Nigerian observer 23 04 2014

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 NO. 466• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 , 2014 . N 100.00 OPINION Page 15

Encouraging local vehicle assembly plants

Suspended Orhionmwon LG executive,

By ANDY EGBON legislativeadministrator arms forresume work the BENIN CITY Members of the Orhionmwon Local Government Council executive and legislative arm of government who were suspended from office on November 18,

2013 resumed work yesterday.

The state government suspended them for embarking on an unauthorized journey, appointed a sole

council and also set up a committee to probe the circumstances of the journey.

On receipt of the committee’s report, the state governor, Comrade

Adams Oshiomhole wrote to the State House of Assembly following which the lawmakers on February 17, 2014 approved the suspension of the council officials for Continues on page 2

Implementation Of Environmental Projects

NEW HORIZON Page 20

Man know thyself (2)

Nigeria receives $23m

ABUJA - Nigeria had so far received 23 million dollars in four years from Global Environmental Facility (GEF) to implement climate change, biodiversity and land degradation projects.

Mrs. Halima (STAR), which allows GEF Mohammed, GEF’s Desk to allocate funds to Officer in the Federal countries to implement Ministry of Environment, projects in specific focal made this known at a areas. two-day National According to reports Steering Committee purpose of the meeting Meeting in Abuja was to review the progress yesterday. of GEF’s activities in Mohammed, who Nigeria and to update presented an Overview stakeholders on the of the GEF, said the ongoing projects. allocation was under the The meeting was also 5th replenishment circle, aimed at streamlining covering July 1, 2010 to projects proposal for GEFJune 30, 2014.

6 cycle and to harmonise According to her, the ideas on exhibition being allocation is under the planned by Nigeria at the System for Transparent fifth GEF Assembly in Allocation of Resources Cancun, Mexico, among

others.

Mohammed said Nigeria had implemented all its projects under the fifth cycle with the exception of two awaiting approval from the GEF council.

She listed ongoing GEF projects in the country to include

Conservation and Sustainable Management of Niger Delta Biodiversity; Sustainable Urban Transportation; and Setting up Mini- Grids based on Photo Voltaic (PV), Hydro and Biomass Sources.

Others are Promoting Energy Efficiency in

Public and Residential Sectors; Less Burnt for a Clean Earth: Minimisation of Dioxin Emission from Open Burning Sources and Small Grant Programme for Civil Society Organisations.

On Fadama III, she mentioned Scaling up of

Sustainable Land M a n a g e m e n t ; Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) containing equipment management and disposal; and Nigeria Erosion and Watershed M a n a g e m e n t (NEWMAP): Component of Great Green Wall Continues on page 2

2016 Census NPC promises to use Cutting Edge Technology AWKA - The National Population Commission (NPC) says it will deploy cutting edge technology in the collection, processing and dissemination of national census data in 2016.

The Chairman of the Commission, Chief Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), gave the assurance at a reception organised for him by the Old Boys Association of the Holy

Cross High School, Umuawulu-Mbaukwu, Awka, yesterday.

He said that the interest in technology was part of efforts to provide real data that would aid national planning.

Duruiheoma said it was only a reliable, accurate and verifiable census figure that could ensure the realisation of the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.

TIT BIT

“It is not the spiteful eyes of others that bring us shame; it is the oil on our dress.”

- Kinglsey Ogbeide-Ihama

He said that the commission would ensure a successful census.

The chairman, who expressed worries over the politicisation of population issues, said the commission planned to achieve 100 per cent Continues on page 2

WORKERS’ RESUMPTION: Cars parked by workers on resumption after Easter holiday at Edo Government Secretariat in Benin City yesterday.

War Against Terrorism: Maku advocates

ABUJA - The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has called for the commitment and collective will of citizens to enable Nigeria to overcome terrorism in the country.

Maku made the call in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Centenary Lapel Pin Project.

He said that the Federal Government, through the military, had done so much

greater citizens’ participation

to curtail the attacks on innocent citizens.

Maku called for the cooperation of all

citizens to win the fight.

The minister urged Nigerians never to succumb to the antics of terrorists or their

sponsors, irrespective of the unwarranted attacks on them.

“It is now the duty of every citizen to report

the activities of people in their communities that they do not understand.

“The situation that is Continues on page 2

yesterday after the Easter break which lasted from Friday last week till Monday.

Easter is a period of Commemorating the death, crucification and

It is also a period when Christians celebrate the Continues on page 2

Workers resume in Benin, Abuja after resurrection of Jesus Easter holidays Christ.

By FAITH ISIKHUEMEN, MATTHEW OGIJI/ JENNIFER KELUBIA

BENIN CITY- Work resumed in Benin City

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

News

Suspended Orhionmwon LG executive, Continued from page 1 legislative arms resume work a period of three months, beginning from January 18 to April 18, 2014.

The council chairman, Chief Roland Ibierutomwen resumed yesterday but without any formal handing and taking over ceremony between him and the Sole Administrator, Mr. Iyobosa Igharo who presided over affairs of the council while the suspension lasted.

Chief Ibierutomwen immediately on resumption, addressed staff of the council, security personnel as well as the councillors, thanking them for their co-operation and understanding with the local government while he was away.

He solicited their support, loyalty and dedication to duty, saying that alot could still be done to give people of Orhionmwon a greater sense of belonging through an all round development of the area.

The council boss told newsmen that he will soon meet with various departmental Heads to brief him on the present state of affairs in their areas of jurisdiction.

According to him, “my suspension is an eye opener

to me, it’s a big lesson; I will always remain loyal to the government of the day from time to time, I promise”.

He said his intention is to come to Orhionmwon to work and not to embezzle money.

“I know the dos and don’ts of council, having served in Edo State House of Assembly for eight years of two tenure

Christ and how the blood has cleansed humanity of all sins.

During Easter celebrations, Christians engage in fasting and prayers, alms giving, and reconciliation.

Amusement was not also left out in the celebration as fun seekers visited entertainment centres to have fun.

A visit to some government parastatals and ministries in Benin City yesterday revealed high level of workers compliance with yesterday stipulated day of resumption to work.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Henry Idahagbon described the Easter break as worth while, stressing the need for workers to resume their normal duties now that the break is over.

He said there is a lot to be

ministries, agencies and departments.

Private firms, banks and business outfits also witnessed believe of activities as customers were seen moving in and out.

Some of the public ministries offices visited included, the ministry of Information and orientation and that of Special Duties Oil and Gas at Ezoti Street, Off Airport Road, Benin City.

Meanwhile, workers in Abuja and its environs also resumed yesterday in their various offices after the Easter celebrations.

A few of them spoke with newsmen who monitored their resumption at various ministries, department and agencies within the capital city.

A visit to some of the offices

and local government law was made during my tenure; I took part in all the processes”, he said.

Having lost five months of his three year tenure to suspension, Chief Ibierutomwon said, “business cannot be as usual” so as to make up for the lost period.

Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Monday

Igbinigie said, “the genuine passion to develop the local government was what led to the suspension.

Appreciating the wisdom of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the State House of Assembly and the electorate for their (officials) coming back to duty, he said they will redouble their efforts to attain their goal of touching the lives of every person in the area positively.

strategic direction of the commission; we hope to achieve complete coverage in the registration of births and deaths by 2015.

“The present commission is determined to manage population as a veritable tool for development; efforts are being made to effectively coordinate population issues across sectorial lines.

“The relationship between population and development has not been properly appreciated by planners and decision makers, leading to appalling non integration of population in the planning process.”

In his remarks, the National President of the Association,

man with unquestionable character, integrity and sound judgment.

Ughamadu said that Duruiheoma brilliance, focus and commitment as a student made him to surmount the civil war obstacles to complete his college education between 1963 and 1972.

He also expressed confidence that Duruiheoma would deliver at the NPC. “We are proud of you as a ‘core Holy Cross old boy’, you are about the only man with relevant credential for this job and we are confident that you will discharge your duties effectively, you are less controversial and calm” he said.

showed that many of them were, however, yet to resume while in some offices, cleaners were seen performing their duties and cleaning the surroundings.

The Federal Secretariat, however, recorded low activities as the vicinity was devoid of heavy movement of workers that characterised the area.

Mr Olanike Balogun, a civil servant in one of the ministries, said some of the workers would resume late while others might not come until next week.

He said that some workers might have used the opportunity to go on annual leave and spend time with their families and loved ones.

“You know that most of us do not have our families here in the city, so some of them will not come back to Abuja

usually take advantage of any holiday that falls on work days, with the thinking that the rest of the days in the week are useless,’’ he said.

Mr Akeem Alape, a worker at the National Assembly, told newsmen that the Easter holidays were an opportunity for workers to get over the shock of the April 14 Nyanya explosion in Abuja.

He said that some workers at the National Assembly might not resume now because the assembly was on recess.

He said that workers were happy that the holidays came at a time when there was tension among most workers due to the explosion.

Another worker, who asked for anonymity, said some workers were in the traffic hold up on the Mararaba-Nyanya axis, due to the military check point on the route.

He said that some of them might end up returning home after spending hours in the traffic jam.

Mrs Felicia Nwokocha said that she took a night bus from Enugu to Abuja to resume work.

“I don’t have any other job than this; so I must put in all that is required to hold on to it. “ However, l must say that a lot of my colleagues are already in the office as we cannot afford to miss work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Nwokocha said.

Mr Stephen Amadi, a clerical officer, said that he spent the break in Abuja which gave him the opportunity to resume work.

He said that many of his friends in the office also reported for work.

The Federal Government had declared April 18 and last 21 as public holidays.

The Federal Government declared the holidays to enable Christians and other Nigerians to mark Good Friday and celebrate Easter festivities in their homes.

NPC promises to use Cutting Edge Continued from page 1 Ozor Ughamadu, described Technology Dr. registration by 2015 and Duruiheoma as a hardworking enjoined non-governmental organisations to join in sensitising the people on the census.

“The Commission plans to conduct a truly scientific census which data will be widely available to planners at the national, state and local government levels.

“Towards this end, cutting edge technology will be adopted.

“Methodology and strategies for the conduct of biometrics based census are being finalised.

“Data from vital events will also complement and yield additional data for planning purposes in line with the

Workers resume in Benin, Abuja after Easter Continued from page 1 week. done so as to achieve set holidays until“Thenexttrend is that people significance of the blood of goals for the various

Maku advocates greater citizens’ participation

Continued from page 1 facing us today is quite difficult; this is a war by a few criminals against all Nigerians and this means we need to work harder as government and citizens.

“We will overcome this challenge but we must have that spirit of resoluteness as a people; our collective strength is one that will overcome everything,’’ he said.

Maku also expressed optimism that Nigeria would emerge stronger and that the challenges that threatened the economic base of a section of the country would soon be addressed.

The minister said that terrorism was not peculiar to Nigeria, stressing that other nations across the world had, in one way or the other, been

plagued by activities of terrorists.

He said in spite of the setbacks, Nigeria had recorded tremendous progress in the past 100 years.

He also appealed to citizens not to despair or run down the polity because of the situation.

“Terrorism is not a Nigerian phenomenon; it is a global phenomenon that was imported by some of our people but we will overcome it with time.

“I know how our citizens feel; they feel depressed; they feel discouraged but I believe we will definitely overcome it.

“It is a passing phase but with the work that we are doing and with the cooperation of citizens, we shall overcome it,’’ he said.

Earlier, the leader of the

delegation, Mr Chuks Chilaka, said that the centenary project was a private sector initiative aimed at reawakening the patriotic spirit in every Nigerian.

According to Chilaka, the pin, carrying the centenary logo, depicts homogeneity, hard work and unity of the Nigerian nation.

He said that every Nigerian was expected to wear the pin as a mark of honour and patriotism to the nation.

He said that the organisation had ordered for the production of over 500,000 pins to be sold to Nigerians, irrespective of their affiliation, as part of Nigeria’s centenary celebration.

The minister was decorated with a gold plated pin as a mark of his endorsement of the project.

Tanker Explosion roasts 2 persons to death in Uromi

By OSE EHEBHA

I V U E - U R O M I - Tw o persons suspected to be oil bunkers were yesterday roasted to ashes in a tanker explosion at Ivue-Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Two persons were however rescued and taken to hospital, by inhabitants of the community.

The incident occurred at about 1:30am following an accident that happened when the driver of the truck lost control and crashed into a high tension electric pole.

The high tension electric cable reportedly collapsed on the crude oil laden truck, causing it to burst into flames.

Spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Uromi, Inspector Augustine Apili told newsmen that the accident could have been caused by reckless driving in an attempt by

the alleged bunkers to escape from soldiers who were trailing them.

He disclosed plans by the NSCDC to arrest the two survivors of the accident, with a view to investigating the source of the crude oil, and those behind the operation.

A resident of the community, Mr. Collins Uhebaghi narrated to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER that he was at a night burial ceremony close to the scene when he heard a loud explosion, adding that two persons were rescued and taken to the hospital.

The Chairman Nigeria Red Cross Society in the area, Mr. Michael Odiahi described the explosion as a disaster, saying they were on ground to prevent people from getting too close to the burning truck in case of further explosions.

As at the time of this report, the tanker was still in flames, with no fire fighter in sight while substances suspected to be crude oil filled the gutter.

EIRS hosts Joint Tax Board

By VICTOR OMOALU Meeting today BENIN CITY- The Edo State Internal Revenue Service will today host to 129th meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) which is expected to be graced by the 36 states Boards of Internal Revenue Service.

Theme of the meeting is “Imperative of Exchange of Information Amongst Tax Authorities.

A statement by the Local Organising Committee

(LOC) indicated that the meeting will hold today Wednesday 23 to Friday April 25, 2014 at the state Revenue House, No 50 New Lagos Road, Benin City, beginning at 9am each day.

The meeting is expected to create avenue for stakeholders to exchange views that would help advance tax administration in Nigeria.

Nigeria receives $23m Continued from page 1 Initiative.

Also listed were Lake Chad Regional and Natural Resources Conservation and Regional Project on Equatorial Africa Deposition Network.

She said that GEF had three funding windows, namely the full size, the medium size and the small grants.

According to her, small grants component of GEF is a grant below 50,000 dollars, medium size is between 500,000 and two million dollars, while the full size is from two million dollars and above.

Mohammed, Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Environment, said Nigeria could benefit more from GEF by building the capacity of its staff.

In addition, she suggested that project proponents should forward well-articulated concept to the GEF Operational Focal Point for Endorsement.

“The project proponent, in collaboration with the operational focal point, should ensure that prompt comments

on the proposals are made by relevant offices of the GEF focal areas.

“The comments should be reverted to the project proponent for incorporation and further development.

“Project proponents should also explore the opportunity offered through the Implementing Agencies’’, she added.

The implementing agencies, she said, were UNDP, World Bank, FAO, UNIDO, ADB, UNEP and IFAD, among others.

It will be recaled that GEF was established to promote global environment protection and sustainable development by providing grants to developing countries to address related problems.

It has five focal areas of Biodiversity, Climate Change, Land Degradation, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and International Waters.

Nigeria joined GEF in 1994 and the country had been benefiting immensely from the grants to implement environmental initiatives.

GEF has 183 member countries in partnership with international, civil society organisations and the private

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

News Youth Council Invests Lawmaker As Patron

Supervising Minister of Aviation, Mr. Samuel Ortom (left), with the Rector, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Samuel Caulcrick (2nd left) at the inspection of Kaduna International Airport Control Tower in Kaduna yesterday.

BENIN CITY-The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ovia North East Local Government Chapter has invested the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Engr.) Osahon Isaac Nosakhare as patrol.

The investiture ceremony took place in Benin City during a courtesy visit to Hon. Nosakhare by executives of NYCN, Ovia North East Chapter, led by its Chairman, Comrade Wilson Etinosa Ekhomogiazin.

In his speech at the ceremony, Comrade Ekhomogiazin extolled the leadership quality of Hon. Nosakhare and his ability to attract the desired development to his constituency and indeed the state at large.

“We have observed with great delight that you are a personified agent of change.

“We are not unaware of your

APC Congress: Ward Chairman Thanks

BY JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM AMAHOR/UGUN (EDO)A newly elected Chairman of

the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ward 8, Amahor/ Ugunw in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr. Christopher Aminhefe of Amahor

Oredo NULGE Prayer Band Donates To Orphanage BENIN CITY - As part of activities marking the Easter celebration, the prayer band unit of NULGE, Oredo Local Government Council Chapter has donated some food items and gifts to orphans at the Edo orphanage and maternity home in Benin City. The chairman of NULGE Comrade Agbons Uyigue represented by the vice chairman Pastor Alex Okonedo led the delegation on the visits.

Items presented to the children include beverages, toiletries and other food items.

Addressing the children and management of the orphanage

Pastor Alex Akonedo who said the prayer band is a unit in the Nigeria union of local government employees Oredo Chapter which holds their prayer session every first Monday of the month, commended the owner of the home for her initiative in taking good care of the less privileged.

He then promised to always assist the children in ensuring that their welfare is catered for.

The spokesman of the home thanked the prayer group for their initiative and urged other Nigerians to emulate their kind gesture in assisting the home in caring for the less privileged.

Lady (Barr) Tessy Akpabor Dies At 54 BENIN CITY – The death has occurred of Lady (Barr.) Tessy Ayodele Akpabor (L.S.M.), LLB, BL,LLM/NEE ANUMELE) at the age of 54 years.

Until her death she was a devout Christian of the Roman Catholic Faith Worshipping at St Paul’s Parish Airport Road, Benin City.

In her lifetime she was a lawyer, lady of St Mulumba,

Late Lady (Barr) T. A. Akpabor

Business Woman and a Philanthropist.

The Late Lady (Barr.) Tessy Ayodele Akpabor is survived by her aged mother, Husband ESV Sir C. O. Akpabor (KSM) five children, Grand Children, sisters, brother, in-laws, niece, Nephews and other relations.

According to a release signed by the family, the burial ceremonies will commence on Wednesday, 23 April, 2014 at 4.00 pm with a vigil Mass in her residence No. 1 Akpabor Street, Off Nneka Street, Off Ugbor Road, G.R.A., Benin City.

On Thursday, April 24, 2014 there will be a funeral Mass at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, at 10am.

Interment follows thereafter at her residence No. 1, Akpabor Street, G.R.A., Benin City.

The statement concluded that the burial programme will climax on Sunday April, 27 with a Thanksgiving Mass billed for 6.30 am at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City.

Communities has thanked all those who made the ward congress a successful one.

Speaking in an interview with The Nigerian OBSERVER, Mr. Aminhefe expressed optimism that APC will retain power in the state level in 2016.

Mr. Aminhefe told newsmen at his country home in Amahor that the level of development accomplished by the Comrade Adams Oshiomohle’s led government in the state testified to the fact that the people would vote for the party.

He said, let us face the fact, in the history of Edo State; I say this without mincing words; tell me any governor who employed so much like the present administration.

“Graduates and non graduates have been massively employed at different levels; drive round Edo State and tell me what you observe’.

Mr. Aminhefe said ward congress was a family affair, and therefore urged party members to be peaceful and orderly even after the exercise.

Party Members Mr. Aminhefe said APC has no problem at the three levels of government, because, we are one family; we eat in the same pot; we still come together”, he said Aminhefe who expressed satisfaction with the peaceful

conduct and outcome of the congress in Igueben local government area, charged the new wards executive members and all the stakeholders to work together for the unity and progress of the party.

dogged struggle to bring the desired development to our constituency, our people and indeed Edo State as a whole through purposeful leadership”.

“We thank you for facilitating the construction of Ogbese bridge, Uhen-Ondo bridge and Eghobayuruba Camp bridge, all in Ovia North East local government area.

“In a bid to be self reliant, we have decided to go into farm; we have got a law and we are here to inform and solicit your support”, he said.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman, NYCN Edo State and chairman National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Egor Local Government Chapter, Comrade Ekpen Uyigwe appreciated the fatherly and leadership roles played by Hon. Nosakhare to enhance the lives of his people through various constituency projects.

“We are also using this medium to inform you that we just concluded a one week entrepreneurial and leadership training camp programme where over 30 youths were trained in various areas to make them useful to the society” he said.

Responding, Hon. Nosakhare thanked the group for counting him worthy and appreciated them for the honour done him.

Qualitative Education

Bring All Children On Board, Archbishop Enjoins Govts ONITSHA (ANAMBRA)The Archbishop of Catholic Arch-Diocese of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has urged government at all levels to bring all children on board in their bid to provide qualitative education.

Okeke said this in Onitsha, Anambra after delivering his 2014 Pastoral Letter titled: “Catholic Education and

National Development’’.

He said that education had become a very strong factor in the whole process of national development.

According to him, industrialisation, cultural evolution and religious awareness hinge on sound education.

“The right to education is one

Members of Oredo NULGE prayer band and children at the Edo orphanage shortly after the presentation.

that belongs to all the members of the society. No member of the society should be excluded from the process of education.

“But it is to the parents that the specific decisions about the education of their children belong.

“While the society should also establish schools to ensure that all its members have access to good education, it should apply the principle of subsidiarity in the organisation of its educational system.

“This entails that religious bodies and purely private individuals should be able to establish and run schools with the assistance of the government.

According to him, this is to ensure that its citizens who happen to find themselves in those schools, are properly educated.

“The government should fund all her approved schools in such a way that every child benefits equitably irrespective of the school the parents have chosen for the child,’’ he said.

The archbishop, however, commended the Federal and Anambra Governments for their commitment to the sustenance of standard and qualitative education in the country.

He appealed that more funding and changes should be done so that the country could easily meet-up other educationallyadvanced countries in the world.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

News Chibok Abduction CAN Urges FG, Security Agents To Intensify Efforts

L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai; Secretary to Plateau State Government, Prof. Shedrack Best; Head of Service, Mr. Ezekiel Dalyop and ICT Director, University of Jos, Mr. Benjamin Jang, at the opening of Information Technology Proficiency Training for Commissioners and top government officials in Jos yesterday.

Centre To Unveil Biggest Telescope In Africa NSUKKA (ENUGU STATE) - The Centre for Basic Space Science (CBSS) in Nsukka, Enugu State, is set to unveil the biggest telescope in Africa, its Director, Prof. Fidelix Opara, said.

Opara told newsmen in Nsukka that the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, would perform the unveiling ceremony on May 2.

He said that the telescope, which is the biggest in Africa, would play a strategic role in boosting space science research on the continent.

Telescope is usually a tubular optical instrument for viewing distant objects by means of the refraction of light rays through a lens.

The director added that “the telescope will help the centre to carry out studies and monitor happenings in space and other areas of interest.

“Many developed countries achieved fast growth because of their exploits in space science research.’’

Opara commended the deputy senate president “for donating part of his constituency project fund to the centre to fund the construction and mounting of the telescope by engineers from the centre.”

On the insurgency in the country, the CBSS director called for the installation of cameras at strategic locations in the North

East and the Federal Capital Territory to assist security agents in surveillance.

He said “security agents are not spirits and cannot be everywhere at every time but with surveillance cameras, they will be able to play back and see what is happening in areas where they are

absent.

“Nigerians should see security as everybody’s business since security agents cannot do it alone.

“Nigerians must volunteer to give security agents useful information to tackle the present security challenges in the country.’’

MAIDUGURI - Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno said yesterday that the Boko Haram insurgents would not emerge victorious in their continued killing and maiming of innocent

- Gov Shettima

Nigerians.

Shettima stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri following the recent

Commends Gov’s Wife

women across the state.

“Honestly, she (Dankwambo) has empowered women, particularly the rural dwellers and less privileged, who were hopeless.”

Absolon said that with proper utilisation of the skills acquired by the women, poverty would soon be minimised in the state.

According to her, the association has verified the empowerment programme by inspecting the women in their various communities and they are

“They have burnt down many areas, especially the area of Christendom in Borno South and in the northern part of Adamawa, around Mubi, Michika, Madagali and other areas,” Byal said.

He said all Christians and the parents of the abducted girls had been praying ceaselessly for the girls to regain their freedom, urging the authorities to do more in freeing them.

“We pray to God about these girls. Their parents have been praying, and we have prayed along with them.

“I know that Nigerian security agents are capable enough to see this work done, except if we want to politicise it. We should get these children released immediately,” Byal said.

The cleric, who attended an Easter prayers rally at the CAN Centre in Gombe, called on Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of love, peace and care which Jesus Christ exemplified.

He bemoaned the havoc the insecure situation had done to Northern Nigeria in terms of lives and properties, particularly the North-East region.

The CAN official then called for more prayers from all to end the ugly situation.

Boko Haram Will Not Defeat Us

Women Empowerment: NAWOJ

GOMBE - The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has commended Hajiya Adama Dankwambo, wife of Gombe State governor, for empowering more than 7,000 women in the state.

Mrs Ruth Absolon, the Chairperson of the association in the state, made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.

She said that the beneficiaries were empowered in the last three years.

“The wife of the governor had empowered more than 7,000

GOMBE - The North-East Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government and security agents to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining abducted secondary school girls in Borno.

The Zonal CAN Chairman, Rev. Shuaibu Byal, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Gombe.

Byal said CAN as at Monday had on its records 83 school girls still with their captors.

He said the Federal Government and security agents should urgently reinforce and redouble efforts aimed at rescuing the girls.

“We don’t know what is happening to our girls up there in Chibok.

‘It is very unfortunate. But we are still aware that there are about 83 girls who are still out there. We were told just this (Monday) morning that two of them escaped from their captors.

“How they made it, we don’t know. Even, we don’t know what they are eating and how their life situation is.

“These people (insurgents) have burnt our seminaries in those areas. They have burnt down our churches.

doing well economically.

“Most of them have become employers of labour and they are equally supporting their husbands.

“If you empower a woman, you

empower a nation.”

She, however, called on the governor’s wife to give more attention to rural women in order to reduce the burden of poverty in the rural areas.

attack and abduction of some female students of the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSC), Chibok.

“They can burn our physical infrastructure, but they cannot destroy our souls.

“We are going to survive and rebuild our lives because truth will always triumph over falsehood,’’ he said.

He said that Boko Haram was an ideology built on falsehood which cannot stand the test of time.

Shettima described the abduction of the students as a national tragedy.

“The abduction of innocent girls is also a trial from God, and we will overcome it soon.

“Our hearts go to the parents of the abducted girls, because it is a tragedy that has befallen all of us,’’ he said.

Shettima expressed optimism that the girls would soon be rescued by security agents.

“Security agents are working very hard to rescue the girls.

Hopefully the girls will be rescued in a very short while,’’ he said.

Gombe Records Accident-Free Easter GOMBE - Mr. Kuteb Galadima, Sector Commander, Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) in Gombe State, said the command did not record any accidents in the area during the last Easter celebrations.

Galadima told newsmen in Gombe that the celebration was hitch-free.

“We have not recorded any case of road crashes during the period,” he said.

He attributed the development to awareness campaign embarked upon by men of the commission.

“My officers and men have been in patrol throughout the Easter to ensure accident-free celebrations,” he said.

He also said that the Easter celebration was low-key in the state due to security threats in the North-East as people did not travel much.

“The road was not as busy as before, the traffic was low compared to other festivities,” Galadima said.

The unit commander appealed to motorists in the area to always obey traffic rules.

Cross-section of Commissioners and top government officials at the opening of Information Technology Proficiency Training in Jos yesterday.

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South/South Foundation Supports Delta Governorship Aspirant WARRI (Delta) Director General, You and I Foundation, Mr. Oritsejolomi Uduaghan has described the chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme as a highly focused individual, saying this humble and dynamic Deltan is a natural successor to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

“If the succession is about continuity, keeping up the tempo of sustainable development and lifting the state and the people to the greatest heights, then Deltans have the answer in Dr. Ngozi Olejeme” In a statement issued in Warri to explain the backing of Olejeme by prominent Nigerians for the governorship of the state, Uduaghan said they opted for Olejeme, owing to her track record as the chairman of NSITF and her philanthropic activities.

“Olejeme has a cordial relationship with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. She has vision, moral fortitude, zeal, leadership, commitment and love for all. She enjoys the friendship of the leadership of the party and the confidence of the people and will definitely triumph in 2015” he said.

Continuing, he said “Olejeme is knowledgeable and straight forward. Her goodwill and philanthropy will see her through” He pledged to work hard to ensure the success of the NSITF boss in the state “We are working very hard to deliver the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket and the state to Dr. Olejeme. So we don’t want to be distracted” he said.

Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, a cousin of the current governor of the state and former special assistant to ex-governor James Ibori and Governor Uduaghan on special duties, argued that the NSITF boss was a detribalized Nigerian who is more acceptable in the country, particularly Delta State than some individuals parading as governorship aspirants.

“Olejeme is a consummate politician, proven administrator, a bridge builder, dogged fighter, grassroots mobiliser and crowd puller”.

He advised the people to embrace and rally round Olejeme for a better Delta State “This is another opportunity to redefine and redesign our future in a direction that would strengthen the bond of unity, foster the spirit of oneness, enhance development and promote good governance” he added.

Disengaged workers of Defunct Rivers State Oil Palm Plantation (RISONPALM) Ltd, protesting over the non-payment of their outstanding pension and gratuity in Port Harcourt yesterday.

2015: Delta South Backs NSITF Boss For Governor WARRI

(Delta)

-

Prominent sons and daughters of Delta South senatorial zone on Sunday made another concerted effort at charting a pathway towards ensuring responsible and accountable leadership in Delta State come 2015.

Meeting under the aegis of Itsekiri, Ijaw and Isoko Progressives in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, the leaders made some statements about the position of the three ethnic groups regarding the 2015 governorship election in the state. They also resolved to work against persons with questionable character and track record.

“Given the fact that Delta Central and Delta South have dominated the highest office in the state, Delta North shall produce the governor come 2015” they declared.

Emphasizing that democracy should empower all to aspire to public office; the leaders said the business of governance was far too serious to be entrusted in the hands of novices or persons with questionable character and track record.

“Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, a member of the Subsidy ReInvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), is a woman of high integrity and high principles. She is a great administrator, seasoned technocrat and a lover of people.

She is well entrenched in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She is our choice and will be governor of Delta State in 2015” the leaders said.

In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Mrs.

Rosemary Clark, the leaders described Olejeme as “a political institution in Nigeria and an ardent believer in the policies and programmes of the present administration” The leaders called on the people from Delta North to unite, speak with one voice and strongly resist any political arrangement that will deter the area from getting the governorship slot in 2015.

They also implored Olejeme to continue her good work.

“Olejeme has endeared herself to development conscious Nigerians as a veritable model.

In NSITF and other institutions, she has empowered several people and cemented an enduring friendship with people from all walks of life”.

They urged Deltans, irrespective of ethnic and cultural persuasion to join hands with men and women of good conscience to make Olejeme governor in 2015.

The leaders who also

full scale, to effectively deal with the violence in the states.

“We urge the Federal Government to seek military and technical support from members of the international community with a view to dealing with the current realities and restoring

normalcy in the North-Eastern region.

“FJHD also calls on the Federal Government to declare a full scale state of emergency in the affected states by dismantling all existing democratic structures and appointing military

commended the cordial relationship existing between the governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Dr. Olejeme, advised spin doctors not to waste their time.

“Olejeme, who doubles as Board Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Trust Fund Pension Plc, is capable of consolidating on the gains so far made in Delta State” the leaders said.

Insecurity: Group Advises FG To Seek International Assistance

WARRI (DELTA) - The Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence (FJHD) has advised the Federal Government to seek technical support from the international community, to curb violence and insurgency in parts of the country.

The advice is contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the forum, Mr Oghenejabor Ikimi, and made available to newsmen in Warri.

It also asked the government to urgently upgrade the current partial state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, to a

Workers resuming after the Easter holiday at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja yesterday.

administrators to oversee those states,” it said.

Ikimi further implored the government to adopt new proactive strategies to end the violence, which he noted, was threatening the stability and growth of the nation.

Uduaghan Urges Nigerians To Complement Govt’s Effort

By BETTY IDIALU WARRI (DELTA) - With the security challenges being experienced in the country, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has called on Nigerians to complement government’s effort at combating insecurity by being vigilant about strange movements and personalities in their environment.

The Governor made this known while , speaking at the Easter Sunday Service of the First Baptist Church, Warri. He tasked parents to take responsibility towards moulding the character of their children and wards to forestall the tendencies for them to engage in criminal activities.

Dr. Uduaghan who condemned the Nyanyan Garage bombing in Abuja, the Chibok, Borno State students’ abduction and other negative incidents in the country noted that the Federal and State Governments were doing their bests to deal with the rising insecurity.

According to him, the citizenry and parents also have

tremendous roles to play in stemming the rising insecurity, explaining that there was the compelling need for people to be watchful and vigilant.

The governor while admitting that Delta State was facing the challenge of herdsmen whose activities have prevented some farmers from going to their farms, however said adequate measures have been put in place to tackle the problem.

He added that the already inaugurated committee on the movement of cattle rearers in the state, indicated that the state government would in the coming days take drastic measures to curtail the excesses of herdsmen.

“Those who will come and will not make us comfortable, we will not allow to stay. Those who will come and will give us problem we will not allow them to stay.

“So when you see me acting, please know that whoever you see me taking that action against is somebody that I am not comfortable with coming to stay in our midst.

“These are very trying times.

Yes there is much the

government can do. But there is a lot you can do as parents. What role are you playing as a parent’” he said.

He informed that the state government has discovered with sadness that boys who call themselves, ‘nyash’, ranging between ages 15 to 18 years now rent rooms at Enerhen Junction, Warri and engage in homosexuality with their male clients at night.

Uduaghan observed that most of the crimes and deviant behaviours have their origin traced to the form and nature of values their parents and guardians inculcated in them.

“So my Easter message to us today (Sunday) is to plead with us to take some responsibilities.

To pay more attention to our immediate family especially our children” overnor Observed that the clean up exercise in Warri and environs has become necessary because of the negative impression about the City as a city of caravans filth and pleaded with residents of the area to join hands with government in cleaning up the area.

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South-West Murder: Tout Remanded In LAGOS - An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, has remanded a suspected tout, Ismaila Folorunsho, at Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos, over alleged murder of a motorcyclist.

The Magistrate, Mr. K.O. Ogundare, who did not take the plea of the accused, ordered that the accused should be kept behind bars

Prison

pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Reports state that Folorunsho, 28, who lives at No.21, Adeleye St., SariIganmu, is facing a charge of murder.

Earlier, the prosecutor,

Sgt. Cousin Adams, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 2, 2013 at about 11.30 p.m., at SariIganmu.

He alleged that the accused had been extorting motorcyclists and operators of tricycles in the area before the incident

occurred.

“On the fateful day, the deceased, one Mr. Dayo Arogudade, refused to give the accused money which led to an argument.

“The accused consequently stabbed the deceased with a broken bottle on the head.

“The deceased was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.

“Folorunsho fled the scene and relocated to Badagry where he was later arrested by the police,’’ Adams said.

He said the offence contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The magistrate adjourned the case to May 12 for mention.

Maharaji Seeks PartTime Parliamentary IBADAN - The leader System of a religious group, Satguru Maharaji, has advocated part-time parliamentary system in order to reduce the cost of governance in the country.

Maharaji made the suggestion in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan. “ I commend President Goodluck Jonathan for convening the ongoing conference which will allow the people to sit down and fashion out the way to right the wrongs in

Cleric Urges Christians To Shun Immoral Acts

A drama group from Government Secondary School, Obu-Ama performing at the opening of Port Harcourt World Book Capital in Port Harcourt yesterday.

ILE-IFE (Osun) Pastor Samuel Akinsulure, the Chairman, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Ife District Coordinating Council(IDCC), has urged Christians to abstain from all forms of immoral acts.

Akinsulure gave the advice during the Galilee Service on Mountain Alakowe, in Ile-Ife. He said that Christians needed to commit themselves totally to Jesus Christ by living a meaningful life.

According to him, Christians should allow the power of resurrection to revive

and sustain them to serve God wholeheartedly.

He called on them to repent over their sins so as to benefit from the salvation, blessing, joy and deliverance that resurrection of Jesus brought into the world.

According to him, there is need for Christians to accept the Holy Spirit and allow same to be directing them to do the right thing.

Akinsulure urged them to prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ, adding that only those who believed in His resurrection, would have their path in the Kingdom of God.

the country. “ While I remain optimistic that it will be fruitful, I am advocating a part-time parliamentary system for the country,’’ he said.

He that such system would also allow legislators to develop themselves and relate well with their constituencies.

Maharaji also called for a Nigerian-oriented federalism instead of the American model which he said was too costly.

He urged delegates at the conference to embrace resource control, justice, fair-play, love, honesty and total commitment to humanitarian services while jettisoning religious and personal prejudices.

Marahaji also called for the involvement of traditional rulers in governance, saying they would help in promoting good governance.

He further called on INEC to ensure security of votes, insisting that “ the people must elect their leaders through votes that count.’’

Speaking on the planned Ekiti and Osun polls, he urged the people to vote wisely and eschew violence.

Insurgencies: Solution Lies In Peace Conference, Not Nat’I Confab - Agoro

IBADAN - The recurring Boko Haram and other insurgencies in Nigeria can only be resolved through the convocation of a National Peace Conference and not the on-going National Constitutional Conference, a former Presidential contender in the country, Dr. Olapade Agoro has said.

Agoro, in an interactive session with journalists in

Ibadan over the weekend lamented the spate of killings across the country concluding that “Nigeria is presently on fire”.

He also faulted the composition of the on-going National Confab which he described as selective and not truly representative of all interests in the country.

“Who is representing the Boko Haram at the Confab?

Whatever you say there is not binding on them.

In the same vein, who is representing the Fulani herdsmen, the oil bunkerers, the kidnappers, the Egbessus, the Bakassis and the MASSOB at the Confab?,” Agoro retorted.

While maintaining that a National Peace Conference would proffer an enduring solution to the insurgencies in

the nation, Dr. Agoro expressed the hope that those behind Boko Haram, Bakassi, Egbesu and other allied interest groups would definitely show up to formally express their grievances and the way forward by the time such a peace dialogue is convoked in the country.

Commenting on the national polity, Dr. Agoro expressed concern that with

President Goodluck Jonathan’s pronouncement in Kano last Tuesday, the President had underscored the fact that electoral process in Nigeria has been monetized saying he may be compelled to go to court and challenge President Jonathan on his involvement in money politics.

“Jonathan has just told the world that he sent money for people to move round here and

there. I may go to Court on this. I will challenge him to explain how much he spent.

Where he got that money from. And which National Assembly mandated him to send money to Kwankwanso to be distributed among voters.

“With this revelation, Jonathan has just told us that the electoral process is monetized; and that if you do not have money to throw out, you can never be elected. He has caught himself in the net

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Lagos Traffic Low On Lagos Roads

FG Confiscate N38m Unwholesome Fish LAGOS - Officials of the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) confiscated 95.7 tonnes of unwholesome fish worth N38 million for destruction.

Reports say that the stock were seized fish from the cold rooms of Premium Sea Foods Ltd., Iganmu, and Bexolac Sea Foods Ltd., 10, Old Ojo Road, Lagos/ Badagry Expressway.

The stock comprised mostly of herring, Alaska pollack and mackerel imported from Russia.

Mrs. Foluke Areola, the Acting Director of Fisheries, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, told newsmen that the exercise was inline with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.

Areola said that one focus of the agenda was to prevent importers of food products from bringing unwholesome fish into the country.

“The aim of this exercise is to protect the health and lives of Nigerians.

“It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that anything that goes out for consumption is safe and of the highest quality.

“We have a total of 4,738 cartons of different species of unwholesome fish. They will be destroyed and the companies will pay the cost of destroying them.”

She expressed displeasure at the poor quality of fish products that found their way into the markets and warned the public against buying them.

“Any fish with sunken eye, soft body on being depressed with the finger and discoloration are physical signs that the product has gone bad.

“Such fish are hazardous to human health and should not be

consumed,” she said.

Reacting to the development, Alhaji Tajudeen Olalere, the General Manager of Premium Sea Foods Ltd., said the company was not aware that some of the fish were unwholesome.

“I think the problem is from our exporters. But we will carry out an investigation to determine where the problem came from,” he said.

Similarly, a representative of Bexolac Sea Foods Ltd., Mr Rasheed Olajide, said that handling at the sea ports contributed to the unwholesomeness of the fish.

Olajide added that his company was ready to comply with the new regulations of the Federal Department of Fisheries.

Cars parked by workers as they resume work after Easter holidays in Lagos yesterday.

LAGOS - Some politicians in Lagos have criticised the plan by the House of Representatives to amend “all extant and archaic laws’’ in the Constitution.

The politicians told newsmen that the lawmakers had every opportunity to have done so before now.

Their reaction came on the heels of a statement credited to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha.

Ihedioha had said the Speaker, Malam Aminu Tambuwal, had directed the National Institute of Legal Studies (NILS) and House Committee on Justice to initiate a wholesome review of archaic laws.

The Deputy Speaker spoke at a roundtable discussion on Law

Reform in Nigeria, organised by NILS, in collaboration with the National Assembly’s Committees on Judiciary and Justice in Abuja.

He said there were many laws made by the military which have become obsolete and were inconsistent with one another.

In reaction, the founder of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr Frederick Fasheun, said the House of Representatives’ members wanted to make the National Confab less powerful.

“Those who are making such a suggestion want to undermine the integrity of the confab.

“They have been in the House for many years and nothing stopped them from going for a total review of the Constitution if they found it unacceptable.

“Nothing stopped them from

Politicians Rap Planned Review Of Constitution calling a meeting of members to say ‘look, all these laws are not good for the country’,” he said.

Fasheun advised the lawmakers to allow the confab delegates to concentrate and deliver on their mandate.

Also speaking, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr Denis Aghanya, also aligned himself with Fasheun’s position that the lawmakers’ action would undermine the confab’s outcome.

“To the lawmakers, the confab is trying to take away their activity and make less powerful their integrity,” he said.

Alhaji Yahaya Ndu of the Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria (PMNN), a political group, however advised the lawmakers to avoid creating a

A man helping residents of Ijegun and Isheri-Oshun to cross a wooden bridge on Isolo road in Lagos on Monday.

scene which would cause confusion in the country.

He said even before President Goodluck Jonathan’s approval of a National Conference, it was the place of the National Assembly to convene a National Conference.

“This is something which they failed to do,’’ Ndu said.

He said the lawmakers should have made a law empowering a National Conference and stating the exact modalities and how the proceedings could be turned into law.

LAGOS - Traffic was light on many roads in the Lagos metropolis as residents stayed indoors to mark the Easter celebrations.

Many roads, including the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Funso Williams Avenue, Ikorody Road and Mile 12Ketu Road were virtually deserted with few motorists plying the roads.

A commercial motorist, Mr. Ayodele Ogunmuiwa, told newsmen that business had been low for him since the Easter celebrations.

He, however, expressed happiness over the free-flow of traffic in the city, saying that things were moving “sharp-sharp’’ on the roads.

The cab operator said that the prevailing security situation must have forced many Lagos residents to stay at home.

A commuter, Mrs. Babian Uche, said she was happy that transporters did not increase transport fares.

She commended the Lagos State Government for providing free Bus Rapid Transit vehicles from Mile 12 to Tafawa Balewa Square to convey fun-seekers to the Lagos Island to catch fun.

NIWA Introduces Passengers Manifest was making efforts to At Jetties authority make boat operators in the state LAGOS - The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has introduced commuters manifest at jetties in Lagos, an official said.

The official, Mr. Mu’azu Sambo , the authority’s Lagos Area Manager, told newsmens that the manifest would assist in getting information on commuters in case of mishap.

“We introduced the use of manifest at our jetties following the recent boat mishap at Majidun in Ikorodu, that was attributed to overloading.

“The manifest would help in checking overloading, providing names of commuters, point and time of embarking and disembarking, next of kin, as well as their cell phone numbers.

“Such information is necessary in case of any mishap considering the peculiarity of this mode of transportation,” he said.

Mr. Olayinka Marinho, Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) also told newsmen that the

adopt the use of passengers’ manifest.

Some commuters at the C.M.S Ferry jetty, who spoke to newsmen, commended the introduction of manifest at the jetties, saying that it would help the authorities identify casualties in the case of any mishap.

Mrs. Amaka Ezeala , a civil servant , said that the use of manifest would also help in checking overloading by commercial boat operators.

“Some greedy boat operators tend to overload their boats when there are many passengers.

“I use the ferry regularly because I work at Apapa Wharf and live on the Island, I frown at overloading but other commuters see me as a bad person whenever I complain”, Ezeala said.

Another commuter, Mr. Titus Morakinyo , a civil servant, also commended the introduction of the manifest, saying it would enable the authorities have information on commuters in case of mishap.

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Across The Nation Cleric Tasks Nigerians On Peace, Tolerance CALABAR - The Spiritual Head of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Olumba Olumba Obu, has called for peace and tolerance among Nigerians.

Obu made the call at the end of one-week program organised by the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in Calabar.

According to him, the event, Salt of the Earth, with the theme “Preserving and dispensing the Savoury taste of Christ”, was aimed at seasoning Nigerians from decay and corruption.

“You must be prepared to give up ideologies, abstain from the desires of self indulgence and give up hatred, strife, self

LG Partners Private Sector ILORIN - Alhaji Maruf Thani, the Chairman of Isin Local Government Council in Kwara, says the council has entered into public-private partnership in meaningful ventures to increase its revenue.

Thani disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in llorin.

He said the measure was aimed at increasing the council’s revenue base to make it less dependent on monthly allocations from the Federal Government.

The council chairman said that the initiative would be a way of delivering democracy dividends to the people.

“My administration has keyed into public- private partnership as a veritable means of finding a lasting solution to the shortage in funding,” he said.

According to Thani, his administration has creditably fulfilled its electioneering promises of improving the infrastructure and developing the education, health, road and transport sectors.

The Chairman said that modalities had been put in place to boost economic activities in the local government through viable initiatives in agriculture.

He also said that the council had carried out empowerment and vocational training programmes for youths and women.

Thani, a former Special Assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Budget Implementation, assured that all projects, started by the council, would be completed in due course in spite of financial challenges.

He called for patience and support of the people to allow the dividends of democracy to get to them.

Thani said the council would soon commence commercial garri production as a way of making more food available, accessible and affordable to the people in the area.

seeking, condemnation and hypocrisy.

“If you shun selfishness and embrace selflessness, you will surely become one with God and it is only then you will become the salt of the earth,” Obu said.

He urged Nigerians to always show love to other human beings and pray for peace in the country.

“No nation can prosper and develop without love, tolerance and peace among its people.

“Nigerians should uphold the teachings of God and desist from committing evil acts that could incur the wrath of God,” Obu said.

He called on the leaders in position of authority in the country to “remember that power is given to them by God and that it is temporary.

“Therefore, they should make the best use of it for the establishment of a society free of injustice, corruption and other vices affecting development in Nigeria,” Obu said.

He urged Christians to remember the recent victims of the acts of insurgency in their prayers and pray for safety of the girls kidnapped from their schools in Borno.

Obu also urged Christians to continue to pray for the country and those in power in accordance with the teaching of the Bible.

He assured Nigerians that government would continue to do everything within its powers to protect the lives and properties of all its citizens.

The Salt of the Earth is an annual event of the church which comes up every Easter and attended by members from all over the world.

Ethics:

NSCDC Tasks Media Practitioners

L-R: Traditional ruler of Awu Isuikwato Community, Chief Chris Aboh; Country leader, IPAS Nigeria, Dr. Ejike Oji and former Chief of Army Staff, retired LtGen. Azubuike Ihejirika at the presentation of Chieftaincy title to Oji at Ovim in Abia recently.

L-R: Chairman, NUJ, Enugu State Council, Mr. Louise Dellibe; Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Tony Ojobo and head of NCC Media, Mr. Rueben Mouka at a media interaction in Enugu recently.

Owerri Residents Call For Effective Waste Disposal

OWERRI - Residents of Owerri have called on the Imo Government to provide an effective way of refuse disposal, especially in residential areas of the city.

The residents told newsmen in Owerri that there was no effective waste disposal system in the state.

Mr Willy Nzuko, a landlord in Uratta, Owerri North Local Government Area, said tenants often used undeveloped plots as dumpsites because of the lack of better alternatives.

Nzuko said the closeness of the dumpsites to people’s houses had resulted in cockroaches and rodents infesting their homes.

“We have a serious problem with how to dispose our refuse, open plots are then converted into refuse dumps, regardless of the health risks involved.

“The plot next to my own is now a dumping ground for people here because the state government has not made any serious waste disposal effort.

“Our houses are infested with cockroaches and rats and because it is still a developing area where we have plots that are bushy, snakes come after these rats and even invade our houses, not to

talk of germs which we do not see,” he said.

Nzuko urged the state government to create legal dumpsites in residential areas which would be evacuated regularly.

Another resident, Mr Steve Nwulu, said the people in the area often sneaked out in the night to dump refuse because the dumpsites they used were illegal.

Nwulu said the bins provided by the state government were too few and far from many residential houses and called on the government to provide more bins closer to residential areas.

Mr Ejike Nwigwe, a guard in Egbu in Owerri North Local Government Area, complained about the distance between legal dumpsites and residential areas.

“Part of my duty as a security man is to carry away refuse from the compound where I live and it is not easy.

“After I was arrested for throwing refuse in an illegal dumping ground I started using the government dustbins but they are not close to where I live.

“The refuse I handle is from

six flats and the distance is very far,” Nwigwe said.

Mr Kemdirim Mezue, a civil servant, suggested the provision of private bins for every compound.

Mezue said the government could work out an arrangement with residents who would buy the bins from the state Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO).

He also suggested that refuse evacuation trucks should make

rounds two or three times a week to collect refuse for a small fee.

Mezue noted that this could also improve internal revenue generation for the state.

When contacted, the General Manager of ENTRACO, Mr Henry Ike, said the commission had started to acquire environmental sanitation equipment to ensure proper cleanliness and a healthy environment.

Ike said that strict measures would be put in place to ensure people complied with refuse disposal guidelines so as to stop proliferation of illegal dumpsites.

UMUAHIA - The Abia State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has advised media practitioners in the state to abide by ethics of their profession.

The state commandant, Mr Ben Dikuro, gave the advice in statement.

Dikuro was reacting to a media publication in a national daily which claimed that officers of NSCDC in Abia manhandled a journalist in Umuahia.

The statement, signed by Mr Victor Ogbonna, the Public Relations Officer of the command and made available to newsmen in Umuahia, described the publication as “false and mischievous”.

According to Dikuro, preliminary investigation conducted by the command showed that no officer of the command was at any time involved in any problem with a journalist, let alone manhandling one.

“In the said publication, one Adeh J. K. was named as NSCDC officer who brutalised the media man, Mr Chidi Asonye.

“Nowhere can one find such name in the records of NSCDC in Abia State Command,” he said.

Dikuro said that the media and security operatives were performing sacred duties, especially in the face of current security challenges.

“Any person with sinister motive to cause disaffection between the two organisations is being unpatriotic and should not be taken seriously,” he said.

Dikuro urged journalists to always cross check their facts before publication considering the consequences of their reports on the image of the nation.

He, however, announced a committee, headed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, to further investigate the matter with the aim of finding out the true position of the publication.

Dikuro said that the NSCDC, under the headship of the Commandant General, Dr Ade Abolurin, had zero tolerance for misconduct and indiscipline.

He said that any person found culpable would be sanctioned.

Insufficient Gas Supply, Others Affect Power Distribution - Official JOS - Mr. Paul Ikwu, Head, Public Affairs Division of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), says destruction of electrical facilities and insufficient gas supply, among others, are responsible for inadequate power supply.

In an interview with newsmen in Jos, Ikwu said JEDC had, however, begun customer, meters and transformer audit to ease planning process towards effective power distribution.

“Generally, power generation

has been low, but we only distribute what is given to us; for now, we can only assure our customers of a judicious use of whatever power is supplied to us,’’ he said.

On reports that the company might relieve some of its workers of their duties, Ikwu said the company had not such a plan.

“There is nothing such as that; we even need more hands and cannot sack the experienced hands we need to function effectively,’’ he said.

He said that the management was surprised when the workers picketed the headquarters of the company recently on the rumours making rounds that the company planned to sack 1,000 workers.

“The transitional period for the new power investors expires on April 30 and management has interviewed the workers preparatory to their confirmation.

“The senior and junior workers were involved in that aptitude test; the idea is to determine their placement and not to sack them,’’ he said.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Abuja Kutigi Changes Confab C’ttees’ Venue

Traffic gridlock on Abuja-Keffi road due to military check-point at Kugbo in Abuja yesterday.

ABUJA - The National Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd.), has announced a change of venue for some of the confab’s standing committees, as deliberations at the committee level begin yesterday.

This is contained in a statement by Mr. Akpandem James, the conference’s Assistant Secretary on Media and Communications, on Monday in Abuja.

It said committees 11 to 20, hitherto scheduled to sit at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, would now hold their sessions at the NICON Luxury Hotel.

“The change in venue for the second set of committees became necessary because Sheraton will not be available for the number of days envisaged,’’ the statement said.

It, however, said committees one to 10 would hold their sessions at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the official venue of the conference, as earlier announced.

Group Donates Items To Persons Living With Disabilities ABUJA - The Sisters’ Wing, Church of the Assumption’s Catholic Charismatic Renewal at Asokoro in Abuja, donated several food and household materials to the Karmajiji community in the federal capital.

Reports state that the

community houses persons living with disabilities.

The items donated by the group included bags of rice, clothes, bags, biscuits, bags of salt, toiletries, cartons of Indomie noodles, slippers, drinks, baby car

seats, among others.

Mrs. Blessing Egbuna, the group’s leader, said they were at the community to share their Easter love with persons living with disabilities.

Egbuna who is also a pharmacist, told newsmen that the group were there to also share God’s glory with the members of the community.

“Today is Easter Monday,

and we came to share with the poor and the vulnerable. God wants us to visit the poor and that is what we have done today.

“I and every member of the group are happy, because by coming here, seeing these people and sharing with them, we have received our blessings too,’’ said Egbuna.

Water Project: World Bank Approves

ABUJA - The World Bank says it has approved a credit of 250 million US dollars to help the Nigerian Government continue its efforts to increase access to water supply services.

A statement in Abuja by the World Bank’s Communications Associate, Africa Region, Mr. Bamidele Oladokun, said the credit facility would also help to improve existing water utilities.

It said the project was important because it seeks to open up time for the poor to pursue education and income-generating activities.

“It will also give the poor the opportunity to help themselves out of poverty, instead of spending endless hours fetching water,’’ the statement said.

It added that the funds would target the poor, urban population living in the state capitals and their surroundings, and will benefit some two million people in Nigeria.

“This credit supports the Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Project and responds to the Government of Nigeria’s goal of developing more effective mechanisms for social service delivery, particularly water service, as a means to address inequities in income and opportunities.

“The funds will help rehabilitate and build the water delivery infrastructure and institutional systems needed to expand access to water supply services for people in selected cities in Bauchi state, as well as Ekiti and Rivers.

“A portion of the project is

$250m Credit

performance-based and will include incentives for improving the performance of the water supply institutions in the three states,’’ the statement said.

It stated also that the World Bank plans to provide technical and financial assistance to State Governments in Kano, Gombe, Benue, Jigawa, Ondo, Abia, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Plateau.

The statement said the assistance to these states was to help prepare them for large water supply investments that could be financed in the future.

“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources, tasked with providing sustainable access to safe and sufficient water to all

Nigerians, will also benefit from this.

“The ministry will be strengthened to monitor and benchmark the water sector’s performance,’’ it stated.

Alhaji Suleiman Katsina, the Emir of the Disabled Colony, Karmajiji, in his response expressed the community’s gratitude, saying the items donated would really help the members.

“I am grateful today and it’s my happiest day, because the people from the Church of Assumption came to the community to give gifts to the people living with disabilities.

“The members of the Church are truly people of God. I am sure they are the people serving their God. “I have seen it myself, and what I will do is to pray for them (the group’s members). God will bless them. Thank you very much for the job well done,’’ he said.

FCT Residents Not Compliant With Environmental Regulations - AEPB ABUJA – Mr. Titus Nwada, an official of Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), says activities of some residents of Abuja city centre are not compliant with

environmental regulations.

Nwada told newsmen in Abuja on Monday that in spite of enlightenment campaigns on how to maintain good environment, some residents had not changed.

Nigerian musician, Mr. Dapo Oyebanjo (aka. D’Banj), with a victim of Nyanya explosion, Mr. Jim Anthony, a Building Engineer during his visit to Asokoro district hospital in Abuja yesterday.

He said his duty as a team leader of the Special Environmental Squad of the agency had given him the privilege to observe that hawking was even on the increase in the city.

“We have been encountering challenges of non-compliance times without number; even we were attacked by suspected hoodlums while carrying out our operations recently.

“We have to look for more enforcement from the Divisional Police Officer in Area 1 before we could clear a section of Area 1,’’ he said.

Nwada said the situation would not deter his men from maintaining good environment to ensure the cleanliness of the city centre and other areas of FCT. He, therefore, urged the residents to cooperate with the task force to keep the city clean as directed by the AEPB. “We are doing this to ensure that people with questionable character are arrested and, of course, we have been arresting them.

“If we arrest drug peddlers and suspected criminals, we hand them over to the appropriate authorities,’’ he said.

Kutigi, in the statement, while apologising for the sudden change in venue, enjoined delegates to go straight to their respective venues as they resumed from the Easter break on Tuesday.

Newsmen reports that the confab chairman had stated last week given a hint of what was to come.

He had said two venues had to be created for the committees to sit because of inadequate Committee Rooms at NJI. Reports state that committees one to 10 include those of Devolution of Power, Political Restructuring and Forms of Government, National Security, Environment, Politics and Governance.

The others are Law, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Reform, Social Sector, Transportation, Science Technology and Development, and Agriculture.

Similarly, committees 11 to 20 include Civil Society, Labour and Sports, Public Service, Political Parties and Electoral Matters, and Foreign Policy and Diaspora Matters.

Others are Land Tenure and National Boundaries, Economy, Trade and Investment, Energy, Religion, Public Finance and Revenue, and Immigration and Related Matters.

Reports state that Kutigi had adjourned plenary indefinitely on Thursday, April 17.

He had then announced the names of the committees, as well as names of their chairmen, cochairmen and deputy chairmen.

The chairman urged delegates to, on resumption from the Easter break, break into committee sessions “to deliberate on crucial issues aimed at redressing certain imbalances in the Nigerian polity’’.

Reports also state that of the 20 committees, five are headed by two co-chairmen each, while the remaining 15 are headed by a chairman each and a deputy chairman.

Reports state that the conference’s Work Plan, which was also adopted on Thursday, indicated that committees’ work began yesterday April 22 and ends on Wednesday, April 30.

However, some of the delegates had argued that the time allocated to committee work was too short in view of the exhaustive and thorough job expected to be done.

Kutigi had, in response, advised delegates to first get down to work and that appropriate representation would be made to that effect, if it became necessary to extend the time.

He had explained that the Work Plan was drawn based on the time allotted to the conference by the Federal Government.

“Any attempt at arbitrary adjustment can be misconstrued by the general public,’’ the confab chairman had said.

Kutigi, however, assured that everything would be done to ensure that time was not a hindrance to the conference.

He urged delegates to properly articulate their points at the committees’ level and be open to suggestions from others.

Reports also state that the Work Plan indicated that the conference would produce and sign the final report between June 16 and June 19.

President Goodluck Jonathan had inaugurated the conference on March 17.

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Business + Economy New TETFUND Boss Pledges Transparency

ABUJA- The new Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Prof Suleiman Bogoro, has pledged to ensure sustained provision of vital infrastructure in tertiary institutions.

Bogoro, who made the pledge in Abuja in an interview with newsmen, said the organisation would not compromise in making the institutions better and well equipped to provide qualitative knowledge to students.

According to him, lack of basic infrastructure remains a major

challenge in tertiary institutions, and needed to be seriously addressed.

The Professor of Animal Science at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, pledged to ensure due process in running the affairs of the organisation.

“We believe we will remain focused in terms of basic targets and the judicious use of funds while following due process,” he

said.

Bogoro acknowledged the promptness with which companies pay part of their taxes to the Funs and expressed the hope that it would continue.

He described his appointment as a call to service, and thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for the opportunity.

Reports state that Bogoro was appointed as substantive executive secretary of TETFund on April 15.

Concessioned Ports Yielding Higher Revenue - Senate ABUJAThe Senate Committee on Commercialisation and Privatisation said concessioned ports have started yielding higher revenue for the country.

This is contained in a statement by Head, Public Communications, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Chigbo Anichebe in Abuja.

The statement said the Chairman of the Committee, Senator. Olugbenga Obadara, said this during an oversight visit to Tin-Can Island Port, Lagos.

In it, Obadara said the purpose of the concession had been achieved as services at the ports had significantly improved and were also contributing immensely to the revenue base of the Federal Government.

“The concession fees paid by the concessionaires contribute to the nation’s annual budget as against the pre-concession period when the Federal Government allocated huge sums of money to maintain the ports.

“The Federal Government through BPE concessioned the ports to ensure development and efficiency which in turn would yield high revenue for government as it is applicable in other countries with ports’’, he said.

Managing Director of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Alhaji Habib Abubakar said the authority was collaborating with the ports’ concessionaires to ensure that the ports were fully developed.

He said that a well developed port would bring about efficiency as well as guarantee high tonnage in import and export services which would lead to increased revenue for the federal government.

Abubakar added that the NPA was in the process of drawing up a 25-year development plan for the ports.

Earlier, Mr. Fulwood Bizzaro, a Port Facility Manager, said despite several challenges, the concessionaire had ensured strict adherence to the convenants it signed with the BPE and (NPA).

Bizzaro, the Port Facility Manager of Five Star Logistics Limited, concessionaire of Tincan Island Port, said the company had developed 16-17 square metres of land for container and cargo stacking to handle the increased vehicle importation in the country.

According to him, the development was in line with the concessionaire’s development plan for the port terminal.

General Manger of Josephdam Port Services Limited, Mr Dimon

Travers, said the recent five-year lease extension on Tin-Can Island Port Terminal would ensure additional development of the terminal.

He expressed optimism that at the expiration of the concession period, the terminal would had been fully developed and operated as a world-class terminal.

“Cargo throughput is expected to increase significantly in the next few years. In the first quarter of 2014, there was a 29 per cent increase as against the 12.6 per cent in 2013’’, he said.

Travers said his company had remitted all throughput and lease fees to the NPA up to the first quarter of 2014.

It will be recalled that the federal government in May 2006

concessioned Tin-Can Island Port Terminals for a period of 10 years.

In March 2014, the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) approved the extension of the concession period by five years.

L-R: Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State (left), condolling with Sen. Babayo Gamawa over the death of his father in Gamawa, Bauchi State on Sunday.

With them is the President, Small Scale Entrepreneurs, Alhaji Sunusi.

FG Approves Fuel Import Allocation ABUJA- The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, has approved 1.85 million tonnes of petrol import allocation for two quarters, covering January to June, a statement said.

The statement was issued by the Group General Manager,

Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Mr Ohi Alegbe, in Abuja.

The statement said the minister also declared operation zero fuel queues and established structures to ensure round the clock availability of petrol across the country

It said the minister had put in place measures to ensure full compliance with the aspiration of zero fuel queues across the country.

“Under the arrangement, the minister has approved the allocation of a total volume of 1.85 million metric tonnes of petrol as supplementary

FAO Warns Seed Companies ABUJAMs Louise Sethswaelo, the FAO Country Representative in Nigeria, has urged companies selling grains instead of seeds to farmers to desist from such fraudulent act as it leads to low yields.

Sethswaelo made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, against the background of the ongoing efforts to improve service delivery in the seeds sector.

Reports state that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the FAO, is

currently undertaking a review of the Seed Act and Seed Policy, with a view to addressing the challenges facing the sector.

The FAO representative said that an effective seed system would enhance quality service delivery in the sector as it would address the ongoing practice of selling wrong seeds to farmers in some cases. “ The farmer does not get much on the field in just planting grains but when they have actually paid for seeds.

“When it is grains, it should be sold as grains because seeds

have higher value; so if they pay more for something that is actually grains, it is not fair on the farmers.’’

She, therefore, stressed the need to sensitise farmers to enable them to have right information on varieties of seeds to plant for optimal production.

Sethswaelo said that the review of the Seed Act became imperative to fill the existing gaps in the production, testing, distribution and sale of seeds in the country.

According to her, the process

Catholic faithful taking Holy Communion at the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, Gwagwalada in Abuja recently.

of reviewing and updating the Seed Act, Seed Policy as well as the assessment of the capacity of the national and regional seed testing laboratories is currently being done by some experts from the UN agency.

“What we are looking forward to after the completion of the review of the Seed Act is for the lawmakers to look at it quickly and pass it as soon as possible so that this can be implemented. “ The important thing for me is for seed system to work; the seed laboratories need to be supported and the work of the people doing the seeds inspection needs to be supported.’’

On the issue of genetic engineering in agriculture, she said: “We (FAO) do not have anything against it because we believe it can be used to improve agricultural productivity.

“But whoever is selling GM Seeds, must disclose that it is GM Seeds for buyers to know the type of seeds they are buying.

“In terms of replanting GM seeds, it is not advisable; when you replant, the production goes low and this is not only GM Seeds but also hybrid seeds.

“From time immemorial, farmers have been saving their seeds to replant; there is nothing wrong about that but they have to select varieties that are doing better.’’

She advised farmers not to replant GM seeds and other types of seeds in order to get maximum results in their production.

volumes for first quarter 2014 and second quarter 2014 June only delivery.

“The supplementary volume for first quarter quota is 750, 000 metric tonnes and the second quarter June only volume is 1.11million metric tonnes,” it stated.

The statement said the first quarter supplementary volume was designed to complement the earlier allocation in addition to covering any under delivery by marketers due to unforeseen financial challenges.

It said second quarter (June only) quota was in consonance with the national consumption pattern of 40 million litres per day.

It also noted that the second quarter quota also captured a 23 per cent upper tolerance in the event of default or slippage into July.

“There are 27 oil marketing companies with proven performance records enlisted in respect of Q1 deliveries.

“For Q2, there are 40 marketers with good performance records and whose facilities are functional.

“The idea of June only is to revert back to the normal quarterly sequence, i.e. JulySeptember and OctoberDecember,’’ it said.

It said that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA had inserted a provision in the allocation document.

It said that the provision allowed for the deduction of equivalent volume from the defaulting marketer’s subsequent allocation in event of slippage or default.

It said the ministry was working in concert with other relevant downstream operators to ensure the realisation of the zero fuel queues aspiration of the minister.

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THE global corruption watchdog, Transparency International, recently ranked Nigeria as the 35th most corrupt nation in the world. THE Corruption Perception Index 2012 released recently revealed that Nigeria scored 27 out of a maximum 100 marks to clinch the 139th position out of the 176 countries surveyed for the report.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is disturbed about this ranking which has become an annual humiliating ritual. We are also disturbed about the unimpressive remarks of the anti-graft watchdog. Our worries are heightened by the revelation that Nigeria, sharing the position with Azerbaijan, Kenya, Nepal and Pakistan, is said to have remained entrenched in corruption without making much progress to fight the menace.

IT is sad that Since 1995 when TI commenced annual CPI publication, ranking countries by their perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys, Nigeria has not fared better in fighting a menace widely believed to be responsible for the impoverishment of vast majority of its populations and underdevelopment of the nation at large.

IT is shameful that instead of facing the issue with the zeal and equanimity that it deserves, the authorities in Nigeria is grandstanding and mouthing its citizens whom they accuse of being responsible for the countries annual dismal outing.

IT is quite reprehensible that the CPI 2012 confirmed recent media reports that President Goodluck Jonathan lied

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Nigeria’s War Against Corruption to the citizens when he claimed in his Independence day broadcast on October 1 that Nigeria was rated second after the United States by TI. TI’s denial of issuing such a report even paints Nigeria in black colours.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is displeased that the report particularly criticized Jonathan for paying lip service to anti-graft war and not showing enough drive to fight corruption, especially corruption involving past and current actors in his administration.

IT is equally shocking to note that the anti-corruption watchdog carpeted President Jonathan for his reluctance in promoting transparency by failing to publicly declare his assets. The mere claim that he declared his assets alongside his late boss, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007 is not enough ground for him not to declare his assets immediately he was sworn in as President for another four year tenure.

IT is obvious that ranging from the monumental fuel subsidy scam to the massive corruption uncovered in pension administration as well as the scams at the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Public Enterprises, many Nigerians have already rated the

Jonathan-led administration very low in the fight against corruption.

GOVERNMENT cannot deny the fact that its officials, including some of President Jonathan’s associates have been named in the brazen theft of public funds. Sons of both a past and incumbent national chairmen of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party were indicted and are currently facing trial for robbing the country of several billions of naira under the fuel subsidy regime.

Oil block licensing scam and widespread corruption and stealing in the oil industry suggest that Nigeria is far from combating graft.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER expects the President’s aides to face the issues raised by Transparency International.

The Ministers of Finance and Information, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Labaran Maku should stop insulting Nigerians who they accuse of volunteering information used by the watchdog. The present administration should rise up and progressively fight corruption in Nigeria, NAME calling, back biting, accusations and counter accusations would not in any way help at this time. The anti-corruption agencies should be made independent and autonomous so that they can get their revenue directly from the consolidated federation account. They must be allowed to do their jobs and stop being used as instrument for the persecution of perceived political enemies.

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Power Distributed Generation: WEARY of the trite cacophonic complaints that have failed to bring any succor from the pains of poor and inadequate electricity supply and the regular grid outages, Nigerians have resorted to personalized efforts at power generation. Today nearly every Nigerian household and business concern owns at least one overworked fossil fuel electricity generating set that serves to generate needed power at the numerous outages, albeit unsatisfactorily.

Even though the intensified commendable efforts of the current Federal Government has within a short period increased generation significantly, the current total generation level of less than 6,000 megawatt; remains far from satisfying the basic power needs currently estimated at over 20,000MW, nor has it resolved the regular outages.

Electricity generation from renewable energy sources has become a significant complementary input of total grid stock of many countries.

Renewable energy is generally defined as energy that comes from nature’s resources, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, biological and geothermal sources, all of which on a human timescale, are continually replenished. In most developed economies where conventional aggregate generated electricity is usually way above all needs, intensive efforts are still continually being made at boosting electricity generation from

An Overlooked

Electricity Provision Solution

renewable sources. The trend today, is that each country explores the potentials of viable power generation from its most viable renewable energy resource available. All efforts that appear as undue fuss on electricity generation from renewable energy sources in the developed economies are strategically patterned into veritable sources of significant portion of total utility electricity stock.

Until only very recently, most publicized efforts at power generation in Nigeria have generally been directed at the conventional electricity generation technologiesHydro, Fuel/Gas and Coal fired thermal sources.

Today, there are no significant renewable energy utility-scale electricity generations in Nigeria. There has however been some recent publicized attempt at commercial generation of electricity from solar PV technology.

Over time, as result of strategic implementation of well Distributed Generation (DG) programs, most developed countries have achieved significant levels of electricity generation from small sized renewable energy holdings.

Distributed Generation (DG) is a scheme that employs small sized units typically in the range of 3 kW to 10,000 kW owned by private citizens or bodies primarily to generate electricity for direct consumption needs, and with all excess

By MAX O UANIKHEHI

generated over needs exported into the grid on established benefits.

Distributed generation is also known by many other terminologies as; on-site generation, -dispersed generation, -embedded generation, - decentralized generation, -decentralized energy, -distributed energy, -district energy or

greater number of small sized generating plants connected mostly to the distribution systems. Any observant visitor to some developed countries would notice numerous Solar PV installations on most roofs.

These roof top PV installations are electricity generation systems that serve the house needs with

Concentrated Solar Power CSP; Geothermal power and Biofuel energy. Solar PV electricity generation options is the most employed technology amongst most distributed generation schemes the world over because it lends to easy and uncomplicated electricity generation and management. In some developed economies, solar PV distributed generation

peak).

As at 2012, World’s leading 14 Countries in order of PV electricity generation are:- 1 st Germany 25,000 MWp; 2nd Italy 13,000 MWp; 3rd -USA 8,000 MWp; 4thJapan 4,500 MWp; 5 th Spain 4,000 MWP; 6 th China 3,200 MWp; 7th France 3,000 MWp; 8th – Czech Rep 2,500 MWp; Belgium 2,300 MWp; 10th

method is displacing the more costly grid electricity systems the use of solar photovoltaic cells (PV) to convert sunlight into electricity has been increasing by an average of more than 20% each year since 2002, making it a fastgrowing energy technology. Photovoltaic technology now employed in more than 100 countries, after hydro and wind power, ranks as the third most important renewable energy source in terms of globally installed capacity.

As at 2012, Total annual Photovoltaic Power generation worldwide was 102,200 MWp- (megawatt

Australia 2,000 MWp; 11th South Korea 1,800 MWp; 12th..UK 1,400 MWp; 13th Canada 00 MWp and 14th Greece 700 MWp. This data of PV electricity generation by some countries less-sun endowed, is a clear indication of the potentials of viable solar electricity generation for Nigeria.

Today Nigeria, a country in the prime sun-belt zone of the world, generates far less electricity from conventional technology than Japan, a temperate country, generates from sunlight.

Success of the DG

Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Minister of Power

distributed energy resource.

Distributed Generation, DG, brings a key change in the traditional power supply with the move from the relatively small number of centrally controlled large sized power stations connected to the transmission system to a

all excesses discharged into the distribution network.

These exactly may be aggregate household units of a Solar PV distributed generation scheme..

The main renewable energy technologies that can easily be employed in DG scheme include:- Wind power; Photovoltaic (PV);

“This data of PV electricity generation by some countries less-sun endowed, is a clear indication of the potentials of viable solar electricity generation for Nigeria.”

Continues on page 14

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Power Continued from page 13

scheme, in places established, is predicated on attractive policies and irresistible incentives to very willing participating generators of private citizens and bodies. Most governments have developed strategic energy directions employed to buoy and advance the renewable sector through the deployment of compatible regulation, policies and incentives that drive investment in the DG programs along the following lines.

A. DG POLICIES. 1.

Assured grid Connection and Purchase: by the utilities Companies.

2. Quota system (‘green certificates’): Set a minimum share of power to be produced from renewable sources 3. Renewable Portfolio Standard- RPS: Set a reasonable goal for solar electricity procurement in the service territories.

B. DG INCENTIVES. 1. Net-Metering (NEM).

• Credit earnings and Debit payments on difference between metered generation exported into the grid and metered consumption taken from grid 2. Feed In Tariff (FIT).

• Payment for all generated electricity even if consumed.

• A rebate on standard electricity bill for using energy produced • Additional benefits for electricity exported into the grid.

3. Rebates.

4. Tax Breaks.

5. Financing Beyond calling for investors in renewable energy, the Federal Government of Nigeria

must establish clear enabling policies and attractive incentives that will have many willing investors falling over each other for investments places in the sector. Total patronage as exist in most countries in EU, America, and Asia are traceable to the existing policies and incentives that have enhanced• investments in Distributed Generation of electricity.

With the enabling policies in place, all that would be required of the government (Federal/State) is to establish DG incentives that will create soft investment landings in the high cost renewable energy sector, especially in Solar PV technology, and help attract high patronage to the scheme. A clear example can be drawn from Japan in which according to a new report released by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), nearly 4,000 MW (4 GW) of new solar photovoltaic capacity was installed between April 1st and October 31st 2013 after the feed-in tariff incentive scheme was introduced.

Japan became the first country in the world to surpass the 1 GW of cumulative PV capacity back in 2004.

Japan’s total installed solar PV capacity as of October 31st 2013 was about 1.226 GW. Even though sunshine is in prodigious abundance throughout Nigeria which makes it an ideal place to freely exploit solar renewable energy resource, it is regrettable that Nigeria has yet to harness the benefits of its natural sun endowments to complement and boost its low electricity generation

... Electricity Provision Solution even as it has faced the chronic problems of inadequate power generation over many years. Italy and Japan, two countries with less sun features than Nigeria each generates more electricity from PV technology than Nigeria generates from all technologies put together.

Distributed Generation technology will thrive in mutual compatibility and as a compliment to all other existing power generating

than that derivable from other renewable energy options. .

The following highlights some positive features well implemented PV Distributed Generation will bring to Nigeria.

• DG scheme has the potentials to increase grid electricity level within a relatively short period.

4,000mw installed generation was achieved in Japan within 8 months.

• A prompt

efforts and would easily yield desired results within a short period in Nigeria.

• The huge participation interest generated by DG derives from the attractive irresistible incentives that flow from the firm policies developed by each implementing country.

• The participatory interest generated by DG incentives give rise to increased number of individual generation which results in substantial

* DG generation have no need for long distance transmissions and hence saves an economy the huge investments costs on maze of transmission lines construction and management.

• DG has the ability to localize, even personalize, the understanding of energy use.

• Every DG system owners appreciate electricity generation issues and tend to

efforts and would easily yield desired results within a short time in Nigeria. The best suited and recommended DG technology for Nigeria should derive from the solar Photovoltaic renewable energy option because Nigeria’s sun electricity potentials in all locations are more viable

implementation of PV driven Distributed Generation scheme in Nigeria holds no prejudice or threat to all existing solar electricity generation efforts.

• Distributed Generation technology thrives in mutual compatibility and compliments all other existing power generating

level of added grid electricity.

• DG saves on the enormous cost of labour and management of a single large-size conventional plant.

• DG completely rules out all problems associated with gas pipeline sabotage and vandalism.

• Unlike all conventional large grid electricity generating plants, a breakdown of a single localized DG system does not create a general systemic outage of the grid.

• Unlike all conventional large grid electricity generating plants, investment in DG systems are privately borne by individual owners;

understand the need for efficient power usage and management.

• A successfully implemented DG scheme will very promptly offer Nigerians as much satisfaction in electricity provision as the GSM technology provided in telephony.

Distributed Generation is an unduly overlooked scheme that remains overdue for implementation in Nigeria.

Given that Nigeria location presents the ideal solar PV ideal resource necessary, and there is a huge need to increase electricity generation, DG scheme remains a very apt complementing solution to all other ongoing efforts.

“With the enabling policies in place, all that would be required of the government (Federal/State) is to establish DG incentives that will create soft investment landings in the high cost renewable energy sector, especially in Solar PV technology, and help attract high patronage to the scheme.”

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Issues Opinion Encouraging Local Vehicle Assembly Plants

IN an effort to boost industrialisation and encourage local manufacturing in the country, the Federal Government established five vehicle assembly plants in the 1970s.

The plants were Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd. (PAN), Kaduna; Volkswagen of Nigeria Ltd. (VWoN), Lagos; Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO), Enugu; Styer Nigeria Ltd., Bauchi; National Truck Manufacturers (NTM), Kano; and Leyland Nigeria Ltd., Ibadan.

Less than 20 years after, some of the plants became moribund due largely to the effects of global economic recession of the 1990s and early 2000s, leading to the inability of the plants to cope with the challenges of import substitution.

The few surviving ones now operate at far less than their installed capacities.

A fresh pronouncement aimed at reviving the automotive industry through private sector participation was made recently by President Goodluck Jonathan.

This was during his visit to inaugurate Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM) plant in Nnewi, Anambra.

He noted that Innoson’s strides were in tandem with government’s economic policy of encouraging the development of the private sector.

“I am indeed happy that Innoson is not just assembling parts that are

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO

imported from other countries.

“From all indications, it is only the engine that is imported; apart from that, every other thing is manufactured in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, The Chief Executive Officer of Innoson, solicited government’s support through the formulation of enabling policies and creating a favourable investment climate.

“Mr. President, with adequate encouragement, we can go beyond our present level of operation; and when we operate fully, the auto plant alone can employ as many as 3,200 workers.

“Most of the raw materials were raised in Nigeria and all the car parts are made in Nigeria, except the imported engine blocks,’’ he said.

Mr. Aminu Jalal, Director-General, National Automotive Council (NAC), Abuja, appraised Nigeria’s automotive sector, saying that Innoson produced 1,600 units of vehicles in 2012, and called for more patronage for the company.

He said that the plant produced different models of vehicles, amounting to about 300 to 400 units per model.

He regretted that Nigeria spends about N600 billion annually on vehicle importations, adding that about 50,000 new and 150,000 used vehicles were imported into the

country yearly.

“Nigerians spend an average of N400 billion on the importation of passenger cars, and by the

something that is obtainable in India and other countries where it is easier to set up manufacturing plants than to import vehicles.

“The easiest way to do

disbursed seven billion naira in loans to vehicle manufacturers in the country under its auto development scheme.

He said that only five of the 10 companies that applied for the loans had accessed it, noting that PAN got three billion naira; IVM got one billion naira, while Dunlop (Nigeria) Ltd. received

President Goodluck Jonathan

time you add trucks and other vehicles, the amount Nigerians spend on imported vehicles will be running to N600 billion annually.

“The market is there; with this market, automotive companies will be willing to invest in the country. But the constraint is the low import duty which made the vehicles cheap.

“Our current policy structure encourages importation and discourages production.

“That is why we are trying to reverse it to

it is by putting in place a tariff structure that will discourage importation and encourage production of vehicles,’’ he said.

Jalal regretted that Nigeria’s import duty regime was not skewed in favour of local manufacturers in order to further encourage them.

“Nigeria’s import duty is 10 per cent for commercial vehicles and 20 per cent for cars; right now complete knock down (CKD) parts is imported at five per cent,’’ he said.

He said that NAC had

“He regretted that Nigeria spends about N600 billion annually on vehicle importations, adding that about 50,000 new and 150,000 used vehicles were imported into the country yearly.”

N1.2 billion.

Jalal said that the remaining amount was allocated to micro-finance banks for disbursement to other small and mediumscale industrialists.

He also said that the NAC had concluded arrangements to establish automotive test centres in the country where trained mechanics would effectively handle modern vehicles to ensure their durability.

He said that the project would boost the development of local content in the automotive sector.

“It will also not only ensure good operation and maintenance of Nigerian vehicles; it will also help to obtain capacity to conduct approval tests in vehicles.’’

Jalal said that the project would be done in two phases, adding that the feasibility and

consultancy aspects had been concluded.

He stated that necessary and appropriate approvals from government agencies had been obtained, adding that laboratories would be established in some parts of the country to fully realise the objectives of the project.

He said that the laboratories include a component testing laboratory, automotive material laboratory, emission testing laboratory, and a vehicle evaluation laboratory.

According to him, the council had trained some highly skilled mechanics on mechatronics programmes to man the centres.

Mechatronics is a combined training in mechanics, hydraulics, electrical/electronic and computer applications in modern vehicle operations.

Mr. Kolapo Odetoro, NAC’s Director, Industrial and Infrastructural Development, said that the council was collaborating with a Japanese firm to establish an autorecycling company for non-serviceable vehicles in Abuja.

“We have reached an advanced stage of negotiations for the establishment of an autorecycling company.

“The company which will be sited in Abuja is to serve as a model centre, and will be replicated in other parts of the country,’’ he said.

Analysts say more should be done to encourage indigenous auto companies to enable Nigeria join the league of developing countries known as vehicle manufacturing nations.

They include Thailand, South Korea, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Midweek Magazine DURING the 2012 Olympics games in London, it was the Paralympic Games that made Nigeria proud, as the country’s ablebodied athletes could not win any medals in the Olympics, causing great embarrassment for the citizenry.

The physically challenged athletes won six gold medals, five silver medals and two bronze medals at the Paralympics for Nigeria.

On their return home, each of the medal winners got cash rewards and a national honour — Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

That singular action portrayed the nation’s gratitude to the physically challenged citizens, even as there is no extant law that protects their interests.

Observers note in Nigeria, many persons with disabilities have become destitute; begging for alms in major cities and towns in a desperate attempt to survive and make ends meet.

They note that even though there are some special schools to train persons with disabilities, the schools are quite few and not available in all the states.

The observers also note that many of the persons with disabilities daily encounter varying degrees of embarrassment in public places due to the architectural designs of those places or some extraneous factors.

For instance, Mr John Okafor, a physically challenged person who uses clutches, always find it difficult to

conduct his banking transactions because he is not allowed to bring his clutches into banking halls.

As a way out of his predicament, Okafor usually carries out all his transactions from outside the bank via the help of others who, sometimes, cannot be absolutely trusted.

Similarly, Temitope Afolabi, a physically challenged student who sits on a wheelchair, usually finds it difficult to attend all her lectures because some of the lecture rooms are located in the upper floors of some buildings.

This is because Afolabi’s wheelchair cannot go up to these lecture rooms upstairs and in such cases, there is no ramp for her to wheel through.

The hapless girl has to depend on some “Good Samaritans’’ who offer to carry her up the stairs and when there is no one to help out; she just forgets about the lecture.

These two scenarios aptly depict the plight of many Nigerians who have physical disabilities and current statistics reveal that there are more than 22.5 million persons with various forms of disabilities in the country.

Analysts, however, insist that the government has not given priority attention to issues pertaining to this group of citizens.

Many of the persons with disabilities could not secure employment as they are largely seen as disabled and unfit to work. The few ones who are employed secured the jobs through extraordinary efforts.

Examining The People’s E

However, it appears that succour is fast coming the way of persons with disabilities, as some of the issues affecting them are beginning to gain more public attention.

This is because the Senate recently passed the “Discrimination against Persons with D i s a b i l i t i e s (Prohibition) Bill, 2014’’ which seeks to cater for the interests of persons with disabilities, while establishing a commission for them.

The bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Nurudeen AbatemiUsman (PDP-Kogi), aims at addressing issues relating to the p e r c e i v e d discrimination of persons with disabilities in the country.

The bill seeks to establish the National Commission for Persons with Disability and empower it, look after the education and health of persons with disabilities, while protecting their socioeconomic, civil and political rights.

The bill prescribes a fine of N1 million for corporate bodies that flout the law and N100, 000 or six months’ imprisonment or both for an individual who contravenes the law.

The bill’s approval came after the presentation of the report of the Senate Joint Committee on Sports, Social Development and Women Affairs by its chairman, Sen. Adamu Gumba (PDP-Bauchi).

Gumba said during the bill’s presentation that

over 10 per cent of Nigerians had one form of disability or the other.

“Over 10 per cent of Nigeria’s population is said to be disabled by sheer providence or accident and these people are daily confronted with several challenges.

“One of the most prominent among these challenges is the gross marginalisation of the people, occasioned by their discrimination on the basis of their infirmity.

“Therefore, one would agree that without the necessary legislation, the challenges which this set of people encounter would be difficult to overcome,’’ he said.

Observers, however, underscore the need to retain a clause in the original version of the bill which calls for a transitory period of five years within which all public buildings and structures should be made accessible to persons with disabilities.

The bill states that anyone who approves or directs the approval of a building that contravenes the building code will be liable to a fine of N1 million or two years’ imprisonment or both.

The joint committee also amended Clause 30 of the bill, which stipulates that five per cent employment should be reserved in all public organisations for persons with disabilities.

The committee took into cognisance the fact that some organisations

might have only two employees and, therefore, amended the clause to read that any organisation, which

has up to employees, sho reserve five per c

“The enlightened and people with disabilities stage even to the last m in signing the bill into

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Midweek Magazine

Expectation’s Of The Disability Bill

By FOLASADE FOLARIN

50 ould cent

slot for people with disabilities.

Reacting to this new-

development, some of the persons with disabilities stress that the bill’s passage is a welcome development,

as it would look after their wellbeing.

Mr. Paul Ihekwoaba, the President of Global Hope and Justice for the

d committed leaders of the community of s ought to be vigorously involved at every an (Mr. President) in the processes involved law.’’

Less Privileged, a nongovernmental organisation, said that the passage of the bill was a welcome development, even though it was long overdue.

He, however, stressed that the bill would be incomplete and would not serve any useful purpose unless pragmatic efforts were made to set up the proposed National Commission for Persons with Disability.

“The persons with disabilities should be assisted to participate in the election process; we will not compromise on the bill because our future lies on it.

“The bill is very important because it would give us a legal framework to address the issues of survival. It will provide a good environment for us to live and contribute to the socio-economic growth of our country,’’ he added.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mr. A u g u s t i n e Onwuamaegbu, the President, Persons with Disability Initiative Nigeria (PWDIN), commended the Senate for passing the bill, saying that it would make persons with disabilities “to heave sigh of relief’’.

He, nonetheless, called on the House of Representatives to also pass the bill for concurrence, saying that such a move would facilitate President Goodluck Jonathan’s assent to the bill.

He expressed the hope that the president

would speedily give assent to the bill, whenever it was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, considering his pledge to the persons with disabilities.

Onwuamaegbu stressed that the bill’s passage would give persons with disabilities a sense of belonging in the country.

He noted that at last, the campaign for the wellbeing of persons with disabilities, which had been on for years, had come to fruition.

All the same, Alhaji Abubakar Bobbo, the Chairman of the FCT chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disability (JONAPWD), said that the association would use advocacy to persuade Jonathan to sign the bill into law.

He, nonetheless, stressed that serious but civilised actions ought to be taken to speed up efforts to sign the bill into law.

“The simple truth is that we cannot physically force Mr. President to sign the bill into law; yet, we urgently need this law,’’ he added.

Bobbo said that the bill was designed to uphold democratic values, while respecting the human rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens with disabilities.

“In 1981, the Disabled People’s International (DPI) was established as a world umbrella body for all persons with disabilities. It came up with a slogan: ‘Nothing about us

without us’.

“The community of people with disabilities in Nigeria needs to get government to understand and respect this stand.

The proposed law is about us and it is for us,’’ he said Bobbo, a lawyer, said that the disability issues and culture remained an incomprehensible mystery to the public, including the experts who were working on the bill for the government.

“The enlightened and committed leaders of the community of people with disabilities ought to be vigorously involved at every stage even to the last man (Mr. President) in the processes involved in signing the bill into law.’’

As the country awaits the concurrent passage of the “Discrimination against Persons with D i s a b i l i t i e s (Prohibition) Bill, 2014’’ by the House of Representatives and the president’s assent to it, concerned citizens underscore the need to expedite action of the processes.

In particular, persons with disabilities argue that they should no longer be treated as destitute persons, insisting that “disability is not synonymous with destitution’’.

They emphasise that the time has come for other members of the society to treat them as equal stakeholders in the Nigeria Project along the lines of equality, mutual participation and respect.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Issues

Appraising The New ‘Soft Approach’ To Counter Terrorism

THE Office of the National Security Adviser, recently adopted a new ‘Soft Approach’ to tackle insurgency in the country.

The new approach is coming 14 months after the declaration of state of emergency in the three North- East states of Adamawa, Borno, Yobe as a result of menace of Boko Haram insurgents in the zone.

Retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, the National Security Adviser (NSA), who unveiled the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) said it was developed in collaboration with international partners, experienced academics and selected non-state actors.

Dasuki said that the strategy was developed taking into account the root causes of terrorism, adding that the approach was to understand the problem in order to apply appropriate solutions.

“What we have learnt is that there is not one particular path that leads to terrorism; rather, there are many often complicated paths that led to terrorism.

“The NACTEST seeks to prevent attacks before they happen by preventing our people from becoming terrorists in the first place.

“The soft approach to counter-terrorism has resulted in the development of a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) programme that is vertical and involves the three tiers of government -federal, state and local.

“The programme is also horizontal, involving civil societies, academics, traditional, religious and community leaders,’’ he said.

According to the NSA, the programme utilises existing structures within and outside government to deliver targeted programmes and activities that further the overall objective of stemming the tide of radicalism.

Dasuki said that the approach is divided into four streams.

“The first stream is the, de-

radicalisation of convicted terrorists, suspects awaiting trials, and those who might be released through court orders or such order from government arising from the ongoing engagement and dialogue with repentant terrorists.

“The second will move from government to society approach on counterterrorism thinking.

“The third will be building capacity through strategic communication for the military and law enforcement agencies.

“The fourth stream, based on our understanding of the economic root causes of terrorism and global best practice in addressing them, will be working with the governors of the six NorthEast states to design an economic revitalisation programme, targeted at the states most impacted by terrorism, “Dasuki said.

He said that through families, communities and faith-based organisations, resilience to violent extremism would be built.

According to him, every Nigerian has a role to play in countering violent extremism.

Dasuki stressed that the soft approach would provide the country a framework that identifies roles and responsibilities of every segment of the society.

He said that the office of the NSA was equally developing a monitoring and evaluation framework that would track implementation of each stream of the CVE programme.

The Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, said that as a follow up to the soft approach to counterterrorism, he had decided to draw attention to the imperatives of combating terrorism within the confines of the law.

“This is to allow the measures adopted by government to ensure that counter-terrorism process conform to dictates of the law.

“As the Attorney-General

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO of the Federation, I have to ensure that those involved in combating terrorism adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and human rights norms.

“Let me assure you of this

approach which is the military approach.

“The fact is that until now, we have only seen the military approach; we have not seen the non-military dimension.

commended,’’ he said.

Mr. Dominic Amaechi, a security analyst, said that engaging clerics and introducing economic empowerment programmes, would help to check insurgency in the country.

He said that government

reaching and telling them that what they are doing is anti-Islam.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who recently addressed North Central PDP leaders at State House, Abuja, said that the government was designing new security architecture to tackle insecurity in the country.

seemed to have realised that only military offensive could not solve the problem hence the need for deradicalisation.

“You will find out that the more force you apply, the more radicalised their foot men become, as they have been brainwashed to believe that they are fighting a holy war.

“It is a difficult task to fight with people whose minds have been prepared to die for what they were made to believe was a just cause.

“So, I think that deradicalising them will be the solution; highly trusted imams should be used in

“We are working very hard with the Office of the NSA to make sure that the security challenges that we have across the country, whether in Borno or the kidnapping in Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia and so on are addressed.

“We are coming up with different architecture that will deal with these insurgencies.

“As we progress, we will begin to bring the situation under control,” he said.

Nigerians expect that as promised by the president, the situation would be brought under control.

(NAN)

Nyanya bomb blast scene administration’s commitment to the observance of these existing norms in our counterterrorism efforts.

“We believe that it is only through strict compliance to these norms that confidence and support of the citizens, especially in the affected communities, will be assured,’’ Adoke said.

Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the Chairman, Governing Council, National Human Rights Commission, also applauded the new approach.

“You need the soft approach, de-radicalisation, investment in community resilience and education to complement the hard

“So, this is a positive thing, `new approach’ that we are beginning to see that there is this possibility and I think we should encourage it.”

He said the commission would work with the office of the NSA on how human rights could be included in the new approach.

In the same vein, a security expert, Mr. Mike Ejiofor, said that collaborating with the governors of the NorthEast states, would help in achieving results.

“The soft-approach coming from the office of the NSA should be

“You will find out that the more force you apply, the more radicalised their foot men become, as they have been brainwashed to believe that they are fighting a holy war. “It is a difficult task to fight with people whose minds have been prepared to die for what they were made to believe was a just cause.”

THE NIGERIAN

19

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Natural Medicine

With

Dr. MAO

08030717341

Menopausal Syndrome

MENOPAUSAL syndrome is the constellation of symptoms which menopause gives rise to in women.

Before we discuss them, let’s first of all know what menopause is. Briefly, menopause occurs when woman stop menstruation naturally in their postadult age of between 45 and 55years.

Before the onset of menopause, the woman experiences irregular menses and bleeding pattern.

Because some women are not prepared for the development, the experience traumatizes them. But it shouldn’t. Afterall, it is a natural event. Every menses with a beginning has an end. Life is a continuum.

Not all women experience menopausal syndrome.

Studies show that 35% of women don’t have it. In contradistinction, 65% of women encounter the syndrome.

Out of this, 15% of women have severe symptoms while 50% others suffer mild attacks of the syndrome.

The fundamental reason why menopause occurs is that when a woman approaches the median age of 50, ovaries shrink leading to a drop in or total stoppage of the secretion of a hormone called estrogen. Invariably, progesterone, a twin ovarian hormone, now predominates child-bearing is no more naturally possible as a result.

As I have said earlier on, menopause can be caused by the natural age progression of a women in her later years. However, there are unnatural reasons why menopause may step in. One of them is the surgical removal of the ovaries, maybe, because of breast cancer or other illnesses.

Below are the syndrome associated with menopause. Firstly, a woman begins to experience sudden tiredness. Unlike before, she now suffers from fatigue, frequently.

Secondly, her hair loses their gloss mass and texture.

They break more easily resulting in poor hair distribution pattern on her head.

Sometimes, she has bald patches like those of men.

Thirdly, she suffers from heart palpitation which exposes her to an elevated risk of heart problems.

Fourthly, her libido drops. Sex does not interest her as much as it did before. This condition is worsened if she experiences pain/injury during intercourse. The pain/injury arise from poor vaginal lubrication; and her thinner vaginal cell wall due to her menopause. These are responsible for her frequent urinary/ reproductive tract infections.

Fifthly, a woman in menopause suffers from loss of fat in the skin and poor skin elasticity. Because

of these developments, she experiences wrinkling of the skin which no cream can fully remedy. Or has old age any medicine? Of course, no. Furthermore, her skin is thinner. Thus, it cannot offer as much protection against environmental factors as it did previously.

Sixthly, she suffers from joint and muscle pain arising from the wearing away of her joints/ muscles.

Linked to this is her new status of osteoporosis given the fact that her blood estrogen hormone has either

because this habit will damage her liver or kidney over time.

She will experience cold night sweats. It is a condition in which she wakes up all night only to find her body soaked in cold sweat. Certainly, this can be embarrassing. However, when she is aware of this sysmptomatic effect of menopause, she will be able to cope with it.

Tenthly, she also will have what is called hot flushes or flashes. Here, there is an elevated blood flow to

dropped significantly or has been phased out by her non-functioning ovaries.

Seventhly, she begins to put on weight with more of it deposited around that waist line. Her growing weight means that her physical movements slow down. This results in further building up more weight.

If she doesn’t exercise and modify her diet, she ballons with time migrating from overweight to obesity. she is also prone to recurrent body heat, which interpret as malaria or typhold fever. Hence, the need for differential diagnosis by a health care giver to know what is really wrong with her. It isn’t enough for her to be popping pain or fever medications

her skin for some minutes. Therefore, the skin becomes warmer. She feels a sensation of general warmth under her skin for a fleeting moment.

Her breasts are equally affected by her menopause.

Her once relatively saggy mass of breasts now lose form, dropping and becoming flat and slipper-like on her. Chest. Hence when she walks or runs they flap with pendulous attractive A main reason why her breasts take on this new profile is because her ovaries doesn’t produce estrogen or significant amount of it required for stimulating her breast tissues. To reverse this trend, some women undertake estrogen replacement therapy or breast transplants.

Well, these procedures have their own benfits and shortcomings. Take your pick.

Women in menopause also experience memory loss. Thus, they tend to misplace things during this season of her waning but interesting life.

On a final note, she now also has to battle with depression, irritabity, anxiety, loss of dynamic exuberance, difficult breathing and poor sleep at night What a load of health challengers for a woman in her menopause. Well, there is no cause for alarm.

Natural medicine is well stocked with resource to manage the syndrome accompanying this phase of her life

“The fundamental reason why menopause occurs is that when a woman approaches the median age of 50, ovaries shrink leading to a drop in or total stoppage of the secretion of a hormone called estrogen. Invariably, progesterone, a twin ovarian hormone, now predominates child-bearing is no more naturally possible as a result.”

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

New Horizon

Man Know Thyself (2) SOME look at the Soul as amazing, some describe the Soul as amazing, and some hear of the soul as amazing, while others, even after hearing about the soul cannot understand it at all.

Factually in this material world, all people become friends, relatives and enemies in due course of time. But despite these various transactions, no one is permanently related.

Share the following incidence about king Citraketu. He was an outstanding King with so many wives, although he was capable of producing many children but could not receive any child from his many wives because they were barren. And for this one reason, King Cifraketu was always lamenting. One day, a mystic sage called Angira came to king citraketu’s palace. The king immediately stood up from his throne and as was the verdict custom, paid his respects. After this, the mystic sage Angira replied the king saying, 0 king citraketu, I can observe that your mind is disturbed. Your pale face reflects your deep anxiety. Have you not achieved your desired goals? sage Angira inquired.

Because he was a great mystic, Angira knew the cause of the king’s distress, but for his own reasons he questioned king Citraketu as if in need of some knowledge. King Citraketu replied, O great sage Angira, because of your great penances and austerilies, you have acquired complete knowledge. You can understand everything, both external and internal about embodied souls like myself.

0 great personality, you are aware of everything, yet you ask why I am in such anxiety, Therefore, in response to your order, let me disclose the cause of my anxiety. A starving man cannot be satisfied with a garland of flowers but with food. In the same way, my vast empire and immeasurable wealth mean nothing, for I am bereft of a

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

man’s true wealth, for I don’t have a son. Can you not help me to become truly happy and arrange for me to have a son? Angira the sage, who is very merciful, agreed to help the King. He performed a special sacrifice to the demigods and then offered the remnants of the sacrificial food to the most perfect of the King’s queens called

being my only son, he will automatically become the heir to my throne and kingdom. Therefore, he might become proud and disobedient. That might be the cause for lamentation.

But a disobedient son is better than no son at all”.

And in due course of time, Krtadyuti, the wife of the king became pregnant, and a son was born. Hearing this

of their husband was to poison the only son and this was carried out. One Afternoon, as Queen Krtadyuti walked in the courtyard of the palace, she thought of her son sleeping peacefully in his room.

Because she loved the child dearly and could not hardly bear to be without him for a moment. She ordered the nurse to awaken her son

her hair and dress in disarray, the Queen fell to the ground unconscious.

When the king heard of his only son sudden dead, he became nearly blind with grief. His lamentation grew like a conflagration, and as he ran to see the dead son, he repeatedly tumbled and fell. Surrounded by his ministers and court officers, the king entered the boy’s room and collapsed at the child’s feet, his hair and dress scattered in all directions. When he

Krtadyuti, and said, “O great King, you will now have a Son who will be the cause of both jubilation and lamentation in your kingdom.” The sage immediately vanished without waiting for the kings response. Citrakeku was overjoyed to learn that he will finally have a son, but he wondered about the sage’s last words — lamentation. The king immediately went into soliloquy saying - “Angira the mystic must have meant that I will be greatly happy when my son is born. That is certainly true. But what did he mean by the child being the cause of lamentation? Of course

news, all the inhabitants of the kingdom rejoiced. King Citraketu could not contain his joy. And as the king carefully raised his infant son, his affection for the Queen increased daily. And he gradually lost affection for all his other barren wives. The other wives continuously lamented their fate with their husband.

These barren Queens burned with anger everyday and envy.

And as their envy increased, they lost their intelligence and their heart became hard like stone.

They met secretly and decided there was only one solution to their dilemma.

One way to regain the love

from his nap and bring the boy to the garden to her. But when the nurse approached the child, she saw that his eyes were turned upward, and there were no signs of life. Horrified, she held a swab of cotton beneath the boy nostril but the cotton did not move. Seeing this, she cried out, now 1 am doomed, and fell to the ground. In great agitation, she struck here breast with both hands and wept loudly.

Some time passed, and the anxious queen approached the child’s bedroom.

Hearing the nurse’s wailing, she entered her son’s room and saw that her only son had passed away from this world. In great lamentation,

regained consciousness, he was breathing very heavily, his eyes were filled with tears, and he was unable to speak. When the Queen saw here husband merged in great lamentation and again viewed the dead child, she began to curse God. This increased the pain in the hearts of all the residents of the palace. The Queen’s flower garlands slipped from her body, and her smooth jet-black hair became tangled. Falling tears from her check smeared the cosmetics beneath her eyes, and with red eyes, she said, “0 providence, during the life time of the father, you have caused the dead of the son.

You are certainly the enemy of the living beings and are not at all merciful.” Turping to her beloved dead son, she said, my dear son, I am helpless and aggrieved. You should not give up my company. How can you leave now? just look at your lamenting father. You have slept for a long time. Now please get up. Your playmates are calling you to play. You must now be very hungry, so please get up immediately and take your launch. My dear son, I am

most unfortunate, for I can no longer see your sweet smiling face. You have closed your eyes forever.

You have been taken from this planet to another place, from which you will not return. My dear son, unable to hear your pleasing voice, I can no longer maintain my life.” From this point, the king began crying loudly with an open mouth. And as the mother and father lamented, all their followers joined them, bemoaning the untimely dead of the child.

Because of the sudden accident, all the citizens of the kingdom were nearly, unconscious with grief.

When the great sage Angira Continues on page 24

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Place Of Prayer

The Characteristics Of The Bride Of Christ (6) SHE IS NOT AFRAID OF THE DAY ARRIVAL OF THE GROOM A sincere bride, who has carried herself with all manner of decency and decorum, in the absence of her husband, is not afraid of the day of arrival of her husband. A true bride, whose fiancé is abroad, will not be afraid that the groom announced his coming. If the announcement of the coming of the groom throws the bride, into panic then it is a clear indication that the bride has not been sincere in her dealings with the groom and has something to hide. Maybe she has squandered the money sent to her by the groom, or has been involved in an unwholesome relationship with another man, or may even be carrying the pregnancy of another man. It is also possible that she has all along fed the groom wrong information about herself and is now scared that the coming of the groom will reveal her true self and status, which conflicts the insincere image she painted of herself to the groom. If your husband that left for overseas for several years is coming back, and you are not excited, it calls for suspicion. Your inlaws and those around you will wonder the reason for your lack of excitement and may begin to investigate your dealings to find out if there is something you are trying to cover up.

Our major text for this series taken from the book of Revelations 19:7 reads thus: Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

The prepared bride of Christ is excited at the announcement of the date of arrival of her husband. As soon as the date is announced to her, she begins to prepare for it. She does everything in her power to organize a memorable welcome for her husband. She announces to friends, family and neighbours, the imminent arrival of her husband and invites them to be a part of the welcome party. She cleans the home, washes the curtains, makes new clothes for herself and cleans herself up to appear appealing to the groom.

As a bride of Christ, what is your reaction whenever you are told of the imminent arrival of Christ Jesus, the bride groom?

Are you excited at the announcement or thrown into panic? Do you wish His arrival will be this very day or you hope for an extension of His arrival? As a bride of Christ, if the end time message puts fear in your heart, it shows how unqualified you are. It is an indication that you have not been living right and have not made yourself ready for His coming. Just like the five foolish virgins, such a bride will certainly be rejected by the groom when her unpreparedness is discovered.

A lot of so called Christians are not comfortable in Churches where the end time message is preached frequently.

They prefer going to Churches where messages on prosperity is the order of the day. Be not deceived; your refusal to hear the end time message and prepare yourself for the return of the bridegroom will not in any way cancel His return. He will come back for His bride whether you like it or not, and when He comes, only those that He finds waiting will be taken with Him to the home He has prepared for His bride.

The excitement with which we do everything in the kingdom springs from the joy of His arrival, We do His work here on earth, knowing that He will come for us very soon. And so whether there is money or not, whether we have the desires of our hearts or not, we keep doing His work with joy, knowing that we have a better home in view.

A bride that has been judiciously spending money the husband sent to her to build their home is joyful at the announcement of the arrival of the groom. She looks forward to the husband’s return with excitement knowing that her efforts at building a befitting home would be appreciated and rewarded by her husband.

What have you been doing

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

with the gifts and talents God bestowed upon your life? Have you been working diligently with these gifts or have you buried them in the ground just like the unprofitable servant in Mathew 25:14-30. Unlike his colleagues who worked diligently with the talents

weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Taking an x-ray of the story above, we will find that whereas the first two servants looked forward with excited expectation to the return of their master because they had something to show to their master, the unprofitable servant

excited at the arrival of your Saviour? Our salvation should make us look in expectation at the day when we will finally depart this earth and be taken by our Husband to the home He has prepared for us in the

is our real home.

I admonish you today my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the best life on earth can in no way be compared with the glory of heaven. Heaven is a place where there is no pain, no

received from their master, the unprofitable servant buried the talent given to him, refusing to work in the absence of his master. When the master returned from his journey, the servants were called upon to render account. The first two servants that had worked and made profit in the absence of their master were rewarded accordingly, but the unprofitable servant who refused to work in the absence of the master lost the little that he had and was cast into outer darkness; where there shall be

must have been very un-excited at the arrival of the master since he had nothing to show to the master. Only those who have been working diligently in the day when work can be done will be excited at the arrival of night when work can no longer be done. Jesus said in John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day the night cometh, when no man can work.

Your salvation will lose value if there is no joy of His arrival in your heart. Of what use is being saved if you are not

Kingdom of Heaven.

All those that pray for the return of the Master to be delayed so they can have some more time to dwell on earth, so they can get education, make money, get married, bear children, travel around the world and do all sorts of exciting things only prove that they are not true brides of Christ; they prefer life on earth to life in heaven. They have been deceived by the devil into believing that the earth is their home, whereas we are sojourners on earth; and heaven

loss, no lack, no sadness, no ageing, no corruption, no sickness, no death, no disappointments and heartbreaks, no cheating, in fact all the evil experiences of earth cannot be found in heaven. Our Husband, Christ Jesus, promised us when He was ascending to heaven, that He will come back to take us to the home in heaven he has prepared for His bride. We must be excited about this promise, knowing that Christ Jesus will certainly keep to His promise.

As true brides of Christ, we must look forward to that day of arrival with joyful expectation and make ourselves ready daily so that our husband will meet us ready for the take off flight to His kingdom.

If you are not yet a bride of Christ, I must warn you that time is fast running out. Accept God’s free offer of salvation today and be brought into His fold so that you too can be a part of the marriage feast of the Lamb which will take place very soon. God bless you.

“What have you been doing with the gifts and talents God bestowed upon your life? Have you been working diligently with these gifts or have you buried them in the ground just like the unprofitable servant in Mathew 25:14-30.”

THE NIGERIAN

22

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

International Obama’s Visit To Asia Seen As Counterweight To China

TOKYO - President Barack Obama’s travels through Asia in coming days aim to reassure partners about the renewed U.S. commitment to the region, with an eye both to China’s rising assertiveness and the fastgrowing markets that are the center of gravity for global growth.

Nearly seven months after he cancelled an Asian tour due to the U.S. government shutdown, Obama’s failure to prevent Russia from annexing Crimea has sharpened concerns that America lacks the will or wherewithal to follow through on its much-touted “pivot” to the Asia-Pacific.

“Words come easy,” said Philippine political analyst Ramon Casiple. “But U.S. allies would want to know what help they can get when things reach a point of no return.”

The United States has been stepping up regional military deployments, but has made less progress on rebalancing through broader diplomatic and economic initiatives, such as the TransPacific Partnership, a Pacific Rim free trade agreement.

Obama arrives in Tokyo on Wednesday for the first state visit to America’s closest ally in Asia by a U.S. president since Bill and Hillary Clinton came in 1996. He will be the first sitting U.S. president to visit Malaysia since Lyndon Johnson in 1966. Allies South Korea and the Philippines,

the two other stops on his agenda, are also keen to shore up security ties.

U.S. allies wonder if America has adequate capability to back them up in territorial rifts with China, Caspile says, given Washington’s budget problems and preoccupation with crises elsewhere.

“The American objective is to reassure countries that ... America

is here to stay and is going to keep a strong interest in dealing with China together with those countries,” said Koichi Nakano, a political science professor at Tokyo’s Sophia University.

A report released last week by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee urged that more effort

and money be devoted to upgrading alliances in the Asia-Pacific. “A successful rebalance must underscore the strategic message that the policy represents an enduring U.S. commitment to the region, assuring our partners that we are in it for the long haul,” it said.

Striving to allay Japan’s worries over its territorial dispute with China and missile launches by North Korea, during a recent Asian tour U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel pledged two more ballistic missile defense destroyers for Japan by 2017. In a further show of solidarity, Hagel rebuked Beijing for escalating its territorial dispute with Tokyo over Japanesecontrolled islands in the East China Sea that Japan calls the Senkaku

RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Mrs. Rosemary Juwah wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person called Rose Jackson and Rosemary Aletor as stated in some of my valuable documents including my Primary School Leaving Certificate. I am now properly known and called Mrs. Rosemary Juwah. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

US Vice President Joe Biden, right, greets a member of the Ukrainian parliament during a meeting yesterday in Kiev.

Biden’s visit to Ukraine comes at a crucial time, days after an international agreement was reached aimed at quelling violence in Ukraine.

Japanese Minister, MPs Visit Yasukuni Shrine

TOKYO - A Japanese cabinet minister and about 150 lawmakers yesterday visited Yasukuni Shrine, seen by critics as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism, sparking anger among Asian neighbors a day before U.S. President Barack Obama arrives in the region.

The visit followed an offering to the shrine by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday that further strained already fraught regional ties, with both China and South Korea questioning Japan’s commitment to dialogue.

Japan’s relations with China and South Korea have long been strained by territorial rows and disputes stemming from Japan’s wartime occupation of large parts of China and its 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean peninsula.

Compounding China’s suspicion of Japan is the belief that the hawkish Abe, who has often spoken of “escaping the post-war regime”, is intent on revising Japan’s pacifist constitution adopted after its World War Two defeat.

Japan’s Internal Affairs Minister Yoshitaka Shindo, along with a close aide to Abe, paid their respects at Yasukuni, where 14 war criminals convicted by an Allied tribunal are honored along with the nation’s war dead, as part of the shrine’s annual spring festival that ends on Wednesday, the day Obama arrives.

“As this visit was my

islands and China calls the Diaoyu islands.

The U.S. is obligated to protect Japan from attack, but has sought to avoid taking a stand on sovereignty over the islands. Tokyo is hoping for more in the way of confidence building, says Hitoshi Tanaka, chairman of the Institute for International Strategy in Tokyo.

personal visit, I don’t believe that it will have any effect on the U.S. president’s visit,” Shindo told reporters. A separate visit Shindo made to Yasukuni this month prompted an angry response from China.

Abe made a December visit to the shrine which sparked widespread global anger, with main ally the United States saying it was “disappointed”.

But this time Abe opted for an offering, and not a visit, aimed at pleasing his conservative supporters while trying to minimize international criticism.

China’s official Xinhua news agency called the lawmakers’ visit a “new act of provocation”.

“Although having decided not to pay tribute to the shrine in person this time, Abe dedicated (an offering) on Monday in an obvious attempt to play both ways - avoid further embarrassing Obama diplomatically, and at the same time appease right-leaning forces domestically,” Xinhua said.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that the government could not interfere with visits by lawmakers as private individuals, since that would infringe on their freedom of belief.

“This is the fundamental thinking of the Abe government,” Suga said.

Chinese officials have in the past compared Japanese politicians’ visits to the shrine to the idea of German

politicians laying flowers on Hitler’s bunker.

Obama in March brought together Abe and South Korean President Park Geunhye for their first face-to-face talks to help the two major U.S. allies in Asia mend ties, and there had been tentative signs of a thaw.

But a spokesman for South Korea’s Foreign Affairs Ministry told reporters on

Tuesday that Japan was “romanticizing” its past military aggression.

“We think it is meaningless for them to talk about the future to neighboring nations when they are paying tribute to such a place,” the ministry spokesman told reporters.

Adding to unease in the region, a Chinese maritime court in Shanghai at the weekend seized a ship owned

by Japanese shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a move that Japan warned could have an adverse impact on its

businesses in China.

The court said the company had failed to pay compensation stemming from a wartime contractual obligation. China’s Foreign Ministry said the disagreement was a normal commercial dispute.

Japan said the ship seizure, apparently the first time the assets of a Japanese company have been seized in a lawsuit concerning compensation for World War Two, was “extremely regrettable” and it had protested through diplomatic channels.

IDEHEN – I, formerly called Miss Faith Evbayoboru Idehen now wish to be called Mrs. Faith Ighodaro Idehen.

All former documents remain valid. University of Benin, other concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EHIDIAMEN – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ehidiamen Ebosetale now wish to be known as Mrs. Omonkhobhio Ebosetale.

All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, UBA, Zenith Bank Plc, AAU and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME C

EZEKIEL – I, formerly Ezekiel Roseline now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Isehenrhien Roseline.

All former documents remain valid. General public and all concerned authorities should please take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

Japan’s Internal Affair and Communications Minister Yoshitaka Shindo speaks to the media after visiting Yasukuni Shine in Tokyo yesterday.

l, James Okhuakhua wish to bring to the information of the general public that I am the same person as James Henry. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as James Okhuakhua. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public please take note.

THE NIGERIAN

23

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

International Saudi Arabia Reports 2 More Deaths

MERS Virus:

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia’s health ministry says two more patients who contracted a potentially fatal Middle East virus related to SARS have died as the kingdom detected 17 new cases of the disease.

The ministry said yesterday that a chronically ill 73-year-old Saudi man died in Riyadh. The other victim, a 54-year-old Saudi man, died in Jiddah.

The deaths bring to at least 81 the number who died in the

kingdom since September 2012.

The 17 new cases of the virus were detected in four cities, bringing to 261 the number of people infected.

On Monday, King Abdullah sacked the country’s health minister without giving a reason.

The kingdom is scrambling to contain the spread of the coronavirus related to SARS known as the Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS.

Afghan Campaign Worker Shot Dead

Masked Pro-Russia protesters stand guard at a barricade outside a regional government building in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine.

Pakistan: 9 Killed In Attacks

PESHAWAR, Pakistan - Nine people, including policemen, were killed and dozens wounded in two separate bomb and gun attacks in Pakistan’s volatile northwest yesterday, police said, a week after the Taliban refused to extend a ceasefire with the government.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took power last year promising to end years of fighting with Taliban insurgents through peace negotiations. Talks began in February but have achieved little.

Yesterday, three people were killed and 33 others, including 12 policemen, were wounded in a bombing in the Charsadda district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province during the morning rush hour.

Six people, including five policemen and an ambulance driver, were killed in a separate

attack on a police patrol on the outskirts of the regional capital of Peshawar overnight. Three others were wounded when militants opened fire.

Senior police officer Shafiullah Khan said unknown people had planted a bomb on a motorcycle and parked it near police headquarters in Peshawar.

“The bomb went off

when a police van carrying 13 policemen for duty was passing through the spot.

Three persons were killed and 33 were wounded,” he said.

“It seems the police van was the target of the attack.”

On April 16, the Pakistani Taliban formally ended a 40day ceasefire, saying government forces had continued to arrest their men and killed more than 50 people associated with the

insurgency.

The first round of talks collapsed in February after less than a week when the Taliban bombed a bus full of police and executed 23 men from a government paramilitary force they had kidnapped.

The Taliban have been fighting for years to overthrow the democratically elected government of Pakistan and impose strict Islamic law on the nation of 180 million people.

the air search.

Authorities are under growing pressure to decide their next course of action as the Bluefin21 drone nears the end of its first sweep of remote seabed which authorities believe is the most likely resting place of Malaysian Airlines flight

MH370 which vanished on March 8 with 239 people on board.

The Bluefin-21 is expected to finish its targeted search of a 10 square kms (6.2 square mile) stretch of ocean floor, where a signal suspected to be from the plane’s black box was detected, come Wednesday. No wreckage has yet been found.

“Bluefin-21 has now completed more than 80 percent of the focused underwater search area and further missions are planned,” the Perth based Joint Agency Coordination Centre told Reuters in an email.

“The search will continue. We are currently consulting very closely

Logar province.

Esmatulla — known as Commandor Tor for his role in the struggle against the 1990s Soviet occupation — was killed and his two bodyguards were wounded.

Esmatullah worked as an election observer for presidential candidate Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid denied involvement. He said the insurgents respected Esmatullah as a former mujahedeen fighter against the Soviets.

Search For Malaysian Plane To Continue

PERTH, Australia - A U.S. submarine drone will keep scouring the Indian Ocean floor for traces of a missing Malaysian jetliner after it finishes its current targeted search, Australian authorities told Reuters as a tropical cyclone suspended

Islamists Kill Second Somali Lawmaker, Threaten More Attacks MOGADISHU - Islamist rebels shot dead a Somali lawmaker yesterday, a day after blowing up one of his colleagues in his car, and vowed to keep killing politicians and wreck efforts to secure the country.

Al Qaeda-linked group al Shabaab told Reuters the latest killing was meant to send a message to Western-backed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who yesterday was due to wrap up a three-day conference on improving security in the capital.

“This proves that they cannot and will never do anything about security ... More serious killings are on the way,” said al Shabaab’s military spokesman, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab.

Somalia’s two decades of civil war and lawlessness, triggered by the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991, has already spread to destabilize the region.

Western nations fear Somalia could sink further into chaos and

KABUL — An Afghan official says a prominent campaign worker in the country’s presidential election has been shot dead outside his home in eastern Afghanistan. The Taliban deny they were involved in the killing.

Provincial spokesman Din Mohammad Darwish says the campaign worker Esmatullah, who like many Afghan men uses only one name, was returning home from visiting a friend Monday afternoon when unknown gunmen opened fire outside his house in

provide a launchpad for Islamist militancy.

Dahir Amin Jesow said fellow member of parliament Abdiasis Mursal was killed outside his house in Mogadishu’s Madina district.

“Men with pistols hit him with several bullets in the chest and in the head. He died on the spot,” Jesow said.

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said the violence would not deter his government from securing peace.

“The use of terror ... only serves to unite and strengthen our resolve,” he added.

Al Shabaab had said Monday’s car bomb was meant to punish lawmakers who backed the “invasion of the Christians into Somalia”, a reference to the support

Mogadishu receives from Western governments and African Union members who have sent in troops to battle the rebels.

with our international partners on the best way to effect this for the future.”

As the Bluefin embarked on its 10th trip to depths of more than 4.5 kms (2.8 miles), some 2,000 kms (1,200 miles) northwest of the Australian city of Perth, a tropical cyclone heading south over the Indian Ocean suspended the air search.

“It has been determined that the current weather conditions are resulting in heavy seas and poor visibility, and would make any air search activities ineffective and potentially hazardous,” the JACC said.

The ships involved in the day’s search about 1,600 kms (990 miles) northwest of the Australian city of Perth would continue with their planned activities, the center added.

The search coordinator, retired Australian Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said on April 14 that the air and surface component of the operation would end about a week ago.

But daily sorties have continued unabated in what is shaping to be the most expensive search in aviation history, involving some two dozen nations.

Security officials and rescue workers collect evidence at the site of a bomb blast in Charsadda district in the outskirts of Peshawar yesterday.

THE NIGERIAN

24

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

New Horizon

Continued from page 20

understood that the king was almost dead in an ocean of sorrow, he went there with his friend, Saint Narada. The two sages found the king overwhelmed by lamentation, lying like a dead body beside the corpse. Angira addressed the King sharply.

“Wake up from the darkness of ignorance, 0 king, what relationship does this dead have with you and what relation do you have with him? You may say that you are now related as father and son, but do you think that this relationship existed before his birth?

Does it truly exist now? Will it continue now that the child is dead? 0 king, as small particles of sand sometimes come together and are some times separated due to the force of the ocean’s waves, living entities who have accepted material bodies sometimes come together and are sometimes separated by the force of time. The sage Angira wanted the King to understand that all bodily relationship - my son, my daughter, my wife, my inlaw, my uncle, my annty, my wealth, etc. are all temporary. Just see the death of the kings son. My dear king, the sage continued, “When I first came to your palace, I could have given you the greatest gift — transcendental knowledge — but when I saw that your mind was absorbed in material things, I gave you only a son at your request, who caused you jubilation and lamentation.

Now you are experiencing the misery of a person who has sons and daughters.

These visible objects like wife, children, property are nothing more than dreams.

Therefore, O king Citraketu, try to understand who you really are.

Consider where you have come from, where you are gong after giving up this body, and you are under the control of material lamentation.” Then Narada Muni the friend of the sage Angira did something very wonderful. By his mystic power, he brought the soul of the king’s dead son into

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

... Know Thyself (2)

the vision of everyone.

Immediately the room became effulgent with a blinding brightness, and the dead child began to move.

Narada Muni said, “0 living entity, all good fortune unto you. Just see your father and mother. All your friends and relatives are overwhelmed with grief because o your death. Because you died untimely, the balance of your life still remains.

Therefore, you may re-enter your body and enjoy the remainder of the years

appearing sometimes in the human species. In which of these births mentioned were these parents my mother and father? No one is actually my mother and father. I have had millions of so called parents. How can I accept these two people (King and Queen) as my father and mother?”

The Vedas teach that the eternal living being enters a

flowing river, all people become friends, relatives, and enemies in due course of time. They also act neutrally and in many other relationships. But despite these various transactions, no one is permanently related. King Citraketn was lamenting for his son, who was now dead, but he could have considered the situation otherwise. This living entity, he could have,

it is not by any father or mother that the living entity is given birth. The living entities true identity is completely separate from the so-called father and mother. By the laws of nature, the soul is forced to enter the semen of a father and be injected into the womb of a mother. He cannot directly control the kind of father he will get,

not difficult. The real difficulty is to obtain a spiritual father a bonafide spiritual master. Therefore, the duty of the human being is to search out such a spiritual master, for under his guidance can one become free from. The vicious circle of reincarnation and return to his original home in the spiritual world. The living being is eternal, and has no relation with so called fathers and mother. He

allotted to you in this body with your friends and relatives, and later you may accept the royal throne and all the opulences given by your father.” By Narada Mini mystic power, the living entity re-entered the dead body. The child who had been dead, sat up and began to speak, not with the intelligence of a young boy but with the full knowledge of a liberated soul. And the awakened dead child spoke thus — “According to the results of my material activities, I, the living being, transmigrate from one body to another, sometimes going to the species of the demigods, sometimes to the species of lower animals, sometimes are incarnating among the vegetables and

body made of material elements. There we find that such a living being entered a body produced by Icing Citraketu and his wife.

Actually, However, he was not their son. The living entities are the eternal sons of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but because he wants to enjoy this material world, God gives him a chance to enter various kinds of bodies as desired.

Yet the pure living being the material body he gets from his father and mother.

Therefore, the soul who had lalcen the body of king Citraketu’s son flatly denied that the king and Queen were his parents. The dead child soul spoke further — in this material world, which is like a swiftly,

thought that the dead son was his enemy in his last life and having appeared as his son, he is prematurely leaving just to give me pain and agony. Why should the king not consider his dead” son his former enemy and instead of lamenting be jubilant because an enemy is dead. The living being of Citraketu’s child said, just as gold and other commodities are continually transferred from one place to another, through buying and selling, so the living entity, as a result of his karma, wonders through the universe, being injected into various bodies in different species of life through the semen of One father after another. As explained in Bagavad Gita,

this is automatically, determined by activities of his previous lives. The law of karma force him to go to different fathers and mothers just as the commodity is brought and sold always.

The living entity sometimes takes shelter of an animal father and mother and sometimes a human father and mother.

Sometimes he accepts a father and mother among, birds, and sometimes he accepts demigod father and mother in the heavenly planets. As the soul transmigrates through different bodies, everyone, in every form of life — be it human, animal, tree, or demigod — one gets a father and mother. This is

falsely accepts himself as their son and acts affectionately. And after he dies, however, the relationship is finished.

Under these circumstances, one should not be falsely involved with jubilation and lamentation. The living entity is eternal and imperishable, he has no beginning and no end, nor does he take birth nor die.

The living being is equal in quality to the Supreme Lord. Both are spiritual personalities. Because the living entity is so small, he is prone to be carried away by unnecessary things. Until we realize these anomalies, reincarnation remains a continuous process for man, on earth.

THE NIGERIAN

25

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

View Point Deportation, Poverty And Symphony Of A Revolution

By CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE

“Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom.

It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves”.

William Pitt. (House of Commons Speech. 1783) “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains” Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract) “It is still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor crime so shameful as poverty”. George Farquhar WHEN a thief is caught I N F L A G R A N T E DILECTO (red handed), no amount of verbal acrobatics, legal permutations, politicization and intellectualization of the criminal and shameful act, calculated to obstruct the trajectory of justice and cover the crime with a gossamer of objectivity and projectiles of prejudices will work, except in an anathematized and recondite Nation like Nigeria.

The structural cosmopolitanization of State Capitals through Environmental Sanitation, Beautification and Urban Renewal Projects etc have led to people’s relocation, ghetto disruptions, mass movements and demolition of peoples’habitation. The demolition of illegal structures and caravans has rendered many, especially poverty-stricken Nigerians homeless and discarded.

Indeed, it is a platitudinous practice of or by most states in Nigeria to immediately deport nonindigenes, especially those in the throes of impecuniosities as a result of the spread of the octopoidal tentacles of so – called infrastructural development. It is on record that on the 14th of December 2011 the Peter Obi-led administration of Anambra State deported 29 povertystricken Nigerians to their states of origin, i.e Akwa Ibom State and Ebonyi state.

In other to revamp its Civil Service the Abia State Government resolved to flush out non indigenes in 2012.

In Delta State the ongoing Urban Renewal Policy has left many dislodged and displaced

poverty -stricken people scampering to their villages and it is the same story in other States. So we now have intra and interstate deportations. On the 21st of June 2011, the Federal Capital City Territory Government deported 129 poverty-stricken Nigerians and in May 2013, hundreds of poor Nigerians were deported from Abuja to their States of Origin. On the 2nd of August 2013, the River State Government deported almost 200 poverty-stricken Nigerian Citizens to their States of Origin.

The deportation blues attained its crescendo on July 27, 2013 when the Governor Babatunde Fashola-led Government of Lagos State deported 14 poverty-stricken Nigerians of Anambra State Origin to Onitsha. The furores, press war, buck passing, blame game, ethnic jingoism and parochial irredentism that followed on the hills of this deportation remains unprecedented. It has been a standard practice of government to do inter and intra State deportation of poverty- stricken Nigerians when carrying out their so – called Urban Renewal Projects.

These acts of the various State Governments are a reflection of the mortal moral reprobacy, spiritual dwarfishness, ungodly, wicked, illegal and unconstitutional acts. There no known provisions in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that approves of these wanton molestations and deportation of the poor from their abode to anywhere in Nigeria.

Indeed, section 14 subsections 2(b) under Fundamental Objectives and Directives Principles of State Policy Posit that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.

In the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), it is clear that poverty-stricken Nigerians have a right to the dignity of their human person (section 34), personal liberty (section 35) freedom

of movement (section 41) and the right of residence in any part of Nigeria (section 43). The deportation of the poor by the Federal and State governnment is a desecration of section 15 of the constitution which has imposed a duty on the estate to promote national

desirable, a lack of ordinary means of subsistence, comforts and necessities of life, cramping and chronic lack that throws one upon public charity for support and a condition that makes one appeal for indiscriminate private charity.

It is a sacrosanct fact that 85% of Nigerians are luxuriating in the oubliette

declared war on the poor in Nigeria masqueraded as DEPORTATION. The poor in Nigeria continue to turn the other check while their leaders take turns to tighten the noose of poverty and oppression on their jugular.

The poor in Nigeria loves their servitude like the comrades of Ulysses who loved their slavish conditions.

When will the poor and oppressed speak out in Nigeria? When are we going to stop papering over the cracks? When are we going to say ENOUGH IS A

and tenebrous labyrinth of stupefying poverty caused by the leadership (1960 – till date) that is and has been sunken in psychotic Prebendalistic graft and sordid corruption sending droves of frustrated beggers, poverty-stricken, massive job seekers, lunatics, Kafkaesque rejects, kidnappers, assassins, thugs, pipeline vandals, oil thieves, burglars, graduate yahoo!yahoo!!419ers and unemployables etc litter every nook and crannies of Nigeria.

Instead of finding solutions to the pitiable condition of poverty-stricken Nigerians, the Federal and State Governments under the guise of Urban Renewal, infrastructural development, non-indigenship, environmental sanitation and cosmopolitanization have

ENOUGH in this country?

Are we not overdue for overthrow and replacement of electoral dictatorship, democratic tyrants and economic dehumanization in Nigeria? The Orange Revolution, the American Revolution, Chinese Revolution, English Revolution, French Revolution, Arab Springs, Russian Revolution etc did not see what the Nigerians are experiencing before they staged their uprisings against the LORDS OF THE MANOR. All Great Books and masters agree with the Bible and JESUS THE CHRIST that he who mocks the poor mocks at his master and creator.

The Federal Government and some States Governments have mocked at the poor in Nigeria through

President Goodluck Jonathan

integration. It is therefore clear from the foregoing that these acts are horrendous profanation and abuse on the rights of the poor in Nigeria.

The pedagogy and dynamics of poverty shows that it is the State of being poor and in a state of penury and without competent subsistence. It is the condition that relates to the absence or scarcity of requisite substance. A lack or meagerness of supply of necessities of life, it is beggary, destitution, distress, indigence, pauperism and mendicancy.

The sociology of poverty unravels the truism that it is characterized by chameleonic ventriloquisms.

It denotes a condition of below that of easy, comfortable living, a painful lack of what is useful and

their oppressive manipulations and wicked Urban Renewal Programmes coded as DEPORTATION. The essayist Alexander Pope posits that “mischief thou art afoot take what course thou willeth and “let the ends of things disjoin, it is the whole world that suffers.” When will the poor and oppressed people in Nigeria “SPEAK OUT” The assertion by a northern oligarchcal hegemonist that the Nigerian Nation is a mistake of the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates and substantiated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo that Nigeria is a mere geographical expression is made an indefatigable truism by the apotheosization of ethnography, ethnicity, tribalism and indigeneship in Nigeria against all constititutional provisions. It is so because the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress is submerged in parenthetical placidity as Minimum Wage is a about to be moved from the Exclusion Legislative List to Concurrent Expenditure.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teacher (NUT), NUPFNG, PENGASSAN, and virtually, All Trade Unions in Nigeria are in eschatological slumber and Nero-like Nuctambulistic stargazing, whilst Nigeria is cascading down the slope of disintegration and total annihilation because of the oppression of povertystricken Nigerians and megalomaniacal corruption.

Who will Bell the cat?

Nobody but you and I. Finally, in his Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire the essayist and historian Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) observed that “so long as mankind shall continue to lavish more praise upon its destroyers than upon its benefactors war shall remain the chief pursuit of oppressed and ambitious minds” and this is buttressed by Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) in Mein kampf “that it must be thoroughly understood that the lost land will never be won back by solemn appeals to the good God, nor by hopes in any league of Nations but only by the force of arms.”

CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE MANDATE AGAINST POVERTY (MAP)

WARRI 08023250378

THE NIGERIAN

26

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 41, 2014 LUCKY 1.2. X SELECTIONS 7 INTERNATIONAL NOS. HOT PAIRS 16 18 18

34 36 47 24

BANKERS

41

43 45 OUTLOOK

N 34

} }

41 43 45 47 48 49

1. HUDDLERFIELD

18 O.K

2. BURTON A.

36 O.K

3. STEVENAGE

34 TIP

4. YORK

46 SURE

5. STOKE

7 BCK

COLCHESTER

26

LEYTON O.

28

BURTON A.

36

FAGENHAM

38

6. BRISTOL

24

7. CARLISLE

25

8. CRYSTAL P.

2 XXX

9. MAN UTD

5 BKC

10. MORTON

49 XXB

STEVENAGE

34

11. DUMBARTON

47 ???

WIMBLEDON

35

12. ALLOA

48 NN?

13. SUNDERLAND

8 XII

}

X

14. WEST BROM

10 X21

15. BIRMINGHAM

11 OKP

16. PLYMOUTH

43 CBK

17. PRESTON

31 XXX

18. WIMBLEDON

35 OK

19. DERBY

16 OK

20. COLCHESTER

26 NAP

} } }

BET

BET @@ @@

TIP TIP

BIG BELLS HUDDLERSFIELD

18

NNN

ALLOA

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 41, 2014 WATSON WEST 1.2.X FORECAST

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THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

No Job For Moyes In Bundesliga

Fans Angry At United highest level, and ‘Shambles’ very Manchester United should be

MANCHESTER United have been accused of turning themselves into a laughing stock with their handling of David Moyes’ departure.

Moyes’ nine-month reign at Old Trafford came to an end yesterday when he was sacked following a meeting at 8am with vice-chairman Ed Woodward at Carrington.

The dismissal did not come as a surprise as many national media outlets reported on Monday afternoon that Moyes was to be dismissed.

Although many fans wanted Moyes out after such a woeful season, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) believes it was wrong for the story to leak nearly 24 hours before an official announcement was made.

“It’s a PR shambles,” said MUST vice-chair Sean Bones.

“Manchester United’s history shows they deal with things with class and dignity but that has not been the case here.

“The story leaked before David Moyes has been spoken to, and that’s not the Manchester United way. There was no dignity or class in the way they went about it.”

Although United fans never called for Moyes’ head during games, it was clear that support for the manager was eroding with each of the 11 league defeats suffered by the club this term.

It was therefore no surprise that many chose to hail the news of his sacking when it was announced on the club’s official Twitter feed.

Bones feels appointing Moyes was always going to be a gamble considering that the Scot’s only previous experience came managing Everton and Preston.

“The appointment of David Moyes was seen by a lot of supporters as a risk,” he said.

“Moyes wasn’t proven at the

attracting the best and most proven managers in the world.”

Ryan Giggs will take charge of the first team on a temporary basis but speculation has already begun about who United want as a long-term successor to Moyes.

Most fans appear to want Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, although he is not thought to be high on United’s wanted list.

Whoever succeeds Moyes, Bones fears for the future of the club while the Glazer family are in charge.

“The problems lie a lot deeper than David Moyes,” he said.

“They lie with the Glazers and how they run the club.”

where David Moyes established his Premier League coaching credentials across 11 years of assiduous, considered work that killed his hopes of being allowed a second summer transfer window at Old Trafford.

For United’s key decision makers, Moyes has been a dead man talking for at least a month.

Nor was the avalanche of unacceptable results - the snowballing list of unwanted Premier League-era lows - the critical factor in electing to dismiss a manager who turns 51 later this week. What likely undid Moyes was the damage his man management was inflicting upon United’s bottom line.

Time and time again this season Moyes has sought to lay the blame for the club’s unprecedented underperformance – from champions by 11 points to eliminated from all domestic contention by the end of January – on the squad he inherited from Sir Alex Ferguson.

And as the executive vicechairman promoted alongside him last summer encouraged

Moyes’ efforts in overhauling United’s scouting department while telling public and press that the replacement Scot’s job was safe, he grew confident of an immense summer investment in new players.

Discussion of a £100 millionplus spend on transfer fees alone became as common as a Moyes press conference emphasising the dire need to restructure. His recruitment plan involved the extraordinary measure for an elite European club of signing as many as six top-class players in the peak period of their careers; over the age of 25. And all this on top of the near £65m in transfer fees already thrown at Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata, plus a club-record contract controversially awarded to Wayne Rooney.

In eight years of ownership by the Glazer family, Ferguson’s net transfer spend averaged out at under £20m a campaign. The strategy Moyes proposed to turn his own failing results around was that he be entrusted with more than five seasons

David Moyes

United Confirm Moyes Sacking

MANCHESTER United confirmed yesterday that David Moyes has been dismissed as manager.

Moyes replaced Sir Alex Ferguson last summer on a sixyear contract, but he has been relieved of his duties after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to former club Everton, which left the club unable to qualify for the Champions League.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Manchester United has announced that David Moyes has left the club.

“The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role.”

Ryan Giggs, who had worked as player-coach under Moyes this season, will take temporary charge of the club, but there has been speculation for some time over Moyes’ permanent successor.

Recent reports in the English press have suggested that Juergen Klopp has many admirers at Old Trafford, but Borussia Dortmund

told ESPN FC on Tuesday morning that there is no prospect he will join United, “even if some people don’t want to believe it.”

United told ESPN FC earlier this month that there was no truth to reports of discussions with Louis van Gaal, who will leave the Netherlands after the World Cup, but Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claimed on Tuesday that the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was headed to Portugal for talks with co-chairman Joel Glazer.

Former United defender Laurent Blanc, currently in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, has also been linked with the role along with Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, although the Argentine does not speak English.

ESPN FC had reported last month that Moyes had lost the faith of key boardroom figures and his position was under serious threat.

On Monday afternoon, news of the Scot’s impending departure broke, and although United insisted the manager had “definitely” not been sacked, the club did not deny the stories that his exit was imminent.

Following the news, Sean Bones, vice-chair at Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST), told Sky Sports News that he felt the situation had been handled badly, saying: “This has been done without class and dignity. It’s wrong to brief journalists the day before.”

United will finish the

Why United Couldn’t Waste Another Penny On Moyes AS embarrassing and as painful as it must have been, it was not the defeat at a ground

Giggs Steps In As United Interim Boss

Ryan Giggs

campaign with their lowest-ever Premier League point total, having lost 11 of their 34 games so far. They have also lost 10 of their 22 games in all competitions in 2014 and are certain to finish outside the top three for the first time since 1990.

Moyes took United to the Champions League quarterfinals, but his reign also included a Capital One Cup semifinal defeat to Sunderland, when United missed four of their penalties in the shootout, and an FA Cup third-round exit to Swansea at Old Trafford.

SACKED Manchester United manager David Moyes can forget about rebuilding his reputation in the Bundesliga, according to our German office.

In December 2012, while still manager of Everton, Moyes spoke of his desire of managing in aboard and picked out Germany as a potential destination.

“I always had the hope of being a coach abroad. If I had the choice, I would probably go to Germany, in part because of the mentality, which is similar to mine. I’m also fascinated by what happens in German football,” he told France Football in an interview.

There are likely to be a few big jobs opening up in the Bundesliga this summer, most notably at Leverkusen where Sami Hyypia was sacked earlier this month.

However, Eurosport Germany’s Tobias Laure said Moyes would likely be wasting his time applying for any German jobs.

“It doesn’t seem like Moyes could be a serious candidate for a Bundesliga club at the moment.

His reputation is not the best to be honest,” he told us.

“Few people knew him before he started to coach Manchester United and now all the headlines he has got in Germany have been linked to the bad results he is delivering with United this season.

“Moyes is not seen as winner, which makes it hard to present him as somebody who could offer new hope for a Bundesliga team.”

“There are some big name German coaches without job (for example Thomas Schaaf) and it is much more likely that clubs would be interested in them.

MANCHESTER United have revealed that Ryan Giggs will assume first-team responsibilities as interim coach until a permanent successor to David Moyes is appointed.

The Scot was relieved of his duties yesterday morning just 10months into a six-year contract, having presided over the club’s worst campaign of the Premier League era.

And it has now been confirmed that Giggs, who has made a record 962 appearances for United and was widely expected to end his playing career this summer, will negotiate the final three matches of the season.

A club statement read: “Following the departure of David Moyes as manager, Manchester United has announced that Ryan Giggs, the club’s most decorated player, will assume responsibility for the first

team until a permanent appointment can be made.

“The club will make no further comment on this process until it is concluded.”

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp had been installed as the early favourite to succeed Moyes, but has since ruled out the possibility of leaving the Bundesliga giants this summer.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti are both also thought to be in contention, but Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal is the new front-runner for the post.

Van Gaal is also wanted by Tottenham to succeed Tim Sherwood, but Goal reported last week that the Dutchman was taking his time to weigh up his options amid speculation linking him with United.

THE NIGERIAN

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Champions League... Champions League...

Familiar Foe Guardiola Blocking Real Path To Glory THE last thing Real Madrid wanted was another Champions League semi-final clash against Bayern Munich and today they will need to get the better of a familiar foe who very much appears to have their number.

Pep Guardiola, whose laden but draining four years in Bayern side play their last four, charge of Real’s arch-rivals first leg at the Bernabeu, was Barcelona. appointed as coach of the During his time as a Barca German champions at the end player and coach, Guardiola of last season after taking a year seldom tasted defeat against the out to recover from a trophy- Madrid club and his all-

conquering team dispatched Real in the last four of Europe’s elite club competition in 2010-11 before going on to win the final against Manchester United.

His coaching record against

Pep Guardiola

Bale Fit For Bayern Clash

REAL Madrid attacker Gareth Bale returned to full training yesterday ahead of the Champions League semi-final first-leg with Bayern Munich.

The former Tottenham star was forced to sit out a routine practice session on Monday after suffering from flu-like symptoms, throwing his participation in Wednesday’s clash at Santiago Bernabeu into doubt.

However, the club have confirmed he was able to

train as normal early on Tuesday and will be available for selection to coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The news comes as a major boost to Madrid, who also welcomed back Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos to training on Monday after they recovered from hamstring and neck injuries respectively.

Defender Alvaro Arbeloa and forward Jese Rodriguez remain the only injury absentees for Wednesday’s encounter.

Real was an impressive nine wins, four draws and two defeats, while as a player in 14 La Liga meetings he won six, drew five and lost only three.

Despite having the statistics firmly on his side, Guardiola is too wily to take Real lightly and he will know how desperate the Spaniards are to win the recordextending 10th European crown they have been chasing since their last continental triumph in 2002.

They will also be itching to avenge their last-four reverse to Bayern in the 2011-12 season, when the German side went through on penalties after the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate but lost to Chelsea in the final.

“Every time I have gone to the Bernabeu, as a player and as a coach, I have never in my head gone there as the favourite,” Guardiola said in Spanish sports daily Marca.

“I have too much respect for them,” added the 43-year-old, whose Bayern side have already wrapped up another Bundesliga title and are still in with a chance of repeating last season’s treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup. “Madrid deserve a lot of respect for all their history. They are always a strong team whoever is the coach because they have a lot

Gareth Bale

UEFA Champions League Is Best Bar The World Cup, Says Larsson HENRIK - Larsson says winning the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona was the highlight of his playing career and believes European football’s premier club competition is second only to the World Cup. Larsson was a hero for Barca in the 2006 final as he came off the bench to set up goals for Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti as the Blaugrana beat Arsenal 2-1 in Paris.

The former Sweden striker has revealed he was picked

as a substitute that day instead of Lionel Messi, who was returning from injury, and claims he was unhappy to start on the bench.

However, he says what came next was the pinnacle of his distinguished career.

“I wasn’t happy about not starting and I wasn’t even sure if I was going to participate in the game because at the time, you might have heard of the player that was there, that was Lionel Messi,” Larsson told us in the latest episode of MasterCard’s Priceless Memories video series. “He was very young at the time,

[Frank] Rijkaard chose between me and him sitting on the bench, and Messi went into the stands and I went onto the bench.

“I was fortunate enough to pass the ball to Eto’o and then to Belletti; that was the only goal Belletti scored for Barcelona and it was perfect timing to be honest.

“Now today I can watch back and every time I hear the song of the UEFA Champions League I can have a big smile on my face. The proudest moment of my career has to be when we won the

Champions League. It’s the biggest thing you can win bar the World Cup.” And although he featured alongside a young Messi at Barca, Larsson cites Ronaldinho as the finest footballer he has played alongside.

“The greatest player I played with has to be Ronaldinho.

When I was at FC Barcelona he was at the height of his career, he was absolutely fantastic, the things he could do with the ball, and also the passing game he had was fantastic.

behind them: great players, fans and a great history.”

Guardiola conceded that his players had gone off the boil in the Bundesliga since winning the title last month.

Real, fresh from beating Barca in Wednesday’s King’s Cup final and still in the fight for La Liga, may have something of an edge, he added.

“Yes Madrid have a certain advantage in that respect,” Guardiola, whose side have lost twice and drawn once in four outings since securing the Bundesliga, told Marca.

“We won the league much earlier and that meant our rhythm dropped a little but we will try to get back to our level as soon as possible.

“But that’s a normal thing because we were playing league games with nothing at stake.

“Madrid’s enthusiasm will be greater than ours right now after winning the Cup final but we will try to be competitive at the Bernabeu.”

Guardiola’s Real counterpart Carlo Ancelotti, in his first season in charge, is waiting on the fitness of top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who has missed the last four matches due to knee and muscle problems in his left leg.

The Portugal captain, the leading marksman also in La Liga this term, has been training hard this week, suggesting he should be able to play a part on Wednesday.

“I always believe that the great players, however small the chance they have, will play on these occasions,” Guardiola said.

“What can I say about Cristiano? He has been at that level for many years, but not just him. He is very strong but without him Madrid are also a team.”

The return leg is in Munich next week and the winners of the tie will play Atletico Madrid or Chelsea in the final in Lisbon on May 24.

Neuer Ready Real Clash

BAYERN Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returned to training ahead of the club’s Champions League semifinal at Real Madrid.

Neuer, 28, had missed Bayern’s last two matches against Kaiserslautern in the DFB-Pokal and at Eintracht Braunschweig in the Bundesliga with a calf injury suffered in the club’s 3-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

But during the Easter weekend, Neuer, who had been replaced by the 20-year old Lukas Raeder, resumed light training with the ball and on Tuesday morning boarded the plane to Madrid, just like his teammate David Alaba, who sat out the Braunschweig clash with a cold.

Meanwhile, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has urged the title holders to at least score one goal at the Bernabeu.

Manuel Neuer

Today Bayern Munich continue their bid for their fourth Champions League final in five seasons, and CEO Rummenigge knows that scoring an away goal could be vital on their way to Lisbon.

“We need to score at least one goal. That’s what we learned from Dortmund’s meetings with Real Madrid,” he told the club’s official website, referring to Dortmund’s 3-0 defeat at the Bernabeu in the first leg of the quarterfinals, and added that he hopes that Madrid will be able to field their best XI. “The semifinal is a huge spectacle and it’ll be watched all over the globe.

So we want to see all the best players.”

THE NIGERIAN

30

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

African Teams To 2014 FIFA World Cup Shun CAF Offer WITH less than two months to the kick off of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, none of the African teams to the tournament has accepted the offer by CAF to train for free at its Centre of Excellence in Cameroon.

PANA reports that in February, CAF announced it will cover the costs of training at the CAF Centre of Excellence in Mbankomo, Cameroon.

Africa’s five flag bearers to Brazil are: Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

CAF also called on the

Roy Hodgson

entire African continent to support the five teams so they can make Africa proud.

Based on the preparation programmes so far released by the teams, indications are that none of them will be training anywhere in Africa

for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 12 and runs through July 13.

All the teams have lined up foreign playing tours and training, from where they will head to Brazil for the global tournament.

Roy Hodgson Put Faith In Youth

ENGLAND boss Roy Hodgson has told kicker that he will call up several young players for the World Cup. With the announcement of the preliminary World Cup squads less than a month away, Hodgson has revealed he will put his faith in younger players for the tournament in Brazil.

The world’s biggest footballing event has seen many moments of controversy over the years.

Read “I only called up a few new players like Jordan Henderson or Danny Welbeck, Andy Carroll and most of all Alex OxladeChamberlain for the 2012 European Championships.

When I’ll announce the World Cup squad, I will call up more younger and less experienced players,” Hodgson told kicker.

“But that’s all part of a natural transition phase experienced by all football nations,” he added.

“You sometimes have an especially good generation like Spain in the past six years. But they will now need a new generation for the next six years.”

Hodgson said that the 19-year old Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling “is one of the 30 to 35 candidates in my head.”

But you have to be careful to not completely lean towards one direction. It’s neither “young is good and old is bad” nor “experience is everything, youth is bad.” It’s only about the players. There are young ones, who might lack experience, but whose qualities weigh it up and make them better than experienced players.

Others are experienced and thus have other qualities,” Hodgson said.

Asked whether England go to

the World Cup to win it, he answered: “Yes, I would say that — without claiming that we will win it. We’ll go there to play our best football. We believe in us.

“If the players can access their top performances and we have some luck, we can win it. Denmark and Greece

have also won the European Championships. But if we can really pull it off is down to if the players playing good enough, if we are prepared good enough and if the organisation runs smoothly. And my job is to take care of exactly that.”

Team Staff Linked To Armstrong Doping Get Long Bans LANCE Armstrong’s former cycling team manager, Johan Bruyneel, Dr Pedro Celaya and trainer, Jose “Pepe” Marti, have all been handed long bans from the sport for their involvement in doping; the U.S. AntiDoping Agency (USADA) said.

Bruyneel was banned for 10 Arbitration for Sport (AAA), years, while Celaya and Marti USADA said in a statement. got eight-year bans after the The trio all worked for decision by the American Armstrong’s U.S. Postal Arbitration Association North Service team (USPS), which American Court of changed its name to

Moyes, Scolari, Ferrara And Football’s Most DAVID Moyes’ horrific before being called to Turin.

Disastrous Reigns nine month spell as manager Germany’s surprise of Manchester United has finally come to an end. The 2-0 defeat at former club Everton yesterday was the final straw for the Glazer family and on Tuesday it was officially confirmed that Moyes had been relieved of his duties. Despite enjoying unrivalled success during 26 years under Sir Alex Ferguson and winning the Premier League only last May, United currently find themselves in seventh place and struggling to even qualify for the Europa League. But the Scot is not

the first coach to have endured a disastrous period in office at a major footballing club.

European giants such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Juventus have all suffered in the past under various managers, too. Goal takes a look at some of the most calamitous reigns on the domestic scene in recent years.

Juventus had found times tough as they looked to get back on their feet following Calciopoli, but the club fell to their lowest ebb under Ciro Ferrara. Having taken over from Claudio Ranieri two

Sep Blatter, FIFA President

games from the end of the 2008-09 season, the former defender was given the reins on a full-time basis in the summer.

Yet Ferrara became one of the few Juve coaches ever to be sacked midway through the season following a horrendous run either side of Christmas, which saw the Bianconeri not only slip out of the title race, but fall completely out of touch with the top six. He was replaced in late January by Alberto Zaccheroni - a man who had not coached in three years

performance as hosts at the 2006 World Cup, when they finished third, had seen Jurgen Klinsmann regarded as one of the game’s most promising young coaches.

But this reputation was destroyed following a horrific spell in charge of the club he had previously played for. Inheriting the best squad in Germany in the summer of 2008, by the time he was sacked in April the following year Bayern were not only out of all competitions.

Discovery Channel, after a change of sponsors in 2005.

They opted for arbitration when the charges were originally levelled against them in June 2012.

“The evidence establishes conclusively that, Mr Bruyneel was at the apex of a conspiracy to commit widespread doping on the USPS and Discovery Channel teams, spanning many years and many riders,” said the statement.

“Similarly, Dr. Celaya and Mr. Marti were part of, or at least allowed themselves to be used as instruments of, that conspiracy.”

American Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and given a lifetime ban for doping in 2012.

He finally admitted his use of banned substances in a TV interview with Oprah Winfrey in January 2013.

Two other doctors connected to the team, Spaniard Luis Garcia del Moral and Italian Michele Ferrari, were handed lifetime bans from professional sports

by USADA in July 2012.

USADA’s 2012 report said the USPS team had run “the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme the sport has ever seen”.

Belgian Bruyneel is a former professional cyclist who was team manager for all of Armstrong’s seven Tour de France wins from 1999 to 2005.

Often described as Armstrong’s right-hand man, Bruyneel enjoyed further success with Astana in 20089, before moving to run the RadioShack team, a position he resigned from when USADA published its report into Armstrong’s doping.

“I do not dispute that there are certain elements of my career that I wish had been different.

“Nor do I dispute that doping was a fact of life,” the 49-yearold said in a statement on his website.

“However, a very small minority of us have been used as scapegoats for an entire generation.

“There is clearly something wrong with a system that allows only six individuals to be punished as retribution for the sins of an era.”

THE NIGERIAN

31

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

2015 AYC Qualifiers F/Eagles Face Abuja College In Tune-Up Match

Coach Seeks Workshops, For Coaches, Referees THE Head Coach of the Nigeria Judo Federation, Obed Ogunedo, on Monday urged the federation’s board to be organising workshop and seminars for coaches and referees regularly.

Ogunedo told newsmen in Lagos that the rules of the sport had kept changing, hence the need for young and old coaches to be kept abreast with new rules.

According to him, the growth and popularity of the sport in the country, is tied to the improved technical competence of handlers.

“Regular seminars and workshops within and outside the country, have the potential of transforming the sport, as the coaches and referees will be wellgrounded in modern rules of the game”, he said.

The coach also advocated for the organization of grassroots competitions and national tournaments regularly, to discover hidden talents that could be groomed to represent the country.

He noted that the country’s failure to participate in many continental competitions was due to poor funding, adding that the situation had affecting the development of game.

He therefore advised the Nigeria Judo Federation, to seek for sponsorships to enable the national team take part in invitational and major tournaments.

Raheem Sterling

producing the likes of Dele Alampasu and Abdullahi Alfa, will give my team a good test as we build up for next month’s 2015 AYC qualifiers,’’ he said.

The Flying Eagles’ opponents in the second round of the 2015 AYC Qualifiers would be either Kenya or Tanzania.

The opponents will emerge this weekend following the second leg game, after both teams had played out a goalless draw in the first leg match in Kenya two weeks earlier.

The Flying Eagles, who did not break camp for the Easter holidays, trained on Monday morning at the Abuja National Stadium practice pitch.

game.

We won’t concentrate too much on what is happening outside.

“We just want to take care of what is happening on the pitch. We want to get three more points. We come in every day, we see each other and we know what the dream is. We are keeping each other modest.

“If we keep working hard, there is a real goal at the end of it. We just have to keep our heads down, keep working hard and concentrate on Chelsea. We are working for each other and fighting for our lives. I don’t think we are nervous, we just know what we can

get out of it.”

Sterling broke into Liverpool’s first team in March 2012, when Kenny Dalglish was still the club’s manager, becoming a regular after Rodgers took charge that summer. The teenager’s form dipped during the second half of last season, before a thigh injury kept him out of the final seven weeks of the campaign.

Winning back a regular place proved to be a struggle, but Sterling praised Rodgers for keeping faith with him.

“He has had belief in me,” said Sterling. “I knew I had a lot to give but now I have confidence and, right now, it’s sky high.”

Liverpool Mentally Strong For Final Games

RAHEEM Sterling insists that Liverpool have the mental strength to secure their first league title in 24 years. weekend.

Brendan Rodgers’ side Sterling scored twice in need a maximum of seven that win, prompting points from their final three Rodgers afterwards to matches to bring the title describe him as trophy to Anfield. “arguably the best young Sunday’s 3-2 victory at player in Europe”.

Norwich was Liverpool’s The 19-year-old has 11th successive league played a key part in victory, and left them five Liverpool’s surge for the points clear at the top of the title since the beginning Premier League. Second- of 2014, having been a placed Chelsea visits fringe player during the Anfield this coming

2014 FIFA U-20 World Cup

NFA Expects Falconets To Reach Semi-Finals

THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) expects a semi-finals appearance from the under-20 women team, the Falconets, at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada this August.

Mrs. Dilichukwu Onyedimma, an NFA board member, told newsmen in Abuja on Monday the team had since been working to surpass its previous World Cup record.

“The Falconets will come into camp in the next one or two months but we want to start

THE Flying Eagles will today take on the Abuja Football College in another tune-up match in continuation of preparations for next month’s 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifiers.

A statement by the national under-20 men team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu, said the match would be played at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja from 7.30 a.m.

The statement also quoted Flying Eagles’ head coach Manu Garba as saying the match against Abuja Football College would be another good test for his team.

“I hope the football academy, now famous for

preparing them with friendly matches.

“All expectations are that the team should go beyond the stage it reached before and, if not, the semi-finals.

But I am looking at the team playing in the final this year.

“The under-17 team which went to Costa Rica in March did not start playing friendly matches on time when they were preparing for the World Cup, but they later did when they embarked on a training tour.

“They played a good number of matches which really helped them get to the quarter-finals stage.

first half of the season. He had made only one league start this season by the end of November, but has been a regular since. His form over the last five months has made him a likely candidate to go to this summer’s World Cup as part of the England squad.

But the winger insists that, for now, the focus remains on beating Chelsea this Sunday.

“Everyone in the changing room is really up for it,” Sterling told British national newspapers. “It is a really big part of the season and we will just go in there to fight again. We will just take it as another

“So, we also want to do the same for the Falconets. We will start with friendly matches and from there we will BAYERN Munich get them into camp,” winger Arjen Robben says Onyedimma said. his side can no longer be She said the considered favourites to programme of early camping and friendly matches would ensure that the team had the coherence it needed for the World Cup. The 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada is scheduled to hold between Aug. 5 and Aug. 24.

Nigeria is in Group C with England, Mexico Arjen Robben and Korea Republic.

Bayern Are No Longer Favourites, competition.

Says Robben “They have the best win the Champions League as they prepare to face Real Madrid.

The reigning European champions have been odds-on to become the first team to defend the trophy in the modern era throughout the tournament so far, but Robben believes such expectation counts for nothing against a side he believes are the most dangerous in the

players,” Robben told Kicker. “If you have a 10 minute period where you switch off, you can suddenly concede three goals. There’ll be a lot demanded of us.

“We are no longer favourites. Of course we want to win the Champions League again, but we’re in the semi final – and anything can happen.

“Real are the most dangerous opponent we could have faced.”