The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 ART & CULTURE
Page 19
cmyk
Graven images in culture
REFLECTION Page 23 Nigerians celebrate the feast of blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi
• Vol . 38 NO.405• FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2 0 14 • N100.00
Etsako Central PDP Vice Chairman defects to APC
FUGAR - The Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Etsako Central Local
Government, Mr. Steve Ken Orno Imazue has defected to the All Progressives Congress
(APC).
Announcing his defection to the APC at the Executive Chamber of
Etsako Central Local Government Council, Fugar, Mr. Steve Ken
Continues on page 2
Jonathan committed to youth dev - NOA boss By RICHARD OKORO EWEKA/ AISEGOR RUTH
BENIN CITY – The Edo State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Magdaline Umunnah said the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has shown great interest and commitment to the development of the youth because they play a great role in building the nation. She made this in developing the society. assertion in her address “The youths constitute at a one day youth the backbone of national summit, with the theme: development and “Rebuilding National prosperity of any nation. Image through the This they owe to their Nigeria youth” held in God given natural Benin City on Thursday. endowment of vigorous Mrs. Umunnah said energy, agility, swiftness that statistic showed that of thought and indeed, 60 percent of Nigerian’s exceeding physical estimated 165 million manpower which make population are youths youthful age more and they play a vital role
interesting than any other stage of human existence”. Speaking further, she said, NOA organized the programme to improve the national image,
sustain attitudinal change among Nigerian youths and restore self confidence. It will also instill higher sense of self esteem and patriotism, raise integrity standards, harness their
creative energies and prepare them for responsible leadership in future, she added. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Awara Egiroro who
represented the State Commissioner of Police, Folusho Adebanjo commended the organisers of the programme as well as youths that find time to attend the programme and encouraged them to put all they have learnt to practise to be able to change the nation positively. Delivering a lecture at Continues on page 2
Multi-Million Naira Butchers’ Union Secretariat unveiled IBADAN – As part of his efforts to restructure Butchers’ union for efficiency across the country, the national president of the union and a prominent chief of the Benin Kingdom, Chief (Dr.) John Osamede Adun JP, the Ayobahan of Benin Kingdom, weekend in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, officially inaugurated a new multi-million ultra modern secretarial of the Oyo State Chapter
of the Butchers Union. In his opening remark, the national president praised the exemplary leadership of the state executive led by 90-yrold Alhaji (Chief) Azeez Adekunle Alagunfon and the south west coordinator of the union including Kwara State, Alhaji Biliaminu Elesinmeta and charged them to remain focused and steadfast with a view to achieving the desired results. Chief Adun JP, who is
TIT BIT “Wealth is a blind and deaf organism that responds to the touch of the person, who knows how to reach into the deep in search of it.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
also the chairman of Bob Izua conglomerates worldwide used this opportunity to thank the Butchers for their cooperation with the state leadership to actualize this dream and assured them of his assistance to uplift the Continues on page 2
UNVEILING OF NEW SECRETARIAT: Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (3rd right), flanked by Chief (Dr.) John Osamede Adun JP, National President of Butchers’ Union of Nigeria (3rd left) and Hon. Bolomope Ibrahim, SSA to Governor Ajimobi, on Butchers’ matters (2nd right), during the official unveiling of the new Ultra-modern Secreteriat of the Oyo State Chapter of the Butchers’ Union last weekend in Ibadan.
Fire destroys Edo Deputy Speaker’s residence
BENIN - The official residence of the Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Festus Ebea, has been gutted by fire. The fire which razed
down the bedroom portion of the house and personal effects
estimated at millions of naira, was said to have started on Wednesday
night. Ebea, who is representing APC Esan
COLBEN recalls suspended lecturers BY TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN/ ROLAND OSAKUE
EKIADOLOR – The Provost of the College of
Education, Ekiadolor, Benin City, (COLBEN), Prof. Amen
Uhunmwangho disclosed that management of
has the the
Institution has recalled two(2) of the four(4) lecturers who were recently suspended for various offences Continues on page 2
South-East in the house told newsmen that he was able to retrieve his certificates, adding that the fire destroyed documents relating to his Office. He said it took the combined efforts of the neighbours who came with fire extinguishers and water to put out the Continues on page 2
News Multi-Million The Naira Butchers’ Union Secretariat Speaking further, chief Adun event was attended by Continued from page 1 the representative of the who is popularly known as Bob unveiled Izua in the business circles, Obubadan of Ibadan, the standard of the union to a Adviser to the Governor on greater height. The official commissioning ceremony was chaired by the State Governor, Senator (Alhaji) Abiola Ajimobi, who in his address appreciated the roles played by the Butchers’ in the state. The executive governor recalled how he came in contact with the Butchers during his electioneering campaign that brought him into office and therefore solicited for their support to make his second term bid a reality. The elated governor of Oyo State who assured the Butchers of his administration’s desires to continually support their noble cause of transforming Oyo State donated a cash gift of N5 million to the union and N50 million to the Butchers in the state to boost their market strength and promised them vehicle for the easy transportation of cattle.
national vice president of the Butchers’ union, the state commissioners, the local government chairman including the Senior Special
Butchers’ union and a onetime members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Bolomope Ibrahim among others.
thanked the governor for the gesture and assured him of his union’s cooperation to ensure he returns to Oyo State Governor house come 2015.
Continued from page 1
Masses and a Movement of Progressive minded people who are out to provide qualitative leadership. Hon. Emmanuel Momoh called on those still in the PDP to make hay while the Sun Shines asserting that APC is an all inclusive party irrespective of ones status, sex, education, religions and tribal backgrounds. The Council Boss further stated that APC is a party that believes in Youth Employment and Infrastructural Development as evident in Edo State and other APC controlled States. While thanking the people of the Local Government for keeping faith with his
administration and the party, Hon. Momoh said his administration has touched every political ward in the Local Government within the last nine months he took over the mantle of Leadership of the Local Government Council in terms of human and infrastructural development and promised to provide the needed dividends of democracy to the people of the Local Government. He added that the PDP is facing extinction in Etsako Central and called on the people to continue to embrace APC that stands for positive change adding that APC symbol (the broom) symbolizes the strength of the party and called on the people to get themselves registered in the forthcoming party membership Registration Exercise. Also speaking, a former Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Council, Chief Dr. Joseph Akhigbe Alemoh (JP) said APC is the change that is needed by Nigerians at this crucial time in the history of the country adding that APC has provided exemplary leadership that is worthy of emulation and called on the people to continue to preach the achievements of the All Progressives Congress. Lending his voice, the immediate past Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the Local Government, Pastor Paul Osugbo commended Mr. Steve Ken Imazue for the courageous decision to dump the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) adding that APC is a party that does not discriminates. In his commendation to the former PDP Vice Chairman, the leader of the legislative Arm, Hon. Atairu Murta1a said the pillar of PDP in Udochi (ward) tell has collapsed and thanked Mr. Steve Ken Imazue for his decision and promised to work with him in order to move APC forward in the ward. .Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of the (Broom) the APC symbol to Mr. Steve Imazue by the leader of the local government, Chief Dr. Joseph Alemoh on behalf of the Interim chairman of the party and the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Council, Mr. Steve Ken Omo Imazue was one time Supervisory Councillor for Works and Housing.
Etsako Central PDP Vice Chairman defects to APC
Imazue said his decision to join APC was borne out of love and passion the Comrade Governor has for the people of Edo State stressing that life can only be meaningful when it is geared forwards alleviating the plight of the people adding that he consulted his conscience before taking such a decision and promised to work for the victory of the party in the forthcoming elections. On his part, the Executive Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government and the interim Chairman of APC, Hon. Emmanuel Ozernede Momoli described the All Progressives Congress as the Party of the
COLBEN recalls suspended lecturers students of the College who
Continued from page 1 were admitted to run a 9bordering on ethical misconduct. Prof. Uhunmwangho disclosed this to newsmen yesterday while reacting to allegations of highhandedness levied against him and his management team by some of the lecturers of the College who were allegedly sanctioned for breach of ethical and professional conduct. The Provost who said he is a firm believer in alternative dispute resolution, even as a lawyer, faulted the legal suit instituted against the college by the lecturers concerned, asserting that since he assumed office about six years ago, he had been able to resolve the over 300 cases that his administration inherited from his predecessor. He described as frivolous, baseless and unfounded allegations of highhandedness levied against him and his management team, stressing that his administration had been deliberately run on the basis of openness, transparency and all inclusiveness to give lecturers and students adequate sense of belonging. On the issue of former
Jonathan committed to youth dev
Continued from page 1
the occasion, the CEO and founding president of African Women Empowerment Guild, Dr. Nosa Aladeselu called on the youths to reconstruct their mindset, towards peaceful coexistence, innovative discoveries in science, technology and act.
month programme under the auspices of Benin Cultural Heritage Centre (BCHC), the Provost asserted that the College had fulfilled its part of the bargain and wondered why anybody would keep making issues out of none. “On completion of the 9month course, they (students) asked us to plead with government to absorb them, which we did. We also paid them the agreed sum of N5,000 (Five thousand Naira) each. So, if there is any allegation of any discrepancies, it is frivolous, unfounded and should be discountenanced,” the Provost said. Prof. Uhunmwangho also used the occasion to enjoin aggrieved staff and students to always avail themselves of the laid down channels within
the College for resolving disputes before rushing to the Press or seeking legal redress. “There is a due process, and proper channel for redressing any wrong done in the Institution. I think it is better to explore these processes to the fullest before seeking legal action. That is the way to go,” Prof. Uhunmwangho advised. It will be recalled that four lecturers of the College of Education were recently suspended for various offences which management of the College considered inimical to the progress, wellbeing and good administration of the School. But after due consideration, management of the School yesterday reconsidered the case against two of the lecturers while it is still looking into that of the other two.
STDs: Health Provider
lambasts careless parents By BERNADETTE IDALU BENIN CITY – A primary health service provider yesterday at a one day “Project Inception training on Family Life and HIV education (FLHE) Curriculum,” organized by the Indomitable Youths Organization, an NGO has urged parents to be alive to their responsibilities. The care giver, Mrs. Flora Ohiosuma Lambasted parents for being overtly religions and busy which leads to a failure to instill basic sex information which has sadly led to a rise in sexually transmitted infections and AIDS among youths. Speaking on the role of health personnel, she called on health service providers to be very friendly while counseling and carrying out routine tests on
youths in order to gain confidence and truth. She noted that youths had a tendency to reveal health challenges to them instead of discussing with their parents because they were afraid of their parents especially if very strict. The Convener of the programme, Mr. Harrison Izekor speaking with The Nigerian OBSERVER said that the partnership with the TY Danjuma Foundation allowed for effective advocacies and setting up of youth friendly clinics at Oredo, Ikpoba Okha and Egor Local Councils using existing Primary Health Centres (PHCs). For effectiveness, he revealed that the PHCs with its already trained personnel was
used to sustained treatment, counseling and quick access to free drugs for the duration of one year which provided grant covers. He hoped for sustenance of the gesture by government to youths in subsequent years. The CEO of the Indomitable Youths Organization revealed that the NGO was presently working in twenty secondary schools and with some out of school youths which has culminated in the setting up of Project Management Committee made up of teachers, Ministry of Education officials and communities synergizing with health service providers in educating youths on sexual and reproductive health issues as well as providing necessary treatment of health issues at no cost to such youths.
Edo sets rules for operating motor parks BENIN CITY – Edo State government has set the rules for operating motor parks which the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development refers to a ‘Bus Terminal’. The rules were made public at a press conference jointly addressed in Benin City by the Commissioner for the Ministry, Arch Francis Evbuomwan and his Transport Counterpart, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo. According to them, “operators of bus terminals, either public or private are expected to register” with the Ministry of Transport and get their planning approvals from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with regards to the location and siting”. They noted that all approved bus terminals must operate within a fenced area it is an offence to operate by the road side. They noted that registration of bus terminal is strictly the responsibility of state government as it is well equipped with the technical personnel to enforce the relevant rules regarding it. According to them; “Local Government do not
have any role to play in the siting of motor, bus or private terminal; the local government are not aware of the Urban Master Plan; no local government can run, administer any part of the state independent of the Ministry of Urban Planning. “Once permit is granted, the local government takes over from there” by enforcing sanitation rules, adding that what local government gives out to operators of terminal are merely approvals which do not stands for what the ministry gives. According to them, government officials would from today commence the enforcement of compliance with relevant laws on the establishment of bus terminals with a view to seal off violators. On the conversion of residential premises into churches, restaurants, schools, supermarkets, night clubs, car wash, the commissioners urged those responsible to regularise their structures or remove them failure which the relevant rules would be applied. While cautioning those who erected unauthorised structures to remove them, they noted that “everyone is expected to carry out their businesses within the boundary of their premises”.
Adams Aliu condoles Oba Erediauwa
BENIN CITY – Barrister Adams Aliu of Adams Aliu and Co (Orumwense Chambers), on behalf of his family has sent a message of sympathy to the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa and the Royal family of Benin kingdom over the demise of Oloi Esther Omoyenmwen
Erediauwa, eldest wife of the Oba. A statement, he personally signed for the household of Adams Aliu acknowledged the fatherly role of the Monarch in his (Aliu) life. He prayed God and the ancestors to grant the Oba the “fortitude to bear the loss of his beloved wife, confidant and companion.”
Army gets new PRO BY BERNADETTE IDALU
BENIN CITY – A new Army Public Relations Officer (APRO) has assumed office at the 4 Brigade Headquarters, Benin City. The new APRO, Captain Abubakar Abdullahi who assumed office on January 9, 2014 holds a First degree in Mass Communication and Masters degree in Public Relations (MPR) from Bayero University, Kano. The APRO who stated that he: “hopes to make
the office very formidable to achieve its task,” said his office is open to members of the public, especially those with vital information which will help the 4 Brigade to carry out its responsibility of ensuring peace in society. A well traveled officer, Captain Abubakar Abdullahi has served previously at the Nigerian Army Education Corps, Lagos; 21 Brigade, Maiduguri; 3 Division Jos, aside serving also as the Public Information Officer in Darfur, Sudan in 2009 and 2012.
Fire destroys Edo Deputy Speaker’s residence Continued from page 1 fire.
The deputy speaker listed some of the personal effects destroyed to include, computers, plasma TV, air conditioners, phones, Bank documents, official
documents and an undisclosed sum of money, among others. He, however, gave God the glory that no life was lost, saying that the cause of the fire may be traced to an electrical fault. “I do not suspect any foul play,’’ he added.
News Domestic Violence
Onwenu Urges Continuous Training
ABUJA - The DirectorGeneral, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Onyeka Onwenu, has in Abuja called for continuous training of law enforcement officers in handling of domestic violence. Onwenu told newsmen in Abuja that law enforcement officers in Nigeria sometimes did not know the gravity of domestic violence, thereby failing to give positive response to victims. She also said that it was high time the legislature at all levels of society passed the bills protecting women so as to improve their lives in the country. “It is time to pass laws to protect women. “Its not just good enough
Customs Seizes Rice, Poultry Products In Lagos LAGOS - The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service said on Wednesday that it had seized 270 cartons of frozen poultry with duty paid value of N1.8 million. The command said in a statement in Lagos that the seizure was made within three days. The statement, signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ms Ngozi Okwara, said the command also seized 140 bags of rice with duty paid value of N1.5 million.
passing those laws, but actually training the police, law enforcement agents to be sensitive to women who are victims, and not victimise them a second time, by blaming them, saying it’s their fault. “Or by seeing a woman who is about to be killed by the husband, she runs to the police and then they say ‘go back, it is family problem’, and then she gets there, she is killed. “There are so many stories of women who have died. “When we catch a perpetrator, we make sure that we bring the full weight of the law against that perpetrator. “We don’t cover it up, we should expose them, we tell the world what they are doing, those who are raping small babies. “We publicise their names so that the whole world will know. “So you know that you are to keep your young children away from such fiend of a human being because this is inhuman, this is extraordinary, it’s just not acceptable.” Onwenu also urged parents to educate their female children to make them independent and self-reliant. According to her, the best form of empowerment is education as once a woman is trained she will contribute her quota to national development. She said it was also important for women to be economically empowered, adding that this would promote self-value and not giving in to intimidation and unnecessary harassment from anyone. “Women economic empowerment means that they can stand on their own. Many women stay in marriages even when their lives are in danger because they are afraid.
Senate President David Mark (middle), and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (right), after the Senate plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.
Rats Harbour Over 60 Deadly Diseases - Zoologist
ILORIN - Rats are natural reservoirs for more than 60 deadly parasitic and viral diseases harmful to man, Prof. Uade Ugbomoiko, a zoologist with the University of Ilorin, said. Ugbomoiko made this known in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin. He said that studies carried out in some rural communities in Edo identified eight species of parasites from different species of rats. He said that the occurrence of parasites and their hosts were influenced by seasonal rainfall. According to him, global warming can increase the potential of some of these parasites to change their hosts. Ugbomoiko said that a parasite called “Mastdomys natalensis” is the reservoir
host of Lassa fever, a disease which he recalled, recently claimed several lives in Ekpoma town and its environs in Edo. He urged Nigerians to always sanitise their houses and surroundings against rats, adding that the rodents were more prevalent in
human habitation during the dry season. Rats, he observed, invaded houses in search of food because of bush burning and returned to the bush during the rainy season. The zoologist identified socio-economic and environmental indices such
Dietician Advocates Usage Of Natural Spices ABUJA - Miss Yemisi Olowookere, a Dietician at the Garki Hospital Abuja, has advised Nigerians to cultivate the habit of consuming natural spices rather than the processed seasonings. Olowookere told newsmen that natural spices such as, ginger and garlic contained vital minerals and vitamins to improve healthy living. According to her, ginger and garlic have been used to prevent and treat cardio vascular diseases, hypertension and high cholesterol in the body.
“People don’t really know the importance of consuming garlic and ginger; they are small but significant in making our bodies healthy. “Instead of using the processed or artificial seasoning sold in the market for food, one can add ginger and garlic to improve our health,’’ Olowookere said. She also said ginger and garlic were good remedies for indigestion, cough and chest congestion, even in children inclusive.
Motorcyclist Crushes Woman, Child To Death
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left) and Chief (Dr.) John Osamede Adun (JP) during the official meeting of the New Secretariat of the Oyo State Chapter of the Butchers’ Union in Ibadan recently.
as poverty, illiteracy, social deprivation and poor sanitary conditions, among others, as factors that could lead to the transmission of a parasite. “Improving the health of Nigerians from parasitic attacks should be ensured through the provision of basic needs of the people by the government,’’ he said.
AUCHI (Edo) - Three people, including a woman and her child were crushed to death by a truck on Auchi-Okpella Highway in Auchi, Edo. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the accident occurred when the speeding truck lost control and crushed a motorcyclist, the woman and her child. The Unit Commander of FRSC, Mrs. Achibong Nseobot, told newsmen in Auchi that the truck ran over the motorcycle carrying the woman and her child. “The tipper with registration
no. Edo XA 503 AFZ was heading to Okene and ran into a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction, killing the rider, the woman and her child. “The driver, in an attempt to escape, was apprehended by angry youths, who handed him over to the police,’’ she said. The official said the remains of the victims had been deposited at the mortuary, while efforts were being made to contact their families. Nseobot warned motorists in the area particularly those of articulated vehicles against reckless driving.
Olowookere said garlic and ginger were two herbs that possess therapeutic and health benefits. “These herbs have been studied for their effectiveness in fighting infections, preventing cancer and reducing inflammation and various other applications. “Garlic is thought to have anti fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties; both garlic and ginger are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. “ Ginger is sometimes used to treat arthritis, a disease characterised by inflammation. When ginger is taken in long term, it has sugar reducing effect, for those that have diabetes, and cholesterol reducing effect,’’ Olowookere said. She added that ginger had long been used for its herbal properties, which were especially helpful in easing stomach upset and morning sickness. Olowokere said that although garlic could have a strong smell, its efficacy was more beneficial than its smell. She said that ginger and garlic could be taken raw with tea for effectiveness.
News 2015 Election: Guber Aspirant Wants Early
Release Of Funds To INEC
OWERRI – Dr. Vitalis Ajumbe, a gubernatorial aspirant of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) in Imo, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that INEC received funding for the 2015 elections early. Ajumbe gave the advice in Owerri in an interview with
newsmen. He said that early disbursement of funds to INEC would enable the commission to prepare early and ensure credible elections in 2015. “The executive should empower INEC ahead of time. If INEC is empowered early enough, we can be sure of
credible elections in 2015.” He also advised the president to remain neutral on the issue of who emerged governorship candidate in 2015 general elections in any state. The aspirant criticised the
opposition’s attacks on the president, saying that it was capable of distracting him and urged them to desist from such act. “The incessant attacks on the president does not augur well for our democracy as they
only serve to distract him and as a human being, he cannot offer his best when he is so distracted. “It is a very wrong thing to do; though I am not in the president’s party, I cannot support it. The president has the right to run or not to run again; he should not be forced
Police Man Shot To Death In Error
YENAGOA -The Police in Bayelsa has confirmed that a mobile police officer had been shot to death in error. The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, who confirmed the incident, described the death of the policeman an unfortunate. “He was mistakenly shot by a member of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during a shoot-out with armed robbers in Yenagoa. “They were colleagues
attached to the state special security outfit known as Operation Door Akpor. “The police received a distress call on Monday night that armed robbers had attacked a popular petrol station at Edepie Roundabout in the state capital. “When the patrol team got there, the robbers opened fire on sighting the police van. “So, there was a shoot-out and in the process, the NSCDC personnel mistakenly shot his patrol team colleague,” Akhigbe said.
A corps member undergoing free dental screening by Advocacy for African Education Awareness and Development (NGO) at Iseyin, Oyo State recently.
The workshop, which is being hosted by the Bell University of Technology, Ota, and NASRDA, started on Monday and would end tomorrow, Saturday. Rabiu said that the agency had already collaborated with the University of Ilorin which has a laboratory of national standard to carry out research on air quality. ‘The issue of space weather is a common phenomenon that has received international attention,“ he said.
and NASRDA to organise workshop,’’ he said. Adeyemi said that the university was prepared to play the role of host institution for the annual workshop. “The benefits of space and weather research were enormous and could not be quantified. “ For instance, Global Positioning System (GPS) was known to be an offshoot of space research and technology.
Nsukka (Enugu State) - The Anglican Bishop of Nsukka, Rt. Rev Aloysius Agbo, said on Tuesday that President Goodluck Jonathan’s assent to same-sex marriage law had received a widespread applause from Nigerians. He told newsmen in Nsukka that the Federal Government’s action was a demonstration of abiding faith in the divine injunction on homosexuality rather than pandering to western’s whims and caprices. He said: “Every Christian in Nigeria is happy about the development, “We are happy because that is one of the things Nigeria government has done in recent times to show that Nigeria is a religious country that fears God more than human beings. “ A country that does not follow crowd when it comes to a matter that relates to God. “ We are happy about it, especially when he did that
contrary to the pressure from the western world,‘’ he said. “ Whether they like it or not Nigeria is a country on its own that has the right to decide what Nigerians should do and how they should behave. “And other countries should not impose their views on Nigeria, especially when those views are unnatural, unwise and ungodly,” he said The bishop reminded the people of Judgment Day when everybody would stand before the throne of God to give account of stewardship on earth. “No matter the positions you occupy in the world today remember that God gave it to you and you are accountable to him, the creator of the universe. “I wonder where the idea of allowing man and man as well as woman and woman to live as husband and wife came from. “If our forefathers have done that, many of us would not have been born,” he said.
Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai (right), briefing newsmen on the forthcoming 7th International Annual Conference of the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) in Jos on Tuesday. With him is the Registrar, Mr. Jilili Dan.
Rabiu said western countries could not solve the climate problem for Africans as ‘’we do not have the same weather challenges.’’ “The agency is working toward indigenous capacity building in the country that would be able to solve our weather problems,“ he said. Rabiu said that the workshop would be able to proffer solution to the problem of inability to predict the weather that had cost disasters in the country. Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, the
Vice- Chancellor of Bell University, said one of the major challenges confronting the institution was industrial pollution. Adeyemi, who attributed the pollution to the industrial companies in Ota, expressed the belief that the workshop would offer an immediate solution to it. “ The drive to achieve the stated vision of the institution led to collaboration and signing of Memorandum of Understanding with the CAR
Gay: NBA Commends Jonathan ABEOKUTA - The Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ogun Chapter, Mr. Ayodele Adebayo, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for assenting to the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill. Adebayo gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta. He said human behaviour must be checked by laws, adding that the 14-year jail term prescribed was a welcome development which would help the society. “I think the law is good because of our cultural values; we must all understand that human rights do not translate to free for all or acting with reckless abandon,” he said. Mr. Fola Olusola, another lawyer in the state, commended Jonathan for moving against same sex marriage, saying Nigeria remained a culturally conscious country. “We value our cultural way of life; we don’t need gays in our country, it is against our culture and our religious beliefs,” he said. It would be recalled that the president had on Jan. 13 signed into law a bill that criminalised same-sex relationship and gay rights groups in Nigeria. The law prescribes a jail term of up to 14 years imprisonment for those who flout its provisions.
Centre To Partner Varsities On Space Research SANGO-OTA (OGUN) The Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja, said it will partner universities to improve research on air space. Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, the Chief Executive of NASRDA, made this known at Ota at a workshop with the theme: ‘’The Third National Space Weather School and National Conference of Nigeria Geophysical Society.’’
to withdraw.” He said that those attacking Jonathan were people who might have interest in running for the presidency in 2015, adding that they were doing so to incite the electorate against him.
Bishop Hails Jonathan Over Assent To Same Sex Marriage Bill
News Coy Distributes Food Items, N2m Cash To Widows SOUTH-IBIE (EDO) - The Management, Myclim Table Water Company, Auchi, has distributed food items and cash totaling N3 million to 60 widows in South-Ibie, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo. The items include bags of rice, garri, beans, salt, vegetable oil, yams and N2 million cash. Addressing the beneficiaries, the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Michael Omokhuebe, said that the gesture was to alleviate the suffering of the widows. “The items and cash given to you are to improve your economic well being and support your children,’’ he said. He said that the company would extend the gesture to other communities within the local government area. Mrs. Mariam Umoru, one of the beneficiaries, commended the company, saying that the money would improve their economic condition and support their children. “We want to thank the company for this gesture. It is our prayer that God will bless and replenish the company’s pocket,” she said.
Lingering Crisis
Delta Warns Ugborodo Community By INNEH BARTH
Some of the graduates of Command Special Armoured Personnel Carrier, Driving and Maintenance Course, at the Military Bawe in Kachia, Kaduna State recently.
3 Brothers, 2 Others Docked For Fighting
OSOGBO -Three brothers and two other persons were arraigned before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for terrorising the public by fighting over a football match. The police prosecutor, Insp. Isiaka Ajadi, gave the names of the accused as Adewale Badmus, 25, Moshood Badmus, 19, Amid Badmus, 18, Adepoju Mummuni, 40, and Saheed
Azeez, 27. Adewale Badmus and Saheed Azeez were, however, not present in court. The prosecutor said that the duo were hospitalised as a result of the fight and would be charged along others when they
were discharged. He told the court that the fight happened on January 19, at about 6 p.m. at Kolawole area in Osogbo. He said that the accused and others at large engaged in public brawl and inflicted bodily
injuries on themselves over a football match argument. He added that they unlawfully armed and engaged themselves with sticks and broken bottles during the fight, which terrorised the public. According to him, the fight resulted to the stabbing of Saheed Azeez on the face with a broken bottle which led to Azeez’s hospitalisation. The prosecutor said that the action of the accused contravened sections 83, 80 and 355 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol.11, Laws of Osun, 2003. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their counsel, Mrs. Nnena Ngwu and Mr Okobe Nagite, applied for their bail in the most liberal terms. The Magistrate, Mr. Adebayo Lasisi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 each and a surety each in like sum.
The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Comrade Ovourzorey Marculey, has warned the warring factions in Ugborodo community in Warri South West LGA, to hence forth seize further hostilities and all forms of propaganda to enable the smooth take off of multi billion naira gas project. The SSG gave the warning during the inaugural meeting of the Federal Government Committee on Ugborodo crisis, which also headed by him. He stated that the escalating crisis was in the community over the leadership struggle in Ugborodo where the project is sited prompted the FG, the owner of the project, to set up the peace and reconciliation committee. “The gas project is the largest in the country. Work should be allowed to continue, unguarded press statements, all propaganda regarding the project should stop”. He appealed. According to the SSG, if there is such hostility again the leadership of the warning groups that are members of the committee will be held responsible. “It will be in our interest to shift grand to enable us achieve peace. No matter how tough a crisis, it will end in the round table.
NSCDC Arrests 86 Suspected Oil Thieves
Amuwo Odofin in Maternal and Child Healthcare Centre, inaugurated by Governor Babatunde Fashola in Lagos recently.
ASABA - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Delta, said it arrested 86 people with illegal petroleum products in 2013. The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Felix Egede, told newsmen in Asaba that it confiscated1sp 02,
Osun House Not Rubber Stamp - Lawmakers OSOGBO - The Osun House of Assembly is not a ‘‘ rubber stamp ’’ of the state government, Mr. Ajibola Akinloye, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, has said. Akinloye said this in
Osogbo in an interview with newsmen. He explained that the cordial relationship between the executive and lawmakers had made some people to believe in such speculation. The reports state that the 26 lawmakers in the assembly
belong to the All Progressives Party (APC). “ Whenever we notice lapses, we call the governor to order and he responds immediately. ‘’Those who say we are rubber stamp are far from the truth and their opinion is
myopic in nature. ‘’Without the existing good relationship between the executive and the members of the assembly, the development and transformation we are experiencing in the state will not have been possible,’’ he said.
Akinloye added that there was no bill presented to the assembly and passed into law that was not in the best interest of the people. He said the assembly would continue to work with the executive in the best interest of the state.
850 litres of petroleum products from the suspects. Egede, who said the products were seized from various locations, said the NSCDC also destroyed illegal petroleum products at three locations at Isaba General Area in Warri South. He said that two Cotonoubound boats and 12 vehicles were also confiscated by the officers and men of the command during the period under review. Egede said that of the 86 suspects, three were arrested for allegedly vandalising Chevron Nigeria Ltd. pipeline, located at Mukaraba Flow Station, close to oil well head 34.
South West Muslim Youths Laud President Jonathan For Signing Anti-Gay Law ABEOKUTA - The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO), lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the anti-gay bill into law.
Its National President, Alhaji Kamal’ddin Akintunde, made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta. He said the organisation
IBADAN - A Consultant at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr Taiwo Soyinka, says Nigerian men who have multiple sexual partners are more prone to prostate cancer. Soyinka told newsmen in Ibadan that prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells within the prostate gland. The consultant said the ailment was common in men who are over 60 years of age, adding that those who had more than one sexual partner were mostly affected. She advised Nigerian men to be alert to certain body pains, saying this might be early signs of cancer. “Some of the cancer symptoms in men are specific and they involve certain body parts and may even point
directly to the possibility of cancer. “A mass in the scrotum or testicles may point to a cancer of that part of the body. “ But not all pains in parts of the private parts lead to cancer but the possibility should not be ruled out,” she said. The consultant advised men to look for signs of prostate cancer early so as to reduce the high risk factor. “I will advise men to look for a dull persistent pain in the lower back and the pelvic area. This is the most common sign of prostate cancer, ‘’ she said. Soyinka said spotting signs of any type of cancer early could lead to about 80 percent survival rate, adding that the survival rate of prostate cancer had doubled in the country in the last 10 years compared to the 1970s.
Men Who Have Sexual Partners Prone To Prostate Cancer - Expert
condemned criticism of the law by the U.S. and the EU. Akintunde added that “Nigerians are culturally and religiously sensitive and will not tolerate anything that will undermine their religious values. “NACOMYO commends President Goodluck Jonathan for that executive action. “His action was courageous and in tandem with popular opinion of Nigerians.’’ The national president of the organization said the bill passed due legislative process and therefore became imperative for the President to assent to it in line with democratic norm. The Muslim youth leader noted that the practice was alien to the culture of Nigerians, saying it was destructive to the nation’s values. “Above all, it is against the doctrines of Islam and Christianity, which majority of Nigerians belong to. “How can a man marry a man? The National Assembly has done the right thing and the president did what is right by signing it into law.’’ President Goodluck Jonathan had on January 13 signed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act into law, criminalising homosexuality in the country.
Alaba Cementry Road inaugurated by Governor Babatunde FAshola in Ajegunle, Lagos on Tuesday.
FRSC Seeks Emergency Clinics
SANGO-OTA - The Itori Unit Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Fatai Bakare, has called for well equipped accident and emergency clinics to reduce casualties resulting from auto crashes. Bakare told newsmen in Ota, Ogun, that this would bring down the death rate as a result of accidents. He also said that the clinics should have qualified medical personnel on ground while adequate drugs should be provided free for road accidents victims. “It is necessary for accident victims to receive first aid treatment before taking them to a hospital for extensive treatment,” Bakare said. He said that his unit had a functioning accident and emergency clinic where more
than 46 victims had been treated and discharged. The unit commander said that the clinic had been in existence since 2010 and had been
Commercial Tricycle operators protesting over alleged multiple taxation by local government councils in Akwa Ibom recently.
Oyo Butchers Get N50m Interest Free Loan IBADAN - Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has approved the sum of N50 million as interest-free loans to butchers in the state. Reports state that Ajimobi made this known this while speaking at the inauguration of the state secretariat of the Butchers’ Union located at Moniya in Ibadan. The governor, who said the
Integrated Payroll: OSOGBO - Mr. Kola Oladeji, Project Consultant, Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has said the move to enroll employees of federal universities into the system was in the interest of the workers. Oladeji spoke at a news conference in Osogbo, where he described the IPPIS as a reform with a lot of benefits. “The move is not only to create a credible database for
attending to accident victims, adding that it was equipped by the FRSC management. “Drivers and other road users, who are feeling dizzy, can come into the clinic to rest before proceeding on their journeys,’’ he said.
loan would boost business activities of the butchers, urged them to make good use of the money. He added that they should ensure it was repaid on time for others to benefit. Reports state that the governor last week released a grant of N20 million to traders in Ibadan, as part of the empowerment programme of his
administration. Ajimobi stressed his administration’s belief in small and medium entrepreneurs as the bedrock of any economy. He said:“supporting the butchers would also contribute more to the economic growth of the state.” He enjoined members of the union to maintain a clean environment while carrying on
their business activities, in line with the urban renewal programme of the state government. Responding, the Chairman of the state chapter of the union, Alhaji Adekunle Alagunfon, lauded Ajimobi’s administration for providing a conducive environment for members of the union to operate. He described the provision of
University of Ibadan cannot earn more or less than someone on the same grade level at University of Nigeria Nsukka. “The anxieties and fears of the university sector about IPPIS platform are understandable; however, there are over 280 MDAs on IPPIS as at January 2014. “We know that the university system has some peculiarities like payment for sabbatical leave, contract
appointment, honorary consultants, part-time lecturers and staff promotions. “IPPIS and the vendor have carefully looked into these peculiarities and tailored the application to take care of all,’’ Oladeji said. He explained that although the information system had its teething problems just like any other project, it had turned out to be a success. Oladeji appealed to heads of universities’ unions to see
enrolment into IPPIS as one of the necessary changes of an electronically driven world and join hands with the government. “It is one of the greatest reforms introduced by the present administration as the benefits are enormous to the workers and the government. “It is a reform we cannot afford to run away from; it has nothing to do with politics, it has nothing to do with retrenchment, rather it is an innovative reform,’’ he said.
Expert Lauds Initiative
the workers but to automate personnel planning for the Federal Government. “It will make the process of paying them simpler and the nation will be able to catch up with the rest of the world technologically,’’ he said. The consultant noted that the introduction of IPPIS in Nigeria had resulted in prompt, regular and consistent payment of salaries and emoluments. “For example, a lecturer on CONUASS GL4 Step 1 at
the loan to members of the union as highly commendable, pledging that his members would ensure judicious use of the money. The National President of the union, Mr. John Osamede, represented by his media assistant, Mr. Festus Alekeh, commended the achievements of the governor. Osamede noted that Ajimobi had recorded great successes in the area of infrastructural development. He pledged the unflinching support of members of the union towards the re-election bid of the governor for a second term in office. “Your record and successes in areas of infrastructural development will forever remain indelible in the history of Oyo State. “The governor has touched on virtually every sector of the economy. “This is why the national leadership of the union has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the governor,’’ he said.
Sta
Lagos Pipeline Protection
Stakeholders Task Security Agents, Communities
Scene of an accident near Police Check Point on Mararaba Nyanya Road, Abuja on Tuesday.
LAGOS - Some oil and gas industry stakeholders tasked the security agencies and pipeline host communities to redouble their efforts at ensuring the protection of pipelines against vandals. They made the appeal in interviews with newsmen in Lagos. Mr. Sheyi Gambo, Public Relations Officer, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), said the protection of the pipelines should be the responsibility of
the security agencies and host communities. Gambo urged communities and security agencies along the pipeline network to assist government in the round the clock surveillance over the facilities. He advised the National Assembly to enact a bill to make pipeline vandalism, oil theft and similar economic crimes to attract the death penalty, in order to deter potential vandals. He also appealed to oil and gas pipelines host communities to form a reliable group with a
N963.7m Fuel Subsidy: Absence Of Jubril’s EFCC counsel, Mr. Wale
IKEJA - The absence of the counsel representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stalled the trial of an oil marketer, Rowaye Jubril. Reports state that Jubril was charged before Justice Lateefat Okunnu, of an Ikeja High Court alongside his company, Brila Energy Ltd. for an alleged N963.7 million fuel subsidy fraud. The EFCC alleged that the defendant had fraudulently
ICT Expert Urges FG To Establish Agency To Fund Research LAGOS - The President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Mr. Bayo Banjo, has urged the Federal Government to establish an agency to properly fund research in Information, Communication and Technology. In a telephone interview with newsmen in Lagos, Banjo said that adequate funding would facilitate innovation and improvement of local content in the sector. “It is imperative for Nigeria, as a developing nation, to earmark a considerable amount of the national budget to research and development of ICT and scientific processes,” he said. The NIG president said that institutions like the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), should be properly funded to carry out researches that would improve the quality of life in the society. “Through proper research and dissemination of sound scientific knowledge, we can develop local solutions to major national problems,” he said. Banjo said that ICT was capable of facilitating economic growth because its functions cut across sectors. According to him, the industry can contribute significantly to
Counsel Stalls Trial
obtained the money from the Federal Government for the purported importation of 13,500 metric tonnes of
Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). At the resumed hearing, the judge said the EFCC
counsel, Mr. Seidu Atteh, had sent a letter to the court explaining and apologising for his absence.
Ilesanmi, also confirmed that the letter was served on the defence. Okunnu adjourned the case to January 22 for continuation of trial.
view to protecting the facilities from would-be thieves. “There is the need for both the security agents and host communities to collaborate in fighting pipeline vandalism in the country. “We are losing a lot to pipeline vandalism which is not good for our economic growth. There is the need for an urgent intervention to curb loses,’’ he said. Mr. Abraham Williams, an energy expert, said it was unfortunate that in spite of huge amounts of money spent on the protection of the pipelines, vandals still tampered with the facilities. Williams, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Dubrai Contractors Ltd., said that continuous involvement of security agents and host communities in effective surveillance of the pipelines would check vandalism.
Subscribers: N606.4b Compensation Demand
Uninformed, Says ALTON
LAGOS - Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said that the N606.4 billion compensation demanded by subscribers was uninformed. Adebayo told newsmen in Lagos, that the compensation was a misplaced request, adding that it was unfortunate that subscribers had to go to court over it. Reports say that subscribers, under the auspices of the National Association of Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Subscribers (NATCOMS) had in July 2013 demanded for compensation for poor services being offered by the operators. NATCOMS had given the operators a September 12, 2013 deadline, to compensate their customers with N5,000 each and at the expiration of the deadline, the subscribers took the operators to court. From the ‘Subscribers Data’ released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), active susbcribers on the telecoms operators’ networks as at September 2013 stood at 121,271,218, multiplied by N5,000, would amount to N606.4 billion. The ALTON chairman said that the letter sent to the association by NATCOMS was badly intended and was just to arouse public sentiments. “It appears to us that the association that sent the letter is not aware of the fundamentals
of the industry they came to represent. “If they are aware, I would not expect them to keep issues in the background and then come on behalf of their members to claim compensation. “We are waiting, if it means
going to court and I don’t think it is reasonable to go that way,” he said. According to him, the fundamentals which NATCOMS has been advocating for and against are still there, hence there is no basis for demanding compensation. He said that NATCOMS and
ALTON represented an industry, hence, it was unfortunate to have dragged the issue of quality of service this way. “My hope is that it will not make the industry become a house divided against itself or make the industry engage in a naked dance in the marketplace,’’ the Information Technology (IT) expert said. He added that sanction,
penalty or compensation would not eliminate the problems of quality of service; therefore, there was the need to address the issues. The reports say that NATCOMS, had on October 10, filed a suit against the NCC, ALTON, MTN, Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat for poor quality services being rendered to subscribers.
Ogunlewe, Others Task Mu’azu On Nation Building LAGOS - Some prominent members of the PDP on Thursday told the party’s new National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, to use his position to promote nationbuilding. The party’s chieftains, including Amb. Musliu Obanikoro, Chief Oluseye Ogunlewe and a former Acting National Secretary of the party, Dr Remi Akitoye, said made the call while speaking with newsmen in Lagos. Mu’azu, a former Governor of Bauchi State, on January 21, replaced Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who resigned his position in the wake of the crisis that engulfed the party. According to Ogunlewe, many Nigerians do not have access to the president but they can have access to the party. “The national chairman should not just stay in Abuja. “He should go on a tour of the states to sit and discuss with members of the party and even the general public in those states.
“Moving PDP forward remains a collective effort of all members and assessing the feelings of Nigerians on the performance of the party and what their desires are will be a
welcome development.” On his part, Obanikoro urged the new national chairman to galvanise the party towards success at the polls in 2015.
“It is my fervent belief that Mu’azu will unite the PDP, arrest the crisis and the challenge of disintegration,” he stated. Also speaking, Akitoye urged Mu’azu to restructure the PDP and ensure that PDP members were united. L-R: International Finance Corporation (IFC) Country Manager for Nigeria, Mr. Solomon AdegbiteQuaynor; Chief Executive Officer, Grroming Centre, Dr.godwin Nwabunike and Executive Director, Mr. Adesoji Tayo, during the signing of an agreement between IFC and Grooming Centre in Lagos recently
Across The Nation Anti-gay Law
CAN Chairman, Others Laud LAFIA - Bishop Milla marriage. Maza, the Chairman, Jonathan He said “to us, it is Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Nasarawa State, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the same-sex marriage prohibition bill into law.
Maza told newsmen in Lafia that signing the antigay law would go a long way in saving the country from the health and moral implications of same sex
YASHIKIRA (KWARA) - A traditional ruler, Oba Moshood Aweda of Kishi in Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State, has stressed the need for traditional rulers to be given a constitutional role, to ensure that the challenges facing the country were addressed. Aweda made this call in Yashikira, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara while speaking with newsmen. The monarch blamed the spate of security challenges on the absence of constitutional role for traditional rulers. “If we are given back our power, we will make sure Nigeria is secure. The Federal Government must give constitutional role to traditional rulers. “You can’t forget your traditional rulers because they are the custodians of culture and tradition. “Most of the corruption and insurgency here and there is because they have taken our power. “We know how to handle
our people. We know who is good and who is bad,” he said. He advocated that the nomination of candidates for political positions should be made by traditional rulers, saying that no monarch would nominate anyone that would mess up the community. The traditional ruler, who was in Yashikira for the ‘Gaani’ festival, called for the creation Borgu State in order to bring Bartonum people together According to him, Kishi belongs to Bartonum race of the old Borgu Empire before they migrated to the old Oyo Empire. “In fact, if not for Lord Lugard during the partition of Africa, Borgu Empire would have been a nation. “Even in Nigeria too, we are divided; Borgu Local Government in Niger, Kaiama in Kwara and Kishi in Oyo.’’ He urged the Federal Government to encourage people with the same historical background, tribe and tradition to stay together.
Monach Proffers Solution To Corruption,
devilish, there is no place in the scriptures that says man can marry a man or a lady can marry a lady. “So, what the National Assembly did and the approval by President Goodluck Jonathan are prayers answered. Same sex marriage is devilish and such a thing should not even be mentioned in Nigeria.’’ Corroborating Maza’s stance, a Muslim cleric in Lafia, Imam Shaibu Ismael, said “gay negates efforts for the sustenance of the human race. “If a man marries another man, there will be no procreation. The same applies to a woman getting married to another woman.’’ He added that “homosexuality is a heinous crime in Islam and we must all say no to such devilish behaviour.” Chief Chukwunonso Ezedinma, the Special Adviser to Gov. Umaru AlMakura on National Integration, said the same sex prohibition law was in tandem with the beliefs and cultures of the people of Nigeria. “For the fact that the laws or constitution that govern a country emanates from the culture and norms of such people, it is not expected that we have same sex marriage in Nigeria”, he stressed.
Buying fish on the road side at the Gamboru Market in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
APC Caucus, House of |Representatives, addressing news conference at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday.
Islamic Cleric Advises Parents To Educate Female Children KANO - An Islamic Scholar in Kano, Sheikh Usman Baffa, has advised parents to educate their female children. Baffa gave the advice at a lecture organised by Mus’ab Bn Umar Islamic School, Kano, as part of the school’s activities to mark the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.
The scholar said some parents hid behind religion to deprive their female children formal and non-formal education. “Islam has given women every right to be educated. They have no termination point to obtain knowledge.” He said it was against the
teachings of the religion to send only male children to school, stressing that women’s education would benefit the whole society. Baffa commended the state government for boosting Islamic and western education, adding that the effort provided opportunities for women to access free education in the state.
members,” he said. The don urged the chairman to ensure that internal democracy was restored in the party to move it forward. Onuoha also kicked against automatic tickets to candidates, describing it as undemocratic. “Automatic return ticket to
Party primaries should be conducted to produce credible candidates for the party during elections. “The new chairman should ensure that the constitution of the party remains supreme in resolving issues no mater whose ox is gored,“ he said.
BENIN CITY – The family of Ogbebor of Evbohen village in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State has announced the demise of Mrs. Esther Ogbebor Mene. A statement from the Ogbebor family indicated that the burial ceremonies would commence today Friday January 24, 2014 at 10.00 a.m. with her remains taken from the Stella Obasanjo Hospital to Amagba community. Tomorrow, Staurday January 25, 2014 at noon, there would be a social dance at ohuoba Primary School field, Murtala Muhammed way, Benin City. The ceremony would
climax on Sunday February 9, 2014, with thanksgiving service at Kings Bible Church, No. 141B, Upper Lawani Street, near Edokpolor Grammar School, beginning at 9.00 a.m.
Don Urges Mu’azu To Shun Undue elected members is against the NSUKKA - A political Confrontation spirit of internal democracy. scientist, Prof. Jonah Onuoha, has advised the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, to avoid undue interference in the party’s structures at the state level. Onuoha, who is the Head of Political Science Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), gave the advice in Nsukka on Tuesday while reacting to Muazu’s appointment. He told newsmen that the chairman should concentrate on affairs of the party at the national level and allow the structures at the state level the free hand to operate. “If the new chairman interferes in state party structures, especially in his home state, he will have the same problem that forced his predecessors to resign,’’ he said. The don advised Mu’azu to embark on reconciliation with aggrieved members and re position the party for the 2015 general elections. “The crisis in the PDP if not well managed may constitute a setback for the party in 2015. “The best way to move the party forward is to resolve all o u t s t a n d i n g misunderstandings among its
Esther Ogbebor Mene Passes on
• Late Mrs. Esther Ogbebor Mene
Abuja Direct Flight To Israel To Begin In March, Says Exec Sec ABUJA - Mr. JohnKennedy Opara, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), said the direct transportation of pilgrims from Nigeria to Israel would commence in March 2014. Opara, who made the disclosure in Abuja with the newsmen, Form added that the agreement had been activated and full implementation was in progress. He said: “ As per time, we are trusting God that may be this Easter pilgrimage we should have direct flight to the State of Israel. “We are working on that with our airline, I am sure with the help of the Honorable Minister of Aviation and other stakeholders, God will help us. “ BASA is one of the gains of Mr. President’s trip to the State of Israel.
“BASA will not only help the pilgrims it will help Nigerians who are doing business in Israel, it will open business channels,’’ he said. It will be recalled that a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) was signed by the officials of both countries during the 2013 pilgrimage. Opara said that the commencement of direct flight operations would boost pilgrimage and improve business transactions between both countries. The scribe said that pilgrimage and other relations between both countries would never be the same again, adding that over 30,000 Christians were expected to participate in the three categories of the pilgrimage.
EFCC Cautions Nigerians Against Relationship In Social Media
GOC 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab (left), presenting Certificate of Special Armoured Personnel Course to a graduate ... Francis Afeins during their graduation ceremony in Kachia, Kaduna on Tuesday. With them is Commandant, Nigeria Army of School of Infantry, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.
Alleged Rape
Absence Of Prosecution Witness Stalls Proceedings ABUJA - Absence of a prosecution witness, Mrs. Mary Paul, in an FCT High Court, stalled the trial of a pastor, Emmanuel Mathew, 50, charged with the alleged rape of three minors. Mathew, who is the General Overseer of The Choice Bible Church, Mpape, and proprietor of the primary school where his victims attended, was arraigned on a five-count charge. The police accused him of raping two seven-year-olds and a nine-year-old pupils on different occasions in his school. When the case was mentioned, before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf on Tuesday the prosecutor, DSP Stanley Nwodo, informed the court that the prosecution witness, who is also the mother of one of the victims, was absent in court, due to ill health. “My Lord, the case cannot go on as our key witness is presently having health challenges,” he said Nwodo also told the court that the three pupils in question are minors and applied to the court for an adjournment to also enable the judge hear the children in Chamber and not in open court. He, therefore, prayed the court for an adjournment. The defence counsel, Mr. Uy Yamah, objected to the prosecution’s application. However, in his ruling, Justice Baba-Yusuf, granted the
Youth demonstrating in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
ABUJA - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned Nigerians against relationships in the social media soliciting any favours. The advice is contained in a statement issued by the EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, in Abuja. The statement said the warning became necessary following the alleged use of names of spouses of prominent Nigerian to defraud members of the public. It said the commission had uncovered a sophisticated web of tricks involving a 34-year-old graduate of Lagos State University, who used the names of spouses of prominent Nigerians to dupe people. It said the suspect had cloned the facebook accounts of the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala. The commission said the suspect also cloned the facebook accounts of the wife of the FCT Minister, Mrs. Aisha Bala Muhammed, and the Director, Abuja Geographical Information Systems, Jamilah Tangaza. “Then, he went on a solicitation binge that fetched him thousands of naira and in each of the instances; he devised clever baits to lure his victims. “Once he successfully opened a facebook account with the false identity, he began to send out messages and soon, requests for friendship flooded his account.
FG To Raise Diaspora Bond To $300 Million By JOSES SEDE
ABUJA - PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, has sought Senate approval to increase Diaspora bonds from its initial US$100 million to US$300 million to be raise at the International Capital Market. In the letter of request, President Jonathan explained that the development was aimed at allowing for allotments to be made to more Nigerians in Diaspora than would have been possible with a lower amount. The president stated that from the engagements he had with Nigerians in Diaspora and from enquires received since the publication of the request for the proposal, there was a high level of interest in the Diaspora Bond as well as indication that the $100 million could be inadequate relative to the demand expected from investors for the bond.
“Based on the level of subscription expected, I wish to request for the National Assembly’s approval to increase the amount to be raised through the Diaspora Bond from USD 100 million to an amount up to a maximum of USD 300,” the letter dated January 2, 2014 reads in part. He explained that the $9,005.69 billion approved by the National Assembly in the
Medium Term (2012-2014) External Borrowing Plan, included $100 million Diaspora Bond to raise funds from Nigerians in Diaspora for the financing of development projects in priority sectors of the economy, stressing that the Diaspora Bond was to be issued in the International Capital Market (ICM) and that the process for the issuance of the bond had since commenced
with the advertisement of Request for Proposal for Transaction Parties for the offering. The president further explained that if a maximum of $300 million was approved, it would provide the opportunity to invest the funds to be raised from issuance in a project with a higher value, which he noted, would have a greater impact on the economy and the potential
for a more visible symbol of the contribution of Nigerians in Diaspora to the country’s development. “Otherwise, many of our compatriots would be disappointed in missing an opportunity to contribute to the funding of the national economic transformation,” President Jonathan further stated.
ABUJA President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the deployment of five Permanent Secretaries. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Communication in the Office of the Head of Service, Dr Tope Ajakaiye, The permanent secretaries are Dr Jamila Shu’ara presently in the Office of the Head of Civil
Service of the Federation (OHCSF) (Career Management Office) was deployed to Ministry of Aviation. Mr. Ossi George was moved from the Ministry of Aviation to Police Service Commission (PSC). Mallam Abbas Mohammed,
formerly in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) (Political Affairs Office), moved to OHCSF, (Career Management Office). Others are Amb. Abdulkadir Musa, from PSC to Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment,
while Mr Dauda Kigbu, his predecessor was moved to Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji said that the effective date of the posting would be February 10.
Jonathan Approves Deployment Of 5 Permanent Secretaries
Business + Economy Kwara Seeks Approval Of N206m Loan
ILORIN - The Kwara Government has requested the approval of the Kwara House of Assembly to access a loan of N206 million from Eco Bank PLC. Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed made the request in a letter he wrote to the House and read by the Speaker, Mr. Rasaq Atunwa, during Tuesday’s plenary.
The governor in the letter said the loan would be used to pay the counterpart fund for the execution of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects in the state. He said the loan would be paid in 12 months, adding that the request for the Assembly was part of the conditions to access the loan. The governor urged the
House to grant the request to enable the state government execute the MDGs projects. Atunwa directed the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation to work on the request. In another message, the governor requested the Assembly to enact a bill on the amendment of Cooperative
Societies Law, Cap 19. Atunwa directed the House Committee on Rules and Business to work on the bill. In yet another message, the governor requested the lawmakers to enact the Kwara State Monitoring and Evaluation System Bill. The governor in the message said the bill would provide feedback on government activities and programmes.
Atunwa directed the Business and Rules Committee of the House to work on the bill. Meanwhile, the lawmakers have condemned the December 13, 2013 bank robbery in Offa which claimed the lives of 14 people. They made the condemnation in their resolution during discussion on matters of urgent public
importance raised by the member representing EssaSawo Constituency, Alhaji Hassan Oyeleke The lawmakers sympathised with those injured during the attack and condoled with the families of those who died. They called on the state government, the police command and other security agencies to ensure security in the state.
Engineers Urge FG To Unbundle He stressed the need to fast LAGOS - The Nigerian track the implementation of the TCN Institution of Electrical reforms in TCN and called for Electronics Engineers (NIEEE) has urged the Federal Government to unbundle the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The President of the Institution, Mr. Adekunle Makinde, told newsmen in Lagos that the measure would enhance the efficiency of the TCN. It will be recalled that the
People queuing for BRT buses at Ketu in Lagos on Tuesday.
federal government in 2010 contracted Manitoba Hydro International (MHI), a Canadian Electricity Company, to manage the TCN. Makinde stressed the need for the TCN to be unbundled, just like it was done with the PHCN, to ensure improved service delivery in the transmission chain of the sector. He said the irregular power supply being experienced in the country was due to the inefficiency of TCN in the sharing of energy among the Distribution Companies (DISCOs).
the upgrade of the transmission lines, so as to evacuate what was being generated. According to him, the TCN has not been doing well in its duty. ‘If you are generating 10,000 mega watts of electricity and you do not have the functional transmission lines to evacuate them, it will still lead to system collapse,’’ he said. The president urged the government to continue with the building of power generation plants, in order to increase the megawatts the nation was generating.
Museum Holds Workships For Widows IBADAN – Mr. Bode Adesina, the Curator, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, said the museum will soon hold a capacity building workshop for widows in Oyo State. Adesina told newsmen in Ibadan that the museum focused on widows to provide them with opportunities to learn different vocations. The vocations, he said, include ‘tie and dye’, hair dressing as well as ‘Adire’ and ‘Aso oke’ making. Adesina said the workshop was part of the main objectives of the museum to improve the lots of the society, especially the
Youths demonstrating in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Prosecuting Telecom Operators: NCC To Support Consumer
ABUJA -The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has promised to give necessary support to any consumer ready to prosecute any telecommunication operator in the country over poor services. Mr. Reuben Muoka, NCC spokesperson, made this known in Abuja in an interview with newsmen. He said that prosecution of telecommunication service providers for poor services was another way to compel them to get their acts together in service delivery. Muoka said that the NCC Act
did not permit NCC to prosecute any service provider based on individual complainant. He said that the commission had established a Consumer Protection Department to address the issue of complaints from customers. “NCC has the right to sanction operators but individuals can also sue them in court in order to get redemption on their penalties over sub service charges. “The fact that NCC can
sanction does not mean that NCC will prosecute the operators based on individual complaint but people can sue if they feel cheated and need a refund. “The act does not prohibit anybody from prosecuting an operator who fails to render good services as required, you can sanction the poor service operators or port to another network,’’ he said. Muoka said that some of the consumers had cried out to the commission to assist them in
cautioning the operators for refunds on poor services. The Minister of Communication Technology,
Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Director-General, Consumer Protection Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki; and Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah had in 2013 threatened to sanction operators over poor services.
less privileged. “The idea is to improve the widows’ economic well-being. We want to train people and present them to be useful to themselves and society at large. “Also, the essence of the programme is to bring the activities of the museum to the doorsteps of the people so that those who do not know our role will get to know. “We want to know the challenges facing these widows and see the ways we can offer solution to them,” he said. The curator said the museum had planned various events for 2014 that would benefit members of the public and he called on wealthy individuals to assist it to achieve its goals. “This year, we will be having our International Museum Day, Monument Day, Children’s Day, Independent Day celebration, seminars and others by God’s grace.
Katsina House To Establish Bureau the acquisition of accurate data KADUNA - The Kaduna State to aid the state’s development Of Statistics House of Assembly has accepted the recommendations of its joint committee for the establishment of a Bureau of Statistics and Other Matters in the state. The House had on August 17, 2013, mandated the Committee
on Economic Planning and that of Judiciary to review the bill forwarded to it by the executive. Alhaji Nasiru Maikano, chairman of the joint committee said while presenting the report that, the bureau would facilitate
plans. Reports state that the sitting, presided by the Speaker, Alhaji Usman Tahir, adopted the report and fixed Wednesday, January 22, for the third reading of the Bill.
News Transport Commissioner Holds Stakeholders Meeting
BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo has held a meeting with stakeholders in the transport sector of the state. They are the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Zonal Commanders of Edo State Transport Management (EDSTMA), Senior Special Assistants to Edo State Governor on Transport and management staff of the ministry for the purpose of making driving safe and smooth on the roads in the state. Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner disclosed that the essence of the gathering was to ensure free-flow of vehicular traffic.
He said the leaders of RTEAN had given assurance that decision arrived at would be channeled to all other members of his association. Hon. Omo-Ojo said the association also expressed willingness to synergise with the State Ministry of Transport with regards to compliance with the colour code on vehicles or its members, abating harassment of EDSTMA personnel as well as obedience to traffic rules. According to the Commissioner, other areas that RTEAN has indicated readiness to collaborate with the ministry, included removal of illegal vehicular terminals on road sides and utilisation of designated busstops. In his remarks, the
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mallam Alasa Ikhenloa emphasised the need for RTEAN to instill road traffic discipline into its members. The Secretary, RTEAN, Pastor Sunday Erhahon and some zonal commanders of EDSTMA commended Hon. Omo-Ojo for calling the meeting and other innovations he has brought into the transport sector in the state. The RTEAN Scribe acknowledged that with the issues discussed at the meeting he was better informed them before, stressing that he would channel such detailed information to members of the association to fast-track a synergy between the ministry and RTEAN.
L-R: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Alhaji Akiri Mohammed Shuaibu, Deputy National President, Nigeria Labour Congress and Comrade Peter Esele, former President, Trade Union Congress during a youth summit organised in Benin City by Edo State Government recently. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.
FG Appoints Ifaluyi Isibor Into Federal Character Commission BENIN CITY – A new Federal Commissioner/member has been appointed to represent Edo State in the Federal Character Commission. He is Hon Ifaluyi Isibor who has since assumed duty. A statement by Mallam Omoaka Shuaibu Kasserem, Head of Monitoring Research
and Data Analysis, for the Federal Commissioner indicated that the new Commissioner has been inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan. Consequently, the statement advised a stakeholders and the general public to cooperate with the new commissioner and oblige him all necessary privileges.
Useh Community Laments Project Abandonment By NDDC
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu (middle), flanked by Secretary to State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (left) and Dr. Joe Odumakin and Barr. Festus Keyamo at a youth summit organised in Benin City by Edo State Government recently. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.
BENIN CITY – Residents of Useh Community in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State have expressed concern over the abandonment since 2011 of the Useh Road with culvert which is under construction.
BNCL To Support Edo Baptist Sports Fiesta By NICHOLAS EBOIGBE
BENIN CITY – The Conference President of Edo State Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Frank Ezele has solicited the assistance of the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, publishers of the Observer titles towards ensuring a successful organisation of Edo Baptist Sports Festival which will hold in March this year. Rev. Dr. Frank Ezele
who paid a visit on the General Manager of Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, Pastor Monday Aigbe yesterday noted that sports have been relegated to the background in the state. According to him sports is also a unifying factor which often brings people in a society together and as result, the church decided to partner with the government, media houses and other bodies to help
promote and develop sports from the grassroots. He stated that the Edo Baptist Sports Festival will provide a platform for the young people not only to showcase their potentials rather an opportunity through which to hunt and discover talents. The conference president of Edo Baptist said the sports festival will also provide an avenue to share the gospel with unbelievers such as cult boys and others who are yet to be informed
in the society as part of effort to mould and reshapen their lives for good. He said he expects the state Governor to be the grand patron of Edo Baptist Sports Festival. The Chairman of the Edo Baptist Sports Festival Committee, Moses Iroro added that the sports meet will to a very large extent help to reveal talents who would go places even as the festival would serve as an avenue to spread the gospel to the uninformed.
Iroro said the games will assist in restoring Edo lost glory in sports. The General Manager of BNCL, Pastor Monday Aigbe who recognised sports as a strong unifying force said it has to do with love. He stressed the need to revive sports, particularly football in the state and country at large. He promised that The Nigerian OBSERVER would assist by giving the widest publicity to the sports festival.
In a letter to the State Commissioner for Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the residents noted that the Useh Road which is 1.6 kilometre stretch was awarded to Zinchwood Nigeria Limited by the NDDC since 2011. The statement was signed by six residents of the area. They noted that the company mobilised men and materials to site only to abandon work after digging a gutter and pouring concrete on one side of it to cover up to a quarter of the project. According to them, all efforts made by concerned citizens of the community to get the contractor back to site failed. They therefore, plead with concerned authority to intervene in the road which is already in a very bad state, especially now that the dry season had set in.
President Goodluck Jonathan recently signed the Prohibition of Same Sex Marriage Bill passed by the National Assembly into Law. Since then, the western world has launched an offensive against his leadership, the recent being the cancellation of his visa and planned visit by the Canadian Government. The Senate which passed the Bill, sponsored by Senator Domingo Obende and 13 others for presidential assent recently voted against same sex marriage as Senators pushed the Bill for an Act to prohibit same sex marriage and other related matters to a logical conclusion. We like to align ourselves with President Goodluck Jonathan and submissions of Senator Domingo Obende and others who are of the view that same sex marriage cannot be allowed on both moral and religious grounds as Christianity, Islam and traditional African religions forbid it. This is not the first time the issue of same sex marriage prohibition would be canvassed by the Federal Government. We recall that on January 18, 2006 the Federal Executive Council approved a law, \o “Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2006” Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2006, prohibiting same sex marriages and sent it to the National assembly for urgent action. According to then Minister of Justice, Chief \o “Bayo Ojo” Bayo Ojo, the law was pushed by President \o “Olusegun Obasanjo” Olusegun Obasanjo following demonstrations for same sex marriage during the international conference on HIV/AIDS (ICASA) in 2005. In February 2006, the United States Department condemned the proposal. In March 2006, 16 international human rights groups signed a letter condemning the bill, calling it a violation of the freedoms of expression, association and assembly guaranteed by international law as well as by the \o “African
THE NIGERIAN
Need For Steadfastness On Anti-Same Sex Marriage Law Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights” African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and a barrier to the struggle against the spread of \o “AIDS” AIDS. The international outrage that greeted the bill led to its non-passage by the parliamentarians. Nigeria is not the only country in Africa that is openly opposed to same sex marriage. In 2005, the Ugandan constitution was amended to ban samesex marriage as it is widely acknowledged in this part of the world as an act which can break down the society. In our considered opinion, arguments from foreign lands that legislations against same sex marriages is an infringement of fundamental human rights of those who practice same sex habits and even consummation of such relationships does not hold water. Otherwise, why are the United States and its allies chasing members of the Al-Qeda group and other terrorists associations? Could that not also be interpreted to mean an infringement on their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly as guaranteed by International Law and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights? We believe that what is bad for a society is bad and must be condemned. According to the 2007 \o “Pew Global Attitudes Project” Pew Global Attitudes Project, a strong 97% of Nigeria residents said that homosexuality should be rejected by society, making it one of the highest rejections of homosexuality in the 44 countries surveyed.
We equally recall that the Anglican Communion in Nigeria had severed its membership of the Anglican Communion Worldwide following the solemnization of same sex marriages in the Anglican church in the United States of America and elsewhere and we applaud the courage displayed by the Anglican church in Nigeria, taking such progressive and bold step to register its disapproval of such barbaric act. We note that allowing all manner of practices such as same sex marriages have contributed significantly to the destruction of moral rectitude in socalled advanced countries, a social malaise they are now seeking to export to African countries hiding under human and people’s rights. It is for these obvious reasons that we condemn Lesbianism, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) practices as they remain alien to the Nigerian society. It is gratifying, however to note that same- sexual activity in Nigeria is illegal according to Chapter 21, Articles 214 and 217 of the Nigerian penal code and can be punished by imprisonment of up to 14 years throughout Nigeria. It is equally gladdening to note that twelve northern states have adopted the Shari’a penal code which prescribes capital punishment for same sexuality practitioners throughout the twelve states that have adopted the penal code in Nigeria. We urge President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerian law makers and religious groups to be undaunted by threats of sanctions by the western world in the face of the anti-same sex marriage law in Nigeria. They should grant free visas into their countries and go ahead and provide jobs and scholarships to those who are uncomfortable with the law in their countries and leave Nigeria alone from the abomination called same sex marriage.
Taxation
New Year Prayer And Blessing FOR the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), the key words are better services and professionalism. For an agency that has endured for so long in the hands of the past successful governments, the practical common sense dictates that, t h o u g h TRANSFORMATION is necessary, only CHANGE can necessitate the desired transformation. Transformation can not take place overnight, especially in the absence of t r a n s p a r e n c y , accountability, integrity, honesty and value for taxpayers, money which help to bring about the needed change and progress. No doubt the EIRS under the leadership of its Executive Chairman Chief (Sir), Oseni Elamah, has recorded an immeasurable progress. In a recent briefing with Executive Chairman, Chief Sir Oseni Elamah assured that the state government has well enough number plates that can serve with private and commercial vehicle owners. He also talked on the processes of the drivers licence, registration of the new number plates and verification amongst others. At the beginning of the year, we try to use the various media to reach out to our valuable taxpayers and stakeholders as regards the activities of our agency (Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) for the last one year and also to help sensitize and to remind
people of the need for them to ensure they come up within the specified period under the law, to file in their annual report. But let me use this opportunity to thank members of the media and the taxpayers in Edo State, who are our stakeholders for all their support. In the last two months, certain issues relating to tax have come up in the media. Issues like licensing and drivers’ licensing. That is one of the operations that is covered by the Internal Revenue Service. It is entitled to collect what is called road taxes, and road taxes are not collected on the road, but at the various motor licensing office – issuance of vehicle registration, motor licensing, plate numbers, drivers licensing, road worthiness proof of ownership, hacking permit, carriage permit and amongst others. Last year, we issued various announcements in the press where we tried to guard the public on how to go about the registration of vehicle or obtaining the drivers licensing. But this year we commence the implementation of the various reports. We streamlined all of that in line with the Edo State revenue policies which came into law long before now, which is Revenue Collection Cashless Policy (RCCP). What that entails is that nobody collects revenue on behalf of Edo State Government by accepting cash. None of our officers is authorized to
By VICTOR OMOALU
collect cash for any service, including the registration of vehicle and drivers license. The Edo State Government has initially procured over 200 points of sale (POS) machine through which the people can pay for whatever services they’ve been rendered by government, or pay their
and ensure that those who want the service can approach the banks and when that is convenient they can come to our office with their ATM and vsa the P.O.S machine they can make their payment. We like to inform members of the public, especially applicants of
Federal Road Safety Commission. The deadline is June 30 2014. In line with the Edo State traffic management law, you are not allowed to use the private registered vehicle to run commercial activity. So we want to use the medium to appeal to those who want to operate commercial services to go to any of our licencing office to obtain a
• Governor Adams Oshiomhole
taxes using those points of sale machine with their ATM card, or visa card. That has commenced as far back as 2009 but it never received effective implementation in Edo State. What we have done was to streamline the operation
number plates/drivers license that in Edo State we have enough stock of both commercial and private number plates to serve the teeming applicants in Edo State. We want to ensure we meet the deadline of issuance of all data number plates prescribed by the
“At the beginning of the year, we try to use the various media to reach out to our valuable taxpayers and stakeholders as regards the activities of our agency (Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) for the last one year and also to help sensitize and to remind people of the need for them to ensure they come up within the specified period under the law, to file in their annual report.”
commercial plate number which we have in abundant stock. As we speak, we have over 3,000 number plates. We equally have N50 million credit line with the Federal Road Safety Commission to produce the plates. We also want members of the public to know the cost implication because we have stories of some persons using the illegal means to extort money from the innocent members of the public. You will all agree with me that this aspect of our operation is most marred with toutless activities. Therefore, in trying to block all these leakages and remove this malpractices, there should be some level of resistance and colossus. The hue, and cry all over the place with lies that we do not have enough number plates is not
corrects. We have to capture your biometric data because if you have to sell your vehicle, you don’t have to sell it with the number plate because it belongs to you. The new owner of the vehicle will have to register the vehicle. This is one of the security measure put in place. It help to trace owner of any vehicle used in Nigeria. It beholds on applicant who want to use the vehicle to personally visit any of our motor licencing offices for this exercise to be done, because it requires all forms of capturing of both your photograph and biometric. In as much as we want to raise revenue, it is important we pay attention to the issue of security. We have made publications on how you can verify if the number plate is registered and this has been captured in the Federal Road Safety Commission. If you enter the FRSC website you will see how you can verify the number plate. The new number plate has been personalized. Whether individual or corporate bodies who are eligible to pay tax must acquire the Tax Identification Number (TIN). I want to remind every taxpayers that it is mandatory to file in an annual returns. This will enable us compute your data to be able to issue you Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC). For those who have acquired the plate numbers and their data was not captured did so due to lack of information. They will have to come to our office with that plate numbers so that we can capture their data and compute it, but they will have to pay for the plate number because we are not sure whether they paid through the right process since we could not trace their data in the system. If you have such plate number, it is not only that it is fake, it was acquired illegally and is criminal under the law.
Insight THIS is that something of somewhat bureaucratically unorthodox but resultoriented, and demonstrably impactful approach be adopted that would be an edifice akin to the pragmatic decisiveness of action in the 1930 Historical Year of depression in United States of America about which the peculiar Nigerian nation’s version should be in the tone of the Albert Eistein’s “Big Bang Theorization”; such that would aptly flow with the wake of the ‘Centenary New Start’, towards the Nation’s Socio—Political and E c o n o m i c Transformational clime: such that would be a symbolism of exclusive monument to deliberately animate and rekindle the warmth and endearment of the populace to the leadership: such that would be an occasioned horizon in a manner of a RITE that’s compatible with the cleansing of Eugene stable for the nation, in support of an invigorated new beginning: and this would be better premised in accord with the said order of the ‘first-thing-first’: that an immediate AllEmbracing-SocialWelfare-Plan be put in place; and that this initiative be funded at the instance of the Hierarchy of the said pedigree of the Nation’s Political Leaderships — that is, of all the collective lineages of the Nation’s Leaderships from inception as dignitaries that include: the Heads of Governments and Presidents, Cabinet Members and other Doyens of Political
Office holders, who would for proof of Statesmanship and love of Country, be sufficiently and patriotically provoked at saving the Fatherland; and that they magnanimously eat-theapple-pie, to flag-off the funding of this Welfare Schedule which is aimed to be a robust MultiTrilion-Account - a monumental exercise that would be of the supports of other concerned who-is-who amongst the well-to-do p r e - e m i n e n t Compatriot-Leaders of the Civil Society, including the Religious Institutions: as well as friends and Well Wishers of the nation far-and-near: even as this also is an SOS motioning to the West and other Humane Regions of the World, where there may be any strayed MONEYS of Nigerian intrinsic resource(s) - through any source(s), which recovery or repatriation to Nigeria may be encumbered due to either ‘identity’ or legal constraints: such neighboring foreign Nations or interests, who would not want to be seen as holding back on such questionable funds, neither to be seen as detractor- accomplices that had hands in the economic drainage of Nigeria, which had been a part of the cause of her underdevelopment; but that such international By Stander(s) would thusly wish the nation the wellness to be good for the good of our Common-World to which Nigeria ever conversely remains eternally good that the Omnibus Account be open for the Coordination and
A National Social We To Be Floated Administration of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), at the behest of the National Council of State: to principally serve the immediate basic stipend needs for categories of the nation’s
nation, it is to be seen that it’s successful utility and implementation are not just only for there to be a psychsutchured fabric of hope, to pacify the fralled temperaments of the socially-shell-
Senate President
President Jonathan
needy and extremely down-trodden: the under privileged: the disadvantaged and the unemployed - all from which are relative sources and parts of the hatchery of the epidemics of the afflictions and metastasis of social ills against the nation, that is now almost being choked to a total ruin; and for all such sediments of sociological toxins to be detoxified out of her Body-Scheme-ofThings; and that while this NASOWEP phenomenon may also translate as a kind of Centenary Memorial and a nostalgia of shared impassioned love of the Leaderships towards the ultimate best for the
majority of the citizenry — whose creative endowments now in lull and dormancy would spontaneously yield to a harness towards contributive and allinclusive productivity of
precursor to the action of Government of the Day, to find her feet and rise out of its bureaucratic order-of-things to articulate and consolidate on the said Welfare Plan, in a way and style to enhance the dividends of democracy to percolate dawn the spectrum of the
shocked populace, neither to serve as incentive to stimulate patriotic fervor, but to secure an inroad to social amity of atmosphere with disinfectant effect against the horrors of the rampaging insecurities and torrents of heinous criminalities in the land: and more so to enlist a bang-wagon of cooperation and collaborative interests of
one-and-all for fasttracked antidote to the nations economic WANTS, which haunt and taunt banefully as penury for’ many This is to note in passing, that the cardinal essence of the NASOWEP ‘Project’ is with the ambitious over-view to serve a successfully fulfilling need of the immediate national social demands, to precede and/or be a
ex in ‘ji P R ED et NA the op pl fo
Sp
segments of the citizenry - a gesture that would be an initiation and a baptism of the populace into unalloyed nationalistic consciousness and selfmotivated patriotism. This is also to stress that any ‘excess’ of the seed proceeds which may accrue beyond the envisaged Fiscal Benchmark of the said NA SO WEP Project, would be prudently
hie sta na ma TO use ful br atm CO co l e Un rep rej La
“All-Embracing-Social- Welfare-Plan be put in pl instance of the Hierarchy of the said pedigree of th all the collective lineages of the Nation’s Leadershi the Heads of Governments and Presidents, Cabinet holders, who would for proof of Statesmanship and l provoked at saving the Fatherland; and that they the funding of this Welfare Schedule which is aime
Insight
elfare Plan (NASOWEP)
xtended to cover other frastructure as the inxed’ POWER, e t r o l e u m EFINERIES, DUCATION, AGRIC, cetera; so that the ASOWEP would erefore be a readily an pportune ground of ausible compromise r the leadership
L e a d e r s h i p Stakeholders to reminisce with thanks to the Almighty, that one is still alive to witness the nation at her Centenary; about which this moment would be seized for one to be that invaluable part of the
eaker, House of Reps
erarchy being akeholders as the ation’s POWERanagement-CURA ORS, to be enjoined to e this medium in all its llest ramifications: to ing about a cordial mosphere for a clear OAST that should be onducive for the e a d e r s h i p s ’ ndertakings to position and juvenate the Father and: just for the same
process by which it is a glorious look-ahead with confidence for better days for the nation: with vows to burry all hatchets and sink all differences with fellow NationalistLeaders, who in reflects through the pages of the ages cannot but by now discern how comparatively the nation ‘s ship of destiny ought to be best steered about which one would now
feel privileged to be a component part of the worthy leadership legacy of Service Contribution which would be extolled upon the rebirth of the Nigerian Dream as are the wishes of the Ancestors and Posterity. And as hitherto Metaphysically alluded, may it be saliently and p a r t i c u l a r l y acknowledged also, that this revivalist submission for the NASOWEP to be spearheaded from the Chambers of the Leaderships - nay the collective Alumni of the incumbency of the Nation’s Political Office Holders from inception through the current L e a d e r s h i p contemporaries, is with all humility, as factored on a homage in honor to whom honor is due ostensibly in special favor of the nation’s leaderships that had been the hands that rocked the cradle of the fate of the nation from the beginning — to be a precision of a neverfailing-efficacy, as primed apositely from the point of all that went wrong as drawn especially from the vociferous public concerns and outcry, with all eyes that turned sensitively on the podium of the
lace; and that this initiative be funded at the he Nation’s Political Leaderships — that is, of ips from inception as dignitaries that include: Members and other Doyens of Political Office love of Country, be sufficiently and patriotically magnanimously eat-the-apple-pie, to flag-off ed to be a robust Multi-Trilion-Account”
Leadership. In other words, it is to that which against which or whom the indignant brickbats and frawns are targeted that subsume the epicenter from which the same publics expect demonstrable action as a token, to disabuse their minds by what may symbolize as a prospect of hopes; such as being the socio-political pushand-pull that should give way for the polity to flow with the leaderships on a course of the consensus for uninhibited national reconstruction through the Federal Government e n v i s i o n e d Transformation Agenda. And all of the notions of the above exposé, should come to pass for the providential re/ease of the overall Heavenly increase which would now gratifyingly activate in surplus through the facets of the yet to be harnessed potent endowments of the nation. Thus, of note-worthy is the overriding importance of the foregoing, for the fact that, as hitherto observed, teleologically that nations are of purposeful geographic components for human demography in the Order of Creation. This being an equally natural sequence which emphasizes the superlative significance on existence of nation(s) and the origin of the attendant art of nation building which the Art of Governance presupposes; this is as of existential essence to different earthly demographic planes; just as shelters are of indispensible relevance
for the humans: which goes without saying, that the personage(s) who participate in Public Service are of rare privilege that is not just as of the bequeath of the human Golden diadem, but like a celestially hallowed Crowning amongst the accredited few who are of the divine admission into the architectural site of the Master Creator; as the Service Delivery of such incumbent personage(s) are of the direct Stewardship to the said Supreme Omnipresent, Omniscient Almighty, from whom are mysteries of the spiritual reward to be due for all the generations of the said individuals and groups who would muster imputes to forester such nation(s) to ideal success on behalf of the said Supreme Creator. This is needless to say that it would be fundainitally a laudable and commendable moment of ovation to behold, in the sight of the Jury of the High Heavens, when Nigeria would now have a recuperative sigh of reliefs: just as the said concerned Heavenly Father, The GiverOwner of the Nation’s Estate would spontaneously, and supernaturally cause the interests and fates of such nation(s) and the origin of the attendant art of nation- building which the Art of Governance presupposes; this is as of existential essence to different earthly demographic planes; just as shelters are of indispcnsible relevance for the humans: which
goes without saying, that the personage(s) who participate in Public Service are of rare privilege that is not just as of the bequeath of the human Golden diadem, but like a celestially hallowed Crowning amongst the accredited few who are of the divine admission into the architectural site of the Master Creator; as the Service Delivery of such incumbent personage(s) are of the direct Stewardship to the said Supreme Omnipresent, Omniscient Almighty, from whom are mysteries of the spiritual reward to be due for all the generations of the said individuals and groups who would muster imputes to forester such nation(s) to ideal success on behalf of the said Supreme Creator. This is needless to say that it would be fundamntally a laudable and commendable moment of ovation to behold, Nation’s Compatriots to be inscrolled individually and collectively in His Eternal Sand of Time; even as their Now through their Hereafter would be so measured in the fervor as of His Hero-By-Products with whom He’s Well Pleasect and as of who were Sent forth and who Came and Saw and Conquered at long last even against all odds — and all of whom with whom He would now and through hereafter abide as Regenerative and Faithful Offspring’s; for their ameliorating, magnanimity and courageous Giant-Leaps towards the Transfiguration nay the Re-birth of the Nigerian State at This Her Centenary Anniversary!
Art Alive
Origin And Usefulness Of Benin Museum
NATIONAL Museum of Benin City started from the Oba of Benin Palace in 1940’s but the edifice we see today was officially opened to the public on August 10, 1973. The Museum contains priceless objects – of antiquities from Benin Kingdom and other parts of the country. The first known Benin Museum started in the Oba’s Palace. Benin Traditional art was becoming famous and to preserve it, the Oba decided to assemble the artifacts under the custodian of Chief Jacob Eghareba within the palace in the Royal House- of Iwebo. As time went on, people developed more interest in these treasures. There was pressure mounted for these objects to be made public. This collection was relocated to one room in the old tax office Ring Road in Benin. This was later moved to the Benin Divisional Council because of space and through the efforts of one Mr. K.C Murray-a surveyor of antiquities and art teacher In. 1960, the Federal Department now National Commission for Museums and Monuments took over the custodian of the artifacts. The National Commission for museums and monuments was established under Decree 77 of 1979. Since then, Museum has been growing The edifices that house the artifacts today, was built during Samuel Ogbemudia regime as the two derma Military Government of Bendel State. This house with the exhibits therein was officially open to the general public in August 1973 with the ground and first floor galleries. While the second or unit gallery was opened to the public in August 1996 through the efforts of Dr. O.J Eboreime as the Curator then. The collections are unique for its
Ethnographic, Pictorial and Archaeological Artifacts as other organizations; Benin Museum is not without some problems. These include: Inadequate Funding (lack of finance) Lack of easy accessibility into the Museum (because of the road) Inadequate awareness for the general public-Conflict of ownership between state local Government and the Federal Government
State of professional personnel’s to man. The wide range of activities of the Museum. SOLUTIONS 1. Museum should be given enough financial supports from the Federal, State, and Local Governments and individuals for effective management of the Museum. The media house should be encouraged to publicize the museum activities and children should be made relevant to the Museum. Pedestal Bridge should be constructed across the museum for easy accessibility. The site occupied by the museum should be recognized as the bona fide owner of the land.
IMPORTANCE OF THE MUSEUM Social Activities Socially the Museum is very significant as various social activities to hold within the Museum premises. This includes Armed Forces Remembrance Day every 15th January,’ Cultural
and Church Service also held regularly in the premises. Economically:- The museum also generates revenue, it is a profit making institution through renting of field, the Children Multipurpose Hall, the annual children festivals, Export Permit,
tax which indirectly goes to the governments of the state. Educationally: - Museum is a research institution in which many researchers, students and other interested public do come to obtain information for their educational development. Apart from that, there are children Saturday and holiday programme in which children of different categories are educated on various aspects of our
group and Competition during the Museum International Day, May 18th every year. Children social and entertainments also takes place through merry-go-round gadgets located within the premises. Religiously: activities from Christians; Moslems
Clearance gate taking into the gallery. All these generate money for the museum. Also the state Government and Federal Government gain a lot of revenue through the numerous tourists that visit the museum by way of hiring Hotel, they also pay
culture such as Caving and Molding of artifacts. There are film/video educational show periodically on culture and- related disciplines. The Benin Museum is also significant Archaeological as its location fall within the wider site of the Oba’s
By GODWIN OJASERE
Palace in Benin Kingdom. Also the- aesthetics nature of the natural endowment as the only green belt with the city cannot be over emphasized - Overview of Museum is a place where artifacts are kept, it preserves the historical culture of the people just as culture is the total way of life of a group of people, museum is a way of reminding us of our culture through the artifacts that represents our cultural heritage. Culture/Museum — museum and culture works hand in hard, museum also serves as history to the people. Some of the artifacts in the museum are as old as the history of man. Museum and - the people Museum serves as an intermediary between the people and the custom and traditions of the people. Lots of people get to know about the custom and traditions of some group of people through the museum. The museum educates, entertains and enlightens the people about the past, present and the likely future. History would have been moribund without the availability of museum. Museum Museum brings back the cultural relativity to the awareness of the people. Museum promotes creativity and self sustainability through carving, moulding etc museum is life -to the concept of culture and history.
“Museum serves as an intermediary between the people and the custom and traditions of the people. Lots of people get to know about the custom and traditions of some group of people through the museum.”
Art & Culture
With Ambrose O. Ekhosuehi
Graven Images In Culture
Graven images are idols, phantom, image of gods, object of worship or an object of Love, admiration, semblance, honour in an extreme degree. The catechism Q 173, teaches that thou shall not make for yourself any graven thing nor the likeness of anything that is in heaven or in the earth beneath, nor of those things that are in the waters under the earth, thou shall not adore them nor worship them, while the scripture Deuteronomy 4 Vs. 15-19 say “When the Lord spoke to you, you did not see any form, for your own good then, make certain that you do not sin by making for yourselves an idol in any form at all, whether man or woman, animal or bird, fish or reptile. Do not be tempted to worship and serve what you see in the sky, the sun, the moon and the stars’ the Lord your God has given these to all other peoples for them to worship” Again the church teaches that the commandment does not forbid the making of images but the making of idols that is, it forbids us to make images to be adored or honoured as gods. Idols are images of persons or things to which is given that worship which should be given to God alone. Worshipping idols is called idolatry. In each nation and social group, there are growing number of men and women who are conscious that they themselves are the craftsmen and moulders of their community culture. In such circumstances, man feels responsible for the progress of culture but anxiously foresees conflicting elements which it is, to resolve, and the new fidelity to the heritage of tradition, and what to be done to enable every
person share in the benefits of culture. Human culture must evolve in such a way that it develop the whole human person harmoniously and help all persons to fulfill the task to which they are called, especially Christians who are fraternally united at the heart of human family. The mystery of human faith provides them with an outstanding incentive and encouragement to fulfill and to discover the full sense of the commitment by which human culture becomes important in human total vocation, and by the works of hands and with technical means, human beings consciously play the art in the life of social groups, realizing the design which God revealed at the beginning of time to perfect the work of creation and at the same time improving man own person, and also observing the command of Jesus Christ to devote self to the service of fellowmen. When human beings work in the fields of philosophy, history, mathematics and science, they cultivate the arts that greatly contribute towards bringing human race to higher understanding of truth, goodness and beauty thus human beings will be more clearly enlightened by wondrous wisdom which was with God from eternity, working beside divine providence like master craftsman, as consequence, the human spirit, freed more easily drawn to the worship and contemplation of the creator. The true light that enlighten every person, (John 1 v. 9), becoming flesh to save and gather up all things in himself, can afford certain kind of preparation for the
acceptance of the message of the Gospel and can be infused with divine charity by him who came to save the world. There are many links
into communion with different forms of culture, thereby enriching both the church and the cultures themselves. Graven images flow
In Benin Kingdom, public display of bronze art expressed the perpetuity of lineage. The riverine Ekine society mask represents
between the message of salvation and culture. God spoke according to the culture proper to each age. Similarly the church has existed through the ages in varying circumstances and has utilized the resources of different cultures in its preaching to spread and explain the messages of Jesus Christ, to examine and understand the message more deeply and to express it more perfectly in the liturgy and in various aspects of the life of the faithful. The church is faithful to its traditions and can enter
from humanbeings rational and social nature has the need of rightful freedom of development and legitimate possibility to its own principles; provided the rights of individual and the community are safeguarded within the limit of common good. Mud sculptures, statues, terra cotta or mud images are common in Africa depicting tales; of creation and earth deity, god and goddess who controls fertility and regeneration. Some are objects of ceremony, celebration and festivals.
water spirits. The water spirits from the sea are the most difficult to control and can only be brought into the society by people who understand them in a festival. The Ekpo mask is common to many people in Nigeria as well as the Edospeaking people of Benin. The mask can be used to carry out sanctions for committing criminal offences. King shamba sculpture in British museum shows the king with the sign indicating his wisdom, the mankala board with, which
he diverted his peoples attention from gambling. Another is the chameleon surmounts the horns of the cow, shows that the earth has power over the chief who is wise if he learns from the chameleon’s understanding of the
earth. In all graven images, semblance, to be like have been works of art, statues, sculptures, photographs found in grottos, temples, shrines and places of worship and homes on Which the spirit may be present as an intercessory agent for the preservation of history, events, teaching of reality, understanding of lineage, spreading of Gospels and aesthetic beauty of records in regard for the honour to which one belongs that are not idol worshipping in culture.
“Again the church teaches that the commandment does not forbid the making of images but the making of idols that is, it forbids us to make images to be adored or honoured as gods. Idols are images of persons or things to which is given that worship which should be given to God alone. Worshipping idols is called idolatry.”
All over the African continent and beyond, women’s Human Rights and Gender Advocates are rolling out the drums,
Samba-panza called an end to violence by the mostly Muslim-Seleka exrebels and Christian self-
government and installed their leader, Michel Djotodia, as the country’s first Mushini President.
is “caught in a crisis of epic proportions”. “The CAR is in freefall…we must act together,
President Samba-Panza:
FEMINIQUE With IJEOMA UMEH email: ladywithegoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 08182382839
Woman Who Would Win The War! popping campaigns and regaling in yet another victory for womanhood: the breaking, yet again, of the mediaeval jinx that attaining the peak in work or career is the lot of men only. The mayor of Bangui, Catherine Samba-Panza was, on Monday, elected interim president of the Central African Republic (CAR). No sooner than she assumed office than she was tasked with, the great responsibility of restoring peace to the country torn by sectarian bloodshet. Samba-panza was elected in a second-round vote by the transitional parliament, securing 75 votes against 53 for Desire Kolingba, son of a former Central African President. Cheers broke out in the assembly as the result was announced, with lawmakers singing the National Anthem in celebration. Meanwhile, the European Union has agreed to send hundreds of troops to help stem the bloodshet. Catherine Samba-panza, a business woman with a reputation as a fighter became Bangui Mayor in 2013 and was now elected in a secondround vote by the transitional parliament. She now faces the enormous task of restoring peace to the chronically unstable country. In her victory speech,
defense militias known as “anti-balaka” (antimachete). “I’m lauching a resounding appeal to my anti-balaka children who are listening to me: show your support for my nomination by giving the strong signal of laying down your weapons” said Samba-Panza, who is Christian but did not campaign on a religious platform. “To my ex-Seleka children who are also listening to me: lay down your weapon”. She said. “Stop the suffering of the people”. The 59 year-old called herself. “The President of all Central Africans, without exclusion”, and said her top priority was to stop people’s sufferings, to restore security and the authority of the state across the country”. EU Foreign Ministers have given her a nod. The mission which will deploy in and around the capital and last up to six months is expected to involve the rapid deployment of a force numbering anywhere from 400 to 1,000 French soldiers and the African Union’s MISCA Force, which currently has 4,400 troops on the ground. International donors also pledged $ 496 million (365 million euros) in aid to the country this year. Samba-panza’s election comes 10 months after the seleka rebels overthrew the
But Djotodia proved powerless to control his fighters, and many went in a rampage of killing, rapes and looting, targeting the
and act now, to pull CAR back from the brink of further atrocities”, he said in a statement. The UN’s top human rights body
consistent, credible testimony and photographs supporting allegations that anti-balaka (Christian militias) mutilated Muslim
“We’re wild with joy because we’ve been freed, because we’ve found a new president”, said 19year old Jean-Franklin
• Catherine Samba-Panza, Ag. President, Central African Republic
Christian majority. Some Christian communities responded by forming self defense militias and attacking Muslims. Rights watch dogs accuse both sides of major abuses, and the United Nations has warned of potential inter-religious genocide. Djotodia stood down under international pressure on January 10. UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon said Monday the Central African Republic
appointed an expert to probe violations in the country Ivory Coast national Marie-Therese Keita Bocoum, who has previously worked in Burundi and Sudan’s Dafur region. A team of UN Investigators who spent nearly two weeks in the CAR last month reported a litany of gross human rights violations, including killings, kidnappings, torture and rape. “The mission received
“Some Christian communities responded by forming self defense militias and attacking Muslims. Rights watch dogs accuse both sides of major abuses, and the United Nations has warned of potential interreligious genocide.”
women, men and children, before or after they were killed, said UN Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay. The violence has uprooted a million people out of a population of 4.6 million, and the UN estimates 2.6 million need urgent humanitarian aid. Relief workers said they have found at least 73 more bodies of people killed in the north since Friday. Christians and Muslims had previously lived in relative peace in the impoverished country, but it has had a long chain of coups and rebellions since independence in 1960. Residents of Bangui, where outbreaks of brutal violence still spread fear despite the presence of foreign troops, voiced elation at Samba-panza election.
Debonha one of dozens who took to the street in celebration in the capital’s central miskine district. “At last we can forget seleka. I’m happy. It warms my heart to see a woman leading the country”, said Diane, 22. France, the country’s former colonial ruler, welcomed SambaPanza’s election and urged her to hold speedy national polls. As interim leader, she is tasked with organising general elections by mid2015, though France is pressing for them to be held this year. “It now falls to her to assure the needed peace and reconciliation in CAR, with a view to holding democratic election”, said French President Francois Hollande. French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius called Samba-Panza, “an absolutely remarkable woman”.
Issues “The man dies in all who keeps silent in the face of tyranny. The man lives, who in the harrowing of anguish, in the claws of confinement, speaks out” (George Mangakis) An investigation into the synergistic correlatively between statistically verifiable data, empirical observation, scientific objectification and social entropy, shows that Nigeria and Nigerians are making an untrammeled advancement into the abyss of existential quandary, eschatological political labyrinth, horrendous prebendalistic graft and purgatorial paucity. But the phlegmatic indifference and Laodicean apathy, which Nigerians put up in the face of this agonizing situation, remains the mother of all laissez faire attitudes. Are Nigerians sybaritic and hedonistic Lotos-eaters cocooned in the cauldron of cowardice and slothfulness? Why do Nigerians keep silent and remain taciturn in the midst of hideous poverty and corruption? Is it that they do not feel the pains? My educated guess is that Nigerians are salamanders. The salamander is a tailed amphibian, which resembles a lizard. In Greek mythology it is described as an animal belonging to the saurian family. It is believed to be the mystical reptile that has the mystical power of living in fire without getting burnt or consumed. This aptly describes the Nigerian, I believe. If not, how can one explain a situation where successive leaders (military / civilian) from pre-independence till date have not thought wise to put in place and execute viable and strategic political, socio-economic policies that will all-embracingly improve the lot of Nigerians. We are living against all odds. Nigerians has never ever
Let Nigerians Speak Out!
being a poor country. But the psychotic corruption and mismanagement that has bemused and bedraggled the totality of our leadership brought us into this state of entropical quagmire. Nothing works. We have no light, no water, no shelter, no roads, no hospitals, dilapidated schools, universities everywhere, but no education in them. The dynamics and dialectics of cultism and criminality has become the cardinal ‘course content’ in our tertiary institutions. The tenebrous and teratoid politico-socio-economic brigandage unleashed and still being unleashed on the Nigerian nation and people remains and will continue to remain an unforgettable cicatrix in our lives. The unthinkable magnitude of corruption, the catalogue of human rights violations including politically motivated assassinations, extra judicial killings and excessive use of force, arrest and detention of people for political reasons, restriction of freedom of the press, speech and assembly, prolonged pre-trial detention and aiding and abetting electoral malpractices remain some of the albatrosses which the leadership luxuriates in and continues to strangulate us with. With all these terrible sufferings, Nigerians still remain silent. Indeed, Nigerians are bullheaded salamanders. The Nigerian political situation is an oddity vis-àvis what operates in civilized urbanity-inclined environment. Right from independence till date, it has been Ruritanian politics and style of government. The politicians exchange the baton of leadership with the military politicians and amongst themselves through political subterfuge and
intrigues. They reshuffle, sack, disband and dissolve their political-bureau to give a pretentious signal of change and movement. Their syndicated approach is now an open secret as all the political surrogates of the
“United Nation’s studies up to 1964 shows that Africa is well endowed with minerals and premium energy resources. With 19% of the world’s population, the region accounts for 28% of the world’s mineral
cannot afford exorbitant rents, we cannot afford our children’s school fees, there is massive unemployment and grotesque diseases have overtaken the vast majority of Nigerians. Yet, Nigerians continue to keep silent. Nigerians are terrible salamanders. But it must be mentioned
leaders in the moribund previous republics are the same people still holding on to power today. They come in various shapes and colours, but more prominently in military and civilian motifs. They are inveterately subsumed in the polity, and they hold on to power with mordancy and, Rabelaisian narcissism. And yet Nigerians continue to remain lukewarm about their own destiny. Nigerians are dogged salamanders. The essayist Walter Rodney posited in this book, “How Europe underdeveloped Africa” that
production. 16% of crude oil, 16 important minerals of which Africa is rated 2295%.” In spite of these Africa, remains the poorest part of the world. Nigeria remains a striking example of Walter Rodney’s observation. We are the fifth largest oil producing nation in the world, but have virtually nothing, to show for it since 1958 till date. The leadership of Nigeria vide the NCNC, NPN, SDP, NRC and now the PDP have all taken turns to destroy the core essence of Nigeria. We can no more afford our cheapest staple food, “Garri”, we
that in recent times we have seen and noticed a courageous volte face in the wave lengths of actions taken against corruption in Nigeria. We have seen the initiation of a lot of multidimensional programmes like SEEDS, NEEDS, NEPAD, PRIVATIZATION, etc. But they have not made any palpable impact on the lives of the citizenry because of psychotic corruption. We must stop the exportation of cassava immediately. Nigerians are dying, but Nigerians are motionless and quiet in the midst of this sordid macabre dance of
By BOBSON GBINIJE
“Nigeria remains a striking example of Walter Rodney’s observation. We are the fifth largest oil producing nation in the world, but have virtually nothing, to show for it since 1958 till date. The leadership of Nigeria vide the NCNC, NPN, SDP, NRC and now the PDP have all taken turns to destroy the core essence of Nigeria. We can no more afford our cheapest staple food, “Garri”, we cannot afford exorbitant rents, we cannot afford our children’s school fees, there is massive unemployment and grotesque diseases have overtaken the vast majority of Nigerians. Yet, Nigerians continue to keep silent. Nigerians are terrible salamanders.”
death. Nigerians are indeed salamanders. Our politicians and political leadership are busy acquiring jets, landed properties and foreign currencies. They have desecrated the Mandate. Their corrupt and vexatious conduct is silhouetted in the mundane oubliette of psychotic cataplexy. They are sunken in the race of total economic dehumanization of
Nigerians. Yet Nigerians continue to live as drones. Nigerians are indeed synthetic salamanders. Finally, Nigerians cannot continue to be senseless salamanders. They have to learn to react to government’s good or bad policies as it affects them. The ‘if you cannot beat them join them syndrome’, will only continue to add more lethal nails to our existential coffins. The ‘Suffering and Smiling’ idiosyncrasies of Nigerians must stop. The English playwright William Shakespeare said, “It is only the eyes of a child that fears the painted devil. Let Hercules himself do what he may. The cat must mew and every dog must have its day.” Nigerians most continue to speak out against every form of evil against them. Salamanders also die whether they are Phoenix or Synthetic. The politicians are sending us down the apocalyptical dungeon. NIGERIANS SPEAK OUT!
Discourse
Problems Of Early Marriage
EARLY marriage arises from number of causes, like lack of education, gender bias, pressure from family and friends and lack of knowledge about the implications of early marriage. Early marriage also has several negative effects. It can lead to psychological and emotional stress, not only to both parties but also to the children. It can also lead to health problems for girls because their body is too young to conceive. Between 2011 and 2020, if current rates hold, more than 140 million girls will marry before age 18 that translated into 14.2 million girls annually or 39,600 everyday, of these 50 million will be under the age of 15. That adds up to a serious global crisis. Early marriage is a profound violation of the human rights of girls. It also means an early and devastating starts to a cascade of related human rights violation, including threats to sexual reproductive and maternal health; domestic violence, denial of education, mobility, self determination and more that last a lifetime and cost girls, families, communities and nations inestimable human capital. Fortunately, we have attention and momentum to our
side, shocking reports of violence from Delhi to Steubenville, from South Africa to the U.S military global pandemic of violence against women along with an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the shared connections, causes and consequences of all forms of such violence, including early marriage. If we can stop early marriage, we can stop those cycles early too. In many cases, early marriage is not only entrenched as a social norm, but also considered a means of economic survival or of keeping a daughter “safe” but that “safety” actually means loss of education, premature as continuous childbearing, maternal mortality, domestic violence, increased HIV and STI rates while both boys and girls may experience early marriage girls are disproportionately affected, and the practise is aggravated to due gender discrimination. Communities and societies feel the impact too. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu observed “where child marriage is in vogue, six of the eight millennium development goals, you can forget about.” BREAKTHOUGH INTO CHALLENGES OF EARLY
By NWALI PEACE MARRIAGE Through pilot campaign in three districts in indian, in the states of Bilar and Jhakland, where early marriage rates are particularly high, breakthrough will build youth. Individuals, family, and thy community support for ending early marriage and for the rights, live, and future of girls and women. How? Through national mass, media, street theatre; community engagement, youth leadership training, and more we can raise awareness of the consequences of early marriage and build cultural support for ending the practice. The campaign will train the young, especially men and boys to stand as human rights leaders and agents of change, helping create the cultural norms and conditions that will support alternatives to early marriage. Our key strategies. Target men and boys as leaders of change father and male elders make the decision around early marriage. And the damage done by early marriage while felt most directly and acutely by girls and women ripples through families, communities, and beyond. We must train men especially young
men to be leaders of challenging early marriage and for change that supports human right and well being for all. Focus on gender and sexuality: Interventions must include but go beyond increasing girls access to schools and skills. They must position girls and young women as full human being with intrinsic that includes the addresses gender and sexually stands to challenge norms, break taboos, and pin point the deepest roots of this practice, creating an environment for deep sustainable change. Call the problem early marriage: In order to address and emphasize the full range and personhood of the young people affected by it. Believe that change starts in the house and hearts of individuals called to action in Bihar and Jhark hand. While effective laps are essential early marriage is illegal in India only culture change driven the real people taking action can end it once and for all and build world where all girls families and communities live up to their full potential. You are young and don’t know if that’s the first you want
to be with; this will affect you cause in life. You could have children and after, a divorce then you have a broken family and you feel so much pain, you lose so much after that and a lot of time you get cheated on and things head up. Young marriages can also cause a divorce most of the time because if you are young and get married you don’t know fully what love, so late in life that love may dissapear. The cause of early marriage is that two individual feel they love each other and choose to marry young or the female in the relationship gets pregnant. Also some cultures regains a couple get married at an early age. For western countries when two people get married too young the marriage generally breaks ups because both are too immature and they find that they long for their youthful days of being with friends and partying. When getting into early marriage at an early age you can regret it later in life and end up getting a divorce and when you get married at an early age you can no longer go to clubs and hook up with other men or women and you can also have another first kiss and never have another relationship so if you looking for an early marriage just think before you rush into
something too serious that you will regret. Some of the causes are domestic violence, dependence, locked up, trapped loss of confidence quick divorce, alienation, abuse, slavery, missing out on the good things marring the solace. Some people may only see the benefit of early marriage, it is true that there are some benefit, it keeps a person from sin so long as the marriage is done Islamically and in an Islamic way, that is both male and female marry on consent and both parties are happy then there will be any benefits: completing half of your dream aiding each other these may be the benefit that some people may look up to. SOLUTIONS Support funding for girls and women’s right and development towards making vital decisions. Start the conversation: speak up in regretting the practice of early marriage, whether in person or through your social networks. Volunteer with an organization: Breakthrough or one like it and help build a world in which all girls and boys and families live fully, freely and without fear.
Women And Nigerian Society BACK down the centuries in Nigeria’s there was a period when women were seen as people meant for only the kitchen. The Nigerian society restricted women to the house, farm and the market place. And this has affected the Nigerian women so much that most of them lack confidence in themselves and their abilities. The Nigerian society has made the Nigerian women accept certain things like being turned to punching bag or child bearing machines in the name of marriage. Being thrown out of their matrimonial homes where their lives are made hell for them because they could not bear male children whereas, child gender is determined by husband. A wife in Nigeria is blamed for her husband’s misfortunes and her children’s failure. She is accused of killing her husband when he dies and made to suffer all in the name of mourning while a man is sympathized with and helped by those around him when he is widowed. It is an abomination for women to cheat on their spouse in the Nigerian society but it is normal for the man to have
children outside and as many affairs that he wished to have not that we are justifying spousal unfaithfulness. The wife is to have respect for her spouse but it is all right for her spouse to disrespect her and treat her the way he likes. Is that fair? One would have thought that with the increase in development and technology, things would change for the better for the Nigerian women but it has not. It only appears to have gotten a little better for the women as majority of them are still suffering in silence. Even though today, unlike before when women were forbidden to participate in the decision-making processes in their communities: they are attempting high political positions and are performing well even when some people is still thinking that women cannot muster the required strength to wither the storm of politic. This is how much the society has reduced the woman seeing them as the weaker vessel and most women have conformed to the norms of the society. In some communities in Nigeria, women are not given land of their own so they can
By AGEDAH FORTUNE only access either their husband’s or brother’s land. There are about 50% women today in the labour force. 35% of them are mainly involved in petty trading; selling wares in the market and street hawking in urban areas. The few venturing into white colar jobs are either seen as sex objects by managers when searching for jobs or seen as threat by some of their husbands when holding a good job. The rest are curtailed by the burden of reproduction with very high birth rate as well as the cultural roles associated to women-role of child bearing, child raising and home making. The Nigerian women like their counterparts around the world also face a lot of discrimination that limit their opportunities to develop their full potential on the basis of equality with men. The 1999 constitution forbids discrimination on the basis of sex, and women employment rights are further protected under the labour Act. Nevertheless, the reality is that Nigerian women are far from
enjoying equal rights in the labour market, due mainly to their domestic burden, low level of education attainment, biases, against women’s employment in certain branches of the economy or types of work and discriminatory salary practices. In some establishments, women are not allowed to get married or pregnant because it is thought that it will reduce their productivity and of course profit. The legal protection granted by the constitution and labour Act has little or no effect in the informal sector agriculture, food processing and domestic services where the vast majority of women are employed. Over a decade now, numerous cases of women’s rights violation such as acid baths, murder of women, rape, widow abuse, and physical assaults have occurred in Nigeria. Unfortunate, it is only extreme cases of women’s rights violation which results in death or permanent disability that earn the attention of the media and the police interest. Critical cases
like female circumcision, wife battery, marital rape, sexual harassment, verbal and emotional abuse and so many more are not considered problematic enough to be highlighted in the media or taken seriously by the police. Women don’t also report these cases as a result of fear of retaliation from husband and family members and also, in the course of rape, some women or girls consider it a social stigma if their ordeal becomes public knowledge. The laws that have been put in place to protect women from violence are inadequate. For instance, marital rape is generally not recognize as an offence and so formal mechanisms to seek redress in such cases are often ineffective and the police are not adequately trained to handle such cases and also the burden of prove remains with the prosecution, requiring a woman to prove that she did not consent or where a woman’s testimony under muslim law, is not as valid as that of a man. Women’s right issues and situations in Nigeria are not given the seriousness and attention it deserves by both
government and individuals. Women, thousands of them have been sold into slavery as wives or prostitute, after being kidnapped or tricked into going with traffickers who promise them jobs and better life. Though the Nigerian governments have tried repeatedly to eliminate the trafficking of women, yet it continues to exist. This mostly can be attributed to lack of education or inadequate education, as female children in Nigeria are not given much attention when it comes to higher education. The government should and ensure that there is equal opportunity for men and women, free functional health care and education, provide gainful employment. The government should give serious attention to women’s right and the police should be thought properly on how to handle issues concerning women especially abuses. Women should know their rights and not allow themselves to be oppressed. They should know their worth and abilities, have confidence in themselves.
Reflection
With Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie, OCD Mobile: +2348076635886 Email: johndamianocd@yahoo.co.uk
Nigerians Celebrate The Feast Of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi NIGERIA is celebrating the death anniversary and the feast day of a hero, a man who gave his life for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; a humble and prayerful man; an early Nigerian missionary, a man who portrayed a good image of Nigeria in the Western world; a man whose heroic life moved the Blessed Pope John Paul the Second to visit Nigeria a second time before his death, a man that is worthy of emulation, Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi. The Catholic world is not just celebrating a hero, they are celebrating someone who has been beatified and declared Blessed, according to the Catholic tradition, He is a man who is about to break record as the first canonized saint in Nigeria. Who is this great man? What is so special about this man? What made this man so famous in the Catholic Church? Why are the Catholics still interested in a man who died 49 years ago? Does Nigeria have any hope of having other saints apart from Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi? What does canonization entails and what are the qualifications for canonization? The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines canonization as the recognition of heroic virtues practiced by a faithful and the proposal of such saint as a model and intercessor: “By canonizing some of the faithful, i.e., by solemnly proclaiming that they practiced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God’s grace, the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and intercessors” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 828). A canonized saint is an officially recognized model and intercessor. The scripture, especially psalm 15, highlights the conditions for becoming a saint. The psalmist raised an important question, ‘who shall dwell in the tent
of the Most High God?’ who is worthy of the title, ‘sainthood’ in answer to these questions the psalmist wrote, “He who walks blamelessly, and does what is truth from his heart; who does not slander with his tongue, and does no evil to his friend, nor take up a reproach against his neighbour; in whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honours those who fear the Lord; who does not put out his money at interest, and does not take a bribe against the innocent” (Psalm 15:1-5). In addition to these scriptural conditions for becoming a saint one has to live a life of the beatitude as highlighted by our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew chapter five verses one to twelve. Every baptized child of God is called to live a saintly life. Those who consistently and successfully live according to these virtues are the ones that are canonized as saints. The Catholic Church strongly believes in the communion of Saints. Birds of the same feather will always flock together. In the Apostolic Creed which every Catholic faithful is expected to profess and live out, the Catholic faithful usually declare, “…I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.” Our fellowship with one another does not end here on earth. We have another fellowship in heaven, a fellowship that will last forever. That reminds me of the song: “Do you know there is another fellowship in heaven: I know there is another fellowship in heaven – I know there is another fellowship in heaven.” This heavenly fellowship is what the Church describes as the communion of saints. One day, after our life here on earth, we believe we shall join the saints in joyful fellowship in heaven. One of the duties of the saints is to intercede for the faithful. They serve as intermediaries between
God and humanity. “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness… They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men,
Igboezum, Aguleri,in Anambra State of Nigeria as Iwemmaduegbunam a name which literally means ‘let human malice not kill me.’ He was one of the five children of Tabansi of Igboezunu-Aguleri and Ejikwevi of Nteje in Anambra State. Though his parents were nonChristian, they sent him to
parishioners. One of his notable ministries was his work with women planning to marry. He traveled to Rome, Italy on Pilgrimage to in 1950. He later traveled to England where he became an oblate at the monastery of Mount Saint Bernard. He took the name Brother Cyprian, and lived the rest of his life as a
Christ Jesus” (CCC, 956). The Saints are in heaven interceding for us. When St. Dominic was about to die he said to those around him, “Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life.” In her final conversation St. Therese of Lisieux, that St. Theresa of the Child Jesus also said, “I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth.” This goes a long way to show that the Saints are not dead. They are there for us, praying for us and with us. One of these great heroes and intercessors is Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, the first Nigeria to be Beatified and hopefully the first Nigerian Saint in the making. Who is this great man? Blessed Cprian Michael Iwene Tansi was born in September 1903 in
live with a Christian uncle who educated him in the Western education. He was baptised on 7 January 1912, and given the name Michael. He Studied at Onitsha and Aguleri. Accidentally his left eye got blinded while playing with schoolmates. That is why you often see him putting on glasses. He Taught at Holy Trinity School, Onitsha in 1920. He was appointed the Headmaster of Saint Joseph’s School, Aguleri in 1924. He entered Saint Paul’s Seminary at Igbarium in 1925 and was ordained on 19 December 1937 in the archdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria. From 1937 to 1950 he served as parish priest in Nnewi, then Dunukofia, Akpu/Ajilla, and finally Aguleri, he was traveling on foot for hours on end to minister to his widely-scattered
Trappist monk at the monastery. He died on 20 January 1964 at the Royal Infirmary, Leicester, England. He was buried in the cemetery of Saint Bernard’s monastery. He was later re-interred in the priest‘s cemetery, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Onitsha, Nigeria on 17 October 1986. On July 11, 1995 he was venerated under the title ‘Venerable’ by the then Pope John Paul II. On March 22, 1998 he was beatified by Pope John Paul 11 of the Blessed memory, at Oba, Nigeria. With this beatification, I believe, the final stage of the long process of canonization has been set rolling. By the special grace of God any moment from now Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi will be canonized as the first Nigerian Saint. It will interest you to know that the Pope that beatified
him as Blessed has also been beatified, as Blessed pope John II. Just as John the Baptist was able to recognize the child Jesus in the womb, saints recognize their fellow saints! I joined the Father Tansi Solidarity movement when I was still in the secondary school. As at that time Blessed Cyprian Iwene Tansi was still a Servant of God. In this solidarity movement we were praying for the canonization of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi and we pledge to emulate the virtues of this great man of God. It was the life of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi that inspired me to become a Catholic Priest, with a difference. Apart from his life of humility, another virtue which I admired in his life was his life of mortification, his love for the poor and his unshakable faith in the living God. He fought against paganism. He was among the first Nigerian priests that brought an end to the worship of idols in Igbo land. He did not compromise his faith in the Living God as some ministers are doing today in the name of inculturation. He understood and applied literally the first commandment which says, “I am the Lord your God thou shall not worship any other gods beside me.” For Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, Inculturation has nothing to do with idol worship, but cultural values. I want to use this opportunity to wish all Nigerians happy feast day and also to encourage all the Christian faithful to live a life worthy of their calling. Blessed Tansi should not be the only beatified saint in Nigeria; a tree cannot make a forest. We need more Nigerian canonized saints. Who will be the next canonized saint in Nigeria? Do you even know that you can be the next canonized saint in Nigeria? This is the right time to work towards it; a journey of many miles begins with a step. God bless you as you live a saintly life.
International Features
Juche Idea And Kim Jong II
THE Juche idea that was authored by President Kim Il Sung of Korea and is acknowledged worldwide as a guiding ideology for the cause of independence of mankind is unthinkable apart from Kim Jong Il as well. Declaration of history Kim Jong Il who was endowed with extraordinary ideological and theoretical wisdom analyzed and reviewed comprehensively the 100-year history of the preceding working-class ideologies for over three years in the latter half of the 1960s. In the course of this he came to the conclusion that the preceding ideologies could not give correct answers to the theoretical and practical problems arising in the present times and that Kim Il Sung’s revolutionary ideology, the Juche idea, could serve as the one and only guiding ideology in the present era of independence. One day Kim Jong Il said to officials as follows: The only guiding ideology capable of leading mankind to socialism in the present times is the Juche idea created by President Kim Il Sung. It is axiomatic that the preceding ideologies of the working class or other kinds of ideology cannot solve the
problems arising in the revolutionary practices of our contemporary era. The time has advanced and the reality changed. So, the world should be remodelled based on the revolutionary ideology of President Kim Il Sung and mankind is sure to achieve the victory of independent cause under the banner of his idea. This is the will of history which cannot be checked by anything. In the concluding speech delivered at the National Training Course for Party Information Workers on February 19, 1974, Kim Jong Il formulated the revolutionary ideology of President Kim Il Sung as an integral system of idea, theory and method of Juche. Kim Jong Il solemnly declared that Kim Il Sung’s revolutionary idea, the Juche idea, was the sole guiding ideology for the era of independence, and named this idea after the President, Kimilsungism, for it was a new, original idea which was inconceivable apart from him. Immortal fundamentals Kim Jong Il made public the treatise On the Juche Idea on March 31, 1982. His treatise is very profound and massive in contents. It is composed of five systems.theorigin of the Juche
idea, the philosophical, sociohistorical and guiding principles and the historical significance of the Juche idea. It comprehensively delineates all the problems arising in accomplishing the cause of mankind for independence; it gives a fullscale account of human history and a summing-up of ideological heritage of mankind, defines the main trend of the times, and expounds the fundamental principles of Juche idea, the essential features of man, the man-oriented outlook, viewpoint and attitude to the world, the essence of society, the motive force of history, the essential features of socio-historical movement, the position and role of the leader in the revolutionary movement and the principles of maintaining an independent stand and applying creative methods, while giving priority to ideology in carrying out the revolution and construction. No sooner had the treatise been made public than it created a world-wide sensation. It was carried in more than 10 million copies of publications in over 90 countries in less than a year and printed in book form in 144 countries. Prominent figures of the
world were unsparing with their praise, saying that it was a “new Communist Manifesto” and the “philosophy textbook providing an intelligent solution for human emancipation for the first time.” Encyclopaedia of revolution and construction Kim Jong Il developed in depth the Juche idea without letup through his energetic ideological and theoretical activities. His ideological and theoretical activities covered extremely wide range. His works embrace all the fields and sectors of social life, including economic management, the work of the working people’s organizations, political economy, law, history, linguistics, education, public health, sports, construction, literature and art, as well as those on developing the Juche philosophy, building the Party, people’s government and the national defence. He made public over 890 works from June 1964 to June 1994. His works strike the people with admiration in terms of philosophical depth and profundity. All his works are run through the principles of the Juche idea and requirements for their realization, and give perfect answers to all the theoretical and
practical problems required by the times and the developing revolution. It is by no means fortuitous that his works have been called the library and encyclopaedia of revolution and construction. KimilsungismKimjongilism Kim Jong Il provided an invincible sword to carry out the cause of mankind’s independence by developing in depth the Songun idea which is rooted in the Juche idea. At the end of the last century, the US-led imperialist allied forces, taking advantage of the collapse of socialism in the former Soviet Union and some other countries, unleashed an extreme offensive to stifle socialist Korea. At this critical juncture, he systematized in an all-round way the idea of attaching foremost importance to arms and military affairs that President Kim Il Sung had initiated based on the principle of the Juche idea, in line with the requirements of the times and the developing revolution and formulated the Songun idea, thus raising higher the banner of Songun. Kim Jong Il made public a number of
works, including The Songun Politics of Our Party Is the Powerful Political Mode of Socialism and The Songunbased Revolutionary Line Is a Great Revolutionary Line of Our Era and an Ever-victorious Banner of Our Revolution. In his works he expounded in detail the philosophical foundations of the Songun idea, the principles and rules of the Songun revolution, and the theory of Songun politics, which are rooted in the Juche idea and embody its r e q u i r e m e n t s comprehensively. He put forward Songun politics as the basic political mode of socialism and overcame prevailing difficulties by dint of it, and thus brought about a brilliant victory in the grim struggle to defend socialism. The Workers’ Party of Korea and the Korean people have also ushered in a new era of building a thriving socialist state under the banner of the Juche idea and the Songun idea. It is quite natural that Korean people call the revolutionary ideas of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il after their august names, KimilsungismKimjongilism, the unfurled banner they provided in accomplishing the cause of independence.
International
Egypt’s Brotherhood Members Aim To Outwit Informants
MUSLIM Brotherhood members in Egypt only agree to meet after sunset and are wary of everyone including family members, as part of tactics to outwit informants. Three years after Egypt’s revolt which toppled president Hosni Mubarak, their 85-year-old movement is now designated a “terrorist organisation” by the country’s military-installed authorities. The standing of the Islamist group has eroded dramatically in the face of a crackdown launched by the government since the military’s July 3 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. The Brotherhood, which has won all elections in postMubarak Egypt, is in complete disarray, with its top leadership behind bars and hundreds of members and supporters on the run or living in constant fear. After several approaches, some of its members finally agreed to meet up with AFP at their homes or cafes in the capital. “Ibrahim”, 23, played host at his residence in a Cairo neighbourhood, but only after assurances that his real name would not be revealed. At the gate of his building, Ibrahim cast worried looks around him, afraid that the doorman who he suspects of being “close to the security forces” would report him for meeting journalists. And before he started to talk, his friend Mohamed removed the SIM cards from mobile phones, saying the “security forces can tap conversations even when the phone is switched off”. Such precautions are essential because “the authorities are trying to divide society and calling on people to
denounce” the Brotherhood, said Ibrahim. His biggest fear was neighbours made to feel it was their national duty to report suspected Brotherhood members to police. “Apart from neighbours, some feel threatened by their own families,” said Amani, whose best friend Mona was arrested last week along with her husband, leaving behind three children aged between six and 13. Mona was arrested for wearing a full body veil, while her husband sports a long beard, seen as trademarks of Islamists, she said. “There is an anti-Islam racism in Egypt,” said Amani, who wore a long blue veil, blaming unrest in Egypt on an international conspiracy. Street clashes since July have left more than 1,000 people dead, mainly supporters and members of the Brotherhood, and the “terrorist” tag has further tightened the noose. Brotherhood leaders are on trial facing charges which carry the death penalty, while those participating in demonstrations or possessing its leaflets face up to five years in jail. Shaymaa Awad, 32, an Islamist activist whose family are active members of the Brotherhood, said she and many like her were always devising ways to outsmart the authorities. “A friend uses a photo of General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as his mobile phone wallpaper for when police” stop
him at checkpoints, Awad said during a meeting at a cafe. Sisi, Egypt’s powerful army chief, ousted Morsi after massive protests against the Islamist’s one year in office, although he himself was named defence minister by the elected president. Three weeks later, Sisi called upon Egyptians to take to the streets and grant him a “mandate” to break up two sit-in protests in Cairo by Morsi supporters demanding his reinstatement. “My aunt demonstrated (after Sisi’s call). She gave him a mandate to kill me as she knew I was at Rabaa alAdawiya,” Awad said. She was referring to one of the Cairo squares where more than 600 people were killed on August 14 after police unleashed a brutal crackdown to end the sit-ins.
“There is an anti-Islam racism in Egypt,” said Amani, who wore a long blue veil, blaming unrest in Egypt on an international conspiracy. Street clashes since July have left more than 1,000 people dead, mainly supporters and members of the Brotherhood, and the “terrorist” tag has further tightened the noose.”
International Thai Court Defers Election Date Ruling, Capital Calm BANGKOK - Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Thursday deferred a ruling on whether a general election scheduled for February 2 can be postponed, as protesters who say they will boycott the vote kept up pressure on the government to step down. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declared a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas from Wednesday, hoping to prevent an escalation in the protests now in their third month. The Election Commission says the country is too volatile to hold a general election now and that technicalities mean it is anyway bound to result in a parliament with too few lawmakers to form a quorum. The government says the decree to hold the election on that date has been signed by the king and cannot be changed. “The Constitutional Court has accepted this case and we will look at the legal issues involved. If there is enough evidence, we may hand down a decision tomorrow,” said court spokesman Pimol Thampithakpong. The protests are the latest eruption in a political conflict that has gripped the country for eight years. The emergency decree failed to clear the demonstrators, though the capital has been relatively calm this week. Broadly, the conflict pits the
Bangkok middle class and royalist establishment against the mainly poorer supporters of Yingluck and her brother, expremier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled by the military in 2006. Nine people have been killed in outbursts of violence, including two grenade attacks in Bangkok last weekend. A leading pro-government activist was shot and wounded on Wednesday in Thailand’s northeast, a stronghold of the Shinawatra family, in what police said may have been a political attack, adding to fears the violence could spread. A ruling in favor of the Election Commission would deepen Thailand’s political quagmire, already weighing on investor enthusiasm for Southeast Asia’s second-biggest economy. The main opposition Democrat Party says it will boycott the vote. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, a former Democrat minister, wants democracy suspended so that a “people’s council” can push through electoral and political changes. Thais living overseas have already voted and some advance voting takes place around the country on Sunday. The protesters have said they would try to disrupt the election. On Wednesday, an unidentified gunman opened fire on Kwanchai Praipana, a leader
Va AG’s Office³
Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional
RICHMOND, Va. Virginia’s attorney general has concluded that the state’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional and he will no longer defend it in federal lawsuits challenging it, his office said Thursday. In an email to The Associated Press, Michael Kelly, a spokesman for Attorney General Mark Herring, said the state will instead side with the plaintiffs who are seeking to have the ban struck down. Herring planned to file a brief Thursday morning with the federal court in Norfolk, where one of the lawsuits is being heard, notifying the court of the state’s change in position in the case, Kelly said. The attorney general decided the ban was unconstitutional after a thorough legal review of the matter, Kelly said. Virginia has emerged as a critical state in the nationwide fight for gay marriage. The state’s shift comes on the heels of recent court rulings in which federal judges struck down gay marriage bans in Utah and Oklahoma. With the election of Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Herring as attorney general, Virginia made a hairpin turn away from the socially conservative officeholders they succeeded, particularly Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, an activist on social issues such as abortion and gay marriage. Herring had campaigned, in part, on marriage equality, and McAuliffe issued an executive order on inauguration day prohibiting discrimination against state employees who are gay. Virginia voters approved the
same-sex marriage ban 57 percent to 43 percent in 2006. But a Quinnipiac University poll in July found that 50 percent of registered Virginia voters support same-sex marriage, while 43 percent oppose it. The survey’s margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
Iran’s Absence From Syria Talks Won’t Impact Nuclear Deal Says US WASHINGTON - The United States said Iran’s absence from Syria peace talks would have no impact on the nuclear deal being brokered between Tehran and world powers. Washington spent months laying the groundwork with Moscow and the United Nations for the Syria peace conference dubbed Geneva II, which opened Wednesday in the Swiss town of Montreux. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday invited Iran to the talks but withdrew his invitation less than 24 hours later amid reservations from the United States and Syrian opposition groups. State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf described the diplomatic crisis triggered by the invitation as a “fiasco.” “We have been very clear and the Iranians, I think, have been clear, certainly in our discussions, that these are separate issues,” she told reporters.
of Thailand’s pro-government “red shirt” movement and a popular radio DJ. The attack in Udon Thani, about 450 km (280 miles)
northeast of Bangkok, was the most significant violence outside the capital and illustrates the risk that the turbulence could spread to other parts of Thailand.
Just a day before, Kwanchai had warned of a nationwide fight if the military launched a coup, as widely feared. So far the military, which has been involved in 18 actual or attempted coups in the past 81 years, has kept out of the fray. Police are
Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra gestures as she leaves the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters, after a cabinet meeting in Bangkok yesterday.
charged with enforcing the state of emergency and are under orders from Yingluck to show restraint. “We announced a state of emergency to help police do their work,” Yingluck told reporters on Thursday. “But given what happened in 2010 I don’t want police to use force outside of the legal framework,” she added, referring to a military crackdown that year on pro-Thaksin protesters during which scores were killed. Army chief Prayuth Chanocha said this week his troops might have to play a bigger role if serious violence breaks out. “If such violence erupted and no one is able to solve it, the troops would have to step in and tackle it. We would look after our nation using the right methods,” he told reporters. The emergency decree gives security agencies powers to detain suspects, impose a curfew and limit gatherings. Some analysts said it was in part designed to give Yingluck legal protection if police step in. Several governments have warned their nationals to avoid protest areas in Bangkok, among the world’s most visited cities. China called on Thailand to “restore stability and order as soon as possible” through talks.
Analysis: Hardest Yet To Come For France’s Hollande On Reforms
PARIS - French President Francois Hollande has won cautious backing from Berlin, Brussels and financial markets for a centrist reform push that could be his last chance to get the euro zone’s second largest economy motoring. A week after his January 14 announcement, it is not clear how and when he will pull off the public spending and tax cuts at the heart of the plan. It is also uncertain whether French business will play ball with his goal of cutting unemployment. Moreover, the new determination to cut taxes opens a whole new Pandora’s
box: the question of whether Paris will bring its public deficit into line with EU targets next year as promised. “On the political front, Francois Hollande has pulled off a neat exploit with his ‘liberal shift’,” said analyst Bruno Cavalier of Paris-based Oddo Securities. “On the minus side, uncertainty clouds the execution of this policy.” Hollande’s change of tack last week came after it became clear his policies thus far were not working: major investment in state-subsidised jobs was not bringing down unemployment, and the public deficit was not falling as quickly as planned
despite a string of tax hikes. In a major shift of emphasis to the supply side, Hollande acknowledged the route to recovery lay in restoring French corporate margins that are the lowest in the euro zone by handing them 30 billion euros of tax breaks by 2017. Alongside was an announcement that existing plans to trim public spending set to hit 57 percent of national output this year would be accelerated with cuts set to total over 50 billion euros between 2015 and 2017. Since then, his aides have raced to fill in the gaps. The
Issaka Sidibe, an executive in the Rally for Mali (RPM), party’s politburo, is elected to lead the country’s new parliament, in Bamako recently.
bulk of the tax breaks are to come from the conversion of tax credits already announced, while the rest will be financed out of 5-10 billion euros in new savings from cutting expenditure. Taxes could start falling as early as next year. “We won’t be able to do much then, but we have got to get the momentum going,” said one Hollande aide. DEFICIT WAGER? But if France decides on tax cuts as early as next year, that raises the question of whether it will still be able to bring its deficit down from 4.1 percent of output last year to under the three percent threshold it promised for 2015, and then go on to achieve a structural balance in 2017. Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici told parliament on Wednesday the 2015 target would be met. But the wager now mooted by some in Hollande’s entourage is that a slower pace of deficit-cutting will be accepted by France’s EU partners if it is clear that the tax cuts are being used to improve the overall competitiveness of its economy. “You must never give up hope of being able to convince people with intelligent arguments,” said the aide.
International
Suicide Bomb On US Embassy In Tel-Aviv-Israel Says It Foiled Plot
JERUSALEM - Israel on Wednesday said it had foiled an “advanced” al-Qaida plan to carry out a suicide bombing on the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and bomb other targets, in what analysts said was the first time the global terror network’s leadership has been directly involved in plotting an attack inside Israel. The Shin Bet intelligence agency said it had arrested three Palestinians who allegedly plotted bombings, shootings, kidnappings and other attacks. It said the Palestinian men, two from Jerusalem and one from the West Bank, were recruited by an operative based in the Gaza Strip who worked for al-Qaida leader Ayman alZawahri. The State Department said the U.S. was not yet able to corroborate the Israeli claims. While a number of groups inspired by al-Qaida have carried out attacks against Israel before, this appeared to mark the first time an attack was directly planned by alQaida leaders. The Shin Bet said the Palestinians planned on attacking a Jerusalem conference center with firearms and then kill rescue workers with a truck bomb. Al-Qaida also planned to send foreign militants to attack the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv on the same day
using explosives supplied by the Palestinians, it said. It said five men whose identity and nationality were not disclosed were to fly into Israel with fake Russian passports to attack the American embassy. It was not clear where the men are located. The Palestinian operatives had planned on several other attacks, it said. One included shooting out the tires of a bus and then gunning down passengers and ambulance workers. The agency said it the plot was in “advanced planning stages” but gave no further information on how close the men got to carrying it out. It said the Palestinians from Jerusalem had used their Israeli resident cards to scope out and gather intelligence on targets. They were arrested in the past few weeks, it said. A number of al-Qaidainspired groups have carried out rocket attacks from Gaza and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, as well as shootings in the West Bank. Israeli intelligence calls these groups part of a “global jihad” movement. Aviv Oreg, a former head of the Israeli military intelligence unit that tracks al-Qaida, said the plot marked the first time it has been directly linked to an attempted attack in Israel. “This is the first time that Ayman al-Zawahri was directly involved,” he said. “For them, it would have been a great achievement.” The Shin Bet said the three
President’s Relative To Head Mali’s New Parliament BAMAKO - A high-ranking ruling party lawmaker and relative of the president became Mali’s second most powerful politician as he was elected Wednesday to lead the troubled West African nation’s new parliament. Issaka Sidibe, an executive in the Rally for Mali (RPM) party’s politburo, was backed by 115 of the chamber’s 147 lawmakers, with his only rival, opposition politician Oumar Mariko, picking up just 11 votes. “Our people are watching us and ask of us honourable and dignified behaviour... We must serve the public interest and nothing else,” Sidibe said. He urged members to “work for the reconciliation” of all Malians, “regardless of their political, religious or ethnic allegiances”. The country, previously seen as a rare example of stability in a restive region, was upended by a coup in 2012 and had its northern half occupied by AlQaeda-linked Islamists before being liberated by a French-led military intervention. The 68-year-old Sidibe will be accorded significant powers, becoming the country’s de facto
leader when President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita is on holiday or unable to perform his duties for any other reason. A career customs official, Sidibe gained a master’s degree in law on the job and rose through the ranks to become a senior inspector before retiring five years ago to enter politics.
suspects made contact with al-Qaida over the Internet. It said they planned on traveling to Syria — where various jihadist groups are battling the forces of President Bashar Assad — for training. Oreg said that many foreign fighters fighting the Assad regime are from Chechnya and predominantly Muslim parts of Russia and speculated that the militants with the phony documents would be from there. Al-Zawahri’s location is unknown, but he was last believed to be in Pakistan. He is the subject of an intense manhunt and is not believed to personally go online or pick up the phone to discuss terror plots, experts say. Last year, a threat that began with a message from the Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula to alZawahri led to the closures of embassies across the Middle East and Africa, a U.S. official said at the time. The message essentially sought out al-Zawahri’s blessing to launch attacks. Al-Qaida-inspired groups are on the rise in the Gaza Strip, which is run by the
Islamic militant Hamas. These groups accuse Hamas of being too lenient because it has observed cease-fires with Israel and has stopped short of imposing Islamic religious law, or Shariah, in Gaza. In the West Bank, Israel and the Palestinian Authority of Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have cracked down on Islamic
militants. Three Salafis, members of a movement that advocates a hard-line interpretation of Islamic law, were killed in a shootout with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank last November. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said U.S. investigators and intelligence officials were not yet able to corroborate the Israeli information and
declined comment on specifics of the case. “Obviously we’re looking into it as well,” Harf told reporters Wednesday. “I don’t have reason to believe it’s not true. I just don’t have independent verification.” She said there were no plans to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and was not immediately aware of steppedup security measures there in light of the arrests.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra gestures as she leaves the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters, after a cabinet meeting in Bangkok yesterday.
Out-going Modagascar President, Ex-Coup Leader May Seek PM Job
ANTANANARIVO Outgoing president and former coup leader Andry Rajoelina said on Wednesday his coalition won Madagascar ’s parliamentary election and he raised the possibility of becoming prime minister, which could fan tensions anew with his arch-rival. Rajoelina was barred from running in the 2013 presidential election under a deal brokered by regional African states meant to end Madagascar’s political turmoil after his 2009 coup. But that only fuelled speculation he would seek to retain power as prime minister of the large, nickel-producing island state. An electoral court last week
declared former finance minister Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who was backed by Rajoelina, the country’s president-elect after a vote that his run-off rival challenged, saying it was rigged. That ruling raised the spectre of a prolonged dispute over the result of the December 20 election, the first since the coup, which would prolong a crisis that has hobbled economic growth and deepened poverty. The parliamentary vote was held at the same time as the second-round presidential election, pitting an ally of Rajoelina against a loyalist of the man Rajoelina ousted in 2009, Marc Ravalomanana.
Making Rajoelina prime minister could draw protest from Ravalomanana’s camp, who have said the presidential vote was marred by irregularities, keeping political tensions simmering. “If the president needs Andry Rajoelina (as prime minister), I will come. If he doesn’t need Andry Rajoelina, Andry Rajoelina has other options,” Rajoelina told reporters at the opening of a new hospital in the capital Antananarivo. Rajoelina said his MAPAR coalition, whose full name translates as “Together With Andry Rajoelina” had won
about 50 of the assembly’s 151 seats. If confirmed, that would give it the biggest bloc and allow MAPAR to nominate the premier. Rajoelina said a further 30 lawmakers had swung behind his political movement, which would leave his loyalists with an absolute majority in parliament. The party behind Ravalomanana, who Rajoelina toppled five years ago with the help of the military, has won approximately 20 seats, provisional electoral commission data showed. Rajoelina is due to hand over the presidency to Rajaonarimampianina on Friday.
Prostitution Case
Berlusconi Faces New Investigation MILAN Milan prosecutors said on Thursday they had opened a new investigation against Silvio Berlusconi over accusations the former Italian prime minister corrupted witnesses in a trial in which he was convicted of paying for sex with a minor. The investigation follows the conviction of three associates in a separate but related trial in which they
were found guilty of procuring young women for prostitution at parties at Berlusconi’s luxurious villa near Milan. Last year, judges in the trial requested prosecutors to consider opening an investigation into allegations that Berlusconi and his lawyers had called in some of the young women for meetings to discuss the evidence they planned to give in court.
BeMadagascar’s former president Andry Rajoelina (C) arrives for presidential candidate Hery Rajaonarimampianina Rakotoarimanana’s final campaign rally in the capital Antananarivo December 18, 2013.
EVERY FRIDAY WEEK 28, 2014 LAST SEASON RESULT Anderson Richwell 1.2. X. Forecast
WEEK 28, 2013 NOS OF DRAWS 14
2,10,11,16
10 11 12
By SAM EHEBHA GSM: 08056626091
WEEK 28 DRAWS LIKELY AT
} } } } A
6 10 21 11 22 12 27 14 29 16
3 12 B DAN UZO NAP 20 8 7 10 C 16 21 30 18 Pair 2 19 X X 3 FACE TO FACE U.K EDITION
}
For One X?
3
16
Ramires Eyeing Premier League Title
Sherwood Vows To Sign More British Players TOTTENHAM Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood has vowed to sign more homegrown talent. Sherwood has, according to the Daily Mail, told
Tim Sherwood
sporting director Franco Baldini that he wants a British core to his squad. The two had talks regarding the final eight days of the transfer window, with Sherwood eager on signing another left-back and a striker to fill the void left by Jermain Defoe, who will leave for Toronto FC at the end of February. The former Blackburn Rovers skipper is reportedly keen on putting his stamp on the squad by bringing in more home-grown players. Scott Parker and Zeki Fryers are the North London club’s only British signings since 2011.
Bournemouth Out To Upset BOURNEMOUTH Liverpool midfielder Shaun MacDonald believes his side can pull off an upset when they host Liverpool in an FA Cup encounter. The anticipated fixture, which will take place at the Cherries home ground at Dean Court, has already been sold out as the locals hope to see their side get the better of the Reds. MacDonald, who has worked under Brendan Rodgers at Swansea City before making the switch to Bournemouth, believes his former manager and current manager have the same philosophies about football. “Brendan is a very tactical kind of manager and so is our gaffer (Eddie Howe),” he told the Bournemouth Echo. “I am sure they both have huge respect for each other. The way we play and our style will suit them and vice-versa so I think it will be an exciting game. “As players, we have respect for them but have got to go out believing we can beat them. We want to cause an upset. “The FA Cup is always a special occasion and it is always good to draw a big club.
“With Liverpool coming here, it is good not just for the team and staff but for the fans as well. This will be my first experience of a big game in the competition. “We can approach the game with confidence because we are playing well. We know it is going to be difficult because they have got some world class players but we have got to believe in ourselves and go into the game positively.” Bafana Bafana striker Tokelo Rantie will hope to feature for Bournemouth against the seven-time FA Cup winners after he was Sunderlands Craig Gardner (right) and Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher handed a start in the previous pictured during their League Cup match at Old Trafford on January 22, 2014. round.
United Slip Down Football Rich List
MANCHESTER United have dropped out of the top three of football’s top-earning clubs for the first time. United, 14 points behind the 2012-13 season. Premier League leaders The money table has been Arsenal and knocked out of the compiled by Deloitte since Capital One Cup on 1997, and for the first eight Wednesday night on penalties years United were the by Sunderland, are now fourth biggest-earning club in the in the Deloitte Football Money world only to be overtaken League behind leaders Real by first Real Madrid, then Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Barcelona and now Bayern, Munich based on income from thanks in part to the German side’s Treble-winning season. The table has also recorded an astonishing rise in income by the Qatari-owned French Why not? In life you never club Paris Saint-Germain, know,” he said when asked with earnings rocketing by a record 81 percent to see the about leaving the Etihad. “Everything is going team rise from 10th to fifth in the table ahead of well right now at City, but Manchester City, Chelsea you never know. and Arsenal. But it will be United’s fall “For me, PSG is a great that will concern the club’s club. PSG have shareholders the most, exceptional strength... I especially since shares on have great respect for the New York stock exchange are down just them.” Toure’s contract with the above the $15 mark from an annual high of more than Citizens runs until 2017. $19.
Yaya Open To PSG MANCHESTER Switch
City midfielder Yaya Toure has refused to rule out a move to Ligue 1 outfit Paris SaintGermain. The Ivoirian international declared in an interview with RMC that he has “great respect” for the French club; all while hinting he could be up for a switch one day. “Anything is possible.
Sunderland’s Craig Gardner (L) celebrates after defeating Manchester United in their League Cup match between Manchester United at Old Trafford on January 22, 2014
CHELSEA midfielder Ramires says his dream of winning a Premier League title is starting to seem realistic following their recent results. The Blues trashed defending champions Manchester United 3-1 last weekend to consolidate their position in third place, just two points adrift of leaders Arsenal. The 26-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2010, believes that win was a signal of their intentions this season. “I love to be on the pitch in big games like the one against Manchester United,” the 26year-old told Globo Esporte. “The derbies make you feel butterflies in your stomach, make you more motivated to win and I am happy that we have managed to play well. “We are now even more confident after that game that we can reach our goal of winning the Premier League. “That would be even more special to me as I have never won that title.” The Brazilian says he is pleased with how his career has progressed since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. “Thank God my career has been improving since I joined Chelsea, many good things have been happening and I have got recognition for my work, which makes me very happy,” he said. “I find the fact that I achieved that milestone as a consequence of the joy I have of playing football and of wearing Chelsea’s shirt.”
Analysts at Deloitte, however, believe United will reclaim third spot from Bayern next year and are in good financial shape — though failure to qualify for
the Champions League will affect the finances in the longer term. Dan Jones, partner in the sports business group at Deloitte, said: “It is the first
time Manchester United have dropped out of the top three but Bayern had an exceptional year. “Next year United will have the Chevrolet deal plus other new commercial deals in their figures, and the new Premier League TV deal so we are confident they will be back in the top three.
Moyes Rues ‘Terrible’ United Penalties DAVID Moyes admitted Manchester United’s penalties were “terrible” as they crashed out of the Capital One Cup in a shootout against Sunderland. The Black Cats are in their first major final for 22 years as, after losing 2-1 over 120 minutes at Old Trafford to set up a 3-3 aggregate score, they won 2-1 on penalties. United’s Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones both missed the target while Adnan Januzaj and Rafael da Silva had spot kicks saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone. Only Darren Fletcher scored from 12 yards and manager Moyes said: “It went to
penalties and our penalties were terrible.” Moyes revealed the players themselves chose who would take the penalties but said that injuries were a reason why his preferred spot-kick takers did not step forward. Michael Carrick came off with a twisted ankle — Moyes is unsure of the full extent of the midfielder’s problems — while Javier Hernandez hurt himself scoring United’s second goal. Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Nani, who have all scored penalties in the past, were not in the 18 while Ryan Giggs and Ashley Young were unused substitutes. And Moyes added: “We talked
within the group and these were the players who chose to. As a team we made a decision together who would take the penalty kicks. “Ideally, it wouldn’t have been the group we had. Chicharito [Hernandez] would have taken a penalty but was injured and people like Michael Carrick would have been involved.” Moyes had few complaints about the outcome, saying: “We did not play well enough, we had the chances to put it to bed but didn’t. I was disappointed, but we did not play well enough in the end.” The United manager refused to answer questions about the signing of Juan Mata or any other transfers.
Schalke Players Back Holtby Return
Dortmund Looking For Change Of Fortune BORUSSIA Dortmund will be looking to rescue their season when they face Augsburg on Saturday afternoon at the Signal Iduna Park in a Bundesliga match. Dortmund are down to fourth place and need to break a three-match losing streak in the league at home when they host Augsburg on Saturday. Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin all enjoyed wins at Dortmund’s stadium towards the end of the year and coach Jurgen Klopp’s side enjoyed a 6-1 friendly drubbing of minnows Duisburg on Tuesday. Klopp will still be without the injured trio of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (back), plus defenders Mats Hummels (ankle) and Neven Subotic (knee). Klopp has already issued a feeling of doom and gloom as he has resigned his side’s title ambition. The 2013 FIFA Coach of the Year nominee has already set his
Carzola Urges Casillas To Leave Madrid
sights on finishing second this season claiming that no team in the Bundesliga can compete with Bayern. “It would be nonsense for me to come out and say we’ll definitely catch Bayern. We still have great aims for this season, but if we’re in second place come the summer I’ll be really happy,” Klopp told the league’s official website. “Our aim is simply to prepare the team for the challenges ahead.” Augsburg have had a great season according to their standards. They are currently in the top half of the table and occupying eighth place on the standings. Augsburg who are normally fighting relegation have 24 points and are just four points adrift of a UEFA Europa League spot. Both teams met on the opening day of the season where Dortmund claimed a 40 win away from home.
SCHALKE’S Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Benedikt Hoewedes have talked up the potential return of Lewis Holtby. Holtby, 23, left the Royal Blues for Tottenham a year ago, but, so far, has struggled to make a significant impression at White Hart Lane. And in recent weeks Holtby has been linked with a return to Schalke to replace U.S. international Jermaine Jones, who was told he can leave the club — although there have not as yet been any offers for Jones. “Holtby would help us,” Huntelaar, who at the weekend will return to the Schalke team after nearly six months out, told Bild. “He can play nearly every position in midfield. Lewis has quality, and Schalke can always use that.” The Royal Blues captain Hoewedes echoed Huntelaar’s sentiment, adding: “He is a good player. If it fits for both sides, he would certainly help us.” Also speaking to Bild,
David Moyes
Moyes Keeps Mum Over Mata
MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes has Reports suggested refused to answer questions about British media reports that Mata has agreed that his side are close to completing a club-record move a four-and-a-halffor out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata. year contract at
IKER Casillas should leave Real Madrid in search of first-team football, according to Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla. Mesut Ozil jumped ship from the Santiago Bernabeu for the Emirates Stadium at the start of the season and Cazorla, who left La Liga for England in 2012, thinks Diego Lopez’s deputy at Real should follow suit. “Casillas should try playing somewhere else,” the ex-Villarreal and Malaga star said of his Spain team-mate to beIn Sport. “I learn from Ozil every day; having him with us at Arsenal is a great opportunity.”
Several media outlets, including the BBC, claimed that Chelsea have accepted an offer worth around £37 million ($61.3 million, 45.3 million euros), which would exceed the £30.75 million that United paid Tottenham Hotspur for Dimitar Berbatov in 2008. Mata, 25, was voted Chelsea’s player of the year in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge, but he has fallen down the pecking order
following Jose Mourinho’s return to the club as manager last year. After United lost on penalties to Sunderland in the League Cup semi-finals at Old Trafford on Wednesday, the club’s press officer warned journalists that Moyes would only answer questions on the match. Pressed for an update on the situation as he left the press conference room, Moyes replied: “She just said, no questions.”
last season after failing to retain the league title they won in 2012. This season Mancini has had to watch the Chilean reach new heights with the City squad and he believes that he constructed the core of the team. “I’m happy that Manchester City is one of
because I built this team,” BBC Sport quotes him as saying. “The players that score the goals are players that I bought - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri.” “When you work, you know you can have some
hard, play well and the players should understand this,” he added. “When you change the manager, it is better maybe, because you change the way to work. I think Pellegrini is doing a good job but what is happening now at Manchester City, we did three years ago. It’s the same.”
Mancini ‘Built’ Current City THE Italian manager problem with the players, this was sacked by the Premier Squad is normal because the manager League outfit at the end of the best teams in England wants the players to work
United and will undergo a medical examination on Thursday. Chelsea have not acknowledged reports of United’s offer, but Mata is believed to have missed a scheduled training session with the London club on Wednesday. Prior to the Sunderland game, Moyes admitted that his club have not ruled out moving for players during the January transfer window. Writing in the m a t c h - d a y programme, he said: “While we are actively scouting players all the time, a lot of the work we are doing now is preparation for the summer. “If we can do any business now then we will certainly try to do
it, but I will not compromise the standards required for a player who can come into this club and help improve it.” Moyes is bidding to arrest a startling decline in United’s fortunes since he succeeded Alex Ferguson as manager last year. The reigning English champions were also knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by Swansea City earlier this month and are currently 14 points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League.
Radamel Falcao
Holtby’s agent Marcus Noack said: “I am striving for a good solution for Lewis, so he can be happy again. The most important thing for him is to play.” In an interview with German football magazine kicker, Schalke coach Jens Keller added: “I’ll accept it if it does not work out financially.”
Falcoao Faces Anxious Injury Wait COLOMBIA and Monaco striker Radamel Falcao faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of a knee injury that could put his place at the World Cup finals in doubt. Falcao, 27, suffered the injury following a heavy challenge by Soner Ertek in the 40th minute of Monaco’s 3-0 French Cup win at Monts d’Or Azergues Foot on Wednesday. Earlier, he had scored the goal that gave his team the lead at the break. Monaco issued a short statement after the game, which read: “The player Radamel Falcao was hit in the left knee. He must await further tests in the coming days to clarify the exact nature of the injury.” Falcao was signed from Atletico Madrid for a fee believed to be in the region of 60 million euros last summer, and has netted nine goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances this term. But speculation has surfaced over his future in France, with rumours suggesting he could move on before the end of the month, either to Real Madrid or to a Premier League club. However, the injury looks likely to ensure that he will be at Monaco beyond the current transfer window. Colombia have been tipped to be one of this year’s dark horses at the World Cup and have been handed a favourable group, drawn alongside Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan.
Bafana Bafana Players Lack Discipline
Benzema
DEMORE Pretorius, a South African Sports Psychologist, on Thursday blamed faulty team selection for the poor performance of Bafana Bafana in the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). Pretorius, who is also a motivational speaker, spoke with newsmen at the Centre Court Hotel, Cape Town, where the Super Eagles are currently based. He criticised the players for lacking the focus and composure needed by a team to excel in a competition of the magnitude of the CHAN.
Ribery
Prosecutor Calls For Ribery, Benzema Sex Case To Be Dropped
A prosecutor in Paris on Wednesday called for the case against French football stars Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema, accused of having sex with an underage prostitute, to be dropped “pure and simple”. but insists he could not have Jean-Julien Xavier-Rolai known she was not 18 at the explained to the court in the time. French capital that it was Benzema, who is accused of impossible for the prosecution to paying for sex with Dehar in a prove that the two footballers Paris hotel when she was 16, knew that Zahia Dehar was under the age of 18 when they denies that any encounter took allegedly paid for sex with her. place. Although the age of consent is The prosecutor himself 15 in France, paying for sex with admitted that “the very reality” anyone under 18 is a crime but of Benzema’s encounter is Dehar, who later gained fame as “doubtful”. a lingerie model and designer, The charges against the duo had lied about her age, the court carry possible prison sentences heard. of three years plus a fine of News of the investigation into 45,000 euros ($61,000). Bayern Munich winger Ribery, None of Dehar, Benzema or now 30, and Real Madrid striker Ribery have attended the Benzema, 26, broke just before hearing, which opened on France’s disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign. Monday. However, lawyers for Ribery has admitted having the two players spoke in their sex with Dehar after she was absence on Wednesday. flown to Munich in 2009 as a Benzema’s lawyer, Sylvain “present” for his 26th birthday, Cormier, said that his client had
Forlan Signs For Cerezo URUGUAY striker Osaka
Diego Forlan says he is leaving Brazilian club Internacional to play for Cerezo Osaka in Japan. Forlan, voted the best player of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, told Brazilian media on Wednesday that he had ‘’received a good offer’’ from Cerezo Osaka last year
and couldn’t pass it up. The 34-year-old striker did not disclose the financial details of the offer. Forlan had been playing for Internacional since 2012 after transferring from Inter Milan. He played 55 matches and scored 22 goals with the Brazilian club from the southern city of Porto Alegre.
made the mistake of “defending himself badly, as the innocent tend to do.” Of Ribery, the prosecutor said that, while his behaviour was nothing like that of a “gentleman”, he could be accused of no legal infraction, just like his brother-in-law, who took part in the events of April 2009 in Munich. But while the public prosecutor called for the case against Ribery and Benzema to be dropped, along with that against Ribery’s brother-in-law, the judge ordered it to go ahead due to the fact that Zahia was under 18 at the time in question. Ribery’s lawyer, Carlo Alberto Brusa, hit out at a “very strange judicial system” in which, “without accusation...without victim...one is sent to trial.” Brusa also said that Dehar, who rose to fame under the tutelage of fashion impresario Karl Lagerfeld after the charges emerged, had “earned her reputation from this affair”. He added that his client, who last week finished third in the voting for the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or prize for the world footballer of the year, hoped that his “nightmare” which had left “a field of family and personal ruins” would end after the court had reached its decision. The prosecutor also said that it is not evident that Ribery’s friend Kamel Ramdani, who organised Dehar ’s visit to
Ghana Accrue US$175,000 For CHAN Quarters Feat advance to semi-final and
GHANA have earned US$ 175,000 for qualifying to the quarter-final of the 2014 African Nations Championship. Maxwell Konadu’s side topped Group C with seven points after beating Congo and Ethiopia and drawing 11 with Libya. Ghana will face DR Congo on Sunday in the first quarter-final clash at Mangaung’s Free State Stadium. The Local Black Stars will earn US$ 250,000 if they
finish either third or fourth. The winner of this year’s tournament will pocket US$ 750,000 and the runners-up will be paid US$ 400,000.
The Confederation of African Football has announced that a total of US$ 3.2 million will be paid out as prize monies for this year’s tournament in South Africa.
THE second half of the Ghana Premier League will start on 5 February, the Premier League Board has confirmed. Due to involvement of four clubs in CAF inter-clubs competitions this year, the league’s organizing body decided to change the initial 9 February start date. Ghana Premier League derby between Asante Kotoko and
Hearts of Oak dubbed Super Clash will be played on 11 May at the Baba Yara Stadium. The 2013/2014 season will end on 18 May, four weeks to the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals. Asante kotoko ended the first half of the league on top with a seven point lead.
... League To Resume On 5 February
Munich, knew she was underage. But the fact that he organised the same trip for a second escort constituted pimping, and he called for a one-year prison sentence plus an extra year suspended. The most severe sentence - 18 months in prison plus another 18 months suspended - was sought in the case of Abousofiane Moustaïd, a former contestant on French reality television show ‘Nouvelle Star’ who was described as “the Little King of Parisian nightlife”. He is accused of demanding cash for acting as an “intermediary” without whom
young women looking to work as “independent” and “freelance” prostitutes had no chance of encountering certain personalities. Meanwhile, prosecutors sought a one-year suspended sentence against an escort girl known as “Dora” who claimed she did not know setting up her friends with clients constituted pimping. The affair started as police investigated the Zaman Cafe cabaret venue near to the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Prosecutors said that the venue was “dedicated to prostitution” and have called for two-year sentences against the two brothers who ran it.
“You see, sports are a mind game and it has psychological demands; 90 per cent is the mental aspect, while 10 per cent is the physical aspect. “In this regard, our players are not focused; they lose focus in their matches, and as I said earlier, you have to be disciplined in order to imbibe these critical attributes,’’ he said. When asked how the South African Football Association (SAFA) could reposition their team, Pretorius said that the current set of players lacked the profile of national team players. “The problem is with the players and not the coach; Gordon Igesund is a good coach. “If a coach dishes out instruction during training sessions and during matches, it is the duty of the players to adhere to the instructions. “Unfortunately for us, the players are not doing that, and this issue has affected the team’s performance; there is no discipline in the team. “The match against your national team was a typical example of what I am talking about; the players threw caution to the winds and we performed poorly. “In terms of team selection, SAFA has not got it right because the right types of players have not been invited to the team. “Until we get this right, the national team will continue to perform poorly,’’ Pretorius added.
Austrialian Open
Li Beats Bouchard To Reach Another Li’s first serve, which had CHINA’S Li Na advanced to Final deserted her, with five deuce her second successive Australian Open final with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Canadian teenager Eugenie Bouchard. Li has now reached three finals at Melbourne Park in the last four years, having lost to Victoria Azarenka last year and Kim Clijsters in 2011. She also lost to Clijsters in the fourth round in 2012. “Last time was a little bit tough so I will try this time to make one more step,” Li said in a courtside interview. “I think after working with the coach, it’s not only about my technique, I’m playing much stronger on court... and more stable from the first point to the second point,” she added of her success at the season-opening Grand Slam. Bouchard was just the second Canadian player of either gender to make it to a Grand Slam semifinal in the Open Era, after Carling Bassett, who was a semifinalist at the 1984 US Open. The 19-year-old, however, had trouble from the onset, letting the ball bounce in front of her on the opening serve due to the sun, before her first actual serve was into the wrong service box. Li wasted little time in bashing three backhand winners in the first game to break the young Canadian to love, held serve, then broke again to love to give her a handy 3-0 lead. Such was the world number four’s dominance, Li did not commit an unforced error until
the fourth game and restricted Bouchard to three points in total in the first five. She continued to force Bouchard back behind the baseline, when rallies extended beyond three shots, but then temporarily lost concentration to allow the Canadian to win two games, before she sealed the first set in 28 minutes with a forehand volley. Bouchard began the second set with an ace - her first of the match - and while Li held two break points the Canadian appeared to be getting into a rhythm and she battled to hold serve in a game that lasted 11 minutes. Li’s first service game of the second set lasted a further 10 minutes as Bouchard attacked
Li Na
points before the Chinese belted a forehand out to give the 30th seed a 2-0 lead. Li delighted to reach another final China’s Li Na advanced to her second successive Australian Open final with a 6-2 6-4 vic… The momentum swung again with Li rattling off three successive games, and six of the final eight, as she continued to be aggressive to set up a final against Dominika Cibulkova, who thrashed fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska later in the day. “Tough match of course in the final,” Li added of her potential final opponent. “I think both will fight because it’s one more step to take the trophy so we will see.”
Canada 2014: Falconets Set
For World Cup Ticket
THE National U-20 Women’s team, Falconnets, on Wednesday left for South Africa ahead of their return leg final match for FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Canada. This was contained in a statement issued by the team’s Media Officer, Elizabeth Kah, in Abuja. The statement said that the team was set to pick the World Cup ticket against their South African counterparts. It said that the Head Coach, Peter Dedevbo, had selected 18 out of the 26 players in camp to play the final match. It said that the technical crew paid more attention on ball control and passes, to maintain a comfortable lead in the qualifiers. “We do not want to record any goal from the opponent during the return leg and that
is why all lapses noticed during the first leg have been taken care of. “We promise Nigerians a win in South Africa. We are going to pick the ticket for Canada 2014; the players are fit. “The team have all the support from the Nigerian
Football Association and thus there is no reason why we should not qualify, “ the statement said. The final qualifying match against South Africa is slated for Jan. 25 in Johannesburg. The Falconnets thrashed the Basetsana girls 6-0 in the first leg match at the Abuja National Stadium on Jan.11.
OYO State ministry of youth and sports has signed an agreement with an insurance company, Capital Express Assurance, on behalf of Shooting Stars. The signing was done in the office Oyo State commissioner for youth and sports, Umar Farouk Alao. The commissioner said
year-long deal. He said, “The ministry did this for 3SC ahead of their National League campaign starting this weekend to assure the squad that we are behind them and they should give their best on the field of play. “This deal will assure our players and officials to perform knowing the state is solidly behind them even when they are injured or any accident, but God forbid. “This is first of its kind in Oyo state to insured our players and I’m sure we are not going to regret this insha Allah.” Meanwhile, the regional director (South West) of the
insurance company, Steve Akadiri, commended the commissioner for approving their proposal to partner with the state in the area of sports. We have been promoting sports across the country and to partner with Shooting stars would not be a mistake as some of other club like Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS), Delta State are associated with us.” Present at the presentation were the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Godwin Obode and the Director of Sports (administration), Bisi Adegoke, among others.
Commonwealth Games
AFN To Select Only Medal Potentials
Super 4 Pillars Without Gambo, Ubale
CHAMPIONS Kano Pillars will be without strikers Gambo Mohammed and Manir Ubale at the Super 4, officials have disclosed. Gambo has not recovered fully from injury, which cost him a place on Nigeria’s squad to the 2014 CHAN, while Ubale is not fully match-fit after he was granted compassionate leave to get married. Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa told MTNFootball.com, Gambo has not fully recovered from injury. “He has returned to training, but he has not fully recovered and so will not feature in the Super 4,” he informed. The Pillars 25-man squad will be led to Abuja by goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai. They have also included Cameroonian defender Isaac Hele, who has returned from Sunshine Stars, as well as several recent signings like Abdul Haruna, Ezekiel Henry, Henry Mba, Adamu Hassan, Eneji Otekpa and Kingsley Udoh. Pillars will play their opening Super 4 game against Warri Wolves at 4pm on Friday. Enyimba and Bayelsa United are the other clubs in this pre-season tournament.
3SC Clinch Insurance there was a need for the Deal
THE Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) said it would focus on selecting athletes with potential to win medals at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. This was contained in a
Bolaji Abdullahi, Minister of Sports
CHAN 2014
New Look Home-Based Eagles Delight NFA CHAIRMAN of the Nigeria Football Association technical committee, Chris Green, on Wednesday said the association was satisfied with the performance of the Eagles in the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). Green told newsmen in what he has done. Cape Town, South Africa, “So, what we have done that the Eagles had done exactly now is, to expose well in the matches they them , let them have that played so far. exposure of playing big He said in spite of the time football , football at absence of some key players this level and we take it in the team, their from now. replacement had lived up to “But again, like I keep expectation. saying, even when “The home-based players, something starts and has a the most experienced target, before even it gets to players that we actually the target, we have already started our campaign with a year ago, are the kind of players we still have right now. “Because most them have done very well and have sought greener pastures elsewhere. “And, these players we are using now are players that we just got, put them together. So, we must also give kudos to the coach for Stephen Keshi
reached the target. “But, these boys have done brilliantly well. They‘ve just crossed to the next level of the competition, that’s the quarter finals. So, it’s a good thing and thanks to them’’. Green commended the
patience of Nigerians and their support but cautioned they should be sparing in their criticism of the team. Green said the NFA was optimistic of a good outing in the CHAN tournament and that same determination would be taken to the World cup in Brazil.
statement signed by Omatseye Nesiama, the AFN Technical Director, and made available to newsmen in Lagos. “We are going to focus on medal potential athletes in our process of team selection,” he said. Nesiama said that the federation had set standards for the athletes to meet in order to be part of the team. “The standards set are for athletes to qualify for inclusion into the last phase of selection for the Commonwealth Games team. The athletes are currently in camp in Abuja in preparation for the Games scheduled to hold from July 23 to Aug. 3 in Scotland.
Bright Ejike Wins It For Rangers BRIGHT Ejike’s firsthalf strike on Wednesday gave hosts Enugu Rangers victory over Akwa United in a pre-season friendly in Enugu. The attacking quartet of Razaq Adegbite, Bright Ejike, Terry Envoh and Chinedu Udeagha threw everything at the backline of the visitors which held out until the 32nd minute, when a defensive mix-up provided enterprising Ejike with an easy finish. The former Nigeria U20 striker could have made it two on the stroke of half
time, but his chip over the onrushing Akwa United goalkeeper came off the cross bar. If the first stanza belonged to the hosts, the second period was dominated by Akwa United, who struck the crossbar thrice and forced Rangers goalkeeper Jonah Usman pull off some big saves to keep a clean sheet. Akwa coach Patrick Udoh told MTNFootball.com: “It was a good game that could have gone either way, but unfortunately for us it went
the way of our opponents through a careless mistake by the goalkeeper. “There are a lot of positives from this game for us and we are going to build on that as we put finishing touches to our preparation for the new season.” He added, “I strongly believe in this team and we shall be the team to beat when the season starts. My modest target is for us to be in the top three at the end of the season and bring continental football to our teaming supporters in Nigeria.”
CMYK
How Not To Be A Senator
AS the jostling for position ahead 2015 heightens, it would be patently unpatriotic and downright insensitive on the part of stakeholders in the Edo North project to gloss over the reported schism between the senator representing the Edo North Senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Domingo Obende and constituents from his Akoko-Edo local government area, one of the six council areas which make the district. Most national dailies reported last Monday the story of how a meeting of his party, APC, leaders and stakeholders in his local government area called by Senator Obende was shunned by the party leaders. As reported by one newspapers: ‘’In what looks like a vote of no confidence, prominent leaders from Senator Domingo Obende’s local government area of Akoko-Edo, weekend in Benin City, shunned an Elders’ Forum meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled to hold in his residence.’’ The story, which is of significance to the other five local governments of Etsako East, Etsako Central, Etsako West, Owan East and Owan West, said the ‘’meeting was boycotted by 90 per cent of the leaders of the local government’’. Political watchers and followers know what it means for leaders, described as ‘’political living ancestors’’, such as Bayo Adams, Joseph Arogundade, John Bello, Stephen Amineshi, L.P. Okogun, J.A. Alao, Jolly Ashore, E.O. Omozuanfo, Veras Ashefor, A Adesunloye, House of Representatives member representing the local government area, Hon. Peter Akpatason, the two state House of Assembly members from the local government area, Honourables Dele Oloruntoba and Kabiru Adjoto, Segun Oseh, Anselm Agbabi, Honourable Commissioner for Arts And Culture, Jemitola Anena and Olu Dania among several others, shun, boycott or
collectively fail to attend a meeting called by a senator, especially one who has made known his ambition for a second tenure in 2015. Simply put, the boycott of Senator Domingo’s meeting by party leaders from his council area is a
teach the Senator, a church Deacon, a lesson or two in how not to be a senator. Last December, I received a copy of Senator Domingo’s REPORT CARD 2013 in which he enumerated the bills he either solely sponsored or
elected in 2011. It would appear to me, like the leaders from Akoko-Edo, that our Senator Domingo Obende has not done enough especially in the area of physical and i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l development. An analysis of his report
• Hon. Domingo Obende
definite vote of no confidence and, coming from his home local government area, should serve as notice to the senator that his name has thus been added to the list of ‘’those who will stay at home in 2015.’’ The leaders, without holding their brief, would have their reasons for their action which, in the main, can be summarised as the Senator’s inability to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Akoko-Edo people. His representation at the National Assembly has come under scrutiny as the tenure winds down and the report card shows a poor rating for the senator. It is no surprise, therefore, that there appears to be a determination by AkokoEdo political leaders to
co-sponsored with other senators, those constituents he had placed in employment in federal agencies, those he had assisted to undertake religious pilgrimages to either Mecca or Jerusalem, those he had provided training in skills acquisition and start up materials as well as federal projects he attracted to the senatorial district since he was
card as prepared and presented by him shows that the senator attracted only three federal projects (a model primary health centre, a community town hall and a community centre and sports facility) to Etsako Central local government area. Other local government areas in the senatorial district fared better with federal projects attracted by Senator
By OLOYE JAMGBADI Domingo spread as follows: Etsako East (four projects), Etsako West (10 projects), Owan East (six projects), Owan West (five projects) and Akoko-Edo (18 projects). Aside the disproportionate distribution of the projects, Senator Domingo attracted projects which are clearly in the competence of the local government councillors working in close harmony with their community leaders. For example, what pride would a senator derive from attracting a federal government financed hand pump borehole to Ikhin and Ihievbe-Ogben in Owan East or Okpella in Etsako East or Iyuku in Etsako West? These are certainly projects that are within the financial capabilities of local councils. Why is the Senator unable to attract road construction, industrial borehole construction or rural electrification projects to Edo North? While other local government areas had hand pump boreholes, not one community in Akoko-Edo was provided with a bore hole. Of the 18 projects in Akoko-Edo, half are community hall /sports centres while the others are either classroom blocks, model health centres or electricity transformers, placing the local government far ahead of others both in number of projects as well as quality and impact of projects on constituents. It is instructive to note that everywhere our senator has gone recently in Edo North, he has been received with passive indignation or polite aloofness. In Etsako East and the Owan local governments, Senator
Domingo got the “we have been seeing you on television” treatment, signalling a total lack of connection with the grassroot constituents. He was either bombarded with questions which embarrassed him or ignored totally. Where the senatorial seat goes in 2015, in my view, is known to those in AkokoEdo and the other five local government areas who have turned their backs on Senator Domingo Obende. It is pedestrian to pontificate, as Senator Obende’s agents have sought to do, that ‘’Etsakos have had it twice and Owan once. Now that it is AkokoEdo’s turn, they think they can arm twist us to it. They should wait for their turn’’, without considering the goodwill squandered by them since 2011. No one requires a soothsayer to see that the light shining on the Edo North senatorial seat is coming from the east, not the east of those seeking promotion from the Green chamber of the National Assembly to the Red Chamber but the east of a political giant whose credentials in learning, character and practical application of same have assumed gangatuan heights not only in Edo state but Nigeria as a whole. Interestingly, APC leaders, elders and faithful of Owan extraction have endorsed the Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, as their choice for the seat. It is a case of ‘’the voice of the people is the voice of God’’. • Comrade Oloye Jamgbadi, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Benin City.
“Where the senatorial seat goes in 2015, in my view, is known to those in Akoko-Edo and the other five local government areas who have turned their backs on Senator Domingo Obende. It is pedestrian to pontificate, as Senator Obende’s agents have sought to do, that ‘’Etsakos have had it twice and Owan once. Now that it is Akoko-Edo’s turn, they think they can arm twist us to it. They should wait for their turn’’, without considering the goodwill squandered by them since 2011.”
Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor. BARR. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI) - (07030699646), Deputy General Manager (Marketing) (08023457566), Assistant General Manager(Advertisement) (08023808856) Lagos Office: 3/4 Amode Close, Kudirat Abiola Way, By Olushonsun Bus Stop, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to: 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com (ISSN 0331-2674)