Nigerian observer 26 11 2014 by Nigerian Observer

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vo l . 39 • N O .129 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 20 14 • N 100. 0 0 REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Page 18

Addressing excessive bleeding at childbirth

SPIRITUAL PLATFORM Page 25

Dealing with grave attacks

Don’t cover road signs with posters, FRSC warns politicians LAGOS -The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has urged politicians and their supporters to desist from covering road signs with posters,

saying the action was inimical to safety on roads. The Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Ogun and Lagos States, Mr Godwin

Ogagaoghene, told newsmen that safety on roads was the responsibility of everyone. Ogagaoghene said the habit of covering road

signs with posters was dangerous to the safety of road users and all hands must be on deck to stop the practice. “The signs are there but Continues on page 2

Explosions kill over 45 persons

MAIDUGURI - More than 45 people were massacred in twin bomb blasts, including one by a female suicide bomber, at a crowded market in the Nigerian city of Maiduguri. The explosions in the National Emergency Borno state capital Management Agency targeted the same (NEMA) confirmed that Monday Market area “many people have been where at least 15 people killed”, but did not have died July 1 in blast an official death toll. blamed on the Boko Also read: Several Haram militant group. killed as female bombers Yesterday’s attack strike in Maiduguri. came after the militants One senior police seized control of another officer, who requested town in Nigeria’s restive anonymity, described the northeast. explosion, which Health worker, Dogara happened at about 11:00 Shehu said he counted am (1000 GMT), as a more than “45 people “powerful bomb”, which killed, some of them was felt across the city. completely decapitated” Market trader Usman in the Maiduguri blasts in Babaji told AFP the an account supported by explosives were hidden another witness. in a motorised, threeAn official with Nigeria’s wheeled rickshaw, which

are popular throughout the country. A second explosion followed moments later as people rushed to the scene of the first bombing to help the injured, witnesses said. Abubakar Bello, who

sells chickens near the scene, said the woman was carrying explosives in a wrapper on her back, in the same way that babies are carried. “She manoeuvered her way to the scene of the earlier explosion,” he said

in an account supported by three others. “I think it was a deliberate plan to inflict much pain on unsuspecting people because the second explosion went off after many people gathered at the scene of the first one.” Boko Haram suspected Boko Haram will likely be blamed for the blasts, given that it has attacked

Maiduguri dozens of times during its five-year fight to create a hardline Islamist state in northern Nigeria. The Islamist group was founded in Maiduguri more than a decade ago and the city was once the epicentre of the conflict until its fighters were pushed out into more rural parts of the northeast. Continues on page 2

Soldiers free kidnapped trad ruler By BETTY IDIALU WARRI - The kidnapped traditional ruler of Oporomor Kingdom , Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa state, His Royal Majesty, Augustine Ebikeme has been freed by soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, in the Niger Delta. The traditional ruler’s abduction in Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta state, penultimate Sunday, ignited ethnic

rivalry between the Ijaw and Urhobo people. The Nigerian OBSERVER gathered that the monarch was abandoned by his abductors in an uncompleted building between Orerokpe and Eku, two Urhobo communities, after the soldiers mounted a manhunt for the victim. However, there has been confusion over the actual security agency that carried out the rescue operation. While the army said that it conducted the rescue in collaboration with officers

TIT BITS “ Despite all the claims; none has been able to narrate their experience of death or neardeath in such a manner as to make others truly long for the experience.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

of the Department of State Security, the police in Delta have also been claiming credit for freeing the monarch. Lt.Col Mustapha Anka, the Spokesman of the JTF in the Niger Delta stated that the traditional ruler was rescued by JTF Operation Pulo Shield patrol in collaboration with members of the DSS. ‘’The team stormed the kidnapper ’s hideout yesterday where the Continues on page 2

CALL TO THE BAR: Secretary, Council of Legal Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Max-Uba (left), presenting certificates to new lawyers during their call to the Bar in Abuja yesterday.

Crashing Oil Prices

CBN announces devaluation of naira * now N168 to the dollar

ABUJA - The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday announced the devaluation of the Naira from N155/$1 to N168/ $1. Addressing journalists at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, gave out other

decisions taken by the committee to include, increasing the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) that is

the interest rate charged by banks on loans by 100 basis points from 12 to 13 per cent. It would be

recalled that the last time the interest rate was tinkered with was two years ago.

Other new monetary policy measures announced by the CBN Continues on page 2

Jonathan, not anti-muslim

ABUJA The Presidency yesterday said President Goodluck Jonathan was not using his office to pursue anti-

- Presidency

Muslim agenda as being alleged in some quarters. Dr Reuben Abati, the

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said this in

Abuja while speaking with State House correspondents. Abati was reacting to a number of allegations Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

News

Don’t cover road signs witb posters

Continued from page 1

the politicians’ posters and obituary posters have covered them from being seen. “All the speed limit signs and other road furniture that give warnings, information and direction have been blocked with posters. “We should leave them open to safeguard the lives of people using roads, especially during this time when vehicular movement has increased because of the forthcoming festive season,’’ Ogagaoghene said. He described the culture of destroying traffic lights and road signs with protests as unacceptable. Also speaking, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Commission, Mr Hyginus Omeje, said that covering of road signs with posters usually become worse during election periods. “We want to condemn every act of covering road furniture with posters. We always witness this during electioneering campaigns and politicians have started

releasing their posters. “I want to appeal to the politicians not to use these posters to cover traffic signs. It is very important that we allow these signs to be visible for our safety. “It is an act of wickedness

to use posters to cover road signs that government used the tax payers’ money to install for the purpose of guiding motorists. “The signs are there to caution motorists so as to reduce avoidable losses on

Explosions kill over 45 persons Continued from page 1 Since May 2013, when a state of emergency was imposed in Borno and two neighbouring states, violence has increased in the countryside, killing thousands and forcing many more to flee. Boko Haram had earlier taken over the town of Damasak, in the far north of Borno near the border with neighbouring Niger, starting their assault with an attack on the market there early Monday. Maina Ma’aji Lawan, who represents northern Borno state in Nigeria’s Senate, said soldiers and hundreds of residents fled when the heavily armed militants opened fire on traders. “There is not a single male

in Damasak. Boko Haram is in control because all males and soldiers have fled. No one expects women to fight them,” Lawan told AFP by telephone from Abuja. A senior security source in Maiduguri and a senior local government official both corroborated Lawan’s account, although it was still unclear how many were killed in the attack. Maiduguri targeted Boko Haram’s territorial gains are a change in strategy from its previous trademark of deadly hit-and-run raids or high-profile strikes against government, police or military targets. The group’s seizure of towns has raised fears about a potential loss of government

Ekere had been rescued and was already back to Bayelsa . “He was released by his abductors as a result of the pressure mounted on the community by security agents and as I talk to you, he’s been taken back to Yenagoa. Although I have not seen him, but from what I heard from those who are with him, I think he’s fine”, Omare said. Meanwhile, the special squad of the anti illegal oil bunkering and oil theft of the JTF has intercepted and arrested an illegal oil bunkering vessel carrying a yet-to-be quantified volume of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil.

Anka, was apprehended by JTF patrol along Ogulagha community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta state. ‘’The vessel which is about 150 feet in length with a kitchen and four cabinet rooms underneath has 12 compartments out of which 6 were filled with crude oil suspected to be stolen. ‘’The suspects jumped inside the water and escaped on sighting our troops. The vessel has been taken into custody of the JTF for preliminary investigation while efforts are on to apprehend the suspects for prosecution’’, he added.

maintaining a symmetric corridor of +/- 200 basis points around the MPR, retaining public sector CRR at 75 per cent and retaining the foreign exchange trading position at one per cent. Godwin Emefiele said that the Committee believed that “a more flexible naira in the

policy option at a time of heightened demand pressure for foreign exchange and falling oil prices.” The MPC, he said “was of the view that if it fails to take right policy actions now, the market would force the CBN to take more drastic actions in the future with far less foreign exchange reserves.”

Soldiers free kidnapped trad The vessel christened MT ruler Ibiena, according to Lt. Col. victim was being held amid Continued from page 1

ransom negotiation with the family. The Royal Majesty was rescued unhurt while suspects fled into surrounding swampy forested area. The suspects are being trailed, while the house used as hideout was set ablaze insitu’’, Anka noted. But the Delta state police command’s Spokesperson, Celestina Kalu (DSP), told journalists that Pere Ekere was rescued by a joint effort of police and the army, adding that he was retrieved from a hut inside Kokori community. Confirming the development, the Spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Eric Omare, said Pere

CBN announces devaluation of face of non- existent fiscal Continued from page 1 naira buffers was the most viable include the increasing of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on private sector deposits by 500 basis points from 15 per cent to 20 per cent with immediate effect, widening the band around the midpoint by 200 basis points from +/-3 per cent to +/-5 per cent, retaining public sector CRR at its current level of 75 per cent,

Jonathan, not anti-muslim

Continued from page 1

made by the Muslims Right Concern (MURIC) through its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola against the president. “Our attention has been drawn to a press statement issued by the Muslims Right Concern and signed by its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola which made a number of allegations against President Jonathan. “I find Akintola’s allegations rather curious and they can be dealt with as follows: first, he needs to be told that President Jonathan is not anti-Muslim as he alleges’’. “Jonathan is the President of all Nigerians, whatever may be their beliefs’’. “It is not true that the president

the road,’’ Omeje told newsmen. The sector commander urged the motoring public to be more proactive on issues that have to do with the safety of lives and property on our roads.

is using the highest office in the country to promote Zion nation.’’ According to him, I think that is a most unfortunate statement coming from Akintola of MURIC and for which they owe President Jonathan an apology. Abati also faulted allegation by the group that Muslims were marginalised in the recent national conference, describing it as a very unfortunate thing to say. He noted that the national conference had been praised and adjudged one of the best of such conferences ever organised in the country. “It was a purposeful conference, a conference in which a lot of maturity was displayed. Religion did not become a big issue in that conference.

“Rather, the conference became a platform for addressing many issues of general concern to various groups, ethnic or religious. “MURIC cannot claim not to know that was a very successful conference,’’ he added. Abati described as a blatant lie allegation by the group that the security system in the Presidential Villa was saturated with Israeli security operatives. He emphasised that there were no Israeli security operatives saturating the security system in Aso Rock. The president’s aide invited Akintola to visit the Presidential Villa to see whether it was Israelis that were in charge of security. According to him, the security operatives in the Villa are not foreigners, they are Nigerians and there is no connection with Israel whatsoever.

control in the region. Many in recent weeks have warned that violence would return to Maiduguri and some have voiced concern that the Islamists might try to capture the key city. Losing Maiduguri would be a huge blow for Nigeria’s territorial integrity, but the military dismissed the warnings as alarmist. Despite claims that they have since retaken a number of towns seized by the militants, soldiers have largely been unable to halt Boko Haram attacks throughout the northeast. Lawan said he feared that Damasak may suffer the same fate as Malam Fatori, a nearby fishing hub which was overrun earlier this month. “When Boko Haram seized Malam Fatori recently, the military kept giving us assurances that they were going to deploy and take it back,” the senator added. “But the town is still in the hands of the insurgents and not a single soldier has been deployed to fight them. Our concern is Damasak may not be any different.” Meanwhile, the Borno Police Command has confirmed a twin-bomb blast at the Monday Market, Maiduguri. The Spokesman of the Command, Mr Gideon Jubrin, gave the confirmation in an interview with journalists in Maiduguri. Jubrin said, however, that the casualty figures were not available as at the time of the interview. “We are just trying to get the details please,” he said. But eye witnesses said that the blast occurred between 11 a.m. and 11.15 a.m. after two suspected female suicide bombers detonated their Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) near the entrance to the market. Mallam Modu Bukar, a bicycle repairer, said that the first blast occurred near the Bula Bulim Round About, while the second one occurred at the one-way road of the market. “We were busy working at the bicycle market when we heard the first blast. “People close to the area said that it was only the female suicide bomber that had been disfigured by the blast as we rushed to the scene,” Bukar said. “But as we were trying to get to the scene, the second blast occurred on the one-way, killing many people. “We all ran to safety leaving our shops open,” he said. Malam Baba Ashama, a shop owner at the Bula-Bulim Round About, also said that the blast had affected many people. “Nobody can tell you the exact number of casualty now because we all took to our heels on hearing the blasts,” Ashama said.

Ikpoba-Okha to evacuate mountain of refuse by Saint Savour By ROLAND OSAKUE IDOGBO- The authorities of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council of Edo State have worked out modalities to evacuate the mountain of refuse at the Eki-Omusan market along Saint Saviour Road, Benin City during this month environmental sanitation exercise in the state. The heap of refuse dump at the side of the market which also blocked the road to most residential buildings in the area, emit an unpleasant odour that is likely to cause a great deal of health hazard to the people. Speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER yesterday at Idogbo, the Secretary to the Local Government Council, Pastor Kenneth Iroghama alleged that the traders in the market have not been paying revenue to the council, inspite of the

assistance the council had been rendering to them. Pastor Iroghama, who lamented the rate at which some residents now desecrates public places with refuse, said the Council would arrest and prosecute anyone caught with such act as he stated that school premises, market places, roads among others were not the right places for people to dump refuse. He further stated that the Council’s expenditure on refuse evacuation from markets in the locality was enormous as he bemoaned attitude of some people who would leave their houses and dump their refuse in indiscriminate places. The Secretary however assured the traders in EkiOmusan on the Council’s preparedness to evacuate the refuse in the next environmental exercise but urged them to show commitment of good behaviour and discipline to the council by paying their revenue.

Nigerian Prisons begin confiscation of inmates’ cell phones ABUJA - The Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) yesterday said that it had begun the recovery and confiscation of all cell phones “smuggled” into prisons by inmates. The Spokesman of the service, Mr Ope Fatinikun, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. Fatinikun said that the renewed effort followed a directive by the Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, that the service should recover all the cell phones within 30 days as part of efforts to sanitise the system. “I can assure you that the process of recovering all these cell phones has begun and we would work round -the-clock to ensure that they are recovered within the 30 days given by the minister,’’ he said. Fatinikun who declined to give details of the recovery process for security reasons, however, said that the operation would be carried out with utmost professionalism. He said that despite the fact that it was illegal for inmates to possess cell phones, some of them still managed to sneak in the phones without the knowledge of officials. He absolved the prison officials from any complicity in the illegal

act, but said that security and surveillance would be tightened to ensure that the ugly trend did not continue. The spokesman said that all the phones recovered from the inmates would be destroyed with a warning that inmates should desist from the act or face stiffer sanctions. “From my experience I would tell you that most of these cell phones are smuggled into the premises without the knowledge of the officials, “Some of these inmates even go as far as concealing the phones in beverage sachets, but even before the directive we had been doing our best to recover them,’’ he said. Fatinukun said that the service would continue to do its best to reposition the service in line with international best practice inspite of the challenges. It would be recalled that the Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, had on November 21 given the Nigerian Prison Service a 30day ultimatum to recover all cell phones being used by inmates in prisons across the country.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

News Oshiomhole to grace Esan National Conference EKPOMA- The Ikolo Esan Organisation, an umbrella body of all Esan Union and Associations has announced the date of its Esan National Conference which is slated to hold from today November 26 th-28 th November, 2014. In a statement jointly signed by the chairman, Ikolo Esan Organisation, Pfor. Gabriel Ebosele Oteze, Deputy Chairman, Pharm. F. Ihenyen, Chairman Planning Committee, Hon. Tony Iyare, and publicity Secretary, Ehichioya Stephen Odion; the conference will start with an opening ceremony on tomorrow 27 th November, 2014 by 9:00 am at Brother Roman Centre along Auchi Express Road, Ekpoma. According to the statement, the conference with the theme: ‘Esan and National Development’ will be under the distinguished chairmanship of the former Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Prof. Abhulimen Richard Anao The Special Guests of Honour for the conference are the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, and the former Governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor.

The Great Christian Festival/Press Conference

Vice President Namadi Sambo (middle), President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’Ad Abubakar III and special advisers on Religious Affairs from the 36 State of the Federation at a roundtable meeting in Abuja recently.

APC Leaders Endorse Aghedo For Second Term By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON BENIN CITY—Leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ovia South West

have endorsed Hon. Sunday Aghedo for second tenure at the Edo State House of Assembly. This was part of the resolutions taken at an enlarged meeting of the APC leaders in the Ovia South West Constituency, held Monday in Benin City. Speaking shortly after the

meeting, the leaders from the 10 wards in the constituency including Hon. Michael Ogiamen of Ogbogui ward, Hon. Egharevba Sunday, Ora ward, Hon. Saturday Benediduwa, Mr. Ehi Obayagbona and Mrs. Eghe Osagie affirmed that the decision to back Hon. Aghedo for second term followed due consultation in the area. They noted further that Hon. Aghedo’s recording-breaking performance in his first term had convinced them that if

given second chance he wound do better. ‘’Hon. Aghedo made us to know and feel the true meaning of constituency project, the projects are there speaking for him. People that are desirous of positive change and grass root development will never change a winning team. ‘’We are now going back to our various ward to mobilize for Hon. Aghedo who has impacted meaningfully on the lives of our people. In fact, his coming back will be like that

St John Catholic Church Holds Annual Thanksing

By JAMES INEGBEDION

BENIN CITY - St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at Useh Quarters, Egor Local Government Area, Benin City Recently held its 2014 Annual Harvest Thanksgiving Mass/ Bazaar at the church premises. In a homily, the officiating priest Rev. Fr. Mathew Osita Okeke (OMV) reflected on the feast of the Body of Christ (Corpus Christi). He described the church as the body of Christ including the human beings. According to him, we are called to protect this temple and cleanse it from every form of stain or sin. He said the house of God is meant for the worshipping of God and saying of prayers, adding that we should take adequate care of our bodiesbeing the temple of God and try as much as possible to shun vices such as adultery, fornication, idolatry etc. “Christ is calling us today to be closer to him and reaffirm what we did in the past during our baptism by rejecting Satan and all his empty promises. We should do something tangible for the Almighty God, he emphasized. Rev. Fr. Mathew Osita

BENIN CITY - All is set for a successful 26 th edition of the Great Christian Festival scheduled for 27th to 30th of this month. The chairman of the planning committee of the Great Christian Festival 2014 Rev. Dr. Frank Ezele who made the remark in a news briefing yesterday said there will be free transportation for worshippers from different locations in Benin City. Rev. Frank Ezele said twenty six years ago the Great Christian Festival started after Elder Tes Sorae got the vision. He said the Great Chairman Festival is the vision of Jesus Christ for the church as all Christians from different denominations are expected to converge from Thursday this week to Sunday to celebrate Jesus Christ and enjoy inspiring messages from

Okeke urged the congregation to emulate King David who wanted to build a befitting house for God although God told him he could not build his house because David was a man of wars. He stated that it was good of David to want to build a house of God and charged the congregation to be happy for their opportunity to build the house of God by

contributing meaningfully to the success of the Annual Harvest/ Bazaar. He assured Christians of God’s continuous assistance and constant aid and at such, they should not be afraid because the Lord is with them. He prayed copiously for the Lord to help them build God’s house because no one can do anything without the help of God.

He enumerated their needs to include pews, fencing of the church compound, generating set and building of a parish house as well as the adoration chapel among others. The highlight of the ceremony was a bazaar sale which was very competitive and successful. The Harvest Chairperson Lady A. Obi thanked all the invited guests who honoured the occasion and prayed for God’s Divine mercy for those who contributed to the success of the harvest.

of our Comrade Governor who won overwhelmingly due to his first term performance”. The APC leaders maintained. Responding, Hon. Aghedo thanked the party chieftains for recognizing his achievements within the past three years and for endorsing him for second term. ‘’My adoption was based on my performance in the house, it wasn’t sentimental and i am happy and grateful that they have recgnised my performance, i thanked the youths, women and everybody in my constituency. ‘’What you are seeing here today is a true reflection of what the people at the grassroot really have, these are voters, they are not leaders in Benin, Lagos, they are people that are truely commited to the course of the party and i will always remember them for it’’. Hon. Aghedo disclosed. He however promised to improve on the dividends of democracy he has so far delivered to the constituency. He added that the past three years were like a learning process to him as he is now more grounded in the business of legislation

renowned men of God including Bishop Fred Addo, Evangelist Matthew Owojaye, Rev. Father Alfred Agbonlahor and Bishop Mon Igbinosa. The chairman of the 2014 edition of the Great Christian Festival said the Great Christian festival enjoys the support of the chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rt Rev Peter Imasuen, National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Felix Omobude, Archbishop Augustine Akubueze and Bishop Abraham Chigbudu are expected to handle the ministers session. Some members of the planning committee of the Great Christian Festival 2014, Rev. Joshua Omoregie, Elder Agharese Idubor and the wife of the chief sponsor Stella Sorae assured that the Great Christian Festival will afford participants the opportunity to enjoy God’s supernatural blessings during the event. They encouraged Christians of all denominations in Edo State and members of the public to turn out enmasse and participate in the programme. The free medical treatment of the Great Christian Festival for members of the public will start Thursday this week from 8am to 6pm.

EDSG wades into community crisis

ODUNA - Edo State Government has waded into the crisis rocking the Communities in Oduna Ward in Ovia North East Local Government Area by resoling the location of oil well between the oil and gas Evbuorokho Community and other communities in the area. This came to the fore when the management team and a surveyor from the state’s Ministry of Lands and Surveys, Surveyor lyawe led by the commissioner;-Hon- Isimeme lriogbe paid a visit to the communities to sort out the issues of oil well location in these communities. The Honourable Commissioner sued for peace among the communities and urged them to maintain peace as adequate measures have been put in place to resolve their crisis.

Cecilia Ogbeide for BENIN CITY- The families of burial Osaremen Ogbeide and At 4pm there will be prayers

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, adjusting a police man at the inauguration of the new area C Police Command Headquarters at Ojuelegba, Surulere Lagos yesterday.

Izedonmwen, both of Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State have announced the burial ceremony of Late Mrs. Cecilia Edmakhiota Ogbeide (aka Iye Nokhua ) (Nee Izedonmwen. According to the programme, tomorrow, Thursday November 27, 2014, at 11am, the remains of the late Mrs. Ogbeide will be taken from Asuen (Sycamore) Hospital, 1st East Circular Road, Benin City for lying in state at her residence, No 14 Airuoghionba Street, between 1st and 2nd East Circular Road Via No 9 Virginia Street, Benin City.

by the Divine Temple of God Mission and family members while interment will follow at 10 pm, also at her residence. On Saturday November 29, 2014, there will be entertainment of guests at Uvbi primary School, 1 st East Circular Road, by St Joseph Catholic Church, Benin City. The burial ceremony will climax at 11am on Sunday November 30, 2014 with a thanksgiving service at the Divine Temple of God Mission, by State Building, Ohovbe Quarters opposite Agbor Park, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

News Fight Against Corruption: LAGOS - A civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Nigerians to support the ICPC in fighting corruption in the country. Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, Executive Director, SERAP,

made the call at the launching of a book titled,” Citizens Guide to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)”. The 140-page report was produced by SERAP in collaboration with the Open So-

SERAP Seeks Support For ICPC

ciety Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), a non-governmental organisation. Mumuni said that despite some marginal improvements in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, high level official corruption remains widespread.

‘Although some attention is now being drawn to local government level corruption, most known cases of corruption remain at the federal and state levels. “Several allegations of corruption among local government officials are not ad-

equately reported; and actions are rarely taken to redress the problem or to achieve accountability,” he said. According to him, the ICPC was inaugurated on September.29, 2000 by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to help combat the scourge of corruption plaguing the nation. “However, within the period of more than a decade that the ICPC has been in operation, its institutional structures are not widely known by the generality of the Nigerian citizenry. “Its activities cannot be said to have inspired sufficient confidence in the Nigerian public and citizens who are mostly ignorant of its activities or its impact in the anticorruption fight,” he added. Mumuni said the book would expose the key feature of the ICPC framework, such as its duties, functions, operational structure and offences

created by the ICPC Act. He said it would also guide citizens on how to report suspected cases of corruption to the commission for investigation and prosecution of offenders. According to him, copies of the report will be distributed free of charge to Nigerians and also hosted on SERAP’s website for easy access. Mumuni said the fight against corruption requires collective effort from all and sundry, adding that it was not sufficient to just criticise the government. He said: “For the anti-corruption war to progress in the way it should go, it is a matter for all us. “But more importantly, our political leadership must exhibit credibility and transparency in piloting the affairs of the country.”

2015: Imam Urges

Muslims To Vote Wisely LAGOS - Imam Luqmon AbdulRaheem, the Amir of The Muslim Congress (TMC), has advised Muslims to use their voter’s card wisely to rec-

reate the Nigeria of their dream. He gave the advice in a speech entitled: “Engaging with the Society” he delivered at the 1436 Muharram get-together held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. would be no basis for disqualifiMuharram get-together cation or litigation. was organised by the TMC to “There is also the need to pre- sensitise Muslims on the comchurch compound, generating set and building of a parish house as pare the aspirants mind that only mencement of the Islamic New well as the adoration chapel one of them would emerge as the Year. party’s candidate,’’ he added. among others. The Imam urged Muslim The chairman, however, com- faithful to cast their votes for The highlight of the ceremony was a bazaar sale which was very mended the recent actions of the candidates who they believe party’s lawmakers when they are truthful and God fearing. competitive and successful. The Harvest Chairperson Lady were deprived of entering the “Enough of mediocrity, A. Obi thanked all the invited National Assembly by the police. enough of politics of the stomguests who honoured the occaHe said a lot of people had been ach, enough of amala politics,” sion and prayed for God’s Di- criticising the legislators for jumphe said. vine mercy for those who con- ing over the fence but he would He said that the solution to tributed to the success of the har- rather complement the indignity the challenges facing the navest. that they put themselves through. tion would be found if the citi“I must complement them for zenry change their attitude by the vision that made them to put voting wisely. “Will the APC meet the aspira- themselves through the indignity “We need a change of heart tion of Nigeria? And why are they of climbing fences because they and not change of policies and focusing on us so intensely at this particular time? It is because of saw straightaway that there was constitution. It is not the conthe things happening in politics,’’ something unusual about to hap- stitution that has been corpen. Oyegun. rupted but the man,” he said. He also tasked them to ensure AbdulRaheem listed moral that all the documentation were decadence, bribery, corruption prime and proper such that there and rigging of elections as some of the societal ills truncating the growth of the nation. He called on Muslims to be committed to the development of the nation by casting their vote wisely in the 2015 general elections. “We look forward to a nation where justice and peace reigns; where the healthcare system provide health and render care; where the judiciary demonstrates independence and schools deliver quality education. “We look forward to a country where jobs are created and the quality of life of the citia suspected mastermind behind April 14 Explosion in zens is improved,” the Imam said.

Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Desmond Agbama presenting a plaque for an award to the Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin in Benin City recently. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE

St John The Evangelist Catholic Church Holds By JAMES INEGBEDION 2014 Annual Harvest

He said the house of God is meant for the worshipping of God and saying of prayers, adding that we should take adequate care of our bodies-being the temple of God and try as much as possible to shun vices such as adultery, fornication, idolatry etc. “Christ is calling us today to be closer to him and reaffirm what we did in the past during our baptism by rejecting Satan and all his empty promises. We should do something tangible for the Almighty God, he emphasized. Rev. Fr. Mathew Osita Okeke

EDSG Wades Into Community ODUNA - Edo State GovernCrisis

ment has waded into the crisis rocking the Communities in Oduna Ward in Ovia North East Local Government Area by resoling the location of oil well between the oil and gas Evbuorokho Community and other communities in the area. This came to the fore when the management team and a surveyor from the state’s Ministry of Lands and Surveys, Surveyor lyawe led by the commissioner;Hon- Isimeme lriogbe paid a visit to the communities to sort out the issues of oil well location in these communities. The Honourable Commissioner sued for peace among the communities and urged them to maintain peace as adequate measures have been put in place to resolve their crisis. Earlier, Mr. Fred Oduagbon, the secretary general of Evbuorokho community urged Dubril Oil Company to provide jobs and

engage its indigenes as host community such that they could benefit from the activities of the company. He also observed that Dubri Oil Company does not recognize their community as host community but rather as an impact community, adding that the well of exploration lying and situated within the Gele-gele forest reserve, lies within their community wherein the statutory meters runs between Evbuorokho, Ughoton and lkpako communities. Edo State Government has waded into the crisis rocking the,9dmmunities in Oduna War Ovia North East Local Government Area “resolving the location of oil well between the oil and gas Evbuorokho Community and other communities in the area.

urged the congregation to emulate King David who wanted to build a befitting house for God although God told him he could not build his house because David was a man of wars. He stated that it was good of David to want to build a house of God and charged the congregation to be happy for their opportunity to build the house of God by contributing meaningfully to the success of the Annual Harvest/Bazaar. He assured Christians of God’s continuous assistance and constant aid and at such, they should not be afraid because the Lord is with them. He prayed copiously for the Lord to help them build God’s house because no one can do anything without the help of God. He enumerated their needs to include pews, fencing of the

Aminu Ogwuche (middle), Abuja, after his appearance at the federal Hight Court in Abuja on Monday.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

South-West UI: 8,000

Treat To Life

Wife Abandons

Take English Proficiency Test IBADAN – No fewer than 8, 0000 candidates sat for the English Proficiency Test organised by the PostGraduate School of the University of Ibadan. Prof. Adeyinka Aderinto, the Dean of Post-Graduate School, told newsmen in Ibadan that the candidates wrote the examination in three different locations. There was no report of any malpractice and violence during the conduct of the examination at the three designated centres. Aderinto said that the examination was meant for applicants for the PostGraduate Diploma and Masters Degrees. According to him, 6, 000 candidates wrote the examination at the university campus in Ibadan, while 1,500 candidates sat for the examination at the institution’s Distance Learning Centre at Opebi, Lagos. He said that 500 candidates wrote their examination at the Ignatus Aturu University of Education, Port Harcourt, affiliated to the University of Ibadan. He said that another test would be organised on Saturday, November 29, in Ibadan because some candidates had already notified the University of their inability to join others in the test. “Some candidates, who could not come, had already informed us; based on this, we are going to organise another test in Ibadan this week Saturday,’’ he said. He said that the result of the tests would be sent to candidates through SMS and e-mail addresses as from next week.

Rape:

Home

Aminu Ogwuche, a suspected mastermind behind April 14 Nyanya explosion in Abuja, Appears at Federal High Court in Abuja.

solve the union for alleged frequent beatings, threats to life and destruction of property by her husband. She said that on a particular day, her husband threatened her life with a cutlass when they were arguing, adding that the cutlass made her to abandon the house. She also said that her husband whenever they had quarrel he will beat her up with door stick, adding that there was a day he beat her up and it resulted into chest problem. The mother of three told the court that her husband did not take care of her. The petitioner said that she had reported him to the citizen right office, pointing out that it was there her first child told her that the respondent had burnt her belongings. Funmilayo said there was another incident when her husband was sick and she took care of him. She told the court that after Fagbamigbe’s recovery, he accused her of being responsible for his predicament and threatened to kill her with gun. The respondent was absent. The court President, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, adjourned the case to January 19, 2015 for judgment.

Bauchi State deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh (middle), inspecting parade, during Bauchi and Yobe States NYSC 2014 Batch ‘C’ close of orientation camp in Bauchi State.

Wife Seeks Dissolution Of 32-YrOld Marriage

ADO-EKITI – A 50year-old housewife, Mrs. Abeke Olowolafe has approached an Ado-Ekiti Customary Court seeking dis-

solution of her 32-year-old marriage to her husband, James. The case first came up for mention on October 29.

18-Yr-Old Remanded

ADO-EKITI – An Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of one Omotayo Abioye, 18, in prison for raping a 16-year-old girl. The Prosecutor, Mr Emmanuel David, had told the court that the accused committed the offence at Iju road, Ise-Ekiti on November 2. He said that the accused, on the said date, unlawfully had canal knowledge of the victim without her consent, leading to bleeding. According to him, the of-

ADO-EKITI – A 38-yearold housewife, Funmilayo Fagbamigbe, told an AdoEkiti Customary Court that she abandoned her matrimonial home because her husband threatened her with cutlass. Funmilayo made this known when testified in a divorce petitioner which she sort for dissolution of her 14year-old marriage to her husband, Akinlabi. The case was first mentioned on May 19. Funmilayo had in the petition urged the court to dis-

fence contravened Section 221(1) of the Criiminal Code, Cap C 16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012. He told the court that he had duplicated and sent his case file to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. The plea of the accused was not taken, while his counsel, Mr. Samuel Ojo, prayed the court to grant bail to his client. The counsel pleaded with

the court that his client would not jump bail. The prosecutor, however, opposed to the bail application, saying that the rate of rape cases in the community was becoming alarming. Magistrate Taiwo Ajibade consequently remanded the accused in prison custody till the outcome of the DPP’s legal advice. He adjourned the case to December 1, for mention.

Abeke is seeking the dissolution on grounds of public assault and blackmailing, telling the court that her husband always disgraced her in public, calling her various unprintable names. She said that her husband usually referred to her as a promiscuous woman dating different men. Abeke, a mother of three, said there was a particular day her husband told her to lie-down on bed to know whether she had sex with another man. She told the court that she had been responsible for the children’s upkeep and her husband had not been sup-

portive. According to her, whenever she had sex with her husband, she always had stomach disorder which usually resulted in her seeking medical attention. But the respondent, James, (56) told the court that his wife always starved him of food when they were together before they separated. He said there was a particular night she received a man’s call that she said was her friend’s husband but later caught him with her.

James said he had been taking care of the children and took a loan to enable her to start her own business. He said he was forced to take a second wife because of Abeke’s behavior. After hearing from both parties, the President of the Court, Mrs Olayinka Akomolede adjourned the case to January 21, 2015 for judgment.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Lagos Marijuana Prison Officials Arrest 2 Sisters

Exam Malpractice

Commissioner Warns School Owners By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS -The Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye has enjoined proprietors of private schools in the State not to aid and condone examination malpractices in their schools. Oladunjoye who disclosed this in Lagos at the handing over of letters of approval to proprietors of 29 newly approved schools in the State explained that examination malpractice destroys the lives of students as it gives them a false impression of their academic capabilities. The Commissioner pointed out that many a time students who engaged in examination malpractice to obtain excellent results in their West African Examination Council (WAEC) results find it difficult to cope at the Universities adding that if proprietors of private schools do not aid them in examination malpractice they (the students) would be self actualized. “Let me urge you not also to allow your schools to be used to perpetrate examination malpractices. Let me assure you that if you aid your students to perpetrate examination malpractice because you want your schools to be associated with success, then you are not helping the students rather you are destroying their lives as it will give them false impression about their academic performance,” she said. Oladunjoye implored the proprietors of the newly approved schools to adhere strictly to government’s policies and regulations guiding their operations just as she urged them to always pay their taxes and rates as at when due. While congratulating them for scaling the stringent pre-requisite measures before their approval, the Commissioner stressed the need for them to allow their primary schools pupils to finish Pry Six class before registering them for the screening test for the model colleges’ examination or placement tests for other public secondary schools. She also emphasized on the

need for JSS III students to write and pass the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) before they could be promoted and admitted into the senior secondary schools. The 29 newly approved schools include 16 secondary schools and 13 primary schools and they are Unique Friends Nursery/Primary School, Kayron International Nursery/Primary School, Cornel Holy Child School, Standard Foundation College, Tedoway College, Florida Comprehensive College, Uncle Bayus College, Ever Sure Nursery/Primary School, Central Baptist Church School, Success Vision Foundation, Will B Secondary School, Helen Queensley College, Grace Springs College, Lily Pride Comprehensive College and Great Everlee College. Others are Beulah Comprehensive College, Royal Ambassador College, Bolu Generation Private School, Brooks Montessori School, Bigga Nursery/ Primary School, Promise College, Sam Unique College, ATSA Nursery/Primary School, Brightfield College, Lutron Primary School, SODIMM Nursery/Primary School, Honey Home Children’s School, CR Victors School and El-Elyon Learning Ville Nursery/Primary School.

NYSC Batch B Corps members in Kuje protesting over non-payment of 6 months allowance on Monday.

Commercial Driver Docked Over Manslaughter Some market women and men protesting over imposition of illegal levies and invasion of Igboukwu four day market by alleged agents in Anambra on Monday.

Police Arrest Robbery Suspects BY RAHEEM IBRAHIM

LAGOS - No fewer than 10 armed robbery suspects have been arrested from different parts of Lagos state by the Police who also apprehended members of a kidnappers’ team and rescued their victim. Also, the police have The robbers had earlier robbed one recovered 1,700 Permanent Ganiyu Mustapha of his Mark Trailer Voters Card (PVC) abandoned with Reg. No. LSD 782 XB loaded by unknown persons in a bush with goods valued at Twenty Million at Seme Area, suspected to have naira and three handsets at Sarant been stolen from INEC Staff at Steel Company Kirikiri, Lagos. Another suspected armed robber Ajeromi area of Lagos state. On Friday November, 14, was on Saturday, November at about 2014 at about 0100hrs, Police 1845hrs intercepted by Police Patrol Patrol Team attached to Team attached to Ojokoro Division in Department of Operations Lagos a Volkswagen Golf with Reg. No. State Command acted on LSD 220 CP driven by one Akeem information while on Pin-Down Shonde ‘male’ along Alagbado Road. One Russian made single Barrel Point at Ogudu/Isheri and arrested four suspected robbers. Rifle and eleven rounds of

Purchase Of 2014/15 Scholarship Form Extended LAGOS -The Lagos State By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

Scholarship Board has announced that due to public request and appeal, the closing date for the purchase of 2014/ 15 session local scholarship form has been extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2014. Speaking on the development, the Director, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Omauton Yetunde Jegede stated that the extension was

necessary in order to give ample opportunity to qualified indigent students to participate in the screening test. Jegede reiterated that the cost of the form is still N2, 000 (Two Thousand Naira) only and that all payments should be made at the Office of the Special Adviser on Education, Block 5, Room 314, the Secretariat, Alausa,

IKEJA - Two sisters have been apprehended while attempting to smuggle 11 wraps of marijuana to their brother, Babatunde Oyetobi, inside the holding cell at the Ikeja High Court premises. The sisters, Mrs Atinuke Adebayo, 32, and Miss Shade Oyetobi, 24, were apprehended by officers of the Nigerian Prison Services. It was reported that their brother, Babatunde, is facing charges of assault and armed robbery before Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya. Speaking with newsmen, the prison official who foiled the plan, Mr A.R. Muhammad, said the two sisters had approached him that they wanted to see their brother. Muhammad said Shade was holding a cellophane bag and when he queried her about its content, they told him it contained leather slippers. He said upon his insistence that the bag should be searched, 11 wraps of marijuana and a jar of Vaseline were found inside the bag. According to him, inmates usually insert wraps of marijuana in their anus with the aid of the Vaseline and excrete them inside the prison yard.

Ikeja, after which Voucher PIN can then be obtained at Scholarship Board, 254 Ipaja Road, beside NYSC Orientation Camp, Agege. She noted that the Voucher PIN will be used to log on to www.scholastica.ng to access the online form which must be filled by applicants, stressing that all required documents must be uploaded to qualify for the Computer based Test (CBT).

ammunition were recovered inside the said Golf car and the case is under investigation at the State Department of Criminal Investigation (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos. On 14/11/2014 at about 2015hrs, Policemen attached to Federal Highway Patrol deployed to Agbara Pin-down point along LagosBadagry Expressway intercepted a Ford S/car with Reg. No. FST 598 XL being driven by one Saheed Oyedare ‘m’ with two other occupants all of no fixed address. The suspects confessed to have removed the car from where parked it, was in Lagos Island on 5/11/ 2014, and the case is under investigation at the Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba. Also, on 17/11/2014 at about 1640hrs, Policemen attached to Pen-Cinema Division on patrol along Iju Road by Pen-Cinema Roundabout, Agege intercepted one Amos Kuesi ‘male’ with a bag containing two locally made revolver pistols with four (4) 5.56mm live ammunition. The case is under investigation at the Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba. Source revealed that Policemen attached to Tolu Division responded to a distress call with the assistance of some vigilante men and arrested one Ogwuchukwu Felix ‘m’ of no fixed address with a locally made pistol and one live cartridge. Suspect with others at large allegedly snatched a Toyota Camry S/Car with Reg. No. BWR

430 LX driven by on ‘male’ of No.3, Fatima Lanre Street, Off Tolu Road Olodi Apapa. Similarly, on 17/11/2014 at about 1800hrs, sequel to the kidnapping of Alhaji Hammed Fashola ‘m’ aged 55yrs old, owner of Kings Petroleum on 13/11/2014 at about 1905hrs near his home at Egbeda, Lagos and subsequent demand of N50million naira ransom, massive manhunt was launched by Special Anti-Robbery Squad Ikeja and eventually the kidnappers hideout was traced to No.18, Odeniyi Ishola Street, Off Bola Road Isheri Oshun Lagos. After the house was cordoned and searched by the Officer-InCharge SARS from the State command and 2 SARS decoy teams, the victim Alhaji Fashola who was chained and kept in the toilet was successfully rescued. Two of the kidnappers, one Kelvin Igah 39yrs and Victor Igah aged 35yrs both brothers from Kwale in Delta State were arrested. Effort to arrest the remaining gang members is in top gear. The case is under investigation at Special AntiRobbery Squad, Ikeja. Meanwhile, Policemen attached to Area ‘K’ Command Morogbo, on 16/11/2014 at about 08.15hrs recovered about one Thousand Seven Hundred (1,700) Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) abandoned by unknown persons in a bush at Seme Area. The PVCs were suspected to have been stolen from INEC Staff at Ajeromi area of Lagos.

LAGOS - A 33-year-old commercial driver, Abideen Rashidi, has appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over the alleged manslaughter of a 49-year-old woman, Mrs Omolara Etti. Rashidi, who resides at No. 27, Olu-Oluwa St., Ajangbadi, a suburb of Lagos, is facing a twocount charge of reckless driving and manslaughter. The prosecutor, Cpl. Jimoh Iseghede, told the court that the offences were committed on October. 20 at about 7.30 a.m. on the Lagos/Badagry Expressway, White sand field, at Sari-Iganmu, in Lagos. He said that the accused drove one Nissan Coaster bus with number (Lagos) EKY 245 XC on a public highway, in a dangerous and reckless manner. “The victim, one Mrs Omolara Etti, tried to cross the expressway, when the accused ran over her. “The victim sustained serious injuries on her body. “The accused rushed the victim to a nearby hospital , where she was confirmed dead,” Iseghede said. He said that the offences contravened Sections 19 and 20 of the Road Traffic Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded, not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mrs. A.F. Adeeyo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She ordered that the sureties must show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Across The Nation I’ll Never Give Up My Presidential Bid, Says Atiku DUTSE – Former Vice President and a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has said that he would not give up on his bid to become the president of this country now or in the future. Atiku made this declaration in Dutse, Jigawa state shortly before holding a closed-door consultation with Governor Sule Lamido in Dutse. He said he was determined to continue to vie for the office of President if he lost the present bid until he eventually scaled through in the near future. Atiku, however, said that his chances of winning his

Lagos To Pay N1.8bn Retirees Benefits

party’s primary on December 10 were bright. He also said he was ready to support whoever emerges at the primary election to ensure that person’s victory at the 2015 presidential election. Atiku had earlier told newsmen that he was in Dutse to interact with his party delegates ahead of the December 10 presidential primary of the party. The former Vice President criticised the alleged swoop on APC data office in Lagos by security operatives. Atiku met with Lamido for one hour 30 minutes in his personal residence. Newsmen were barred from covering the meeting as it was said to be “private’’.

Minister of Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau (left) and permanent Secretary, Ecological Trust Fund, Alhaji Sheik Goni-Musa, during the inspection of A.B.U. Dam project in Zaria.

PDP Screens 43 Governorship Aspirants

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

LAGOS – In fulfillment of its commitment to the welfare of its retirees, the Lagos State Government has concluded arrangements to pay another set of 319 retirees about N1.8 billion under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr. Rotimi Hussain, who disclosed this in a statement, stated that the amount represents the past service benefits due to the retirees before the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme in April, 2007. He said the beneficiaries would be presented with certificates during the 14th Retirement Bond Certificate presentation ceremony which was held yesterday, November 25. Hussain stated that the event was specially designed by the State Government to celebrate and express appreciation to its retirees for showing great commitment and dedication to the service of the State while in service. He explained that the presentation is regularly done in fulfillment of the current administration’s uncompromising commitment to ensuring that every worker who retires from the State Public Service gets his/her retirement benefits with ease. It would be recalled that the State Government has, at the 13th Retirement Bond Certificate presentation held in September this year, paid over N27 billion to 5,211 retirees.

R-L: Former Chief Justice for Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mamoud Mohammed and President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa at a diner in honour of Mukhtar in Abuja.

Be Agent Of Change, Fayose Urges Youths 2015 Elections:

ISE/ORUN (EKITI STATE) – Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State yesterday said that the Nigerian youths must see themselves as the vehicle of change needed by the nation, especially during the 2015 general elections. Fayose made the call during the closing-ceremony of 2014 Batch ‘C’ corps members held at the state permanent orientation camp, Ise-Ekiti, in Ise/Orun Local Government Area of the state. The governor was represented by his wife, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose.

He said the 2015 general elections were so crucial to the nation and that everything must be done for its successful conduct. He said that Nigerian youths could not afford to fail the nation at this period of time. “I charge the Nigerian youths to see themselves as instruments of change, as we approach the election year because they can not fail the nation at this point in time. “I charge you to do all that is necessary with the laws, for the success and peaceful conduct of the 2015 gen-

eral elections,” Fayose said. He said that the unity of the nation should be paramount to the youths in all their dealings. The governor also advised corps members, especially those posted to the state, to contribute to the development of their host communities. Fayose assured them of their safety during the service year, warning them against involving in activities that could endanger their lives. He said the current administration would make sure that all the promises

made to improve the facilities on the camp would be fulfilled. “My administration will make sure that all the promises we make on this orientation camp are fulfilled before the coming-in of the 2015 batch ‘A’ orientation programmes. Earlier, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Chidube Ibeh, thanked the state government for its cooperation at all times. He assured the government that corps members would always contribute to the development of the state.

ENUGU – Forty three PDP governorship aspirants in the South-East were screened to contest the 2015 governorship election in the state, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), the party’s National Vice Chairman in the zone, has said. Akobundu told newsmen in Enugu that the exercise was successful as the aspirants conducted themselves as expected. On the N1 million screening fee paid by each of the 43 aspirants, Akobundu said the money should be seen as “party dues“ paid by the aspirants. He said the aspirants were expected to have paid their dues earlier. “The aspirants only paid their party dues. “Party dues are collected everywhere for aspirants wishing to contest elections at the state Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives and Senate. “Party chairmen from different states demand the money from the aspirants and remit same to the zonal office,“ he said. Meanwhile, it was gathered that the 43 aspirants were yet to collect their certificates of clearance from the screening committee. Some of the aspirants screened by the committee include Chief Emeka Ihedioha, deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Sen. Chris Anyanwu (Imo) and Sen. Ayogu Eze (Enugu). Others are Rep. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu state), Chief Eugene Odo, Speaker, Enugu State Assembly and Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume (Imo).

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Abuja NASS Disturbance

IGP Denies Ordering Arrest ABUJA - The InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, has denied ordering the arrest of any person involved in the disturbance of public peace at the National Assembly. Abba said that the decision to arrest any suspect in connection with the incident lies with the police officers investigating the matter. This is contained in a statement by Police spokesman, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, a Commissioner of Police, in Abuja. According to Abba, it lies with the investigating police officers to determine who to invite, quiz and prosecute as the case may be’’. Meanwhile, the I-G has condemned what he described as “unwarranted attack” on police officers providing security at a political rally in Oke Ado area of Ibadan, Oyo state. One Police Inspector was said to have been shot dead and five others seriously injured in the incident. A statement by the police authorities in Abuja said that Abba had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. He reiterated his warning to political actors to desist from the use of thugs. He also reaffirmed the resolve of the force to provide

“a safe and secured corridor for all political competitors” but stressed that offenders of

Man Remanded Over chief, causing hurt and resistBattery ing arrest. Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Ocheche Samuel, said that Nnamani’s neighbour, Mr Iwu Amaefula, reported the case at the Kuje Police Station.

Supervising Minister of Information, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammed, Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo and Minister of State for Power, Mr Mohammed Wakili, at the ministerial Platform on Power in Abuja on Monday

He said that the accused and another man, still at large, bought provisions from Amaefula’s shop at Union Homes on October. 27, and refused to pay the salesgirl. “When the salesgirl demanded for the money, the accused, with his friend now at large, started beating her, and when the complainant tried to intervene, he was also beaten,’’ Samuel said. The prosecutor said that Nnamani broke the complainant’s reading glasses, some bottles, cups, plates and plastic chairs, all valued at N43, 000. Samuel also said that the accused refused to honour an invitation by the police. He said that the offences contravened Sections 79, 262, 263,326, 240 and 172 of the Penal Code. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the fivecount charge. The judge, Mr Abdulahi Abdulkareem, adjourned the case till November. 17 for hearing.

Maku, Others Cleared To Contest Party Primaries

ABUJA - The immediate past Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has said that political parties should not be seen as mere platforms for capturing political power, but foundation for building nations. He said this in Abuja after being screened to contest the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) December. 8 primaries in Nasarawa State.

PVC Cloning

DSS Raids Building, Arrests Suspects ABUJA - The Department of State Services (DSS) has said it has arrested some suspects in Lagos, allegedly cloning INEC’s Permanent Voters Card. A statement issued by the spokeswoman of the service, Ms Marilyn Ogar in Abuja said that it raided a building located at number 10, Bola Ajibola street, Allen Avenue, following a petition it received alleging “unwholesome activities’’ there. “The petition alleged that those behind the activities were cloning INEC Permanent Voters Card with the intention of hacking into INEC data base, corrupting it and replacing them with their own data.

the Electoral Act would be prosecuted.

KUJE (FCT) - An Upper Area Court in Kuje in FCT has remanded in prison custody, a 38-year-old man, Sunday Nnamani, who allegedly beat a salesgirl to stupor. Nnamani, who resides at Union Homes in Kuje, was charged with assault, mis-

Maku was screened along side other aspirants from the North Central by the PDP screening panel, led by FCT Minister of State, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinjide. The aspirants were asked relevant questions regarding their academic qualification, tax clearance and their conformity with PDP electoral guidelines, among others.

Maku, who came out smiling after the screening, told newsmen that he would remain in the PDP because of his political persuasion. Brandishing his clearance certificate, the former minister said: “Look at my clearance certificate, very fresh; I contested for the ticket in 2007 and somehow I didn’t get it. “But I stayed in the party,

unlike others who migrated to other parties, looking for platforms to contest. I believe that people should be in the party as a matter of principle.’’ Maku said that political parties should be seen as a philosophical foundation for construction of democracy and the development of states. Other aspirants that were screened include Gbemi

“Based on this information, the service placed the building under surveillance and having been convinced that some unwholesome activities were going on in the building, it undertook a raid of the premises. “In the process, some persons were arrested, while a Server, three hard drives and 31 Ghana must go bags of hard copy document were recovered and taken away for further investigation’’, she said. According to her, the said location had no sign post indicating whether it was a private or government office. Stakeholders at the ministerial platform on power in Abuja on Monday.

Saraki, Mr Stephen Lawani, Dr Sam Odeh and Mr Felix Atume. The aspirants would contest for the party‘s ticket at its primaries slated for Dec. 8 across the country. Whoever wins the party‘s ticket at the primaries becomes its candidate for the February 2015 governorship election.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Across The Nation Refuse:

FG Begins Dsitribution Of Relief Materials To Displaced Persons

Traders Demand More Trucks LAGOS - The Mile 12 Market Traders’ Association has appealed to the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) to increase the number of trucks evacuating refuse in the market. The association’s Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Mohammed, told newsmen in Lagos that a single truck allotted by LAWMA to the market was inadequate. He said: “Based on the peculiarity of the market, we appeal to LAWMA to increase the truck stationed at the market to two or three trucks daily. “The Mile 12 market is different from other markets in Lagos due to the influx of trucks with goods from different parts of the country. “Most of these goods are perishable items, thus the volume of waste generated is much. “Most times, the LAWMA truck stationed to evacuate refuse from the market stays for three days overfilled with waste. “This situation is not proper because the stench from the waste can be hazardous to the health of the traders, customers and the residents close to the market,” he said. When contacted, Mr Ola Oresanya, the Managing Director, LAWMA, said that the traders’ position was not true. Oresanya said that the truck evacuates the quantum of waste generated from the market to the dumpsite daily. “We move the quantum of waste from Mile 12 market to the dumpsite every night. We discharge our duty promptly,” he said. According to him, the agency considers several factors and logistics before deploying trucks to a market. “Nobody will ever admit that they have enough of everything. Our people should learn to appreciate the government for the service it’s rendering. “To rent a trailer per day ranges from N150, 000 and above, multiply that by 30 days and you will see that it’s much. “What it cost us to service Mile 12 market alone is above N7.5 million monthly and the market pays about N400, 000 for refuse rate monthly. “Some of these markets do not even pay regularly even when the government has highly subsidized the rate. “The government holds sanitation as a core area of

Principal, Government Secondary School Chibok, Hajiya Asabe Kwambula (left) receiving the safe school kits from the National Programme Officer-Education, UNESCO, Ms. Ngozi Amanze, during the distribution of safe school kits to schools in Adamawa, Borno and yobe States in Abuja recently. With them is the coordinating Marshal, FCT Chapter, Exam Ethics Marshals International, Mr. Salihu Yahaya.

DAMATURU -The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Abdul Bulama, has flaggedoff the distribution of relief materials to Internally Displace Persons (IDPs) in the North-East. Addressing newsmen in Damaturu,Yobe State, Bulama said the measure was part of efforts by the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering and improve the living condition of the IDPs in the region. He said that the government would collaborate with relevant agencies in the state to ensure that all the victims of insurgency benefitted from the intervention programme. The minister said that Presi-

dent Goodluck Jonathan was worried about the security situation in the region which had rendered many people homeless. Bulama reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to restoration of peace and tranquility in the North-East with a view to enhancing public confidence in the government. Earlier, Alhaji Ilu Bello, Chairman, North-East Relief Material Distribution Committee, said the committee had identified over 116,000 Internally Displaced Persons in the state. Bello expressed determination of the committee to provide decent accommodation and relief materials to all victims of insurgency in the area. The chairman said that the committee had come up with modalities on how to distribute the materials to the beneficiaries to ensure justice and fair play. “We are going to start with the people of Gujba Local government Area of Yobe State who are currently living in Damaturu’’. The Emir of Gujba, Alhaji Mai Aligangarang, thanked the Federal Government for the intervention, which he said, would go a long way in reducing the sufferings of the people. Some of the items distributed to the people include bag of rice, blanket and mosquito nets, among others.

Houses and shops set Ablaze by Thugs at Popo Idiarere junction in Ibadan.

FG Cuts Fish Importation

LAGOS - The Catfish Association of Nigeria (CAFAN) said Nigeria could become self-sufficient in fish production within four years if the Federal Government would cut fish importation by 25 per cent. The National President of the association, Chief Tayo Akingbolagun, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. He said that with an environment conducive for the business, the Federal Government could achieve import substitution in the sub-sector. “If government says we should increase production, and government creates for us a very good enabling environment - that is, (creates) a policy whereby fish importation is reduced by 25 per cent per annum for the next four years, that means that in the next four, five years, we should be self-sufficient in fish production. “So, we expect that the farmers will rise to the occasion and close the gap. We also think that we should be proactive and you know that fish

feed accounts for 70 per cent of cost of production. “And, if we say that our target is four million tons of fish for the next four, five years that means, if we say Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) that is you take one kilo of feed to feed your fish you get one kilo of flesh. “If you have FCR of 1 to 1, therefore, we require four million tons of fish feed in this country in the next four, five years. “And so, how do we go about it? We need to encourage locally produced feeds, and how do we do that? “We want to recognise those fish feeds that we feel can meet international standard, and so we will try to work with Vital Feeds, they are of UAC, they are called Grand Cereal, Vital Feeds.“ He said that the association had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UAC, expecting it to keep to the parameters of the feeds production. “We have seen a lot of local feed production companies now asking us questions on

how they can be endorsed, what the procedure is, what the roadmap is, and things like that. “We have given them the roadmap; we are not closing doors against anybody, the

doors are open. “Our own objective, therefore, is that in the next four, five years, we should have at least, four, five, six if not more, locally produced feed that can meet our local requirement.“

Akingbalogun said that the locally produced feed was cost effective because imported feeds were being sold at N5, 250, while vital feeds cost N4, 200.

curement system, transparency and how it ensures that its operations meet international best practices. Onimole disclosed that the Agency had undergone several transformation, with the setting up of several office structures, creating procurement cadre in the civil service, enhanced capacity building of its staff, developing procurement documents and sensitizing various stakeholders, including the business community on its operations. He emphasized that more structures are still being put in place towards improving the operations of the Agency so as to consolidate its leading position. Responding, the Head of the delegation, Chief Tom

Uloko, MD/CEO, Edo State Public Procurement Agency, commended the efforts of Lagos State Government at institutionalizing the public procurement structure. He stated that such structure has afforded them the opportunity to get first hand information on Lagos State Public Procurement Law 2011 and an overview of the activities of the Agency necessary to assist Edo State in its public procurement. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit on the State’s Head of Service, Mrs. Oluseyi Williams and the Chairman of the Procurement Agency Board, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye.

Edo Officials Visit Agency By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS - The Edo State delegation has paid three-day working visit to Lagos State to understudy the operations of the State Public Procurement Agency with a view to replicating same in Edo State. Welcoming members of the delegation, the General Manager/CEO of the Agency, Engr. Akin Onimole, described the visit as a further endorsement of standard setting pace of Lagos State in improving service delivery in the country. He gave assurance that officials of the agency were on ground to enlighten the visitors on the workings of the Agency, especially the pro-

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(25/11/2014) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

160

160.11

0.11

658,648

105,574,672.00

7UP

149

45,316

6,892,374.35

NCR

12.83

4,400

53,636.00

ABCTRANS

0.58

15,000

9,000.00

NEIMETH

0.9

238,469

214,164.54

ACCESS

7.97

0.03

6,481,115

51,593,004.99

NEM

0.6

0.63

0.03

2,562,850

1,570,416.03

AFRIPRUD

2.88

3.02

0.14

4,080,035

12,268,556.52

NESF

552.2

46,320.00

860.01

865

4.99

345,209

300,494,353.50

450

2,992.50

AGLEVENT

1.3

326,917

425,682.10

NESTLE

AIICO

0.88

114,813

96,442.92

NIG-GERMAN

AIRSERVICE

1.66

41,181

65,231.18

NIGERINS

0.5

37,204

18,602.00

1,040

19,244.50

ALEX

10.43

9,634

95,472.94

NNFM

ASHAKACEM

22.89

67,462

1,511,918.26

NPFMCRFBK

0.86

675,895

581,269.70

AVONCROWN

1.59

2,094

3,329.46

NSE30

1528.25

1542.02

13.77

240,448,764

3,991,563,593.00

BECOPETRO

0.5

38,500

19,250.00

NSE50

1666.27

1680.24

13.97

282,530,494

4,114,963,806.00

BERGER

8.7

64,451

557,618.84

NSEASI

33875.26

34115.84

240.58

357,770,241

4,368,364,015.00

BETAGLAS

22.05

27,371

603,530.55

NSEBNK

355.56

362.89

7.33

182,330,502

2,367,025,605.00

CADBURY

42.09

207,181

8,476,564.76

NSECNSMRGDS

851.07

855.89

4.82

12,285,212

688,257,975.20

CAP

36.15

67,990

2,448,541.48

NSEINDUSTR

2033.21

2032.54

-0.67

1,774,662

196,143,005.40

CCNN

10.8

0.2

258,006

2,795,372.23

NSEINS

144.67

143.9

-0.77

10,138,399

6,250,188.41

CHAMPION

9.85

62,760

588,293.60

NSELOTUSISLM

2118.94

2128.65

9.71

5,018,895

592,931,660.20

CHAMS

0.5

1,000,000

500,000.00

NSEOILGAS

397.62

404.47

6.85

7,488,717

253,076,913.40

CILEASING

0.5

400,000

200,000.00

OANDO

20.55

21.57

1.02

6,434,101

137,618,446.90

CONOIL

49.23

14,280

667,875.60

OKOMUOIL

28.14

142,721

4,154,815.68

CONTINSURE

0.93

0.9

-0.03

752,810

672,341.50

OMATEK

0.5

3.98

2,500

9,475.00

CORNERST

0.5

682,300

341,150.00

PREMBREW

COSTAIN

0.84

0.87

0.03

360,710

306,068.79

PRESCO

26.13

32,233

838,770.08

COURTVILLE

0.5

1,121,250

560,650.00

PRESTIGE

0.5

120,000

60,000.00

23.29

24.4

1.11

1,006,383

23,708,079.21

4.2

2,600

10,726.00

CUSTODYINS

3.65

3.83

0.18

1,236,244

4,714,533.09

CUTIX

1.47

1.41

-0.06

119,433

171,970.53

REDSTAREX

DAARCOMM

0.5

10,000

5,000.00

RESORTSAL

0.5

50,000,000

25,000,000.00

0.5

301,303

150,698.00

DANGCEM

185.25

185

-0.25

933,420

169,576,200.10

ROYALEX

DANGFLOUR

6.55

6.23

-0.32

1,178,764

7,343,699.72

RTBRISCOE

0.85

325,371

272,533.36

DANGSUGAR

6.3

6.15

-0.15

3,178,973

19,248,988.17

SEPLAT

430

141,253

59,975,717.68

DIAMONDBNK

5.49

5.76

0.27

20,664,840

116,652,338.50

SKYEBANK

2.47

2.46

-0.01

11,042,067

27,232,998.11

DUNLOP

0.5

27,000

13,500.00

SKYESHELT

100

1,250,000

125,000,000.00

ETERNA

3.23

3.08

-0.15

427,075

1,323,192.11

STACO

0.5

ETI

17.05

17.2

0.15

12,477,909

214,620,691.60

STANBIC

28.25

28.47

0.22

1,056,987

29,792,440.14

ETRANZACT

2.21

3,210

7,447.00

STERLNBANK

2.3

2.38

0.08

18,164,941

42,731,254.25

EVANSMED

2.2

1,000

2,090.00

TOTAL

149.98

157.47

7.49

98,979

15,057,216.31

FBNH

9.4

9.53

0.13

47,474,825

452,168,136.70

TRANSCORP

4.07

4.13

0.06

19,657,070

81,475,791.16

FCMB

3.2

712,236

2,277,454.36

UAC-PROP

11.4

10.85

-0.55

252,350

2,742,409.37

FIDELITYBK

1.66

1.63

-0.03

3,770,933

6,195,574.87

UACN

41.99

376,824

16,055,886.30

FIDSON

3.4

107,495

377,918.50

UBA

4.45

4.65

0.2

24,947,389

113,019,064.60

FLOURMILL

41.51

43.58

2.07

2,711,543

118,156,806.30

UBCAP

1.71

1.79

0.08

2,746,114

4,830,828.13

200

204.2

4.2

432,687

87,539,001.68

UBN

8.15

8.11

-0.04

2,372,327

19,327,133.97

GLAXOSMITH

247,544

12,874,067.40

UNIC

0.5

20,180

10,090.00

GUARANTY

23.66

24.7

1.04

16,843,241

408,831,259.10

UNILEVER

795,918

26,665,732.69

0.5

28,700

14,350.00

0.5

1,000,100

500,050.00

GUINNESS

157.36

158

0.64

363,158

57,368,947.51

UNITYBNK

HONYFLOUR

3.15

137,443

426,416.61

UNIVINSURE

IKEJAHOTEL

3.71

3.78

0.07

1,636,000

6,195,291.42

UPDCREIT

1,770

17,700.00

3.93

4.12

0.19

351,597

1,417,429.48

0.5

584,138

292,069.00

INTBREW

26.6

-1.4

277,867

7,400,853.94

UPL

INTERLINK

4.66

44.3

UTC

IPWA

0.5

1,971

985.5

VITAFOAM

3.75

3.85

0.1

1,066,300

4,041,517.00

1.05

0.05

1,000,586

1,050,586.00 18,477,853.40

JAPAULOIL

0.5

32,000

16,000.00

VONO

JBERGER

60.66

51,726

2,982,829.38

WAPCO

78.02

0.02

236,529

LASACO

0.5

1,017,030

508,515.00

WAPIC

0.67

0.64

-0.03

3,921,022

2,516,913.46

LEARNAFRCA

1.41

10,214

13,861.76

WEMABANK

0.96

0.04

4,475,249

4,464,942.80

LIVESTOCK

2.03

2.13

0.1

437,129

930,315.90

ZENITHBANK

20.75

20.85

0.1

65,565,740

1,366,822,285.00

MANSARD

2.86

250

747.5

MAYBAKER

1.4

116,526

163,896.40

MBENEFIT

0.5

50,000

25,000.00

MOBIL

148.92

149.9

0.98

65,793

10,030,514.40

MRS

15,802

840,666.40

MULTIVERSE

0.5

75,400

37,700.00

NAHCO

4.9

4.7

-0.2

386,998

1,821,118.98

NASCON

7.55

7.5

-0.05

249,749

1,870,675.80

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NSEASI 240.58 NSE50 13.97 NSE30 13.77 NSELOTUSISLM TOTAL NSEBNK NSEOILGAS NESTLE NSECNSMRGDS FO

Close 34115.84 1680.24 1542.02 2128.65 157.47 362.89 404.47 865 855.89 204.2

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

Loss

9.71 7.49 7.33 6.85 4.99 4.82 4.2

INTBREW NSEINS NSEINDUSTR UAC-PROP DANGFLOUR DANGCEM NAHCO ETERNA DANGSUGAR CUTIX

26.6 143.9 2032.54 10.85 6.23 185 4.7 3.08 6.15 1.41

-1.4 -0.77 -0.67 -0.55 -0.32 -0.25 -0.2 -0.15 -0.15 -0.06

THE NIGERIAN

12 THE worry today, in a world continually ravaged by conflicts and wars is not the use of smallcaliber arms and other relatively sophisticated and unsophisticated weapon but the threat of weapons with the capacity and capability to annihilate, wipe out and destroy completely villages, large communities, metropolitan and cosmopolitan cities and invariably whole nations. MAJOR advances in science and technology have changed the manner, methods, designs and strategies of modern warfare compared to a world of 100 years ago. While the competition between the East and West intensified in the heydays of the collapsed Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, (USSR), representing the glory of the East, and the United States, the symbol of resilient West, the collapse of the U.S.S.R. gave growing confidence that the arms race will soon witness a slow down. THE collapse of the U.S.S.R left open a single power block in the world as represented by the United States which is nicknamed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;policemanâ&#x20AC;? of the world. THIS becomes the basis of the belief that we are in an era of security and peace where the world would not experience the devastation of nations and annihilation of world communities by power hungry nations. CONSEQUENTLY, the current posturing of Russia against the rest of the world is disturbing. The recent shooting down of a Malaysian plane with 298 passengers on board is condemnable. THIS perhaps forms the background in the fight against nuclear acquisitions by some nations and the stance by the United States that world peace currently being experienced would be shattered by nations who thirst for wars on the basis of their new found strength. RECENT searchlight appears to suggest that Iran, a close neighbour of Iraq is perhaps engaged in the acquisition of nuclear technology but investigations are yet to completely ascer-

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

THE NIGERIAN

World Peace And Nuclear Weapons Proliferation tain the correctness in the affirmative. THE quest by North Korea perhaps may lead to the conclusion that nations have not entirely jettisoned the idea to abandon the development of weapons of mass destruction and therefore a clear signal that probably world peace may one day come under very serious threat that the United Nations was set up to preserve, FOR instance, the Gulf war of 1991 was a pointer that world peace was still under threat and despite the invasion of Iraq and the enthronement of a new order, more worries emerge everyday. THE question that becomes inevitable is what posture should the comity of nations take to stop the production or building of weapons of mass destruction? WHILE small-arms can be tolerable, nuclear weapons are not. The incidence of World War II where atomic bombs were dropped in two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the U.S. should be important lessons for the world to learn that nuclear weapons are dangerous to mankind. The Japanese have come to recognize this fact and could invariably hold the view of the nuclear deterrence school of thought as amplified by Swedish Industrialist, Alfred Nobel and inventor of dynamite who held the position that the destructive power of nuclear armaments was so immense as to render future warfare unthinkable. THE dropping of atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, heralded the beginning of the nuclear age, with huge quantities of resources devoted to

developing, building and maintaining nuclear arsenal weapons built throughout human history combined. IN the face of the quest to acquire nuclear technology, though some nations claim for domestic reasons, and since nations are not deterred by its devastating effects, concerted effort by countries of the world will become inevitable to halt the zeal to acquire weapons of mass destruction. THE government of the United States, though acting in good faith in its drive to halt the acquisition of these destructive weapons, should seriously work in collaboration with the United Nations in this task. WE are suggesting that the bond of partnership between the U.S. and UN in tracking down nations acquiring nuclear arsenals should he stronger than it is currently and working together in unison is needed to score success in this regard. WE are further suggesting that the campaign to halt the acquisition of nuclear weapons should be a task that should also be assigned to the Security Council of the U.N. with its five permanent members of France, U.K., Russia, U.S. and China all playing significant roles to checkmate the threat to world peace. WITH expansion already being contemplated in the Security Council, the need for world peace and security is becoming more imperative and it is significant that the UN exercises all powers backed by the Security Council to ensure a safe world for all humanity. THEREFORE, Russia and indeed, all nations should be brought under some treaties and conventions prohibiting the use, manufacture or spread of nuclear arsenals or weapons of mass destruction, because the world is still under threat and in present danger of these weapons which could one day, from the anger of an insane leader, be unleashed on the world.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Issues HISTORICALLY, there exist a brief similarity which may also be parallel, between the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969), who succeeded President John F. Kennedy when the later was assassinated, and President Goodluck Jonathan, who took office after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Both Johnson and Jonathan were vice president, who succeeded their late bosses when they died in office, and went on to get elected in their own rights. Both presided over their nations in times of great political turbulence; in Johnson’s case, during the Vietnam War, in Jonathan’s the Boko Haran insurgency and Sundry woes. That is the elastic limit of their similarity!. President Johnson (as he then was), shocked the world in the heat of the nomination process leading to the 1968 presidential election when he suddenly withdrew from the race because of the turmoil generated by his poor handling of the Vietnam War and widespread race riots at home. He was, nevertheless, applauded because of the nobility of his action which effectively sealed his place in the pantheon of American statesmen. He chose his country’s peace over self-aggrandisement and the allure of office. President Jonathan faces a similar situation; he is presiding over a deeply divided country, torn apart by religious bigotry, unprecedented official corruption and a poorly managed insurgency. Idealy, poor handling of sensitive issues should ordinarily deflate his presidential ambition like

Nigerians Need Visible Change Johnson’s, Jonathan unabashedly schemed his nomination, unopposed, for the 2015 presidential election. He and his peoples Democratic party cohorts fail to realize that, if you cannot solve a problem, you invariably become part of it. That was why President Johnson didn’t seek reelection. The US leader at the time, knew the bounds between honour and dishonour and he chose the honourable path. President’s Jonathan in reality, has constitutional right to seek re-election. However, legal rights should not be void of strength against moral ethos, so that it will not become burdensome to the beneficiary of the constitutional right. A commanderin – chief who presides over an army that may be too weak or war weary in such that her soldiers are deserting the war front in droves because of superior fire-power of a ‘rag-tag buccaneering’ force like Boko Haram, may not have confidence reposed on him by the entire citizenry, including that of his own armed forces. The agonising plight of the Chibok school girls is still pending, our Defence authorities seem to be more anxious for a ceasefire with their Boko Haram captors, than the insurgents themselves, signaling war-weariness on the part of our army. Boko Haram has graduated from a ‘hit-and –run’ terrorist group, into an army which now occupies territories they have conquered in the North eastern part of the country. It is not a bad idea though,

By OMEIZA ROBINSON that the PDP led administration of President Jonathan is concerned with enclosing victory in the 2015 general election, the

ing into Cameroon in the face of Boko Haram onslaught. Nigerians expect that this insurgency should rapidly be brought to an end

mutiny. Though disloyalty should never be excused for whatever reason, the peculiar case of the mutinous soldiers who were recently condemned to death should be treated with leniency, and their sentences

President Goodluck Jonathan

most important thing that should be focused on is a calculated approach on how to defeat the insurgents which threatens the nation’s stability. Some Nigerians may consider this position as a quest for renewed mandate on moral quicksand. The ‘ding dong’ of proclamation of ceasefire by our government and frequent denials by Boko Haram is too embarrassing to be allow to continue! Nigerians wants to be saved the disgrace of seeing poorly armed Nigerian troops flee-

because so many lives have been lost in the process! In other civilised climes, when serious issues like insurgency are handled with “Kids glove”, the leadership of the armed forces would be dishonourably discharged, while the President and his cabinet may be forced to resign for performing below required standards. Rather, the Nigerian military have made a scapegoat of poor soldiers who violently protested bad service conditions, by sentencing them to death for

“The ‘ding dong’ of proclamation of ceasefire by our government and frequent denials by Boko Haram is too embarrassing to be allow to continue! Nigerians wants to be saved the disgrace of seeing poorly armed Nigerian troops fleeing into Cameroon in the face of Boko Haram onslaught. Nigerians expect that this insurgency should rapidly be brought to an end because so many lives have been lost in the process!”

commuted to reasonable prison terms because their operational condition, were less than ideal as evidenced by the continued desertion being recorded in this war. Considering the economic record of a president who seeks re-election come 2015, an editorial in The PUNCH edition of October 6, 2014, showed that Nigeria has poor governance index. In the corruption Perception Index 2013 published by Transparency International, Nigeria plunged further from 137th out of 177 counties surveyed in 2012 to 144th. Our score dropped to 25 percent from 28 percent. Neither is our moving out of the world’s most fragile states in the 2014 fragile states Index to 17th cause for cheer in an economy with Africa’s largest Gross Domestic

product. We escaped the ignominy of remaining in the group of the 15 most fragile, only because of the civil war in Syria and Iraq and the descent of Guinea Bissau into an unstable narco state. “In its Ease of Doing Business Report 2014, the World Bank rated Nigeria 147th out of 189 countries, a further deterioration from its ranking of 137th in 2013. Despite all this; glaring poverty, unemployment and terribly inadequate infrastructure, the present administration in Nigeria and all the ministers involved, have created a narrative of success, even weakness and the tell-tale sings of a failing state daily confront Nigerians”. Despite all these unflattering statistics, Nigerians expect that the leadership of this country should shift gaze from personal aggrandizement along political line, and focus on how to bring about meaningful development in all sector of the country. Recently, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan urged Nigerians to allow him another four years to continue the transformation of vital sector of the Nigerian economy. Jonathan who officially declared his intention to run for a second term in office at the 2015 presidential election at the Eagles square Abuja before a mammoth crowd of supporters said he is poised to eradicating insecurity, unemployment, while creating an enabling environment for the accelerated development of the nation’s economy. For Nigerians, that we want to experience is meaningful development that will place us among the comity of nations. Whether or not, there is a change administration, we long for positive change! Nigerians seek transformation in the next four years in such that there would be tranquility in the face of sustainable development.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Discourse

Deceit: What Gain? By PATIENCE CHINWEUBA G.

DECEIT is a cankerworm that has eaten deed into the bone marrow of our people. In human societies, deceit is extended in communications the written and spoken words often greatly amplified and targeting emotional response, with colourful displays and sounds cached in rhythm and rhyme. Political, social and intellectual deceits abound with overt and covert claims of expertise, education, investigation and even claims of divine connections or intervention. It is human deceit that we concern ourselves with most. It is so widespread and prevalent in our culture that the following saying bears great relevance to. Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see”. As humans, all of us are both deceivers and deceived and very often-self deceivers, meaning we can even manage to deceive ourselves. What then is deceit? It is the action or practice of deceiving some one by concealing or misrepresenting the truth. Deceit is deception. It is the opposite of truth. Deceit and truth are mirror concepts which apply to living organisms. For whatever reasons exist, both naturally and enhanced by our culture (or lack thereon, individual human, groups or associations of humans, actively engage in deception, consciously, subconsciously, overtly and covertly. As individuals, we learn very young that being honest and forthright has unwanted consequences for us. Our own parents and guardians punish us for being truthful- so we learn to hide the truth from them. As the old adage goes. “Oh what tangled webs we weave, when first we practice to deceive! It is the proclivity for deception and deceit in life that forms and in particular among humans that makes our search for the truth so difficult. Lets talk about various deceit going on among us in Nigeria. Political Deceit Our politicians keep making vague promises promising heaven and earth –when they know they are just deceiving the people. This political deception abound more during the election period.

Now that elections are fast approaching, they have brushed their teeth, clean and sharpen their lips, getting ready for mission of deceit. Political deceptions are not only found during the election time. Various activities done under the umbrella of politics in this country are full of lies. What pains most is that these deception keeps repeating itself every four years. Before every election you will see those our deceitful politicians pouring out all the lies from their stomach with the aim of wining people’s mandate. But once they enter the sits, they will turn to monsters and devil to the people that voted them in. Those politicians giving you money or rice or any material things for you to give them your vote are using their tool of deception on you and its working for them. Because after swooping your leg and collecting the mandate from you. By the time they assume office, you will be forced to ask “is it not this person that was promising us heaven and earth? Let us wake up now and say no to political deceit. Lets talk about our religious leaders; our Pastors, Reverends, Clergy men, Prophet and Prophetess etc, that keeps deceiving their congregation using God’s name. What do you benefit as a man of God or clergy man when you make people believe in your fake prophesies knowing too well they are all lies. My dear clergy men in such act, why are you taking people’s trust for granted. Because they trusted you, you now do your utmost to lead them astray. Know that not only are you deceiving others you are also lying against God. Lets bring it down to our family. There is deceit also in our home, children lying to their parents and parents doing the same to their kids. As we all know, family is fundamentally, the first place one should learn morals. But nowadays deceit seems to originate from families. Parents should make possible effort to inculcate truthfulness in their children, so that when they grow up, they would not depart from it. Our youths are also not excluded here. You can see the young men of this generation luring the young women into sexual act, promising them marriage, where as it is all deceit to satisfy their sexual urge. The young women also have their

“What pains most is that these deception keeps repeating itself every four years. Before every election you will see those our deceitful politicians pouring out all the lies from their stomach with the aim of wining people’s mandate. But once they enter the sits, they will turn to monsters and devil to the people that voted them in. Those politicians giving you money or rice or any material things for you to give them your vote are using their tool of deception on you and its working for them.”

own strategy of collecting money from men, faking their love for them. Who is fooling who. At the end we w ill even end up deceiving ourselves. People should be wise, a lot has happened to learn our lessons from. Moreso, our teachers/ lectures engage in deception towards

their students/pupils. For instance, a situation whereby a lecturer will collect money or sleep with a student to award him or her mark, is it not deceit. The opposite of that action which is the truth is to make them to study well and pass. And our students are

reciprocating those acts. And so the chain of deception will continue to move, because the students will graduate with a good certificates that they cannot defend. This act with prompt a deceitful means of getting a job. In conclusion, I want to make

it clear that in as much as the world is full of deception, there is no noble gain in it. It causes more pain than gain. And no matter how difficult or transcendent, reality holds that the search for truth is a noble and necessary actions if we are to build accurate and useful models that yield useful predictions and make decisions that serve the collective greater social good as measured by our collective survival, and continuance in kind and prosperity.

Imporative Of Informal Education By ONYEME JUDITH INFORMAL education is a general standard term for education outside of a standard school setting. It can refer to various forms of alternative education such as home schooling, self –teaching, etc. Informal educators work in many different kinds of settings with individuals and groups who chose to engage them. Examples of such groups include, the mass media (including television, magazine etc), museums, libraries, zoos etc. Most people see informal education as a waste of one’s time but they are totally wrong. Informal education enhances a child’s knowledge. An additional benefit of developing materials for informal educational settings is that they may be useful to parents at home with their kids, or adult learners who are hoping to expand their knowledge either for their own enrichment or to increase their career options. Informal education is usually done outside the classroom, it is a learning which is embedded in planned activities not explicitly designated as learning time or learning support, but which contains an important learning element. Beside, informal learning means a learning resulting from daily activities related to work, it is not organised or structured in terms of

objective, time or learning support. It doesn’t always have an organised body like the formal education but it is mostly unintentional from the learner’s perspective. Even though they do not have a set curriculum, they always add more knowledge to an individual; increasing the child’s skills and learning. Fine Art for example can be studied formally and informally. Both are important to enhance studying but for an art student, it is also very important to study in an informal art school, because it is more of the practical sessions that could test students ability practically. An informal art school deals on practicals alone unlike the formal art school. One major advantage is that, it improves the students practically in sections like painting graphics, sculptures, textiles, ceramic ect. In formal art school, the lecture may not have the time to put the student through in some areas, they may not always have much trainers but (who so ever) is training a group of students, must put in more effort in teaching them making them have a full knowledge. Informal institution are just set up to impact knowledge to these students even without being paid, because much of salary is not salary is not involve. Example of informal Institution is Industrial Training Center (ITC).

Informal art school train students and give assessment, These assessments are tools that can judge and evaluate students performance and skill level without making use of standardized tests and scoring patterns. There are no standardized tools to measure or evaluate the performance in these assessment tools. The best examples of informal assessment are project’s experiment and presentations given by students in classroom and other platforms. One way of assessing the skills of students is to give them work (practical work) and they should be able to present these work intelligently. For the non-practical sections like the art, history students, it is to ask them questions that they are required to answer in front of other students. Informal art school also give students opportunity to partake in exhibitions. They experience their works practically in exhibitions and other art competition that is being orgainised. Another important reason why informal education should be recognized in the society is the fact that there is no room for malpractices, informal education, students do always study, and cannot be involved in malpractice. People /Parents must give room to informal education because it lays a very strong foundation for a child.

There are some areas a child can succeed without formal education such as Art, Music. Art is like a talent a child is born with and to boost that talent, they go to the practical institutions to enhance their skills. For example, someone who wants to be a painter, sculptor, designer etc. These institutions are the best for the child that is why places like “fashion school”, “Gauery” etc, are places that educate a child practically. Formal education cannot teach the child all he/she knows about what he/she needs to know; most of these fashion designers of today, did not go to the university alone, they enhanced their practical skills by going to fashion school where everything being practiced is done practically even most of these musicians who are good in playing the instruments, they learnt more by going to music school, these are some of the advantages of studying informally, though formal education is the standard way of learning, in other words, informal education should not be put aside in training a child, so the society should give more support to informal education; because it also adds to laying a child’s foundation, not the child alone, but also adult foundation. The youth of the society needs informal education as much as they need formal education.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Opinion

Gov Orji And The Business Day States’ Competitiveness And Good Governance Awards

THE Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, has said that with the BusinessDay States’ Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards held recently at the EKO Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where his principal emerged as the best performing governor in education and youth empowerment in 2014, has further muffled the illconceived perception of the opposition against the governor. Ajunwa added that for his boss to win the award for two consecutive times, back-toback, has shown that the world was watching that the governor has been doing everything he could do to transform the wellbeing of the residents of the state and give the state a facelift. Ajunwa lamented that he was surprised that critics of the government due to their myopic lens, had refused to see that Governor Theodore Orji has built model primary and secondary schools across the 17 LGAs in the state, but the awards have sent a signal beyond the West End that the governor was committed to good governance. According to the CPS, the newly built modern e-library in the state is a fact that has shown that the governor has

education as one of his topmost priorities. Upon that, Ajunwa wondered why sentimental commentators of the government are so badmannered in realizing that the “Legacy Projects” of the governor are yielding results that people from far and near could see and recognize. The CPS further said that he has found it very hilarious the comment that Abia State under Ochendo needs a marshal plan as was wont in some quarters. However, he has argued that critics of the Ochendo government might not see beyond their programmed mind that is against the government, but well-meaning Nigerians and groups will stop at nothing to see the good works that the governor has been doing in the state and will not decline to recognize him as at when due. He wondered the speculation making the rounds that the government was collecting money from potential job seekers in the state before they could be awarded job opportunities, saying that the news was unfounded and misleading, because the government has been empowering people in the state and BusinessDay recognized that and the governor was appreciated as

TWO brothers were often seen fighting in the neighbourhood to the chagrin of Dad. They were not respecting their dignities. They welcomed violence and rejected peace, worth, manners, and admiration for life, and the neighbourhood. Dad had to call them for talks someday. “Do you know what the United Nations (UN) means?” he asked them, but they responded on the contrary. As I sat with them in the parlour, Dad told us that UN was established in 1945, during the Second World War. He told us that it was perceivable that the fear of fighting another World War might had been the major compelling factor for a man like Franklin Roosevelt to

commence with the UN idea, intended to create an avenue for countries to engage in dialogue first, and desist from the temptation to take up arms against each other when provoked. To make his point home, he also told us of the devastating World Wars and that the UN had so far managed to avoid another World War. He stood up and walked up to the boys, touched their shoulders, and lamented: “I still remember the deaths of almost a million people in the gruesome Rwandan genocide of 1994, as well as the wars in Somalia, Darfur, Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire, the BiafraNigeria war, the Second Congo War and, some other crises across the continent of Africa and, indeed, the world

By MADUBUKO HART

the best youth empowerment governor. Ajunwa said that there has never been any time that the

in nigeriaworld.com with the title, “Abia State needs a marshal plan, after years of criminal and corrupt leadership”. According to the statement

Gov Theodore Orji of Abia State.

governor or the state government was demanding for “200,000 thousand Naira from people, who were looking for work at Aba polytechnic”. He was reacting to an article that was published

by the organizers of the award, Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji won the BusinessDay States’ Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards as the best performing Governor in

education and youth empowerment in 2014, making it the second time that the Abia State Governor will be winning the high-status awards. According to the source, he was pronounced as the best performing governor in the country in Security and Health at the maiden edition of the awards in 2013. It was observable that the governor never lobbied for the BusinessDay States’ Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards; states were allocated the right to make entries. It was after the assessors visited Abia State that they determined that the claims entered for Abia State were all on ground and Governor Orji won the esteemed awards, organized by the foremost business media organization in Nigeria: BusinessDay. In appraising the governor the statement partly reads: 1. The Governor Theodore Orjiled administration in Abia State, understands the importance of the youth in the

economic development of the State, which prompted him to introduce the “Youth Empowerment Programme,” geared towards creating strong dependable youths with high morals. 2. The State Government has continued to deepen this laudable and innovative programme, which has drastically improved the lives of so many youths and families in the State. Developing the education sector is top priority of the Governor Theodore Orji-led administration in Abia State and providing a conducive environment for learning is a commitment his administration owes to every school age child in the State. 3. The essence is to provide equal opportunity to citizens of the State to excel and contribute to the economic development of the State. This is already manifesting as Abia Students emerged second in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2013 and 2014. Hart writes from Lagos

“According to the source, he was pronounced as the best performing governor in the country in Security and Health at the maiden edition of the awards in 2013. It was observable that the governor never lobbied for the BusinessDay States’ Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards; states were allocated the right to make entries.”

Franklin Roosevelt’s Idea By ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE

at large.” In Dad’s judgment, the brothers should form an alliance like Roosevelt’s, which invariably had seen to no World War III. He sermonised that there would be no progress in the absence of peace. He also sermonized that nothing good could come out of tinkering and bickering order than annihilation and suffering. There could not be a better way to counsel us the youth order than Dad’s way. As if we were not assimilating his references, he hit us again with the peace that never existed with terrorists

since they attacked the United States of America on a September 11 that saw twin towers in the country to rubbles. He fired us overagain with the salvo of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki attack, which nearly extinguished Japan. As if that was not enough, Dad recalled the Berlin Wall in Germany, the Biafra/Nigeria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali wars... “I want you the youth to have an agreement like The Peace of Paris (1783),” he said. “Do you know what that means?”

“As I sat with them in the parlour, Dad told us that UN was established in 1945, during the Second World War. He told us that it was perceivable that the fear of fighting another World War might had been the major compelling factor for a man like Franklin Roosevelt to commence with the UN idea.”

“Perpendicularly no,” was the response. “It brought to an end the American Revolutionary War. America, Great Britain, France and Spain signed treaties.” After I listened to Dad make those words some years back and the brothers left the house thanking him and never had to fight again but lived in harmony, had I come to understand that if peace is maintained among individuals, the family, village and the country will be at peace. I realised that the world needed more preachers of peace than they need preachers of religion. Dad was a diplomat like the Indian Mahatma Gandhi who walked the souls of millions of Indians with his peaceful preachments for their liberation. Dad’s approach to reconciling the brothers without any cynical measures reminded me that if the countries of the world could approach each other like Dad did and understand each other

like the brothers understood Dad, the world would be free of all the unnecessary rancours that had characterised it. Poverty, racial and religious jealousy would be sent on an errand and people would live with each other in harmony. What was perceived as Roosevelt’s paramount preconceived-notion, which was that with the creation of the UN, the tendency of US, perhaps, losing in balance again as was the case in the 1930s, could be avoided, Dad brokered peace which I have seen provides opportunity for people to relate devoid of creed, race or religion. I’ve come to know and, as well, been telling people that with peace, friendliness and coexistence, the world is second to none. Odimegwu Onwumere is a Poet/Writer, writes from Rivers State. Tel: +2348057778358. Email: apoet_25@yahoo.com

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Perspective

IKE the rest of the world, Nigeria abhors violence against women. In fact, those who chart the course of the nation’s history continue unabatedly to drum it into the sub-consciousness of people, through deliberate plans, policy statements and programmes, that there is zero tolerance for violence against women and children. Aside government policy statements, civil society groups have continued relentlessly to lend their voice, through rallies, workshops and symposia to drum up awareness and sensitize stakeholders on the need to end violence against women, girls and children. Despite all these efforts, around 120 million girls worldwide (slightly more than 1 in 10) have experienced forced intercourse or other forced sexual acts at some point in their lives; and unfolding events show more will become victims before middle age and shortly after. A UN women statistics released shortly after the year 2013 International Day for the Elimination of violence against women indicate that more than 133 million girls and women have experienced some form of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) otherwise known as “the unkind cut” in the 29 countries in Africa, including Nigeria, and in the middle East where the harmful practice is most common. The report notes that, “Beyond extreme physical and psychological pain, girls who undergo FGM are at risk of prolonged bleeding, infection (including HIV), infertility, complications during pregnancy and death.” Trafficking, according to the UN women statement, also ensnares millions of women and girls in modern-day slavery.” Women and girls represent 55 percent of the estimated 20.9 million victims of forced labour worldwide and 98 percent of the estimated 4.5 million forced into sexual exploitation 40 and 50 percent of women in European Union countries experience unwanted sexual advances, physical contact or other forms of sexual harassment at work. In the United States, 83 percent of girls in grades 8

Society Owes Wo Protection From V through 11 (age 12 to 16) have experienced some form of sexual harassment in public schools. Then there are the “extra vulnerabilities” which women in urban areas are daily confronted with. They are said to be twice as likely as men to experience violence, particularly in developing countries, like Nigeria. A UN Women Violence against Women Prevalence Data shows that in Nigeria, like in other African countries captured by the survey, intimate partner violence, non-partner violence, forced first sex, abuse during pregnancy, physical sexual abuse/violence or outright rape still top the list of contending issues for women in Nigeria and Africa at large. Child marriage also became a notable issue, a veritable act of violence against the girl child in Nigeria’s social stratawhile domestic violence has been fingered as impeding efforts geared at improving maternal health, and infact, a leading cause of death among women after maternal mortality. This, to say the least, is unnerving! As Nigeria joins the rest of the globe in observing the International Day for the Elimination of all forms of violence against women today, November 25, two women who have, undoubtedly remained strong advocates for women, Hon. (Mrs.) Blessing Maigida, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State and her formidable ally in the business of championing the

cause of women, Princess (Mrs.) Margaret JosBazuaye, Director, Women Affairs, again spoke out on the glaring issues that appear to stand as stumbling blocks against efforts geared at ending violence against women and proffered guidelines that are hoped would become lee ways to ending acts of violence against women, girls and children. They spoke to our principal Features Writer, Ijeoma Umeh.

Excerpts: Care for them, Don’t Violate Them – Maigida Since 2013 when you came out to speak against violence targeted at women, the girl child and children generally, would you say there has been improvements or women are worse off, considering statistics that show women and children are still suffering violence. Well, the statistics reeled out by the UN women in 2013 may be unnerving going by the information regarding the height of violence against women that it portrays; however, be rest assured that there has been a considerable decrease in the number of women who have suffered one act of violence or another, from region to region. In Nigeria, the decrease has been tremendous and I would ascribe that to the level of awareness that has been created in the public domain by advocates. We have not rested on our oars and we will continue to sensitize the people on the need

to end violence against women and the girl child. If you say there has been a clear departure from what obtained within that catchment period of the UN women report, in what areas of violence would the improvements have been? Yes, it is important to define the parameters, because as they say in advocacy, the way any social problem is defined sets the margins and equally defines the extent within which solutions are developed. There are various forms of violence which time and space may not permit us to properly highlight at the moment. However, in Nigeria, physical violence, which implies inflicting pain or causing harm to somebody with the help of a hand, knife, stick, belt or rope was a popular form of violence, and to a large extent, is the most common. There was a time in my ministry when we received several cases of cruel punishment and physical torture by parents/guardians on their children/wards. There was a time in Nigeria as a whole when forced labour, beatings, assault with a weapon and death through torture was an everyday occurrence. However, by reason of enlightenment and the whole lot of sensitizations being made through the media, workshops and other channels of communication, the public has to a large extent become educated on the forms of violence, the shades, the channels, the ways and manners of operation of preda-

tors, how people can become potential victims and so forth. Therefore, we can make bold to say that fol-

Those are indeed ogre the near past and we can improve on the margi further reducing the rat

Hon. (Mrs.) Blessing Maigida Edo State Commi Social Development

lowing all these efforts, it is no longer common place for you to see women become easy preys to rape, victims of cruelty and families have also learnt that children should no longer be used as slaves in forced labour, or women and girls trafficked for prostitution abroad.

“There are various forms of violence which time and space may not permit us to properly highlight at the moment. However, in Nigeria, physical violence, which implies inflicting pain or causing harm to somebody with the help of a hand, knife, stick, belt or rope was a popular form of violence, and to a large extent, is the most common”.

prevalence. We would have tho that rape has not dec in its prevalence. No… it has. Recall that was a time our news in the media was satu with the rape of even women and very young dren. Now it has dec mothers are daily bein undated with measur checkmate these sad mals in our existence. You hardly find wo leaving their young chi to roam the streets n like it was in the past bies are no longer le unknown care givers women are becoming mindful of with whom where they keep their dren and wards. I have so many women d away with those helps

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Perspective

omen Care And Violence -Maigida

es of n still in by tes of

have seen equal number of mothers who no longer hand down their children to unknown relatives and

issioner for Women Affairs and

ought clined

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omen ildren naked t. Baeft to s and very m and r chile seen doing s as I

neighbours to have them as baby sitters and house helps. That has reduced the number of children forced into labour and the number that are being sexually molested or defiled by even close relatives. I have also seen more women driving or taking their children to and from school for fear of the ‘unknown driver ’ or chauffer. Those are proactive measures and the credit goes to the level of enlightenment that we give to the public and to specific target groups, particularly women. Poverty and illiteracy have also been fingered as issues in violence against women and girls. What are advocates like you doing to ensure more women become empowered, educationally and

financially? Of course, poverty, according to the UN women, wears a woman’s face, so also is illiteracy. One of the cardinal objectives of the Oshiomhole – led administration is to ensure women are fully equipped to tackle the changing vicissitudes of life in the area of the dynamics of the socio-economic terrain we find ourselves. To this effect, the women adult literacy programme of the state government still persists we are targeting that by 2015 more women would have taken advantage of the adult literacy programme. Reading and writing and being able to decipher issues is paramount, and key to women empowerment. In the area of economic empowerment the skill acquisition centre at Evbomodu is still open and presently we are appealing to both women and girls to key into the vision behind setting up the centre to go and learn skills that will enable them be equipped to face the future. Recently, women advocates began to clamour for women to speak out when acts of violence have been perpetuated against them. For them, stigmatization is one thing they cannot contend with. What’s your take on that? For me, I share the idea that keeping silence would not help justice in any way. Dying in silence is not encouraged in my ministry. Speaking out would ensure that the woman or girl child gets justice and that she is taken care of by the relevant care givers. An example is a woman who has been raped. She withdraws to her shell and suffers the predicament alone. She could become pregnant or be infected with the dreaded HIV. Again, she could become a victim again and again because the monster still roams the street, or others-would. We work with various

agencies and there are organizations which take up the case without necessarily parading the survivor, they are actually survivors not victims, the Child Protection Network, FIDA, Women’s Right Watch, Partnership for Women and Justice and several others exist to ensure protection for these ones. What would be your advice to the society which continues to be volatile despite efforts by well meaning individuals and organizations to stem the tide of violence against women? We implore the society not to see the feminine specie as and object to toy with, to abuse, to misuse and to destroy. It is sad that at a time in our history when we should unite and fight those issues that militate against our development like insurgency, and bad governance, we still find monsters who constitute terror against women. We demand for such evil acts like rape, torture and other forms of violence against women and the girl-child to stop. We say this with all sense of seriousness and as advocates we won’t take it with levity when we get report of any act of violence against women and young children. These ones are to be loved and protected not violated. We have all the instruments to fight and bring to justice any one who molests, physically abuses, trafficks or sends a girl-child into child labour. We will bring them to justice and ensure they go in for it. We have a governor who has the interest of women at heart. We have a government that is gender sensitive. We have leaders, advocates who would not tolerate acts of violence against women and children. It is our collective duty; it is our duty of care. Society also owes it to women and children to protect them in times of strife and at all times. We are rising to the occasion and we are not relenting. We have the law to back us up. Today, I enjoin everyone to be nice to women and children, and to-

morrow they should sustain it. Thank you. International Day For The Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25 – sprang forth from the United Nation’s Resolution 54/134 – the premise of the day is to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject of rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence; furthermore, one of the aims of the day is to highlight that the scale and true nature of the issue is often hidden. For 2013, the official Theme Framed by the UN Secretary General’s UNITE to End violence against women is Orange the world in 16 Days. Historically, the date is based on date of the 1960 assassination of the three Mirabel sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic; the killings were ordered by Dominican Dictator Rafael Trujillo (19301961). In 1987, activists marked November 25 as a day to combat and raise awareness of violence against women more broadly. On December 17, 1999, the date received its official United Nation’s (UN) Resolution. Banki Moon’s 2013 message – I welcome

the chorus of voices calling form an end to the violence that affects one in three women in her lifetime. I applaud leaders who are helping to enact and enforce laws and change mindsets. And I pay tribute to all those heroes around the world who help victims to heal and to become agent of change”. Princess Margaret JosBazuaye says, “Let’s draw Lessons from the Australian Experience Issues – Following the Australian Example in Australia a campaign has formed around International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against women. While it operates all year round, its activities culminate on November 25, each year. According to Princess Margaret Joe-Bazuaye Director, Women Affair Edo State the campaign has gained momentum under the name White Ribbon Day and in particular targets the need for Australian men to take a leading role. While the majority of men are not violent, the majority of reported violence is perpetrated by men. Therefore the campaign is trying to position men to take up the responsibility to lead for change in the culture that perpetuates violence. “Nigerian men can also assume that position in our effort to end violence against women” the Director stated. She further noted that “Ending violence against women is good for every-

one – while a general Australian belief exists that violence against Australian women is less severe in comparison to other nations, the Australian Bureau of statistics had revealed in a report that “one in three Australian women will experience physical violence in their life time, while 23% to 28% will experience sexual or emotional harm. In Australia Violence is the leading cause of death, illness, and disability for Australian women aged 15 to 44. It’s responsible for more illness and premature death than any other preventable cause, such as hypertension, obesity or smoking we don’t want Nigerian women to degenerate to that extent”. In Australia the National plan to Reduce Violence Against Women – sets out a framework for action over the next 12 years. This plan shows Australia’s commitment to upholding the human rights of Australian women through the convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the declaration to End Violence Against women and the beginning of Declaration and platform for Action - over 17,500 Australian men/women start off the 16 Days Activism that precedes Human Rights Day and the– UN has unveiled Network of men to fight abuse of women.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Reproductive Health “Suggesting other precautions, Dr Joy Okwuogori, a gynaecologist, advised that women, who were at risk of excessive bleeding after childbirth, should be identified for the purpose of planning for their delivery dates.”

Addressing Excessive Bleeding At Childbirth OBSTETRICIANS and gynaecologists warn that women can suffer excessive bleeding after childbirth in some cases that can result in death if not checked fast. They note that the affected women can lose as much as 500 ml or more within 24 hours during childbirth, observing that such development has been identified as one of the causes of maternal deaths globally. According to them, affected women feel unwell, faint and dizzy, among other indications, while some of them may become unconscious. They also observe that some women, in some instances, know about the possibility of bleeding after

By NAOMI SHARANG

childbirth and prepare for the challenge. Medical experts, nonetheless, opine that women, who are aware of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) —bleeding after childbirth — are often frightened about the amount of blood they will lose and become apprehensive. They identify failure of the womb to contract properly after the baby is born, problems with the placenta and prolonged labour as major causes of bleeding after childbirth. Considering its implications, Dr Maureen Ume, a gynaecologist with the National Hospital Abuja, solicited proper

sensitisation of women to issues on childbirth and bleeding. She said that excessive bleeding during delivery had remained the commonest cause of more than 25 per cent of maternal death, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. According to her, there is primary and secondary haemorrhage but the commonest is the former. “Once the excessive blood loss is beyond 24 hours it is called secondary haemorrhage and if it is properly managed, it will not result in death,’’ he said. Ume observed that poor ante-natal care was another

predisposing factor to excessive bleeding after childbirth, saying that many women might induce prolonged labour by preferring to give birth at home. “Being in labour for some days before childbirth means you have been contracting the womb for long, so after giving birth, the uterus (womb) will be weak. “By the time she gets to the hospital, it might be too late for her survival because she must have lost much blood,” she noted. Apart from giving preference to giving birth to child at home by some women, Ume said many women had also cultivated the habits of seeking spiritual solution in prayer

“Being in labour for some days before childbirth means you have been contracting the womb for long, so after giving birth, the uterus (womb) will be weak.”

houses when they were directed to undergo caesarian operation. “With this habit, sometimes, such women become anaemic and by the time they are brought to hospital, it may be difficult to save their lives,’’ she said. She cautioned against the use of labour-induced drugs, noting that such drugs had been linked to secondary haemorrhage. She urged expectant mothers to register for antenatal clinic early enough, insisting that it would enable the obstetricians to detect women who were at risk of excessive bleeding at childbirth. She also stressed the need for availability of quality and safe blood to save lives of women that suffered excessive bleeding at childbirth. Ume insisted that providing access to quality education for females would also drastically reduce ignorance about sex related developments among Nigerian women. “We are in a country whereby most of our women are not educated, their ante-natal care is poor, and they can labour for days at home,’’ she noted. She also observed those women with multiple gestations (conceptions) and those who had had five or more previous pregnancies, were inclined to experience PPH. She, therefore, advised couples to go for family planning as it could play a role in tackling postpartum haemorrhage. She said that expectant mothers could prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth if they sought proper ante-natal attention at conception. “Most of our women are

dying because of inadequate ante-natal care, during ante-natal clinics, these women are supposed to be identified. The gynaecologist also said that authorities should ensure that there was adequate supply of blood to maternity centres, expressing concern about deaths that occurred due to scarcity of blood. She called on Nigerians to imbibe the habit of donating blood, saying that it would go a long way to save the lives of women that bled after childbirth. Suggesting other precautions, Dr Joy Okwuogori, a gynaecologist, advised that women, who were at risk of excessive bleeding after childbirth, should be identified for the purpose of planning for their delivery dates. In the same vein, Dr Nathaniel Adewole, a gynaecologist with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, said that PPH could be prevented early if women gave birth in good hospitals. According to him, giving birth in registered healthcare centres would enable the doctors to give necessary medical attention to prevent excess bleeding. ‘When it comes to somebody who has the tendency to bleed, steps are taken to ensure that it is prevented and for those who still bleed, we look for the cause and control it fast. By and large, medical experts insist that appropriate authorities must educate pregnant women on the importance of giving birth in good healthcare centres rather than their homes or prayer houses.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Natural Medicine DIARRHOEA is simply watery stool. When most unknowledgeable people have it, they rush to the Chemis Store to purchase anti-biotics. Trust the ignorant Chemis Man. He collects his money and hands over the drug to the persons. Case close. The buyer leaves and begins to take the medication…… Here again is another classic of self –medication and drug abuse. Who ever told the Chemis Man and the buyer that once you have diarrhoea that it is caused by germs? In case you don’t know, this is wrong diagnosis. Diarrhoea has several causes. Firstly, you might have unknowingly stimulated an acupressure point responsible for activating colon evacuation. And, so, you notice that you start discharging watery stool. Anyway, this is granted that you have been drinking lots of water while battling with constipation. Acupressure as a Therapeotic methodology helps to send biologic energy to an organ lacking it so as to empower it to function normally. In this case, the colon as I said may have been stimulated positively to purge itself because of an accidental manipulation of an acupressure point. Secondly, diarrhoea could be triggered by allergy. Maybe the food you have eaten contains an allergen. Pepper could be an allergen or a mere uncomplicated stimulation pepper soup. Excess of it could bring about watery or soft stool if you are not accustomed to high amounts of it. Don’t forget some people have running nose after eating food with lots of pepper. Running nose and running stomach in this case are of the same family. Thirdly, do you eat much

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Causes Of Diarrhoea

salt or sugar? Then, don’t be surprised. You may have diarrhoea often. Person? some adults have lactose intolerance. This means they lack adequate lactase enzyme in the stomach for digesting all the sugar they have eaten. Therefore, some undigested sugar escape to the colon. There, they are fed on by bacteria with the byproducts being loose, water stool and gases which cause abdominal cramps as well as bloating. This is one side of the story, however. Now to the other one. Each time you eat excess sugar and salt, most of them pass into the colon. Thus, there is a build –up of concentrated sugar and salt there triggering off Osmosis, itence, there movement of water from the surrounding a region of low concentration of sugar/salt outside the colon into it having a high concentration of these substance when this water enters the colon, the stool there is liquefied, becoming watery or very soft. A knowledge of this colonic mechanism is used by knowledgeable, discerning people to limit their constipation when there is no handy natural products within reach to be used for it. All they do is drink a teaspoon of salt in quarter litre of warm water. Twenty minutes later begin to sip hot water, without food, for two hours. However be warned. Don’t abuse this therapy. Excess salt is unhealthy. It leads to loading the body

with too much sodium, a condition associated with water retention and flooding of the cells. Also, it may trigger hypertension and or worsen it. Furthermore, excess salt inhibits your

lidify it. Consequently, liquid stool results. If you want to know whether your solar plexus has been displaced, wake up early in the morning before dawn.

rhoea could be a prognostic complication of a disease that may have become chronic. Note a sign/symptom is the way a disease manifests in the body while

blood circulation within at least 30 minutes of consuming it because some studies have shown that high intake of salt constricts cells lining the arteries predisposing them to become narrow, momentarily. Also, diarrhoea or watery stool could result from a displacement of your solar plexus from its original central position inside your navel. When this occurs, the appropriate voltage of biologic energy is no longer flowing to the colon. Invariably, the colon is unable to perform its normal function of absorbing excess water from the stool so as to so-

Place your index finger on your navel while still lying in bed. Listen carefully. You will hear a pulsating beat there. If you don’t, then your solar plexus is displaced. Rectify it. The location of your solar plexus is very critical to your health status. I must not forget to add here that diarrhoea may be a sign /symptom of an under lying disease in your body. A lot of illnesses have diarrhoea as part of their symptoms. It is only through differential diagnosis that the specific illness is known before treatment is administered. Alternatively, diar-

prognostic complication is the resultant effect of a diseases progression in a person. Both the signs, symptoms and complication of disease cause discomfort. If care is not taken they can kill. The lesson here is that you should never delay in the treatment of diarrhoea after identifying its cause. Maybe, you should be reminded that “ordinary” diarrhoea is one of the 7 child-killer diseases in modern times. Next on my list is the role of anti-biotics abuse in diarrhoea. Anti-biotics should

“Also, diarrhoea or watery stool could result from a displacement of your solar plexus from its original central position inside your navel. When this occurs, the appropriate voltage of biologic energy is no longer flowing to

be used properly only when you need them. Just pooping them without regards to dose and duration is what may lead to the destruction of friendly bacteria in the guts. This situation causes an inbalance in the distribution of friendly and unfriendly, pathogenic bacte-

ria there. When this occurs, diarrhoea induced by germs often result which no antibiotics in the world can treat. What you do is to restore the floral balance of friendly and unfriendly bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract with probiotics. That is all. Then, normalcy is restored to the tract without drugs. A properly functioning gut with a balance of friendly and unfriendly, pathogenic bacteria keeps infection away from the gut. Sometimes, though, the scientific/medical cause of diarrhoea may not be known while over consumption of fruits like mangoes, pineapples and bananas may trigger off diarrhea. So watch it. Don’t over-simply diarrhoea, many factors are responsible for it.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 With Victor Aniukwu

New Horizon

A Cultural History (3) Higher Consciousness:

SPARKS are beautiful as long as they are in the fire. Similarly, we have to remain in the association of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and always engaged in His devotional service, for then we shall always be brilliant and illuminating. As soon we fall from the service of the Lord, our brilliance and illumination will immediately be extinguished, or at least stopped for some time. When we living entities, who are like sparks of the original fire of the Supreme Lord, fall into a material condition, we must take the mantra (chanting of the holy name) from the Supreme Personality of Godhead as it is offered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabha. By chanting this Hare Krishna mantra, just like a baby calling on the dear mother, we shall be delivered from all the difficulties of this material world. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabha introduced the chanting of the Hare Krishna, Hara Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare as a great means of propaganda for spreading love of God. It is not that it is recommended only for this age. Actually it is recommended for every age. There have always been many devotees who have chanted and reached perfection in all ages. That is the beauty of this Krishna consciousness movement. It is not simply for one age, or for country or for class of people. Hare Krishna can be chanted is not simply for one age, or for one country, or for one class of people. Hare Krishna can be chanted by

any man in any social position, in any country and in any age, for Krishna is the Supreme Lord of all people in all social positions, in all countries and in all ages. There are things which we hear but do not see — the wind may be whistling past our ears, and we can hear it, but there is no possibility of seeing the wind. Since hearing is no less an important experience or valid one than seeing, we can hear Krshna and realize His presence through sound Sri Krsna Himself says. I am not there in my abode or in the heart of the meditating yogi, but where my pure devotees are singing”. We can feel the presence of krsna as we actually make progress. Fire will act regardless of whether handled by an innocent child or someone well aware of its burning power. For example, if a field of straw or dry grass is set afire, either by an elderly man who knows the power of fire or by a child who does not, the grass will be burnt to ashes. one may or may not know the power of chanting the holy names of the Lord, but if one chants it, he will became free from all sinful reactions. The effect of chanting the holy name of the Lord is perceived by the chanter as liberation from the conception of false egoism. False egoism is exhibited by thinking oneself to be the enjoyer of the world and thinking everything in the world to be meant for the enjoyment of one’s self only. The whole materialistic world is moving such false egoism of “I and mine,” but the factual effect of chanting the holy name is to become free from such

misconceptions. By the grace of the Lord, if a devotee, at the time of death, can simply chant His holy names, - Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare — simply by chanting this mahamantra, one immediately surpasses the great ocean of the material

sky and enters the spiritual sky. He never has to come back for repetition of birth and death. Simply by chanting the holy name of the Lord, one can surpass the ocean of death at the last breath of death. The transcendental ecstatic attachment for krsna which results from perfectly understanding that krsna’s person and name are identical is called bhava (ecstatic spiritual emotion). One who has attained bhava is certainly not contaminated by material nature and when

bhava is intensified, it is called love of Godhead; Lord Caitanya taught that the holy name of Krsna called the Mahamantra (great chanting) for deliverance enables anyone who chants it to attain the stage of love of Godhead, or intensified bhava. Sometimes krsna descends personally, and sometimes He descends as a

devotee. There are many different categories of incarnations of the Lord. In this present age, Krsna has descended in His holy name. Hare Krsna Hara Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare. Lord Caitanya also confirmed that in this age of Kali, Krsna has descended in the form of sound vibration. Therefore it is stated that there is no difference between Krsna and His name. Christos is the Greek

“ I am not there in my abode or in the heart of the meditating yogi, but where my pure devotees are singing”. We can feel the presence of krsna as we actually make progress. Fire will act regardless of whether handled by an innocent child or someone well aware of its burning power.”

version of the word Krsna. When an Indian person calls on Krsna, he often says “Krsta”. Krsta is a Sanakrit world meaning “attraction”, so when we address God as “Christ, Krsta or Krsna” we indicate the same all attractive Supreme Persenality of Godhead. And when Jesus said, “Our Father who art in heaven, sanctified be thy name” that name of God was “Krsta” or “Krsna”. It doesn’t matter — Krsna or Christ — the name is the same. The main point is to follow the injunctions of the verdic scriptures that recommend chanting the

scriptures, you will attain the spiritual platform. We always have the beads just as you have the rosary, few Christians are chanting on the rosary, while majority of the Christians don’t chant nor have any means of chanting the holy name of God daily. The Hare Krsna movement chant on their bead of 108 by sixteen times daily, the Moslems chant on their bead of ninety-nine by five times daily and Christians chant at least three times on their rosary of fiftyfive. We have to chant without any sentiment nor insincerity of heart.4 chant to

holy name of God in this age. I have not come to teach you, but only to request you to please chant the holy name of God every day. The Bible also demands this of you while the Holy Koran also demand this of you also. So let us kindly cooperate and chant the holy name of God and if you have a prejudice against chanting the name of Krsna, then chant Christos, Krsta there is no difference. Sri Caitanya said, God has millions and millions of names according to time place and circumstance, and because there is no difference between God’s name and Himself, each one of these names has the same potency as God. Therefore even if you accept designations like “Hindu” Christian or Mohammadan, if you simply chant the name of God found in your

believe that chanting will wipe away theirs sins. You must not chant with this ugly believe. You chant soberly asking for God mercy upon you while promising at same time within your heart to try to stop all your negative thoughts, words and actions and not to chant to erase your sins so that you can continue to sin because there is a way to cleanse it. The only way to cleanse your sins is to learn to stop them. Remember that the mind is always thinking, “This will make me happy or that will make me happy. Happiness is always there just as sadness is also always there side by side. In this way, the mind is taking us anywhere and everywhere. It is as though, we are riding on a chariot behind an unbridled horse. There and then we Continues on page 24

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Place Of Prayer Practical Steps To Overcoming Bad Habits A bad habit is not a mistake; it is that sin that you keep repeating that now has a hold on you. This habit may not just be fornication; you could be a perpetual liar, a gossip, a critic of legitimate authority, a smoker, a drunkard,

2. Avoid The Persons, Places And Issues Of Enticement: Stay away from individuals that make you get involved in the practice of that habit. Evil communication corrupts good manners (iCor. 15:33). What agreement has light with darkness? Separation is a credential that authenticates the fatherhood of God. You

not see the evidence of their prayers is because sin has exposed their blessings to being stolen by the devil. Be conscious of the reality that the consequence of sin is death. Sin kills, particularly the sin of immorality: sex, lust, pornography, masturbation, enjoying promiscuity on television. Goodness is withheld from

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us... The sin which easily bests you speaks of bad habit. The way out of that habit is consciousness of the fact that you are being watched by a great cloud of witnesses. While Peter was conscious of the presence of the

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

Breaking The Bad Habit (2) a perpetual late comer, a Christian that does not study the bible, deficient in fasting, a glutton, a lazy person, a television addict, a gambler, an indecent dresser, a person that practices masturbation, and so on. Anything that goes against the norms of the Kingdom of God that you persist in becomes your bad habit. Below are seven suggestions that will help you overcome bad habits. 1. Confession To A Higher Spiritual Authority: Confess the details of the bad habit to: (a) God- l John 1:8-9: !f we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Anyone that says he has never had a bad habit is a liar, but God is able to help everyone that confesses to Him. If you find out that you are experiencing difficulty in coming out of a bad habit, then go to God in genuine repentance. Be broken before God. Let Him see your penitence and sincerity. Your confession should not just be to escape punishment, but so that the yoke of the habit would be taken away from you. Your confession must be with brokennesss for God will not despise a broken and a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). (b) To a Human spiritual authority- Proverbs 28:13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy When you refuse to confess your sin (bad habit) to a higher authority, it means you like it. You must confess as proof to God that you do not like it. From practical experience, we know that the best way to break a serious relationship is to disclose a secret to a third party. No matter the settlement that is done after such betrayal of trust, confidence in the person who disclosed the secret may never be restored. When you confess to a higher spiritual authority, you have exposed the spirit behind that habit and so the spirit will have no choice but to abandon you. Sin thrives in secrecy and as long as you keep your sin private, it will have power over you. Confession breaks the hold of the habit in you. If you do not confess, you will not make progress and will be stagnant, If you confess and forsake yours in, you shall have mercy.

must separate from all issues that encourage continuation of that bad habit. 2 Peter 2:8- For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day today with their unlawful deeds. Your spiritual status is not the issue; anyone that interacts with the wrong crowd will be enticed. You’ve got to be separate. If you are a talkative, then avoid those friends that make you talk too much. Same goes with friends that womanize, drink, smoke, gamble, etc. In Genesis 39:10, 12, we see that Joseph overcame the temptation to commit fornication with Potiphar’s wife because he refused to lie by her, or to be with her. When the pressure got too much, he fled, leaving his garment in her hands. Don’t stay with enticement. You must flee just like Joseph did. Abstain, depart, shift, avoid, don’t be enticed by all appearances of evil (I Thess. 5:22). 3. Always Remember That The Wages of Sin is Death: The bible makes it very clear in Romans 6:23 that the wages of sin is death. Wages is compensation for service rendered. Sin has only one reward: Death. Every sin you commit kills something. James 1:14-15 says: But everyman is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Every man is tempted when he is pulled, drawn by his own lust (bad habit). Enticement comes by observation. When your habit is now pregnant, it brings forth sin the end point of sin is death. This may not be physical death, but a promise dies, help disappears, favour is taken away; something always dies when sin is concluded. The reason many Christians pray so much and yet do

those who do not walk uprightly. Make up your mind to stay holy. No one can remove goodness from you if you do that which is right, Psalm 84:11 Your seed sowing or tears will not bring back the miracle you lost as a result of

Holy Ghost, Ananias and Sapphira were not and so they lied and were struck dead by the Holy Spirit. If you can picture Jesus with you, you will not commit that sin. 5. Be Saturated With The

habit? If you do then let His love saturate your life at all time. As you begin to think about His love every minute of the day, you will find that you can no longer bring yourself to do those things that break His heart. Only

your sin. The promise of God can be broken by iniquity (1 Samuel 2:30). May you escape bad habit today and consequently preserve God’s miracle upon your life in Jesus name, amen. 4. Live In The Consciousness Of Gods Presence: Live as if you can see God with you all the time. Have the mentality that God is watching you. See Him with you. Imagine the reality of His perpetual presence with you. Hebrews 12:1 - wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,

Love Of God: Jesus said in John 14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments. Paul said in 2Corinthians 5:14: For the love of Christ constraineth us... If you always put into consideration the great price Jesus paid for your redemption, you will not want to hurt Him. If a man forgets the love of his wife, he will marry another wife at old age. If you forget the love of God, you will not please him. In John 21, Jesus asked Peter if he really loved him above everything else. Do you love Jesus above that

the love of God will keep you from bad habits. 6. Be Conscious Of Your Spiritual Identity John 3:6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. You are not human, you are divine. Live in this consciousness. Walk in the reality of your new status. You are a spirit and must walk like someone from heaven. Don’t let this consciousness depart from your heart. Spirits are not entangled by mundane/earthly attractions. This is the secret of holiness. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh, Gal. 5:16. Always be conscious of your spiritual identity and you will see your self living above that sinful habit. 7. Always Be Conscious That Your Eternity Can Begin At Anytime: Death is not a function of age; you don’t know when God will call you home. You can die at anytime. The bible says it is

“Every man is tempted when he is pulled, drawn by his own lust (bad habit). Enticement comes by observation. When your habit is now pregnant, it brings forth sin the end point of sin is death.”

appointed unto man once to die. If death meets you in sin, your past holiness is forgotten. Be prepared at every time. The rich man in Luke 12 was called a fool because he did not put into consideration the fact that death can call at anytime. May you be ready when the trumpet sounds, Read 2Peter 3:8-14, Hebrews 9:28. Although your name was writ-

ten in the book of life when you asked Jesus to come into your head, if you do not live uprightly, your name will be blotted out. Revelation 3:5: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and (will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Only those that look forward to His coming will see Him. Is your name still in the book of life? Only those that are able to overcome bad habits will their names not be blotted out of the Book of Life. If you live with this consciousness, then you will be able to deal with I the bad habit that has kept you captive all the while. As you begin to practice these seven steps, I see every bad habit in your life taken Away in the name of Jesus, amen.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

International

Portugal Ex-Premier Held In Prison LISBON, Portugal — A judge sent former Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates to prison Monday while the exleader fights accusations of corruption, money-laundering and tax fraud. The judge decided after an initial hearing there was sufficient police evidence to keep Socrates in custody on preliminary charges of wrongdoing, a court statement said. Socrates’s lawyer, Joao Araujo, said his client denies the charges and would appeal the custody decision. Under Portuguese law, the public prosecutor will now investigate further before presenting formal charges, a process that could take more than six months. A magistrate will then decide whether to put Socrates on trial. The crimes carry a maximum sentence of 21 years. Socrates was Portugal’s center-left Socialist prime minister from 2005 to 2011. He was detained by police after arriving at Lisbon airport late

Afghan Capital Hit By 2 Blasts

KABUL, Afghanistan Afghan officials say the capital Kabul has been hit by two explosions, one of which wounded six Afghan army soldiers. Hashmat Stanekzai, the spokesman for Kabul’s police chief, says a roadside bomb targeted an Afghan National Army minibus early yesterday morning, causing the casualties. The Kabul provincial police chief, Gen. Mohammad Zahir, says the second blast in the center of the city a few hours later did not cause any casualties. Kabul has seen an escalation in attacks by insurgents in recent months, many targeting foreigners and security installations.

10 Killed In Building Collapse

CAIRO – An eight-floor residential building collapsed overnight in Cairo, killing at

least 10 people and injuring seven others, security sources said yesterday. The sources said the casualty figure was expected to rise as emergency response crews worked to remove trapped residents from the rubble in a northeast district of the capital. It was not immediately clear what caused the structure to buckle, but such incidents are not uncommon in Egyptian cities where many new apartment buildings are put up in violation of safety standards and old ones are routinely neglected. A civil protection official told the state news agency four nearby buildings had been evacuated.

Friday and has been jailed since. Three other suspects were also arrested as part of the investigation. Officials refused to provide details, because a judicial secrecy law forbids the disclosure of information from ongoing investigations Local media reported that Socrates, 57, is suspected of amassing a 20 million euros ($25

million) fortune by taking bribes to favor companies during his time in power. The reports cited unidentified police sources. One of the other suspects, Carlos Santos Silva, is said to be a longtime friend of Socrates. His construction company flourished during Socrates’s time in power. Investigators reportedly suspect that Socrates’s alleged illicit gains were kept in a Swiss bank account held by Santos Silva.

The suspicions swirling around Socrates have generated Portugal’s third major scandal in four months. Taken together, the allegations have shaken public faith in the country’s political and business elite. Last summer saw the collapse of the country’s largest and oldest listed bank, Banco Espirito Santo, and the arrest of its chief executive Ricardo Espirito Santo Salgado, the patriarch of one of

Portugal’s most distinguished families, on charges of fraud, forgery and money-laundering. Earlier this month, police detained the head of the country’s immigration service and several other senior officials in a corruption investigation centered on the granting of residence permits to wealthy investors from outside the European Union. The scandal involving Socrates has appalled the austerity-hit Portuguese. Socrates requested a 78 billion euros international bailout for

Portugal in 2011 when the country was engulfed by a debt crisis that hit countries sharing the euro currency. The bailout, which contributed to Socrates’s election defeat a few months later, brought pay and pension cuts, steep tax increases and a spike in unemployment. Socrates made his name as a liberal modernizer. He introduced abortion on demand and gay marriage in his mostly Roman Catholic country. He also put Portugal at the forefront of Europe’s drive to adopt renewable energy.

SRINAGAR, India — Thousands of voters lined up yesterday to cast their votes in state elections in Indian Kashmir amid a boycott call by Muslim separatist groups who reject India’s sovereignty over the disputed Himalayan region. Voter turnout was moderate early yesterday with the temperatures low and skies overcast. Thousands of paramilitary soldiers and police officers patrolled near polling stations as voting opened in villages and towns. Polling was brisk in some places and long lines of voters stretched around polling booths north of the main city of Srinagar. The elections are to be held in

five phases through Dec. 23 in a staggered process that allows the government to deploy thousands of troops to prevent any outbreak of violence. Pro-India Kashmiri parties say the elections will boost development and help address civic issues, while separatists say the polls are an illegitimate exercise under military occupation. In recent days, authorities have detained hundreds of separatist leaders and activists who called for a boycott of the elections. The multistage voting will elect a local government — a chief minister who will serve as the state’s top official and a council of ministers — from the pro-India parties participating in the elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has been campaigning heavily, and for the first time is hoping to win a sizeable number of seats in India’s only Muslim-majority state. Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and both the countries claim it in its entirety. Nearly a dozen rebel groups have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989, seeking independence for Kashmir or its merger with Pakistan. About 68,000 people have been killed in the conflict. State elections were also being held yesterday in the central Indian state of Jharkhand.

Thousands Line Up To Vote In Indian Kashmir

Workers representing bailiffs remove barricades under a court injunction on one of the main streets occupied by protesters as part of the occupy central civil disobedience movement at Mongkok shopping district in Hong Kong yesterday.

Scuffles Break Out As Hong Kong Clears Protest Site

HONG KONG - Scuffles erupted as Hong Kong authorities cleared part of a pro-democracy protest camp in the bustling district of Mong Kok on yesterday following a court order to reopen a road, with several demonstrators taken away in police vans. The gritty, working-class area across the harbor from the main protest site at Admiralty has been the scene of some of the most violent clashes during two months of pro-democracy demonstrations in the Chinese-ruled city. Hundreds of police stood guard as authorities enforced the court order to reopen Argyle Street to free up traffic. There was little resistance until the afternoon when police, some in rows with arms linked, faced off with protesters, several of whom were forcibly removed.

Workers in white helmets and vests moved wooden blockades from the road after demonstrators had earlier dismantled tents and packed up their belongings. The injunction was granted to a bus company which said the blockade had hurt business. Some protesters heckled and held up yellow banners demanding Beijing allow full democracy in the global financial hub. “Even if they clear this place, our will to fight for genuine universal suffrage hasn’t changed ... it will only inspire people to think of other ways to continue this movement,” said protester Ken Chu, 27, wearing a bright yellow safety helmet and a gas mask.

Hong Kong leader Leung Chunying, who has called the protests illegal, urged activists to go home. Hundreds of protesters remain camped out along nearby Nathan Road, part of which local media said would be cleared later in the week. The move in Mong Kok comes a week after the partial clearance of the largest protest site next to government buildings in Admiralty, enforcing another injunction order in a peaceful operation that left most of the main protest site intact. Mong Kok has been a flashpoint for street brawls between students and mobs intent on breaking up the prolonged protests to demand free elections for the city’s next leader

Portugal’s former Prime Minister Jose Socrates, in the back seat of the car on the left, leaves a court in a Portuguese Police car after being questioned, in Lisbon.

in 2017. In August, Beijing offered Hong Kong people the chance to vote for their own leader in 2017, but said only two to three candidates could run after getting backing from a 1,200-person “nominating committee” stacked with Beijing loyalists. More than 100,000 people took to the streets at the peak of the demonstrations but that number has dropped to a few hundred scattered in tents over the two main sites amid dwindling public support.

Yemeni Forces Free Hostages

SANAA – Yemeni security forces freed seven Yemeni hostages and one foreigner in a special operation in which seven al Qaeda kidnappers were also killed, the country’s supreme security committee said. The committee, in a statement published by state news agency Saba, did not disclose the nationality of the foreign hostage nor say where in Yemen the operation took place. It was not immediately clear when or where the kidnappings had occurred. One member of the Yemeni security forces was lightly wounded in the raid. Kidnapping is common in U.S.-allied Yemen, where the country is battling with an insurgency from Islamists linked to al Qaeda, a southern separatist movement and sporadic conflicts

with armed tribes. Ansar al-Sharia, the local al Qaeda affiliate, have also come under more pressure recently after Shi’ite Houthi fighters captured the capital Sanaa in September and then pushed into al Qaeda strongholds in central Yemen. Hostage-taking is sometimes carried out by militants specifically targeting Westerners, but is also used as a tactic by tribesmen to resolve disputes with the government, and by opportunists hoping to sell hostages on to other groups. Earlier this month, the United Nations said a Sierra Leonean water engineer working in the Arabian Peninsula country on a sanitation project had been freed more than a year after being kidnapped by unidentified armed men.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

International Clerics Meet To Counter Extremists QOM, Iran— Shiite and Sunni clerics from about 80 countries gathered in Iran’s holy city of Qom on Sunday to develop a strategy to combat extremists, including the Islamic State group that has captured large parts of Iraq and Syria. Shiite-majority Iran has been helping Iraqi, Syrian and Kurdish forces battle the Sunni extremist group on the ground while the U.S.-led coalition has been bombing it from the air. The Islamic State group views Shiites as apostates deserving of death and has massacred hundreds of captured Syrian and Iraqi soldiers, as well as Sunni rivals. Grand Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi, the chief organizer of the conference, appealed for consensus among Islam’s two main branches, urging all Muslim clerics to work to discredit groups espousing extremism. “Military attacks against this deviant group (IS) are necessary but insufficient. The roots of their violent ideology must be dried up. This is the job of Muslim scholars, to preach the true, moderate face of Islam and expose the ugly face of IS ideology,” said Shirazi, a prominent Shiite cleric who has a large following in Iran and abroad. Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a Shiite, said the Islamic State group is the biggest threat to Islam. “They were created to undermine Islam and destroy Muslim societies. IS kills both Shiite and Sunni Muslims,” he said. Sunni scholar Abdolrahman Sarbazi, who leads Friday prayers in an area of southeastern Iran that is home to many Sunnis, said “Sunni Muslims also condemn the violent practices of takfiris, who are a threat to humanity.” ‘’Takfiri” is an Arabic word for Islamic extremist. Others repeated widely-circulated conspiracy theories holding that the United States and Israel created the Islamic State group to sow discord in the Muslim world. “IS is a pawn whose job is to deepen divisions among Muslims,” said Mahdi Alizadeh Mousavi, a lower-level Iranian Shiite cleric. Iran is a strong backer of the Lebanese Hezbollah — viewed as a terrorist group in the West — and supports Iraqi Shiite militias that rights groups say have abducted and killed scores of Sunni civilians in reprisal attacks.

Kenya’s Deputy President Condemns Extremist Attack

Kenyan forces at the scene where Islamists killed

Suicide Attack Kill At Least 50

KABUI — The death toll in Afghanistan’s deadliest insurgent attack this year has risen to at least 50, with 63 wounded, many of them children, officials said yesterday, as NATO confirmed that two of its service members were killed in an insurgent attack. The nationality of the NATO soldiers could not be confirmed, according to protocol. The deaths bring the total for this month of foreign service members killed in Afghanistan to three. The total number killed this year is 63, 46 of them Americans. NATO provided no further details, but the spokesman for Kabul’s police chief, Hashmat Stanekzai, said a bomb attached to a bicycle detonated near a foreign military convoy in the eastern part of the capital Kabul just before 9 a.m. One Afghan civilian was wounded, he said. The attack, one of a rising number in Kabul in recent months, came as officials confirmed that a suicide bombing on Sunday in Paktika province, in the east of the country bordering Pakistan, had targeted local police. The attack took place during the final of an inter-district volleyball tournament that had attracted a huge crowd. The spokesman for the provincial governor, Mokhlis Afghan,

said that 42 people were killed immediately. Seddiq Sediqqi, the spokesman for the Interior Ministry, said the dead included 10 members of a local police force, including a police commander. He said that 53 wounded had been transported overnight by helicopters for treatment in Kabul. They included 17 children aged between 8 and 14 years old. Witnesses said the bomber

approached the police commander and shook his hand before shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) and detonating explosives carried on his body. Abdullah, a member of the Afghan Local Police in Yahyakhail district, where the attack happened, said from his hospital bed in Kabul: “I heard the bomber shout ‘Allahu Akbar’ a split second before the explosion.”

NAIROBI — Kenya’s deputy president Sunday denounced the killing of 28 bus passengers by Islamic extremists and said the nation’s military responded by killing more than 100 militants in Somalia. William Ruto, speaking on a national broadcast, said Kenya is a target of international terrorist groups, including Somalia’s al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida. He said Kenya’s security forces will protect citizens, including by raiding mosques. In response to the bus attack, Kenyan security forces struck the al-Shabab camp in Somalia where the bus attack was planned, said Ruto. “Our message to them is clear; you may sneak and attack innocent civilians. But for any attack on Kenya and its people, we shall pursue you wherever you go,” Ruto said. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is in Abu Dhabi on an official visit. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the bus attack, in which non-Muslims were singled out and killed on Saturday. The Somali rebels said the attack was in retaliation for the closure of four mosques on the Kenyan coast by Kenyan authorities last week. Ruto defended the raids on

3 Ukrainian Soldiers Killed In Fighting

Destruction wrecked by earthquake in Japan

Dozens Take Refuge From Japan Quake Aftershocks

TOKYO — Dozens of villagers remained in shelters yesterday as aftershocks rattled a region in central Japan hit by a weekend earthquake that injured at least 41 people and destroyed more than 50 homes. The damage in a mountainous area that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics was worse than initially thought, though many were rejoicing at the lack of any deaths. At least 20 people, including one 2-year-old, were pulled from homes toppled by the magnitude6.7 earthquake late Saturday

the mosques, saying the houses of worship had been converted into armories and centers for plotting terrorism. “Any place of worship that wilfully hosts terror platforms disqualifies itself from the sanctity of a place of worship,” he said. Kenyan authorities said they found explosives and a pistol when they searched the mosques. The bodies of those killed in Saturday’s attack were flown to Nairobi, the capital, where government pathologists are expected to conduct post-mortems this week. Grieving relatives and friends of the deceased gathered at the mortuary Sunday to identify the dead, some whom had been shot in the head. Civil society activists said they will organize protests against the heightened insecurity in Kenya. Kenya has been hit by a wave of gun and explosive attacks since it sent troops to Somalia in Oct 2011 to fight al-Shabab militants, who the Kenyan government blamed for cross-border attacks. Authorities say there have been at least 136 extremist attacks since 2011.

night. “Words cannot express my gratitude,” Kimito Tsutaki, 73, told national broadcaster reporter after she was pulled from her quilt bedding. Neighbors used a car jack to lift collapsed timbers from on top of her. Seven of the injured had broken bones, many after being crushed by heavy furniture as they slept on their tatami floors. Some residents said they used the flashlights on their mobile phones to find their way to safety in the pitch dark.

Local experts said the structure of the mostly wooden houses, which are built to withstand loads of many feet of heavy, wet snow in the winter, helped prevent more casualties. “Houses in that area are built with many strong supports and that may be a reason why there was not more damage,” Reiji Tanaka, a professor emeritus at Tohoku University of Technology, told the Yomiuri newspaper. The quake struck west of Nagano city at a relatively shallow depth of 5 kilometers (3

miles) in an area prone to strong earthquakes due to an active fault, experts of the Japan Meteorological Agency reported. The agency reported nearly 80 aftershocks by midday yesterday. The same area was struck by a magnitude-6.7 earthquake the day after the March 2011 quake and tsunami that devastated a long stretch of Japan’s northeastern coast, killing about 19,000 people.

KIEV - Three Ukrainian servicemen have been killed in the past 24 hours in fighting with proRussian separatists in the east despite a ceasefire in place since early September, a Ukrainian military spokesman said yesterday. Ukraine lost four other serviceman on Saturday, and the death toll among Ukrainian soldiers since the ceasefire came into force now stands at about 150, according to Kiev’s military. There has been continued shelling from both sides, even after a peace deal signed by Ukraine, Russia and separatist leaders on September 5 under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Both government forces and rebels have accused each other of violating the terms of the truce, raising fears it could collapse entirely. More than 4,300 people have been killed overall since the separatist rebellions erupted in eastern Ukraine in April, according to the United Nation data. Ukrainian military say that rebels are continuing attacks on the positions of government forces near the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, and more than 50 attacks have taken place in the past 24 hours.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 With Victor Aniukwu

New Horizon Continued from page 20

have no power over where we are going but can only sit in horror and watch helplessly. As soon as the mind is engaged in Krsna consciousness process — specifically chanting — Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare — then the wild horses of the mind will gradually come under our control. The earth is property of God, but we, the living entities, especially the socalled civilized human beings, are claiming Gods’ property as our own, under both on individual and collective false conception. If we want peace, we must have to remove this false conception from our mind and from the entire world. This false claim of proprietorship by the human race on earth is partly and wholly the cause of all disturbances of peace on earth. Foolish and so-called civilized men are claiming proprietary rights on the property of God because they have become Godless. (View the case of Israel and Palestine) in their present day tussle over land and boundaries. I, you, We cannot be happy in a Godless society. In the Bagavad Gita, Lord Krsna says that “He is the factual enjoyer of all activities of all living entities, that He is the Supreme Lord of all universes, and that He is the well-wishing friend of all beings.” When the people of the world know this as the formula for peace, it is then and there that peace will prevail. Therefore, if you want peace at all, you will have to change your consciousness into Krsna consciousness, both individually and collectively, by the simple process of chanting the holy name of God. This is sine qua non, standard and recognized process for achieving peace

in the world. Chanting softens the mind. The heart of human beings are very hard. we all chant sincerely, we will loose taste for violence, killings, bloodshed and evil vices will reduce to the bearest minimum all over the world. (view the ease of Boko Haram) in Nigeria and all over the world. Therefore we recommend that every one become God, Krsta, Krsna, Christos consciousness. This is practical, simple and sublime. Four hundred and eighty years ago, this formula was introduce in India by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and now it is available in year country. When we take to this factual process of chanting as above mentioned, we will realize our real position and re establish our lost relationship with Krsna, God. Peace and prosperity will be the immediate worldwide result. Recently an Indian mystic (yogi) came to America to give some private mantra. But if a mantra has any power, why should it be private. If a mantra is powerful, why should it not be publicly declared so that everyone can take advantage of it. So Hare Krsna mantra is for everyone. It is not a private property for hoarding, it is giving out free to everyone without charge — in parks, streets, markets, everywhere. Every living being is a spirit soul and our treatment is for spiritually diseased persons. When a person is afflicted with a disease, there is no distinction between a poor man and a rich man. They are both admitted to the same hospital. The chanting process is for everyone, because it cleanses the heart, regardless of the man’s opulence or poverty. The only way to permanently change the criminal habit is to change the heart of the criminal. As you well know, many thieves are arrested numerous times and put into

... A Cultural History (3) jail. Although they know that if they commit theft they will go to jail, still they are forced to steal, because of their unclean hearts. Therefore cleansing the heart of the criminal is vital as you cannot stop crime simply by more stringent law enforcement. The thief and the murderer already know the law, yet they still commit violent crimes, due to their unclean hearts. So our process is to cleanse the heart then all the troubles of this material world will be solved. Dr. Daniel Goleman,

“Actually everyone knows that a happy life requires good health, proper diet, adequate exercise and sufficient rest are necessary to keep our bodies strong and fit. If we neglect these demands, our bodies become weakened and resistance wanes. Highly susceptible to infection, we eventually become ill. More important, but less known, is the inner self ’s need for spiritual nourishment and attention. If we ignore our spiritual health requirements, we become overwhelmed by negative

everyone. It must, however be uncovered by a genuine spiritual process, India’s timeless Vedas tells us that meditation on the holy name of the Lord is the most powerful. Actually anyone chanting the Holy name of the Lord in course of time feels some transcendental pleasure and very quickly becomes purified of all material contamination.4 preliminary stages of chanting, the practitioner experiences, a clearing of consciousness, peace of mind, and relief from

mind, then his mind is the best friend of friends, but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will be the greatest enemy.” The materialistic mind attempts to enjoy by employing the senses to experience matter and material relationships. It is full of unlimited ideas for sense gratification, and being perpetually restless, it constantly flickers from one sense attraction to another. In doing so, the mind vacillates between hankering for some material gain and lamenting some loss or frustration. In

associate editor of Psychology Today and author of the varieties of meditative experiences, after studying the meditational techniques of members of the Hare Krsna movement said, “I found the Hare Krsna devotees to be well integrated, friendly, and productive human beings. In a culture like ours, in which inner, spiritual development is almost totally neglected in favour of materialistic pursuits, we might have something to learn from their meditational practices.

material tendencies like anxiety, hatred, loneliness, greed, prejudice, boredom, envy and anger. In order to counteract and prevent these subtle infections of the self, we should, as recommended in the Vedic literatures, incorporate into our lives program of self-examination and steady inner growth, based on spiritual strength and clarity of thought. The transcendental potency necessary for developing complete psychological and spiritual fulfillment is already present within

unwanted drives and habits. As one develops more realization by chanting the holy name of the Lord sincerely, he perceives the original, spiritual existence of the self. According to the Bagavad — Gita, this enlightened state is characterized by one’s ability to see the self by the pure mind and to relish and rejoice in the inner self. Initially meditation focuses on contorting the mind, for our normal condition, we are slave to our whimsical thoughts, desires and appetites, the mind may generate. We think of something and immediately we want to do it. But the Bagavad-Gita tells us that the meditator must learn to control the mind that is known to be turbulent. “For one who has conquered the

the Bagavad-Gita, Krsna explains, “One who is not in t r a n s c e n d e n t a l consciousness can have neither a controlled mind nor steady intelligence, without which there will be no possibility for peace. And how any happiness without peace. By chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, we can control the mind, instead letting it control us. In reality, and factually, mantra is a Sanskrit word, man means mind and tra means to deliver. Thus, a mantra is a transcendental sound vibration with much potency to liberate the turbulent, restless mind from material condition, contaminations and all negative pursuits of the mind. The mind is called “chanchala” — always unsteady. Taking you to theleft or right, up and down, nor even confused — (That’s the mind).

“Foolish and so-called civilized men are claiming proprietary rights on the property of God because they have become Godless. (View the case of Israel and Palestine) in their present day tussle over land and boundaries.”

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Spiritual Platform

Dealing With Grave Attacks THE grave, as defined by the dictionary, is a place for the burial of a corpse, especially beneath the ground. It is usually 3ft by 6ft in the ground, depending upon the size of the deceased. The synonyms are a burying place, crypt, mausoleum, pit, sepulcher, tomb or vault. In many communities graves are restricted to the cemetery while in others, people bury in homes or compounds. In the scriptures we have several references to the grave in one dimension or the other. In Hosea 13:14 we have as follows: “I will ransom them from the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, (will be thy destruction: repentance be hid from my eyes”. This is the promise of God to redeem people from the power of the grave. The grave could not hold Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:55 says “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” The grave has been rendered impotent by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The spiritual application of the fact that the grave could not hold Jesus Christ is that any of our virtues swallowed, buried or confisticated by the enemy is retrievable by the power of God. This chapter is designed to look at several scenerios of grave attacks and how to get out of them. Grave attack is the forceful burial, confistication, or caging of a person’s blessings by the enemy. There are many virtues of people confisticated and buried. What are virtues in this context? They can mean advantages, assets, attributes, credit; Your blessings can be buried by the enemy. Such blessings can be money, promotion, wealth, destiny, advantage, benefit, gain: these can be put spiritually in evil pots and buried. You must have heard of evil pots before, evil pots being dug up from offices, houses, unbuilt parcels of land, stores or stalls. These pots, when dug up, are found to contain assorted concoctions or strange objects. The unfortunate thing is that we spend most of our lives in the above-name places without realizing the danger we are living with: A person can be caged or trapped by witchcraft burial. Witchcraft powers use unexpected objects to cage people. What is the meaning of caging? Caging is when a person, animal or an object is put in an enclosure, where freedom is restricted. For example, a dog may be put in a cage to restrict its movement. In witchcraft burial, objects like the following are used: (i) Clocks- imposition of anticlockwise movement, vagabonage into people’s live (ii) Wedding rings -attacks on marriage; married people who remove their rings in the night are risking. (iii) Purse -attacks on prosperity. (iv) Wedding -photographs -scattering of marriages. (v) Coffins-attacks on glory and causing deaths. Once the witchcraft powers have access to these things they use them to represent you in witchcraft burial. They often use objects you will least expect them to use. Hear what Jeremiah 22:26 —27 says about cages and traps: “And I will cast you out, and your mother that bore you, into another country, where you were not born; and there shall you die. But to the land whereto they desire to return, there shall they not return”. Burial of animals is very dangerous. Demonic or satanic ministers may ask you to bury an animal or things to avert trouble or to experience personal blessing. These evil ministers do not tell you the true story. They turn round to deposit your glory into the animals and bury them. After the 2007 elections so-called defeated opponents went to court, we started to hear of some public functionaries going to occult people who prescribe burying of live cows or live human beings. These things may sound terrible but they are true in African countries. A few testimonies recorded by several ministers of God will establish these things: Testimony 1. A small girl of 13 years brought a pot to the office of man of God. With authority said — “Daddy is a dead, handsome man”. When asked what was inside the pot, she replied and named a piece of hair, a piece of clothing, some fingernails, all from her daddy. (Hair represents daddy’s glory; pieces of cloth represents shame; fingernails symbolize the labours of his hands); all now under attack. When asked how a solution could be found, she said a solution can be found if her father would give up the sin of anger and pray harder. She told the man of God that if the pot was broken or destroyed, another one can be prepared if he continues in the sin of anger; Testimony 2. Three young ladies brought a pot to a man of God. When asked what was inside the pot, they laughed. When they were reluctant; the man of God decided to look inside, he saw a whitish substance. They told him that the white substance was sperm collected from some university men who jilted them. These men were said to have dated them and jilted them. These men were said to have proposed, made love and jilted them without knowing that they were not ordinary girls. When asked

further what had happened since then, it was reported that two of the men had died while the third was made mad and was now roaming the streets!!!. The three girls gave their lives to Jesus Christ! Testimony 3. A brother could not make it, as everything he handled turned into failure. Everything turned upside down, became confused and was tired of living. A friend told him of a forthcoming crusade and urged him to attend. He attended and was taught how to pray violent prayers. He continued to pray aggressively for some time. Then one night he had a dream during which an angel took him to a particular grave, tapped it three times, asked the occupant to come out and hand over what she took from him when she was alive. The woman came out and brought what looked like a chain and put it on the neck of the brother. Thereafter the life of this man changed for good From these three testimonies we have seen witchcraft burial

and confisticated blessings. When God intervenes in any matter the story changes. Blessings can be recovered from the grave even if the perpetrator is dead. This is what Hosea 13:14 is telling us. Jesus Christ knew the power of the grave such that he descended into the tower part of the earth to set the captives free. Ephesians 4:9-10 says “(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things)”. Jesus Christ went into the lower parts of the earth to disarm principalities and powers and remove the keys of death and hell from them, Col. 2:15. The grave could not hold him. He came out. The grave has no power to hold your blessings any more because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We must take the bull by the horn and command the grave to vomit our blessings. How To Deal With Grave Attacks 1. Pray and ask for forgiveness for your sins and those of your forefathers. 2. Confess the following scriptures Isaiah 49:15 Psalm 70:20 3. Prayer Points- Pray the following points with holy violence. Remember that when a physical earthquake happens the ground shakes and opens up. The same thing happens where spiritual earthquake occurs. Pray all the prayer points in the name of Jesus (1) Divine earthquake shake the ground and release my buried blessings. (2) O earth, O earth hear the word of God release my buried virtues. (3) Power of the earth release my buried star by thunder by fire. (4) Every grave dug for me swallow the digger. (5) Every witchcraft burial organized for any blessing in my life — be reversed by fire. (6) Any evil pot holding blessings — break by the thunder fire of God. (7) Any evil pot cooking my glory — break.

With Rt Rev (Dr.) C. I. Umane GSM: 0803579951 (8) Any coffin carrying my blessings for burial — catch fire. (9) Any evil minister ministering against my destiny — fall down and die. (10) My buried - (select from the list below) — be vomited by fire * virtues * marriage * promotion * business * finance * certificate

* building project * health * fruit of the womb * menses * sperm (11) Any object taken from me-(name) as representing me in witchcraft burial — catch fire * photograph * wall clock * fingernails * wedding rings * purse * piece of cloth * piece of hair blood sample (12) As Lazarus was commanded by Jesus Christ to come out of the grave- my blessings come out of the burial ground. (13) Every power of the grave over my blessing be destroyed. (14) My blessings and virtues in the grave — received resurrection power. (15) Any of my blessings buried in the river-(name it) near me — be vomited by divine quake * river * lake * sea (16) Any of my blessings buried in the rock or hill—be vomited by divine quake. (17) Any effect of an animal sacrificed on my behalf - be cancelled by fire. (18) Every enchantment against me in the ground — be vomited. (19) Point to the ground and say You ground, open up and release blessings. (20) Every satanic warehouse holding my blessings — catch fire.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

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THE NIGERIAN

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THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Pogba Already Better Than Platini, Claims Raiola MINO Raiola feels Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is already a better player than Bianconeri icon Michel Platini ever was and has little doubt his client will go on to win the Fifa Ballon d’Or at some point in the future. The 21-year-old won the prestigious Golden Boy award last year as the best player in the world under the age of 21 and is one of 23 players to have made the shortlist for the 2014 Ballon d’Or and Raiola has little doubt the Frenchman is destined for greatness. “Paul is already better than Platini. He scores and acts like a

Giggs Open To United Exit To Further Career

playmaker. He can play as central midfielder and in the No.10 position,” Pogba’s agent told Radio Rai. “We are talking about a midfielder who is physically strong and tactically aware. He is a modern and complete player. I might be biased, but I’m not wrong. “Pogba has the same characteristics as [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic. Even if we are living in the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul will win the Ballon d’Or more than once.” The powerful midfielder has been a key figure for Juventus this season, scoring four goals in 14 appearances in all competitions.

City, Munich Fans To Continue Protest

UEFA:

CLUBS have united in protesting against UEFA sanctions that prevented travelling supporters attending games at CSKA Moscow. Manchester City and Bayern Munich fans are set to continue their “Respect...Fans” protest campaign against UEFA on Tuesday night. On Champions League matchday four, Bayern, City and Roma supporters protested against UEFA’s decision to punish Group E rivals CSKA Moscow with stadium closures, which prevented fans travelling to watch their games at the Arena Khimki. UEFA had hit CSKA with a three-match stadium closure as a result of their fans’ racist chanting and violent behaviour during their game away at Roma in September. The sanction was later reduced on appeal. Both Bayern and City fans were unable to attend their group games at the 18,000-capacity Arena Khimki, despite travelling to Moscow. Some 70 fans from Bavaria had been unaware of an older UEFA sanction demanding a full stadium closure, while City fans were hit with the news of the new ban after having booked their flights to the Russian capital. Bayern and Roma fans subsequently united in protest as they displayed “Respect ... Fans” signs during their meeting at the Allianz Arena, while City supporters turned their backs on the Champions League anthem prior to their team’s home defeat to CSKA. Manchester City fan group 1894 announced on Facebook that the protests will continue when Bayern visit the Etihad on Tuesday night, saying the group has “heard little in the way of understanding towards supporters from UEFA themselves.” Bayern’s biggest fan association, Club Nr.12, also confirmed through its Facebook page that the protest will continue, expressing support for the City supporters who travelled to Moscow but were barred from viewing the match by police and security services. “The Manchester City fans have invited UEFA to meet with concerned fans on the day of the game to discuss the issue of punishing innocent away fans,” the Club Nr.12 statement read. “According to our information, UEFA has not responded to this invitation.” Manchester City fans protested

when CSKA Moscow visited the Etihad Stadium earlier this month. Referring to the plans to protest during the Champions League anthem, the statement added: “We are calling on all Bayern fans to join the Manchester fans in their actions tomorrow! UEFA’s disrespectful behaviour Messi’s teammates carried him as they celebrate a goal towards the most loyal fans can no longer be tolerated.” Last month, a UEFA spokesperson told ESPN FC: “UEFA is committed to ensuring that the needs and viewpoints of supporters are taken into account in European football governance. THE Bayern boss has hailed his former player’s However, UEFA also has to achievement and is hopeful he will stay at the Catalan guarantee the strict enforcement giants for the rest of his career of its regulations and decisions taken by its independent Bayern Munich coach congratulate Messi. What disciplinary bodies, especially Pep Guardiola has he has achieved is when it comes to fighting racism, which is a high priority for voiced his admiration astounding,” Guardiola for Barcelona star said at a press conference. UEFA. “The European governing body Lionel Messi and thinks “He has broken a record has a zero-tolerance policy it could take 600 years that everyone thought was towards racism and unbreakable, a figure discrimination on the field and in before someone breaks the stands. All forms of racist the Argentine’s La Liga which was unreachable – and one which has stood for behaviour are considered serious goalscoring record. offences against the disciplinary The 27-year-old 60 years. regulations and are punished with “It will take another 600 the most severe sanctions, netted a hat-trick at the years before his record is including matches behind closed weekend to take Telmo doors. Zarra’s place in the broken.” “UEFA does not cover costs of record books with 253 The Spaniard then went travelling supporters, nor can on to discuss Messi’s goals in the Spanish top UEFA reimburse costs incurred situation at Barcelona in the by travelling supporters if the flight. wake of the attacker ’s Guardiola worked Control and Ethics Disciplinary Body sanctions a club with a with Messi at Barcelona comments suggesting he is match behind closed doors due to between 2008 and 2012 unhappy at the club. racist incidents.” “It would make me happy Football fan network Football and he has nothing but to see Messi finish his Supporters Europe (FSE) praise for his former representatives are set to discuss pupil. career at Barca, I say that the matter with UEFA president “You have to from the heart.” Michel Platini in March 2015.

resored in a match

Messi’s Record Will Stand For 600 Years

- Guardiola

Barcelona until June 2018.

Ronaldo Playing For Barcelona Absurd - Cruyff

BARCELONA’S legend Johan Cruyff has laughed off suggestions the Catalans could try to sign Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo at some stage in the future. A number of reports have claimed the Portugal international could be on his way to the Camp Nou side after expresident Joan Laporta met with his agent Jorge Mendes earlier this month. Laporta is expected to contest the next Barca presidential election and it had been suggested he met with Mendes to discuss a potential move for Ronaldo if he were to be elected club president again. Nevertheless, Cruyff - a close ally of Laporta - has stressed that Ronaldo will never wear the Barcelona jersey. “It is an absurdity to think

Messi has a contract with

Madrid ’ll Have No Competition If We Sign Messi - Tapias

REAL Madrid vice president Fernando Fernandez Tapias believes the Champions League holders would be unbeatable if they were to sign Barcelona star Lionel Messi. The 27-year-old recently suggested that his future might lie away from Barcelona, leading to speculation that Madrid could make a move for the Argentina international. However, the club’s vice-

president has made it clear Madrid are not pondering a swoop for Messi, claiming that a new league would have to be started in order to provide strong enough competition for the Santiago Bernabeu side if the prolific attacker joined them. “If Messi came to Real Madrid, they would have to make another league,” Fernandez Tapias told

Marca. “For example, a league with Europe and America together against Real Madrid. “It’s fine the way things are. There always have to be big players, and in the more teams the better so there’s competition.” Messi has netted 14 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona so far in 2014-15. He has a contract with the Catalans until June 2018.

THE Welshman has become synonymous with the club since making his debut in 1991, and is the club’s record appearance maker with 963. Following the departure of David Moyes towards the end of last season, Giggs took over in a caretaker role for four matches, winning two with one defeat and one draw. The 40-year-old retired from playing at the conclusion of that campaign, and is now assistant coach to Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford. Many believe Giggs is being groomed as Van Gaal’s successor to the post, but the man himself is not ruling out the possibility of cutting his managerial teeth elsewhere. “I’ve been at the club for so long that I’m familiar with the club but if I want to further my coaching career or managing career and if it’s not at Manchester United then so be it but I’ll just have to wait and see,” Giggs told Sky Sports. Focusing on the present, Giggs believes Van Gaal is the right fit for United, as the Dutchman looks to return the club to a top-four place after they ended 2013-14 in seventh, missing out on European qualification altogether. “He obviously demands a lot, he’s somebody who’s got plenty of experience, likes to play attacking football, likes to give youth a chance so there’s plenty of synergy there with the history of Manchester United and the traditions so it’s great to learn from somebody who’s managed at the top for so long and just try to learn as I go and try to prove myself as a coach,” said Giggs.

Johan Cruyff

Cristiano Ronaldo could play for Barcelona,” the Dutchman told Cadena Cope. Cruyff then went on to discuss the situation of Lionel Messi at Camp Nou and stressed that the Argentine would never leave the club for financial reasons. The prolific attacker recently suggested that he is unhappy with life at Barca and Cruyff feels there might be some internal issues at the club. “Of course, there will be a number of teams willing to pay +200 million for Messi, but I don’t think he will leave for the money. “Messi’s problem with Barcelona is something that’s happened within the club. Internally things can happen that neither of us know of. I think Messi’s problem is internal.” The 27-year-old has a contract with Barcelona until June 2018.

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Southampton Must Show Character

Bolton Wanderers Signs New Three-years SPIE Deal SECOND-TIER English soccer side Bolton Wanderers FC have signed a three-year sponsorship deal with electrical and mechanical engineering company SPIE. As part of the deal, SPIE worked on the refurbishment of the media suite at Bolton’s Macron Stadium. Its Facilities Services division installed a new, energy-efficient lighting scheme, new flooring, a fresh media desk area and a bespoke, raised manager’s desk. SPIE’s branding will be visible on the backdrop of manager interviews until 2017 and the company will also have

advertising space in the club’s matchday programmes. “SPIE was the only partner for this project,” explained Bolton’s facilities co-ordinator Jenni Grant. “We wanted to work with a supplier that had a strong local presence and could offer a specialist range of services, from electrical installation to facilities management. “SPIE continues to work with the club beyond this refit, carrying out barrier and turnstile maintenance at our stadium and training ground.” Bolton currently sit 21st in the Championship after 18 games of the 2014/15 season.

MONDAY night’s game between Aston Villa and Southampton should have been a spectacle fit for the television but, especially for Saints fans, you are unlikely to find a poorer example of Premier League football. Predictably Paul Lambert set his Villa team up with the intention of not losing rather than trying to win — an unforgivable action of a manager of a hosting side in my opinion — and, despite being victims of it twice last season, Saints showed no sign that they had planned for it or learned to adapt. It was dull, uninspiring and both sides should have been awarded zero points. Having said that, the scary thing is that barring a goalkeeping error from Fraser Forster, Saints would have gone another 90 minutes without conceding and perhaps even could have walked away with three points. It would have been almost embarrassing. No one in a Southampton shirt really stood out, perhaps with the exception of defender Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian (on loan from Atletico Madrid) is a class act at centre-back and the club need to ensure they get any possible permanent deal done as soon as possible. In truth though, it was a

Schurrle Moves From W/Cup To Chelsea Reserve AFTER playing an important role for Germany in Brazil over the summer, the forward has slumped dramatically in form this season and faces an uncertain future The World Cup looked like being a springboard for Andre Schurrle. After a promising but unspectacular first season at Chelsea, the Germany international helped his nation to glory in Brazil, playing an important part as arguably the substitute of the summer. Three goals and an assist off the bench for Joachim Low’s side underlined the impact of which he is capable, but four months later that impact is less keenly felt than ever at Stamford Bridge. On Tuesday, Schurrle returns with Chelsea to his home country for a Champions League encounter with Schalke, as talk intensifies that he may soon be back there on a more permanent basis. The Blues’ opponents themselves have denied any interest in the winger but reports have also linked the 24year-old with Borussia Dortmund as a makeweight in a possible deal for Marco Reus - though Jose Mourinho insists the 25-year-old is not a target while Liverpool, Tottenham and Atletico Madrid have all been mentioned in similar conversations. But why is Schurrle, the first incoming transfer of Mourinho’s second spell in charge, at risk of being shipped out? The former Bayer Leverkusen man is not playing a dissimilar role in the squad

Andre Schurrle

to that of last season, in which he made 15 starts and 15 substitute appearances in the Premier League. So far in 2014-15 he has four and four, respectively – but it has been a disappointing campaign. Frequently ineffective, Schurrle has only completed 90 minutes once across all competitions this term and that was against Shrewsbury Town, after which his performance was criticised by Mourinho. He has two goals and no assists to his name (over 13 games in all competitions) and has created only two chances in the top flight. In 2013-14 he created 29 at a rate of just under one per game – now he is operating at one in four. The right-wing position in Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 has been the only one truly up for grabs this season in an extraordinarily solid team. Schurrle and Willian have been the two fighting it out to start there but the Brazilian is starting to pull ahead in Mourinho’s estimations after some costly mistakes and unthreatening shifts from his team-mate.

Chris Smalling

Top Four The Minimum For United - Smalling

THE 25-year-old helped mount a spirited rearguard resistance against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and now hopes the Red Devils will go from strength to strength Chris Smalling insists a place fourth in the Premier League in the top four is a minimum despite winning just five of their requirement for Manchester first 11 matches, and Smalling is United after Saturday’s hard- adamant that a young and expensively-assembled squad still fought victory over Arsenal. An own goal from Kieran has plenty of improving to do. “We showed a lot of character, Gibbs and Wayne Rooney’s late breakaway strike earned Louis we did not play that well and we van Gaal’s men their first away will go through the video to see win of the season at the Emirates what we could have done better, Stadium, while also piling but it will be on the back of having further misery onto the taken three points,” he told reporters. struggling Gunners. “Given the manager and the The result lifted United into

poor team performance, completely lacking cohesion and sorely missing the midfield grit of Steven Davis. Nathaniel Clyne got Saints back into the game, but it was a poor performance. To take some positives from the game, if Gabriel Agbonlahor’s goal hadn’t been gift-wrapped, the home side never looked like scoring and, in what was undoubtedly Saints worst performance of the season, they didn’t lose and could so easily have won once Nathaniel Clyne had levelled the score. It might also be the wake-up call some players and fans need too. Expectations have naturally got out of hand since Saints’ rise up the Premier League table and some people need to realise that this season is far from over and the team’s form cannot be sustained. With the much talked about tough run of fixtures coming up — Man City, Arsenal and Man Utd in the next three games — I am not feeling overly concerned. Saints are a team who will always find it more difficult to negotiate antifootball protagonists such as Villa than they will in the space afforded to them by the likes of Manchester City. Ronald Koeman, who insisted after the game “every game is a battle, every game is difficult,” often talks about character. Now it’s time for the team to dig in and show they’ve got some.

I ’ll End Reds’ Woes

players we have got, we should be playing better than we are, with more points. “We have to take each game as it comes, that is our first away win. We know we have two home games coming up, and we need six points, then we can have a look at where we are in the table. We need to win our games. “The manager has said we worked hard and we need to make sure we take maximum points from our next two home games, then we can look at it from there. The top four is always a minimum for this club.”

DANIEL Sturridge says he is determined to return stronger than ever from his injury woe. The Liverpool striker has been ruled out since September and is set to remain sidelined until the new year after being diagnosed with a new thigh problem. Sturridge tweeted: “Through all this I’m growing as a man and an athlete. “Everybody goes through things in their life that can make or break them. This for me is just another hurdle to jump over. Another door to break down.

City and in Europe like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris St Germain and other clubs,” he said. “I like Arsene for his

principles,” he added. “But principles are sort of a restriction. And restrictions are always lost possibilities.”

- Sturridge

Wenger’s Arsenal Dream Becoming A Mirage

ARSENE- Wenger must start learning from his mistakes if Arsenal are to compete at the highest level of European football, Alisher Usmanov, the London club’s secondlargest shareholder, has said. The Russian billionaire, who owns 30 percent of the Gunners, is frustrated by Arsenal’s worst start to a Premier League season which has brought four wins from their first 12 matches and little more than half the points that leaders Chelsea have. “Arsenal is a dream that sometimes becomes a mirage and sometimes a pain,” Usmanov was

quoted as saying in British media on Tuesday ahead of the club’s midweek Champions League clash at home to Borussia Dortmund. “The potential of the team is there, but there is no critical evaluation of mistakes. “No genius can retain the same level of genius if they do not acknowledge mistakes. We just repeat the same mistakes year by year.” Arsenal ended a near decade long wait for silverware last season with an FA Cup triumph but the optimism that was instilled has faded quickly after a poor start to the season. Consecutive league

defeats to Swansea City and Manchester United have left Arsenal in eighth place. They also lost early in the League Cup. They should qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League but defeat by Dortmund on Wednesday could leave them vulnerable. Arsenal’s lack of defensive stability has been held up as the team’s main failing of the season so far but Usmanov believes all departments need strengthening. “We need to strengthen every position to play on the level of such teams as Chelsea and Manchester

Arsene Wenger

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Should Manuel Neuer Finish In The Ballon d’Or Top Three? NO goalkeeper has won the Ballon d’Or since the iconic Lev Yashin back in 1963. Legends such as Gordon Banks, Dino Zoff, Peter Schmeichel, Gianluigi Buffon and Sepp Maier have all failed to claim the award. Former Germany star Maier recently complained best keeper and the best that goalkeepers are often player at the World Cup. overlooked, and sniped that it would be another injustice if countryman Manuel Neuer doesn’t take the prize this time around. “Blind people will have decided who wins the award if Neuer doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or this year,” Maier moaned to AZ. These comments have been part of a big media push in Germany for this summer’s World Cup hero to at the very least finish in the top three when the 2014 Ballon d’Or winner is announced in January. Manuel Neur So, having already been included on the 23-man shortlist, does Neuer THE back three has recently deserve to make it onto the made a comeback in the podium? Goal’s Falko Bundesliga thanks to Pep Bloding and Joe Wright go Guardiola. The Bayern coach head-to-head on the issue... goes by the mantra that games are decided in midfield. It follows “NEUER MAKES from this that you should put your DEFENDERS AHEAD OF best players there (hence the Philipp Lahm switch) and that HIM BETTER” you must try to create superiority By Falko Bloding in numbers in this part of the Right after Germany won pitch, for instance by turning your full-backs into wide men in the World Cup final at the midfield. Maracana, there was a Low would be tempted to famous picture circulating follow this blueprint, I said. But not because of any structural on social media. It showed convictions or footballing Manuel Neuer and Lionel philosophies. “With Lahm we practically have Messi receiving their retired, nobody to play at left-back or awards for best goalkeeper right-back,” I said, adding that and best player of the the new formation was probably on the simple assumption tournament. At the bottom it built that if you are lacking trained read: “Here you can see the defenders, it’s worth a try to field

Next to him: Lionel Messi.” The image went viral - not because it was a joke, or an exaggeration - it was the truth.

Neuer shone on the biggest stage of all in Brazil. He had memorable matches against Algeria and France in the knockouts - saving his

team at crucial moments and proving he is the best in his position. He also helped transform the way goalkeepers play and is now the archetypal ‘Sweeper Keeper’. The former Schalke man makes the defenders ahead of him better. They know they can rely on him. His two head coaches, Pep Guardiola and Joachim Low, deploy an extremely high backline and Neuer’s style is perfectly suited to it. You cannot underestimate how difficult his task is; he only ever faces a few shots on goal each game, but his concentration levels are fantastic. He is a leader for club and country. In 2014, Neuer did not only win the World Cup but also the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal. He reached the Champions League semi-

finals and was named Germany’s Footballer of the Year for the second time. He also placed second in the Uefa Best Player award, behind only current Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo. It is about time Fifa recognises this brilliant goalkeeper when the Ballon d’Or trophy is handed out. “ NEUER HAS TEAM-

MATES WHO HAVE BEEN MORE DECISIVE” By Joe Wright “After some games this season I haven’t needed to have a shower,” Manuel Neuer confessed in 2013. “Yes, I guess sometimes it is boring being in goal.” The comment was lighthearted, but it sums up why there are more deserving candidates for the Ballon d’Or final three. Neuer simply isn’t tested enough. He is protected by football’s two finest teams from the past 18 months in Bayern Munich and Germany.

How Attacking Football’s Evolution Has Impacted Defending

only three instead of four and

then swamp midfield with, well, midfielders. After that deep and meaningful analysis, Philippe spoke a bit about France, saying that midfield was the team’s main strength. Then he said: “By the way, we haven’t got any full-backs, either. We’re playing with nobody at the moment, really.” It was an interesting question, because it echoed a sentiment you hear very often these days. In late October, English football pundit Gary Neville published a column headed “Premier League football is witnessing the death of defending as I knew it.” The former Manchester United right back said: “I look at some teams and feel: They don’t know how to defend. They struggle with crosses,

they don’t deal with set pieces, they don’t know how to work one-on-one.” Two days earlier, in his column for Champions, the official UEFA Champions League magazine, Sandro Mazzola had addressed the goalfests that seem to happen more and more often on the biggest stage in club football — Bayern’s 7-1 in Rome, Chelsea’s 6-0 against Maribor, Atlético’s 5-0 against Malmö, Shakhtar Donetsk’s 6-0 away at Borisov. “I wonder whether we are seeing a generational shift,” Mazzola said, “with concerns recently voiced in Italy by no less an authority than Paolo Maldini about the ‘lost art of defending’ now being

Enyimba ’ll Dominate Federation Champions Two second half goals scored

EYIMBA International FC of Aba, would continue to dominate Nigeria’s football scene with arrays of players, says Kadiri Ikhana, the Coach of the winners of the just concluded 2014 Federations Cup. Ikhana, who made the declaration to newsmen on telephone, said that the team would wax stronger than ever having successfully defended the title. The club had on Sunday defeated Dolphins FC, 2-1 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos to lift the trophy.

by Mfom Udoh and Chinozo Nkwokwo, were good enough for Eyimba to emerge back to back champions of the Federations Cup. “We played well to win the Cup, even in the first half of the match when Dolphins had the upper hand; we just made sure of containing the pressure Dolphins brought. “We changed the game plan in the second half by capitalising on our fast pace and putting more pressure on their defence. “It worked out fine for us as a

the Year for a fifth time at the 2014 USA Swimming Golden Goggle Awards on Monday despite being suspended from competition for six months

in September. Phelps was not at the New York ceremony where Keenan Robinson, an official from his training base, accepted the award on his

- Ikhana

quick movement of the ball located Udoh in a comfortable position to slot in our first goal. “After the goal we took total control of the game till we got our second goal which sealed the match for us,’’ Ikhana said. Reports state that Eyimba went ahead to double their lead when Dolphins’ defence became careless in front of its 18-yard box and allowed a fast approaching Okonkwo an easy shot at goal.

Dolphins realising the game was slipping through its hands tried to rally back with counter attacks and wing football and got a consolation goal through its star player, Eduok. In the women’s final match, two second half goals from Asisat Oshoola and veteran player Stella Mbachu for Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt sealed the victory against Sunshine Queens of Akure Rivers Angels victory was its fifth consecutive title in the Federations Cup.

confirmed across Europe.” Barely a week before the Italian legend Mazzola said this, an American writer by the name of Jon Townshend published a piece called “The lost art of defending: why so attacking?” In it, he said among many other things: “The full-back position has morphed to expose players, for all their attacking capabilities, as fundamentally unfocused on the defensive responsibility the position demands.” Put differently, across generations, continents, professions and nationalities, many people wonder why defending isn’t what it used to be. The Dutch focus has always been on producing technically gifted attacking players with playmaking abilities. This doesn’t mean that the Dutch aren’t interested in defending. Rather, their approach is based on the two ideas that being creative is more difficult than being destructive and that your capacity to learn decreases with the passage of time. Put simply, you start by teaching every kid how to be the

Phelps Wins Golden Goggle As Male Athlete Olympic gold medallist MICHAEL Phelps has Of Year and world record-holder been crowned Male Athlete of after a drunken driving arrest behalf and confirmed Phelps had returned to the pool. The 18-time Olympic gold medallist stepped away from training in early October.

Katie Ledecky capped her memorable 2014 season by claiming three awards, including USA Swimming’s Female Athlete of the Year.

Pep Guardiola

next Diego Maradona. If, after a few years, it turns out he can’t quite cut it in this role, you remodel him into a defensive player. Predictably, this leads to an overabundance of midfielders. In fact, looking at the current Germany setup, you could say that almost every player is a midfielder at heart, including centre-backs such as Mats Hummels. (And, yes, goalkeepers such as Manuel Neuer.) So that’s why there are fewer and fewer trained defenders, I told the audience member from Dublin. Players who’ve never done anything else but defend. Players who don’t struggle with crosses can deal with set pieces and know how to work one-on-one. However, is that the same as saying there’s a decline in the quality of defending? Wouldn’t it be more precise to say that in the old days, defending was left to the defenders, while now it’s everybody’s job, a truly collective effort? As Townshend wrote in his piece: “In many respects, stratagems such as ‘Gegenpressing’, and to an extent, Total Football, utilize team defending to ostensibly absolve the art of individual defending.”

THE NIGERIAN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Keshi To Blame For Nigeria’s Failure THE Super Eagles’ inability to escape Group A should have come as no surprise to fans of the national side By now it is no longer news that the defending champions of the African Cup of Nations, Nigeria, will not be able to defend their title next year in Equatorial Guinea. Quite a shocking headline the news has been over these past few days, the disappointment has already given clubs like Stoke City and Villarreal something to cheer about as they had already been resigned to the fate of losing their key players during the competition in January. On the other hand the dear Super Eagles supporters certainly do not need to bother themselves over the possibility of not being able to watch the games on terrestrial TV stations once again, after all their team is not even playing a single match there! Only a fortune teller could predict such an end for a team that had just won its first title in over 19 years and for a coach like Stephen Keshi that had just won his first major title as a manager in not more than 22 months. Over the last few months, however, missing out on the African showpiece has begun to feel more and more inevitable. Comparisons could be drawn to a literal tragic-comedy. Keshi’s reign started with boom and fanfare and has, of course, ended in sadness and gloom. Keshi | From Glorious Beginnings to Dismal Despair Make no mistake about it, Keshi did perform a great job with the Super Eagles by pulling them off the bottom of the ladder of African football and placing them at the top of it. However, as has always been the case, the negatives are remembered as much at the end of such an adventure as the positives were when things were going so much better. Questions have continued to pour in from all angles as to who is to blame on how things ended this way. A good look at the aftermath of the 2013 Cup of Nations triumph reveals the major answers to all these questions. In the team’s subsequent games, Keshi’s technical shortcomings were on parade as the team, at times, played without cohesion or purpose. He repeatedly used some players that were out of form and lacking match fitness, and failed to call up better replacements. It’s little wonder that his side struggled to defeat less fancied teams such as Namibia and

Ethiopia to qualify for the World Cup. There is absolutely no mistake in placing these struggles back in 2013 side by side with the failed bid to qualify for next year’s Afcon. Even in these recent matches, Keshi’s inability to assess new options was becoming painful, and clearly holding the Super Eagles back. The writing on the wall for the Big Boss How, for example, could the Big Boss believe that a player such as Sunday Emmanuel— who hasn’t managed to chalk up 120 minutes this season—would contribute more than men such as Bartholomew Ogbeche and Obafemi Martins. Those latter two players, for the record, have, between them, scored over 20 goals in more competitive leagues so far this term. Yet Keshi persists with players with much less pedigree. It feels like history repeating itself. How many times did Nigeria fans heave a collective sigh when we saw Reuben Gabriel lumbering along the touchline? Keshi’s ability to ignore high-profile players and opt for untested alternatives has exasperated fans.

NFF Has No Developmental Programme, Says Onigbinde

AS reactions continue to trail Nigeria’s nonqualification for the 2015

Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, Caf technical instructor Adegboye

Amaju Pinnick

Club Owners, Refs Are Killing Nigerian Football - Eguavoen By NICHOLAS EBOIGBE

FORMER BCC Lions of Gboko Football Club’s star, Monday Eguavoen has stressed the need for soccer administrators in the country to improve the Nigerian League. Eguavoen said part of the reasons the Super Eagles could not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Equatorial Guinea is because the Nigerian League’s standard have fallen. “In those good old days, the Nigerian national teams were drawn from our Local Leagues. Then you have to merit it as a very good player before you can get a shirt in the Green Eagles or

Super Eagles. It was so for other national teams”. He explained that Nigerian club owners and referees have killed

Nigerian football such that the best clubs do not win the league any more. “These days, you cannot get quality players to select

Federation Cup

Eduok Sad Over Loss THE forward has lamented his side’s inability to lift the trophy after a narrow defeat to the Peoples Elephant in Sunday’s final Emem Eduok has expressed disappointment at his side failure to clinch the 2014 Federation Cup trophy against Enyimba on Sunday. The Pride of Rivers bowed to goals from Mfom Udoh and Chinonso Okonkwo in the highly enrtaining encounter played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. According to the striker who was adjudged teh most value player of the competion, he said his side deserved to win after putting up a great show in the first

half. “I’m not happy that we have lost the game to Enyimba. It was good for me, but as team could not win the game, I’m not happy,” Eduok told Goal. “We were supposed to have won this match because we did not play bad at all and we deserved to win. “I thank God for my achievements, but that’s football, win, lose or draw. I’ve done my best for the team and leave the rest to God,” he concluded. Eduok also finished as tournament’s top scorer with four goals which shot his season’s tally to 24 goals.

from the Nigerian Leagues Clubs. We are supposed to select the best players from the best clubs. That is the best team that wins the League. He argued that a situation where the club owners bribe referees to win the league, it would be difficult to get the best players in the country to form our national teams. Monday Eguavoen appealed to sports spirited philanthropists and corporate bodies to sponsor Nigerian Leagues in order to improve it and the welfare of players.

Table Tennis Championship

221 Players Participate

ORGANISERS of the 46th Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship said that 220 players entered for the competition which served off on Monday in Lagos. The championship is holding at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Lajide Ranti, the tournament’s Head of Officiating Committee, told reporters on Monday that the

Onigbinde has said the lack of a working technical department in the Nigeria Football Federation is responsible for the country’s woes. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the continent’s biggest football competition for the second time in three years after playing a 2-2 draw against South Africa last Wednesday. In a no holds barred chat with Goal, the former Fifa technical instructor said the country’s football administrators need to embark on massive football development so as to help the growth of the game in the country. “We just have to sit down and review all that has happened to our football. Let’s be sincere with ourselves, are we developing football in the country,” Onigbinde told Goal. “There is no developmental

players would compete in various categories. Ranti said that the categories comprised seven events namely; men and women singles, junior boys and girls as well as cadet boys and girls. Others are men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. “The competition started today with the registration of

players and the information will help to guide us in ensuring a hitch free competition. “So far, we have registered close to 220 athletes and they will feature in the seven events,’’ he said. He said that officiating would be strict, saying that players are expected to comply with the rules and regulations guiding the

championship. “The officiating is going to be strict and players are expected to exhibit high level of discipline to avoid disqualification,’’ he said. Reports state that a total of 22 titles are up for grabs at the championship, which is solely sponsored by Molade-Okoya Thomas. The championship will end on November 28. Emem Eduok

programme in this country, yet we want to qualify for every competition and also do well. “All we need to do now is start developing our football and you cannot do that without a functional technical department. “Football is a technical matter and in this country, we have relegated the technical aspect to the background.” He also opposed those calling for the head of coach Stephen Keshi insisting his removal will not proffer solutions to the sorry state of Nigerian football. “It is not a new thing in Nigeria, I came back from the Africa Nations Cup in 1984 and I was removed. So sacking coaches is not a new thing in the country,” he continued. “Keshi won the Afcon title for us, qualified us for the World Cup where he took us to the round of 16 and because things are going bad, we are calling for his head. “We are not happy with the players and other members of the technical crew and we want them fired but the real problem is the lack of a functional technical department “Immediately after the World Cup, take a look at the state of affairs in the football house, it was nothing to write home about because we were jumping from one crisis to the other. “We had close to three NFF elections and every Nigerian was in a state of confusion. I can assure you that if we don’t start doing the right things, we will keep getting the same results,” he concluded. Nigeria will watch from the sidelines when the 2015 Afcon kicks off on January 17, unable to defend the title they won in Johannesburg last year.

THE NIGERIAN

CMYK

32 THE main bowl of the new-look Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin was full to capacity, all the adjoining streets and roads leading to the stadium were jamparked with human and vehicular traffick. They came from the nooks and crannies of the state and beyond. Date was Wednesday, November 12, 2014. Their mission? To see for themselves how well Edo State has been transformed by the Comrade Governor, Adams Eric Oshiomhole in the last six years. Indeed, Oshiomhole had a score card to present unlike those before him and it was not just a score card but one loaded with achievements in all areas of human endeavours. At the end of the day, his guests could not but applaud his giant strides on infrastructural and human capital developments. In fact, the array of dignitaries coupled with the human mass that gathered at the stadium to bear witness to the developmental wonders was indeed a huge political statement from the comrade governor. Yes, I said wonders, given the prudent and shrewd management of the meager resources acreuing to Edo State. To say the least, it was a celebration of solid achievement unparalleled in the history of the state. National leader of the APC and former Lagos State Governor, Ahmed Bola Tinubu could not help but to repeatedly puntuate his speech with “thank you Adams,, Thank you Adams, You have made us proud.” Among the dignitaries that came to savour the authentic uncommon transformation were the big wigs from the All Progressive Congress, the academia and ofcourse, members of the labour family who came to cel-

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Oshiomhole, Thorn In The Flesh Of PDP ebrate with one of their own. These included Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Head of State , Gen Mohammadu Buhari, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Lagos State Governor, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, APC National Chair and former governor of Edo State, John Odigie Oyegun, Sokoto State G o v e r n o r , Wakadamaka Wamako, Imo State Governor, Rocha Okorocha, Rivers State governor represented by his deputy, Tele Ikuru, former governor of Ekiti State and Deputy National Chair of the APC, Segun Oni, Former governor, Niyi Adebayo, former governor of Anambra State now serving Senator, Chris Nwabueze Ngige, APC National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, serving members of the National Assembly from across the APC controlled states and the list is endless. As expected, all the APC leaders who spoke at the event threw some jabs at the Presidency and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in an attempt to convince the surging crowd that the APC will be a better alternative party if given the opportunity to run the affairs of Nigeria at the national level. Speaker after speaker, nobody saw anything good in the PDP controlled federal government. It was uncomplimentary remarks all the way. According to Tambuwal, the federal government under Jonathan”is a complete failure and a disappointment to NigeriAns”. Yet, he was part of that government for close go three and a half years before he crossed over to join forces with the progressives.

He went further to say that what we have today as a government was nothing but a “ cabal that has hijacked our collective resources for their own selfish end”. He told the president to stop blaming his problems

assumption of office, Oshiomhole looked strait into the eyes of Jonathan, telling him some bitter truth that Edo is no go area for him and his PDP. He challenged the president to show what the PDP has done for the

Governor Adams Oshiomhole

on account of where he comes from as a minority, adding that Nigerians are only interested on good governance and not where you come from. On his part, Tinubu called on Nigerians to use their votes to liberate themselves from what he called the PDP poverty come 2015, adding that Jonathan should resign as the insurgents were gradually taking over the country. He warned that if he fails to resign, the APC was going to “sweep him out of power come 2015”. According to Tinubu, “we have done it before and we are ready to do it again,. We will show them that the power of the people is greater than the power over tyranny”. For the first time, perhaps since his

people of Edo State. He said Jonathan was deceived to come to Edo to commission the resurfaced BeninOfosu axis of the Benin-Ore Road built by a military administration. Not done yet with his caustic remarks, Oshiomhole told his guests that the

his Wednesday With

Ebomhiana Musa Sure-P programme is only a sure fraud (Sure F) where huge sumes of tax payers’ money is given to an individual to disburse without records, saying that the war against corruption by the PDP controlled federal government can be likend to a gun that fires shots without casualties. Hear him as he spat fire on the occasion: “Nobody born of a woman will govern Nigeria in 2015 with a stollen mandate. So, let tham stop using the language “FALL” because we are ready to defend our land. And any attempt to use the armed forces to rig the elections will be fire for fire. We will stand and defend our democracy because only a coward that dies a million times before his death”. So, who says the Comrade Governor has not been a thorn in the flesh of the PDP ? A man who sent the political godfathers on forced leave, a man who put a lie to the claim of past PDP governments that Edo has no money, a man who proved that nowhere in the state where the water table cannot be reached regardless of the terrain, a man who disproved the claims that witches and wizards are barriers to the opening up rural communities like the three Ibies of

TOMORROW ON

“

Okpekpe, Imiegha and Imiekebu.Need I say more? It was however not only hard knocks on the opposition PDP as Oshiomhole also used the opportunity to reeled out his numerous achievements across the 18 local government areas of the state. Solid road construction with side walks and deep drainages, renovation and construction of schools which has come to be known as the Red Roof Revolution in Edo State, provision of water to areas hitherto condemned as dry land on account of their difficult topography, provision of rural electricity, cottage health care facilities, deflooding of erosion prone areas with an ambitious 25 billion Naira World Bank assistance, provision of over 150 Comrade buses crisscrossing the 18 council areas of the state with free ride for school pupils in uniforms, establishment of two key job creation agencies, EdoYes and the Neighbourhood Watch meant to take the youth off the streets. The list of these various interventions various interventions is endless. It was indeed a celebration of solid achievements recorded in six years and the Comrade Goverdid make a farTHIS nor PAGE reaching political statement with it that truly truly he is solidly on ground in Edo, the mandate given to him by the people has so far been used to transform the state.

In all things, she left a legacy of humility, kindness and service to humanity and of dedicated service to God. She left a legacy of good name, which is better than riches and her life was acclaimed a model by all who knew her. This is the greatest heritage we the children are so proud of.

”

-Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan

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