Nigerian observer 24 07 2013

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 NO. 281 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2013 . N 100.00 NATURAL MEDICINE Page 19

Menopausal syndrome

FG predicts heavy rains in 24 states

ABUJA - The Federal Ministry of Environment has predicted heavy rainfall in 24 states that may cause floods between Tuesday and Saturday.

In a statement signed

by Mr. Ekong Ekanem, Deputy Director, Erosion, Flood and

Coastal Zone Management, the ministry named Imo, Taraba, Adamawa,

Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, Kastina and Borno as the states likely to be affected.

Others are Plateau, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara,

Continues on page 2

Child Marriage

NEW HORIZON Page 20

Best to know God from childhood

Senate denies approval

By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - Deputy Senate President (DSP) and Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review Committee, Ike Ekweremadu yesterday refuted media reports that the Senate has approved under-age marriage.

Briefing National approve early marriage; A s s e m b l y ) we are not sponsoring c o r r e s p o n d e n t s any Bill against Islam; this yesterday, the DSP particular provision has explained that the been in our Constitution provision which did not stipulate marriageable age has been in the Constitution but that they only attempted expunging it but could not muster the needed two-third majority.

“We have no Bill to

since 1979.

Ours was an attempt to remove that aspect so that men and women would have equal footing regarding the issue of renunciation of citizenship. And we will never support early

marriage.”

“On the issue of Section 29, I want to appeal to Nigerians to please show understanding, to possibly read this Section and understand that the issue has

nothing to do with early marriage.

It has nothing to do with Islam. Essentially, it has to do with the renunciation of citizenship; so, you have to give it a proper perspective.

I want to assure them that in the future, we are ready to revisit it if Nigerians feel strongly about it”, he continued.

He further explained that having passed throught the Senate, the

Continues on page 2

EDSG to boost sports sector

STOP OIL BUNKERING

·

People of Edo State, Government has discovered that inspite of measures taken by security agents in the State to stop illegal oil bunkering, perpetrators of this shady business have continued unabated.

The State Government is warning all those still involved in oil bunkering in the State to, in their own interest, stop this shady and dubious business forthwith as stiffer penalties await them.

Any person or group of persons caught in the illegal business will be dealt with according to the law.

All vehicles and equipment used will be burnt.

Be patriotic, report any person suspected to be in the business of oil bunkering to the authorities concerned.

Join Government to rid the State of enemies of progress.

Edo State must continue to move forward.

· · · · · ·

This message is from the Edo State Ministry of Information and Orientation

By QUEENNETH OROBEDO BENIN CITY – Secretary to the State Government, Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere says Edo State will pay more attention to the sport sector.

He announced this yesterday, in Government House during a courtesy call by the Exco and members of Edo State Coaches Association.

Prof. Ihonvbere revealed that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has

VISIT: L-R: Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb Ezekiel Oladeji, National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan to NIA Abuja Continues on page 2 yesterday. Courtesy: STATE HOUSE PHOTO.

Oshiomhole calls for report on FG health projects

By EUBALDUS ENAHORO BENIN CITY - Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has directed the Local Government Councils in

the state to forward written report on the health centre projects which the federal government purportedly

executed on behalf of the 774 local governments in the country to his office.

The governor who gave the directive yesterday

when executive members of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria ALGON, Edo State

conditions that would enable people of the state benefit from the World Bank Assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project.

(NEWMAP).

The project is aimed at providing solutions to the flood and gully erosions problems in the state.

The adoption of the

state government to participate in the NEWMAP which was brought to the knowledge of the

House backs W’Bank assisted water resolution is sequel to shed project a motion calling on the

By KEN ABU/WINIFRED OSASOBO

BENIN CITY - Edo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution giving approval for the State government to fulfill all

Continues on page 2

chapter paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City alleged that the health centres were illegally awarded by the federal government.

“I want to use this opportunity to ask you to check in your respective local government areas and give us a written report of the project which

the federal government purportedly executed on

Continues on page 2

News

FG predicts heavy rains in 24 states

Continued from page 1 Gombe, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Eboyi, Cross River, Enugu, Benue and Ondo States.

The statement identified areas that could be most affected to include Afrikpo in Ebonyi and Okigwe in Imo; Gembu and Lau in Taraba; Numan and Mubi in Adamawa; Shelleng in Plateau; and Wara in Kwara.

It also listed Zaria, KafinMadaki, Jema’a and Shanga in Kaduna; Kangiwa, Goronyo, Shagari, Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa and Gummii in Sokoto State.

Others are Katagum, Azare, Bajoga, Misau, Darazo, Jama’are and Kirfi in Bauchi State as well as Bokori, Katsina, Funtua, Daura, Kaita and Bindawa in Katsina State.

The ministry also named

Geidam, Shinkafi, Briyel, Bama, Biu, Dikwa and Biu in Borno as well as Katsina-Ala, Vande, Ikiyi, Gboko, Gbukuru, Igumale and Ito in Benue as likely areas of flooding.

It also listed Ringim, Gwaram, Gumel and Hadeija in Jigawa, Bukwium, Maru and Gusau in Zamfara; Nafada

Oshiomhole calls for report on FG Continued from page 1 health project they were in Government House to introduce the new state

behalf of your local government.

I am talking specifically in terms of the so called health centres, the contract for which was illegally awarded by the federal government and money illegally deducted from accounts of local governments.

“When people talk of autonomy, they don’t deal with the basic things. For me, it was scandalous that Abuja decided to award contracts on behalf of the 774 local governments to construct health centres.

Somehow, I have been going round and I have not seen the ones in Edo state and yet those monies have been deducted.

“I think you have the right to insist those monies must be paid and to question the logic behind that central award and if fraud has been committed, initiate measures to take those involved to court and ensure that the money belonging to the people of your localities is not fraudulently embezzled,” he noted.

Comrade Oshiomhole maintained that, “it is important that we strengthen democracy and Abuja must recognize its limits and we also as state government can never spend the local government money, we must recognise your right as local government to spend money in accordance with appropriation laws that will be passed by the legislative arms of the local government.”

He disclosed that, “as you are aware, we have on your behalf also asked our lawyer to file a suit challenging the right of ALGON to any one purportedly acting on their behalf at the national level to deduct directly from source from the federation account in the name of ALGON. I believe ALGON is a voluntary association, it is the local government equivalent of

the Governor’s Forum and at the Governor’s Forum, state make their contribution on voluntary basis, you cannot ask the Accountant General to deduct from source ALGON money and we believe it is meant to enrich few individuals.”

The governor assured the state ALGON of state government cooperation, saying that the state government will not spend any kobo on behalf of the local government councils.

Earlier, the Chairman of ALGON, Edo State ,Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan Osahon-Ogbeide said

executive. “ We have come to thank you for putting the local government election in place; we know it was not an easy task, despite the challenges, you were able to do all that was needed to be done.

We have come to pledge our support and willingness in your developmental drive as long as grassroots is concerned” she added.

“Recently, you have equally approved projects and in the next one to two weeks, you will see all the local government working.

“We will cooperate with you to take Edo State to the next level”, she added.

Continued from page 1 called for strategic meeting to look into the Bendel Insurance Football club for possible reinvigoration.

He equally drew their attention to the College of Physical Education, Afuze, which is being rehabilitated, as part of attempts by the present administration to support sports in Edo. The SSG also expressed the need for coaches to be

recognized for the vital roles they play in the success stories of athletes, adding that the hob of any sporting initiative rests on the coach.

Prof. Ihonvbere also said that opportunities would be given for training and retraining of coaches just as he assured that enabling environment would be provided for them to perform maximally.

and Gombe in Gombe State as well as Anka, Argungun, Yelwa, Ribah and Bungudu in Kebbi as potential areas of flooding.

The statement added: “Areas which can be affected by the downpour-induced flood include Rijau and Wushishi in Niger; Ugba in Abia; Abakaliki, Echara Onu, Ezilo and Nkalagu in Ebonyi.

“The rest are Ikom, Itigidi, Obubra and Ogoja in Cross River, and Igbokoda in Ondo State.’’

The statement appealed to the governments of the respective states to take necessary precautionary measures to avoid loss of lives and property, considering that previous warnings had saved lives and property.

The statement also said that an alert had been sent to areas likely to experience windstorm during the rainy season.

It said that any change in the prediction would be announced as weather forecasting was based on probability.

EDSG to boost sports sector

He equally promised that the issue of their promotion which has been delayed would be looked into.

Chairman, Edo State Coaches Association, Arthur Omoregbee Adorin, who said the purpose of their visit was to investiture the SSG. Prof. Ihonvbere as their Patron, appealed to the state government to ensure their come as at when due, just as they solicited support in areas of seminars and workshops.

Senate denies approval Continued from page 1 meet in a conference to

next stage would be to await the version of the Constitution Amendment Bill that would be passed by the House of Representatives, hopefully this week.

“As is the tradition, both chambers would

harmonise; the harmonized bill will subsequently be transmitted to the State House of Assembly for ratification of each clause by a simple majority of two-thirds of the states.

I am happy that we are

keeping to our timeline; I commend the House of Representatives for keeping the faith and urge the State Houses of Assembly to also play their part expeditiously and in national interest when the bill eventually gets to them”, he added.

House backs W’Bank assisted water shed the case, hence, the need for the state, saying that Continued from page 1 something drastic has to be project the state government to key

legislators by Hon. Sunday Aghedo (Ovia South West) during yesterday’s plenary session under matters of Urgent Public Importance.

According to Hon. Aghedo, the state is one of the states in Nigeria with the highest rate of devastating effects of flood and gully Erosion which has led to the destruction of lives and property across the three Senatorial Districts as well as brought untold hardship to citizens of the state.

The Lawmaker further stated that the damaging effects of flood and gully erosion pose a continuous threat to lives and property in

done to curb it by ensuring that the Federal Government releases the Ecological fund which has been without success.

The House Committee Chairman on Environment noted that succour came to the people of the state as the World Bank has included Edo State on the list of seven states to benefit from a grant of over $650 million at one percent interest rate with payment spread over a period of ten years.

He therefore urged the State Ministry of Environment to key into the scheme, saying it will benefit the people of the state.

Supporting the motion, some

lawmakers, including Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, Michael Ezomo, Foly Ogedengbe and Abdulrazak Momoh described the motion as timely as most communities are currently been ravaged by flood and gully erosion.

They expressed the need for the Edo State Government to put machinery in place to benefit from the World bank Assisted Scheme.

The Speaker, Hon. Uyi Igbe while summing deliberations stated that the control of ecological problem ought to be the responsibility of the Federal government as situation which has not been

Birthday: Group Felicitates with Oba Erediauwa

By EDOMWONYI JAMES

BENIN CITY – The Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa yesterday received members of Women in Focus For the Actualization of Dividends of Democracy who were at the palace on a courtesy visit to the Oba. President of the group, Pastor Susan Agbonkonkon

said they were at the palace to felicitate with the Oba on his birthday anniversary and also used the occasion to intimate the Oba on the organization’s aims, objectives and activities while soliciting the Oba’s support.

The group also used the occasion to present a Birthday Card to his Majesty and prayed for his peaceful reign on the thrown.

BNCL condoles Late Omizegba’s family

By OPEYEMI OLUGBEMIRO

BENIN CITY – Members of staff of the Editorial Department of the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publishers of the OBSERVER titles, yesterday, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Sir Ambrose Omizegba, a retired staff of the department, who died on Friday, July 12, 2013.

They were received by his widow, Mrs. Comfort Omizegba.

The Editor of the Nigerian Observer, Barrister Solomon Imohiosen who led the team on the visit, told the family members of the deceased that the visit was to identify as well as commiserate with them over the loss.

He described the late Mr. Omizegba as a dutiful, humble man who was committed to his job, and therefore urged the family to take solace on the fact that, he lived an eventful life.

He hails from Ewu, Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State.

Edo to upgrade all govt hospitals - Commissioner BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie has expressed the state government’s commitment to the upgrading of all government owned hospitals in the state with a view to meeting their responsibility of providing quality healthcare services to the people.

The commissioner disclosed this yesterday while playing host to the adhoc committee on the development of General Hospital, Sabongidda-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area, led by its Chairman, Prof. (Chief) Sam Ifidon.

Dr. Eregie stated that the government is very passionate about the health care of the people, hence the on-going reconstruction and renovation of hospitals across the state.

Commending the Sabongidda-Ora Community for partnering with the state government in the area of quality healthcare delivery services, she said government alone cannot do it all. She remarked that Edo State Government would continue to partner with serious minded communities and reputable organizations for the improvement of health care delivery services to its citizens.

Speaking on the General Hospital, Sabongidda-Ora, the commissioner said her visit to the hospital was to get a first hand knowledge of the state of the hospital and promised that all the challenges at the hospital would be addressed.

The Chairman, Ad-hoc Committee on the development of General Hospital, Sabongidda-Ora, Prof. (Chief) Sam Ifidon told the commissioner that the committee was set up by the Arlee Palace of SabongiddaOra with a primary mandate to partner with the state government and the Ministry of Health with a view to rapidly develop the hospital.

Appealing for the resumption and completion of the work on the physical structures at the hospital, Prof. Ifidon pledged the community’s loyalty at all times and undertake to work with government in order to maintain peace and harmony in the community.

In a related development, the health commissioner also played host to the management of Managed Healthcare Services Ltd, led by its Managing Director, Dr. Patrick Korie who told the commissioner that they were in Edo State to express the organization’s desire to partner with the state government at ensuring that Edo people have access to quality healthcare delivery services.

into the scheme.

Standard: House summons 4 water BENIN CITY – Chairman of factory operators Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Energy and Water Resources, Hon. Michael Ohio-Ezomo, has summoned owners of four table water factories, including Rali, Coa, Tesmono and Eleo Water in Esan West and Central Local Government Areas of the state to explain to lawmakers their failure to meet requisite standard quality in their operations.

Hon. Ohio-Ezomo gave this directives when he led his committee members on inspection visit to some of the

water companies in Iruekpen, Ekpoma and Irrua communities in Edo Central Senatorial District.

The Hon. Members who expressed worry over the condition of the factories, urged National Agency For Food And Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory agencies to be more determined to make table water safe for consumers in the state.

Hon. Ohio-Ezomo emphasized the committee’s

determination to rid the industry of unwholesome product, adding that unscheduled visits would continue to be paid to water factories in the state.

The committee, during its inspection visit to Coa Water Company, observed that the well/storage facilities where untreated water is stored and the treatment plant were located close to a soak away.

During the inspection visit, owners of all the water factories visited could not be seen by the committee members.

Inside Edo Somorika Appeals To Govt Road:

By MORRISON HAYBLE

SOMORIKA (AKOKO-EDO)- Edo State Government has been urged to hearken to the yearnings of the people of Somorika Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state who are in dire need of access road, having been neglect by successive administrations.

Traditional Ruler and the Imah 1V of Somorika, HRH Oba Sule A.T. Idaiye who made the plea in Somorika in a chat with newsmen said the community isa potential economic hub of the state with its natural endowments.

Oba Idaiye lamented that lack of access road was a major constraint to economic and social development of the area.

He called on the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to increase government presence in the area by fulfilling his electioneering promises to the locality.

According to the Royal Father, “The road is the most important thing to us. If he can give us the road, he can forget about the rest. We can take care of ourselves because road construction is the most expensive project beyond us.

Oba Idaiye urged the Comrade Governor to remember Somorika in his next phase of development

programme as developing the tourist centre in the area which he expected government to be interested in is impossible without access road.

He also used the medium to challenge indigenes of Akoko-Edo in the National and state Assemblies to use their position to intensify efforts for the development of the area.

Oba Idaiye observed that the locality remains the largest local government area in the country but without any sign of development.

He advocated the need for it to be split into two or more to enhance even development as the statutory allocation to it was insignificant and hardly able to make any visible impact.

The Traditional Ruler regretted that the old AkokoEdo was left as it was either by omission or commission when local government were created described as injustice, the marginalisation of the area.

He therefore reminded Akoko-Edo indigenes in positions of authority to rise up to their responsibilities and allow their impact to be felt by their people rather than be self serving.

P r e s i d e n t G o o d l u c k Jonathan and the Leader of the delegation/ P r e s i d e n t General, Urhobo progressive Union (UPU), M a j . - G e n .

Patrick Aziza (Rtd), during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.

Flight Delay:

By RICHARD EWEKA BENIN CITY - Passengers of Arik Air were on Monday stranded at the Benin Airport for over five (5) hours as the flight from Benin to Abuja was cancelled due to alleged shortage of aviation fuel.

Some passengers who spoke with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER were visibly angry and disappointed with staff and management of the Airline over the delay and final cancellation of the Abuja bound flight which ought to take off by 2pm.

Speaking with our reporter at the departure lodge of the airport, the member Oredo Federal Constituency in the House of Representation, Hon. Rasaq Bello- Osagie said the flight which was supposed to take off

Arik Air Passengers Stranded

by 2pm was postpone after several hours of delay due to fuel crisis.

“The Airline had fuel crisis and had to go to Port-Harcourt to get fuel and I’m sure they could not get fuel on time and they are just coming now (7:30pm), the flight had to be cancelled for Tuesday morning 6:30am,” he concluded.

Another passenger who gave his name as Mr. Sunday said the behaviour exhibited by Airk Air shows that they have decided to take customers for granted and delayed them unnecessarily without proper explanation and accommodation arrangement for the night since they fail in their agreement with their customers.

He expressed dissatisfaction

Owan West LG Boss Inaugurates chairman said the purpose Issuance Of ID Cards of The the identity card exercise is to SABONGIDDA ORA- The Chairman of Owan West Local Government Council, Hon. Barr.

Godwin Aigbodion has

inaugurated the issuance of identity cards to the council workers as a way of enhancing their security.

Members of Urhobo Progressive Union, during their visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.

ensure that all staff and political appointees of the council are properly identified thereby discourage impersonation of the staff.

He said the issuance of the identity card became inevitable, especially with the recent happenings insecurity in the country.

According to the council boss, it is a precautionary measure to identify the council staff from other people and therefore advised the staff, including political appointees to ensure that they always have their identity card round their neck while in the secretariat.

He disclosed that random checks would be carried out from time to time with a view to knowing the authentic workers from those who have no business being in the council secretariat.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of identity cards to the Head of Local Government Administration, (HOLGA), Engineer Braimah Momodu by the council boss.

with the behaviour of staff and management of the Airline who could not provide useful information to passengers until about 7pm not minding that some of them (passengers) have no relations, friends or anyone here in Benin except to spend extra money to lodge in a Hotel waiting to board the flight, the next day.

“I have asked my driver to come all the way from Kaduna to wait for me in Abuja hoping that I will board today, but the management of the Airline kept posting us like kids till now. They have failed us and I am not happy with their services, he concluded”.

Mr. Kayfas expressed disappointment over the way and manner customers were treated as if they never mattered, knowing that the Airline survives with the customers patronage.

“The situation is very funny, we have been here from 2pm till now (7:30pm); I tell you, it’s a shame on the aviation industry that is just building structures without controlling the way customers are been treated.

“It will shock you to know that there is no light in the runway; how can they play with the lives of people like this”, he querried?

Festus Ijoko, said there is no proper explanation for the cancellation of the flight, as “they did all they did to cover up their fault and failure of discharging their responsibility and keeping to the agreement they made with their customers; it is a shame on the part of Arik management”.

As at the time of filling in this report, all efforts to reach the Airport manager and the management of Arik Air proved abortive as our correspondent was told by the Airport security personnel that the airport manager staff have closed for the day.

As at 7:30am Tuesday morning, Mr. Sunday a passenger who spoke with on our reporter said the management told them that the flight will transit at Lagos and Port-Harcourt and finally to Abuja, for reasons which were

not disclosed.

“As I speak now, there is a big confusion at the tarmac as passengers have refused to board to Lagos, demanding to know from the management the reason for the change of route but nobody is ready to explain to the passengers”.

“Our rights have been violated

by Arik Air management and have been taken for granted. The Minister of Aviation must call Arik Air management to order”, he concluded.

Late Madam Victoria Igiose Igbinovia Goes Home

The families of Obazee, Azaka and Igbinovia of Ogbe Quarters, Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State have released the programme for the burial ceremony of their mother, grand mother and great grand mother, Madam Victoria Igiose Igbinoba (nee Obazee (Urugba) who passed on recently she was aged 90years A press statement released on behalf of the families by Hon. Barry Igbinovia and Mrs. Imade Uyiekpen indicated that on Thursday July 25, 2013, there would be service of songs at her residence No1, Ebo Izogie street, off Ernest Idemudia street, off Upper Sakponba - Abraka Road, Near Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council Secretariat, Idogbo, Benin City.

Late Madam Victoria Igiose Igbinoba (nee Obazee (Urugba)

Inside Edo Commissioner Commends Youth support, inadequate equipment

By OPEYEMI Body and facilities and effective

OLUBRMIRO/OGBOLU GEORGE/ANGELA PAULOJOR

Hon. Omorede Osifo, Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports (4th from left) pose in a group photograph with member of the Youth Empowerment and Development Centre (YEDEC) and Directors in her ministry during a courtesy visit in Benin City yesterday.

PHOTO: LUCKY AGIE

BENIN CITY- Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports lady Omorede Osifo, has commended members of the youth Empowerment and Development Centre (YEDEC) for their efforts towards ensuring the positive development of youths in the state.

The commissioner said this in her office, when members of the organisation paid her a courtesy call in her office she expressed the readiness of the ministry to collaborate with

APC Allocates Offices

ABUJA- The All progressive Congress (APC) has allocated offices among five political parties that make up the alliance.

According to a statement from the national secretary the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN got as it was handed the National Chairman, National Legal Adviser, Deputy National Treasurer, Deputy National Youth Leader, two vice chairmen

Late Mrs Uwubanmwen For Burial THE families of Aivhienbuwa of Urhokuosa in Uhunmwode Local Government Area and Uwwubanmwen of Siluko Town, Ovia South West Local Government Area, both in Edo State have released the programme for the burial ceremony of their mother, grand mother and great grand mother, Mrs. Mary O. Uwubanmwen (Nee Airhienbuwa) who passed on recently she was aged 85 years.

A press statement released on behalf of the families by professor Osasere Faraday Orumwense and Dr. Ahmed Ede Uwubanmwen indicated that on Thursday July 25, 2013 at 9:00am, the corpse would be taken in a motorcade from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital UBTH mortuary to her residence at N 21 Omozogie Street, Uselu Quarters for service of songs at 4:00.

Late Mrs. Mary O. Uwubanmwen (NeeAirhienbuwa)

and two ex-officio members.

The All Nigeria People Party, (ANPP) was also awarded with the National Secretary, National Financial Secretary, Deputy National Organisation Secretary, National welfare Secretary, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, two Vice chairman and two ex-officio members Sources close to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja said that the congress for progressive change, CPC got the offices of National Treasurer Deputy National chairman (NORTH) Deputy National Secretary, Deputy National legal Adviser, Deputy National Auditor, National Women Leader, National Youth Leader, one vice

chairman and one ex-officio member.

The All Progressive Grand Alliance, (APGA) was allotted the National Organising secretary Deputy National chairman (South) Deputy financial secretary Deputy National Women Leader, one vice chairman and one ex-officio member while the Democratic People Party (DPP) got just two positions, the National Auditor and Deputy National Welfare Secretary.

A member of APC who spoke to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER under anonymity said the arrangement cuts across the state, wards and zone, adding that plans are on for the party

congresses from the national to ward.

Collaborate With AgenciesHe stated the Agency would BENIN CITY-The newly inaugurated National taskforce to combat Illegal importation of small Arms, Ammunitions, Light Weapons, Pipeline Vandalism and Smuggling of Goods, Edo State Command, has reiterated its resolve to join related agencies in tacking the menace of small arms ammunition and light-weapon smuggling into the state-in order to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum.

The state Director of the taskforce, pastor Dr. Peter Nosa Ighodaro told journalists in Benin that the federal government’s initiative to set up the taskforce state is a commendable one, considering the havoc which small Arms and Ammunition and light weapon smugglers, including Pipeline vandals have caused the nation He noted that funds which would have been effectively utilized in enhancing the growth and development of the nation through its various units have gone down the drains as a result or activities of vandals and small arms smuggling.

He decried the upsurge in criminal and other anti-social

activities including armed robbery and kidnapping due to the availability of small Arms and Light-Weapons which aid the youths in their illicit acts.

Our integrity as a nation is at stake, we are combat ready, this serves as a note or warning too.”

Also speaking, the task force Director of Administration and finance, Peter E Iduozee stated that the Agency would cooperate with all the various agencies in order to achieve a common goal while pledging that the funds available to the taskforce would be judiciously used in combating illegal movements light weapons smuggling of fire arms and light weapons in the state.

The secretary, Nze Nnamdi Duruoha stated that the state command would work tirelessly as a team to ensure that the Federal Government’s aim of setting up the Taskforce through private public partnership is actualized.

Also in his comments, the public Relations officer Engineer Otas Binato Ekhosueyi stated that pipeline vandalism is a bane of government efforts at developing the nation and therefore called on all those involved in the act to desist hensfort or be ready to face the wrath of the law.

serve as a back up in the collective efforts to tackle the menace of arms dealing and vandalism.

The National Taskforce, Edo state Command was inaugurated on July 19, 2003 by the DG National Taskforce Chief Dr. Osita E. Okereke in Abuja.

publicity of activities as some of the challenges affecting the organisation.

The commissioner, said that the ministry will partner with YEDEC in her activities and her directors or representatives will be present for their events.

She however, told them to send details of where YEDEC wanted the ministry to come in, for proper planning to be done towards.

Minister Expresses Commitment To Power Sector

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

BENIN CITY- Minister of Power and Energy, professor Onyebuchi Nebo, has expressed government’s commitment to the training of local manpower that will drive the power sector reforms.

Ozalla Gets New Trad Ruler OZALLA- A new traditional ruler was at the weekend installed for Ozalla community, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He is His Royal Highness Aienloshan Albert Irivbogbe, Okpamen V11, the Onotare of Ozalla who succeeded the late Onotare, Alofoje who died in March, 2013.

The installation of Okpamen V11 on July 20, 2013 coincided with his birthday anniversary having been born July 20 1909 to Mr. And Mrs. Emanbun Aienloshan of Ero

Illegal Arms Importation: Task Force To

By IJEOMA UMEH

YEDEC in the training and empowerment of youths.

In his speech, the coordinator of YEDEC Aisiyi Christian gave a brief history of the organisation while also mentioning some of the activities undertaken by YEDEC within the past one year.

He mentioned partnership and collaboration with line ministries lack of government

Obakpolor in Okhumerie district, Ivbihere community in Ozalla clan.

Until the installation at the weekend, Okpame V11 was a renowned farmer in the community.

He had lived in Ibadan Oyo State where he worked as a foreman panting in the then PWD and later at the University College Hospital.

Before relocating to Uzebba after he left public service, he engaged in farm produce trading from Edo the present Edo to Oyo State.

He was popular as a wrestler and became a hero who distinguished himself and represented Ozalla community and several other groups beyond the western coast of Nigeria.

Ozalla clan is bounded in the north by Iruepen and Era Community, in the East by Orua in the West by Afuze/Eme and in the South by Ora Clan.

Prof. Nebo made this known during the ministerial platform monitored in Benin yesterday to him, “We are entering a private sector driven electricity industry and we need to get engineers, technicians that will drive the industry. He said that if it is not done, the investors coming in will dominate the sector with their people thereby worsening the situation.

He revealed that the ministry has been training people in the electricity sector on how to man the sector when the investors take over.

The minister urged Nigerians to always protect electricity installments. Adding that all efforts aimed at repositioning the sector will amount to noting if electrical installations are vandalized.

Prof. Nebo regretted a situation where people always remove coppers in transformers and sell it for a meager sum only for the government to spend huge amount of money in fixing them.

He therefore advised Nigerians to report incidence of vandalization to the appropriate quarters Also, he said that the Federal Government is looking at other options as renewable energy to boost existing ones, explaining that electricity generation through solar energy wind among others have been included in the power plans of the country.

Mr. Christian Aisiri, Head Consultant/Chief Executive Officer, Youth Empowerment and Development Centre (YEDEC) (right) presenting some publication on his organization to Hon. Omorede Osifo, Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports during a courtesy visit to her office in Benin City yesterday. PHOTO: LUCKY AGIE

Lagos

Theft: Police Arraign Scrap Dealer

LAGOS - A scrap dealer, Joseph King, 23, was arraigned in Lagos for allegedly stealing road median grills valued at N250, 000, property of the Lagos State Government.

King, who lives at No. 73, Iwaya Road, Sabo, Yaba, is facing a charge of stealing at an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court.

The Prosecutor, Cpl.

Kehinde Olatunde told the court that the accused had on July 15 stolen the metal bars at Sogunle Bus Stop on Oshodi-Ikeja Road.

He said the accused was apprehended by Sgt. Ambrose Okon, who saw him selling the metal bars used to protect the flowers on the median to another man.

“The accused stole the

metal bars that were used in protecting the flowers planted by the government on the median.

“A police officer (Okon) on duty at Sogunle Bus Stop

caught the accused selling the stolen items to a buyer,” Olatunde said.

Olatunde said the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos

State, 2011.

The accused, however, entered a not-guilty plea.

The Magistrate, Akeem Fashola, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with

two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to Aug. 8 for mention.

Reports say that Section 285 provides three years imprisonment for convicted offenders.

Trader docked For offence contravened Assault Section 170 of the LAGOS - A 40-year-old trader, Toney Emmanuel, appeared before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged assault on his ex-girlfriend.

Emmanuel, who resides at No. 3, Adebayo Bello St, Oke Afa, Ejigbo, Lagos, is facing a count charge.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Femi Adeleye, told the Court that the accused assaulted Miss Jane OmoOsufe at about 8:00 a.m., on June 26, at his residence.

Adeleye said that the accused pushed the lady to the ground following an argument, after he refused to vacate an apartment in which they lived.

He said that the lady sustained bodily injuries from the push.

Adeleye said that the

Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Reports say that Section 170 prescribes a year imprisonment for a person convicted of assault.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail by Magistrate P. E. Nwaka in the sum of N20, 000 and a surety.

Nwaka adjourned the case to Augusts 8 for mention.

L-R: Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh; Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Dele Ezeoba, after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, at the Presidential villa in Abuja recently.

Unlawful Assembly: Tricycle Operators

LAGOS - An Ojo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, has ordered thirteen tricycle operators to wash the vehicle of Chief Magistrate Taslimi Shomade for alleged

unlawful assembly.

The accused are Francis Levi, Vitus Nwafor, James Okpara, Chima Ohi, Emeka Anigboso, Ifedi Unachukwu, Uche Duru, Charles Uzoigwe,

Wash Vehicle

Simeon Ngene, Chidi Amadi, Anthony Okoro, Linus Nwawurum and Sunday Nwankwo.

They were arraigned on March 7 on a four-count

charge of conspiracy, breach of peace, unlawful assembly and assault.

They had pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

Newsmen reports that the Magistrate had adjourned the case for

trial on several occasions to April 8, May 24 and July 22 respectively, due to the absence of prosecution witnesses.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, the prosecutor, Mr. Godwin Eze again informed the court that he was still unable to secure the attendance of his witnesses in court.

Shomade struck out the case for want of diligent prosecution.

Trader Charged For LAGOS - A 48-year-old Assault

Senator Akin Odunsi (middle) representing Ogun West and flanked by his Senior Legislative Aides, Kunle Somorin and Oladokun Idris, at a press conference in Abuja recently.

trader, Bolanle Ojubanire, who allegedly assaulted her co-tenant, was on Monday charged before an Ojokoro Senior Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The accused, who resides at No. 24, Ogundare St., Ile-Epo in Oke-Odo area of Agege, is standing trial on a charge of assault.

The prosecution told the

court that Ojubanire committed the offence on July 10 at No. 24, Ogundare St., Ile-Epo at 10.00 a.m.

According to Insp. Clara Olagbaye, the accused assaulted a co-tenant, Mrs. Doyin Ajele, during an argument over Ajele’s nine-year-old son, who was defecating in a potty in front of her shop.

Across The Nation Court Dismisses Suit Against Ministry ABUJA - The National Industrial Court (NIC) sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed against the Ministry of Aviation by a former employee, Mr Dominic Archibong.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Maureen Esowe, who dismissed the suit on Monday on grounds that it was statute barred, held that the claimant went to sleep and allowed Limitation Acts to deprive him of his rights.

Esowe held that where a court lacked jurisdiction to entertain a case, its merit was of no consequence as the court could not go outside the law.

She explained that the Public Officers Protection Act disallowed an action to be commenced against a public officer after three months from the time the cause of action arose.

Esowe held that the claimant, having failed to file the action within the limitation period, had forfeited his right to seek redress.

The presiding judge therefore dismissed the suit and informed the claimant that his right to seek redress against the defendant had been lost.

Counsel to the claimant, Mrs. C.A Ezekwe, however, commended the court for the ruling.

It would be recalled that Archibong had joined the Federal Civil Service Commission and Attorney General of the Federation as co-defendants in the suit.

When the matter came up for hearing in March, the defendants raised a preliminary objection to challenge the competency of the suit, arguing that it was statute barred.

The claimant had told the court that he was suspended in 1987 and subsequently dismissed in 2007 after 20 years without pay.

He prayed the court to declare that his suspension in 1987 and his subsequent dismissal in 2007 were unlawful, null and void.

Archibong prayed the court to order the defendants to pay his half salary for 20 years when he was on suspension as required by the law.

The claimant also prayed the court to order the defendant to pay all his other entitlements and award damages in his favour.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. James Obiegbu, P e r m a n e n t Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Linus Awute and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji, at a workshop on GapAnalysis for IPPIS/ HRMIS Role players in Abuja recently.

Reactions Trail Demolition Of Houses

DUTSE - Some residents of Dutse in Jigawa, have expressed disappointment over the ongoing demolition of structures in the state capital by the Dutse Capital Development Authority (DCDA).

Some of the residents, whose houses were demolished, told newsmen that they were not given any notice before the exercise commenced.

Reports say that some of the houses on the main road were pulled down to pave way for the ongoing construction of township roads within the city.

One of the residents affected by the demolition, Babangida Muhammed, told newsmen that he was invited to the District Head’s residence on Saturday night and was told that his house would be demolished.

Mohammed noted that less than 24 hours after, he saw a bulldozer which pulled down his house.

“As I am talking to you now, five rooms were affected while 70 of my students (Almajiris) have no place to sleep,” he said.

Another resident, Amina Iliyasu, said she was neither informed nor compensated before the commencement of the exercise.

Iliyasu said that the house belonged to her father who just retired from the state civil service.

“My father built the house before his retirement, I am worried about where we are going to live if we are not compensated and my dad is now a pensioner,” she added.

Iliyasu said that he was not given any notice before his house was demolished.

According to him, officials of DCDA came to evaluate his house and in less than 24 hours, they came back to demolish without speaking to anybody.

Another victim who pleaded to speak under condition of anonymity described the action of the government as callous.

Efforts to speak with any of the officials of DCDA failed as the chairman of the authority, Alhaji Bashir Aminu, did not pick his calls or respond to Short Message Service (SMS) sent to him.

Muslim women at a Ramadan lecture in Bauchi recently.

Check High Fees In Private Varsities, ASUU Urges FG

UMUAHIA - An official of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Monday urged the Federal Government to check high fees in private universities in Nigeria.

Dr Uzochukwu Onyebinama, the ASUU Chairman of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Abia, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Umuahia.

He said charging exorbitant fees negated the core principle of education and had negative effects on the overall development of knowledge.

The ASUU chairman described education as a social service and said “a situation where most private universities collect N500, 000 to N1.2 million as fees per session is wrong.

“The core motive for the establishment of educational institution is to provide social service and not for commercial gains.

“ASUU is, therefore, seeking for government’s timely intervention in private, federal and state-owned universities

because of the understanding that education is a social service and not commercial venture.

“Government should ensure that every Nigerian child has access to basic and quality education irrespective of the financial status of his/her parents.’’

Commenting on the strike by ASUU, Onyebinama said the union embarked on an indefinite strike because of the level of decay in the universities.

He advised government to set aside funds to improve on poor infrastructure and grant financial autonomy to the universities.

The ASUU chairman stressed the need to revitalise the higher education sector in order for it to complete favourably with others in the world.

“There is the urgent need by government to tackle the problem of emigration of Nigerian students and brain drain to other countries.

“These can only be achieved if financial autonomy and poor

infrastructure facing the tertiary education sector are addressed.

“As our people leave to study outside, there is capital flight and that capital is used to develop the facilities elsewhere,’’ Onyebinama said.

He said the strike was a continuation of the one of February 2012 over the

unsigned agreement between the leadership of the union and the Federal Government.

“There are several issues, including, funding, federal assistance to state universities, issue of amendment of the Act establishing JAMB and NUC,’’ Onyebinama said.

He said other issues involved in the strike were the

called on Nigerians to give lifestyle and alternative branches of medicine the chance and support they require to blossom in the country.

The appeal is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Mr. Paul Odenyi, the Chief Press Secretary to the agency.

It said that such a support had become necessary for the overall health benefits of Nigerians.

The statement noted that Lifestyle Medicine was designed to urgently orientate Nigerians to

do the right thing either within the shore of Nigeria or elsewhere.

It also challenged Nigerians to support Nigerian alternative medicine, learning from China’s experience in that regard to find solutions to nagging health issues in the country.

It noted that issues such as malaria and the HIV/AIDS pandemic had to be totally eradicated in the country.

According to the statement, the Federal Ministry of Health should increase its support for the Nigerian

“establishment of National Universities Pension Commission, end allowances, among others’’.

Onyebinama advised government to address the issues to reposition the Nigerian university system.

The ASUU chairman advised students to enrol for ICT training and vacation jobs rather than idle away during the period of the strike.

NOA Urges Support For Alternative of Medical Research as ABUJA - The National Medicine Institute ‘`necessary complement to Orientation Agency (NOA) has government’s commendable effort at increasing access to healthcare.”.

The statement called on Nigerian medical researchers to find out whether the problem of Nigerians doing the wrong things in their homeland was a medical problem.

“Our policemen win awards when on foreign missions, our doctors are some of the best in the west and Nigerians are making all kinds of accomplishments around the world.”

Across The Nation

Group Plans Housing Units

UMUAHIA - Abia State Housing and Allied Products Cooperative Association Ltd. is to construct 3,400 housing units in the state, the President, Chief Enwerem Chinyereze, has said.

Chinyereze told newsmen in an interview in Umuahia on Monday that the project would be realised through the Informal Sector Cooperative Housing Loan Scheme of the

Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

“Under this project, 200 housing units will be built in each of the 17 local government areas of the state to curb the growing housing deficit,” he said.

Chinyereze said that the housing estates would be developed by the cooperative society in partnership with traditional rulers and local communities.

“There is a window that offers

individual cooperative members a mortgage loan to buy a housing unit developed through this scheme.

“Cooperators shall make a down payment of 15 per cent of the approved selling price as their personal stake in the loan, while an individual cooperator shall enjoy the housing loan at six per cent interest per annum,” he said.

Chinyereze appealed to the state government for support to ensure that the informal sector in the state benefited from the scheme.

“This is a project that is being implemented across the country and it is necessary that the

informal sector of our state benefits from it.

“The condition is that traditional rulers will provide empty pieces of land with title of ownership for this project to take off.

“The state government will need to play a central role in ensuring that Certificate of Occupancy of such pieces of land is got with relative ease,” he said.

The Informal Sector Cooperative Housing Loan Scheme is a product of the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme.

It is designed to accommodate non-salaried informal sector Nigerians through cooperative societies to join the NHF.

Ramadan: Police Assures SOKOTO The Of Security Commissioner of Police in

L-R: INEC Commissioner, Mrs Nwafor Gladys; INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega; INEC Commissioner, Chris Iyimoga, and National Space Reseach and Development Agency (NASRDA) Director-General, Prof Seidu Mohammed, during INEC Chairman’s visit to NASRDA in Abuja

Sokoto State Alhaji Shuaibu Gambo, has said that proactive security measures have been put in place to ensure peaceful conduct of the Ramadan fast.

Gambo told newsmen in Sokoto that, plain clothes security personnel had been deployed to all the Mosques and venues for sermons (Tafsir).

FG Asks MDAs To Meet Dec Deadline

Payroll System: ABUJA - The Federal Government has reiterated the December deadline for all federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to enrol in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

Alhaji Bukar Aji, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, restated the position at a four-day workshop on Gap Analysis for Human Resources Role Players on IPPIS. Aji said that all MDAs should comply with the deadline as earlier directed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the directive was to help government in its move to reduce wastage and financial leakages in line with the Transformation Agenda of the President.

He said only 235 out of over 500 MDAs had fully enrolled in the IPPIS Scheme since the beginning of the project.

The head of service said that IPPIS was the Federal Government initiative in 2006 to reform the public sector.

He said it would also address the issue of availability and reliability of management information needed for decision making and other systemic deficiencies in the public service.

“Since the commencement of this project, the progress recorded has shown that

about 235 MDAs have fully enrolled into the scheme.

“This proves that more than 85 per cent of the IPPIS modules on payroll emolument are operational, while less than 15 per cent of the Human Resources component is functional.

“The gap identified in the HR (Human Resources) module is a concern to all stakeholders, especially the government.

“Therefore, this workshop is not only to bridge this gap but to ensure the full implementation of the scheme by all the MDAs.’’ he said.

Aji said that an IPPIS secretariat had been established

in his office to address all complaints and ensure accurate HR data update on the platform service.

He said that all the MDAs had been directed to establish an IPPIS Desk Unit to be headed by an Assistant Director to handle all issues related to the scheme.

He urged the role players to ensure that the HR business processes were completely updated into the IPPIS platform in all MDAs. The head of service listed the role players to include the directors of HR, Finance and Account, auditors and heads of IPPIS Unit.

“I strongly believe that this project is noble and worth being identified with, hence we must take ownership of its full implementation to ensure accurate repositioning of the public service workforce,’’ he said.

Dr Ezekiel Oyemomi, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management, Office of the Head of Civil Service said that the workshop was designed to build the capacity of the IPPIS Role player.

He said that the office was collaborating with all stakeholders to address complaints of public servants as regard IPPIS and bridge the gap between the HR and payroll components.

According to him, the action is to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people of the state during and after the Ramadan fast period.

He said that the command would continue to do its best to sustain the peaceful atmosphere which Sokoto state was known for.

“All we need from the members of the public is for them to come out with intelligence reports on suspected characters for prompt action.

“We are ready to discharge our constitutional responsibility to the best of our ability and knowledge not mind whose ox is gored,’’ he vowed.

Gambo solicited the support of traditional and religious leaders to sensitise the people on what the society would benefit if relevant information on dubious people was given to the security agencies.

“This is the time that our Imams and preachers can complement our efforts to mobilise the people to be security conscious so that we can contain any security threats,’’ he said.

The commissioner also called on the officers and men of the command to continue to put in their best noting that “all those who work hard would be rewarded.’’

NUT Wants Early Payment Of Salaries MAKURDI – Mr. Godwin Anya, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Benue, has urged the State Government to ensure the early payment of salaries of primary school teachers.

Anya made the call on Monday during an interview with newsmens in Makurdi.

The chairman noted that the salaries were always paid in arrears, thereby exposing the teachers to untold hardships.

According to him, such delays were inimical to the welfare of their members and called on the government to ensure prompt payment of the salaries.

“Currently, teachers are owed two months salaries with several other unpaid entitlements.’’

He said NUT was happy about

the fact that primary school teachers and their colleagues at the junior secondary schools had been excluded from the new minimum wage.

Anya said the government should not take the welfare of primary school teachers with levity, saying, ‘‘it will impact negatively on the pupils.’’

He held that teachers had been relegated to the background by successive administrations in the state by paying only lip service to their welfare.

Anya said between 2002 and 2006, death benefits that accrued to teachers were left unpaid but commended Gov. Gabriel Suswan for paying part of the claims.

R-L Director, Lagos Ministry of Works, Mr Yinka Saheed; -Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ganiyu Johnson, and Commissioner for Works, Dr Femi Hamzat (R), during an inspection of Road Projects by the Commissioner in Lagos

Across The Nation Anambra Schools To Get More Facilities AGULU (ANAMBRA STATE) - The Anambra State government said it would put additional facilities in schools in the state to enhance their capacity to deliver qualitative learning.

Gov. Peter Obi said this during the inauguration of a renovated school hall and access road to Agulu Girls’ Secondary School, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA).

“The additional intervention would be: provision of buses to all public secondary schools, mission and privately-owned schools in the state.

“Providing more money for erection and equipping of libraries in all primary and secondary schools notwithstanding their owners.

“Providing additional computers to secondary schools in the state as well as giving more money for rebuilding of schools,’’ he said.

He expressed satisfaction that schools in the state were wearing new look through the state partnership with the mission.

In another development, Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of the CBN said, “Gov. Obi is a man of destiny whose disciplined and God-

fearing life has ensured his success in life’’.

Soludo said this during a memorial thanksgiving mass at St Theresa’s Catholic Church,

KADUNA - The Kaduna State Fire Service on Monday said it recorded 155 fire outbreaks between January and May this year.

The state Director of Fire Service, Mr. Adams Kadams, told newsmen in Kaduna.

Kadams said the rate of fire incidents had drastically reduced compared to the previous years.

“In the past years, we have had time when we recorded 320 in a midyear and there was another time that we had 600 outbreaks.

“Out of these 155 fire outbreaks, 31 persons died and 51 were injured,” he said.

The director said they received two rescue operation calls from Kaduna and Zaria during the period under review, and blamed the public for delays in reporting fire cases to the service.

“We were able to save property worth N2.1 billion while N789 million worth of property was lost to various fire incidents in the state,” he said.

Kadams urged residents to

Isuofia in Aguata LGA, Anambra.

He thanked the governor for his achievements noting: “He has laid strong foundation for

sustainable development which future administrations can consolidate on.

“The state needs a credible successor to continue the good

works embarked on by the present administration and also sustain other gains.’’

He, however, expressed dislike for Governor. Obi’s plan

Cross River Purchases 66,000 Books For Library

Transition committee Chairman, Faskari Local Government of Katsina State, Alhaji Isiyaku Faskari-Ahmad (right), his wife, Hajia Sa’Adatu, presenting relief materials to Malama Raliya Unguwxar Doka (l), during distribution of relief materials to 677 displaced Armed Robbery victims at Faskari Model Primary School in Katsinaz State on Monday

Kaduna Records 155 Fire Outbreaks

Group To Assist Less Privileged

Ramadan:

YOLA - An Islamic group, Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunna (JIBWIS) has said that it will provide foodstuff and clothes to orphans and prisoners in various states in the spirit of the Ramadan.

The National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala-Lau, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Yola.

Bala-Lau said the aim was to show love and give the beneficiaries a sense of belonging.

He said the group had directed all its preachers and members across the country to mobilise for the programme and ensure that at least, 5,000 orphans and prisoners benefited from the gesture in

to retire from politics, adding that the country needed people like him especially during these trying times.

In a remark, the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, said the collaboration between Anambra government and the Church had made clear difference which other states should emulate.

each state of the federation.

He also said that the group would sponsor the enrolment of school-age orphans into primary and secondary schools.

“Taking care of the needy is a big Jihad and that is why I want to appeal to all stakeholders, including government authorities, to do something about the growing number of destitute and the culture of begging in the country.

“We need to address the problems to promote peace, security and prosperity,’’ BalaLau said.

He disclosed that JIBWIS was on the verge of concluding formalities to set up vocational training centres to complement government’s empowerment programmes.

be careful in handling electrical appliances, and to always call professionals whenever there was electrical

fault either on the poles or in their homes.

“Most faults are from the

people, they should stop patronising inexperienced road side electricians to handle electrical faults rather, they should call on the appropriate office to guide against any outbreak,” he added.

Oil Coy Boss Urges NASS To Pass PIB

By RICHARD EWEKA/ FAMOUS IGUISI BENIN CITY - The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gold Sack Maritime Treasure Oil and Gas Services Nigeria Limited, and the London College for Technical and Vocational Education, Odaro Ize-Omoregie has called on the National Assembly to facilitate the process of passing the petroleum industry Bill into Law. Making the call in a chat with newsmen in Benin City, IzeOmoregie said will create competition, more Jobs and enabling environment for entrepreneurs to thrive.

According to him, when the bill becomes law, it will open up the space, create competition, create more jobs, allow for more young people who have the technical and vocational knowledge to be able to set up their own enterprise between the oil and gas Sectors, that will boost employment.

He expressed shock that the Nigerian factor always come to play in important and critical issues that would have created more jobs and advance the course of our development.

“I wondered why the Nigerian factor always kills what would have boost employment and move the nation forward. It is always responsible for our stagnancy and woes.

Aside passing the bill into law, the government should partner

with private and corporate organization to help create employment for our teeming population with long term impact on both the economic and social development of the nation, he concluded.

CALABAR – Mr. Obaji Akpet, Cross Rivers Director of State Library Services, said that the state government procured 66,000 volumes of books for the State Library and schools between 2011 and 2013.

Akpet told newsmen in Calabar that this was part of the government’s effort to improve the reading culture among the people of the state.

“Out of the 60 public schools that were renovated with new libraries by the state government, 18 of them have been impacted with comprehensive books.

The director added that the state had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an organisation “Books for Africa’’ for supply of 100 crates of books to the state.

“It is a continuous process; it is an ongoing thing. We signed an MoU with “Books for Africa’’ to bring in about 100 crates of books.

“Each crate is about 22,000 volumes and it is for the next five years,’’ Akpet said.

He said that there was the need for extension of library services to the grassroots to stem the tide of poor reading culture by Nigerians.

“Even in politics, it is done; build libraries in the villages and communities”.

According to him, this will assist Nigerians to get back to reading habit for the benefit of the society.

He said that some readers were now happy with the books they found in the state library adding that some had occasionally come to express their appreciation to the management of the board.

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) conducting a mock rescue operation.

Across The Nation Wogu Inaugurates NDE Board

ABUJA - The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has charged the newly inaugurated Board of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) not to interfere in the agency’s administration.

The minister, gave the charge in Abuja recently. He, also advised the board to abide by the schedule of the Act establishing the NDE. Wogu, who is the board’s Chairman, told them that the directorate might not have sufficient funds to meet their wishes and aspirations.

He charged them to put their priorities right by making good decisions that would lift it to a greater heights.

“Let me remind us that the agency may not have sufficient funds to meet our wishes or

planned aspirations, but we must make sure we put our priorities right.

“In doing this, we must differentiate between policy formulation and the day-to-day management of the organisation, with this, we are bound to succeed,’’ Wogu said.

He urged the board to set

targets, source resources, monitor implementation, and deliver concrete outputs for the benefits of the unemployed Nigerians.

The NDE Director-General, Malam Abubakar Mohammed, said that the reconstitution of the board would guarantee and fast track the optimum implementation of the directorate’s mandate.

Relief Agency Pledges More Training KATSINA - The Katsina State Rehabilitation and Emergency Relief Agency (RERA) said that it would continue to support training programmes on rapid response to disasters in the state.

Alhaji Hassan Rawayau, the Executive Director of the agency, said this in Katsina at the opening of a two-day workshop on ‘Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR)’ jointly organised by RERA and the UNICEF, Kaduna office.

He said the agency would, apart from providing relief materials and rehabilitating victims of disasters, support disaster control-related training programmes.

He also expressed the need for the local government rapid response committees to be active so as ensure quick response to any disaster situation.

The executive director commended UNICEF for being joint organisers of the workshop, which he said was meant to up-date the state’s EPR. He noted that the workshop would prepare the participants on how to offer rapid response to emergency situations.

Rawayau urged the participants to ensure that they put into practise whatever they learnt in the cause of the programme.

Participants at the workshop were drawn from the police, the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Red Cross and traditional and religious leaders, among other stakeholders.

R - L: Senator Hope Uzodimma representing Imo State West display his school certificate during the visit of Imo Young Lawyers Forum at the National Assembly yesterday while the Co-ordinator of the Forum Gibson left and Eze Mbakwe Obi look on. PHOTO: OMOYE AMINU.

FIRS, Insurance Firms To Settle Out Of Court ABUJA - The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and NICON Insurance Company Plc along with 43 others have agreed on out-of-court settlement of their N1.5 billion tax dispute.

The insurance companies had earlier dragged the FIRS to the Tax Appeal Tribunal in Abuja over the non-refund of about N1.15 billion overpaid stamp duties.

The appellants include Continental Re-Insurance Plc, Industrial and General Insurance Plc, Royal Exchange Assurance Nig. Plc, International Energy Insurance Plc, Lasaco Assurance Plc., ADIC Insurance Ltd and Standard Alliance Assurance Company Ltd, among others.

The insurance companies in an appeal filed through their counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), alleged that they paid the excess stamp duties to the

Federal Government through FIRS between 2002 and 2006.

At the resumed sitting in Abuja, Mr Sunday Oghayei, who stood in for Osipitan, said the parties had resolved to settle the matter out-ofcourt, and had written a letter to the office of the chairman of the FIRS on the resolution.

Bright Igbinosa, counsel to FIRS, confirmed the development, acknowledging that the office of the FIRS chairman had received a letter to that effect from the insurance companies.

He said a meeting would be scheduled with all parties to agree on the terms of settlement and the report of which would be filed in the court at the next adjourned date.

Consequently, the acting chairman of the tribunal, Mr. Nnamdi Ibegbu, adjourned the case to September. 4 to enable the parties to file their out-of- court settlement report.

Cross River Trains Teachers

R-L: Mbakwe Obi, Senator Hope Uzodimma representing Imo West; Coordinator, Imo Young Lawyers Forum, Gibson Agbor and a member of the forum during their visit to the Senator at the National Assembly yesterday.

APGA Ready For Council Polls ABAKALIKI - The Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi, Mr. Jerry Obasi, has said that the party will be victorious in the September. 28, local government elections in the state.

Obasi told newsmen in Abakaliki newsmen that the party had mobilised men and resources to achieve “a land slide victory” in the exercise.

He dismissed as untenable, insinuations that no other political party in the state had the political muscle and resources to contest election in the state apart from the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

“Our party is fully prepared and

equipped in terms of human and material resources for the contest of the council election.

“All I have to say is that our party is strong, viable and with formidable candidates to beat,’’ Obasi said.

He said the party adopted internal democracy in the selection of its candidates and rejected any form of imposition in line with the guiding principle and philosophy of the party.

“We ensured that our flag bearers in the forthcoming elections emerged through transparent party primaries for both counsellorship and chairmanship candidates in all the 13 council areas and wards

of the state.

“We have selected men and women of integrity and with track record during the primaries.

We are sure of victory in the election,’’ he said.

The party chairman urged the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) to leave above the board in the exercise of its statutory function.

Obasi also advised the commission to eschew partisanship by providing level playing ground to all the candidates irrespective of party affiliation. he said, “Local government elections are very critical in the quest to enthrone solid

democratic norms and values.

“I appeal to the commission to conduct hitch-free and credible elections and to ensure that the votes of the electorate counted.’’

He said that the party had emerged stronger after the leadership crisis that engulfed it, adding that APGA would win more states in future national elections.

Obasi described Chief Victor Umeh, the National Chairman of APGA as a “performer”.

He added that with the Appeal Court verdict that gave him victory, APGA was set to reclaim more states and win more seats in the state and National Assembly.

CALABAR - The Cross River Commissioner for Education, Prof. Offiong Offiong, on Monday said that the Ministry of Education had trained 210 teachers to improve on their performance.

Offiong said this at a training progamme on the implementation of the Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE) in Calabar.

The workshop, which was organised for teachers and caregivers in the state, was aimed at improving qualitative education in Cross River.

Represented by Mr Bassey Okon, the Director of Schools in Cross River, Offiong said that the workshop was organised to underscore the importance of the foundation stage of education.

He expressed appreciation to Gov. Liyel Imoke, for his commitment to capacity building for teachers in the state.

The Coordinator of the programme, Mr. Oja Amang, told newsmen that the workshop was also organised to make teachers and caregivers to be familiar with the ECCDE. Amang said that the ECCDE curriculum would be implemented in schools across the state.

Business + Economy 69 Ship For Lagos LAGOS - Sixty nine Ports ships are expected to arrive the Lagos ports from July 22 to August 18, 2013, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has said.

NPA said this in its daily publication, “Shipping Position’’ made available to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.

The authority said that six ships would sail in with vehicles; 14 ships would bring in petroleum products, while 31 others would come in with containers.

It said that other ships would sail in with general

cargoes, bulk wheat, fresh fish, bulk fertilizer, base oil, steel products, bulk sugar, bulk salt and bulk corn.

According to NPA, five ships are waiting to discharge petrol at the ports, while two others will discharge bulk fertilizer and general cargo.

Reports say that 22 ships are currently discharging containers, bulk wheat, general cargo, bulk fertilizer, bulk urea, steel products and petroleum products.

Catholic Faithful during their confirmation ceremony by the Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anselm moren at St. Paul Catholic Church, Gwagwalada, Abuja recently.

Destination Inspection: Agents

Seek More Collaboration

Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anselm moren, anointing Catholic Faithful during their confirmation at St. Paul Catholic Church, Gwagwalada in Abuja recently.

LAGOS -The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has called for more collaboration between service providers and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Destination Inspection.

The Secretary of ANLCA, Tin-Can Island Port Chapter, Mr Chuks Kanikwu, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

The three service

AFAN Tasks Farmers

Dry Season Farming: YOLA - The Adamawa chapter of All Famers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has directed its members in flood-proned states to prepare for the 2013/2014 dry season farming to avert famine.

Mr. Venantius Jiddere, the state Chairman of the association, gave the directive in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola .

Newsmen reports that the directive was given following prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that heavy flooding will affect the flood-proned states.

Jiddere noted that already, palpable fear had gripped their members in the flood-proned states, especially in Adamawa,

where farmers were still planting grains.

“Working on the prediction of NIMET of impending heavier flood this year, there is fear that our total annual yields will drastically reduce, most especially the grains.

“Therefore, a call is necessary for farmers to prepare for higher participation in dry season farming to avert famine.” the chairman added.

He said that it was necessary to alert the farmers and government on what the present rainy season portended for the state.

“We had our first rain in Adamawa in March which recorded 21.00mm while

in the whole of April, there was no single rain.

“The month of May had nine days of showers that recorded 45.00 mm.

“And in June, there were five days that recorded rain with one of the days recording 105.00mm which caused a lot of discomfort and flooding in many parts of the state,” he said.

The chairman also called on the federal and state governments to continue with the trainer to trainee programme which had been abandoned in some states of the federation.

He pointed out that the programme would enable many farmers in all parts

of the country to get access and benefit from modern technologies in agriculture.

“The national food security programme can not be achieved if Nigerian farmers lack modern farming technology,” the chairman added.

providers are Cotecna Destination Inspection Ltd., Societe General De Surveillance (SGS) and Global Scansystems Ltd. Kanikwu said: “One of the ways government will know if customs can actually do the job is to allow it to work closely with the service providers.

“The government has spent a lot of money training and re-training customs officers; so, they should be allowed to testrun what they have been taught.’’

He said that the Federal Government should look into the allegations being made by the service providers that the NCS was not ready to take over Destination Inspection.

Kanikwu said that the government should also examine the terms of the

contract with the service providers.

The secretary alleged that the service providers kept saying that the NCS was not ready to take over the assignment because they (service providers) wanted to be retained.

He said that the government paid them huge amounts for their services.

Kanikwu also alleged that there were delays in processing the Risk Assessment Report, adding that such delays increased the dwell time of cargoes at the ports.

Newsmens reports that the Federal Government, in June, extended the Destination Inspection contract by five months to prepare NCS to take over the exercise.

roads, in order to save lives.

“Apart from the casualties recorded on the road, importers are also losing goods as a result of the accidents“ he told newsmen.

He said that another major challenge was the presence of hoodlums at the port, who disguise as freight forwarders.

Chukwu said that the problem of hoodlums would have been solved if the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) functioned

properly.

He commended the Port Police for continuously arresting the hoodlums at the port.

Chukwu said that there had been series of meetings between the CRFFN and other freight forwarding associations to enable the council perform its statutory roles in the maritime industry.

He urged registered freight forwarders to always come into the ports with their identity cards.

Association Wants Upgrade Of Access Roads

Tincan Island Port: LAGOS- Mr. Godson Chukwu, Secretary of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), on Monday urged the Federal Government to upgrade access roads to the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

Chukwu told newsmen in Lagos that the road had become so bad that containers sometimes fell on passers-by.

“Government should reduce accidents caused by the bad

AKOKO-EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT P.M.B. 04 IGARRA

ETSAKO EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENEBODE EDO STATE OF NIGERIA

INVITATION TO TENDER

INVITATION TO TENDER

Tenders are hereby invited from reputable Contractors/Suppliers currently registered with Akoko-Edo Local Government for the execution of the underlisted projects on behalf of the Local Government:

Tenders are here by invited from reputable contractors currently registered with the Local Government for the execution of the under listed projects on behalf of the Local Government.

A. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

EDUCATION Construction of a block of 6 classrooms with Headmaster’s office at Imiezua Primary School, Enwan.

Construction of a block of 3 classrooms with Headmaster’s office at Egbetua Primary School, Ososo.

Renovation/reroofing of a block of 6 classrooms at Eresha, Makeke.

Construction of a block of 3 classrooms with Headmaster’s Office at Akugbe Primary School Annex, Onumu-Oke. Procurement of desks and benches for various primary schools in the Local Government Area.

B.

HEALTH CENTRES 1.

Renovation and re-roofing of Imoga Maternity, Imoga.

C. 1.

ELECTRICITY Procurement and installation of 300KVA/33 Transformer including Low Tension Stringing at Aiyeteju, Okpe.

D.

MARKETS 1.

Construction of a unit of 10 open market stores at Ibillo market.

2.

Construction of a unit of 10 open market stores at Igarra market.

E.

CULVERT 1.

Construction of a double box culvert over Ebuko River, Uneme-Osu.

2.

Intending tenders are required to pay to the Akoko-Edo Local Government Treasury a non-refundable deposit of the sum of thirty thousand naira (N30,000.00) only per project and the tenders are to be accompanied with: (i) Evidence of current business registration with Akoko-Edo Local Government as a Contractor/Supplier in the appropriate category; (ii) Evidence of payment of non-refundable deposit to the Local Government Treasury; (iii) Tax Clearance Certificate for the immediate past three (3) years; (iv) Current Bank guarantee of credit worthiness; (v) Evidence of job previously executed with the Local Government or other government agencies; (iv) Evidence of Personal Income Tax Clearance Certificate of the Director of the Company.

3.

Documents showing the drawings and specifications of the above listed projects are available for inspection between 8.00am and 4.00pm Mondays – Fridays in the office of the Director of Works, Land and Survey.

Tenders should be addressed and submitted in a sealed envelope and marked “CONFIDENTIAL” at the top left hand corner of the envelop and addressed to:

4.

THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, AKOKO-EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, P.M.B.04, IGARRA, EDO STATE. To reach him not later than six (6) weeks from the date of this publication.

5.

Akoko-Edo Local Government is not bound to accept the lowest or any tender, nor is it bound to give reasons for rejection of any tender, please.

Signed: Barr. N.S, Desmond, Secretary to the Local Government, For: Executive Chairman, Akoko-Edo Local Government, Igarra.

1. Construction of Borehole in each ward of Local Government.

2. Construction of 4 Classrooms with Head Master’s office in wards 1,3,4,6,7 and 9.

3. Purchase and installation of 500KVA transformers in wards 2,4,5,7 and 9.

4. Production and supply of two in one school benches and desks.

5. Construction of Health Centre at Okhu.

6. Renovation of a block of Six (6) Classroom one in each ward.

2. The tender is to be accompanied with I. Evidence of current business registration with Etsako East Local Government as a contractor in the appropriate category.

II. Tax clearance certificate for the immediate past three years of the Company.

Ill. Current bank guarantee of credit worthiness.

IV. Evidence of job previously executed with the Local Government or other Government Agencies.

V. Evidence of registration with corporate affairs commission.

VI. Evidence of personal income Tax Clearance certificate of the director of the company in respect of Limited Liability Companies.

VII.Evidence of payment of non refundable deposit fees of N20,000.00 and N2,000.00 Tender fee respectively.

3. Documents showing the drawings and specifications of the above listed projects are available for inspection between 8am to 4pm Monday — Friday in the office of Director of Works Land and Survey, Etsako East Local Government, Agenebode.

4. Tender should be addressed and submitted in a sealed envelope and marked “Confidential” at the top left hand corner of the envelop and addressed to THE CHAIRMAN ETSAKO EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENEBODE. EDO STATE. To reach him not later than 14 days from the date of this publication.

6. Etsako East Local Government is not bound to accept the lowest of any tender, nor is it bound to give reasons for rejection of any tender.

Signed: HON. BENEDICTA ATTOH Secretary to Local Government, Etsako East Local Government, Agenebode.

WITH a basic salary of $189,500 or (N30.6m) earned annually, the Nigerian federal lawmaker has been ranked the highest paid legislator in the world, according to a recent study. The latest edition of The Economist magazine of London which published the report on Monday blew the lid of the jumbo pay earned by the legislators even as denials by the Nigerian lawmakers have been reportedly dismissed by notable citizens as pedestrian.

RELYING on data from the International Monetary Fund and other sources, the study reportedly looked at the lawmakers’ basic salary as a ratio of the Gross Domestic Product per person across countries of the world. The report revealed that the basic salary (which excludes allowances) of a Nigerian law maker is 116 times the country’s GDP per person of $1,600.

WE are alarmed at the revelation by the study even though some notable Nigerians, particularly, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi who threw the issue into the ring two years ago but was shouted down by the lawmakers and Nigerians didn’t quite take it seriously.

IT is common knowledge that recurrent expenditure takes elephant share of the Federal Government’s annual budgets. For instance, in 2012, recurrent expenditure accounted for over 74 per cent of the 2012 budget and over 72 per cent in the 2013 budget. Little wonder also, the do or die attitude to seek political offices in Abuja. From the reports, it means the $189,500 earned annually by each Nigerian legislator is estimated to be 52 per cent higher than what Kenya legislators, who are ranked second highest paid lawmakers, earned.

This is absurd.

WE condemn the insensitivity of the National Assembly members over the years for keeping silent in the face of the big rip off of the rest of Nigerians. It implies that the nation is using huge

THE NIGERIAN

Nigerian Legislators’ Jumbo Pay chunk of the nation’s resources to service less than 1000 people in a country of over 160million people.

WE detest a situation where our lawmakers have reduced democracy in Nigeria to a parody whereby the ruling class earned heavily, but preferred to subject vast majority of the country’s population to penury. We recall that at the commencement of the sixth National Assembly, a lawmaker went to the National Assembly with a proposal for N30,000 National Minimum wage for workers. Her colleagues cut her dreams short as they argued that such an amount for minimum wage would fuel inflation in the country. At the end of the debates, N18,000 minimum wage was approved by the nation’s parliament, even at that, some state governors are still unable to pay the minimum wage while some others have resorted to the Ojogun (local blacksmith) minimum wage for their workers to assuage their feelings in the face of biting poverty. But shamelessly, same lawmakers cart home N30.6million basic annual salary outside their numerous allowances and spoils of office.

SADLY, Nigeria is a nation where over 65per cent of its population live on less than one US Dollar per day. The Human Development Index (HDI) since 1999, is one of the worst in the world, only comparable to a nation at war. Nigeria’s 2011 HDI of 0.459 is above the average of 0.456 for countries in the low human development group and below the average of 0.463 for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

From Sub-Saharan Africa, countries which are close

to Nigeria in 2011 HDI rank and population size are Ethiopia and Democratic Republic of the Congo which have HDIs ranked 174 and 187 respectively.

Life Expectancy is put at 51.9 per cent while the Sub-Saharan African averages 54 per cent. Infant and maternal mortality rates is one of the worst in the world.

IT is regrettable that rather than cease the golden opportunity of the on-going constitutional amendment to scale down their embarrassing jumbo pay, the law makers are offering unacceptable denials of what they earn annually urging Nigerians to confirm the exact figure of their basic pay from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). It is worse that same people who should effect the reversal are the ones in charge, as the greedy legislators would not vote against themselves on this issue which has assumed international embarrassment, yet at any given opportunity they speak about patriotism.

WE call on the Nigerian Federal lawmakers to utilise the opportunity of the on-going constitutional amendment to devolve functions such as basic services as water, agriculture, works and housing, education and others to the states and local governments. We expect members of the current federal legislature to swallow the bitter pill and offer Nigerians a people-centred constitution which should redistribute resources among all Nigerians.

WE are also glad that the RMAFC is at the verge of reviewing revenue allocation formula to the federating units. We earnestly urge the agency to cut drastically the federal share and re-allocate same to states and local government which are the arms of government closest to the majority of the people. Anything short of this arrangement will amount to sustaining the status quo which will continue to embarrass the country among the comity of civilized nations.

Book Review Book Title: Perspectives On The Charismatic Adams Oshiomhole

thorough research on a man who has been reckoned in history as a trail blazer, the man called Oshio Baba.

According to them, “these collections of expressed comments by eminent leaders and articles written

it does not take much for selfless leaders all over, to meet the needs and aspirations of the people.

What do people, especially in developing climes like ours, actually need from their leaders? Not free food, but good network of roads (although making hunger and poverty history have been mantra of this administration), basic healthcare facilities. Water, electricity and government funded public school system for the poor, etc” and they submitted that “…

impressions of various persons from different angles and ranges of opinions from diverse platform and fora on one man, opinions that eventually met at a common consensus, that actually holds the reader spellbound, portraying the truth in the exemplified leadership style and strides of the Comrade Governor.

From Jide Osuntokun, Dapo Fafowora, Cherome Nnanna, Mallam Musa Yakubu, Charles Afe Ikhaghe, Ebomhiana Musa,

by renowned Journalists, politicians and commentators published in some national dailies shortly before and after the July 14, 2012 gubernatorial elections in Edo State is to honour this legend of a man who, in our projection, is yet to reach the climax of his new found career in politics’.

They went on to posit; “…

the Comrade Governor got this right from the beginning and succeeded incredibly inless than three years where previous administration failed the Edos woefully”….

It is trite the Editors opinion, nor is it the collection of sizzling articles and marbled words that enthralls: it is the random dispersal of

to General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Josef Omorotionmwan Prof.

Oserhiemen Osunbor Kassim Afegbua, Soji Omotunde, Ikhaghe, to Prof. Eddy Erhagbe, and to a host of other seasoned, writers most of them veterans in their various professions, the commentaries keep

Author: (Compiled, Edited by) Messrs

Simeon And Peter Idaewor

Page Number: 92 Publisher: Fortune And Temperace

Publishing Company Date Published: 2013 Reviewer: Ijeoma Umeh A single book, no matter how wordy, or true its reflections, cannot contain everything that has been said, or written, every comment that has been passed, even the commentary that has been run, and continues to run, on the personality of Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, former Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President and now Executive Governor of Edo State.

However, a single book could attempt, no matter the brevity of words used or the size and extent of its chapters, to x-ray the life of His Excellency, who, by reason of being imbued with humility and modesty, even awe-inspired reverence for the sovereignty of his creator, made it clear on assumption of office, even prior to that, that the term ‘His Excellency’ would not, no matter how portrayed, be part of his paraphernalia or trappings of office, choosing rather to be referred to as “the Comrade Governor” which has stuck to him like a second skin.

Having thus pronounced, ‘His Excellency’ a phrase hitherto revered in the corridors of power and among the clout of intellectual associations, began to filter away from political socializations, just like the ‘embargoed’ ‘godfather’, another offshoot of the Oshiomhole phenomenon.

These facts have therefore evinced the reality that not until people take time to read books and printed matter in any form, they may not truly savour the other sides of this enigma

beyond the knowledge that he has been tirelessly reeling out the dividends of good governance in a state chequered by over nine years of misrule.

The book, Perspectives on the Charismatic Adams Oshiomhole, as aptly titled, has made a giant leap at attempting, eclectically, to capture some of those innate qualities, those beautiful, and almost baffling traits, attitudes, characteristics and features, which make the man Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole a person of rare breed, both as an ordinary man and as a public servant parexcellence.

The 92-page book is a collection of comments on reels, orchestrated by seasoned writers, media genie, Public Affairs Commentators, academics and statesmen! You would be amazed, as this reviewer was, at the number of personalities from various divides, even from political leanings, scattered abroad, who concentrated ink on paper to add words to the volumes already in circulation, regarding the enigmatic Comrade Governor! And they did it with a sheer sense of history that obviously perfected their art, none contradicting the other!

Without putting down so many words of their own, the compilers and Editors, the duo of Simeon Idaewor and Peter Idaewor, proved their mettle as Journalists and Publishers who knew their onions, who while others slumbered, burnt the midnight candle, kept a tab on history and carried out

running.

This attempt to chronicle those vitals regarding the personality of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is to, say the least, a commendable one, a very worth while effort in a time when despite the haze of information technology, information gathering still becomes an inundating task.

The book, Perspectives of the Charismatic Adams Oshiomhole will eventually become a reference material, a resource handbook for the future, since, from all indication, the man Oshiomhole, has only begun his incursion into the terrain of good governance.

It would also suffice to enjoin the compilers and Editors, the duo of Simeon and Peter Idaewor, to continue to keep in the shadow of this personality and bringing back the feelers to the reading public in order for it not to lose touch on information, to properly serialize the books, and tag each article with the dates of publication and the medium where the words were said.

This would enable researchers or students of history align their own researches and essays properly, for good history is replete with dates and time.

As for the Comrade Governor’s future in good governance, as Mallam Musa Yakubu, an Economist and political Analyst wrote: “for Oshiomhole, there are no easy solutions to the problems that confront our nation and so, in meeting the multi-facctted challenges of good governance, I believe, just like Oshiomhole, that leaders at all levels need to set aside personal political calculations in the larger interest of the polity.”

And finally, in the words of Josef Omorotionmwan, political juggernaut and Vanguard columnist, “we now know that it takes some stubbornness to propel a revolution”.

View Point

Impact Of Ban On Motor-Bike In Edo

By DESMOND AGBAMA

WHEN Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole announced the ban on the use of motor cycle popularly called “Okada” as means of transportation in Benin City on June 11, 201 3, it was received by the people with mixed feelings.

Some people, especially the bike riders regarded the ban as a harsh measure, calculated to deprive them of their source of livelihood. Others received the ban with high degree of relief and satisfaction, against the background of the menace the use of bike had caused in the society.

Since the ban, the compliance level has been total, as all the motor cycles have disappeared from the streets of Benin City, like the sudden disappearance of the drone of bees.

A drive through the streets of Benin City would reveal an atmosphere of calmness. The usual hustle and bustle associated with motorcycle has disappeared, while the traffic congestion hitherto experienced, especially at road junctions have also disappeared. The altercation and frequent accident involving

Okada riders has become a thing of the past. Driving on the road has become pleasurable, while pedestrians find it easier now to cross the highway.

The noise and blaring of horn by bike riders is no more, while the environment has become more conducive and quiet.

There is also a reduction in the amount of carbon monoxide emitted into the atmosphere, which of course constitute health hazard to the people.

A visit to the accident and emergency wards of some hospitals in Benin City’ revealed that there has been no cases of accident involving motorcycle. Importantly, there is a gradual reduction in crime associated with the use of motor bike in Benin City. Therefore, it is not too early to say that the society and indeed the general public have started enjoying the gains from the ban on the use of motorcycle in Benin City.

For those who criticized Governor Adams Oshiomhole for banning the use of motorcycle as means of

IN the game of love, it is given so that it wouldn’t be returned.

But those who share in the love rendered return same to the giver most times. This is why people say that somebody is loved by history. In this clime, we have seen people rewarded with chieftaincy titles in their different villages, because of their act of benevolence to their kinsmen and women. At the national level, many have been rewarded with national prizes, because of their contributions. In like manner, we have to honour and appreciate one of our own in the person of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK), former Governor of Abia State.

The Emetu Mba, Ahu Mba Ndigbo.

What has spurred this treatise was Kalu’s comment in an interview recently that all his harangues about Ndigbo to be the president in 2015, are not borne out of self-seeking purpose. This shows that he is in love with Ndigbo, not for selfish reasons, but for justice to prevail. Kalu derives no pleasure in watching Ndigbo suffering in a country that their forebears sprinkled their bloods for. This is not flatter, but a compliment to self-sacrifice, not for self-need, but for the needs of Ndigbo, who know no other tribute in Nigeria, than the third fiddle they are placed as, by those who do not mean well to them.

Known as a politician and business mogul, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu is more than this. These titles were ascribed to him due to the distinguished part of his social or public life that people know.

But the dude is more than what people think he is. In the cause of penning this tract, some persons that were interviewed, said that Kalu is a humanist to the heart and a secret donor to the needy and the downtrodden that cut across the country, and does not like to amplify this area of his life. One of the persons was, however, pleading that Kalu should forgive all the persons that forced him to pull most of his businesses out of the country, which made over 20, 000 people lose their jobs. It may offend him discussing this in the media; but like Ndigbo would say, there is nothing hidden under the sun.

This is a man who has left the comfort of his zone to champion for the security and peace of Nigeria and by extension, for the emancipation of Ndigbo in the political progress of the country by 2015, with his pet project called and known as Njiko Igbo.

This organisation now cuts across all divides of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Kalu sees the emergence of an Igbo presidency in 2015 as his last plan. What a man with meek, practical and humane heart!

transportation, they did so out of ignorance or personal interest, without consideration

the overall safey and security of the generality of the people. If the bike riders and motorcycle dealers criticized the ban, it may he quite understood because of

Gov Adams Oshiomhole

the effect the ban could have on them directly, but for a politician to criticize the policy simply because he or she belongs to the opposition party is quite unfortunate and that would amount to cheap politicking.

Opposition politicians should be mindful of the way they criticize every government policies or decisions, so that whether or not they are in power it will not be used against them. For the purpose of emphasis, the use of Okada had been banned in PDP controlled states such as Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross Rivers far before Comrade Adams Oshiomhole banned it in Edo State. Like in Edo State, the ban of Okada in those states was hinged on insecurity. One begins to wonder why that of Edo State has been viewed differently by some politicians.

No government would deliberately inflict hardship or sufferings on its people, beside, the primary purpose of government is to ensure the welfare and security of lives and property of the people.

Nevertheless, Edo State government has displayed enough magnanimity for not banning the use of bike throughout the state like it is in some states in the federation.

It therefore means that motorcycle can still he used as

means of transportation in places like Ekpoma, Irrua, Auchi, Uromi, Ubiaja among others.

Be that as it may, in every rule, there is always an exception. There are some important sectors that render very’ useful and essential service to the public including government that require the use of motorcycle. This includes Courier Service providers and Newspaper distributors. These services are needed of daily basis the effective dissemination of information from one place to the other. As time goes on, it is hoped that modalities would he worked out for these sets of people to use bike only for the purpose of rendering such essential services.

It is hereby suggested that such categories of workers should be properly registered, while their bike should have identical colour and numbers for easy identification. The rider could also he made to wear the apron or vest of the establishment they’ represent.

Any government policy is better appreciated as time passes by. In the same vain, the ban on the use of motorcycle as means of transportation in Benin City will be appreciated by all, including those criticizing it now.

Tale Of Hypocrisy Against Ndigbo He has never extolled himself for this selfless task, but keep on saying that Ndigbo have men and women of honour that the cap of president would fit. He would tell

By ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE calling on the Igbo to be very determined than ever.

The ex-Governor is not only

Dr Orji Uzor Kalu whoever, that he has no political aspirations for now, but to show love to Nigerians and, by large extent Ndigbo, in producing president of this country. He is

talking about the Igbo to produce president, but that the marginalisation against his people has reached even to the Local

Government Areas, whereas some surrogates of the current presidency are mistaking appointments of some persons from the Igbo extraction to mean that Ndigbo have been included in the things of governance in the country. The later persons do not realise that the LGAs in places like Kano and Jigawa States, are more than the whole LGAs in the whole of the five states of the South-East. This is the bane that Kalu has been tackling and making sure that they are redressed headlong.

Who could believe that the South-East is the only region in Nigeria that has only five states, whereas other five political regions have six states? What about just 15 senators that the South-east has out of 109member Senate? Kalu sees these pitfalls in the political equation in the country as biased ensconce against Ndigbo. He sees the authorities undermining Ndigbo as hypocrisy of the highest order.

As a man who loves Ndigbo, he would say that Ndigbo love themselves. This is contrary to the hypocrisy in the country that Ndigbo do not love themselves.

He would challenge this surrounding-substance by asking if all the tribes in the country love themselves. Why single out Ndigbo that they do not love themselves? Kalu sees this as hypocrisy and propaganda of the un-imaginable measure. Kalu has said that Igbo traders in the market love themselves, Igbo market men and women love themselves.

Ours does not only talk, but offers solution to solving the problems he sees in the country.

He has told the authorities to stop any act of hypocrisy or system that makes a region to feel superior against the other; he has told the authorities to create avenues that would make Nigerians to love one another; he has advised the authorities to allow Ndigbo to be president and not a select of persons from other regions, because of fake regional population; he has said that the authorities should address the marginalisation in the Constitution for democracy in this country to reconcile.

Odimegwu Onwumere, Poet/ Author, wrote this piece from Rivers State.

Tel: +2348032552855. E-mail: apoet_25@yahoo.com

The Osazua

Ivbaze Column

08188922449

“When legislating is reduced to a part time exercise, we may discover that it would only attract those who genuinely want to serve.”

THE recent incidents of violence in some Houses of Assembly and in the lower chamber of the National Assembly have thrust to the fore the need to reexamine the fundamental import of the Legislature in a democracy. This has become important because we cannot afford to continue the way we have been going all these years.

Is it not saddening that over five decades after independence, the hallowed chambers of our legislative houses still continue to function as theatres of violence and banditry?

What are the issues at stake? Do our lawmakers actually understand their roles. Do they know that they represent varied interests and therefore are by the mandate conferred on them obligated to make laws for good governance, peace and security of the society.?

We understand the major role of the legislature as lawmaking. In making laws, the legislature is expected to ensure that the people are carried along.

As a matter of fact, the interests or desires of the people form the hub around which legislative businesses should revolve.

Anything outside this is at variance with representative democracy.

Unfortunately, a close look at the activities of most of our lawmakers (not all) have shown that they do not appreciate the weight of the responsibilities constitution confers on them. From all indications, our lawmakers are actually more interested in

legislating for their pockets. Self-centred and selfish, they have abandoned their primary function in pursuit of selfserving agenda.

In the process, they have desecrated the places that are supposed to be centres of promoting good governance and collective prosperity. Some of them have become so violent and animalistic that a good number of people are asking if the legislature still qualifies to be retained as a part of our democratic structures in Nigeria.

We have not forgotten the infamous wild wild West of Western Regional House of Assembly in the first republic. If we want to be forgiven on that on account of a nation just in the early years of independence, then what have we to say in the recent violent incident in Rivers House of Assembly.

In recent times, houses of assembly in Edo, South West Plateau States and Federal House of Representative have also ‘enjoyed’ their share of violence and legislative mayhem.

Where are we going from here. Is this how we intend to grow democracy? Have you watched the video clip on the recent fracas in Rivers House of Assembly whereby the majority leader, Chidi Lioyd, now declared wanted by police lifted a mace and hit another lawmaker with it.

It was a mad period of freefor-all as ‘honourables’ exhibited behaviours that cannot even be imagined in animal kingdom.

Against this backdrop, what then is the way

President Goodluck Jonathan

Speaker of the House of Reps, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal

Violence In The House forward? A first step will be to begin to consider the issue of part time legislating. The salaries and allowances of lawmakers are so attractive and this is capable of encouraging violent behaviours among those seeking to go to legislative houses. When legislating is reduced to a part time exercise, we may discover that it would only attract those who genuinely want to serve.

We cannot continue to lavish tax payers on people whose only language of resolving dispute is violence. There is no reason to place them on salaries. They should be placed on sitting allowances and such allowances should be as applicable to civil servants.

The legislature ought to be the conscience of the nation because it is the

expression of representative democracy.

When it fails to serve that purpose but instead becomes avenue for settling issues by recourse to violence, then it calls for a review.

We want legislators who will understand their role as lawmakers. We are a choosing organism, constantly making choices, one way or the other. Every choice we make is a statement about our true values and priorities. At each moment we are inclined to choose what is more important to us.

And what is more important to us as a people is peace. We need peace to be able to pursue prosperity, to be able to lay the structures for a greater and better tomorrow.

That we cannot find peace in a legislative chambers is indeed tragic. A place that

is supposed to be an avenue for cross-fertilization and contest of ideas has been turned into a violent animal kingdom.

As Nigeria continues to slide into anarchy and lawlessness, must we fold our hands and watch things degenerate further.

Interestingly, the 1999 constitution is still being reviewed. And it has become very compelling to effect some amendments to the section dealing with the Legislature. As advocated earlier, the need to put it on part time has become very compelling.

With the world now a global village, the kind of fracas which recently engulfed the Rivers House is yet another dent in the eyes of the international community.

Ordinarily, there shouldn’t be tension over 2015 general elections.

About two years away, it is yet another year of reckoning; a time for politicians to go to the people for votes. And for those who still have another term to run, 2015 is a year to re-new mandate for service.

But the way things are now, 2015 looks like a door-die year. Accept it or not.

The crisis in River States has it roots in 2015 presidential election.

See what crisis has thrown PDP and the Presidency into, Now, there is a gang up by some PDP governors against President Jonathan’s ambition to re-contest in 2015. now we can no longer tell the difference between 16 and 19 and between 5 and 27.

Now First Lady has confessed that she has a personal issue to settle with Amaechi and this started four years ago. What kind of people are we?

JOHN Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton a Philosopher and the first Baron Acton of Aldenham must have had Rivers State in mind when he stated that, “The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities”.

Using the above statement, let us see if recent developments in Rivers State show that Nigeria is truly free.

“The state of anarchy, oppression, victimization and anomie is indeed here with us in Rivers State. This is just a dress rehearsal for 2015 general elections. The royal rumble continues with personal ambition superseding the will of the people. The outcome of setting a dry bush on fire can never be predicted”, Peter Negedu observed.

“The governor however had a close shave with death when upon sighting him leader of the G5 rebel lawmakers Evans Babakaya Bipialaka, who had been proclaimed Speaker by four of his supporters, pointed at the governor and shouted instructions to the thugs and policemen allegedly brought to the premises by his group, saying: “Shoot him! . . . Shoot him! . . .” – News Express an international renowned Social Media said.

News Express went further to state after the above directive, “Amaechi reportedly walked towards Bipialaka, saying: “Shoot me?” He then ordered his security details to arrest Bipialaka, but the order could not be effected due to stiff resistance by the rebel leader’s orderly assisted by thugs and policemen”.

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), while reacting to the shameful incident said that Rivers State was fast drifting into a state of anarchy. It warned that if urgent steps were not taking by government and its security apparatus, the state may return to the dark days of uncontrollable politically motivated gang violence.

MOSOP regretted that such a development could cripple both social and economic activities in the state.

Recently, Governor Amaechi, who is also Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF while receiving the Senate Committee investigating the fracas that broke out in the House of Assembly on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th July respectively said ‘We are under Siege’ referring to the state, even as

Midweek Magazine Desperation In Nigerian Poli

he recalled how the Police alleged fired teargas into government house. According to the governor, “We are under siege here. For two months now, we have not met with security men. Security commanders in the state don’t come to me any longer. They are either scared or they don’t deliberately want to see me.

They withdrew soldiers attached to me yesterday (Wednesday 10th and this morning, Thursday 11th July).

They withdrew the APC attached to Government House”.

A journalist with This Day Newspapers, Mr. Ernest Chinwo aptly captures the situation in these words: “From the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the brawling occasioned by the power tussle in the state chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) moved Wednesday to the streets of Port Harcourt, the state capital.

A day after lawmakers loyal to the state Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, and those opposed to him clashed in the Assembly, injuring some legislators, supporters of the two rival groups took turns to settle their political differences with fisticuffs, leaving an unspecified number of people injured. Wednesday’s clashes between the rival groups roused security agencies to seal off the Assembly complex to prevent a total breakdown of law and order in the state”.

In another development, the Minister of State for Education Chief Nyesom Wike had in an event in Buguma the traditional headquarters of Kalabari Kingdom where the Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, hails from urged his supporters to be ready to fight against those he described as outsiders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to Wike, “We cannot be intimidated. Do not allow anybody to provoke you. Rivers people have said enough is enough. If they say they want to meet us in the field, they should come to the field and meet us. We are not afraid of anybody. If you (Amaechi’s supporters) like, you should continue to put your own band there, we will continue to do what we are doing. What I can tell you today, Nigerians know that those friends from this state, they have lost control of the state. This is the first time that Rivers people are seeing that the National Assembly will be making laws for them. The National Assembly members (from Rivers state) should withdraw. They should all come back home. “This is not

the time anybody will use police to arrest you. If they come for arrest, we will also arrest them back. This is the time for action. Let them know it clearly that we are not afraid of anybody. I have decided to come here (Buguma) to send the message to them. I am not going to be afraid of anybody”.

Dame Patience Jonathan Nigerian First Lady and a daughter of Rivers State in a statement noted that impoverished people, including women and children, always bear the consequences of the kind of impasse in Rivers State., “This office wishes to call on all feuding parties in Rivers State to spare a thought for the social, political and economic costs of the crisis, and consider an urgent way to resolve all political differences. It is our position that the greater consequences of the impasse is, as usual, reserved for the poor, the weak and the vulnerable, especially women and children, who are usually innocent bystanders in all these. This derives naturally from the saying that when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. On a larger scale, we subscribe to the fact that conflicts and violence are the most lethal threats to peace, which itself is the irreducible minimum condition for development. The situation must therefore not be allowed to degenerate to a level that can be hijacked by miscreants and hoodlums, thus exposing everyone to insecurity from which there may be no easy escape. We therefore call on elders of the state to position themselves appropriately in the circumstances, and continue to seek the highest good of Rivers state and its people, by stonewalling the activities of the few who would rather fan little embers into a consuming inferno. It is therefore incumbent on all people of goodwill to seek to restore peace, brotherliness and love in Rivers State, for the state to press forward in the direction of growth and progress.”

Sadly and maybe in defiance to the plea of the first lady some organized youths on 16th July, 2013 stormed Port Harcourt International Airport to embarrass and held hostage the governors of Jigawa, Kano, Niger and Adamawa that came to pay Governor Amaechi a solidarity visit creating the impression that some people from a section of the country is no longer wanted in the State which may scare away some of the investors that will like to invest in the State thereby

By EZE CHUKWUEMEKA EZE

crippling the economic fortunes of the State. One may be forced to ask the relevance of this type of politics in a State we have a performing Governor.

Reacting to the attack on the Northern Governors that paid a solidarity visit to Governor Amaechi on 16th July, 2013 by members of the Grass Root Development Initiatives a pro group of Chief Nyesom Wike the Minister of State of Education, the federal

Commissioner Joseph Mbu chose to play politics with the safety and security of the people of Rivers State and tarnish the image of Rivers people.”

In her reaction, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said members of GDI had mobilised hoodlums to disrupt the visit. She alleged: “Wike had boasted after the failed impeachment attempt at the Rivers State

President Goodluck Jonathan

lawmaker representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, described the incident as barbaric, sadistic and dangerous the hiring of thugs and ex-militants by desperate Rivers politicians to deliberately embarrass the northern governors who were in Port Harcourt to pay solidarity visit to Amaechi.

“When did we degenerate to this Hobbesian and primitive state?” the lawmaker asked. He warned that those fanning the embers of discord must be ready to reap the whirlwind, adding, “They should reflect on the events of the Western Region parliament in Ibadan that eventually led to the end of the First Republic and the disputed Ondo State election in 1983, and decide if this is the path they want to go.” He expressed concern over the indifference of the police in the attack. “I wonder why the police in Rivers State under

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank E. Mba has summoned leading ProAmaechi and Security Figures that includes Rivers State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Rivers State Governor, Ag. ASP Debeware-Semeikumo, and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor, Tony Iwelu to report to Force CID, Force Headquarters, Abuja without summoning the Assemblyman Evans Bipi who ignited the clashes by invading the House of Assembly with

and on ens Am sec Sta R PA R the cam Har was apt fitte less surp that

Dame Patience Jonathan, First Lad

House of Assembly that he would set Rivers State ablaze and render it ungovernable.

This portends grave danger and has far-reaching implications for our fledgling democracy” On his side, Atiku the former Vice President of Nigeria described the escalating situation in the state as unhelpful, and advised that leaders of whatever hue be given the respect they deserve wherever they go. He reminded politicians to be mindful of “our political history” in all that they do. He said he was still vividly reminded of the chain of political crises that had disrupted democracy in the past.

Meanwhile, in a bit to whittle down the security of Governor Amaechi and maybe exposed him to grave danger, the Inspector General of Police, Alh Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar through a press statement issued by the

thugs in order to impose himself as the Speaker.

In another development, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has raised the alarm over the presence of Policemen not known to either him or officials of the Rivers State Government. Governor Amaechi in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Seminatiri alleged that one Inspector Bawa yesterday reported to the Government House claiming to have been posted from the Police Headquarters Abuja to “monitor the Rivers State Governor’s lodge.” The Governor noted that, “we are aware that on issues of personal safety, an official reserves the right to pick the security personnel to whom he or she may entrust their safety.

This is more so in the case of a State Governor. We are worried that we can no longer guarantee the safety of Governor Chibuike Amaechi

wa the in res bas Co wit San in S dan G pub Har as dan wo mil con up Is wan are

MA T cri fro Am off Pre fro

Midweek Magazine

itics: Impunity

d wish to reiterate our call all relevant authorities to sure the safety of Governor maechi and the peace and curity of everyone in Rivers ate.”

REPLAYING THE UGLY AST: Records have it that before incumbent administration me to power in 2007, Port rcourt, Rivers State capital s turned into a war zone or ly put a jungle where the est determines the fate of the ser animals. It sounds pretty prising, but not unexpected t this hitherto ‘garden city’

dy

as at it were, ranked among e three most dangerous cities the world. The human ources unit of New Yorksed Marsh & McLennan s. had equated Port Harcourt th Baghdad, capital of Iraq, na in Yemen and Khartoum Sudan, as the world’s most ngerous cities.

Going by the ranking blished by Bloomberg, Port rcourt ranked with Baghdad one of the world’s most ngerous cities for foreign orkers as criminal gangs and litia groups seeking greater ntrol of energy revenue step attacks. s this where these gladiators nt to take Rivers State to, we e watching?

HOW DID THIS ADNESS BEGIN? The genesis of the present sis in Rivers State stems om claims that Governor maechi may contest the ice of the President or Vice esident with a candidate m the Northern part of the

country come 2015, thereby truncating the second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan who is from the same geo-political zone with him (South-South).

To these people annihilating Amaechi politically by deploring any undemocratic machinery does not matter if their agenda can be achieved.

While this assumption held sway, one day one problem became the order in Rivers State. With her oil-wells reallocated to neighbouring sister states, Rivers is being

under the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu. Mbu’s ignominious move to empower the five antiAmaechi lawmakers: Chinda, Kelechi Godspower Nwogu (Omuma), Evans Bapakaye Bipi (Ogu/Bolo), Martins Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor I) and Victor Ihunwo (Port Harcourt III) who are loyal to the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike to impeach the Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, to pave the way for the eventual

Gov Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State

denied billions of Naira, some of which would have helped to defray the cost of rehabilitating terrible and impassable Federal Roads in the State like the AbaPH road where travellers have to spend three hours before entering Port Harcourt a journey of 20minutes. Apart from Ebonyi and few other States, Rivers is denied appointments into federal establishments; the state-owned jet has been grounded, even when facts points that it genuinely belong to the State.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF election where Amaechi defeated his Plateau State counterpart, Jonah Jang with 19 to 16 votes is in a manner of speaking, in the state of invalidation. The Governor has been suspended from a party he has contributed so much in building even against the constitution of the party.

Insecurity is all time high in the State, as investors who trooped to the state are now scared, due to the unfriendly atmosphere

removal of the Governor (Amaechi) clearly bears this out. That the situation was resisted and the machinations of the five lawmakers failed is a thing of joy. Although, attempts to thwart the plan of the five dissenting voices resulted in the exchange of blows by the lawmakers and their supporters in the hallowed chambers of the Assembly, with both sides sustaining injuries, while the mace, the symbol of legislative authority was broken.

Though President Goodluck Jonathan hosted most of the key actors in this macabre dance in Rivers State few days ago at the State House, Abuja, while his wife and Nigerian’s first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan had spent about eleven days in Port Harcourt, where she allegedly met with the gladiators opposed to governor Amaechi but reacting to the futile attempt by the five lawmakers to impeach the Speaker of the 32-members State Assembly, the President described the Rivers PDP crisis

And Threat as untoward and regrettable and called on all those involved in the crises to show greater respect for the constitution and the rule of law in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati.

Mr. Emeka Reuben Okala a Social Commentator who is based in United Kingdom asked, “If I may ask: What were the crimes of Hon. Otelemaba Amachree, the Speaker that drove a group of just five disgruntled lawmakers to hastily declare him impeached just like that?

The last time I checked, before an elected officer is impeached in a democracy, charges are preferred against him or her for whatever alleged offences that they may have committed. A chance is given to them to defend themselves, even in a kangaroo court. I have waited patiently since yesterday as many versions of the story of this very disturbing, macabre incident unfold, but have not yet read anywhere about the offence(s) of the Speaker and the chance he was given to defend himself. Do you just get into the Chamber and pronounce the Speaker impeached just like that? I’m still struggling to understand the meaning of the madness of yesterday (9th July)! To make the whole drama look most idiotic, the ‘so-called’ lawmakers who carried out the ignoble act, were just only five in number out of a total number of 32, a far distance from a quorum. I don’t get it! To add insult to injury, the Governor of the state gave an order to a policeman to get the unruly and dangerous lawmaker [lawbreaker] arrested and the policeman disobeyed, even in the very presence of the Commissioner of Police Mr. Mbu. This cannot happen even under a military rule. It happened once in Nigeria immediately after Gen. Aguyi Ironsi was senselessly wasted, and law and order totally broken, with the attendant near war situation. An ordinary foot soldier refused to take an order from Brigadier Ogundipe who was then the highest ranking army officer. The soldier told him (Ogundipe) in the face that he would only take order from his boss! Who was his boss? A far junior officer to Ogundipe.

Is Rivers State at a brink of war? Has Law and Order totally broken down in my State? The policeman who refused to carry out the Governor’s Order couldn’t have had the gut to do so without an instruction from his “boss” in that regard — a boss

who should be reporting to Amaechi in the first place, being the Chief Security Officer of the state.

With what happened yesterday, the current Commissioner of Police in the state Mr. Mbu failed in his duty to provide security when it was most needed. Suppose Mr. Bipialaka’s (acclaimed speaker) supporters or thugs had obeyed their commander and shot the Governor; what would have happened could better be imagined than experienced. More so, with the CP present, but doing practically nothing!

For crying out loud, the CP’s duty should be reviewed as a matter of urgency, especially as there is clearly no love lost between him and the Governor, in the interest and safety of the State and its people.

If the account of Ibim Semenitari, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, is authentic, then Mr. Evans Bipialaka should be arrested and investigated for giving instruction to thugs to “Shoot him (the governor)”, and for engaging in and instigating an illegal action that threatened Law and Order in the state”.

Segun Adeniyi, Spokesperson of the late President, Yar’Adua and a columnist with Thisday Newspaper seems to have a clearer piece of this funny and strange happenings in Rivers State in an article he titled, ‘What a National Disgrace’.

According to him, “Such is the level of chicanery in our system today that 16 is officially recognised as a bigger number than 19 while a “majority” of five is now enough to impeach a speaker in a House of Assembly where there are 32 members; and as a commentator pointed out during the week, since the Bible says “one shall chase a thousand”, those five lawmakers are more than enough to also impeach the sitting governor! The problem, however, is that a system that encourages these kinds of perfidy is clearly endangered”.

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislators of Nigeria through Mr. Inuwa Garba its Chairman and the Gombe State Assemble Speaker condemned the purported ousting of Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Otelemeba Dan Amachree, saying it is unconstitutional and barbaric.

“It has come to the notice of the Conference of the Speakers of State Legislators of Nigeria that five Honourable members

of Rivers State House of Assembly with the aid of hoodlums allegedly invaded the Honourable House and announced the impeachment of the Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Otelemeba Dan Amachree and purported to have replaced him with Honourable Evans. “The Conference of Speakers do hereby condemns the action of the five Honourable members of that House in totality as it contravenes the Constitution.

“Section 92 (2c) of the 1999 Constitution as amended provides that the Speaker could only be removed by the resolution of the House via the vote of not less than two-thirds majority of the entire members of that House. “In view of that Constitutional provision, five members alone cannot remove a Speaker of the House of Assembly of 32 Honourable members. This therefore, implies that the action of those five members is unconstitutional and null and void.” Garba urged the National Assembly “to declare action of the five honourable members as treason and commence process of taking appropriate constitutional action against them in order to save our democracy”.

NOW, THE QUESTION WE SHOULD BE ASKING IS THAT ARE THOSE ENGINEERING THE MESS IN RIVERS STATE ACTUALLY INTERESTED IN THE FUTURE OF THE POLITICS OF PRESIDENT JONATHAN? In a previous article on the macabre dance in Rivers State, I have said Governor Amaechi is never the problem of President Jonathan actualizing his future political calculations, but some people who felt otherwise have continued to engineer one crisis or the other creating the impression that they are very interested in the future political feats of the President, while destroying all his democratic legacies and his feats these past few years. Today the institution of the Presidency in Nigeria has been reduced to an indecorous and unseemly status by those who feel that bringing down Amaechi is the solution to winning the 2015 presidential election not knowing that they are working towards bringing down the aspiration of Mr. President and can only said to have succeeded to bring his image and his person to scorn, if the statements by these great Nigerians and Institutions are anything to go by.

Continues on page 18

Midweek Magazine

Contd from page 17

First to react to this macabre dance was the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who expressed regret that the failure to punish similar crude attempts in the past such as the Ngige saga in Anambra State in July of 2004 had encouraged impunity among those seeking to impeach elected leaders by means other than that enshrined in the constitution.

“It is sad that those who are seeking to subvert our nascent democracy are some of those who never fought for what many laid down their lives for.

These persons are advised to take heed to the festering crisis in Egypt following a forced change of leadership in that country,” Atiku said.

Second, in its Editorial of July 12th titled ‘Jonathan’s rivers of shame’ the Nation Newspapers stated thus: “THE theatre of the absurd unfolding in Rivers State should give any patriotic and peace-loving Nigerian a sense of foreboding.

With impunity in the air, the constitution in peril and official stamp from the high office of the presidency, the moral legitimacy of this republic is fast sliding downhill. By the week and recently by the day, the conflict between Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and President Goodluck Jonathan, imbues the nation with nausea.

Respect for law has swapped places with brigandage, and the average Nigerian watches as the President engages in a bestial war of proxies. The recent development has all the trappings of déjà vu. The first open show of power was the order to strand Governor Amaechi’s aircraft. The presidency failed to cloak it as a matter of technical procedure without political undertone.

Findings from investigations have exposed not only the imbecilities of the aviation authorities but also revealed them as couriers of malicious orders. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) election has showcased, more than any other evidence, the desperation of the president. After defying the rules of aircraft landing, the necessity for peace, he and his proxy governors defied the purity of arithmetic by making 16 superior to 19 votes. He executed that anomaly purely in bungled bid to remove Governor Amaechi as chairman of the NGF. He also inspired the factionalisation of the group such that his loyalists now formed a parallel forum”.

Third, Lagos State chapter of the PDP described the crisis in Rivers State as “highly embarrassing.” Speaking in an exclusive chat with Daily Independent on Tuesday, Publicity Secretary of the party

... Desporation In Nigerian Politics in the state, Taofik Gani, said the action of Rivers lawmakers was unbecoming because it is sending a wrong signal to the outside world about how democracy is being practiced in Nigeria. He added that politicians, as leaders and elder statesmen, must learn to resolve their differences amicably in the interest of the citizens of the state.

Similarly, the Action Congress of Nigeria, Accord Party and the National Coordinator of Northern Politicians, Academician and Professional Businessman [CNAPAPB] Dr. Junaid Muhammed have in their statements called for the immediate impeachment of Mr. President as a recourse to saving our democratic principles from further ignobility.

The Jigawa state chapter of the PDP condemned the political crises and fracas in the River state House of Assembly saying “it is real unfortunate and quick attention is needed to save the situation“.

Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka while lending his voice on the matter, blamed President Goodluck Jonathan for the political crisis rocking Rivers State, warning that Nigeria was fast sliding towards monarchism; the system of government where too much power is vested in one person”.

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana said it was regrettable that exactly 10 years after a group of thugs attempted to abduct a sitting governor in Anambra State, another set of thugs attempted to undermine democratic institutions in Rivers State.

Falana said the silence of President Jonathan on the unfortunate development in Rivers State was tantamount to an endorsement of the political crisis. “We have been through this route before. We must tell them that we are not a conquered people. The case of Rivers is more absurd, more odious, where five members of the assembly aided by the state invaded the Assembly chambers and chased away their colleagues”.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Governor Muazu Babangida of Niger State, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Razak Atunwa and a nongovernmental organisation, Stop Impunity Nigeria (S.I.N.) all deplored the mayhem in the State House of Assembly.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on their own side has threatened

to suspend operations over the crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly.

To the National Labour Congress (NLC) the antiAmaechi lawmakers are desperados; describing the acts as shameful. “While it is unimaginable and ridiculous in a democracy that five members of the House of Assembly would contemplate impeaching a speaker who enjoys the support of 26 other members. It is a shameful tactics employed by the combatants in their desperation for power,” Omar added that the

jungle. “We are alarmed at the preceding events which indicated an attempt by five legislators in a house of 32 members purportedly impeaching the Speaker and replacing him. This act, which is a flagrant disregard of all laid down rules of the House and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not only illegal, unlawful and undemocratic, it is also immoral, retrogressive and a threat to To Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Archbishop

Mohammed Abubakar, I.G of Police

disturbing part was the ignoble role of the police in the crisis. “It is not helpful for the Presidency to continuously deny the stoking of crisis in the state. The travails of the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi, in recent times and the reaction of stalwarts in government and the ruling party are apparent indicators that the Presidency cannot absolve itself from the crisis in the state. The threat to withdraw security to the Governor, which is guaranteed by the constitution, and the sour relationship between Amaechi and the state Commissioner of Police, whom he has called for redeployment and the request turned down, are clear pointers to the complicity of the Federal Government,” NLC argued.

Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Environment Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), said Nigerians considered it embarrassing and appalling, the unfolding scenario that made members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resort to uncivilised action and barbarism reminiscent of the

Emeritus of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, “I condemn the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

More importantly, it is very disappointing to see our socalled honourables exchanging blows like gangsters.“Such an act, if not checkmated, is an invitation to terrorism and gangsterism. I call on every right thinking Nigerian to rise and speak against such unruly conduct by men who are supposed to be making laws of our land.

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in his reaction stated, “However, we all know the truth but most are afraid to speak. There are no way the police and small number of five lawmakers would act so brazenly, unless they receive instructions from their high places, attempted to impeach the Speaker. Nigerians must ask: Is this way the President Jonathan intends to transform Nigeria? By turning it from an imperfect democracy into a perfect

mess? “In some ways, this Rivers episode is not surprising. What happened in the Rivers House is one more reminder. PDP leaders hold democracy in contempt and will trample on it, if given the slightest opportunity. If they invert the relatively small numbers involved in the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Rivers State House, what they might do to general elections involving such a large population as ours is a hard piece of wood to chew.”

My question is, must we continue in these acts of impunity and continue to give the image of Mr. President a negative outlook without Mr. President intervening to stop all these inimical acts geared towards creating unnecessary enemies for him?

But not minding all these provocative acts, Governor Amaechi have demonstrated uncommon leadership making his detractors and those that want him out to look dumb and confused!

INTERVENTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY. Though the Senate has sent its Committee to visit Rivers State and investigate the matter the crisis in the assembly, the House of Representatives have in a resolution said it has taken over the affairs of the Rivers Assembly in a in bid to restore sanity to the State. In a unanimous voice vote, the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, invoked Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and resolved that the National Assembly should take over the functions of the crisis-ridden Assembly.

Also, the House resolved that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, should as a matter of urgency re-deploy the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Joseph Mbu. The senator representing Rivers South-East in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe, commended the timely intervention of the House of Representatives in the crisis in Rivers State. He said the unanimous position of members during the debate on Rivers Assembly crisis rekindled their commitment against undemocratic tendencies now creeping into the national polity. He said a situation where democratic institutions were abused and crippled by agencies established to protect democracy portended danger at the tunnel and urged other democratic institutions in the country not to sit and watch Nigeria’s hard earned

democracy being wasted on the alter of political interest.

Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Archbishop Emeritus of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos in a statement commended the House of Representatives for declaring legislative emergency in the state stating that such a step was necessary in order to safeguard the integrity of governance in the country.

Conclusion: The fact remains that many Nigerians and institutions have cried out for Governor Amaechi to be left alone but sadly, the more the pleas, the more those who want to continue to disparage the President will continue in acts capable of undermining the image of the present occupant of such exalted office.

Even as I congratulate Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor on his well deserved re-election as CAN President, let me appeal to him to intervene and find a way out of this madness in Rivers State seeing that the two political leaders (Jonathan and Amaechi) have much respect for him and may listen to him as other pleas in this regard seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

Also, the General Overseer of Redeemed Church of God, Senior Pastor, Enoch Adeboye need to intervene in this mater, as the present faceoff between the two is already threatening Nigeria’ s democracy, hence these respected men of God should not watch from the sides.

I will conclude this article by quoting Alan Barth (1906– 1979) an Author and a journalist specializing in civil liberties and best known for his 30-year stint as an editorial writer at the Washington Post when he stated that, “Thought that is silenced is always rebellious. Majorities, of course, are often mistaken.

This is why the silencing of minorities is necessarily dangerous. Criticism and dissent is the indispensable antidote to major delusions”.

While to Woody Allen an American film director, writer, musician, actor and comedian must have foreseen our present sorrow state when he stated, “We stand today at a crossroads: One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness.

The other leads to total extinction. Let us hope we have the wisdom to make the right choice”.

Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt and could be reached through ezemediaconcept08@rocketmail.com

Natural Medicine

With

Dr. MAO

08030717341

Menopausal Syndrome

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

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

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

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

Not all women experience menopausal syndrome.

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

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

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

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

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

Secondly, her hair loses their gloss mass and texture.

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

Sometimes, she has bald patches like those of men.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her breasts are equally affected by her menopause.

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Horizon

Best To Know God From Childhood

ONCE upon a time, Prablad Maharaj, a saintly little boy who always taught his classmates and friends how to praise God by chanting His holy names and dancing, stated that.

‘One who is intelligent should use the human form or body from the very beginning of’ life- in other words, from the tender age of childhood to Practice the activities of ’ devotional service to the supreme lord.

This human body is mostly rarely achieved, and although temporary like other bodies, it is meaningful because in human life one can perform devotional service in full to the supreme Lord. Even a slight amount of devotional service can give one complete perfection. The purpose of this verse is that from childhood, one should be taught about God consciousness. This mistake of modern civilization is that we are bringing up spoiled children. So when they grow up and become hippies bandits, it is not their fault.

It is the fault of their parents nor guardians.

When young people go against social convention, it is not the fault of the youngsters, but the fault of the educational system, the fault of the parents fault of the teachers. Ninety percent of world leaders are not interested about the great science of’ the super soul but only interested in what material science can offer.

This science of the super soul is not inculcated in the educational curriculum per say. The preliminary teaching of the super soul states that you must first understand who you are.

And who are you?

Materially, you are a professor, engineer,

scientist, Doctor. Artist etc.

And spiritually, your true constitutional position is that you are a spirit soul, part and parcel of the supreme Lord.

When you are able to understand this your position with God, you can begin to see and understand your true relationship with God and how to develop it — that is pure God consciousness.

This is not calling God in abstract You sing about God, dance about God, and go to church but you cannot tell me about the personality of God. Then who are you worshiping.

A true worshipper of God be you of any position know that God is a person and that God has his spiritual personality and must be worshipped. If you can’t and don’t teach the children about the personality of God, what is their pride in worshipping a God that they don’t know nor can’t talk about. If God is your father and our father, isn’t it worth while that we can talk, discuss and know more ills divine Person? In this world, everyone knows his material father and can talk, tell, and discuss about him. And those who know and don’t care to know will also deny the personality of their father. So majority of people and preachers who don’t know nor care to know about the personality of God, and sees God as formless, also say that one cannot see God, one cannot talk about God, one cannot imagine God. Remember that the Bible says that “the pure in Heart shall see God”. That is perfection of man, but perfection does not come in one day, month, year nor decade. And so to be pure in

heart, one should cultivate from the early stage of like Material cum spiritual education both are supposed to go paripasu to achieve the utmost result of God realization. If you ever travel to India, have you heard J ama Muslid. This is the

greatest mosque in the world. Many foreigners travel to see this edifice. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan about three hundred years ago, or a little more than that. The Mohammadans are very particular to teach the Koran from the very beginning.

That is a nice system.

Whether you teach the Koran or the Bible or the Bhagavad—Gita, it doesn’t matter. One should have the idea of God consciousness.

Then one can begin to develop. This opportunity

should he offered to the children those who do not give this opportunity are not real guardians, real parents or real teachers.

Prahiad Maharaj — the saintly little boy once said that children should he taught dharman bhagavatam, “the religion of God consciousness. He does not say Hindu religion.

Mohammedan religion nor

Christian religion Bhagavata means pertaining to God. So whatever your idea about God may be, you must impress upon your children that there is a God that is supreme. Actually there is God. To deny God or to say that God is not a Person nor God is dead is simply rescaldom. So whatever religion sect you may profess, Prahlad Maharaj says that everyone should have the idea of God consciousness and his personality. Krishna of course, means God. But if somebody has an objection

“When young people go against social convention, it is not the fault of the youngsters, but the fault of the educational system, the fault of the parents fault of the teachers. Ninety percent of world leaders are not interested about the great science of’ the super soul but only interested in what material science can offer.”

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

to Krishna because this name is an Indian name or a Sanskrit name or Krishna appearing in India, it doesn’t matter. We are concerned with the philosophy, and the teachings. Buddha was also Indian. He was Hindu. And why is Buddhism accepted by so many people of the world? Japan, China, Burma, why?

The philosophy. And also Lord Jesus Christ appeared in Palestine. He was not European or American,

Indian nor Chinese, but there are many Chinese Christians, Indian Christians, European Christians and American Christians etc. If some idea of religion is developed in a particular country, we should not take it that it is meant for that particular country, no. That is a mistake. God is one, just like the sun is also one. If the sun appears in America, it does not become American sun No. The sun remains the sun. There is no American sun nor Indian sun — the sun merely rotates.

Sometimes on American land, sometime on Indian land or Chinese land.

Canakya Pundit says that we have classes of men according to vedic conception — Brahmana, Ksatriya, vaisya, Sudra.

These four classes are accepted. The chandalas are dog eaters and seen as fifth class. And if one is chandala, that do not mean that the

moon will not shine on his house. The moon is so liberal that it doesn’t matter if it is the house of a chandala or the house of’ a saint. The same applies to rain. ‘There is no necessity of rain on the sea, because vast of water is there but the rain falls into the sea because the rain is liberal, it is meant for everyone no matter your status or situation. Rain is meant for the land and also the sea where there is already a body of water.

Similarly any God consciousness movement is not meant for a particular country for a particular section of society. No. Don’t think that Bagavad- Gita and Srimad Bahavatum are meant for the Hindus or the Indians. They are meant for every one, just like the Bible.

Prahlad Maharaj, the little saintly boy said, from childhood, one should he taught the science of God. Dharman Bhagavatam means the science of God. just try to understand the word Dharma. Dharma is generally translated into English as religion. But dharma does not mean a particular type of faith. That is not the sanscript import.

Dharma means the natural quality. Everything has some natural quality or characteristic. The natural characteristic for every living entity is to serve.

Nobody can say, I am not serving. Every one of us is a servant. You can go up to the highest, the Prime minister, or President, and everyone is a servant. Some of us go to the lower level of’ serving a dog as pet or a cat in the home. Whether you are a Christian, a Hindu or a Mohammadan, you have to serve. It is not that because one is a Christian or a Hindu he hasn’t got to serve. So many Indians have come here. What is their profession? They are just serving. They arc serving some company or some institution or University.

Service was there in India and service is also here in Nigeria. So this is also religion. Religion means characteristic. You cannot change your characteristic.

In whatever circumstance you may be, the characteristic will continue.

Continues on page 24

Place Of Prayer How Intimate Are You With God? (7)

IN this seventh study of the benefits of intimacy, we will study the book of Zechariah 4:1-14 and carefully bring out the benefits of divine intimacy as revealed in that scripture.

The scripture opens up with a revelation to Zechariah of a Candle Stick made completely of pure gold. The candlestick described in this scripture is formed in some measure after that of the sanctuary, Exodus 25:31,32; but in that of the sanctuary there was no bowl, nor seven pipes, nor seven lamps, nor the two olive trees. The two olive trees were to supply the bowl with oil; the bowl was to communicate the oil to the seven pipes; and the seven pipes were to supply the seven lamps. In general, the candlestick, its bowl, pipes, lamps, and olive trees, are emblems of the pure service of God, and the grace and salvation to be enjoyed by His true worshippers. Without a steady supply of oil from the olive trees to the lamps, the candle stick would not be able to give light which is the whole essence of creating it.

From the illustration given above, we can see two implications: The intimacy between the two olive trees and the Lord makes them to be the carrier of the oil.

The intimacy between the lamps and the olive trees gave the lamps which represents the body of Christ access to a ceaseless supply of oil (anointing) needed for it to glow and shine as the light of the world, Matt. 5:14, so that the prophetic message of Isaiah 60:1-3 will come to fulfillment.

Intimacy is therefore an undeniable prerequisite for all those who must shine brightly as light in this wicked and perverse world.

Without a consistent link or connection to God who is the source of our light as Christians, we will not be

able to make any impact on the earth. We will just walk through the earth and leave no mark on it. Daily intimacy with God is what gives His children the ability to shine brightly and make meaningful impact on everyone that crosses their path. All those that dwell daily in intimacy with God will not only carry a full measure of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, but will also shine brightly and be instruments through which unbelievers will be brought to the knowledge of God. As you begin to spend quality time on a regular and consistent basis with God, you will be entitled to the following benefits of intimacy revealed in this scripture: 1. Divine assistance and support vs 6. Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. You will no longer have to depend on your wisdom or ability to get things done, God will help you achieve great results

by His Spirit that dwells richly in you. What others struggle to get, you will get without effort and you will get to heights in life that are beyond your dreams and imagination, not by your strength but by divine grace.

2. All intimidating situations in your life will be reduced to nothingness vs 7. Who art thou, 0 great mountain before Zerubbabel, thou shalt become a plain. All those that dwell consistently in intimacy with God will not have to battle with ugly situations, God will by Himself handle every opposition on their path and take away limiting factors so that there is no limit to their greatness and explosion in life. Those that have an intimate relationship with God will not have to bother about their enemies, you will not need to kill them with your

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae

prayers because God will handle them by Himself as He deems fit.

3. Prosperity in the midst of opposition vs 7. And he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shouting, crying, Grace, grace unto it. The implication of this is that as

survive not by the world’s economy but by the economy of heaven. We are in the season right now where only those that are consistent in spending time with God will prosper consistently. It is a season of wealth transfer, only those that practice divine intimacy are properly positioned for this transfer of wealth from the Gentiles

is not known for abandoned projects and so He releases upon His close associates the grace to complete whatever they begin. You will conclude that academic degree

ministers, whom Zerubbabel and Joshua represented, and replenishing them, and through them his church, with grace and strength.

Those that have an intimate

he has laid the foundation stone, so shall he put on the headstone: as he has begun the building, so shall he finish it! And all those that will see the completed work will exclaim, “How beautiful is this structure!”

God prepares a table of increase and celebration for those that are intimate with Him even in the midst of opposition. In times of economic recession and global crises, they that have an intimate relationship are kept in affluence and great prosperity because they

to the children of light.

4. You will complete whatever project you begin vs 9. The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it. Those that practice divine intimacy do not leave their projects half completed; they complete every project they embark on. The reason for this is that God directs them and so whatever project they embark upon in the first place is in line with God’s purpose for their life. God

programme, that building project, that business investment, that travelling plan, that marriage plan, indeed all that you set out to do if you put God first in your life and stay with Him consistently no matter the pressure placed upon you by those other things that demand your attention.

5. Never ending grace and unction for exploits vs 14. These are the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

These denote Christ’s Spirit dwelling in his

relationship with the Father will operate just like Him. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is upon their lips and so whatever decree they make come to establishment. In God’s name they shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover Mark 16:17-18.

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“Intimacy is therefore an undeniable prerequisite for all those who must shine brightly as light in this wicked and perverse world. Without a consistent link or connection to God who is the source of our light as Christians, we will not be able to make any impact on the earth.

We will just walk through the earth and leave no mark on it.”

International News

Soldiers carry out a rescue mission after a strong quake jolted Lalu Village, Hetuo Township, Minxian County, northwest China’s Gansu Province. A strong earthquake shook an arid, hilly farming area in northwest China sparked landslides and destroyed or damaged thousands of brick-and-mud homes Monday.

ANKARA - A Turkish border patrol killed one of eight civilians trying to cross illegally from Turkey into Syria on the tense frontier, the Turkish military said yesterday.

The shooting was the latest in a string of fatal incidents along the 900 km (560 mile) border and underscores a growing concern that Syria’s more than two-year-old civil war is fuelling lawlessness and dragging in neighboring states.

The military, which did not give the nationality of the eight civilians or say whether they were armed smugglers, said the group had been trying to cross from Turkey’s Hatay province into northwestern Syria on Monday and had fired on the Turkish patrol after the troops had whistled a warning.

The Turkish troops fired back in line with their rules of engagement, killing one of the civilians, it said.

The military has issued

At Least 6 Die In Cairo Violence

CAIRO - Six people were killed in Cairo yesterday in clashes between opponents and Islamist supporters of Egypt’s deposed President Mohamed Mursi, state-run media reported, keeping the most populous Arab nation in turmoil.

The violence broke out before dawn near a Brotherhood protest at Cairo University, where Mursi supporters have been camped out since the army removed the Islamist politician from power on July 3 following protests against his rule.

The Brotherhood described it as an attack on peaceful protesters.

Police sources said hundreds of Mursi supporters clashed with local residents, street vendors and others near the sit-in. They said

gunshots were fired and stones were thrown.

With the Brotherhood vowing to stay in the streets, the bloodshed was a fresh example of the instability facing Egypt as the newly-installed interim government moves along an army-backed roadmap towards elections in about six months.

The state-run Al-Ahram newspaper quoted a health ministry official as saying six people had been killed and 33 wounded, bringing to nine the number of deaths in political violence in the last two days.

At least 15 burned-out cars lay abandoned around the Cairo University area where the clashes took place. Splattered blood and broken glass

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disfigured the pavements near the shopping area where a traffic police station was set on fire.

Brotherhood members with sticks guarded the entrance to the protest site after the clashes calmed, while residents stopped cars on the road to Cairo University to check for weapons.

About 100 people have died in violence since the army deposed Mursi and replaced him with an interim administration led by the Adli Mansour, the head of the constitutional court. The Brotherhood accuses the army of orchestrating a coup.

It said on its website that seven

“martyrs” had been killed overnight in two separate attacks on Mursi supporters, one at Cairo University and another during a march near a bigger round-the-clock sit-in in the north of the city.

The Brotherhood says it will maintain the sit-in until Mursi, held by the army in an unknown location since his overthrow after a year in power as Egypt’s first freely elected president, is reinstated.

“Leaders of the military coup continue to terrorize the peaceful protesters in Egypt,” the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party said in a statement.

Rwandan Support For Congo Rebels Continues GOMA, CONGO - The M23 rebel group in eastern Congo continues to receive significant support from neighboring Rwanda despite ongoing abuses including killings, rape and forced recruitment of children, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch.

The report released Monday said the group has summarily executed at least 44 people and raped at least 61 women and girls since March.

M23 rebels killed 15 civilians on April 25-26 and at least another six in mid-June as payback for suspected collaboration with Congolese militias, Human Rights Watch said. Other civilians allegedly killed by M23 fighters in recent months include a man shot dead for refusing to hand his sons over to the movement, a motorcycle driver who refused to give them money and recruits caught after trying to escape.

The abuses have continued in recent weeks, the rights group said.

Earlier this month, four M23 fighters gang-raped a 12-year-old girl out fetching water.

United Nations experts and other observers have long accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, something the government of President Paul Kagame has consistently denied.

A United Nations expert panel reported in June that Rwanda’s support for M23 had declined in recent months, but HRW said the group still received training and supplies and was able to recruit in Rwanda.

“It does appear the support is more limited than it was last year,

but what we have documented in terms of support is still quite significant,” said HRW researcher and report author Ida Sawyer.

The M23 rebellion was launched in April 2012 by a group of Congolese army mutineers who claimed a March 23, 2009 agreement to integrate them into the army had not been respected by the government.

Compliled By

ISAH STELLA

Turkish Troops Kill Civilian Trying To Cross Into Syria frequent statements on border incidents, in which some Turkish troops have been wounded, in the past few weeks, but Monday’s clash appeared to be the first time the army had shot at civilians trying to cross into Syria, and not into Turkey, as is more common.

With its hilly terrain and thick vegetation, Hatay, a panhandle province that juts down into Syria, makes a relatively easy crossing point for smugglers and rebel Syrian fighters, as well as refugees fleeing the fighting in Syria.

Turkey shelters around 500,000 Syrian refugees as well as rebels fighting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar alAssad, but while backing the Syrian insurgents, it denies arming them.

In the most serious spillover of violence in weeks, a Turkish man was killed and a boy was critically wounded last week by

stray bullets fired during clashes between Islamist militants and Kurdish fighters in a Syrian border town several hundred kilometers east of Hatay.

The Turkish military returned fire in that incident as well as after other similar ones along the border since then.

Ankara has become increasingly concerned with the growing violence along its border with Syria, particularly the Kurdish region in the southeast, where it is worried the emergence of an autonomous Kurdish region in Syria could embolden its own home-grown militants fighting for autonomy in Turkey.

Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO but is reluctant to act unilaterally in Syria, has also hit out at the United Nations Security Council for failing to come to a unified stance over Syria, and has called on it to take action.

CHANGE OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

IBOI-EHIAWAGUANI, formerly known and addressed as Miss T h e r e s a Onormuekpenmhen IboiEhiawaguan now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Theresa Omozele Ugwu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

I, Lucky Omogiade Esangbedo wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Lucky Omogiade Utubor as appeared in my documents.

Henceforth, I now wish to be known and addressed as Lucky Omogiade Esangbedo. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES The general public is hereby informed that the underlisted scrapped, unclaimed, abandoned Motor and Motorcycles/ household items at the Area Command Headquarters, Nigeria Police, Irrua, Edo State will be publicly auctioned. All claims should be made within twenty one days of this publication: Items are:- Audi A3 Sal. Car Reg. No. BF 268 USL, Three 070 Scrap Steel Motor Saws, Cargo Motorcycles Reg. Nos. QD 430 EKP, UN 443 JJT, QT 173 JRV, IM 5537MA, DayLong UE 341 JRV, Qlink Motorcycle QE 564 UWN and Some Scraps unregistered Motorcycles of different type.

For further information, please contact the undersigned: TONY EBHOTEMEN, (POLICE AUCTIONEER).

08033360680

Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi shout slogans in Cairo

International

Compiled By ISAH STELLA .O.

Myanmar Frees 73 Political the president said during his YANGON - Myanmar ’s Prisoners asrecent visit to Europe,” Hla government is releasing another

Myanmar’s President Thein Sein waves as he arrives at Yangon International Airport after returning from the U.S.

Al Qaeda Militants Flee Iraq Jail

BAGHDAD/MOSUL, Iraq Hundreds of convicts, including senior members of al Qaeda, broke out of Iraq’s Abu Ghraib jail as comrades launched a military-style assault to free them, authorities said on Monday.

The deadly raid on the highsecurity jail happened as Sunni Muslim militants are gaining momentum in their insurgency against the Shi’ite-led government that came to power after the U.S. invasion to oust Saddam Hussein.

Suicide bombers drove cars packed with explosives to the gates of the prison on the outskirts of Baghdad on Sunday night and blasted their way into the compound, while gunmen attacked guards with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.

Other militants took up positions near the main road, fighting off security reinforcements sent from Baghdad as several militants wearing suicide vests entered the prison on foot to help free the inmates.

Ten policemen and four militants were killed in the ensuing clashes, which continued until Monday morning, when military helicopters arrived, helping to regain control.

By that time, hundreds of inmates had succeeded in fleeing Abu Ghraib, the prison made notorious a decade ago by photographs showing abuse of prisoners by U.S. soldiers.

“The number of escaped inmates has reached 500, most of them were convicted senior members of al Qaeda and had received death sentences,” Hakim Al-Zamili, a senior member of the security and defense committee in parliament, told Reuters.

“The security forces arrested some of them, but the rest are still free.”

One security official told Reuters on condition of anonymity: “It’s obviously a terrorist attack carried out by al

Qaeda to free convicted terrorists with al Qaeda.”

A simultaneous attack on another prison, in Taji, around 20 km (12 miles) north of Baghdad, followed a similar pattern, but guards managed to prevent any inmates escaping.

Sixteen soldiers and six militants were killed.

CONVOY ATTACK Sunni insurgents, including the al Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq, have been regaining strength in recent months and striking on an almost daily basis against Shi’ite Muslims and security forces amongst other targets.

The violence has raised fears of a return to full-blown conflict in a country where Kurds, Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims have yet to find a stable way of sharing power.

Recent attacks have targeted mosques, amateur football matches, shopping areas and cafes where people gather to socialize after breaking their daily fast for the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

Relations between Islam’s two main denominations have been put under further strain from the civil war in Syria, which has drawn in Shi’ite and Sunni fighters from Iraq and beyond to fight against each other.

In the city of Mosul, 390 km (240 miles) north of Baghdad, a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle packed with explosives behind a military convoy in the eastern Kokchali district, killing at least 22 soldiers and three passers-by, police said.

Following the attack, leaflets were found near mosques in Mosul signed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which was formed earlier this year through a merger between Syrian and Iraqi affiliates of al Qaeda.

“After receiving information from our precious nation’s sons

about the arrival of a convoy of the Safavid Raafidi Army... the lions of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant have confronted them,” read the leaflets, using derogatory terms to refer to Shi’ites.

Four other policemen, were killed in a separate attack in western Mosul, Iraq’s third-largest city and capital of the Sunnidominated Nineveh province.

Nearly 600 people have been killed in militant attacks across Iraq so far this month, according to violence monitoring group Iraq Body Count.

That is still well below the height of bloodletting in 2006-07, when the monthly death toll sometimes exceeded 3,000.

73 political prisoners and more could be freed in coming months to honor a commitment made by the president during a recent trip to Europe, a member of a government body looking into the process said on Tuesday.

President Thein Sein, a former general now heading a quasicivilian government, has pushed through a series of political and economic reforms since a military government stepped aside in 2011.

He has freed hundreds of political detainees and promised in a speech in Britain last week to free all those still in prison by the end of this year.

“A total of 73 political prisoners are being released from various detention centers today,” Hla Maung Shwe, a member of the Committee to Scrutinise Remaining Political Prisoners, told Reuters.

“The total number of remaining political prisoners has now dropped to lower than 100 for the first time in many years.”

The government, embassies and other groups have different figures for the number of political detainees.

The military junta, and even Thein Sein’s government in the past, rejected the term, but he set up the committee to examine the issue and decide which prisoners were inside for criminal acts and those there for political reasons.

The 19-member committee comprises 10 former political

prisoners, six people appointed by the government and three mediators, including Hla Maung Shwe.

“The committee meets once a month and we expect the remaining political prisoners will be freed by the end of this year

Maung Shwe added.

An official at the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, a prodemocracy activist group, confirmed the release of several dozen political prisoners, but said the group was still collecting names.

Tehran - Iran condemned yesterday the European Union’s decision to put the armed wing of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on its terrorism blacklist and said the move was “contrary to all political and legal norms, surprising and unacceptable”.

Hezbollah was set up with the help of Iranian funds and military advisers some three decades ago and, along with Syria, is still Tehran’s most important ally in the region, positioned as it is on the “frontline” with Iran’s sworn enemy Israel.

Pressed by Britain and the Netherlands, the European Union blacklisted Hezbollah’s military wing on Monday over accusations it was involved in a bus bombing in Bulgaria that killed five Israelis and their driver a year ago, and its deployment of thousands of fighters to help Syrian President Bashar al-Assad turn the tide of Syria’s civil war.

Many EU capitals had previously resisted lobbying from Washington and Israel to

blacklist the group, warning such a move could fuel instability in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon where Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese government and has dominated politics in Beirut in recent years.

“To label a resistance group which has campaigned against invasion and occupation and has a legal presence with the people’s support in the government of Lebanon shows it is based on loose logical foundations,” Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said in a statement on the ministry website.

“This action was accomplished with the direction of some influential members of the European Union and is contrary to all political and legal norms, surprising and unacceptable,” he said.

Israel, which welcomed the EU decision, would be the main beneficiary, the Iranian foreign minister said.

“This action will be to be benefit of the illegitimate Zionist regime and its supporters.”

William, who said he and Kate could not be happier, was with them.

Their son is third in line to the throne after grandfather Charles and William, 31, and pushes the fun-loving Prince Harry, William’s brother, into fourth place.

Congratulations flooded in from around the world after the announcement of the birth, which was followed moment-by-

moment by global media as well as the British press, with the excitement seen as a boost for Britons facing economic austerity.

British tabloid newspaper the Sun temporarily renamed itself the Son in honor of the baby, while the left-leaning Guardian newspaper provided readers of its website with a “Republican” button so that they could filter out the barrage of royal news if they

Iran Condemns EU’s Blacklisting Of Hezbollah

World Awaits First Glimpse Of Britain’s New wanted. were doing well and would Prince The birth fuels a new wave of remain in hospital overnight.

LONDON - The world was awaiting the first glimpse of Britain’s new prince yesterday, with camera crews poised to photograph Prince William and his wife, Kate, leaving a London hospital with their baby son.

Kate, 31, gave birth to the couple’s first child, who is third in line to the British throne, on Monday afternoon, ending weeks of feverish anticipation about the arrival.

The baby’s name will be announced later but George and James, both traditional royal names, were favoured choices with British bookmakers for the child, who is destined, one day, to be king.

The popular couple were expected to adhere to tradition by giving the public the first sight of the royal baby on the steps as they leave St Mary’s Hospital in west London - just as William’s father Prince Charles and late mother, Princess Diana, did with him.

“We’re here to witness history, where a future monarch has been born. I just can’t wait to see them today,” said Maria Scott, a housewife from Newcastle in northern England who has camped outside the hospital since Saturday.

Kensington Palace announced the arrival of the boy, weighing 8 lb 6 oz (3.8 kg) at about 8:30 p.m., on Monday, four hours after his birth, saying Kate and her child

popularity for the House of Windsor led by the younger royals, William and Harry, who were both born to Diana at St Mary’s Hospital.

Support for the royals dipped after Diana’s death in a car crash in Paris in 1997, a year after her divorce from Charles, as the royals were accused of being out of touch with modern Britain over their handling of the aftermath.

An Iraqi soldier walks near watch tower of the newly named Baghdad Central Prison in Baghdad’s Abu Ghraib

New Horizon Continued from page 20 This is the meaning of religion.

Dharrnan Bhagavan - Bhagavan means pertaining to God. And what is that -the characteristic relationship between God and oneself. That is called religion. Religion means to dovetail the characteristic of the living entity with the characteristic of God. The characteristic of God is that God is great. And we are small or minute. That is our character. If we are not small, why are we serving the great directly or indirectly’? My serving means there must be somebody greater than me.

At least money is greater than me because I am serving my master who supplies me some money.

In the material world there is no genuine service.

Everyone is serving with the intention of some sense enjoyment. Tomorrow there will be a postal strike. That means the postal workers are not serving the government or the public. They are serving their salary. As soon as there is a decrease in salary, they strike. I have got my service spirit and so I have to serve some body.

That is my natural characteristic. You cannot deny it. Now you can find out where your service should be engaged so that you may not be frustrated.

That is also required. There is a relevant verse in the classic vedic srimad Bagavatarn related by a devotee who has taken sanyasa, the renounced order of life. The word sanyas comes from the Sanscrit word sat, nyasa, sat means the supreme, the absolute Truth. And nyasa means renounced. One who has renounced every thing for the service of the supreme is called a sannyasi. Sannyasa does not mean a particular type of dress or a particular type of beard. You can become renounced even with your ordinary dress, coat and pants. It doesn’t matter, provided you have dedicated your life to the service of God. That is called Sannyasa. In Bagavad — Gita, it is clearly said that everyone is working in the material world for some salary or Some

remuneration, but if one worked not for salary nor remuneration, but as a matter of duty, then he is a Sanyasi. Jesus was a sanyasi. Just try to understand.

Anasrita Karmaphalani — You are doing some work, why are you doing some work?

Either for some salary or some profit or some gain.

Nobody is working uselessly. Everyone must get some gain from his work. But one who does not utilize that gain for sense gratification but works as a matter of duty is actually a Sanyasi or a yogi. The Sannvasi and the Yogi have no other business than simply trying to concentrate the mind on the supreme Lord within the Heart. Yoga does not mean to show some magical or gymnastic feats.

The practice of asana or breathing exercises will help you concentrate, pratyahara.

Pratyahara means drawing the senses from matter and engaging them fully in the supreme Lord, Visnu. That is Yoga. Those who practice bhakti-yoga, which is being thought herein, are the topmost yogis because they are being trained to draw the senses from any thing out side Krishna consciousness.

They are trying to draw the senses from everything also and applying them to serve the supreme Lord Krishna.

When we chant Hare Krishna, we with draw our mind from all other engagements and try to engage the mind and the ear on the sound vibration of the supreme personality of God head, Krishna. Krishna, being the absolute Truth, there is no difference between the personality of Krishna and His Holy name, Krishna. In the absolute world there is no relativity.

Therefore when you concentrate your mind on the sound vibration of the Krishna that means you are concentrating on the absolute Truth. That is the process of yoga. Somebody may think, here there is no bodily exercise, no breathing exercise. How do they become yogis?

Because real yoga means to concentrate the mind on the supreme lord always.

Therefore yoga means concentrating the mind on

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

... Know God From Childhood Krishna, even by hearing the vibration of Krishna’s Holy name, because there is no difference between the vibration of the name of Krishna and His personality. This is highest form of yoga practice, along with a life dedicated for the service of the supreme Lord — Krishna.

Even if we have students studying Krishna consciousness, a student who has understood this philosophy is very intelligent. If you like you

spiritual master, you become yourself bonafide. And as soon as you become bonafide the response will come from within because Krishna is within you. Krishna — the supreme Lord is every ‘where just like the sun. Krishna or God is within the universe, within this room, within your heart, even within the atom.

So also Krishna is within you and every one. As soon as you become sincere, Krishna responds from within. If you want Krishna or God, sincerely, then the help will

bhajatam priti-purrakam.

“One who is seriously engaged in my service with faith and devotion — Priti means love, not just something official. Not the kind of “Love” where I can go on strike when my salary is not paid.

Sometimes government workers are considered very Faithful to the country’s service, but as soon as the country nor government does not pay their salaries, they will reject every thing.

Service to the supreme Lord,

can talk with them and try to under stand what they have understood about the science of God, and you will he pleased. Even a neophyte student will answer your questions satisfactorily. Because as soon as you become Krishna conscious and follow the rules and regulations under the guidance of your bonafide

come in two ways. From within and from without.

Note that by the revealed books of knowledge. By the instruction of the bonafide spiritual master, you will get help from without. And as soon as you are serious to follow in same foot step, then you will get instruction from within, It is said in the Bagavad — Gita (10:10) tasam sastata — yuktanam

Krishna, should never be like that. Practically Krishna gives everything and one who is intelligent knows that Krishna is supplying him everything. What is the difference between Krishna conscious man and an ordinary man? The difference is that the Krishna conscious man knows, “ I am an eternal servant of God, therefore let me willingly serve Krishna.

Others are also serving Krishna but by force. They are like citizens of the state who has violated the Laws they are also obeying the laws but inside the prison, lie is forced to he there. So this world is a prison yard and we are also forced to be here. And if we don’t obey, we will be punished and if we are become obedient to the Laws, then we are no longer outlaws. We shall be free and out of the walls of the prison. When we serve Krishna, we become purified, and when a citizen is freely obeying the laws of’ the state, he is free from any contamination. And as soon he in disobedient, he is contaminated. Our existing here means that we have revolted against the supremacy of Krishna, or God. Therefore we are thrown down here on earth to struggle for our existence where we can do our own thing. The Lord is so kind despite our reluctance to come back to him. He comes with us all the time, He sits in our Hearts all the time, witnessing all our activities. He sees us when we are giving and He sees us when we are stealing, He sends its representatives the pure souls, not rascals, to come and help us — understand how we should live our lives. He also send His Holy name to sanctify our desires and help us to live in accordance with godly principles. Those who receive this mercy have an obligation to help others who are also struggling in this world to meet with the mercy of God. Finally. He whom these teachings elevate not, is not worthy to be a human being.

“In the material world there is no genuine service.

Everyone is serving with the intention of some sense enjoyment. Tomorrow there will be a postal strike. That means the postal workers are not serving the government or the public. They are serving their salary.

As soon as there is a decrease in salary, they strike.”

Agriculture

Feasibility Report And Agrobusiness

IN our first edition, the writer defined farm records as registers or authentic documents that cover a wide range of farm activities either in physical or financial terms.

Some of the value of keeping farm records include: (a) Farm records are kept to make farmers aware of their inputs and output as well as provide a basis for making decision. (b) It provide some of the necessary information from which final financial reports can be produced regularly. (c) It act as a check and control of physical performance of a farm business. (d) Guide future decisions. (e) Farm records provide the basic, data for planning.

What is a feasibility report?

What are the economic reasons for writing a feasibility reports?

This second article is focused on the value of writing a feasibility report as an essential tool in planning an Agricultural business.

Simply put, feasibility writing is not a one man show, infact it an interdisalinary

By OLUMESE MARK

duty, which requires many professionals of varying background and experience for example, a typical agricultural project will require an Animal scientist, a crop scientist and an Agricultural Economist.

As a matter of fact, the technical will be handed by the animal scientist or crop scientist while the greater part of the work of an agricultural economist will comprise of project evaluation, monitoring and appraisal.

What is the need for a feasibility report.

Once an agricultural project have be identified, a study is carried out to cover issues that are important in deciding the commercial worthiness of a project. There is no one rigid format for feasibility report, the format adopted will depend on the nature or kind of project been proposed.

Generally the more intricate the more elaborate is the information requirement of the study.

Whatever the format, a good feasibility report should cover all the following

aspects: * Project background * Market and demand analysis * Technical feasibility financial feasibility * Conclusion and recommendation

* Project implementation.

In project background, the feasibility covers the origin of the project concept, the scope of the business, the project rationale, the project area, the

is also important in determining the commercial viability of the Project. In technical feasibility of a farm business the format used here will serve the purpose of an agrobusiness set up . The aim is to describe the proposed project work and other components that make up the project, item by item and category by category. The report should be very explicit

economic/ social aspect and the sponsors or shareholders.

In demand and market business, the nature of the market and the target audience that the products wound be focus. The size of the market

and concentrate on the technical aspect and describe what is to be done in sufficient details to establish the nature, scope and cost of the various measures proposed. For instance, some

of the issues to be mentioned here are:- Works and general facilities eg. Irrigation facilities, general infrastructures access roads extension facilities, village water supplies, health clinic, schools and rural electrification, - On farm investment like fencing drainage system, land clearing and management.

These are common features in an already established farm where the farmer is probably interested in feasibility study for purposes of sourcing for loans.

Farm building, machines, and equipments.

A comparative analysis of alternative machines and equipments in terms of cost, reliability, performance and spare parts availability.

- Choice of technology.

Here the source of technology the uniqueness and the raw materials to be used in the production process are discussed.

The farm location. This is vital for a new enterprise and the details are reversed for another write –up.

- Input factors input as used here will include the cost and availability of material, labour, capital and spare parts.

To be continued The writer is the Zonal Manager, Edo State Agricultural Development Programme.

Issues

RECENTLY, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, literarily set the political scene in the country on fire. In an attempt to change the leadership of the House, five of its members, attempted to remove the speaker, Otelemaba DanAmachree. In their bid to achieve that feat, they imposed Evans-Bipi as the speaker of the House.

This decision/move was met with stiff opposition by the rest members of the lawmaking body which resulted in physical combat.

In the ensuing “fight”, various objects including the mace, were used as “battle-axe” A member of the House, freely used the mace to phlank another while others were busy throwing punches.

The impasse, has generated a lot of heat in the polity. The latest form of

rascality and crudeness of the lawmakers, has raised eyebrows about the kind of people that are elected into position.

The video clips of the incident that went viral, saw a law maker breaking the mace of authority in the body of another.

To say the least, the five members, sought to bend mathematical rules “to elect “ a speaker while suspending 15 other members. The amazing fact was that the “elected speaker, described his emergence as “victory for democracy”.

It is pertinent to note and ask: What legacies are the lawmakers, nay, “lawbreakers” have in store for the future generation? The same political arithmetic was at work during the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), election not long ago. The

Rivers Of Troubled Water

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

NGF election, saw 19 votes turning into 16 votes and viceversa. The real election had Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers

pulling 19 votes and Jonah Jang, getting 16. However, internal concessions by some cabals, did not allow that natural order stay. Infact, one

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State.

of the candidates even described his “victory” as ordained by God and even said that God, though does not support rigging, supports anyone who wins through that process.

However and ironically, the security officials who were supposed to clamp down on the excesses of these acts by the honourable men, were either part of the freefor-all battle or folding their arms” watching a horror film”. Even when some persons came the following day to register their grievances on the entrenchment of “minority – equation”, these security men, tear-gased them.

Similarly, the “speaker”, Evans –Bipi, even gave his maiden speech to only two

members of the lawmaking chamber. Invariably, when it comes to politics in Nigeria, mathematic rules do not count. What matters is the person (s) that are backing up your fight. Provided some “Ogas at the top”, are at your back, you do not have any problem at all. In a 27member House, five were on the verge of defeating the rest.

As events unfold by the days, observers are asking questions.

Will the appropriate authorities invoke the relevant section of the law to the legislature? Or is it going to be the shouting up of the political barometer in Rivers state? Again, will the “minority equation” continue to dictate the tune of political dance in the country?.

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Monreal In Injury Setback

Di Canio Vows More Stylish Sunderland

SUNDERLAND manager Paolo Di Canio yesterday vowed there would be no repeat of the struggles of last season, saying his side would play better and more stylish football.

Di Canio just kept the Black Cats in the Premier League after replacing Martin O’Neill, although they were only three points and one place from safety after a difficult campaign.

“For sure our plan is to play better football and stay up more comfortably than last year,” the firebrand Italian said in Hong Kong, on the eve of the Barclays Asia Trophy clash with Spurs.

“During the season the plan that you make at the beginning of the season can change, but I am sure that we will finish in a more comfortable position this year because the players are good players and are concentrating.”

Di Canio, who has revamped his squad, added: “I also need to change the mentality a bit that I found last year. But I can tell you that something has changed a lot and I really think that we will have a very good season.”

There was criticism from some Sunderland fans at the more direct style employed

by O’Neill, but Di Canio said he hoped that was a thing of the past.

“You saw how we tried to play much more from the back last year. We want to have a clear identity on the

field. We will have a clear identity and we play much more football than we played last year,” he promised.

A deal however to buy the Argentine defender Gino Peruzzi was off because of fitness concerns, he added.

“At the moment there is no chance for Gino Peruzzi to join us,” he said.

“We have to make sure about some situations but my club is not a club that can sign at the moment a player who is injured, even though it’s not a crucial injury.”

Nacho Monreal

Moyes Driven

By United ‘Fear’

DAVID Moyes has admitted to the “fear” he holds after becoming the new manager of Manchester United.

Moyes replaced Sir Alex to take your eye off the ball.

“Someone said, ‘You’ll do Ferguson at Old Trafford this summer after his fellow Scot it easy’. I’m not saying who had spent 26-and-a-half it was but I don’t take that as years at the helm, winning a given, because I know it’s numerous honours with the going to be really hard at Manchester United.

Red Devils.

“But in the same breath it is And the former Everton boss is braced for the a great one (job) because of challenge that awaits, as he what I have available and continues to work with his what Sir Alex has left.”

Moyes has previously said new squad during their preseason tour ahead of the he will seek advice from Ferguson if required, but he 2013-14 season.

“There has to be an is determined to make his own element of fear that comes mark on the side he inherited.

“It has to be a new era,” he with managing a club like Manchester United,” he told said. “My job now is to make a number of British my history. “I’m going to newspapers. “It keeps you follow someone who has working, it keeps you made incredible history. I focused and helps you try not think about Matt Busby’s

Mourinho Denies ‘Mind Games’ CHELSEA manager Jose To Unsettle Moyes Mourinho has refuted the time to work, he didn’t win suggestion he is playing mind games with Manchester United counterpart David Moyes.

It was put to Mourinho on his arrival in Jakarta, where Chelsea on Thursday play an All-Star XI, that his compliments towards Moyes were a calculated act designed to destabilise the Premier League champions.

Mourinho’s sole remaining transfer target is a Manchester United player and Chelsea last week had a bid for Wayne Rooney rejected by United, who say the striker is not for sale.

Mourinho said: “If to say that my colleague in Man United is a great coach, he deserves success, he deserves

have to work with, you have trophies at Everton because time for that.” it’s difficult to win trophies there. If to speak good about him is to play mind games, CHELSEA captain John what do you say if I speak Terry says he has recovered bad about him? from his ankle injury and “The best thing is not to ready to fight for his place in speak, and if I don’t speak the squad. nobody says nothing.”

The 32-year-old is currently Like Moyes, Mourinho believes it is better to sign players early in the transfer window.

But, unlike United, Chelsea have already recruited Andre Schurrle, Marco van Ginkel and Mark Schwarzer this summer.

“He’s right,” Mourinho said. “The sooner you have the players, the better.

“You know the squad you have, you know what you John Terry

history and then Alex Ferguson’s history - they could do a film about it.

“I have to make sure now that my history and my time is something which the fans and people in the future talk about.”

Moyes said he has been impressed with the attitude of the players now under his charge. “Sometimes when there is a change - and I heard some of the players saying it - you have to impress the new manager,” he added.

“I have got to say I have been incredibly impressed about how the players have gone about their work.

There’s not been a day when I’ve had people ‘throwing out’ [slacking off]. If anything, they’re enjoying it and they’re asking for more.

“I’m going to drive. And I’m going to demand the best out of players. I’m going to demand that they give me more, or as much as I can get from them.”

NACHO Monreal set to miss Arsenal’s league opener against Aston Villa after sustaining a back injury.

The Spanish international reportedly sustained the injury while on break following his extended holiday after taking part in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. Monreal’s injury has left Arsenal with just one left back with Laurent Koscielny also expected to be out due to be an ankle injury leaving Kieran Gibbs as the lone option in that position.

“Honestly I don’t really know,” Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger told Soccerway.com. “(Laurent Koscielny) got an injection and it looks like he won’t be able to start the season.

“That is why, of course, we lost one left-back and that is the position where we are a bit exposed at the moment.

(Thomas) Vermaelen can play there but he is injured, Monreal can play there, but he is injured, so we only have Kieran, at the moment, who can play there.”

West Ham To Launch Kalou Bid

WEST Ham are reportedly set to launch a £2.5m bid for exChelsea star Salomon Kalou, according to The Mirror.

The Hammers are said to be hopeful in luring Kalou back to the Premier League, a year after he left Chelsea for Ligue 1 outfit Lille.

The Mirror suggests that a release clause in his contract with the French outfit would allow Sam Allardyce to conclude a deal for just £2.5m.

His arrival will be met with great anticipation as the big money arrival in Andy Carrol will miss the beginning of the season, while Colombian hit-man Duvan Zapata’s tenure at the club faces a delay due to a work permit.

Lille have recently lost manage Rudi Garcia to Roma, leaving them in a state of uncertainty ahead of the new campaign.

Allarducy sees the versatile player as a great addition to the squad, due to his ability to play on either flank.

Richards Wants To Stay For Life MICAH Richards has insisted that he wants to stay at Manchester City for the rest of his career.

Richards, 25, has made 234 appearances for his only club since making his debut in 2005, but only played in seven league games last year as his campaign was interrupted by injuries while fellow right-back Pablo Zabaleta was named City’s Player of the Year.

Richards has been linked with several Italian clubs but is adamant he has never thought of leaving, telling City’s official website: “Manchester City is my

‘Terry Fit And Well’ with the Blues on their tour of Asia and relishing the chance to prove himself to coach Jose Mourinho.

“I am fit and well,” he told the club’s website. “It is a big pre-season for everyone and everyone wants to be in the team at the start of the season, and that is what we are aiming for.

“I had the injury on my ankle at the end of last season but I came back a week early to get some extra fitness under my belt, and I think that has served me well so far in training.

“There are new young signings too, they are

Arsenal kick-off their Premiership campaign on August 17 when they host Villa at The Emirates.

obviously hungry and with points to prove and they are fighting for places as well, and competition has been very good in training.

“The new lads have settled in really well and the quality is good, and these trips definitely help that because you are in each other’s pockets all day every day, so it is a great opportunity for them to get to know the other players.”

Mourinho has made it clear players like John Terry and Frank Lampard who were instrumental in his first tenure at Stamford Bridge are not guaranteed game time and will have to fight for their place.

club and I’ve never considered playing anywhere else. I think there has been speculation because I’ve got two years left on my contract and Pablo Zabaleta had a fantastic season.

“He’s outstanding, but that’s what you expect at top teams — you expect competition. The season before, we won the Premier League and I had a good year, but now I’m just happy to be back fit.

“Last season was a bit of a nightmare with injuries. I picked up the ankle problem at the Olympics and came back from that and then tore my cartilage.”

Richards stressed that he wanted to play more first-team football this season.

He added: “The main thing is to be playing. I know there are a lot of games and I don’t expect to play every game but, the season we won the title, me and Zaba rotated really well together - so if we can do that this season I’ll be happy.”

Micah Richards

Perez Plays Down Jose Exit ‘Damage’

REAL Madrid president Florentino Perez has rejected suggestions that former manager Jose Mourinho damaged the image of the club before his departure at the end of last season.

Mourinho’s contract had been in the management of the due to run until 2016 but he left team and we thought, both for Chelsea after Real failed to he and I, that it was better retain the Spanish league title to move on to something and fell at the semi-final stage of else.”

While one big name has the Champions League for the left Real, another is third successive year.

A high-profile breakdown in growing in influence. New relations with goalkeeper Iker manager Carlo Ancelotti Casillas did not help Mourinho’s moved quickly following cause but Perez denied that the his appointment to name Portuguese manager ’s former Real Madrid player confrontational style had hurt the Zinedine Zidane as one of his assistants for the club.

“Not at all,” Perez told French coming season.

The ex-France sports newspaper L’Equipe. “I notice that, everywhere, our international won both the image is improving. Jersey sales, league and the Champions the number of friends on League as a player with Facebook and followers on Real and since his retirement he has also Twitter prove that.

“Mourinho is a coach of operated as a sporting character who brought a lot to us director at the club.

In a lengthy interview in terms of competitiveness, particularly in the Champions with L’Equipe, Perez said that Zidane was a key League.

“Like every manager, at a factor in Real’s decision to point, there was a certain erosion sign Malaga attacker Isco

Real Not Planning To Raid PSG For Zlatan counterpart Nasser alREAL Madrid are not interested in signing Paris SaintGermain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo will not be moving in the opposite direction, according to the Spanish club’s president Florentino Perez.

There has been speculation that Carlo Ancelotti would raid his former club ever since he left PSG in June to take charge at Real Madrid.

But ahead of a friendly between the two sides in Sweden on Saturday, Perez said that Real Madrid would not be making a move for either Sweden striker Ibrahimovic or Italy midfielder Marco Verratti.

“Ancelotti has not asked us to sign a PSG player and I’m going to reassure Parisian supporters – we will not touch any player,” the Real Madrid president told L’Equipe. “Neither Ibrahimovic or Verratti, nor any other player.”

Perez said that if that situation changes in the next year or two, then he would let his PSG

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Khelaifi know first.

There has been no contact between the two men over Real star Cristiano Ronaldo, with Perez confirming that neither PSG, Monaco nor Manchester United have made an offer for the Portuguese attacker.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world and this Real Madrid team is built around him,” the 66year-old told L’Equipe.

“I can therefore assure you that he’ll end his sporting career there. And we haven’t received any offers.”

Ancelotti led Paris SaintGermain to their first French title in 19 years last season but indicated in May that he would like to replace Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Perez travelled to see alKhelaifi in Paris in June and said Real did not have to pay too much in compensation to get their man.

The French club wanted to hold on to the Italian, who had a year left on his contract, but the Real president was delighted that they finally allowed him to join the nine-time European champions.

“It’s the third time that I tried to get him to come here and it’s finally become a reality,” Perez said of Ancelotti.

“I think he’s perfectly fitted to the style, the culture and the football of Real. He likes good footballers and wants to bring enjoyment, through our play, to supporters. That’s exactly what our members demand.”

and Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi.

“The players have huge respect for him and he’ll play a very important role,” the Real Madrid president said.

“He decided to become a coach and we were talking, for a long time, about the

SEVILLA defender Coke says

possibility of entrusting him with a youth team. But Ancelotti suggested that he become his assistant. It’s a great chance for him to learn his new trade.

“He has a special eye for picking out young talent – his recommendations were essential in the arrivals of Isco and Illarramendi at Real. I’m not hiding from you that one day I’d like to see Zizou manage Real.”

his side are determined to start the 2013/14 season on a high note.

The Andalusians are set to take part in the Europa League after Malaga and Rayo Vallecano were banned from taking part in European competitions and will play against Mladost Podgorica of Montenegro and FK Senica of Slovakia in the qualifying round.

“We will be strong for August 1,” Coke told reporters.

“It will not be the same as

will be organised in the coming hours and the contract would be signed on his arrival, before Barca officially present their new coach.

Martino, who is also known as ‘Tata’, will become the fourth Argentine to take the reins at the Camp Nou, following in the footsteps of

and Cesar Luis Menotti.

Sport claims that Barca’s new boss will bring over three members of his coaching staff — assistant Jorge Pautasso, fitness expert Elvio Paolorroso and Adrian Coria, a coach who trained Leo Messi during his time at Newell’s youth academy.

Barcelona Confirm Martino BARCELONA have Appointment announced that Gerardo Roque Olsen, Helenio Herrera Martino is set to sign a twoyear contract to replace Tito Vilanova.

Martino, who led Newell’s Old Boys to the Argentinian Clausura title last season, has been appointed after it was announced on Friday that Vilanova was stepping down after a recurrence of his throat cancer.

“FC Barcelona have reached an agreement to appoint Gerardo Martino as the new coach of the football team for the next two seasons.

This agreement is pending the drafting and signing of the contract,” a club statement read.

“In the coming hours [a programme will be planned for] his arrival in Barcelona, signing the contract and the subsequent presentation.”

A number of coaches had been linked with the vacancy at the Liga champions, including Luis Enrique, Andre Villas-Boas, Marcelo Bielsa, Michael Laudrup and Guus Hiddink, who resigned as coach of Anzhi Makhachkala on Monday.

The club said on Tuesday morning that Martino’s flights

playing after six weeks of the season, but we are preparing because we want to start off as we intend to play the whole year.

“We have not had very good experiences recently so we will have to work at 100 per cent. We have to train these days only to win from day one.

“Day one will be the kick-off for what will hopefully be a good year.”

Sevilla defeated Chilean side Universidad Catolica 2-0 on Saturday in Chile on Saturday and coke is hopeful that they will grow from strength to strength.

“The tour is pretty competitive. We are working very well,’ he added. “The game against Universidad Catolica was at a high level and the two that remain will be the same later this week.

“These are steps that we have to take, physically we have to improve, we have to be more together, but there is another week of preparation to go.

“Everyone brings something to the group and the quality of those here will be seen when we really start to compete.

Carvajal Ready To Battle Arbeloa

Gerardo Martino

Ibrahimovic To Hold Talks With PSG

SWEDEN striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic sees no reason to leave Paris Saint-Germain but says he is planning to discuss his future with the club president.

Ibrahimovic won the French league title in his debut season at PSG but rumours about the 31-yearold’s intentions have intensified following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti - the man who brought him to Paris.

A reunion with Ancelotti at Real Madrid now seems unlikely but Manchester City are reportedly thinking about offering the former Barcelona striker a move to the Premier League.

Ibrahimovic returned to training with PSG last Thursday and he is set to feature in their friendly against Hammarby in his native Sweden on Tuesday evening.

Sevilla Targeting Good Start

During a press conference on the eve of that game the Sweden captain addressed his future, noting that he is contracted to PSG until 2015.

“I have a contract with PSG and in principle there’s no reason why my situation should change this summer,” L’Equipe reported Ibrahimovic as saying.

“In fact I’ve still not thought about the question. Above all I have to meet my president. We should discuss the details – small as well as big.”

Ibrahimovic, whose 30 goals last season helped PSG win their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years, said he had a good relationship with club president Nasser al-Khelaifi.

“We speak a lot, even about property,” he said. “But I’m confident because I know, more or less, what’s going to happen.”

Along with defender Thiago Silva, PSG’s Qatari owners see Ibrahimovic as a key part of their project and L’Equipe suggests that the “details” Ibrahimovic wants to talk about could be his wages.

The paper believes that the player could use reported interest from Manchester City as leverage to help bump his salary at PSG to over +15 million per year.

On a sporting level, Ibrahimovic will have been reassured by PSG’s acquisition of defenders Marquinhos and Lucas Digne. And he is also looking forward to working with Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, who signed from Napoli for +64 million.

“I’ve never played with him so we’ll have to learn to know each other,” he said. “He’s going to have to familiarise himself with the team, the city and the supporters. He’s a very good reinforcement.”

REAL Madrid youngster Dani Carvajal says he is ready to challenge Alvaro Arbeloa for a place in the starting eleven.

The 21-year-old came through the club’s youth ranks but he left the Santiago Bernabeu to sign for German side Bayer Leverkusen in 2012 after failing to break into the first.

However, after a successful season with the Bundesliga outfit, the Whites exercised their option to recall the Spain under-21 international, handing him his first team debut during Sunday’s 6-0 rout over Bournemouth.

“The desire to go out and enjoy the first match was huge,” he told reporters. “The team did well, but there are things to correct.

“We’ll have to keep working. The season is very long and everyone will try to do their best.

“It was a first match and the team fought hard, tried to take the initiative and to keep the opposition in their half of the field.

“That position is nowhere near being mine. Arbeloa and I are both playing for it and we’ll try to make it difficult for the coach.”

Who Is Barcelona’s New Head Coach Gerardo Martino?

GERARDO ‘Tata’ Martino has been named as the new coach of Barcelona but few people in Europe had ever even heard of the 50-year-old Argentine before he started to be linked with the position vacated by Tito Vilanova.

So why exactly have Barcelona of now.

The coach who most plumped for Martino as their new influenced him as a player was boss?

Well, there is a strong Marcelo Bielsa, who managed connection between Martino and Newell’s from 1990-92, and Lionel Messi which no doubt Martino has taken Bielsa’s played a huge consideration in his philosophy of expressive, attacking football into his own appointment.

Like Messi, Martino is from the coaching career. He has also cited city of Rosario and Martino has two other former Newell’s really made a name for himself as coaches - Jorge Solari and Jose both a player and a manager at Yudica – as key influences.

His first coaching successes Newell’s Old Boys – the club that Messi supported as a boy and came in the Paraguayan Premier League where he won four league played youth football for.

Martino was actually Messi’s titles – three Libertad and one father’s favourite player and holds with Cerro Porteno.

Such success saw him named the Newell’s Old Boys record for appearances at 509. In a poll of the coach of the Paraguay national club’s supporters, Martino was team in 2006 where he had to named Newell’s greatest ever rebuild the side after the retirement of key players such as player.

Martino was an attacking José Luis Chilavert, Carlos midfielder who helped Newell’s Gamarra, Francisco Arce and win three titles over 14 years with Celso Ayala.

At the 2007 Copa America the club as a player. He had three spells at the club - broken up by a Martino’s Paraguay shone in their brief spell with Tenerife in 1991 opening two games as they and another with Lanus in 1994/ thrashed Colombia 5-0 in their opening match before 95.

While he was a star of the dispatching the USA 3-1 in the domestic game he only ever won next match.

However, their open style was one cap for the Argentine national team. Near the end of his playing brutally exposed in the quartercareer he actually played for finals when they were hammered Barcelona – but the Ecuadorian 6-0 by Mexico and after that club of that name, not the match Martino reined in his European giant he is taking charge attack-first philosophy against

Boxing

Carl Froch To Face George Groves In All-British Title Fight CARL Froch will defend his IBF and WBA World super middleweight titles against George Groves later this year.

The all-British clash will take place in late November or early December at a venue still to be confirmed at a press conference in the near future.

Froch added the WBA strap to his IBF belt when he beat Mikkel Kessler in a brilliant rematch at the O2 Arena in May, with unbeaten Groves, his mandatory challenger, collecting the vacant WBA Inter-Continental title on the bill with a fifth-round stoppage of Noe Gonzalez Alcoba.

“I’m excited the first defence of both my belts is a big domestic clash,” said Froch. “I am a proper fighter and a proper champion and I will always face my mandatory challenger rather than vacate the title.

“I’ve known George for a while, I’ve sparred with him and watched him grow and now he’s my mandatory – I will be pouring

Carl Froch

everything into my preparation for the fight and George will face the very best of me.

“It is better this way than a lowkey overseas opponent as this fight will relight memories of some of the great all-British clashes and with world titles on the line it’s a really huge occasion and one that will grab the attention of British sports fans.”

Groves said: “This is the biggest fight of my career and being a world champion is something that I dreamed of as a kid.

“I’m well-ranked across all the governing bodies but fighting Carl is the one that I wanted the most.

“He is a big name in the UK and a well-respected champion around the world, and I have a great team around me that can put together the right game plan to beat him and become a world champion and a major force in the super middleweight division.”

certain teams to avoid such embarrassments.

They were highly impressive in qualification for the 2010 World Cup – finishing on 33 points –

just one behind best qualifiers Brazil and comfortably ahead of the likes of Argentina and eventual semi-finalists Uruguay.

Over the course of their

qualification campaign they managed to beat every single other team in South America.

At the tournament itself in South Africa, Paraguay finished top of their group, helping to knock out Italy in the process, and then beat Japan on penalties

Gerardo

Milan Wouldn’t Swap Balotelli For Both the Rossoneri and the AC Milan coach Massimo Bianconeri are preparing to Allegri says he would not Tevez field their strongest sides, swap Mario Balotelli for Carlos Tevez as his side prepare to face Juventus in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday night.

The two Scudetto favourites will get to see how they are

shaping up for the new season when they meet in Reggio Emilia over 45 minutes in the annual Trofeo Tim tournament which this year also includes Serie A newcomers Sassuolo.

Mario Balotelli

Beckenbauer Eager To See Pep In Action

BAYERN Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer says that he is intrigued as to what Pep Guardiola does during his first season at the club.

The Spaniard moved to the Allianz Arena in the summer, replacing Jupp Heynckes, and the 67-year-old is looking forward to seeing how he goes about improving the German champions.

“I am interested in what he does and how he will try and bring his unique thoughts to the team and whether it will work or not,” Beckenbauer told AZ.

“He is a world class footballer and he will bring that expertise to any position on the pitch. I can imagine he has already begun to experiment with the image of the team as he imagines it. The way he behaves makes him a welcome addition, he is a popular figure.

“I do not know how the players perceive the hype surrounding Pep. It always used to be the players in the headlines, but you don’t even know who’s playing anymore just because Guardiola is always the one in the headlines.

“It will slowly begin to even back out, however. I wish him 10 great years at Bayern.”

which means Tevez will come up against the club he was on the brink of signing for before Juve made a successful lastditch bid for his services.

Balotelli will not feature since he has yet to start training again after the Confederations Cup, but Allegri has no doubt as to whom he would prefer to have in his squad for the upcoming season.

“We have no regrets at all about (not getting) Tevez,” Allegri said. “We got Balotelli in January and one of them is 23 and the other is 29.

Balotelli is an absolute star at Milan and he can only get better.”

Milan also have Stephan El Shaarawy and Allegri is delighted that he turned down a move to the Premier League this summer to remain in Milan, while he is also expecting greater things from the 20-year-old.

“I think he’s realised that playing a good first half of the season is not enough in a big club,” Allegri said. “Stephan is an important player for Milan and for me. He needs to improve in certain moments of the game and remain serene.”

Despite such strength in attack, Allegri acknowledges that Juve will be the team to beat again this season.

“They are clear favourites for the title,” he said at a press conference. “Not only because they are the defending champions, but also because they have further strengthened their side.

in the second round.

In the quarter-finals they gave Spain one of their biggest ever scares during La Roja’s current period of domination. In the 61st minute of the game, with the match still 0-0, Oscar Cardozo had a penalty saved by Iker Casillas. Just eight minutes from time David Villa then scored the only goal of the game for Spain and the rest, as they say, is history.

Martino stayed on to manage Paraguay at the 2011 Copa America in Peru where they remarkably got to the final without winning a game. Three draws in the group stage was followed by penalty shoot-out wins over Brazil and Venezuela before they lost in the final 3-0 to Uruguay.

Martino quit after that competition and was heavily tipped to take over as Argentina boss but that post instead went to Estudiantes coach (and former Sheffield United and Leeds United player) Alejandro Sabella.

Martino instead took a year out from the game before returning to his beloved Newell’s and guiding the club to their first title since 2004 in the space of just 18 months. The achievement was all the more remarkable when you consider that Newell’s had finished 19th and 18th in the two seasons before his appointment.

His final game in charge of Newell’s was the semi-final of this year’s Copa Libertadores when they lost to Atletico Mineiro on penalties. Were the fans annoyed with this defeat?

No, instead they went outside Martino’s house and started chanting his name and waving flags to thank him for the way he had transformed the club.

Stylistically Martino seems to fit in well with Barcelona. He likes to play a 4-3-3 with a false number nine, but has shown flexibility with his formations and tactics in the past.

South American coaches have had a chequered history after moving to Europe but if anyone has a chance of succeeding, it looks like Martino is a man who fits the bill.

Honda Opts For Milan

MILAN Chief Ernesto Bronzentti confirmed reports suggesting Keisuke Honda wants to join Milan, suggesting the Japanese player turned down Barcelona for a move to the San Siro.

The sprightly midfielder has been in endless talks with the Rossoneri for a move to the club, with the Milan board claiming Honda turned down offers from the Spanish Champions.

“The gap between our offer and their asking price is low,” he told Sky Sport Italia on Monday evening.

“Tonight after their League game he will speak with the President and tell them that he wants to leave.

“They would like to keep him for the Champions, but the guy just wants to join Milan.

“He even turned down a move to Barcelona.”

Life Bans In Nigerian Fixing Scandal

Mike Umeh

THE Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has imposed life bans on players and match officials after two promotion play-off matches ended in surreal scorelines of 79-0 and 67-0, also banning the teams for ten years.

Machine FC beat Bubayaro FC 67The decision was made less 0. Plateau United Feeders and than a fortnight after indefinite Police Machine had been level on suspensions had been handed points before the games, but the out to Plateau United Feeders, extraordinary scorelines meant Akurba FC, Police Machine Plateau edged above Police and Babayaro FC in the wake Machine on goal difference. of the results, which happened The two matches were studied by in promotion encounters for the an NFF committee, which ruled Nigeria Nationwide League that the match officials involved Division 3. should get life bans.

Plateau United Feeders beat An NFF statement said: “The Akuba FC 79-0, while Police NFF has accepted the recommendations, and they will be communicated to the clubs, the state FAs and FIFA. “We will publish all the names on any player as the d-day draws near for the crucial return of players and officials with their leg against the Elephants in photographs and details.”

Speaking as the indefinite bans Abidjan.

Keshi Allays Ameobi Injury Fears NIGERIA coach Stephen Keshi has assured Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi will be fit for next month’s friendly in South Africa.

Keshi said he called up the experienced forward to find out the true situation of things when reports broke on Sunday he was injured and he was told by Ameobi that he had only a knock on the arm and he will be ready for the friendly against Bafana Bafana.

“I have spoken to Shola and the guy is fit and healthy and will be available for the Mandela Challenge. He told me so himself, so any other news to the

contrary I don’t believe,” Keshi.

Meanwhile, the Eagles ‘B’ resumed their preparations for the second leg tie against Cote d’ Ivoire in Abuja on Monday evening with the coaches concentrating on shooting and accuracy in front of goal.

In the course of the session, top striker Gambo Mohammed and El kanemi’s Haruna Babalo both had knocks and were asked to sit out half of the session so as to quickly recover for Tuesday’s test game against TEAP FC of Abuja.

The medical crew has already said there is nothing to worry about, but precautions must be taken not to aggravate any knocks

LOKOMOTIV Moscow of Russia striker Victor Obinna Nsofor has said he is thrilled to return to the Super Eagles after a two-year absence.

The former Inter Milan forward has been recalled by Nigeria for the Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup clash against hosts South Africa on August 14 and he has told MTNFootball.com he is delighted as he still has a lot to offer the national team.

“Nigeria is my country and I always want to represent it, and even when I was not invited, I still saw myself as part of the team and always supported the team,” he said.

“I am happy to be back and I will show the stuff I am made of again.”

Nsofor has scored 11 goals in 44 appearances for Nigeria.

Injuries and a dip in form have combined to keep him out of the frame of the African champions for the past two years.

Nsofor Happy To Be Back With Eagles

Victor Obinna Nsofor

Shola Ameobi

were announced on July 10, Chief Mike Umeh, the chairman of the NFF organising committee, said: “It is unacceptable. This is a scandal of huge proportions. The four teams involved are suspended immediately and indefinitely, pending further sanctions.

“We will investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it.”

The farcical results led the NFF’s director of competitions, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, to issue assurances that those found guilty would be appropriately punished.

Ghana Regain Two Slots For CAF Inter-Clubs Competitions GHANA will have four representatives in continental club competitions from next year after CAF restored two lost slots to the West African country.

This means Ghana will have two teams in the CAF Champions League from next year and will also have two clubs in the CAF Confederation Cup. Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea will represent Ghana in the CAF Champions League while Medeama and a yet to be decided team will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup. The revelation comes three years after the continent’s governing body reduced Ghana’s slots for inter-clubs competitions due to past poor performances by representatives.

But consistent efforts by the Ghana FA to regain the four slots have resulted in the decision by CAF to return to the country the two slots each for each competition.

The GFA has boosted clubs

financially to help them to participate despite financial difficulties with Berekum Chelsea, Kotoko and New Edubiase all getting financial support from the federation.

Berekum Chelsea’s heroics in the Champions League last year helped Ghana to regain its place.

Before then it the last time a Ghanaian side feature in the money zone of the Caf Champions League was in 2006.

Kotoko were the last Ghanaian side to play in the Group phase of the Confederation Cup in 2008.

Clubs have also in the past withdrawn from playing in Africa citing financial constraints.

Hearts of Oak won the Champions League in 2000 and the maiden edition of the Confederation Cup in 2004.

Rivals Asante Kotoko won the then African Cup of Champions Clubs twice in 1970 and 1983.

Minister Doubts FIFA Olorundare Hopeful THE Ugandan Minister of Of Eagles Debut Letter Education and Sports, Jessica Alupo Rose Epel, has said she is not sure the FIFA letter hand delivered to her office on matters pertaining to the legality of the FA is authentic.

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, in a letter dated July 19, replied to the Minister saying that any actions/ measures taken unilaterally against the structures and or the status of FUFA would be seen as interference and thus FIFA could put in place sanctions which could include suspension.

But the Minister has said since the letter was not faxed or emailed to her and instead hand delivered by someone from the FA, and so she has contacted FIFA to explain if the letter is authentic.

“It is from there that we can take it up and decide on the next step,” said Alupo.

The Minister wondered why FIFA decided to send the letter through FUFA and yet all their fax and emails are active.

“When I got to know about how the letter was delivered, I did not care about the contents,” added the Minister, who said she hopes to get FIFA’s

response by today.

SUNSHINE Stars striker Dele However, a copy of the letter has told indicates that the letter was faxed to Olorundare the ministry and copied in to FUFA MTNFootball.com he hopes to make his Super Eagles debut this and CAF. weekend in Cote d’Ivoire.

But when contacted this morning, Olorundare is the leading the FA chief Executive Officer scorer in the Nigeria league with Edgar Watson said FIFA notified 11 goals from 19 games this them that they tried faxing and it was season, but was consigned on the not going through to the Minister’s bench for the entire 90 minutes office. as Nigeria put four goals past the “But it’s okay FIFA will verify if Ivorians in the first leg of a 2014 they wrote the letter or not,” added CHAN qualifier.

“I cannot wait to make my Watson. debut for the Eagles,” Alex Luganda, the FA’s lawyer told who also sits on the CAF Appeals Olorundare MTNFootball.com committee, said that the existing “I am hoping that I would get National Council of Sports (NCS) Act does not give a minister powers to disband the FA like they are planning to do.

Last week Alupo wrote to FIFA indicating that they needed audience with FIFA regards to the illegality of the FUFA. She said they were about to take certain measures, but needed to meet FIFA first.

The Minister stated that it had been clarified to her that FUFA, whose affiliation to FIFA in 1959 was supported by the Uganda government, has since 2009 operated as FUFA Ltd, a private company Ltd by guarantee which is inconsistent with the law.

Dele Olorundare

my chance in Abidjan. But the decision of who plays is on the coach and if he picks me to play, one thing I am confident of is that I will not disappoint.

With the inclusion of Flying Eagles star Alhaji Gero, it means more competition for Olorundare and Kano Pillars Gambo Mohammed, who was on target in the first leg in Kaduna.

Coach Stephen Keshi is expected to name his 18-man squad for the game on Wednesday night.

The team depart for Abidjan via Lagos on Thursday.

CMYK

IN recent times, the atmosphere in the Country has been overheated with political, judicial and other issues that have moved the focus from the pressing developmental needs of the nation to trivial issues that has been brought to the front burners of discuss.

The election palava at the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) overheated the politics, divided the forum which now have two factions, one led by Rivers State governor Chibuike Rotimi Amechi while the other is led by Plateau State governor Jona Jang.

Nigerians wondered why just 36 state governors would conduct an election to pick a leader and such an election has caused distraction in the nation. This is a pointer to what most of these governors did to get to office or what they will do in subsequent elections in the Country.

The execution of four criminals condemned by the court of law and whose death sentences were signed by the Comrade Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole elicited reactions and counter reactions from various political analysts interpreting the issues from different political angles attempting to give it a meaning. It was a divided interest; some commended the action and said it will serve as a deterrent to other criminals while the Civil Rights Societies reasoned

otherwise arguing that the death penalty should have been reverted to life imprisonment. Is it therefore an error to stand on the side of the law?

ever conducted in Nigeria, Chief M.K.O Abiola has also generated more tension in the polity. One begins to wonder what will happen to the revelation

The mayhem in the Rivers State House of Assembly is another issue that has shifted the entire nation from solving her security and developmental problems to a political problem

by Sgt. Banabas Rogers who confessed to have pulled the trigger that ended the life of Kudirat, obeying the command of Major Mustapha. If Mustapha is not guilty of the crime, why did it take

By OKHAREDIA RICHARD OKORO EWEKA By IHIMEKPEN

Issues Threatening Democracy

President Goodluck Jonathan

caused by lawmakers of Rivers state. The show of shame, which has become a drama in our political stage, has shown yet again that probably, we’re parading selfish and self centered politicians who are in the floor to fight for their own interest rather than that of the people they represent.

The release of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha the alleged master mind of the murder of Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the presumed winner of the June 12 1993 presidential election, which was adjudged the freest and fairest election

14 years for the truth to come out? If he is innocent as the judgment says, who will pay for the damage of putting him behind bars for 14 years?

There are many questions than answers.

These issues happening across the nation have continued to overheat the polity and reactions and counter reactions from various political watchers; analysts and commentators have interpreted it in various ways and the effect or implication to the nation.

Speaking on the development, the General Overseer of Habitation Church of God

“The release of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha the alleged master mind of the murder of Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the presumed winner of the June 12 1993 presidential election, which was adjudged the freest and fairest election ever conducted in Nigeria, Chief M.K.O Abiola has also generated more tension in the polity.”

Int’l and former Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State, an opinion leader, a political analyst and public commentator, Rev. Olu Aderibigbe says the present happening in our

a simple election involving just 36 people,just imagine how they can supervise an election involving a whole state. This is a big shame, everybody wants to be powerful.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State

political stage, especially the mayhem in the Rivers state House of Assembly is a big shame to the nation, the leaders and the electorate in general.

He said the physical combat witnessed in the Rivers state House of Assembly where our lawmakers became lawbreakers, freely throwing punches on themselves before the camera of media men. All this is for power. God giveth power,God installs and raises someone from nowhere to somewhere like President Goodluck Jonathan who came from nowhere to become the president of this nation.

The lawmakers and our politicians should know that God is the only one that maketh leaders.

“What happened in the Rivers state House of Assembly is a shame and disgraceful to the nation.

The problem is a flow from the problem in Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) where 36 state governors can’t conduct

“This is a shame on Democracy and if it goes unchecked, it will degenerate to something else. We should take a clue from what is happening today in Egypt. The issue has to do with power tussle. We need to learn from the happenings in other Countries and not allow it to transfer to our nation.

Most of our leaders are power drunk. The want to hold onto power by all means not minding whether or not it will cause the nation any problem. They are just concerned about themselves alone. We all want to claim to be above the rule of law; it is disheartening for a

Commissioner of Police to challenge the authority of the governor of a state.

This is lawlessness.

Those who ought to protect the law are those violating it” he said.

Rev. Olu Aderibigbe added that if the incident in Rivers state is not put under control, it will flow to other states and gradually has an adverse effect on the conduct of the 2015 general election. “ It is important and necessary to put an end to it, so that it will not spill and destroy the development of our democracy”.

He frowns at the delay of justice in the case of Kudirat Abiola and Al-Mustapha. The case has lingered on for over 14 years before the court gave a ruling on the case.”Justice delayed is justice denied. The court has given its verdict, so all, no matter what they believed, should respect the stand of the court. We all should respect the rule of the court. The family of Abiola should leave all to God if they are not satisfied with the court ruling.

If Mustapha is guilty and the court of law has set him free, let his heart and conscience judge him” he concluded.

TOMORROW ON THIS PAGE

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Because of the accident of geography, that candidate from Anambra State who scored 138 points has to watch helplessly as he is unaccepted in Unity schools while his friend from Zamfara State with 2 points proudly walks into the same Unity schools.

-Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan

”

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