THE NIGERIAN
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The Nigerian
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 • NO. 021 • THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 20 14 • N100.00 EDUCATION Page 15
Reflections on education and civil service employment
RELIGION Page 23
Steps for spiritual battle
Obazele felicitates with Edo SSG at 58
BENIN CITY -The Head of Service, Mr. Igboekemen Jerry Obazele has felicitated with the secretary to the State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere on his 58th birthday. The Head of Service, Mr. Obazele who led
the body of Permanent Secretaries on the visit to the SSG in his office expressed his gratitude to the SSG for the pleasant way he has worked with civil
servants. Mr. Jerry Obazele disclosed that the civil service has felt the impact of Prof. Ihonvbere as secretary to the State
Government and said they were happy working with him. The Head of service expressed the goodwill of civil servants to the wife Continues on page 2
IGP aiding suspended lawmakers
. APC Lawmakers allege
. It’s untrue
BENIN CITY - All Progressives Congress (APC) legislators in Edo House of Assembly have accused the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Muhammed Abubakar, of aiding the four suspended lawmakers in the house to perpetuate illegality. of four lawmakers, Mr. Kabiru Adjoto, the including the Deputy Chairman, Committee on Speaker, Festus Ebea Information, who spoke (APC Esan North-East). on behalf of the The three others are legislators, said this from the PDP. yesterday in Benin while They are Friday addressing newsmen Ogierhiakhi (PDP outside the assembly Oriohonwon), Jude complex. Idehen (PDP IkpobaIt would be recalled that Okha) and Patrick the assembly had been in Osayimwen (PDP crisis since June 9, Oredo East). following the suspension
The four legislators were suspended following their alleged refusal to obey court order restraining them
from participating in legislative activities. Adjoto alleged that the IG and the state commissioner of police had
- Compol
given protection to the suspended lawmakers to hold parallel sittings. “We are aware that the IG brought a special
squad from Abuja to give cover to the suspended lawmakers. “The IG should desist Continues on page 2
Stop using Assembly Complex for campaigns, PDP Lawmakers warned
By KEN ABU BENIN CITY- Edo State House of Assembly has warned the PDP Lawmakers in the House to desist from using the premises of the State Assembly complex as a campaign ground. The Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Information Hon. Kabiru Adjoto issued the warning yesterday while granting an interview to journalists on the recent
development in the crisis engulfing the state Assembly. Hon. Adjoto said the PDP Lawmakers in the House, including the suspended ones resorted to using PDP branded umbrellas bearing the inscription “Vote for PDP” outside the main entrance leading to the complex to heat up the already overheated tension in the House. He appealed to the people of Edo State to
TIT BIT
“If we were honest about the business of paying God for His supply of all our essential needs, there would be more, who wouldn’t have more than a life’s time job of showing appreciation.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
continue to bear with them, saying that the continued hardship they (Edo people) are experiencing in the state was continually heightened by the refusal of the suspended lawmakers to comply Continues on page 2
58TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY: Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (left), Executive Director, MDGs, Princess Theresa Erediauwa; Director Office of the SSG, Mr. Emmanuel Okhirian and Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, during a ceremony organised yesterday in Government House in honour of Prof. Julius Ihonvbere to mark his 58th birthday anniversary. Photo: QUEENNETH A. OROBEDO.
Brazil 2014 World Cup
Super Eagles qualifies for round of 16
BENIN CITY- Nigeria’s Super Eagles yesterday
qualified for the knock out stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, despite losing 2-3 to Argentina who finished
maximum points. Lionel Messi with two goals, one in the early minutes of the match and another in the closing
minutes of the first half, put the Argentines on the path to victory against the Super Eagles. Argentina found themselves ahead inside
attack was recorded in
afternoon killing at
least 19 persons while 52
Continues on page 2
By MATTHEW OKAGHA/ NICHOLAS EBOIGBE
Abuja Mall Explosion claims 19, ABUJA - Another the Wuse District of were taken to injures 58 others devastating bomb Abuja yesterday various hospitals for
three minutes when Messi lashed into the roof of the net after Angel Di Maria’s effort had rocketed between the post and goalkeeper. However, the lead lasted just seconds as Michael Babatunde raced at the Argentine defence before playing in Continues on page 2
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
News
Super Eagles qualifies for round of 16
Continued from page 1 Ahmed Musa, who curled a shot beyond Sergio Romeno. The Argentines were back in front just before the break when Messi found the net again from a set piece.
Nigeria responded magnificiently with Musa rounding off a neat move with a slick finish just after the restart. The Argentines playing with more precision passes
and barrages of shots at goal, were ahead of the Super Eagles in the 50th minute when Marcos Rojo used his knee to divert home a corner. In the second match in Group F, Bosnia-Herzegovina
thrashed the resilient Iranians by three goals to one, thus finishing third with three points behind Nigeria who garnered four points, having won one, drew one and lost one.
Stop using Assembly Complex for campaigns
Continued from page 1 with the court injunction barring them from accessing the assembly complex. Adjoto said it was dishonourable for the suspended lawmakers to hold the peace and people of Edo State to ranson by simply not
obeying court order noting that it is impossible to hold plenary session with the suspended lawmakers. State Commissioner of Police and other of security agencies, including, the
Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps and the Department of State Security have been commended for managing the crisis thereby preventing political thugs and miscreants from hijacking the
IGP aiding suspended lawmakers
Continued from page 1
from taking orders from politicians because they are Nigeria Police,” he said. However, the Commissioner, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, debunked the allegation. He said: “If you look at all
the police vans and the policemen here today, they are all from Edo State. “Our duty here is to ensure that there is no break down of law and order.” Mr. Adebanjo while addressing newsmen at the Assembly Complex yesterday said the police
have been neutral in the impasse that engulfed the House for the third week running and assured that the police would remain neutral. He explained that all the men and vehicles of the Nigeria Police Force at the Assembly Complex were those of the Edo State Police Command.
Abuja Mall Explosion claims 19, happened at a popular injures 58 which and normally crowded
Continued from page 1 treatment. Sources from security and response agencies disclosed that at least 41 vehicles were also destroyed in the attack The sources said both the dead and injured victims were taken to National Hospital, Maitama General Hospital, Wuse General Hospital,
Federal Staff Hospital and Turkish Hospital. All the security agencies have been deployed to the area and have cordoned off the scene while mop up activities were carried out. Although no persons or group have claimed responsibility for the attack
shopping plaza where several of such malls are located known as EMAB Plaza, a militant group is suspected to be behind it. The plaza is also located opposite Usman bin Affan Mosque at the Wuse 2 where some worshippers were also affected.
crisis. The Hon. Uyi Igbe-led House however adjourned, through announcement by the House chairman on information, to July 2, 2014 to allow for amicable resolution of the crisis which has lingered for the third week running. Meanwhile, the suspended Deputy Speaker and the PDP lawmakers have described the announcement for adjournment to July 2, 2014 by Hon. Kabiri Adjoto as illegal, saying that the lawmaker, including seven others had earlier been suspended hence lacked the power to carryout that function. Speaking on behalf of the suspended PDP lawmakers Hon. Friday Oghierhiki said the court order baring them was effective for 14 days which elapsed yesterday, adding that they have been granted a stay of execution to return to the House. The factional Deputyspeaker and his suspended lawmakers however adjourned to June 30, 2014 to resumes at 10am.
2015: Ugabi Promises Effective
BENIN CITY - House of Assembly hopeful, on the platform of the All Progressive Congress Party, Mr. Kingsley Ugabi has promised to give the people of Etsako East Local Government Area a purposeful and effective representation if given the nod to represent the people in the 2015 General elections. Mr. Ugabi made this
Representation
Known after concluding his meet the people visit on a ward to ward basis in Etsako East Local Government Area at Okpella. According to Mr. Ugabi, the tour had equipped him with first hand information on the peculiar needs of the people and that his major task now is to go back to the drawing
board and strategise on how these problems could be tackled legislatively if given the slot. Speaking further, he said that he is passionate about the plight of the people and stands for anything that will better the lot of the people. He promised to improve on the performance of the incumbent and bring his wealth
immensely to the growth of the civil service in Edo State. The Archbishop stated further that the Church has found the Head of Service to be a God fearing man and hoped that the Award will spur him to further promote the work of evangelization. Mr. Obazele was described as a quintessential lay faithful who embraced Christ and the Anglican faith at an earlier age and has remained resolute till date, and was encouraged to keep the faith. The Archbishop prayed the Almighty God to keep all who attended the synod close to Himself. He charged the lay faithful and the clergy alike to follow the divine direction of the Holy Spirit. The Guest Speaker, Right Reverend Cyril Odutemu, Bishop, Diocese of Ughelli who dwelt on the theme
‘Divine Direction” called on participant to focus their mind on the Lord Jesus. He emphasized that the trials and temptation of this world should not discourage believers, but to enable them to come close to the grace of God. Responding, the Edo State Head of Service, Mr. lgbaekemen Jerry Obazele thanked the Diocese of Esan for finding him worthy for the Award. The Head of Service who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Barr. Augustine Akhuemhuen pledged to always support the Church. Other Awardees included Commissioner for Establishment and Special Duties, Comrade Didi Adodo, Dr. Cecelia Oma Obianwu and Venerable Samson Uduokhai.
of experience from the private sector to bear. Speaking further, he assured the people that he will hold sacrosanct the mandate if given and will not trade or defect with their mandate to other political party. He also promised to continue to join forces with the Governor Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole in delivering democratic dividends to the people.
Anglican Church honours Edo HOS BENIN CITY - The Diocese of Esan, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Ecclesiastical province of Bendel has honoured the Edo State Head of Service, Mr. lgbaekemen Jerry Obazele with an Episcopal Award. The Episcopal Award to Mr. lgbaekemen Jerry Obazele, Edo State Head of Service was given to him by the Archbishop of Esan Diocese most Reverend Friday John lmaekhai on the occasion of the third session of the fourth synod held at St. Matthews Anglican Church, Ebelle. Speaking on the occasion, the Archbishop, Most Reverend lmakhai stated that the choice of Mr. Igbaekemen Obazele was informed by his antecedent as a humble loyal and dedicated civil servant who has contributed
Mr. Igboekemen Jerry Obazele, Edo HOS
Obazele felicitates with Edo SSG
Continued from page 1 and children of the SSG. Responding, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Julius Ihovbere expressed his gratitude to the Head of Service and permanent secretary for felicitating with him
Never underestimate anyone, Ihonvbere urges at 58 BENIN CITY- The Office of the Secretary to SSG Professor Julius Ihonvbere literarily suspended official activities in the early hours of yesterday as staff and other Government House functionaries gathered to mark his 58 birthday anniversary. The gathering was organised by staff of his office. Speaking at the occasion, professor Ihonvbere who was visibly elated by the show of love remarked that what has continued to keep him going in life is “never to underestimate anyone”, adding that “everything in life is a question of time and opportunity. He was speaking yesterday at a ceremony to mark his 58th birthday in Government House. “The secret to carrying people along is being open hearted and having a listening ear. Nobody knows everything but just listen. I will continue to improve on my method of work he said. The SSG urged everyone to always endeavour to acknowledge God just as he expressed gratitude to
all for the support and cooperation in the service of Edo people. Permanent Secretary, Office of the SSG, Alhaji Momodu Abu described Prof. Ihonvbere as an embodiment of simplicity and a philanthropist per excellence. Performing the toast, permanent secretary, Government House, and protocol, Mr. Brai Emoedume said the professor of Political Science is a personality who appreciates and encourages the subordinates. In his remarks, Special Adviser to the State Governor on Media, Mr. Kassim Afegbua asserted that Professor Ihonvbere is a rare gift to the present administration in the state in veiw of his (SSG) wealth of experience and accessibility. A delegation of one of the new generation banks in the state was also in the office of the SSG to felicitate with him on his 58TH birthday anniversary. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere was born on 25th June, 1956.
Police caution media on national security By RAHEEM IBRAHIM
LAGOS
-
The
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Umar Manko has cautioned Nigeria media to be watchful of their writeups on national security to avoid more crises. Manko who gave the advice recently in Lagos during his investiture as Chief Patron of Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) and ACP Dan Okoro as Patron of the association respectively said that the media has the capacity and responsibility to make the country peaceful. The Commissioner, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Mr Damilola Adegbuyi said the media should always portray the nation in good light. While commending CRAN for their support to the police, he solicited for more to all security agencies, particularly the police to fight crime and criminality, especially, terrorism. According to him, without the media, criminal justice would not be complete, stressing that the police and the press always face similar risk in the course of their duties. He said, “The role play by the media in national development cannot be over emphasized. Let us maintain synergy in fighting crime and criminality. Where there is area of conflict, let us talk it over. When it is of national security, let us be conscious of our
responsibilities to the nation. The press should write for the peace of the nation”. In his welcome speech, the Chairman of CRAN, Mr Christopher Oji said that the association’s investiture on the two senior Police officers was an evidence of good working relationship between the police and the press. Oji who called on the government to take adequate care of the police with a view to get the best from them, emphasised on the commitment of members of the Force who had always put their lives on the line for the safety of others,. He paid tribute to officers and men of the Lagos State police command, particularly men from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) who lost their lives while on duty. The Chairman of the occasion, a security expert, Mr Patrick Agbambu commended CRAN for exposing criminals in the society, stressing that the membership of the association should spread across all states. Agbambu promised to exposed CRAN members to the international community with a view to tap experiences from other journalists in the world. The occasion was witnessed by many senior Police officers and policemen from Area Commands and Divisional headquarters in Lagos State.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
News NIMASA Donates 150 Safety Jackets in NIMASA, handed Olayiwola urged the operators To Operators Director over the jackets to the boat WARRI - The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) yesterday donated over 150 safety jackets to boat operators in Warri, Delta. The items were presented to the operators to mark the ‘2014 Awareness Campaign on Maritime Safety,’ organised by the agency. Capt. Kunle Olayiwola, a Master Mariner and Assistant
operators at Ogolaha Jetty in Warri on behalf of the agency. Olayiwola, who is also the District Surveyor, Eastern Zone of NIMASA, warned the beneficiaries against selling them, noting that proper use of the items would encourage the agency to provide more. ‘’Do not sell the life jackets because that is the only way you can encourage us to provide more.’’
Council Buys Fertiliser For Farmers ZARIA (KADUNA)- Alhaji Lawal Balarabe, Chairman, Zaria Local Government Council in Kaduna State, said yesterday that it had procured fertiliser worth N94 million for this year’s farming season. He told newsmen shortly after the formal launching of 2014 sales of the commodity at Anguwan Fatika. “Following high demand of fertiliser by our people, we have requested for 40 trucks but we succeeded in getting only 18 at the cost of about N94 million. “It is on record that the council used to procure 80 trucks annually but only one truck goes to each of the 13 wards of the local government. “We will ensure that each of the wards get one truck while the remaining three will be shared among large-scale farmers and
stakeholders,” the chairman said. He said the council had constituted a committee at ward levels in order to ensure equitable distribution of the commodity. Balarabe, however, warned beneficiaries against selling the commodity and threatened sanctions against erring farmers. Earlier, the council’s Head of Agriculture, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad-Ibrahim, said that adequate arrangement to boost agricultural production in the area had been made. He urged farmers in the area to make judicious use of the commodity for enhanced yield. In his address, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, called on people to resist any attempt that would hamper food production in the local government.
to make proper use of the jackets and to also avoid speeding and over-loading for their safety. He said that the sensitisation campaign was to educate the boat operators on the hazard of sailing without observing the rules, saying that they should always operate with optimum efficiency. The director also advised the operators to ensure they carried the approved number of jackets and fire-fighting equipment on their boats. ‘’Boat operators must check the engine performance every morning and do necessary servicing regularly. ‘’Loaded boats must be properly balanced before embarking on any journey and also have a minimum of two lifebuoys on board. ‘’Boat or canoe drivers must have fire extinguishers and must shun night journey or low visibility to avoid falling prey to pirates,’’ he said. The Warri Zonal Coordinator of NIMASA, Mr Akin Akinyosoye, said that the programme was to guarantee safety on the nation’s waterways. He urged the operators to take advantage of the exercise to enhance their operations and promote safety.
DUTSEVictims of windstorm in Limawa Quarters at Dutse in Jigawa yesterday appealed to the state government to assist them in rebuilding their houses which were destroyed. The victims made the appeal, through a spokesman, Malam Umar Limawa, in Dutse in an interview with newsmen. Limawa said “the windstorm has destroyed many houses and properties worth thousands of
Windstorm Victims Appeal For Help Naira. “So, we are appealing to the Jigawa Government and relevant agencies to assist us in rebuilding our houses. As of now, most of us are living with our relations. “The foodstuff and grains we kept in our stores were all
destroyed as a result of the windstorm,’’ the spokesman said. It would be recalled that about 30 houses were destroyed as a result of the windstorm which wreaked havoc in Limawa Quarters of Dutse.
Council Imposes 24-Hour Curfew K A F A N C H A N (Kaduna)- The Sanga Local Government Council of
Kaduna State yesterday imposed a 24-hour curfew to
Burglary
Boy, 16, Charged OKITIPUPA (ONDO STATE)- The police yesterday charged a 16-yearold, Olabode Faniyi, in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State with burglary and theft of N10,000. The accused, of no fixed address or occupation, is standing trial on three counts of felony, burglary and stealing. The prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused with one other person, currently at large, conspired to commit felony. Orogbemi said that the accused burgled the room of
one Godwin Awuka at No. 3, Ogunseun St., Idepe, Okitipupa, around 10.30a.m., on May 18, and stole N10,000. The prosecutor said that the offences contravened sections 516, 411 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Mr Funsho Akintoye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N10,000 and two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case till July 7 for further hearing.
check the wave of killings and rising tension in the area. Reports state that no fewer than 38 persons were killed in Kabamu and Ankpong villages in Sanga LGA during an attack by gunmen. Chairman of the council, Mr Emmanuel Adamu said in a statement in Kafachan that the curfew was imposed to forestall further loss of lives and restore normalcy. The chairman in the statement added that more lives were lost, adding that the development further increased the tension. Adamu urged the people of the area to remain calm as security operatives were on top of the situation.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Inside Edo
Edo HOS, Commissioner, Others Get Anglican Episcopal Award By OSE EHEBHA
EBELLE – Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Jerry Obazele and the state commissioner for Special Duties Comrade Didi Adodo have been honoured with the Episcopal Award of Esan Diocese, Anglican Communion. Also honoured were a retired staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Dr. Cecilia Obianwu and a retired Venerable of Esan Diocese, Samson Uduokhai. They were honoured at the on-going 3rd Session of the 4th Synod of Esan Diocese, with theme:
Divine Direction being hosted by St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, EguareEbelle, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State. The awardees according to the Archbishop of the Bendel Province and the Diocesan Bishop of Esan, The Most Rev’d Friday Imaekhai were honoured because of their contributions to the development of the church, as well as their efforts at societal advancement. It would be recalled that the chairman, PDP board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, chairman of Tomline Industrial Company Limited, Elder Tes Sorae and two others
were last Sunday honoured with same award. Responding, the Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Obazele, represented by the permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Augustine Akhuemhenkhun expressed gratitude to the church for considering him worthy of the award. Similary, commissioner Adodo who was represented by his younger brother, Mr. Awanose Adodo thanked the church for the honour. In a lecture titled, Divine Direction: The Way to Eternal blessing, Venerable (Dr) Williams Aladekugbe stressed the
need for Christians to seek God’s direction, saying that relying on one’s understanding was likely to lead to frustration, stagnation and untimely death. He called on Christians to always submit themselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit, pointing out that it constitute the first leading of God, and depict maturity in Christian faith. The clergyman equally admonished the congregation to uphold the Christian virtues of love for God’s word and people, humility, perseverance, patience, as well as refraining from having confidence in the flesh or habouring bitterness.
Osaosemwen Weds DEACON and Pastor (Mrs) Osazee Dele-Ogbeide of Oyeru family and Mrs Charles Osaro Amadasun of Amadasun family, both of Edo State have announced the wedding ceremony of Miss Osaosemwen Amadasun and Mr Osazee Dele-Ogbeide which takes place on Saturday June 28, 2014. Venue is the New Convenant Gospel Church, (His Glory), No. 1 Edokpolo Close, Off First
Federal Road, New Benin, Benin City beginning at 11 am. Reception follows immediately at Samsy Hotel, No. 4 Benoni Hospital Road, GRA, Benin City. These will be preceded tomorrow, June 27, 2014 with a traditional marriage ceremony at No. 25 Uwa Street, between 2nd and 3rd East Circular Road, Benin City beginning at noon.
Osazee and Osaosemwen
Pa Oriakhi Burial Ceremony Begins Tomorrow
Hajia Aisho Oshiomhole playing host to APC Women, led by Edo State Woman Leader, Dr. (Mrs.) A. A. Amadasun at Iyamho in Etsako West Local Government Area.
BENIN CITY – The family of late Chief Aimuamwonsa of Oko Community, Iyekogba in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State has announced the burial arrangement for the Pa Peter Idahosa Oriakhi, who passed on, March 20, 2014. He was aged 85 years. According to a statement by the eldest son and daughter, Mr. Charles Idahosa and Mrs. Rita Iguehiduwa Ogieva, the ceremonies begins tomorrow Friday June 27, 2014, with the body taken from the Stella Obasanjo Hospital Mortuary for his residence, 36 Aimuamwonsa Street, Oko, Benin City. On Saturday June 28,
2014, the body will be interred and to be followed by entertainment of guests (afternoon dance), at his residence begin at noon. The final burial ceremonies continues on Sunday June 29, 2014 with traditional family rites which will last till Friday July 4, with “Isueranfua” (end of ceremony).
Late Pa Peter Idahosa Oriakhi
Mrs Efionayi For Burial
Hajia Aisha Oshiomhole (centre), Dr. Anne Aisosa Amadasun, Woman leader, APC, Edo State, extreme left, Mrs. Ikpotoki, Mrs. Amen Uhuangho, during APC Women’s visit to the Governor’s mother. Left, Lady Belinda Osiefa, Mrs. Tina Agbare, Deputy Woman leader.
BENIN CITY - The families of Eke, the first Obazelu of Benin Kingdom from Ugoneki town in Uhunmwode Local Government Area and Efionayi of Ero family in Urubi Quarters in Oredo Local Government Area both of Edo State have announced the demise of Mrs. Rose Jemmy Efionayi (Nee Eke (aka Last Card) who passed on Saturday May 24, 2014 after a brief illness. She was aged 79 years. The late Mrs Efionayi is survived by four children, 17 grand children and six great grand children. A statement by the burial Okaegbe, Hon. (Evangelist) Emy Eke indicated that the burial
ceremony would commence today at 9am with the corpse taken from the Gods Care Hospital Mortuary, Ekenwan Road, Benin City to her residence, No. 7 Ulomo Avenue, Off Ogbeide Ihama Street, Off Joromi Road, Ekenwan Road, Benin City for a service of songs at 4pm. Friday, family rites; social dance/ entertainment of guests at Garrick Memorial School Compound, also in Ekenwan Road on Saturday June 28, 2014. The burial ceremony will climax on Sunday June 29, 2014 with a thanksgiving service at Maintain of Fire Miracles Ministries, No. 5 Osagiede Uzzi Street, Off
Aerodrome Close, by College Road junction, Ekenwan Road, Benin City at 8am.
Late Mrs. Rose Jemmy Efionayi (Nee Eke (aka Last Card)
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
News 2015: Group
NCC Arrests 7 Suspects BENIN CITY- The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) said it had arrested seven persons involved in alleged illegal transmission of the signals of Multichoice Nigeria Ltd, owners of DSTV. The NCC Zonal Manager in Benin, Mr. Michael Madueke, disclosed this to newsmen in Benin City. Madueke said that the suspects were arrested on June 21 during an anti-piracy raid by the surveillance unit of the commission in Benin City. He said that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.
Madueke listed items impounded from the suspects to include cables, decoders, splitters and smart cards, estimated at N12 million. “This is the part of the continued efforts of the Benin Zonal office toward the reduction of infringement on copyright works to zero, as directed by the DirectorGeneral of NCC, Mr Afam Ezekude, so that the right owners can benefit from their labour. “The commission appeals to the public not to patronise illegal broadcasting outfits, commonly called cable network boys.. Madueke urged the public to report any illegal network providers to the NCC.
Urges Jonathan To Declare Bid
Prof. Sam Oyovbaire (right), answering a question after delivering a lecture at the Federal Secretariat, Aduwawa to mark the NUj Federal Information chapel Press Week in Benin City. With him is Chairman of the occasion, Mrs. Ebiringa C. Oluchi, Zonal Commander NAPTIP. PHOTO: PIUS EDE
Ekiti: Omen Of Good
Things To Come- INEC By JOSES SEDE
ABUJA - Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega has declared that peaceful conduct of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State was an omen of good things to come. Speaking at the opening of the Second Quarterly meeting with political parties, the INEC Chairman, emphasized that subsequent elections should be better than the previous. He also told the parties that the successful conduct of last weekend governorship election in Ekiti state is a challenge for all to ensure a better performance in 2015. “The successful conduct of free, fair and peaceful election in Ekiti is a good omen for the subsequent elections to come and indeed, for the satisfaction of Nigerians’ aspiration for a consolidated democracy. We must therefore not rest on our oars; but continue to do our best collectively, to sustain and keep on improving on this achievement. The coming election in Osun State, God willing, should on all counts be better and the 2015 general elections must be the best”, the chairman continued. He further described the task, as one in which, all stakeholders must come together to achieve. Prof. Jega informed the gathering that the meeting was called to discuss the scheduling of party primaries and draft guidelines for campaigns. Besides, the meeting was to
also discuss the approved guidelines for political party registration/de-registration. Prof. Attahiru Jega therefore, urged all political parties to abide by all the provisions of the political parties’ code of conduct. The INEC chairman also reassured all stakeholders that the Commission would not rest on its oars in the bid to ensure that elections in the country are credible and accepted by all.
Chief Joe Egharevba, former Arts and Culture Edtor of the NIGERIAN OBSERVER (left) presenting two books, “Edo N’uzomo,” and “Benin titles,” authored by him and his late father, Chief (Dr.) Jacob Egharevba, to the Acting Genera Manager, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, Pastor Monday Aigbe recently. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSADEBAMWEN.
A non Governmental Organisation, movement for The Endorsement of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called on him to come out and declare his 2015 presidential bid. National coordinator of the movement, Barrister E.N. Aibangbee (ESQ) who exchanged views with newsmen in Benin City said reasons abound for the President to affirm his interest now. Aibangbee listed such reasons to include genuine focus in arresting infrastructure decay, antiterrorism fight, his resolve to redeem the power and aviation sector as well as the recent retesting of the nation’s economy. He urged all patriotic Nigerians to rally their support for the president when he finally declares his intention. Also Aibangbee urges all stakeholders who believe in the Nigeria project to diffuse tension in the nation’s polity by helping to make the 2015 election rancour free while urging public support towards addressing the current security challenges
Coronation Anniversary: Okaijesan Expresses
Thanks
IRRUA –The Ogirrua of Irrua, the Okaijessan of Esanland in Edo State, Alhaji W.O. Momodu 11 JP (CON) has expressed appreciation to all those who contributed immensely towards sociocultural, economic and political development of his kingdom since his ascension to the throne. Alhaji Momodu 11 JP (CON) registered this appreciation on the occasion of the 43 years coronation anniversary at Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He particularly appreciates his High Chiefs and other persons who have been having sleepless days and nights towards ensuring his peaceful reign on the throne He contended that to achieve smooth and conducive administration, traditional rulers must carry his subjects along in their daily administration. “My effective
administration of Irrua kingdom, the ogirrua noted, “was not only my handworks, but collective efforts of all chiefs, and illustrious sons and daughters of Irrua at home and abroad”. The Okaijesan noted that most traditional Rulers fail in administration because they ruled with impunity and failed to carry their subjects along in their daily deliberations. He advised all traditional ruler, to hold monthly or quarterly meetings with their chiefs to find ways and means for fostering unity and progress in their domains rather than fanning embers of confusion and hatred. Alhaji Momodu 11 asserted that for a traditional ruler to succeed in ruling his subjects, he must be an unbiased judge in matters under the ambit of Local Customs and traditions of the people. He finally prayed that our merciful Allah continues to shower more abundant
blessings and protections to his subjects. In a goodwill message, his High Chief, Prof. S. O. Oriaifo (JP), the Osabemilin of Irrua kingdom, thanked God for the provision of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Momodu 11 JP a very successful tenure marked with love, long life, flourishing to the advantage of all his citizens. Others who sent goodwill messages included, Double Chief Sir. Dr. Ona Ekhomu, the Fuwagboye of IIewo, in Ogun State and the Ogbeni of Irrua kingdom, Sir Chief J.SO. Esene (KSJ), the Emoate of Irrua Kingdom; High Chief Vincent. A Ekoh (JP), The Aighobahi of Irrua Kingdom; Chief Vincent Ekuaze (JP), The Okumaghe of Irrua Kingdom; High Chief P.O. Ogedegbe . The Omoudu of Irrua Kingdom; Chief J. R. Aigbiremonlen, The Odionwele of Idumonton and the Oyakhire of Irrua Kingdom; Chief Oziegbe Iyioriobhe, The Obor of Irrua
Kingdom &the the Financial Secretary, Irrua Traditional Council of Chiefs; Chief Sir Ose Okodugha, Hon. Chief A. R. Aluede, The Aigbebemen of Irrua
Kingdom; Chief (DR). Abudu Ugbesia, The Onagbonsobolehamen of Esan Land and High Chief. B.T. Aliu, The Daudu of Irrua Kingdom.
HRM Alh. W.O. Momodu II, Okaijesan of Esan land
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News Hajia Oshiomhole Tasks Women On IYAMHO – Mother of the National Devt for excellence and commitment to peace and unity had endeared
Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, ACPOL Rabiu Dayi, Area Commander, Benin Area Command Second (right) congratulating Hon. Onoigboria Kester after his award as one of the patrons of New Benin Police Station during the awards and fund raising ceremony of the police community Relations Committee for the station’s hall and Recreational Centre. Extreme left and right are CP Rufus Oluyomi Odediran, Divisional Police Afficer, New Benin Division and Mrs. M. O. Onigboria. Photo: PIUS EDE
Comrade Governor of Edo State, Hajia Aisha Oshiomhole has called on women in the country to form a veritable platform, to stimulate their potentials for National development. Hajia Oshiomhole while playing host to a delegation of women of All Progressive Congress, led by the state woman Leader, Dr. Anne Aisosa Amadasun x-rayed the importance of women in economic management. Hajia Oshiomhole said women are naturally endowed with potentials as managers of homes, higher responsibility in governance, but lamented that religious and traditional belief as some of the hindrances towards the effective utilization of their potentials. She commended women of
Boko Haram Activities Un-Islamic CALABAR- The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has said that its Graduates Attachment Programme (GAP) had trained 300 graduates in Cross River from inception in 2006 to date. The Coordinator of the directorate in the state, Mr Edem Duke, announced the figure at the orientation/sensitisation workshop for stakeholders for 20 GAP beneficiaries in Calabar. “It is on record that over 300 beneficiaries have passed through this programme in Cross River since its inception in 2006. “It is also noteworthy that some successes have been recorded on the issue of retention of outstanding graduates of this scheme by employers of labour. “And it is my fervent hope that this current set will surpass this record,’’ Duke said. He cautioned the beneficiaries against acts capable of tarnishing their image and rubbishing the scheme. “I wish to warn that you are expected not to do anything that will undermine the objectives of the places of your assignment,’’ the coordinator said.
According to him, GAP was designed to develop in the unemployed graduates of tertiary institutions a positive attitudinal change, with the view to enhancing their employability. Duke said the attitude of the graduates would reinforce the employers’ confidence with the hope of offering them permanent employment. “This orientation, therefore, becomes imperative as an avenue of positioning the GAP participants to maximise this unique opportunity,’’ the coordinator said. He announced that two participants had been dropped for failing to attend the orientation workshop without any reason. Speaking, the South-South NDE Zonal Coordinator, Mr Joseph Ekpenyong, charged the participants to take the scheme seriously by exhibiting attitudinal change in their area of posting. Ekpenyong said that their success would be determined by their behaviour, saying it was a rare opportunity. The Special Assistant to Gov.
the All Progressive Congress for their doggedness, resolute and commitment to peace and political stability in the state an sued for its sustenance. The Governor’s mother also wants women to inculcate hard work, discipline, honesty, moral values on their children to prepare them as future leaders in the country. The leader of the delegation and state woman leader of the All Progressive Congress, Dr. Mrs. Aisosa Amadasun said the visit was to explore the vast experience of the governor’s mother in the management of women towards promoting unity. She described the Governor’s mother as a woman of inestimable value, whose religious background, passion
- Gov Aliyu
Liyel Imoke on Job Placement, Mrs Magdalene Agibe, urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the scheme. Agibe said the state
government was doing everything possible to ensure that its citizens were adequately represented in terms of employment.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Gift Oqua, thanked NDE for the opportunity and promised that they would not disappoint it.
BENIN CITY -The TY Danjuma foundation said it has given out a total of N2 billion to organisations in form of grant between 2010 and 2014. This was disclosed by the foundation Executive Director, Dr Florence Etta-Akinina on the occasion of the foundation’s 5th Grantees training in Benin City. She said a total of 75 organizations benefited from the grant within the period. Akinina listed three core intervention areas of the foundation to include, education, quality healthcare and Income Generation for
women and Youths. The executive director also disclosed that 7 million persons have been treated of non tropical diseases by the foundation within the same period. She noted this year alone, N77.5m grant have already be given to 11 organizations across the country. She noted that seven of the 11 organizations are implementing Edo Community Fund projects. “The foundation has funded 75 organizations to implement 117 projects in 18 states of the federation, including the
federal capital territory. “This year, a total of 288 projects proposals were received for the 2014 grant cycle. “From the proposals, 44 were recommended by staff review team and forwarded to the board of trustees who approved grants to 25 organizations, totaling N250m for the year,” she noted. Akinina stressed that the aim of the foundation was to continually impact on lives of the vulnerables in the society. She however noted that to achieved this, there should be support from the government.
her to all. Dr. Amadasun acknowledged the positive values which the Governor’s mother inculcated in her children, citing the excellent performance of the comrade Governor in redefining good governance in Edo State as testimony of proper parental responsibility. The state woman leader of the All Progressive Congress assured that women will continue to rally round the present administration, despite the attempt by some selfish politicians to plunge the state into a battle field as evident in the unfolding drama in the state House of Assembly. Dr. Amadasun appealed to the Governor’s mother to lend her voice to the call on youths to resist the temptation of being as thugs to perpetrate violence during elections as killings in the country as a result of insurgency in reducing the population of youths.
Foundation Gives Out N2b Grant “We seek government collaboration with the NGO’s that the foundation works with. “This collaboration will enhance their effectiveness thereby making us achieve our core value,” she posited. In his response, Edo commissioner for Basic Education, Mr. Patrick Aguenede promised the collaboration of his ministry with the foundation. Represented by the ministry Director Quality Assurance, Mrs. Angella Okoh, the commissioner noted that the result of such collaboration would be beneficial to both the state and the foundation.
Forum Expresses Support For Oshiomhole BENIN CITY – The leadership of Edo Patriotic Youth Forum, a socio-cultural organization, has declared its support for the comrade Adams Oshiomhole led government in view of the developmental transformation of Edo State. Rising from an enlarged meeting of the forum in Benin City, the forum leadership after x-raying the political situation in the state including the crisis that had engulfed the state House of Assembly, urged the state government to continually spread its development drive to all nook and cranny of the state. They urged Governor Oshiomhole not to be deterred by
the “pockets of condemnation and incessant accusations of failure and non-performance. These positions were contained in a statement by Edo Raymond and Prince Reuben Okojie, President and secretary respectively of the forum. They urged the governor to carry the youths along in the scheme of things through capacity building, agricultural schemes and constructive engagement saying it would help check employment and youth restiveness. The forum used the occasion to admonish members of the State House of Assembly to sheath their sword and allow peace reign in the state.
The Permanent Secretary/Chairman, Edo State Pensions Board, Mr. Godfrey Ikekhuamen with his award as an Ambassador of Ethics and conscience in a commemorative Photograph with his staff and members of the NGO, Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO) at the Board’s Headquarters in Benin City, Edo State. Photo: PIUS EDE
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Lagos Businessman Charged Car Damaged
Entertainment Industry Unite For Kefee; Plans For Burial LAGOS - No fewer than 100 stakeholders in the Nigerian entertainment industry met in Lagos, to discuss how to give the late gospel singer, Kefee a befitting burial. Reports say that the meeting was at the instance of PopGospel artist, Sammie Okposo, who provided his office premises at Surulere, Lagos for the meeting. Some of the notable faces at the meeting were, Nikki Laoye, Anny Ibrahim, Tosin Martins, DJ Gosporella, Emem Ema, Wamilele, Princess, Tee-Y Mix, Perry Martins and Praise Machine. Others were Mudi, Righteousman, Nene Soul Diva, Victor Gospogroove, Gordons and representatives from Kefee’s family. Sammie said that the death of Kefee had affected the Nigerian entertainment industry and the world in general, and not just the gospel music community in Nigeria. “Kefee was a major
contributor to the development of entertainment industry in Nigeria and the industry will be there for her even in death. “We are going to bury her as a queen and it would be nice for us to work together to make her burial a grand affair. “It would also be nice to use this opportunity to get our acts together as gospel artists and entertainers in general because that is what Kefee would love,” he said. Also speaking, Tosin Martins said that celebrating Kefee should be an annual memorial event which could be expressed via an entertainment symposium. Martins said this would ensure that pertinent issues in the entertainment industry were discussed for the development of a foundation in her memory.
L-R: President of Resident Doctors, Federal Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Yaba, Dr. Olusegun Akinwotu, Speaker/Facilitator, Dr. Joshua Olufinlade and Vice President, FNPH, Dr. Oyetayo Jeje, at a health campaign against Substance Abuse for Bus Drivers at Sabo Motor Park in Lagos.
National Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) North Central Zone, Rev. Yakubu Pam (left) and Chairman, Niger State Chapter, Rev. Tolorunleke Emmanuel, addressing a news conference after a meeting of PFN Chairmen and Secretaries on the abducted Chibok Girls in Jos on Tuesday.
India To Establish Hospitals In Nigeria
By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS - The era of travelling abroad for medical treatment would soon be a thing of the past as India revealed her intention to establish more Indian hospitals across the six geopolitical zones of the country. The new Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Ghanashyam Rangaiah, who disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen after ringing the closing bell at the trading floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Lagos said that the initiative was to make India’s medical facilities accessible and affordable to Nigerians in various communities. Reacting to what his home government will do to assist Nigeria in his tenure, Rangaiah who decried the high costs of travelling and medical expenses being paid by Nigerians in India, said it was better to bring the hospitals closer to them. “As the new India High Commissioner to Nigeria, I feel it is too expensive for Nigerians to continue to go to India for medical attention.We have discovered that the costs being paid by a Nigerian patient going to India for treatment is even more than the treatment itself”, he said. He stressed further, “What we have, therefore, decided is to have many Indian hospitals come to establish themselves in Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.We strongly believe that with the spread of Indian hospitals in this country, Nigerians may not have to be travelling to India for any treatment”. According to him, the hospitals would be sited across rural communities, towns and major cities in Nigeria, adding that the establishment of the high standard hospitals in Nigeria would also make many Nigerian doctors trained abroad to come home and serve their communities.
Expert Canvass Manpower Development LAGOS - Educators have charged the Federal Government to put measures in place to develop adequate manpower to tackle the education needs of Nigeria in the 21st century. They made the appeal in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday. One of them, Dr. Ganiyu Olaogun, Dean of the School for Early Childhood and Primary Education at the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Ijanikin, noted that teachers should be demarcated into two groups for effective training. He said that there should be a pre-service training for teachers, who had no background in teaching, explaining that those already in the teaching system should benefit from “INSERT” training. “It may be difficult to pull the teachers out of their classes to go for this training but we should institute a system that promotes life-long learning. “A system where teachers are continuously supported to update their knowledge of pedagogy, context, child psychology and environment.” Olaogun said that he benefited from such intervention programmes, called Education Support Programme, organised for teachers and sponsored by the UK Government.
“So many states benefited and I was part of the lead agents of change. “What was done in the programme was to identify people who would go round to identify the needs of the teachers as it affected their teaching abilities. “Teachers needs vary and if identified and worked on, the best would be achieved.” He argued that Nigerian teachers, if given opportunities like their counterparts in other countries would excel in their endeavours. Dr Fowowe Simeon, the Head of Department of Early Childhood Education at AOCOED, said that it was vital
to organise in-service training for teachers in public and private schools. Fowowe said private schools having unqualified and uncertified teachers should avail themselves of a training in AOCOED, known as Applied Scholars Nigeria. “The graduates of the school are sent into the system and after three years they come back to tell us the challenges experienced. “This forms our intervention, which is the basis for the training and regular seminars,” he said. Dr Rosylyne Nojimu-Yusuf, Head of Department of Primary Education, AOCOED, said that the best way to achieve result was to prepare manpower
Defilement: Man,
LAGOS - Four months after arraignment over allegations of defiling three minors, Godspower Eva, 52, is to be tried over alleged sexual assault and defilement of minors before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Eva, a security guard, living at 23A, Adebayo Doherty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State, is standing trial on a four-count charge of attempting to defile, sexual assault and defilement of minors. At the resumed hearing on
Tuesday, the Magistrate, Mrs. Yewande Aje-Afunwa, said that the court had received legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the matter. The advice directed that Eva be tried for unlawful sexual assault and defilement of minors, she said. Mrs. Aje-Afunwa said the advice noted that statements made by the parties involved corroborated each other and that other surrounding circumstances
adequately. She said that those currently in the system would soon fizzle out through retirement, noting that the best way was to invest in people who would take care of the future. According to her, from a nationwide survey, most schools are short of teachers. “It is a sector that has been neglected and there is need to equip teachers all round, if the Education for All is to be achieved. Nojimu-Yusuf, however, argued that the work environment of teachers should be made conducive to achieve set goals.
LAGOS - A businessman, Kadiri Onisemo, who unlawfully damaged a neighbour’s car, has been charged before an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Onisemo, 45, who resides at 167, Ikorodu Road, Onipanu, Lagos, is being tried for breach of the peace and damage. The prosecutor, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 20, at his residence. He said that the accused wilfully damaged the windscreen of a Sienna car with registration number LSR 29 BD, property of one Mr. Joe Alabi. Olatunde said that the accused claimed that he had warned the complainant to stop parking his car behind his own car as he was always the first to drive out every morning. “The accused always threatens the complainant that he will damage his car if he refused to stop blocking his car. “On the fateful day, the accused wanted to drive out but the complainant’s car prevented him from moving out, so he carried out his threat by breaking the car’s windscreen. “The prosecutor said that the amount needed to repair the damaged car had not been ascertained. The offences, Olatunde said, contravened Section 348 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Reports say that Section 348 prescribes a two-year jail term as penalty for convicted offenders. The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum. The Magistrate, Mr. Akeem Fashola, adjourned the case till July 23, for mention.
53, Docked
showed that the minors were assaulted at different times by Eva. Reports say that at his arraignment on March 19, the prosecutor, ASP Godwin Anyanwu, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb. 17, at his residence. Anyanwu alleged that the defendant took advantage of four girls of ages — 14, 12, 10 and nine years, respectively, and sexually assaulted them.
“Eva, on Feb. 17, had sexual intercourse with three minors of ages —12, 10 and nine years, in his room, after promising to give them N100 each, “He conspired with their 14year-old classmate, whom he had earlier also defiled, to invite the other three girls to his house. “He bribed them with N100 each,” the prosecutor said. Anyanwu said that Eva was apprehended at the instance of one of the parents of the defiled minors, who reported to the police after her child confessed her ordeal.
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News Katsina Spends N1bn On Hajj KATSINA - Katsina Subsidy Annually State Government says it is spending N1 billion subsidising Hajj annually. Governor Ibrahim Shema stated this in Katsina at the opening of a one-day workshop for Islamic preachers who would conduct this year’s Ramadan Tafsir (Reading, translation and commentary from the Holy Qur’an during the Ramadan fast.) Shema said that the subsidy covered accommodation for the pilgrims in Makkah and Madina, and sponsorship of Hajj guides and preachers. He said that other services included feeding of the pilgrims in Minna and Arafat as well as the subsidy on pilgrims’
fares, adding that the subsidy also covered the provision of 300 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim during the Hajj.
Shema also said that the state government had constructed over 500 Mosques across the state and rehabilitated others, since its inception.
The governor urged Islamic scholars to continue to preach the importance of peace during the Ramdan fasting and beyond, saying no development could be achieved without peace.
Emir of Gwandu, A l h a j i Muhammadu Bashar (right), presenting a copy of the Holy Qu’ran to the Emir of Kano, M a l a m Muhammadu Sanusi II during the Emir of Kano’s visit to Birnin Kebbi recently.
Theft: Motorcyclist,
49, Arraigned
M A R A R A B A (NASARAWA STATE) - The police arraigned a motorcyclist, Lawal Liman, 49, in a Senior Magistrates’ Court, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, charged with criminal breach of trust and theft. The accused, of Aso “A” Mararaba, is facing a two-count charge of criminal breach of trust and theft. The prosecutor, Cpl. Hemen Donald, told the court that one Muhammed Nuru of Aku Village, Mararaba reported Liman at the “A” Division Police Station, Mararaba on June 20. Donald said that the complainant bought a new motorcycle, boxer, without registration number valued at N115, 000, for the accused for commercial purpose, saying he was to remitting N600 daily. He said that after two days, the accused claimed that the motorcycle was stolen by unknown person and failed to report at any police station. He said the offence contravened the Penal Code. However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Media Matters, Sir (Barr.) Adams Aliu and his wife Lady Philo Adams Aliu during a thanksgiving mass to mark their 40th year marriage anniversary at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Benin City. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr Jeremiah Danladi, granted him bail for N200,000 and one surety in like sum. Danladi said the surety must be reasonable, responsible and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the case until July 8 for hearing.
College Provost Lauds NYSC
IGBOORA (OYO State) Prof. Gbemiga Adewale, the Acting Provost, Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its contributions to nation building. Adewale gave the commendation on Thursday in Igboora during the send forth organised for the corps members posted to the school. “The NYSC Scheme is a viable tool for fostering national unity, peaceful coexistence as well as the provision of skilled manpower in some parts of the country which are manpower deficient. “It also enhances social acculturation,” he said. He also singled out some of the corps members for commendation due to their performance during the service year. “The immense contributions of Mr. Idowu Oluwaseun to the resuscitation of the College ICT Centre and that of Dr. Chibueze Chinelo at the College Health Centre are highly commendable,” he said. In their responses, the corps members commended the management and staff for the love, care and hospitality shown to them in the last one year.
Kebbi To Deploy 8,666 Teachers To Rural Areas
BIRNIN KEBBI Kebbi State Government said that it would deploy the 8,666 teachers recently recruited to rural communities as part of the efforts at improving the standard of education in the state. Alhaji Samaila Kamba, the Commissioner for Education, made the disclosure in an interview with the newsmen in Birnin
Kebbi. Kamba said that the recruited teachers were trained for seven weeks on teaching methodology and curriculum in education. He said that the state would sustain the ongoing development in the education sector, especially through purchase of teaching and learning materials as
well as additional recruitment of competent teachers. He said that schools furniture worth N1 billion had been procured and distributed to public schools to ensure conducive teaching and learning environment. The commissioner
said that the state government had also earmarked N3 billion for the procurement of textbooks in the required subjects, adding that “some schools had been provided with computers and accessories to improve computer literacy among teachers
and students”. Kamba said that efforts would be intensified to improve students’ performance in external examinations, especially on regular preexamination coaching for students to enable them excel. He said that the state had invested financially
and materially in the education sector, saying, “no amount was too much for education development”. He said that although some students were exceptionally intelligent, their inability to understand examinations questions usually contributed to their failure in public examinations.
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Across The Nation Court Grants Drug Trafficker N2m Bail LAGOS - A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail in the sum of N2 million to a 42-year- old accused, Benjamin Chukwu, facing charges of alleged drug trafficking. The accused was charged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a one-count charge bordering on the offence. He was arraigned on June 17 and had pleaded not guilty to the charge. Justice Mohammed Yunusa had however ordered the remand of the accused at the Ikoyi Prisons, pending the determination of a bail application filed by his counsel, Mrs. Williams Ekwe. Delivering his ruling on the application for the bail of the accused, Yunusa admitted him to bail in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties in like sum. The judge added that one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused, and must show evidence of a tax clearance. He adjourned the case till October 16, for substantive trial. Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr. Jerry Aernan, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 6. Aernan said that the accused was apprehended by NDLEA officers at the Gbaji check point along the
Ramadan:
Lagos-Seme road, with about 13.5 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa or Indian Hemp. According to the prosecutor, the accused was alleged to be in the business of selling the narcotic to touts in his vicinity. He said that the offence contravened the provisions of section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004. The reports state that the offence of drug trafficking could attract up to a term of life imprisonment on conviction.
Fashola Swears-In New Special Adviser
Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue, Supervising Minister of National Planning Commission, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, Minsiter of Agriculture, Prof. Akinwunmi Adesina, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.
Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger and Minsiter of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.
Kaduna To Sanction Erring Preachers
KADUNA - The Kaduna State Government has warned that it would sanction any preacher found sending hate and inciting messages during Ramadan fast. Alhaji Abdulrahaman Mahmud, Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Religious Affairs (Islamic Affairs), gave the warning in Kaduna at an interactive session with Islamic scholars ahead of Ramadan. The meeting was convened to also unveil guidelines and procedures for preaching on
the scholars, and chart a course that would ensure peace and stability in the state. Mahmud urged Islamic scholars to use the period of
Ramadan fast to pray for the restoration of peace and stability in the country. He cautioned them against petty rivalries, and urged them
to work towards ensuring unity among Muslims in the state. Mahmud reminded the clerics of the need to properly educate an
radio and television in the state. Mahmud said that the state had established laws on preaching, and advised the clerics to focus on areas that would create stability, unity and mutual respect in the society. He said the law stipulates a two-year prison term for any preacher convicted of espousing hatred and violence among the people. According to him, the essence of the interactive session was to rub minds with
Policeman Charged For Selling KATSINA (Katsina State) He said the command later Walkie-Talkies - The Police in Katsina State conducted a stock of the have arraigned its
to the PDP candidate and governor-elect of Ekiti, Mr Ayodele Fayose, who won the June 21 governorship election. “While I congratulate Fayose, I commend Fayemi for his courage to readily accept the outcome of the election and also for his achievements as governor. “Fayemi’s show of sportsmanship is uncommon in the nation’s polity’’ Ogboru said. His statement came as some residents in Nsukka also called on politicians to emulate the
sportsmanship exhibited by Fayemi. Residents who spoke with newsmen described the humility of Fayemi in conceding defeat as a show of patriotism and a demonstration that politics should not be a do or die affair. Mr Victor Amadi, a legal practitioner, said that Fayemi’s acceptance of defeat and message of congratulation to Fayose was a welcome development. “It is an indication that the country’s democracy is growing.
Communications Officer, Saidu Muhammed, 52, at a Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly selling 1,074 walkie-talkies entrusted in his care.
The reports state that Muhammed, a DSP, is charged with “breach of trust by servant.” The police prosecutor, Insp Okolo Usman, told the court
that the command entrusted 1,500 walkie-talkies in the care of Muhammed in his capacity as O/C Communications on July 8, 2013.
Ogboru, Others Urge Politicians To Emulate Fayemi LAGOS -Chief Great Ogboru has tasked politicians to emulate the sportsmanship shown by Governor. Kayode Fayemi in the just concluded Ekiti governorship election. Ogboru, the 2011 governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples’ Party (DPP) in Delta State, said in a statement in Lagos that Fayemi deserved praise for readily accepting the outcome of the election. The reports state that Fayemi sent a congratulatory message
IKEJA - Governor. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has restated the commitment of his administration to efficient service delivery in the state. Fashola made the pledge at the administration of oath of office on Mr Folorunsho FolarinCoker, the new Special Adviser on Central Business District (CBD). The governor gave an assurance that his administration would continue to develop the state and meet the aspirations of the people. Fashola congratulated the new Special Adviser on the appointment and tasked him on responsibilities associated to his office. He said that his duties were not to the government alone, but also to the residents of the state, promising to give him the necessary support. The governor urged FolarinCoker to work with stakeholders within the CBD to bring more transformation to the districts and improve revenue generation. Fashola called for the understanding of the new appointee’s family as the new responsibility would demand more time out of home. The reports state that the appointment of Folarin-Coker followed the resignation of Mrs. Derin Disu as Special Adviser on CBD. A release signed by Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media on June 13 had said Disu resigned to devote more time to family and business. The statement had also quoted Fashola as commending Disu for her meritorious service to the state as Special Adviser. Folarin- Coker, the new Special Adviser was until his appointment the Managing Director of the Lagos State Number Plate Production Company.
“Politicians in the country should emulate the good example of Fayemi to strengthen the nation’s democracy. “The incumbent governor’s action shows that the will of people should prevail in elections. “Fayemi has set a good record in the country’s democracy for other politicians to emulate,’’ he said. Mrs Charity Odo, a female activist, said that the show of sportsmanship by Fayemi was an indication that there were good politicians.
“Nigerians should learn from Fayemi that the voice of the people supersedes personal interest. “I congratulate Fayose of PDP and at the same time, urge him to reciprocate this humility by carrying everybody along when he assumes office. “I commend INEC for the free and fair governorship in Ekiti and urge the commission to do the same in the 2015 general elections,’’ she said. Mr Kennedy Urama also commended the good spirit of Fayemi for accepting defeat.
items and discovered that only 426 walkie-talkies remained. Usman said the officer confessed during investigation that he stole and sold 1,074 pieces to one Mr Chucks in Abuja. He said that each walkietalkie was sold at the cost of N1,500. Muhammed, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge against him. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Nuradeen El-Ladan, granted the accused person bail in the sum of N50,000 and two sureties in like sum. El-ladan said that each surety must possess a landed property within GRA in Katsina and must be indigenes of the state. He adjourned the case to July 10 for further hearing.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Business + Economy Cecilia Ibru Seeks Reversal Of Oceanic Bank Sale President, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Babatunde Ogun (left) with the Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, at the PENGASSAN 4th Trienial National Delegates’ Conference in Abuja recently.
CBN Increases Minimum Capital Requirement Bureau De Change:
ABUJA - The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN), said it has increased the minimum capital requirement for Bureau deChange (BDC) operators from N10 million to N35 million. Notice of the increase is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Isaac Okoroafor on behalf of the bank. He said the development was in line with efforts to address deficiencies in the operations of BDCs in the country. He stated that the Bank made the modification “in order to ensure that only genuine companies operate as BDCs in Nigeria. “The minimum capital
requirement for BDCs in Nigeria is reviewed to N35 million. “The mandatory cautionary deposit is reviewed to N35 million and shall be deposited in a non-interest yielding account with the CBN upon the grant of Approval-in-Principle.’’ He also stated that new fees had been approved for licensing of BDCs, noting that application fee was N100,000, licensing fee was N1 million, while Annual Renewal Fee was N250,000. He warned that ownership of multiple BDCs was not permissible and punishable if detected. “All existing BDCs and those currently operating with a Final Approval Letter are required to
10,210 Subscribers Dump Globacom’s Services LAGOS - No fewer than 10,210 subscribers have dumped the services of Globacom in the last two months, for other Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) networks. This is contained in the PortOut Activities of Mobile Network Operators’ report, made available by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Lagos. The report said Globacom lost a total of 6,930 customers in April and 3,280 subscribers in March. According to the report, Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) Nigeria also lost 3,835 subscribers to other networks in April, as against the 5,489 lost in March. The report said that Etisalat Nigeria lost 1,817 subscribers to other networks in April, as against the 3,157 it lost in March. It stated that Airtel lost 1,601 subscribers to other networks in April, as against the 1,457 it lost in March. A total of 14,183 telecom users engaged in porting-out activities
across the networks in April, as against the 13,383 recorded in March. It, however, said that Globacom enjoyed the exercise as it led the gainers’ list with an additional 7,955 customers joining its network in April. Etisalat came second on the gainers’ list, as it added 3,280 subscribers to its customer strength in same period. Also third on the line of the gainers’ list was Airtel with 2,816 subscribers in April, while the MTN network had just 552 additional customers. The report disclosed that 14,603 customers participated in the port-in activity in April, as against the 13,757 recorded in March. The porting activities showed that telecom users were not comfortable with the services of the operators, hence, the movement from one network to the other. The Mobile Number Portability (MNP) was flagged off on April 22, 2013 by the NCC, with the aim of deepening competition in the industry.
comply with the requirement on mandatory cautionary deposit by July 15, 2014. “All applications are expected to comply with the new requirements.’’ He said the compulsory membership of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) was no longer a requirement for licensing of BDC. Explaining the new directive, he said that deficiencies in the operations of BDC had brought about sharp practices in the foreign exchange market. He said the Bank had taken steps to check the growing incidence of rent-seeking, depletion of external reserves, financing of unauthorised transactions and dollarisation, among others. He added that the apex bank authorised the directive based on the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 17 of 1995 and the BOFI Act of 1991. The Act gives the CBN the right to license and regulate BDC operations in Nigeria to achieve the various objectives. He stated that the objectives
would provide access to foreign exchange to small-scale endusers, as well as serve as tools for the management of exchange rate, among others. On observations in BDC operations, he said the bank observed in particular, the avalanche of rent-seeking operators who were only interested in widening margins and profits from the foreign exchange market, regardless of prevailing official and interbank rates. He said they include “weak and ineffective operational structure, resulting in the subsector completely abandoning the objectives for its establishment. “Depletion of the country’s foreign reserves, in view of the unusually large number of BDCs. “Potential financing of unauthorised transactions with foreign exchange procured from the CBN Window, gradual dollarisation of the Nigerian economy with attendant adverse consequences on the conduct of monetary policy and subtle subversion of cashless policy initiative.”
ABUJA – Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, former Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank International, prayed an Abuja Federal High Court to reverse the sale of the bank to Access Bank Plc. Ibru also urged the court to reverse the take over of Aero Contractors Ltd. by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Ibru’s counsel, Dr. Ted Iseghohi-Edwards, argued that the bank and airline were not among the assets she forfeited to the Federal Government during her 2010 plea bargain with the government. The former managing director had joined the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) as codefendants in the suit. The plaintiff is therefore seeking a court order compelling the Federal Government to implement her plea bargain as specified in the agreement she signed with the government in 2010. The recalled that a Lagos
Federal High Court had on October 9, 2010 sentenced Ibru to 18 months in prison under a plea bargain agreement. The sentence followed her pleading guilty to three-count charge bordering on negligence, reckless grant of credit facilities and mismanagement of depositors’ funds. In line with the agreement, assets valued at over N191 billion were seized from her and her companies. AMCON on November 12, 2013, obtained an ex-parte order from the court to take over the said property accordingly. However, Ibru, challenged the ex-parte order, arguing that AMCON ‘mischievously’ obtained the ex-parte order without disclosing material facts in the plea bargain agreement. But AMCON’s counsel, Mr. Ademuyiwa Balogun, in his submission, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction. Justice Ahmed Mohammed adjourned the case until July 10 for hearing.
Wada Commends Coys For Investing In Kogi
LOKOJA - Governor Idris Wada of Kogi has commended the management of Unicane Industry Ltd. for establishing a 100,000-metric tonne sugar and ethanol firm in the state. Wada, in a statement in Lokoja expressed satisfaction with the level of work on the project located in Jamata, near Lokoja. The statement said that the governor spoke when he received the Chairman of Unicane, Mr. Kabiru Shuaibu, in his office in Lokoja. He said that he was sure that the company, when operational, would provide job for no fewer than 900 indigenes of the state. Wada, who was represented by the deputy governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, said that the state needed reputable investors who would harness its abundant resources.
He said that the government would continue to encourage investors to come to the state, and urged wealthy indigenes to also invest in the state. He assured that his administration would assist investors to overcome challenges they may encounter in the course of doing business in the state. Earlier, Shuaibu had told the governor that he chose to invest in Kogi because of prevailing peace in it. He added that the governor’s private sector background was another factor that encouraged him to establish the company in the state. He said that the company’s project would be executed in phases, and disclosed the ongoing work in the first phase would be completed within I8 months.
Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen Chris Olukolade (2nd right) and spokesperson, State Security Service (SSS), Ms Marilyn Ogar (left), decorating the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Frank Mba with his new rank in Abuja on Tuesday. With them is IGP Mohammed Abubakar.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Issues
No Hiding Place For Tax Defaulters! ITV vs EIRS:
By HON. JOSEF OMOROTIONMWAN
WHICHEVER way we look at it, the taxman has a problem. People hate him with passion and he is looked upon with disdain. The world around him is shrouded in open ambivalence: people like what is done with tax money but they hate to pay tax. There is yet a worse dimension to the issue of taxation – the aspect of withholding tax. It is bad enough that people hate to pay tax; it is worse that organization default in the remittance of taxes that are withheld by them on behalf of government, such as Pay As You Earn, PAYE, deductions form their employees as well as other taxes and Value Added Tax, VAT, deducted from contractors for onward transmission to government; and it is worst that when tax authorities demand the remittance of such withheld taxes, they are hounded and persecuted, even for moneys that rightly belong to them. The law soon steps in to introduce an approach known in local parlance as, “If you love me, love my dog” – if you appreciate the development programmes that come from tax money, you must pay tax and any taxes collected on behalf of government must be promptly remitted to the appropriate authorities. Put differently, you cannot eat your cake and have it. Government has never taken kindly to the issue of tax default because of the importance attached to taxation as the main source of revenue for all tiers of government. Essentially, history books are replete with the fact that the earliest pre-colonial tax system was practiced in Northern Nigeria because of its consistency with the principles of the prevalent Islamic religion in that Region. With the amalgamation, tax was first introduced by Lord Fredrick Luggard in 1904 and the Native Revenue Ordinance was passed in 1918. The Ordinance was first applied in Abeokuta in the present Ogun State and in Benin City in the present Edo State from where it extended to Eastern Nigeria in 1923. The
Ordinance and other associated regulations were modified and incorporated in the Direct Taxation Ordinance No. 29 of 1943, which formed the foundation of modern taxation in Nigeria. For a very long time to come, the case, Independent Television/ Radio vs. Edo State Board of Internal Revenue will remain relevant to students of contemporary studies, legal minds, judicial employees and tax authorities. The case is as intriguing as it is interesting. It bespeaks, on the one hand, an organization unwilling to remit to government, the PAYE tax deductions from its employees during the period 2005-2010; and a tax authority fully alive to its responsibilities, unwilling to let go. The case was kick-started by the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue (the Board) when it approached the State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice J.I. Acha, on a motion ex parte, supported by a three-paragraph affidavit and a written address filed on 1November 2012 praying the court, inter alia, for “An order to destrain upon the land, premises or place of business in respect of which the Defendant is the owner of Glass House, Airport Road and Communication Village, Oluku, Benin City; and an order to distrain against any movable goods, chattel, bond or securities or any kind of property belonging to the defendant as final and conclusive taxes due to the applicant”. On 2 November 2012, the court granted all the relief sought and that gave the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue the needed permission to distrain upon the property of Independent Television/Radio (ITV) aforementioned. The ITV attempted, but in vain, to upturn the order obtained ex parte by the Board of Internal Revenue. In the wee hours of 5 December 2012, the Board moved to the premises of ITV and sealed it up. On the same day, 5 December 2012, ITV filed
a motion to unseal its place of work as well as other injunctive relief. The motion was taken and argued on 6 December 2012. The Court ordered that: The defendant/applicant pay the
applications are adjourned till 22nd January, 2013. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the Appellant, Independent Television/Radio proceeded, post-haste, to the Federal Court
defeated. Counsel harped on the dictum of Justice Uwais in 7UP Bottling Co. Ltd vs. Abiola and Sons Ltd (1995) 2 NWLR Pl.383 p.257 at 250-280 that; “there is no doubt that the right of fair hearing under the Constitution is synonymous with the common law rule of natural justice.
Chief Oseni Elamah, Chairman, Edo Internal Revenue Service sum of N12,882,596.43 as contained in the order of court made on 2/11/2012 into the coffers of the Treasury of Edo State; Upon the presentation of a receipt of such payment, the claimant, that is Edo State Board of Internal Revenue shall forthwith unseal and open the premises of the Defendant/ Applicant; If upon the determination of the defendant’s application filed on 9/11/2012, the issues are resolved in the defendant’s favour, the said sum of N12,882,596.43 or any part thereof shall be refunded or paid over to the defendant within 48 hours of the ruling and receipt of the order by the claimant and/ or Edo State Government; and 4.The motion on notice filed on 9th November 2012 and all other
“For a very long time to come, the case, Independent Television/ Radio vs. Edo State Board of Internal Revenue will remain relevant to students of contemporary studies, legal minds, judicial employees and tax authorities. The case is as intriguing as it is interesting. It bespeaks, on the one hand, an organization unwilling to remit to government, the PAYE tax deductions from its employees during the period 2005-2010; and a tax authority fully alive to its responsibilities, unwilling to let go.”
of Appeal sitting in Benin City with Honourable Justices Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, Ibrahim Musa Saulawa and Tom Shaibu Yakubu. In the protracted trial, Counsel to the Appellant, Chief (Dr) A.O. Eghobamien (SAN), ferociously attacked the lower court ruling on two principal grounds: First, that the ex parte procedure under which the Board obtained the order to distrain upon the appellant’s property was antidemocratic as it is injurious to the principle of fair hearing; and second, that Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act, PITA, 2004, which granted the tax authority the power to distrain on the defendant’s property is unconstitutional as it negates the provisions of Section 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which prohibits the compulsory acquisition of the citizen’s property. On his part, Ken Mozia (SAN), Counsel to the Respondent, posited that the special circumstances of the case at hand must be considered – the principles and polices relating to tax issues. If Counsels are allowed to involve in the hide and seek tactics inherent in our adversarial jurisprudence, the purpose of specialized tax laws and regulations would he
However, because of the nature of certain preliminary steps that have to the taken before the commencement of the substantive matters, the rules of the court have made provision for ex parte application and there is nothing unconstitutional in such rule.” He led evidence to show that Section 104 of PITA does not compulsorily take away the property of a defaulter in the manner prohibited by Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution and more so, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye submits, quite succinctly, “Tax payment is an obligation of a citizen as provided under Section 24(f) of the Constitution and failure to pay tax shall strip him of the protection clothed him under Section 44(1) of the Constitution”. How diligent could anyone be? It is not often that you have a court inviting experts as amicus curiae (friends of court) to offer their views on contentious issues of law as the Appeal Court did in the present case. It is instructive that Mr. Ade Ipaye, Attorney–General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, filed his amicus brief on 25 February 2014; C.A. Ajuyah (SAN) filed his on 4 March
2014; Chief F.O. Orbih (SAN) filed his on 24 February 2014; Olu Daramola (SAN) filed his on 16 February 2014, Paul Usoro (SAN) filed his on 27 February 2014; and Dr Oladapo Olanipekun filed his on 4 March 2014. This is certainly a positive innovation in our judiciary, which bespeaks of the diligence of the drivers of the judicial system. We recommend this type of cooperation to the other branches of government. How meticulous could anyone be ? Respondent showed
preponderant evidence of the step-by-step actions taken to get the Appellant to come for tax review meetings to which the Appellant turned deaf ears. The import of the decision of the Court as delivered by Hon. Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, to which Hon. Justices Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa and Tom Shaibu Yakubu duly concurred, can only be fully appreciated when reproduced in extenso: It is overwhelmingly beyond doubt that the respondent/tax authority had exercised unreasonable patience with the appellant who kept frustrating the respondent’s invitation for tax review. How then can such party who was given ten different invitations for tax review meetings but failed to attend, now come to the court to have been deprived of fair hearing? I am of the firm and humble view that the respondent followed the provisions of PITA even to an overstretched extent and that the distraining order given against the appellant was a well deserved one. Let us not forget that the tax being scuffled over is the tax of the appellant’s employees from 2005-2010 which could have long time been deducted from the employees’ salaries but which the appellant failed to remit to the appropriate authority. The tax of 2011 to date has not yet become an issue. I must say this is a most despicable way for any taxpayer to act and it is seriously detrimental to the development of any nation. Following the decision of the court in Phoenix Motors Ltd v. NPFMB, I am of the view that the status under scrutiny is revenue oriented, the interpretation must be construed liberally in favour of deriving revenue by government in the interest of the public… For all the reasons set out above by me, all the issues in controversy being resolved against the Appellant, the appeal is totally without merit and is hereby dismissed.
THE NIGERIAN
12 IT presents a sad scenario that despite several policy initiatives the menace of poverty is a staggering reality and may have accounted for the loophole in myriad of social vices. Most notably are high incidences of armed robbery, kidnapping, corruption, advance fee fraud (419), prostitution Rings, human trafficking and “the likes perpetuated and perpetrated by the authors as the quickest route to scale the poverty barrier.” THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its 2000/2001 Human, development report on Nigeria, states that 70 per cent of Nigerians are in abject poverty while massive unemployment of people and the under utilization of resources are the order of the day. Since the report nothing about the poverty level has changed dramatically. NO doubt, the crushing poverty level currently ravaging Nigeria has become so overwhelming that over 70 percent of Nigerians have unwittingly bowed to the pangs of biting hardship. POVERTY is today a generic term and has been so since attempts at its classification by various study and academic groups with Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) ever more vehement and critical on the problems associated with large scale poverty and ways to improve the economic status of those classified in the group. SOCIAL scientists in attempt at plausible stratification and definition of the term find it necessary to contrast poverty with such opposite terms as richness, wealth, comfort, affluence and the likes as the terms carry inherent semantic undertones that most times solicit sympathy, empathy and compassion from those afflicted with the plague which poverty has come to symbolise. HOWEVER, by daily interactions within society and among communities and nations, it is clear that poverty has striking universal perception and similarities because of its cross- country
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014 THE NIGERIAN
Need To Re-evaluate Nigeria’s Poverty Eradication Policies feature and characteristics. The basic feature being that people suffer hunger and deprivation with not enough to eat, lack shelter and clothing as well as basic necessities required for human existence. FOR instance, the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights aptly sums uppoverty as a “human condition characterised by the sustained or chronic deprivation of the resources, capabilities, choices, security and power necessary for the enjoyment of all adequate standard of living and other civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights”. THERE is, as a result, conscious efforts by many organizations to mitigate the harsh effect of poverty which is more endemic in developing countries and many parts of Asia while in Nigeria, government’s effort at providing palliatives and putting in place workable measures from some of its economic policies that cause poverty shocks are yet to yield the desired impact. IT is the concern for the world’s poor and to find solution to spreading poverty crisis that the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) is celebrated worldwide in order to push people up the ladder of comfort where health care, food, shelter, clothing among others are assured the citizenry without experiencing the pain of deprivation. IN Nigeria, however, government has put in place social programmes as National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), National
Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies (NEEDS), the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to tackle problem of youth unemployment, a crucial poverty indicator among the socio cultural stratification. IN assessing Nigeria’s poverty level, based on its oil wealth which it described as a mixed blessing, the report explained that it was not the oil resources that are the problem, but the management of those resources. A general overview of Nigeria’s poverty crisis indicates therefore that there is a fundamental problem which the Federal Government needs to identify and tackle in order to address the continuing poverty level in Nigeria. The NIGERIAN OBSERVER urges the government to re-appraise some of its economic policies and those geared towards poverty eradication. Beside, it is remarkable that government insensitivity to suggestions put forward to it is increasing and is not being addressed as they should. A holistic reappraisal is therefore inevitable in all sectors of the economy and mitigating measures put in place if government is to succeed in its poverty eradication drive. IN the face of glaring discontent at the increasing poverty level, the World Bank proffered in its report. that “oil and natural gas will generate continuing wealth for many years on which Nigeria can build, if it manages this wealth well. If it channels more of this wealth to the development of its people and to the productive use of its land and other resources, then Nigeria has a promising Future”. WE implore the Federal Government to continue to put policy measures in place to scale down poverty level. Corporate bodies and organisation can play a part by partnering with the various governments to alleviate poverty In the land.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Tribute
I Have Seen Oba!
I was quite still young and oblivious of the changing world around me when 1 heard grown up threatening one another with a popular phrase, “you will see Oba!” I hail from the Eastern part of Nigeria, bred in Makurdi, Benue State and had a brief sojourn in Lagos before now ending up, as it were, in Benin City, Edo State.
By IJEOMA UMEH
see Oba”, which was more often than not encapsulated in the Nigerian common lingua Franca, the pidgin English as, “you go see Oba”, I often felt awestruck and inspired. In my mind’s eye, there was the conjecture of a mountainous being in whose presence only
born in Benin in the days of yore when the presence of the great men in Benin kingdom, the majesties were perceived only in imaginations, as concepts rather than as realities, as ideologies rather than truism, as figurative expressions, as spirits and living ancestors rather than
occurrence which no one cared to experience in their lifetime, yet no one would put a finger to why it was secretly forbidden. However, on my own mental calculation of the dynamics of the god-head, I compared it to the Biblical statement, “no eyes shall behold God... or see the shining light of His glory”, and the common
His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.
In essence, in all those places where I lived and moved on, the phrase kept re echoing; and to say the obvious, the phrase did not in anyway, refer to the kings of those other regions but the majestic, grandiose and elegant icon and Royal Father of the great Benin Kingdom. That showed, to a great extent, the popularity nay, fame, of the Man (notice the emphasis on the first letter) who sat over the dynasty in colossal might and greatness, in magnificent candour, splendor and panache. As a growing child, therefore, whenever I heard an adult say to another adult, “you will
spirits and ethereal creatures could be ushered, towering above a massive landscape and jeering down at little people who he had the power to level with his massive feet. In my innocence, I thought, “you go see Oba” was a form of terrible punishment for any erring fellow. I thought it meant doom and damnation. I thought it meant the end of mortal existence. When the tides of life brought me to Benin, promptly I learnt from acquaintances and from living among the highly cultural people of Benin what the phrase “you go see Oba” meant. I learnt that if I were
descendants of living royalties, as myths rather than landmarks, then I would understand the dynamics of culture as truly exemplified by the present great monarch, His Majesty, the Oba of Benin. I learnt that as myth, coming directly in contact with the ancestral Obas of Benin was more of a taboo; a very rare
parlance, “see God and die”, therefore, because the Oba was like god, or God’s representative, you will either see Him and die, or be content with your imaginations of His uncommon stature and live. It was, and still is, a reasonable explanation for me. However, the Oba of Benin has so far demystified that myth,
bringing the people and the palace closer in uncommon affinity and bond that makes the heart warm merely thinking about it. Now, 1 have seen the great king on several uncommon occasions in the Palace of the Oba of Benin, while holding leadership position in the NUJ. Edo State Council and its affiliates, while working as a Gender and Human Rights Advocate with various change agents. I have seen Oba, and I am proud to discountenance that medieval opinion when seeing Oba was equated to dying. I must confess, the great Oba of Benin sits majestically in elegant poise and grace on the throne of His forefathers and He evokes that same air of imbued invincibility like the giant in my innocent mind’s eyes as a child, all in terms of worth, in terms of His great stature. From the era of the Igodomigodos, which was originally what the Binis referred themselves as, a name said to be adopted from Ogiso Igodo, their first ruler said to have descended from the sky in celebration and deification of his peaceful reign, to the reign of the 31 Ogisos, till the present days, we will continue to testify that the present Oba of Benin brought peace to the land of His ancestors and to the people who hold Him in high esteem. we will continue to regard His Majesty the great king as larger than life, and as having fallen from the sky. The Oba of Benin remains revered and His word is law, so to speak. His reign has been described as peaceful,
uniting everyone from uncommon boundaries, His charisma, the convivial atmosphere in the Benin Kingdom all testify of His godly leadership acumen. The grace He exudes even on the throne, the way He makes Royal gesticulations, identifying with everyone of the numerous people from all walks of life who throng to the Palace on daily basis to pay homage and get Royal Blessings, the joy that He spreads around and among His subjects, everything speaks of greatness; the prayers He selflessly reels out through His respected chiefs, the dignified wave of that sparkling white handkerchief that appears to work as a king’s signet ring to confirm a salient point arid conclude a matter, the many cases He continues to resolve with the uncommon wave of that sparking white handkerchief, His dignified posture and mien which continues to unite people from various frontiers, the peace which His word, delivered with the sound of thunderous applause sends across social and political frontiers, do all these not speak volumes of a great king? Everywhere you turned, as far as the eyes could see, as far as the mortal mind could comprehend, you will see bridges of hope and unity, peace and progress, uncommon love and boundless affiliation between the Benin people and others, and this transcends national and international boundaries. I have seen Oba. I hope you will, too! Happy Birthday, our Royal Father Oba Gha to Kpere! Isee!!!
“I must confess, the great Oba of Benin sits majestically in elegant poise and grace on the throne of His forefathers and He evokes that same air of imbued invincibility like the giant in my innocent mind’s eyes as a child, all in terms of worth, in terms of His great stature.”
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Politics
Edo State: Dan Orbih, A Nollywood By USMAN ABUDAH
HERE in Edo State, the periodic bellowing on the television screen by the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party has become profoundly irritating because of all his utterances are nothing short of a town crier, delivering messages in formals that are not convincing to the viewers ordinarily: the efforts he puts into his shouting suggest as if Governor Oshiomhole has withdrawn the plate of soup accompanying the other plate of eba or pounded yam. For a criticism to be established and worth accepting by a level of the citizenry, submissions should be embellished with soothing details pointing out failure in governance in its totality. In one breath, Dan Orbih after accepting that the red roof school r e v o l u t i o n a l development is on course, he in another breath punctures his balloon with the false claim that desks and seats haven’t been provided — no specific details unveiling the locations where such schools can be verified. Meaninglessly, he again bellows that the governor should surrender his international passport for him to tell Edo people how many trips
the state governor has made. Has Dan Orbih voluntarily told the public how much he gets to run his party secretariat? I hear he has a chieftaincy title, but his approaches are unchiefly. Titled chiefs talk with caution and their utterances are weighty and convincing, not just playing to the gallery as if he is rehearsing a role from a script in an audition before a producer, hence my call for him to attend an audition. One is here again taken aback on the question of asking of a government’s performance at any given period. The people of Edo State in the entire three senatorial districts have asked this question on countless times. What was the performance of the past government before Oshiomhole stepped in? There were no developments, no one asked questions, few were gaining along with their hangers on, practical developments dotting the entire state speak for Governor Oshiomhole. There is this wrong notion, a lot of people hold on to that the Comrade Governor is a dictator: when you have a sincere leader like he is, he has that mental capability in classifying the various clicks of his
Material
followers and he alone is in a position to classify the interests and intrigues therein amongst the
being costumed by the hired writers that he had a magic wand in winning the state for the
would be willing to play back his tape on the role he played in ensuring victory for the President in Edo State. He may perhaps this time around do a home work
Dan Orbih, Edo State PDP Chairman.
various groups that make up his followership. Simply put, when he now calls the final results, he is called names. This writer recalls particular sponsored feature articles in some national dailies wherein credit was being given to a former top politician at the presidency who was
incumbent president in Edo State. I had called on the internal writers of the dailies that published the features to go check the elections in their various libraries to see if the former politician at the presidency then won at his own ward. back in Edo State. I then tipped them to wait until when Governor Oshiomhole
“For a criticism to be established and worth accepting by a level of the citizenry, submissions should be embellished with soothing details pointing out failure in governance in its totality.In one breath, Dan Orbih after accepting that the red roof school revolutional development is on course, he in another breath punctures his balloon with the false claim that desks and seats haven’t been provided — no specific details unveiling the locations where such schools can be verified.”
to correct that slip of the past. A closer look at the political gladiators from Edo North unveils one basic fact: those claiming they have defected, should in real sincerity, search their conscience if their movement wasn’t hasty. Within their party APC, they were flatly dislodged at the various congresses held. A sitting federal legislator, out of the ten (10) wards in his local government council, he won one (1) and of the two (2) wards in his zone, he won in his own ‘village. The other guy who was belly aching over a Supervisory Councillor from his own ward, was
asked what really he was agitating against ... “he has just joined us from the other party....” When asked from which party did himself defected, he cut the telephone chat, maybe this could be put at the door step of the network providers. Indeed, the fellow he was complaining about is much exposed, schooled, humble, focused and a management staff at where works and an astute asset in all ramifications to their ward. I would want to see a radical and well propelled format of leadership in the Edo State’s present governorship wherein the South Senatorial District would produce a realistic and level headed governor that would further enhance Oshiomhole’s performances. Rendering dramatic stanzas on the television screen, reveals one thing — acting. Governor Oshiomhole’s team is proving itself before the majority in Edo State that it cares and the signs are there. In conclusion, I don’t really know how opera producers/directors pick their characters, I would humbly suggest that they invite the PDP state chairman for an auditioning as he could prove a fantastic material as we all need nerves relaxing episodes during this troubling period of the nation’s life. Abudah, a Journalist and founder, Afenmai Heritage & Cultural Studies wrote in from Benin, Edo Sate.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Education
Reflections On Education And Civil Service Employment
THIS may begin with a cursory glance at what education is generally and what contemporary average Nigerians perceive education to be. According to Hirst and Peters (1979:23) it appears the concept of’ “education” is a very “fluid one”. At one end of the continuum is the older and undifferentiated concept of education which refers just to any process of bringing up or rearing in which the connection either with what is desirable or with knowledge is purely contingent. The authors then argued that there may be uses of education which link it just with development of desirable states without any emphasis on knowledge; there may be uses which pick out the development of knowledge without implying its desirability. A more recent and more specific concept of education links the process with the development of states of a person that involves knowledge and under-standing .in depth and breath, and also suggests that they are desirable. Hirst and Peters (1979:25). According to Fasanya (1969:25) Education may be regarded as a method of leading people out of ignorance. It is a means of socializing human beings. It may involve the bringing up of a child in the community, and constantly training him to adjust himself to the changing world around him. It is a life-long process. The author then argued that education varies in its content and method with different societies in the world. Correspondingly, the aim of education varies both with time and from place to place. For example what one age cherishes as wisdom may be regarded as foolishness by another. The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education defines education as comprising organized and sustained Communication designed to bring about learning. Communication implied in this context requires a relationship between two or more people involving the transfer of information; ‘organized’ means planned in a sequence with established aims and curricular and ‘sustained’ means that the learning
experience has duration and continuity. While ‘learning’ is taken to mean any change in behaviour, knowledge, understanding, skills or capabilities which the learner retains and which can not be ascribed simply to physical growth or the development of inherited behaviour patterns. Implicit in the above definition is the fact that what goes on in the institution we call school is intended to be education but equally clearly education may be carried on outside formal schools (UNESCO, 1975:2). Further survey of the literature may reveal many more definitions of education but from the ones presented above, a number of difficulties tended to crystalize: (i) The concept of education is fluid. (ii) The concept varies over time and space. (iii)Education varies in content, method, and/or aims over time and space. (iv) Education goes on both within institutions we call formal at school and out-side it, and it is Life long These difficulties not withstanding, the definition of education preferred here is: Education is the sharing and transfer of knowledge, the development of new knowledge based on learning and understanding that is desirable. With this definition, a critical question that comes to mind tended to be: What is the current perception of education by Nigerians? An opinion survey on that question may reveal the following answers:- The acquisition of a “meal ticket” or a “gate pass;” - A license to practice; An unfulfilling academic exercise; - A training in some skills; - A preparation for world of work; - A tool for personal
By G.C. NDUKA Ph.D
advancement; - An instrument of social change; - An instrument for national development etc. It may be customary to conceive of education as an instrument of social change and development, as a force which induce modernization, social justice etc. However, it may not be realized that education is also conceived by some as something relatively independent of social forces.
can be utilized for the furtherance of one’s own future and not necessarily for the good of the nation. Before relating these ideas to civil service employment, it maybe necessary to state briefly that civil service employment refers to employment in all government departments except the army., navy and air force. More often than not, one of the main criteria for civil service
employment than ever before. Consequently, the number of educated unemployed has been on the increase and people are beginning to ask whether the years spent in school trying to acquire education is really worth the trouble. That may be so because Nigerians see education as a gate-pass to work especially in civil service employment but now that the economic situation appears unfavourable, the essence of education come under serious questioning.
(iv) Teaching/Learning processes in school setting becoming more painful, tedious and unattractive. (v) By and large, the quality of educational performance may drop. It was mentioned above that education is one of the sub-systems within a larger system. Once it is affected by something, it will itself affect other things. Specifically, a drop in the quality of educational performance will affect civil service just like recent events in the civil service affected
Another quick reaction to the unemployment phenomenon is the decline in enrolment especially among the males. That reaction may not be perceived as completely irrational in the sense that it should be expected in a situation where the cost of education is ever rising and the “economic returns” from investment in it appear to be on the decline or completely not forthcoming because of unemployment. What are the implications of these for education? The possibilities may include:(i) Loss of faith in education especially formal education proferred in school. (ii) Drop in the motivation of students, teachers and or parents for education. (iii) A significant drop in enrolment in schools.
education. We may conclude by noting that what happens in education affects civil service employment and civil service employment affects education. Hence the recognition of a meaningful relation between the two help us link together education and job through the vocational paths taken by individuals both spatially and temporally. This relationship may put in sharp focus the types and content of education existing at different times as they reflect on the government departments. Finally, the recognition of the relationship between education and civil service employment may help us consider the problems of finding jobs for young people and the dynamics of their education.
Alhaji Bukar Aji, Head of Service of the Federation
One has to remember that education is a sub-system of the larger society and as such it is itself influenced by other sub-systems like family, kinship, economy, labour market, politics, policy, etc. That brings us nearer the heart of the matter. Education for most of is looked upon as a value in itself and as an instrument of change and development. The new entrants to education may look upon education as a symbol of prestige, as something which
employment is education. In other words, the educational background of the applicant for civil service employment, to a large extent, determine his or her suitability for selection. In the past years civil service was one of the major sources of employment for the educated; that is, those educated in the formal sense. But within the past couple of years, it has become far more difficult to gain entry into civil service
“By and large, the quality of educational performance may drop. It was mentioned above that education is one of the sub-systems within a larger system. Once it is affected by something, it will itself affect other things. Specifically, a drop in the quality of educational performance will affect civil service just like recent events in the civil service affected education.”
THE NIGERIAN
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Media
Contemporary Issues In Mass Comm TO qualify as a mass medium, a photograph must have elements of the dramatic, providing a richer description and detail than the written or spoken word when it accompanies a story. It is note that some events are principally graphic and requires little or no text to get the message across. This is news worthy which makes it to qualify for a place on the pages of newspapers and magazines that are read by millions of people around the world. In this way, it is mass communicating medium. Rothstein (1979) said that picture transcend all language barriers and when viewed it needs no interpreter. Besides, it has an edge over the spoken words because it can accurately depict any situation. Picture help to fix powerful photographic images in the mind more readily than words. Photographs produce a very effective and vividly unambiguous communication. There is a Chinese saying that “picture is worth ten thousand words” Photographs as medium of mass communication provide additional information when it accompanies a story. It also dresses up the page, by breaking up the type. It adds colour to words and capture moods. Its sequence can help give the reader a sence of continuity of action, provide a feeling of movement or contrast. The added interest, attention and variety to possess. Originality starts with the photograph. reliability is the word. Also Udeze (1995) says that the deep sence of realism and truth coupled with the feelings of participation made photographs a very popular communication medium. Although photojournalism is relatively a new subject, it has become the crowned head of vivid communication. This is due to the fact that what is communicated is what is meant. This means that photography has no ambiguity. Photograph perform a variety of communication functions in journalism practice today. They can take on many physical forms. One of the basic functions of photograph is realize that a sticking illustration is perhaps the best means for attracting a reader’s eyes to page or design. Even highway signs have been evolving from verbal to visual language to achieve instant communication with motorists and to surmount or overcome the language barrier. The care of man’s photograph aptly demonstrates an early appreciation of the communicative potential of photographs and other illustrations. Historians are agreed that the early attempts of human beings to communicate graphically began with pictures as the message form. This practices even as the earliest stages of graphical communication development, underscores the importance of the photograph as a medium of mass communication. The use of photograph in newspapers and magazines to tell stories is justified to the extent that it contributes to the realization of the major objective of the communication task. In doing this, the photograph helps to attract attention, sustain it and build retention. It also assists in developing association with the page by, the esthetics values and pleasing atmosphere it creates. In addition, as basic elements of visual stimulation, photograph produces psychological effects when they are tailormade to the mood of message. “One picture” the Chinese said “Is worth a thousand word” The effectiveness of photographs in helping to accomplish the communication goal can never be emphasized. This means that we start to learn our verbal language from picture books and move on to maturity in a world of television. Motion picture, illustrated magazines, books and newspapers photographs can compel attention forcefully and quickly too. It can well later for the emotion and reaction that are aroused better than any other means of communication while we view live around us. The capability of photographs at depicting or producing trueto life image enhances the impact of television and motion pictures. The publishers of newspapers and magazines are merely demonstrating an understanding of this phenomenon by using the photograph as attention getters. Auto — accidents, sports action catoons etc and other kind of illustration. They often appeal to emotions far more effectively than words
As Medium Of Mass By OSAYAWANBO ERO
hence they are useful as primary tool for the communicator who wants to inform readers precisely of what took place at what event or happenings. More ever without the photograph many words would be needed to describe an event like tornado damage. Even at that words may not effectively transmit the information like the photograph would do. Objective of Photojournalism in Mass Communication The major objective of this course is to expose those involved in photo-reporting and how to use the camera to report events. It is the thinking of the planners of the syllabus for this course that at end of the contact sessions taken in the course a student in mass communication should be able to among others. (i) Understand the process of taking picture that communicate (ii) Know the major techniques in camera manipulation. (iii) Know the tools of the trade and the procedures involved in recording action film. (iv) Know how to use picture for communication. (v) Know how to handle and maintain basic photo- lab tools. (vi) Understand the basic difference between studio photography and photojournalism. (vii) Know the camera prospects in journalism. (viii) Understand the photographic process. (ix) Know the types and parts as well as models of cameras and as well as the different — types of films and their uses. (x) Select the print most suitable for a particular story and (xi) Crop, scale and caption stories. In every written word, there exists an object or a theme especially in journalism, similarly in photography and photojournalism; there is always a story behind every photograph You may recall that one of the aims of this course is to learn how to use photographs to tell a story or complement a story as the case may be. It is therefore imperative that a good knowledge of photography and photojournalism will help the student of mass communication and the allied profession to know some or all of the followings: (i) Understand all about the emotive powers of the photograph, meaning, its ability to create moods, anger, laughter, joy, sadness and all other human emotions. (ii) Enable the student to know how to use photograph in the art form instead of its more technical reproduction. (iii) Enhance the students understanding of shot composition and their uses. (iv) Improve on their ability to caption stories vividly (v) Enhance the students ability in the use of pictures to tell a story. (vi) Enable the student to understand the focal point or theme of a photograph (vii) Know how to take action photographs (viii) Know how to use picture illustrations (ix) A good knowledge of the subject will enable the student to know how to use the camera effectively and as a reportage tool and it will also assist the student in the use of photographs as major tool in mass communication. Press Photographers and Photo journalists A press photographer is someone who has a good knowledge of how to take picture and relates with a media house as a staff or a freelancer. As a staff to either in radio television or print media, he has to be directed to know where he should go for an assignment to take pictures and send them back to his office. He may not have, a knowledge of captioning and other journalistic duties, but be good with the use of his camera. He is a part of the team. On the other hand, a photojournalist can be described as a full trained professional journalist before adding photography
“The effectiveness of photographs in helping to accomplish the communication goal can never be emphasized. This means that we start to learn our verbal language from picture books and move on to maturity in a world of television. Motion picture, illustrated magazines, books and newspapers photographs can compel attention forcefully and quickly too.”
as an area of specialization. He can be responsible for the entire job from idealization stage to the finishing point. That means that he is skilled in both fields of journalism and photography. He takes photographs or pictures and analyses them and write story from them. He could be member of the photo desk. He is usually headed by photo-editor who is in charge of photographers and photographs used by the very media. Qualities of a Good Press Photograph A good press photograph must have all or some of these points: (i) It should have the capacity to help tell a better story than the ordinary every day picture. (ii) It must not be dusted otherwise it may distract the reader from central theme of photograph (iii) It must be easy to produce in the print media. (iv) It must have a clear focal point, meaning central theme
of the photograph. (v) The picture must have been vividly and accurately captioned taking the five WS and H into consideration. (vi) The picture must be good enough to help attract the reader to the newspaper or magazine, make him read it and possibly possess it. (vii) The picture should relate to the mood of the moment. (viii) Above all, it must have a universal interpretation. Says — Idowu (2003). Selection of a Press Photograph This is the work of photo Editor in any media organization. These points must be considered. i. The ability of the picture to tell or illustrate the story. ii. The story behind the picture iii. The picture should make the reader grasp the message clearly and easily. iv. The picture should not be technically deficient or blurred v. The picture should not conform with the house policy of the media establishment. vi. The picture should not editorialise vii. The picture should show the mood of the person and the society at that moment. viii. The picture should not distort the message
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THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Media
Photojournalism scommunication
munication:
x. The photo-editor must consider the legal implication of e picture. x. It must have either the quality of hard news or soft news. Constraints of a Photojournalist Photojournalism is one of the most difficult production of mass mmunication profession attributed to this fact instance, a porter can observe an event over a period of time and then ull over his report. In contrast, the photojournalist must learn anticipate the key moment and must always have his camera catch it. Achieving this requires some elements of luck and precise otojournalist cannot turn back time to recapture a missed oment. It’s impossible. We must not lose focus of the fact that the occasions in which hotojournalist can pose his subject are rare and far-in between. ore over, news photography not all moments are usually ptured, yet to make an impact on the job, a breath — taking
matic photograph in the nature of Rober to Capa’s picture of act with a bullet during the Spanish civil war in 1936 is not out lace — Such pictures require an element of luck as earlier said vid Wainwright 1972). Further, Ojo Iduwu (2003) says that tojournalism requires skills in two fields — (a) photography (b) journalism. photograph, one can produce picture that can tell the story er. The photographer must get to the spot of action (presence) must also know when to take the picture (instinct) in addition is physical equipment for the event. He should also have mental ude if he seriously speaking, wants to succeed. he photojournalist is hooded about by aggrieved politicians who plaint of inadequate publicity or of not being well portrayed he photojournalist in the print media. he photojournalist faces political diatribe from politicians pment failure, censorship, stiff opposition from the securitywho tries always to protect their “principals”. he pressure of deadline is another constrain of the ojournalist. His exposure must be delivered at the right time. her points to note are: Equipment failure. Such as when the flashgun fails at the precise of exposure.
2. The film may fail to roll and therefore the exposures are not recorded. 3. The camera can jam. 4. Lot of skill is required eg: a) He must know the shutter speed that will meet with the aperture requirement for a given available light. b) He must learn to load and unload his camera. c) He must know how to choose his theme d) He must choose his subject without clustering it with too much details. e) He must learn to eliminate the unnecessary details 0 He must learn to ascertain his focal point g) He must look for contrast and balance h) He must get to his place of assignment promptly i) He must know how to choose vantage positions to get a good depth of field. j) He must learn how to relate with security men who are always protective of their principals. k) He must be well skilled in the art of captioning, l) He must have a good knowledge of photographic materials, film printing process and other accessories. Photojournalistic Strategies For a photojournalist to obtain strategies he will do well to: (a) Go for pictures that illustrate, illuminate and compliment stories (b) Go for pictures with the big stories (c) Go for picture that show actions (d) Show the dramatic points of events (e) Go for pictures that can tell the news in a lucid or vivid form. U) Go for pictures that can tell the story more than words can do. (g) Go for pictures that beautify the page, such that can also arrest and sustain the reader’s attention. (h) Go for pictures that portray people in their natural habitat. The Values of Photography and Mass Communication Photography has enormously gained universal acceptance as a valid medium for educating, informing and entertaining the masses on a higher level than painting, sculpture and writing. Every aspect of mass communication field employs the use of photographs as illustration be it public relations, advertising television, Newspapers, magazines, books etc. We live in a generation that values the use of visual images in communicating. This is the penetrating reason why most readers usually begin to look, at a newspaper from the point of the illustration and its explanatory notes before moving on to the next matters. Through the use of space age, photography programmed on space flight by astronauts, man’s knowledge of the universe has become broadened (see chapter 21 vol 1. Space shuttle Ero (2005). Photograph has become eyewitness to world events. Prior to this period, photographs were merely looked upon as materials to fill space or create white space in newspaper or just to illustrate a brilliant report of a reporter. The basic truth is that visual image makes immediate impact on the readers. Often, they can and do tell a story that draws on emotions where photograph can show a child’s tears, an athletes elation at winning, a losers sorrow, a jubilating crowed etc. Quicker and in far more memorable way than any other medium or channel. This is why according to Ojo Idowu (2003) that “the emotive powers of the photograph is unique”. Apart from inviting the readers attention to the page, they also enhance an understanding most advertisement, news stories and features, the focal point which catches the eyes of the reader to the page even before the head lines, are usually illustration like the photograph.
Through the use of photograph, the mass media has become the guttery for outstanding world events and achievements. As earlier said, no photographer — reporter covering an assignment, points his camera at the subject and exposes the film. He must know why the photograph is being taken. Is the picture an abstract, is meant to communicate a mood, security, peace, hunger, poverty, happiness, equality or to quantify sadness? Classification of News Photograph According to William Randolph Heart an American Newspaper proprietor alleged that news is what somebody, somewhere doesn’t print, everything, else News photograph may appear content or because they illustrate the accompanies or vice — versa Whichever photograph is either ‘Hard’ or ‘Soft’ news. The Hard News Hard News is an unexpected news which can happen any time, such as gruesome ritual murder, plane crash, earth quake, fire out break, volcanic eruptions train accident, land tremor, all fall within this category Other types of hard news includes explosions, fire incidents such as Californian fire out break where hundred or thousand of people lost their houses and properties in 2007; road or rail crashes, civil disturbances, sieges and other types of tragedies or misfortunes. Sometimes these are called ‘breaking news’ in radio and TV. A photographer who is fortunate enough to arrive at the scene of an incident while it still on-going, should take any picture which present themselves. He must take care not to hinder emergency services while taking his shots. Soft News Any news which is not hard news is regarded as soft news. Such as sports or features, Soft News events are anticipated having been lodged on the diary and coverage well prepared for in advance. Because time has been marked out for preparing for a soft news event coverage, the value to readers is normally assessed and coverage while picture ideas are also planned out eg: Local carnival (Abuja annual carnival) Igue festival in Benin, Egungun festivals, Oshun festival all Nigeria. Rehearsals of the local dramatic society Governor of a State visiting a local factory is public relations” because of their story which they way, it is the news The slimmer of the year competition. Annual trooping, the colour ceremony Specialized Photojournalism Although we treated specialized journalism in volumes 1 and 2, yet it is very appropriate in this chapter to treat some specialized areas in photojournalism which include: portraiture, Aerial Photography, Fashion photography, Food photography, Landscape Nature Photography, Architectural photography and others. Portraiture Portraiture photography is very popular because it has the capacity to vividly describe better than words what someone looked at a given time — mood which may be the form of anger, cunning, sadness, a relaxed formal disposition. Portraiture helps record swiftly and permanently, the subject on event in his or her environment. It may be a group of people during a special occasion like a family gathering, office outing a wedding or birthday. After that day, the scene may never quite be the same again. Being a memorable occasion only camera can capture with accuracy the mood, of the event which can be seen, kept after many years, hundred or thousands of years. It is to be noted that photograph of people elicit greater response than any kind of animals. A portrait photograph should tell the reader something about the subjects character because a portrait is a visual biography, which can be used to capture the particular mood of a given time and situation (Obama photo). The photographer must do the following in order to produce a good portrait. 1. Understanding the subject in his natural environment ie studying him.
“Any news which is not hard news is regarded as soft news. Such as sports or features, Soft News events are anticipated having been lodged on the diary and coverage well prepared for in advance. Because time has been marked out for preparing for a soft news event coverage, the value to readers is normally assessed and coverage while picture ideas are also planned out eg:”
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Review
Adeke (A Fool) An Afenmai Home Video, A Nerve Soothing Film By USMAN ABUDAH
THE Afenmai dialect has further been raised on a higher pedestal on the creativity format with the emergence of Adeke (a fool) home video wherein the indigenous dialect in its entirety has been fully unveiled by the producer/director, Godwin Okpere. The production and directing by Okpere, who is an Esan man further enhances the understanding in creative production when the storyline is fully understood. Adeke is a story between two hunters — Osho bughe ( A n t h o n y Aluokhaemo) and Izuagbe (Fred Imokhai). The forest location of the film apart from unfolding the green pasture of the area for the shooting, also buttressed the flow of the dialect between the main cast of Mrs. Oshobughe (Miss Sube .Egbeadokhai) Mrs. Izuagbe (Mrs. Afusat Ikharo), Chief
Idris Amin (a Chief in reality) Izuag (Fred Imokhai) and Oshobughe (Anthony Alokhaemo). In effect, Adeke unfolds the life intrigues in display between friends in real life wherein the other person harbours a secret agenda to outwit the other sometimes fueled by over ambitious wives, as this was evidently unfolded by Mrs. Izuagbe (Miss Sube Egbeadokhai) who was suspicious about the invitation by Oshiobughe to transfer his killing of the palace guard in the forest to his friend to cover his track of murder. Oshobughe was lured to scene in the forest, while away, Mrs. Izuagbe , who displayed good intentions of a matured and caring housewife, felt uneasy at home while her husband was tricked into the trap by his so called trusted friend of many years in addition of being
hunters together for many years. The plot revealed why the palace guard was killed for playing pranks with the
real killer of the palace operative when the King (Chief Idris Amin) decided to turban Oshiobughe with a title for getting
princess. The unfolding aspect of the plot came to the fore to expose Izuagbe as the
rid of the mess inflicted on the palace. Upon hearing of the pending installation of Oshiobughe as a title
“Adeke is a story between two hunters — Osho bughe (Anthony Aluokhaemo) and Izuagbe (Fred Imokhai). The forest location of the film apart from unfolding the green pasture of the area for the shooting, also buttressed the flow of the dialect between the main cast of Mrs. Oshobughe (Miss Sube .Egbeadokhai) Mrs. Izuagbe (Mrs. Afusat Ikharo), Chief Idris Amin (a Chief in reality) Izuag (Fred Imokhai) and Oshobughe (Anthony Alokhaemo).”
holder, Izuagbe rushed to the palace to state he is supposed to be titled because he killed the palace guard
and not Oshiobughe: this climax unfolded dubious roles of bad friendship and bad housewives. The pilot further unveiled a good lesson for people towards assessing the realities of good and bad friendship. This further draws one to a saying by Benjamin Franklin —— “be slow in choosing a friend, slower in
changing”. With his eagerness to snap the title for even a bad deed, the plot further unfolded the traditional format of common sense and truthfulness when the king gathered his subjects to hear Izuagbe’s personal open confession. Productions in indigenous languages apart from creating an exposure for the development of themes, it also creates a relaxing score for the viewers in addition to the re- documentary opportunities of recalling some lost incantations that make the sleeping leaves open up for the herbalists to utilize in the preparation of some healing ointments. Besides all the above, Adeke footage is a must purchase for Afenmai speaking people as it embellishes the promotion of a people’s dialect in addition to its realistic plot format by the producer/director in establishing that there are other thoughts from a fool that can capsize the evil plan of a dubious and jealous friend like Oshiobughe. Abudah Founder and Artistic Director, Afenmai Heritage and Cultural Studies.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
FURTHER EXAMPLES -x - y -x + y = or Example 4 (x - y)(x + y) (x - y)(x + y) simplify Answer 1 1 Exercise + 2 x + 3x + 2 x2 + 5x + 6 Simplify: (UME, 1988)
Algebraic Fractions III (1).
x2 x x - y x2 - y2
Solution Hint: Before determining the L.c.m, xy Ans = (x + y)(x - y) first factorise the denominators. Thus, x2 + 5x + 6 becomes m+2 - 2 (x + 2)(x +3) and x2 + 3x + 2 becomes (2). 2m - 1 m - m - 2 m + 4m + 3 (x + 1)(x + 2). 2m + 1 1 1 Ans = + 2 (m + 1)(m + 2)(m +3) x + 3x + 2 x2 + 5x + 6 (3). 1 - 2 + 1 1 1 t t+1 t+2 = (x + 2)(x + 3) + (x + 1)(x + 2) 2 Ans = t(t + 1)(t + 2) The L.c.m of the denominators = (x +3)(x + 2)(x + 1) MULTIPLICATION AND (x + 1) + (x + 3) DIVISION = (x + 3)(x + 2)(x + 1) Example 1 2 2x + 4 x 7 x - 3x Simplify: = X 2 2 (x + 3)(x + 2)(x + 1) x -9 x - 49 (UME, 1983) (on opening the brackets) Solution: 2(x + 2) = x(x - 3) (x - 7) (x + 3)(x + 2)(x + 1) X (x - 3)(x + 3) (x - 7)(x + 7) 2 = x = (x + 3)(x + 1) (x + 3)(x + 7) Answer Answer Example 5 Example 2 3x + y 2 simplify: - 2 2 k k2 Simplify: : 2 x -y x-y k+1 k -1 Solution Solution Factorising the difference of two Hint: Factorise and invert the second squares, the expression becomes fraction: k k2 3x + y 2 : 2 k+1 k - 1 becomes x - y (x - y)(x + y) =
2(x + y) - 3x + y (x - y)(x + y)
=
2x + 2y - 3x - 3y (x - y)(x + y)
Mathematics With Stanley Osobase 08023454887 Osobase2001@yahoo.co.uk
Example 3 2 Simplify: 25d : 6c
5d 3c2
Solution: 25d2 X 6c 5
=
3c2 5d
1
25 x 3 x c x c x d x d 6 x5xcxd 2 5cd = 2
Answer
Example 4 Calcute 6x2 - x - 2 X 8x + 4
6 3x - 5x + 2 2
Solution: Factorising, we have: 6 (3x - 2)(2x + 1) X (3x - 2)(x - y) 4(2x + 1) cancelling out common factors, we have: 6 3 = 4(x - 1) 2(x - 1) Answer Exercise Simplify: 2 a2 (1). ab X a - a Ans = a2 - 1 b (a + 1) 2 (2). 2x - 8 : 2x - 4 x+2
Ans = 1
2 2a2 - a (3). 2a + a - 1 : a2 - 5a + 6 a-2
(k - 1)(k + 1) k (a + 1)(a - 3) X Ans = 2 k k+1 a cancelling common factors, we get: Until next edition, Watch EBS TV, k -1 Answer Thurs 4pm also! k
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452
Road Rules For Motorists
Auto Tips:
Understanding Car Engine Cooling System IT is cheaper to prevent terminal engine overheating and damage than to cure them. All it takes is vigilance and a modest monetary outlay. Don’t just put any water in the radiator. The water has to be clean and preferable tap water. It is better to get a good coolant additive to add to it but make sure it is a good one. Some coolant additives are worse than useless. I once use a coolant additive, which within weeks dissolved sealing glue on the radiator houses. This reduced the radiator’s effectiveness and rendered the heater useless. But a good additive will prevent rust and raise the coolant’s boiling point. Drain the radiator and replace with clean water once in three months and while at it, make a visual
check for leaks or any damage on the radiator and hoses. Repair any damaged fast, Daily, check the coolant level on the overflow container. Any usually noise from the water pump should be investigated. If the pump is damaged, repair is not always effective, so replace it Belt should be tight. A fan with broken
fins won’t work properly. Buying a spare fan belt is a good idea, but buy a good quality type. Ascertain the engine’s normal working temperature while driving, if there is a substantial increase, stop the car and check. Engine oil also is a coolant, Use a good brand. Don’t set engine idle speed to high. Avoid
excessive idling. The tachometer has a red band, which should be avoided in normal driving. For air-coolant cars, inspect these components regularly; oil level, fan, belt, fan housing, intake ducts and vents, if any intercooler is fitted, ensure it works properly.
ON most cars, although daily topping lip of the radiator is unnecessary, it is good practice to check the level, in the same way that the engine oil should be verified each day. The reasons for this check is that a shortage of water is not immediately notice able, until some symptom
such as loss of power is apparent. By the distortion of the cylinder head may have occurs, bringing in its train badly seating valves, Cold water should not be added in such circumstance until the engine has cooled downs. Topping up, also checks that the overflow pipe is clear, as by
overfilling the radiator, water should flow from the overflow outlet, A choked over flow pipe may cause a burst hose owing to there being no escape for the steam. Soft or rain water should be used, as hard water contains calcium and magnesium salts, which form a scale in the water jackets and radiator.
Safety Tip
“The tachometer has a red band, which should be avoided in normal driving. For air-coolant cars, inspect these components regularly; oil level, fan, belt, fan housing, intake ducts and vents, if any intercooler is fitted, ensure it works properly.”
WHAT is the rule of traffic light? The correct sequences of traffic light are: Red, Red and Amber, Green. Amber and Green Arrow. Red means stop and wait behind the stop line on the carriageway. Red and Amber also means (stop. Don’t pass through or start until green shows. Green means I may go on if the way is clear. I will take special care if 1 am to turn right and give way to pedestrians who are crossing. Amber means half at the top line. I may only go on if the amber appears after I have crosses the top line or I am so close to the stop that a pull up might cause an accident. Green arrow means I may go in direction shown. WHERE NOT TO PARK • At a bus stop • Opposite another vehicle • On a bow of hill • Where it will obstruct a traffic sign • Near a read junction, corner, or bend. WHEN YOU HAVE A BREAK DOWN 1. Do not leave the vehicle in the middle of the road or where it can cause obstruction. Tow or push it into grass verge 2. Place a reflective triangle at about 10-20 metre from the vehicle when in the city or 30 metre away on the
highway. One hundred metres will he adequate on the expressway. 3. Do not litter the road with debris of tyre and broken logs, and put a lighten lamp on the vehicle at night. WHEN DRIVING THROUGH TOWNS • Reduced speed • Watch out for animals Children and some adult who may be crossing the road carelessly. • Obey the prescribed speed limit in towns and cities. WHEN DRIVING WITHIN A TOWN • Give enough clearance for Car doors when you over take a stationary vehicle at a bus stop. • Obey the crossing • Watch out for children at the Zebra Crossing AV O I D I N G COLLUSION AT ROUND ABOUT • Be watchful • Don’t assume field of way either to the left or right • Give way to traffic on your left don’t change lanes indiscriminately • Trafficate your exit (turning) on time • Maintain your exit lane in good time • Never face traffic round about • The condition of the driver that could affect his/her driving ability vision • Poor vision can impair driving ability.
THE NIGERIAN
21
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Style
ALLISON Cooper has penned down the following Stepby-step instructions for using a mayonnaise hair treatment to moisturize damaged hair. Many of you have probably heard of the famous mayonnaise hair treatment and have thought to yourself, “Does that actually work?” Well, the answer is a huge and resounding, “YES!” Sadly, no matter what the circumstances or our hair type, we all occasionally suffer from damaged hair. The truth is, with the amount of styling products that we use on a daily basis, hair restoration treatments and techniques have become a part of life. Hair treatments in salons can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars per visit, which can really break the bank. Some of the over the counter products can cause more damage than good due to the low quality ingredients. So, it’s important that we find a balance between the super expensive and super lame treatments in order to get what we’re looking for. This is where the mayonnaise treatment comes in. It is low-cost
and quite literally, a miracle worker. So say “so long” to being broke, trash those drugstore brands and open your pantry! Per Allison. 1. Purchase some mayonnaise at your local grocery store. It doesn’t matter which brand you choose, just as long as it is regular mayonnaise. (No need to get the low-fat stuff — it’s going in your hair not in your body!) 2. Prep your hair using warm water to get it nice and damp, but not soaking wet. 3. Scoop some mayonnaise out of the jar and start rubbing it through your hair like you would a conditioner. The amount that you are going to use really depends on the length and thickness of your hair. Feel free to lather on the amount that you feel most comfortable with. 4. Wrap your head of hair with a plastic wrap, a plastic bag, or shower cap to trap the heat inside. Heat opens the pores and allows the treatment to penetrate strands further and thus work better. 5. Let the treatment sit on the hair for at least 20 minutes. You can let it sit longer depending on how damaged your hair already is. As a head lice treatment: Lice are pests, any treatment that can get rid of the little itchy buggers is a help. Mayonnaise being oily and thick, drowns moving lice. Apply mayo on the hair, coat it well and then cover it with a shower cap or plastic wrap. Keep this mixture on for 8 hours, then take a lot of shampoo showers to get the dead lice and mayo
My Hair Is Safe With Mayonnaise! By CLEMENTINA UKIRI
out. Unfortunately mayo does nothing for lice eggs but applying vinegar on the scalp should help. 6. Wash the mayonnaise out. This is most easily done in the shower using a diluted shampoo. You may need to shampoo a few times before you are able to get all of the mayonnaise out. Be sure to use the shampoo gently, not
tangling the hair. CHECK OUT THE GOOD SIDE OF THE BAD GUY,’’MAYONNAISE’’ White, creamy and very, very yummy — open a fridge in any household and there has to be a jar of mayonnaise. It is one of the most misunderstood food items around, with the image of it being a killer food persisting in most minds. In this article, take a look at some mayonnaise benefits and its uses. Benefits of Mayonnaise Mayonnaise isn’t the horrific bad guy against good health, like it has been portrayed in the recent times. There are pros and cons to consuming all food items and the high calorific value of mayonnaise is just one con in this condiment’s
nutritional content. Mayonnaise has a high Vitamin E content. This member of the vitamin family has many benefits, such as helping the heart and lung function properly, as well as aiding in blood circulation. Recently, mayonnaise has been recognized as a valuable agent against the occurrence of strokes in postmenopausal women, due to the presence of Vitamin E in it. Mayonnaise has moderate levels of other vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, phosphorus, Vitamin K, and calcium. Yes, mayonnaise is fatty but it is made up of vegetable oils like canola and soybean and is free of any trans fats. Canola and soybean oils are sources of omega-3 fatty acids. So eating mayonnaise is actually healthier for your heart. And the presence of such omega-3 fatty acids in food reduces the chance of heart attacks. Uses of Mayonnaise Along with its respective benefits, having a bottle of mayonnaise around the house can be a lot more advantageous than you think. Mayonnaise is a very versatile item, as proved by the following uses: The most well-known use of mayonnaise is as a culinary embellishment in food. Mayonnaise is so much more than just a dipping or spreading sauce. Its rich, thick and distinct flavor compliments the food item’s taste yet, adds a subtle hint of its own taste. Food uses include: Served as a dip with french fries, hard-boiled eggs or onion rings. Used as a spread in deli sandwiches, burgers, wraps, hotdogs, subs, etc. Used as a mixing ingredient to thicken and add taste to salads, such as tuna, chicken and egg. Used to make tartar sauce, thousand island dressing, Russian salad dressing and ranch dressing. Can be added to other sauces and condiments as a base thickening ingredient, such as to ketchup and hot spicy sauce, mustard and brown sugar or just plain ketchup. Around the house, mayonnaise is handy for those oftforgotten but small household tasks like: Getting rid of tar and grease patches on a car or bike. Removing the gluey residue of bumper stickers from cars. Cleaning the leaves of house plant, to make them all glossy and shiny, cleaning the ivory keys on a piano. Cleaning crayon marks and water rings from furniture. To get rid of gum from hair and remove rings stuck on fingers. In most of the above uses, real or whole mayonnaise should be used. The low or reduced fat versions are simply not oily enough. For weight-watchers and dieters, mayonnaise can be a mortal enemy. And those allergic to egg, stay away from mayo! But vegetarian versions of mayo as well as low or reduced fat versions can be substituted and used. The bottom line is that as long as your diet is balanced, eating mayonnaise in moderation with salads or as a dip can do you no harm. Sourced from Rave Uno’s article on Buzz, “BENEFIT AND USES OF MAYONNAISE ”
“Mayonnaise has a high Vitamin E content. This member of the vitamin family has many benefits, such as helping the heart and lung function properly, as well as aiding in blood circulation.”
THE NIGERIAN
22
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Stop Subjecting Widows Gender Advocacy To Ordeal -Maigida
MONDAY, June 23 was celebrated the world over as the International Widows Day, a United Nations ratified day of action to address the poverty and injustice faced by widows and their children in many countries of the world, particularly in parts of Africa where the rights of women are tritely recognized as human rights and with the prevailing ogre of violence still being unleashed against women. The United Nations recognizes that poverty and injustice are world-wide problems, and despite unending agitations by various human and women’s rights coalition groups and individuals to end the era of oppression of widows, quash antiquated, ‘pervasive, retrogressive and dehumanizing’ traditional or cultural practices against them, there are still ugly cases of such incidence in parts of the world, Africa in particular, hence in 2010 the UN officially set aside June 23 for the annual observance of the day. In Nigeria, various civil society organizations marked the day albeit low key, rolling out drums of fanfare specifically for widows, which include health rejuvenation programmes (free medical screening, treatment and distribution of optical lens, and insecticide treated nets) while others used the forum to reappraise in totality the status of the Nigerian widow with a view to addressing those hydraheaded issues militating against her well-being, in all areas of human development, including health, social and economic stratification and issued policy statements in that regard. The Ministry of Women
Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, under the stewardship of Hon (Mrs.) Blessing Maigida, did the same. She has overtime continued to regard all women’s issues as ‘paramount and topical’ and with her team of gendersensitive advocates, including the Director, Women Affairs, Princess (Mrs.) Margaret JosBazuaye, have relentlessly articulated on those issues and resolving them with the support of government, despite lean resources. Miffed by the unending cases of oppression of widows, the Honourable Commissioner rose on the occasion to issue salient statements that would be regarded as stern warning on the status and rights of widows which she stated are “fundamental and inalienable.” “Widows are women who lost their husbands by reason of one sad and unfortunate decimal in the lives of humans, and they should not be blamed for this negative vicissitude that every reasonable woman prays against. Her fundamental right first as human and as a woman are inalienable. They should by no means be subjugated or violated. Her children and other dependants should equally be treated as humans. No form or hardship, trial by ordeal should be inflicted upon her and the rest of her family, whether by an individual or by accomplices. It is unacceptable for any woman, whether she’s single, married, divorced or widowed to be unfairly treated. In my ministry, we are putting measures in place to ensure the social and
statutory protection of widows and the pursuit of their fundamental human rights wherever they are domiciled in Edo State. We are considering coalition with individuals and organizations on working documents which we hope to fine-tune as protection Bills for passage in the House of Assembly. The United Nations is critically considering the
for empowerment, the need for everyone, both men and women, individuals and corporate organizations to put all hands on deck toward the survival of the family rather than its banishment. We are asking for an end to pervasive cultural practices which do not enhance, but diminish the status,, peace and progress of the woman, the family institution and the state and
With Ijeoma Umeh e-mail: genderadvocate@gmail.org. 08182382839
system of widowhood rites which make widows suffer even more. “Subjecting a widow to compulsory forms of punishment in the name of cultural practices must of necessity stop. Except she does it willingly, compelling her to shave her hair, drink concoctions and
hands. I enjoin widows to be strong, purposeful and of good cheer and to channel their complaints to the right and proper quarters. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is for all women and family members. We operate an open door policy here. No widow is permitted to act
Partners in progress: Hon Commissioner,Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, Mrs Blessing Maigida and Director, Women Affairs, Princess (Mrs) Margaret Jos-Bazuaye.
poverty of widows, in my ministry, the status of women in general is key to any agenda geared at women’s development widowhood of one woman is a sad reminder of the need for every woman to look inward despite her status, and exploit the innate talents already deposited in her, the need
nation at large.” She stated. On the other hand, the Director, Women Affairs, Princess (Mrs.) Margaret Jos-Bazuaye noted that it is unfortunate that widows still go through emotional and psychological abuse, even sexual harassment. She observed that some cultures still parade that mediaeval oppressive and retrogressive
“We appeal for love and kindness towards the widow. The society should be more tolerant of the sad situation and shouldn’t accuse a woman of being the cause of her husband’s death except lawful evidence point at her as being the culprit.”
release property or give up her inheritance rights or that of her children are actually trials by ordeal which the Honourable Commissioner mentioned in her statement. These are acts of barbarism, they are unprogressive, they are retrogressive and saying that they are harsh is an understatement. We appeal for love and kindness towards the widow. The society should be more tolerant of the sad situation and shouldn’t accuse a woman of being the cause of her husband’s death except lawful evidence point at her as being the culprit. In that case, we advocate for the law to take its course. Family members should not take the laws into their own
singularly without support and help. If her rights as a human have been violated, we are ready to give her all the legal aid and support. she needs to get justice, thank God for the judiciary and human rights groups which expedite actions, in partnership with the ministry on such cases. We have our standby counseling, referral units. Skill acquisition is also key and we work towards the social and economic reintegration of widows, even educational support for the children. We are articulating other measures for their empowerment which we hope to reel out soon”.
THE NIGERIAN
23
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Religion
With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA
Steps For Spiritual Battle THE evil day is the spiritual battle period. You must fulfill these seven preparations to be able to win the battle. If one is omitted you will be defeated! Every one is very important- some are to be in you” or “on you” or “with you” for the battle. The soldier wears a uniform for battle, that is “on him”: he goes with boldness to the battle field that is “in him” he gets his ammunition and guns ready “That is with him”. The
The word loin means “the lower part of the back between the ribs and the hip bones” but the phrase “gird up one’s loins” is figurative meaning “prepare for a journey; make ready for action” therefore the first item for spiritual warfare is: get ready for action with the full Identification with Jesus. Let Jesus be your lord and personal saviour. For the battle you are going to fight is not your battle it is the
exorcists not Christians hence not Identified with Christ went for battle with evil spirit by a deliverance ministration the evil spirit said “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them” Acts 19:13-14. Your Identification with Christ is the first requirement for spiritual warfare! Put On The Breastplate Of Righteousness” Eph 6:14
one “on him” is for Identification. The one in him” is for spurring and encouragement and motivation and the one “with him” is for attack/defence. Therefore in this spiritual battle we will be able to decipher those which should be “on/in/and with” the soldier of Christ. Remember again the “on”, is for Identification the “in” is for motivation and the “with” for attack/ defence. THE SEVEN ITEMS FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE 1. GIRD YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH” Eph. 6:14 Gird means “Put on” or “fasten on” This therefore is an “on” spiritual item or identification item” for spiritual warfare! Jesus is the truth I am the way, the truth and the life” Jh. 14:6
Lord’s battle then the devil is not fighting you but fighting Jesus, so people who go to spiritual battles thinking they are going to fight the devil themselves will fail but if Jesus fights it for them then they succeed. “Who will get ready for battle?” 1 Cor. 14:8 “God is mighty in battle” Ps. 24:8 “For the battle is not yours but God’s 2Chrons. 20:15 “When you go forth to war against your enemies ... you shall not be afraid for the Lord your God is with you” Deut. 20:1 Wrong Identification is the basis of failure in spiritual warfare. Assuming in a physical battle you wear the uniform of the U.S. marine that Identification scares the weaker army of other nations. The seven Sons of sceva the Jewish High priest who were
Breastplate was a piece of armour covering the breast as a shield. But here the word is used figuratively - “the breastplate of righteousness” simply means the Christian warrior must bear in him the fruit of righteousness This is an “IN FACTOR” for motivation in battle, for if your strength is the Holy spirit then the Holy spirit can only abide in a righteous body. God can only live in the body that is righteous “for we are the temple of the
living God as God said, I will live in them and move among them” 2Cor. 6:16 “Do you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you? if any one destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him, for God’s temple is holy and that temple you are” 1 Cor. 3:16, 17. This is very clear. To receive a strong motivation, to be spiritually solidified and strengthened for a spiritual battle, then you need the Holy
spirit living inside you. Remember you are going to do battle with some evil spirits - satan, chief of the devils, who has existed for a long time and very destructive. You need a stronger power in you-that power is the HOLY SPIRIT “For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” 1 Jn 4:4. Therefore for a spiritual battle which is a battle to keep, “spirit, soul and body sound and
blameless till the coming of the Lord” (1 Thess. 5:23), then you have to be righteous to have the Holy spirit live inside you. This is a motivating factor for spiritual warfare. Remember when you want to release your “bullets” which is the weapon of prayer, the bullets will be in effective without righteousness for God listens to the prayers of the righteous. “For the eyes of the lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer” 1 Pet 3:12 “The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects ..Jas. 5:16 Therefore you are strongly advised not to go for spiritual warfare if you have the ‘Property” of the devil with you. He will surely demand for his property and will repay you flesh for flesh because the devil is wicked, merciless and unrepentant! His goal in battle is complete destruction. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” Jn. 10:10 ... The devil is here described as the thief and his mission is clear. 3. HAVING SHOD YOUR FEET WITH THE EQUIPMENT OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE. Eph. 6:15 The word ‘shod is the past tense and past participle” of the word “shoe” used as a verb. There is an analogy here between the physical and the spiritual battle. The outfits of .a physical battle are used to analyse the preparation for a spiritual battle. In a physical battle you must have your feet covered, it’s a defensive mechanism to protect The legs. You must put on your boots like the soldiers do at war fronts, when the boots are on they can march through the jungles and the
legs are protected from reptiles, or thorns and thistles or any other form of physical harm. Hence when you have your feet shod with the equipment of the gospel of peace what does the Bible try to explain here? Again it’s simply figurative, it is to build in you enough confidence to face the battle by ensuring you are at peace with yourself and not in a state of doubt or fear! In the book of second chronicles, the people of Israel were goin9 to war against an alliance of three war like and powerful nations - the moabites, the Ammonites and the meunites (2chrofl. 20:1), so they were afraid. No peace in them for fear drives away peace and destroys confidence. It kills ‘espirit de corps” for warfare! ‘So the spirit of the lord came upon Jahazael. .. and he prophesied fear not, and be not dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God’s’ 2chrort. 20:14-15. Now we are informed that for the spiritual battle we should have our feet shod with the equipment of the gospel of peace? Theo logically the word peace “is used ... through out the Bible to indicate a spirit of tranquility and freedom from either unwanted or outward disturbance” t4um. 6:26, 1 Kgs. 4:24, Acts 9:31. “It’s most frequent use in both testaments is to denote that spiritual tranquility which all can enjoy when through faith in Christ they are brought into a right relation with God” Rom. 5:1, col. 1:20, Phil. 4:6-7. Therefore the equipment of the gospel of peace for spiritual battle is being in right relationship with God which brings about confidence for spiritual warfare!
“Therefore you are strongly advised not to go for spiritual warfare if you have the ‘Property” of the devil with you. He will surely demand for his property and will repay you flesh for flesh because the devil is wicked, merciless and unrepentant!”
THE NIGERIAN
24
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
International
Israel Stages 12 Air Strikes On Gaza GAZA CITY - The Israeli air force carried out 12 raids on the Gaza Strip overnight after militants fired more rockets at southern Israel, Palestinian security sources said. The attacks struck training grounds used by Palestinian militants, leaving two people lightly injured, they told AFP. The Israeli military confirmed a series of overnight strikes in a statement which said it had struck five rocket-launching
sites in northern Gaza, as well two other sites in central and southern areas of the strip. The raids took place after militants fired five rockets at southern Israel, one of which hit an open area. Two were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system while the other two landed inside Gaza, the statement said. In a related development, a Palestinian child who was seriously wounded when a
Israel Army Presses Operation In West Bank JERUSALEM- Israeli troops searching for three teenagers it says were kidnapped a fortnight ago by Hamas militants, arrested 17 Palestinians in the West Bank overnight, an army spokeswoman said yesterday. The arrests took place across the West Bank and included a Palestinian MP, she said. The latest detentions raised to 371 the number of Palestinians arrested in the two weeks since the teens disappeared from a hitchhiking post in the southern West Bank. Of that number, 282 are allied to the Islamist Hamas movement, an army spokesman
told AFP. He said soldiers had searched 1,955 locations and raided 64 Hamas institutions. So far there has been no claim of responsibility and no sign of the missing students, with the search focusing on the southern West Bank. Palestinians living in the town of Yatta village south of Hebron told AFP the soldiers had beaten up several people as they entered their homes. Others accused the troops of stealing money and gold during the raids. The army had no comment on the claims.
By PIUS EDE THE Permanent Secretary and Chairman, Edo State pension’s Board, Mr. Godfrey Ikekhuamen was yesterday honoured with an award of Ambassador of Ethics and conscience by an NGO, the Centre for Ethics and Self Orientation (CESVO). The seven man team headed by the Executive director Prince Salih Musa Yakubu hinted that they are going round the country to assess the workings and general administration of Government establishments, agencies of Government and non-governmental organisation, public and private institutions etc to ascertain the level of corruption and where others have excelled. In doing this, the national body said it relies on questionnaires and interviews without the consent of the would be awardees in the case of awards while those who are found to be corrupt are exposed without fear or favour. Prince Salih Musa Yakubu disclosed that his NGO spent five days in Edo State as against their usual three days in every state to do their research adding that while in Edo State his members reached out to civil servants,
pensioners and many others in public places to arrive at their conclusions. He congratulated the permanent secretary and his management team for their ethical deliverance on the policy of government at the pensions board, “we have come to enlist you and the board in our hall of fame, ”he said. The Executive Director said that the NGO will soon address world press at Abuja to tell the world their discoveries. According to him over 258 billion naira have been by misappropriated some Governors in this country since 1999, and our revered traditional institutions contaminated. In his response, the permanent secretary and chairman, Edo State pensions board Mr. Godfrey Ikekhuamen thanked the team for their humanitarian job, and dedicated the award to God Almighty who made it possible. He attributed whatever success they have achieved to the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole and the Head of Service without which they can do nothing. In his words, “I never knew the Board was being investigated until last Friday when I got a call to expect an
rocket fired at Israel fell short and landed inside Gaza, died of her injuries during the night, medical sources said. She was one of four people wounded in the incident, they said. There has been a noticeable uptick in Palestinian rocket fire at
Israel in recent weeks, leading to a series of almost nightly air strikes by Israel. The increase in rocket fire comes as Israeli troops stage a wide-ranging manhunt for three teenagers who disappeared from the southern
West Bank on June 12, with the Israeli government blaming militants from the Islamist Hamas movement. Until June 2, when Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank formed a joint
border with Iraq has killed three Iranian border guards, the semiofficial Fars news agency report. The troops were killed while patrolling along the border in western Kermanshah province. A border outpost commander was among those killed, Fars quoted a local security official, Shahriar Heidari, as saying. Heidari said an unspecified “terrorist group” was behind the attack but provided no details. Iran has boosted border security amid the blitz offensive in neighboring Iraq by Sunni militants from the al-Qaida breakaway Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The militants have snatched much of northern
control. Shiite Iran supports the Shiite-led government in Baghdad, and has said it would consider any request for military aid, “within international law” and if Baghdad asks. On Sunday, Iran’s top leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he is against U.S. intervention in Iraq, insisting that said Iraq’s government and its people, with help of top clerics, would be able to end the “sedition” in the neighboring country. Also Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh
Afkham denied reports that the top commander of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, visited Iraq last week to consult with the government there on how to stave off the Sunni insurgents’ gains. Soleimani’s forces are a secretive branch of the Guard, which in the past has allegedly organized Shiite militias to target U.S. troops in Iraq and, more recently, was involved in helping Syria’s President Bashar Assad in his fight against Sunni rebels. “No Iranian military
administration, the coastal territory had been ruled by Hamas. Since the beginning of the year, Gaza militants have fired more than 200 rockets at southern Israel, army statistics show.
3 Iranian Troops Killed Near Iraq TEHRAN, IRAN — An and western Iraq from the specifically Gen. Border official, attack near Iran’s western Baghdad government’s Soleimani, as he himself has
said, has visited Iraq now,” Afkham told reporters in Tehran. “I say it again, such reports are incorrect.” There have been sporadic clashes in the past between Iranian troops and opposition groups in western Iran. The last time was in October 2013, when fighters from the armed Kurdish rebel group known as the Party for Free Life in Kurdistan, or PEJAK, clashed with Iranian forces near the Iraq border. However, PEJAK, which claims it is fighting for greater rights for Iran’s Kurdish community, has not been active in recent months.
Perm Sec Honoured award from an NGO. At first I was not disposed to it until my Head of Service alleged my fears that it was part of the recognition of the good works of governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole who provides the enabling environment to excel”. Mr. Ikekhuamen told his guests that unlike other institutions of government, the pension’s board cares for the elderly, adding that to fit in as a
staff one must have passion for the welfare of elders in mind. He told the visiting team that it is the policy of the Comrade Governor to pay the pensioners first before other workers in the state. We have in flow of funds every month for the pensioners and at the end of every month we paste the names of those paid on
our board outside for everybody to see. The board’s scribe Mrs. Momodu S. Abu was also given a certificate of credence by the NGO for a job welldone. Highlights of the twenty minute presentation featured presentation of Gold Medal and Public Officer Performance Appraisals score-card. The NGO
Coordinator from Lagos, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Gombe and Kogi states were in attendance, while some management team of the Pension’s Board Roland Ogbebor, Director of Finance, Martins Arigbonla, Head of gratuity, David Uduevbelo, Head of Administration, Mrs. Roseline Osawe gratuity unit and Yemi Cettah pension.
The executive Director, Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO) Prince Salih Musa Yakubu (middle) congratulating the Permanent Secretary/Chairman, Edo State Pensions Board, Mr. Godfrey Ikekhuamen after his award as an Ambassador of Ethics and Conscience by the NGO in his office, GRA Benin City yesterday with them is the Board Secretary Mr. M. S. Abu. PHOTO: PIUS EDE
THE NIGERIAN
25
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
International
Russian Lawmakers Revoke Right To Send Troops Into Ukraine MOSCOW - The Russian parliament’s upper chamber voted to revoke the right that it had granted President Vladimir Putin in March to order a military intervention in Ukraine, where Kiev is struggling to quell a rebellion by Russian speakers in the east. A senior lawmaker said the move, which Putin had requested, it should be seen as an act of goodwill to help facilitate peace efforts in Ukraine, where Moscow sees itself as the defender of the rights
of the Russian-speaking minority. But he said the authority could be reinstated at short notice. “The President of the Russian Federation has enough means under the constitution and federal law to effectively influence the situation in Ukraine,” Viktor Ozerov, head of the Federation Council’s security committee, told the chamber. “If, to that end, the president needs to take measures of a military nature, the Federation Council’s Defence and Security
Committee is ready ... to swiftly consider such a motion from the president. But I hope that will not be required.” The decision, effective immediately, was taken by 153 votes in favor to one against, with no abstentions. Russia’s parliament rarely deviates from the line taken by Putin. After the vote, the speaker of the chamber asked whether the lawmaker who voted against had accidentally pressed the wrong button. Ukraine’s government has
JERUSALEM — Dozens of Palestinian prisoners have ended their 63-day-long hunger strike after reaching a deal with Israeli prison authorities, a Palestinian official said. The development comes against the backdrop of a broad Israeli ground operation in the West Bank in search of three Israeli teens who went missing in the Palestinian territory nearly two weeks ago. There have also been near-daily rocket attacks from Gaza, prompting Israeli airstrikes in retaliation. Earlier, a rocket fired by Palestinian militants toward Israel exploded in the northern Gaza Strip, killing a 3-year-old Palestinian girl and wounding three other people, a Gaza health official said. A Gaza security official said the militants’ rocket exploded prematurely inside the coastal strip. Both Palestinian officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media. Since 2012, Palestinian prisoners have staged a series of hunger strikes, sometimes as individuals and sometimes in larger groups to protest “administrative detention,” a policy that can keep some prisoners in custody for months without charges. Israel has defended the practice as a necessary tool to stop militant activity, including attacks. About 5,000 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel for offenses ranging from rock throwing to deadly militant attacks. Of those, some 190 are administrative detainees, while another 143 Palestinians detained in recent raids have also been held under the policy. The latest hunger strike was launched April 24 and involved 77 prisoners, according to Qadoura Fares, an advocate for Palestinian prisoners. It ended Wednesday after the deal was struck with Israel Prisons Authority, said Minister of Prisoner Affairs Shawqi AlAissa. Fares said the agreement “states that the prisoners stay in hospital until they recover, and then they will be taken to the prisons they were in before the strike while Israel ends punitive measures against them.” The measures included limited visits by family members as well as removal of televisions and other amenities from their jail rooms.
“This is not a big victory but it has shaken the administrative detention law,” Fares said, adding that the prisoners will “continue their struggle for freedom.” Fares said the crisis over the missing teens “had a very bad effect on the strike,” reflecting what some observers have said — that Palestinians can’t expect Israel to make any concessions under such circumstances. The three Israeli teens — Eyal Yifrah, 19, Gilad Shaar, 16, and Naftali Fraenkel, a 16-year-old with dual Israeli-American citizenship — disappeared on June 12 in the West Bank. Since then, the territory has seen a spike in violence. Israel has accused the militant Palestinian Hamas group, which controls Gaza, of being behind the abduction. Hamas has praised the kidnapping, but has not taken responsibility for it. The Israeli military said troops arrested 17 Palestinians in the West Bank overnight. It also said that since the operation to locate the teens and crackdown on Hamas began, about 370 Palestinian suspects have been arrested, including about 280 Hamas members. In a related development, Israel’s parliament earlier this week postponed a vote on a bill that would allow force feeding prisoners. Last week, Leonid Eidelman, the president of the Israeli Medical Association, told The Associated Press that Israeli doctors would “absolutely
Palestinian prisoners. Under the bill, a judge could sanction force-feeding if an inmate’s life is perceived to be in danger. The government argues that a death in custody could trigger violent unrest in prisons or the Palestinian territories and harm Israel’s security.
agreed a limited ceasefire with some of the Russian-speaking rebel groups in eastern Ukraine to allow peace talks to take place. The ceasefire is supposed to
last at least until Friday, when Kiev is due to sign a free trade agreement with the European Union at a summit where EU leaders may also consider further
sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has already threatened to end the truce early because of rebel attacks
Palestinian Prisoners In Israel End refuse” on ethical grounds to Hunger Strike force-feed hunger-striking
Students who survived the sinking of a ferry Sewol are comforted by parents of their friends who lost their lives in the disaster as they make their way back to their first class since the disaster in Ansan, South Korea, yesterday.
Ferry Survivors Return To School Amid Tears, pursued rapid economic 325 students on a class trip to the that its incompetence botched Grief development above all else southern holiday island of Jeju, the rescue operations.
ANSAN, SOUTH KOREA — As parents of the dead wept, more than 70 teenagers who survived a ferry sinking that killed hundreds of their schoolmates walked in a somber procession to their first classes since the April disaster. Some of the 73 students, wearing white and black uniforms and carrying book bags, bowed their heads as they cried and walked slowly from a bus to the school entrance. Some stopped to hug the parents of their friends, who caressed their hair and faces. Adults carried banners of encouragement. One read: “I love you.” A large placard, which reads “We pray the dead will rest in peace,” was hung up on the school entrance gate. The anger, grief and deep remorse at Danwon High School in Ansan, outside of Seoul, was a reflection of what many South Koreans have felt since the April 16 sinking that left more than 300 people dead or missing. Of the
75 were rescued, 245 died and 5 are still missing. Two of those rescued had already returned to school, officials said. The return to classes of the survivors, who had been staying at a facility in Ansan where they had classes and therapy sessions, comes amid court hearings for the ferry crew and the officials from the company that owned it. Many South Koreans also fault the government, the coast guard and even society for failing the victims. “We ask for a thorough investigation to find out why our friends and teachers had to become victims and why the rescue efforts didn’t proceed properly and led to more victims,” one of the surviving students, Shin Young-jin, said in an emotional address. “We hope that you will try to create a safer nation so that such a horrible accident never happens again.” After decades of negligence, many South Koreans are now questioning the country’s history of ignoring safety issues as it
Cameron Apologises To Parliament Over messages to break news about Ex-Media Chief royalty, celebrities and victims of LONDON - British Prime Minister David Cameron has apologized to parliament for hiring Andy Coulson, his exmedia chief, after Coulson was found guilty of being part of a phone-hacking conspiracy. “I take full responsibility for employing Andy Coulson, I did so on the basis of assurances that I received. I am sorry, this was the wrong decision,” Cameron told parliament. But in heated exchanges, Ed Miliband, the leader of Britain’s opposition Labour party, repeatedly called Cameron’s judgment into question saying he had wilfully ignored warnings about Coulson and did not have any answers to a series of questions about the scandal. “Today we know that for four years the prime minister’s hand picked closest adviser was a criminal and brought disgrace to Downing Street. We now also
know that the prime minister wilfully ignored multiple warnings about him,” said Miliband. “The prime minister will always be remembered as being the first ever occupant of his office who brought a criminal into the heart of Downing Street,” he said, referring to the British leader’s office. Miliband has long questioned Cameron’s judgment over Coulson who resigned as editor of Rupert Murdoch’s now defunct News of the World newspaper in 2007 when two of its employees were jailed for phone-hacking before Cameron hired him. A jury at London’s Old Bailey court on Tuesday found Coulson, who ran Cameron’s media operations from 2007-2011, guilty of conspiring to intercept
crime. Less than two hours after the verdict on Tuesday, Cameron issued what he called a “full and frank” apology, saying he had taken Coulson’s assurances of innocence at the time at face value, something he now realized was a mistake. CHANGE OF NAME
ADEGOR – I, formerly Miss Adegor Ogheneobruche Edna now wish to be known, called and addressed as Dr (Mrs.) Erezih Ogheneobruche Edna. All former documents remain valid. General public and concerned authorities to please take note.
following the devastation of the Korean War, which began 64 years ago Wednesday with a North Korean invasion. The government of President Park Geun-hye, whose dictator father ruled during the economic boom in the 1960s and 1970s that was dubbed the “Miracle on the Han,” after the river that cuts through Seoul, has been battered by criticism that it should have done more before the sinking on safety and monitoring issues and
The 15 crew members responsible for navigating the Sewol ferry face charges of negligence for failing to perform their duties to rescue passengers. Prosecutors say they abandoned the ship even though they knew passengers would be trapped and killed when the ferry sank. The defense has denied any collusion, saying the crew members were confused, injured and panicked.
PUBLIC NOTICE
MISSING DOCUMENTS I, Oduagbon Eunice Osatohanmwen of No. 22, Jesus Christ Street, Off Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City Edo State wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the bonafide owner of land property measuring 60ft x 120ft (sixty feet by one hundred and twenty feet) fenced with gate, lying and situate at Isa Adewumi Street, Off Sugar Bus Stop, Shongo, Ogun State and to state that all the title documents of the property has since been declared misplaced, thus missing since February 2013. All efforts to recover the said documents which include the deed of transfer and the survey plan proved abortive. Concerned authorities, property Agents, land speculators should please take note and are therefore warned not to transact with any person or authorities either for sale or otherwise as there is no intention to put the land for sale. Please, be guided. Signed: Oduagbon Eunice Osatohanmwen
PUBLIC NOTICE IKOLO ESAN ORGANISATION
The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Prof. Gabriel Eromosele Oteze - Chairman 2. Mr. Oshodin Friday Etayo - General Secretary 3. Mrs. Veronica Bosede Abulu - Treasurer AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To promote unity among Esan sons and daugthers at home and abroad. 2. To ensure even development across Esanland. 3. To promote culture and heritage. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: Trustees
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
International Russia Wants UN To Prevent Terrorists Selling Oil
UNITED NATIONS — Russia’s U.N. ambassador has said thahe wants the U.N. Security Council to prevent terrorists from selling Iraqi and Syrian oil to finance their illegal activities. Vitaly Churkin told Russian journalists that Russia will circulate a “document” — almost certainly a draft resolution — in the near future to address the issue. “We know that terrorist organizations are doing illegal oil trading from the territory of both Syria and Iraq,” he said.
In March, the Security Council condemned the illicit export of crude oil from Libya and authorized U.N. member states to board suspect vessels and return illegally seized oil to the Libyan government. The council acted three days after U.S. Navy SEAL commandos seized a tanker off Cyprus containing Libyan oil that a militia controlling the country’s oil terminals was trying to export in defiance of the central government. Churkin told reporters Monday that al-Qaida-inspired
terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, who are active in Syria and have captured a large swath of Iraqi territory, and other terrorist groups must be stopped from selling oil from fields they have taken over. Churkin said the language in the Libya resolution could be useful but the situation in Iraq and Syria is “slightly more difficult.” “We think the situation is even more dramatic, because in the
case of Libya it was some people who were not associated with the government and not necessarily being affiliated to any terrorist groups who were trying to sell
oil,” Churkin said. He said the ability of terrorists to sell oil to foreign bidders amounts to “financing of terrorists,” and those who buy the oil are financing terrorism. “There is no other way to explain it, to see it,” he said. “So we think that the Security
Council should look into this issue very thoroughly.” Less than three weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the Security Council adopted a resolution requiring all countries to stop supporting, financing and providing sanctuary to terrorists.
5 Bombs In Cairo Metro Station, 5 Hurt CAIRO - Five makeshift bombs exploded at four Cairo metro stations, wounding at least five people, while another detonated near a courthouse in the capital, officials said. Militants have stepped up attacks in Egypt, mostly against security forces, since the army ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 and the authorities launched a deadly crackdown on his supporters. Four bombs exploded within minutes of each other at three metro stations as commuters made their way to work during morning rush hour, while a fifth went off hours later at another station, a police official told AFP. One struck at Ghamra station, in central Cairo, and the others hit Hadayek al-Kobba in the north, and Shubra al-Kheima and Ezbet al-Nakhl on the outskirts of the capital. All of the blasts were caused by “very primary” devices of “low intensity” that were placed in trash cans on platforms of the stations, the police official said. Four people were wounded by the first string of blasts, senior health ministry official Ahmed Al-Ansari told AFP, while a fifth was hurt in Ezbet al-Nakhl, the police official said.
Interior ministry spokesman Hani Abdel Latif said a man who had been carrying one explosive device in his bag was among the wounded at Shubra al-Kheima. Latif said the man “appeared to be a Muslim Brotherhood member” as an image of a fourfinger salute used by Morsi supporters was found on his telephone. The authorities have blamed the Brotherhood, from which Morsi hails, for the attacks rocking the country and have blacklisted the Islamist movement as a terrorist organisation. Another makeshift bomb placed under a car exploded near a courthouse north of Cairo, wounding a woman, and a second was defused at the site, said Abdel Latif. The attacks come after a court last week confirmed death sentences on 183 Islamists, including Brotherhood chief Mohamed Badie, and nearly a month after Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the ex-army chief who led Morsi’s ouster, was elected president. Since Morsi’s ouster, a crackdown on his supporters has left more than 1,400 people dead and seen at least 15,000 jailed.
Much of the violence is focused in the north of the Sinai Peninsula, but militants have extended their reach to Cairo and the Nile Delta, carrying out a series of high-profile assaults in the heart of the capital. An Al-Qaeda inspired jihadist group based in the Sinai, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (Partisans of Jerusalem), has claimed some of the deadliest attacks on security forces, as well as a failed assassination attempt against the interior minister in September.
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting of the Presidential Council on Science and Education at the Kremlin in Moscow recently.
Gunmen Open Fire On Jet Landing In Pakistan
PESHAWAR - The Pakistan International Airlines flight, landing in Peshawar from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, came under fire as it descended with more than 170 passengers on board, airline spokesman Mashud Tajwar said. Authorities said the plane landed safely but that a catastrophe was only narrowly avoided as it was just 1,500 metres above the ground when it was strafed with bullets from the unidentified attackers. “The shots were fired from outside the airport, one lady passenger and two stewards were
Rush hour continues following a blast at the Shubra El-kheyma metro station in Greater Cairo yesterday.
wounded, the woman later died in the hospital,” Tajwar told AFP. Police, who cordoned off an area outside the airport and launched a search for those responsible, paid tribute to the pilot’s cool head. “Credit goes to the aeroplane pilot that he managed to land safely,” senior police official Najeeb Ur Rehman said. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which forced flights at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar to be temporarily suspended. The assault was the second militant strike on a Pakistan airport in recent weeks, after a bloody raid in the southern port city of Karachi that extinguished a largely fruitless peace process with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Peshawar incident came hours after three people were killed in a suicide bombing in North Waziristan, the first such attack in the tribal region since the military launched a major operation against the Taliban and other militants. The military also said it had killed 47 fighters in the tribal northwest, in the latest air strikes carried out as part of an offensive that began more than a week ago. The armed forces have used jet fighters, tanks and artillery to kill more than 300 people they
have described as militants, although the number and identity of the victims are impossible to verify. The suicide bomber struck in North Waziristan’s Spinwam village, detonating a car bomb when he was intercepted on the approach to a checkpoint, officials said, killing two soldiers and a civilian. “At least two soldiers and a civilian have embraced martyrdom,” a security official told AFP. The deaths bring to 12 the number of security forces killed in the offensive, dubbed “Zarbe-Azb” after a sword used in battle by the Prophet Mohammad, since its launch on June 15. The military said that troops stopped the suicide bomber 100 metres (yards) away from a checkpoint near a hospital and that the action averted major casualties. The Ansar-ul-Mujahedin militant group, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility, with spokesman Abu Baseer saying it was the start of a counter-offensive against Pakistani troops. “It is beginning of our offensive and we will launch attacks against government and local tribesmen if they form an anti-Taliban force,” Baseer told AFP via telephone from an unknown location.
Earlier in the day, Pakistani jets and helicopters targeted militant hideouts at several locations in North Waziristan and the neighbouring Khyber tribal region, killing 47 militants, a military statement said. The offensive has claimed the lives of a total 346 militants so far, according to an AFP tally. The military operation has seen North Waziristan hit by more than a week of shelling and air raids, with more than 470,000 people fleeing ahead of an impending ground assault. Many have headed to the nearby town of Bannu, where police and troops were forced to fire warning shots on Tuesday to quell a protest over food shortages. An AFP reporter saw around 500 people blocking a main road into the town and pelting security forces with rocks in protest at delays in receiving aid, prompting police and soldiers to fire in the air to disperse them. The UN said Tuesday that up to half a million people could be displaced by the current military operation and urged the Pakistani government to allow its agencies access to the affected areas. The assault on the militant bastion of North Waziristan, long urged by Washington, was finally launched after the dramatic attack on Karachi airport which killed dozens of people and marked the end of the ailing peace process.
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Spiritual Cliche’s ASCENT is synonymous with liberation from all pressure. As long as there is still pressure somewhere, there can be no question of liberation or redemption. That which is not understood, however, comprises a pressure, which is not released until the point of pressure or gap is eliminated through complete understanding. Blind faith will always remain synonymous with lack of understanding and therefore it can never equal conviction, nor can it bring liberation and redemption. People who have imprisoned themselves within a blind
son of God (Abd-ru-shin-In The light of Truth). As the son of God has reunited with the Father has returned to the sphere of His origin. He is again part of Divinity and thus separated from what is terrestrial to a like degree. Any exception to this would mean a perversion of the Divine Creative will and would once more show a lack of perfection (Abd-rushin-Grail message). But since perfection is inseparable from Divinity, there remains no other possibility than that His creative Will is also perfect, which is the same as being unalterable. If all men were
he reduces himself to slavery and thus, surrounds his freedom. But God gave man the power to decide freely and the ability to think and perceive intuitively, in return for which man must naturally render account of everything brought about by this ability to make free decision. Thus, God wanted freemen and not slaves. It is indeed sad when out of laziness man makes himself a slave in the earthy sense, but the consequences are fearful when he debases himself spiritually so far as to become the dull-witted adherent of teachings which are in opposition to the
someway bring about the forgiveness of the injured person, whose attitude in interwoven in the working of karma. There is no other possibility until this happens, the connecting threads remain unbroken. This is not only an advantage for the offender, but also, for the person offended, because the latter could not wholly enter into the light without first having granted this forgiveness. His unrelenting attitude would inevitably retain him. Abd-ru-shin says nobody or man can forgive another an offence unless he has personally been the sufferer.
faith cannot be spiritually alive. They are as if dead and therefore worthless. If a man begins to think right, to consider all happenings calmly and attentively and to arrange them logically, he will of his own accord come to the conviction that God in His perfect purity cannot, on account of His own Creative Will, descend to this earth. The absolute purity and perfection of Divinity exclude the possibility of His descent into the World of Matter. The difference is too great for a direct union to be at all possible, unless the necessary transition stages comprising animistic and material substance are taken into account. Compliance with the transition stage can only be accomplished by an incarnation in the flesh, as happened in the case of the
perfect, each one would naturally take the same road as the other. It is only imperfection which allows of variation. Genuine experiencing can naturally always only come through conviction, never otherwise conviction, however, can only arise through complete understanding and understanding in turn presupposes deep reflection and personal examination. The teaching must be weigh with one’s own intuition. It therefore, obviously follows that blind faith in utterly wrong. All that is wrong, however, can easily lead downwards, towards perdition, but it can never lead upwards. Abd-ru-shin opines that he who lets others think for him puts himself in their power,
explicit commandments of God. It lies in the Justice of God that whatever, will happen or has happened can only be forgiven by the injured person, either here on earth or later in the Ethereal World. Otherwise, the weight of reciprocal action must hit the offender to such effect that the debt would then be redeemed. Simultaneously this reaction would in
The law of reciprocal action would remain uninfluenced by anything not interwoven in it with the living thread and this can only come about through being directly involved. Reformation alone, is the living road to forgiveness. “I am the Lord thy God, thou shall have none other gods but Me”, should remain burned into man’s spirit in letters of fire as a natural
Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608
protection against any idolatry. Therefore, he who truly acknowledges God in all this magnitude must regard all other practices as sacrilege. Abd-ru-shine says as long as a man gives room to pure love, whether it be the love of a man for a woman or the reverse, love for a man or a woman friend, for parents or for children, it is all the same. So long as it is truly pure it will bring as a first gift, the opportunity for casting off karma, which can be redeemed very quickly in a symbolical manner. It “dries up because it no longer finds affinity with him, receives no further nourishment within him. Thus, he is set free and can begin his ascent through redemption from the unworthy fetters that hold him down. The first intuition this love awakens is the feeling of being unworthy of the one beloved. One can call this the beginning of modesty and humility, thus, the acquiring of two great virtues. This is followed by the urge to hold one’s hands protectingly above the other so that no harm may befall him from any side. This desire to wait hand and foot on the other is no empty saying, Abd-ru-shine says it signifies the rising intuitions quite correctly. This however, means renouncing one’s personality and feeling a strong desire to serve, which alone would suffice to cast off all karma within a short time, provided this volition remains constant and does not give way to purely sensual instinct. Finally, Abd-ru-shine opines that pure love engenders the ardent wish to do something really great and noble for the loved one, never to hurt or offend him
by thought or word, much less by an unfair action. Thus, always showing him the most delicate of consideration, the spirit of this intuition must then be preserved at all costs and placed above and before all else, no one will ever think or do any evil in such circumstances. He simply cannot do so. On the contrary, Abd-rushine says through these intuitions he has the best protection, he has the best protection, the greatest strength and the most benevolent adviser and helper. The Creator in His Wisdom has thereby, thrown out a life belt to mankind and offers each human being during his time on earth more than one opportunity to grasp and lift himself up by it. This help is available to all. It makes no distinction as to age or sex, whether a person be rich or poor, of high or lowly birth. Hence, love is the greatest of all God’s gift. He who grasp it is sure of salvation from every sorrow, every depth. Like a whirlwind, love can seize and uplift him to the light, to God. Who is Love Himself. As soon as love stirs in a man’s heart, inspiring Him to bring light and joy to another, rather than to drag him down through impure thought, but to protect and uplight him, he thus, serves the other without being conscious of it, for he thereby becomes a selfless and joyful giver and through such serving, he frees himself. To find the right way in these matters, it is only necessary to observe one thing. All men have one great and strong desire in common-really to be in their own eyes what they are considered to be in the eyes of those who love them. Such a desire is long the eight lines it leads directly upwards.
“The Creator in His Wisdom has thereby, thrown out a life belt to mankind and offers each human being during his time on earth more than one opportunity to grasp and lift himself up by it. This help is available to all. It makes no distinction as to age or sex, whether a person be rich or poor, of high or lowly birth.”
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
FIFA Announces Suarez Investigation
Lugano Accuses Chiellini Of ‘Crying’
URUGUAY captain Diego Lugano has questioned Giorgio Chiellini’s reaction to apparently being bitten on the shoulder by Luis Suarez, saying it was not in keeping with the traditions of Italian football. Suarez appeared to bite Chiellini towards the end of Uruguay’s 1-0 World Cup group D win on Tuesday, leaving teethmarks on the Italy defender’s shoulder. FIFA has announced an investigation into the incident and the Liverpool attacker is likely to face a lengthy ban if found guilty. The “bite” has caused widespread outrage, particularly given Suarez has twice been involved in similar incidents before, and has even reportedly led to Barcelona to reflect on whether to continue their attempt to prise him away from Anfield this summer. However, Suarez himself appears not to have viewed the controversy as such a big deal — saying “these things happen in the game” and claiming Chiellini had also injured his eye during what was a typical on-pitch battle. Suarez’s long-time international colleague Lugano went even further, claiming in comments published in Ovacion that the Juventus defender was the one at fault, as he had drawn attention to something that should have been left between the pair on the pitch. “The worst of all was the attitude of Chiellini,” former West Brom centre-back Lugano said. “He is a great player, has had a great career, and it is not normal in Italian football for a player to leave the pitch crying and accusing an opponent. He completely disappointed me as a man. I admired him.” A scrappy and tactical game was decided late on, after Italy’s Claudio Marchisio had been red carded for a studs-up challenge on Arevalo Rios, when Diego Godin leapt to divert the ball home from a corner kick.
It was the Atletico Madrid centreback’s third vital goal in recent weeks — following the header at Barcelona which won his club the Liga title, and another header which almost claimed the Champions League trophy for Los Colchoneros. Speaking in AS, the 28-year-old dedicated the goal when to his teammates who he said had “thrown everything” at the game knowing they needed to win to progress to the round of 16, where Uruguay will face Colombia in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. “The goal is dedicated to all my teammates, because it is a goal for all the players, and all the people of Uruguay who support us,” Godin said. “The work put in was extraordinary, and the confidence was impressive. We threw everything at it in the second half.” Despite his impressive performances, and new higher profile, Godin is one of the few key Atletico Madrid players not to have been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer. His club coach Diego Simeone said in Marca that it was unthinkable for the tough defender to be sold. “[Godin] is one of the most important players at the club,” Simeone said. “I would never let him leave. He has improved so much in all possible ways — as a player, as a leader and as a person. I wish him the best. I value him a lot and I expect him to play with us in the future.”
FIFA has announced it will investigate the Luis Suarez alleged biting incident with Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker likely to face a lengthy ban if found guilty. Colombia in a round-of-16 match Suarez appeared to bite Italy’s at Maracana stadium. Giorgio Chiellini towards the FIFA’s disciplinary code sets a end of Uruguay’s 1-0 win, maximum ban of 24 matches or leaving teeth-marks on his two years, but the longest ban in shoulder World Cup history was eight A FIFA spokesperson told games for Italy’s Mauro Tassotti Press Association Sport: “We are for breaking Spain’s Luis awaiting the official match Enrique’s nose in 1994 with an reports and will gather all the elbow. necessary elements in order to Suarez has twice been banned evaluate the matter.” for biting opponents. In 2013, he FIFA asked the team to present was banned for 10 matches for evidence, which can include biting Chelsea’s Branislav video recordings, by 5 p.m. local Ivanovic and in 2010 he was time Wednesday. A decision given a seven-game ban while must be published before playing for Ajax for biting PSV Saturday, when Uruguay plays
Luis Suarez and Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini clutching his shoulder after he was allegedly bitten by the former.
have escaped the match officials’ attention” and “rectifying obvious errors in the referee’s disciplinary decisions”. Italy boss Cesare Prandelli, who went on to resign immediately after the game, confirmed he had seen the bite marks. He said: “I didn’t see Suarez biting him but I saw the bitemarks on his shoulder but the referee’s assistants were so busy they didn’t see anything. It’s a shame, it’s a real shame that it turned out like this.” Chiellini said it was “ridiculous” that Suarez had not been sent off while Italy’s Claudio Marchisio was for a hard foul on Arevalo Rios. “The disparity in judgement has been evident,” said Chiellini, who showed the referee the bite marks while still on the field. “Marchisio’s sending off was ridiculous but more so the fact that Suarez wasn’t sent off. There’s an inclination to protect star players but the referee should have shown him a red card.” Jim Boyce, Britain’s FIFA vicepresident and head of FIFA’s referees committee, expressed major concerns about Suarez’s actions. “I have watched the incident several times on television,” said Boyce. “There is no doubt Luis Suarez is a fantastic footballer but, once again, his actions have left him open to severe criticism. FIFA must investigate the incident seriously and take whatever disciplinary action deemed necessary.”
‘These Things Happen’ Shrugs Suarez, As Uruguay Back Their Icon
LUIS Suarez told the Uruguay media about the bite on Giorgio Chiellini: “These things happen in the box.” The Liverpool striker risks a lengthy ban, reportedly as much as six months at international and club level,
after he was caught biting Chiellini’s shoulder. “These things happen in the box,” Suarez was quoted as telling Uruguayan media. “We were in contact, chest against shoulder, and I got
Speaking after the match, Martinez outlined his concerns about Suarez’s behaviour. He said: “There is no doubt that the quality of the talent that he has. “He can win games singlehanded and he’s got that focus, that mentality that he can get back from a situation he shouldn’t have derived. “But the behaviour, I just seriously think that he needs help. If you cannot control yourself in those moments, you need some sort of help because that’s just unacceptable on a football pitch.” The Spanish coach added: “This is a behaviour that has happened already two times and Luis Suarez, as a wonderful
footballer that he is, has been banned twice. It has been such a controversial way of acting on a football pitch that you see it again and everyone feels upset. “We can’t celebrate [the game]. We can’t talk about what Uruguay did. We can’t talk about why Mario Balotelli didn’t come on in the second half. “It’s about how Luis Suarez is allowed to play the game without carrying that responsibility that you have as a player, being a role model to the younger generation. You cannot justify it.”
Luis Suarez Needs Help - Martinez
EVERTON manager Roberto Martinez has told ESPN that Luis Suarez “needs help” after the Uruguay striker allegedly bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. Uruguay’s 1-0 win over Italy on Monday that booked their place in the round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup was overshadowed by footage of Liverpool’s Suarez seemingly biting the shoulder of Chiellini. FIFA has since confirmed it will investigate the incident that will likely lead to a lengthy ban if found guilty.
Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal. “These are things that happen on the pitch, we were both in the area, he thrust his shoulder into me,’’ Suarez said in Spanish after the game. “These things happen on the pitch, and we don’t have to give them so much (importance).” FIFA’s disciplinary code allows action to be taken retrospectively via video evidence even if the incident has been seen by the referee. Article 77 of FIFA’s disciplinary code states the disciplinary committee is responsible for “sanctioning serious infringements which
a knock to the eye.” Yet when Suarez fell, he was clearly holding on to his teeth in pain, while Chiellini showed a visible bite mark. This is, incredibly, the third time in his career that Suarez has been caught on camera biting an opponent. “Suarez is a sneak and he gets away with it because FIFA want their stars to play in the World Cup,” said Chiellini on Sky Sport Italia. “I’d love to see if they have the courage to use video evidence against him. “The referee saw the bite mark too, but he did nothing about it.” Despite his disgusting behaviour, ecstatic Uruguayans are defending their beloved striker tooth and nail - but mostly tooth - claiming that the Liverpool forward’s lethal
finishing is far more important than his straying teeth. “We needed to win, so if you have to hit you hit, if you have to bite you bite,” said Barbara Giordano, a 26-year-old law student in Montevideo. “It’s the ‘Garra Charrua’!,” she exclaimed in reference to Uruguay’s legendary fighting spirit. Others are taking the route of simply denying what was clear for the world to see, both in the original footage and via the marks on Chiellini’s shoulder. “There was no bite, that’s what the press says to kill Suarez,” said Pablo Dilan, a 38-year-old print shop worker. The country’s national newspaper, El Pais, even tried to make a joke of it, running a headline saying,
“Suarez’s mouth slips again!” Some Uruguayans, however, are furious. “This kid can’t control his biting and attacking issues,” said Luis Lara, a 52-year-old shopkeeper. “That makes all of us Uruguayans look bad.” Others are gritting their teeth out of fear Suarez may be banned from the rest of the tournament. He has already twice been suspended from club soccer for biting. “We couldn’t believe he was doing it again,” said Juan Santestevan, a 33-yearold web worker. “It’s a problem for all of us if they ban him... I don’t think he deserves a ban because the other guy also elbowed him. Suarez gets out of control when things don’t work out for him, but that’s no worse than the kicks they gave him.”
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Mondragon Becomes World Cup’s Oldest Player COLOMBIA goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon became the oldest player ever to appear at the World Cup, after he was introduced as a substitute in their 4-1 win over Japan. Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon became the oldest player ever to appear at the World Cup, after he was introduced as a substitute in their 4-1 win over Japan. The 43-year-old Mondragon breaks the record previously held by Cameroon striker Roger Milla, whose last appearance was as a 42year-old at the 1994 tournament. Mondragon, who turned 43 on June 21, was an unused squad member in the USA, 20 years ago, but he did make three appearances in 1998. “Jose Pekerman convinced me to continue playing. I will never forget that,” said Mondragon, who is set to retire after the tournament. “If it wasn’t for him, I would have retired two years ago. “I feel privileged to be here, it was my best birthday ever.” Mondragon also now holds the record for the biggest gap between first and last World Cups, with a span of 20 years since he was first selected for his national team.
Today’s Matches 5:00 PM 5:00 PM 9:00 PM 9:00 PM
Colombia’s goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon
Portugal United States Algeria Korea Republic
v v v v
Ghana Germany Russia Belgium
Balotelli And Cassano ‘Were Outcasts In Italy Squad’
Cassano and Balotelli
Prandelli Offers To Resign As Italy Coach
ITALY coach Cesare Prandelli has tendered his resignation in the wake of the country’s elimination from the World Cup in Brazil. “The technical set-up didn’t Italy’s 1-0 defeat to work, and I take all Uruguay in Natal meant they responsibility for that. missed out on progression to “Something has changed the knockout stages from since my contract was Group D. renewed. I don’t know why. Prandelli announced at his I chose a certain technical post-match press conference: plan and that’s why I’m “I talked to the president of resigning - because it did not the federation.. and gave my work.” resignation. Prandelli, the former Roma and Fiorentina coach, replaced Marcello Lippi as national team manager in the wake of the 2010 World Cup. He steered Italy to the final of Euro 2012 where he was widely praised for his coaching methods despite an eventual 4-0 final defeat to Spain. Italy made a strong start to the 2014 World Cup with victory over England but were left with all to play for Cesare Prandelli
in their final group game after an unexpected loss to Costa Rica. Despite a solid defensive performance Italy were put under increasingly pressure following the sending-off of Claudio Marchisio, and an 81st-minute goal from Diego Godin ensured Uruguay advanced to the knockout stages at the Italians’ expense. Prandelli added: “A second European Championship, third at the Confederations [Cup] and the qualification obtained in advance should not be under-estimated. “The match was wellbalanced in equal numbers, but the sending-off changed it all.” Prandelli was not the only man to fall on his sword with president Giancarlo Abete also stepping down. He said he would
recommend that Prandelli changes his mind, but that he himself was going. “I will go to the board and offer my irrevocable resignation too. I had already made this decision before the World Cup,” he said.
THE Gazzetta dello Sport lead with the claim that the Italy squad was at odds with Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano for the entire World Cup. The Azzurri crashed out of the tournament at the group stage after losing to Uruguay in a controversial 1-0 loss. Claudio Marchisio was sent off, whilst Luis Suarez was seen allegedly biting Giorgio Chiellini in the second half. But despite these disputes, the sports daily indicates that the national team were, in fact, doomed from the start. The pink paper believes that Balotelli and Cassano, two of the squad’s more colourful characters, were jettisoned early on by the remainder of the group for their behaviour. Gazzetta does not go
into detail, but believes that the senior members of the group were not impressed by the pair from their training camp at Coverciano, through to the defeat in Natal on Tuesday. Daniele De Rossi was fuming after the final whistle, s u p p o s e d l y referencing Balotelli in his statements, insisting that Italy needed “men, not Panini stickers of players”. It now looks difficult for Cassano to carry on in the famous blue shirt, whilst Corriere dello Sport reported that the Milan forward is set to take a ‘back seat’ with the national team – with Giuseppe Rossi promoted to leading the line.
Del Bosque ‘Thinking Of Quitting’
VICENTE Del Bosque could still decide to resign as Spain Coach after La Roja’s World Cup exit. Spain manager Vicente del Bosque will make a decision on his future within the next week Mundo Deportivo claims Del Bosque will decide on his future over the next few days and while the RFEF wants him to continue, as it stands there’s no guarantee he will. Xavi Hernandez and David Villa won’t be part of the national team going forward, the report adds, while the
future of Xabi Alonso is as unclear as that of the Coach. Iker Casillas is in a similar position to Alonso although it’s thought the Federation will ask the Real Madrid goalkeeper to stay on until Euro 2016. Fernando Torres wants to continue to be part of the national team, it’s believed, but his position depends on whether or not he is named by the Coach, whoever it is, for the post-World Cup squads. As for Del Bosque, he is said to be tired of what are seen as
orchestrated campaigns against him and could walk away from La Seleccion after six years in charge.
Vicente del Bosque
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THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Brazil Flop Still Great Experience For Young Stars - Lampard
Philip Lahm ‘Should Play In Defence’ FORMER Germany captain Michael Ballack has questioned Philipp Lahm’s holding midfield role for Joachim Low’s team, saying it “weakens” the side. Lahm played in a holding midfield position for the majority of last season at Bayern Munich, but Ballack believes doing the same at international level is a mistake. Captain Lahm’s role came under increased scrutiny during the 2-2 draw against Ghana, when he gave the ball away in the build-up to the goal that put the African side 2-1 in front. Speculation suggests some Germany players are unhappy that Lahm is not playing at left-back, and Ballack wrote in his column for Express: “I don’t understand why Low sees him in midfield. “Don’t get me wrong, he is a super player — but he is needed in the back four in the national team. He is much more valuable there. He’s played there for years, and has turned into a world class player.” Ballack said Germany should field a back four of Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng. “This would be a defence with World Cup class,” he wrote. He said that would also create the space for Bayern’s Bastian Schweinsteiger to take the holding midfield role and asked: “Why should we, by free choice, rob ourselves of Lahm in a position the whole world envies us for? We only weaken ourselves. “Moreover, Lahm takes away a place on the pitch for another world class player. And that’s Bastian Schweinsteiger for me.” But Ballack, who lost the Germany armband to Lahm when he missed the 2010 World Cup through injury, added: “I could imagine that Philipp would not like to return to the back four. He’s 30 now, and knows that it will get more and more difficult to meet the challenges of the hardrunning full back position.”
“It was the end of a ENGLAND’S drab goalless draw with Costa Rica was a fitting have won this final match was it tournament, end to their disappointing World Cup, but an experience which not for poor finishing once again. disappointing Frank Lampard believes will hold the players in good stead Daniel Sturridge was obviously,” Lampard said of the moving forwards. particularly poor in front of goal, 0-0 draw. “We should have won the Roy Hodgson’s side saw their place at the bottom of Group D missing a number of clear-cut confirmed on Tuesday, with the benefit from this bad chances to give Hodgson’s men game as we had the chances. We defeats to Italy and Uruguay experience. played some nice stuff, in bits. a much-needed win. compounded by an uninspiring “Let’s not forget we have “It was a difficult game for us He should have also had a draw at the Estadio Mineirao. been knocked out very early but penalty after a first-half foul by to approach and I thought we did It meant not only did they if the fans stick with the younger Oscar Duarte, yet the referee as well as we could but it was a become the first England side players and encourage them, waved those appeals for a spot- shame not to get the win to take since 1958 to exit at the group they will help the players.” kick and a red card, further home. stage, but they did so with their In truth, England would “It was not hard to motivate frustrating England. lowest ever World Cup points tally. The Three Lions left for home comforts immediately after the match but not until after getting a wonderful, and rather surprising, ovation from the travelling support in Belo Horizonte. It was a moment Lampard, captaining England in what could be his last appearance, was touched by and made him confident that they can now kick on, with or without him. “It was absolutely amazing,” the 36-year-old said. “It made you proud to be an Englishman playing for the country with fans like that. “From in and around the hotel after we came out here, they followed us and we had it in a good way. “This morning before and after they were immense. It makes you feel a bit bad we have not given them a longer stay. I am very proud to have a following like that. “[The young players] see that they back the manager and were singing for him. England’s Frank Lampard applauds the fans after the final whistle. “They can see the squad is young and the young players will
Colombia Impress Again As They COLOMBIA qualified Colombia’s box, and Eliminate Japan for the knockout round for drawing free kicks and the World Cup with three wins and eliminated Japan with a 4-1 victory. The first half was one of the most curious of the competition so far. Japan had most of the ball, and Colombia were absolutely
satisfied to sit back, and wait for the counterattack - and it worked. Colombia broke down towards the Japanese goal in 16th minute, and Yasuyuki Konno slid through on Adrian Ramos.
It was an obvious penalty, one that had come from nowhere, and one that Juan Cuadrado slammed down the centre of the pitch. The match then reverted to type, with Japan dominating around
Colombia’s midfielder James Rodriguez (left) celebrates with his teammate Colombia’s defender Pablo Armero.
corners, but doing nothing with them. Then, with the last kick of the half, Shinji Okazaki glanced in a header from Keisuke Honda’s cross. In the second half, Colombia introduced James Rodriguez, who lifted his side. On 54 minutes, his cross was pushed just over the bar by Carlos Carbonero, and a minute later a lovely pass to Jackson Martinez let his teammate slam a shot into the bottom corner. Colombia were lucky to keep Eder Balanta on the pitch, when he elbowed Okazaki in the face, but broke through with yet another counter attack on 82 minutes as Rodriguez set up Martinez to curl in a lovely finish for the third. Rodriguez then surpassed everyone on the pitch with a stylish chip over Eija Kawashima, and Japan left well beaten.
our ourselves, it was hard to know we were going to get knocked out regardless, so that was the motivation, to do something positive.” Lampard was unable to have as much of an impact as he would have liked in what was his 106th appearance for England. The former Chelsea midfielder will not be making any decision on whether he wants to add to that caps haul until after he returns home, yet seems to have a clearer idea as to where his club future lies. A move to the United States to link up with New York City FC has been widely-mooted, which would see him follow in the footsteps of former international team-mates David Beckham and Jermain Defoe in moving to Major League Soccer. “I will go home and think about,” Lampard said. “I will decide when I get back. But I have a good idea.”
‘Gods Were On Our Side Against Ivory Coast’ GEORGIOS Samaras spoke of his pride after scoring the dramatic late penalty that sent Greece into the last 16 of the World Cup in Brazil. The former Celtic striker coolly converted from the spot in injury time in Fortaleza to hand his side a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast and second place in Group C. The Africans had looked like going through to the knockout stage after Swansea’s Wilfried Bony cancelled out an Andreas Samaris strike, but Greece - who hit the woodwork three times - earned late reward for a positive display. Samaras, released by Celtic at the end of last season, was tripped by Giovanni Sio in the area in the closing moments and got up to apply the finishing touch. Samaras, whose goal was his first at international level for two years, told BBC Sport: “I think we controlled the game most of the time. “I don’t think Ivory Coast created a lot of chances. From our side I think we scored a goal, hit the post three times and at the end we scored a goal. “We tried the last 15-20 minutes to win because we knew if we won we would be in the next round. “We gave everything we had and in the end the gods and the luck were on our side. “We are really proud of our achievement. I am really proud of the result and our team. “I hope we gave a smile back to the people in our country.”
Samaras
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Wither Separation Of Powers? ON a matter of urgent public importance, we heartily congratulate the people of Ekiti State for showing a good example of how to behave in an election. The gubernatorial contest there has been won and lost. What we thought was going to be battle-royal, has ended in a most amicable manner. We knew it would come but we did not think it was going to be in our time that, an incumbent would lose at the poll; concede defeat; and relinquish power to the winner without shifting the battle ground to the tribunals. By this singular example, Ekiti State has demonstrated that it is truly the fountain of knowledge. We salute you all. One principal lesson from this is that there is still hope for a better Nigeria, the frightening glimpse from today’s main subject, notwithstanding. We recollect, with nostalgia, those old days when the imperialists took us through lots of rigmarole in our educational pursuit. They took us through certificateless examinations. For instance, the Qualifying Test, QT, was intended to determine your level of preparedness to enter for the General Certificate of Education, GCE, ordinary level. Today, we are returning briefly to the old days. Read carefully this passage taken, in extenso, from Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and answer the questions that follow: 88.-(1) Subject to the
provisions of this Constitution, each House of the National Assembly shall have power by resolution published in its journal or in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation to direct or cause to be directed an investigation into: a. Any matter or thing with respect to which it has power to make laws; and
– a. make laws with respect to any matter within its legislative competence and correct any defects in existing laws; and b. expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds
b. require such evidence to be given on oath; c. summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence at any place or produce any document or other thing in his possession or under his control, and examine him as a witness and require him to produce any document or other thing in his possession or under his control, subject
Diezani Allison-Madueke, Petroleum Minister
b. The conduct of affairs of any person, authority, Ministry or government department charged, or intended to be charged, with the duty of or responsibility for – i) executing or administering laws enacted by National Assembly; and ii) disbursing or administering moneys appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly. The powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are exercisable only for the purpose of enabling it to
appropriated by it. 89.-(1) For the purposes of any investigation under Section 88 of this Constitution and subject to the provisions thereof, the Senate or the House of Representatives or a committee appointed in accordance with Section 62 of this Constitution shall have power to – a. procure all such evidence, written or oral, direct or circumstantial, as it may think necessary or desirable, and examine all persons as witnesses whose evidence may be material or relevant to the subject matter.
to all just exceptions; and d. issue a warrant to compel the attendance of any person who, after having been summoned to attend, fails, refuses or neglects to do so and does not excuse such failure, refusal or neglect to the satisfaction of the
House or the Committee in question, and order him to pay all costs which may have been occasioned in compelling his attendance or by reason of his failure, refusal or neglect to obey the summons, and also to impose such fine as may be prescribed for any such failure, refusal or neglect; and any fine so imposed shall be recoverable in the same manner as a fine imposed by a court of law. 2) A summons or warrant issued under this Section may be served or executed by any member of the Nigeria Police Force or by any person authorized in that behalf by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the Hose of Representatives, as the case may require. NOTE: In the course of carrying out its oversight functions, the House of Representatives stumbled into where the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, squandered a whopping sum of N10 billion in hiring taxis (air taxis). All efforts to prod further into this abnormality have hit brick walls. Like many other government officials before her, the Minister approached the court to ask for an order to prevent the House
from investigating her on the squander mania. After the entire hide and seek, denials and counter-denials, just last week, she succeeded in slapping an order of perpetual injunction on the House of Representatives restraining it from the investigation. QUESTIONS: 1. Can anyone still justify the continued existence of the National Assembly? 2. What is the relevance of the ongoing talk-shop in Abuja? Why would we continue to indulge in the futile constitution-making process, particularly when the existing Constitution is not respected? 3. Even where Black Market Injunctions are injurious to the health of a democracy, they have virtually become a way of life in Nigeria. Discuss. 4. The doctrine of Separation of Powers is merely a term in abstraction. It is not real and it has no place in Nigeria. Discuss. GOOD NEWS: This is just another certificateless examination. You may keep your answer script to yourself. Per adventure your answer sheet is soft enough to be useful at the back of the house, good luck. But weep not for your country!
“Like many other government officials before her, the Minister approached the court to ask for an order to prevent the House from investigating her on the squander mania. After the entire hide and seek, denials and counter-denials, just last week, she succeeded in slapping an order of perpetual injunction on the House of Representatives restraining it from the investigation.”
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