Nigerian observer 26 08 2014 by Nigerian Observer

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 39 • NO. 064 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 20 14 • N100.00 OPINION Page 20

Delta Steel Company and Labourers’ Travails

HOS tasks Public Officers on budget implementation

BENIN CITY – The Head of Service of Edo State, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele has challenged officers responsible for budget implementation to

exercise due caution in the execution of their assignment. Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele stated that the organization of the oneday seminar was

informed by the desire of government to equip the participants with the relevant techniques for proper planning, budgeting, project monitoring and control.

The Head of Service who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Mr. Alfred Omorogbe Olaye further disclosed that the seminar Continues on page 2

Ebola

EDUCATION Page 21 Educational Transformation in Edo State

Oshiomhole sensitises market women BENIN CITY - Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, held a sensitisation meeting with market women in the state on precautionary measures to take to stop the spread of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease in the state. Speaking at the disease causes serious meeting with the market sickness that can lead to women in Benin City, death at short notice”. yesterday, Oshiomhole He said, “Because of said, “the meeting today this, it is good that we is two parts: first, to tell should know what to do you about the Ebola Disease that was brought from another country to Lagos. We thank God that the disease has not come to Edo State. “The disease is difficult to manage and so I am advising you as leaders of market women to talk to your members to be wary of whom they shake or embrace because the

as people travel to different parts of the country. People walk about and we do not know those who are infected.

That is why we must be prepared and plan so that if anybody sees any victim, he or she should know what to do.

The Governor said the second part of his sensitisation meeting is to let the market women know the value of the

No apology to APC decampees - Oshiomhole

BENIN CITY Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says he has no apology to tender to those who decamped from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a rival party, saying he will never share the state’s resources, meant for developing the state, to them. Speaking at the presentation of staff of office to Alhaji Jackson Etokhana, as the Oghieavhianwu of Avhianwu, the Governor urged the new royal father to educate his people to distinguish and support only politicians who stand

for the interest of the larger family, rather than personal interest or the interest of their immediate family. He said: “We must use every opportunity to educate our people. This afternoon, your Royal Highnesses, I am not asking you to go and carry party cards, I only ask you and your Chiefs to educate our people to distinguish politicians who will stand only when it is good for their family, not when it is good for the larger community. “I want it to be said that when I left office, our Continues on page 2

TIT BIT “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it always.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

INSTALLATION CEREMONY: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State presents the Staff of Office to Alhaji Jackson Etokhana, the Oghieavhianwu of Avhianwu, at his installation ceremony on Saturday.

INEC Permanent Voters’ Cards. He said: “the INEC voters’ registration and collection of the Permanent Voters’ Card will soon commence in Edo State. So, I am advising all of you to set aside whatever you may be doing and go to your respective centres as may be designated by INEC officials and make sure you collect your cards because it is your power as the 2015 General Elections draws closer. “As busy women, some of you may want to prolong your collection to a later date. It is risky because the exercise according to INEC will last for three days. So we want to ensure that within those three days, every market woman goes to the designated centres to collect their permanent voters’ card because without that, you cannot vote and if you have the temporary voters card, you will not be allowed to vote”. He advised the market women leaders to educate their members on the need to swear to an affidavit to enable them Continues on page 2

Doctors resume work nationwide By FRIDAY OBANOR

BENIN CITY-Doctors in both Federal and State Government owned hospitals yesterday resumed work after 55 days old strike which paralysed healthcare activities in Health institutions nationwide. A visit by The Nigerian OBSERVER to the

Central Hospital, Stella Obasanjo and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) revealed that

doctors were already attending in and out patients while the various departments were rendering different health

services. The patients who were visibly satisfied as doctors attended to them thanked the Federal

Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) for calling off the Continues on page 2

ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday congratulated the Falconets for winning the silver medal at the

just concluded FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Tournament in Canada.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the

Jonathan believed that Continues on page 2

Jonathan applauds Silver Winning President on Media and Falconets Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, in Abuja.

News

No apology to APC decampees

Continued from page 1

people started distinguishing thieves from real politicians. Our people must learn to begin to interrogate all manners of political miscreants who come wanting to cash in on the poverty of our people. I always say that to be poor is not to be crazy, so we must be clear”, he said. “So those who decamp because I do not put money in their pockets, let them continue to decamp; no apology and everybody will be remembered when they write the history of politics in Afemai land. Those who called for Afemai Agenda believing that when an Afemai man becomes the governor, he will carry state money and share to them; and once they do not get it, they abandon Afemai Agenda and now they have turned only to the agenda of their stomach infrastructure”. He urged the Royal Fathers to guide the young ones stressing, “you will always be governed by politicians whether you like it or not, but you must

carefully select your politicians on the basis of those who understand that state power is not for the private comfort of those around the state operators”. He assured Royal Fathers in the state that government under his watch will never interfere with traditional matters maintaining that he will not sponsor anybody to write a petition against any Royal Father and that if anybody encourages anyone to do fictitious petitions, it will be dismissed. According to him, “this government believes that the foundation for peace and stability requires that we respect not only the traditional institution, but we respect traditional rulers who sit on the various thrones”. Governor Oshiomhole assured the newly installed Royal Father, Alhaji Jackson Etokhana as well as the entire people of Avhianwu Clan of government’s continuous support in the provision of infrastructural facilities to the

community. In a welcome address, HRH, Alhaji Jackson Etokhana appreciated the Governor for finding time to personally honour the people of Avhianwu with his esteemed presence. He said, “I see my installation as a call to compliment the laudable efforts of our governor at bringing peace and development to the people of Avhianwu and Edo State in General. He said, “As paramount head of Avhianwu town, it is my duty to act as a pathfinder, a rally point and coordinator general of all our individual efforts aimed

get permanent voters card in case their temporal voter’s card has been misplaced. He however cautioned the market women to jealously guide their Permanent Voters Card from political miscreants who may want to deceive them on the pretext that they are keeping it for them maintaining that the Permanent Voters Card is their power to vote. Speaking on the effects of the Ebola Virus Disease, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aihanuwa Eregie told the market women leaders that the Ebola Virus has been in existence since 1976. She said, “the virus can be found in animals like monkey, bat, chimpanzee, etc and

hunters who go to the bush to hunt for animals can get in contact with the virus. She maintained that though the virus is not presently in Edo State, but the need for effective sensitization to alert our people in the state especially the market women who travel from one part of the state to another becomes necessary. She highlighted some of the symptoms to include; headache, weakness of the body, waist pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, internal and external bleeding especially bleeding from the gum and advised people to regularly wash their hands as well as ensure general cleanliness of their environments.

While appealing to all sons and daughters of Avhianwu Clan to cooperate and offer useful advice towards fast tracking reconciliation in the community, he thanked the Comrade Governor for the provision of boreholes, building and renovation of dilapidated schools at Iraokhor and Ogbona Sub-clans. Dignitaries from within and outside the State included members of the State Executive Council, the State Chairman, All Progressive Congress, Bar. Anselm Ojezua at the occasion.

Jonathan applauds Silver Winning Falconets

Continued from page 1

the Falconets had shown the world that with their skills, strength and determination; they could remain a global force in women’s football for years to come. Nigeria lost to their Germany 0-1 in an extra time in the keenly contested final, which ended at

Oshiomhole sensitise market women

Continued from page 1

at bringing peace and development to the land.”

Responding on behalf of the representatives of the Market Women from Edo South, the leader of the delegation, Mrs. Blacky Omoregie thanked the Comrade Governor for the sensitization meeting stressing that the market women will respond to the call for personal hygiene and caution. According to her, “we thank you our Comrade Governor on this very important meeting and I want to assure you that our market women will be enlightened on the need to observe precautionary measures so as to prevent the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the state as well as ensure that they all collect their permanent voters cards when the time comes.”

about 2:45 a.m. Nigerian time on Monday. The statement stated that despite the loss, Jonathan assured the team that “all Nigerians remain proud of the skillful, highly spirited and patriotic performance they put up throughout the tournament’’. It stated that the president looked forward to honouring the team with a reception at the Presidential Villa on their return from Canada. “Jonathan applauds the Falconets for equaling Nigeria’s best-ever finish in the tournament and in Aisha Oshoala, producing this year’s top scorer and Most Valuable Player. “The girls outplayed the Germans for long periods in the final and also had greater ball possession and a higher number of goal attempts. “Jonathan stayed awake till 0300 hours (local time in Germany) to watch the match with his aides as he promised the girls during his chat with the team on Saturday. “The president assures the Falconets and their trainers that they will continue to receive all the support and encouragement they require from the Federal Government to fully actualise their world-beating potential.’’

HOS tasks Public Officers on budget implementation

Continued from page 1

was meant to douse the nightmare which many officers are subjected whenever they are saddled with these responsibilities. Mr. Obazele maintained that there is no gain saying the fact that the success and actualization of any government project depended largely on proper planning, budgeting and effective monitoring control hence the importance of the seminar. The Head of Service expressed his profound gratitude to the State Government ably led by Comrade Aliu Adams Oshiomhole for his unwavering commitment to quality service delivery through training and retraining of all categories of officers in the Edo State Public Service. Mr. Obazele therefore enjoined all public officers to be loyal to the government by discharging their duties effectively, efficiently and intelligently. He called on the participants to pay adequate attention to the lectures to be delivered, pointing out that the choice of Lizzy Johnson Management Consultants was premised in the wealth of experience to deliver. In her remarks, Mrs. Patricia Ojisua of Lizzy Johnson Management Consultants said the Civil Service can be likened to the socio-economic wheel on

which the nation’s progress revolves. Mrs. Patricia Ojisua reminded the participants at the seminar that the survived and economic advancement of the nation

depended on them and called on them to harness the abundant resources of the nation for the benefit of mankind. She assured that the

Continued from page 1

the dreaded Ebola virus currently ravaging countries, especially in the West Africa sub region. He however commended the leadership of the NMA for calling off the strike. When The Nigerian OBSERVER visited the secretariat of the Edo state NMA, along Ugbowo-Lagos Road, the Chairman of the state branch of the Association, Professor Earnest Omoti was said not to be in office.

The NMA suspended its 55 days old strike on Sunday night and members were directed to resume work yesterday (Monday). Briefing Newsmen in Abuja, the National President of NMA, Dr. Lawrence Obembe explained that the suspension was the out-come of an emergency delegates meeting held on Saturday August 23, 2014 in Abuja.

deck to ensure that this current health challenge is eradicated “We want to appreciate the Federal Government for the proactive measures in making sure that every issue was resolved. “I do not know what the terms are for the suspension but the good thing is that the strike is now suspended and the sector can move forward’’. Uyot said that the NLC was not part of the negotiation that led to the suspension of the strike because the NMA is not an affiliate of the congress.

maintained that the NMA strike was illegal, selfish and uncalled for. Mr Ayuba Wabba, the National President of JOHESU, told NAN in Abuja that the association was not a registered trade union. Wabba said that the union had challenged the constitutional rights of NMA to go on strike, thereby paralysing the activities in the health sector. NAN reports that the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) began a nationwide strike on July1.

confidence reposed in her organization by the Comrade Governor Aliu Oshiomhole and the Head of Service, Mr. Jerry Obazele will be justified.

Doctors resume work nationwide

strike. One of the patients who identified himself as Mr. Osato James urged Federal Government not to renege on the agreement reached with the doctors so that the NMA would not have any reason to embark on another strike. Mr. Osato also advised the doctors to put in their best in the area of containing the spread of

NLC commends NMA suspension of ABUJA - Nigeria Labour Meanwhile, the Joint Health strike Congress (NLC) yesterday Sector Union (JOHESU) has commence ded the decision of the Nigerian Medial Association (NMA) to suspend its 55-day-old industrial action. The Acting General Secretary of NLC, Mr Chris Uyot, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Uyot said that it was needful for all hands to be on deck to effectively tackle the Ebola virus currently affecting the country. “We want to commend the NMA for suspending its strike at this trial moment. “ All hands should now be on

Obazele assures Mathematical Assoc of Nigeria BENIN CITY – The Head of Service, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele has showered encomiums on the Mathematical Association of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter for the various laurels they have won for Edo State. Mr. Jerry Obazele while receiving the Association members who paid him a courtesy said the state government was very proud of the antecedents of the Association and therefore would take the body seriously. The Head of Service avered that any country that desirres to develop must lay emphasis on the study of mathematics. He stated that all science subjects take their roots from mathematics. Mr, Obazele stated that mathematicians all over the globe are serious minded people, saying because of this they have postulated theories that have solved difficult problems thereby bringing succour to humanity. The Head of Service commended the Association for producing textbooks on mathematics to help students in the studies of the subject, and also their readiness to partner with the state government. He advised the Association to present the various award they have won to the State Governor. He assured the Association that the state government in fulfillment of its promise to train all categories of staff will look into the possibilities of sponsoring the members on training locally and internationally. He also stated that government will in addition consider members of the body as resource persons in the training of civil servants. Earlier, the Chairperson of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN), Edo State Chapter, Mrs. Birgitta Okodugha

congratulated, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele for his appointment as the Head of Service and thanked the Comrade Governor for the appointment. \Mrs, Birgitta Okodugha told the Head of Service that the purpose of the visit was to intimate him of the activities of the Association which include improving the teaching and learning of maths through the organization of seminars and workshops, curriculum review, recommendation of students for State, National and International Competitions. She informed that the Association is in collaboration with reputable organizations in the publishing of text books recommended for students at affordable price through out the federation. The Association highlighted other achievements to include attendance of two International Conference of Mathematics in the United States of America in 2013 and 2014. Mrs. Okodugha announced that the knowledge gained at such international conferences have been imparted to the students. He added that Asoro Grammar School, Benin City emerged the best school in the South-South and South East mathematics competition, that the school also scored 100% in WAEC maths exam, while Asoro Grammar School has the highest students studying maths, a feat she said, is in the Guinness book of records. The Association appealed to the State Government for more sponsorship of its members to workshops and seminars both locally and internationally. The Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Administration, Mr. Evbade Idahosa was amongst officers at the courtesy call.

Edo Line commences Staff Verification Exercise BENIN CITY – Edo Transport Service (ETS), operator of Edo Line has commenced the verification exercise of its eligible staff at its headquarters on James Watt Road, Benin City. Addressing the staff yesterday, Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) disclosed that move was sequel to the directive of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole whom he described as a “Listening Governor”. He assured them that everybody’s interest would be protected but advised them to be honest and come with their information and communication Technology (ICT) Biometrics Form, letter of appointment and letter of last promotion among other relevant documents. The Transport Commissioner explained that the staff audit would be

carried out in categories with the drivers subjected to medical test; adding that those already working elsewhere should use the opportunity to effect their retirement from Edo Transport Service. In his comments, the Commissioner for Establishment and Special Duties, Comrade Didi Adodo thanked the Sole Administrator of ETS, Chief John Osamede Adun and assured the workers that all of them would be screened and the result released from Government House. Also, the Sole Administrator of ETS, Chief John Osamede Adun hinted that only a few staff of the Transport Company had shown up since May, 2014 when the State Governor gave the directive re-opening the company. He wondered that very many of them have appeared for the staff audit exercise months after.

Inside Edo Osun Poll:

Ex-Party Official Congratulates APC Leadership BENIN CITY- A former Treasurer of the Defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (APC), UK Chapter, Mr. Tobi Idaomi has congratulated the National Leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for a well co-ordinated election that saw the party winning the recent governorship election in Osun State. In a chat with newsmen in Benin City, Idaomi said the victory recorded by the party has further re-assured the ruling party that APC is a party to beat come 2015 general election. “The victory in Osun State has further shown that APC as a party is ready to save Nigerians from the dictatorship of PDP. 1 congratulate the National Chairman of our great party, the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and the leadership of the party for standing firm to check intimidation and rigging in the Osun governorship election”, he said.

Ovia North-East Primary Health Care officials demonstrate proper hand washing method as the council boss, Barr. (Mrs) Lucy O m a g b o n inaugurates sensitisation programme on Ebola virus.

He commended the electorate for choosing the right party that has the love of the people at heart and translated the mandate given to them into infrastructural development. “The party was determined to stand against bad government and the result is very obvious for all to see. “The chairman of APC governors in the rally paved way for the victory, especially the presence of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State who has an infectious personality that is difficult to ignore; His personality also added to the Osun victory”, he concluded.

Council Boss Organises Sensitization Programme

Ebola:

OKADA – In compliance with the Edo State Government directive on the collective fight against the spread of Ebola disease, the chairman Ovia North East Local Government

Council, Barr (Mrs.) Lucy Omagbon yesterday launched community sensitization programme in the locality. The sensitization which started at the Okada market

officers for the visit, expressed his readiness to collaborate with the association in ensuring accessible health care delivery for the people. In a related development, Mrs. Evelyn Ikpea has charged women in the locality on the need to embark on periodic examination of breast, as early detention and awareness could help to

curtail cancer of the breast. Mrs. Ikpea who officially inaugurated the breast cancer awareness campaign for women at the council secretariat said the program was in line with the sate government, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s directive and health care policy program to create awareness and sensitization amongst women who are the most vulnerable.

Medical Officers Laud Council Boss On Health Care Services UBIAJA- Edo State Chapter, Medical Association of Officers of Health has commended the Chairman, Esan South East Local Government Area, Hon Joseph Ikpea Over his administration’s disposition towards health care program. Chairman of the Association, Dr. Raymond Ogieva, Director, Public Health Care, Igueben, Local Government Area gave the commendation when he led other officers in the 18 Local Government Council’s on a routine visit to Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South East Local Government Area. He particularly lauded the council boss for implementing the new salary structure for health personnel’s and the proposed payment of outstanding rural allowances saying it was an indication of the administration’s commitment to primary health care services. Ogieva equally saluted the courage of the Council Chairman for spearheading the campaign and sensitization on the dreaded Ebola virus in the locality. On his part, Ikpea who appreciated the medical

square in Okada West is designed to cover the 13 wards that make up the local government area with the aim of enlightening the grassroots populace on the reality of the Ebola Virus, even though it has not spread to the state. Inaugurating the awareness campaign, the council boss tasked market women, traders and other local inhabitants to educate their family members and friends on the disease while giving the people various health tips. She also advised the people against indiscriminate consumption of bush meat which she said is one of the ways humans can contract the disease. Hon. Omagbon however emphasized the need for the people to encourage proper sanitation in their immediate environment as well as avoid

contact with animals like Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Bats, Antelopes and Rats which have been reported to be carriers of the Ebola Virus. The council Primary Health Care officials demonstrated some ideal personal hygiene pattern, including regular washing of hands Meanwhile, the council boss has charged the council’s Rapid Response Team led by the Secretary to the Local Government Council, Hon. Uwadiae Odigie and the Primary Health Care coordinator, Pharm Fumilayo Imafidon with the responsibility of taking the awareness campaign to all parts of the Local Government Area. Their job is to enlighten the people and as well be alert to any eventual outbreak of the disease in the area.

UNIBEN Advises Staff, Students

BENIN CITY- The authorities of the University of Benin have tasked both staff and students of the institution to take precautionary measure to prevent contracting the dreadful Ebola Virus. In a bulletin released by the management of the institution, staffs and students were advised to avoid casual sex, avoid using unsterlized needles and blades, avoid unnecessary travels, especially to places where cases of the Virus have been confirmed. Staff and students were also tasked to avoid contact with body secretion and fluid from other people’s sweat, saliva, blood, urine as well as cook food properly before eating. Although, no cases of the virus has been mentioned in the institution, the management has asked the staff and students to observe proper hygiene.

...As Students Allege Planned Isolation By STANLEY UGABE, EDET ELIJAH

Chairman, Ovia North-East Local Government Council, Barr (Mrs) Lucy Omagbon deliverying an address at the Okada Market square when she inaugurated the commmunity awareness campaign on Ebola virus disease. On her right is the Council Vice Chairman, Hon. Dumez Ugiagbe.

Ebola Virus:

BENIN CITY- Barely one week after the University of Benin resumed for a new semester, some students of the University who travelled from Lagos have alleged plans by some of their friends to isolate them over fear of ebola virus. Although, no case of ebola virus has been recorded among students, however, students have taken the step as a precautionary measure from contracting the virus. Speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in Benin City, some students of the institution absorbed themselves of any blame over the preventive measure. She noted that everybody including religious ministers is scared of contracting the disease. One of our respondents said I’m not surprise to hear this; it’s true and I cannot blame the students

who have decided to do so, everybody in Nigeria is afraid of the disease, including Pastors. According to her, “It will definitely create problems among students. A source who corroborated her position said the disease is very rampant in Lagos and as such students from the city should be very careful.

Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, UNIBEN VC

News

Man, 21, Arraigned Over Alleged Stealing OKITIPUPA- (Ondo State) A 21-year-old man, Ajinde Ehinnehifo, was on Monday arraigned in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for alleged stealing and burglary. The accused, of no fixed address and occupation, was arraigned on a three-count charge of felony, burglary and stealing. Also arraigned was one Adeolu Adebayo who was charged with unlawfully receiving stolen goods. The Prosecutor, Insp Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the

accused on Aug. 1 at about 2.00 a.m. at No. 2, Apata St., Okitipupa, conspired with another person now at large to commit the offences. He said that the accused burgled the house of one Rev. Adedeke Adewole to steal items such as laptop computer, Ipad, camera and cell phones phones valued at N119,000. Ehinnehifo was also accused of stealing a cash sum of N32,000. The prosecutor said that the

Senate President Receives Chieftaincy Title By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has urged traditional rulers across Nigeria to rise up to the challenge of ensuring security, peace and unity of the nation at all times. Senator Mark said traditional rulers and citizens alike need to compliment government’s efforts in the onerous task of curbing crimes, especially the insurgency ravaging Nigeria. He spoke at the weekend when he formally received the certificate of his Chieftaincy title,the OKPOKPOWULU K’IDOMA( meaning the brave warrior and defender of the Idoma people) from the paramount ruler of IDOMA nation in Benue State, Och’Idoma IV, Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa in the latter’s palace in Otukpo. The Senate President maintained that development can only take place where there is peace and congenial atmosphere just as he reminded those perpetrating violent crimes to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue . Senator Mark said he would do more to attract developmental projects to his constituency but would require a peaceful atmosphere , the support and cooperation of the people. Handing over the certificate to the Senate President, the Och’Idoma praised Mark for promoting peace in the country

and attracting developmental projects to his domain. The paramount ruler listed the projects to include but not limited to the multi-billion Naira Otobi multi-purpose dam;, construction of Oweto -Uloko Bridge , establishment of College of Medical and Health Sciences campus, Otukpo of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi as well as the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Otukpo study centre . He however tasked the Senate President to do more in order to realize the creation of Apa State out of the present Benue State, saying that the people are homogeneous and hospitable. The Och’Idoma added that the proposed State is economically viable and its creation will ultimately bring government nearer to the people.

offences contravened sections 516, 411(2) and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37,Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006. Orogbemi also said Adebayo, on Aug. 3 unlawfully received the stolen computer valued at N50,000 from Ehinnehifo. He said that the offence was contrary to Section 427 of the Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. The Magistrate, Mr Funsho Akintoye, granted the accused bail in the sum N100,000 with two sureties each in like sum. He said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and present evidence of two years tax payment. The case was adjourned till Sept. 16 for further hearing.

A taxi driver apprehended by road safety officials during a routine operation in Abuja yesterday.

Mark, Ojerinde Harps On Education As Antidote To Nation’s Woes By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - President of the Senate, Senator David Mark and the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Professor Dibu Ojerinde have canvassed for functional education of citizens especially the youths as the antidote to the myriads of problems confronting the nation. They attributed the problems facing the nation including insurgency, violence, armed robbery and drug abuse among others to illiteracy . Senator Mark and Ojerinde

spoke in Otukpo, Benue state weekend at the closing ceremony of the 2014 Professor Odusola Ojerinde ( late wife of the JAMB Registrar) memorial golf tournament. Specifically, Senator Mark told the audience that he is committed to the development of Education “because I believe that a well educated citizenry would be an asset to the nation. “Besides being the foundation for any development, education liberates the people and curb all forms of anti social behaviors. “Whatever, I can do to support

education, I will not hesitate to do it. I want to bequeath education of our people especially in my constituency as a legacy. For me , It is the most important investment “. He also explained that he promotes sports as the needed companion to education “because a combination of both will enhance peaceful coexistence, eradicate crimes, promote unity and development.” In his remarks, JAMB Registrar said part of efforts to improve education in Nigeria in line with global best practices is

Etsako West Enforces Environmental Sanitation By MORRISON HAYBLE

AUCHI- Business activities at the various township markets at Auchi and Jattu, Etsako West local government area were temporarily withheld yesterday morning as the local government Environmental Officers intensified enforcement of the state wide market sanitation every Monday. The commercial nerve centers in the town, the popular Igbo shade on Otaru road, Jattu road and the AP round about remained

lull between the hours of 7 and 10 am for the period the exercise lasted. Uchi market also called Up market which was yesterday remained dessolate during the period despite its coincidence with the sanitation day as traders busied clearing their shades and stalls. Head of Department and Director, Evironmental Health,

Etsako west, Mr Braimah Abdul Salami told Our Correspondent that arranngemennts were being harmonized by the Department to involve commnity leaders and vigilance groups in the market sanitation monitoring exercise for efficiency. Mr Abdul Salami explained that the business of environmental cleanliness needed to be complemented by all and sundry as it was of general benefit adding that people must learn to be conscious of their

surroundings without necessarily waiting for health officers to compel them. He stressed the need to be much more cautious than ever before especially with the emergence of the Ebola scourge by cleaning their up surroundngs and the markets where the food items were shaded and bought. The Director of Environmental Health however commended people in the locality for the cooperation and understanding in achieving the appreciable result so far adding that the department was still on enlightenment for the people to appreciate the relevance of environmental cleanliness.

Auto Crash Claim 31 Lives

Scene of an accident involving a car that crashed onto a tree at Edo Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists office in Benin City yesterday.

OSOGBO - Mr Muhammad Husaini, the Osun Sector Commander of the FRSC, said yesterday that 31 deaths were recorded from road traffic crashes in the state between June and July. Husaini made this disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo. He also said that 36 road traffic crashes occurred within the period under review while 279 persons were involved. Husaini attributed the crashes to over speeding, poor condition of roads and failure by motorists to comply with road traffic rules and regulations.

“Some of the accidents recorded could have been avoided if the motorists were driving within the speed limit. “Most of the roads are not in good condition and if drivers were observing the speed limit, they would have the advantage of avoiding ditches and potholes on the roads,” he said. He, however, lauded the Osun government for redressing the situation through road construction and rehabilitation. Husaini called on motorists to observe road safety rules, vowing that anyone caught violating the law would be apprehended and prosecuted

the introduction of Computer Based Test (CBT) for all the board’s examinations. Professor Ojerinde announced that beginning from 2015, any student or candidate who is not computer (ICT) literate would have no business with JAMB conducted examinations “ because we are not going to compromise on that”. He said it was for this reason that JAMB embarked on the establishment of Computer Based Centres across the country in preparation for all its examinations. Professor Ojerinde stressed that examination is central to education and must be taken seriously at all levels. The three- days golf tournament was in honour of late Professor Odusola Ojerinde whom they described as an ideal mother, an outstanding teacher and counsellor.

Mrs Eunice Bello For Burial August 30 BENIN CITY- The burial ceremony of late Mrs. Eunice Bello who died at the age of 47, has been scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2014. A statement endorsed by the families of Idugboe and Bello indicates that the remains of Eunice Bello will depart Stella Obasanjo Hospital Benin City 11am for Utesi Village for lyingin –state at the village town hall, to be followwd by interment. Refreshment is billed for 3pm same day.

Mrs. Eunice Bello

Across The Nation

Stakeholders Reject 8,000 Polling Booths For South UMUAHIA- The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South- East zone has rejected the 8,000 polling booths allocated to the entire south by the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC). The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, who made this known to newsmen at the end of their meeting in Umuahia has

described the allocation as “disservice to the nation.’’ He said: “the people of the South-East reject the alleged allocation of polling booths by INEC. “We view it as a great

disservice to the unity and progress of this country if the entire south will have 8,000 polling booths and the north has 21,000 polling booths. “We demand that this should be

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (right) and the Commander, St Air Maritime Group, Nigerian Airforce, Benin, Air Commodore Olusoji Olaleye Awomodu during the commissioning ceremony of the reconstructed Alao Shittu Airforce Base Road in Benin City recently. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

suspended forthwith as it is completely against the spirit of one Nigeria, the unity and progress of our dear country. “This country belongs to all Nigerians; the South-East should be given its fair share.’’ Metuh said that the people and leadership of the party in the zone had resolved to support the reelection bid of President Goodluck Jonathan. “Our people have demanded that Jonathan should contest in 2015 and the South-East has resolved to support him unequivocally and unconditionally. “We are, therefore, joining millions of Nigerians to ask the president to declare for the 2015 presidential election,’’ he said. The PDP spokesman said that Nigerians were convinced that the country had witnessed great transformation in the last threeand-a-half years. He commended the Federal Government, especially the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, for taking ‘bold initiatives’ to contain the spread of Ebola Virus Disease in the country. He said that Nigerians were satisfied with the measures so far adopted by the Federal Government to tackle the disease.

Board Issues 4-Day Ultimatum To Intending Female Pilgrims KANO- The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has issued a four-day ultimatum to intending female pilgrims who had not undergone pregnancy test to do so or forfeit their Hajj seats. The Public Relations Officer of the board, Alhaji Nuhu Badamasi, gave the ultimatum in an interview with newsmen in Kano. Badamasi said any intending female pilgrims, who failed to undergo the test, would not perform the 2014 pilgrimage. “There are about 60 female pilgrims who for one reason or the other did not attend the test at the hajj camp. “The board has given them four days from August 25 to August 28 to go to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital for the test. “They have to pay a token fee of N1,000 now because the one we conducted at the hajj camp was free,’’ he said. He said the warning became necessary to avoid embarrassment because the board had taken all measures to stop pregnant women from performing the 2014 hajj. It would be recalled that the board had directed the intending pilgrims to attend medical and pregnancy tests at the hajj camp. While male intending pilgrims were directed to attend medical test, the female counterpart were directed to undergo both medical and pregnancy tests.

Senator Ibrahim Gobir; Sen. Atai Aidoko Ali; Sen. Barnabas Germade; Chairman, Senate Committee on Commercialisation and Privatisation, Sen. Olugbenga Obadara; MD, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Mrs. Funke Osibodu; Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Commercialisation and Privatisation, Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; ED, BEDC, Abu Ejoor and CTO, Major Bshakar Pola during the committee’s assessment of the distribution company’s operations in Benin, Edo State capital recently.

Metuh demanded the extension of the period of the continuous voter registration, especially in areas where the exercise was marred by inadequate materials, personnel and mal-functional equipment. He expressed concern over the recent postings and promotions in the Nigeria Police Force. He called on the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, and the Police Service Commission “to revisit this appointments and promotions with a view to balancing the position’’. The meeting was attended by the governors of Abia and Ebonyi, Theodore Orji and Martin Elechi, respectively, as well as the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekwerenmadu. Also in attendance were: Prof. Onyebuchi Cukukwu, Minister of Health; Chief Osita Chidoka, Minister of Aviation; Chief Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour and Productivity; and PDP chairmen in the five states in the zone.

Ebola Outbreak

DR Congo Confirms 2 Cases KINSHASA- Two out of eight cases tested in an outbreak of deadly fever in the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were positive for the Ebola virus. The DRC Health Minister, Felix Numbi, announced this recently. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that at least 70 people had died in an outbreak of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in Congo’s northern Equateur province. However, a WHO spokesman had said the outbreak was not Ebola. According to this is the first reported case of Ebola outside West Africa since the outbreak began in March. According to the UN health agency, 1,427 people have died from the virus out of 2,615 confirmed cases in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

Referendum: Lawyers, Lecturers Differ

LAGOS- Some lawyers and university lecturers have expressed divergent on whether or not the recommendations of National Conference should be subjected to a referendum or pass through the National Assembly. They made their views known in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos. President Goodluck Jonathan had on August 21, when he received the conference report, said it would be sent to the National Assembly and Council of State for incorporation into the constitution. Prof. Taiwo Osipitan,a professor of Public Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, told newsmen in a telephone interview that the report should pass through the National Assembly. “The need for a referendum

occurs when a new constitution is to be drafted, however, when the constitution wants to be amended, it should go through the National Assembly. “I feel the president is quite right to go through the National Assembly,’’ Osipitan, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),said. A former President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA),Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, also a SAN, corroborated Osipitan’s views. He said: “If the recommendations of the conference are put to a referendum it can’t form part of the present constitution of the country. “For it to be a part of the current constitution, it has to go through the route of the National Assembly,’’ he said. But, Mr Yinka Farounbi,

Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch, disagreed, contending that the report should be subjected to a referendum. “It will be appropriate if the recommendations of the report be subjected to a referendum by the average Nigerian,’’ Farounbi said. Also, a former Ikeja branch NBA Chairman, Mr Onyekachi Ubani, aligned himself with Farounbi’s argument, and said that the country needed a new constitution. “The country needs a new constitution which should be drafted with the input of the people. “The 1999 Constitution does not have the input of the people, that is why the outcome of the National Conference should be subjected to a referendum,’’ Ubani said.

He alleged that the National Assembly had always derided the Confab, adding that some of the recommendations would be thrown out because they were not favorable to the lawmakers. Ubani, who stressed that there were many issues agitating the country, suggested “a total overhaul of the federal system’’. said. Mr Samuel Ugoh, Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, called for the adoption of “a participatory approach’’ in legalising the Confab report. “The masses think our democracy is largely elitist and their votes do not really count. “One way to assure them of their value is to adopt an all inclusive style to legitimise this report and the only way is to conduct a referendum on the draft report,’’

Ugoh said. Ugoh said that a new constitution for Nigeria must enjoy large scale legitimacy to enhance the democracy of the country. Mr Wale Ogunade, President Voters Awareness Initiative (VAI), told newsmen that the report should be subjected to a referendum by the grassroots. “In countries around the world, their constitution is a reflection of the wishes of the people. “The people clamoured for the National Conference because initially, the government was hesitant about conveying a National Conference. “The people should come together and vote on the decisions contained in the report because the grassroots need to have a feel of what they clamoured for,’’ Ogunade said.

Across The Nation Fire Service To Launch Nat’l Data Centre

NBC Celebrates 22 Years Anniversary ABUJA- Mr Emeka Mba, the Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has said that the commission would continue to deliver on its mandate to take broadcasting industry in the country to greater heights. Mba stated this in Abuja while briefing newsmen as part of the activities to mark the commission’s 22 years anniversary. Mba, who said that the commission clocked 22 years on Sunday, said that the commission had been very dynamic and vibrant since its inception. According to him, the commission has recorded many achievements in the country’s broadcasting industry. “We have our challenges, but if you look back at some countries you will discover that the commission has been outstanding in the broadcasting sector. “We are also very proud that the commission has been very consistent and effective in discharging its mandate,” he said. He thanked the stakeholders who had been in the broadcasting industry over the years for their support and understanding. “As you all know broadcasting is undergoing serious changes, bearing in mind that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said all the countries must go digital latest by June 2015. “ As you are also aware that the pace of technology is really changing, how media content is created and distributed, the diverse media industry, newspapers, radio, television,” said Mba. He said the commission had the responsibility to ensure that Nigeria moved all the stations into digital broadcasting system in line with ITU guidelines. “The process has started, as many of you know, we just launched Jos as a pilot city, and today we have almost switched over Jos, because we can boast of about 90 per cent digital coverage. “That is significant because what this means is that in the next few weeks, we shall see a total 100 per cent coverage of the whole Plateau,” he said. Mba said that the commission had been working very hard with the Plateau government and all the stakeholders in the industry to achieve the target. He said that at the end of the switch over campaign, more programmes would be introduced to entertain the viewers over multiple channels. “All the broadcasters,

whether government or private owned, who are operating on analogue format now, would be given free digital receptive channels to carry out their respective operations.” He said that the commission had also concluded plans to cover the 2015 general elections and future elections. The director-general said that at this time of insecurity and Ebola outbreak, information played a critical role in order to be well protected from these challenges. He commended the broadcasters for their role in the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, saying that they should redouble their efforts in subsequent polls.

Senator Ali Ndume chatting with journalists during his visit to commiserate with some internally displaced persons by insurgent attacks in Madagali, Gulak and Mubi in Adamawa recently.

Police Foils Robbery Attack

GWAGWALADA (FCT)-The Police said it foiled an armed robbery attack in Gwagwalada metropolis of the FCT on Saturday night. Mr Patrick Daaor, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Gwagwalada Division, told newsmen that the criminals had attempted to rob the residence of Mr Ogah Michael of Obama St., Phase One, Gwagwalada. He said that the three-man

armed robbery gang entered Michael’s house at about 8:30 p.m., each of them brandishing a locally-made pistol and handcuff. Daaor said as soon as the suspects entered the house, the victim gave a loud shout which attracted the attention of neighbours, one of whom immediately dialled the police emergency number for help. The DPO said that his men responded instantly to the distress

call and went straight to the residence following the description given by the victim’s good neighbour. He said that on hearing the sound of the siren of the police security vehicles, the hoodlums took to their heels, throwing away all their arms and escaped arrest. Daaor said that his men, however, recovered all the weapons, while investigation had

commenced in order to apprehend the criminals. He advised residents of the area to emulate Michael’s neighbour, whose name he declined to disclose for security reasons, by calling police emergency numbers in the event of any attack. He gave the emergency numbers as: 08094089940; 08091573655; 08028933129 and 08091573788.

Voters being registered at orolodo unit of Omu-Aran ward 2 in Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA of Kwara recently.

Association Wants Akunyili Immortalised

ABUJA- The Nigerian Association of Patent and Propriety Medicine Dealers Association (NAPPMED) has urged the Federal Government to immortalise Prof. Dora Akunyili, former Director-General of NAFDAC. Mr Vincent Mammah, the National President of the association, made the call in Abuja in an interview with newsmen. Mammah suggested that it would be befitting to name the NAFDAC headquarters after

Akunyili in view of her outstanding contribution in the country’s war against fake and counterfeit drugs. “Prof Dora Akunyili, the former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) and Information Minister, was a global amazon who waged a successful war against fake drugs in Nigeria.

“She was a rare gem who fought the drug war with an unprecedented passion and patriotism, even at the risk of her own life. “Mrs Akunyili, in the process, saved the lives of many innocent Nigerians who would have died of fake and counterfeit drugs and so it would be befitting to name NAFDAC headquarters after her,’’ he said.

According to Mammah, Nigerians and, particularly, patent medicine vendors, would greatly miss the ex-NAFDAC boss who brought sanity into their businesses and inspired public confidence in the nation’s drug industry. “Prior to Akunyili’s appointment as NAFDAC D-G, the agency seemed to be nonexistent, NAPPMED members did not know how genuine the drugs they were buying and selling from drug manufacturing companies.

ABUJA- The Controller, Federal Fire Service, Mr Oketa Emmanuel, says it will launch a national fire data centre to enable it have a standard record of fire outbreaks in Nigeria. Emmanuel told newsmen in Abuja, that the data centre would enable the service meet and comply with international best practices. According to him, the documentation process for the centre began in 2012 and it contains only records of fire outbreak from the year 2000. “The process of accumulating the nationwide data of the service began since but it has not been an easy process. “We have sent forms with a format to all the state fire services to fill in information based on records they have kept since 2000 and based on this we have been able to gather a lot of information to go into the data base. “The documentation is an ongoing process and it is being concluded, the only data remaining is that of 2013. “We have sent reports to state services to send the data but only about 11 out of the 36 states have responded,’’ he said. The fire controller said the centre would be located at the headquarters of the service, Abuja and a portal had been developed to accommodate the information. Emmanuel highlighted the importance of maintaining a valid data centre in the country, saying that it would support “national development’’. He said a national data centre would accord the service recognition in Geneva-based World Fire Statistics Centre. According to him, the service had identified three main causes of fire disasters in the country, including carelessness, accident and bomb blast or arson. “Most fire disasters are manmade; some are caused by accidents and thunderstorm while others are caused by explosion or bomb blast which is mostly intentional.’’ He pledged that the agency would continue to educate the public on the importance of knowing the provisions of the fire safety code. He warned that the service would soon commence strict enforcement of the provisions of the code, including sealingoff public buildings without safety designs like emergency exits.

Abuja

Stakeholders Hail Suspension Of Doctors Strike

ABUJA-Stakeholders in the health sector have welcomed the decision by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to suspend its nearly two-month-

old strike on Sunday. Dr Idris Omede, Kogi Commissioner for Health, told newsmen on telephone in Abuja that the Federal

government should resolve all outstanding issues in the sector. “We thank God that the strike has been suspended, it is an issue that took sometime but

with the intervention of prominent Nigerians it has been

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo (left), Presenting a National Productivity Award to the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, at the National Productivity Day in Abuja recently, with them is the Minister of Labour and productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu.

Ebola:

resolved. “It is appropriate that they were able to suspend the strike at the moment of national emergency. “We hope that government will resolve some of the contending issues that have not been addressed,’’ Omede said. Also, Dr Patrick Dakum, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, lauded the Federal Government and the NMA officials for reaching an “agreement’’ to suspend the strike. Dakum asked the Federal Government to urgently set up a comprehensive plan to address the issues that led to the strike. On his part, Prof. Gamaniel Karniyus, Director-General, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, said the suspension of the strike was a “good development for the country and the medical

Rotary Organises Sensitisation Workshop

ABUJA- The Rotary Club of Gwarimpa, Abuja, has organised a sensitization workshop on Ebola Virus Disease and free antenatal clinic for pregnant women at the Gwarimpa Primary School. The workshop and clinic was attended by an impressive number of pregnant women and nursing mothers who lived around the Gwarimpa community. The Chartered President of the club, Mrs Ama Umoren, said the aim of the programme was to bring medical services to the door step of indigent people within the community. “We decided to take the medical services to the indigent poor in the Gwarimpa community because we discovered that a lot of them do not go to the hospital when they are ill. “In as much as they have of different sicknesses and even the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus they still do not go to the hospital for treatment. “Some of them do not go to hospital because of fear of what the hospitals will find out from their system and some because of finances. “But with this clinic at their door step we are sure they will get medical attention,’ she said. Dr Ejike Oji, the Chairman, Guild of Medical Directors, Abuja Chapter, commended the organisation on their efforts to sensitise their community, adding that no amount of sensitisation was enough. “It is a very good programme and I am one of the people who feel that the most important thing we can do in our country right now is to put in a lot of preventive measures in terms of healthcare. “Screening to make sure that

people know the status of their health and get a lot of health information is important. “With these various test for the pregnant women, if there are things that might kill her during parturition, they should be able to be picked up now.’’ On Ebola virus, he said: “As a member of the technical team in FCT against the Ebola virus, we are trying to develop a system which every clinic must have so that they will know how to treat patients suspected to have Ebola. “You cannot sensitise the people enough on the issue of Ebola and the only cure for now is the information and the preventive exercises. “We must make sure people know that the greatest thing to do is to increase the level of personal hygiene and that hospitals should increase their level of infectious control measures,’’ Oji said. A participant, Mrs Mercy Ige thanked the club for organising the clinic and for the materials they offered to the pregnant women. Ige also urged other organisations to emulate the gesture. “I had about this programme yesterday when it was announced at the Gwarimpa village and I decided to come and see for myself what they had to offer. “I am happy with what I saw and impressed for the opportunity they are giving to the poor in our community, and I enjoined other organisations to do same in order to help the people. “It is not everybody that can afford to go to the hospital and if you go to the hospitals most times they usually waste your time with their various

procedures. “This check was done in less than no time, I now know my health status and I was provided with malaria drugs, mosquito net and birthing kit,’’ Ige said.

Another participant, Mrs Rebecca Jude, who is a petty trader, also expressed pleasure at the opportunity to know her status at no cost without going

ABUJA- The military has debunked the claim of the leader of the insurgent group, Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau that it had formed a Caliphate in a northeast town seized by the earlier this

month In a statement on its website, the military said the claim was false. “The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nigerian state is still intact.

to the hospital and the talk on Ebola Other beneficiaries also commended the club, urging the government and other stakeholders to give maximum support to organisations like Rotary who tries to meet the needs of the poor.

profession’’. Karniyus said it was unfortunate that labour and professional organisations now resorted to strike instead of dialogue to resolve industrial disputes. “I am so happy that they have suspended the strike; I hope that dialogue will now be used as the best strategy. “We should always resort to dialogue for the sake of the country,’’ he said. NMA suspended the strike by doctors working in public health institutions because of the Ebola threat. The doctors were expected to return to their posts yesterday. NMA President Kayode Obembe said the doctors had decided to suspend the 55-dayold strike in the public interest. According to Obembe, the NMA has reached a deal with the government to reinstate the sacked doctors. The doctors were demanding better salaries and working conditions. The current Ebola outbreak has killed five people in Nigeria out of 14 confirmed cases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the death toll across West Africa had risen to 1,427, with a total of 2,615 suspected or confirmed cases in the region.

DHQ Debunks Formation Of Caliphate In N/Eastern Nigeria “Any group of terrorists laying claim to any portion of the country will not be allowed to get away with the expression of delusion and crime,’’ it said. It added that appropriate

military operations to secure that area from the activities of the bandits was still ongoing. The group had claimed in a new video that Gwoza in Borno had been placed under an Islamic Caliphate.

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo (left), Presenting a National Productivity Award to the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji, at the National Productivity Day in Abuja recently with them is the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu.

Issues

The Adams Oshiomhole You Don’t Know, By Daughter Winnie By EBOMHIANA MUSA

FOR most locals in his native Iyamoh village, a Saturday offers an opportunity to take a break from their agrarian occupation and enjoy the thrills weekend brings. But for the visiting Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, days are the same, insofar there is still work to be done to “take Edo to the next level”. So, penultimate Saturday (August 16), the visiting homeboy was in his usual elements. Even though he was supposed to be “home for the weekend”, the Edo governor chose instead to go out and inspect a number of ongoing projects in the Edo North axis. After sweating it out all day on the field, the “People’s Governor” later returned home for a shower and a deserved rest. But if he ever thought sunset would, as usual, be spent quietly in the midst of close family members and associates in the garden amid folksy jokes, how mistaken he was. For no sooner had the otherwise sharp-witted Edo governor stepped into the patio in the garden in a stripped T-Shirt and trousers than he came to appreciate the length of the web of “conspiracy” cleverly woven around him in the past few days, masterminded by no other than his visiting first daughter (Winnie), aided and abetted by his CSO (Chief Security Officer), Yussuf Haruna and Chief Tony Ezekiel. Waiting out there to receive the man popularly called “Oshio Baba” tonight was not the regular members of the “inner circle”, but a motley crowd of members of the extended family, childhood friends, political associates and a few others the “conspiratorial gang” thought mean a lot to the governor. Obviously taken aback by the sheer size of the gathering, the Comrade Governor exclaimed, “Oh my God!,” his mouth wide open in bewilderment. Without addressing anyone in particular, he continued: “You guys have really made a big fool of me. Can someone tell me what’s going on and who is behind all this?” Instinctively, the crowd burst into a good-natured laughter at the Comrade Governor’s expense. Lo and behold, forward stepped petite-framed Winnie: “Daddy, I’m glad we got you flat-footed for once. It is meant to be a surprise party in your honour for being a great dad. My siblings and I agreed on this. I’m sure if I had consulted you before hand you would not have approved of it or at best, you would have found an excuse to escape from Edo State today.” On hand to assist Winnie in the execution of the “coup” was her younger sister, Jane. To avoid the secret leaking, Winnie and other conspirators had opted to send the invite to the occasion discreetly. Those invited were tipped off barely 24 hours to the event and told to keep it secret for obvious reason. The short notice notwithstanding, the roll-call tonight at Iyamoh was very impressive. From serving commissioners in Edo State to the Chairman of the State Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah, to Nogie

Meggison (who represented the “Lagos gang”). From Mr. Mujahideen Dako, the governor’s childhood friend, to Elder Nureen Etameso (a Pharmacist), who spoke on behalf on the extended Oshiomhole clan. Indeed, it turned out a remarkable evening of sweet speeches and outpouring of emotions spiced with choice wine and the best of African cuisine. The select guests took turn to eulogize the comrade for his exemplary sacrifice, giving the children the best in

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

terms of education and instilling in them good values. Today, they are the pride of the family and the society. In her welcome address, 33-year-old Winnie (Mrs. Owumi) said it all: “Daddy, this is just a token to appreciate all you have done for us your children. Right from our childhood, you taught us to always remember the daughter and son of who we are. Your total commitment to labour activism over the years meant you were never at home all the time. But the moments you spent with us were always fantastic. You taught us to believe in ourselves, to believe what will last is that which we labour for, not what we inherited.” And then Winnie’s shocker: “Dad, I recall that despite being your favourite child when I was growing up, you still beat me with cane whenever I did anything naughty. Whatever I am today or whatever modest academic achievement I claim today, I owe it to the solid home

“Daddy, I’m glad we got you flat-footed for once. It is meant to be a surprise party in your honour for being a great dad. My siblings and I agreed on this. I’m sure if I had consulted you before hand you would not have approved of it or at best, you would have found an excuse to escape from Edo State today.”

training you and our late mom gave us.” Indeed, the riveting story of “Governor Oshiomhole, the good father” could in a way also be taken as a report on “Winnie, the unusual prodigy”. From childhood, Winnie had always showed uncommon brilliance. Even though she came tops in the entrance examination to the Air Force Girls Secondary School, Jos in 1992, she was denied admission because of “quota system”. The four slots allocated to “educationally advantaged” Edo State were ceded to the scions of the high and the mighty in Edo State then. She ended up attending Army Children School in Kaduna. When she finally wrote her WAEC exams six years later, she made distinctions in all subjects as well. She later gained admission to University of Ibadan to study medicine. She only spent one academic session there before transferring to Lewis University, United States where she graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. According to the school website, Winnie was a star student who won multiple awards for her prodigious brains. These include Illinois Lincoln Laureate Award, the Father Aquinas Award, the President’s Award for Student Volunteerism, the Scholar’s Academy Athena Award for Excellence in Student Writing and a Biology Department Award. Recalling her graduation day at Lewis University, the proud dad said: “When Winnie’s name was announced as overall best graduating student, I really felt like a giant even though I have a small frame.” Her exceptional academic performance earned a place at the prestigious Stanford University, United States where she later bagged a Doctor of Medicine degree in June 2006. Thereafter, she undertook general surgery residency, after which she decided to specialize in Urology with a fellowship/sub-specialization in Paediatric Urology. Tonight, amid the chirping of birds on the trees surrounding the garden and gurgling of a nearby stream, speaker after speaker poured encomiums on Winnie for making the family and indeed Nigeria proud in faraway USA. The climax was when the Comrade Governor himself took the floor to give a testimony. With thick-drawn breath of emotion, he said his only regret was that his wife and mother of Winnie was not alive to witness an occasion like this. A minute silence was earlier observed in her honour. He continued: “Winnie has always made me proud right from her childhood. I am proud of her accomplishment in her chosen career. For me, what Winnie has also demonstrated is that you don’t favour or disfavour a child based on sex. As parents, we should all endeavor to give the girl child the same treatment we give the male child.” He described her as exceptionally forthright and humble: “Even today, she doesn’t go about throwing her weight around as a governor’s daughter unlike what the average lady in her shoes would do. “In fact, tonight I feel really guilty that Winnie has to throw a party for me when it should have been me throwing a party to celebrate her academic accomplishments. But like they say, better be late than never. Tonight, I want to assure Winnie and her coconspirators that I shall retaliate by staging my own party in her honour for the pride she has brought the Oshiomhole family.” Indeed, it was a celebration of family values.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (25/08/2014) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

NAHCO

708,172

7UP

126.78

93,385

12,452,412.00

NASCON

9.9

9.77

-0.13

1,758,919

3,541,498.58 17,000,868.88

ABBEYBDS

1.3

800

1,040.00

175.54

172.51

-3.03

487,260

83,922,466.83

ABCTRANS

0.7

0.69

-0.01

1,628,445

1,136,677.05

NCR

13.2

13.5

0.3

330,611

4,457,788.10

ACADEMY

1.55

5,120

7,677.60

NEIMETH

1.2

307,102

371,173.42

ACCESS

9.7

9.74

0.04

7,015,892

67,713,709.52

NEM

0.81

3,316,355

2,710,622.05

AFRINSURE

0.5

1,500

750

NESTLE

1079.99

26,378

27,725,027.20

2004

2006

26,078.00

AFRIPRUD

3.24

3.25

0.01

475,459

1,548,546.30

NEWGOLD

AFROMEDIA

0.5

1,100

550

NIGERINS

0.5

143,780

71,890.00

AFRPAINTS

2.72

3,000

7,770.00

NNFM

28,600

575,720.00

AGLEVENT

1.4

21,575

30,160.50

NPFMCRFBK

1.05

1,591,348

1,671,391.45

AIICO

0.8

1,289,921

1,040,266.34

NSE30

1885.26

1874.62

-10.64

80,289,619

1,183,179,077.00

AIRSERVICE

2.16

16,786

36,278.68

NSE50

2043.16

2032.85

-10.31

115,103,784

1,422,036,622.00

ALUMACO

7.75

110.55

NSEASEM

951.96

1,200

1,608.00

ASHAKACEM

33.14

-0.86

585,434

19,432,096.79

NSEASI

41564.21

41339.5

-224.71

156,691,419

1,491,536,266.00

AUSTINLAZ

200

418

NSEBNK

419.45

418.28

-1.17

34,532,231

408,580,878.50

AVONCROWN

1.75

300

549

NSECNSMRGDS

1030.2

1023.83

-6.37

5,376,378

183,946,432.90

BECOPETRO

0.5

600

300

NSEINDUSTR

2720.52

2701.12

-19.4

6,022,946

61,546,361.91

BERGER

9.2

-0.2

115,102

1,061,613.00

NSEINS

144.18

145.65

1.47

32,084,097

57,007,950.80

BETAGLAS

17.11

333

5,980.68

NSELOTUSISLM

2764.01

2755.15

-8.86

3,778,846

138,591,467.00

BOCGAS

5.76

100

548

NSEOILGAS

478.34

476.48

-1.86

8,154,288

356,147,761.00

0.5

100

50 164,280,269.30

CADBURY

66.7

52,888

3,351,512.56

NSLTECH

CAP

39.05

82,471

3,258,192.67

OANDO

26.45

-0.45

6,295,287

CAVERTON

5.6

5.32

-0.28

219,995

1,180,289.40

OKOMUOIL

36.47

139,877

4,856,464.13

CCNN

14.61

14.65

0.04

248,757

3,641,700.30

PAINTCOM

1.6

3,955,000

6,310,250.00

CHAMPION

8.31

150,000

1,185,000.00

PHARMDEKO

2.38

1,900

4,560.00

CHAMS

0.5

1,600

800

PORTPAINT

5.01

-0.01

820,500

4,150,960.30

CILEASING

0.5

4,102,600

2,051,300.00

PREMBREW

1.58

1.65

0.07

50,500

83,325.00

CONOIL

68.45

0.55

320,094

22,039,732.50

PREMPAINTS

10.93

519.5

CONTINSURE

0.98

756,712

747,236.29

PRESCO

36.3

194,499

7,016,726.98

CORNERST

0.59

0.57

-0.02

3,609,600

2,080,769.00

PRESTIGE

0.5

1,000

500

COSTAIN

1.13

1.18

0.05

223,878

251,613.24

63,421

2,217,455.51

COURTVILLE

0.57

2,040,000

1,162,000.00

REDSTAREX

4.6

4.8

0.2

374,103

1,778,172.40

CUSTODYINS

3.86

187,551

723,869.06

REGALINS

0.5

1,000

500

104,613.10

RESORTSAL

0.5

2,000,000

1,000,000.00 83,511.50

CUTIX

1.9

56,810

CWG

2,400

11,736.35

ROYALEX

0.61

136,850

DAARCOMM

0.5

2.5

RTBRISCOE

0.86

0.9

0.04

443,397

389,539.44

DANGCEM

229.97

228

-1.97

44,765

10,179,854.27

SCOA

4.91

150

700.5

DANGFLOUR

7.5

203,828

1,510,674.00

SEPLAT

680

10,105

6,823,710.00

DANGSUGAR

8.7

8.85

0.15

968,920

8,485,059.96

SKYEBANK

2.9

2.97

0.07

971,319

2,872,097.57

DIAMONDBNK

6.2

5,832,972

36,142,257.77

SOVRENINS

0.5

1,600,000

800,000.00

DUNLOP

0.5

750

375

STACO

0.5

56,550

28,275.00

ENAMELWA

32.27

1,533.00

STANBIC

605,838

18,152,745.19

EQUITYASUR

0.5

155,000

77,500.00

STDINSURE

0.5

5,000

2,500.00

ETERNA

3.81

3.75

-0.06

467,892

1,791,146.90

STERLNBANK

2.28

2.3

0.02

5,132,411

11,757,734.45

ETI

16.5

16.55

0.05

689,056

11,428,308.83

STUDPRESS

2.4

100

228

1,050,241.50

TANTALIZER

0.5

2,000

1,000.00

145,164,664.20

TOTAL

181.02

182

0.98

108,063

19,672,174.30

EVANSMED FBNH

2 14.61

1.93 14.43

-0.07 -0.18

0 0

540,800 10,069,978

FCMB

4.3

4.33

0.03

2,544,962

10,795,158.34

TRANSCORP

5.72

5.7

-0.02

28,940,910

164,033,102.00

FIDELITYBK

1.96

0.04

1,381,550

2,753,431.90

UAC-PROP

16.2

280,815

4,411,727.96

FIDSON

3.33

1,902,500

6,255,394.00

UACN

57.05

1.95

255,017

14,974,000.65

FLOURMILL

68.11

81,894

5,315,635.82

UBA

7.25

7.23

-0.02

4,738,054

34,288,476.48

231.2

232.11

0.91

245,968

57,129,216.17

UBCAP

2.17

1,555,453

3,381,687.70

GCAPPA

14.46

137.4

UBN

8.17

110,246

903,688.53

GLAXOSMITH

65.99

48,600

3,110,110.00

UNILEVER

131,876

6,392,488.61

GUARANTY

28.53

28.5

-0.03

7,137,826

203,626,479.30

UNIONDICON

14.11

670.5

GUINNESS

190

32,709

6,143,352.76

UNITYBNK

0.5

1,114,619

557,309.50

HONYFLOUR

4.11

4.1

-0.01

1,125,376

4,621,571.62

UNITYKAP

0.5

200

100

IKEJAHOTEL

0.78

0.8

0.02

742,380

593,508.80

UPDCREIT

8.7

20,000

174,000.00

INTBREW

125,006

3,316,671.22

UPL

4.16

4.1

-0.06

678,482

2,812,684.74

18.89

18.74

-0.15

755.6

4.15

74,518

306,235.95

INTENEGINS

0.5

477,233

238,616.50

VETGRIF30

INTERLINK

4.9

233

VITAFOAM

JAPAULOIL

0.53

0.51

-0.02

2,733,097

1,400,883.57

WAPCO

118.31

118

-0.31

113,774

13,401,100.80

JBERGER

32,170

2,033,867.60

WAPIC

0.74

0.77

0.03

927,229

712,733.43

JOSBREW

2.46

3,500

8,190.00

WEMABANK

0.98

1,269,319

1,208,764.67

LASACO

0.5

1,100

550

ZENITHBANK

24.7

24.3

-0.4

1,522,905

37,094,694.11

LAWUNION

0.5

60,200

30,100.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.6

1.52

-0.08

540,450

821,899.00

LINKASSURE

0.5

2,000

1,000.00

LIVESTOCK

3.21

3.15

-0.06

593,856

1,887,202.18

Stock

MANSARD

2.5

2.61

0.11

19,290,000

48,232,507.70

MAYBAKER

1.58

253,697

396,645.04

MBENEFIT

0.54

932,650

503,000.99

MOBIL

175

174

-1

426,631

74,526,424.43

MORISON

1.91

200

364

MRS

58.49

58.9

0.41

290,353

16,708,797.45

NEWGOLD UACN NSEINS TOTAL FO CONOIL MRS NCR REDSTAREX DANGSUGAR

TOP 10 GAINERS Close 2006 59 145.65 182 232.11 69 58.9 13.5 4.8 8.85

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

Loss

2 1.95 1.47 0.98 0.91 0.55 0.41 0.3 0.2 0.15

NSEASI 224.71 NSEINDUSTR NSE30 10.64 NSE50 10.31 NSELOTUSISLM NSECNSMRGDS NB DANGCEM

41339.5

2701.12 1874.62

-19.4 -

2032.85

2755.15 1023.83 172.51 228

-8.86 -6.37 -3.03 -1.97

THE House of Representatives recently organised a public hearing to gather opinions on Foreign Donations Bill currently before the lawmakers. The bill titled “An Act to Regulate the Acceptance and Utilisation of Finance/Material Contributions of Donor Agencies to Voluntary Organisations and for matters related connected therewith” has generated so much furor in development circles. THE bill states that no voluntary organisation is allowed to accept funds from international donors without the permission of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. By this regulation, the ICPC would be mandated to approve funds for Civil Society Organisations, and individuals who receive international funding for different programmes. WE strongly oppose the Bill for a number of reasons: The Bill proposed by Hon. Eddie Mbadiwe, appears to be a duplication of duties assigned to the Special Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML. MBADIWE, at the committee meeting held on July 3, said he sponsored the bill with the intention to promote and defend civil society organisations. This of course, is a lie because, Civil Society do not need government’s bureaucracy for its defense. Instead, the bill if allowed to sail through will stifle Civil Society Organisations, block many from accessing international support and weaken their activities which includes amplifying the voices of the poor and vulnerable groups in the society. MBADIWE also said there was consistent abuse of contribution made by the international community and the bill would help control inflow of money into Nigeria. He also noted that funds meant for CSOs have ended in the hands of terrorists. This

THE NIGERIAN

Halt Foreign Donations Bill

is a blatant lie because whereas Civil Society Organisations have been receiving funds from international agencies for over one hundred years of Nigeria’s amalgamation history, terrorism became an issue and manifestly so in the past two-three years of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration; that is why most observers believe that a section of the north who do not want him as president are the brains behind Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria. ALL over the world, it is said that government alone cannot finance development and meet the various challenges facing all citizens that informs the entry point of other development partners such as Civil Society to fill such gaps as the private sector is usually preoccupied with profit maximization. IT is a truism that hundreds of local CSOs and voluntary organisations receive donor funding from international partners to pursue developmental projects across Nigeria yearly, Mbadiwe, a consultant Biochemist/ Industrialist, and an inexperienced first-term member of the House of Representatives representing ldeato North/South constituency of Imo State do not have clear understanding of the working of Civil Society now accepted by the United Nations and Governments all over the world as key partners in development. IT is important to emphasise that funds of CSOs are usually channeled towards sustainable development, public office holder

accountability, good governance, I improvement of access to quality healthcare services, polio eradication and HIV/AIDS care and control in Nigeria among others. If the proposed bill is made law, such funding henceforth would only materialise if the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, approves it, a task which SCIJML is already assigned to do. THERE are laws already governing the utilisation of money used by civil society organisations and it is the duty of government to enforce these laws. There are extant laws, which regulate civil society organisations, making it possible for these organisations to be held accountable for the utilisation of their funds. In addition to these laws, are policies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, policy that makes it mandatory for all NGOs to comply with its SCUML rules. IN as much as we are against terrorism, we do not support the destruction of democratic structures in the guise of combating terrorism as being canvassed by the Bill. IT is our considered view that Civil Society Organisations cannot be made to suffer, under the pretence of enacting a new law to tackle terrorism. The strength of Civil Society Organisations is based on the fact that they were independent of the government, given the peculiarity of government in Nigeria, the proposed bill latently seeks to muzzle this independence and now make them government dependent organisations. THE bill poses a threat to the freedom of civil society organisations. It is a covert threat to their right to free speech, and by extension, a threat to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. It is against these facts that we urge members of the National Assembly to throw away the Bill and cosign it to the wastebasket where it actually belongs.

Issues About This Thing Called Cutting Edge

THIS excursion, periscopes the manner the one-sided relationship between the Nigerian ruling elites and the people have evolved over the years and why the rules of engagement between these two mutually antagonistic forces have not changed with the passage of time; an interrogation of the origin, character and workings of the present post-colonial order, and how its operation bears a striking resemblance with its predecessor - the defunct colonial regime; an examination of the way things have always been with this country, the way Nigerians have allowed things to be, and how some people would prefer they remain. The Tom and Jerry relationship between the Nigerian people and the ruling political elites go back to the origins of the Nigerian state, but 1960 was a real watershed, so I’ll proceed from there. The old order had just ended and a new one was beginning. The Nigeria that emerged out of the dark clouds of colonial rule was stupendously rich. While some of the other countries that attained independent status with us during the same period had been devastated by the violence that accompanied their independence struggles, our country was largely unscathed. We did not go the way of countries like Guinea Bissau, Algeria et al, who fought very bitter, destructive wars to gain their freedom - ours was a peaceful, diplomatic transition that was devoid of all the rancor and violence associated with other countries’ march to independence. (Maybe that is why we are so passive in the face of persecution.) We had seemingly inexhaustible agricultural and mineral wealth, an educated crop of professionals and an industrious population rearing to spearhead revolutions at all sectors of national life. All that was required was capable leadership at the various levels of government to arrowhead and jumpstart the process of national development; a dedicated group of patriots committed to the realization of the “New Nigerian Dream”. All was set for this much anticipated transition, when some unforeseen challenges reared their heads: the emergence of Jackasses in the newly independent state bent on sabotaging the success of this young, promising project; scavengers who had the penchant of feeding-off the hard work of others; gatecrashers who came to the party uninvited. These people were aware of the enormous wealth the newly independent country possessed and the power she would wield in the committee of nations during the coming years. Thus, during and after the years following the independence struggles, these individuals shrewdly schemed on how to shape the young state to favour them and their acolytes politically and economically. They were committed to restoring the traditional structure of dominion and appropriation. In the same fashion as the savage events of 1884-1885, when the then competing colonial powers

of Europe met in the German city of Berlin and formally partitioned mother Africa among themselves, the new heirs of Nigeria partitioned her in exactly the same manner as their white forebears. Our purported independence was intended for just a few of “us” from the onset; that is the practical truth. Now, a lot of raucous noise have been made about how our political independence in 1960 supposedly freed us totally from colonial servitude; of how Nigerians finally won their liberty from a foreign power that had held them captive for several decades, and how the newly won independence ushered us into a new era of hope and prosperity. But this was not totally the case from a practical point of view. What actually happened was that the emerging set of recalcitrant elites, who inherited the administrative structures of the new state from our former masters turned out to be an unruly clan of self-seeking “royal majesties”, who were not ready to share power with the people. The likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Anthony Enahoro et al of blessed memory, who spearheaded the independence struggle proper, and could be said to be exceptions to the rule (?), try as hard as they did, could not contend with these new currents of power - the Tsunamis of the times - which ultimately consumed some of them. That was why the few of these founding fathers who survived the Hurricanes of the sixties (60’s), failed in their later bids to captain the vessel of the Nigerian state before finally transcending this evil plane. The exit from politics of the only true statesmen this country ever had - the truest champions of the nation’s course, defenders of her values and bearers of her dreams, hopes and aspirations – opened Nigerians up to witcheries of the new ruling class; made them susceptible to the antics of destiny diverters who didn’t believe in the dreams of others and seldom had any themselves. They saw the founding fathers as old school; as men whose ideas had become bland, outdated, and needed replacing. What happened in the postindependence years was that the emerging ruling class simply retained the traditional order of exercising power without authority in order to ease the exploitation of the people and their resources to satiate their vanities. The colonial order was retained in all its defining characteristics, except in personnel. Nigeria simply transited from one form of colonialism to another; a slave colony as far as its new operators was concerned, judging from how it has been administered since then. The new political class metamorphosed into the ruling nobility, while the larger population retained its vassal status. Nigeria went through the empty motions of

Nigeria (1)

With Obuseh Jude

independence, but remained even more dependent on another crop of rogues: Native Slavers, who maintained - sustained is more appropriate - the enterprise system established by the departing British. It is interesting to note that while the British colonial system could be said to be inordinately driven by racism, greed and criminality, the succeeding post-colonial regime has perfected this sadistic order and taken it to admirable heights. Thus, from where the old brigade stopped, the new managers of Nigeria picked up the gauntlet and ensured that she remained a two-tiered society, consisting of the excessively rich and miserably poor; a society that is stratified on the basis of how rich you are, how much financial stake you have in government, and how much money you can contribute to the appointment and remuneration of the directors of the enterprise

word. The emergence of oil and the interests derived from its exploitation, coupled with its assumption as the mainstay of the Nigerian economy in the later post-independence years worsened issues, as the elite forces further burrowed their sticky fangs into the economy. To control this highly priced resource, the oil producing areas and other raw materials-bearing parts of Nigeria were turned into something in the mould of Noam Chomsky’s (1993: 11) “Grand Area”, which was to be subordinated to the requirements

– political office holders. Forget all the cheap talk about a middle class having ever existed in this country. It is sheer propaganda fabricated and marketed to the ever-impressionable public to shield the merciless class war that has raged between the superrich and the miserably poor since the commencement of the “New Nigerian Venture” in 1960. We have a political order that operates with an enterprise philosophy: profit-making at all costs. I am not talking about a core capitalist system based on the principles of open, free market competition, as obtains in other civilized climes, but a pre-industrial, superficial commercial system that poorly apes the original models; a system in which free enterprise is a supposition; an arrangement in which operators having no financial, material, moral, legal (even spiritual), nor any base whatsoever, take over the running of the machinery of government in order to guarantee the steady flow of the commonwealth into their private treasure chests; “Counterfeit Capitalists” in every sense of the

of the Nigerian economy. This Grand Area eventually came to be dominated by the oilproducing communities in what is today’s Niger Delta region; a region that has suffered incalculably from the destructive cum disruptive exploitative exploration activities of the giant oil multi-nationals backed by the double-crossing interests of the reckless drivers of the Nigerian state. The Niger Delta was to fulfill its service functions as a primary source of income for the ruling impostors, who were allowed to exploit it for their mutual benefit. This has inadvertently resulted in cutthroat competition among the elite forces for the control of this single - supreme - resource. Politics and business go hand in hand in Nigeria as members of the political class are simply oil merchants pretending to be statesmen. It is a conspiratorial order, for where there is big money, there are conspiracies. Every informed Nigerian is well aware of the various oil-related conflicts in the Niger Delta, which emanated from the cutthroat struggle for the

GSM: 08033510173 ownership and control of this black gold by Nigeria’s oil barons. Facts of these struggles are well documented in other studies - Just do your research. During an online chat with an American friend of mine sometime ago, Nigeria’s lack of an industrial base was cited by him as one of the major reasons for the country’s stunted development. But I pointed out to him that Nigeria lacks an industrial base because its ruling elites are not interested in industrialization; that they are simply content with the system as it is because it profits them handsomely. That is why the dreams of an industrial revolution has remained an elusive dream in this country, despite possessing all the resources that are required for any serious country to become an industrial giant. That is why the large army of unemployed youths traversing the length and breadth of this country continue to increase astronomically by the day, for where there are no industries jobs cannot germinate on trees. That is why I laugh whenever successive governments make grandiose plans to “tackle” or “eradicate” unemployment, when the country lacks the requisite industrial base to generate jobs in the first place. According to Comrade Peter Esele (2011:7), of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUCN), in a paper presented at the 7th Convocation Lecture of the Benson Idahosa University, titled “Economic Development: Industrializing For Employment – The Way Out”, “the unemployment rate in Nigeria as at then - is among the highest in the world, standing officially around 22.5 %, and when segmented stands around 70% for the youths and about 40% for the women. What this means is that over 30 million youths, 10 million women and more than 10 million of other segments are presently roaming our streets without jobs and other means of livelihood. When you add all the people involved in casual jobs, a sorry picture of about seventy (70) million unemployed Nigerians immediately jumps at you” (emphasis added). The National Bureau of Statistics (Sports Day, Wednesday 16 November, 2011: 15) in its own report puts the 2011 unemployment figures in Nigeria at 23.9 percent, up from 21 percent in 2010 and 19.7 percent in 2009. In the face of these frightening statistics, Nigerian leaders keep prattling about tackling and eradicating unemployment. But until the process of engendering the enabling industrial environment

that will absolve the large pool of jobless Nigerians currently lazing around with nothing productive to do is activated, Nigerian leaders must stop yammering about job creation because they presently lack the capacity to match their words with commensurate action. That’s the plain truth. But come to think of it, why would Nigerian politicians bother themselves setting up industries when they have a mega industry - the Nigerian state - to continually milk from with little or no inputs from them? It is like a man longing to set up a business - despite knowing nothing about it coupled with the fact that he has no capital, only for somebody to throw him a lifeline by providing the requisite capital and all other requirements for that business to start up, together with a profitable sharing agreement that favours him beyond his wildest dreams. Of course he will jump at the offer, but will ultimately ruin the business because, firstly, it does not belong to him and, secondly, he knows next to nothing about running it. That is why the governance of this country has been in the hands of people who have failed in their private lives and see politics as the last resort; yokels who should be living in their natural abodes: the country sides; yetis who have trudged down from their mountain habitats to rub shoulders with human beings; graspers from lowly backgrounds with several talents for mischief. From failed doctors (orthodox and traditional), failed architects, failed pastors, failed imams, failed bankers, failed lawyers, failed businessmen, failed armed robbers, failed 419ers, failed lecturers, failed occultists, failed husbands, failed wives, failed drug barons, failed prostitutes, failed parents, failed traditional rulers, failed farmers, to countless other failures too numerous to mention, Nigeria is an entity dominated by nonentities; a system of mediocrity where excellence has since taken a backseat; a failing country run by shameless demagogues who refuse to live the stage until they are disgraced off it; a pride of proud, pompous, gluttonous, wild beasts; a colony of peripatetic rascals and worthless jackals. That is why Nigeria still operates a stone-age political system in modern times. That is why despite being extremely rich in choice resources, Nigeria has remained largely underdeveloped. No wonder there is a general systems failure at virtually all facets of national life. (TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK)

Nutritional Health And Dietetics

With

O.C. How To Know You Have Kidney Problems Madu MOST people are not aware of the fact that kidney diseases can be silent killers. They may not show any symptoms for a long time, till the situation becomes critical. Even young people are now prone to it. It is important to recognize the symptoms of kidney disease to catch them early. There are many reasons for kidney diseases. The most

fever and pain in your back. Blood in the urine. This is a symptom of kidney disease which is a definite cause for concern. There may be other reasons, but, it is advisable to visit your doctor in case you notice it. Swelling: Kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from the body. When they are unable to do so, this extra

may even feel cold even when the weather is warm, due to anemia, pyelone phritis kidney infection may cause fever with chills metallic taste and Ammonia breath: Kidney failure increases level of urea in the blood (uraemia). These urea are broken down to ammonia in saliva causing urine-like bad breath called ammonia breath: It is also,

spreads from lower back into the groin if there is kidney stone in the ureter. Pain may also be related to polycystic kidney disease and inherited kidney disorder, which causes many fluid- filled cysta is the kidney, interstitial cystitis, a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall, causes chronic pain and discomfort. It is important to discover kidney problems early

common causes are Diabetes and hypertension, even an unhealthy lifestyle with a high calorie diet. Certain medicines, lots of soft drinks and sugar consumption can also cause kidney damage, experts say (Martins, 2000). How Do You know you Are suffering From Kidney Problems? Change in your urinary function. The first symptoms of kidney disease are changes in the amount and frequency of urination. There may be an increase or decrease in the amount and/or its frequency especially, at night. It may also look more dark coloured. You may feel the urge to urinate, but unable to do so when you get to the restroom. Difficulty or pain during voiding. Sometimes, you have difficulty or feel pressure or pain while vomiting. Urinary tract infections may cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination. When these infections spread to the kidneys, they may cause

fluid will build up causing swelling in your hands, feet, ankles and/ or your face. Extremely fatigue and generalized weakness. Your kidneys produce hormone called erythropoietin which helps make red blood cells that carry oxygen in kidney disease, lower level of erythropoietin causes decreased red blood cells in your body, resulting in anaema. There is decreased oxygen delivery to cells causing generalized weakness and extreme fatigue(Joe, 1999). Dizziness and Inability to concentrate. Anaemia associated with kidney disease also, depletes your brain of oxygen which may cause dizziness trouble with concentration and so on. Skin rashes and itching: kidney failure causes waste to accumulate in your blood. This can cause severe itching and skin rashes. Feeling cold all the time. If you have kidney disease, you

usually associated with an unpleasant metallic taste (dysgeusia) in the mouth. Nausea and vomiting: The build-up of waste products in your blood in kidney disease can also cause nausea and vomiting. Shortness of breath: kidney disease causes fluid to build up in the lungs, also anemia is a common side –effect of kidney disease, starves your body of oxygen. You may have trouble catching your breath due to these factors mentioned (Joe,1999). Pain in the back or side: some cases of kidney disease may cause pain, you may feel a severe cramping pain that

because, in most cases, the damage in the kidneys can’t be reversed. Kidney diseases can be treated very effectively if diagnosed early. Obesity –It is already linked to increase heart disease. Obesity is an indirect risk factor for kidney disease. A part from this indirect link studies show that obesity itself is likely to have an independent effect on blood dynamics of the kidneys. Smoking contributes to kidney disease in many ways, it increases BP, reduces blood flow to the kidneys and narrows down blood vessels in the kidneys. Moreover, people who already have as

GSM: 08056379608

lightly reduced kidney function tend to accelerate kidney damage by smoking cigarettes. The risk factor is greater in people with diabetes who smoke (Martins, 2000). Alcoholism- Uncontrollable drinking can lead to renal or kidney failure. Alcohol damages kidney cells by altering their structure and function. Drug Abuse-Drugs should not be abused. Studies haveshown that inappropriate use of drugs or prescription and over-the counter medicines can head to neprotoxicity. All medicines you take have to go through the filtration of the kidneys. Over dose can cause a lot of damages in the kidneys. High fever-when a patient comes down with a high fever, he may not be able to drink enough water. Or he may be losing his vital fluids though frequent vomiting. The heavy sweating resulting from the prolonged fever then reduces the amount of water available in the tissues unless he is given water through vein or in some other way, he may die because the cells of the body have been dried out. A person can tolerate lack of food far longer than a thirst of water. Anything that interferes with the function of kidneys reduce their filtration capacity or make them unable to carry out their function properly can cause kidney disease or failure. The normal kidney can move up and down, about an inch and as has been noted, the right kidney is lower and more readily felt than the left, such a palpable kidney is entirely normal. When the kidney moves excessively owing to weakness of its supporting structures, it is then known as a ‘wandering” “movable” or “floating” kidney and may be felt low in the abdomen or even in the pelvis. Kidney disease from enlarged prostate gland –for

some unknown reason, the prostate gland frequently enlarges in men more than fifty years of age. This may cause difficulty in starting urination, frequent urination and dribbling due to partial blockage of the urethra. If free flow is not re-established, infection (pyelitis or pyelonephritis) and destruction of kidney tissue may ensus (Joe, 1999). Ureters and pelvis may be ballooned out with urine (hydroureter and hydronephrosis). Wastes accumulate in the blood and uremia may result. If appreciable urinary retention is present, careful drainage of the bladder and surgical removal of the prostate gland or of a portion of it are generally necessary (Mac, 2004). Usually, the formation of stones is due to deficiency of oxygen and of mineral salts in the blood and to an over – indulgence in meat. Meat eaters especially, meat eaters who drink beer, wine or spirits, the alcohol of which withdraws oxygen from the blood, need an abundance of oxygen for the complete digestion of animal flesh. Through insufficient oxygen, the constituents of the meat are not sufficiently oxidized into water, carbonic –acid gas, nitrogen and urea and the result of their partial oxidation is uric acid, which , unless a great deal of water is drunk instead of alcoholic drinks, forms into calculus gravel or stones. Plenty of oxygen is required by the spleen for the formation of formic acid, which dissolves stones made of phosphate and oxalate of lime. The spleen is unable to produce the acid if the blood lacks oxygen. The remedy, therefore, is to breath fresh air at all times to avoid sugar, flesh foods and alcoholic drinks and drink plenty of clean water. For counseling, the writer will be of help to you.

“Pain in the back or side: some cases of kidney disease may cause pain, you may feel a severe cramping pain that spreads from lower back into the groin if there is kidney stone in the ureter.”

Gender Issues

Motherhood: INTRODUCTION GOD created a woman, and saddled her with the responsibilities of motherhood. That is, she receives a seed, carries it for certain months and produces a baby, that becomes her responsibility to mould and to shape (a tiny babe to adulthood). Lincoln has this to say “All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” No wonder an adage says “the hands that rock the cradle rules the world”. DEFINITION OF TERMS Mother — A female parent who bears or rears children (biological and spiritual). Overflowing — To overfill something, to fill a space to capacity beyond its limit. In other words, an overflowing mother is a female parent, who carries out her motherly roles beyond expected limits or a woman who goes extramile in her motherly responsibilities, indeed, an outstanding woman. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF OVERFLOWING MOTHERS Listed are biblical examples of women who went extramile in their roles of motherhood. 1. Hannah and young Samuel, I Sam. 1:9-18, 24-28 2. The virtuous woman, Prov 31:10-31 3. Mary and Jesus, Lk. 1:26—56, 2:16— 52, Mt.2: 13—15,19—23 4. Elizabeth and John the Baptist, Lk. 1: 15,4 5. Lois and Eunice on Timothy, 2 Tim. 1:5 CHARACTERISTICS There are certain features or characteristics in these women that made them stand out or outstanding in their roles of motherhood that we can emulate. Personal relationship/ walk with God (born again):- The bible attested that Elizabeth was living right and filled with the Holy Spirit. This served as her energizer that strengthened her to birth and nurtured John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ, even at her old age, Lk. 1:41-45 Ability to receive divine instructions/revelations by the Holy Spirit:- This helped Mary to run for protection when the destiny destroyer (Flerod), wanted to destroy her baby. Mt. 2:13-15. Exemplary life style Lois and Eunice by their

The Overflowing Mother

By TITUS G.N. lifestyle (Holy-living), were able to train and nurture young Timothy in a godly way. They were role models

10-30, to those earlier discussed. Fear of the Lord To fear God is to obey hi

to him, 2Tim. I : 5,were rooted in the Word of God and were able to impart to their son and grandson. “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,” Col. 3:16. Timothy embraced this and became vessel of honour in God’s vineyard, 2Tim. 2:15. Integrity Hannah waited patiently in prayer and fasting to receive her Samuel and she nurtured him in the way of the Lord, weaned him and brought him to Eli to fulfill her vow to God, I Sam. 1:24-28. Prophet Samuel became one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament Self-Control All that the angel and the wise men said concerning Jesus to Mary, were kept confidential and pondered upon in her heart, Lk. 2:19. She was able to bridle her tongue as touching the baby, if not, the enemy would have dislocated their parenthood. Prov. 31:26. In addition, overflowing mothers must add listed virtues in Prov. 31:

and keep his commandments. Again it is the beginning of wisdom, which a mother needs to nurture, train and mold a child. Children learn from what they see parents do. We must inculcate the fear of God (through daily living) in our children ‘Train up a childEcc. 12: 13—14, Prov. 31: 30b. Prov. 22:6. Dependability Let the heart of your husband and children rely n you and your words. Be supportive in his programmes and assist your children in their school work Prov. 31: 11 — 12 “The heart of her husband doth safely trust her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Diligence Prov. 31: 13— 14 says that, the virtuous woman is industrious and works willingly with her hands and is also compared to a merchant ship which brings her food from afar.

Overflowing mother must teach this to the offspring. Prov. 22:29. She is an asset and not a liability who will wait for the husband to spend one kobo, always.

Giving and hospitality. This is one of the attributes of God, “God loves and gives”, she stretches forth her hand to the needy and in her mouth is the law of kindness - Prov. 31: 20. Overflowing mothers must flow to others by the way of helping the less less-privileged, teaching the children to 1 to God and others. Lk. 6:38. A liberal soul shall be made fat Prov. 11:25. Home keeping The virtuous mother rises early to give food to her household and even a portion to her maid. She takes time to give her children home training which involves shaping, conditioning and

disciplining. She also provides their basic needs and gives them qualitative education. The children grow up and call her blessed for giving them a future Prov. 31:15, 27—28. CONCLUSION The influence of a godly mother has no limit. The greatest “trust” in all the world is in her hands, she marks the pathway for generations to follow and sways the destiny of the world ultimately. She remain an inspiration the world over, for story, songs, poems and paintings. She is the symbol of hospitality and service as she holds the place of honour. And to this “I say, who can find an overflowing mother, her price is far more than rubies, and therefore, her children rise and call her blessed. She will eat with kings and the mighty and not with ordinary men. Shalom. Hello Dad and Mum, You are so loving and caring! I couldn’t have wished for a better family. You work so much at work and business all to give me comfort and a good future. I appreciate your care a love. I know I can always depend on you, but wait a minutes…. I will like you to understand me as I try hard to understand you. I am small boy, but a big boy now teenager! I think I need some respect, privacy and a measure of independence; but you don’t seem to understand. I can think for myself and take decisions and I will be cool; just try me. Daddy you are not around most of the time, you are either away on official work or church work. You are successful and being celebrated outside. Dad, I need to be close to you for man to man talk, to take decisions, counsel and be my number one mentor. Mummy you are trying, You are doing the work of two people i.e. father + mother. I appreciate you and try to understand why

you shout most of the time instead of simply instructing and guiding me. Don’t worry you are my mentor and a dependable parent. God sees your labour, and tears and you will enjoy when I am a full grown man and take you round the world as part of your reward. I don’t want you to be scared of me - am just a younger you. I don’t want to be a prisoner in the house- a little counsel will help me know my limits. I am intelligent and I want to explore the world properly guided in a God fashion. I know I can be what I want to be with your support and the grace of God. Pray for me and watch out for my talents and strengths and assist me to achieve my dreams. Play down on my weaknesses. My friends tell me of their parents who are building hospitals/law firms and engineering companies to hand over to them whether that career path is in line with their passion or not. I am glad we have sorted that out and that you respect my opinion and expect me to have a fulfilling career just like you and an overflowing one at that. A teenager that has an overflowing anointing and blessing like me is poised to do exploits. I am focused and hope to graduate from the University in record time. I will continue to read, my bible through Genesis — Revelation at least once a year, maintain a robust relationship with my heavenly father, continue with my key board exercises and my regular practice at the scrabble; socialize with my friends of like minds and values. So, dad and mum, fear not because Jesus has come that I may have life, and that I may have it more abundantly. Sincerely yours in Christ, Your Overflowing Teenager.

“The influence of a godly mother has no limit. The greatest “trust” in all the world is in her hands, she marks the pathway for generations to follow and sways the destiny of the world ultimately.”

Perspective AFTER 15 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, analysts insist that one of the major problems bedevilling the country is how to effectively address the increasing level of poverty among the citizenry. They note that the poverty level still elicits a lot of concern in spite of the appreciable growth of Nigeria’s economy, following the recent rebasing of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),

the size of the Nigerian economy has grown by 89 per cent to N80.3 trillion (about 509.9 billion U.S. dollars). This ranks Nigeria as the 26th largest economy in the world and the largest economy in Africa. Perceptive observers, nonetheless, insist that the growth of the nation’s economy is not having any positive impact on the living standards of the majority of the citizens. Their cynicism is quite understandable, as a recent World Bank’s global poverty rating placed Nigeria among

President Goodluck Jonathan

Senate President, David Mark

Addressin By SANI ADAMU

the five poorest countries in the world. The report revealed that most Nigerians lived on less than one U.S. dollar (about N157.6) per day. Jim Yong Kim, the World Bank President, while releasing the report at the April 4 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in New York, emphasised that Nigeria had one of the largest

concentration of poor people. He said that Nigeria ranked third among the poorest countries in the world, while India ranked number one with 33 per cent of the world poor. According to him, China is ranked second with 13 per cent of the world’s poor, followed by Nigeria where seven per cent of the world poor live in. Corroborating the statistics, the United Nations (UN) also claimed that the poverty rate in Nigeria had gone up from 46 per cent to 76 per cent over the last 13 years. However, President Goodluck Jonathan swiftly rejected the rating, insisting that Nigeria was not a poor country. “The challenge of the country is not poverty, but redistribution of wealth,” Jonathan said, while addressing labour leaders at the 2014 May Day rally in Abuja. For him, the realities on ground did not portray Nigeria as a poor nation but as a country with abundant wealth that needed to be evenly redistributed among its populace. “Nigeria is not a poor country. Nigerians are the most travelled people in the world; there is no country in the world you go to that you will not see Nigerians there. “The GDP of Nigeria is over half a trillion dollars and the economy is growing at a rate close to 7 per cent,” he added. Besides, Jonathan cited the recent classification of Alhaji Aliko Dangote as one of the 25 richest people in the world as another pointer to Nigeria’s affluence. He also recalled that the number of private jets owned by Nigerians, which landed in Nairobi during his recent state visit to Kenya, was a subject of discussion in the Kenyan media for over a week. “If you talk about ownership of private jets, Nigeria will be among the first 10 countries in the world. Yet, they are saying that Nigeria is among the five poorest countries. “The World Bank statistics show that Nigeria is among the five poorest countries but our problem is not poverty; our problem is redistribution of wealth.

“The World Bank statistics show that Nigeria is among the five poorest countries but our problem is not poverty; our problem is redistribution of wealth. Probably, wealth is concentrated in very few hands and a number of people do not have access to it.”

“Probably, wealth is concentrated in very few hands and a number of people do not have access to it. “That is why my administration is committed to ensuring the creation of wealth, in terms of financial inclusiveness, and we are working very hard to achieve this,’’ he added. As part of efforts to address the poverty challenge, Jonathan said that the Federal Government introduced the Electronic Wallet System for farmers in rural areas to enable them to have access to funds via affordable bank facilities. Equally, he said that the government was also transforming agriculture from just a rural development programme into a major

the clarification adding that this r decision to dow country’s econo minus’’. He said that the given for the “ rating of the economy was b forthcoming elec brought about among politici attendant effe economy. All the same, Bureau of Stati said that 732,74 created in the informal secto economy in th quarters of 2013. Dr Yemi Statistician-Gen Federation, re

wealth-creation and business programme. The president said that his administration had initiated proactive measures and policies to improve and stabilise power supply in the country in order to enable small and medium-scale enterprises to thrive. He said that the key component of the government’s commitment was aimed at ensuring that many Nigerians had access to finance so that they would be able to create wealth for themselves. Jonathan noted that in spite of the Federal Government’s explanations regarding Nigeria’s economic standing, the World Bank did not find

information a news conferenc He said that indicated that th generated 221,0 the second qua year, while 24 and 265,702 j created in the th and fourth respectively. 20 He said that a of jobs creat second quarter that 80,412 j created in the for 112,567 jobs w in the inform while 28,075 created in the pu “The form contributed 76,3 the total jobs ge

Perspective

ng Poverty In Nigeria

n convincing, resulted in its wngrade the omy to “BB-

e justification “BB-minus’’ e Nigerian based on the ctions, which in-fighting ians and its ect on the

the National istics (NBS) 45 jobs were formal and ors of the e last three . Kale, the neral of the elayed the

t a recent ce in Abuja. the survey he economy 054 jobs in arter of last 5,989 jobs jobs were hird quarter quarter 013. breakdown ed in the r indicated jobs were rmal sector, were created mal sector, jobs were ublic sector. al sector 385 jobs to enerated in

the third quarter of 2013, while the informal and public sectors generated 140,673 and 28,931 jobs respectively. “In fourth quarter of 2013, of the total of 265,702 jobs, the formal sector contributed 101,597 jobs, while the informal and public sectors created 143,278 and 20,827 jobs respectively,’’ he said. Kale emphasised that the informal sector continued to lead in the creation of new employment in the economy. “In the three quarters covered, the informal sector contributed over 54 per cent of total employment, making it the highest

employer of labour in the economy. “Under the formal sector, it was observed that of the 80,412 new jobs, 45,409 jobs, representing 56.47 per cent, were taken up by males, while 35,003 jobs, representing 43.53 per cent, were taken up by females in the second quarter of 2013,’’ he said. The statistician-general said that the education sector recorded 37,578 new employees — the highest number of new employees — followed by the manufacturing sector with 9,000 new employees. He said that the lowest number of 85 new employees was recorded in the administrative and support

services sector. Kale stressed that the education and manufacturing sectors had the highest number of jobs that were created in the formal sector in the third quarter of 2013. “Education sector generated 29,777 new employment, while manufacturing sector generated 13,946 new jobs “The manufacturing sector that reported the lowest number of jobs created in the third quarter of 2013 was administrative and support services with 30 jobs. “A similar trend was also recorded in the fourth quarter of 2013, with education and manufacturing sectors contributing 76,874 and 12,337 new jobs respectively,’’ he said.

Kale said that the primary purpose of the survey was to gauge employment growth, unemployment and underemployment so as to enable the country’s policymakers and other stakeholders to proffer solutions to the perceptible problems. However, three years down the line, the Jonathanadministration has been able to launch a special youth empowerment programme which was christened “Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria’’. The programme, codenamed YouWin, is part of the Federal Government’s strategies aimed at addressing the grave unemployment situation in the country.

YouWin programme, which is financed by a N50-billion job-creation fund, is an innovative business-plan competition which harnesses the creative potential of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Under the programme, more than 3,600 youths would be financially empowered to enable them to actualise their entrepreneurial ideas and plans. It is projected that the empowered youths will, in turn, create between 80,000 and 110,000 sustainable jobs over the next four years. Nevertheless, observers attribute the failure to tackle the poverty challenge facing the country squarely to massive corruption which has permeated every aspect of national life. This, perhaps, justifies the call by Mr Ate Kundu, Taraba State’s Commissioner for Information, for the introduction of death sentence for corruption, as proposed by some delegates at the ongoing National Conference. Kundu said that the introduction capital punishment for corruption would particularly serve as deterrent to corrupt public officials. “I am strongly in support of the views of some delegates at the national confab who proposed death sentence for corrupt government officials. “This is because corruption is a cankerworm that has destroyed our institutions. Therefore, anyone found to be involved in corruption should be hanged, even if it is me,’’ he told newsmen in Jalingo. Kundu said that countries like China had succeeded in discouraging people from engaging in corrupt practices due to the capital punishment provision in their laws. He reiterated that the death sentence was the only viable option for tackling corruption in Nigeria, adding that any delay in adopting the proposal would spell doom for the country’s economy. Kundu also called for the amendment of the immunity clause in the constitution.

Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele “In the interest of democracy and the rule of law, I think the immunity clause should be removed. “Although, some people argue that the absence of immunity will cause distraction in the assignment of some senior government officials, including state chief executives, such measure will definitely put everybody in

check. “The truth is that once you have sworn to pilot the affairs of the people, you must be ready to face criticisms and live above board,” he stressed. All the same, observers insist that although the 2014 Democracy Day is worth celebrating, a lot still needs to be done to make life more meaningful for all Nigerians

through the implementation of pragmatic poverty alleviation schemes. They add that concerted efforts should be made to facilitate the attainment of the poverty reduction targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria so as to make the celebration of Democracy Day more worthwhile. (NAN).

“Nevertheless, observers attribute the failure to tackle the poverty challenge facing the country squarely to massive corruption which has permeated every aspect of national life.”

Issues Development “Nevertheless, Mbonu disputed claims by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources that Nigeria had attained 65 per cent water coverage, in lieu of the 75 per cent target. That figure is doubtful because today, I know that more than half of Nigerians don’t have clean water.’’

Appraising Nigeria’s Efforts To Meet MDG’s Target

Water Sanitation: WITH a few months to the 2015 deadline set for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), some observers are of the view that Nigeria is off-track in efforts to meet some targets of the MDGs. Nigeria, a signatory to the MDGs, claims that in its efforts to achieve the MDGs, it has been able to attain 65 per cent and 75 per cent coverage in water and sanitation respectively. The MDGs are eight timebound and measurable goals which were launched by the United Nations (UN) in 2000 to spur development by improving the socioeconomic conditions of the world’s poorest countries. A recent joint report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) indicated that 63 million Nigerians did not have access to water supply. Similarly, a new report released by WaterAid, an international organisation, said that Nigeria and several other sub-Saharan African countries might not be able to meet the MDG on water and sanitation until 2175, 160 years after the 2015 terminal date set for the MDGs. The report warned that if Nigeria failed to meet the MDG, which aims at halving

By KATE OBANDE /IKENNA UWADILEKE

the proportion of the population without sustainable access to water supply and good sanitation by 2015, the lives of more than 100,000 children under the age of five will be at risk every year. It stressed that the proportion of people with access to reliable water supply and good sanitation was actually falling in the country. The MDG on water and sanitation is specifically designed to address the challenges facing people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Concerned observers moan that an appraisal of Nigeria’s 14-year efforts to provide its citizens with safe drinking water and basic sanitation reveals that the country may not be able to achieve the target of the MDG. However, Dr Martin Mbonu, the EU Programme Manager, blamed Nigeria’s inability to expand the people’s access to potable water considerably on the dearth of laws regulating the water sector. He said that due to the factor, the water sector had not been quite appealing to potential investors. He argued that potential

investors were not encouraged to invest in the sector because it was not wellmanaged since there were no legal frameworks in place. Nevertheless, Mbonu disputed claims by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources that Nigeria had attained 65 per cent water coverage, in lieu of the 75 per cent target. “That figure is doubtful because today, I know that more than half of Nigerians don’t have clean water,’’ he said. However, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, conceded that Nigeria might not be able to attain the MDG on water in spite of concerted efforts to ensure total water coverage in the country. “We are working hard; we may not meet with the MDG but we are not doing badly. “As at 2012, we had 65 per cent coverage, we have not finished all the assessment on the intervention we have in 2013 till date.

“I believe that by the time that is done, we would have gone a bit higher; we might get close to the 75 per cent target. “And water is available to people at a subsidised rate,’’ she said. Ochekpe said that in efforts to provide water for all, the ministry from time to time intervened in water supply projects, particularly in the rural areas. She said that the Federal Government had initiated rural, semi-urban and regional water supply schemes, as part of efforts to bridge the perceptible gaps in public water supply schemes. The minister said that the Federal Government, through the National Policy on Water and Sanitation, came up with 30 per-cent counterpart funding for regional water schemes in state capitals, while state governments were expected to provide the remaining 70 per cent. Observers note that in spite of these claims, several

communities across the country have yet to have good, reliable sources of water for drinking and other uses. They say that the situation appears dismal, as many residents of these communities often trek long distances, particularly during dry seasons, in search of water which, in most cases, is not good enough for human consumption. A resident of Abuja, Mr Tony Idoko, who described water as a basic human need, attributed the failure in meeting the MDG on water and sanitation to government’s apathy towards the water sector. He also alleged that funds meant for water projects were often misappropriated. “We still have a long way to go in efforts to achieve adequate water and sanitation coverage in Nigeria,’’ he said. Similarly, Mr Peter Onwuaso, another resident of Abuja, blamed the poor water coverage in the country on corruption and the lack of transparency in implementing water projects. Besides, he said that inadequate maintenance of water facilities and vandalism particularly posed serious threats to the achievement of the MDG on water. He, nonetheless, urged the citizens to actively participate in water projects in their various communities so as to enable them to have a sense of ownership. Onwuaso said that only few areas in three out of six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had pipe-borne water. He listed that three area councils as Bwari Area Council, Gwagwalada Area Council and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

All the same, Mrs Veronica Anifowose, a housewife, said that she had resorted to buying water from local water vendors because of the lack of pipe-borne water in Byazin, Kubwa. She, however, bemoaned the hygienic condition of the water, saying: “Only God knows the cleanliness of the water which we buy from Mairuwa (water vendor). “Our lives are in danger because of the uncertainty regarding the cleanliness of the water which we drink. “We just buy the water without knowledge of how clean the tanks and jerry cans used in supplying the water is,’’ she added. Anifowose expressed reservations about the suitability of the water for human consumption. “This is because many people have contracted different water bornediseases, while some people even died because of these diseases,’’ she added. Some of the water-borne diseases that are prevalent in the country include typhoid fever, cholera, diarrhea, hookworm infection and Hepatitis A. In spite of the public sensitisation programmes executed by the government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the sanitation situation in the country is somewhat appalling, as many people still engage in open defecation, a practice which can provoke outbreak of diseases. Analysts partly attribute the sustained habit of open defecation in the country to inadequate water supply, insisting that a good water supply mechanism will certainly promote good hygiene and proper sanitation.

“Concerned observers moan that an appraisal of Nigeria’s 14-year efforts to provide its citizens with safe drinking water and basic sanitation reveals that the country may not be able to achieve the target of the MDG.”

Drumbeat

None Shall Be Barren (1)

Continued from last week

SIN SIN is one of the major causes of barrenness in our lives. Sin causes set back, retrogression and delay in our lives and businesses. Sin does not attract good things to ones life. “When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without. And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness, now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face Hosea 7: 1-2. How many times have we behaved like Ephraim in our lives? We have used our hands to prevent God from blessing and healing our lives and businesses. 3. LACK OF PAYING TITHES Your inability to pay tithes of all that God has given to you in your local church could cause barrenness in your life and prevent you from being fruitful. “Will a Man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy thy fruits before the times in the field, saith the lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blesses for ye shall be a delight some land, saith the lord of hosts.” Malachi: 8-l2. Whether you believe it or not, lack of payment of tithes could cause a major setback and barrenness in our lives, A man who earns one million Naira monthly and pays twenty thousand to God as monthly tithes have not paid his tithes and this could cause major barrenness in his life. God require ten percent of all your monthly or weekly income. A man or woman who has ten houses or cars ought to give one of the houses and one of the cars as tithes to his or her local church. 5. FAILURE TO GIVE TO THE NEEDY IN OUR SOCIETY

Giving to the needy in our society should never be seen as payment of tithes, neither should we also think that payment of tithes in our local churches has already taken the place of giving to the needy. Not giving to the needy will cause a major barrenness in your life and my life. No man or woman can claim sovereignty over his or her possession. Every thing we have or claim to have whether genuine or through falsehood belongs to God. Give to the poor, widow, fatherless, the physically challenged people as many as you can reach. Give scholarship to those who have no means of going to school. “Give and it shall be giving unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom; for with the same measured that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke6:38 6. GOD Friends, be informed that God also causes barrenness to people live. Are you surprised? This should not surprise you because, “if the ways of a man pleases God, He will make all his or her enemies to be at peace with him or her” “And the Lord said unto Cain why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shall rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother, and it came to pass, when they were in the filed, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the Lord said unto Cain, where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not, am I my brother “Keeper? And he said, what hast thou done? The voice of thy bother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hands. When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength, a fugitive and a vagabond shall thou be in the earth. And Cain said unto the Lord, my Punishment is greater than I can bear. “4:613. Cain used his hand to cause barrenness and set back to his life-may you not use your hand to cause setback and

barrenness to your life in Jesus Amen. 7. PARENTAL CURSE Parental curse is another major cause of barrenness to ones life. Some parents have placed a curse on their children knowingly and unknowingly and this has greatly affected their children negatively and their end result is barrenness in all ramifications. “And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall in the last days. Gather yourselves together, and hear ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel

Greed and covetousness are other major cause of barrenness in our lives. When a man or woman lacks contentment and allows greed and covetousness to dominate his or her works and words, then she will begin to experience barrenness all his or her undertakings. “But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God said Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hand that which he brought, but as the Lord liveth, I will run after him and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman

your father. Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the Excellency of dignity, and the excellence of power Unstable as water, thou shall not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed, then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch”. Genesis 49: 1-4. Reuben lost his inheritance because of his grievous mistake against his father’s concubine friends, be good to your parent’s always so as to avoid their wroth and obtain their blessing, many couple are suffering in their marriage today because of parental curses Some business men, politicians, contractor and bankers are suffering today because of their parental curse. 8. GREEDINESS AND COVETOUSNESS

saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, is all well? And he said all is well, My master hath sent me, saying. Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets, give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garment. And Naaman said, be content take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talent of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid then upon two off his servants, and they bare them before him. And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hands, and bestowed them in the house, and he let the men go, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, whence cometh thou Gehazi? And he said, thy servant went no whither.

With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593 And he said unto him, went not mine heart with the, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments and Oliver yards, and vineyards; and sheep, and oxen, and Oliver yards, and maid servants, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosies therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto

‘Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your father also which is it heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:24-25, 10. SATANAND HISAGENTS Satan and his agents cause a lot of setbacks in people’s

thee and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as show’ 2 Kings 5:29-27. Gehazi used his hands to attract barrenness into his life and household because of his inability to control his greed and covetousness. Friends, beware of greed and covetousness, they are destructive, these have never helped those in the past and will certainly not help you now. 9. UNFORGIVENESS Another major factor leading people into barrenness is unforgiveness. Who has offended you in the past and who is offending you now? is it your friends, parents, government and your wife? For heavens sake forgiven them immediately. Unforgiveness hinders ones progress in life and causes retrogression in many families.

lives. Look at the way he almost destroyed the life of Job and his family, Read Job chapter one and chapter two. Look at how he deceived Adam and Eve into disobeying God by eating the forbidden fruit. What was their end result? Setback barrenness, separation from God and spiritual death A man could be living a holy life and be faithful to God, and yet face temptation and be attacked by Satan. You must know how Satan and his agents operate and use God words, praises, fasting and prayers to overcome him and his agents. Your business that is flourishing can stilt be attacked by Satan and his agents. Your marriage could still be attacked by Satan. Be watchful and prayerful at all times and if you do this always you can confidently over come Satan and his agents, please, read Genesis chapter three.

Opinion “Raw material scarcity and shortage became the bane of Delta Steel Company Limited. No proper arrangement was made for adequate supply of raw material input, as an index of meeting and sustaining production. This brought in the era of unnecessary shut-down of plants, and the immense loss of man-hour.”

Musa Sada, Minister of Steel Development

Delta Steel Company And Labourers’ Travails

THAT iron and steel constitutes the fundamental fulcrum on which technological development and advancement can take place remains an unquestionable truism. From the Paleolithic Age, the Mesolithic Age down through the Neolithic Age to the Iron Age the illusive variable for development has always been “Iron”. Its discovery as a tool of civilization stimulated a sonorous Hosanna, to the modern world. But man is, however, already in the Space Age. The most viable paradigm for measuring development and growth in a modern world like ours is sustainable industrialization, and industrialization cannot take place in absence of iron and steel. It is in the recognition of this that most developed and developing countries like America, through its iron and steel locations in Los Angeles, Milwaukee,

By BOBSON GBINIJE

Chicago, Dallas, Birmingham, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Washington etc, Japan through its iron and steel industries in Kobe, Osaka, Yokohama, Toyama, Oita, Kitakyushu and Tokyo etc. Peru has one in Chimbote, Brazil has one in Belo Horizonte, Venezuela has in Guidad Guayama, some states of the old Soviet Union have, Tbilisi in Georgia, Dashabe in Tajikistan. All these nations have made great technological and industrial strides because of the presence of iron and steel. The Eastern Development Union (EDU) first initiated the idea of an iron steel and steel industry in 1963 and caused a preliminary survey to be carried out by the experts who recommended that it should be established in Onitsha. But because of the large sum involved, the Eastern Development Union took the project to the

National Economic Council (NEC). Other regions suddenly became interested in an iron and steel industry and vehemently opposed its sitting at Onitsha. Subsequently, another set of experts were commissioned by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1965 to survey once more the feasibility of the project, and again Onitsha was recommended. The Federal Government under Tafawa Balewa accepted the recommendation but insisted on splitting the industry into two: Steel manufacture to be sited at Idah and casting and rolling at Onitsha. (The Economist, Feb.12, 1996, page 592). The history of iron and steel development in Nigeria especially its siting is fraught with military and political maneuvers. The Jos, Enugu and Oshogbo Rolling Mills that are supposed to maintain

an industrial symbiosis with the Delta Steel Company and the Ajaokuta Steel Company through a syncretic capacity to absorb their products are just not there. The technological conceptualization of the iron and steel complex was a brilliant and laudable idea which took off very well, with adequate training and provision of manpower in every department of iron and steel complex management, production, maintenance, finance, raw materials and ergonomics. Under its pioneer general manager, Late Chief . Fred Brume, Delta Steel was heading towards becoming the hope of the long awaited break-through in industrial development for Nigeria and nay Africa. But given the Nigeria factor- The pull him down (PHD) mentality, hell was let loose. From tribal wrangling to diabolical atrophy through

“The history of iron and steel development in Nigeria especially its siting is fraught with military and political maneuvers. The Jos, Enugu and Oshogbo Rolling Mills that are supposed to maintain an industrial symbiosis with the Delta Steel Company and the Ajaokuta Steel Company through a syncretic capacity to absorb their products are just not there.”

inter-and intra personality clashes to atrabilious politicking the great Delta Steel Company Limited, OvwianAladja was murdered. It is no more. It is no more. Paradise lost. It has sung its own nunc dimities. Like all viable projects in Nigeria, even at national level there is no administrative continuity and so there is always and administrative chasm. As soon as it creeps in the centre cannot hold. So it happened to Delta Steel Company Limited. Financial constraints that reared its head through fictitious contracts, gigantic hotel accommodation bills for all categories of staffers, overseas pleasures tips masqueraded as staff training programmes and over-staffing that precipitated indolence and conviviality during official hours. Raw material scarcity and shortage became the bane of Delta Steel Company Limited. No proper arrangement was made for adequate supply of raw material input, as an index of meeting and sustaining production. This brought in the era of unnecessary shutdown of plants, and the immense loss of man-hour. Above all, it was the wicked politicization of key important positions which engendered and entrenched mediocrity and all its attendant evils. Under the National party of Nigeria (NPN) government it was random selection of party faithful and stalwarts to be members of the Board of Directors. They were directors carnival, utter painlessness, graft and infighting. All these finally killed ergonomics and efficiency of workers, Labour could no longer be sustained, because of the aforementioned pot-pourri of failures, and this whipped –up work to rule, industrial action, strikes and shutdowns because of non payment of salaries. And finally mass retrenchment with inability to pay benefits and pensions up till today by the new management. Today, the power of words cannot describe the state of degeneracy into which the

once beautiful permanent residential site, the satellite town and the industrial complex has plunged. Retrenched workers not paid their benefits have paid themselves through vandalizing and pillaging the existing structures. Oliver Goldsmith, the English poet aptly describes this scenario in his poem. “The Deserted Village”. “Sweet Smiling Village”. Lovelist of the lawn, thy, sports are fled and all thy charms are withdrawn. Amidst thy bowers the tyrants’ hand is seen. And desecration saddens all thy green: one only master grasps the whole domain. And half a tillage stints thy smiling plain! No more thy glassy brook reflects the day. But choked with sedges, works its weedy way, Along thy glades, a solidarity guest , the hollowsounding bittern guards its nest; Amidst thy desert walks the lapwing flies, And tires their echoes with unvaried cries. Sunk are thy bowers in shapeless ruins all, And the long gross O’ertops the smoldering wall, And trembling, shrinking from the spoilers hand, far, faraway, thy children leave the land.” The state of the workers in Delta Steel Company Ovwian Aladja under the new management is better imagined than seen. With no salaries for upwards of nine (9) months they are crippling suffocatingly under the stranglehold of latent poverty. Most have resigned their fate to the Almighty, some have become peasant farmers, some have taken to menial jobs, their wives have become petty traders and their children casual labourers while the plant is kept running with no production. Finally, what a hideous and horrendous disgrace to the Delta State Government, the present management of the Delta Steel Company Ovwian Aladja, the Nigerian Association of Engineers, Commerce and Industries, Nigeria Labour Congress and the President Ebele Jonathan –led Federal Government of Nigeria. Whither the steel and iron industry in Nigeria and technological advancement and development in Nigeria?

Education Issues THAT there is all round decay in our educational sector in Nigeria is no news. What may be news is the level the decadence has taken on the quality of graduates we produce in our primary to university education. We now produce university graduates who cannot fill NYSC form. We now produce university graduates who can’t take or read ordinary minutes of simple meetings. A university graduate was appointed as a secretary of a political ward. Members were shocked when he could not read the minutes of their previous meeting in which he acted as a secretary. It was clear to the members that someone developed the minutes for him. At the end a primary 6 holder read the minutes and was made the secretary. I have seen a university graduate who could not write the names of his kingsmen. It is that bad. Yet many stake holders especially teachers appears to be comfortable with it. Teachers that prepared these bunch of block heads and certified them graduates ought to bury their heads in shame, but the reverse is the case. It all boil down to corruption which to me is the first and last problem of our dear country Nigeria. Most teachers are corrupt, they collect money from students in exchange for marks in internal exams and aid them in cheating in external exams. For this reason they don’t teach. If teachers who are the custodians of educational values could aid and mastermind the acquisition of paper qualification instead of intellectual qualification where is our future? In Edo State one can better describe the educational sector as pre-Oshiomhole and Oshiomhole era. The preOshiomhole era was the dark days where everything negative was the order of the day. The Oshiomhole era is what one can call the transformation era which like any other transformational changes are always unpalatable and resisted.

In the pre-Oshiomhole era the level of commitment to education on the part of government and teachers was very low. Nearly all the primary and secondary schools were in a state of total dilapidation. Children were learning under trees and sitting on the floor. Teachers were poorly motivated, educational/instruction materials were not provided, teachers were grossly inadequate, the few employment done were based on political patronage where party leaders were given slots, it was strictly who you know or cash and carry. Promotion and portfolio was not based on competence or seniority which are the universally known criteria. It was based on where you ‘fellowship’ or who your political father is. Many schools were broken down to several schools still in one compound just to create room for political loyalists to be principals/school heads. Level 13 teachers were heading teachers on level 14 above. Every action of government concerning education was purely political. Any teacher perceived to be in the opposition party was either demoted, denied promotion, suspended unjustly or transferred to a remote village school. Government shot itself on the foot by neglecting

Gov Adams Oshiomhole

Educational Transformation In Edo State

and politicizing education. Teachers on their part have to respond to governments act of irresponsibility. They have to survive in the face of very poor and irregular salary. They took teaching as a secondary job, any job that could put food on their table

By UKHUN FELIX

became their first job. To get money they have to sell anything sellable and that included examination marks. Edo State became a national exam centre. Students from other states were coming to Edo State in large numbers to enroll because the cheating rate was second to non in the country. Students naturally did not see the need to study since they can pay and get all the credits they needed. Teachers were happy making money while parents and students were happy buying result. Teachers were not ready to teach, students were not ready to learn and government was not ready to spend money on education. They were all comfortable, government was diverting the money for education into private pockets. Teachers were making money and

“ In the Oshiomhole era we have seen a lot •of commitment on the part of government. Teachers welfare has improved, schools are being renovated, learning materials are provided, exam malpractices has reduced drastically, war against corruption/indiscipline is at top gear. But what is the response of the teachers?”

students were getting paper qualification. There was a diabolic conspiracy to ruin the educational sector in Edo State. Government, teachers, parents and students were comfortable with the rot because of their individual immediate gains. In the Oshiomhole era we have seen a lot •of commitment on the part of government. Teachers welfare has improved, schools are being renovated, learning materials are provided, exam malpractices has reduced drastically, war against corruption/indiscipline is at top gear. But what is the response of the teachers? As the saying goes; bad habit is easy to learn but difficult to leave. Those benefiting from a rotten system will always resist change. Despite the fight some teachers are still adamant, they have refused to let go of their bad habits, they are opposing every reformatory move by the government. As at today, many still go to school late, some still stay away from school, they still collect money to aid cheating in external exams, some still go to school and stay away from class. Their only interest is salary and extortion from

students. Edo State is now forward ever and backward never. Government is matching forward, teachers should get along. Red roof and white board is nothing without dedicated and competent teachers. Any one that says there are no non-dedicated and incompetent teachers in our schools is being economical with the truth. Qualification is different from dedication and competence, have we ever imagined the damages these noncommitted and incompetent teachers are doing to our collective future? Certificate only show qualification, it does not show competence and dedication, only performers show these. I appreciate the Comrade governor for living up to his constitutional responsibility toward education. He has done much and is still doing much. There are some he can’t do before his tenure expires but there are some he can do that he has not done. Yes salary is regular and yes the issue of increment has been settle; Retired teachers should be taken care of so that the ones in service will be happy to retire. More teachers should be employed and promotion should be as at when due. If these are done coupled with the regular salary, teachers will not have any genuine reason not to perform. Ukhun Felix 08071214971

Issues

Imagine Abia Without Kalu SOMETIMES I wonder if Abia people actually know the qualities that one of their own – Chief Orji Uzor Kalu – has. This is a man who is known beyond the West end. He is a man that many presidents and governors and dignitaries of all size respect across the world. In some countries in and out Africa, he is given a celebrity treat any time he is visiting, with all the statuses given to a governor or president given to him. Against this backdrop, I wonder what Abia State could have been under this present government if Kalu has not been speaking up, saying that his home state is not meeting up with good governance like many states in the 36 states of the federation have been experiencing. I’m not here to say that the present government is bad or not, but like Kalu has of recent been telling the world, the state is being swayed by media plays of the government and its allies, without a commensuration to develop the state; many have believed that Abia State has become a dudgeon under this government. On the contrary, many people who have been benefiting from the government could say that

By OLANIYI OLANIKE

their messiah has come in Abia State, but Kalu who knows what development means, has a contrary view. Even, from what I’ve observed, Kalu is not interested in how the government is run, but that the crop of the government officials should stop soiling his name and that of his family members and those who believe in him. This is Kalu! I do not want to say that the Abia State Government officials should visit Enugu, Akwa Ibom states respectively and see the type of development that many Abia people who are not on the pay roll of the government are yearning for, if they only think that development is all about hyping the government in the media. Therefore, it won’t be gainsaying the fact that without Kalu in Abia State, the state has been caged and everybody in it seem to have been intimidated beyond physical and spiritual level not to talk. The heartfelt matter is that Kalu persists to tell Abia people that he is guiltless of all the blackmail and character assassination that the government has been heaping

around him, even when he is fired with more and more venoms and vituperations from

the government’s angle. Abia people can attest to this shinning truth that the problem with Abia is not Orji Uzor Kalu.

Orji Uzor Kalu

Conversely, imagine Abia without Kalu, a state that has become where many see green and say it is yellow. Like the lonely voice in the wilderness, Kalu’s would be remembered in a due time that he was armed with the truth that he is not the type of man who opens his mouth to the marines. It is a great disappointment what is happening in Abia State. If I’m allowed to advice the present governor, I would suggest to him to make peace with Kalu, at least, so that Karma would not be fierce for betraying Kalu and at the same time want Kalu’s head, that of his family members and friends. Today, the government has been taking Kalu to the cleaners, but my surprise is that the government and all those in it do not for a minute pause and ponder where the governor could have been if not for Kalu who stood his guns and the present government had that governor. Anyway, it is not my duty to say that the present government has failed, but many people are saying that the governor is the

most-terrible governor in the world. I read people write that the governor receives quarterly allocation for the state, but is yet to pay salary to civil servants in the state. I’m not sure Abia State experienced this when Kalu was governor. I’m not sure how true it is that the present government is owing workers in the 17 LGAs upto 6 months and has withhold their promotion. If these are true, imagine Abia State without Kalu! Who would have been up and doing to speak for them? I stand corrected to say that without Orji Uzor Kalu in Abia State, the present governor and his untutored aides that have been insulting Kalu left, right and centre would not have been close to the government house, Umuahia after Kalu’s two term tenures as governor. I must say that the governor should fervently understand that without Kalu in Abia State, his opportunity of being a governor would have been in his sixth reincarnations or nil. So, why is the governor biting and fighting Kalu who made him what he is today? Like somebody would say, “Diaris God ooooo!”

“On the contrary, many people who have been benefiting from the government could say that their messiah has come in Abia State, but Kalu who knows what development means, has a contrary view.”

Religion THE Attitude of fellowship: God is a spirit and they that worship him in spirit and truth. (John 4:24) God has a beautiful way he expects us to worship him, He expects us to worship him from the heart (spirit) and sincerely (Truth). I have also realised that his expectations from us is no different from amongst our peers. He desires that we often come to chat with him, not only when in need; he desires that we obviously express our love for him, not just concealed in the heart; He desires that we challenge him to act, not limit his ability in doubt; he desires that we seek to please him from the heart, not just in false acts; he desired that we come and seek advice from him thus esteem his judgement superior and to be adhered to. He also desires that we be proud of our fellowship with him, bagging and introducing him to others. He desires that we celebrate him often as the days goes. These are just to mention but a few; man is an extension of God. God is pleased in like manner as man is pleased when certain expectation are met in their relationship. Keep faithful relationship and pray earnestly always, rather than spend time complaining. The standard in Hope: “But we all, with open face beholding as a glass the glory of the Lord, are

changed into the same Image from glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord (2 Cor 3:18) I really love the way God defined a Christian to me. He said a Christian is one who is determined to glorify God and starts taking positive steps. He said also a Christian is never satisfied because he has not gloried God, thus he is ever in the chase to show forth God’s glory. Manifesting God’s glory is the end goal of every Christian, every promise of scripture is to make us partakers of God’s divine nature (2pt 1:4). Every Christian seeks to measure up with the full stature of Christ (Eph 4:13). That is and should be your utmost goal; never be satisfied with any thing less, earnestly seek to contend for the highly calling of God. Ordained for creativity and continuity: Gen 1 :28 “And God bless them, and God said Unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the dish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every thing that moveth upon the earth”. (Gen. 1:28) Our Omnipotent creator rested after making man (Gen 2:2), not because he was tired or can be tired, but because he has inspired and delegated another to continue his creative work on

Man In The Image And Likeness Of God By IKPONMWOBA OSAZEE JOEL

earth. The mandate to dress and keep the earth was given to man. (Gen 2:15), you were made to reign on the earth as kings and gods (Rev 5:10). Every potential and ability to continue God’s creation work is imparted to you when he blessed you. Always keep in mind, he will never give you a responsibility beyond your ability (1 Cor 10:13). Although Adams lost the blessing when he sinned, While the second Adam (Jesus)came to restore. The blessing (Gal 3:13,14) that empowers you to continue. You are a good to continue his work, envision yourself as such and act as such over life is issues. The inspiration and creation. “And God said, let us make man in our Image, after our Likeness: and let the fish of the sea— (Gen 1: 20-21) man is essentially a spirit that has a soul, and is housed in a body. God made man and all other creatures simultaneously, but he made with some exceptions that makes him unique from other creatures. Creatures were inspired and made from their root or host, e.g plant and animals were made from the

earth (v:24) dishes and birds from water (v.20). But man was from God (v.26) Who is his host and root. Your root determine your fruit, because creation was made to reproduce after their kind (v:25). You having and acknowledging your root as from God, you begin to manifest as God. You are of God and not of the world, your root is in God not in a geneology of animals. You are divinely inspired and created to walk in God’s capacity. You are special. The research of identity: Seeking God (John 5:35) search the scriptures; for in them you think you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. Man has a hidden and exceedingly glorious identity very similar to that of God his host: you real identity, ability and capacity is reflective in God’s nature. So discovery of God’s nature helps you ascertain your true self, which will further empower you to be fulfilled, being you. Being you is the only source of peace and joy. Your identity is you, your identity is in God’s identity, that’s why those that know God will be strong and do exploits (Dan 11:32). I cannot in a single

extract tell you who you really are in details, but know that you are a god and a child of the most high God (Ps 82:6). I therefore commend you to God and his word. Search the scriptures, they inform you about yourself and your host, God. Acceptance of identity “They know not, neither will they understand, they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course” (Ps 82:5). Knowledge is said to be made perfect when it culminates is perfect understanding and further acted upon, which is wisdom. Believing is understanding and Believing precedes Becoming. After knowing your identity from the scriptures, you should come to a sure stand point where in you become doubtlessly convinced about your identity. When I saw who I was, I stopped thinking of myself as a human, and I made up my mind never to act like other humans do; thus I always try to be separate from the crowd, and you ought to be separate too due to the understanding of god-nature. When Jesus understand himself,

he was bold to hear what others taught about him, being certain that he would not be confused by their divers answers (Matt 16:13-17). You should come to a full assurance of god-nature to really manifest it. If it will cost you diligent hours of researching from the word, get understanding (Prov 4:7) and you will emerge as a god amongst humans. The working reality (Exo 7:1) “And the Lord said unto Moses, see, I have made the a god to Pharaoh and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet (Exo 7:1) Being God on the earth and having the experience of gods daily is a possibility. He made Moses a god over Pharaoh and Moses experienced the supernatural. He called them gods to whom the scriptures came, and he cannot bluff (Jn 10:35). Being saved qualified you to be a god, he that is born of the spirit not spiritual (Jn. 3:16) To walk. In this reality, you need to both know and believed it. You have known your place, and understand it. Do you now believe you are a god. It is by faith you live victoriously and overcome the world (1Jn. 5:4), which is the works of gods. You have to believe it and not just wish it.

View Point

The Hitler/Nazis Connections

Shell’s Many Sins: LIKE a criminal whose hands have been stained with innocent blood, and whose past (like nemesis), will always catch and hunt its present, that is how best we can describe the history and current condition of the ‘evil oil giant’ known as Royal Dutch Shell. It has been said that to understand the present, there is need for us to look at the past to fully grasp current happenings. So to understand why Shell has always been in the middle of wars and crises ridden regions/societies, there is need for us to have a glance of the genesis of the Shell as a corporate oil/gas company. However, it is really sad and rather unfortunate that ephemeral gains/benefits and profits in corporate business has become far more important and valuable to Shell than ‘human lives’. The company’s roles in the different crises/wars that were, and still evident across the globe, clearly explains

this undeniable fact. To those who do not know, Shell, right from day one, has always directly or indirectly perpetrated and promoted ‘evil’ against humanity through its deceptive role in supporting evil regimes; so as to continue to make oil/ gas profits and enrich itself more to the detriment of human lives. We have seen this ‘evil’ in Ogoni land of the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria; we have also seen it in Iran and currently in Russia/Ukraine. But what we see Shell doing today in Russia/Ukraine/Separatists conflict, long started even before World War 1, as well as World War 2. Shell, as we know it today, started when a shopkeeper, Marcus Samuel, decided to expand his London business, M. Samuel & Co. The market for oil remained confined to lighting and lubricants until, in 1886, the internal combustion engine

By ZIK GBEMRE JP

and demand for gasoline arrived with Karl Benz and the first Mercedes. By now the Samuel business had passed to his son Sir Marcus Samuel junior and his brother Samuel Samuel. They exported British machinery, textiles and tools to newly industrializing Japan and the Far East and on return imported rice, silk, china and copperware to the Middle East and Europe. In London, they traded in commodities such as sugar, flour and wheat worldwide. It was during a trip to Japan that Marcus became interested in the oil exporting business then based in Baku, Russia. In 1897, he formed Shell, after his first business, which sold painted seashells. He was knighted in 1898 for assisting in the salvage of HMS Victorious, which had

grounded under questionable circumstances and was pulled to safety by the Shell tanker SS Pecten. In 1907, Samuel’s company combined with the Royal Dutch Company of the Netherlands to create the company today known as Royal Dutch Shell. M. Samuel & Co., having transformed over the years to a merchant bank, merged in 1965 with Philip Hill, Higginson, Erlangers Ltd to create Hill Samuel, which is now a part of Lloyds TSB. However, the Samuel brothers initially called their company The Tank Syndicate but in 1897 renamed it the Shell Transport and Trading Company. Petroleum was also being produced in the East Indies, a Dutch colony, and in

“But that is half the truth, if we take another look at the Shell history from Sir Henry Deterding’s perspective, we would see and know more about the role of Royal Dutch Shell as a collaborator and financial supporter of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party via its founder, Sir Henri Deterding.”

1890 a company had been formed to develop an oilfield in Sumatra. This was the origins of what was to become the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company. Under the management of J.B. August Kessler, they built a pipeline and refinery at Pankalan Brandan. Kessler was joined in 1896 by a dynamic young marketing director, Sir Henry Deterding, who was to become a dominant figure in the company until the outbreak of the Second World War. In other words, the full merger of the two companies into the Royal Dutch Shell Group came in 1907. There were two separate holding companies with Royal Dutch taking 60% of earnings and Shell Transport taking 40%. The business was run by a variety of operating companies. The merger transformed the fortunes of both companies. Under the management of Sir Henry Deterding they turned from struggling entities to successful enterprises within twelve months. The Group rapidly expanded across the world. Marketing companies were formed throughout Europe and in many parts of

Asia. Exploration and production began in Russia, Romania, Venezuela, Mexico and the United States. However, in all of this, the First World War inevitably brought mixed fortunes for the Shell Group. And according to Shell Global website, Shell made a major contribution to the Allies’ war effort by becoming the main supplier of fuel to the British Expeditionary Force. It was also the sole supplier of aviation fuel and it provided 80% of the Army’s TNT. In addition it volunteered all its shipping to the British Admiralty. But that is half the truth, if we take another look at the Shell history from Sir Henry Deterding’s perspective, we would see and know more about the role of Royal Dutch Shell as a collaborator and financial supporter of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party via its founder, Sir Henri Deterding. Sir Henry Deterding was one of the first executives of the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and for 36 years (1900–1936) its Chairman and the Chairman of the combined Royal Dutch/ Shell oil company. He came to power after the early death of the Royal Dutch’s original leader, Jean Baptiste August Kessler. He was made an Contiunes on pg 27

International Thai Junta Leader Assumes Prime Minister Post BANGKOK -Thailand’s junta leader, who seized power in a military coup three months ago, officially assumed his new post as prime minister yesterday following an endorsement from the country’s monarch. During a ceremony in Bangkok, Gen. Prayuth Chanocha accepted a written royal command issued by King Bhumibol Adulyadej certifying his appointment as the country’s 29th premier. Bhumibol, who is 86 and in poor health, was not present at the ceremony. Thailand’s junta-appointed legislature voted overwhelmingly last week to name the 60-year-old army chief to the new post. He was the only candidate. Prayuth is due to retire from the military next month and will hold both jobs until he does so.

On May 22, Prayuth oversaw a coup in which the military toppled Thailand’s elected civilian government. Analysts say his new post cements the military’s control of government. The move was the latest in a series of moves by the junta to

consolidate power on its own terms. In July, the military adopted a temporary 48-article constitution and appointed the legislature. Prayuth, who is expected to name his Cabinet next month, has said elections could be held in

2015. Prayuth has said the army had to stage the coup to end half a year of political deadlock between protesters and the government, and to stop sporadic protest-related violence that had killed dozens of people and

wounded hundreds more. While stability has been restored, it has come at a steep price: Thailand’s democratic institutions have been entirely dismantled, and the country’s authoritarian rulers have crushed all dissent. Last week, Human Rights

Abkhazia Elects Opposition Leader As President

Egypt Proposes New Gaza Ceasefire CAIRO - Egyptian mediators have proposed a new ceasefire in Gaza that would open the blockaded enclave’s crossings and allow in aid and reconstruction materials, a senior Palestinian official said. The Palestinians, including the de facto Hamas rulers of the enclave, would be willing to accept such a deal if Israel does, the official told AFP. The proposal would defer to a later date negotiations on disputed points that have prevented a long-term ceasefire deal, he added. An Egyptian official confirmed that mediators have contacted the Palestinians and Israel with a new proposal. “There is an idea for a temporary ceasefire that opens the crossings, allows aid and reconstruction material, and the disputed points will be discussed in a month,” the Palestinian official said. “We would be willing to accept this, but are waiting for the Israeli response to this proposal,” he said, requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. Another Palestinian official said Egypt might invite Palestinian and Israeli negotiating teams to return to Cairo in 48 hours. A previous ceasefire to end the devastating conflict in Gaza collapsed on August 19 after Egyptian mediators were unable to bridge the gaps between the two sides. The conflict, now in its 49th day, has killed more than 2,100 Palestinians and 68 Israelis, mostly soldiers. Hamas has insisted that any long-term truce must end the eight-year blockade of Gaza and allow for an airport in the coastal strip that is flanked by Israel and Egypt. Israel says it wants Hamas, which it, the United States and European Union consider a terrorist organisation, to disarm, something the militants have refused to discuss.

Watch issued a statement criticizing the deterioration of human rights in the country. “Since the May coup, the generals have tightened rather than relaxed their grip on power,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Instead of the promised path back to democracy through free and fair elections, Thailand’s military seems to be opting for a road to dictatorship.” “As both prime minister and junta leader, Gen. Prayuth can wield broad power without accountability,” Adams said. “This marks a dark day for human rights and the future of democracy in Thailand”.

Thai Army Chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha reads a statement after receiving a royal command during a ceremony to swear him in as Prime Minister at the Army headquarters in Bangkok yesterday.

S Sudan Rebels Face Sanctions After Killing Ceasefire Monitor

ADDIS ABABA- Warring sides in South Sudan face “punitive sanctions,” the rebels for killing a ceasefire monitor and the government for violating a truce, the top mediator of the stalled peace talks has warned. “The violators of the cessation of hostilities agreement, and those responsible for the death, will bear the consequences,” chief mediator Seyoum Mesfin said in a statement late Sunday, from the regional east African IGAD bloc. “We cannot continue to treat this matter with velvet gloves,” he added. Rebel forces arrested the IGAD monitor on Saturday after the team landed near the town of Bentiu, in war-torn northern Unity state, the bloc said. “The monitors, who are part of the eight verification teams, had landed in the Unity State town for their routine inspection mission before being arrested and marched to an unknown destination,” the IGAD statement read. Rebel forces in Unity are led by rebel commander and warlord Peter Gadet, who has been sanctioned by both the United States and European Union for atrocities. IGAD did not clarify how the monitor was killed, but security sources said man was beaten to death. There was no immediate response from the rebels. Regional leaders were expected to meet late Monday in Ethiopia to discuss the more than

eight-month long civil war, where they are due to “spell out the punitive measures” for South Sudan, IGAD said in a statement. IGAD leaders have repeatedly threatened measures if both sides

continue to violate previous peace deals. Thousands of people have been killed and more than 1.5 million have fled civil war sparked by a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his

sacked deputy Riek Machar. The United Nations has said the food crisis is the “worst in the world”, with aid workers warning of famine if the conflict continues.

Libya’s Neighbours Fear Spillover CAIRO— Egypt’s foreign minister has called for an international push to disband militias in neighboring Libya, where weeks of inter-militia fighting has wreaked havoc in the country. Sameh Shukri says the escalation of violence in oil-rich Libya poses a threat to the entire region. He is calling for a joint

Of Violence

effort to disband all militias, “without exception.” The Egyptian top diplomat spoke Monday at a Cairo gathering of Libya’s neighbors. It was attended by Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan and Chad. The meeting comes as Islamistled militias in the Libyan capital

say they consolidated their hold on Tripoli and its international airport, driving out rivals to the city’s outskirts after battles that largely destroyed the strategic hub. It’s the worst violence in Libya since the 2011 downfall and killing of dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

SUKHUMI - Georgia’s Russian-backed breakaway province of Abkhazia elected opposition leader Raul Khadzhimba as president on Sunday, the head of the region’s election commission said. Commission head Batal Tabagua told journalists that Khadzimba received 50.57 percent of the vote, while his main rival Aslan Bzhania received 35.91 percent. According to Russia’s Itar-Tass news agency all four candidates are proponents of closer relations with Russia, but none advocates the region becomes part of Russia. Former leader Alexander Ankvab was forced to resign over allegations of corruption and misrule. Protesters broke into the presidential administration building in the main city, Sukhumi, in May. Abkhazia, a province in the Black Sea region, together with another Georgian region, South Ossetia, had been the focal point of a war between Georgia and Russia in 2008. Now Abkhazia relies on Moscow’s financial and political assistance. Georgia considers elections in Abkhazia illegal, Interfax news agency quoted Georgia’s Foreign Ministry as saying earlier on Sunday.

Opposition leader Raul Khadzhimba sits at the presidential headquarters in Sukhumi, the capital of Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia.

International

US To Act On Islamic Group’s Threat

WASHINGTON-General Martin Dempsey says that once he determines that the Islamic State militants in Iraq have become a direct threat to the U.S. homeland, he will recommend the U.S. military move directly against the group in Syria.

But the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Sunday that right now, he still believes the insurgent group is still more a regional threat and is not plotting or planning attacks against either the U.S. or Europe.

Speaking on a military plane en route to Afghanistan, Dempsey provided more detail into his thinking about the Islamic militants who have stormed across Iraq, operating out of safe havens in Syria. So far, the Obama administration has restricted its

A Chinese fighter jet photo taken by a US Navy P-8 crew over the weekend.

China Warns US Over Warplane Interception

BEIJING - China’s state-run media warned Washington that Beijing could treat its surveillance flights as an “act of hostility”, after accusations a Chinese fighter jet flew dangerously close to a US military aircraft. US Rear Admiral John Kirby said the armed Chinese warplane came close to the American P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft on three occasions, at times less than 30 feet (nine metres) away, in what he called a “very dangerous” intercept. China’s defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun called the allegations “totally groundless” in a statement cited by the official news agency Xinhua. The incident took place 220 kilometres (135 miles) off China’s Hainan island, over an

area the US insists is international waters but Beijing regards as part of its territory. The incident has echoes of a major incident in April 2001, when a Chinese fighter jet collided with a US Navy EP-3 spy plane around 110 kilometres off Hainan. The Global Times — which is owned by the Communist Party’s mouthpiece, the People’s Daily, and often takes a nationalist tone — lashed out in an editorial at US surveillance “in the coastal waters and airspace of China”. “Such reconnaissance is posing a threat to China’s core security interests, which could be treated as an act of hostility,” it said. “It would be a life and death fight between China and the US if the collisions in the South China Sea became

confrontations concerning both sides’ core interests,” it warned. The episode comes as Beijing builds up its military might and naval reach, while Washington is engaged in a foreign policy “pivot” to Asia. The official China Daily newspaper accused the US of undermining mutual trust, saying that Washington’s concerns over China’s rise were a “psychological need to create an enemy to make up for its sense of loss after the end of the Cold War”. US naval and airborne reconnaissance missions “do nothing to convince the Chinese authorities and the Chinese people that the US is sincere in claiming it wants to build mutual trust with China,” the paper said in an editorial.

Rioting inmates hold a hostage at a prison in parana state, Brazil on Sunday.

military action against the militants to specific operations within Iraq, but concerns have increased as the Islamic State group extended its reach, taking control of a swath of land stretching from Syria across the border and deep into western and northern Iraq. The group took over Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul, in June, and has since declared an Islamic state, or caliphate, in territory under its control in Iraq and Syria. Dempsey also told reporters traveling with him that he believes that key allies in the region — including Jordan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia — will join the U.S. in quashing the Islamic State group. “I think ISIS has been so brutal, and has wrapped itself in a radical religious legitimacy that clearly threatens everybody I just mentioned, that I think they will be willing partners,” said Dempsey, expressing optimism for the first time that the Arab nations would join in the conflict. ISIS is an acronym for the Islamic State group. He contrasted the Islamic State group to the Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, which has plotted and attempted attacks against the U.S. and Europe. As a result, the U.S. has conducted counterterrorism strikes against the group within Yemen. Dempsey said that so far, there is no sign that the Islamic State militants are engaged in “active plotting against the homeland, so it’s different than that which we see in Yemen.” “I can tell you with great clarity and certainty that if that

threat existed inside of Syria that it would certainly be my strong recommendation that we would deal with it,” said Dempsey. “I have every confidence that the president of the United States would deal with it.” He added that those regional partners could come together and squeeze the Islamic State group “from multiple directions in order to initially disrupt and eventually defeat them. It has to happen with them, much less with us.” Up to now, when asked about airstrikes inside Syria, Dempsey and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel have said all options remain on the table. But so far there has been no broader authorization for such operations. The Obama administration has authorized airstrikes within Iraq to protect U.S. personnel and facilities and to help Iraqi and Kurdish forces assist refugees driven from their homes by the Islamic State. Most of the recent strikes have been around the Mosul Dam, which Islamic militants had taken, but it is now back in the hands of the Iraqi and Kurdish troops. Senior U.S. leaders, from the White House to the Pentagon, have said the key to success in Iraq is the formation of an inclusive government that will include disenfranchised Sunnis. As the Islamic State militants moved across Iraq, some Sunnis — including some members of the Iraqi security forces — either threw down their weapons or joined the group.

The U.S. has been encouraged as new Iraqi leaders, including Shiite prime minister-designate Haider al-Abadi, begin to take steps to form a new government and reach out to Sunnis. Officials have suggested that any additional military assistance from the U.S. to Iraq is contingent on those political and diplomatic steps by the government. One possibility, said Dempsey, would be to have U.S. forces provide more expanded advice and assistance to the Iraqi force. He said military assessment teams looked at about 50 Iraqi brigades and a number of the Kurdish units and have a good idea which ones have appropriate training and equipment and have not been infiltrated by militia. So far, Dempsey said the U.S. has not sought or received permission to put advisers into Iraqi brigades or headquarters units and accompany them into combat. To date, U.S. forces have conducted a total of 96 airstrikes across Iraq. Of those, 62 have been around the Mosul Dam. The strikes have helps to break the insurgents’ momentum, said Dempsey, and strip away some of the mythology that the Islamic State is impregnable or overwhelming. Dempsey is on his way to Afghanistan to attend a change of command ceremony Tuesday. Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford is stepping down as the top commander there; Army Gen. John Campbell will take over.

4 Inmates Killed In Brazil BRASÍLIA -Inmates rioting Prison Riot for better facilities in a Brazilian jail have killed four fellow prisoners, decapitating two of them, and took two guards hostage, officials said. Negotiations to resolve the standoff were to resume Monday, with 60 percent of the jail still under inmate control overnight, said Elson Faxina a state judicial spokesman. Officials have cut water and electricity to the enclosure, Faxina added, saying police officers were guarding the prison to stop the riot from spreading. “A group of prisoners took six inmates hostage; they killed four and have injured two. They also took hostage two guards,” he explained. “Their demands are about facilities; it is an older building and they want food brought in.” But Faxina said there may also be an element of the uprising linked to a fight between drug trafficking factions. “The fact that prisoners took hostages would

reinforce that view,” he said. There were no numbers on how many inmates were involved in the uprising, but local media said around 77 prisoners were transferred because they were threatened by the rioters. The uprising took place in the state correctional center in the city of Cascavel in southern Parana state that currently holds 1,140 prisoners, he said. “A group of prisoners rebelled during breakfast and took two officers hostage. Then they beheaded two prisoners,” a civilian police agent assigned to the jail, Miguel Llanela, told AFP earlier. According to news portal G1, the two other prisoners were killed when they were thrown off the roof of the buildings. “Negotiation are likely to be prolonged, and I hope things are resolved verbally without using physical force,” an advocate for prison staff, Jairo Ferreira Filho, told a local

radio station. Meanwhile the prison workers union said in a statement that lack of funding meant there was no regular maintenance of the facility. “The prisoners say the food is bad, there are no lawyers to work their trials, no basic hygiene materials, few correctional officers,” the statement added. “All these factors together are a tragedy waiting to happen.” In Brazil 548,000 people are currently in prison — and there is a need for 207,000 more spots to prevent overcrowding, according to Conectas, an organization specializing in inmate rights. In May, inmates at a maximum-security prison in northeast Brazil took four guards and more than 100 visiting relatives hostage overnight, ultimately releasing them in a deal that saw the transfer of 16 inmates to other prisoners.

International Features

Gaza War In The Eyes Of Hamas THE political chief of Hamas has called on President Barack Obama to intervene with the Israeli government to “lift the siege” of Gaza and push for a cease-fire in the conflict to stop a “holocaust” against the Palestinians. “You as the leader of the most powerful state in the world, I ask you to call [on] Israel to stop its aggression on Gaza — and to lift the siege and open the cross borders and to rebuild Gaza,” said Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal, in an exclusive interview with Yahoo News. “This is our demands.” The direct appeal to the president was made — in English — at the end of a wideranging hourlong interview, conducted under tight security at a gated Hamas media office in Doha, Qatar. It came amid a new round of violence in the Gaza conflict, including the death of a 4-year-old Israeli child on a kibbutz from a Hamas rocket and the execution of 18 suspected Israeli collaborators by masked Hamas gunmen. On Saturday, Israeli aircraft demolished a 12-story apartment building, sending a huge fireball into the sky and wounding 22 people, including 11 children. In the interview, in which he answered all other questions in Arabic, Meshaal was at times defiant, comparing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at one point to Adolf Hitler. “What is the difference between what Netanyahu, [Defense Minister Moshe] Yaalon, and [Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Benny] Gantz are doing — killing thousands of civilians, children, women, entire neighborhoods, targeting mosques, destroying hospitals and [United Nations Relief and Works Agency] schools — what’s the difference between that and what the Nazis did in the 1930s and ’40s? And what Hitler did. This is the real holocaust.” But he also said Hamas is “ready for a cease-fire” and is willing to stop its rocket attacks, though he insisted that Obama has a “moral responsibility” to pressure the Israelis to stop the conflict in

Gaza. “This is an opportunity for me to send a message to the American people, to President Obama, and to the U.S. Congress: America has to act in a moral way,” he said. (A White House spokeswoman declined to comment.) Meshaal, 58, is widely seen as a critical, if cagey, player in the Mideast conflict, having headed Hamas’s political arm in exile since 2004 and emerging as its most visible international spokesman. Once

“lies” and disclaimed any direct responsibility for the Hamas suicide bombings that killed hundreds of Israeli civilians during the 1990s and 2000s. “I’m a political leader, and I do not interfere in military affairs,” he said. “What the Palestinian people do in resisting occupation are details that I do not get myself involved in.” He took a similar position when pressed about the onslaught of Hamas rocket

“No, I’m not embarrassed by the charter. This is a historical document that was drafted in 1988. Now we are in 2014. Hamas has its literature, historical literature, and documents. But we also have our agreements with the Palestinian Authority, which seeks a just solution based on the 1967 borders.” smiling. “I’m the head of the political bureau … I direct the policies and the positions. But not the details when it comes to military issues.”

Asked during the interview about the fate of Mohammed Deif, the Hamas military commander who was the target of an Israeli assassination attempt last week, Meshaal

As reported by Yahoo News on Friday, Meshaal did acknowledge that Hamas members were behind the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers hitchhiking on the West Bank in June but said Hamas political leaders did not know about the operation “in advance.” Still, he justified the killings as a legitimate action against Israelis on “occupied” lands. “Our view is that soldiers and settlers in the West Bank are aggressors, and they are illegally living in these occupied and stolen lands,” he said. “And the right to resist them is the right of Palestinians.”

maintained that he is “fine and safe.” He went on to call the Israeli operation, which killed one of Deif’s wives and an infant son, “a stab in the back.” Meshaal was critical of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who in a recent interview with The Atlantic accused Hamas of “embedding rockets and command and control facilities in civilian areas” and said, “There’s no doubt in my mind that Hamas initiated this conflict. So the ultimate responsibility has to rest on Hamas and the decisions it made.” “Who is planting 600,000 settlers on the West Bank?” Meshaal shot back. “They are stealing the land — and they kill Palestinian civilians. And when Secretary of State [John] Kerry tried to broker some kind of agreement, it was sabotaged by the Israelis. So I find it very strange for Mrs. Hillary Clinton to say something like this, when she knows the truth.” Asked whether Clinton was

Israeli Soldiers

the target of a botched Israeli assassination attempt — Mossad agents sprayed him with poison on the streets of Amman, Jordan — Meshaal has been embraced by some Westerners, such as former President Jimmy Carter, as a pragmatist who can help pave the way to a long-term peace agreement. But the U.S. government since 2003 has branded Meshaal a “specially designated global terrorist,” accusing him of raising money for and “supervising assassination operations, bombings and the killings of Israeli settlers.” He called those charges

attacks on Israel, a stance that raises questions about just how much control the group’s political leaders have over its military wing. He acknowledged that in the past, Hamas got its rockets and weapons from “different sources” — an apparent reference to aid that the group’s military wing has gotten from Iran. “Now it’s becoming very difficult to move these rockets through, and we manufacture most of them, if not all of them, in Gaza,” he said. “We depend on ourselves in making our weaponry. “ Meshaal was asked how many rockets Hamas has. “I don’t know,” he said,

“But the U.S. government since 2003 has branded Meshaal a “specially designated global terrorist,” accusing him of raising money for and “supervising assassination operations, bombings and the killings of Israeli settlers.”

misinformed, Meshaal responded,”What she needs is to be just and fair,” saying that Israeli policies and “hypocrisy” are “against the interests of the U.S.” Meshaal’s dueling attitudes — at times uncompromising, at times conciliatory —were seen in his responses to questions about the Palestinian charter, a 1988 document that vows to “raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine,” renounces all peace initiatives, and proclaims, “There is no solution to the Palestinian problem except by jihad.” Asked if he stood by the charter, Meshaal said, “People do not judge people by what they have on charters, but what they act on. We have as Palestinians met and decided on the national document. And it has a clear and united position.” The charter also contains language accusing Palestinian enemies of controlling “the world media” and at one point refers approvingly to the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” a notorious anti-Semitic forgery concocted to justify pogroms against Jews in czarist Russia. Asked if, as some have written, he was “embarrassed” by the charter, Meshaal responded: “No, I’m not embarrassed by the charter. This is a historical document that was drafted in 1988. Now we are in 2014. Hamas has its literature, historical literature, and documents. But we also have our agreements with the Palestinian Authority, which seeks a just solution based on the 1967 borders.” The interview was conducted on Friday, just hours after Meshaal attended prayers at a local mosque where he was surrounded by well-wishers. When asked what he prayed for, peace or revenge, he replied: “For sure, when we enter the mosque in our daily prayers, we always start with peace. And when we end the prayer, we say ‘salaam alaikum’ ... We are the people of peace, and our religion is the religion of peace. And what we want is peace. We are victims of aggression and occupation by Israel, and we hope when this conflict ends, what people will see from us is kindness and peace.

View Point Contiuned from pg 23

honorary KBE in 1920, ostensibly for service to Anglo-Dutch relations, but mainly for his work supplying Allies with petroleum during World War I. According to Wikipedia, Sir Henry Deterding was called the “Napoleon of Oil”, and Deterding was responsible for developing the tanker fleet that let Royal Dutch compete with the Shell company of Marcus Samuel. He was the one that led Royal Dutch to several major mergers and acquisitions, including a merger with Samuel’s “Shell” Transport and Trading Company in 1907 and the purchase of Azerbaijan oil fields from the Rothschild family in 1911. In the last years of his life, Sir Henry Deterding became controversial when he became an admirer of the German Nazi party. In 1936, he discussed with them the sale of a year’s oil reserves on credit; the next year, he was forced to resign from the company’s board. In 1936 he bought the manor of Dobbin near Krakow am See, (Germany) and moved to that place. After he died in Switzerland he was buried at Dobbin in Mecklenburg, but his body was transferred to a grave in Liechtenstein in 1968. And according to John Donovan, he noted in one of his articles that Sir Henry Deterding’s burial ceremony at his private estate in Mecklenburg, Germany, had all the trappings of a state funeral. The spectacle of the said burial included a funeral procession led by a horse drawn funeral hearse with senior Nazis officials and senior Royal Dutch Shell directors in attendance, Nazi salutes at the graveside, swastika banners on display and wreaths and personal tributes from Adolf Hitler and Reichsmarschall, Hermann Goring. Deterding was an honored associate and supporter of Hitler and a personal friend of Goring. More information from John Donovan reveals that “Sir Henry Deterding was the guest of Hitler during a four day summit meeting at Berchtesgaden. Sir Henri and Hitler both had ambitions on Russian oil fields. Only an honored personal guest would be rewarded with a private four day meeting at Hitler’s mountain top retreat.” Royal Dutch Shell was said to have conspired directly with Hitler, financed the Nazi Party, was anti-Semitic and sold out its own Dutch Jewish employees

to the Nazis. Shell had a close relationship with the Nazis during and after the reign of Sir Henri Deterding, an ardent Nazi, and the founder and decades long leader of the Royal Dutch Shell Group. Shell appeased and collaborated with the Nazis. The oil giant instructed its employees in the Netherlands to complete a form giving particulars about their descent, which for some, amounted to a self-declared death warrant. Shell used slave labor and was a close business partner in Germany of I.G. Farben, the notorious Nazi run chemical giant that also used slave labor and supplied the Zyklon-B gas used during the Holocaust to exterminate millions of people, including children. Shell continued the partnership with the Nazis in the years after the retirement of Sir Henri and even after his death. It was money generated on Shell forecourts around the world, profiteering from cartel oil prices, which funded the Nazi party and saved it from financial collapse. Evidence about Shell’s Nazi connections can be found in extracts from “A History of Royal Dutch Shell” Volumes 1 and 2 authored by historians paid by Shell, who had unrestricted access to Shell archives. Sir Henri Deterding, the founder of the Royal Dutch Shell Group became an ardent Nazi and financial supporter of Hitler and the Nazi party. The huge injection of Royal Dutch Shell funds by Sir Henri, saved the Nazi Party from collapse and in so doing, indirectly caused millions of deaths in World War II. Declassified US intelligence records show Royal Dutch Shell was viewed as “a Nazi collaborator that used Hitler’s slave laborers”. A ruthless thirst for access to new oil fields was a driving force by Sir Henri (right) for his support for the most evil man in history. Sir Henri was himself described at one time as “The Most Powerful Man in the World”. As noted in an article by John Donovan, while Royal Dutch Shell support for the Nazi all those years ago has no link to current Shell management, however, there is a link to current activities, with Shell still supporting evil regimes and leaders for its self-centered business growth. Oil and gas is the reason why Shell has signed contracts and collaborated with dictators like Libyan

An oil producing community

Shell’s Many Sins ...

mass murderer, Gaddafi and Nigeria’s late Gen. Sani Abacha. “So basically, nothing has changed; Shell is still willing to deal with the devil to fuel its unquenchable thirst for oil, irrespective of moral considerations and the potential deadly consequences of handing over billions of dollars to a regime which may well end up funding future terrorist atrocities, as it has in the past.” As highlighted in the said post, in addition to the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Gaddafi was also responsible for arming the IRA, another terrorist organization. Shell had also funded the corrupt Nigerian dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, during Shell’s plunder and pollution of the Niger Delta. It is this same scenario that is currently playing out in Europe that has instigated the crises between Russia/ Ukraine. With several news reports about a meeting between President Valdinmin Putin of Russia and Royal Dutch Shell CEO Ben van Beurden, in which the sensitive subject of Ukraine was discussed, it is interesting to note that the same subject was also discussed at a high level by Shell in the 1930’s, on that occasion with Hitler, who like

Putin, also had territorial ambitions. It was this same picture that we saw being played out in Nigeria. Like we noted in our past articles on similar subject, when it comes to the Nigerian oil and gas industry, history will always remind us of the most inhuman and despicable atrocities in Ogoni land, perpetuated by Shell in glare collaboration with the repressive military regime of the Nigerian Government under the dreaded late Gen. Sanni Abacha. The Ogoni crises of the Niger Delta region, famously known as the “Ogoni 9”, which culminated to the murder of human rights activist Ken Saro-wiwa and eight others, will always remind us of how oil giants like Shell creeps into oil-bearing countries and practically hold host governments’ by the jugular to have their way in sustaining ‘oil profits’ over and above human lives and environmental degradation. The same way Shell instigated the crises in Ogoni land of the Niger Delta region, which has remained ‘unsolved’ till now, that is the same way they had sponsored and fueled the two world wars as well as several other war crimes against humanity. It is also the same way Shell is

currently instigating the crises between Russia and Ukraine with its business operations. The same way Shell collaborated and influenced the decisions and actions of the then repressive Abacha regime to instigate the Ogoni crises in the 90s, is the same way they are currently pulling the strings of the Dutch government and whatever happens in its operations in Russia. Sadly, in the midst of this all, Shell ‘pretends’ to be concerned about addressing the ‘damages’ left behind in its quest and thirst for ‘oil wealth’ through its operations with deceptive “SAFETY FIRST” slogans and sermons on their supposed SHELL GENERAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES, most of which are only true on paper but never in ‘reality’. The current stand by Shell (to continue its “business as usual in Russia” despite the downing of MH17 that led to the deaths of 298 people and the worldwide condemnation/sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine), is a clear indication of this fact. Even with its recent declaration that the company will obey sanctions without hesitation, and its suspension of exploration activities in Eastern Ukraine only (so far), it still does not

mean that Shell has changed in any way because the company has left its operations in Russia unchanged. This means they are in full support of the atrocities committed in Ukraine by the present Russian government. Shell does even see the need to apologize to nations and the people of the regions (like those of the Niger Delta), where the oil giant has actively participated in committing heinous crimes against humanity. But the question is, should government of nations and big corporate companies like Shell do whatever please them in securing their economic interests, territorial ambitions and world dominance, to the detriment of its various citizenry and humanity as a whole? Should we all sit down, fold our hands and allow our environment daily ravaged and lives lost due to the excessive economic and political ambitions of oil giants like Shell with the cooperation of host repressive governments? It is time for all relevant stakeholders concerned to rise up and continue condemning and exposing these anomalies against humanity.

Barca Admit Transfer ‘Errors’ But Will Still Fight Ban BARCELONA made errors in the transfer of under-age players but will go to CAS over the severity of the FIFA transfer ban for two consecutive windows, president Josep Maria Bartomeu said. Fans hold a banner at the Camp Nou asking FIFA not to touch La long list of recruits during the close season and Barca have Masia (AFP) FIFA upheld a decision last especially reinforced in defence Wednesday to sanction the after fortunately being able to Catalan club for breaching rules sign players before the appeal on the international transfer of under-18 players and it means they now cannot register players in the next January and JulyAugust 2015 windows. The initial ban was suspended pending Barca’s failed appeal, allowing the likes of Luis Suarez to be brought in during this window, but Bartomeu said they will now take the fight to get the penalty reduced to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). “We were conscious that the ban was going to be ratified because we have committed some errors,” he told Spanish television. “We will go to CAS. We are going to work on a good defence so that in the coming months the situation can be resolved more favourably for us. “We have a few weeks to send our motives for wanting to have the ban reduced. Often these cases end up with CAS. We recognise that we have done things badly but the sanction is very heavy.” The world governing body also rejected Barcelona’s appeal against a 450,000 Swiss francs (£296,000) fine and they have been given 90 days to regularise the situation of all the minor players concerned. Uruguay striker Suarez led a

was heard. Bartomeu said they were covering themselves in case they cannot get the ban eased, with the remaining days of this window not counting in the sanction. “We have planned the season thinking that we could be two transfer windows without making

a signing,” he said. “We have a B side with very strong players that can move up to the first team but we will see what happens with CAS and see what happens over the coming months. “We think that the ban is out of proportion. We have signed a lot of players but we are still looking at the market and we have not closed the door on any more deals.”

Munir El-Haddadi

Munir El-Haddadi Hails ‘Dream’ Debut BARCELONA’S new attacking talent Munir ElHaddadi says it was a “dream come to true” to score at the Camp Nou on his full La Liga debut as Elche were beaten 3-0 in Sunday’s season opener. Munir, 19 next week, got his chance on the left wing because of Luis Suarez’s suspension and Neymar’s knee injury and looked unfazed throughout, capping an excellent performance with a well-taken goal to put his side 2-0 up just after halftime. The Madrid-born youngster, who was on Atletico Madrid’s books for a time before going to Barca’s La Masia academy, told Barca TV after the game that he was proud to have played alongside stars such as Lionel Messi, who scored the other two goals. “I am so proud to have scored at the Camp Nou with Messi and so many other great players around me,” Munir said. “I’m very happy. It was a dream come true to play with them.” Munir’s goal came when he raced onto a through ball by Ivan Rakitic before calmly side-footing first time past Elche keeper Przemyslaw Tyton. The strike eased nerves at the Camp Nou after the home side had been reduced to 10 men when Javier Mascherano was sent off just before the break. “[The goal] came because if you keep losing your

Premier League: Chelsea Salute Attenborough After Life President’s Death CHELSEA have paid tribute to life president Richard Attenborough, who has died at the age of 90, saying that the Oscar-winning film director’s “personality was woven into the tapestry of the club over seven decades”. “He was a consistent force for good at the club, even in dark

times,” the 2012 European champions said in a statement. “He led a long and successful life and always found time for the things in life he loved most, one of which was Chelsea FC.” Attenborough joined the Chelsea board in 1969 and stayed until 1982, his initial years being marked by the London club

winning their first FA Cup in 1970 and their first European trophy, the now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup, a year later. The British actor, who won worldwide fame for his many film roles, made his most important contribution to the Stamford Bridge outfit after standing down as a director.

MANCHESTER United boss Louis van Gaal refused to confirm his interest in Real Madrid’s Angel di Maria as speculation mounted that he is on his way to Old Trafford. Speaking after seeing his side only manage to claim a point from a 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, the Dutchman remained tight-lipped. Van Gaal said: “I cannot say anything about transfers, you have to understand that. When a transfer has been finished, then we can say something. But now you have to wait and see. “When the moment is there, Manchester United shall announce it.” He added with a smile: “It is not only Di Maria - maybe Vidal or Messi! We are a big club.” What is in little doubt is that United need reinforcements and quickly if they are to belatedly launch their season. A point was the most they

to Wearside as they laboured despite taking an early lead against the run of play. Van Gaal said: “We lost a lot of balls in situations I don’t expect it. When you do that, you have to run after the ball to win it back and then you are not in the match. That was the first-half problem, I think. “In the second half, we were dominating. But you need creative passing in the last third and that was also not so good. We were dominating without creating any chances. “That is the purpose of the game, to create chances and make goals. But we didn’t create so many. That is disappointing.” Juan Mata’s 17th-minute strike gave United the lead, but Jack Rodwell levelled on the half-hour with his first Sunderland goal, after being allowed to meet a Sebastian Larsson corner unopposed.

work to do, opposite number Gus Poyet is convinced he will get it right. Poyet said: “I know Van Gaal very well and if you give him time, he is going to achieve what he has promised, I have got no doubt. “It’s a different Manchester United, without any doubt. It was strange to see them playing with three at the back after watching Manchester United for 20 years with a different system. “The good thing for me and the strong thing for me is he is going to buy players to play in that system, and that’s a great advantage. “When you have that opportunity, it gives you the chance to then not have any excuses, and I am sure that Louis van Gaal is looking for that ‘Give me the players to play this system and then it’s up to me’, which is great.”

Van Gaal Silent Over Di Maria But if Van Gaal knows he has deserved to take out of their trip

The club, and the freehold for the lucrative site where they play home games, changed hands and many shares were bought by property developers whose plans threatened Chelsea’s existence, the club added in their statement. Attenborough, however, kept hold of his shares and it eventually helped the club take back control of the freehold. Ken Bates, the then-chairman,

Van Gaal

responded by appointing him life vice-president. Attenborough became Chelsea’s life president in 2008 and was handed a commemorative plate to mark the occasion. “I’ll sweep the Oscars off the mantelpiece and put this plate right on top now,” he said. “It means as much to me as any award or honour I have been given.”

marker, sometimes you get there,” Munir said. “I saw the goalkeeper was off his line and just chipped the ball.” Munir added that new Blaugrana coach Luis Enrique — who said after the game that the Spain under-19 international had a lot of potential but had to keep improving — had been an important influence. “Luis Enrique has told me to keep doing what I do, and so I’ll keep working for more chances,” he said. “He tells us to work hard and get better every day. He’s a great manager.” Barca full-back Dani Alves told reporters after the game that Munir was showing the right attitude to succeed in the first team. “We have to look after Munir because he’s got a great future ahead of him,” he said. “He’s humble, but hard work is getting him what he deserves. It’s a pleasure to have him in the team.”

Everton Could Move For Eto’o, Welbeck

EVERTON manager Roberto Martinez will consider a late move for either Samuel Eto’o or Danny Welbeck if a deal can be done within his budget. Martinez is weighing up whether to add a forward to his squad ahead of next Monday’s transfer deadline in order to cope with a lengthening injury list. Romelu Lukaku limped off during the second half of Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal, while fellow striker Arouna Kone does not yet have a comeback date despite returning to training after 10 months out with a knee injury. In addition, attacking midfielder Ross Barkley — another goalscoring option — will be out until at least October after sustaining medial knee ligament damage in training on Aug. 15. Martinez has acknowledged an interest in Cameroon international Eto’o, 33, who is a free agent after being released by Chelsea at the end of last season.

Players Want To Stay At City VINCENT Kompany believes Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the only clubs in the world who do not have to worry about losing their best players. The City skipper, who joined from Hamburg in 2008, recently signed a new five-year contract to keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2019. And he is one of six key players to sign a long-term renewal this summer with Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov agreeing four-year deals and Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero and David Silva also signing up for five more years. Kompany believes it makes City a rarity, telling Sky Sports: “Virtually every club in the world is looking over their shoulder at a bigger club who wants to take their players away, with maybe the exception of Barcelona and Real Madrid, but that is not the case at City.” The Belgium international believes continuity and stability

Fernando Torres

Torres Demanding Staggering Chelsea Pay Off

CHELSEA will have to stump up a staggering amount of money to rid themselves of Fernando Torres; Manchester United are about to break the bank to sign Di Maria; Juventus are set to swoop for Lukas Podolski and Liverpool face competition from an Italian club for the services or Radamel Falcao. Chelsea will have to fork out a fortune to get rid Torres: Fernando Torres will only leave Chelsea if they pay up his contract in full, reports the Sun. Torres, 30, has two years left on his deal but will not take a pay cut to leave the London club. He is currently on £170,000-a-week – which equates to £8.5million per season. Roma are said to be

interested in his services but his wages are well above their wage structure. Chelsea could loan the former Liverpool man out for the year and look to sell him next season – but this would be reliant on Chelsea subsidising part of his wages during this period. A club source told the Sun: “The club faces a conundrum with Torres. They know that he will not take

a pay cut but also know that they risk his value plummeting further if they keep him and he spends the season as third choice behind Diego Costa and Didier Drogba.” Paper Round’s view: Of the options available to Chelsea, the loan option seems the least likely. If they were to allow Torres out on loan then they would surely have to sign another striker. Therefore, they would be paying

Redknapp To Stick With Formation HARRY Redknapp saw his QPR side roundly beaten on his return to Tottenham but insists he will stick with his new formation. The 67-year-old was at White Hart Lane for the first time since being sacked in 2012 but his Rangers team were outclassed as Tottenham cantered to a 4-0 victory. Nacer Chadli scored twice, with Eric Dier scoring his second goal in as many weeks and Emmanuel Adebayor adding a fourth after the break. Mauricio Pochettino saw his attacking players shine, especially in the first half up against the back three on which Redknapp has pinned his survival hopes.

Harry Redknapp

Rio Ferdinand, Steven Caulker and Richard Dunne were given the runaround before Redknapp reacted by changing to a back four for the second half. Despite an improved performance, with only one goal shipped, Redknapp is not ready to give up on his 3-5-2 formations. “I don’t know if that (the system) is a problem,” he said. “We played okay last week playing that well, it is about energy really. We were slower on the ball and were off the pace a bit - in certain areas we weren’t sharp enough. We have to work harder both with and without the ball. “I don’t think it is systems. That system allows me to get two strikers into the team which I was trying to do. “(Loic) Remy doesn’t play up on his own, it is difficult. Charlie Austin doesn’t play up on his own. You look to play 4-4-2 and you get slaughtered in midfield, it is not easy.” The size of the victory saw Pochettino’s side move to the top of the Barclays Premier League table, but the former Southampton boss was quick to dispel any early season talk of a title tilt.

“It is nothing,” he replied when asked about Tottenham sitting top of the table. “It is two games. The most important thing is to try and develop our style and philosophy, (against QPR) we showed our basis. “For me, it is important that the team show they are a team. We played like a team all together and we can achieve something. “It is important to keep the reality and stay calm. If you lose two games you are in danger but we need to keep calm, it is only the beginning of the season.” Pochettino remains more interested on getting his style in place rather than worrying about where Spurs sit in the standings. “I’m in charge for my first season at Tottenham and at the moment we want to put in place our philosophy and play in the way that Tottenham have played in their history,” he added. “We are very pleased. In front of our supporters and our first game of the season here it was a good game for us. I think we played well. We have players that can play in this way and we have belief.”

part of Torres’ wages, a transfer fee for a new player and his wages – this would make very little sense from a Financial Fair Play point of view. In addition, Torres, while not the goalscoring beast of old, is not a bad third choice striker by any means. If they have so little faith in the Spaniard that they do not even want him as a third striker, then they should just pay off his contract and be done with it.

- Kompany

will help City win more silverware and believes the future is bright at the Etihad Stadium. He added: “It is hugely important. Consistency is now starting to settle in; you see players who have won a lot of trophies for the club, players who have been very successful for the club, stating that they see their future with City and that they want to remain with the club. “That’s an important factor for me because it feels as though we are building something for the long term. “So it is important for the fans but also for me and the other players that have signed. We know that the players who know how to

achieve success and are still very ambitious in the dressing room, ambition that we can all feel, remain part of this story.” City won the Premier League title for the second time in three seasons last year and now Kompany has set his sights on retaining it, which he believes will be tougher. He said: “Winning back-toback titles are difficult to achieve because all your main rivals are even hungrier to claim the title after missing out the previous year, plus every team wants to beat the current champions and they seem to put that extra bit in to win the match. “I want to lead this team to back-to-back titles.”

Lukas Podolski Linked With Seria A

LUKAS Podolski could be set for a move to Italy with Napoli and Juventus both waiting for a signal from the Arsenal forward, whose agent says he is assessing offers. Ali Pektas, the Germany international’s representative, is currently finding a new club for his client, who was left out of the Gunners’ squad for their trip to Everton at the weekend — suggesting he may not figure in Arsene Wenger’s plans. Speaking to AreaNapoli.it, Pektas confirmed that Serie A is a plausible destination for Podolski, who arrived at Arsenal from Cologne in 2012. “Your country is attractive — you have attractive football being played there and you have many top European clubs,” he said.

Lukas Podolski

“Napoli is certainly one of these. A great club, even though I’ve not yet had any contact with any club officials.” A return to the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg is also reportedly an option being discussed, as is a move to Juventus. “We’re open to everything,” Pektas added. “The kind of contract does not matter, considering that my client, like any footballer, just wants to be playing as much as possible. “Lukas is physically fine and it goes without saying that he’d like to be playing more frequently, but I won’t go into the managerial decisions. Let’s just wait and see what happens.” Napoli’s search for a new forward has been put on hold for the time being as they turn their attention to Wednesday’s Champions League playoff second leg against Athletic Bilbao. Juve, already certain of their place in Thursday’s Champions League group stage draw, could make their move before then, although Podolski does not seem to be their primary target. The Italian champions are pondering a move for Monaco’s Radamel Falcao, although the striker has said he is happy in France. Should that bid fail, Podolski may well become the priority in Turin over the final week of the transfer window.

Insurance Supporters Cup Begins Sept 1

By NICHOLAS EBOIGBE

BENDEL Insurance supporters cup tournament would begin on September 1, 2014 in Arinze Primary School, Benin City. The tournament would be organised by ESSUYI Soccer Federation of Nigeria as part of effort to discover talents and to groom them in order that they can have a good career to rely on in future. According to the President of ESSUYI Soccer Federation of

Nigeria, Monday Aibangbe, the tournament would be sponsored by the Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football supporters club, Chief Osadolor Ogiefa. He explained that the twoweek long tournament would feature clubsides drawn from Edo, Delta, Lagos and Oyo State. “Screening of player started yesterday. Clubs like BJ Foundation, Divine FC and some others from Edo State would participate int he

tournament in the Under-13 category.” Coach Aibangbe believes that is better to fish out budding talents which can be seriously built to take over from the old football starts. “I want to use this opportunity to commend Chief Osadolor Ogiefa for deeming it fit and necessary to bankroll this tournament. This is the best way to contribute to the development of the society”.

NNL: Supreme Court Beat

“Our opponents were very aggressive but I think we were tactically the better team. “The referee’s decision did little to help our cause today. “We will get back to the drawing board and make sure we give a better performance at home on next weekend when TEAP FC of Abuja come visiting,’’ he said. Newsmen reports that Spotlight FC is on the 7th position with 36 points, while Supreme Court FC currently occupies the 9th position on the 16 team NNL table with 35 points. Table toppers, Wikki Tourist

DAME Patience Jonathan yesterday congratulated Super Falconets top scorer, Asisat Oshoala, for winning the Golden Boot and the Golden ball awards of the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women World Cup. Nigeria’s Falconets lost 1-0 to Germany in the final of the competition. She also praised the gallant fight put up by the young ladies against their Germany counterparts in Montreal, Canada. In a statement issued by her Media Assistant, Ayo Adewuyi, in Abuja, the first lady praised Oshoala’s dexterity on the field of play describing her as an inspiration to aspiring female footballers. She urge?d her to continue to work harder for future glories. While congratulating the team for its wonderful performance, the First Lady

ALGERIA have suspended all football this weekend in memory of Albert Ebosse, the striker killed on Saturday after being struck by an object thrown from the crowd during a Ligue 1 match in the north African country. The Algerian Football Federation said in a statement it was considering several punitive measures including expelling Ebosse’s club JS Kabylie from all competitions. It did not specify a time period. The Cameroon forward was struck on the head by an object allegedly thrown from a section of his club’s own fans as the players left the field at the end of a 2-1 defeat to USM Alger in Tizi Ouzou, a match in which he had scored his side’s goal. JS Kabylie confirmed in a

statement posted on the club’s website that he had passed away in hospital later on Saturday, though they did not give the exact cause of death. The federation said the decision to cancel all matches this weekend was also to protest “the irresponsible action of fanatics and hooligans who perpetuate violence in stadiums which has reached unacceptable proportions”. The federation and JS Kabylie said it had given an immediate sum of $100,000 to Ebosse’s family and would ensure they were paid out the remainder of his contract. The 24-year-old Ebosse was the leading scorer in the Algerian league in the 201314 season with 17 goals having played the previous season in Malaysia.

Spotlight FC 1-0

SUPREME Court FC of Abuja on Sunday defeated Spotlight FC of Katsina 1 -0 in a Week 25 match of the Nigeria National League (NNL) to keep their hopes of promotion alive. The match, played at the Old Parade Ground Sports Complex, Abuja, saw Owoicho Edoka scoring the only goal of the game for the hosts in the 17th minute. Spotlight FC had more ball possession and were in control of the game for a better part of the encounter. The Shema boys from Katsina, however, lacked the needed zest in the final third as the hosts’ defence kept them at bay. Supreme Court FC kept a tight defensive line throughout the encounter and always looked to catch their opponents on the counter

attack. The hosts’ tactics paid off in the early minutes of the first half when Eric Dugha collected a loosed ball in the opponents’ half and quickly delivered a dangerous cross into Spotlight’s FC vital area. The well taken cross found Supreme FC’s Captain, Edoka who stabbed home from inside the box to give the host the much needed victory. Coach Henry Haggai of Supreme Court FC expressed joy at the result, adding that it had given his side a renewed vigour to push for promotion. “I am happy that my team was able to pick up these vital three points at home today (Sunday). “All we need to do now is make sure we win at least four out of our remaining five matches before the end of the league season.

“We are hopeful that it would be enough to see us gain promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) next season.’’ Coach Bashir Sadoaki of Spotlight FC on his part blamed his team’s loss on poor officiating, noting that the goal scored by the host was illegitimate and should not have been allowed to stand.

Patience Jonathan Salutes Falconets’ Performance also saluted “their burning desire’’ to be victorious and praised the team for doing the country proud. Dame Jonathan praised the team’s versatility, accurate passes and the team spirit. “The girls have made Nigerian women proud by exhibiting an unprecedented patriotic zeal and a great determination resisting the

German onslaught,’’ she said. She also commended their handlers for their dedication to duty and determination to see the girls through. After 90 minutes and an extra time, Lena Petermann, scored for her country, defeating Peter Dedevbo‘s (Falconets coach) girls. This will be the third time Germany will win the competition.

Algeria Suspend All Football After Ebosse’s Death

Aminu Maigari

Fiorentina Forward Gomez Eyes Return To Germany Squad

FIORENTINA striker Mario Gomez said yesterday that he was determined to earn an international recall with Germany after missing the World Cup following a long injury absence. The 29-year-old, who has won 59 caps and scored 25 goals, last played for Germany in August 2013 against Paraguay. “I obviously want and I will come back to the national team,” Gomez told Sport Bild magazine. “The pre-season preparation went well and we are well prepared for the start of the (Italian) season.” After a promising start in his first season at Fiorentina, the former Bayern Munich forward suffered a knee ligament injury in September

last year that kept him out for months, calling last season “the ugliest of his career”. He was then hurt again shortly after coming back, missing selection for the German squad that went on to win the World Cup in Brazil last month. But striker Miroslav Klose, the only forward in Germany’s World Cupwinning team, has since retired from international football, improving Gomez’ chances of a comeback. Germany coach Joachim Loew will name his squad for the Sept. 3 friendly against World Cup finalists Argentina and their first Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland on Sept. 7.

Mario Gomez

Albert Ebosse

Japanese Club Shamed By Banana-Waving Fan Incident YOKOHAMA Marinos president Akira Kaetsu apologised profusely on Monday after one of the club’s fans waved a banana at Kawasaki Frontale’s Brazilian striker Renato on Saturday, describing the act as ‘unforgivable’. Marinos banned the supporter indefinitely after

the teenager was identified by club officials when the footage went viral. “I’d like to apologise to the members and staff of Kawasaki Frontale and their families. I’m very sorry about this incident,” Kaetsu told reporters in Tokyo on Monday. “It’s unforgivable. We will not tolerate any acts of discrimination. “The fan is denying that he had any racist intentions, but we explained that while you may not think so, people perceive it differently.” The incident comes five months after fellow J.League outfit Urawa Reds were forced to play a home game at an empty stadium as punishment for their fans unveiling a banner deemed discriminatory. J.League chairman Mitsuru Murai promised swift action. “It’s very regretful that such provocative behaviour was seen again despite our efforts to prevent such provocative jeering in stadiums,” he said. “I want to take into overall account, the social changes since and the way clubs handle (these situations). I want a quick decision.”

‘Balotelli Will Split Everyone’together - McAllister under Brendan

BALOTELLI is on the verge of joining the English giants from Milan for a reported fee of £16million. And while McAllister, who won five trophies at Liverpool towards the end of his glittering career, acknowledges the fee is not high for a player of Balotelli’s calibre, but is worried about the potential for a dressing room split. Balotelli courted regular controversy during an incident-packed spell at Manchester City prior to his return to Italy, and McAllister is not convinced the move is a good one for his former side. “It will split everyone,” McAllister told TalkSPORT. “He’s got great ability, but Liverpool are very much

Man Utd Duo To Face Fitness Tests

MANCHESTER United defender Chris Smalling and midfielder Ander Herrera will have their condition assessed ahead of Tuesday’s Capital One Cup tie at Sky Bet League One outfit MK Dons. Smalling came off in the first half of Sunday’s 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Sunderland with a groin injury, while Herrera sat out the clash due to an ankle problem. It is not expected that new signing Marcos Rojo’s work permit situation will be resolved in time for him to make his debut in the cup game and it remains to be seen whether fellow defender Rafael will be deemed fit enough to feature.

Rodgers and it doesn’t take a lot to split a dressing room. “That’s my only fear. I’m not so sure [about the move]. “Look at his moves – he’s had great opportunities at big clubs and that fee keeps dropping and dropping. “It’s not a great deal of money in today’s game, but it will split a lot of people.” McAllister also thinks Balotelli’s arrival could cause a selection headache for Rodgers and potentially disrupt star striker Daniel Sturridge. “I don’t know where Balotelli plays [at Liverpool],” he added. “If he plays up top, does Sturridge move to the side? I don’t think he likes it out there. “He [Balotelli] is not going to be second fiddle – that’s not his thing. “I’m looking forward to seeing how they line up with the three or four really attacking players they’ve got.”

Bayern Defender Search ‘At Standstill’

Mario Balotelli

McGregor Earns Scotland Call-Up

CELTIC midfielder Callum McGregor has won a call-up to the Scotland squad for next month’s clash with world champions Germany. midfielder has scored in each of The 21-year-old has been Celtic’s three away Champions rewarded for an impressive start to League qualifiers and made himself the season which has seen him a key player in Ronny Deila’s early strike four times for the Scottish days as manager. champions. McGregor spent last season on The news was confirmed by loan at Sky Bet League One side Scotland Under-21 coach Billy Notts County, hitting 14 goals from Stark, who has seen him promoted midfield. from his squad. Stark told Press Association Sport: “Andy Robertson has stepped up from the Under-21s and now Callum McGregor. Whilst it has not been the most successful of IVAN Rakitic believes Lionel campaigns, the other part of it is Messi could be the best player ever players going through.” Dundee United midfielder Stuart after making his Barcelona debut Armstrong - who is Stark’s captain alongside the forward. Messi scored twice as Barca - and Sheffield Wednesday striker Stevie May both have to be content dispatched Elche with teenager with a place in the Under-21 squad Munir getting the game’s other goal for their double header against on his first senior appearance. Rakitic praised his new Slovakia and Luxembourg. McGregor’s promotion comes teammate, particularly after seeing weeks after his Celtic him up close, and gave his thoughts breakthrough. The attacking on his place in the squad amid

He comes in amid injuries to Robert Snodgrass and Scott Brown and fitness doubts over West Brom’s James Morrison. Stark named his squad before Gordon Strachan’s selection for the September 7 clash in Dortmund was confirmed. Stark added: “Club form

obviously has a big part to that and Callum has had a great start to the season with Celtic so it’s no surprise. “I know Gordon has always liked the intelligence and football ability that he’s got , so it’s great for him.”

BAYERN Munich’s chase for a new defender has come to a halt, German paper Bild has reported, quoting CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as saying he would not talk about a potential deal for Roma centre-back Medhi Benatia because “every word could drive up the price.” Bundesliga champions Bayern began their new campaign with a 2-1 win at home to Wolfsburg on Friday, a game in which coach Pep Guardiola largely played four at the back despite having experimented with a three-man backline in preseason. But the ligament tear suffered by Javi Martinez in the German Super Cup defeat to Borussia Dortmund earlier this month has limited his options in central defence, and Bayern have been on the lookout for a new rightfooted centre-back. Roma’s Benatia, 27, has emerged as the favourite in the past couple of days, and a Gazzetta dello Sport report on Sunday claimed a 30 million euro deal had been agreed for the Morocco international. However, on Monday Bild reported that no agreement had been reached, with negotiations deadlocked. “Please understand that I will not comment on it, because every word could drive up the price,” the paper quoted Rummenigge as saying. The Bild report was backed by football weekly kicker, which also said no deal had been done and that Bayern were not willing to meet the asking price. “The Italians want to cash in on their defender,” the paper said. “But the question is — where?”

Messi Might Be The Best Of All Time

competition for midfield places. “It’s needless to repeat, he’s the best in the world,” AS reports Rakitic as saying. “He might be the best ever. I enjoy training with him. He makes everything easier. “I’m calm, what I want is to train and play football, no one has given me anything and I don’t think anyone is going to do that in football. “I will work hard, do my best and prepare well. The rest will follow. “We are talking about the best in their positions. If you have the desire that we have to work well, everything is easier.”

Callum McGregor

Man Utd Look To Tie Up Di Maria would neither confirm nor deny MANCHESTER United are looking to have the British record with regard to the Di Signing anything signing of Real Madrid winger Maria situation after his side’s 1-

Di Maria

Angel Di Maria wrapped up by today evening, Press Association Sport understands. United have made no official comment on the matter, but it is understood a fee has been agreed between the Red Devils and Real that will eclipse the British record £50million Chelsea paid to Liverpool for Fernando Torres in 2011, with reports putting the figure at at least £60million. It is also understood Di Maria - who bid farewell to his Real

team-mates on Sunday - was flying to Manchester yesterday ahead of a medical. And the expectation is that the deal will be complete within around 24 hours, although not in time for the Argentina international to be involved in United’s Capital One Cup tie at MK Dons to night. The 26-year-old would be set for a debut in Saturday’s Barclays Premier League match at Burnley. United boss Louis van Gaal

1 league draw at Sunderland on Sunday. Van Gaal said: ‘’I cannot say anything about transfers, you have to understand that. When a transfer has been finished, then we can say something. But now you have to wait and see. ‘’When the moment is there, Manchester United shall announce it.’’ He added with a smile: ‘’It is not only Di Maria - maybe (Arturo) Vidal or (Lionel) Messi! We are a big club.’’

CMYK

Dan Orbih And The Ebola Politics

AS we approach the 2015 general elections, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is up in arms with various propaganda dubious stories to undermine the chances of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC ) in Edo State by deceiving the people with all sorts of lies colouring them in ways for people to mistake them for truth. All Nigerians know how Ebola virus found its way into our beloved country. Nigerians know that the Peoples Democratic Partyled Federal government that abdicated its responsibility in allowing Ebola into Nigeria. Following the outbreak of the deadly disease in since Nigerians know the PDP federal government failed in its responsibility in taking proactive measures to prevent the deadly ebola virus from entering Nigeria. But sadly, enough, instead of the Edo PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Osi Orbih to attack President Goodluck Jonathan and his Minister of Health, whose duty it was to take steps to ensure that ebola virus did not find its way into Nigeria given the strategic position of the country in West Africa, the loquacious PDP Chairman places the blame on Edo State Government’s doorsteps. What a delusion! At one of the many PDP recycled rallies held this time in Igueben weekend,

where the Prince Tony Omoaghe who was said to have led some persons to defect to the PDP in Benin and at another time in Auchi and now again in Igueben, Chief Dan Orbih alleged that “with the outbreak of Ebola, there is no designated isolation centre for the management of Ebola virus in Edo State” and he went ahead to blame the Edo State Government for this hallucination of his. Since the outbreak of Ebola in Nigeria courtesy of an unserious federal government who should have mounted ebola screening devices in the nation’s entry points such as airports, seaports and other land border posts such as Seme, Idiroko and several others, the Edo State Government has taken proactive steps to prevent its spread to the state. Citizens are aware that a Rapid Response Committee on Ebola outbreak was last week formally inaugurated by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie. Eregie, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Peter Ugbodaga, said the committee is one of the largest committees ever set up by the state government, adding that, it was an indication of the seriousness and importance attached to curtailing the spread of Ebola in the state. Since the unfortunate importation of the deadly

Ebola virus disease by the American-Liberian, Dr. Patrick Sawyer on the 20 July 2014, the disease has been declared a serious national emergency requiring all hands to be on the deck to prevent, control and isolate our unfortunate brothers and sisters that

strength to tackle the enormous challenge posed by Ebola disease. The committee is made up of representatives from the state Ministries of Health, Environment, Women Affairs, +Local Government, Education, University of Benin

• Chief Dan Orbih, PDP Chairman, Edo State are down with the illness. This committee set up by the Edo State Government is, therefore, a critical step in the prevention, control, isolation and treatment of cases of the disease should it find its way to the state. Besides, membership of the committee was carefully chosen to reflect the diversity in unity and

Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Medical Association, the state Traditional Medicine Borad, the DSS and others. Terms of reference of the committee include review and approve the epidemic preparedness and response plan, mobilise resources for epidemic prevention and control, coordinate and monitor control activities during outbreaks, including information dissemination to the public and media,

MATTERS IN FOCUS With DAN OWEGIE and others. Much more, the Edo State Commissioner for information, Louis Odion, on his part has consistently solicited for collaboration by the media in dissemination of correct information to members of the public since the outbreak of Ebola in the country. Only on Thursday last week, the Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities has carried out a Sensitization/Awareness Campaign with a theme “SAY NO TO EBOLA” as a way of sensitizing members of the public. The campaign was flagged off by a top director of the Ministry, Mr. Sylvester Okokhere on behalf of the M i n i s t r y . The Director of Environmental Health and Safety who is also head of environmental protection and regulatory unit, Prince Peter Uwagbale who led other officials to markets on the campaign noted that there is need for market women to know the preventive measures adding that everybody is a stakeholder in the prevention of Ebola. A state that has taken all these steps to prevent ebola from entering its territory cannot be said not to have done anything by a busy-body politician. . Already, the Irrua Teaching Hospital has been designated as ebola diagnostic centre what more does Dan Orbih want from the state government? If Orbih and Edo PDP has any quarrel why ebola entered Nigeria or why should it not enter Edo State. He should direct his questions at the PDP appointed Minister of Health. He should direct his questions to the PDP

federal government that organised a meeting for ECOWAS that brought ebola-infsted Patrick Sawyer to Lagos. Nigerians are mourning Dr. Adedevoh and her team who carried the cross of ebola so that other Nigerians can be free of the deadly disease. The PDP federal government should apologise to the families of all those who have died of the disease and those who are already infected for abdicating their responsibilities of not screening passenger coming from ebola-high risk countries such as Liberia and Sierra-Leone because almost every day, Asky Airline touches ground in Nigeria with passengers from these countries. Dan Orbih instead of hiding his PDP face from shame and opprobrium is popping his head out, because few persons left APC, a party that formed the government that is just going ahead transforming the lives of Edo people in a way and manner that they have never had it. When you hold the hands of Prince Tony Omoaghe to organise rallies in all parts of the state where he keeps announcing his decamping, it doesn’t mean that you should also lose your sense of reasoning. But what we do know is that Orbih is playing the ebola politics, which like every other one would fall flat on its face come 2015 elections in Edo State. Mr. Dan Owegie is a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Chairman, Board of Directors, Bendel Newspapers Co. Ltd., Benin City.

“But sadly, enough, instead of the Edo PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Osi Orbih to attack President Goodluck Jonathan and his Minister of Health, whose duty it was to take steps to ensure that ebola virus did not find its way into Nigeria given the strategic position of the country in West Africa, the loquacious PDP Chairman places the blame on Edo State Government’s doorsteps. What a delusion!” Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor. BARR. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI) - (07030699646), Deputy General Manager (Marketing) (08023457566), Assistant General Manager(Advertisement) (08023808856) Lagos Office: 25 A Alli Street, Off Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to: 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com (ISSN 0331-2674)