The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 39 • NO. 085 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 20 14 •N 100. 0 0
SECURITY ISSUES Page 18 What does Boko Haram really want?
Police Commissioner orders submission of illegal fire arms By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS The Commissioner of Police, Lagos command, C.K. Aderanti has warned people in possession of illegal fire arms in the
state to surrender them to the police within fourteen days as the full wrath of the law will be meted on them. He also warned and reminded all Okada riders in the State that
the ban and restriction from plying certain designated routes is still in force adding that anyone caught flouting it will have himself to be blamed. Addressing crime
reporters in his office at Ikeja, the new COMPOL warned failure to comply with the directive, “Anyone, irrespective of the position or status in the Continues on page 2
2015
MAN AND NATURE Page 27
Power of silence
Police may bar politicians with criminal records
ABUJA-The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, has said that politicians with criminal records will be stopped from contesting the 2015 general elections. Abba, in his maiden from newsmen before meeting with the meeting went into Commissioners of Police a closed door session, in the 36 states and other Abba said the force senior officers in Abuja was poised to provide on Wednesday, said the adequate security for force would collaborate the elections. with other security “We have made agencies to achieve the a d e q u a t e goal. arrangements to “During screening of make sure that the candidates, we will police provide collaborate with our sufficient security for colleagues, particularly all the activities the Department of State leading to the election. Services to ensure that “These activities candidates with criminal have started and they records are not allowed include the to contest the election,” registration of voters, he said. p r i m a r i e s , Fielding questions conventions and the
campaigns by all the political parties and candidates.
“In all these activities, the police will ensure that adequate security is
provided for those involved, including the INEC and party
officials,” he said. On the role of the police in the ongoing counter-terrorism, he said the force had not been relegated to the background but playing its role. “The police who are inContinues on page 2
DHQ confirms death of fake Abubakar Shekan
ABUJA - The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that selfacclaimed leader of the Boko Haram sect, Mohammed Bashir, alias “Abubakar Shekau’’ had died in an encounter with troops at Konduga in Borno. The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, confirmed the death of Shekau at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday. “In course of
encounters, one Mohammed Bashir, who has been acting or posing as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as the leader of the group died. “Since the name Shekau has become a brand name for the terrorists’ leader, the Nigerian military remains resolute to serve justice to anyone who assumes that designation or title,’’ Olukolade said. He said that the same
TIT BIT “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” - Steve Jobs
fate await all terrorists who sought “to violate the freedom and territory of Nigeria’’. The defence spokesman said that Continues on page 2
SWEARING-IN: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) congratulating the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Investment, Public Partnership and other related matters, Hon. Dennis Idahosa at Government House, Benin City yesterday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.
Oshiomhole targets new investors, swears-in Commissioner
BENIN CITY- As part of measures to streamline efforts to attract new foreign investors to Edo State, the state Governor, Comrade
Adams Oshiomhole has sworn in Mr. Dennis Idahosa as Commissioner for Investment, Public and
Private Partnership with a charge to use his wealth of experience to attract investors to the
state. Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office on the
$9.3 Cash Scandal: Reps to probe
ABUJA - The House of Representatives on Wednesday directed its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to probe 50,000
alleged $50,000 bribe
dollars bribe allegedly offered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the house. Rep. Aliyu Madaki
(APC-Kano) on Tuesday alleged that PDP members were offered the bribe. The member said that
it was to kill a motion to probe the 9.3 million dollars seized by the South African authorities from three Nigerians and an Continues on page 2
Commissioner at the Government House, Benin City, yesterday, Oshiomhole said, “everyday we receive all kinds of enquiries about people who want to invest in our state, quite a number have already decided to come but I believe we can attract even more if we have someone that Continues on page 2
News
Police Commissioner orders submission of illegal fire arms
Continued from page 1
society will be treated as armed robbers if arrested”. Reacting to the speculations that some politicians were equipping their supporters, especially thugs with guns meant to attack their fellow political thugs from another party, Aderanti declared that
anyone caught will have him or herself to blame as no excuse will be granted. He therefore enjoined Lagosians to cooperate with the Police as the Command will not relent in carrying out its basic constitutional duty of protection of lives and property. It would be recalled that the
Lagos State Government in 2012 amended its road traffic law which expressly banned and restricted motorcycles from plying some specific routes in the State. The COMPOL said that he has observed with total dismay that some Okada riders do not
have any iota of respect to the laws of the land as they have continuously and flagrantly breached this traffic law. He also warns them to shun violence, to be law abiding and stop fomenting trouble in the state because the Command is ready to take severe action against anyone violating this law.
DHQ confirms death of fake Abubakar terrorists surrendered to troops deployed to handle the Continued from page 1 on Tuesday, bringing the total Shekan situation. the deceased Shekau was number to 148 “The keen interest exhibited He commended the gallantry also known as “Abacha Abdullahi Geidam’’ and “Damasack’’. According to him, the recent devastation on the leadership of the insurgents is attributable to the renewed commitment to the mission of eradicating terrorism in our country. He said that another 133
It would be recalled that five insurgents had surrendered to troop in Konduga while 10 surrendered in Kawuri both in Borno recently. Olukolade said of the 133 that surrendered on Tuesday, 88 gave up their arms at Mairiga and Buniyadi in Borno, while 45 surrendered at Mubi and Michika in Adamawa.
of the troops, assuring that the military would remain undaunted in prosecuting the campaign against terror in the country. Olukolade said that between Sept. 12 and Sept. 17, the insurgents made four attempts to attack Konduga but were repelled by air and land forces
by our neighbours and allies is commendable and we appreciate them. “All allies in the war against terrorism are hereby assured of the Nigerian military’s resolve to maintain the momentum in the efforts to decimate and defeat the terrorists.
wealth of experience in the private sector to bear in delivering dividends of democracy to the state.
He assured the Governor that he will do all in his capacity to attract investors to the state so as to boost the economy of the state.
Oshiomhole targets new investors, swears-in Commissioner
Continued from page 1 understands the thinking, the feelings of International investors and what we need to do as a government to attract them to locate our state so that they can create jobs, increase the economy and the GDP of Edo State”. Oshiomhole continued, “for someone who through sheer creativity and entrepreneurial drive has been able to excel, I believe people like you can bring your wealth of experience into governance and therefore your being in the State Executive Council will be an asset to the government and therefore the people of our great state.” Speaking further on the new Commissioner, Oshiomhole said: “I suggested to him a few weeks back that having heard so much about his works, his businesses flying across continents and finding sufficient time to identify with his people, being able to relate vertically and horizontally that one of the things this government wants to focus on in the remaining part of this administration is the issue of attracting investors to our state because if we build all the
roads, build all the schools, and provide water everywhere and we do not create jobs by attracting investors, we will still have challenges. “So Dennis, I want to appreciate you for accepting and I look forward to working with you very closely in a way that will bring benefit to our people”, he said “My dream is that having worked hard and God having used us to open up the politics of this state, to redefine politics and governance and refocus politics on public wellbeing away from politics of individuals, to move away from one man dictatorship to a tradition of popular participation; my hope is that at the end of my tenure, we would have built up the younger crop of leaders like you who would provide leadership for our great state in future so that we would never again return to the tradition of self”, he said. Responding, the new Commissioner, Hon Idahosa thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in him and promised to bring his
Reps to probe alleged $50,000 bribe
Continued from page 1 Isreali.
Responding to Madaki’s allegation, the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, said that Madaki would appear before the Ethic and Privileges Committee to prove his allegation. Ihedioha, who described Madaki’s allegation as “grievous and regrettable”, said he (Madaki) risked suspension
if he failed to prove the allegation. “This matter is referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigation and to report back in two weeks,” Ihedioha stated. It would be recalled that a motion to probe the incident on Tuesday was voted out without debate. This development caused APC lawmakers to walk out during the plenary.
Police may bar politicians with criminal records Continued from page 1 charge of internal security cannot be relegated to the background though the military is present in all the states of the federation. “They are performing their responsibility in support of the civil authority, the police. “The states where they are more visible are the areas
where their support is most needed,”, he said, and added that the police were more visible in internal security. Abba said that one of 20 personnel said to be still missing in the attack on Police College in Gwoza, resurfaced on Monday and gave an assurance that others would soon be located
BNCL Acting GM eulogises late Editor By MARTIN ERHAUYI, OSAGIEDE GODWIN, STANLEY UGAGBE, LAWRENCE OMORODION AND ROBINSON OMEIZA
BENIN CITY – The Acting General Manager, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publisher of The OBSERVER titles, Rev’d Monday Aigbe has eulogized the late Editor of Weekend OBSERVER, Mr. Henry Osayemwenre Balogun who died on July 15, 2014. Rev’d Aigbe at a Service of Songs for the late Balogun in Benin City yesterday said Balogun was an indefatigable and focused staff who succeeded in setting a legacy in journalism practice. According to Rev’d Aigbe, the death of Balogun was a great loss to the establishment, journalism profession and the world at large. In an exhortation, Apostle Tim Degema said that, death is a dictator and a terminator that has no respect for anybody, saying it is an inevitable experience for every living being. Apostle Degema who represented the officiating minister of the Glorious Assembly, stated that living the exemplary life of Christ is the only hope every believer has over eternal death. He disclosed that everyone will be accountable to God for the life he or she lived while on earth. The clergyman, who read from the book of Hebrews 9:27-28 urged the people at the occasion to be obedient to God’s instruction to enable them live in God’s way. He added, “a life without Christ is a wasteful life; Blessed are those who would die in the Lord.” The Sport Editor of The OBSERVER titles, Mr. Matthew Okagha in his tributes on behalf of the
(BNCL) staff described the deceased as a brave colleague who always stood for the truth. He said late Balogun has through his prowess writeups affected lives and the country at large because of his passionate attitude towards his profession. Mr. Okagha stressed that, the late Weekend Editor’s death was an unfortunate incident. Staff of BNCL were in attendance at the occasion where the first and second reading were read by the eldest son and daughter of the deceased, Omokaro Balogun and Mrs. Ivie Igbinadion respectively. High point of the event was a prayer session for the bereaved.
NIS urges Nigerians to embrace new passport ENUGU - The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has appealed to Nigerians to embrace the new passport system introduced by the agency last August. The Comptroller of the service in Enugu State, Mr Bashir Ismail made the appeal in Enugu on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen. The Comptroller2 said that the new passport had security features to safeguard travelers. According to him, the new passport that came into force in August this year contains 64 pages. “This facility is designed for frequent travellers that easily exhaust their 32 page passport,” he said. Ismail said that it was introduced after a thorough examination of the challenges that Nigerians faced with the old system. “The Nigeria Immigration Service after 10 years of issuing the last passport had to review the administration of passports in order to serve
Nigerians better.’’ Ismail said that the introduction of the new passport also became necessary to reduce the extent to which people frequent the immigration offices to renew their passports. “The second part of the reform is the modality of issuing passports. “The immigration decided to consider ages zero to 18 known to be dependants and our senior citizens from 61 years and above to pay N18, 500 for the passport. “Then ages 19 to 60, who are considered as working class will pay N22, 500 for a passport more than the first group. “Part of the reform is to make the new passport regime gender friendly. “There are women who need to change their names from maiden to married names and vice versa. “Such people are given the privilege to pay less just like the minors and the senior citizens,” he said.
National Development
NASS pledges robust legislative frame work ABUJA -The National Assembly has reiterated its commitment to ensure that policies geared toward economic, technological empowerment and human development, received appropriate legislative framework. The Senate President, Senator David Mark, made the remark at the Public Hearing on Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) Amendment Bill 2014 on Wednesday in Abuja. The senate president, who declared the hearing open, said it was imperative in view of the importance of the zone to the economic sustenance of the country. He stressed that the move to amend the Act was borne out of the need to enhance the sector, address grey areas and set it in motion for a more viable economic growth.
“The fundamental ideology behind Free Trade Zones as we know is setting up economically viable laws that act as catalysts for economic growth. “The laws also act as empowerment for individuals and the private and public sector as well as generation of foreign exchange and attraction of foreign direct investment,“ he said. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Establishment, Senator Odion Ugbesia, said free zones worldwide were instrumental to industrial and economic growth. This according to him, prompted the Federal Government to establish the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zones to provide greater level of foreign direct investment, employment and greater economic self reliance.
Atiku declares for 2015 presidency By JOSES SEDE
ABUJA - Former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar has formally declared his intention to vie for nomination under the All Progressives Congress to enable him contest the forthcoming Presidential Elections come 2015. This is even as it has been touted that Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has earlier submitted a letter of intent to the national leadership of the APC following pressure on him to do so. Making the declaration at capacity full Shehu Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, the ex-Vice President lamented that Nigeria of today is more divided than it was during the civil war with a disturbing rise in ethnic nationalism and religious bigotry while insecurity and disharmony thrives. He asserted that “Good leadership is what is required to make good things happen”
and that the glaring mismatch between the nation’s potential and its achievements has become for many a frustrating puzzle” “As a progressive and openminded Nigerian”, he continued, “I consider it a golden opportunity and a bittersweet chance to display our courage, rekindle our innovative instinct, showcase our character and turn the Nigerian dream into reality.” He told the gathering that he intends to run a government that will create a “Nigeria for all irrespective of region, tribe or religion” and to ensure “safe and secured lives’’ for the Nigerian youth. “You, the youth, endowed with fresh ideas, bubbling energy and a passionate desire for change; you are the hope of this nation. Without you, we really can’t talk of a future with hope and confidence. That is why the 2015 election is about you. It is about how to ensure that you live safe and secured lives. It is about making
sure that you feed well. Making sure you receive quality and affordable education and training, secure good jobs, support your own families and contribute positively to the development of our country. This is what a responsive and responsible government owes its citizens; this is what our generation owes upcoming generations,’’ he noted. Atiku also noted that APC’s adoption of the Modified Open Primaries in selecting its flag bearers would ensure that candidates who enjoyed the popular will of party members emerged. He expressed hope in the future of Nigeria, saying “it is inspiring that amidst difficulties, and growing anxiety over the future of our country, our people have refused to succumb to despair and hopelessness. “This never-say-die attitude gives me immense hope and it is one of the reasons why I can never give up on Nigeria.’’
News Expert Cautions Against Consumption Of Rain, River Water BY MORRISON HAYBLE
L-R: Mr. Jerry Obazele, Head of Service Edo State; Hon Philip Shaibu, member and Chairman, Edo State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Government House, Rules and Business; Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Hon. Foly Ogedegbe, member of the committee during the defence of 2015 Budget by Government House at the committee level yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN
AUCHI- A medical doctor resident at Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Alfred Esiemoghie has cautioned against the consumption of river and rain water describing the practice as harzardous to health. Dr Esiemoghie who is the Director, Primary Health Care, PHC unit in the council reacting to the regular sales of water procured from rivers and questionable sources in the area noted that diseases like onchocerciasis and diarrhea were often associated with the use of these sources because of contamination. He explained that the misuse
of the river through defecation, washing of clothes and dumping of all sorts of things rendered the water contaminated and impure for drinking. “Rivers, as God made them are supposed to be a very useful source, but because of misuse they have become infested. Some defecate into them, some wash clothes and some urinate into it”, Dr Esiemoghie observed. The PHC coordinator also noted that consumption of rain
LG Boss Inaugurates AUCHI – The Chairman, C’ttee Etsako West Local Government Council Hon. Hassan Kadiri recently inaugurated a committee on illegal sales of council property.
Pensioners Sue For Harmonization Of Pension
By ERANGA ISAAC BENIN CITY- The South-South Zone of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has appealed to Edo State Government, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to harmonize the pension of retired civil servants in the state. The appeal was contained in an address presented by the Zonal Chairman of the SouthSouth Forum of the NUP, Comrade B.E. Ettah on the occasion of NUP’s South-South Zonal meeting which was recently held in Benin City. The NUP called on the state government to view with empathy, the pitiable situation of pensioners in the state whose right are being trampled upon with impunity. The NUP also called on the state government to put in place a deliberate policy to payroll the new pensioners as soon as they retire, saying that this would enable them have food
on their table, take care of their dependants until their gratuities are paid. Ettah added that the pension should be reviewed as spelt out in section 179(3) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Chairman of Edo State Council of NUP Comrade Ikponwosa Omoragbon, in his speech, called for the decentralization of pension payment to the six geo-political zones for convenience and effectiveness. He said this would help pensioners in the country know who to meet when ever they have problems. Omoragbon appealed to the National President to stop individual pensioners from the various states of the Federation from infiltrating the offices of those in-charge of pension payment in Abuja. He said their action, not only encourage corruption, but undermined the authorities of the various states executive
committees across the country. He appealed to Edo State governor to commence the payment of the six percent and 15 percent pension increases of October 2003 and January 2007 respectively. Representing the Governor, the Commissioner for Establishment, Special Duty and labour, Comrade Didi Adodo said the Governor is already aware of the pensioners plight, and was already making provisions to put lasting smile on their faces. Representing the Bayelsa State Council of NUP, His Royal Majesty Dr. Emmanuel Namatebe said he was pleased with the presence of state functionaries, a development he said goes to show that the state government is concerned about the issues of pensioners. He however appealed to the state governor to pay all the outstanding entitlement of the pensioners. On his part, the NUP Zonal Secretary, Obony Cosmas Essien called for prompt
water could not be guaranteed due to possible contamination during the process of collection as the source was likely to result in diarrhea and vomiting. Dr Esiemoghie however appealed to relevant authorities to intensify efforts aimed at providing potable water for the people to avoid prevalence of water borne diseases. He used the medium to appeal to parents not to undermine the routine immunization exercises, but to always make their children and wards available as such has a critical role in protecting them against diseases.
payment of gratuity saying that this would ensure smooth transit from public to private life. He called for the harmonization of pensions, saying pensioners in the 1980s cannot equal themselves with pensioners of the century.
According to the Executive Chairman this move is prompted by the series of complaints and petitions from concerned groups and individual on the trend of illegal sales of council properties by some individuals. He stated that his administration has zero tolerant for illegalities and charged the committee to the above board to strive to recover all council properties that were illegally sold to individuals no matter how privileged they may be.
IGR: Delta Loses N2.8bn In 4 By BETTY IDALU
WARRI- The Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR), Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has warned staff of the board of complacency, saying this was capable of affecting their monthly projection. According to him, their lackadaisical attitude was already having negative effects on monthly collections. Hon. Joel-Onowakpo who gave the warning at a meeting held with Board
members, Directors and Head of out stations across the 25 Local Governments Areas of Delta State noted that the state government lost about N2.8 billion in the last four months. This he said is against the board’s determination to increase the state Internally Generated Revenue. He said that stiff measures have been put in place to ensure maximum professional conduct in the discharge of their responsibility, stressing that the board will not condole indolence on the part of
Months
staff as it is already taking its toll on state IGR.
The children of the late Editor of Weekend OBSERVER, Mr. Henry Osayemwenre Balogun who died on July 15, 2014. L-R: Omokaro, Ivie, Victoria, Theophilus and Hendricks Balogun respectively during a Service of Songs held in Benin City yesterday as part of his burial ceremonies. PHOTO: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.
Schools In Edo North Resume Academic were found busy cleaning up the BY MORRISON HAYBLE Local Government Areas where classes in preparation for Activities the teachers and pupils AUCHI- The resumption of schools on Monday for the first term of the 2014/2015 academic session as directed by federal government was complied with in most schools visited by our correspondent in Edo North senatorial district, despite the initial controversy that surrounded the resumption date. In Etsako West, teachers and their students/pupils in school
academic work. At the Institute of Continuing Education, ICE, Auchi where a large number of students turned up, the Zonal Coordinator, Mr Abokhai Michael explained that they were engaged mainly in cleaning, being the first day to enable them commence academic work the next day. However, at Etsako Primary School, Auchi, very few pupils reported while all the teachers
were present. Head Master of the school, Mr Ainakhuagbor Zuberu said they were cleaning up and preparing the classes for learning as they expect more pupils to turn up. He commended the teachers for complying with the directive, adding that all of them, without exemption, reported for duty. The situation was the same in Akoko Edo and Etsako Central
expressed happiness to be back to school. At Ikakumo Primary School, Ikakumo and Ekpese College, Lampese , the students and pupils respectively said they cherished the resumption as further stay would have extended the academic calendar. Private primary and secondary schools in the area also resumed as directed.
News
Senate Passes Corporate Manslaughter Bill By JOSES SEDE
ABUJA - Determined to make corporate bodies and agencies liable for their acts of negligence, dereliction of duty or gross incompetence which results in the death of a person, the Senate yesterday passed the corporate manslaughter bill with a view to creating the offence of corporate manslaughter. The bill was passed following consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. The bill which was sponsored by Late Senator Akpor Pius Ewherido, who until his death in June 2014 represented Delta Central in the National Assembly, prescribes a jail term of not less than three years or maximum of seven years with an option fine of not less than one hundred thousand naira and not more than one million naira. It provides also that an organization guilty of corporate manslaughter is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than one million, with no maximum limit, so as to allow courts the privilege of imposing fines on corporations
based on the gravity of the offence while putting their economic and social profile into consideration. The bill prescribes that, “Notwithstanding the culpability of an organization, corporation or agency, any person or group of persons who either jointly or severally in the course of carrying out a legitimate duty, performs same negligently or defaults to perform same, thereby causing the death of a person or directly leading to the occurrence of an event causing the death of a person, shall be guilty of the offence of accessory to corporate manslaughter.” The corporate manslaughter bill provides that all related offences under the Act may be prosecuted at the instance of the Attorney General of the federation, the Police Force and any private legal practitioner; with the court of jurisdiction being State High Court or Federal High Court of Justice. According to findings contained in the report of the Senator Umaru Dahiru led Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, the Corporate Manslaughter bill contemplates a killing as an
action committed, directly or indirectly by a corporation, which sections 308 and 317 did not cover. It noted that the provision of a new section to provide for compensation to the deceased victims’ family, will amount to
duplication, as such has been taken care of in other laws such as the Employees Compensation Act, Labour Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act etc. The committee further noted that with the passage of the bill into law, same will not
preclude any person or group of persons from instituting civil cases against any corporation as regards compensation. Also, the Senate yesterday passed the Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists Bill
Chairperson, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Barr. (Mrs.) Lucy Omagbon display an Ebola Virus Awareness poster during her appearance before Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Health briefing on Ebola Virus Awareness Campaign in the 18 Local Governments of Edo State recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.
INEC Advises Public On Its Contact Centre
ABUJA - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advised members of the public to utilise its citizen contact centre to obtain relevant
A block of 6 classrooms renovated by the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe at Usi Primary School, Off Ewah Road as part of his 2013 Constituency Project. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.
information about electoral process. INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzi, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday. “INEC Citizen Contact Centre is a facility allowing the general public constant access to the commission with enquiries and exchange of information. “As a situation room, the centre offers the public opportunity for getting real time responses to enquiries, incident-reports, complaints and queries about any aspect of the electoral process.’’ Osaze-Uzi said that the centre, located at the commission’s headquarters, could be accessed via social
media and hotlines. The hotlines are 07098115257, 07098117563 and 07098110916. The social media include f a c e b o o k ( w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m /
WARRI (Delta) - The Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, CBCN has described as alarming the scale of human, material destruction, and the disruption of village and community life with increased levels of hatred and potentials for more conflicts in the nation. In a press statement titled, “While Nigeria bleeds and burns” issued at the end of Second Plenary meeting and signed by the President and the Secretary of the CBCN,
Most Revd. lgnatius A Kaigama and Most Revd. William Avenya respectively, the Catholic bishops called on the Federal Government to do more than it is presently doing. “We believe that we still have governments at the Federal and State levels whose primary duty it is to preserve and protect the life of every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe, religion, social class in the face of this Boko Haram group and other criminals arming themselves beyond our legitimate government and
brazenly killing innocent and defenseless citizens. Our government must do more than it is currently doing to fight off and disarm these actual destroyers of Nigeria and Nigerians. “It must do more than it is currently doing to prevent segments of our nation from drifting into anarchy and mutual self destruction and bring criminals to justice.” The statement further said, the Second Annual Plenary of the CBCN was daily strained by first-hand and horrifying reports from Borno ,Yobe,
Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, and Kaduna States about the mass slaughter of fellow Nigerians; the burning and sacking of whole villages and churches and rectories leading to a situation where families and individuals are being forced to seek places of refuge outside their invaded homes and lands. As a result, one of the bishops whose zones had to leave the meeting abruptly because of thousands of refugees that had flocked to his cathedral and its premises, expecting protection and
inecnigeria); twitter (www.twitter.com/ innecnigeria); email (iccc@inec.gov.ng), and website (ww.inecnigeria.org). The director expressed optimism that the centre would allow Nigeria to have access to more information concerning election process in the country.
Activist Condemns Ban Of Use Of Motorcycle By JOEL CHUKWUAGHONIM
AGBOR - A Delta State human right activist, Comrade Emmanuel Akpovwovwo said the ban on the use of motorcycle (Okada) is an infringement on the human right of citizens in the affected area. Akpovwovwo in a chat with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in Agbor, Delta
Catholic Bishops Bemoan Conflict Induced Losses By BETTY IDIALU
2013. The bill was passed following consideration of the report of the committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. The bill provides for the establishment of the Animal Health Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria, a body which shall be responsible for determining what standards of knowledge and skill are to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the profession and to improve those standards from time to time as circumstances permit. The committee on Agriculture and Rural development in its report noted that the passage of the bill will enhance the activities of the Animal Health Technologists, adhere to international best practices, and ensure their accreditation with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of which Nigeria is a signatory.
feeding from the bishop and his diocese. While calling on the government and every endowed Nigerians to reach out in charity and solidatity to rehabilitate and support displaced brothers and sisters wherever they are and so sustain God given human dignity, the CBCN said it has mandated CARITAS (charity/ emergency office) to immediately provide funds and succour to all affected persons as is within its capacity
State said the ban has to no legal justification. He described as pedestrian, the argument that the ban was occasioned by the fact that it was being used by criminals to commit crimes, such as armed robbery, kidnapping and bombing. According to him, in as much as it is possible that some people use motorcycle to commit crimes, the ban amounted to pushing innocent people with criminals. He querried the work of security agencies if they cannot arrest criminals in the society rather than punishing innocent citizens with criminals. While urging relevant authorities to have a rethink on the ban, he said it would rather promote crime and criminalities as people put out of their jobs would definitely look for something to fend for themselves, here lies crime as a respite, he added. As a respite for commuters to move around easily, he urged the Delta state government to rehabilitate link roads to make them easier for tricycles to ply.
News
Provide Pre-Paid Meters For Consumers, Community Leader Urges PHCN SOKOTO - Alhaji Sidi Umar, a community leader at Tsamiyar-Dilar in Sokoto North Local Government area of Sokoto State, has called on the
PHCN to provide pre-paid meters for electricity consumers to ensure effective revenue generation. Umar told newsmen in
USAID To Distribute 1.6m Insecticidal Mosquito Nets LAFIA - United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says it will distribute 1.6 million Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets to communities in Nasarawa State in continuation of the fight against malaria. Mrs Zainab Ali, Prevention Specialist with the Malaria Action Programme for States (MAPS) announced this at a media forum in Lafia. She said the distribution of the nets under the Presidential Malaria Initiative was meant to replace the nets distributed in 2010. According to her, the house-to-house distribution of the nets will commence on Oct. 10 and end on October 15. She urged traditional rulers, Journalists, religious and community leaders to carry out more enlightenment on the need to imbibe the use of treated mosquito nets to combat malaria. Thomas Orogu, state’s MAPS Behavioural Change Communication Officer, said
the long-lasting insecticidal nets have no negative effect and are safe for all categories of people. Orogu urged the people of the state, especially women and children, to embrace the use of the net to guard against malaria attacks.
Healthcare: Lawmaker AROMOKO-EKITI (EKITI STATE)Rep. Tasks FG Oyetunde Ojo (APC-Ekiti West) has called on Federal Government to build standard hospitals in all the geo-political zones of the country. Ojo made the appeal in Aramoko-Ekiti during the inauguration of a 20-bed ward donated to the general hospital in the town. He said the standard hospitals would checkmate loss of lives of Nigerians to treatable ailments. The legislator that the Ebola Virus Disease and other dreaded diseases could have been better handled, if government could provide world class medical facilities that could treat complicated cases. Ojo, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Communications, said the donation was to improve the
Court Remands Man For Stabbing Security Guard LAGOS - A Tinubu
Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has remanded a man, Taofeek OlaSheu, at Ikoyi Prisons for allegedly stabbing a security guard with a broken bottle. The accused, 27, a tiler, who resides at Ologonla in Ajah on Lagos-Epe Expressway, had pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of assault occasioning harm and causing bodily injury on a man. The Magistrate, Mr L.A. Owolabi, said the accused should be kept behind bars pending facts and sentence. Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Koti Aondohemba, told the court that the offences were committed
Sokoto that the meters would enable consumers to judiciously utilise power. He said that the system would encourage consumers to utilise the amount of energy purchased. He explained that distribution of the meters would enhance the company’s revenue generation as consumers paid promptly. “The product should be given free of charge to consumers so that it would help in managing power supply,” he said. He said that the situation had encouraged Nigerians to resort to massive use of generators as source of power supply.
on Sept. 15 at Splash Bar and Restaurant, Ogidon, Ajah. Aondohemba alleged that the accused stabbed the complainant, Ifeanyi Anozie, with a broken bottle when he was asked to leave the bar at the close of the day’s work. “Ola-Sheu after being asked to leave the bar for Anozie to lock it, he got angry and picked a bottle nearby which he used to stab Anozie at his back.” The offences, he noted, contravened Sections 170 and 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The case was adjourned till Sept. 14 for facts and sentence.
medical service delivery for the people of his constituency. He said “the equipment will be useful for the people, rather than travelling to Ado Ekiti, the state capital or neighbouring states to seek medical attention. “I am very passionate about the welfare of my people and that is why I have to give back to the people. “I consulted with my people on what they wanted and this is the beauty of democracy, because you cannot just impose on the people”. On APC’s chances in 2015, Ojo was optimistic that the party would have a good outing in the general elections. “APC is always a party to beat in Ekiti, we are on ground and we can win elections here, because we have done well in terms of service delivery,” he said. Ojo said the defeat suffered by Gov. Kayode Fayemi in the June 21 governorship election had not signalled the end of the party in the state. He said: “It will be erroneous to think Fayemi’s loss marked the end of APC in Ekiti, people have not rejected us. “The 2015 general elections remain the best opportunity for us as a party to tell the world that the party is still relevant in the state. “Though, if the election actually represented the true position of Ekiti people, then we have to go back to the drawing board and re-strategise. “The party is already doing that, but this will not in any way prejudice our rights to challenge whatever grey areas we noticed in the election,” said Ojo.
Fish Seller Jailed For Defaulting M A R A R A B A
(NASARAWA STATE)- A Grade 1 Area Court at Aso Pada, Mararaba, on Monday sentenced a fish seller, Majida Umar, 33, to 24 months imprisonment for failure to pay for fish valued at N252,000. The presiding judge, Mr Albert Maga, handed down the sentence after the accused pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against her, and
promised to refund the amount. Maga, however, gave the convict an option of N2,000 fine, and also ordered her to pay N34,000 as compensation to the nominal complainant, one Nasiru Aliu of old NEPA office in Mararaba. Aliu had told the court that sometimes in September 2013, he sold fish to the convict valued at N252, 000 and she promised to pay him back in a week’s
time. “Majida escaped with my money to an unknown place until last February when I saw her in Mararaba and alerted the police. “All I want is my money so that I can continue with my business,” he said. The reports state that the convict was first arraigned on February 20 on a one countcharge of cheating.
South-West
2015 Budget Estimates
Osun Sets Deadline For MDAs “This becomes necessary in OSOGBO Osun Government has directed its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to submit their 2015 draft estimates to the Budget Office, latest October 6. A statement by Mr Segun Olorunsogo, Permanent Secretary, Budget and Economic Planning, advised heads of MDAs to visit the Budget Office to pick call circulars. “Ministries and all other agencies of Government are to adhere strictly to the instructions in the call circular for the formulation of year 2015 budget.
L-R: Winner of 2014 International Fashion Week, Ibitein Thompson; Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari and Deputy Governor, Mr. Tele Ikuru, at the 2014 Rivers International Fashion Week Awards night in Port Harcourt recently.
order to ensure thoroughness and transparency in the 2015 budget preparation,’’ he said. According to him, budget preparation and formulation was a serious exercise which should be accorded the deserved seriousness and attention. “All ministries and agencies of government are advised to comply with the Monday, Oct 6 deadline for the submission of the year 2015 draft estimates. “ The draft estimates are to be forwarded to the Office of Budget and Economic Planning, Finance building,’’ the statement added.
FRSC Issues 1,124 New Number Plates To Motorists OSOGBO - The Osun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said that it issued 1,124 new number plates to motorists in the state between June and August. Mr Muhammad Husaini, the FRSC sector commander, made this disclosure during an interview with newsmen in Osogbo. Husaini said the figure was submitted to the commission by the state revenue board, the department responsible for number plate production. According to him, the figure covers number plates for cars, buses, articulated vehicles and motorcycles.
The sector commander said that the FRSC works in partnership with the state revenue board in registration and production of new number plates or upgrading old ones by motorists. He said FRSC is not a revenue generating body, so the duty of number plates’ production lies with the state under the supervision and co-ordination of the commission. Husaini therefore urged members of the public and motorists to follow due process in number plate procurement and upgrading, adding that they could visit the command/ commission for guidance.
PHCN Casual Workers Entitlements
Court Decides Jurisdiction IBADAN - The National Oct 15 Industrial Court, Ibadan, has Bad portion on Ikom-Ogoja Road at Ekpugrinya/Ekpugrinya/Ekajuk Communities in Cross River.
Ogun Schools To Resume October 8
ABEOKUTA - The Ogun Government announced October 8 as the new resumption date for private and public schools in the state. The Secretary to the state government (SSG), Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, announced the new date at a news conference. Adeoluwa said the development followed an evaluation meeting between representatives of the government and stakeholders in the education sector held on Friday.
The SSG said that the government was anxious to open schools on September 22 in line with Federal Government’s directive, but the level of preparation in some of the schools were not satisfactory. Adeoluwa, who said the state government had put measures in place to check any possible outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), explained that the level of preparations in some primary schools needed to be improved. “Left to the government, we want to return the
students to school on September. 22,’’ Adeoluwa said. “But the operators raised the issue of gadgets and when we went round, we discovered that the facilities in some schools need to be improved. “The consensus of opinion among the stakeholders is that it is better to tread the path of caution by shifting the resumption date than to risk the safety of our children.
“We need to conduct a very active evaluation and monitoring exercise and ensure that our schools are indeed ready to contain any possible outbreak of Ebola and also to prevent other diseases before the students return.’’ The SSG disclosed that a dedicated team had already been raised to move around the local governments as from Monday to evaluate the state of preparedness of schools.
said that it would on October 15 decide on an application filed by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) challenging the jurisdiction of the court. It would be recalled that casual workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) numbering about 500 had sued the company and the BPE over unpaid entitlements. The claimants’ Counsel, Ahmed Tafa, told the court that the defendants’ counsel were not in the court to move their application and urged the court to strike out the application. According to Tafa, the case is ripe for hearing. Justice Kola Olalere said that she could not strike out the application of the defendants because the case was not slated for hearing but for mention. Olalere adjourned the case to October 5, adding that if the defendants were not in court by the next adjournment date, then necessary step would be taken on the application. She also ordered that
hearing notice be served on the defendants. The casual workers storm the court premises chanting different songs and begging the Federal Government to intervene. It would also recalls that Tarfa had earlier told the court that the claimants were employed as contract, casual staff and corporate guards by PHCH prior to its privatisation by BPE. He said that the claimants had met all the requirements and complied with the directive of the defendants for regularisation and redesignation from casual or contract staff to permanent staff of the PHCN as from December 31, 2009. Tarfa said that the claimants were entitled to the payment of their salaries, severance packages, gratuities, pension and other entitlements as regularised staff of the PHCN. He urged the court to direct the defendants to pay the claimants all their salaries, severance packages, gratuities, pension and other entitlements accrued as due to the employers of the PHCN.
Lagos Collapsed Synagogue Church: Lawmaker Blames Builders By SURAJU RAJI
LAGOS - The Chairman Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Environment , Hon Abiodun Tobun, has attributed professional inadequacies of builders to the collapse of Synagogue Church
of All Nations erected at Ikotun Egbe in Lagos State. Commenting on the collapsed church, Hon Tobun disclosed that the incident was unfortunate, it is a major disaster to the nation. He therefore commiserated with the families of the 60 deceased who perished in the disaster.
Tobun, however lamented that such a magnitude of loss should have been averted if builders adhered to professional ethics in building technology. He explained that the building plan was approved for two storey but the builders raised it to 6 flats of storey building. Referring to the
National Emergence Authority (NEMA’s) reports, Tobun said “there is a major error in the construction “. The lawmaker revealed that the foundation of the building was too shallow for the structure. He said the defect caused the collapse of the building. He further explained,
“we have town planning offic ers that should have supervised the building and ensure that accurate building plans and ethics were adhered to”. He disclosed that some builders are accomplices, who comprise standard. “Professionals ought to have lived up to expectation when building houses “ Tobun advised . Asked why the past offenders have not been punished for contravention of building plans, Tobun said corruption is in the system.
Tobun stressed “the builders ought to do things based on the oath of office”. He appealed to the state government to ensure there is adequate building material- test and quality control measures put in place. On oversight function of the lawmakers, the lawmaker disclosed, “The instrument of oversight laws made by the house is with us but instrument of enforcement is not with us”. It is with the executive, adding that the executive should ensure that the laws are obeyed.
Nurture Culture Of Peace, Don Urges Political
Executive Secretary, Niger Basin Authority (NBA), Retired Maj-Gen. Collins Ihekire (left), exchanging pleasantaries with the Director of Water Quality and Sanitation Control, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Samuel Ome, at the NBA Technical Experts Meeting in Abuja recently.
Horn Free Day
LAGOS - A university lecturer, Dr Philip Ujomu, has urged political elites in Nigeria to nurture the culture of peace and stop playing politics with the nation’s security challenge. Ujomu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, University of Benin, made the plea in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. He spoke against the backdrop of the International Day of Peace celebrated every September 21 with the
Lagos To Partner Private Sector
By RAHEEM IBRAHIM
LAGOS - The Lagos State Government has identified the need to partner with private individuals and organisations in furtherance of its plans to observe the 2014 HORN FREE DAY on Wednesday, October 15. The Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, who disclosed this recently, called on individuals and private organizations to partner with the State Government in ensuring the success of the HORN FREE DAY project. He explained that the partnership will entail buyin, listing as partner and provision of programme support by the individual and the publicizing of the DAY to achieve the intended impact. Opeifa urged interested parties that are ready to partner with the State Government in this laudable project to contact his Ministry on 08075005411 for further discussion or clarification.
L-R: Wife of Ogun Governor, Mrs. Funso Amosun; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos; His wife, Abimbola; Award Recipient, Iya Oge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson and wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, at the 2014 National Women Conference in Lagos recently.
Lagos Sets Oct 8 For Schools Resumption By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS -The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola has directed that all learning and teaching activities in Lagos Schools be suspended until Wednesday, October 8, 2014 for the next academic session. Governor Fashola gave the directive in Lagos at an interactive session with Principals, Vice Principals, Head Teachers and Assistant Head Teachers of public secondary and primary schools in the state. He noted that the additional two weeks of holiday will allow the state government to further put in place all necessary precautionary measures against the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Lagos state schools.
Fashola who commended the concern, commitment and dedication of Lagos teachers to their work and concern against the spread of the EVD explained that there are no sides to the issue of containing the spread of the Virus in state as both the government and the teachers are on the same side. Said he, “Let me assure you that there are no divisions or sides to the issue at hand. All of us, i. e. government and you teachers are on the same side, the side of safety and that is why I commend you for your concern for safety. The biggest fear I have everyday is that nothing must happen to anyone of you”. The Governor however emphasized the need for
everyone to rededicate themselves to good personal and environmental hygiene particularly hand washing techniques adding that the need to do so cannot be over emphasized now since such acts can help in the eradicating the Virus in our state. He explained that all public schools in the state will be connected to the Lagos State Water Corporation in order to ensure that they have potable water in the Schools and that each floor of public schools have hand washing buckets in order to ensure effective hand washing among the students and pupils of public schools. Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers,
Comrade Adesegun Raheem commended the State government for controlling and combating the Virus adding that if other countries have shown the same commitment and dedication shown by the state government in the fight against the Virus, the Ebola issue would have been a thing of the past now. In the same vein, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina noted that thermoscans machine have been distributed to each public school in the state adding that schools that have not yet collected theirs should immediately to go to their education district to collect as they have been distributed to each district.
Elites
2014 the theme for this year as: “Right of Peoples to Peace”. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia says, “International Day of Peace, sometimes unofficially known as World Peace Day, is observed annually on September 21. “It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. “The day was first celebrated in 1982, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples.” Ujomu said that the nation’s political elites have a major role to play in nurturing the culture of peace. “Political elites wield so much influence among their followers. Sometimes this influence is deployed negatively as seen in electoral violence in Nigeria. “Our politicians must stop playing politics with security, instead, collective efforts should be mobilised in the quest to arrest insurgency in the country,” he said. Ujomu also advised Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of nationalism for the country to develop. According to him, we can surmount our developmental challenges, if the national interest is sacrificed on the altar of selfish political interest. “Nigerians can afford to sacrifice any part of their lives on the altar of selfish interest and politics. “Once we don’t have a common purpose, a sense of belonging, then it will be difficult for us to surmount our developmental and security challenges,’’ Ujomu said. He commended the Federal Government for promoting peaceful co-existence among Nigerians through its various programmes.
Across The Nation Flood Sacks Over 200 Families In Ilorin ILORIN - Over 200 families including widows have been rendered homeless, following flood that wreaked havoc at the Aduralere area of Ilorin. The flood was as a result of a torrential rain which lasted for many hours. The Special Adviser to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Emergency and Relief, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Ibrahim, who disclosed the number of the affected victims after a sympathy visit, said the havoc caused by the flood was devastating. Ibrahim told newsmen in llorin on Friday that the state government would provide immediate succour to all the affected victims. Some of the victims
Boko Haram Fighters Surrender To Nigrian Army ABUJA - The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that some Boko Haram terrorists have begun to surrender with their weapons voluntarily following relentless onslaught by troops. This is contained in a statement posted on the DHQ website. “Some of them submitted themselves and their weapons to the leadership of the troops in Konduga during a further campaign at the weekend. “As the heat on the terrorists continues, five terrorists surrendered on Saturday (September 20) with all their weapons to troops at Konduga pleading for mercy.’’ According to the statement, other captured terrorists who refused to surrender have also been giving useful information on the subsequent plans of the group in an apparent effort to cooperate. The DHQ recalled that in the last few days there had been several attempts by desperate terrorists to gain entry into Konduga which were foiled by the troops. The terrorists’ move, according to the statement, is aimed at recovering the bodies of their prominent fighters who died in previous encounters in the area. The DHQ also said that its troops had recovered more weapons during mop-up operations while some of their terrorists’ vehicles had been destroyed.
including children, who spoke with newsmen said they were taking refuge in Churches or Mosques and with neighbours who were not seriously affected. They called on the state government to come to their rescue, saying that life had been very difficult since the flood rendered them homeless. Meanwhile, over 100 of the victims who are mostly youths, embarked on a peaceful protest, urging the state government to urgently come to their aid.
L-R: Gov Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State (left), shaking hands with Bauchi State Amirul Hajj and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, during his farewell to the pilgrims at Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport in Bauchi recently.
Candidates Must Show Proof Of Commitment -APGA Chieftain
2015:
UMUAHIA - Mr Uchenna Okogbue, The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), South East zone, has said that the party will not field candidates who will “use and dump” it in the 2015 general elections. Okogbue said this in an interview with newsmen in Uzuakoli, Bende Local
Government Area of Abia. ‘’You cannot just come from anywhere and pick the party’s ticket because you have money,’’ he said. He said the party’s flag bearers in future elections in the zone “must show proof of their loyalty and commitment to the party’’. He cited instances of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo and
some law makers in the state who defected to another party. Okogbue said that some other prominent politicians in the zone also “found refuge in APGA after they were shoved aside in their former parties’’ but later defected to other parties rather than contributing to build APGA He expressed regret that unlike
P r i m a r y Health Care Coordinator, Faskari Local Government Area, Hajia Muheebat Abdullahi, Administering polio vaccine to a child in Tafoki village, during September round immunisation campaign against polio and other child killer diseases recently.
the practice in advanced democracies in the world, Nigerian politicians lacked ‘’the spirit and commitment to build party structures’’. ‘’What they are looking for is what goes into their pocket and how to use the party to clinch power. ‘’Nigerians should learn to painstakingly build a party and the structures and when this is done, committed party members will continue to fund the party,’’ he said. Okogbue also advocated that political parties should be founded along distinct political ideologies and manifestoes for them to have relevance and membership that would be committed to its course. He, however, expressed regrets that unlike other political
First Batch Of Kwara Pilgrims Depart For Saudi Arabia ILORIN - The First batch of 501intending pilgrims from Kwara have been transported from Ilorin International Airport to Saudi Arabia. The Pilgrims left on board a Boeing 787 Airline at exactly
2014 Hajj: Bauchi Airport Begins BAUCHI - The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Sagir Saleh has said 530 intending pilgrims in the state left for Saudi Arabia via the new Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi. In his farewell message to the pilgrims, Saleh said the government had wanted to start transporting pilgrims from the airport since in 2013. He said that the plan was
Operation
truncated by some challenges until it was fully completed and certified for use. He said N1.3 billion was spent on its construction which took four years to complete. “With 3.4 kilometres runway, the airport has a capacity to accommodate five Boeing 747 aircraft at a time,’’ he said.
The deputy governor urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and the country. Earlier, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman, said the pilgrims would pray for peace and the security of the country. He said the team he would lead to the holy land would do everything possible to ensure that the state pilgrims
parties which had their stronghold in other geo-political zones, “the Igbo have not been able to conquer the South East using APGA’’. He said that the party was poised to rekindle the spirit of its members across the federation, adding that strategic plans were being made to win elections in the zone and other states in 2015. ‘’Whether we have structures on ground or not, all hands are on deck to use the party to liberate and salvage the people of the South East from the clutches of poverty and misrule. ‘’Ours is to tell the people that what we have seen on ground is not good enough. ‘’APGA is known for the masses and we are ready to work for the masses in Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo,’’ Okogbue said.
were safe. The Commissioner for Religious Affairs in the state, Alhaji Ahmed Barau, said six aircraft were scheduled to transport the 2, 296 pilgrims who were expected to travel to the holy land through the airport in 2014. He said that those to be airlifted would include the medical team and other officials of the state’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
6.34 p.m. The airport was packed with friends and families of the intending pilgrims who were there to see their loved ones off. The chairman of Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Usman Olosun, said that the screening was conducted in a peaceful and smooth manner as the intending pilgrims obeyed the laid down rules guiding the pilgrimage. He urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria as they would be in the midst of other nationals in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kwara Amir-Hajj, Olupo of Aje-isepo, Oba Sikiru said that the pilgrims were well prepared to perform this year’s Hajj. He urged the pilgrims to be steadfast, prayerful and committed to almighty Allah while in Mecca and to pray for peace in Nigeria.
Across The Nation Enact Law On HIV, Activist Tasks Jigawa Govt
L-R: Representative of the CBN Governor, Mrs. Sarah Alade; representative of the Minister of Finance, Mr. Jonah Otunla; President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Otunba Debola Osibogun and Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, at the 8th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja recently.
New Legal Year: Lawyers Advocate Quick
LAGOS - Some prominent lawyers in Lagos have called for quick dispensation of justice in Lagos State in the 2014/2015 Legal Year. The lawyers made the call in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos. Mr Alex Mouka, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos branch, said the Lagos State Judiciary had put various reforms in place to accelerate access to justice. Mouka, however, noted that lawyers had pivotal roles to play in ensuring that such reforms achieved the desired objectives. “The NBA has been sensitising lawyers on how to improve the justice sector. “It has been told to abide by the ethics of the legal profession in their practices. “So in this new legal year, we are a expecting more robust interaction between the Bench and the Bar to fast track justice delivery,” he added.
Dispensation Of Justice
On his part, Mr Onyekachi Ubani, a former Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the NBA, said the judiciary must be more vibrant in the new legal year. Ubani said: “we expect a vibrant judiciary where cases will be disposed of in a timely manner as well as the enthronement of justice and equity to every litigant irrespective of status or condition.’’ “Lawyers and other stakeholders must all brace up to ensure the respect of our laws and upliftment of due process in our legal system.” Expressing the same views, another lawyer, Mr Yemi Omodele, said delay in justice administration could lead to anarchy in the society. Omodele said, “whoever litigates expects the dispute to be resolved within a reasonable time. “This is why it is imperative
Rivers To Sanction Schools For Re-Opening Before Oct 6 PORT HARCOURT - The Rivers State Government has said that any school that reopened before October 6 would be sanctioned. Mr Michael West, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that government decided to reopen schools on October 6 to ensure that measures were put in place against the spread of Ebola Virus Disease. He said that schools were required to provide water and ensure cleaner environment for their pupils and students before resumption of classes. Contributing, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker, said that more than 200 persons in the state were under surveillance. “The surveillance days expired Monday, September
22, and it is necessary to watch them for some time before October 6. “The ministries of health and education met and arrived on the October 6 date for schools to reopen and we believe the date is okay,’’ he said. Meanwhile, our correspondents who checked some schools, report that they complied with the directive not to reopen till October 6. Rev. Fr. Anthony Baabel, the Principal of Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt, said the school would resume on October 5. “Our students are expected to arrive in the school on October 5, while lectures will resume on October 6. “This in compliance with the October 6 resumption date given by the state government,’’ he said.
that there should be quicker dispensation of justice in Lagos State.” In his expectations, Mr Ahmed Adetola-Kazeem, the Director, Prisoners’ Rights Advocacy Initiative, an NGO, said priority should be given to criminal cases to reduce prison congestion. “Verbatim recorders should be
deployed in all courts and the issue of corruption in the judiciary should also be checked,” he added. The new legal year will start on September 22, with Church and Mosque services, the valedictory court session will hold on September 23 and the programme will end on September 26 with a dinner at the City Hall in Lagos.
BIRNIWA (Jigawa) - A civil society activist, Mr Musa Abubakar, has called on Jigawa Government to enact a law compelling couples to find out their HIV status before engaging in marriage. Abubakar made the call at an HIV and AIDS town hall meeting organised by an NGO, Partnership for Action and Development in Birniwa, Jigawa. Abubakar, who is also the chairman of the organisation, said that the call was imperative toward effective control of the scourge. He said that such laws would go a long way in curtailing the spread of the disease as well as enhance public health system. “It is desirable to have enabling laws to make people know their HIV status before marriage. ‘’ “This will contain the transmission of the disease, especially in rural communities,” he said. Abubakar explained that the organisation had organised the town hall meeting as part of its comprehensive HIV and AIDS sensitisation activity. He said the campaign was
designed to create awareness on the scourge as well as promote care and support for persons living with the disease. The chairman noted that such campaign activity was a collective responsibility hence the need for the society to work toward the total control of the scourge. According to him, the organisation established in 2005, was working to promote public awareness in areas of education, justice and health care delivery. In a remark, the Chief Medical Director, Birniwa General Hospital, Dr Muhammad Nuradeen, stressed the need for people to know their HIV status. Nuradeen noted that the measure would control transmission of the disease. Also speaking, Malam Kabir Muhammad, an Islamic cleric, advised parents to ensure proper moral upbringing of their wards as a way of effective control of the pandemic. No fewer than 50 participants drawn from Community Based Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, farmers and women groups attended the meeting.
checking incessant strikes in tertiary institutions. “The state of education in the country also calls for urgent attention. The Federal Government should declare a state of emergency at all levels of the education sector in the country,’’ he said. Also speaking at the occasion, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing
developing. He commended the university’s management for providing sound and qualitative university education. Reports state that the occasion also featured award of honorary degrees to Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN) and the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu.
Al-Hikmah Varsity Produces 16 First Class Council, Alhaji Ibrahim ILORIN - A private Coomassie, lauded the pace university in Ilorin, the Graduates at which the institution was Kwara state capital, Aladmonished the graduating Hikmah, has graduated 658 students, with 16 of them bagging First Class degrees. Speaking at the fourth convocation ceremony of the university, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sulyman AbdulKareem, said 175 other students graduated in the Second Class Upper Division while 287 had Lower Division. A b d u l K a r e e m
students to allow the teachings of God reflect in their character, thoughts and way of life. “At all times, you need to be just, upright and consistent in your action and behaviour toward the realisation of a virile and humane society for all,” he said. The vice chancellor also called on government to take positive steps toward
L-R: First Vice President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Deacon Segun Ajibola; CIBN President, Otunba Debola Osibogun; Managing Director, ACCION Micro-Finance Bank Ltd, Ms Bunmi Lawson and Head, Human Resources of the Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Michael, at the presentation of N2m Endowment Fund by ACCION to CIBN for the best graduating University Student in MicroCertification Programme, at the 8th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja recently.
Business + Economy FG Urged To Establish Underutilised Species Institutes
KEFFI (NASARAWA STATE) - A professor of Plant Genetics and Breeding, Emmanuel Ndung, has urged the Federal Government to establish Neglected and Underutilised Species Institute (NUSI) to address the problem of food insecurity. Ndung made the call in an interview with newsmen in Keffi, Nasarawa State, saying such establishment had become necessary in view of the problem of food insecurity facing Nigerians. He said the institute would help boost the revenue base and socio-economic development of the country. He lauded the Federal Government’s Agriculture Transformation Agenda, aimed at fighting poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, among others. “The importance of agriculture to the socioeconomic development of any society cannot be overemphasised; agriculture was the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy before the discovery of oil. “Agriculture generates employment, fights hunger and boosts the revenue base of both the farmers and the government. “There are some species of plants, crops that are neglected and underutilised in the country. “There are over 240,000 species of crops but only 10,000 have been studied and you can imagine the gap of underutilised crops in the
country. Ndung said the establishment of the institute would promote research by agricultural experts to boost food production. He expressed concern over
the huge dependence on few plant crops species by Nigerian farmers and called for more research institutes to utilise neglected species. Ndung said that Nigeria needed to give proper
A motorist, standing trial at the FRSC Mobile Court for worn-out tyres at Ozubulu in Anambra recently.
country are from food crops, such as maize, wheat and potatoes,” he said. Ndung urged farmers to
previewing the activities of the command. Isyaku said that the command intercepted the cigarettes being transported to Kano from Sokoto, because the owner failed to pay the specified customs’ duties.
start enforcing from October. 2, 2014. “Trucks must meet some minimum standards of safety requirements like carriage, tryes, breaking system and particulars to start with,” Nasir said. He said the compliance process would be gradual to enable concerned truck operators to integrate smoothly into the
have to get some basic things that must be complied with. “Often times and apart from such challenges as bad roads outside the port, the trucks are equally bad. “While we are doing some palliatives on the roads, we are going to ensure that the trucks are much better to be able to operate,” he said.
The controller said: “The commodity was seized not because it was a contraband, but because the owner had failed to pay the specified duties. “The cigarettes were seized in an articulated vehicle with registration number Katsina XA 651 CRC, along GusauTsafe road on Sept. 12 at about 5.30 p.m. by our operatives who were on patrol.” The controller said that one suspect who was connected with the goods had been apprehended and he was awaiting prosecution. Isyaku also said that the command had earlier on Sept. 6 seized 1,050 cartons of frozen fish, worth over N20 million. According to him, the frozen fish had been destroyed in accordance with stipulated laws. “The destruction had generated panic in certain quarters associating the fish to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). “I wish to use this medium
embrace modern technology in order to increase food production, fight poverty as well as boost their income base.
Delta Trains 350 Youths, Women On Phone Repair
ASABA -The Delta State Ministry of Commerce and Industry said it has trained 350 youths and women on cell phone repair in the last seven years. The Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Pat Isichei, said this in an interview with newsmen in Asaba. He said the ministry had been training 50 persons annually since 2008 and that the beneficiaries were evenly selected from the 25 local government areas of the state. He said that the training programme was to make them self-employed in accordance
Customs Seize Cigarettes, Smuggled Vehicles
SOKOTO - The Sokoto/ Kebbi/ Zamfara Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has seized 600 cartons of Gold Seal Cigarettes with a dutyvalue of over N73.45 million. The Area Controller, Mr Ahmed Isyaku, disclosed this at a news conference in Sokoto, Sokoto state, while
NPA To Enforce Safety Standards system. LAGOS - The Nigerian Ports “It is going to be gradual Authority (NPA) says it will For Trucks because at the beginning, we trucks which we are going to commence the enforcement of safety standards for trucks operating in the nation’s ports by October 2, 2014. The Apapa Port Manager, Mr Anas Nasir, told newsmen in Lagos that the move was to ensure that the trucks met basic international safety requirements for maritime operations. “We are coming up with minimum standards for the
attention to the cultivation of food crops, such as maize, wheat, rice, potatoes, among others. “About 60 per cent of food requirements we take in the
to clarify the air that by no means was that frozen fish associated to any disease. “That fish was destroyed in that manner because that is what the law stipulated, the importer had completely contravened the entire requirements for fish importation, hence the destruction,” he said. Besides, Isyaku said that the command had seized 25 smuggled vehicles and two cartons of suspected Indian hemp worth over N2 million. This had been handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Isyaku said. “The command is working to curtail smuggling of any kind as we have stepped up our anti-smuggling campaigns to forestall any use of our border areas to smuggle in any contraband goods,’’ he said. He warned those that were into this illicit act to desist from the act forthwith or risk arrest and prosecution. “Our officers are now better positioned to combat the obnoxious business of smuggling,” the controller warned.
with the human capital development programme of the present administration in the state. “We train the youths and women and at the end of the programme, provide them with accessories, tools and some cell phones so that they can start their own businesses. “The starter packs will encourage them to be gainfully employed and not remain idle because idle hands are inimical to peace and security,’’ he said. Isichei said the ministry had been monitoring the performance of the beneficiaries to ensure that they effectively utilise the funds and equipment given to them. He commended the state government for supporting the ministry’ initiatives to train and empower the youths. Some of the beneficiaries said the programme had helped them to earn a living and thanked the state government for the gesture. A secondary school leaver, Mr John Adigbo from Sapele Local Government Area, said the training had changed his life positively. “I am proud to be a cell phone repairer and I can tell you that the skill has helped to make some money to take care of myself,’’ he said. Miss Susan Nduka, 25, from Oshimili North Local Government Area, a beneficiary of this year’s programme, said she was happy to have acquired the skill. “We received good training and I call it additional knowledge which remains useful at all times. “We have become technically self-employed; so when we receive the starter packs as promised by government, many, if not all of us, will start doing something,’’ Nduka said.
Diamond Bank Opens Multi-Purpose Banking banking hall that can serve all the By RAHEEM IBRAHIM Centre needs of customers. The branch Youths fighting over money at Yaradua Centre in Abuja recently.
LAGOS - Diamond Bank plc has, again, raised the bar in customer service delivery in the financial services sub-sector, with the opening to customers of its multi-purpose banking centre at Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The branch, a four-storey complex, is structured to deliver twenty-four-seven full banking services to customers, and is fitted with world-class facilities like e-centre for electronic financial transactions, lounge for exclusive banking, Internet access for Internet banking among others.
All the bank’s different categories of financial services; private banking, corporate banking, retail banking etc are available in the newly-launched branch. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Alex Otti, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, said the bank has projected further into the future of banking in Nigeria by developing the edifice that can conveniently serve all the categories of customers of the bank. “Diamond Bank has gone into the future to develop a holistic
has the following facilities; an ecenter for electronic financial transactions, a lounge for exclusive banking amongst others. “It is a new generation branch where customers’ interests are best served. Diamond Bank has brought tomorrow’s bank to her customers today.” Some of the bank’s highprofile customers that graced the occasion expressed their excitement at the innovation by the bank, adding that the futuristic nature and customer centric approach adopted by the bank would make it the toast of customers.
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (24/09/2014) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
NASCON
9.19
9.01
-0.18
0
1,397,116
12,613,579.47
7UP
134
134
0
0
55,024
8,121,665.52
NB
175
174.99
-0.01
0
7,213,9801,262,337,697.00
ABCTRANS
0.67
0.67
0
0
746,483
500,218.10
NCR
13.5
13.5
0
0
20,500
270,600.00
ACADEMY
1.4
1.4
0
0
637,992
878,370.76
NEIMETH
1.03
1.02
-0.01
0
651,250
664,507.70
0.82
0.8
-0.02
0
27,185,639
22,906,191.80 38,823,756.08
ACCESS
9.59
9.59
0
0
56,674
543,503.66
NEM
AFRIPRUD
3.22
3.18
-0.04
0
769,151
2,483,166.35
NESTLE
1069.9
1050
-19.9
0
36,979
AGLEVENT
1.4
1.4
0
0
2,314
3,077.62
NEWGOLD
1930
1936
6
0
20
38,720.00
AIICO
0.8
0.8
0
0
42,619,988
34,096,196.65
NIGERINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
500,000
250,000.00
AIRSERVICE
1.97
2.01
0.04
0
265,567
534,009.67
NNFM
21.99
21.99
0
0
1,175
25,325.00 336,600.00
ASHAKACEM
33
32.8
-0.2
0
362,584
11,706,502.34
NPFMCRFBK
0.96
0.99
0.03
0
340,000
BERGER
8.6
8.6
0
0
47,162
397,803.88
NSE30
1847.35
1858.49
11.14
0
140,814,8336,962,936,143.00
BETAGLAS
18.85
18.85
0
0
72,000
1,329,740.00
NSE50
2000.29
2010.69
10.4
0
173,385,2287,068,721,492.00
951.03
951.03
0
0
34,200
CADBURY
52.5
52.5
0
0
88,067
4,583,244.00
NSEASEM
45,186.00
CAP
39.49
39.49
0
0
158,896
6,340,130.16
NSEASI
40537.2
40809.32
272.12
0
427,732,23611,902,419,392.00
CAPOIL
0.5
0.5
0
0
4,000
2,000.00
NSEBNK
418.56
419.74
1.18
0
77,200,2651,316,012,884.00
CAVERTON
5.23
4.97
-0.26
0
257,612
1,281,961.64
NSECNSMRGDS
1002.06
998.55
-3.51
0
13,326,1101,597,428,195.00
CCNN
13.78
14
0.22
0
205,429
2,880,376.53
NSEINDUSTR
2753.28
2773.64
20.36
0
16,690,1033,477,892,111.00
CHAMPION
9.02
9.45
0.43
0
155,762
1,455,218.40
NSEINS
145.9
144.24
-1.66
0
96,869,837
CHAMS
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,001,290
500,645.00
NSELOTUSISLM
2705.58
2718.34
12.76
0
19,229,9603,582,860,248.00
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
0
5,129
2,564.50
NSEOILGAS
453.13
446.9
-6.23
0
12,686,028
345,429,150.60
25.45
24.97
-0.48
0
11,871,817
296,767,240.50
34.5
34
-0.5
0
460,499
15,442,812.64
79,048,053.49
CONOIL
47.99
47.99
0
0
123,337
5,733,994.28
OANDO
CONTINSURE
0.98
0.95
-0.03
0
3,732,737
3,588,702.27
OKOMUOIL
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
0
3,132,747
1,566,373.50
PAINTCOM
1.6
1.6
0
0
11,000
16,720.00
COSTAIN
1
1
0
0
265,351
265,148.79
PHARMDEKO
2.38
2.38
0
0
110
249.7
COURTVILLE
0.55
0.55
0
0
150,000
79,500.00
PORTPAINT
5.33
5.33
0
0
5,150
26,201.00
CUSTODYINS
3.96
3.96
0
0
585,842
2,320,710.97
PREMBREW
4.87
4.63
-0.24
0
171,765
795,271.95
CUTIX
1.74
1.74
0
0
25,466
44,565.50
PRESCO
37.5
37.5
0
0
79,135
2,946,042.50
DAARCOMM
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,000
500
PZ
33.25
33.25
0
0
189,759
6,225,853.55
4.59
4.59
0
0
11,921
53,457.39
0.5
0.5
0
0
236
118
DANGCEM
224.99
225
0.01
0
15,699,967
3,441,944,206.00
REDSTAREX
DANGFLOUR
6.89
6.55
-0.34
0
372,060
2,461,800.50
REGALINS
DANGSUGAR
8.48
8.06
-0.42
0
709,989
5,741,597.40
RESORTSAL
0.5
0.5
0
0
200,000
100,000.00
DIAMONDBNK
6.4
6.2
-0.2
0
7,980,500
49,478,875.41
ROYALEX
0.51
0.53
0.02
0
216,659
111,015.95
DUNLOP
0.5
0.5
0
0
430
215
RTBRISCOE
0.97
0.97
0
0
5,992
5,637.36
EQUITYASUR
0.5
0.5
0
0
223
111.5
SEPLAT
650
640
-10
0
6,824,9804,411,746,022.00
ETI
18.95
18.02
-0.93
0
5,584,404
100,638,681.20
SKYEBANK
2.67
2.66
-0.01
0
2,966,924
FBNH
13.99
13.9
-0.09
0
13,177,803
180,711,540.30
STANBIC
31.2
31.2
0
0
174,969
5,353,988.19
2.11
2.14
0.03
0
2,653,885
5,663,464.99
0.5
0.5
0
0
150
75
7,880,899.74
FCMB
4.15
4.2
0.05
0
5,390,110
22,034,769.73
STERLNBANK
FIDELITYBK
1.95
1.95
0
0
4,750,389
9,271,528.68
TANTALIZER
FIDSON
3.5
3.39
-0.11
0
3,938,058
13,231,587.90
TOTAL
172.53
172.53
0
0
10,097
1,779,154.96
FLOURMILL
62.3
61
-1.3
0
564,431
34,506,535.81
TRANSCORP
5.71
5.76
0.05
0
11,567,810
66,923,387.63
FO
224.61
219
-5.61
0
133,722
29,268,190.15
TRANSEXPR
1.49
1.42
-0.07
0
150,000
213,000.00
FTNCOCOA
0.52
0.52
0
0
2,639,830
1,362,073.00
UAC-PROP
14.5
14.5
0
0
51,650
729,416.25
GLAXOSMITH
63
64.74
1.74
0
202,028
12,727,943.23
UACN
57.1
57.1
0
0
134,946
7,716,969.41
GUARANTY
28
28.9
0.9
0
19,305,570
544,759,443.50
UBA
6.75
6.52
-0.23
0
12,129,656
80,425,060.16
2.09
2.05
-0.04
0
154,377,703
324,151,730.80
GUINEAINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
215
107.5
UBCAP
GUINNESS
177
180
3
0
1,125,663
201,972,387.40
UBN
9.8
9.32
-0.48
0
356,170
3,348,143.74
HMARKINS
0.5
0.5
0
0
430
215
UNHOMES
0.5
0.5
0
0
215
107.5
HONYFLOUR
4
4
0
0
646,977
2,597,313.16
UNILEVER
48.26
48.26
0
0
89,477
4,253,395.42
IKEJAHOTEL
1.94
1.85
-0.09
0
423,918
784,248.30
UNITYBNK
0.5
0.5
0
0
216,775
108,387.50
INFINITY
1.52
1.52
0
0
3,000
4,680.00
UNIVINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,230
615
INTBREW
28.37
28.5
0.13
0
366,101
10,433,827.53
VETGRIF30
18.45
18.48
0.03
0
52,930
978,040.80
JAPAULOIL
0.5
0.5
0
0
919,630
459,815.00
VITAFOAM
4.24
4.3
0.06
0
314,725
1,300,323.05
1.36
1.42
0.06
0
1,364,754
1,856,842.86
130
128.5
-1.5
0
102,449
13,205,865.40
JBERGER
67.2
67.2
0
0
22,629
1,449,571.15
VONO
JOSBREW
2.23
2.12
-0.11
0
100,000
212,000.00
WAPCO
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,845
922.5
WAPIC
0.77
0.76
-0.01
0
17,348,333
13,183,499.72
LEARNAFRCA
1.45
1.45
0
0
1,000
1,440.00
WEMABANK
0.88
0.89
0.01
0
393,934
346,151.58
LIVESTOCK
2.92
2.98
0.06
0
449,816
1,312,709.21
ZENITHBANK
24.34
24
-0.34
0
21,416,093
514,003,283.20
MANSARD
2.69
2.62
-0.07
0
1,064,175
2,762,661.75
MAYBAKER
1.59
1.66
0.07
0
1,262,130
1,998,881.19
Stock
Close
MBENEFIT
0.54
0.54
0
0
1,282,920
692,778.80
40809.32
MCNICHOLS
1.48
1.48
0
0
30,200
43,186.00
MOBIL
179.95
174
-5.95
0
57,667
10,063,739.96
MULTITREX
0.5
0.5
0
0
200
100
NAHCO
5.05
5.08
0.03
0
295,073
1,495,138.61
NSEASI 272.12 NSEINDUSTR NSELOTUSISLM NSE30 NSE50 NEWGOLD GUINNESS GLAXOSMITH NSEBNK GUARANTY
TOP 10 GAINERS
2773.64 2718.34 1858.49 2010.69 1936 180 64.74 419.74 28.9
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain
20.36 12.76 11.14 10.4 6 3 1.74 1.18 0.9
Stock
Close
Loss
NESTLE SEPLAT NSEOILGAS MOBIL FO NSECNSMRGDS NSEINS WAPCO FLOURMILL ETI
1050 640 446.9 174 219 998.55 144.24 128.5 61 18.02
-19.9 -10 -6.23 -5.95 -5.61 -3.51 -1.66 -1.5 -1.3 -0.93
THE worry today, in a world continually ravaged by conflicts and wars is not the use of small-caliber arms and other relatively sophisticated and unsophisticated weapon but the threat of weapons with the capacity and capability to annihilate, wipe out and destroy completely villages, large communities, metropolitan and cosmopolitan cities and invariably whole nations. MAJOR advances in science and technology have changed the manner, methods, designs and strategies of modern warfare compared to a world of 100 years ago. While the competition between the East and West intensified in the heydays of the collapsed Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, (USSR), representing the glory of the East, and the United States, the symbol of resilient West, the collapse of the U.S.S.R. gave growing confidence that the arms race will soon witness a slow down. THE collapse of the U.S.S.R left open a single power block in the world as represented by the United States which is nicknamed the “policeman� of the world. THIS becomes the basis of the belief that we are in an era of security and peace where the world would not experience the devastation of nations and annihilation of world communities by power hungry nations. CONSEQUENTLY, the current posturing of Russia against the rest of the world is disturbing. The recent shooting down of a Malaysian plane with 298 passengers on board is condemnable. THIS perhaps forms the background in the fight against nuclear acquisitions by some nations and the stance by the United States that world peace currently being experienced would be shattered by nations who thirst for wars on the basis of their new found strength. RECENT searchlight appears to suggest that Iran, a close neighbour of Iraq is perhaps
THE NIGERIAN
Proliferation Of Nuclear Weapons engaged in the acquisition of nuclear technology but investigations are yet to completely ascertain the correctness in the affirmative. THE quest by North Korea perhaps may lead to the conclusion that nations have not entirely jettisoned the idea to abandon the development of weapons of mass destruction and therefore a clear signal that probably world peace may one day come under very serious threat that the United Nations was set up to preserve, FOR instance, the Gulf war of 1991 was a pointer that world peace was still under threat and despite the invasion of Iraq and the enthronement of a new order, more worries emerge everyday. THE question that becomes inevitable is what posture should the comity of nations take to stop the production or building of weapons of mass destruction? WHILE small-arms can be tolerable, nuclear weapons are not. The incidence of World War II where atomic bombs were dropped in two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the U.S. should be important lessons for the world to learn that nuclear weapons are dangerous to mankind. The Japanese have come to recognize this fact and could invariably hold the view of the nuclear deterrence school of thought as amplified by Swedish Industrialist, Alfred Nobel and inventor of dynamite who held the position that the destructive power of nuclear armaments was so immense as to render future warfare unthinkable. THE dropping of atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, heralded the beginning of the
nuclear age, with huge quantities of resources devoted to developing, building and maintaining nuclear arsenal weapons built throughout human history combined. IN the face of the quest to acquire nuclear technology, though some nations claim for domestic reasons, and since nations are not deterred by its devastating effects, concerted effort by countries of the world will become inevitable to halt the zeal to acquire weapons of mass destruction. THE government of the United States, though acting in good faith in its drive to halt the acquisition of these destructive weapons, should seriously work in collaboration with the United Nations in this task. WE are suggesting that the bond of partnership between the U.S. and UN in tracking down nations acquiring nuclear arsenals should be stronger than it is currently and working together in unison is needed to score success in this regard. WE are further suggesting that the campaign to halt the acquisition of nuclear weapons should be a task that should also be assigned to the Security Council of the U.N. with its five permanent members of France, U.K. Russia, U.S. and China all playing significant roles to checkmate the threat to world peace. WITH expansion already being contemplated in the Security Council, the need for world peace and security is becoming more imperative and it is significant that the UN exercises all powers backed by the Security Council to ensure a safe world for all humanity. THEREFORE, Russia and indeed, all nations should be brought under some treaties and conventions prohibiting the use, manufacture or spread of nuclear arsenals or weapons of mass destruction, because the world is still under threat and in present danger of these weapons which could one day, from the anger of an insane leader, be unleashed on the world.
Law
Court Decisions And Precedent
BY the decision of the court we mean the judgment of courts. Very often the character of a court decision as well as the court that gave the decision is relevant especially on appeals whether in the same case or in another matter. It is essential to know exactly what it means to say that decision is an authority on facts, final, interlocutory, and so forth. Authority: A decision is an authority on the principle of law enunciated therein if it is binding on the court to which it is referred to for application in the case on hand, Strictly, the term is applicable only where the court to which the case is cited is absolutely bound by the decision, such as when a decision of the Privy Council is cited to the High Court. But the term is very often also used, rather in a loose sense, when a court is referred to a decision which it may follow as a matter of judicial comity. such as when a decision of one High •Court is referred to another High Court. In this sense the decision is referred to as one of persuasive authority. Decision on Facts: A decision on facts is one which laid no new principle but merely illustrates an existing principle in the application of the particular facts of the case. Such decision is not binding on any court even when made by the highest court in the country. The
By A. OBI-OKOYE
usefulness of a decision on facts in relation to subsequent cases, is that it may illustrate how the court might regard facts. However, a decision that certain legal consequences follow from certain facts is more than a decision on facts simpliciter and shall be binding in another case raising substantially the same or similar facts. Final Decision: Once a decision has finally disposed of the controversy between the parties, it is final.’ Four different tests may be applied to ascertain the finality or otherwise of the decision.’ They are (a) was the decision made upon an application such that a decision in favour of either party would determine the main dispute? (b) Was the application made upon an application upon which the main dispute would have been decided? (c) Does the decision, as made, determine the dispute? (d) If the decision in question is reversed, would the action have to go on? A decision is final for purposes of appeal even though the court merely expressed its opinion in a matter referred to it under the Constitution or other enactments. A final decision is none the less final by reason of the fact that it was made in an interlocutory motion, or that it is subject to appeal’ or that it reserved liberty to apply.’ A final decision is appealable as of right.
Interlocutory Decision: A decision that is not final is interlocutory. An interlocutory decision is generally not appealable as of right. Appeal may be only by leave, and also the time within which the appeal lies is much shorter. The appellate court may hear an appeal without deciding whether or not the decision
precluded by reason of such decision from bringing fresh action on the matter.’ Obiter Dictum: Principles which are enunciated in the course of a judgment and which go beyond the occasion in the sense that they are not essential to reach a conclusion on the issue before the court but
appealed against is final or interlocutory, especially where the appellant misconceived the nature of the decision.’ Non Suit: Non suit is a decision that neither the plain tiff nor the defendant is entitled to judgment on the evidence before the court. It is a final decision for purposes of appeal though the plaintiff is not
merely amplify or illustrate the conclusion, are not part of the court’s decision in the case: they are classified as Obita dicta and have no binding authority what soever no matter the status of the court. It is, however, common sense that when dicta are contained in the judgment of a very superior court they may
“Once a decision has finally disposed of the controversy between the parties, it is final.’ Four different tests may be applied to ascertain the finality or otherwise of the decision.”
have persuasive effect and so may be disregarded by subordinate courts only on sound reasoning. Per incuriam: As a general rule, the only cases in which a decision of the court should be held to have been given per incuriam are those decisions given in ignorance or forgetfulness of some inconsistent statutory provision or
or any other court still higher that can decide the nature of the said decision. Ratio decidendi: This term connotes the abstract of the decision of the court. It enunciates the principle, i.e. the legal reason on which the issue on hand is being decided. As a matter of definition, ratio decidendi would be described as the general reasons given for the
authority binding on the court: so that in such cases, some part of the decision or some step in the reasoning on which it is based, is found, on that account, to be demonstrably wrong. Deficiency of parties or the mere fact that the court had not the benefit of the best of argument, would not make the decision per incuriain. A decision given per incuriam is not an authority. But it would appear that when there is a doubt as to whether or hot the decision of a superior court was given per incuriam, a lower court shall follow it as it is only such higher court
decision, or the general grounds on which the decision is based, so that when they are detached or abstracted from the peculiar facts of the case, those grounds or reasons crystalise into ascertained principles having the force of law for application in subsequent cases. It is the ratio decidendi that can be used as an authority in another case. Stare decisis: By this is meant the doctrine of judicial precedent, that is to say, binding authority of court decision. This is dealt with in the next section.
Ajuwaya
THE 2015 general elections in Nigeria are particularly significant in their potential to be the first truly contested election featuring a viable opposition since the transition of civilian rule in 1999. As we are all aware that corps members have been part of electoral process since 2011 and their involvement has brought some credibility to the elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National
Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have apparently concluded arrangements to deploy NYSC members as electoral officials across the country for the 2015 General Elections. The use of corps members in elections has become part of the electoral process for obvious reasons. Corps members are well educated and enlightened to handle election materials in all local government areas of the federation Director-General of NYSC, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, confirmed that an agreement had been reached with INEC on the matter. The electoral commission, he explained,
Youth Corps Members And 2015 General Elections
would provide the necessary logistics for the corps members, as well as their stipends. Under this arrangement, corps members who would be deployed for the elections would be barred from giving out sensitive electoral materials or receiving financial inducements from politicians. Those who are
caught involving themselves in electoral malpractice would be prosecuted. There are indications that President Goodluck Jonathan supports this plan as he recently enjoined corps members to brace up to play an active role in next year’s elections. The fact is that the use of corps members as ad-hoc staff in elections has become part of electoral process for some years now. The shortage of personnel to man electoral activities has often been cited as one of the reasons for engaging their services during elections. Ordinarily, there should be no problem with that, provided that the NYSC
By LATEEFAT O. MOSHOOD
members have been trained on the basics of electoral processes, and what is required of them during elections. But my concern, however, is about their safety. The lives of corps members should not be put in harm’s way, for any reason. If NYSC scheme are to participate
It can be recalled, the grisly post-election violence in some parts of the North following the 2011 presidential election, which claimed the lives of some corps members who served as electoral officials. Considering the importance of the 2015
in the forth-coming elections, it is absolutely necessary to put adequate security in place, especially in volatile parts of the country. Some areas in the northern part of the country have become a safe haven, and killing fields, for insurgents. The Federal Government and the relevant agencies must not lose sight of that fact.
elections and the desperation of contending forces and interests to win at all costs, the lives of corps members should not be put on the line by involving them in electoral duties where their security cannot be guaranteed. Beyond the Northern states, there are other flashpoints of violence in the South where the lives of youth corps members
could also be endangered. They may become victims of electoral violence, while some may get into trouble through their inducement by desperate politicians. Undoubtedly, the 2015 polls are crucial for democracy in Nigeria. They require all hands to be on deck to ensure a credible, transparent and violence-free exercise. There should be support for every effort that will enhance the integrity of the electoral process, including the use of competent personnel, it is essential that the safety of electoral officers must be well protected. This is even more so for the youth corps members who may be deployed to this critical assignment against their will and better judgment. In this regard, Federal Government and INEC are to ensure that there is no margin for error in all the coming elections, including the 2015 general polls. Only recently, there was a disturbing report from Ekiti State where a corps member was cited in an election issue. The electoral agency fixed the Ekiti governorship election for June this year, followed by that of Osun State, two months later. In both elections, corps members are expected to be deployed as electoral officials. This situation calls for extreme caution and adequate preparation. It is for this reason that the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) recently cautioned INEC not to
deploy corps members for elections anywhere in the country without proper arrangement for their security. It advised that alternatives should be sought if the safety of the corps members cannot be guaranteed. The concern of ALGON on this issue is genuine and should not be overlook. It should not be ignored. It is necessary that we learn from past mistakes and avert any danger to corps members who are vulnerable to attacks because they are, most times, strangers in the communities that they are posted to serve. The electoral agency should also try to avoid the type of incident that happened during the Anambra governorship election last November, where a corps member was arrested for absconding with sensitive electoral materials. The security of corps members is a very serious issue that must not be trifled with by the relevant authorities. For INEC, this is the time to ensure that the necessary unassailable arrangements are put in place to guarantee their safety, and that of all other electoral officials. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should make a necessary arrangement to strengthen its relationship with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to ensure adequate security of corps members participating in the election.
“Considering the importance of the 2015 elections and the desperation of contending forces and interests to win at all costs, the lives of corps members should not be put on the line by involving them in electoral duties where their security cannot be guaranteed.”
Child Health & You Child Abuse And Prevention THERE are visiting cases of child abuse daily in our society today, but all this can be curbed and reduced to the bearest minimum if parents teachers, health care providers and educate children on basic and essential sex education. Child Abuse-child abuse is any act or manner that works against the well being of children with regards to their protection, care and total well being. Abuses subject its victims to mental torture, stress, depression etc. The child abuser can either be an adult or older adolescent that works against the well being of a child. That is, anyone that attacks a child in one way or the other they can be parents, teachers, uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters supposed friends and some others in the society. VARIOUS WAYS BY WHICH A CHILD CAN BE ABUSED SEXUAL ABUSE As aforementioned, there are various ways children could be oppressed/ maltreated, but we shall be paying attention to sexual abuse of children. Sexual abuse can be in form of rape and harassment making sexual comment which the receiver finds offensive or annoying, sexual abuse is violation of girls, boys or women by force, threat or deception by anyone be it a boy, a man, a woman etc. It is a way of involving a child in sexual activities with an adult for example kissing, caressing of breast, touching or penetrating private part of a child, sexual abuse is causes by the following: Undue exposure for example watching of pornographic films or magazines, nude sites on internet. Lack of self-control by child abusers. Provocative dressing by young ones. Risky behaviours for example being found at lonely or dark routes at odd hours. Peer pressure curiosity, for example, some bad children mount pressure on innocent ones to practice sexual activities. Carelessness on the part of parents, for example neglected children begging for food could easily be lured to give their body in exchange for food. Not having good home training- such a victim may not be able to differentiate
By OSHODIN HOPE OSARUMWENSE
between right and wrong. Not having the fear of God Physical or mental state of the rapist or the victim e.g. mentally deranged rapists, physically disable victims may find it difficult to escape or ward off sexual; abusers. Other way by which children can be abused physically include: When you hit or beat a child with heavy object, marks or inflict injury on the body of the child, e.g with blade or hot iron etc, it can be termed physical abuse. Kidnapping/Abduction Taking a child away with force or deception, for virtual purpose or monetary gain can be described as kidnapping / abduction. Child labour - This involves using a child as a bread winner of the family, e.g a child hawking while he or she should be in school or place of skill acquisition, a child working as a conductor, house help, or children being used as solders during etc. Neglect - Depriving a child of basic needs eg food, love or affection not taking adequate care of a child not giving enough attention to child’s needs, etc can be timed neglect. Emotional abuse for example, comparing a child with his or her mate, or verbal alterance through abusive words etc. Causes of Child Abuse Parental Historical upbringing - Some parents may have been victims of abuse by their own parents. In ignorance, they might end up with same attitude towards their children. Parents fear of being thought weak - some parents believe that if they are not hard on their children, it may be misinterpreted as weakness on their part. Lack of fear of God. Parents need to know that children are gifts from God, therefore, every abuse on the child indicates lack of fear of God. Forceful correction of children by adult. Transfer of aggression by some adults. Lack of self-control - Not being able to control anger is a major source of child abuse. Alcohol/Drug Abuse Those who abuse alcohol or various abuses especially assault or rape i.e. sexual violation of a person without consent, it is a form of exploitation of innocent ones
especially through threat or force. Provocative Dressing Exposure of vital parts of the body by children especially young girls opening up vital areas such as breast, navel, etc can attract a child abuse. Unruly behaviour - children who are disobedient, who play truancy, who steal etc. could be exposed to being abused. The abused child is often denied so many rights by the abuse and may not know what to do as the fear imposed by the abuse have a long term effects on the child.
diseases such as HIV/AIDS etc. Literacy - A reasonable percentage of abuse children often drop out of school and may lack formal education, for example a child subject to hawking, bus conductor, or child soldier cannot or will not be able to go through school. Physical Impairment Physically abused children may sustain life long sear on the body, for example being blind, lose of body pat, pains, disfigurement etc. There have been reported case of a teacher flogging a pupil in his eyes leading to blindness in one of his eyes, there have
The effects of child abuse on children include: Excessive aggression; for example an abused child is often aggressive and out of pain he may transfer aggression at others. Depression - The abused child may suffer depression; some sense of hopelessness as a result of past events which may have been unpleasant to the child. Low self Esteem - The child may suffer self condemnation while in the midst of friends or peers. Low Academic Achievement - The child may not be able to concentrate during lectures which may lead to low academic performance. Sleep or Eating Disorder may result to a victim screening from sleep, over eating, loss of appetite or not feeding well. The sexually abused child may be impregnated contact
also been cases of a lady boating up her 8 years old ward with a broom accusing her of witchcraft spirit, all those subject the child to physical and permanent injury and disfigurement of body parts. Isolated life style - An abused child may grow up with inferiority complex, there by maintaining. Isolated life style, inability to make friends or maintain long lasting friendship. Anti-Social Behavior - The abused child may involve in anti-social behavior eg, running away from home or school, stealing, roaming about aimlessly. The abused child may also take to drugs and alcohol in order to forget or suppress their succor. They may also loose confidence in close adults as well as themselves. They may also look unkept, or generally dirty. In preventing child abuse
parents, Teachers, Health care providers and all who are connected in the welfare of children ought to give sex education to children to equip themselves on how to avoid been abused. Here are list of things you need to teach child/children at early age. Warn your girl child never to sit on anyone’s caps no matter the situation including uncles. Avoiding getting dressed in front of your child once he/ she is 2 years old. Learn to excuse yourself. Never allow any adult refer to your new born as my wife or my husband. If you have to hire a househelp please kindly take them for HIV screening to
society will teach them the wrong values. Once a child is 3years or above teach them how to wash their private parts properly and warn them never to allow anyone touch those areas and that includes you (remember charity begins at home and with you). Once your child complains about a particular person, don’t keep quiet about it false up the cape and show them you can defend them always. Blacklist some materials you think could threaten the sanity of your child (that includes music, movies and musicians) and let them understand the value of standing out of the cround. It is also always advisable
determine their HIV status, properly interview them and make up your mind to treat them well, they can also be screened for other deadly communicable diseases. More so never subject them to hard labour, like washing during ungodly hours, or subject them to treck long distance, or carry heavy load on their head. Whenever your child goes out to play with friends make sure you look for a way to find out what kind of play the played together because young people now sexually abuse themselves. Never force your child to visit any adult he or she is not comfortable with and also be observant if your child becomes too attached to a particular adult. Once a very lively/social child suddenly begin to ask a lot of questions from you, you should answer them carefully. If you don’t teach your children about sex, the
you go through any new material like cartoons or other medias just to make sure sexual content are not viewed by children. If you do not teach your children sex education, they will be getting it elsewhere. Oshodin Hope Osarumwense Executive Officer, Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City ‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’, a Weekly Thursday Feature, is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, and the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Benin City. Comments on this page should be forwarded to The Editor, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, Benin City or Director, Institute of Child Health University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.
Spotlight “A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; For what he reads as a task will do him little good. A young man should read five hours in a day, And so may acquire a great deal of knowledge” . Samuel Johnson (17091784) Boswell’s Life. There is a profoundly fundamental flaw and cyclopean fallacy in the Educational system and society that tends to make “CERTIFICATE” the basic fons –et-origo and initium –et-finis of its normative and placement systems. “Certificate acquisition” becomes apotheosized, deified, idolized and mumblejumbled, made a fetish of and pursued with heretical Zealotry. The additional desiccating and feral consequences of “Certificate acquisition” on the so-called educated, education and society at large are too ghoulishly teratoid and wanton behold. In picturesque terms the certified man is like a lizard masquerading as a crocodile, a large cake without ice-ing, a rattlesnake that cannot kineticise its rattlingpotentialities and a demarrowed bone. A professor of archaeology was asked about the capital of Malawi, he said Ghana. These so-called kings and queens in the citadel of Education do not “Read” anything outside their professional boundaries. Do they even
exhaustively know their areas? A lecturer in Communication Technology is thrown into darkness as soon as you mention cyberneticsScience of communication and control in machines and man, a graduate in Nuclear Physics is bemused and sees it as hieroglyphics the moment you mention “Cyclotron –apparatus for producing heavy electric particles moving at high speed used experimentally in nuclear research work. They do not “Read” outside their syllabus and so are caught napping when something is mentioned that is not their area of specialization. Do they even know their areas? These are some of the painful consequences of a diseased educational system that senselessly v e n e r a t e s ’ “CERTIFICATES”. Some duffers come into symposium, seminar or colloquium with nothing other than taking us on a historical escapade on their educational odyssey. They go on saying I made a first class in this, a first class in that without treating the subject at issue. When they dare touch the subject at all they will be so narrow, that you will be asphyxiated with disappointment. The supercilious contempt and arrogance they wield becomes dragooned on the sacred alter of intellectualism because they do not “read”. Education is not entirely synonymous with certificate acquisition.
Reading And The Mis-Ed By BOBSON GBINIJE
Conventional and formal education limits. Real and consummate Education is a potpourri of the formal and the informal, streetwiseness, cognate experience and other antecedents. Real education liberates-it is that science which improves the quality of the mind and the mental compartibilities of the individual. It is an expressive measure of human, material and spiritual science and the continuation of wisdom by systematic approach. Like GOD it can never be confined solely within a temple, altar or sanctuary. It is everywhere, people think it can be limited to a secondary school, polytechnic and university that is why their mad rush to possess whatever they offer to become slaves of convention. We are saying that formal education is good, but it is a far cry from being an end to education. Education is a spirit, it can never be confined to any bogus institution. There must be a symmetrical symbiosis and blend of the formal and informal-reacting to make a consummate whole. The belief that certificate is an end in itself is the cause of the death of the “Art of Reading and Intellectualism”. Reading and reading
good books is the ex gratia payment we make for sound education. Reading as an “Art” makes you read with the halcyon frame of mind to imbibe, instead of aggressive reading for a formal examination which is enforced reading. The art of reading and reading good books like a vintage wine should be sipped with sabbatical calmness and not quaffed. Chief Obafemi Awolowo an icon panoplied and emblazoned with the armourial bearing of knowledgeability through ravenous “reading” once said “Any nation, people or person that is starved of good books, especially the right type of books will suffer intellectual malnutrition,stagnantion and atrophy”. This is what we are suffering today. Education has become a monologue and a hermetic soliloquy instead of a polymorphous and octopoidal tool for multidimensional outreach. A didactic jeremiad becomes relevant in this regards. A Christian University graduate from his play group, through kindergarten, to primary and secondary school had only read one religious book, the Bible. He got through polytechnic and university remaining the same. A Moslem University graduate had the same background with the Koran as the
“A professor of archaeology was asked about the capital of Malawi, he said Ghana. These so-called kings and queens in the citadel of Education do not “Read” anything outside their professional boundaries. Do they even exhaustively know their areas?”
only religious book he had read and they both met in a religious seminar. The Christian took the Biblical position and the Moslem took the Koranic position. They both staunchly and with stout guts defended their various religious positions without compromise. It took a voracious reader
readings, religious catastrophes like the Boko Haram Insurgency, Terorrism, Sharia and the Spanish Inquisition etc wouldn’t have occurred. The “Reader” as a seeker is able to catholicize and cosmopolitanise his celebral virtuosity. He is liberated. He sees and understands that the
eru en kn cu “r he of R de ac ex an ou
only five minutes to reconcile them. The prodigious reader is well grounded in the Koran, the Bible; the Eckist Guide, the Talmud-a compilation of Jewish laws and teachings, the Paganistic Creed, the Resicrucian Digest and Zoroastrianism. Others were the Buddhist Format, the Hindus Sacred Guide and the Grail Message. Their intellectual binoculars could not fathom the depth of the esoteric subject to enable them create a corpus between the cross and the crescent. If they had knowledge through omini-directional
world is a school through which we must pass, but the “mystery” can only be made lucent through
ma to ex “e
Ibrahim Shekarau, Minister for Edu
Spotlight
ducation Of Our Elites
uditional equipoise and ncyclopaedic nowledgeability urtsied through eading” and hence eightening the horizons intellectualism. Reading is a esideratum, it ccentuates scholastic xegesis. Those yoked nd manacled in mental ubliette and dungeon are
anumitted redounding mental dynamites xploding to become esperantos” of the
ucation
world. There are as many books in various areas and subject as there are seekers and nay readers. It is the duty of the reader to spread into every known and unknown area for that is where the honour lies. He can then totally scoop-out ideas buried in the thickets of ponderous styles. An
ingenious reader is the essential plinth of intellectualism. In the “Desterted Village” by Oliver Goldsmith the broadbased all-embracing knowledge of the true intellectual is apodictically auphonised he said “the village all declared in arguing too, the person owned his skills, while words of learned length and thundering sound amazed this gazing rustics ranged around, and still they gazed and still the wonder grew, that one small head could carry all he knew” Intellectualism has been lilliputanised by
pathological alexia-word blindness in literary sense, a dearth of books and direful complacency with empty certificates. An intellectual within the context of usage in this submission does not mean a university lecturer
truth and expose lies through reading as the only weapon of reachingout”. Reading dulcetises the rhythm of the mind, it refrigerates the soul, it transports the subconscious to elysian
schools should provide the books through government sponsorship. There must be a system of certificate revalidation. This entails that every five to eight years everybody should rewrite a short test to ensure that his knowledge is still in congruency with the nuts and bolts of modern
high ideals and nobility of the legal profession. Advocacy has been consigned to the dustbin of percentages from contract and agreement papers. Advocacy is the heart of the legal profession. It is superimposed in the hub of reading for references and citational purposes. Lord Taylor the Chief Justice of Englend
“There must be a system of certificate revalidation. This entails that every five to eight years everybody should rewrite a short test to ensure that his knowledge is still in congruency with the nuts and bolts of modern developments in his/her chosen area.” or professor in the academia or the literati only, but formally and informally trained person who can venture an opinion written or spoken on a broad spectrum of subjects. He is intuitively and professionally concerned with ideas. Karl Manheim a political analyst says “Intellectuals are the particular group that is uniquely well equipped to escape from the tails of partisan ideas and borne on the wings of scholarship, soar towards sun of truth”. Anthony Garmci in “Formation of Intellectuals” gave more generic and human definition. He said “All men are intellectuals… but all men do not have the function of intellectuals in society”. Cornor Cruise O’Brien in the “Morality of scholarship” said “It is the responsibility of intellectuals to speak the
and empyrean bliss. It is the giver of life, the ginger of youth, the balm of troubled hearts, the despiser of sorrows and the blood of old age. They must have given rise to the words of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman stateman, Orator and writer that “the man who wanders out of the path of knowledge, reading and understanding, remains in the congregation of the dead” What then do we do to rekindle the “Art” or Reading as a veritable hybrid of societal and intellectual development? The schools must come in here. They have to encourage students at all levels to intravenously show interest in reading as an art. The general papers idea does not go far enough. It should be part of the syllabus that every student must read one hundred books outside his/her professional boundaries before being allowed to graduate. The
developments in his/her chosen area. A man graduated in 1962, from that time till date a lot of developments have cropped-up in his profession, it therefore behoves him to prove himself through a revalidation of papers test. They will be compelled to read their professional courses out of integrity”. Disinterestedness in reading as an art has killed National and academic discourse. Even in the legal profession which is an embodiment of the reading culture a dearth of reading has killed “advocacy.” Lawyers are more interested in soliciting. In a place like Nigeria where virtually every lawyer is a Solicitor and Advocate, Notary public etc. there are no specialisational barriers and hence professionalism suffers. They are more interested in the wig and gown as a mark of public show –off and arrogance than in standing for the
allowing the appeal in a considered judgment said of the appellants counsel “it seems to me that the defence has a very powerful argument which it has put very powerfully and I decided that not only is it powerful but is unanswerable”. Advocacy is a beauty to behold. Finally, the only way to a completely sound education, is not certificate acquisition, is through the “art” of reading. Reading is the only “Midas Touch” that can transform base metal to gold. It strikes a chord in the intuitive perception, it heightens intellect and synchronises thought pattern. Reading is the open sesame, magic wand and key to unraveling, expanding and decoding the crytogramised labyrinth of intellectualism. CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE MANDATE AGAINST POVERTY (MAP) WARRI :08023250378
“Finally, the only way to a completely sound education, is not certificate acquisition, is through the “art” of reading. Reading is the only “Midas Touch” that can transform base metal to gold. It strikes a chord in the intuitive perception, it heightens intellect and synchronises thought pattern.”
Security Issues
WITH OBUSEH JUDE Syncado2006@yahoo.com 08033510173
What Does Boko Haram Really Want?
WHAT does Boko Haram really want? Answers to this tasking question have become more pertinent in the wake of the anarchic situation in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, consequent to the vendetta being waged against the state by the Islamist insurgent group, Boko Haram - an extremist organization that is committed to re-arranging the social order as currently constituted. This question becomes more glaring when one takes a dispassionate view at the series of events that have led up to the current orgy of violence that is speedily taking its bloody toll on the North-East and its residents, and threatening to engulf the rest of the country. A new twist to the gory trail of events that have been unfolding in the North-East since 2009 came to the fore a couple of weeks ago when Boko Haram gunmen swept through some towns along Nigeria’s border with Cameroun and tightened its grip on large parts of Borno its ancestral home - bringing a brand new message with them. Rather than sowing afresh the terror they have brought to swathes of North-Eastern Nigeria by attacking selected targets and pulling back - a guerrilla tactic that has defined their Modus Operandi since the unset of their bloody campaign - the jihadists insisted they were there to stay. The latest attacks have conformed to the group’s preferred strategy of spreading panic and spilling blood with murderous raids, bombings and beheadings. The capture of the strategic Borno town of Bama - since disputed by the Nigerian authorities - has raised concern that the state capital, Maiduguri, where Boko Haram was founded and long one of its key targets, will be next to come under sustained attack. Just like security watchers warned some weeks ago, what is playing out before everybody is the fact that Boko Haram, a group which originated in 2002 as a movement dedicated to exterminating all vestiges of Westernization in the NorthEastern part of the country, was on the verge of ending government control across the
whole of Borno State and establishing its long-vaunted dream of an Islamic State. Gradually, but steadily, a group that was once derided as ragtag and directionless has suddenly metamorphosed from being a guerrilla movement that was once confined to Sambisa forest and its adjourning mountain caves into a formidable military force capable of holding its own against Nigeria’s security forces and their foreign collaborators combined, and consolidating on its gains. Mohamed Shekau’s declaration in a video released in the wake of the brutal sacking of the town of Gwoza, that the area was “now part of the Islamic Caliphate, which now had nothing to do with Nigeria” (emphasis added), said it all. Boko Haram seems to be serious about its earlier threat to enforce Sharia Law across the whole of the North-East, as depicted by the beheading of victims with chainsaws. The group seems to be ready to prove to observers that it has the longer-term capacity or will to administer its new gains. Despite the crudeness of the system of governance - that lacks government departments and capacity to provide essential services - the group is currently trying to implement, it would be the height of foolery for anybody to give anything to chance. Another ugly dimension to the new face of Boko Haram is its reported symbolic links with ISIS, an extremist group operating in Syria and Iraq; a relationship that Intelligence sources say has burgeoned into a practical relationship with the later offering advice on operational strategy and tactics. Obviously buoyed up by the rapid gains of ISIS in Iraq and other turfs - and now seemingly armed with more sophisticated weapons, such as armoured vehicles and artillery, observers say Boko Haram is beginning to operate more like a regular army in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and their environs. Boko Haram has obviously succeeded in breaking the longheld myth that the Nigerian military - as the supposed
strong arm of the state possesses monopoly of the legitimate use of force and the capability to protect her territorial integrity; a hollow claim that has been laid bare before all observers of the ongoing bloodletting in the North-East. The lucid and impetuous manner the group has been routinely routing the country’s security forces is a critical case in point; military successes that have put further question marks on the readiness of the Nigerian army to protect
the country’s territorial integrity and serve the citizenry - a fact evidenced by the inability of the military to check the advancing rebel forces, despite the bravery of individual soldiers and units, together with pledges of military aid from London and Washington. Reports are rife of mass desertions, refusals to fight, malfunctioning equipment and low morale within the ranks of the military. According to feelers, soldiers are sent into battle with just a few rounds of ammunition against well-equipped Islamists
who are ready to die. Some weeks ago, a group of soldiers were said to have refused direct orders to go and engage the insurgents, saying the militants were better equipped. To worsen issues, the Insurgents were reported to have also seized one of Nigeria’s two main police training academies, which is near the town of Gwoza, captured earlier this month. The recent reports monitored on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that “some
480 Nigerian soldiers fled into Cameroon, following fierce fighting with Boko Haram militants, has added more salt to an already festering sore. Speaking from a purely strategic standpoint, in the wake of the uncensored annexation of some part of Nigeria’s territory by the insurgents - a shameful spectacle that could have been avoided in the first place - the Nigerian government in conjunction with its strategic partners in the ongoing war must act quickly and decisively to avoid a similar scenario, as
“Boko Haram seems to be serious about its earlier threat to enforce Sharia Law across the whole of the North-East, as depicted by the beheading of victims with chainsaws. The group seems to be ready to prove to observers that it has the longer-term capacity or will to administer its new gains.”
played out in Iraq when rampaging ISIS forces rapidly overran large swathes of the country’s territory and ultimately established a pariah state within another sovereign state. That is the potential scenario facing the Nigeria as things currently stand. The implications of the dire security threat this latest twist to an already bloody affair poses to the security of Nigeria and its neighbours cannot be overemphasized. The truth is that if the ongoing madness in the North-
East is not carefully and exhaustively tackled, more horrible spectacles should be expected to rear their ugly heads in the foreseeable future. This is not doomsday prophecy, but an honest, dispassionate projection of what is to come if the ongoing dance of death is allowed to continue unaddressed. There are so many disenchanted groups in Nigeria like Boko Haram waiting for opportunities of their own to unleash their own brands of hell on the state and its citizens. All they need are the right triggers. For a country that has long been divided along primordial lines, the potentials for violent confrontations are as glaring as the break of dawn. Whether it is fundamentalist religious groups, fanatical nationalist associations, or other such groups, the probabilities of more violent groups springing up to further challenge the
legitimacy of the Nigerian State, grows with each gain made by Boko Haram in its bloody confrontation with the Nigerian State. What Boko Haram really wants is obvious to all discerning observers: to annex a large parcel of territory from the Nigerian State and set up a separate Islamic state that will be strictly governed by Sharai Law. This has gone beyond insurgency, but a battle for the continued existence of the Nigerian State as currently defined; a war against the forceful partitioning of Nigeria. If this is allowed to play out, it will mark the formal beginning of the end of the Nigerian State. Here is urging those constitutionally charged with the sacred responsibility of
ensuring the security and continued existence of the Nigerian State to do all within their powers to prevent this little cloud from metamorphosing into a gigantic squall. All possible means of deescalating this conflict must be embraced. This is no longer time to dilly-dally or stay pigeonholed in the box of indecision, but a time to rise up and expedite action on a situation that stands out as the greatest security threat the Nigerian state and its citizens have faced since the onset of the union. Time is of great essence. God save Nigeria! MR OBUSEH JUDE, A PEACE RESEARCHER AND PRACTITIONER, IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CONFLICT PREVENTION AND PEACE BUILDING INITIATIVE.
Viewpoint
Combating Desertification Through Ecosystem-Based Approach SOMETIME ago, Ibrahim Magaji visited his village in the Gurbin Bore Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara after living in Lagos for about 10 years. Magaji was full of expectations that when he got to the village, he would be able to reminisce about his youthful years in the village. However, his dream turned out to be a mirage, as the whole village has virtually disappeared and covered by sand, with no plant or water to sustain livestock or farming. Magaji was also confounded when he visited his relations in Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina states and found out that over a hundred villages had similarly disappeared. “I saw that the villagers now have land, which could no longer support farming, dried up wells and parched grasslands. “The villagers had since relocated to towns and cities where they took up jobs such as commercial motorcyclists, taxi drivers, water vendors, cobblers or dishwashers in restaurants. “These are people who had never been outside their villages before but they were forced to relocate because their cherished natural resources have been ravaged by desertification,” he moaned. No matter how alarmist Magaji might sound, the scenario aptly reflects the situation in several states across the northern part of Nigeria. Environmentalists say that the impact of desertification is, however, more pronounced on 11 northern states that are regarded as the “frontline states’’. These frontline states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe
and Zamfara. The increasing menace of desertification in the frontline states has naturally elicited the growing concern of ecologists. Dr Bukhar Hassan, the Director (Drought, Desertification and Amelioration) in the Federal Ministry of Environment, expressed concern that some settlements, especially those adjacent to the country’s border with Niger Republic, have been taken over by the desert. He stressed that a lot people from the settlements had been forced to relocate to the “buffer states’’ due to desert encroachment. “The 11 frontline states largely bear the brunt of desertification. Desertification in Nigeria is caused by the southward movement of Sahara Desert into the country and the first ports of call are these states,” he said. Environmentalists describe desertification as a type of land degradation in which a relatively dry land region becomes increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water as well as vegetation and wildlife. Desertification is caused by several factors, including climate change and human activities, and it is a major ecological problem across the world. The experts, however, say that anthropogenic factors, such as deforestation, overexploitation of land, bush burning and over-grazing, combine to accelerate the desertification process. Mr John Odey, a former Minister of Environment, once informed the House of Representatives’ Committee on Climate Change that desertification in Nigeria was moving southward at a rate of 600 metres annually. Another ex-Minister of
By CECILIA OLOGUNAGBA Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, at one time also raised an alarm that 43.3 per cent of the total land area of Nigeria was prone to desertification. Her words: “40 million
each year and this poses serious threats to the livelihoods of about 40 million people.’’ Although desertification is somewhat irreversible but experts insist that it could be
Nigerians are affected by desertification each year and this poses serious threats to the livelihoods of the citizens. “The problem is quite alarming and it can cripple efforts to provide land resources-based ecosystem services that are important to a number of development sectors. “The rate of desertification in the country is reported to be high, with the attendant destruction of farmlands and livelihoods, particularly in the affected states. “Also, Nigeria is losing about 2, 168 square kilometres of rangeland and cropland to desertification
controlled via an ecosystembased approach which includes tree-planting initiatives. Moniques Barbut, the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), said that the adoption of an ecosystem-based approach would protect the land from the vagaries of weather, while securing its productivity for present and future generations. One of the global measures put in place to combat desertification involves a partnership between the UN and some intergovernmental organisations which declared the 2010 to 2020 period as
“These are people who had never been outside their villages before but they were forced to relocate because their cherished natural resources have been ravaged by desertification...”
the UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (UNDDD). International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is one of the organisations that are promoting the adoption of the ecosystem-based approach in the anti-desertification
campaign. Dr. Kanayo Nwanze, the President of IFAD, bemoaned the growing impact of desertification on the environment and humanity. “The loss of arable land to desertification is a huge obstacle to efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger. Every day at IFAD, we are confronted with the human cost of desertification. “The impact of desertification is more pronounced on subsistence farmers, nomadic herdsmen and other people who depend on land and rain for their survival. Their land is less productive and their soil is less resilient. “For millions of people, halting desertification is a matter of life and death. When people cannot earn an income from the land or feed themselves, they must migrate or starve. “If we are going to eliminate rural poverty and make communities more resilient to climate change,
we have to address how land and natural resources are managed,” he added. Besides, Elwyn GraingerJones, IFAD’s Director of Environment and Climate, said that the adoption of a healthy ecosystem-based approach could foster productivity and diversify income-generating activities. “The involvement of grassroots organisations,
community groups, women and young people in planning and managing the natural resources which sustain agriculture is essential for an ecosystembased approach,’’ he said. Sharing similar sentiments, Mr. Umar Dahiru, an environmentalist, said that the planting of indigenous trees across Nigeria would aid efforts to combat the effects of desertification, particularly in the frontline states. Dahiru, who is the Executive Director of Kanobased Africa Desertification Control Initiative, underscored the need to encourage farmers to plant indigenous tree crops in the frontline states, adding that such cultivation was known as desert culture. According to him, desert culture’ involves the cultivation of crops which can be used as cash crops and simultaneously used to control desertification Continues on Pg 21
Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452
Battery Care THE lead-acid battery is the most popular type used on modern motor vehicles because it is capable of supplying the large electrical current demanded by the starter motor to start the vehicle. To keep a battery in good condition the following points should be noted * The electrolyte level must be kept above the level of the plates. This should be maintained by topping up with clean distilled water only. Avoid overfilling because if the battery
top becomes wet it will corrode. * The terminals should be tight and coated with grebe or petroleum jelly to avoid corrosion. And for a corroded terminal, clean by immersing it in ammoniated worm water or soda dissolved in water. * Connections to the terminal must be kept clean and tight to ensure full contact and maximum current flow. * Frequent needs for topping up your car battery indicate that the battery is over charged. The charging system should be checked. Batteries do not last forever. But if you maintain your car battery it will serve you better and for a long period.
Good And Bad Plugs
MUCH of the time, an engine misfires because of plug malfunctioning. Some of the common plug problems are discussed here. A very rich fuel mixture will soon blacken the plug ends and result in misfiring. A visual inspection of the plugs will show the ends covered with soot. It has to be cleaned off by a blaster or get a mechanic to wash it with some petrol. In use, the gap between the point and the electrode tends to increase and needs to be reset. If possible, reset the gap every 5000 kilometers. The car handbook should give the correct plug gap. Many mechanics use rough and ready method by banging the point on a pavement, but this is not advisable. The correct plug for the car should be used so as to ensure the correct threading. The tip of the plug should lie flush with the wall of the combustion chamber. Where it protrudes or fails to chamber the opening. Serious problems could result. Different plugs have different heat range, which refers to optimum operating temperature. To take care of this, use the plugs recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Often, plug gets thrown away when they are still good. The car’s electrical system might be the real culprit when idling is sluggish or power output falls drastically. Take a close look at the alternator and the condenser, especially alternator. Where it works well, plugs should spark properly for at least 10,000 kilometers. Whenever the plug ends yet fouled oil, suspect worn piston rings of worn cylinder wall. If the fouling is bad enough, the electrode will be damaged irretrievably. The only real solution is to install new piston rings. An elementary precaution, however, do not pour too much oil into the sump. The dipstick should be inspected daily for oil level in the sump. Occasionally, the distributor leads
don’t carry electrical current effectively, and I’ve seen where all the leads of a car were condemned outright. In the past, a plug spanner was part of the tool kit of any serious motorist. It is a good idea to buy one. But keep it properly or mechanics would make away with it.
Auto Tips
Safety Checks DAILY CHECKS i) Check tyre condition and pressure ii) Check door locks and windows winder iii) Check engine oil level and condition iv) Check radiator water level and its condition v) Check fan belts tension and condition vi) Check brake oil level vii) Inspect battery connection viii) Check power steering and automatic trai oil level (if fitted) ix) Check wiper and windscreen washer water level x) Check handbrake and foot brake operation xi) Clean interior and exterior of the car or bus. WEEKLY CHECKS i) Carry out all daily checks and: ii) Check/inspect engine for oil or water leakage iii) Check battery water level and general condition iv) Check spare tyre, tools and lifting jack. v) Check steering free-play vi) Check brake performance vii) Check fire extinguisher, “C” caution signs and vehicle
particulars viii) Check electrical system and accessories ix) Wash underneath the vehicle every two weeks especially during the rainy season. MONTHLY i) Carry out comprehensive daily and weekly checks and effect necessary clean up ii) Check speedometer reading and compare to “next service” label figure and sure regular maintenance service. iii) Secure all tools and equipment in the respective positions. iv) Inter-change the tyres in the order specified in the owner’s handbook. v) Check and keep vehicle particulars and log book up to date. vi) Prepare and send the vehicle condition report to the owner or officers in-charge of the fleets. If all these checks are carried out as specified the vehicle will be in good condition always, free from breakdown, unnecessary stay in the repair workshop and prolonged service life.
Safety Tips i) Do routine check on your vehicle ii) Always fasten your seat belt iii) Observe speed limit iv) Give due consideration to other road users. Breakdown If you have a breakdown get your vehicle COMPLETELY OFF the carriageway on to the hard shoulder out of the way of other traffic. Never forget the danger from passing traffic, so do not step on to the carriageway or let your passengers. do so. Use your warning triangle, switch on your hazard lights if necessary especially at night. YOU MUST WARN OTHERS. If your vehicle is fitted with amber direction indicators which can flash simultaneously (HAZARD LIGHTS). You may use them in this a a warning signal. You should warn other road users by placing Reflective triangle on the road away from your vehicle. You may also place objects. Which will not cause further accidents on the road to forewarn others. But, you should remove, all such Objects and/or their reflective triangle as soon as your vehicle moves away. FALLING ITEMS: If anything falls from your vehicle, stop as soon as you can safely do so and remove it from the carriageway. ACCIDENT: If you are involved in an accident or are the first on the scene of an accident, you should: (a) Warn other traffic by displaying a red triangle or switching on hazard warning lights or other lights or by any other means. Extinguish lighted cigarettes or other fire hazards and, ask drivers to switch off their engines. (b) Get help from the traffic officers, road marshals, police or ambulance authorities arrange for them to be summoned .immediately with full details of the location and casualties where possible, drive on to the next emergency telephone. (c) Remove injured persons if any to prevent further immediate danger but do not move them unnecessarily: give first aid: get uninjured people out of the vehicles and into a place of safety; away from the” carriageway onto the hard shoulder central reservation.
Viewpoint Continued from Pg 19
Dahiru stressed the need to plant indigenous trees across the country to strengthen ongoing desertificationcontrol efforts of the Federal Government, particularly in the frontline states. One of the major strategies of the Federal Government to control desertification is the Great Green Wall Initiative, which is aimed at the recovery of over 22,000 hectares of degraded lands in the frontline states. The project, which involves 11 countries, including Nigeria, aims at constructing “a wall of trees’’, stretching 4,300 miles
...Ecosystem-Based Approach long and nine miles wide across Africa, from the Republic of Djibouti to Senegal. The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam, recently assured officials of the Pan-African Agency for the Great Green Wall that the Federal Government had started implementing the project. She said that the initiative was a community-based project and an ecosystembased adaptation measure, which was adopted to combat desertification in the 11
frontline states. She stressed that the Federal Government approved N10 billion for the project’s implementation, which had started with a series of activities. The minister said that project started in 2013 with a sensitisation campaign, the planting of 2, 871,415 tree seedlings for forestry and orchards, as well as the establishment a 167-km shelterbelt. Mallam said that 113. 5 hectares of orchards plantations and 53 hectares
of woodlots had been established under the project, while 146 youths had been engaged as forest guards to oversee the project’s implementation. She said that the ministry was implementing some schemes in 2014, starting with planting of 12, 500 tree seedlings. She said that the other activities of the ministry included the provision of 92 solar/wind-powered boreholes, the establishment of 800 hectares of grazing reserves in four states and
supporting the livelihoods of 2,220 youths, among others. “It is, therefore, necessary to ensure the initiative’s sustained implementation, so as to improve the wellbeing of millions of people whose livelihoods were threatened by desertification,’’ she added. Mallam expressed optimism that the implementation of the Green Great Wall Initiative would tackle the menace of desertification in the country in a pragmatic way. Besides, the minister
disclosed that a bill on the establishment of the Great Green Wall Agency had been sent to the National Assembly so as to fast-track the project’s implementation. As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s World Day to Combat Drought and Desertification on June 17, ecologists urge the National Assembly to expedite action on the bill’s passage to save the country from the gruesome effects of desertification. They also call on the government at all levels to initiate pragmatic treeplanting schemes, as part of efforts to combat desertification.
Controlling Invasive Weeds In Nigeria
VARIOUS experts have defined weed in different ways. However, whether as an agriculturist, ecologist or horticulturist, a weed refers to those plant species that grow where they are not wanted. Example of weed include Pistia stratiote commonly called water lettuce, Azolla Africana commonly called African Mosquito fern, Oryza longistaminata commonly called wild rice, Eichornia natans commonly known as water hyacinth, Chromolaena Odorata commonly known as a w o l o w o , Ipomoea involucrate commonly called morning glory, Bryophyllum Pinnatum commonly called resurrection plant, Andropogan gayanus commonly called elephant grass, momordica charantia commonly known as African cucumber, Cynodon dactylon commonly called Bahama grass, phyllanthus amarus with the local name Iyekeebezukpe, Mimosa pudica commonly called sensitive plant, sida acuta commonly known as broom weed, Talinum triangulare, commonly called water leaf and many others. These weed spread fast, thereby becoming very invasive in nature, because they grow very fast and sooner than later outgrow other plants in its natural habitat. Many invasive weeds have caused a lot of damages to the ecosystem and have altered the natural habitat of many plant species. The characteristics of weed makes it to be very invasive. For instance, many weed have seed that can easily be dispersed either by
wind, water, animal, or man. The seed of most weeds can resist very harsh weather condition. Many weeds are bisexual, while others are hermaphrodite, hearing male and female reproductive organs. Again, many weeds can reproduce vegetatively. Ornamental weeds are imported into the country for horticultural purposes and its sales and uses have further spread it to different parts of the country. According to a botanist, Dr. Emmanuel Aigbokhan, these invasive weeds also have economic and ecological implications for mankind. According to him, some of these invasive plant species are ornamental plant which serves very useful purpose in horticulture, landscaping, gardens, parks and botanical garden. They are of high economic value as people purchase them to beautify their homes, recreational areas, hotels, schools, churches and environment. Some of these plants are also useful in controlling erosion. Nevertheless, many of these invasive plants have also been found to be very dangerous to agricultural crops as they constitute parasitic weed to many crops such as rice, millet, yam, groundnut, cowpea, potatoes, plantain etc. thereby affecting agricultural yields and creating food shortage. According to Okezie Akobundu, without improving on the present weed control mechanisms, crops yield will continue to drop even when improved varieties or cultivars are grown. There are various methods of weed control.
By DESMOND AGBAMA This includes hand weeding, hoeing, tilling, mowing, shredding, root pulling and bulldozing. Other methods include the use of herbicides
movement, transfer, sales and use of ornamental invasive plants in Nigeria, just like it is done in America and Europe countries, in order to
very low, and stressed the need for increase public enlightenment. He equally stressed the need for necessary legislation against the importation and spread of invasive ornamental plants. There is also the need for government to provide
Water hyacinth and biological control as well as the use of molecular tools, that is, plant genes transfer technology like male and female sterility, seed sterility and parthenocarpy to neutralize the invasiveness of weeds. According to Dr Aigbokhan, there is need to regulate the importation,
protect and preserve the ecosystem. For instance, the Kudzu ornamental plant species which covers over 10 million acres of land in South-East of America have been banned. According to Dr. Aigbokhan, the awareness about the damages caused by invasive weeds in Nigeria is
enough research grants for the study and control of’ invasive weeds in Nigeria. It must he emphasized that it is cheaper and better to prevent the spread of ornamental invasive weeds than controlling it once it has spread. One good example is the spread of Eichormia natan commonly
“Government should pay more attention to research findings as it concerns invasive weeds and its control. For now, there is little or no effort on the part of government to combat the ravaging effects of invasive plant species in the ecosystem.”
called water hyacinth which has taken over virtually all water body in Southern Nigeria. The effects of water hyacinth in our rivers are many. First, it kills and endanger fishes in the river, secondly, it makes movement of boats, ships and canoes in the river rather difficult, if not impossible. Thirdly, it deprives the people their source of livelihood, especially the fishermen. It pollutes the water thereby making it unsuitable for human consumption. Government should pay more attention to research findings as it concerns invasive weeds and its control. For now, there is little or no effort on the part of government to combat the ravaging effects of invasive plant species in the ecosystem. However, it is recommended by experts that physical and mechanical as well as biological methods of weed control should be employed. Apart from the eradication of unwanted invasive plants, the methods will help provide employment for unemployed Nigerians, they are engaged in the clearing, hoeing, tilling, mowing and bulldozing of water hyacinth in rivers and invasive weeds on the nation’s highways, parks, gardens, recreational centres, landscape and reserved or managed habitats. This will culminate in decent environment, create income and wealth, and ensure the wellbeing of the people. Desmond Agbama, Chairman, Edo State Council Nigeria Union of Journalists
Healthy Living “Exercise is good for your blood pressure-no matter your age, weight, race or gender. And it really doesn’t matter whether you get exercise from a brisk walk, a fast run or a few; laps in the pool; the results are equally good.”
Relevance Of Body Exercise THE term “Exercise” means different things depending on the contextual usage. However, the focus of this discussion is centered on body exercise which has to do with engaging oneself in activities so as to keep fit. The need for individuals to engage themselves in body exercise cannot be over emphasized. This is because it has a lot of positive things it can do to the body. A 30-minute walk everyday can do more for your long-term health than all the efforts of a dozen doctors and their medication. Not only does exercise improve your health, even if you have already been diagnosed with something but can go a long way to prevent the onset of several lifethreatening conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. And exercise can make you look great-younger, fitter and thinner. Research have shown that body exercise is a precautionary and the panacea to so many issues of the body. The benefits include the following among others. Body exercise helps you feel good and reduces stress. Wan a natural high? Try a little exercise! Whenever you exercise your brain releases a natural chemical called endorphin which make you feel good. The release of these endorphin is the natural method that your body uses to regulate feelings of pain and hunger. A widely publicized observation is the supposed “runners high”. Here the person who is doing
By STANLEY UGAGBAE/EDET ELIJAH
continuous and demanding exercise will eventually reach a threshold that stimulates the release of endorphin production. As endorphins are released into out bloodstream they also help to improve our mood. Have you ever noticed how you’ve felt after exercising? Well that’s a combination of the endorphins released in your body along with the sense of achievement for doing the exercise. Studies have also shown that those endorphins play an important part in reducing stress and helping us to relax. Also, body exercise helps to reduce the risk of cancer. Many studies support the use of regular exercise in the prevention and treatment of cancer. One study carried out by the cancer Research Campaign and Scottish cancer foundation, both combined and analyzed the results of more than 50 separate studies into a bowel cancer. It found out that people who exercised regularly were less likely to develop bowel cancer (source: bbc.co.uk “Exercise halves cancer risk”). Bowel cancer is one of the UK’s biggest killers with approximately 17,000 death from it each year. Exercise as simple as manual work hiking and gardening all count as positive measure towards the prevention of cancer. Furthermore, investigation revealed that exercise helps to prevent osteoporosis. Exercise, together with a healthy calcium intake, builds strong bones.
Weight-bearing exercises, like running, walking and weight lifting, help lower your oddes of getting osteoporosis as you grow older, according to experts. Ideally, you should start when you’re young, but it’s never too late to pick up the habit. Even a brisk walk can help, say metabolic disease specialists. Surprising exercise is great for your sex life. The medical research points towards it: the fitter you are, the better your sex life is. The reason seems to be twofold: psychologically you feel better about yourself and more inclined towards sex, and physically, being fit improves libido, blood circulation and sexual functioning. It has been said before that the brain may be the most important sexual organ. This is because stressed, anxious and depressed people are usually unable to enjoy a healthy sex life. Additionally, people with a bad body image do not feel good about the bodies and often avoid sex or are unable to truly enjoy it. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), being physically active can be “ a natural Viagra boost”. Men and women who exercise regularly are going to have increased levels of desired. They’re going to have enhanced confidence, enhanced ability to achieve orgasm and greater sexual satisfaction says Cedric Bryan, the Council’s chief exercise physiologist. In a synopsis on “Exercise,
Fitness and Mental Health” (1990), sport psychologist D.R. Brown summarized the possible beneficial effects that exercise has on mental health. This include the following: Exercise may act as a temporary diversion to daily stresses. Exercise provide an opportunity for social interaction that may otherwise be lacking in an individual’s life. Exercise provides an opportunity for self-mastery. Increasing fitness or improving body composition and other health parameters may improve an individual’s self-esteem. Increasing core temperature during exercise may lead to reduced muscle tension (internal) opiates eig endorphins. Psychological changes may occur due to alterations in morphine, dopamine and serotonin, all hormones which can affect mood and anxiety level. Body exercise also help to promote better sleep. Struggling to fall asleep? Or to stay asleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep. Exercise and physical activity can be fun way to spend some time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you can enjoy and just dolt if you get
bared, try something new. Exercise is good for your blood pressure-no matter your age, weight, race or gender. And it really doesn’t matter whether you get exercise from a brisk walk, a fast run or a few; laps in the pool; the results are equally good. The studies on which these findings were based used “aerobic” exercise-activities that increase heart rate and improve the body’s ability to use oxygen. Most of the studies involved participating in one more Aerobic activity for 20-30 minutes per-session or several times a week. On average, exercise helped study participants reduce systolic (top number) pressure by nearly 4mm Hg, and diastolic (bottom number) pressure by slightly more than 2.5,, Hg. But experts caution that those with extremely high blood should not only reply on exercise alone to control hypertension. Little did people know that exercise prevent cold. One doesn’t automatically associate regular exercise with a reduction in the number of colds people get. But researcher from the University of Carolina found out that people who exercised regularly were 23% less likely to get colds than those who exercised less. And if those who exercise got colds, the symptoms disappeared more quickly than in the study participants who did little exercise. Health experts believe that exercise spikes the immune system for a few hours each day, helping toward off colds. Thirty minutes of brisk walking is enough to make you reap the benefits of exercise. Also, exercise promotes a healthy pregnancy. Although exercise might be risking in some cases, the benefits of exercising during pregnancy generally far outweigh the risks and some women can even exercise up until the third trimester. Relaxation exercises, kegel exercise that strengthen the pelvic muscles for pregnant women. Not only does exercise keep your heart healthy and make you feel good, but it also help keep those extra pounds off. Often those who are overweight have a slower metabolism than those where are learner. And
scientifically it has been proven that those who have lean muscle tone burn fat even more efficiently. Consistent cardiovascular exercise 3 or 4 times a week, helps to burn fat and convert it into lean muscle tone. The best way to burn fact is to do aerobic exercise like running , joggle and cycling. Anaerobic exercise (like weight lifting) do not focus on burning fat but help to build muscle. But the muscles in turn complement the aerobic exercises as bigger muscles help to burn more calories. When you exercise your immune system get a temporary boost in the production of macrophages. These are the cells that attack bacteria. Your body temperature also rises which helps to fight off germs. Generally moderate exercise is very good for the immune system because it help to strengthen and stimulate the immune system. For high intensity exercise such as marathon running enough rest and recovery time is required to prevent a negative effect being sustained on the immune system. Your nutrition, sleeping habits and stress levels all affect your energy level. But exercise is a sure way to help increase energy and slemina and help to make you alert. As you exercise, you increase your heart rate cawing more blood to flow around your body and through your brain is now receiving is absorbed by the brain cells making you feel energetic and mentally alert. Finally, exercise is an excellent de-stressor. Exercise acts as a temporary diversion to daily stresses and it improves self-esteem. Increase core temperature during exercise may lead to reduced muscle tension and favourable alterations in brain neurotransmitters. Mood improvements may also occur due to the increased secretion of endogenous (internal) opiates, e.g endorphins. Psychological change may occur because of changes in morepinephrine, dopamine and exertion all hormones which can affect mood and anxiety levels. Information from Susan Erasmus and Mayo Clinic Staff were used in this write-up.
Religion
With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA
Let My People Go (1) “MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE” HOSEA 4:6” THIS book is my honest and humble contribution to the emancipation of the human race and mankind in general from the manipulative powers of satan who is declared in the scriptures as the “ruler of the world” (Jn 14:30). Satan has dominated the mind, spirit and body of the human race to the extent that he has gained control of their totality of being with or without the awareness of some of his victims. God has warned thus: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil” (Ex 23:2). What is the solution to the problem besetting the human race, why do people rejoice in killing others?; why do persons decide to rob, intimidate or maim fellow human beings; why do ladies decide to sell themselves out for money in the guise of prostitution?, why should somebody deliberately bear false witness against another with the intention to destroy that person? Why ritual killing to make money? Why do people go into cultism? Why do some people rejoice in the suffering of others? Why should one person poison the other to cause harm or permanent disability if not death? Why do people rejoice in doing evil? It is not with a sane mind! Something is wrong somewhere why should a man decide to kill the wife or the wife decide to kill the husband? Why do children rebel against their parents?, I have thought about this for a long time and I have found out prayerfully too that the answer is in our ability to discern the evil machinations of satan and to get ourselves loosened from his grip. He has a grip on the human race; this is why Jesus described the devil as “the prince or ruler of the world (Jn 14:30). Satan has dominated man through controlling the soul spirit and body of man; and therefore man rejoices always in doing evil. How do you explain these strange diseases and ailments befalling mankind? Some of these diseases have no traceable causes. Medical scientists say for instance, that most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun; most lung cancers are caused by smoking but they cannot explain the cause of breast cancer that is threatening the female population of the world. The same scientific inexplicability applies to the fibroid that you find in the woman’s womb mostly affecting young ladies and usually affecting conception. How do you also explain the scourge of AIDS ravaging the world population today with no medical or scientific cure in sight except by divine intervention. I conclude that all these are the machinations of satan to bewilder the world. Man should learn to turn to God for solutions. Man is a spirit being, but having a soul and living inside a body. For a man to be free from satanic manipulations these three constituents of man must be wholly sanctified and yielded to Christ. This is why Paul admonished the church thus: “I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” I Thess 5:23. The spirit is the inner man the real man and once it is totally absent from the body the individual is pronounced dead: “The body without the spirit is dead” Jas 2:26. So important is the spirit that Paul placed it first in the above verse followed by the soul and the body. The spirit controls the body; the inner man (The human spirit) speaks through the soul which is the mind and is interpreted in action by the body. The spirit and the soul belong to the invisible nature of man while the body belongs to the visible nature of man. In the subsequent chapters we will see why the spirit needs deliverance as to affect the body too for after all even the human spirit can be contaminated otherwise Paul could not have said it should he kept blameless: and just as the spirit can he contaminated the soul and body can equally be contaminated. So David wrote that: His spirit he renewed aright from its contamination., after he had bodily committed adultery with Bathsheha. 2 Sam 11:24. “Create, in me a clean heart, O God; and renewal a right spirit within me “Ps 51:10. Man is in a sorry state when the spirit and soul and body are totally y to Satan and this is the state of mankind today why evil thrives unabated. This. book is a clarion call for total spiritual liberation of mankind from the domination of satan and for believers to beware of the exploits and manipulative tendencies of satan to put them in bondage, yet I say to you; God has ser a deliverer to mankind else you cannot deliver yourself Jesus is that deliverer. So it is “not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” Zech. 4:6. Jesus spoke of his deliverance mission thus: “The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have it more abundantly”
Jn 10:10 Satan is the thief Jesus has come to deliver us from the hand of the thief. THE MAN, MOSES “THUS SAITH THE LORD . LET MY PEOPLE GO” EX. 5:1 Moses was the great prophet of God whom the Lord raised to. save the whole nation of Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians, he led them through the wilderness and established a code of conduct for the people through the numerous mosaic laws. It was he with his brother Aaron who confronted Pharaoh requesting him to let the people go. He was therefore a great human deliverer. In the deliverance concept ancient Egypt is spiritualized as the synonym of bondage; “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help” Isaiah 31:1 and the ancient people of Israel the metaphor of the todays bondmen and Pharaoh the instrument of oppression. But God will always raise a Moses to deliver his people. It is therefore worthy of note to study the ministry of Moses as it
relates to deliverance in a booklet of this nature. Archaeological records reveal that Moses was probably born in 1520 B.C. His father was Amram of the tribe of Levi (Ex 6:18,20, Num 26:59,1 Chron 6:3) and the mother was Jochebed also of the tribe of Levi. The deliverance mission of Moses is traceable to the covenant period in Jewish history. God had a covenant with Abraham the patriarch that he would multiply his seed and give to them a land flowing with Milk and Honey (Gen. 12:1-5, Ex. 6:4) Abraham during the period gave birth to Isaac and Isaac give birth to Esau and Jacob; and Jacob renamed Israel by an Angel (Gen. 32:28) gave birth to twelve sons, who became the direct lineage of the twelve tribes of Israel. They had settled in Canaan, when Joseph was sold into slavery and later found favour with God after a period of imprisonment in Egypt, he rose to become Pharaoh’s prime minister (Gen. 41:4246). The brothers who sold him into slavery were later to discover that their long forgotten brother was a man of substance in Egypt during the period. They reported the matter to their father Jacob and with time all of them had to move from the land of Canaan to settle in Egypt. “And they went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father.. .And they told him all the words of Joseph ... and Israel said, it is enough I will go and see him before! die” Gen. 45:25-28. Israel went with the whole family to settle in Egypt. “These are the names of the children of Israel which came into Egypt: Every man and his household came with Jacob, Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah, Issachar, Zebulum and Benjamin, Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Ahser. And all the souls that came out of the Loins of Jacob were seventy souls: For Joseph was in Egypt already” (Ex. 1:1-5) They were seventy of them in Egypt while Joseph was Governor in the land but at the age of One hundred
and ten years Joseph had died (Gen. 50:26). “And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly and multiplied, and waxed exceedingly mighty and the land was fill with them” (Ex. 1:6-7). Satan will not be a threat to you when you are a failure but as soon as he finds you are getting strong and threatening his kingdom or he has a glimpse of who you are and what mighty works the Lord shall do through you; then he will set up a Pharaoh against you; remember pharaoh in deliverance terminology is the instrument of oppression: but when he sets up a Pharaoh against you, God will not fold his hands to allow his faithful ones destroyed: God through his Son Jesus Christ would intervene in your life; So Stephen the martyr likened Moses as “a type of Christ” raised to set the people free (Acts 7:33-37); for as God raised up Moses to set the people of Israel free from the bondage of Pharaoh, so has God sent his only begotten son; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to set the totality of mankind free from the bondage of satan and to give to such eternal life.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16). Moses was a gift of God to the nation of Israel. He was born during a decree just passed by Pharaoh that called for the extermination of all new born baby boys of Hebrew origin, the mother not wanting him to be killed hid him for three months and when she could no longer hide him after three months, she put him in a basket and hid him by the bank of the river among the reeds and Pharaoh’s daughter who was going for a bath in the river discovered Moses, she loved him and asked him to be nursed on her behalf by his own mother; and later he became the adopted Son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Ex. 2:1-10). In this royal Court Moses spent the first forty years of his life and according to the testimony of Stephen here he was educated in the sciences and oratory and with leadership qualities (Acts 7:22). Moses fled Egypt into the wilderness of midian where he spent another forty years in exclusion as a shepherd, and on Mount Horeb at the age eighty years the Lord appeared to Moses in the midst of fire calling Moses into divine service, and commissioned him (Ex. 3:1-15). Now why did God commission Moses to go and deliver the people of Israel? Because he “remembered the covenant” while the people of Israel groaned in the enslavement instituted by a Pharaoh who did not know Joseph. “And the children of Israel sighed by reason of Bondage and they cried And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob” (Ex. 2:24-25). God’s mighty spirit was upon Moses and through him the Lord wrought great works of deliverance to the people of Israel.
International
Bin Laden Son-In-Law Sentenced To Life NEW YORK , USA - A seemingly unrepentant Suleiman Abu Ghaith, a sonin-law of Osama bin Laden, was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday in New York following his conviction on terrorism charges. A Manhattan federal jury in March found the Kuwaitiborn 48-year-old guilty of conspiring to kill Americans, conspiring to provide material support for terrorists and providing such support, after a trial that offered a rare glimpse of bin Laden in the hours following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan imposed the sentence minutes after Abu Ghaith
made a statement in Arabic, quoting the Koran and declaring he would not ask for mercy from anyone but God. “Today, and at the same moment where you are shackling my hands and intend to bury me alive, you are at the same time unleashing the hands of hundreds of Muslim youths,” the former imam said through an interpreter. “And they will join the rally of the free men.” In response, Kaplan noted Abu Ghaith had expressed no remorse, and cited a video in which Abu Ghaith appeared amused by al Qaeda’s Sept. 11 attacks, which killed
nearly 3,000 people in the United States. Suleiman Abu Ghaith stands in front of U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan (not shown) during his sent … “You, sir, in my assessment, are committed to doing everything you can to assist al Qaeda in its mission to kill Americans,” Kaplan said. Prosecutors painted Abu Ghaith as a charismatic spokesman for al Qaeda in the days after the attacks, saying he recorded inflammatory videos used to recruit new members. The government also contended that one October 2001 video, in which Abu Ghaith promised the “storm
Ban Ki Moon
130,000 Syrian Refugees Cross Into Turkey - UNCHR SWITZERLAND- UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said in Geneva that more than 138,000 Syrian refugees, mainly ethnic Kurds, fled from northern Syria into southern Turkey over the weekend. The UNHCR Spokesperson, Melissa Fleming, said the latest arrivals crossed the border through two remaining open border points. She said the Turkish authorities were managing the entry of refugees through security, health checks including measles and polio vaccination for very young children and registrations. Fleming said the commission field staff reported that majority of new arrivals were women, children and the elderly.
She added that they all arrived exhausted, having walked several kilometers to safety on a dusty, rough road with their luggage. The spokesperson said the UN refugee agency, in coordination with Turkish authorities, was preparing for the possibility of hundreds of thousands more Syrian refugees arriving in the coming days, as the battle for the northern Syrian city of Kobani and surrounding areas forced more people to flee. She said throughout the Syria conflict, the city of Kobani was relatively safe and untouched, and as many as 200,000 internally displaced people from other parts of the country found refuge there. The UNHCR official said with recent advances and a siege of the city by Islamic
State (IS) militants, large numbers of the population, mainly from Syria’s Kurdish minority, were forced to leave homes and seek safety in neighbouring Turkey. She said the agency had supplied tens of thousands of relief items, including blankets, sleeping mats, jerry cans and plastic sheets, with more aid on the way. Fleming said the first in a series of airlifts bringing aid for up to 200,000 people was expected to arrive in Turkey from Amman, Jordan, on Wednesday, and another three flights from Amman and Copenhagen expected to follow later in the week. The Turkish government had set up two transit centres “and will continue its work on two new camps to accommodate the Syrian refugees,’’ she added.
of airplanes will not stop,” indicated he knew beforehand of an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to detonate a shoe bomb aboard a jetliner in December 2001 by Briton Richard Reid. “Abu Ghaith was a proud participant in al Qaeda’s conspiracy to kill Americans,” Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cronan told the court. “He was someone Osama bin Laden relied on heavily.” Abu Ghaith’s lawyer, Stanley Cohen, argued his client was guilty only of fiery
speeches and that not a “scintilla of evidence” exists to connect him with any specific plots. Osama bin Laden’s son-inlaw Suleiman Abu Ghaith is found guilty of terrorismrelated charges in Man … At trial, Abu Ghaith testified that he met bin Laden in an Afghan cave on Sept. 11. “We are the ones who did it,” he said bin Laden told him. The next day, Abu Ghaith said, he recorded his first video at bin Laden’s request. However, he claimed he was
not an al Qaeda member and said he did not intend to speak for the group. Abu Ghaith would later marry bin Laden’s daughter Fatima, a fact the jury was not told. Following the verdict, U.S. Attorney Eric Holder traveled to New York, where he said the trial proved again that such cases should be prosecuted in civilian court. On Tuesday, he said in a statement, “We will continue to rely on this robust and proven system to hold accountable anyone who would harm our nation and its people.”
UNHCR To Move 5,000 Nigerians UNITED NATIONS - The From Border Town
UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that it was stepping up efforts to move some 5,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon from a border town amid ongoing cross-border attacks by insurgents. The office of the UNHCR said in a statement in New York that some 100 Nigerian refugees cross into Cameroon every day and that the Nigerian refugees had been living in “absolute fear” of the insurgents. The agency, the statement added, had already relocated more than 8,600 over the past two weeks as cross-border fighting worsened. It stated that on September 18, insurgents attacked a series of Cameroonian villages located along the border with Nigeria and burnt more than 10 Churches. It noted that 10 days earlier, insurgents attacked villages in the area, killing eight people and seizing 300 motorbikes.
Basha Al-Assad of Syria
Since the beginning of the attacks in Nigeria, local authorities in Cameroon reported the arrival of 43,720 Nigerian refugees, including 26,720 registered by UNHCR. In the statement, the commission said, since the crisis in north-eastern Nigeria, some 70,000 people sought refuge in neighbouring Niger and some 1,600 in Chad. An estimated 650,000 people were internally displaced in north-eastern Nigeria due to the insurgency, the commission said. The agency said it was moving some 5,000 Nigerian refugees from the border town of Fotokol from the nearby Nigerian town of Gamboru Ngala, which had fallen under insurgent control this month. In Fotokol, it added, living conditions were dire as refugees lived in overcrowded classrooms and in makeshift shelters constructed with pieces of cloth. It said the refugees relied on
the local authorities and villagers for food. It would be recalled that on September 2, the UNHCR said recent attacks by insurgents had prompted thousands of people to seek refuge in Cameroon , with some sleeping in schools and churches,. The new arrivals, the commission said, fled recurrent attacks in the past three weeks in the Gwoza area in Nigeria’s Borno State before reaching safety in Cameroon. Authorities report that 5,500 refugees have arrived in Kolfata, 3,000 in Keranawa and 370 in Mora, in the Mayo Sava and Logone-et-Chari districts. On Sunday, the insurgents attacked Kerawa town in Cameroon, forcing refugees and some local residents to flee further inland.
International US Warns That Ebola Could Infect The CDC, for example, The CDC did not give an 1.4m estimated that the real number of estimate of how many Ebola
President Barak Obama
High Profile Chinese Official BEIJING - The former Confesses To Graft deputy head of China’s top planning agency confessed in court yesterday to extensive bribery involving several companies including a Toyota Motor Corp. joint venture, the court said. Liu Tienan, 59, was sacked as deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), a post that carries ministerial-level status, in May last year. He is one of the highest-profile officials to be prosecuted for corruption since President Xi Jinping launched an anti-graft campaign. Prosecutors charged Liu and his son, Liu Decheng, with taking 35.6 million yuan ($5.8 million) in bribes in dealings with various companies, including the Toyota joint venture, the court said. The NDRC is a powerful body that sets broad economic policies and approves major investments. Liu was also head of the National Energy Administration regulator. “The oral representation made by the defendant Liu Tienan on the allegations is: I have taken the initiative to confess to the facts of the allegations,” the court said on its microblog as it laid out the charges against Liu. The closely watched trial in being held in Langfang city in Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing. Liu was sacked after a deputy editor-in-chief of the investigative magazine Caijing posted accusations on his microblog that Liu was involved in illegal activities. He was the first ministeriallevel official to face an investigation after Xi became Communist Party head in late 2012 and pledged to take down high-ranking “tigers” and lowranking “flies” in his fight against a pervasive problem he
says could threaten Communist Party rule. Liu broke into tears as he confessed and apologized for his crimes in his closing statement, the court said. “I’m so sorry that I worked more than 30 years at the NDRC, with the trust of the leaders and my comrades, and smeared a black mark on my workplace,” Liu was quoted as saying. “I am completely and bitterly remorseful.” “I’ve harmed myself with my corrupt actions, harmed my child, and destroyed my family,” he said. Liu is the third ministeriallevel official to stand trial for graft, according to Chinese media. Under Chinese law, Liu could face the death sentence if convicted of corruption. But the public prosecutor said in an opinion that Liu had been cooperative in handing over evidence to investigators so the court would be lenient. “Liu Tiennan, after his case was opened, positively assisted the organizations handling the case in their work, and his attitude was good in admitting and regretting his crimes,” the prosecutor stated. Liu is certain to be found guilty as the Communist Party controls the courts, which do not challenge party accusations, especially in graft cases. Prosecutors said Liu, together with his son, facilitated deals on projects that included the sale of 30,000 tonnes of aluminum oxide to the Nanshan Group, parent of Shandong Nanshan Aluminium Co. Ltd.. In return, the father and son were paid bribes of 7.5 million yuan by Song Zuowen, chairman of Nanshan Group,
the court heard. In 2002, Liu Tienan, as a senior official in the top economic planning agency, had helped Nanshan Group get approval for an alloy project after a request from Song, according to the court. In 2005, Liu Tienan accepted a request from Sun Yonggen, chairman of the Ningbo ZhongJin Petrochemical Co. Ltd. to approve a petrochemical plant, the court said. In return, Sun bought Liu Decheng a car for 336,000 yuan. Liu also put Zhang Aibin, the controlling shareholder of a car dealership in Beijing, in touch with Zhang Fangyou, the chairman of GAC Toyota Motor Co. Ltd, a joint venture between GAC Group and Toyota, so Zhang could set up a GAC Toyota Motor shop, according to the court transcript. Tokyo-based Toyota spokesman Ryo Sakai said the company was checking the facts: “So we would like to refrain from commenting.” The trial has offered a rare glimpse into the amount of power amassed by top officials, especially within the NDRC. The agency sets policy for strategic industries, approves big investments, mergers and acquisitions, and has the authority to influence prices for everything from liquor to gasoline. Since Xi launched his campaign against corruption, 49 ministerial-level officials have “fallen”, according to People’s Daily newspaper. State media reported that Liu had taken bribes for helping a businessman to defraud banks of loans of more than $200 million in 2011 for an investment in Canada. Key information on that case initially came from a former mistress in Japan, media reported.
WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials Tuesday laid out worst-case and best-case scenarios for the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, warning that the number of infected people could explode to at least 1.4 million by mid-January — or peak well below that, if efforts to control the outbreak are ramped up. The widely varying projections by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were based on conditions in late August and do not take into account a recent international surge in medical aid for the stricken region. That burst has given health authorities reason for some optimism. “I’m confident the most dire projections are not going to come to pass,” CDC chief Dr. Tom Frieden said in releasing the report. About 5,800 illnesses and over 2,800 deaths have been counted since the first cases were reported six months ago. But international health authorities have warned that the crisis is probably far worse in reality, with many corpses and infected people hidden or unreported.
CHANGE OF NAME
ODIGIE –I, formerly Miss Joy Abieyuwa Odigie now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Joy Abieyuwa Igbinosa. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
cases, reported and unreported, could reach 21,000 by Sept. 30 in just two of the hardest-hit countries, Liberia and Sierra Leone. In its worst-case scenario, the CDC said the number of illnesses in those nations could hit 1.4 million by Jan. 20. A local Liberian artist paints a mural forming part … A local Liberian artist paints a mural forming part of the country’s fight against the deadly Eb … But the CDC also said that the epidemic in both countries could be almost ended by Jan. 20, by aggressively isolating the sick, either in hospitals or at home, and by taking steps to reduce the spread of the disease during burials. “A surge now can break the back of the epidemic,” Frieden said.
cases overall could be expected under the best-case scenario. But it said the number of new cases per day could be fewer than 300 by mid-January, instead of the thousands feared under the grimmer projections. The World Health Organization released its own estimates Tuesday, also warning that cases could soar dramatically. The U.N. agency, whose estimates were published online by the New England Journal of Medicine, said 21,000 people could be infected in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone by early November. WHO said the death rate has been about 70 percent among hospitalized patients. Empty streets are seen during a three-day lockdown to prevent the spread on the Ebola virus.
CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME OSAMUDIAMEN – I, formerly Miss O s a m u d i a m e n Osayuwamen Esther, now Mrs. Ogbeide Osayuwamen Esther. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
ERIAREMIEN – I, formerly Miss Angela Eriaremien now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Angela .E. Momodu. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
CHANGE OF NAME
EREBOR – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Erebor Priscillia Eze now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Priscillia Aihinoria. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Agbi Monday Henry Robinson wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Agbi Monday Henry as appeared in my various documents. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Agbi Monday Henry Robinson. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
NADINE Weds
ANDRE The solemnization of marriage between former Miss Nadine Owusu-Ansah (based in Canada) and Mr. Andre Imafu Okunzuwa (A project manager) took place on Wednesday 24th September, 2014 at the Oredo Local Government Council Marriage Registry in Benin City. Amongst those present were Mr. Obas Edwards, Mrs. Imuwahen Eguavoen, Mr. Andrew Eguavoen, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the Registry. Congratulations. Photo: SONNIE. E.
International UN Summit Announces 4 Global Transport Initiatives NEW-YORK, USA - The United Nations Climate Summit has announced four global transport initiatives that would put the transport sector on a new track. The initiatives would lead to a low-carbon future and save trillions of dollars in fuel costs in the process. This is contained in statement released by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, at the one-day summit on climate change in New York. It stated that the initiative would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the number of new bus, metro lines, number of electric vehicles and introduce car and bike sharing. According to the statement, the shift to sustainable, low-carbon transport by the middle of the century can save governments, companies and individuals up to 70 trillion dollars. “The shift can prevent greenhouse gas emissions by transport from doubling by the middle of the century and achieve the internationally agreed goal of a maximum two degrees Celsius rise in global average temperature. Transport, it added, contributes about one quarter of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions and about one fifth of energy use. Under a “business as usual” model, the statement added, energy use and green gas emissions were projected to rise by nearly 50 per cent by 2030 and even more after. It added that the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI), launched at the summit, would increase the number of electric vehicles in cities to least 30 per cent annual by 2030.
Air Raids Hit IS conducted more than 200 Group airstrikes on Tuesday against
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives a speech at his lecture meeting hosted by Nikkei Inc. and Japan External Trade Organization.
DAMASCUS — At least 10 airstrikes hit suspected Islamic State positions yesterday in an eastern Syrian town near the Iraqi border, activists said. It was not immediately clear who carried out the airstrikes in and around Boukamal, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. But the activist group cited locals as saying the intensity of the air raids was similar to that of strikes on the town early Tuesday by the U.S.-led military coalition. There was no immediate comment from the United States or its Arab allies. The American-led coalition
Modi Arrives US Amid High Expectation
DELHI/WASHINGTON Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in the United States tomorrow aiming to woo corporate titans and crown a burst of investment-focused diplomacy, while marking a personal victory for a man who was for years unwelcome in the country. Modi, who was elected in May, will spend two days in New York before heading to Washington for his first meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama. The U.S. leader is keen to see a strategic relationship he has called “one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century” live up to its potential. In meetings over the past month with world powers including China and Japan, Modi won investment pledges of $55 billion to support his domestic reform drive. But no such state largesse can be expected in Washington and Modi has recognized it is the U.S. private sector he must win over. A leader who says commerce is “in my blood,” will meet 17 U.S. corporate chiefs including those of Google, IBM, GE,
Goldman Sachs and Boeing some at a breakfast where he is not expected to eat because he is observing a nine-day fast for the Hindu Navratri festival. How far investors will be convinced by Modi’s promise to replace red tape with a “red carpet” remains to be seen. India this year slipped three places to 134 on a World Bank list of 189 countries ranked according to their ease of doing business. “People are impatient because they are so eager to see India accelerate its growth again,” said Diane Farrell, acting president of the U.S. India Business Council. “But it’s like trying to turn an aircraft carrier - it takes time, it takes precision and it doesn’t happen in a few minutes.” Modi’s schedule lists about 35 engagements during a 100-hour trip, including a rock-star-like address at New York’s Madison Square Garden, a speech to the United Nations and an appearance at a Central Park festival that features rap star Jay Z. He will meet the U.S. political elite, including leaders of Congress and former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is tipped for a White House run in 2016. In the run-up to the trip Modi’s government gave relief to U.S. businesses - scrapping a proposal to place anti-dumping duties on foreign solar panels and reining in a government agency that capped drug prices. The Obama administration sees India not only as a land of huge potential for expanded business and trade but also as a strategic partner in the face of an increasingly assertive China, whose leader visited Modi in India last week. U.S. officials have played down any suggestion Modi’s visit will bring dramatic breakthroughs, but they hope it will set the tone for a “revitalized” relationship. They are particularly hoping to expand defense ties through coproduction and co-development ventures. Without giving details, India’s foreign ministry said it expected “substantive outcomes” in areas such as defense, trade and energy. The welcome he will get from U.S. business and political
leaders is all the more striking, and perhaps satisfying, given that Modi was denied a U.S. visa in 2005 after more than 1,000 people, most of them Muslims, were killed in riots in the state he governed. Some protests are expected during his visit. The United States was the last major power to end an unofficial boycott on high-level interaction with Modi that followed the 2002 riots, sending an ambassador to meet him only a few weeks before the May election. Modi has shown no ill-feeling and has welcomed U.S. advances since he took office, but both governments will be conscious of the history as they push to move forward. While ties between the world’s largest democracies have come a long way since Cold War differences, they have been bogged down by bickering despite common interests. Recently, relations have been tested by rows over trade and intellectual property and were severely frayed by an angry dispute over the arrest of an Indian envoy in New York last year.
Putin Aide’s Visit To Disputed Island Regrettable - Japanese Official TOKYO - Japan will lodge a protest with Russia after President Vladimir Putin’s chief of staff visited a contested island chain, but there would be no change to Tokyo’s policy to maintain dialogue with Moscow, Japan’s top government spokesman said yesterday. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga made the comment after Sergei Ivanov visited one of the contested islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and Southern Kurils in Russia, earlier on Wednesday. “A visit like this by a highranking person within the Russian government goes
against Japan’s stance regarding the Northern Territories,” Suga told a news conference. “It hurts Japanese people’s feelings and is extremely regrettable.” Soldiers from the former Soviet Union seized the islands at the end of World War Two. The territorial row has weighed on diplomatic relations ever since, precluding a formal peace treaty between the two countries. However, Suga said the visit would not affect an agreement, reached in phone talks between Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday, to maintain bilateral dialogue. During that conversation, Abe proposed that Japan and Russia
hold talks at international conferences such as the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation summit in Beijing in November, Suga said. Ties have also been strained in recent months by sanctions imposed by Japan on Russia, such as visa restrictions and the freezing of assets, over the crisis in Ukraine, and Russian countermeasures. Japan, which wants the eventual return of the disputed islands, needs to tread a fine line by trying to avoid hurting bilateral relations while also not wanting to appear more lenient towards Moscow than other G7 countries.
Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe
roughly two dozen targets in Syria, including several in Boukamal along the SyriaIraq border. The Islamic State group controls a vast stretch of territory spanning the frontier. Its fighters are waging a twofront war, in Iraq and Syria, as they seek to expand the boundaries of their selfdeclared proto-state ruled by a strict interpretation of Islamic law. The U.N. has accused the group of committing atrocities in both countries. The U.S.-led campaign against the extremists has met with mixed reaction from Syria’s multitude of rebel brigades, many of whom have been locked in a deadly fight with Islamic State militants since January. But the rebels’ ultimate goal is to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad, while the U.S. is focused on defeating the Islamic State group. Yesterday, the main Western-backed Syrian opposition group criticized the American-led airstrikes for being limited to the Islamic State group and other extremists while leaving Assad’s government untouched. “We regret that the international community has come up with partial solutions to the Syrian conflict in which hundreds of thousands were killed or detained by the Assad regime,” said Nasr al-Hariri, secretary general of the Syrian National Coalition. In a statement, al-Hariri also said that any effort other than helping Syrians overthrow Assad will only further fuel extremism.
Power Of Silence EVERY action, even the slightest movement of a human being is indeed always first spiritually willed. The physical bodies merely act as spiritually animated instruments, which themselves only took shape through the power of the spirit. The same applies to trees, stones and the whole earth. Everything is animated, permeated and driven by the creative spirit 9Abd-ru-shin- In The Light of Truth). When a thought suddenly strikes you, keep it back, do not utter it at once, but nourish it, for it will condense through being retained in silence and gain strength like steam under counter-pressure. Pressure and condensation produce the quality of a magnetic activity, in accordance with the law that all that is stronger attracts what is weak. Similar thought forms are thus, attracted from all sides and retained, constantly reinforcing the power of your own, your original thought, yet working in such a way that through the joining of other forms, the originally produced form is refined, changes and takes on different shapes until it comes to maturity. Abd-ru-shin says that you sense all this inwardly, but you always think it is entirely your own volition. But you never give purely your own volition in any matter, there are always other influences as well, what does this process tell you? That only in the union of many elements can anything perfect be created. No but formed. For there is really nothing new to be created. In everything, it is merely a matter of producing new forms, since all the elements already exist in the vast creation. But these elements are to be pressed into service for the way to perfection, which is brought about through union. Union do not pass over. This lightly, but try to become absorbed in the concept that maturity and perfection are achieved through union. The principle rests in all creation as a treasure that needs to be unearthed. It is closely
related to the law that only in giving can there also, be receiving. What is required according to Abd-ru-shin to grasp these principles a right? Thus, to experience them? Love. And therefore, love indeed stands as the highest power, as unlimited might in the mysteries of the great life. As with a single thought union moulds, refines and forms, so, it is with man himself and with the whole of creation, which in a never ending fusion of existing individual forms undergoes transformation through the power of volition and thus becomes the way to perfection. A single individual cannot offer you perfection, but the whole of humanity, with all its varied characteristics, may do so. Each individual has something which is definitely part of the whole of humanity, with all its varied characteristics, may do so (Abd-ru-shin). He says each individual has something which is definitely part of the whole. And this is also, why one so far advanced as no longer to know any earthly desires loves all mankind, not one individual, because, only the whole of mankind can make the strings of his mature soul laid bare through purification, sound the chord of heavenly harmony. He bears the harmony within himself, because, all strings vibrate. Remember that like magnet you draw to yourself all that is spiritually similar and it is this drawing that is felt by those around you. Yet in this, too, lies the reciprocal effect. Through the connection, the other person then clearly senses your strength and thereby, “sympathy” awakens. Therefore, all that is spiritual magnetes and the stronger always overcomes what is weak through attraction, through absorption. In this
Man And Nature
way from him that hath not (the weak one) even that which he hath shall be taken away. He becomes dependent. Abd-ru-shin, says that there is no injustice in this, but it takes place according to the Divine Laws. Man only needs to pull himself together and will aright and he will be protected from it. You will now probably ask, what happens when all want to be strong? When there is no thing left to be taken from anybody? Then, there will
proverb. Birds of a feather flock together. Thus drinkers will always find each other, smokers will have “fellow feeling” likewise, gossips, gamblers and so on, yet noble characters come together for a high aim. But it goes further whatever, is drawn to another spiritually will eventually, also, manifest physically, since everything spiritual penetrates into the gross materials, whereby, we must bear in mind the law of returns, because a thought always remains connected
the “Grail message” says for instance, you seriously ponder over something, this thought becomes strongly magnetic within, you through the power of silence, attracting all that is similar and thus, becoming fructified. It matures and rises above the common place, thereby even penetrating into other spheres, from which it
eternal and indestructible. The admonition is that you should beware of confused thought, of all shallowness in thinking, carelessness will exact a bitter revenge, for it will speedily debase you to the level of a play ground for alien influences, through which you very easily become sullen, moody and unjust to your surroundings. Abd-ru-shin says if you
be a voluntary interchange, based on the law that only in giving can there also, be receiving. There will be no stand still on that account but all that is inferior is eliminated. Abd-ru-shin opines that it happens that through indolence many become spiritually dependent and sometimes, in the end, they hardly possess the ability to develop thoughts of their own. It must be emphasised that only the homogeneous will be attracted. Hence, the
with it origin and radiates back to it through this link. It is only real thoughts which carry within them the vital power of the psychic intuition. Not of the power wasted by the brain substance entrusted to you as a too, which forms but fleeting thoughts that only manifest in a wild medley as shadowy phantoms and fortunately very soon fade away. Such thoughts merely waste your time and energy and thereby, you fritter away a gift entrusted to you. Abd-ru-shin the author of
receives an influx of higher thoughts inspiration. In this way, the thought is brought to full maturity within you. You approach it realisation and bring into effect, condensed through your power, what already in countless elements was floating in the universe before as thought forms. Through unification and condensation of what has long existed spiritually, you thus, produce a new form. So in the entire creation it is always only the forms that change, because, all else is
have a genuine thought and cling to it, then the gathered power must eventually, also press towards realisation, for the evolution of everything takes place entirely in the spirit not spiritual since every power is purely spiritual what then becomes visible to you are always only the final effects of a preceding spiritual magnetic process which takes place continually and uniformally according to a firmly established order. Observation of your thoughts and feelings will soon prove to you that all real life can in truth only be spiritual life, in which alone the origin and also the development lies. You must come to a conviction that everything you see with your physical eyes is reality only the manifestations of the eternally driving spirit.
With O.C. MADU 08056379608
“Remember that like magnet you draw to yourself all that is spiritually similar and it is this drawing that is felt by those around you. Yet in this, too, lies the reciprocal effect.”
Martinez Upbeat Despite Cup Exit
Liverpool’s Lucas Lelva (middle) celebrates with teammates Simon Mignolet (right), after winning the penalty shootout against Middlesbrough n their League Cup soccer match at Anfield in Liverpool
Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne (2nd right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Arsenal during their English League Cup soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London.
EVERTON manager Roberto Martinez remained in a positive frame of mind despite his team tumbling out of the League Cup after a first-ever defeat to Swansea. The Toffees crashed to a 30 defeat at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night, as goals from Nathan Dyer, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Marvin Emnes earned 2013 cup winners Swansea a spot in the last 16 of the competition. Martinez was disappointed with the result but felt there were plenty of positives to be taken after making seven changes from the side which lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday. “We were looking for individual performances after making so many changes and we got that,” Martinez said. “Some individuals performed in a fantastic manner and I know they’re going to help the team really well. “To see someone like Bryan Oviedo perform so well after a long injury was very pleasing, to see someone like Tony Hibbert after a long spell out from injury and play 90 minutes was very pleasing, to
Rooney Believes In Brighter Future For United
WAYNE Rooney insists the future is bright for Manchester United despite their inconsistent form under manager Louis van Gaal. written us off because of Striker Rooney, who was Sunday’s result but I don’t see appointed captain by the it that way. Dutch boss in the summer, “When I look around our could not prevent Leicester dressing room and see the turning over the Red Devils on quality we have and the Sunday. manager ’s unbelievable A 3-1 lead for United slipped attention to detail I have no away as Leicester claimed a doubts this team will be stunning 5-3 victory at the successful.” King Power Stadium. Earlier, former United United stand 12th in the defender Phil Neville Barclays Premier League after predicted this summer’s big five matches, already eight spending would need to be points behind leaders Chelsea. repeated in future transfer Expectations of a major windows before the club can improvement after last again be seen as title season’s seventh-placed finish contenders. have been formed on the basis United have struggled in of the appointment of the central defence this season as experienced Van Gaal and the Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and recruitment of players Jonny Evans battle for form including Angel Di Maria, and fitness and youngster Daley Blind, Radamel Falcao, Tyler Blackett seeks to Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera. establish himself. And Rooney is convinced And Neville believes that is the blossoming of the team the biggest issue still to be will materialise, taking issue addressed. with those doubting United’s “I know United have spent ability to respond to their B£150million,” Neville told current frustration. BBC Radio 5 live. Rooney wrote on his “I think there’s another two Facebook page: “There seems transfer windows of similar to be a lot of people who have amounts of money needed -
maybe B£100million - before they can even think about winning the title. “There are still key positions in the team that need filling. I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area. Holding midfield or centre midfield needs addressing too. “There were no world-class centre-backs out there (this summer). I think that’s why in
the next two transfer windows, United might still be looking for that world-class defender.” However, he backed England internationals Jones and Smalling to eventually prove their worth to the club. “I am certain Chris Smalling will come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well,” Neville said. “They’ve bought of a lot of foreign players, you don’t get rid of your English spine.”
see someone like Antonin Alcaraz complete the 90 minutes was pleasing. “To see someone like Luke Garbutt be a real sign of a player we are trying to develop at Everton and Darron Gibson play 90 minutes after 10 months out with injury was pleasing, so there were many positives in individual aspects.” Everton head into Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield having lost their last two games and conceded six goals in the process. But Martinez said he is not worried by recent defensive frailties or the form of goalkeeper Tim Howard, who
had a particularly shaky afternoon against Palace and was beaten three more times at Swansea. “I’m not obsessed about it, we kept 15 clean sheets last season and we are a team that can defend and keep clean sheets,” Martinez said. “I’m not concerned, even if you don’t want the feeling you get when you lose football games. “If he (Howard) had been a young goalkeeper maybe you think how he might be affected by those experiences. “But he is in the best moment of his career and has got the control and experience (to deal with it). “Those moments happen but we win and score goals as a team and it’s the same when we lose and let in goals.”
Southampton Come From Behind To Upset Arsenal ARSENAL were sent crashing out of the League Cup after suffering a surprise 2-1 home defeat against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium. Alexis Sanchez gave Arsene Wenger’s side the lead on 14 minutes only for Southampton to hit back courtesy of goals from a Dusan Tadic penalty on 20 minutes with Nathaniel Clyne bagging the winner five minutes before the break. It was hardly an undeserved victory for Ronald Koeman’s assured visitors, who showed why they are second top of the Premier League at the outset of the season. Arsenal will be disappointed to depart the tournament after starting with Tomas Rosicky, Lukas Podolski and Jack Wilshere. David Ospina was handed a first start in goal for the home team while Abou Diaby and Joel
Campbell were also given the chance to impress for the FA Cup holders. Alexis earned the home side the lead with a stunning freekick from distance, but a rash late challenge by Rosicky on Sadio Mane enabled Tadic to convert from the spot. Clyne up popped with a blistering winning goal from distance moments after Graziano Pelle had hit a post with 5,000 travelling fans enjoying their night out in London. Alexis was denied an equaliser when he met a Hector Bellerin cross, but England goalkeeper Fraser Forster produced a brilliant stop in the visiting goal. Saints have now recorded five straight wins under their Dutch coach, who ease into the last 16 of a tournament Wenger has never won during his 18 years as Arsenal coach.
Lampard Extends City Loan Deal
MANCHESTER City have extended Frank Lampard’s loan deal from New York City FC. The former Chelsea superstar - who scored against his old club in a 1-1 draw at the weekend - will now remain at the Etihad until February before beginning his MLS career. By extending his loan stay with the Premier League champions beyond the original date of the end of 2014, Lampard will now potentially be able to face his old club once again: the two sides meet again in the league on January 31st.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that a further decision on Lampard will be taken in January, but with the MLS season not starting until March there seems little reason not to keep him in the squad and in shape - therefore putting the midfielder in line for an emotional return to Stamford Bridge. Pellegrini told a news conference: “Frank will stay until January because until January he doesn’t have anything to do in the United States because they are not working. In January, we will see what happens here and make a decision. It is not a problem in this moment.
“It (his goal) was important because it was the goal that allowed us not to lose that match.” Lampard signed for the newly-created MLS side New York City FC in the summer after being released by the Blues - and Manchester City, who share the same Abu Dhabi-based owners as New York, quickly clinched a loan agreement. The wealth of talent at City’s disposal always made an appearance against his former club seem unlikely, however - but the 36-year-old was brought on during Sunday’s match for just his
second appearance of the season, and he scored a crucial equaliser. Lampard refused to celebrate the goal against a side with whom he won every honour in the club game over the course of a decade.
• Frank Lampard
Juventus Debt Rises To 206 Million Euros
Ronaldo Scores Four Against Elche CRISTIANO Ronaldo netted four times as Real Madrid closed the gap on Liga leaders Barcelona to just three points with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Elche. After a somewhat indifferent start to the season, claiming just two wins from their opening four Liga games, it was important for Carlo Ancelotti’s side to put pressure on their Catalan rivals, who face Malaga tomorrow. And that’s what they did, although the match started in bizarre circumstances, when Referee Clos Gomez made the peculiar decision to award the visitors a spot kick for a perceived high foot from Cristiano Ronaldo in the box, when the Portuguese winger seemed only to be clearing the ball. Edu Albacar converted from 12 yards before Gareth Bale restored parity almost immediately with a header Manu Herrera should have done better with. Real Madrid were awarded
Torres Scores On Milan Debut
FERNANDO Torres scored his first Serie A goal as a leaky AC Milan battled back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at a feisty Empoli. Making his first start after a late appearance at the San Siro on Saturday in a 1-0 defeat to Juventus, the former Chelsea striker began the Milan fightback with a looping 43rd minute header. The Spaniard had been quiet until then, with Empoli looking more likely to go 30 up after Lorenzo Tonelli had headed the home side ahead in the 13th minute and Manuel Pucciarelli doubled the score in the 21st. Japan playmaker Keisuke Honda equalised for Milan with a clinical left drilled low shot into the corner in the 58th, with Torres then substituted with nine minutes remaining. Netherlands midfielder Marco van Ginkel, who followed Torres to Milan from Chelsea on a seasonlong loan, also made his first start for the club but was substituted after half an hour due to injury. Empoli ended with 10 men after Mirko Valdifiori was sent off in the 86th following two yellow cards in the space of two minutes, the second for a heavy challenge on midfielder Nigel De Jong. Milan are fourth in Serie A with seven points from four games, while Empoli are 18th with two.
a dubious penalty of their own after 28 minutes, with Marcelo going down in the area after little contact with an Elche defender. Ronaldo slammed his spot kick into the top corner to make it 2-1. And the Ballon d’Or winner scored his second minutes later, rising highest in the six yard box to power home a header. Los Blancos were awarded another penalty with less than 10 minutes remaining, when Mario Pasalic tripped Ronaldo in the area, with the number seven converting to seal his second successive hat-trick. Ronado added his fourth in stoppage time, latching on to a Bale through ball before finishing with the outside of his right foot to complete a 51 win.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Bayern Restore Order With 4-0 drubbing Of Paderborn CHAMPIONS Bayern Munich ended Paderborn’s dream start to the season with a 4-0 demolition of the Bundesliga newboys on Tuesday, with Mario Goetze netting twice and new signing Robert Lewandowski getting off the mark. eighth minute. The win lifted Bayern two Last season’s Bundesliga top points clear at the top on 11 from scorer Lewandowski, who five games, two clear of Mainz 05 joined Bayern from rivals who drew 2-2 against Eintracht Borussia Dortmund, opened his Frankfurt. account six minutes later with a Hoffenheim also climbed to superb shot from 18 metres. nine points after Jannik “I really felt good today and I Vestergaard’s stoppage-time am very happy to have scored,” equaliser in their entertaining 3-3 Poland international draw against Freiburg. Lewandowski told reporters, Minnows Paderborn, whose “We won 4-0 and we want to budget is five million euros a year, keep stepping on the gas. The had arrived in Munich as past couple of games may not unexpected league leaders after have been great but we want to two wins and two draws in their keep playing better and better.” first four games, taking the top Still missing winger Franck division by storm in their maiden Ribery and playmaker Bastian season. Schweinsteiger among several But Bayern, despite missing absentees, Bayern looked several players through injury, sharper than in Saturday’s handed out an attacking lesson. goalless draw at Hamburg SV Germany international Goetze and should have had at least two put the hosts ahead, drilling in more goals by halftime. after a superb backflick assist “I am very satisfied with our from Thomas Mueller in the performance today,” Bayern
Fernando Torres
coach Pep Guardiola said. “We improved the way we play the game and we also improved our buildup.” Goetze tapped in from close range in the 78th to more accurately reflect Bayern’s dominance before Mueller completed a quick move five minutes before time. Schalke 04 bounced back from a bad start to clinch their first win of the campaign with a 3-0 victory at Werder Bremen. The Ruhr valley club shrugged off the absences of
suspended Kevin-Prince Boateng and Julian Draxler, to score twice in three minutes soon after halftime through Max Meyer and Roman Neustaedter. Tranquillo Barnetta’s 85th minute goal after good work from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar sealed the three points and offered some much-needed respite to coach Jens Keller. Borussia Dortmund, on six points, host last-placed VfB Stuttgart while Bayer Leverkusen, a point ahead, entertain Augsburg on Wednesday.
THE Italian champions saw revenue surpass the 300m Euros mark over 201314, but their net financial debt has risen to over 200m Euros. Juventus have announced that their net debt has risen from +160.3 million to +206m after releasing their financial report over 201314. This increase is due to payments made in transfer campaigns (46.1m Euros), advances paid to the city of Turin and various suppliers for the Continassa project (5.5m Euros), investments in other fixed assets (6.7m Euros) and cash flow from financing activities (7.5m Euros), partially offset by positive cash flow from operations (20.1m Euros). The Turin side closed the 2013-14 financial year with a loss of +6.7m, representing +9.2m less than the loss of 15.9m Euros in the previous financial year. Juventus saw revenue grow by 32m Euros from 283.8m Euros to 315.8m Euros, an 11.3 per cent rise, while operating costs went up by 8.6% to +246.6m. The draft financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2014 will be submitted for approval at the shareholders’ meeting called for 24 October 2014 at the Juventus Stadium.
I Did’t Speak To Casillas
REAL Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas says he did not speak to Iker Casillas prior to making his debut in the 5-1 win over Elche. However, the Costa Rican, who replaced Casillas between the sticks for his first official game following his summer signing from Levante, revealed he has a good working relationship with the Madrid captain. “It was a great opportunity and a privilege for me [to make my debut] as the Madrid shirt represents a lot. “I was really happy even though I didn’t have much to do, but the team won and that is the important thing,” he told reporters post-match. “I spoke to the coach the day before and he told me I would be playing. I’m very keen to get this kind of chance but I didn’t speak with Iker about it, although we have a good relationship. “There’s not a lot to say about the matter [of who boss Carlo Ancelotti selects] as we are both available to the coaching staff.” Navas also stressed he is not one to court controversy and is at Real Madrid solely to work hard and gain a regular place in the starting line-up. “I like to work hard, to earn things. I’m here to train to the
- Keylor anything Navas less. I respect my
best of my ability and show the coaches I can play. “When I get the chance I’ll go out onto the pitch as if it was the last game of my life and give everything for this shirt. It’s an honour to be here and I consider myself just one more member of the group. “I don’t feel anything more or
Keylor Navas
teammates and have my dreams, my goals, and I also have my ability. I strive every day for the sake of Real Madrid,” he added. Read the original article on Football Espana - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Spanish football
FIFA Exco Member Wants Ethics Probe Made Public
THE public has a “full right to know” the contents of the ethics investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, according to FIFA executive committee member Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan. “In the interest of full by German judge Hanstransparency, I believe it is Joachim Eckert who heads the important that the much- adjudicatory chamber of anticipated report on the FIFA’s ethics committee. A final decision is not due ethics investigation that is crucial to ensuring good until the spring and even then governance at FIFA is fully FIFA’s ethics code, under a entitled disclosed and open to the section “confidentiality”, states that public,” he said on Twitter. “This will only help the “only the final decisions football community move already notified to the ahead in reforming our addressees may be made institutions in the best interest public.” On Friday, Garcia himself of the sport,” added Prince Ali, who is the Asian vice- criticised the lack of president on the executive transparency surrounding his investigation, adding that he committee. “The entire football family was restricted by the code as as well as its sponsors and to what he could make public. “As a general matter, I think those who follow the game worldwide have a full right to that the more that is public know the contents of the and the more that people can report in the spirit of complete see what is done and agree with what was done, or openness.” FIFA’s ethics committee is disagree with what is investigating whether there done...then those issues can was any corruption in the be resolved and the turbulent bidding process four organisation can move on,” years ago which ended in the he said during a conference 2018 World Cup being on sports in ethics held at awarded to Russia and the FIFA headquarters. “Beyond any particular 2022 tournament to Qatar. Former US attorney case, the public have to have Michael Garcia, FIFA’s ethics confidence that the process is investigator, recently working in a fair way.” FIFA and Qatar World Cup completed his report but it has organisers have been fending not been made public. It is now being scrutinised off allegations of corruption
first life-threatening case will trigger an investigation by a state prosecutor. That is not
ever since the Gulf state was awarded the tournament, while Qatar has also been criticised over its treatment of migrant workers in the construction industry. Qatar has denied the allegations. On Monday, Germany’s Theo Zwanziger, another FIFA executive committee member, predicted that the 2022 tournament would not take place there because of the scorching heat. “I personally think that in the end the 2022 World Cup will not take place in Qatar,” the former German football federation president told Sport Bild. “Medics say that they cannot accept responsibility with a World Cup taking place under these conditions,” he said. “They may be able to cool the stadiums but a World Cup does not take place only there,” Zwanziger said. “Fans from around the world will be coming and travelling in this heat and the
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
French champions’ league game at Caen on Wednesday with a heel injury, a problem which meant he only played last weekend’s Ligue 1 encounter against Lyon with the aid of pain-killing injections. Several media outlets have expressed the view that Blanc should have taken off his captain during the 1-1 draw, the third successive competitive outing in which Ibrahimovic had failed to
Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein
AFCON Qualifier Minister, Keshi Inspect Abuja Stadium Ahead Omdurman on Oct. 11 would be THE Minister of Sports, to the NFA latest on Tammy Danagogo, on Tuesday Of Sudan Encounter submitted Thursday.
Laurent Blanc Defends Use Of Zlatan Ibrahimovic PARIS Saint-Germain head coach Laurent Blanc has admitted the club’s disappointing start to the new Ligue 1 season is a concern. Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has responded to those questioning his use of star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic following the player’s recent problems with injury and form. Ibrahimovic, 32, will miss the
something that FIFA Exco members want to answer for.”
find the back of the net. “He’s a major player,” Blanc told a news conference. “You don’t take off that kind of player. He’s an extraordinary competitor.” Blanc, who did bring off the Swede 18 minutes from time after he had scored a hat trick in the 5-0 defeat of Saint-Etienne earlier this season, insisted he does not always play last season’s top scorer from start to finish. “I do sometimes take him off, because he’s going to be 33,” he said. “I allow myself to substitute him, because I tell myself the season is long. I take him off when the match is won to protect him. You may remember that his injury last season was a problem for us.” Ibrahimovic has scored 61 Ligue 1 goals since joining PSG in the summer of 2012. Ibrahimovic damaged a thigh muscle in PSG’s Champions League quarterfinal first-leg win over Chelsea last season, meaning he missed the return fixture at Stamford Bridge where the Premier League side went through on away goals.
in Abuja, inspected the National Stadium, Abuja, ahead of the Oct. 15 return-leg Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria and Sudan. The minister was accompanied by Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles Interim Coach and Ibrahim Shehu, the ministry’s Director of Stadia and Facilities. Danagogo, who was elated with the current state of the stadium pitch, nodded his head in satisfaction to the explanations made by the Director. The minister, who refused to comment on the inspection, also inspected the dressing rooms for home and visiting teams. Stephen Keshi told newsmen that the inspection was an indication that the Eagles might play their remaining home matches in Abuja due to the poor condition of the UJ Eusene stadium, Calabar. “There is the possibility of the Eagles playing their remaining AFCON qualifying matches here; that’s what we are discussing with the minister in case it doesn’t work out in Calabar. “Although we will love to play in Calabar, but right now, the pitch has a little problem, so if it’s not going down well there, then we can move down to Abuja
and play. “What I am seeing now at the Abuja stadium is a lot better than what we saw the last time we played here. “Then, it was so sandy and not very good for players but what I am seeing now is encouraging for players to play on,’’ Keshi said. The Super Eagles handler further said that the list of invited players for the first leg AFCON 2015 qualifier against Sudan in
Tammy Danagogo
Keshi said he was optimistic that Nigeria would qualify for the AFCON 2015 to be hosted by Morocco between Jan. 17 and Feb. 8. “I understand how Nigerians feel after we lost to Congo in Calabar and the draw in South Africa but we can’t give up. “We have four matches to play and we just have to keep doing our best till the end of the remaining matches.
Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Shut Ahead Of PDP Rally By EDET ELIJAH/ UGAGBE STANLEY
THE management of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium has directed all, coaches, athletes and keep fit instructors to suspend all training activities at the stadium from Thursday, 25th of September 2014 . The directive is to
ensure that no training activities get in the way of preparation for PDP’s National Zonal Rally which will hold on the 27th of September 2014 at the stadium. A source close to stadium management, disclosed that security operatives will take over the stadium today in other to prepare the way for the smooth running of the rally. The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other PDP stakeholders from within and outside the state are expected to attend the rally.
Contract Renewal
Keshi Waits On New NFA Board
STEPHEN Keshi, the Super Eagles Coach, has said that he will wait on the incoming Nigeria Football Association (NFA) board for the renewal of his contract with the team. Keshi made this known in an interview with in Abuja on Tuesday. He said that the delay in the renewal of his contract could be attributed to the leadership crisis in the NFA. “We are still talking because NFA doesn’t have a chairman yet; it should be contract between him and I and then we can take it from there. “What I am doing now is for us to move ahead and help ease things for the next board that is coming on board,’’ Keshi said. He urged stakeholders to join hands to move the country’s football forward, noting that the current leadership crisis in the NFA would not do the country any good. The former Mali and Togo national team coach, said the suspension of Nigeria now from international matches by FIFA would automatically rule Nigeria out of AFCON 2015 qualifiers.
Keshi also pointed out that he had never given a deadline to either the minister of the NFA for the renewal of his contract. He noted that the comment credited to him that he gave the minister and NFA a deadline of Sept. 30 to renew his contract or lose him to other countries was done to discredit him. “I never said so, I don’t know where that comment is coming from. I never said anything like that; I never discussed with anybody and I am surprised to hear this. “Somebody first told me this and you are the second person, but there is no such thing,’’ Keshi added.
Stephen Keshi
Edo Boxing Trials Hold Sept 6-8 By EDET ELIJAH / STANLEY UGAGBE
THE Edo State Boxing Trials scheduled for the 25th, 26th and 27th of this month at the Samuel Ogbemudia Andrew said “ The aim Stadium has been shifted to the 6th, 7th and 8th of October 2014. This is due to PDP’s National Zonal rally of this trial is to fish out set to hold on the 27th of this month at the same hidden potentials in all stadium. This is to ensure that the trials do not get in the way of preparation for the presidential visit. Speaking with OBSERVERsports, the Secretary of Edo State Boxing Association, Andrew Unujaga and Head Coach, Lawrence Osorie made it clear that the shift in date will not affect the organization of the event. They also disclosed that the main aim of the trials is to give equal opportunity to male and female boxers in Edo State to ensure that only the best of the best candidates are selected to represent the state in the upcoming National Sport Festival Scheduled for November/ Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State. December 2014.
nooks and crannies of Edo State in preparation of the National Sports Festival scheclued for Nov/Dec 2014”. Lawrence added: “There is no particular or specific number of participants for now but ten males and ten females will be selected after the trials to further their training and be in the right mental, physical and physiological condition to represent Edo State in the forthcoming National Sports Festival.
The EBA Secretary further disclosed that the trial are being sponsored by a sports philanthropist – Mr. Wellington Okoh who is equally ready to sponsor the athletes for the phase one camping immediately after the trials. “We should expect the best of the very best of boxers in Edo State and only the best will be chosen on merit”, he concluded.
Babayaro Thumbs Up Keshi On Martins
FORMER Nigeria goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro has thumbed up coach Stephen Keshi’s decision not to recall Obafemi Martins to the Super Eagles. The Seattle Sounders forward has been in splendid form for the MLS side this season, but the former Mali handler said he would give younger players the opportunity to represent the country instead of the ‘weapon of mass destruction’.
According to Babayaro, Keshi’s verdict should be applauded but disagreed on the other stance to leave out Kelechi Iheanacho out due to inexperience. “Honestly, I support Keshi on the issue of Martins, irrespective of the fact that he is doing very well in the MLS at the moment. I think he is doing well now because he is concentrating on club football alone. It will be a different issue when he starts flying across the Atlantic to play games in Africa,” Babayaro told Punch. “We should be moving forward. The same argument the coach gave on Martins also applies to some other players in the national team. I never thought a Shola Ameobi should be in the national team. “He was stagnant at Newcastle United; he was just an average player. There should be a standard in the national team. There are so many names that shouldn’t be there but if you mention them, they will say its personal vendetta.” He however called for the invitation of Manchester City youth prodigy saying he has what it takes to play for the Super Eagles. “He (Keshi) is totally wrong on Iheanacho. Football is all about youth.
Raheem Sterling is not better than Iheanacho but he is playing for Liverpool and is arguably England’s best player at the moment. I have seen Iheanacho play for Man City and he is as matured as any player can be,” he continued. “Nigeria comes first before any personal interest. Every Nigerian wants to see the best players invited for games. It’s certain that right now I can’t
coach the Eagles because I am not a certified coach and I don’t need the job. But we should be winning with our best players.” “Iheanacho hasn’t been playing in the Premier League and it simply tells you that Man City wants him to get more experience. “He is not part of the team at the moment and he has to get more experience and maybe see if he has what it takes to be there,” he concluded.
WARRI Wolves midfielder Ichull Lordson has kicked against what he described as the dubious penalty with which his team lost at Enugu Rangers on Sunday. Wolves fell 1-0 courtesy of a 21st minute penalty goal by Christian Obiozor after Lordson was adjudged to have handled the ball inside his box. This comes just days after Dolphins coach Stanley Eguma also faulted a penalty goal by Rangers which cost them to lose 2-1 in Enugu. Lordson has insisted he did not handle the ball and so Rangers ought not to have been awarded a controversial penalty to mar
what was a great game. “It was so unfortunate that we lost the game to a goal scored from a controversial penalty kick. It was annoying because it was not a penalty at all, but we can’t keep complaining about match official every time,” said the midfielder. “It was a good game all the same and I say congratulations to Rangers for the victory.” Lordson said Warri Wolves will now focused on winning their double home games. “We have to remain focused and concentrate on our next two home games, next is against Dolphins on Wednesday and then Abia Warriors at the weekend,” he said.
Ranger’s Won Again By Dubious Penalty
CMYK
Gun-Running, Money Laundering, Smuggling? The issue of how much disclosure is healthy for the citizenry has been a matter for public debate. For instance, if, in a war situation, the President of a nation suddenly became blind and unable to manage the affairs of State, would it be better to make this known to the public; or his lieutenants should shield him from public view and carefully carry on his responsibilities as if nothing has happened? In any case, it is worse and patently more dangerous when a government becomes so secretive that it leaves the question of public information at the level of conjecture. When the human mind is permitted only to guess, the imagination runs riot and anything goes. In the latest of a series of global ridicule, to which the scandal-prone Goodluck Jonathan Administration has been entangled; the administration is once again fingered in what increasingly looks like official smuggling, money laundering or gun-running, each of which is heinously criminal. If we were to accept this scenario as a skeleton; and the Federal Government suddenly refuses to fully disclose its role in the sordid affair, everyone would be left to supply his own meat to the skeleton. The former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, would quickly jump out and say, I told you long ago that our President is training snipers to get rid of all those who would be on his way to the 2015 presidential ambition. This would stick perfectly, the tons of denials we received from Jonathan at that time, notwithstanding. By whatever name, the recent criminal exhibition in South Africa has serious implication for everyone in society: To the opposition politicians, the source of
those guns with which they harass us on Election Day is now becoming clear. Who the gods want to kill, they first make mad. That perhaps explains why they are starting their procurement more than six months before the elections. It shows their level of desperation. Again, it is also good for the weapons to arrive in time so that they could be useful for their congresses and primaries. In a pluralistic and multireligious society, there is always the other side: The Muslims are already positing a scenario like this: “A private jet belonging to the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs, the Sultan of Sokoto, is impounded in South Africa, Iaden with undeclared cash to the tune of almost $10 million. Also arrested are two Nigerians and a Saudi Arabian citizen. The people claim that they are in South Africa to purchase arms…” How would those of us Christians have reacted to this scenario? This is the opposite number of the case at hand, with the impounded plane, Iaden with undeclared cash to the tune of almost $10 million, belonging to Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor – President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN. All in the name of God! The whole thing is becoming very intriguing. The South African government was unaware that the Nigerian government was coming to buy weapons in their country. What this means is that a foreign country can now walk into another country; buy weapons; and walk away? If, as claimed, that the jet was on lease, who authorized Pastor Oritsejafor to operate commercial flights with his private jet since he knows the Nigerian Civil Aviation
Authorities (NCAA) rule that, owners of private jets (as they are stupendously rich enough to afford the plane in the first place) can only carry family members and friends? Who authorized the loading of almost $10 million cash on this jet at a Nigerian airport? Where were the Nigerian
insider who facilitates the funding and financing of Boko Haram, as hinted by Australian negotiator, Reverend Stephen Davis? What exactly were those weapons intended for, considering there was an Israeli citizen on the “mission” and Reverend Davis had pointed fingers
caught with the paltry sum of $50,000. They should also apologise to the young man since it is now clear that he was convicted on “procedural error”. Of course, the
• President Goodluck Jonathan
Customs Authorities who ask and frisk passengers to declare sums in excess of a few thousand dollars? Where was the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that this hefty amount could be moved without their knowledge? Or was this transaction cleared by the same alleged CBN
at some highly-placed non-Muslim retired military top brass with close contact with Israel and its military/security industry? Where is Sule Lamido’s son? Knowing what it had in mind, an honest government would have first vacated the conviction of Lamido’s son who was
timing is also important: One happened when Lamido was hobnobbing with the opposition and the other is coming on the heels of a major election! Whatever categorization is acceptable to the Federal Government, smuggling is bad; money laundering is worse; and
gun-running is worst. A combination of the trio would wreck a nation! It is doubtful if anyone can be swayed by Femi Fani-Kayode’s tacit admission of old crimes, “Much ado has been made about recent events in South Africa concerning the Nigerian-owned jet that was found loaded with millions of dollars and that was in the process of procuring arms… As a former Minister of Aviation, l wish to assure the general public that the flying of large sums of cash by security and intelligence agencies for the purchase of arms in a time of war and conflict is something that is quite normal and that it happens quite often. As a matter of fact, it has happened under successive Nigerian governments, both military and civilian.” Yes, you are perfectly allowed to commit any crime but don’t get caught. The South African Authorities have been able to cut us to our right size of being innocent at home but guilty abroad. It happens all the time. There is no escaping the inevitable conclusion that the situation facing us is precarious. It can still be saved, not by bold-face but by unfettered explanations from President Jonathan and his men.
“How would those of us Christians have reacted to this scenario? This is the opposite number of the case at hand, with the impounded plane, Iaden with undeclared cash to the tune of almost $10 million, belonging to Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor – President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.”
Printed and Published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24 Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334, Benin City. Telephone: Lagos: 01-4930029, Benin City: 052-257492, 257531. Editor: BARR. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI) - 07030699646). Deputy General Manager, Marketing (08023457566). Assistant General Manager - Advertisement (08023808856) Lagos Office: 25A Alli Street, Off Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, Lagos. Abuja Office Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com. (ISSN 0331-2673).