recognises the leaf of Jesus Christ as a mark for celebration and also the marking of the lintel of the house with animal blood that was used for Igue feast as commanded by God to his people, with the exception of the Israelis, who till date celebrate the feast of Passover with the marking of the lintel of their houses with the animal blood that was used for sacrifice
on the day so that the Angel of God when coming that night will recognise them and spare them. I cannot take my head and mind off the verse in the bible that asks the Israelis to bring out their best flock for sacrifice for the feast of Passover and to mark their houses’ lintel with the animal’s blood so that God would recognise them and spare them. The Edos are Israelites who migrated from Egypt when God ordered Moses to take the Israelis out of Egypt to the promise land. It took the Israelites over forty years to get to the promise land. Many had died during the epic journey, some rebelled after so many years in the desert and
wilderness, and left for different places, hence the Falasha Jews in Ethiopia, Edos in Nigeria and possibly many other tribes. Most of the deities in Edo land are borrowed ones, Olokun is the authentic one which they ascribe as the Chief Angel of God, hence when they mention God’s name at a critical time they would sometimes mention the name Olokun. They believe he was there when God made man. Again as the bible says; God says: “let us make man in our own image”. Therefore God was not alone when he created man/ woman. This delectable festival is what some people have in gargantuan fashion labelled variously therefore not worthy of celebration. May God almighty forgive such people in their delusionary mind? But almost everyone, be it a child, an adult or the aged, looks out to when the Christmas and Igue will be celebrated. This is certainly true if you are a Christian and have not been deluded by dogma and in philosophical heresy surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and if you are an Edo person and have not been adulterated in culture and religious dogmatism. The mirage of rejection is not only ascribed to the great Igue festival but Christmas celebration. Some Christians of all faiths do not believe in Christmas arguing the inevitable disputable birth of Jesus Christ’s date as an excuse
for abstinence and at times saying every day is God’s celebration, while the psyche misfortune Edo person and nonEdo, argues the Igue festival appeases not God but deity. They are right in their own logical thinking and as such free to partake or not in the celebration of either the Igue or Christmas. Both Christmas and Igue I must say is my preserve and one which I cherish very much. Regrettably, those that stand to point fingers at the great Igue festival might be deluding in false dreams, a dream that seemed lost or misplaced for ever, and an optical illusion, which has possibly blighted their minds. The heretical paradigm is one of double standards which the discourse between Ngugi’s “Decolonising the Mind” and
culture, heritage and human dignity. The erring Themba, SOAS alumni with little or no contribution to the existence of mankind either in Africa or elsewhere is a man who lives for today because of what tomorrow could bring, and also could be a pessimist or Euphemist that tries to avoid trouble or problems when confronted by the might of the so called “superior” being. However, Themba’s castigation of Ngugi is scripted in myopic invaluable despair of an AngloSaxon delusion, which I think would not earn him any credit either by the people he pretends to represent or in his home land therefore his cantankerous outburst should be seen as a picaresque soap opera of no consequences or value to Ngugi or people like me.
Chinua Achebe’s “Realism” could not solve. When both writers were asked about their use of the English Language instead of writing in their own mothers’ tongue, the more nationalistic philosopher, the educationally gifted, no nonsense Ngugi Wa Thiongo enthusiastically answered with all grit and might that he had decided to write only in his mother’s tongue. To him it was an admission of guilt that he had been colonised, not only in terms of national economic frontier but his soul, the mother’s tongue had been taken away from him. The only possible way he thought he could free himself from the yoke of ethnographical imperialism was by liberating his tongue also! This admittance of guilt, Teddy Themba Daka, of the “Zambia Heritage” in his poetic writing, decries as ‘a careless outburst’ by Ngugi. He went on to say Ngugi “walks on sinking sand”. He completed his walloping of this great African writer by saying Ngugi appears to have a personal vendetta against the language that feeds him. While I sympathise with Themba’s outrage I honestly believe Ngugi is a pragmatist who talks not from the hutches of reality. His decision was not based on economic consideration, it might be tough, hard, but he lives to fight for total freedom, a war which he thinks he can win, he lingers on and lives forever preserving his
But to the more experienced, rational thinker and possibly profit driven Chinua Achebe, he was ready to admit “there was no getting away from the English language as a means of writingA bitter pill though it may be, it is a gift which I have been given and I am going to use it”. For Achebe it was not alright to write in English, when he has his own language, but for sure if you are going to reach the world, which Igbo language cannot do you will be compelled to write in the English language, and of course it would have been rather difficult to explain, chemistry, physics or engine combustion, talk less of world audience genre in Igbo language when Igbo is only spoken in an enclave of Nigerian society. Think of the lost in lucre derivation if Achebe used only Igbo! But he is being rational and truthful, even though an unfortunate situation, he would use both Igbo and English, they are gifts which he must ascribe to. The Igue festival and the Christmas are gifts which I have been given, the Igue: by nature, and by the virtue of my ancestors and by the fact that I am an Edo, Bini speaking man, my culture, my heritage, my identity, and my soul; while Christmas is a gift to me by the colonial ogre, has become also my soul mate by the fact that I have studied the Bible since I was a seven year old boy, growing and having my
elementary education in my dungeon but wonderful and beautiful village of Oluku, near Benin City. I cherish the gift of nature and I have also come to accept and cherish the one I am forced with, both are glorification to the Lord Almighty. This day and age, Christianity is no longer for those who are fortunate and privileged to have Western education, it is for everybody. There is no house in Edo land that has not been touched by Christianity. Some people delightfully may call this “emancipation of the lost sheep” but the Bible says we should render to Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God that which is for God. It is a bit diabolical that we tend to over react to frivolous circumstances and ferment problems for ourselves when there is none. The scornful remarks which some xenophobic people hold against anyone that celebrates Igue festival is a little short of heretical behaviour usually associated with Boko Haram fanaticism which has not only blighted Nigeria’s image but has divided the nation on religious lines. I was fortunate enough not too long ago to attend one of the oldest churches of the world in one of the cold countries and was so delighted to hear the Priest preached about different festivals, cultures and values during the Xmas period of different countries across the globe and I was most excited and captivated when he mentioned the great Igue festival in Nigeria. The rest is history as I will not bother to go into it here. I am a celebrant of Igue festival and an ardent Christian; in fact I am an assistant Pastor for now, far away in Nigeria where I have spent most of my life. Why cannot we for once accept realities of life and stop believing we know everything when we in fact are way behind the world in everything we do in life? One thing is certain both Igue and Christmas celebration are synonymous in value and respect for God; they are being celebrated almost in the same vein and on the same day. They are not rivals, in fact they complement one another, though they scramble for space and time which the delectable and affable Omo n’ Oba recognises and wisely solves the issue by shifting the traditional Christmas (Igue) date to allow Christmas and Igue to be celebrated on a different date and also to allow a full participation of all religion faiths of both God’s festivals. Therefore where there is discord let there be harmony, where there is despair let there be hope, where there is conflict let there be settlement, where there is disagreement let there be unity, where there is misunderstanding let there be understanding, and where there is hatred let there be love in Jesus name (Amen) Guahueyen.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Family
With ISEGBELE JUSTINA
Polygamy And The Evils Within THE word “Polygamy” comes from Greece, and when translated means “Married.” Polygamy has an interesting meaning where the marriage is done with more than just two partners as it happens in most societies. In most countries out there, polygamy is not a practice that is tolerated and the laws usually make it illegal. This word usually refer to the type of marriages where there are two or more spouses, but in the vast majority it will refer to two wives or more. At the same time, there are also several cultures from all over the world that have absolutely no problem with accepting polygamy as a normal thing and this means that there are no laws to prevent men from having more than one wife or a woman from having more than one husband, except for cultural sentiments and religious views which control individuals ‘ behavioural patterns. The practice of polygamy has caused a lot of confusions in several homes.
The practice has caused some parents to neglect their children and their wives to suffer, and this suffering has given them the privilege to engage themselves in some dirty act, such as prostitution, stealing and other delinquent activities. Some engage in some bad business that could lead them to prison when caught, not to mention other nefarious activities. The practice of polygamy violates a woman’s right to equality in marriage, and has severe financial effects on her and her children. More over, polygamy places women and girls at greater risk of contracting HIV/ AIDS, when their husbands have multiple sexual partners, and they have less power to negotiate safe sex. It also risks excluding additional wives from asserting their marital and inheritance rights, so all the women and their children stand to suffer neglect and lack. Drafters and lawmakers should take steps to prohibit and eliminate polygamous practices without exception,
for religious and customary systems that allow polygamy. There is need for drafters to consider pre-facing laws prohibiting polygamy with international legal obligations as well as policy arguments requiring states to
modify such practices. Drafters should ensure that laws prohibit polygamy i.e polygamy marriages under both state and non-state systems. In doing so, it is essential that states recognize parties that may circumvent laws by consummating
multiple marriage under different systems, for example, a husband may marry under the civil law system, then take a second wife through a muslim ceremony. Laws should prohibit multiple marriages as well as prohibit marriage
under one system if the party is already married under any other system. For this habit of polygamy to be stopped, drafters should consider adopting laws on common law marriage to hold polygamous husbands accountable.
“The practice of polygamy violates a woman’s right to equality in marriage, and has severe financial effects on her and her children. More over, polygamy places women and girls at greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, when their husbands have multiple sexual partners, and they have less power to negotiate safe sex.”
Love Is All That Matters By EDET ELIJAH/UGAGBE STANLEY
LOVE, whether it be self love or love of others is all that matters. Our whole life should be about love. How we treat ourselves and others. How we interact with others. How we think about each other. How we respond to people and situations all depend on the amount of love we have. The Holy book tells us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. The fact is that we must first love ourselves. You can’t give what you don’t have. If you don’t love yourself, you cannot love others. If we love ourselves, we are going to take care of ourselves. Not in some excessive way where
everything is about us but in a balanced way so that we are best able to love ourselves and others. We don’t love them to the extreme of neglecting ourselves although I would agree there will be situation where because of our love we will make sacrifice for others. It has become really easy to just blame others for their crimes and wrongs, always looking for fault in others, without first looking into the mirror to see if we have really done our part to become near perfect. Have you smiled at someone today? Have you spoken kind words to someone today? Have you really taken time to listen to what someone has to
say; really listen as if there was nothing else more important at the time? Have you offered to do something for someone without expecting or wanting something in return? There are as many ways to express our love for others and ourselves as there are moments in the day. What would you like or wish someone would do for you today? Why not then, take the time to do that for someone else? We all have very similar needs and desires. Love shouldn’t wait for others to give us something first. Understand and develop this attribute of love. If you don’t have the finances to help someone, you can give your time, good
words and listening ears. If you don’t have all the time, then maybe at the very least a prayer. It is not necessary for those you choose to give a portion of your love to even know you have done so. Love isn’t about us being recognized or a pat on the back but loving for love’s sake. Many will throw your love back at you, some will frustrate your love or misinterpret it for something else for whatever reasons, but don’t give up and keep expressing your love in whatever form you choose to use. There might come a time when it is clear that someone refuses to accept your love and they are just going to continue that way; don’t stop
praying for them, in time, they on their own will realize their mistake and learn to love. Love should not be biased, it is sacrificial. Love is caring, patient and kind. Love is felt most when its genuine. Love gives freely and expects nothing in return. Love forgives, love directs, it is
slow to anger and fast to help. God is love and love is God. Love corrects and not condemn. Love is all we need for the better world we desire. It all starts with you. Love yourself, really love yourself and see how easy it will be to love others. Never forget that love is selfless.
“The Holy book tells us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.”
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Environmental Issues
Between Fish Blasting And Gamalin 20 Fishermen ACCORDING to BBC Television footage of 8th September 2014, Fish blasting on Tazania Territorial Water had been the quickest avenue of catching fishes in commercial quantity for many decades. These fake fishermen throw Dynamites towards high concentration of fishes and the consequences of this reckless abandon are destruction of the Ecosystem and biodiversity. Good and hardworking fishermen can hardly compete with these miscreant fishermen with get rich syndrome but not without the challenges of some times endangering their own lives. A respondent local fishermen who had lost both hands to dynamics had this to say. “As I opened the dynamite it did not open on time, and before you know it my two hands were completely blown out. As you can see, my two palms are gone.” The approved methods of catching fishes that is fit for human consumption is by nets, hooks and baskets. In the 60’s when Mr. Ode returns to the bank of Ikpoba River after a long search with his canoe, people in the vicinity do cluster around the boat with the sole aim of
peeping at the sizes of the fish he had caught. In another scenario. Mr. Ojo who hailed from Owo area of the defunct Western region of Nigeria said that some cocoa farmers mistakenly dropped
“crier” was then mandated to disseminate the information to all and sundry especially in the market places telling them to desist from
some quantity of Gamalin 20 in a nearby stream and discovered that dead fishes were floating. So many fishes were caught in the process. The farmer felt it was a good development. But after consuming the fish, they became seriously sick of stomach disorder. The incident was narrated to the traditional ruler of the town. He then summoned a meeting of the chiefs and elders and they were briefed about the incident. The town
eating poisoned fish from the river. Albeit some people obeyed, the news still spread like wild fire and many people decided to experiment Gamalin 20 in the streams out of curiosity. However in salty water of ocean there are some super mammals called whales, fast and sleek they cut through the ocean depth like shimmering darts. Constantly on motion and endlessly on the prowl in the scientific arena. They are
By EKAIWE IGINUA OSEMWEKHA
acknowledged as Thunnus fish which originated from a word “rush” some other magnificent family include, sperm whale, Blue whale, whale shark, spear fish, sword fish etc. Frankly speaking these salt water athletes also e n c o m p a s s e s magnificent tune which comprises about 15 varieties. As regards the athletic community, the blue whale is the largest mammal that had ever lived both in land and the seas, fish predator such as the blue whale could be amazingly put at 48 meters which was caught in India Ocean, presumably the animal could weigh more than 250 tones. The weight of it’s tongue could be heavier than the weight of a matured Elephant. You can just wonder how it can give birth to about six ton calf that is about 10 meters in length. These sea animals have been grossly hunted for food in the past two hundred years and today, it is in the verge of extinction. Whales are like missiles in the seas able to attain the speed of about 100 kilometers an hour. In a BBC Television interview footage with the National Geography Magazine, it explains “Three quarters muscle
hydrodynamically superb with a powerful heart-ramject ventilation heat exchanger and other special features, the whale is designed for fast movement.” Comparatively, the blue whale have a heart that is enomous in the midst of other sea mammals. In addition it’s heart, unlike that of a typical cold blooded fish, pumps relatively warm blood through it’s ingenious circulatory system. On the average of ten degree celsies rise in it’s blood temperature accelerate the blue fins muscular power, some three fold enabling to entrench it as an apex predator as it states it’s ever increasing appetite on fish and other mavin living organisms. If a whale sight a delicious meal – let say a school of mackerels, its sickles shaped tail blast them up to attack speed in a heartbeat or two pectorial and pelvic fin vetract into special slots in the fins steel hard body to reduce drag. The spread of mackerel notwithstanding it has little or no chance of escape. For the whale is naturally endowed with binocular vision, highly sensitive hearing and chemical detectors that can sample water about 100 killometres away. When the whale is about taking it’s prey, it’s fins
extend for critical split, secondly directional control. Then, in the blink of an eye, it’s gills cover and mouth open and the mackerels all gone swallowed up by the ever hungry animal. Due to their enormous heart, relatively warm blood and exceptionally large gills, whale recover from such sprints about ten times faster than any other sea fish. Yet even while catching their breath as well as while sleeping they continue swimming for they are heavier than water and they do not have the gill pump that allow other fish to come to a complete rest. The anticipated huge economic of scale in hunting tuna, large blue fins are such a prize that ships and spotter airoplanes spend weeks and some times months in just a few wild life. Some countries who had set limits on catches in their territorial waters had not yielded positive result. For instance a blue whale caught, tagged and release near China was recaptured off the coast of Mexico nearly 50,000 killometres away. In the light of the above, fresh water and Deep Sea farming of these magnificent wild life should be encouraged as it is currently practiced in Japan. By so doing these creatures could be preserved for posterity.
“A respondent local fishermen who had lost both hands to dynamics had this to say. As I opened the dynamite it did not open on time, and before you know it my two hands were completely blown out.”
THE NIGERIAN
21
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Archival Matters
More Security Tips This Season LAST week, I dipped into my ARCHIVAL BANK to educate you on safety and security measures for this festive season. Today, I am continuing the discussion. Be your neighbour’s keeper Everybody wants to celebrate the yuletide season in one way or the other. Criminals are not exception. Therefore, expect them to go on rampage this season. However, to combat them, we must be our neighbour’s keeper. How? We should always join our distressed neighbours, raising real alarms to arrest criminals or ward them off. For instance, when at night you hear your neighbour screaming THIEF. THIEF…. THIEF, join him in transmitting the voice alarm. Such alarm scare criminals. Also help to call in the police while the criminals are in your neighbour’s home since he cannot do so. You help yourself too when you contribute to fighting criminals at your neighbours household. Be security conscious Be warned!! Crime has no frontier. Today, the man next door could be attacked by a criminal. Tomorrow, you could be the next victim. This means that we should be security alert always at our homes, in your offices, in our neighbourhoods and while on the road. A little mistake and you are in trouble. The criminal has ripped you off. Do you think criminals operate only at night? If you do, you are mistaken. Most now operate during the day time because they believe it is safer to do so. So, take your security serious at day
By MICHAEL ODIGBE time, too. Moreover ensure your home is secure during every night vigil attendance, most especially on the eves of Christmas and new year day. Most homes empty into places of worship on such occasions giving criminals opportunities to raid these homes. Commuters, travellers When commuting within a town or city don’t hop into every commercial vehicle you see. Scrutinise it before boarding. These days both taxi-cabs and tuke-tuke buses are being used for one – chance robbery. Don’t accept lifts from unknown persons even though you are held up at a bus stop or motor-park. Also, don’t accept drinks/ food from strangers in a vehicle or its driver. They could be drugged. Criminals usually play the card of over-friendliness to give drugged foods/drinks to unwary passengers/ drivers whom they rob after they have become senseless or fallen asleep. More advice. Don’t just hop into a vehicle at the motor-park. Secreatly take down its registration number, make type and colour code. Text these information to your family members. Write these information down if you accompanied your friend, relation or family members to the motor,park. In addition, take in the facial appearance of the driver of the vehicle as well as those of one or two passengers. While on the journey, avoid the habit of absorbing yourself with playing
computer games or other digital pastimes. Instead, be at full alert monitoring all that is going on in the vehicle. Don’t take chances because the passenger sitting next to you may be a criminal.
passengers had to re-order their journey to their destinations. The lesson here is that we must always have triple of our transport fare handy so that we can accommodate emergencies during our journeys. You should even set aside more money to cope with mishaps this yuletide season
yuletide season. For instance, lots of persons will be in Edo State at this time for the xmas and new year celebrations. Expectly, there will be a deluge of cars in the state from which criminals will pick from, so to speak. Therefore, watch your car. Secure it electronically to avoid it
Firstly, ensure you have the operational numbers of your DPO Area Commander and the control room of Edo Police Command. When in distress, call their numbers. Always have enough credit on your mobile phones most especially at night before retiring to bed. Secondly, stop the
Inspector-General of Police, Abba Suleiman
Maybe, this story will illustrate what I mean. One day, a police patrol stopped a commercial vehicle with passengers for routine check. As one of the policeman on duty was searching the vehicle, he lifted a loaf of bread sitting on the back seat. Behold, the bread was unusually big and heavy. This drew the suspicion of the policeman. He brought out the bread from the vehicle removed the wrap and a revolver fell out from the bread!!. The owner of the bread was promptly arrested along with the driver. Other
when transport fares have soared. Lest I forgot, don’t travel when you feel sleepy. Cancel the journey. Sleeping in a commercial vehicle during a trip is hazardous. You expose yourself to being robbed or ending up in ritual killers den. These times are rush hours for criminals and ritualists – not for travelers alone. Furthermore, avoid night journeys. Travel during the day. It is safer to do so. Watch your car Car snatchers are more on the prowl during this
“More advice. Don’t just hop into a vehicle at the motor-park. Secreatly take down its registration number, make type and colour code.”
from being stolen where it is parked. Also, cultivate the habit of locking the steering wheel of your car. It is more difficult snatching such a car. Be informed!! Car snatchers have access to fabricated master keys with which they open locked car doors after which they drive away your car from where you felt it was securely parked. Sometimes, it is only your valuables in the car the car robbers are interested in for this reason, don’t leave money and other valuables inside your car. Take them along with you. Collaborate with the police During this season, Edo Police Command has put in place several security arrangements to ensure that criminals are put out of action. Hence, all you need to do is to collaborate with the command to optimised policing this yuletide period. There are several ways you can go about this.
unwholesome attitude of reporting attempted crime or crime itself to television/ radio phone-in programmes. They are not police stations. The proper thing is to report crime to the police. Heed the advice of CP Foluso Adebanjo, Edo State Commissioner for Police. “If you see something, do something and say something to the police. Conclusion On January 3, 2014 Sharon Ajayi of Independent Radio, Benin reported that Edo State citizens rated the 2013/2014 yuletide season as the most peaceful in the state. Our prayers? That of 2014/2015 should be better off as long as we all partner with the police in securing our state. It is important, security of lives and property is a yearly progression not a retardation. And, so, each year let’s take security during the yuletide season to a higher level.
THE NIGERIAN
22
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Science
AUTOTROPHS
Autotrophs
ALL green plants are autotrophic or holophytic photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs carboxylic group are the two types of autotrophs we have Deaminases. Enzymes here catalyze the reactions that Photosynthetic Autotrophs involve the transference of Amino (NH2) groups. Photo means light so organisms here use solar Isomerases energy to manufacture their food examples is all Enzymes here catalyze the reaction that involve green plants. Chemosynthetic Autotrophs the rearrangement of atoms in a compound to The organisms found here are able to use energy give it a particular structural formula. from the chemical reaction in the soil to Role Of Enzymes manufacture their food. Example is the sulphur They speed up and control the various bacteria. biochemical reactions that occur in living Heterotrophs They are not able to manufacture their own food themselves but depend on the autotrophs for their foods. They may either be holozoic, saprophytic and parasitic heterotrophs Examples are animals, non green plants (fungi, some bacteria) and parasitic plants like dodder and misthetoe and some parasitic animals like tapeworm. They are biochemical catalyst which speed up the rate of metabolic reactions including digestion, at the end, they remain unchanged. Classification Of Enzymes Enzyme, are based generally on the kind or reaction they perform Dehydrogenases. They are those that catalyzes reactions that involves the removal of hyetrogenation from a substrate. Oxidases They are those that catalysze the reactions that involve the addition of oxygen to a substrate Hydrolases. In this reaction, a substrate is hydrolysed. Phoshorylases. Reactions from these enzymes involves the addition of the phosphate group (p04+) to a substrate. organism. Transferases They produce energy during cell respiration in These enzymes catalyze the reaction that involve the transference of atoms from one breakdown of food, during digestion and in the built up of useful molecules during molecule to another. photosynthesis. Dehydrases They play a role in fruit and tobacco ripening. Enzymes here catalyze the reactions that They also play a role in the manufacture of involves the removal of water. certain drugs Decarboxylases Sites Of Enzymes Reactions here involve the removal of They are secreted by the protoplasm in living
“They produce energy during cell respiration in breakdown of food, during digestion and in the built up of useful molecules during photosynthesis.�
With Oyakhilome Clementina
cells of organisms When they are formed in organisms, some do work inside the cell (intracellular) while others do function outside (intercellular) the organism Excretion This is the removal from the cell of metabolic waste products which may be toxic or which are in excess of what the cell needs Removal of waste products is by diffusion and this done through the body Excretory Organelles In Living Cells Organelles are specialized structures within the cell that perform some special function like the contractile vacuole, and mitochondria etc.
The contractile vacuole is an excretory organelle that is concerned primarily with the removal of waste products in unicellular organism. This is done either by diffusion through the body surface or through the contractile vacuole, which are always in acqeous solution but on the other hand, water enters the amoeba cell by osmosis. Major products of living cells and carbon (iv) oxide, nitrogenous waste, water and oxygen. Nitrogenous waste compounds are urea, uric acid and ammonia. Carbon (iv) oxide is removed through the body surface or respiratory organs of the organism. Nitrogenous wastes are excreted through the following ways Ammonia in aquatic organisms Uric acid in birds, reptiles and insects Urea in mammals. Other excretory products are a variety of salts like sodium chloride and excess water
THE NIGERIAN
23
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Issues Implication Of Increased Competition In Banking Industry IN this paper, the implications of the increased competition in the banking industry are discussed in Section Two whilst the paper ends with a conclusion in Section Three. Whereas, competition is good for individual banks, the customers, and the banking system, increased competition has implications which should be carefully identified and accorded the necessary attention. In a broad sense, some of the implications of increased competition in the banking industry which have direct bearing on the system’s stability include the following, among others: Effective supervision; Effective risk management; Strong corporate governance; Market discipline; Self-regulation; and Enabling legal and judicial environment. Each of these implications is briefly discussed hereunder. Effective Supervision The current supervisory approach in Nigeria which is transactionand compliance- and is narrow in scope and uniformly applied to all supervised institutions. With consolidation, there is the need to adopt a robust, proactive and sophisticated supervisory process that should essentially be based on risk profiling of the emerging big banks. In other words, the adoption of an appropriate risk-based supervisory approach is imperative with consolidation. The approach entails the design of a customized supervisory programme for each bank and it should focus more attention on banks that are considered to have potentially high systemic impact. The approach should enable the supervisory authorities to optimize the utilization of supervisory resources. That necessarily requires that supervisors should have a clear understanding of the risk profile of the emerging big, and sometimes, complex banks. There is therefore, the need for capacity building - in this area. Furthermore, consolidation has, no doubt, brought to the fore the need for consolidated supervision that requires more regular consultation and closer cooperation amongst the various regulatory/supervisory institutions in financial system. This is because the larger banks are going to be complex as they are likely to engage in non-traditional activities that permissible under universal banking. It is equally imperative that the reporting format of banks be reviewed so as to incorporate all possible activities that banks would undertake after the consolidation. This will make it possible for supervisors to obtain a global view of the bank’s operations. The current efforts of the CBN/ NDIC in the development of an electronic Financial Analysis Surveillance System (e-FASS) and the activities of the Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC) would go a long way to assist in this regard. Effective Risk Management Systems Although effective risk management has always been central to safe and sound banking practices, it has become even more important in the post consolidation banking era than hitherto as a result of the on-going bank consolidation programme. It is important to indicate that the ability of a bank to identity, measure, monitor and control risks under the emerging banking environment can make the critical difference between its survival and collapse. For a bank to efficiently and effectively play its role under the emerging dispensation therefore, the deployment of an effective risk- management system with the following key elements is imperative: • Active board and senior management oversight: • Adequate risk-management policies, procedures and exposure limits; Effective risk identification, measurement, monitoring and control framework; Comprehensive management information system; and Efficient internal controls. It is on the basis of the foregoing that the Regulatory Authorities recently issued guidelines for the development of risk management systems by banks. The adequacy or otherwise of the developed risk management systems will be assessed on an on-going basis by the Regulatory Authorities (i.e. CBN and NDIC). Strong Corporate Governance While good corporate governance has remained imperative in the banking system, its importance in our nation’s emerging banking environment is based on the fact that managements of most of the ‘new’ banks would be insulated from abusive ownership. Besides, there are many other stakeholders with goals, interests and expectations that do not necessarily coincide, and as a result, they constitute major areas of frictions. A bank is therefore expected to put in place a governance structure that will seek to balance all stakeholders’ interest, goals and expectations. This is the essence of a good corporate governance. Corporate governance is about building credibility, ensuring transparency and accountability as well as maintaining an effective channel of information disclosure that would foster good corporate performance. It is also about how to build trust and sustain confidence among the various interest Coups that make up an organization. Indeed, the outcome of a survey by Mckinsey and Company in collaboration with the World Bank in June 2000 attested to the strong link between corporate governance and investors’ confidence, In fact, it has been amply demonstrated that, with the possible exception of massive macroeconomic instability no one single factor contributes more to institutional problems than poor corporate governance. Disclosure and transparency are key pillars of a corporate governance framework, because they provide all the stakeholders with the
By GANIYU ADEWALE OGUNLEYE
to elimination of regulatory controls and supervision. It only confers some measure of confidence and trust in the ability of organizations to regulate themselves in the public interest. In this regard, it is information necessary to judge whether or not their interests are noteworthy that the Bankers’ Committee had issued a code of Ethics being served. I see transparency and disclosure as an important and Professionalism to guide their officers and employees in adjunct to the governance process in banks as they facilitate banking discharging their duties. Also, Committees such as Board Ethics and sector market discipline. For transparency to be meaningful, Good Governance’ are becoming a regular feature of the Board information should be reliable, accessible, timely, relevant and Structure of Nigerian Banks. qualitative. With the emergence of bigger banks in Nigeria, weak or poor Responsive Legal and Judicial Environment corporate governance becomes a more serious issue as the failure Without an effective legal and judicial process, the effectiveness of large banks could cause systemic problems while posing of the Corporation in its bid to contribute to the banking system operational difficulties to the supervisory authorities in resolving stability would be severely impaired. As the deposit insurer, NDIC them. In view of the fact that the systemic repercussion of the failure requires a responsive legal and judicial system to enhance its of a big banking institution is grievous, the Regulatory Authorities effectiveness. Adequate legal powers for the Corporation will facilitate recently issued a new code of corporate governance tagged “Code prompt payment of insured depositors and guarantee speedy debt of Corporate Governance for Baits in Nigeria: recovery and realisation of assets in the event of bank failure as well Post Consolidation”. The new code was developed to compliment as minimize losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF). In this regard, the earlier ones and ensure the enthronement of responsive corporate I am happy to indicate that the Corporation’s proposed amendments governance in the banking industry to its enabling Act have been passed by the National Assembly and it Market Discipline is awaiting Presidential assent. It is my belief that the new Bill, when The current information disclosure requirements in the industry signed into law, will enhance the Corporation’s ability to execute its are grossly inadequate to effectively bridge the information mandate. asymmetry between banks and investing public that consolidation With regard to the judicial environment, it is on record that most has inevitably created. Under the consolidated banking environment, lawyers exploit the subsisting judicial processes and procedures to cause undue delay in the dispensation of justice when they know
CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele it is important that the accounting as well as disclosure requirements of the consolidated banks be reviewed. In that regard, the Regulatory Authorities are currently reviewing information disclosure requirements so as to minimize information asymmetry between baits and investing public. This has become necessary to ensure that business decisions by the investing public are well informed under the new dispensation. Adequate information disclosure requirement will make banks to pay greater attention to reputational risk that could result in loss of confidence as well as patronage. As a necessary step to promote market discipline, it is important to indicate that the lull weight of the provisions of relevant laws would be brought to bear on erring operators in order to help promote safe and sound banking practices under the consolidated banking environment. The policy of zero-tolerance against unethical behaviour would be strictly applied. Self-Regulation And Self-Discipline Given the size and the envisaged complexity of operations of the emerging banks post-consolidation, regulation and supervision of banks have been made the joint responsibility of both the Regulators and operators. That is, statutory regulation has to be complemented by self-regulation through strong corporate governance arrangement. This development has become necessary in view of the realization that self-regulation and self-discipline are critical to the promotion of a sound, transparent, accountable and efficient I financial market. Given our conviction on the efficacy of self-regulation, the Regulatory Authorities will continue to encourage banking institutions in a consolidated banking environment to draw up and bind all their staff to a code of ethical and professional practices. Effective self-regulation as we all know, requires probity, transparency and accountability, which are yet to be fully entrenched in the system. Necessary steps are being taken by the regulatory/ supervisory authorities to encourage these virtues and operators have also appreciated the need for compliance with rules and regulations to promote healthy competition since self-regulation does not amount
they have bad cases. Most of the times you witness lawyers obtain exparte orders from courts, these are orders sought without putting the other party on notice for frivolous reasons. In most instances, interim and interlocutory injunctions, stay of proceedings are obtained only to stall proceedings. Also, frivolous appeals and other forms of abuse of court processes are some of the tactics employed by lawyers to pervert the cause of justice. A good example of abuse of judicial process is the Savannah Bank’s case, where the plaintiff who went to court to stop the liquidation of the bank after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had revoked its operating licence in 2002 had kept prolonging or delaying the proceedings through various types of applications in court. It was only in September this year that the Federal High Court dismissed the case against the plaintiffs who have again filed an appeal in the Appeal Court. The litigation instituted by the erstwhile owners of the failed Peak bank whose licence was revoked in 2003 also still remains in court. Again, out of the 13 banks whose licenses were revoked in January 2006, following the bank consolidation programme of the Federal Government, the Corporation has to date been appointed liquidator of only 8 of the banks and provisional liquidator of 3. The owners of the remaining 3 closed banks are currently challenging the revocation of their licenses in court, thereby frustrating the process of paying the affected depositors by the Corporation. Conclusion In this chapter, an attempt has been made to discuss the implications of the increased competition occasioned by the regulation-induced consolidation programme of the banking industry. In the main, some of these implications identified to have direct bearing on the system’s stability are related to supervision, risk management, corporate governance, market discipline, self regulation and an enabling legal and judicial environment. Notwithstanding the enormous challenges posed by the keen competition in the industry as a result of consolidation, there is no doubt that the regulatory/supervisory authorities shall continue to be proactive and put in place policies to guarantee safety and soundness of the banking industry This is especially achievable through collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
THE NIGERIAN
24
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
International
Russia Sees Harsh Crackdown On Indpendent Media
MOSCOW- Among the five TV journalists interviewing Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, the odd one out was easy to spot. Mikhail Zygar ’s questions were sharper than those of the others, who headed back to spacious television studios while Zygar broadcast his piece from a Moscow living room. The Dozhd news channel,
apartment in central Moscow now houses the studio of Dozhd, whose combined online and TV audience is about 12 million. Anchorman Pavel Lobkov sits on a chair in what was once a spacious living room. The 47-year-old Lobkov
flee. NTV, owned by oligarch Vladimir Gusinsky, was a leading TV channel that offered a view different from the Kremlin. The government effectively wrested the channel from Gusinsky’s control and entrusted it to Gazprom to
Vladamir Putin, Russia’s President
whose editor-in-chief Zygar was given a Committee to Protect Journalists award last month, rose to prominence in 2011 with its coverage of the mass protests against President Vladimir Putin — which state-owned television largely ignored. As other Russian television channels have grown increasingly subservient this year, providing propaganda backing for the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and Russia’s aggressive policy toward Ukraine, Dozhd didn’t follow the lead — and is now paying for it. Putin’s government has been careful not to order the channel to shut down, but a Kremlin-instigated smear campaign has driven this rare independent broadcaster to the brink of demise. Past strollers and bicycles in the hall, a Soviet-era
shrugs off the challenges, recalling his early days in television during the Soviet Union’s perestroika era. “Things were probably even tougher then: We had no Internet, no Skype, no cellphones. I went live from war zones, so these comfortable surroundings of an apartment can hardly unsettle me,” he said. Lobkov spent most of his television career on NTV, a legendary channel taken over by state-controlled gas company Gazprom in 2001, a move that forced independent journalists to
run in Putin’s first major crackdown on independent media. Now at Dozhd, Lobkov says he’s reliving the same pressure and harassment campaign he experienced at NTV when “all tools of the government were used.” Pressure on independent media intensified this year as the Kremlin sought to unify the country behind the annexation of Crimea and Russia’s involvement in eastern Ukraine. Since its inception in 2010, Dozhd had its studio in a former chocolate
factory on the Moskva River, but its landlord broke the lease in November, forcing the channel to look for new space. Sympathizers offered Dozhd a place elsewhere, but last week they were told they can’t broadcast out of there anymore. Dozhd doesn’t want to make public its new temporary location. During Putin’s 15 years in office, the Russian television landscape has been sanitized to the point where news coverage on all channels is almost identical. State channels toe the Kremlin line and private channels, most of which are owned by Kremlin-friendly oligarchs or state-controlled conglomerates like Gazprom, are just as obedient. As recently as January 2014, Dozhd broadcast both online and on cable networks, expanding its reach to Russian regions that still largely get their information from stateowned television. Its troubles began when Dozhd was aggressively covering the daily anti-government protests in Ukraine, which state-owned television dismissed as a neo-Nazi coup. The crackdown came at the end of January, when Dozhd hosted a history program on the 1941-44 Siege of Leningrad and put a question up for a vote: Would it have been worth it to surrender Leningrad to save lives? Famine in the city, now called St. Petersburg, during that epic
siege killed more than 500,000 people. The question caused a stir for its implication of a lack of patriotism, prompting Kremlin officials to call for a shutdown of the channel. Dozhd apologized, but that didn’t seem to help. Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, accused Dozhd of “crossing a moral and ethical red line,” while the State Duma condemned the channel for “neoNazism” and “betraying your own people.” Nearly all cable networks dropped Dozhd in a matter of days, and since then the channel has been treated like a leper. Problems multiplied in summer, when the Russian parliament passed a bill that barred cable channels from running ads, according to Natalya Sindeyeva, who has led Dozhd since its interception. The channel cut its expenses in half, shed about 30 percent of its staff and reduced its monthly budget to 20 million rubles ($357,000) — just a fraction of any state TV budget — before being hit with the eviction notice. Talks with potential landlords have so far been futile. “We were told several times: ‘We’re sorry, we’ve got other business interests and we’re not prepared to take this risk,’” Sindeyeva says, adding that she believes the channel is being persecuted for political reasons. “If it’s not in the business interests (of cable networks) to cut off Dozhd,
then what other reason can it be? There can be no explanation other than the political one,” she said. Zygar, the editor-in-chief, insists that broadcasting out of an apartment is a temporary measure that doesn’t affect the quality of the content Dozhd is providing, and says its audience is still growing. Russia was ranked 148th out of the 180-country press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders this year, sandwiched between Malaysia and the Philippines. But Russians themselves are not protesting on the streets to defend media freedoms. Journalists at Dozhd admit the state propaganda is taking its toll, convincing Russians to believe in the supremacy of national interests. But the country’s shrinking economy and decline in living standards — the ruble has lost around half its value since January —could soon change that. “As the economic crisis deepens, this mood will subside. People will start asking questions (like) why life is so bad, is it really that the United States is really to blame for everything,” Lobkov said. Dozhd raised about $1 million in a crowd-funding campaign in March, proving that the demand for independent media in Russia is still there, Zygar said. “The situation that our country has gotten itself into is a lot more serious, and in this situation our audience needs our work even more, so we don’t even think about stopping,” Zygar said. “It’s our work, it’s our fight.”
“Putin’s government has been careful not to order the channel to shut down, but a Kremlininstigated smear campaign has driven this rare independent broadcaster to the brink of demise.”
THE NIGERIAN
25
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
International
US Dismisses N/Korea Hacking Probe Offer SEOUL - The United States has dismissed a call by North Korea for a joint investigation into the hacking of Sony Pictures and wants China to help block cyber attacks from Pyongyang. Washington blames North Korea for a breach of cyber security at Sony which led to the release of embarrassing emails and prompted executives to halt the release of “The Interview”. The movie, which was due to open on Christmas Day, is a madcap romp about a CIA plot to kill leader Kim JongUn that has infuriated the secretive state. Pyongyang has repeatedly denied that it was behind last month’s crippling attack, which also led to the leaking of scripts, and called Saturday for a joint probe with the US. But US National Security Council spokesman Mark Stroh said: “If the North Korean government wants to help, they can admit their culpability and compensate Sony for the damages this attack caused.” A senior US administration official told AFP that Washington had asked Beijing, Pyongyang’s closest ally, to help block further cyber attacks. The official said that during discussions on internet security both the US and China had “expressed the view that conducting destructive attacks in cyberspace is outside the norms of appropriate cyber behaviour”. Sony has defended its decision to cancel the release of “The Interview” after anonymous hackers invoked the 9/11 attacks in threatening cinemas screening the film. Theatres then said they would not show it. The threat followed the November 24 hacking claimed by a group calling itself the Guardians of Peace (GOP), which led to the release of employee salaries data and health records. The FBI blamed North
Korea, saying attackers used malware to break into the studio and render thousands of Sony Pictures computers inoperable, forcing the company to take its entire network offline. It said analysis of the software tools which were used revealed links to other malware known to have been developed by “North Korean actors”. The FBI also cited “significant overlap” between the attack and other “malicious cyber-activity” with direct links to Pyongyang, including an attack on South Korean banks carried out by the North. On Friday President Barack Obama said: “We can confirm that North Korea engaged in this attack. “We will respond. We will respond proportionately and we’ll respond in a place and time and manner that we choose.” A foreign ministry
spokesman in Pyongyang denied the accusation on Saturday. “As the United States is spreading groundless allegations and slandering us, we propose a joint investigation with it into this incident,” the spokesman was quoted as saying by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The spokesman also threatened “grave consequences” if the US continued to discuss retaliation against North Korea on this matter. “But in case we have to retaliate, we would not carry out terrorist attacks on innocent viewers at movie theatres but stage frontal attacks on those who are responsible for the hostile activities against the DPRK (North Korea) and their headquarters,” he said. Despite denying the attack, the North’s top military body the National Defence Commission has slammed
Sony for “abetting a terrorist act while hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership”, according to KCNA. Chinese state newspaper the Global Times has also criticised the movie, describing it as “senseless cultural arrogance” in an editorial. Obama said there was “no evidence” that North Korea had acted in concert with another country after reports that China had possibly provided assistance. The president also said that while he was sympathetic to Sony’s plight, the movie giant had “made a mistake” in cancelling the release. Free speech advocates and foreign policy hawks have slammed Sony’s decision as cowardice in the face of a hidden enemy. But Sony vigorously defended the move, saying it still hoped to release the film on a different platform — perhaps on demand or even online for free. “We have not caved, we have not given in, we have persevered and we have not backed down,” studio boss Michael Lynton told CNN.
US Must Respect Our Communist System - Cuba HAVANA - President Raul Castro demanded on Saturday that the United States respect Cuba’s communist rule as the two countries work to restore diplomatic ties, and warned that Cuban-American exiles might try to sabotage the rapprochement. U.S. President Barack Obama this week reset Washington’s Cold War-era policy on Cuba and the two countries swapped prisoners in a historic deal after 18 months of secret talks. Cubans have treated the end of open U.S. hostility as a triumph, especially the release of three Cuban intelligence agents who served long U.S. prison terms for spying on Cuban exile groups in Florida. U.S. officials will visit Havana in January to start talks on normalizing relations and Obama has said his government will push Cuba
Barack Obama, US President
Seoul Prosecutors Investigate Data Leak At Nuclear Plant Operator
SEOUL - Seoul prosecutors have launched an investigation of a leak of noncritical data at South Korea’s nuclear power operator, the prosecutors’ office said on Sunday, as worries mount about nuclear safety and potential cyberattacks from North Korea. An official with the prosecutors’ office confirmed media reports that they had traced the location of an IP address linked to the hacking incident and had dispatched investigators to the site. She said she could not
comment further on the case, including on whether North Korea might be behind the data leak, while an investigation was under way. Concern over potential cyberattacks from North Korea has heightened since the hacking of Sony Corp’s movie studio, which the United States has blamed on Pyongyang. North Korea has denied the accusations and called for a joint investigation into the incident with
Washington. Pyongyang has assembled an elite cyber-army and is seeking the ability to disrupt the infrastructure of its enemies, including telecoms and energy providers, defectors from the country have said. Diagrams of several of South Korea’s 23 nuclear reactors have been posted on a Twitter account since the data leak last week, which included employees’ personal
records, blueprints of nuclear plant equipment, electricity flow charts and estimates of radiation exposure among local residents. There was no evidence, however, that the nuclear control systems were hacked. Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co Ltd, operator of the nuclear plants and part of state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp, said it had stepped up its monitoring and was on a heightened level of alert for cyberattacks.
“We are making utmost efforts, working closely with the government to assess the data leak at certain nuclear power plants, which adds to social unease,” the nuclear plant operator said in a statement on Sunday. Worries about nuclear safety in South Korea, which relies on nuclear for one-third of its power and is the world’s fifth-largest nuclear power user, have mounted since the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan and a domestic scandal in 2012 over the supply of reactor parts with fake security certificates.
on issues of human and political rights as they negotiate over the coming months. Castro said he is open to discussing a wide range of issues but that they should also cover the United States and he insisted Cuba would not give up its socialist principles. “In the same way that we have never demanded that the United States change its political system, we will demand respect for ours,” Castro told the National Assembly. He again praised Obama for the policy change in a speech that became a partly defiant, partly celebratory show of pride for resisting five decades of U.S. aggression. Despite the markedly improved tone in relations, Castro said Cuba faces a “long and difficult struggle” before the United States removes a decades-old economic embargo against the Caribbean island, in part because influential CubanAmerican exiles will attempt to “sabotage the process”. Obama has pledged to remove economic sanctions against Cuba but he still needs the Republican-controlled Congress to lift the embargo. Castro confirmed he will take part in a Summit of the Americas in Panama in April, potentially setting up a first meeting with Obama since they shook hands at Nelson Mandela’s funeral a year ago. That brief encounter drew wide attention. Unbeknownst to the world at the time, the United States and Cuba were already six month into secret talks set up with the help Pope Francis and the Canadian government. Castro’s older brother and retired leader Fidel Castro, 88, has not been seen or heard from since Obama’s announcement and he was not at the National Assembly on Saturday. Raul Castro ended his speech with an energetic “Viva Fidel!” The Assembly gave a long standing ovation to Cuba’s five “anti-terrorist heroes,” intelligence agents who spent between 14 and 16 years in U.S. prison for spying on Cuban exiles. Two had been released after serving their terms and the United States freed the final three on Wednesday as part of a prisoner swap. In return, Cuba freed U.S. aid subcontractor Alan Gross, who had been held for five years for bringing in banned telecommunications equipment, plus a Cuban who had spied for the United States and dozens of other unidentified prisoners.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
International Australian PM Reshuffles Cabinet
Cuba’s Presidential Raul Castro points to the press during the closing of the legislative session at the National Assembly in Havana, Cuba recently.
SYDNEY - Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, battling a slide in public support, reshuffled his cabinet on Sunday, promoting the overseer of a tough immigration program and throwing out his gaffe-prone defense minister. Abbott said the shake-up was for jobs and families and stressed a focus on financial issues as he deals with the fallout of an unpopular belttightening budget. “It is a sign that this government wants the economy to be front and center in the coming year,” he told reporters in Canberra. Abbott is nearing the end of
Muhammed Alli Hospitalised With Pneumonia
LOUISVILLE, Ky.Boxing great Muhammad Ali was hospitalized with a mild case of pneumonia that was caught early and should result in a short hospital stay, an Ali spokesman said Saturday night. The three-time world heavyweight champion, who is battling Parkinson’s disease, is being treated by his team of doctors and is in stable condition, said his spokesman, Bob Gunnell. “He went into the hospital this morning,” Gunnell said in a phone interview. “He has a mild case of pneumonia and the prognosis is good.” Gunnell declined to say where the 72-year-old Ali is hospitalized. He indicated that Ali’s bout of pneumonia was caught quickly. “This all came about this morning,” Gunnell said. No other details are being released due to the Ali family’s request for privacy, he said. Ali’s public appearances have diminished in recent years as he continues to battle Parkinson’s disease, but he still enjoys getting out and watching sports and visiting friends. Ali appeared in public in September at a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards. Ali did not speak to the crowd but posed for photos with award winners, including former NFL great Jim Brown.
Brown leaned over and whispered to the seated Ali during the photo session. Later, Brown said he told Ali: “You’re the greatest of all time.” Ali retired from boxing in 1981 and devoted himself to
human being.” Defense Minister David Johnston lost his job in the reshuffle which came a month after he embarrassed the government with comments critical of government-owned ship-builder ASC, saying he did not trust it to “build a canoe”. The comment fueled expectations that most of the work in an A$40 billion submarine program will go offshore. Reuters reported in September that Australia was leaning toward buying up to 12 off-the-shelf stealth submarines from Japan. Morrison will be replaced by Peter Dutton, a former police detective, in the new portfolio as Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Johnston will be replaced by Kevin Andrews. Abbott also appointed a second woman to his cabinet, following criticism of a lack of female representation. Sussan Ley was promoted to minister for health and minister for sport, joining Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. “All of our appointments are on merit,” Abbott said when asked if two women was enough. “As time goes by and the number of women in the parliament increases, I’m confident that there will be more.”
Bomb Blast Kills 3, Hurts 5 In N/Eastern India
The former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali (centre), is crowned “King of Boxing” while accompanied by his wife, Lonnie (right), and Argentine boxer Sergio Martinez during the 50th convention of the World Boxing Council in Cancun, Mexico. Spokesman Bob Gunnell said at the weekend that the 72-year-old boxing great has been hospitalised with a mild case of pneumonia and is in stable condition.
Taliban Kill 7 Afghan Policemen K A B U L , AFGHANISTANThe Taliban attacked a checkpoint in northern Afghanistan,
Isreal Arrests More From Jewish Extremist Group JERUSALEM- Israeli police have arrested four Jewish activists from the extremist Lehava group opposed to Arab-Jewish coexistence. The arrests are part of a clampdown on the fringe organization, which has become a symbol of rising anti-Arab sentiment. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri says the arrests took place on Sunday in five
social causes. He traveled the world on humanitarian missions, mingling with the masses and rubbing elbows with world leaders. Ali received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in
2005. The Muhammad Ali Center, in Louisville, is dedicated to Ali’s humanitarian causes and showcases his boxing career. Ali and his wife, Lonnie, have homes in Paradise Valley, Arizona; Berrien Springs, Michigan; and in Louisville.
his first full year in office hobbled by missteps and a souring economy that have dragged his approval ratings to historic lows. Faced with a collapse in commodity prices and an unruly upper house Senate, that has held Abbott’s first budget hostage since May, voters have abandoned his conservative government more quickly than any other in three decades. The elevation of Immigration Minister Scott Morrison to social services minister underscored the shift in priorities away from the secretive program of “turning back the boats” of thousands of asylum seekers that helped it win power a year ago. That policy has been criticized by the United Nations, but Abbott lauded Morrison as “the master of difficult policy and administration” for almost entirely stemming the flow of boats over the past year. “He is a very tough and competent political operator,” Abbott said of Morrison. “He’s also a very decent
different cities throughout Israel. She says that along with the four arrested, four other activists were detained and then released. Last week, police arrested 10 Lehava members, including its leader, on suspicion of racist incitement and calls to violence. The group has sought to break up Arab-Jewish couples and has waged campaigns to prevent Jews and Arabs from working together.
killing at least seven policemen, an official said Sunday. In Kabul, a reporter wounded in an attack earlier this month on a French-run school died of his injuries. The checkpoint attack took place in Jawzjan province, said Abdul Manan Raoufi, the region’s police operational chief. Along with the seven killed, five other policemen were wounded in the attack late Saturday in a village in the province’s Qashtepa district. Police reinforcements were sent to the location and a gunbattle ensued in which five insurgents died, Raoufi said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, a battle has
been raging between insurgents and government forces for more than a week in eastern Kunar province, said Abdul Ghani Musamem, spokesman for provincial governor. He said it was difficult to determine exact casualty figures, though at least three civilians had been killed and around 28 insurgents so far. “There are casualties among civilians who are stuck in the battlefield but we don’t know how many right now,” he said. Elsewhere in Kunar, seven civilians, including two children, were killed when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Nari district late Saturday, the spokesman said. Three other civilians were wounded in the blast.
Also late on Saturday, 22year-old journalist Zubair Hatami died in Kabul from wounds sustained in a Taliban attack on a French-run school earlier this month. Hatami, a cameraman with the privately-run Mitra Television, was seriously wounded when a teenage suicide bomber blew himself up during a performance at the Etsiqlal High School on Dec. 11. A German aid worker was also killed in that attack. Taliban militants have intensified their war on the Afghan government in recent months, and have been hitting soft targets such as schools and foreign guesthouses in the capital ahead of the withdrawal of most foreign combat forces on Dec. 31.
GUWAHATI, INDIA - An explosion in the parking lot of a bus station early Sunday killed three people and wounded five others in India’s remote northeastern state, where several separatist groups operate, police said. The homemade bomb went off in Imphal, the capital of Manipur state, killing three construction workers, said police Superintendent Ibomcha Singh. Five other men were hospitalized. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast. Imphal is about 550 kilometers (340 miles) southeast of Guwahati, the biggest city in the region. At least 17 separatist groups are active in Manipur state and often stage hit-andrun attacks on government forces. Their demands range from greater autonomy for the state to an independent homeland for the people of Manipur.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
International Features
New York Police Head Blames Mayor, Protesters stop those who incited NEW YORK - A officers.” Officers’ Death violence during protests gunman with an apparent Just hours before the grudge “assassinated” two uniformed New York police officers in a coldblooded attack on their patrol car that followed weeks of outrage over police killings of unarmed black men. The two officers, one a newlywed, were shot in the head through the window of their vehicle in broad daylight in Brooklyn on Saturday in an attack that left America’s biggest city reeling just days before Christmas. “Today, two of New York’s finest were shot and killed with no warning, no provocation,” said an emotional New York Police Commissioner Bill Bratton. “They were quite simply assassinated.” Police named the shooter as 28-year-old Ismaaiyl Brinsley, an African American who shot and seriously wounded his exgirlfriend in Baltimore early Saturday before driving to Brooklyn to murder the two officers. Cities across the United States have seen weeks of protests condemning a string of recent police killings of unarmed black men and decisions by grand juries not to press charges against the white officers responsible. Bratton said social media postings showed that Brinsley “had a very strong bias against police
shooting, Brinsley apparently boasted on Instagram of wanting to kill cops. Wenjian Liu, a sevenyear police veteran who got married two months ago, and Rafael Ramos, who leaves behind a 13year-old son, were “ambushed and murdered” as they sat in the front seats of a marked NYPD police car, officials said. Neither officer had a chance to draw his weapon before Brinsley opened fire with several rounds and fled to a nearby subway station. He shot himself in the head on the platform, where Bratton said a silver semi-automatic firearm was recovered near his body. President Barack Obama condemned the attack “unconditionally” in a statement, saying it had “no justification.” “Tonight, I ask people to reject violence and words that harm, and turn to words that heal,” Obama said. Attorney General Eric Holder said the attack is a reminder of the dangers US police face regularly. “As a nation we must not forget this as we discuss the events of the recent past,” he said in a statement that appeared to refer to the country’s ongoing police controversy. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city of
8.4 million was in mourning. “When a police officer is murdered, it tears at the foundation of our society. It is an attack on all of us,” he said. “Our entire city was attacked by this heinous individual.” The police chief said the motive was still under investigation, but did not rule out a connection to antipolice protests that have swept the country.
Brinsley may be on the loose just as the murder took place. In October, a man with a hatchet attacked four young New York officers in what police said was an act of terror by a selfradicalized Muslim convert. “They Take 1 of Ours... Let’s Take 2 of Theirs,” read a comment seemingly written by Brinsley next to a photo of a silver handgun, referencing the police killings of unarmed blacks. In July, Eric Garner, an
sparking months of protests. Grand jury decisions not to indict either white officer responsible triggered mass protests in New York and other US cities. The Brown family swiftly condemned the latest killings as “senseless.” “We reject any kind of violence directed toward members of law enforcement. It cannot be tolerated. We must work together to bring peace to our communities,” they
against police. “That blood on their hands starts on the steps of city hall in the office of the mayor,” Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association head Patrick Lynch said about Saturday’s shootings. W i d e s p r e a d dissatisfaction in relations between police and blacks have been inflamed not just by the Brown and Garner deaths. Last month, a rookie police officer fatally shot
said in a statement. Civil rights activist Al Sharpton, who has used the deaths of Garner and Brown to campaign for sweeping police reform, also said he was outraged. But the head of a New York police association blamed city officials for not going far enough to
Akai Gurley, an unarmed 28-year-old black man, in the stairwell of a Brooklyn apartment building. A 12-year-old black boy holding a toy gun was also shot dead by police officers in a playground in Ohio in November.
Barack Obama, US President
“One of the unfortunate aspects at times is some people get caught up in these and go in directions they should not,” he said. In a cruel twist of fate, Bratton said Baltimore police warned New York colleagues that
unarmed father of six, died after police held him in a chokehold while he was being arrested for selling individual cigarettes illegally in New York. Michael Brown, an 18year-old in the Ferguson suburb of St Louis, Missouri, was shot dead by a police officer in August,
“When a police officer is murdered, it tears at the foundation of our society. It is an attack on all of us. Our entire city was attacked by this heinous individual. The police chief said the motive was still under investigation, but did not rule out a connection to anti-police protests that have swept the country.”
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
120 Attend Basketball Camp In Abuja
PARTICIPANTS in the United States Embassy’s 5050 Facilitated Basketball Camp in Abuja, on Saturday Michael Victor described model, method, motivation commended the organisers for the basketball camp as a and monitoring. I have to put their commitment to sports wonderful experience. them to practice. development in the country “I learnt bouncing, passing “I want to thank God They said that the early and shooting, I learnt how to because I wanted to give up exposure of 120 children in use my weak hand that is my but now I am more confident Abuja to the rudiments of left hand more, when am and I thank the organisers for basketball would not only given a drill to do, I do it with giving us the opportunity, he attract them to the game but my left hand than my right said. challenge them early enough now. Reports say that the on various careers in sports. “The coach taught us the basketball camp was a Sunday Asisah, the four aims of basketball - the Assistant Coach of the Federal Capital Territory Basketball Association told newsmen that the camp provided many children the opportunity to understand the rudiments of basketball. “The camp was successful and I thank God that it came out as expected, some kids could not do the basic basketball drills but now you can attest to what you see in the court. “The basketball competition amongst the boys and girls shows that they have learnt a great deal in the few days that we have them together. “US Embassy has made our dreams come true. I appreciate them for making this come true. I have been longing to host such an event so I thank them for making it happen, he said. He hoped to host another basketball camp in future stressing that some Liberian sponsors have shown interest in partnering with him to host subsequent basketball camps. Maureen Okoli, a participant, said the camp had exposed her to basketball fundamentals. “We were taught the fundamentals of basketball and it was a great experience for me because I started playing basketball seven WORLD champions Nigeria have been drawn against months back I never had no Zambia as well as West African rivals Niger and Guinea in the first round of the African U17 Championship next year. experience. “Am saying a big thank you The tournament will be Cup in Chile. to the US Embassy for staged by Niger between The Eaglets now under organising this kind of camp February 15 and March 1. former Nigeria star for us, I benefited from the life It will serve as a qualifier Emmanuel Amuneke skills they taught us, Okoli for the 2015 FIFA U17 World eliminated Congo and Gabon said.
partnership that Nigeria entered into with the Embassy since 2012 to improve basketball in schools. The camp, which took place from Dec. 17 to December 20, had children from 10-12 years, 13- 15 and 16-18 years in attendance. It focused on the importance of staying in school while playing basketball.
Flying Eagles Seek Revenge Against Cote d’Ivoire NIGERIA’S Flying Eagles will seek to avenge losses against Cote díIvoire at the 2015 AYC in Senegal after both teams were drawn in the same first round group. The Flying Eagles class of 2015 are built around the countryís U17 team who won the FIFA U17 World Cup last year in the United Arab Emirates.
Mbola Sees Red Again
Manu Garba
Eaglets Dare Zambia, West African Rivals to reach Niger 2015 Group B has defending champions Cote díIvoire,
South Africa, Mali and Cameroon, who replaced disqualified Ghana.
Kogi United FC To Screen Players
KOGI United FC of Lokoja says they will start screening new players from January 2 in preparation for the Nigeria National League new season. The Team Manager of the club, Henry Ameh, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lokoja. Ameh said that the
screening, scheduled to last five days would enable the club to discover new players who would join retained players from last season. ìWe have decided to draw back our resumption date to allow for the screening of players we need to beef up the team. This will be done within the
shortest period because we want to get the best preparation for the February 7, date slated for the commencement of the league. He said that the old players would join the club from Jan. 7. Reports say that Kogi United FC picked 42 points in the just-concluded season.
Last year, they suffered defeats at the hands of African U17 champions Cote díIvoire at the U17 championship in Morocco. The Nigeria U20s other immediate foes are hosts Senegal and Congo. The African Youth Championship will be played in Senegal between March 8 and 22. The Flying Eagles have won a record six AYC titles with their last triumph being in 2011. They finished third last year in Algeria. Group B has Ghana, Mali, Zambia and South Africa. The semi-finalists will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.
Emmanuel Mbola
ZAMBIA defender Emmanuel Mbola was sentoff for the second time this season after seeing red on Saturday night in Israel. Mbola was sent-off in eleventh placed Hapoel Ra’anana’s 0-0 away draw at Hapoel Petah Tikva who are just below them at number 12. The Zambia defender was booked in a four minute period of the first half before he was sent for a very early shower in the 36th minute. Mbola’s red card comes exactly three months after he was sent off in Ra’anana’s 20 away loss at Maccabi Tel Aviv on September 21. Meanwhile, Mbola’s compatriot and striker Evans Kangwa also started in Saturday’s match before he was substituted in the 61st minute.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Chelsea Like Man Utd’s Treble-Winning Team
Sanchez, A Football Of The Year Candidate - Wenger
- Hargreaves
FORMER Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has compared Chelsea to Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1999 treble-winning team. Jose Mourinho’s men are flying high in 2014-15, and sit top of the Premier League table, having also sailed into the Champions League round of 16, where they will face French champions Paris SaintGermain. Chelsea are also set to play Liverpool in the semi-finals of the League Cup, while Watford loom in the FA Cup third round. With the club threatening to dominate on all fronts, Hargreaves - winner of the Premier League and Champions League during his injury-plagued spell at Old Trafford - believes the Londoners are on par with the legendary United side that won the league title, the Champions League and FA Cup 15 years ago. “When I look at the Chelsea team it reminds me of how we were back in 1999,” Hargreaves told the Mirror. “Our team was perfect. We had great skill, great athleticism, great physical strength. And we were ruthless, in a good way. Looking at Mourinho’s side I see the same qualities ñ especially the ruthlessness. “Jose doesn’t let players get away with anything but they respect and admire him for that. “Louis van Gaal is also like that at Manchester United now. Too much accountability and being nice just doesn’t cut it. Players will respond to tough bosses. “Too much freedom and they take advantage.”
SANCHEZ has taken England by storm, scoring 14 goals in all competitions since snubbing rivals Liverpool for Arsenal after the World Cup in Brazil. Nine of Sanchez’s goals have come in the Premier League, with back-to-back braces against Sunderland and Burnley part of that tally. With the Chile international’s form singlehandedly keeping Arsenal in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification ahead of Sunday’s trip to Anfield, Wenger feels his prized asset can be an award winner at the end of the season. “In England he would certainly be very high [in the Footballer of the Year running],” Wenger is quoted as telling Arsenal’s official website. “He has less stature to play centrally but even centrally he
can be an interesting option even though the physical part doesn’t work, because he is more mobile. “When I played football I played at the back. I was a tall guy but I didn’t like to play against a smaller guy who is very mobile and turns very quickly, so sometimes [Alexis] can be a different solution [centrally].”
me panels only favour the ones who always have the favours.” Refereeing was the main talking point in the press conference ahead of Monday’s trip to Stoke, where Mourinho repeatedly underlined the need for referee Neil Swarbrick to control the game. “I like [the test of going to Stoke],” he said. “I like, but it’s no problem with a good referee that can understand what is aggressivity, or when the aggression finishes and start the rules of the game. No problem at all. “We need a good referee, yes. I think we need a good, experienced referee who can understand exactly that. “What happened in both boxes in this kind of matches
needs important decisions. Mourinho confirms new Chelsea deal for Eden Hazard “What is aggressivity and what goes beyond, go beyond the rules of the game. That is important, but I like it, yes.” The referee’s performance was a theme Mourinho kept revisiting, from being asked about Thibaut Courtois dealing with crosses to and whether Mark Hughes’ side is as aggressive as that of the Tony Pulis era. “We have our own identity,” the Chelsea boss said. “We want to play football. “We play beautiful football and that’s what we want to do, but we can compete with physicality. “That’s no problem for us. The referee is there and I’m not worried because the referee is there.”
Wenger
Mourinho Blasts Diving Idia ‘Disaster’ Jose Mourinho
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes an independent panel retrospectively punishing divers would be a “disaster”. The west Londoners have have an independent panel found themselves at the heart review such decisions of the simulation debate this retrospectively. That, Mourinho says, would week after several highbe a terrible development. profile incidents during last “The independent panels weekend’s 2-0 win against don’t do their job well in any Hull. case,” the Portuguese said. Diego Costa and Willian “When you go to an both received yellow cards for independent panel to analyse dives at Stamford Bridge, where City boss Steve Bruce and suspend players by video claimed Gary Cahill went evidence, it is a disaster. It is down “like something out of a disaster. “I remember last season, Swan Lake” in the penalty and I don’t want to say the box. names of clubs or players, you Those incidents, along with had players and clubs a smattering of others, have punished by panels and you brought the topic of diving to had clubs and players the fore, with former referee protected by panels. Mark Halsey suggesting the “I saw somebody kick a “only one real solution” is to
player on the floor, hit him in the back - no suspension. I saw others with minor things being suspended. “Players are punished for silly comments on Facebook, Instagram and this kind of thing, and players are not punished for other things. Mourinho: Chelsea unconcerned by Manchester City surge “You speak one week about one dive that, for me, was not even a dive - you don’t speak about Filipe Luis who could be in this moment in the hospital having big surgery on his knee or in his leg. “Independent panels are the same ones that last season analysed my situation against Aston Villa and I was punished and suspended because I tried to help, so for
Wenger Hints At January Signings And Insists He Is ‘Not Scared’ To Spend
Owen Hargreaves
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger insists he is “not scared” of spending money in the transfer market and hinted that new players could arrive in January. The Gunners paid over £30 million (Ä40m) for Alexis Sanchez in the summer and around £45m (Ä60m) for Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy and Danny Welbeck, but the squad has struggled with injuries so far this season and sit in seventh in the Premier League heading into Sunday’s clash
with Liverpool. Wenger was criticised for not buying central defenders or defensive midfielders during the close season and has earned a repuation as a reluctant spender over the years, something he puts down to the financial constraints of moving to the Emirates Stadium. But after having to field a makeshift defence in recent weeks thanks to mounting injuries at the back, he confirmed that he will “without any doubtî move for a defender in January if he can
find the right man. ìThere is a huge difference between the perception that people have of me and the reality: Iím not scared to spend money,î he told reporters. ìIf you go out with me one night, you will understand that. “What I donít like is to spend money that I donít have. Now I have money so no problem spending it at all. “What I fought against was spending money that would have put the future of the club in danger.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
Win Means More Than Goal - Suarez
LUIS Suarez was delighted to score his first league goal for Barcelona, but claimed the victory was more important. Suarez had scored twice in year-old had yet to find the net the Champions League but, in the Primera Division before the 5-0 win over following his summer move Cordoba on Saturday, the 27from Liverpool.
The Uruguayan did not make his debut until late October because of a four-month ban for biting, but had played seven matches without finding the net.
“I did break my duck but it was more important for the team to get the three points. Now we need to get some rest and start thinking about our next matches,” Suarez told the
Luis Suarez
club’s website. “I know I am a striker and I have to score goals, but I was sure that with my team-mates’ help I’d eventually get one. “I wasn’t obsessed with it because I knew I was helping the team to get good results. Of course it’s always important to get goals in the league, but I wasn’t panicking.” Pedro gave Luis Enrique’s side a second minute lead before Suarez doubled Barca’s advantage after 53 minutes. Pique made it three after 80 minutes before Lionel Messi grabbed a late brace. With Real Madrid competing in the Club World Cup, it was the ideal opportunity for the Catalans to close the gap on the leaders. And following their emphatic win, Barcelona are just a point off Real having played a game more heading into the winter break. However, for Pedro it was a case of what might have been after they could only draw 0-0 with Getafe last weekend. “It’s a shame we drew with Getafe last week, but we are happy with this win. Next year we have to try to compete as hard as possible and get as high up the table as we can,” he said.
Pearson Deserves Time - Allardyce
ALLARDYCE’s West Ham beat Leicester 2-0 at Upton Park on Saturday thanks to goals from Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing. Defeat was Leicester’s 10th in a 12-match winless run that leaves them rooted to the foot of the table and facing the
very real possibility of an immediate return to the Championship after sealing promotion by cruising to the title. And it is that achievement from last season that boosted Pearson’s standing in the game, a factor that Allardyce
believes should buy him more time as he bids to turn the club’s fortunes around. “None of Nigel Pearson’s players let him down,” Allardyce told the BBC. “They gave everything and when we went 2-0 up they caused us some problems.
A 2-1 defeat to fellow strugglers Werder Bremen on Saturday saw the 2011/12 Bundesliga champions slip to 17th place in the table, and they will be bottom if Freiburg beat Hannover on
Sunday. Klopp ripped into his players after their latest defeat, labelling them as looking “like idiots”, but he remains convinced Dortmund can pull away from trouble
when the season recommences in late January. “The season isn’t over yet,” he said. “We still have 17 games to play and most importantly, we will have an almost complete squad going into the preparation. “So far we have lacked stability, and we will work hard to get it back. “It will become much more difficult to beat us and we will also win games again. “We will fight back with all our might.” The charismatic coach will not rush into the transfer market next month as Dortmund strive to avoid a first Bundesliga relegation since 1975-76. He added: “We will talk about whether we need to make changes, but we will not just sign any player to make numbers up. “We are not going to change things for the sake of it.”
Dortmund Will Come Back Stronger, Vows Klopp
Jurgen Klopp
“He is a very good manager and he has proved that. I hope the club are patient with him and give him some funds to spend in January. “If you look at Leicester’s results, they rarely lose by two goals, even though they haven’t won any games since beating Manchester United. “That’s disappointing for Nigel, because he is a friend
Allardyce
of mine and I want him to do better, and also because his team shows a lot of commitment. They are not too far away and only one thing is missing in their team and that’s a goalscorer. “That is eluding them at the minute and is why they are where they are, and to beat this team we had to play well.”
“I am happy to be scoring, the goals always come in the end. I’m comfortable with my team-mates, working hard, and training to win more confidence and get to play more”. “I don’t think it was harder for us in the first half, but they were more tired in the second and the pace was slower. We didn’t stop creating chances all game. “Perhaps the situation should be different. We played well against Getafe but couldn’t get the win. It was different this time and we’re happy with the win because it was not as easy as the scoreline might suggest.”
Ki Will Be Surely Missed - Monk
The South Korea international is enjoying a fine campaign at Swansea after he returned from a year-long loan at Sunderland during the close-season. The 25-year-old helped Swansea to a 1-0 win at Hull City on Saturday, diverting a Jonjo Shelvey effort into the net for the game’s only goal. And after the midfielder voiced his fears to Monk about a potential lack of first-team football at the beginning of the season, the Swansea manager conceded that his team will miss Ki when he heads to the 2015 Asian Games in January. “I spoke to him [Ki] a lot through the summer,” Monk told reporters. “He wasn’t used in previous seasons, that was his concern. “I knew exactly what kind of player Ki is and what I want him to do. I’ve worked closely with him, on understanding what I want from him. “He’s a big player, we will miss him in January but again there’s other players who can step in. Tom [Carroll] was a tactical change [and] he did very well.” Saturday’s match was Swansea’s first away win in the Premier League since beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season, but Monk believes their performances have generally deserved more. He added: “For sure [we have deserved more], I spoke to them in the week. The only time we havenít performed away from home was West ham. “[You look] at Manchester City, Stoke, there were different circumstances. Everton, Sunderland away we performed well and were unlucky not to get more points. “Today was pleasing, all in all the chances we created and the way we defended we deserved the three points.”
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
‘Madrid Will Keep Breaking Records’ SAN Lorenzo coach Edgardo Bauza predicted Real Madrid will “keep breaking records” after lifting the Club World Cup. The Champions League winners defeated Bauza’s side 2-0 in the final in Morocco on Saturday and extended their winning streak in all competitions to 22 matches. That sequence is a club record and the Argentine believes more will follow, as a result of the exceptional balance Madrid boss coach Carlo Ancelotti has achieved within his star-studded squad. “I think this Madrid, and I said this to Ancelotti when I congratulated him, this team achieved a balance that is really hard to get,” the 56year-old Argentinian said. “Because at front they are extremely dangerous individually, like very few other teams in the world, and he has ensured that everyone defends in a team that isn’t easy to accomplish that. “I told him that was to his credit. And that thing makes them very dangerous, very dangerous and they are going to keep breaking records, I don’t doubt it.” In a feisty opening to the match, San Lorenzo’s Nestor Ortigoza and Pablo Barrientos both received yellow cards in the first 20 minutes, but Bauza rejected suggestions the referee cost his side the game. “I don’t think that he [the referee] had influence in the result, I think he was too severe at the beginning because he didn’t want the game to escape his hands, but it was a regular match, a disputed final,” he said. “There were no rough plays, both teams were focused to playing, and there were the usual clashes of a football match and the referee didn’t affect the result.” Although Real were widely
expected to win the Club World Cup final, Bauza refused to get too excited by his team’s achievement of reaching the tournament decider. “For me, defeats are defeats, there are no good defeats or honourable defeats, and every defeat is painful for me, no matter who is the opponent.”
Garcia Fumes At Missed Handball ROMA were hoping to reach Serie A’s mid-season break just a point behind leaders Juventus. However, Milan left Stadio Olimpico with a point despite playing a good chunk of the
Nigel de Jong in the penalty area went unpunished by the referee and his two assistants in the Milan half. “It should be said that there was a pretty obvious handball in the area,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
Fernando Torres
Shock As Liverpool Return For Fernando Torres
FERNANDO Torres could be about to make a surprise return to the Premier League; Manchester United have been given the green light to bid for Gareth Bale; and Arsenal are to make a monster bid for a Southampton star ñ the top stories from the Sunday papers. Torres set for shock Prem summer, need to bolster their return - Liverpool are poised strike force. And Torres could to make a January move for fit the bill. Liverpool could Fernando Torres, that’s realistically take the 30-yearaccording to a report in the old on loan in January with a Mail on Sunday. The Reds, who seem to be giving up on the gamble that saw them sign Mario Balotelli for £16 million from Milan last
Milan On Right Track MILAN secured a 0-0 draw with second-placed Roma at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, despite playing the closing stages with 10 men when Pablo Armero was sent off in the 71st minute. That draw followed an impressive 2-0 triumph over Napoli last weekend and Milan head into the mid-season break seemingly well place to challenge for a UEFA Champions League spot. Head coach Inzaghi certainly believes that an assault on Europe’s premier competition is doable and praised his team for their recent performances. “I’m thrilled. I was hoping to win,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “This team makes me so proud. “With four points from Napoli
second half with 10 men after Pablo Armero was sent off in the 71st minute. Head coach Garcia believes Roma should have had the opportunity to move ahead before half-time, though, when an apparent handball by
- Inzaghi
and Roma this gives us confidence. We are on the right track. “Now the growth [of the team] should be gradual. With this spirit we can get to third place.” Inzaghi stated that he felt the red card for Armero - which came for a second bookable offence for deliberate handball - was harsh, while he also praised the performance of goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who made a series of fine saves. “The red card of Armero seemed excessive,” he added. “[Real Madrid coach Carlo] Ancelotti told me Lopez was a great goalkeeper. He also advised us on [Jeremy] Menez so we must thank him.”
Filippo Inzaghi
view to a permanent move to allow Brendan Rodgers to add to his attacking options. Paper Round’s view: What a horrible, horrible idea. Okay, so Torres was outstanding for the Reds in scoring 65 goals in 102 Premier League games before being sold to Chelsea for £50 million in 2010, but that
doesnít mean he would be a good fit now. Sure, itís a romantic link, but Torres has not improved at all since leaving England, netting just once in 10 games for Milan so far this season. The old Torres is gone and his agent is perhaps being very clever in trying to tug on the heart strings from the past.
“I’ve said this before but if the goal-line officials don’t take responsibility for things there’s no point having them.” Roma were well below their best in front of their home fans, although Diego Lopez twice made smart saves from the impressive Gervinho - the latter coming deep into second-half stoppage time. “We could have done better ourselves,” Garcia added. “Milan defended well with five in midfield and left little space between the lines. “Two points dropped? Yes, we had the chances to score but should have tested the keeper more. “We lacked a bit of creativity. We wanted to play more down the channel where De Jong was, that’s what we’d planned.” Roma are now not back in action until January 6 when they travel to Udinese, and Garcia is looking forward to recharging his and the Roma players’ batteries. “All the clubs welcome this break. Footballers aren’t machines, they can’t go 10 months non-stop without resting.”
Sunderland Eye Townsend Loan SUNDERLAND are eyeing up a loan move for Tottenham winger Andros Townsend. The Black Cats want to do at least four deals in the January transfer window and have already looked into the possibility of landing Christian Atsu, currently on loan at Everton but set to return to Chelsea in the new year, as a solution out wide. Townsend was one of the names on the list of targets being put together by Sunderland sporting director Lee Congleton, whom Poyet has informed of his preferred acquisitions. Newcastle could rival their north-east neighbours for the 23year-old, though, as they are also seeking a winger, ideally one who can play on the left. Apart from his injury-ravaged goalkeeping department, however, Alan Pardew is largely happy with his sqauad. Townsend has fallen down the pecking order at Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino and the club look set to let him depart, most likely on loan, but the Londoner may be unwilling to leave the capital, particularly as the option remains to return to QPR, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell in 2013. Harry Redknapp has admitted his interest in taking Townsend back to the club and that could be a trump card in the pursuit of the Spurs man. As well as QPR, Sunderland and Newcastle, however, a source has told Goal that up to six Premier League clubs could be in the mix for Townsend should he be available.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014
CMYK
Ensuring Level Playing Field In 2015 Elections
F
EBRUARY 2015 is gradually people along in his turning into a month of great constituency will give expectation for many politicians in the him a clear country seeking elective positions. advantage, as he One will be right to hard in order to guns for Edo State state that some overcome those that House of Assembly politicians who will want to constitute (Egor Constituency) have already road blocks on their under the platform of crossed the hurdles of primaries in their respective political parties see February 2015 as a month to dread. A month to dread or a period of political reckoning, as one of my friends told me few days ago. According to him: “February 2015 is an all important month for both sincere and dubious politicians as they will want to attract the electorate in the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega cleverest ways available to them”. way to electoral Allied Congress Yes, dubious victory. Party of Nigeria politicians will want Working extra (ACPN) to exploit the had entails the ability Hon. Idada porous electoral to win the confidence Osayuwame Larry, system to garner of the voters on or who holds a enough votes to before Election Day. National Diploma in defeat their political Hon. Idada P u b l i c rivals, while Osayuwame Larry, Administration, has sincere, focused, humble, dedicated a vision and mission cerebral and and hard working, is of seeking people oriented one of such c h a l l e n g i n g politicians will be politicians whose responsibilities with left with the option track record and opportunity to of working extra ability to carry the
career advancement towards developing man and the entire society. A two time councillorship aspirant in Egor Local Government Area, and former
manipulation of the ballot box, where hard working, cerebral and competent patriots
Personal Assistant to Secretary, Egor Local Government Council is a recipient of Edo Youths for Good Governance Achievers parexcellence Award in 2012. There is no disputing the fact that the root of our woes as a nation is through the evil
are rigged out in most cases. If we get it right as a nation by drastically sanitizing the electoral system, leadership failure as root of our under development will be a thing of the past. Professor Attahiru Jega’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
should be given a free hand to handle the approaching February elections, so that honest, sincere and patriotic individuals like Hon. Idada Osayuwame Larry can use the electoral process as a scaffold to climb to electoral offices. The INEC boss must continue to be proactive and ensure credible election at every point in time, most especially during the February elections. The people must move from apathy and take actual and active part in the affairs of the nation. A revisit of the Electoral Act with a positive view of inserting a clause ultimately that will digitalize out electoral system will go a long way in ensuring a blanket level playing field for all political parties fielding candidates for the 2015 general elections
“There is no disputing the fact that the root of our woes as a nation is through the evil manipulation of the ballot box, where hard working, cerebral and competent patriots are rigged out in most cases.” Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor: BARR. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI)-(07030699646), Deputy General Manager-Marketing (08023457566), Assistant General Manager-Advertisement (08023808856) Lagos Office: 25A Alli Street, Off Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to: 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com (ISSN 0331-2674)