Nigerian observer 27 01 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 NO.406• MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014 • N100.00

HOUSING

cmyk

Pg 20

Addressing Housing Deficit In Nigeria

OPINION Pg. 27 Benin Artworks In Captivity

Ize-Iyamu hails Eagles’ victory BENIN CITY – Former Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG) and leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-

Iyamu, yesterday joined other eminent Nigerians to congratulate the home grown Eagles for their 4 – 3 victory, over the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

The Eagles had on Saturday, January 25, 2014 walloped the Moroccans in the quarter final match of the 2014 Orange African Nations Championship

(CHAN) at Cape Town Stadium in South Africa.

According to Pastor Ize-Iyamu, Eagles victory was ‘a rare display of courage, Continues on page 2

Uplifting Nigeria

We’ll do- what is right Jonathan

By JOSES SEDE

KEFFI- President Goodluck Jonathan has promised that his administration will continue to do what is right towards the up-liftment of Nigerians under the guidance of God Almighty.

Speaking yesterday at the Winners Chapel in Goshen City, Nassarawa State, where he observed the Sunday church service, President Jonathan also promised not to do anything that will make him not to be able to face God.

Stressing that many developed nations have passed through worst situations than Nigeria, he was optimistic that Nigeria will overcome its challenges through prayers of Nigerians.

According to him, Nigeria will triumph just like the Super Eagles

came back from three goals down on Saturday, with almost all hope lost, to beat their Moroccan counterpart by 4 -3 to qualify for semi-final in the championship.

“I am not here to make a formal speech as we have learnt to talk very little. Just like the bishop said in his sermon, your prayers have been

helpful. I request that you continue to pray for this country. Bishop thank you for your message, it has been very instructive.

“The promise land has never been an easy one for any nation, it was not

easy for the Israelites and I promise that myself and my colleagues will continue to do what is right for this country.

The bishop said it all Continues on page 2

Edo South APC pledges unified designed to support or

By ANDY EGBON any particular platform sponsor BENIN CITY – candidate for any Leaders of thought in Edo South Senatorial District under the auspices of ‘Edo South Consultative forum of All Progressive Congress (APC)’ converged in Benin City weekend with a resolve to accept a unified consultative platform for the Senatorial District.

The meeting which had in attendance political stalwarts of the APC, including speaker, of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe, interim Chairman of APC, Chief Osaro Idah and Publicity Secretary of APC, Hon.

Godwin Erhahon had the first executive governor of the state, Chief John Odigie Oyegun as convener while Hon. (Dr.) Isaiah Osifo is Interim Secretary.

The forum resolved that the consultative platform would provide a forum for discussing and resolving issues affecting the Senatorial District..

Also, the platform would be available to all political aspirants to exercise their rights within the rules and regulations of APC as the forum is not

TIT-BITS “If we allow our satisfaction to rest within our means, we would have adopted the best recipe for a peaceful life.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

elective office, and at any level.

The forum which is expected to meet regularly resolved that the entire leadership and followership of APC in the senatorial district appreciated the developmental strides of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

Continues on page 2

CHURCH SERVICE: L-R: Wife of Bishop, David Abioye, Pastor Mary Abioye, Bishop David Abioye, President Goodluck Jonathan and President Jonathan’s son, Master Arewera Jonathan at the Living Faith Church Goshen, Near Keffi Nasarawa State where the President worshipped yesterday.

Owan leaders endorse Ihonvbere for senate IN what seemed like a flurry of endorsements, the Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere was massively endorsed Saturday by Owan West and Owan East leaders of the All Progresige

Congress (APC) as their 2015 Senatorial Candidate.

Besides, women numbering 3000 and Councilors from Owan West local government legislative council also pledged their support for Professor Ihonvbere

while endorsing him as their sole Senatorial Candidate for the 2015 Edo North race.

According to a member representing Owan West and Owan

East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Pally Iriase, “you will agree with me that this is first time I will be

Sen Obende advises against politics Senatorial District,

By MATTHEW OKAGHA of bitterness Senator Domingo BENIN CITY – As Obende has advised feelers for the 2015 general elections

gradually begin to emanate across the

country, the senator representing Edo North

politicians against Continues on page 2

adopting an aspirant live for the seat of Senate.

This is to signpost my involvement in his race.

I am currently in the House of Representatives and I know that those constituencies who didn’t send their best are wasting their time, so also in the Senate.

“What we need to tell Ihonvbere is to intensify and get support from other local government areas but as for Owan Continues on page 2

News

Continued from page 1 East, he does not need to dissipate energy. We are known to be men of our words and I can assure you that Owan East is your place”, the former Secretary to Edo State Government said.

While moving the motion for the adoption of Prof.

Ihonvbere, the leader of the party, Chief Emo Ebofuai said, “Today, I believe nothing will stop you in Owan East as our son from adopting you. I move the motion that Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere be adopted as the Senatorial candidate for Owan East local government area of the APC”, he was supported by Barrister Victor Ohiosuwan.

In a similar development, the leaders of Owan West led

by Chief Shagari Oni unanimously adopted Ihonvhere. He said, “it is hereby agreed that our son be adopted as the Senatorial Candidate of the party in the 2015 Senatorial Election in Edo North Senatorial District.” it was seconded by a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ohio Ezomo.

According to Ezomo, “there should be no reason whatsoever why Prof. Julius Ihonvbere should not come out to represent our people in the first place. I second the adoption of Prof. Julius Ihonvbere as our collective candidate for 2015 senatorial election in Edo North”.

According to a former House of Representative member, and Executive Director to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Hon. Davidson Oputteh, “the integrity, credibility, intelligence and deep reach of Ihonvbere nationally and internationally is speaking for him. That is our man for the job”.

Responding, Ihonvbere said, this is the beginning of a solid platform for a collective work for a collective

Ize-Iyamu Continued from page 1 strong determination and zeal to win after going down 3 – 0 in the first stanza of the epic match”.

He added that it was greatness on display on the part of the Eagles to have come back from 3 goals down to win the match 4 – 3, asserting that it was the handwork of God, who was mightily on the side of the home-grown Eagles.

“They have amply shown that they are the true champions of football in the continent of Africa, and nothing will be too great to keep and sustain this team.

I am personally excited and want to urge the soccer authorities to ensure that this team is encouraged and kept formidable for future encounters”, he stated.

Ihonvbere for senate success. “I am undilutedly committed to a united Owan.

As much as possible, I will give our leaders the resources and material to resolve issues so that they can take us forward. I am challenged to do more and I will continue to do more,” he added.

Present at the endorsements were the leader of Owan West Local Government, Chief Shagari Oni, acting chairman of the party, Mrs. Angelina Aigbokhai, Chief F.K. Ifidon, Chief Eguarojie, Chief Akhigbe, member Edo State Judicial Service Commission, Hon. Barrister Joe Ekpenkhio, Hon. Friday Ojo, present chairman of the council, Hon. Godwin Aigbodion, member House of Assembly, Ohio Ezomon,

former council chairman, Owan West, Ojo Asien.

Also present were the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Abdul Oroh, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Mac Donald Obasuki, Special Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Barrister O.D Ejere,

Executive Director to the Governor on Taxation, Barrister Austin Atakpo, Executibe Director on Edo Property, EDPA, Barrister Richard Ofenmu, former House of Assembly member, and former Council Chairman in Etsako Central, Hon. Ugioke Ayegbeni, Mr. John Umoru, Mr. Emmanuel Okolo among others.

Sen Obende

Continued from page 1 politics of bitterness and character assassination.

Senator Obende told The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in an exclusive interview in Benin City that rather than engage in political chicanery and demagogy, aspirants of any political office should present the people with facts on their achievements in

While pledging members unflinching support for his success in the remaining part of his tenure, the forum also resolved that elected and appointed political office holders at all levels are to bring the senatorial leaders and stakeholders on their assignment regular basis so as to check the incidence of rumours and misinformation.

beginning, it was as if Nigeria was to be demolished but all of a sudden the young men came very strong and we won. That is how it will be with the story of this country with your prayers and commitment we will get to the destination.”

“All what we require is your prayers and Nigeria will get to its destination. I wish you a prosperous 2014”, he added.

Delivering the sermon earlier, Bishop David Abioye noted that it is the prayer of Nigerians that brings about peace and guidance in the country.

He said: “Our leaders are human, they are not angels, it is prayer that makes them to abide to the will of God. As we keep praying, God keeps guiding our leaders. When we pray, they gravitate towards what is good. That’s why the church must keep praying. They are guided by our prayers. They are the targets of the enemy.”

“When a leader makes a wrong decision, the whole people will be affected. Our leaders will not make wrong decisions.”

He commended the President for signing the Same-Sex Prohibition bill into law.

previous positions.

Senator Obende who disclosed his interest for a second tenure, said his aspiration is predicated on the existing arrangement by his political party and coupled with the desire to consolidate on his modest achievements so far in this first tenure in the senate.

He pointed out that the antigay law which he originated the bill and sponsored as a private membership bill, has been applauded as an excellent piece of legislation, adding that this singular achievement has placed Edo North in the Guinness Book of Record.

He dismissed insinuations being peddled by some politicians that he truncated the existing zoning arrangement in Edo North, adding that he was never part of any arrangement and has not truncated any arrangement.

The Senator argued that the arrangement that produced his candidacy in 2011 is only peculiar to the Action Congress of Nigeria (A.C.N) now All Progressive Congress (APC) under which platform he contested election and won.

Senator Obende however pointed out that the prerogative of who gets the party’s ticket to run for election rests squarely with the party leaders, adding that as an aspirants, he is prepared to go round to solicit for their votes.

Against the backdrop of his robust contributions in the Senate and the achievements recorded in the areas of human capacity building and community development, the Senator asserted that “to whom much is given, much is also required, and one good term deserves another.”

ABUJA - Senate of the Federal Republic is to begin debate on N4.7 trillion Budget package for 2014 fiscal year tomorrow.

Presiding Senate President David Mark who announced this before commencement of plenary last week urged senators to brace up for informed contributions in the debate.

He read a letter from the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba to the

effect that the 2014 budget required urgent passage, and set aside the entire week beginning from January 28 for senators to exhaustively debate the proposed estimates contained in the 2014 budget.

To this end, the Senate President urged the Senators to prepare for a robust debate to ensure passage of the budget within the shortest possible time.

He informed the senators

contributions during the debate.

It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan, through the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, had presented a budget estimate of N4.7 trillion to the National Assembly in December 2013, shortly before it went on Chistmas and New Year break.

‘What is right’

Continued from page 1 as mere mortals there may be errors but our commitment to do what is right is total. We will do our best but like I always say what ever I do I should be able to tell God why I did it.

“As I listened to your message certain things are being reflected. I assure you this country will cross the bridge, yes we have challenge as a nation, even the most developed nations pass through stages sometimes even more challenging than we face today”, he stated.

On the Nigeria/Morocco match, he said: “But what happened yesterday in South Africa will be the story of this nation. Those of you who watched that match will know that it was not easy at the

Edo South Continued from page 1

2014 Budget: Senate begins debate that a register has been

By JOSES SEDE opened to collate names of tomorrow senators intending to make

Monarch explains masquerade festival crisis IGARRA - The traditional ruler of Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo local government council, Oba Adeche Saiki, the Otaru of Igarra has decried the crisis that has engulfed his sleepy community in the last few days which he attributed to the insistence of “some disgruntled elements” of continuing to observe a masquerade festival called ekuochi which he said has been banned in the community since 1989.

The monarch who was in Government House on Saturday evening to brief the governor on developments in the community that led to a fracas where some persons were attacked and shot and some others arrested by the police as the perpetrators of the mayhem told the governor that the festival though age-long for the community has great tendencies of dividing the area and some persons who undermined his kingship of the community always insist on holding the annual festival.

He said various interest groups including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had in the past written to the government for the outright ban of the festival.

According to him, the actual reason for the crisis was because some of the proponents of the festival were those who have been using every means to debase his stool as they claim he is not the king.

He said that not less than five commissions of enquiries have been instituted by various governments dating back to colonial reports in the 1940s, Stanfield Commission of 1953, Akoko-Edo Division Commission of Enquiry of 1957, Halims Commission of 1968 and Justice S. O. Ighodaro chieftaincy Review of 1968. He further stated that they agreed that the Otaru is the traditional ruler of Igarra, adding that courts declarations of 31st October 1985, Court of Appeal Ruling of 1991 and a recent 2010 court ruling all reaffirmed his position.

“These disgruntled elements have sworn to use all available resources at their disposal to cause total breakdown of law, peace and order in Igarra, to spite the position of the Otaru. They are hiding under the cover of the ekuochi masquerade to perpetrate their nefarious acts. No law abiding and right thinking persons would subscribe to the outing of the ekuochi masquerades”

Ughoton - Dubril Oil crisis Commissioner sues for peace UGHOTON - Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Barrister Isimeme Iriogbe has advised Ughoton Community members in Ovia North East Local Government Area and Durbri Oil Company Limited to embrace peace to ensure rapid development of the area.

The Honourable Commissioner gave the advice when he held a stakeholders meeting with the Executive members of Ughoton Community and Dubri Oil Company recently aimed at finding an amicable resolution to the impasse.

He appealed to the leadership and people of the local government to ensure that there was peace in the entire area, urging them to prevent restiveness by allowing Dubri Oil Company to carryout its legitimate business in their community.

Appeal followed a presentation by representatives of the community executives in Ovia North East who spoke extensively on the Lingering issues between them and the oil company in their community.

The Hon. Commissioner, urged the leadership of Ughoton Community to cooperate with the oil company in order to develop the community and stop fighting for their selfish interest.

Earlier, the head of administration of Dubri Oil Company Limited, Mrs.

Amokhai Esohe stated that there have been two factions in Ughoton Community, adding that Dubri Oil Company would not want to involve itself in any communal differences.

She explained that where the company had a rupture with one of its pipelines, it was shut down, while they went further to meet with the community leaders and houses to plead with them, adding that since then the community had prevented them from carrying out its operations.

She thanked the Commissioner for calling the meeting in order to resolve the issues between them.

Responding, Rev. Iyonmahen, the Chairman of Ughoton Community stated that contrary to insinuations, they were not after money, rather they were concerned about how to join hands with the oil firm to develop their community, stating that they never asked Dubri Company not to work.

Present at the meeting were the Director, overseeing the office of the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr. Dan Aigbavhoa, other management staff in the ministry, Christ Ikorok, the production manager of Dubri Oil Company, Mr. Austine Omoregie, Ohen Frank Edopiagbe, and other selected members of Ughoton Community and Dubri Oil Company Limited.

News

$6m Ugborodo Gas City Project Fund Intact

By BETTY IDIALU WARRI - Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan Governor of Delta State, has debunked the allegation that he connived with some persons to steal the $6 million meant for the take off of New Ugborodo Town project.

The Governor made this known at a press conference held at Government House annex, Warri, Delta State.

Pa Johnson Ayomike, a notable historian and Itsekiri had, in a press conference accused the governor of conniving with some individuals to misappropriate $6 million sent by Chevron in the United State as contribution toward the development of the Ugborodo New Town Project.

According to Ayomike, the governor colluded with the team to expropriate $6 million sent by Chevron in the United States as its contribution toward the development of the Ugborodo New Town Project,’ The Itsekiri elder also, among other allegations, accused Uduaghan of being the brain behind the lingering crisis in Ugborodo community, particularly over the siting of the Gas City Project by Federal Government.

But Governor Uduaghan, in company of the Secretary to State Government, Comrade

Ovuzuire Macaulay and some staff of Ecobank, at the press conference, noted that the exact figure lodged in the bank by Chevron was not only intact, but also the interest the money has yielded.

The branch manager of Ecobank, said to be in possession of the money in a fixed account, confirmed that the sum of N705 million was received by the bank on December 18, 2008, being an equivalent of the said $6 million, adding that over the time, the money had grown to the tune of N968, 614, 613. 42 as of press time.

Former chairman of Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC), Mofe Pira, who was in the know of the agreement during the lodgment of the money, while debunking Pa Ayomike’s allegations, corroborated the explanation made by the governor and the Ecobank manager, adding that chevron does not release money to an individual based on the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) made with the 23 communities.

Moge Pira gave reason for the delay at the site of the New Ugborodo Town on the clandestine stealing of the huge of sand used to sand-fill the site and the insistence of Ugborodo people to be in direct control of

the money directly deposited with the bank by Chevron for the execution projects under the GMoU principle.

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who attributed the spurious allegation against him to political intrigues over his interest in the Senatorial

– Uduaghan

election in 2015, admonishing individuals involved in the Ugborodo debacle to play down politics of bitterness and rancor so that the area could be developed in due course.

Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, had earlier disowned Pa Johnson Ayomike over his controversial role in the Ugborodo crisis, describing him as an impostor that does not have any claim to any leadership role in the community.

Owan East Council Chairman, Barr. (Chief) Jimoh Ijegbai being assisted with wearing the bead by the Asogbon of Ake, HRH Andrew Ohiorenoya during the former’s conferment with the chieftaincy tile of Ojojiemai of Ake-levbu recently.

Ijegbai Bags Chieftaincy Title

AFUZE - The Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Chief

Edo State Commission for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James (right) congratulating Owan East Council Chairman, Barr. (Chief) Jimoh Ijegbai being assisted with wearing the bead by the Asogbon of Ake, HRH Andrew Ohiorenoya during the former’s conferment with the chieftaincy tile of Ojojiemai of Ake-levbu recently.

Jimoh Ijegbai has been conferred with Chieftaincy title of Onojiemai of AkeIevbu by the Asogbon of Ake, His Royal Highness, Andrew Ohiorenoya in recognition of the Chairman’s developmental strides since assumption of office on April 22, 2013.

The conferment ceremony which took place at the Ake Primary School, Ake-Ievbu, attracted the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James, his Basic Education counterpart, Hon. Patrick Aguinede, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Local Government, Rev. Michael Egharevba and a host of other notable politicians of the All Progressive Congress.

The Asogbon of Ake, who decorated the Council boss

with the traditional Chieftaincy insignia disclosed that Chieftaincy titles in Ake land are seldom bestowed on people as the last was done several years ago.

He said the honour done the council boss is in appreciation of his numerous projects executed within a short space of seven months across the local government area especially in which Ake is a beneficiary of a 500KVA transformer and a block of three classrooms fitted with chairs, headmaster’s office as well a toilet facility at Ake Primary School, Ake. Commissioning the block of three classrooms, the commissioner for Basic Education commended Chief Ijegbai for his landmark achievements in terms of siting of projects.

He said it is remarkable to

participate in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

Speaking, the Head of Environmental Department, Mr. Okhomukhokho said the department will embark on serious enlightenment and advocacy visits to communities, who are in the habit of engaging in other

chores other than the sanitation exercise.

Hon. Andy Osigwe, the Council’s Vice-Chairman who monitored the exercise in axis two of the Local Government Area said he had never witnessed the high level of compliance in Otuo and its environs, as people stayed at home to clean their surroundings, even though the exercise coincided with their market days.

Sanitation: Owan East Council Boss Applauds Compliance AFUZE – Owan East Council Chairman, Barr.

(Chief) Jimoh Ijegbai has expressed satisfaction with this month’s environmental sanitation exercise, which held across the Local Government Area.

He however, frowned at the attitude of some communities who failed to comply with the sanitation exercise, especially at Ihievbe and Warrake, where people displayed nonchalant

attitude towards the exercise.

Consequently, the Chairman disclosed that plans are underway to move the sanitation mobile court from Afuze to Ihievbe where compliance was not too encouraging during subsequent exercise.

Speaking after monitoring the sanitation exercise at the refuse dump site along low-cost Road in Afuze, the Council boss expressed satisfaction with the

The Warri monarch, leading a delegation of his chiefs to a meeting with the governor and other top government officials, including security personnel, said Ayomike was just one of the members of the community, who was only out to fuel confusion and crisis in the area.

“Pa JOS Aymike,he is not the leader of that community. He is an individual of that community.

We do not want a situation were Ayomike wants to draw the community backward and I want to let you know that he does not have my blessings.”

The Olu, while commending Uduaghan and the State Government for the measures that have been taken to restore normalcy to the area,noted that no single individual could be bigger than constituted authority and urged the State Government to take every necessary measure to deal with the situation and restore peace to the area.

Uduaghan who commended the Olu for the role he has been playing in bringing the situation under control, decried allegations of fraud leveled against him by Ayomike as false.

evacuation of refuse from the site to the council’s dump site while commending the initiative of the Environmental Department for hiring new equipment, saying they will help boost sanitation exercise in the local government.

He appealed to community leaders and traditional rulers to encourage their subjects

note that a total of 16 blocks of three classrooms have been constructed across the local government area by the Ijegbai led administration and therefore urged benefiting communities to protect the project, as government may not be disposed to replacing vandalized projects.

The Ake community who were full of praises for the Chairman, in their address presented by Hon. Friday Uwahomo, noted with satisfaction the grading of the Igboro Ake Arokho road and the blasting of the rocks, which would have formed impediment on the road.

The Local Government Chairman assured the community of more development projects in the current year, just as he said the plethora of demands will be captured in the budget.

The Commissioner for Local Government, Chief Lucky James, had earlier commissioned the block of three classrooms with headmasters’ office and toilet at Abadahigua Primary School, Amoya-Otuo and the Ojeaboni Primary School, Otuo, while Chief Ijegbai inaugurated the block of three classrooms at Emokpaire Primary School, UbunekeIvbiaro all executed by the Jimoh Ijegbai-led administration.

News Wamakko Advises Journalists On Professionalism SOKOTO - Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State on Saturday in Sokoto, urged journalists in the country to perform their c o n s t i t u t i o n a l

responsibilities diligently and without fear.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada, said this at the 2013

merit award organised by Sokoto Newspaper Company, publishers of Path and Jagora newspapers.

Wamakko also said that the journalists owed Nigeria and

Nigerians the duty to work without favour or ill-will and according to the dictates of the profession.

“The entire country is the constituency of the journalists, irrespective of any religious, political or ethnic affiliation.

“The members of the noble profession of journalism should always be objective and patriotic,” Wamakko said.

The governor recalled the contributions of the

journalism profession in the fight for Nigeria’s independence.

He also extolled the contributions of the journalists in the entrenchment and sustenance of the current democratic dispensation in the country.

The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Danladi Bako, promised that the state government was committed to providing all media workers a conducive atmosphere to discharge their

responsibilities.

“The state government will continue to give top priority to the acquisition of modern tools to its media organisations.

“Training and re-training is also crucial in making the media workers to become more efficient and proactive,” Bako said.

The General Manager of the Company, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, said that the ceremony was organised to serve as an incentive to its staff members.

Union Sues For Freedom Of Association For Workers

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Legion Enugu State, Mr. George Amalu; Commander, 337 Base Service Group, Nigerian Airforce, Air Comdr. Onyemachi Osahor; GOC 82 Div. Major-Gen. Adebayo Olaniyi and Enugu State Deputy Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi at the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Enugu recently.

Police Commisserate With Deceased Family ABAKALIKI - The Ebonyi Police Command has commiserated with the Uto Family of Amike Community in Ohaukwu L.G.A. over the shooting of a member of the family, Chukwudi, by a policeman.

Chukwudi, a cement dealer at 135 Junction, on the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway, was shot by Cpl. Efom Andei, on the road.

In a statement signed by ASP Chris Anyanwu, the command’s Public Relations Officer, and made available to newsmen, the command regretted the shooting.

“The State Commissioner of Police and the command’s entire management team commiserate with the family, relatives and friends of the deceased over the unfortunate incident.

“We give the firm assurance that the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident will be thoroughly investigated and justice will take its full course,” the command said.

It said that the deceased was shot for failing to stop at a police checkpoint on the road, contrary to reports that he was shot while celebrating with his friends over purchase of a new car.

“Andei and his colleagues were on a stop-and-search duty at Nwankwo Elom, Ohaukwu axis of the expressway when they received information that an armed robbery gang was heading toward their end.

“The information revealed that they were inside a purportedly stolen Dyna vehicle without a registration number, as the said vehicle raced towards our officers, the officers flagged it down; the driver refused to stop but meandered through the temporary barrier put in place along the road, thereby evading being halted.

“A good Samaritan later offered assistance to the policemen and pursued the fleeing suspects; in a bid to halt the car at the popular 135 Junction, the corporal used his firearm and a bullet hit the driver,” it said.

It said that the corporal had

been arrested and put in custody.

“The command promises to make public, the outcome of its investigations and further disciplinary actions against the policeman if found culpable.

Newsmen, however, learnt from some indigenes of the community that the victim, a father of one, returned from Lagos after buying a Dustan truck for his cement business, and was rejoicing with friends when the policeman shot him.

A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the policeman came into a drinking bar and demanded for the key of the truck.

“When the victim refused to hand over the keys to him, the officer shot him thrice on the chest,” he said.

LAGOS - The National Union of Shops and Distributive Employees (NUSDE), yesterday urged employers of Labour to allow their employees to join any union of their choice.

The General-Secretary of NUSDE, Mr Sule Babatunde, told newsmen in Lagos that ‘it is the legitimate right of the worker to associate freely.

“The freedom to associate is guaranteed in the Nigeria Constitution and the Labour Laws of our country,” he said.

According to him, once workers have expressed the desire to join a union, it is compulsory for the management to allow them to join and the union must be given recognition.

“It is unfortunate that some managements have aversion for unionism; they always oppose the idea of bringing their workers into the fold,’’ he said.

Babatunde urged employers to jettison the idea that once the union was introduced into the work place, the management will start having problems,

Governor Adams Oshiomhole marches to lay the wreath at the unknown soldier Cenotaph during the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Benin City recently.

stressing that “ It is a wrong assumption”.

“Employers must see the unions as partners in progress, because apart from agitating for improved welfare for their members, they also help the management.

“Our role as a union is dual as we always try to protect the

interest of the management because we see the company as the goose that lays the golden eggs,” he said.

Babatunde urged the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to always act promptly when disputes were reported, stressing that “it will help in averting most crises in the work place”.

Council V/Chairman Slumps, Dies EKPERI (Edo) - The Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo was thrown into mourning as its Vice Chairman, Mr Charles Eshiesimua, slumped and died while waiting for a doctor on Friday.

The vice chairman died at about 3.55p.m., while waiting to see a doctor at the Iruua Specialist Hospital in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo. He had gone for a medical check-up.

The Council Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Momoh, expressed sadness over the death which, he said, was shocking.

“The death of Charles is surprising to me because we both spoke before I left for Benin.

“I can’t believe that Charles is dead,’’ Momoh said on weekend when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.

He described the late vice chairman as a loyal official, who was committed to the development of the council area.

The Esan West Local Government Council boss, Mr Henry Irumudomon, died barely three months after he was sworn-in in April 22, 2013.

Gov Reiterates Commitment To Education UMUNYA (Anambra) Governor Peter Obi of Anambra has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards improving the education sector in the state.

Obi, who made the promise at the 7th matriculation of Tansian University, Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, said education was critical in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Governor, who donated N100 million, a school bus and a security vehicle to the university said the success of the institution would augur well for the development of the state.

He gave the assurance that his administration would continue to support the institution and urged the students to be good ambassadors of the university.

The Chancellor of the

university, Rev. Johnbosco Akam, said academic activities would commence in February at the permanent site.

While commending the governor for the donation, Akam appealed to the state government to assist the institution with the construction of roads and provision of water and electricity.

In his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Pandela Umechukwu, said that the university had graduated three sets of students since its inception seven years ago.

Umechukwu, who warned the students against indecent dressing, cultism and other social vices, said that the institution would continue to be a pace setter in moulding characters.

South-South

Commissioner Tasks Chairpersons

WDP Levy:

By FUNMI BABATOPE BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida has enjoined the Chairpersons of Women Development Programme (WDP) in the 18 Local Government Areas of the state to henceforth ensure prompt payment of the WDP monthly market exercise levy.

She also advised those that are owing to pay all outstanding debt in order to sustain the exercise.

Mrs. Maigida gave the indications in her remarks at the weekend in Benin City during an enlarged meeting with chairpersons of WDP from the various local government areas in the state.

According to the commissioner, the prompt payment of the levy had become imperative, because it will go a long way to boost the Internally Generated

Revenue (IGR) of her Ministry.

She stressed the need for the chairpersons to mobilise the rural women to always bring fresh farm produce to the market so as to attract prospective buyers to buy them at competitive prices.

While urging them to take the monthly market exercise very serious by bringing their local farm produce to the venue of the market as early as possible, she frowned at lateness to the market, saying the ministry frowns at it seriously.

She used the occasion to commend the Oredo Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Osaro Obazee for providing a large space at Urhokpota to serve as venue for the exercise.

Mrs. Maigida advised the chairpersons to always focus and execute programmes that will impact positively on the lives of the less privileged persons in the society including widows, orphans, vulnerable children and the

girl child and she reminded the chairpersons to prepare towards the forthcoming International Women’s Day Celebration in the state billed for March 8.

The meeting provided platform for the chairpersons to present and brief the commissioner of the WDP activities in their respective local government areas since they assumed office.

Meanwhile a minute silence was observed by the gathering in honour of the late eldest wife of the Benin Monarch, Oloi Queen Esther Omoye Erediauwa.

The meeting also prayed God and the ancestors to grant her soul eternal rest.

Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker House of Representatives (left) and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State during the Speaker’s condolence visit to the Governor on the death of Queen Esther Erediauwa, wife of his Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom recently.

Flood: 165 Commercial Farmers ASABA - The Delta State Committee on Management of Federal Government Grants said that 165 commercial farmers affected by the 2012 flood in the state

To Receive N46m

will receive N46 million grants.

The Chairman of the Committee, retired Justice Francis Tabai, disclosed the amount in an interview with newmen in Asaba.

Tabai said that the amount was part of the N500 million grants from the Federal Government to the state to cushion the effect of the disaster on the victims.

He said the commercial farmers were categorised into five groups, adding that those in group “A” had already received N1 million each, while those in group “B” got N500,000 each.

He said that 29 of them under groups “A” and “B” had already received their grants.

“The next sets of farmers we are going to attend to any moment from now are those in groups C, D and E. “They will not get as much as what people in other groups got,” he said.

The chairman explained that the farmers were categorised based on the level of losses they sustained during the flooding.

He noted that the grants should not be seen as mere compensation for the incident but a measure aimed at

empowering them for the next farming season.

He recalled that the committee had between 2012 and 2013 distributed relief materials, farm input, drugs and other items to the victims in the affected 14 local government areas in Delta.

Tabai further said that the committee distributed chairs and desks to schools which were also affected by the flood.

According to him, the committee gave N18 million as grants to the churches affected by the flood through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state.

C/River Signs N3.7bn Contract For Ikom Water Scheme Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker House of Representatives (left) and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly during the visit to the Governor by Rt. Hon. Tambuwal on the death of Queen Esther Erediauwa, wife of his Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom recently.

Atteh Chieftaincy Stool Crisis

Stakeholders Appeal For Govt Intervention

ATTE – Some concerned indigenes of Atte Community, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have renewed their appeal to the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole to resolve the

lingering chieftaincy stool crisis in the community amicably.

The stakeholders who pleaded anonymity said their appeal became imperative because there can be no development in Atte

Community in an atmosphere of rancour occasioned by the stool crisis.

They however, commended the governor for his massive infrastructural development strides across the state.

CALABAR - The Cross River Government has signed a two-year contract for the Ikom Water Scheme with Lilleker Brothers Nigeria Ltd. Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River, in a speech at the occasion, said that the project was in line with his administration’s resolve to provide potable water to communities in the state.

Imoke, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Efiok Cobham, said the completion of the project in 2015 would enable about 80 per cent of communities in the state to have access potable water.

He said that currently, 60 per cent of the residents of

Cross River had access to portable water.

According to him, the feat is a further confirmation of his administration’s resolve to provide services to those who require them most.

He said at the completion and inauguration of the project in 2015, the rural areas of Cross River would be “greatly transformed’’.

The governor said that he had no doubt that the contractor would deliver on time because of the company’s pedigree.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Elemi Etowa, said that the project, undertaken by Lilleker Brothers Nigeria Ltd. and Lilleker UK, was being carried out with funds

from the World Bank.

“The significance of this contract is that when completed, the Ikom people and the neighbouring Etung Local Government Area will be served with potable water.

“We are gunning towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals objective in the water sector,’’ he said.

Mr Trevor Ralton, Managing director, Lilleker Brothers, signed on behalf of the company while Etowa signed on behalf of the Cross River Government.

The ceremony was witnessed by members of the State Executive Council, the State Water Board and interested members of the public.

Lagos

Gunmen Kill Cement Dealer

ABAKALIKI - The Ebonyi police command has confirmed the shooting and killing of one Chukwudi Uto, a cement dealer, by unknown gunmen.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Chris Anyanwu, who confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abakaliki, said the command had commenced investigation into it.

Anyanwu said Uto was shot and killed by the unknown gunmen at Ezzamgbo Junction on the Abakaliki-Enugu expressway opposite the

Ohaukwu local government headquarters.

“The victim, a father of one child, hails from Amike community,” the spokesman said.

An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said the incident happened around 9.30 p.m. at a drinking joint in the area where Uto was celebrating his recent acquisition of a truck for his cement business with two friends.

“The gunmen shot him thrice on the chest in the midst of his two friends and collected the

OWERRI - The host community of Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, near Owerri, staged a protest against the school management over the proposed relocation of the institution to Orlu, Orlu Local Government Area.

The protest led to the postponement of the scheduled matriculation ceremony slated for 24 January as members of the community besieged the school demanding that the school should not be relocated.

Parents, guardians and friends who came to witness the occasion were stranded following the development The protesters also demanded the immediate removal of the school Rector, Rev. Fr Wence Nmadu.

The leader of the protesters, Chief Obiwu Alphonsus, told newsmen that the state government was not fair to the host community.

He said the management of the polytechnic had assured the

community that the government had no plans to relocate it.

He said the community was surprised to later discover that the Imo Government had already concluded the relocation plans.

He said members of the community later found out that the polytechnic would run a multi-campus system with Umuagwo as one of the campuses.

Alphonsus said the move would affect the economy of the community and destabilise a lot of families whose bread winners were working in the polytechnic.

keys to his truck.

“The two gunmen invaded the area with a bus and demanded for the key of the vehicle.

They collected it and later shot him three times in the chest,” the source said.

The corpse has been deposited at an undisclosed mortuary.

The Chairman of Ohaukwu local government, Mrs Chinyere

Elom, said the council had mobilised and intensified efforts to track the perpetrators of the act.

“I have gone to the police headquarters in Abakaliki to brief the Commissioner of Police, Mr Maigaro Dikko, on the incident,” she said.

She advised the people of the area to remain calm and go about their business as the situation was under control.

You Must Return To School, Okorocha Tells Youths OWERRI – Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo has advised youths in the state to embrace quality education to become professionals and relevant.

He gave the advice at the Government House, Owerri while interacting with some youths under the aegis of

Community Protests Poly Relocation

Workers Wefare: Union CautionsdoesAgainst ENUGU - The Chairman of not make sense,’’ he said.

the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria in Enugu State, Mr Chinenye Nwaekpe, has warned against discrimination in the welfare of health workers.

Nwaekpe told newsmen in

College Matriculates 955 In Borno MAIDUGURI - The Kashim College of Education (KCE) in Borno has matriculated 955 students admitted into its National Certificate of Education programme for 2013/2014 academic session.

Alhaji Muhammad Kolo, the Provost of the college made the announcement while speaking at the matriculation ceremony in Maiduguri.

Kolo charged the students to remain focused in their studies and abide by the rules and regulation of the college.

The provost warned that the institute would not condone any form of in discipline, cultism, and nude dressing or examination malpractices.

“Education must be pursued by youths so that they will become responsible leaders of tomorrow.

“Therefore, I urged you to strive hard in your various fields of study so as to achieve academic excellence and your desired aim and goal,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (standing right), addressing the Oba of Benin when he led other honourable members on a condolence visit to the Oba’s palace over the death of Oloi Queen Esther Erediauwa recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

According to him, the state government has approved enough funds to facilitate completion of the students’ hostel.

Discrimination

Enugu that the government should give equal treatment to all medical workers across board.

According to him, such action will end the perennial strike in the health sector.

“The government should consider improving the welfare of all health workers at the same time to avoid incessant strikes in the country.

“If you increase the salaries of doctors, also increase those of nurses and other health workers

because we all contribute to save lives,” he said.

The chairman said the health sector had different professionals, adding that they should be allowed to be regulated and supervised by their various professional bodies as stipulated in their professional guidelines.

“It is wrong for a medical doctor to head professional bodies like laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, nurses, pharmacists and engineers. It

He said there had been disharmony in the sector as a result of lopsided treatment among the health professionals.

Nwaekpe pleaded with the federal government to implement the National Industrial Court’s ruling, saying that justice should not only be done but seen.

The health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Professionals and Associations embarked on a three-day warning strike to agitate for their rights.

The union is protesting against the non-implementation of collective bargain agreement and memorandum of understanding as well as the neglect of the judgment of National Industrial Court of Nigeria by the federal government.

Ogboko General Youth Assembly.

Okorocha said that the Nigerian youth needed to update his knowledge and upgrade his academic qualifications to be able to tackle societal challenges.

“You must return to school and upgrade your qualifications so that you can be relevant,” he advised.

The governor warned the youths to desist from activities capable of destroying their careers.

He warned that youths caught in armed robbery, kidnapping and other crimes would be decisively dealt with.

Okorocha reiterated the determination of his administration to develop communities in the state through good road network, expansion of markets, free education and improved security.

Earlier, the Secretary of the group, Mr Chinedu Okwara, said that the youths were at the government house to show support for the administration.

He commended the state government for its free education policy, road construction and provision of employment opportunities for the youth.

Man, 49, Docked Over Alleged Malicious Damage SANGO-OTA (OGUN) - For allegedly destroying 10 palm trees on a land and threatening the owner’s life, a 49-year-old man, Babatunde Talabi, has appeared before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun.

Talabi, whose address is unknown, is facing a threecount charge of malicious damage, threat to life and conspiracy The Prosecutor, Insp Olajide Michael, told the court that the accused committed the offences on November 27, 2013 at about 11.45 a.m.at Okiki Village, near Atan, Ota. The prosecutor said the accused, and others now at large, maliciously damaged ten palm trees valued at N100,000 on the land of one Mr Lasisi Abolade.

Osun Gives Private Schools 7-Day Ultimatum To Register

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, be registered by a staff of Edo State Board of Internal Revenue for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) during the flag-off of the registration at the Edo Sate House of Assembly Conference Hall last week. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

OSOGBO - The Osun Government has issued a sevenday ultimatum to private schools to register with the state’s Ministry of Education.

The schools affected include private nursery, primary and secondary schools, technical, vocational colleges, colleges of education, polytechnics and universities.

Mr Lawrence Oyeniran, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said in a statement that schools yet to register had

up to Friday, January 31 to do so.

“More than 286 private schools have refused to formally register with the State Ministry of Education, in spite of the long notice given by the state government.’’

The statement said any school which failed to comply before the deadline would be dragged to court.

It advised owners of private schools to contact the ministry for clarifications and necessary clearance.

Lagos

NUT Tasks Governments On Recruitment Of Teachers

President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo with members of the National Pension Commission Board after the inauguration of the Board by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja recently.

LAGOS - The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on governments to adhere to the 1: 26 teacher/student ratio recommended by the United Nations for improved students’ performance.

The NUT President, Mr Michael Alogba-Olukoya, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation recommended that teacher/ student ratio should be 1:26.

Lawyers, Others React To INEC Release Of Timetable For 2015 Polls

LAGOS - Some prominent lawyers in Lagos has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its timely release of the timetable for the 2015 general elections.

The lawyers, in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, called on the populace to support INEC towards making the election a success.

Reports saythat the commission, in a statement issued on Friday, fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 14, 2015.

It also fixed state assembly and governorship elections for Feb.28, 2015.

Mr Onyekachi Ubani, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, said the timetable was in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. “The Electoral Act has made provisions for the resolution of all election matters within 90 days.

“So, I think INEC is thinking and planning ahead towards ensuring that these matters are resolved before the inauguration of eventual winners,” he said.

A human rights activist and lawyer, Mr Fred Agbaje, urged

INEC to put all logistics in place towards the realisation of free and fair polls.

Agbaje also advised politicians to abide by the relevant electoral laws and put an end to unguarded utterances capable of heating up the polity.

“The utterances by some of our politicians have clearly showed that they are not ready to play by the rules,” he said.

Another lawyer, Mr Wale Ogunade, told newsmen that it was the responsibility of every Nigerian to cooperate with INEC to ensure that it succeeded in delivering on its mandates.

“The timetable was issued by INEC based on its ability to conduct the elections. All stakeholders, including the politicians, should work with it to make a success of the project,” he said.

Some other stakeholders also commented on the release of the time table.

Mr Yinka Odunmakin, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, a sociopolitical organisation, told newsmen that the timing of the elections gave enough time to have the national conference, complete it and subject it to a referendum.

He said it was important that

several issues which caused tension in the country should be resolved by the national conference before the elections.

Mr Mohammed Oyefeso, a former Electoral Commissioner of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) said the timing would reduce tension in some states.

“I want to commend INEC for putting us on notice this time around and for setting the tone.

“This will reduce the tension in some states and everybody will want to play and abide by the rules of the game,” Oyefeso said.

The Chairman, National Coalition of Political Parties (NACOPP), Mr Damian Ogonna, said releasing the timetable on time would allow political parties adequate time to prepare.

“Releasing it on time is good as it will allow parties to work ahead of time.

“But the commission should not fail to recognise political parties that have been freed by the ruling of the Federal High Court,” Ogbonna said.

Two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly also spoke on the release of the time

Edo State Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon. Patrick Aguinede cutting the tape to inaugurate the block of three classrooms built at Ake Primary School, Ake by the Ijegbai administration. On the Commissioner’s right is Chief Lucky James while the Chairman, Owan East Local Government, Barr. (Chief) Jimoh Ijegbai (right) watches.

table.

Mr Segun Olulade, the Chairman, House Committee on information and Publicity LAHA told newsmen that INEC should now prove to the world that it was capable of conducting free and fair elections.

Olulade, (APC-Epe II), said that the electoral body must conduct elections that would minimise any form of litigation in 2015.

“They should allow people to develop more confidence in the commission,” he said.

Alogba-Olukoya said that the NUT desired to see the implementation of the ratio in 2014.

“If we should analyse this properly, we will discover that nearly all the state governments as well as the Federal Government are not meeting the standards.

He urged employment of more teachers to enable achievement of the ratio.

“Currently, there is a shortfall in the number of teachers in our schools due to retirement and other reasons.

“Unfortunately, the federal and state governments are not doing enough to cushion the effects.

“The implication of this is that there is no quality teaching in our schools. This is evident in the kind of performance recorded yearly by our students in external examinations.

“My appeal to principal stakeholders in the education sector in the country is for us to strive to meet this UNESCO ratio of one teacher to 26 students,” he said.

Alogba-Olukoya regretted that it had become common to find a teacher teaching almost all the subjects.

Residents Urge Govt To Promote Cultural Festivals In Lagos

LAGOS - Some Lagos residents has urged the state government to promote cultural festivals to attract more international attention and patronage.

The residents told newsmen in Lagos that the government should make the Eyo, Yoruba Arts and Black Heritage festivals to secure more public interest.

A resident of Lagos Island, Mr Nicholas Oyinloye, noted that the festivals were meant to showcase the state’s cultural heritage as well as woo tourists into the commercial centre.

“Eyo, Yoruba Arts, Lagos International Jazz, Black History Month, Film and Black Heritage festivals are not as popular as they used to be.

“In those years, Eyo and Black History Month festivals used to be memorable as people came from different parts of the country and outside to witness them,“ he said.

A business woman, Mrs Nkiru Nwachukwu, told newsmen that the government should carry out much awareness campaign to promote the festivals.

Nwachukwu said that the state government should do more to support the festivals to secure public interest.

A culture promoter, Mr Gbenga Oniwinde, urged the state government to increase funding for the festivals.

Oniwinde advised the state government to develop the festivals to compete favourably with the Calabar Carnival, Osun Osogbo Festival and Abuja Carnival to promote tourism.

A resident of Epe, Mrs Fatima Bakare, told newsmen that the state was rich in culture, norms and values which could be appreciated by tourists if showcased.

“This situation usually has its negative implications.

“My candid appeal to concerned stakeholders is to ensure that there is a new dawn in this 2014 in that regard.

“Let us get a sizeable number of teachers especially in core subjects for our schools,” he urged.

Association Gives Conditions For National Conference LAGOS - The South-East and South-South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN) have restated its support for the proposed national conference, if subjected to a national referendum.

President of SESSP, Mr Emeka Ugwu-Ojo, gave a news conference that the referendum should be ratified by the people of Nigeria and not the National Assembly.

“We will support the ongoing national dialogue, but only to the extent that its outcome is subjected to a national referendum.

“We should be ready to make that sacrifice to have a truly sovereign nation,’’ he said.

Ugwu-Ojo said that the conference was aimed at sensitising Nigerians ahead of the dialogue and the 2015 elections, adding that there was need for people to know that sovereignty belong to them.

He said that it was the wish of the people to have the governance structure returned to that which was negotiated and agreed to, by the nation’s founding fathers.

Lagos Assembly Assists NUGA With Cash

By SURAJU RAJI

LAGOS - Lagos House of Assembly has given undisclosed financial assistance to encourage 24th NUGA Games.

The financial largess was handed to the consultant Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) NUGA, Mr. Sino Odugbemi. The financial largess was doled out in the presence of members of National University Games (NUGA) at the speaker ’s conference room in the House of Assembly. Odugbemi, while giving his opening remarks, said NUGA’s visit to the speaker was to intimate with 24th NUGA activities, which bring universities students together.

He disclosed that the latest game would be held by 60 universities on February 12 – 22nd 2014. He added that it

would be 10 days of action, 15 sporting events, 6,000 officials, 20,000 sports men and women, 1,500 journalists, 600,000 spectators and supporters. The consultant hinted that Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, was an aluminus of NUGA as he was a footballer at University of Benin. He said Governor Fashola would be showcased to all students. He said “we want to engage youths in sports and also associate speaker with the name father of NUGA. He also revealed that NUGA members’ visit to the speaker Ikuforiji was to solicit support.

The chairman of house committee on education, Hon. Alawiye King, commended NUGA team for first visiting the Lagos House of Assembly. He observed that while some students forment trouble, NUGA members unite people through sports.

Sanitation Court Seals 17 Filling Stations SOKOTO - A mobile sanitation court in Sokoto has sealed 17 filling stations for flouting the state’s sanitation law.

The filling stations were operating during the period for the state’s monthly sanitation.

Reports state that the exercise holds from 7.00a.m. to 10.00a.m. every last Saturday of the month.

The sealed filling stations include those owned by major and independent petroleum marketers, as well as two mega stations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

Magistrate Shu’aibu Ahmed sentenced the owners of the filling stations to three months imprisonment each with an option of N10,000 fine.

Ahmed also sentenced owners of five shops sealed during the sanitation period to two months imprisonment each with an option of N2,000 fine.

Twenty-three motorists arrested for the same offence got three weeks jail term each with an option of N 2,000 fine.

The court also sentenced 61 motorcyclists to one week imprisonment with an option of N1,000 fine.

Ahmed warned and released many pedestrians arrested for flouting the sanitation law.

Retired Squadron Leader Aminu Bala, the Chairman of the state Task Force on

News Hon. Festus Ebea, Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (left), receiving an award of Excellence from Comrade Ogaegbe Benedict, Vice Chairman, Paliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Edo State Chapter as the Best South South Deputy Speaker during the association’s visit to the Deputy Speaker in his office recently.

PHOTO: Godwin Iseguan

Sanitation, Removal of Illegal Structures and Beautification of Sokoto City, warned owners of filling stations to obey the law.

“Offenders, including filling station operators, will, as from next month, be sentenced to harsher jail terms,’’ he said.

We are also issuing a onemonth ultimatum to owners of all residential and commercial premises to keep them clean or get prosecuted,” Bala said.

He, however, commended the residents of the state for their support and cooperation, urging them not to relent in their efforts.

Part of the propriies destroyed by the inferno which consumed the official residence of Hon. Festus Ebea, Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly at Legislators Quarters, Ihama, GRA, Benin City.

PHOTO: Godwin Iseguan

Kaduna To Establish Waste Recycling Firm - Gov. Yero S A B O N G A R I (KADUNA) - The Kaduna State Government is collaborating with some foreign and home-based companies to establish a waste recycling firm as part of efforts to create wealth.

Governor Muktar Yero gave the assurance while flagging off the state’s monthly environmental sanitation at PZ, Sabongari, Zaria.

Yero, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Kasimu Lawal, said that when established, the recycling plant would eliminate heaps of refuse from the streets.

“Negotiation to establish a waste recycling firm, in collaboration with some foreign and home-based companies, has reached an advanced stage.

“This company when actualised will, no doubt, assist in making our environment clean,” Yero

said.

The governor appealed to the state residents to support the government’s efforts in ensuring a conducive, habitable and disease-free environment.

Yero said that his administration had introduced daily cleaning of major roads in six additional local

government areas to enhance sanitation.

He also announced that the government had set up a committee to check building on waterways.

The Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Ahmad Abdu, said that the event was aimed at encouraging the

residents to clean their environments.

“I want to emphasise that every religion promotes neatness; no religion encourages a man to live in a dirty environment,” Abdu said.

He said that a mobile court had been put in place to prosecute violators of the

LAFIA - The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, said that the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway would be completed in June this year.

Umar said this in Lafia, when he inspected the level of work done so far on the project.

He said that the inspection was borne out of the desire to

have firsthand knowledge of the level of work and interact with the contractors handling the project.

Umar, who expressed satisfaction with the level of work, however, observed that environmental challenges such as erosion had slowed down the pace of work.

He commended Nasarawa State Government for complementing Federal

Government’s efforts on the project by constructing drainage facilities to check erosion in some segments of the rail line.

Umar urged other state governments to emulate their Nasarawa counterparts by providing necessary support towards the timely completion of the project.

“Although this is a Federal Government project but it

movement restriction order for the sanitation.

The permanent secretary said that the sanitation period would be from 7a.m. to 10a.m. every last Saturday of the month.

Alhaji Bashar Aminu, the Iyan Zazzau, urged leaders to set example by being committed to the exercise.

“Remember, you do not expect government to come and clean your house for you,” Aminu told the residents.

Rehabilitation of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway Ready In June, Says Minister

will be enjoyed by all.

“It will not be out of place for states and local government council to fast track its completion for the benefit of the people,” Umar said.

Reports state that the minister was accompanied on the inspection by the Managing Director of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade.

NDLEA Arrests Former Lawmaker In Adamawa YOLA - The Adamawa Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the arrest of an exlawmaker in possession of 81.9 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp).

Confirming the arrest to newsmen in Yola, the state NDLEA Commander, Alhaji Hassan Zungeru, said the suspect was charged to court.

“The suspect, a former lawmaker is being prosecuted at the Federal High Court Yola,” Zungeru said.

Zungeru said the former Assemblyman, who was in the state assembly in 1992, was arrested with the exhibit in Jada town.

“Following intelligence report of suspicious illicit activities by the exlawmaker, the agency after several months of monitoring, finally arrested him,” Zungeru said.

The commander commended the courts in Yola for their demonstration of professionalism in the acceleration and prosecution of drug suspects.

He mentioned shortage of personnel and patrol vehicles as the major challenges facing the agency in Adamawa.

The NDLEA has nine area offices in Adamawa.

NBC Approves Establishment Of Kogi TV LOKOJA The Commissioner for Information in Kogi, Alhaji Yabagi Bologi, yesterday said the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had issued license for the establishment of Kogi State Television.

Bologi said this while speaking with newsmen shortly after undertaking a facility tour of the Stateowned weekly newspaper, the Graphic, in Lokoja.

The commissioner said that the license issued by the NBC had a two-year life span within which the television station must be established and be on air.

He stated that the feasibility assessment had been carried out and cost implication of the project obtained from the NBC adding that the state Executive Council had also approved the project.

The commissioner gave the assurance that government would take necessary steps towards full execution of the project.

He noted that the establishment of the station would revolutionise the information sector in the state.

Abuja

Leaders Instigating Violence Hate North

BUJA - The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, says politicians instigating violence in the north do not love the region and its people.

Maku said this in Abuja when the leaders of the Goodluck/ Sambo National Organisation of Ulama Media Forum, paid him a solidarity visit in his office.

He said that those who are interested in the welfare of northerners and the development of the north would not incite violence that could destroy the region.

Maku urged the people of the region not to support such individuals, adding that they should cooperate with the government or groups that would attract development to the region.

“We are monitoring the commentaries of certain people; we are monitoring their comments, which are capable of causing disaffection among our people.

“These people, who are inciting violence in the north, do not like the north and I want to call on all northerners to expose them and reject them and all that they stand for,’’ he said.

Maku dismissed statements credited to some leaders of the north that President Jonathan did not like the north.

“Evidences available to all and verifiable facts, indicates that no president in the history of the country has done what President Jonathan has done for the region.’’

Citing agriculture, roads, education, railway and power as the high point of the administration’s achievements, he said that the region was the biggest beneficiary of the present administration’s dividends of democracy, The minister said that the negative campaigns against the administration were aimed at painting a false picture of the administration.

He said that in spite of the unwarranted attacks and unfair criticisms, the administration remained committed to taking the north to greater heights.

Maku said that genuine development of the region might not come from a northern president, adding “the emancipation of the north can come from a president from another region’’.

- Maku

“Every day we keep advising people that politics is not madness, it is not about religious bigotry; it is like a market.

“All these propaganda and the fight for political power are only retarding the north’s development efforts,’’ he said.

The minister called on politicians from the region, who are opposed to the present administration, to cooperate with Jonathan for the sake of national unity.

He pledged the ministry’s support for the realisation of organisation’s programmes, adding ‘no stone will be left untouched to actualise the goal of your organsiation’.

Earlier, the coordinator of the group, Ustaz Mohammed Sabiu, said the members were in the ministry to solicit the minister’s cooperation for its activities.

He said that the organisation was into advocacy and public enlightenment in the media and in places of worship, on the need for peace and tolerance.

Sabiu added that the

organisation, which has branches in 11 states across the country, was out to promote peace amongst people of diverse religious backgrounds He said that there was a lot of propaganda that the organisation needed to counter through the media in its areas of

reach.

Sabiu said that the present administration had done so much that needed to be publicised to the people of the region.

He said that the group would confront any obstacle to give the right information to people in the north and would not allow

Former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State (left), with Emeritus Professor of History, Prof. Jide Osuntokun at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola 2014 Memorial Lecture in Ogbomoso recently.

Workers: TUC Calls For Capacity Development ABUJA - The President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Mr Bobboi Kaigama, urged for constant capacity development for workers to increase their productivity and improve the fortune of Nigeria.

Kaigama spoke in Abuja at the Triennial Delegates’ Conference of the Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporation (SSACTAC).

The conference had the theme: ‘’Trade Union Movement in Partnership with Government on Human

Reconstruction of Herbert Macaulay Way by Sheraton Junction in Abuja recently.

Lawmakers Appraise INEC Timetable ABUJA – Senator Sunny Ugbuoji (PDP-Ebonyi), said the early release of the 2015 election timetable by INEC would provide ample opportunity for Nigerians to choose the right candidates.

Ugbuoji, in an interview with newsmen commended INEC for the renewed effort to ensure timely and smooth electioneering campaigns for prospective candidates to reach out to the electorate.

He, however, urged INEC to embark on massive voter enlightenment to educate Nigerians on the need to actively participate in the electoral process.

“It is very proactive and aims

to give people the opportunity to make up their minds on what they really want.

“Politicking and canvassing for support should go down properly so that people are truly convinced of who they want to vote for.

“The release of this timetable will make people to know the people they really want to choose.

“It should be followed up with political education because that is one thing that is lacking in the activities of INEC. “With adequate political education, people will really understand what is expected of

the electorate during election”, he said.

Senator Ehigie Uzamere (APC-Edo), welcomed the release of the timetable as it would allow for early preparations by the political parties.

“For the first time, I am sure the entire Nigerian people would be happy that the timetable came out a year before the elections.”

He added that the electorate and the political parties would have enough time to prepare for the elections.

“We (politicians) must be careful and remember that after

northerners to be misinformed again.

“We are not afraid to challenge anybody who will bring disunity in this country and who are misleading our youths, by making them to take up arms against innocent citizens and the government,’’

politics there must be life; politics is not a do-or-die affair.

“We all believe that politics is just a game and after that we remain friends, brothers and sisters; that is the only way we can protect this democracy.”

Sen. Ben Ayade (PDP-Cross River), expressed concerns over the February 14 date for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Ayade noted that holding the elections on February, 14, 2015 would not give room for litigation within the specified six months.

“The swearing in ceremony is supposed to be May 29, 2015; and with the election in

February, it does not even allow the six months for litigation.”

The lawmaker said that INEC should have waited for the amendment of the Electoral Act before releasing the time table.

“I think the Senate is trying to have the Electoral Act reviewed; the timetable couldn’t have come out before the amendment of the Act.” INEC released the 2015 timetable last Friday and fixed February 14, 2015 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

It also scheduled the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for February 28, 2015.

Capacity Building as a Strategy for National Transformation”.

The TUC president said that there was the need to build the capacities of all Nigerian workers to sharpen their skills and improve the society. ‘’The more workers know about their jobs, the more useful they are to employers and the society,’’ he said.

He said that capacity development of workers would make governance easier.

The labour leader added that human capacity development would discourage violence and improve security.

He said that the training of Niger Delta militants would help to secure the nation and facilitate its transformation.

A former TUC President, Mrs Peace Obiajulu, called on the Federal Government to discourage nepotism in employment. ‘’Government must not allow ``man-know-man’’ in employment; that is why youths are being used for kidnapping and political thuggery,” Obiajulu said.

She also urged that unemployment should be stopped so as to discourage violence.

Busines+Economy Osun Speaker Tasks Youths On Entrepreneurial Skills EJIGBO (OSUN) - The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, advised youths not to wait for scarce white collar jobs but to embrace entrepreneurial skills.

Salaam gave the advice while distributing welfare packages to Batch “A” National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun.

The speaker said the youths should look inward to discover what they could do to empower themselves rather than wait for scarce white collar jobs.

Salaam urged the corps members to start engaging themselves with vocational skills.

The speaker, who noted that the aim of establishing NYSC was to promote unity in the country, urged the corps members to learn and embrace the culture of their host communities.

Earlier, Mrs Mojisola Eboagwu, the State Coordinator, NYSC, commended the speaker for donating welfare packages to the corps members.

Eboagwu said the gesture had shown that the corps members were welcome in the state.

She called on other members of the assembly to emulate the speaker’s gesture.

Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, who delivered a paper titled “The Youth and the Challenge of 21st Century,” urged the corps members to embrace the value of self sacrifice.

Aremu also advised the corps members against being influenced by the “quick money” syndrome.

Reports say that mattresses, buckets and other welfare packages were distributed to the corps members at the occasion.

Wife of the Chairman, Kuje Area Council, Mrs. Hannatu Shaban (left), presenting gift to aged woman, Mrs. Saratu Shekwolo, during a party with Chairman, Widows and aged women in Kuje recently.

Micro Fund: CBN Earmarks N132bn Fund BAUCHI - The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said that N132 billion out of the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF) had been earmarked for women.

The CBN Branch Controller in Bauchi State, Malam Musa Muhammad, said this in Bauchi during a sensitisation workshop for state governments, financial institutions and the organised private sector on MSMED

Nigeria’s GDP To Grow By 7 Per Cent In 2014, Says UN Agency

ADDIS ABABA - The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has listed Nigeria among selected West African nations to witness a GDP growth of 6.9 per cent in the current fiscal year.

The ECA, in its annual World Economic Outlook, released in Addis Ababa projected that the African economy would grow by 4.7 per cent GDP in 2014.

It also said there would be a growth of 5.0 per cent in 2015.

The reports, presented to journalists by the ECA’s Chief Forecaster, Adam EiHiraikia, listed Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Burkina Faso among those economies.

They said there would be a growth from the 6.7 per cent in 2013 to 6.9 per cent in 2014.

“West Africa will continue to attract investment in the oil and minerals sector, a key source of growth in the subregion, especially in countries such as Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Burkina Faso.’’

The UN agency also said the GDP growth would, at that, be supported by improvement in global economic and regional business environment.

It also said high commodity prices and easing

infrastructure constraints, as well as increasing trade and investments from emerging economies, would help in this direction.

The agency said factors like medium-term growth prospects, increasing domestic demand from emerging class of new consumers associated with urbanisation and rising incomes would be responsible for the expected growth.

The report said inflation across Africa will decline slightly from the average 8.0 per cent in 2013 to 7.8 per cent in the current fiscal year.

It said fiscal deficit will

decline from 1.8 per cent of GDP in 2013 to 1.7 per cent in 2014.

The report, however, expressed concern that the record economic growth in the continent had not impacted positively on the African peoples.

It said poverty remained high and income remained low and cannot meet daily demands.

It called on governments to focus more on providing infrastructure and efforts to modernise their country’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for faster growth among the low income- earners

For Women

Fund.

Muhammad explained that the amount, which represented 60 per cent of the total fund, was earmarked for women considering the peculiar challenges women were facing in accessing financial services.

“The Revised Micro finance Policy, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework in section 4.2(IV), provides that women access to financial services should increase by 15 per cent annually in order to eliminate gender disparity.

“In order to achieve this, 60 per cent of the fund has been earmarked for providing financial services to women, ‘’he said.

The controller said that the MSMEDF, which was launched in August 2013, had broad

objective of channeling longterm, low-interest funds to the MSME sector of the economy through participating financial institutions.

He said that the specific objective was to reach over two million MSMEs over a 10-year period in which 60 per cent was targeted at women entrepreneurs.

“The CBN believes that developing the MSMEs is the key to economic advancement and wealth creation.

“To ensure a sustainable economic development programmes, policies and guidelines must be designed such that all factors and peculiar needs and requirements of stakeholders are noted and addressed, ‘’he said.

He said that the sensitisation

workshop had become necessary having recognised the importance of state governments as stakeholders in the administration of the fund due to their closeness to the grass roots.

“In view of that, the CBN has developed operational guidelines for the state government’s participating in the MSME development fund.

Muhammad further explained that the fund covers social development with 10 per cent and commercial development with 90 per cent.

He said that all state governments including the FCT shall access a maximum of N2 billion each for the maximum of three years per circle at 9 per cent interest rate.

According to him, the targeted groups include farmers, artisans, self help groups, cottage industries, financial cooperatives and traders.

Naira Appreciates Against Dollar At Official Market, BDCs LAGOS - The naira appreciated against the dollar at the official and parallel markets last Friday .

The naira was traded at N155.24 at the official market last Friday from N155.70 that obtained last week and N169 to the dollar at the Bureau De Change (BDCs) from N170.

The currency has been N170 to the dollar at the black market since last week.\

It, however, depreciated against the pound sterling at the official market, selling at N275 to the pound against N273 last week.

The naira also depreciated against the pound sterling at the BDCs, trading at N275 to the pound, a loss of N3 from the N272 it was offered at the BDCs last week.

The naira was also traded at N275 to the pound sterling at the black market also last Friday.

The congregation during the 2014 International Conference of the Christ Chosen Church of God International in Benin City.

Politics

Okpe Nation And The National Conference

“IT is because Nations tend to stupidity And baseness that mankind moves so slowly, It is because individuals have a capacity For better things, that it moves at all”.

George Gissing (1857-1903) Any individual or Nation that is tenebrously cocooned in the cesspit of communication blackout will metamorphose into a bathophilous organism forgotten by the march of civilization. Hence, the principles of debate, dialogue, verbal phosphorescence and confabulation are fundamentally crucial as indispensable elixir for nation building. Will the Okpe Nation use the National Conference as a pedestal to shout-out its long borne political socio-economic servitude and marginalization albatrosses in Delta State and Nigeria to the world?

The Okpe People arguably constitute the single largest dialectical amalgam amongst the Urhobo ethic group not as part of Urhobo collectivity, but as a dichomised people with a unique identity. In fact, the Okpe People are Urhobos with a slightly tilted dialect. They mainly occupy Sapele and Okpe Local Government Areas in Delta State.

In the light of the Berlin Conference of (1884-1885) that led to the arbitrary delimitation of Nigeria and Africa into puppet states and the 1914 Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates and their protean and multidimensional problems, the political engineering process of building a Nigeria where equity and justice reigns has led to many Conferences and Constitutional amendments dialogues.

We believe therefore, that the proposed National Conference should attract the submission of all interest groups in Nigeria and beyond. Hence, the Okpe Nation and its People should not be left out. We therefore make bold to submit these modalities and guidelines to the yet to be constituted “Okpe National Conference Advisory Body and Committee”.

1.

They should without slips of prolixity call for the creation of an ‘Urhobo State’ with Orerokpe/Osubi as headquarters. This will cardinally precipitate and attract all-embracing development to Urhobo land and to the Okpe Kingdom in particular.

2.

They should call for a 50% Derivation formula and the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) should be done with soldierly brevity.

3.

They must assert that the derivation allocation money should be paid to the exact villages, towns and areas where the oil is EXPLORED AND EXPLOITED from. This will forestall unnecessary diversions’ of Derivation

monies by State Governments and it will positively checkmate corruption and infrastructure deficit etc in the oil producing areas, especially in the Okpe Oil Producing Areas.

4.

They should advocate that in the National Conference there should be no- go areas.

This will allow for an open discussion of all issues bedeviling and befuddling the Okpe Nation and the Nigerian People.

5.

They should vociferously clamour for the creation of more Local Government Areas (L.G.A) in Okpe kingdom.

The current Sapele and Okpe Local Government Areas are a shortfall vis-a-vis our numerical superiority and land spans in Delta State. The Economic and Socio-political benefits are immeasurably colossal.

6.

They must call for all Oil Multinationals to relocate their Headquarters to their local areas of operation. This will positively impact all-embracing growth and development of the areas in which they operate. It will enhance youth employment and checkmate communal restiveness and underdevelopment.

7.

They must prevail in their memorandum to the Conference Committee to shun skullduggery and ventriloquisms by displaying a high sense of responsibility and concrete integrity through a factual sense and sincerity of purpose. The National dialogue is critically imperative, because Lord Frederick Lugard, the Colonial Governor General was called upon by Lord Harcourt in 1912 to fine tune the logistics for the Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates”. Which he perfected in 1914.

He said on page 100 of his book “The Dual Mandate in British Tropical Africa,” that “To administer such enormous territories as East Africa or Nigeria as single unit, decentralization is more than ever necessary”. He further said that “in the sphere of administration there are obviously many subjects – education, taxation, slavery and labour, native courts, land tenure and so on – in which uniformity and continuity of policy are impossible in so large a country” He concluded by saying that “in a country so vast, which included communities in all stages of developments and differing from each other profoundly in their customs and traditions, it was the declared policy of government that each unit should develop

on its own lines. This report hallmarks the impetrative of the devolution of power to the federating units as panacea to the schismatic and anarchical entropy of political topsyturvy”.

They must impress on the Advisory Conference

By CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE

question of security should be squarely addressed and an inter– religious dispute resolution body should be set-up. The equitable and fair distribution of Nigeria’s largesse will serve as catalyst to peace and security.

They must let the Advisory

Nationalities. Without adequate representation of the Okpe Nation and its’ People, the conference will be tantamount to a display of behemoth salmagundi, pusillanimous tergiversation, a nonsensical

• President Goodluck Jonathan Committee that “without equity and justice in Nigeria there can be no peace “. A situation where the Okpe People are crassly marginalized in political appointments, Headship of Boards, Commissionership and Ministerial appointments at Federal and State levels is unacceptable. We have no Federal and State Tertiary Institutions in terms of educational balance, no good roads, no light, no shelter, no viable and functional Medicare infrastructures, no jobs, and no industries etc They must make a powerful submission that some of our neighbors are fanning the embers of war by gross falsification of history to illegally encroach on Okpe territory and land. That settlers in Okpe land especially those in Sapele, Obotie, Ohorhe, etc have taken over our land and they now constitute an unnecessary irritants to the Okpe people in their own land.

They should impress on the Advisory Body that the total dominance of every sphere of life in Nigeria by the three major ethnic groups to the oppression and neglect of the over 250 ethnic nationalities does not augur well for democracy. The

Body know that this is ‘Project Nigeria’ and there should be no room for splendiferous theatricatization of sentiments, parochial self-serving actions and edacious interests. They should agree that the Advisory body is well constituted by the injection of technocrats. But should insist that representation in the conference proper should be along “GEO- POLITICAL ZONES” and intertwined with special Professional Bodies. It is therefore, the duty of the people at that level to pick out and make their choicest hands from their greatest and brave minds adequately briefed by the people from the grassroots which they will go and represent.

The final Reports/ Recommendations/Outcomes/ Submissions of the Conference Committee proper should be subjected to a REFERENDUM and the Referendum findings handed over to congress to be infused into the constitution after due legal vetting and then made part of “A New People’s Constitution.”

They must strive to ensure that the Okpe people are well and adequately represented in the final ‘Body of People’ that will represent the various GeoPolitical Zones/Urhobo ethnic

Barmecidal–dish and legerdemain political placebo to the Okpe Nation. Our adequate representation by formidable Okpe sons and daughters of sound mental virtuosity is stupendously crucial.

They must set-up the Okpe Advisory Committee on the National Conference immediately to enable them start consultations in earnest. It must be noted that it is not a forum for corrupt politicians and long standing ne’er do wells that are part of the Okpe problem, but that of ‘human ideas’ dynamo and patriotic Okpe people. The essayist Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his book “The ladder of saint Augustine” posited that “the heights by great men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night”.

The Okpe Nation must toil all night to be heard in the apt National Conference. It is once in a life time opportunity for the Okpe People and we must go at it with every muscle and weapon at our disposal. Adam Smith in his book “The Wealth of Nations” asserts that “No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of

which the far greater part of its members are poor and miserable” the Okpe Nation and its people have been dungeoned in the cesspit of poverty, marginalization, wicked neglect at state and national levels. This is our unique chance to be heard.

We hope the National Conference will not be inconclusive as well as ending unceremoniously.

The conference will offer us an opportunity to renegotiate Nigeria according to the will of the people in terms of rights, accruals and priviledges as Nigerians that will cordially help in assuaging interreligious, ethic-strifes, maximal distrust and parochial mistrust.

The conference must address the question of intolerance among religious/ ethnic groups, especially Christians and Muslims. It must guarantee the rights of every Okpe man and may Nigerian to live or settle in any part of the country he or she chooses.

Reference to any Okpe person as a settler or non-indigene must be actionable in law court. It is really a shame that Nigerian citizens are still considered to be strangers in their own land even after settling there for over a century.

The Okpe delegates to the conference must vociferously assert that true federalism, human rights enforcement, building strong institutions, enforcement of the rule of law and the issue of Okpe marginalization must be checkmated hook, lime and sinker. Before the Civil war (1967-1970) Nigeria functioned as a true federal country in which all the regions [Northern, Eastern, Western and Mid-West] operated a semi-autochonous system of government which allowed for the regions to have or establish their own police forces, controlled their judicial system and build their own prisons without federal assistance. The Unitary system forced on us by the military dismembered our Federal structures and their influences still subsist on all its ramifications till today.

Finally, let the Okpe Nation show and display sufficient diplomacy, wisdom and perspicuity in dealing with the National dialogue matter because of its importance to us.

The Philosopher ‘CONFUCIUS’ said: “For one word, a man is often deemed to be wise, and for one word he is often deemed to be foolish. We should be careful of what we say”. But, if after so much efforts President Goodluck Jonathan and his team decides to make a political mockery of the Okpe people and nay Nigerians he will be told by Nigerians that “You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time”.

NIGERIA is blessed with abundant human and natural resources which nature has endowed her with. The country’s climatic conditions favour wide variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of wheat. Additionally, Nigeria is the most populous country in the Continent of Africa, with abundant economic resources, which, when properly harnessed, may enable the country to achieve the status of a rich and developed nation.

ALTHOUGH its industrial sector is underdeveloped due, in part, to inadequate capital for investment and lack of technological knowhow, yet the country has prominent industrial concerns such as giant oil industry, iron and steel complexes, steel rolling mills, pharmaceutical companies, food processing Industries, car assembly plants and so on. Although most of these Industrial concerns are not functioning optimally and many of them depend on imported inputs, they can serve as a basis for industrial take-off, if we put our acts together this New Year 2014.

HOWEVER, despite Nigeria’s extensive landmass, growing population, agricultural and industrial potentials, the country remains economically backward, indeed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had at a time classified Nigeria as a heavily indebted country with difficulties in meeting debts servicing obligations; Certainly, these attributes are a minus in our national drive towards socio-economic and political development.

THERE are divergent opinions on the relationship between effective leadership and the economic organization of Nigeria, and how to expand the productive base of the country.

Literally, economics is the distribution of scarce resources for optimum development of a society.

Thus, successive governments had pursued vigorously, policies that will strengthen economic growth and development in Nigeria. But despite the economic efforts of past and present governments, Nigeria is yet to achieve basic economic aspirations.

LITERATURES on the Nigerian economy have cited leadership problems as a major cause of the

THE NIGERIAN

Leadership And Nigerian Economy country’s inability to effectively mobilize her resources. Critics have shown quite clearly effective leadership is a great obstacle to development in Nigeria. Leadership problem has hampered the country’s progress in the political, economic, military and socio-cultural sectors. Poor leadership lies at the root of our continuing social, moral, economic and political crises. Practically, all our misfortunes in Nigeria have been due to poor leadership. It seems, therefore, that the Nigerian leadership structure determined to place the blame for the unstable situation the frustration and difficulties confronting them on their leaders.

THUS, in contemporary Nigeria, we have observed and rightly too, that there is a great yearning for the total transformation of the process of producing appropriate leadership. This yearning, which grows more urgent by the day, is both legitimate and understandable. After decades of hopes raised and hopes dashed, it should not be surprising that Nigerians are wary and weary.

HAVING gone through decades in which their faith in their national leadership have been abused and affronted, Nigerians impatience with their leaders and almost total distrust of government functionaries can no longer, be-dismissed as mere cynicism.

AT independence, expectations throughout Nigeria were high and the possibilities for greatness were almost limitless. Considering her vast resources, the country appeared set for good attainments, and fulfills what the international community saw as her destiny to lead the black race into the main stream human and technological civilisation.

REGRETABLY, the Nigerian economy has hit an all

time low. There is massive under utilization of resources. What is more painful is that our industrial sub-sector is not producing at full capacity. Despite being blessed materially and humanly, our cost of production remains high with growing unemployment. Also only crude oil is being seriously tapped, and production was negatively affected by the Niger-Delta crisis, thanks to the amnesty programme which has largely restored the oil sector. Our concern here is that outside oil, resource mobilization efforts are rather disappointing. In our estimation, if the attention given to crude oil had been extended to other minerals and the agricultural sector, definitely.

Nigeria would have attained desirable and sustainable development.

THERE is no doubt that Nigeria is richly endowed. The country has all It takes to become a super power. Somehow, our major problem is the leadership question, which has inevitably impaired our ability to mobilise our resources. However; we believe that our system of government has contributed to this poor leadership problem. Our political structure especially the adoption of a warped federalism has combined effectively to deprive Nigeria of a sound process of getting the right leadership Even democracy which is expected to produce effective leaders is now, a major political problem in Nigeria. WE believe that problems such as corruption, and inter-ethnic wars and suspicion, which have contributed a lot to the failure of leadership, can be adequately tackled, particularly as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has braced up to the problem in recent times.

AT independence in 1960, the international community amazed at the economic potentials of Nigeria, was quite certain that if our resources were appropriately managed, Nigeria would one day become the giant of Africa. Unfortunately, due to the failure of our leadership to strategically mobillise our resources for political, socio-economic and cultural advancement of our nation and people, Nigeria is yet to make appreciable gains in development, worsened by a very poor infrastructure base.

World History

The Maxi-Soviet Pact THE Soviet-German treaty was signed on 23rd August 1939, but to this day the strong feelings it aroused have not calmed down.

After the Munich agreement had been signed on 30 September 1938, political events in Europe developed along two different lines. On 15 March, 1939 German forces occupied BohemiaMoravia. A week later Germany seized the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda and the next day Hitler imposed a shackling economic agreement upon Rumania. On the 21 in March the German government demanded that Poland hand over Danzig and shortly afterwards repudiated their pact of non- aggression with Poland. In April Germany’s crony Italy took advantage of Albania.

On account of that the appetite of the Nazis was growing, aggressive deeds were being committed one after another, and the danger of war in Europe was becoming more and more evident.

On the other hand Great Britain and France continued to follow their policy of appeasing the

aggressor, which had culminated in the Munich agreement with Hitler and Mussolini. After some time, great Britain and France agreed to begin negotiations with the Soviet Union for joint resistance to Hitler’s aggression.

Later Great Britain repeated her proposal, with the aim of binding the USSR to go immediately to the aid of Poland and Romania if Hitler should decide to attack these countries, and also in case Hitler were to turn westward. But the British government did not want to give similar guarantees against possible German attacks on Latvia, Estonia, or Finland, although from the point of view of the USSR attacks on the Baltic countries would represent no loss danger than attacks on Rumania or Poland.

The decoy was that the leaders of the British and French foreign policy became clear. They wished to make sure of soviet said in the event of attacks by Germany on those countries in which Great Britain and France were interested but they had no intention of undertaking similar obligations towards

THE war crisis of 1939 began on 2 August, with the announcement that Ribbentrop, German foreign minister, had been invited to Moscow by the soviet government.

The pact was neither an alliance nor a partition agreement. The soviet government merely promised to stay neutral which is what the poles had always asked them to do, and in addition they set a

limit to German expansion.

On 23 August, Hitler went a step further. He moved forward the attack on Poland fixed for 1 September, to 4:40 am on 26 August. This too was play acting. The German preparations could not be complete before 1 September. Attack on Poland before then was possible only if she had already surrendered. Thus Hitler counted confidently

By IKHUENBOR O. VIKRAN the USSR. The USSR put forward counters proposals for the formation of a powerful coalition capable of resisting any aggression by Germany. For three weeks the British government left these soviet proposals unanswered. It then tabled, it own strategy, which again provided only for soviet guarantees to

Poland and Rumania.

The Anglo-French plan was t direct Germany’s attention towards the east and involve Hitler in conflict with the Soviet Union. The USSR was faced with the immediate danger of finding herself facing Hitler on her own.

This brought about a discordant tone of alliance between herself and the

soviet Japanese.

In these circumstances the USSR was confronted with the prospect of a war on two fronts, without any allies. To ensure the country’s security the soviet government accepted the German proposals. On 22 August 1939 Ribbentrop arrived in Moscow, and on the 23rd the soviet-German treaty of non-aggression was signed.

Contrary to public opinion, socialism and fascism unequivocally merged.

It was however clear to every one, including the

USSR, that the treaty meant only a temporary postponement that sooner or later Hitler would proceed to carry out his programme of struggle against communism and the USSR. When the USSR signed the treaty with Germany the soviet government undertook the task of using the time thus gained to carry through the political and military measures needed in order to ensure the country’s security and strengthen its capacity for defense.

The Storm Breaks

on the collapse of the western powers. The British never wanted to look like weak leaves, so decided to be obstinate as she continued the alliance without the Soviet Union.

The British ministers wanted to give way secretly.

Chamberlain made several arrangements through

leaders to pacify Hitler but his heart remained as hard as steel. Hitler went on to attack Poland.

Surprisingly, Ribbentrop reported that the Anglo-polish treaty had been formally signed in London.

Hitler pulled back immediately. He summoned Keitel, the chief of staff, and said ‘stop everything at

“After Hitler’s long diplomatic walk with the world powers; the British ultimatum was delivered in Berlin at 9am on 3 September. The German government made no reply and the ultimatum expire at 11: am.

The French trailed after their ally and declared war at 5pm. The Second World War had begun.”

once. I need time for negotiations! All that Hitler earnestly wanted was Danzig.

After Hitler’s long diplomatic walk with the world powers; the British ultimatum was delivered in Berlin at 9am on 3 September. The German government made no reply and the ultimatum expire at 11: am. The French trailed after their ally and declared war at 5pm. The Second World War had begun.

There was much talk later about a crusade ‘against fascism. Infact most countries were pushed into war. The poles had no choice. The French were dragged along by the British.

Russians and Americans, mighty boasters both,

waited- supinely until Hitler chose to attack them. Only the British people and their dominions went to war of their own free will. They were not concerned about fascism. They did not even save Poland. They went to war out of national pride and for the sake of national honor. Ultimately they brought Hitler down, and this was something to be proud of.

Conclusively, the Second World War was the decisive act of Hitler’s regime. The total strength and the true nature of Nazism only came out fully in war, but so did its great weakness its fanatical egocentricity, which was eventually to bring about its destruction.

Viewpoint

Vision 20:20:20: Fact Of Fiction?

“BY 2020 Nigeria will be one of the 20 largest economies in the world, able to consolidate its leadership role in Africa and establish itself as a significant player in the global economic and political arena” with the situation of the country, this vision seems like a mirage.

Sometime in 2008, the economy of Nigeria was booming, the stock market, insurance companies and financial institutions were all reporting big profit maximization and investments of private individuals and firms were fast recouped in a little short time. The foreign investors who made up a large portion of the Nigeria stock market took their money to make quicker and larger profit from oil in the international market.

No one saw it coming.

Then reports were based on speculation. It is a pity that as big as Nigeria is, it has no solid data house that can allow statisticians and experts to come together to digest events that happened in the past, the ones happening now, so as to be able to know what our fate will be tomorrow.

As it stands, there is no transparency view or clear view of what vision 2020 is focused on, we lay emphasis on employment, power, education, road, structure development, improved standard of living and many more.

We cannot do everything at a time, the wrong foundation the government has made concerning this project is bringing all the problems together.

The question is, with the inadequate

infrastructure, high unemployment rate, poor research for innovation, is it possible for Nigeria to achieve vision 2020? I am certain that with the growth rate in the economy since 2009 that the project by Nigeria to be counted among the top 20 developed economies in the world by 2020 may not come to pass or be realised as regards the poor state of the power sector and other factors fighting against rapid economic transformation.

Although in 2009 we were number 44, then in 2011 we progressed to number 36, it was really a progress but now the situation is becoming critical the corrupt nature of those in government who are there to satisfy themselves and not poverty rate. It will take a retrace in step to achieve this vision 2020, if not it will just end up being a shattered dream.

The population of Nigeria is over160 million people and these has being battle to increase power supply beyond the 4,000 megawatts mark in the past 14 years. Our roads are drilled with pot holes and even the country’s attitude to the development of its human capital, I ask again is vision 20:2020 a fact or a fiction?.

Nigeria is talking about overtaking countries like Indonesia in 2020 when the educational standard is shaking and unstable, when ASUU strike is now a festival in the country and ethnic and religious distrust has eaten us up. Even the health sector, it is only two states among thirtysix that have community

By ADIO CHRISTABEL RONKE health insurance policy that takes care of the poor. Our women and girls are victims of mortalities this is suffered by large number of female every year.

Nigeria’s vision should be focused on development of its

laws, to improve our standards, where we don’t need to bribe our way or receive bribes.

According to the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, vision 20:2020 remains a pipe dream. The failure of vision 20:2020 will

President Goodluck Jonathan

people because if the country is not well developed and the citizens are suffering, then the economic growth in the country will keep reducing at a fast rate. Nigeria should be built to be of good moral and an ethical society where things are done without breaking

not be suprising as it identified a major problem in Nigeria’s quest for development without proffering a practical solution to it.

Amongst a host of d e b i l i t a t i n g impediments to Nigeria’s growth and competitiveness, one issue rests at the very

root. A resource exploitation allocation and consumption pattern that is unstainable. To achieve vision 20:2020 aspirations, Nigeria will reverse the above situation. A mode of fiscal decentralization that rewards economic performance at the subnational level will be diligently pursued and a

West African sub region.

Given the country’s considerable resources endowment and coastal location, there is potential strong growth.

Yet Nigeria has realized very little of this potential. Previous efforts at planning and visioning were not sustained. The history of economic stagnation,

Finance Minister Ngozi Iweala

form of development that ensures the economic viability and prosperity of each geopolitical region of Nigeria will be underpinning the thrust of vision 20:2020.

Though Nigeria’s economic potential is well recognized. It is the biggest economy in the

declining welfare and social instability has u n d e r m i n e d development for most of the past 30 years.

Our banks are obviously trying but my observation with most of our flourishing banks is that they lend out money made in Nigeria to our Continued on pg. 15

“By 2020 Nigeria will be one of the 20 largest economies in the world, able to consolidate its leadership role in Africa and establish itself as a significant player in the global economic and political arena with the situation of the country, this vision seems like a mirage.”

Viewpoint

Continuedfrompg.14

Indian and Lebanese foreign investors who enter this country with just brief cases and are not ready to fix any single structure of their own on our land. They borrow money from banks and begin a service or sales firm on rented offices, use the money borrowed from Nigerians to import goods and sell back to us and make fortune out of us and we all celebrate them as our foreign investors. When there is a little crisis in the economy they dust their brief cases, abandon their rented offices and fill their pockets with profits made from Nigerians and go their way without giving a

second thought on how to make economy better.

No commitment.

In order to move Nigeria to the right development track, several political issues have to be resolved.

Economics does not operate in a vacuum and as such the brightest economists or d e v e l o p m e n t technocrats will only achieve little in the current Nigerian make up. The solution could either be a civilian dictatorship where a leader can swiftly amend constitutional defects which impede development by decrees, but a return to dictatorship does not sound attractive especially if one

...Fact Of Fiction?

witnessed the era of military.

The other option is the democratic option where a political party formulates a comprehensive development plan, win elections with enough margins in the 36 states of the federation and the National Assembly to effect constitutional changes seamlessly.

The naira should be drastically devalued along with interest rates forcefully brought to a single digit so as to ensure that locally made goods begin to be cheaper than the imported ones. This long over due naira devaluation should be

forced on the makes of monetary policy seem determined in their narrow pursuit of neoliberal fight monetary policies that by keeping the naira high overvalued, our real sector firms are priced out of business since an excessively valued naira coupled with high interest rate regime only makes foreign made goods cheaper.

States should come up with their own version of the vision 2020 state plans to become the number one state economy in Nigeria by 2020, it should be encouraged by insisting that going forward, all

Pains Of Investigative Journalism

By ADIESE NGOZICHUKWUKA

THE press has a responsibility to the public to inform, educate and enlighten them. However, investigative journalism creates a platform in which reporters deeply investigate a topic or interest often related to crime, scandal government corruption etc. It will not be discharging it’s duty if it ignored matters of public consequences simply because they are unpleasant. But care must be taken not to temper with the freedom of life by creating hatered, glorifying or rewarding crime.

The press has a right and indeed the duty to investigate, to find out the truth and comment on matters of national interest and security. But it is irreprehensible for it to publish falsehood damaging innuendoes assumptions and speculation. To do this will seriously lower the standard of a responsible press and its estimation in the eyes or the public.

Harold Macmillian a former British Prime Minister is on the record as having said that the advantage of a free press far out weighs any of its disadvantages but as with every right, there is a corresponding obligation “men in public life, he says, “must expect to suffer some wounded blows but they have the right to expect that while they might be wounded, they should not be hounded The will of freedom of information act arouse because of the need for greater public (particularly the press) access to information. The Bill was therefore enacted into law in 2011 to serve the following core purposes as contained in the preface to the act that will provide unhindered public access to public records and or information, protect public records and information to the extent consistent with national interest, protect individual right to privacy, protect serving public officers from adverse consequence for disclosing certain official information establish procedures for the achievement of those purposes and purposes therefore. This clearly shows that the essence or the act is to limit to a considerable extent the impediments and sufficiently enhance access to the

government information in the interest of the public. In a nutshell, the act is meant to encourage individuals including journalists greater freedom to receive, hold and disseminate certain information that could hitherto pass for official secret without hindrance and or encumbrance.

Because or investigative journalism, so many journalists (investigative journalists) have been killed, so many of them injured due to beatings. Beating/killing of journalists is another

Late Dele Giwa extralegal means or controlling journalists in most nations or the world including Nigeria. Whether under the military regime or civilian administration, beating or man handling as well as harassing journalists and other media workers have remained a common feature of journalism practice.

Dele Giwa’s case is a good example of an investigative journalist (one of Nigeria’s finest investigative reporter) who

the states should be in a position to finance their recurrent spending with internally generated revenues while deploying federally allocated revenues into developing the infrastructure that should make them emerge the first among the 36 states of the federation.

As we clamour the change being among the top 20 world best economy and trying to achieve the vision 2020, it is very vital that we make sure the machineries are put in place. The issue of power should not only form the major part of the vision 2020 and economy stability power

should be engineered towards achieving the vision. Therefore power stability should be a prevision 2020 project and as well form part of it for maintenance and improvement. If actually we want to attract foreign investors that will mainly be production oriented and transform our economy from consumption to production oriented and create various jobs, power is inevitable.

We believe in ourselves, we can make things work in this country. If Japan could do it, if China could do it. Nigeria can do it. Yes we can. God Bless Nigeria.

was murdered while carrying out an investigative report, and nothing has been done about it. Till date no body knows who Dele Giwa’s murderers are. No one wants to investigate because they do not want to lose their live like Dele Giwa. It even goes as far as the razing and demolition of media houses.

Another good example is the circulation department of Guardian newspaper razed by fire on the 16th December, 1995 for commenting against the alleged plot by late General Sani Abacha to transmute himself from military head of state to civilian President and nothing has been done about it. This acts now brought to the down fall of investigative journalism in Nigeria. We have good investigative journalists in Nigeria, but are all afraid that they will lose their lives in the process of investigating reports or one thing might lead to another.

Investigative journalism should be given a chance in Nigeria, because in other countries, for example in Ghana, they practice investigative journalism and one won’t hear that any journalist that goes to this field lost his/her lives while carrying out his/ her duties instead, they are being awarded and recognized by their government.

Investigative journalist is almost dead in Nigeria and it will really take time to come back to life. There are laws guiding investigative journalist, but there is no law to protect the lives of investigating reporters or journalists Nigeria.

“The press has a right and indeed the duty to investigate, to find out the truth and comment on matters of national interest and security.

But it is irreprehensible for it to publish falsehood damaging innuendoes assumptions and speculation. To do this will seriously lower the standard of a responsible press and its estimation in the eyes or the public.

Footprints

JESUS Christ, the central character of the Christian religion, was born in Bethlehem of Judea.

Christians traditionally regard Jesus as the incarnate Son of God, and as having been divinely conceived by Mary, the wife of Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth.

The name Jesus is derived from a Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Joshua, or in full Yehoshuah (Yahweh is deliverance).

The title Christ is derived from the Greek christos, a translation of the Hebrew mashiakh (anointed one), or Messiah. “Christ” was used by Jesus’ early followers, who regarded him as the promised deliverer of Israel and later was made part of Jesus’ proper name by the church, which regards him as the redeemer of all humanity.

The principal sources of information concerning Jesus’ life are the Gospels, written in the latter half of the 1st century as the generation that had known Jesus firsthand began to die. The Epistles of Saint Paul and the Acts of the Apostles also contain information about Jesus.

The scantiness of additional source material and the theological nature of biblical records caused some 19th-century biblical scholars to doubt his historical existence.

Others, interpreting the available sources in a variety of ways, produced biographies of Jesus in which his life was purged of all supernatural elements. Today, scholars generally agree that Jesus was a historical figure whose existence is authenticated both by Christian writers and by

several Roman and Jewish historians.

Two of the Gospels, those of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke, provide information about Jesus’ birth and childhood. They also provide genealogies tracing Jesus’ descent through the Hebrew patriarch Abraham and the 10th Century B C king David (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38).

Presumably, the genealogies are offered as proof of Jesus’ “Messiahship”.

According to Matthew (1:18-25) and Luke (1:12:20), Jesus was miraculously conceived by his mother. He was born in Bethlehem, where Joseph and Mary had gone to comply with the Roman edict of enrollment for the census.

Matthew alone (2:13-23) describes the flight into Egypt, when Joseph and Mary took the child out of reach of the Judean king Herod the Great.

Only Luke relates the compliance of Joseph and Mary with the Jewish law, which required circumcision and presentation of the firstborn son at the Temple in Jerusalem (2:21-24). Luke also describes their later journey (2:41-51) with the young Jesus to the Temple for the Passover feast. The Gospels mention nothing concerning Jesus from the time he was 12 years old until the time he began his public ministry, about 18 years later.

All three Synoptic Gospels (the first three Gospels, so called because they present a similar overall view of the life of Christ) record Jesus’ public

Knowing Jesu

ministry as beginning after the imprisonment of John the Baptist, and as lasting for about one year (See also the Gospel According to Mark). The Gospel According to John describes it as beginning with the choosing of his first disciples (1:40-51), and as lasting for perhaps three years.

The account of the public ministry and immediately preceding events is generally the same in the Synoptic Gospels. Each describes the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River

by John the Baptizer. Each reports that after the baptism Jesus retired to the neighboring wilderness for a 40-day period of fasting and meditation. All three synoptic chroniclers mention that in this period, which some biblical scholars view as a time of ritual preparation, the devil, or Satan, tried to tempt Jesus. Matthew (4:3-9) and Luke (4:3-12) add descriptions of the temptations to which Jesus was subjected.

After Jesus’ baptism and retirement in the wilderness, he returned to Galilee, visited his home in Nazareth (Luke 4:1630), where his fellow Nazarenes objected to him, and then moved to Capernaum and began teaching there. About this time, according to the synoptists, Jesus called his first disciples, “Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother” (Matthew 4:18) and “James the son of Zebedee

and John his brother” (Matthew 4:21). Later, as his followers increased in number, Jesus selected 12 disciples to work with him.

Using Capernaum as a base, Jesus, accompanied by his 12 chosen disciples, traveled to neighboring towns and villages, proclaiming the advent of the kingdom of God, as had many of the Hebrew prophets before him. When the sick and infirm asked help from him, he sought to heal them by divine power. He stressed the infinite love of God for the humble and weak, and he promised pardon and eternal life in heaven to the most hardened sinners, provided their repentance was sincere. The essence of these teachings is presented in Matthew 5:17:27, in the Sermon on the Mount, containing the Beatitudes (5:3-12) and the Lord’s Prayer (6:9-13).

Jesus’ emphasis on moral sincerity rather than strict adherence to religious ritual incurred the enmity of the Pharisees, who feared that his teachings might lead to disregard for the authority of the Law, or Torah. Others feared that Jesus’ activities and followers might prejudice the Roman authorities against any restoration of the Davidic monarchy.

Despite this growing opposition, Jesus’ popularity increased, especially among social outcasts and the oppressed. Eventually, the enthusiasm of his followers led them to make an attempt to “take him by force, to make him king” (John 6:15). Jesus,

however, frustrated this attempt, withdrawing with his disciples by ship over the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) to Capernaum (John 6:1521). In Capernaum, he delivered a discourse in which he proclaimed himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35).

This discourse, emphasizing spiritual communion with God, bewildered many in his audience. They thought the discourse a “hard saying” (John 6:60), and thereupon they “drew back and no longer went about with him” (John 6:66).

Jesus then divided his time between travels to cities in and outside the province of Galilee and periods of retreat with his disciples in Bethany (Mark 11:11-12) and Ephraim (John 11:54), two villages near Jerusalem. The synoptists generally agree that Jesus spent most of his time in Galilee, but John centers Jesus’ public ministry in the province of Judea, reporting that Jesus made numerous visits to Jerusalem. According to John, his discourses and the miracles he performed at this time—particularly the raising of Lazarus in Bethany (John 11:1-44)— made many people believe in him (John 11:45).

The most significant moment in Jesus’ public ministry, however, was Simon Peter’s realization at Caesarea Philippi that Jesus was the Christ

“After Jesus’ baptism and retirement in the wilderness, he returned to Galilee, visited his home in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30), where his fellow Nazarenes objected to him, and then moved to Capernaum and began teaching there. About this time, according to the synoptists, Jesus called his first disciples, “Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother” (Matthew 4:18) and “James the son of Zebedee and John his brother” (Matthew 4:21). Later, as his followers increased in number, Jesus selected 12 disciples to work with him.”

B

(Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20), although, according to the synoptic Gospels, Jesus had not previously revealed this to Peter or the other disciples. This revelation, and the subsequent prediction by Jesus of his death and resurrection, the conditions of discipleship that he laid down, and his transfiguration (at which time a voice from heaven was heard proclaiming Jesus to be the Son of God, thus confirming the revelation) are the primary authority for the claims and historical work of the Christian church.

(Explicit

auth recor 19.)

On Jesu Jerus (John trips than the divid into a Jud one after Jude the Pass Jeru met who enthu Mon

Footprints

us The Christ

By OBUSEH JUDE

horization by Jesus is rded in Matthew 16:17-

n the approach of Passover, us traveled toward salem for the last time. n mentions numerous to Jerusalem and more one Passover, whereas synoptists roughly de the public ministry a Galilean section and dean section and record Passover, which came r Jesus left Galilee for ea and Jerusalem.) On Sunday before the sover, Jesus entered salem, where he was by crowds of people o acclaimed him usiastically. There (on nday and Tuesday,

according to the synoptists), he drove from the Temple the traders and moneychangers who, by long-established custom, had been allowed to transact business in the outer court (Mark 11:1519), and he disputed with the chief priests, the scribes, the Pharisees, and

the Sadducees questions about his authority, tribute to Caesar, and the resurrection. On Tuesday, Jesus also revealed to his disciples the signs that would usher in his Parousia, or second coming.

On Wednesday, while Jesus was in Bethany, a woman anointed his head with a costly ointment. Jesus interpreted this act as a symbolic preparation for his burial (Matthew 26:613; Mark 14:3-9).

Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, the priests and scribes, concerned that Jesus’ activities would turn the Romans against them and the Jewish people (John 11:48), conspired with Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, to arrest and kill Jesus by stealth, “for they feared the people” (Luke 22:2). John 11:47-53 places the conspiracy before Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On Thursday, Jesus ate the Passover supper with his disciples and during the meal referred to his imminent betrayal and death as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. In blessing the unleavened bread and wine during the Passover services, he called the bread his body and the wine his “blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:27), and he bid the disciples partake of each. This ritual, the Eucharist, has been repeated by Christians ever since and has become the central act of worship

in the Christian church.

After the meal Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives, where, according to Matthew (26:30-32) and Mark (14:26-28), Jesus predicted his resurrection.

Knowing then that the hour of his death was near, Jesus retired to the Garden of Gethsemane, where, “being in agony” (Luke 22:44), he meditated and prayed. A crowd sent by the religious authorities, and led by Judas Iscariot, arrested him in Gethsemane.

According to John (18:1324), Jesus was brought after his arrest to Annas, the father-in-law of the high priest Caiaphas, for a preliminary examination.

The synoptists make no mention of this incident: They report only that Jesus was taken to a meeting of the supreme council of the Jews, the Sanhedrin. At the council meeting, Caiaphas asked Jesus to declare whether he was “the Christ, the Son of God” (Matthew 26:63). Upon his affirmation (Mark 14:62), the council condemned Jesus to death for blasphemy. Only the Roman procurator, however, was empowered to impose capital punishment, and so, on Friday morning, Jesus was taken before the procurator, Pontius Pilate, for sentencing. Before pronouncing judgment, Pilate asked him if he was the king of the Jews, and Jesus replied, “You have said so” (Mark 15:2).

Thereafter, Pilate tried

several expedients to save Jesus before ultimately leaving the decision to the crowd that gathered. When the crowd insisted on his death, Pilate ordered him executed (Matthew 27:24). (Pilate’s role in the death of Jesus continues to be debated by historians.

The early church tended to place a majority of the blame on the Jews and to deal less harshly with Pilate.)

Jesus was taken to Golgotha and executed by crucifixion, the Roman punishment for political offenders and criminals.

Two robbers were crucified also, one on each side of him. On the cross, above Jesus’ head, “they put the charge against him, which read ‘This is Jesus the King of the Jews’” (Matthew 27:37). Late in the day, his body was taken down, and because of the approach of the Sabbath, when burial was not permitted, it was hastily laid in a nearby tomb by Joseph of Arimathea.

(John 19:39-42 relates that Joseph was assisted by Nicodemus.)

Early on the following Sunday, “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James” (Mark 16:1), going to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body for burial, found the tomb empty. (Matthew 28:2 reports that an angel appeared after an earthquake and rolled back the stone.) Inside the tomb, “a young man” (Mark 16:5) clothed in white announced to them that Jesus had risen. (This news is announced by the angel in Matthew 28:5-6 and by two men “in dazzling apparel” in Luke 24:4.

According to John 21:1118, Mary Magdalene saw

two angels and then the risen Christ.) Later on the same day, according to Luke, John, and Mark, Jesus appeared to the women and to other of the disciples at various locations in and around Jerusalem. Most of the disciples did not doubt that they had again seen and heard the master they had known and followed during the time of his ministry in Galilee and Judea. A few disciples, however, doubted it at first (Matthew 28:17).

Thomas, who had not been present at these first appearances, also doubted that Jesus had risen (John 20:24-29). As recorded in the New Testament, the Resurrection became one of the most compelling doctrines of Christianity, because, according to this doctrine, by rising from the dead, Jesus gave humanity hope of a life after death.

All the Gospels add that, for a brief time after his resurrection, Jesus further instructed his disciples in matters pertaining to the kingdom of God. He also commissioned them to “Go ... and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Finally, according to Luke (24:5051), at Bethany Jesus was seen to ascend into the heavens by his disciples.

Acts 1:2-12 reports that the ascension occurred 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection.

The doctrines that Jesus expounded and those concerning him were subsequently developed into the principal tenets of Christian theology.

“Early on the following Sunday, “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James” (Mark 16:1), going to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body for burial, found the tomb empty. (Matthew 28:2 reports that an angel appeared after an earthquake and rolled back the stone.) Inside the tomb, “a young man” (Mark 16:5) clothed in white announced to them that Jesus had risen. (This news is announced by the angel in Matthew 28:5-6 and by two men “in dazzling apparel” in Luke 24:4.”

Issues Medical Practitioners, NGOs And Booming “baby Factories” In South East BY all accounts, human trafficking is a concealed form of modern-day slavery which has become a matter of great concern across the world.

Observers note that the illicit trade in persons is now gaining ground in the southeastern part of Nigeria, where the articles of trade are babies ‘‘manufactured in baby factories” in towns such as Aba and Owerri.

The business is sustained by teenage mothers and mothers of the teenage mothers, who are willing to get rid of the hapless babies at any cost.

Unfortunately, the baby trade is also promoted by medical practitioners, owners of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and proprietors of motherless babies’ homes.

Even though these people have been carrying out their nefarious activities unhindered for several years, the government and security agencies recently beamed their searchlight on them.

In line with Abia State Governments resolve to stem the tide of ‘‘baby trafficking’, for which the state has earned a notorious reputation, the government recently demolished a fivestorey building, housing Ezuma Hospital in Aba. The demolition took place, after the police cordoned off the imposing structure situated at No. 101 Okigwe Road, Aba, for over two months.

The closure was sequel to the simultaneous raid carried out on Ezuma Hospital and another private hospital in the Ogbor Hill neighbourhood.

The government said that it took the action because the owner of the’ hospital used it to harbour pregnant teenagers and also adopted babies via illegal means.

The demolition was supervised by Mr. Godwin Nna, the State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Dr James Ezuma, the Medical Director of Ezuma Hospital, had relocated from Aba to Owerri, where he was subsequently arrested for allegedly operating a ‘‘baby factory”.

Prior to his arrest, Ezuma had denied any involvement in child trafficking, stressing that he was duly licensed to run a NGO — Ezuma Women and Children Right Initiative (EWCRI) — which he said he operated according to stipulated rules.

Nna said the state government decided to demolish Ezuma Hospital in conformity with the laws of Abia State outlawing child trafficking and kidnapping, adding that a similar exercise was carried out in Afara-Ibeku, Umuahia.

The commissioner also said that apart of being used as a ‘‘baby factory”, the building failed to conform to the approved property development plan given to the owner.

Even before the structure’s demolition, 16 young ladies, whose ages range from 17 to 37 years, were paraded by the State Security Service (SSS) in Umuahia, the Abia capital.

The girls were apprehended at No. 3 Anyamele Street, off Nicholas Avenue, in Umungasi area of Aba, in a building that housed Cross Foundation International, a NGO. The Director of SSS in Abia, Mr. Mathew Obodoechi, who briefed the press, said that the victims were introduced to the centre by their close relatives and friends, including a mother who did not want her husband to know of their daughter’s pregnancy. ‘‘It is unfortunate that some persons hide under the cover of NGOs to perpetrate various kinds of illegal activities,” he said.

Obodoechi said that the 16 girls were kept in a very unhygienic environment.

After delivery, the ladies are given paltry sum of N50,000, while their babies are sold to interested buyers from different parts of the country.

The foundation’s proprietor, Dr Hyacinth, said that his foundation was duly registered by the Ministry of Women Affairs.

He claimed that when he was first arrested in 2004, he sued the police and

By OBIKE UKOH National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP).

He said that he was awarded N4 million damages, adding, however, that the authorities had yet to pay him. Ironically, the 16 pregnant teenagers, who were recently rescued by Imo Police Command in Egbu Owerri, were found in

unscrupulous social homes in the state.

Orji pledged his administration’s determination to ensure sanity in the activities of social and motherless babies’ homes in the state. ‘‘These nefarious activities are sometimes carried out by some unscrupulous owners of social and motherless

Governor Theodora Orji Kalu, Abia State Governor

the premises of ‘‘Women and Children Rights Initiative”, owned by Dr James Ezuma, who relocated from Abia.

This time around, the police arrested Ezuma and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, vowed that the suspect would soon be charged to court after the completion of police investigations.

However, the crackdown on the promoters of the ‘‘baby factories” is certainly due to the public outcry on the nefarious activities of the traffickers, which appear to have defied all solutions.

As part of efforts to strengthen the campaign against baby trafficking, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia recently inaugurated an inter-agency committee to check sales of babies by

babies’ homes in the state,” he said.

The governor said that the institutions, which were primarily created to provide important social services to the people, were now being used for anti-social purposes.

‘‘‘Our government has decided to take all the necessary actions to check the spread of this ugly situation,” he added.

Orji said that the illegal act was being perpetrated with the complicity of registered and unregistered homes in the state. ‘‘Our state has also observed that some homes liaise with doctors, nurses and some get-rich-quick individuals to provide babies for intending foster parents without being duly registered,” he said.

Orji said that the practice negated the state’s Child Rights Law and the objectives of setting up such homes.

Even before the clampdown on the promoters of ‘baby factories”, Campaign for Democracy (CD) in the South East alarm on the issue and appealed to governors in the geopolitical zone to create employment opportunities for the youth.

The trade in babies is somewhat more pronounced in Abia and Imo states, as the two states have the highest number of teenagers involved in the infamous trade.

A statement by Mr. Uzor A. Uzor, the South East Chairman of CD, attributed the boom in “baby factories” in the South East zone to high rate of youth unemployment and poverty.

He said that not less than 2,500 teenagers were rescued from such factories across the zone in 2012. ‘‘The rising menace of baby factories in the South East is as a result of the

failure of the state governments in the zone to create jobs for the teeming youths, especially the helpless girls who are easily lured into the trade: ‘‘There is no other part of the country that has the problem of baby factories; it is a peculiar case with the South East. ‘‘The governors in the zone should collaborate with security operatives to fish out those behind the trade and rehabilitate the rescued teenagers,” Uzor said.

Mr. Uche Awah, a former Chairman of the Aba Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), noted that the issue of ‘‘baby factories” was a very touchy one.

He regretted that Ezuma remained obdurate, even when the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) deregistered him.

The NMA stripped Ezuma of his operational licence; rather than stop the nefarious activities, he registered an NGO and continued,” he said.

Awah said that Ezuma’s arrest after his relocation to Owerri was a good development.

He, however, said that the demolition of Ezuma Hospital in Aba was a legal issue.

Stakeholders want the governors of the South East states to tackle the problem of ‘‘baby factories” headlong, while screening all NGOs operating motherless babies homes thoroughly.

They, nonetheless, insist that the booming ‘‘baby factories” in the South East cannot be exclusively attributed to youth unemployment, as unemployment is definitely a national problem.

“Stakeholders want the governors of the South East states to tackle the problem of ‘‘baby factories” headlong, while screening all NGOs operating motherless babies homes thoroughly. They, nonetheless, insist that the booming ‘‘baby factories” in the South East cannot be exclusively attributed to youth unemployment, as unemployment is definitely a national problem.”

Family Planning “In 1994 the International Conference Population and Development in Cairo placed women and reproductive health at the centre of policy attention, and the key family planning for mothers and children have been emphasized and extensively documented.”

Family Planning Services And Stengthening Of Health Systems FAMILY planning services in developing countries have undergone a substantial evolution since the first programme, building on the pioneering work of Marie stopes in the United Kingdom and Margaret Sanger in the United States were launched in the 1950s.

This evolution has included changes in approaches to meeting the reproductive needs of women and diverse responses to the issues of rights, responsibilities, and the distribution of programmatic benefits.

A fundamental part of this evolution has been the changing content of services. In the early 1950s, the contraceptive

By ERANGA ISAAC products available were limited to condoms and barrier methods, such as the diaphragm. In many countries the legal system restricted both the distribution of these methods and the content of informational materials available to women and men. Since that time, the World Health Organization has identified family planning as a critical element of reproductive health and defined reproductive health as the state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing related to the reproductive system in all stages of life. This definition has been refined

to include the health of women and men in the context of a safe and satisfying sex life and as related to pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, and child survival.

With this broad conceptualization has come a host of specific issues that family planning programs have been asked to address. These include the need for education, counseling, and contraception for sexually active young people, family planning for women and men with disabilities, treatment for infertility, safe abortion where it is legal and post abortion care whenever

abortion is conducted, reproductive health needs of peri-menopausal women and those requiring hysterectomies, and advocacy related to eliminating practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based and sexual violence. This vast range of issues emerges in part from the country settings in which services are provided (e.g., FGM is practiced in specific cultural contexts) and from the specific need of the clients whom programs seek to serve (e.g., unmarried youth, who were excluded from early family planning programs). While most of the services are targeted to

women, men are increasingly included as clients, partners, and opinion leaders. New services have been the slowest to emerge in the area of sexuality and sex education, reflecting the difficulty of speaking frankly about sex and family planning.

The content and development of services have also been an outcome of the prevailing paradigm about how population and family planning should be conceptualized. During the 1970s, when international family planning support was growing rapidly, the prevailing view among policy makers was that family planning leads to lower fertility, slower population growth, and economic development.

Following the UN sponsored International Conference on population in Mexico City in 1984, a consensus emerged that couples and individuals have the right to decide on the number, timing, and spacing of children and on the means to achieve their reproductive goals – particularly, contraceptive use to space or limit pregnancies, abstinence, and induced abortion were legal.

In 1994 the International Conference Population and Development in Cairo placed women and

reproductive health at the centre of policy attention, and the key family planning for mothers and children have been emphasized and extensively documented.

In addition, we now have a better understanding of the favourable development and poverty reducing effects of slower population growth and reduced fertility.

The demand for family planning and other reproductive health services will increase sharply in coming decades as population size and the number of women and men at risk of unwanted pregnancies continue to rise. The need for more effective and less expensive contraceptive methods will also increase as women spend more of their reproductive lives using contraception, and much of the future increase in demand will occur among the poorest segments of the population in most countries. The benefits of family planning for maternal health and economic well-being will remain limited unless services are better focused on the most marginalized populations, who are in need of subsidized services and the unlikely to be served by purely private – sector outlets.

“A fundamental part of this evolution has been the changing content of services. In the early 1950s, the contraceptive products available were limited to condoms and barrier methods, such as the diaphragm. In many countries the legal system restricted both the distribution of these methods and the content of informational materials available to women and men.

Since that time, the World Health Organization has identified family planning as a critical element of reproductive health and defined reproductive health as the state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing related to the reproductive system in all stages of life.”

BY some accounts, Nigeria’s home ownership rate, currently put at 25 per cent, is very low when compared with the housing situation in some developing and developed countries.

Available statistics show that Benin Republic has home ownership rate of 63 per cent; Kenya 73 per cent; Singapore 90 per cent; the U.S. 70 per cent; South Africa 56 per cent, and Libya 41 per cent.

Commenting on the housing situation in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan said that the country needed a minimum of N56 trillion to be able to bridge a deficit of 17 million housing units.

He said that the shortfall, which did not cover the cost of providing infrastructure, translated to an average cost of N3.5 million per housing unit.

Housing experts note that the housing deficit has continued to increase; saying that the development indicates that the government’s housing policy is not working as expected.

They note that the deficit rose from seven million housing units in 1991 to between 12 and 15 million units in 2008, while peaking at between 17 and 18 million units in 2012.

They insist that the deficit would continue to rise until the financial authorities are able to bring down interest rates to a single-digit level, so as to enable low income earners to access mortgage loans.

Mr. Gimba Ya’u Kumo, the Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, said that something urgent must be done to bridge the housing deficit.

“If nothing is done, there will be an estimated homeless population of 24.4 million people in Nigeria by 2015,’’ he said.

Mr. Chudi Ubosi, the Chairman of Association of Estate Agents of Nigeria (AEAN), blamed the poor housing delivery in Nigeria on the short mortgage tenure system obtainable in the country.

According to him, only a few primary mortgage institutions in the country

Housing Addressing Housing Deficit In Nigeria give mortgage loans that are repayable beyond 10 years.

Ubosi also described the 17-per-cent interest on mortgage loans as very high, as against three to five per cent charged in developed countries.

“The financial institutions in the country offer loans not mortgages.

This is because mortgage tenure, as practised in the many countries, is beyond a minimum of 20 years.

“In other countries, mortgage is given out at low interest rate but in Nigeria, those who need mortgage cannot access it,” he said.

Ubosi said that the high mortgage interest rates had discouraged many investors and Nigerians from aspiring to own their own houses.

He suggested that mortgage loans should be given out by mortgage institutions at single-digit interest rates.

However, Mr. Olayemi Shonubi, the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), said that government could bridge the housing deficit by encouraging a pragmatic partnership between the public and private sector.

He suggested that individuals and organisations should be encouraged to come together to form housing cooperatives, as part of efforts to boost housing delivery.

Shonubi, however, advised the government to make land available to estate developers across the country in order to accelerate the construction of affordable houses.

Sharing similar sentiments, Prof. Timothy Nubi of University of Lagos identified difficulties in acquiring land as one of the factors responsible for the housing deficit in the country.

He said that the Land Use Act of 1978, which should have been an instrument of addressing land ownership and titles, turned out to be counterproductive.

He stressed that problems encountered in title transfer

By LILIAN CHUKWU and registration in Nigeria could be traced to perceptible defects in the Land Use Act of 1978.

Nubi said that under the Act, only the governor of a state had the power to issue a Certificate of Occupancy.

“This would have been

not be more than one per cent of the value or cost of the property.

“The processing time for title registration and governors’ consent should not be more than 15 days.

“The practice of asking for numerous supporting

okay if not for problems associated with time wastage, expensive processing and endemic corruption which undermines property transaction and investment,’’ he said.

Nubi also underscored the need to reduce the costs and bottlenecks in efforts to obtain title documents.

“The governors’ consent for transfer of title should

documents such as tax clearance, development levy, tenement rates, should be entirely removed as a requirement for the processing of title transfer.

“Government should also deploy more human, financial and technical resources to man the processing offices so as to curtail bureaucracy and reduce the level of corruption associated with

it,’’ he said.

All the same, Mr. Chucks Omeife, the former President of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), urged the government to check the rising cost of building materials.

He said that the increasing cost of some

escalating,’’ he added Omeife, nonetheless, appealed to the government to subsidise the prices of building materials so as to boost activities in the real estate sector.

He particularly stressed that low income earners would gain a lot from

building materials had discouraged investors from investing in the construction sector and low income earners from building their own houses.

“The development of our housing sub-sector may be hampered if the prices of building materials continue to rise unchecked because the cost of iron rods, window and door frames and other building materials are all

government’s efforts to reduce the cost of building materials.

All in all, housing experts agree that one of the pragmatic ways of redressing the housing deficit in Nigeria is to make building materials affordable to the less affluent members of the society, who constitute the larger percentage of the population.

“The development of our housing subsector may be hampered if the prices of building materials continue to rise unchecked because the cost of iron rods, window and door frames and other building materials are all escalating.”

Archival Matters Olayiwola Afolabi: Setting Agenda For Human Society IN 2013, several events took place around the world. However, what concerns me in this column today is the social agenda set for human society by the Ekiti-born, activist lawyer, Barr. Olayiwola Afolabi, in Edo State using the year 2013 as a case study. So, this is no time for Afghanistanism but a time to celebrate our own.

To start with, one point Olayiwola Afolabi in 2013 eloquently demonstrated was that every professional must put God first while rendering services to a client. In other words, a professional to him should be an embodiment of diligence, honesty a passion for the job, competence, resourcefulness, kindness, candour, empathy, truthfulness, accountability and transparency. That was why he undertook his legal practice with excellence, using his inner gyroscope as guide, without waiting for the NBA’s imperatives.

Put simply, Olayiwola Afolabi by his attitude was calling for total, fulsome job professionalism. Also, through his actions he taught that it behoved on all of us in 2013 to showcase true concern for our neighbour’s problems.

Therefore, we should always make it a duty to mobilise our personal resources to support our neighbour ’s struggles against injustice, poverty neglect, oppression, brutality and dehumanization so as to enhance our own spirituality as well as enrich our physical existence on earth. Given this ideology of Olayiwola Afolabi, it was not surprising he intervened in the case of stowaway boy, Daniel Oikhena in September 2013 when he was being detained in Lagos by security officials.

Without wasting time, he sent a petition from his chamber to the authorities calling on them to release the boy since he is a juvenile in the eyes of the law.

His intervention came at a time majority of Nigerians always preferred the icy SIDDON look option of watching our neighbours suffer without providing a shoulder for them to lean on in times of trouble.

Similarly, during the last quarter of 2013, Olayiwola Afolabi gave out cash and food gifts to residents of

By MICHAEL ODIGBE

Ikpoba Hill, Benin ravaged by flood. Once again, he did so to demonstrate the need for Nigerians to be their brothers keeper, not killers.

This wasn’t all. He preaches, also, in 2013 that the privileged should always spare a though for their compatriots waiting out there in the sun for the elusive dividends of democracy. It was for this reason on November 10, 2013 he called on government to quickly address the issue of joblessness in Nigeria through an agricultural revolution. Hear him: “Look at Israel. It is a small country. Yet it is sufficient in food and is even exporting it to other countries, including Nigeria. So we can be like Israel. We can be greater with our larger land area.

Let the government call a dialogue on how to go about this. We should not forget, too, that through farming we will create jobs for our youths.

Do you antagonize the police as an institution? If you do, Olayiwola Afolabi in 2013 called on you to jettison that attitude. For him, the police is your friend. So, befriend them.

On his part, he lived this credo of life by extending his hand of fellowship to the police. For instance, in August 2013 he donated a widow’s mite of N20,000 for the upkeep of a policeman recuperating from the injuries he received while on patrol duties on Egba –By pass in Edo State. Later, he gave an award for excellence to Mr. Ernest Ikogun, a chief superintendent of Police in Edo Police Command in November 2013.

In 2013, also, Olayiwola Afolabi educated Nigerians on the imperative of remembering the multitude of poor, indigent students in our midst whom most rich people wish away to their own detriment. These students have been on his caring watch list since 2000. in 2013, he once again reached out to them. This time around, he was at the graduation day ceremony of Interest Group of Schools, Ugbowo in July 2013. while there he offered scholarships to three students of the school. In addition, he gave out three bags of rice to them. Indeed,

man doesn’t live by scholarships alone. He equally needs “ricey” stomach care. Lest I forget, let me say here that the rice he gave out didn’t carry a political label or a futuristic tribal marks.

Behold, that is Olayiwola Afolabi for you in 2013

charity on the basis of meritocracy. A case in point in November 2013, his charity train stopped over at the customary court in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. He honoured Mr. Taiwo Akharu, principal registrar of the court with a certificate of excellence for hardwork

instance, he queried the closure of public universities without taking sides with either ASUU and the federal government. He lambasted the CBN for its double speak on the sale and spraying of new naira notes at public functions. He, also, sent a petition to the ministry of aviation and the senate president calling attention to hypocritically poor state of Benin Airport’s runway despite the airport’s recent remodeling.

Then on September 25,

anger: “It is not a good thing to under fund the judiciary.

It will make the judiciary to go begging. This is what is happening in some states where magistrates board commercial buses to work.

To me, this is bad. It is not easy to become a magistrate or a judge.

On a final note, one must not forget that, like Hannah in the bible, Olayiwola Afolabi in 2013 also taught that any pledge made to God should be kept. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Barrister Olayiwola Afolabi (in bowtie) with beneficiaries of his scholarship setting agenda on the nature scope and altruism of public philanthropy. Explaining the reason behind this, he said on January 1, 2014 during a Man Around Town Programme of Independent Radio, Benin: “My view is that anywhere you find yourself do something good for your community.

Wherever you are is your community. Benin is my community. That is why I am doing good here…

In pursuance of doing good for his community, Olayiwola Afolabi ensured in 2013 he selected beneficiaries of his public

and dedication to duty. The well-deserved honour given to Mr. Akharu wasn’t merely academic paperwork.

It was accompanied with gifts of a bag of rice, a deep freezer, and a bible.

Also, in 2013, Olayiwola Afolabi continued to proclaim his gospel that all of us should activate our critical consciousness of always speaking up on issues of public concern to mankind and damn the consequences. See, during this out gone year he gave his candid, blunt view on various national maters. For

2013 in an interview with Independent Radio, Benin he lashed out at the decline in the federal government’s funding of the judiciary. The trend was captured by the Chief Justice of the federation, Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, while reading her address during the opening of the 2013/2014 legal year in Nigeria. According to her, the national judiciary got an annual budget of N84 billion in 2011, about N75 billion in 2012, and N67 billion in 2013.

Displeased by this development, Olayiwola Afolabi exploded in visceral

Listen to him, again: “I pledged to God to use what he has endowned me with to help the needy. So as long as God empowers me, I will always give back to society some of His gifts because I derive satisfaction from doing so.

True talk. From all indications, Olayiwola Afolabi was a positive social agenda setter in 2013 working to improve the lot of mankind and society.

That is why he never lacks.

God’s benevolence only finds a resting place in the open hands of givers not the tight fists of Silas Marners.

“In 2013, also, Olayiwola Afolabi educated Nigerians on the imperative of remembering the multitude of poor, indigent students in our midst whom most rich people wish away to their own detriment.

These students have been on his caring watch list since 2000. in 2013, he once again reached out to them. This time around, he was at the graduation day ceremony of Interest Group of Schools, Ugbowo in July 2013. while there he offered scholarships to three students of the school. In addition, he gave out three bags of rice to them.”

Science

Understanding Growth

GROWTH is a permanent and irreversible increase in size and length.

It also include an increase, resulting in a number of cells of an organism.

Growth is an anabolic process.

BASIS OF GROWTH Growth takes three stages. They are (1) Cell division (mitosis) (2) Cell enlargement and (3) Cell differentiation.

If a growing root is critically examined, three district regions would be identified.

The first region noticed is covered by a group of this walled cells with large nuclei and small vacuole.

This is the region where the highest cell division takes place.

Immediately after this region is the region of cell enlargement or enlongation.

The last region is farthest from the tip, here the cells reach their maximum size and they are differentiated

into various plant parts, like the vascular bundles, epidermis and cortex.

Hence growth development normally involves cell division, cell enlargement and cell differentiation.

REGULATION OF GROWTH BY HORMONES In animals, the pituitary gland is concerned primarily with growth while in plants Auxins is primarily concerned with growth.

Plants and animals, have factors that both affect their growth, they are availability of nutrients, water, light, temperature, humidity and hormones.

FACTORS CONTROLLING GROWTH The factors solely responsible for growth, include oxygen, light t e m p e r a t u r e , differentiation, water, vitamins, mineral salts,

food, growth hormone and heredity.

CELL REACTIONS TO ITS ENVIRONMENT Irritability is the ability of cells to respond to a stimulus.

TYPES OF RESPONSES TAXIS – This is a directional movement of a motile organism in response to a stimulus.

TROPISM – This is the

directional movement of some parts of an organism in response to a stimulus.

It may either be to light movement (phototropism) or to gravity (geotropism) and water (hydrotropism).

These responses may either be positive or negative.

NASTISM – This is a non-directional movement made by some parts of a stationary plant in response to external

With OYAKHIL OME CLEMENTIN A AKHILOME CLEMENTINA stimulus.

TYPES OF SKELETON We have three types of skeletons they are: (A) Hydrostatic skeleton (B) exoskeleton and (C) Endoskeleton.

HYDROSTATIC SKELETON They are found in soft bodied animals like the sea anemones and earthworms. Their basic function is for support, movement and protection of the animal.

EXOSKELETON – Exo means outside.

Exoskeleton are skeletons found outside the body of an organism examples nails, beaks, claws, hoofs hairs, scales, feathers, carapace of insects, crab shell, snail shell, and tortoise shell. They cover the entire body of the organism and prevent drying up during unfavourable conditions like the dry season, this condition may affect the insects and the arthropods.

The shell also prevent physical injuries from hurting the organisms.

Organisms with outer shell, like the arthropods, their growth pattern is limited and periodic. Their old skin must be shed, before a new skin has to grow or develop. The actual growth usually occurs as at the very time when the new exoskeleton is still very soft.

Exoskeletons are armours for organisms which protects or shield them against physical injury, excessive loss of water through the process of evaporation during unfavourable condition like dry season, from the body surface of the organism.

ENDOSKELETON – This is the skeleton, found

inside the body of a vertebrate. They allow growth to take place, without hindering it and do not have contact with movement.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SKELETON Skeleton is the framework of the body that supports, protects and help in the movement of animals.

Different kinds of organisms have kinds of skeletons e.g. Arthropods have cuticle, mollusks have celcarous shells, while some invertebrates like the jawless fish, sharks, sketes have cartilage, bones in some vertebrates and dictin in some arthropods.

Skeleton could function in some ways like below (A)FIRMNESS – It gives us a well defined shape and supports the entire body. It also, suspends, some vital organs of the body to prevent them, from crushing one another.

(B) PROTECTION – It protects the delicate organs of the body, like the brain is housed in a cranium, the spinal cord is housed in the spinal canal of the backbone, the eyes are housed in the sockets, while the heart and lungs are housed in the thoracic cavity.

(4)ARTICULATION – The skeleton articulates with bones for breathing to take place bones provides surfaces for the attachment of muscles.

(5) RESERVOUR – Skeletons serves as a reservour for some certain minerals like calcium (Ca++) Carbonate (Co)- and phosphate (po4=) ions.

(6) Skeletons provides centres for the production of red blood cells.

“In animals, the pituitary gland is concerned primarily with growth while in plants Auxins is primarily concerned with growth. Plants and animals, have factors that both affect their growth, they are availability of nutrients, water, light, temperature, humidity and hormones.”

Community

NIGERIA is one of the largest oil producing countries in the world.

According to statistics, Nigeria is the 6th largest producer of crude oil in the world yet the areas where this treasure is being extracted have nothing as benefit for their contribution to the development of the nation via the crude produced from their land. Poverty, underdevelopment, neglect, decay infrastructures and a host of other poverty related issues remain their dividend for their contribution to the nation.

Ologbo N’Ugu Community in Orhionwon Local Government Council in Edo State is an example of an oil producing community that has been neglected by the Federal government over the years despite her contribution to the oil revenue to the nation.

The community which is over two hours drive from the capital city of the heart beat state, is a typical community suffering neglect.

A visit to this town shows nothing but neglect.

This predominantly farming community have not felt the presence of the Federal government in terms of people’s oriented projects that will be of benefit to the people of this community. What ever development seen in this community is the effort of her illustrious sons and daughters who owe it a duty to develop their community whether the government comes to their aid or not.

Notable among these illustrious sons and daughters is the publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Edo State chapter, Comrade Godwin Erhahon. Over the years, and in collaboration with others, he has continued to contribute his quota to the development of Ologbo N’Ugu Community. He has tirelessly fought through the legal means to

ensure development gets to her people. The struggle over the years not withstanding, much is still needed in the area of provision of good roads, schools, water, electricity and the likes.

In appreciation of the struggles and selfless efforts of Comrade Erhahon the Elders of the Community decided to honour the Publicity Secretary of APC Edo state chapter the son of the Community who has been in the fore front of the struggle to attract development to their land.

The Elders of the Community initiated Comrade Erhahon into the Elders Council to honour him for all the wonderful things he has done for the people of his community who have been abandoned by successive government in terms of developing the community.

According to Comrade Erhahon, he was first invited to be initiated into the elders’ council in 1992 and 1993 when he was the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) but decline silently without telling his people the reason why he refused the offer but ask them to postpone it and give him more time.

“I thank God for leading me to this age. In 1992 and 1993 as NUJ chairman my people invited me to join the council after recognising my untiring effort to attract development to the land and also recognising my achievement so far.

According to them, it became important to bring me into their fold to join them in piloting the affairs of the community. I decline the offer silently without telling them why?”

After the move by the elders’ council, I told God I will not ascend the elders’ council until he blesses me with grandchildren. As at today, I am a grandfather with six grandchildren. This is a

Ologbo N’Ugu Community: Still

Crying For Development

great blessing to me and it prompted me have a rethink about the offer and I accepted and today I am a member of the elders’ council of Ologbo N’Ugu Community in Orhiomwon Local Government Council of Edo State.

Speaking further, Comrade Godwin Erhahon said the community has various age grades and to attain that of a “Edion” of

By RICHARD OKORO EWEKA

journalism. As a politician I will do my best to ensure I attract development into my community. I have accepted the challenge of helping many of the youth in my community and those who jobs to keep them busy. I love to council children and help orphans. I love to be father to the fatherless, I know

community and seek for her development. I have told my children to ensure that am buried here in my community when its time for me to depart this world as no one will live forever.

This is my land and I am proud to belong here”.

Furthermore, Comrade Erhahon said his heart bleed when he looks

rescue from this neglect of many years”.

“In the area of development, I will ask my people to pray for the Comrade governor Adams Oshiomhole to help my people. He is the only hope we have; he is our last hope having suffered for many years with politicians who visit us during election and abandon us after winning.

Oshiomhole is the only one I trust and believe will rescue my people from this

The publicity Secretary of APC Edo State Comrade Godwin Erhahon (right) with some members of the Elders Council of Ologbo N’ugu Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area during his initiation into the council of Elders of the community recentlyy. PHOTO: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY

the community you must have successfully pass through all the age grade which he has done and today he is now the elders’ council. “My father was here and my grandfather was here as well as been the “odionwere” of this great community. My father was also an “Okaele”.

“I have been finally elevated into the elders’ council of the community and this has bestowed on me greater challenges. Before I became elder here in my community, I am an elder in politics and even in my profession which is

what I pass through when I was growing up as a child and the challenges faced before I got to where I am today. I will do my best to change the woes and underdevelopment of my people. For me, I will devote the rest of my life to this community”.

“As a politician, I have no plan or ambition to live in Abuja the capital City of the nation, but rather, I want to live among my people and feel what they feel, also see the problem of neglect they have been facing in time past as this will remind me of the task ahead. I love my people; I love my

“The biggest challenge of the people is providing job for the youth of the community. Our people are predominantly farmers and yet no good road to transport her finished product to the market for sale. We will do our best to attract the present government led by our amiable Comrade Governor who have a listening ear and have the love of the people at heart; we believe and know he will certainly come to our rescue from this neglect of many years”.

at the neglect of his people over the years despite the contribution of the community to the total oil revenue of this nation.

“There is nothing to show for our contribution to the nation, we are oil producing community but yet we suffer total hardship as development is far from my people. This is the struggle of my life, I will continue to struggle and fight through the right channel to ensure my people enjoy the blessing of nature. I will do my best to improve the lives of my people”.

“The biggest challenge of the people is providing job for the youth of the community. Our people are predominantly farmers and yet no good road to transport her finished product to the market for sale. We will do our best to attract the present government led by our amiable Comrade Governor who have a listening ear and have the love of the people at heart; we believe and know he will certainly come to our

total neglect; I trust he will help me extend development to my community. What ever threatens his administration threatens my people because he his our last hope. As a community, we will continue to pray for him. I hope that he will surely help my people from this neglect of many years. I expect that before the end of his tenure, good road, electricity, water and other infrastructural development will reach my people”.

Comrade Erhahon thanked the elders of the community for the honour done him and also thanked the people for their love and support during and after the initiation into the elders council of the community. He pledge his loyalty to his people and continuous support to actualise the dream of the people of the community and in the nearest future development will get to his people in Ologbo N’Ugu Community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

International Syria Negotiators Resume Talks, Opposition Seeks Prisoner Release

GENEVA - Syrian government and opposition delegations resumed face-to-face talks yesterday expected to tackle humanitarian issues including opposition calls for Damascus to

release women and child prisoners.

A U.N. spokeswoman said the two sides met for a second day at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva in the presence of in-

ternational mediator Lakhdar Brahimi, who is trying to broker a peace deal to end almost three years of conflict.

Brahimi has said the two days of weekend talks will focus on what he has called confidence building measures, aimed at establishing a positive atmosphere before more difficult political talks on Monday.

He described Saturday’s sessions - the first face-to-face meetings between Syria’s warring foes - as a good beginning. However, he said little progress had been made over a deal to allow humanitarian aid into the center

of Homs city, where rebels have been besieged by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces for 18 months.

The opposition said it will call yesterday for the release of detainees. It has given no details but a Western diplomat said he expected the request to focus on women and children.

Government delegates arriving for the talks yesterday said they were ready to discuss all issues presented by Brahimi but that it was a mistake to focus on individual or local issues.

“They proposed Homs. We say all Syrian cities are equal and as important,” Information Minister Omran Zoabi told reporters.

Bouthaina Shaaban, an adviser to Assad and member of the government delegation, echoed his reservations.

“The other side came here to discuss a small problem here or there. We came to discuss the future of Syria,” she said. “We did not come here to bring relief to a region here or a region there. We came here to restore safety and security to our country.”

Twelve Dead In Fresh Violence In China’s affected the Uighurs’ traditional BEIJING - Chinese police Xinjiang lifestyles”. shot dead six people during a

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen talks with German soldiers at Camp Marmal in Mazar-e-Sharif on December 22, 2013

“terrorist” attack in the restive western region of Xinjiang and six more died when explosives they were carrying detonated, state media said, as officials accused a prominent academic of aiding militants.

Police came under attack on Friday by a group throwing ex-

German Defence Minister Signals Greater BERLIN - Germany’s linked Islamists before being new defence minister said Role In Africa liberated by a French-led yesterday her country should engage more strongly in Africa by sending additional military trainers to Mali and supporting the French intervention in Central African Republic.

Ursula von der Leyen said she foresaw boosting the training mission in Mali from its current mandate of 180 personnel, with 99 now on the ground, to up to 250, and deploying a medical services airbus to back up the French mission in CAR. Asked by news weekly Der Spiegel whether Germany — often criticised for its postWorld War II reluctance to send troops abroad — should boost its international military engagement, she said “within the framework of our alliances, yes.”

In crisis-hit African countries, Germany “cannot look the other way when murder and rape are a daily occurrence, if only for humanitarian reasons,” said Germany’s

first female defence minister, a powerful member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet.

“In Central Africa, a bloody war is unfolding between Christians and Muslims. We cannot allow this conflict to set the entire region ablaze,” she added.

In the long term European national armies should be merged into a European military because “unified armed forces are a logical consequence of an ever-increasing military cooperation in Europe,” said the minister who has been in her post for about one month.

Development Minister Gerd Mueller meanwhile said Germany also planned to expand its aid activities in Africa, especially in Mali, speaking to the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

The chairman of the German Armed Forces Association, Andre Wuestner, told the same newspaper that the Mali mission would likely take more than a decade, cit-

ing the “disastrous” state of the armed forces there and the goal of “a stable and functioning state”.

The West African nation of Mali was hit by a coup in 2012 when its northern half was occupied by Al-Qaeda-

military intervention.

French forces also intervened last month in CAR to try to stem violence between mainly Muslim Seleka fighters who had staged the coup last year and militias from the country’s Christian majority.

plosive devices in Xinhe county, the official news agency Xinhua said on Saturday, citing regional authorities, the latest violence to jolt an area with a large Muslim population.

Five suspects were captured and one policeman was slightly wounded, Xinhua said.

The Global Times, owned by Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece the People’s Daily, said two explosions had occurred in a beauty salon and a grocery market in Xinhe on Friday evening.

Dilxat Raxit, spokesman for the main Uighur exile group, the World Uyghur Congress, suggested that the beauty salon was a front for a brothel that had offended Uighurs “as it directly

Ukraine’s Capital Girds For Massive Rally

A Bangkok district officer stands inside the compound of a polling station in central Bangkok January 26, 2014

Thai Anti-Government Protest Leader Shot Dead In Bangkok Violence warned anyone who tried to stop BANGKOK - Protesters trycapital had been closed down “Protesters blocked voters. In - Police voting would face jail or fines, ing to force Thailand’s prime and advance voting was dismany areas of Bangkok protestminister from office swarmed polling stations in Bangkok yesterday, chaining doors shut and halting advance voting in nearly all centers ahead of a disputed election next week.

A deputy prime minister said 45 of 50 polling stations in the

rupted in 10 of Thailand’s 76 provinces.

On Saturday, a government minister said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was prepared to discuss cancelling the February 2 election if activists ended more than two months of

“China has refused to disclose the real reason for the protests by the Uighurs,” Raxit said in an emailed statement. “The forced repression and provocation is the real reason for the confrontation. The Uighurs simply cannot endure the current repressive policities pursued by China.”

Xinjiang has been the theatre of numerous incidents of unrest in recent years, which the government often blames on the separatist East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), although experts and rights groups cast doubt on its existence as a cohesive group.

Around 100 people, including several policemen, have been killed in violence in Xinjiang since last April, according to state media reports.

often unruly protests. The government said it was ready to delay the vote if its opponents agreed not to boycott or disrupt a rescheduled poll.

Yingluck called the February 2 election in the hope of cementing her hold on power in the face of the disruption.

ers used force to prevent people from voting,” Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, also a deputy prime minister, said in a televised address.

“This is a very serious offence indeed.”

Yingluck’s government had

or both.

Any delay in the poll will do little to quell the resolve of protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy prime minister, who has rejected elections, and is unlikely to provide a quick resolution to the current deadlock.

KIEV, Ukraine - After a violent night when protesters besieged a building where police were sheltering, Ukraine’s capital is preparing for a large demonstration that will test the opposition’s determination and authorities’ patience.

Throughout Ukraine’s twomonth-long political crisis, yesterday rallies have typically attracted crowds of tens of thousands and sometimes much larger.

The latest rally comes a day after beleaguered President Viktor Yanukovych offered the country’s prime minister post to one of the opposition’s top leaders. While not rejecting the offer outright, Arseniy Yatsenyuk said more of the opposition’s demands must be met, including Yanukovych’s resignation. He vowed protests will continue.

Late Saturday, demonstrators threw firebombs and rocks into a building in central Kiev where about 200 police were sheltering. After several hours, the crowd formed a corridor and allowed police to leave.

International Twenty-Nine Dead In Clashes On Anniversary Of Egypt Uprising CAIRO - Twenty-nine people were killed during antigovernment marches on Saturday while thousands rallied in support of the army-led authorities, underlining Egypt’s volatile political fissures three years after the fall of autocrat President Hosni Mubarak.

Security forces lobbed teargas and some fired automatic weapons in the air to try to prevent demonstrators opposed to the government reaching Tahrir Square, the symbolic heart of the 2011 uprising that toppled the former air force commander.

As police tried to calm Cairo’s politically-charged streets, a car bomb exploded near a police camp in the Egyptian city of Suez, security sources said.

The blast, which was followed by a fierce exchange of gunfire, suggested the authorities could be locked in a long-term battle with Islamist insurgents who are gaining momentum.

But the growing violence has not dented the popularity of General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whose ouster of Islamist Mohamed Mursi, Egypt’s first freely-elected president, plunged the country into turmoil.

Instead of commemorating Mubarak’s overthrow, tens of thousands of Egyptians gathered in Tahrir to pledge their support for Sisi in an event stagemanaged by the state.

An army marching band played, while vendors sold tshirts with the general’s image for five Egyptian pounds ($0.72).

Huge banners and posters displayed Sisi in his trademark dark sunglasses at Saturday’s rally. Some women kissed posters.

The core demands of the 2011 revolt - freedom and social justice - could only be heard in protests outside Tahrir, which were quickly muzzled by security forces.

The Sisi mania underscored the prevailing desire for a decisive military man Egyptians can count on to stabilize Egypt.

But an end to street violence seemed nowhere in sight. State television quoted a health ministry official as saying 29 people were killed in clashes during protests in Cairo and elsewhere.

Not far from Tahrir, police in black uniforms clutching assault rifles fired tear gas canisters in a clampdown on anti-government protesters lasting for about two hours.

Armored personnel carriers were deployed to try and keep order, and anyone entering Tahrir had to pass through metal detectors.

The pressure prompted one alliance of liberals to call on their members to withdraw from the streets.

But others gathered in central Cairo after nightfall to call for an end to the army-backed government. “Down with military rule,” they chanted.

Sisi toppled Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in July after mass protests against what critics called his mismanagement and increasingly arbitrary rule, triggering a confrontation with the veteran Islamist movement that has hit investment hard.

The general, who served as head of military intelligence under Mubarak, is expected to

announce his candidacy for the presidency soon and is likely to win by a landslide in elections, expected within six months.

Several leading politicians have indicated they would not run for president if Sisi does, highlighting his dominance and

CHANGE OF NAME

IDEMUDIA – I formerly called Miss Idemudia Nosa Becky is now known and called Mrs Obosaye Nosa Becky. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

the barren political landscape that has emerged since Mubarak’s fall. The most vocal critics of the new order - the Brotherhood - have been largely driven underground.

The army congratulated Egyptians on the anniversary of the 2011 uprising and said it would help people build on the gains of what it calls the June 30 Revolution, a reference to the street unrest that prompted the army to oust Mursi.

Such messages have wide appeal for people like Shadia Mohamed Ahmed, a veiled middle-aged woman holding a poster of Sisi in Tahrir. She said “criminals” who commit violent acts against Egypt should be “executed in a public square.”

The crowd around her called for the execution of Brotherhood members.

CAVEAT PUBLICEMPTOR NOTICE

CA VEA T EMPT OR CAVEA VEAT EMPTOR This is for the information of the general public that this parcel of land measuring 26.114 hectares squared meters situate at Obagie Ne Evbosa Village in lkpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State more particularly marked and delineated in the survey plan No lSO/BD/ 1875/90 covered by certificate of Occupancy No. EDSR 13641 dated 10/02/2000 and registered as No 31 of page 31 at the Land Registry in Benin City, belongs to Rev. L.A. Ohenhen (JP). He has not and also not willing to grant any power to anyone to sell or transfer any part of this land to anybody on his behalf.

Therefore any person or persons that trespasses on the said parcel of land does so at his or her own risk.

Please stay away and be warned.

Signed F.S. Osadolor Esq. 60, Ehaekpen Street,

By Oliha Market, Benin City.

CAVEAT PUBLICEMPTOR NOTICE

WANTED URGENTLY FOR EMPLOYMENT A graduate with at least 5 years post qualification experience, A Bachelors Degree in Agronomy or any related field. Ready to work in the farm located in Edo North, Edo State. Ages between 30 — 35. Salary very attractive. Send CV and application to ga-imoudu@yahoo.com and gimoudu@yahoo.com.

International Clashes Kill Nearly 50 As Egypt Marks 2011 Uprising

Security Agencies Ignored Warnings Before Westgate Attack - Report NAIROBI - Kenyan security agencies did not heed information about an impending attack before an assault on the Westgate shopping mall in the capital last September that killed 67 people, the head of a parliamentary committee said yesterday.

Gunmen from Somalia’s al Shabaab militant group stormed the upmarket mall as shoppers flocked there on a Saturday.

Police and the intelligence services received information of impending attacks on at least three occasions in the year leading up to the assault, said Ndung’u Gethenji, chairman of the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee, investigating the assault.

“What we discovered is there was general information, not specific to Westgate, which was given, and that information appears either not to have been heeded or minimal effort was made to react to the information,” Gethenji said.

The findings are contained in a joint report by Gethenji’s committee and the Committee on National Security, which will be debated when parliament resumes on February 11.

“There needs to be a general improvement in the way the forces co-ordinate and we recommended the creation of a new inter-agency body, it is like a national security agency, which will be reporting directly to the president,” Gethenji said.

The agency would be staffed from across the spectrum of the security services, from the military to the police, and would deal with threats of attacks by militants and associated crimes such as money-laundering and wildlife poaching to raise funds, he said.

Medics transport an injured protester during an attack of the Ukrainian House building in central Kiev, Ukraine, early yesterday, Jan. 26, 2014.

ANC To Probe Alleged Misuse Of Mandela Memorial Funds JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s ruling ANC party yesterday vowed to launch its own investigation into allegations that public funds released for Nelson Mandela’s memorial services may have been misappropriated.

“Our conscience is alarmed by these allegations, that at the time of sadness, there could be such alleged occurrences,” said Mlibo Qoboshiyane, the Eastern Cape provincial government

minister who is also the ANC’s regional head of elections.

“We will urgently seek answers,” from the municipal authorities “about how this money was spent,” said Qoboshiyane.

An Eastern Cape provincial newspaper alleged that a senior official of the ruling African National Congress party had embezzled part of the money

released by a municipality to transport mourners to the antiapartheid icon’s memorial services last month.

Citing its own research, the Saturday Dispatch newspaper said 5.9 million rand (US$532,000) was paid to a local transport company linked to the ANC official.

But the paper claimed not all

German TV Snowden Says NSA Also Spies On Industry

BERLIN - Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden claims in a new interview that the U.S. agency is involved in industrial espionage.

German public television broadcaster ARD released a written statement before an interview airing yesterday night in which it quotes Snowden as saying that if German engineering company Siemens had information that would benefit the United States ó but had nothing to do with national security needs ó the National Security Agency would still use it.

ARD did not give any further context and it was not clear what exactly Snowden accused the NSA of doing with such information.

Snowden faces felony charges in the U.S. after revealing the NSA’s mass surveillance program. He has temporary asylum in Russia.

CAIRO - Nearly 50 people were killed in weekend clashes that erupted during rival rallies marking the anniversary of Egypt’s 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak, the health ministry said yesterday.

Three years after Egyptians rose up to demand the overthrow of Mubarak, thousands of demonstrators in Cairo’s Tahrir Square on Saturday chanted slogans backing another military man, General Abdel Fattah alSisi, as police clashed with Islamists and activists elsewhere.

Forty-nine people were killed, the ministry said, in 24 hours of fighting across Egypt as police and supporters of the military-

of it went to driving mourners to the memorial service, and suggested some of the money went into printing ANC t-shirts.

On Saturday the opposition had demanded an investigation into the how the funds were used.

Opposition councillors in the Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality had raised concerns after media investigations showed that even the address that appeared on the transport company’s invoice was apparently false.

South Africa is due to hold general elections this year and the ruling ANC is facing tough polls with voters increasingly disillusioned by allegations of corruption plaguing the party.

President Jacob Zuma this month kicked off his party’s election campaign with a slew of promises to crack down on rampant graft and poverty.

But his unpopularity was on show during Mandela’s memorial service in December, when angry South Africans booed him at the event which was broadcast live throughout the world.

installed government clashed with Islamist backers of president Mohamed Morsi, who was deposed in July after a single turbulent year in power.

Egypt was already on edge after four bombs exploded in Cairo on Friday, including a massive blast outside police headquarters. The attacks, which were claimed by a Sinaibased extremist group, killed six people.

Hours before Saturday’s rallies, a small bomb outside a police training centre in north Cairo wounded one person, while another 16 were hurt when a car bomb exploded beside a police base in the canal city of Suez.

Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, an AlQaeda-inspired group, claimed Friday’s bombings, all of which targeted police, and urged “Muslims” to stay away from police buildings.

Security forces across Cairo moved quickly to disperse scattered pro-Morsi protests while welcoming demonstrators to sanctioned commemorations.

In the Muhandiseen district, police fired tear gas and birdshot at anti-government protesters outside a mosque, scattering them into side streets.

Gunfire could be heard in the Alf Maskan neighbourhood, where some of Saturday’s deadliest fighting took place, a witness said.

Of the 49 people killed, most died in Cairo and its suburbs, and others in Alexandria and Minya, the health ministry said yesterday, adding 247 people were injured.

The interior ministry said 1,079 “rioters” were arrested.

One of the dead in Cairo was a member of the April 6 movement which spearheaded the uprising against Mubarak and had also opposed Morsi, a group member told AFP.

Peace Talks 1st Goal: Aid To Besieged Syrian City The coffin of South African former President Nelson Mandela at his burial site in Qunu recently.

GENEVA - Syrians on opposite sides of their country’s civil war are trying again to find common ground, with talks focus-

New C. Africa PM Says Stopping Atrocities tary general of the African DeMuslims was the key to restorBANGUI (Central African velopment Bank and vice presiIs Priority ing security and a functioning Republic) - The Central Afrident of the Development Bank can Republic’s new prime minister said yesterday his priority will be stopping the massacres and other atrocities that have shaken the country for months.

Speaking the day after he was named premier by interim president Catherine Samba Panza — herself only in office since Thursday — former banking official Andre Nzapayeke said ending the violence between Christians and

state.

“I’m going to be speaking with the different groups so that we immediately stop certain... atrocities being carried out in this country. We have to put a stop to all that quickly,” Nzapayeke said in an interview with French radio station RFI. He said he planned to “put a team in place that’s going to deal with the question of national reconciliation”.

“We have to tackle that

quickly, it will make the security question easier,” said Nzapayeke, whose surname means “God is present” in the Sango language.

After that, he said, the next step would be helping the one million people who have fled the violence to return home.

“There’s a certain number of very clear actions the government is going to tackle starting this week,” he said.

Nzapayeke, a former secre-

of Central African States, said the country would seek help from its “friends in the international community” to end the crisis.

Violence between the Christian majority and Muslim minority erupted after mostly Muslim rebel group Seleka overthrew the government in March last year and installed its leader, Michel Djotodia, as president.

ing on an aid convoy to a besieged city and possible prisoner exchanges.

The delegation for President Bashar Assad complained yesterday that the talks are avoiding the main issues and questioned their usefulness. The U.N. mediator says the thorniest topic ó a possible transitional government ó will not come up until at least Monday.

The Western-backed opposition, made up largely of exiled Syrians, says Assad has lost legitimacy and can no longer lead a country after unleashing the military on largely peaceful protests nearly three years ago. The government says the rebellion is rife with terrorists and that Assad is the only person able to end the fighting that has killed 130,000 people.

Opinion Benin Artworks In Captivity AS the Benins commemorates the centenary celebration of their great king, Oba Ovonranmwen N’Ogbaisi, one of Africa’s pioneer of pon - Africanism and nationalism, Raymond Osogbe, our Royal Correspondent accredited to Oba’s Palace reflects on the event of 1897, British invasion of Great Benin Kingdom and at the same time laments the perpetual and forceful seizure of highly graded Benin artworks in captivity.

Me think, no other time is most appropriate to rekindle the clarion call for the return of Benin Art treasure looted by the British invading forces in 1897, than the moment we are now.

This is owing to the fact that, the incumbent Oba on throne as at the time, of the unwarranted and provocative invasion, his royal majesty, Omo n’oba uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ovonranmwen n’ogbasi joined his ancestors, this month of January, 1914 in Calabar, while serving the British forceful self exile imposed on him.

This moment therefore calls for a critical sober reexamination of all the inter playing forces that culminated in the infamous invasion of Great Benin in 1897.

It is no longer a hidden truth that the British for no just cause unprovocatively came to distort a political dynasty whose organizational structure marvels all, including the British.

Emanating facts since 1897 lays credence to the fact that, the invasion was unwarranted as it was a war that could be tagged kingdom U.S. Kingdom.

The British invasion of Great Benin in 1897 was purely motivated by multifarious reasons of social, political and religious reasons that are deeply rooted on bias.

However, whatever may have provoked the attack is not the main interest of this writer, rather his concern is why did the British army looted Benin art treasure after the

By RAYMOND OSOGBE conquest of Great Benin?

Indeed there were some voices in Europe that condemned the rapacious looting of great Benin art treasure by the British invading forces in 1897.

For instance Victor Hugo had already condemned the Anglo/French attack of the summer palace in Beijing (China) in 1860, before the 1897 invasion of Great Benin.

More so, the unwarranted seizure of Benin art works was contrary to the general prevalent legal opinion in Europe, as that time, which holds that works of science and art should be protected from plunder of war.

Some western scholars are unwilling to accept the fact that after the Napoleonic spoilations and the subsequent restitution that followed, it was no longer, fashionable to deprive defeated states and its people their works of arts and science.

Therefore a precedent has been established with the Napoleonic Restitution. It is the same European powers that brollered the Napoleonic Restitution deal.

A restitution for the royal and people of modern Benin Kingdom is a sine qua non and over due, if equity is anything to go by.

As a matter of fact, Professor Neic Bodie aligned himself with this school of thought recently when he said “It should be recognised internationally the Benin artworks forcibly looted by an imperial power and following the precedents of 1815 and 1945, they should be returned”.

It is of essence to state that, the arts, in particular bronze casting costing and wood carving flourished in Great Benin before the 1897 invasion by the British.

Ling Roth a Portuguese Adventure and writer was the first to attest to this fact, just as he referred to Benin as Great, based on the elaborate and comprehensive administrative structure of

the Great Benin kingdom and as well as the master architectural layout of the city interlocking streets, laden with the buildings that stupefied the Portuguese.

Indeed Great Benin parades one of the best and cohesive society, political, economic and military

structure in West Africa and beyond.

It was this cohesion, the undisciplined British invading forces came to disrupt in 1897 and subsequently looting the erst-while flourishing state of her art treasures.

A seventeenth century Dutch engraving from Olifert Dapper’s V a u w k e u r i g e Beschrivinge der Afrikaansche Gewestern, published in Amsterdam in 1668, described the Benin Oba’s palace thus: “The king’s palace or court is a square and is as large as the

town of Hanrlem and entirely surrounded by a special wall like that which encircles the town.

It is divided into many magnificent palaces, houses and apartments of the courtiers and comprises beautiful and long square galleries, about as large as the Exchange at Amsterdam, but one larger than another,

resting on wooden pillars, from top to bottom covered with cost copper, on which are engraved the pictures of their war exploits and battles, and are kept very clean”.

Further, he wrote thus “most palaces and houses of the king are covered with palm leaves, instead of square pieces of wood and every root is decorated with a small turret ending in a point, on which birds are standing, birds cast in copper with outspread wings, cleverly made after living models”.

Great Benin Obas in the

16th century lives in such a great splendour properly captured by this Portuguese writer.

The above represents the height Great Benin has attained before the British who were in a hurry to satisfy their inordinate ambition invaded the Benin Kingdom whose monarch is as old as a thousand years.

However, the Benis have a good case. The call for the return of their treasure should be collective and cohesive.

It is now crystal clear that, the British invasion of Great Benin was quite unnecessary.

Permit me to unfold here that, indeed all European powers owe the people of Africa unreserved apology for the scramble and portioning of the continent against the consent of the people. Therefore, one could say the Berlin conference that brokered this undeserved colonialism was a misnomer in the history of humanity.

This ill fated conference purportedly gave Britain the opportunity to domicile in modern Nigeria and later disrupted one of the greatest and oldest kingdom in the world.

(Great Benin) A kingdom which hitherto established strong diplomatic ties with Portugal, headed by a king who also believe that Benin kingdom headed by the king of Benin was an equal sovereign.

The flourishing diplomatic ties led to exchange of envoys of Ambassadorial level varies ties and treaties were signed by these two kingdom.

Where was Britain as at this time. It is on irony of circumstances that the

British came to destroy the flushing legacies.

Before I rest my case, it is of essence to say that the Benin artworks that were looted and today are scattered all over the world are of the highest grade and each is a master piece that tells a particular story.

Professor Felix Van Luschan, a former official of the Berlin Museum for Volkerhunde, aligned himself with the opinion of the writer, just as he described Benin artworks thus. “These works from Benin are equal to the very finest examples of European casting techniques.”

Further he stated.

Benvenuto Celini could not have cost them better, nor could any one else before or after him.”

Technically speaking these Bronzes represent the highest possible achievement and only a highly and a sophiscated civilized state and people could possibly have borne the expenditure and facilities of such marvelous works of arts which are among the best of its kind in the world.

The beauty and the lure of this amazing art treasure possibly led to the unprovoked attack and invasion of Great Benin, which subsequent and unjustifiably led to the forceful exile of Oba Ovonranmwen N’Ogba Isi, who could possibly be refered to as one of the greatest Pan Africanist who resisted European imperialism stoically.

I end this essay with a clamour call on Britain to return to the royals and people of Benin, their artworks. Keeping in their custody negates international law and again it is morally wrong.

Oba gha to kpere!

Ise!

“Indeed Great Benin parades one of the best and cohesive society, political, economic and military structure in West Africa and beyond. It was this cohesion, the undisciplined British invading forces came to disrupt in 1897 and subsequently looting the erst-while flourishing state of her art treasures.”

Pelle grini Lauds Aguero After FA Cup Fright MANCHESTER City manager Manuel Pellegrini underlined the importance of Argentine international striker Sergio Aguero following his hattrick in the 4-2 FA Cup fourthround victory over Watford.

Aguero took his goal tally to six in four games since his month-long lay-off with a calf injury as City came from 2-0 down to overcome the Championship club on Saturday and book a place in the fifth round.

With a place in the League Cup final secured and a last-16 tie with Barcelona in the Champions League on the horizon, City remain on course to win four competitions in Pellegrini’s first season at the club.

And with Aguero having now scored 25 goals in 24 games, across all competitions, it is clear

Manuel Pellegrini

Mata Completes Record £37.1m Man Utd Move SPANISH attacking midfielder Juan Mata completed his record £37.1 million (44.7m euros) transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United on Saturday after a medical at the English champions. tweeted: “Welcome to my amigo United had already confirmed @juanmata10 ! Hoping you on Friday that they had agreed a enjoy ya time here and help deal to sign the 25-year-old for a continue the success at this club-record fee. club.”

“Today is a very happy day...

It’s a massive club and I feel very proud to be here,” Mata told manutd.com.

“I am thrilled to be joining.

United is the perfect place for me.”

United manager David Moyes described Mata as “one of the finest playmakers in the game”.

“It’s a real pleasure to have secured his signature,” said Moyes.

The deal eclipsed the £30.75 million that United paid Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 to sign Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Mata joined Chelsea from Valencia in 2011 and was voted the club’s player of the year in his first two seasons, but he has fallen out of favour since Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge as manager last year.

Mata is expected to go straight into the squad for United’s home game against Cardiff City in the league on Tuesday.

Juan Mata His signing reflects Moyes’s eagerness to arrest a startling decline in United’s fortunes since he succeeded fellow-Scot Alex Ferguson as manager at the end MANCHESTER United are of last season. targeting as many as five more United are currently 14 points signings of Juan Mata’s calibre behind leaders Arsenal in the as David Moyes begins the most Premier League and have been radical overhaul of United’s first knocked out of both the FA Cup team in almost 20 years, that’s and the League Cup this month, according to a report in the although they have reached the Sunday Times. They are last 16 in the Champions League. apparently looking for top fullUnited striker Robin van backs on either flank, at least two Persie welcomed Mata’s arrival, midfielders and another leading writing on Twitter: “Welcome forward. Moves are being Juan Mata see you all tuesday.” considered for Bayern Munich’s Centre-back Rio Ferdinand Toni Kroos and Mario

Mata will join countryman David de Gea at Old Trafford and the United goalkeeper gave his fellow Spaniard a playful welcome, tweeting: “Welcome to my brother @juanmata10 just one thing....Not the best clothes!”

Meanwhile, reports in the

British media on Saturday claimed that United have opened talks with striker Wayne Rooney over a new contract.

The 28-year-old England striker has 18 months remaining on his current deal and was the subject of two unsuccessful bids from Chelsea during the close season.

that the in-form forward will be integral to any success City enjoy.

“Sergio’s a top player, very important for us,” said Pellegrini, whose side are currently in second place in the Premier League.

“The first idea was for him not to play 90 minutes because he has been playing 30, 45, 60 and the idea was for him to play 60 or 70. But he had to play the whole match. He made the difference.”

On City’s chances of claiming an unprecedented quadruple of trophies, Pellegrini added: “It’s the same question the media asks every week. I don’t know what will happen in the future.

“I’m absolutely sure if we play as we did in the first half, it is impossible. If we play as we did in the second half, maybe we can continue in all competitions.

“We’re not thinking about that. We’ve had a cup week, continued in the Capital One (League) Cup and taken another step in the FA Cup. Now, we have four games in the Premier League and will continue to try and win every game.”

Beaten Watford manager Giuseppe Sannino, however, was less cautious in his analysis of the team that had just knocked his side out of the competition.

“I used to watch Manchester City on TV. Tonight (Saturday) I saw them from the touchline,” said the Italian, who succeeded countryman Gianfranco Zola in December.

“They have a lot of very, very good players. Yes, I think they can compete for all four titles they are looking for. But you know, football is very strange so they have to be focused every single game.”

Aguero’s three well-taken goals were joined by a 25-yard

shot from Aleksandar Kolarov, which squirmed past goalkeeper Jonathan Bond in the 87th minute to put City in front for the first time in the match.

Earlier, City had looked in danger of the most unlikely of upsets when goals from Fernando Forestieri and Troy Deenet brought the visitors a deserved 2-0 half-time lead.

“If I could change 11 players at half-time, I would have changed all of them,” said Pellegrini.

“It was more to do with attitude and intensity than the performance of individual players. The whole team didn’t do things we normally do.

“But in the second half, we played with another tempo, another pace, and we continued to play the way we have the whole season at the Etihad.”

The Chilean added: “We did not under-estimate Watford, but at half-time I was very worried.

I told the players before the match that in the FA Cup, the Spanish Cup, the Italian Cup, everywhere, the team that plays from another division has a lot of motivation.

“I said if we didn’t play with 100 percent concentration and intensity, we wouldn’t win the game. In the first 45 minutes we were jogging and, in that way, it was impossible to win.”

Sergio Aguero

Ouseley Hits Out At Baggies

United To Buy ‘Five More Matas’ Mandzukic, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal of Juventus, Inter Milan’s Fredy Guarin, FC Porto’s Fernando Reges and Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus. Oh, and Glen Johnson of Liverpool.

Paper Round’s view: It’s rare to see this kind of report come from the Sunday Times, but it only reflects what many of the

other papers are alleging with United clearly desperate to stage a comprehensive revamping of their haggard squad. With Patrice Evra set to leave at the end of the campaign and Javier Hernandez, Nani, Rafael, Alex Buttner and Wilfried Zaha all set to head for the exits, this overhaul is going to be pretty dramatic. Moyes knows that his future at the club is on the line with the recruitments he makes vital over the next 12 months.

KICK It Out chairman Lord Ouseley has criticised West Brom over their handling of Nicolas Anelka’s alleged antiSemitic gesture.

Anelka has denied a Football Association charge he made an abusive, indecent, insulting or improper gesture following his ‘quenelle’ goal celebration against West Ham on December 28.

The Frenchman faces a minimum five-match ban if found guilty as the FA further allege the offence to be an aggravated breach given the potential reference to ethnic origin, race, religion or belief.

The Baggies released a statement shortly after the incident saying they accepted the celebration had caused some offence and that Anelka had been asked to refrain from doing it again - with the striker agreeing to do so.

But the club have continued to select the 34-year-old and Ouseley believes the midlands outfit should have taken stronger action during the fall-out from the affair.

“West Brom should have

taken much more responsibility in recognising that the action was offensive to Jewish people and also offensive to anyone who is against discrimination in football,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“If West Brom had behaved in an honourable manner then clearly we would be in a better place.

“They haven’t been strong on this. If your player misbehaves you have an obligation to take action, regardless of what the FA does.”

He added: “At the very least, after the game, they should have said we will investigate this.

“If a steward behaves in this way then the appropriate action would be taken immediately. It appears West Brom may be distancing themselves from him by suggesting they aren’t financially supporting him in challenging the FA’s charge.

“It still leaves the question hanging over what sort of care and responsibility they have for their employee and what sort of advice they are providing him.

Football has to have values.”

Buffon Sees Red As Lazio Hold 10-Man Juve

GOALKEEPER Gianluigi Buffon was sent off as 10man Juventus dropped points for the first time since October last year in a 1-1 draw at Lazio on Saturday.

Juventus were looking for players, comes to the fore.” their 13th successive win Lazio had claims for since losing 4-2 to Fiorentina another penalty waved away on October 20. just before the interval after But their bid suffered a the ball clearly came off the blow before the half hour arm of defender Leonardo when Buffon, who had Bonucci as he challenged already almost gifted deep in his own area.

Miroslav Klose a free scoring Both sides created a series chance, saw red for hauling of chances in a lively second the German striker down on half but Juve overcame their the six-yard line.

Buffon made way for number two ‘keeper Marco Storari, with Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah forced off to leave Juve a man down.

It was Buffon’s first Serie A dismissal since February 2011, against Lecce, and the visitors were 1-0 down when Antonio Candreva sent Storari the wrong way from the spot in the 27th minute.

Juve coach Antonio Conte told Sky Sport Italia: “We were looking for the win, whether we were at full strength or not. Our winning attitude remained intact even with the setback of our keeper’s sending off.

“I was happy with the team’s reaction, it’s in times like these that their character Mario Balotelli as men, and not just as

disadvantage to pull level on the hour after a well-worked move starting with Carlos Tevez.

The Argentinian striker held off his marker on the edge of the area to send Stephan Lichsteiner through on the right, with Fernando Llorente’s glancing header from the Swiss midfielder’s cross creeping inside Etrit Berisha’s far post.

Lazio coach Edoardo Reja

said: “We played a great game, despite a disappointing start due to Juve’s pressing early on.”

The result favoured both Roma and Napoli, the latter earlier dropping points for the second week in succession after being held 1-1 at home by struggling Chievo.

Raul Albiol scored his maiden goal for Napoli but a week after settling for a 2-

Guingamp.

Both sides struggled to break the deadlock until the final 10 minutes when two goals in three minutes lit up

Laurent Blanc

the match.

The home side looked as if they had clinched the winning goal through Mustapha Yatabare in the 84th minute but PSG defender Alex proved the hero for the Ligue 1 frontrunners, salvaging a precious point with little time to spare.

And after the match Blanc said he was satisfied with the result but believed his side were held back by the condition of the pitch.

“It is always difficult to win games. We came here to win even if we had a lot of respect for Guingamp,” Blanc said..

“But if we were sluggish, what were Guingamp?

“We had the majority of the ball, so they just waited for us.

It is disappointing but I am still satisfied that we never gave up and came back to get a deserved point.

Mathaeus Rules Out Kroos United Move EX-Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus has said he would expect Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos to turn down a potential bid by English Premier League giants Manchester United.

There is speculation in the English media that United will table a bid for the 24-year-old German having already signed Spanish attacking midfielder Juan Mata from Chelsea.

“I presume Kroos will extend his (Bayern) contract in the near future, even if he has offers from abroad,” Matthaeus, 52, told Sky Sports in reference to United.

United manager David Moyes flew to Germany to join Kroos’

agent Sascha Breese in watching Bayern’s 2-0 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday.

Kroos was outstanding as

Toni Kroos

from barely a yard out after Jose Callejon’s angled shot, which had beaten Christian Puggioni, found him unmarked at the back post.

Dries Mertens’s effort from a tight angle then found the outside of the post, the first of three efforts to hit the woodwork with Mertens’s free kick hitting the upright and late substitute Lorenzo Insigne’s rising drive skimming off the crossbar.

With just two minutes remaining Albiol spared Napoli’s blushes when he pounced from a corner to squeeze a deflected shot past Puggioni at his near post.

Roma, second and eight points behind Juve, are away to Verona on Sunday while Napoli’s fifth draw of the campaign has given a boost to Fiorentina, who are four points adrift of them before Sunday’s game against Genoa.

Balotelli Wants To Play Under Mourinho Again

Blanc Blames Pitch For Draw

PARIS Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc has criticised the Stade du Roudourou pitch for his side’s lacklustre 1-1 draw to

2 draw away to Bologna, their slim title hopes were dented again.

Napoli remain third and are still 12 points behind Antonio Conte’s men.

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez admitted Chievo’s all-round defensive strategy had been decisive but called on his side to rediscover their early-season intensity.

“It’s not easy to play against a side that closes the game down like that but we have to rediscover the intensity that we had at the start of the season,” said the Spaniard.

Napoli were stunned inside 20 minutes when Gennaro Sardo finished off a one-two with Cyril Theareau to smash a stunning drive past Rafael Cabral and into the top corner.

The hosts tried to hit back but Gonzalo Higuain somehow missed the target

Bayern extended their record unbeaten Bundesliga run to 42 matches and opened a ten-point gap at the top of the table.

Having made 41 appearances for Germany, Kroos is out of contract with Bayern in June 2015 and the European champions are eager to extend his deal.

Matthaeus played for Bayern during two spells in his career and still has strong ties with the European champions.

He insisted live on air that Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski would join Bayern — a year before the deal was confirmed three weeks ago.

“I also remember Thiago Silva was not there tonight.

We were not as good as usual today. Why? I don’t want to hide behind it but the state of the pitch was deplorable.

“It is the case for both sides but it handicaps the team that plays the most football.

“We knew it would be difficult and we have to get on with it. It maybe won’t be the last time either, but we were not exactly helped.”

MILAN star Mario Balotelli has said he “would like to play under Jose” Mourinho again despite their troubled time together at Inter.

The 23-year-old Italian had several clashes with Mourinho and was sold to Manchester City after throwing his jersey to the ground at the end of a Champions League tie with Barcelona in 2010.

“Of course I would like to play under Jose again,” Balotelli was quoted as telling the Sunday Mirror.

“In my first days at Inter we had some problems, but then it turned into a mutual respect, and now we have a real friendship.

“It is never boring playing under Jose. When you are in Mourinho’s team it is a family and he coaches on the principal that if all is well with the family it doesn’t matter what is going on outside the team.”

The newspaper claims this is fuelling speculation of a transfer to Chelsea, but Milan have made it clear that the striker is not for sale.

“I said when I left Manchester that the fans were so good to me that I couldn’t see myself playing for another team in England,” he said.

“I got great support from the Manchester City fans during my time there and I will always respect them.

AC Milan Chief Welcomes Michael Essien

AC Milan Chief Executive Adriano Galliani has no doubts new Michael Essien will add value to the Rossoneri.

Milan’s form this term has plummeted and are in search of magician to turn around their fortunes.

The Ghana international has undergone medical at the La Madonnina clinic and set to complete his move from English Premier League side Chelsea who released him.

“Essien is an important player who has had an important career.

He’s reliable from a physical point of view,” Galliani said.

Essien not part of Jose Mourinho’s plans for the season after making just five Premier League appearances.

He was also not registered for the Champions League Group stage matches but AC Milan are ready to give him a starting role.

Milan face Atletico Madrid in the next first knock-out round of the competition and are without suspended duo Montolivo and

compatriot Sulley Muntari.

“The appeal for Montolivo’s suspension was rejected and he’ll be out for both matches.

We’ll be without him and Muntari for both Champions

Michael Essien

League matches and in this sense, Essien’s arrival is important,” Galliani said.

“Hopefully there’ll be more surprises to come for the fans.”

Appiah Paid Ghana’s CHAN Winning Bonus LOCAL Black Stars coach Maxwell Konadu has confirmed that senior national team boss Kwesi Appiah paid an undisclosed amount to the team for beating Ethiopia in their final Group C match at the CHAN. Konadu also added that Appiah has been providing technical assistance to him at the tournament.

Ghana will play DR Congo on Sunday night for a place in the last four of the competition.

Konadu’s side topped Group C after beating Congo 1-0, drew 1-1 with Libya and a hard fought 1-0 win over dreaded Ethiopia. “(Kwasi) Appiah has given me all the support here.

Tactically and technically he’s been supporting me at training and in camp where we share ideas,” Konadu said.

“He promised the team a handsome winning bonus and we won. He immediately called me that he had sent for the money to be brought to the players.”

Dozens Arrested In New Brazil Protests

WAVES of anti-World Cup demonstrations in Brazil turned violent as a number of protesters were arrested across the country. nation was hit by In Sao Paulo, police claim widespread protests during they detained 128 people last year’s Confederations amid unpleasant scenes that Cup and the sentiment was included damage to cars, echoed in Saturday’s shops and banks. demonstrations, with many The 2014 World Cup host

Brazilians unhappy at the cost of staging the tournament when they feel key facets of the country’s infrastructure are in greater need of financial support.

An estimated 2,500 people marched through Sao Paulo holding banners and chanting “There will be

no Cup,” while some festivities arranged to mark the city’s 460th birthday had to be cancelled.

“We are against the millions and millions of dollars being spent for the Cup,” university student Leonardo Pelegrini dos Santos told the Associated Press news agency.

“It is money that should be invested in better health and education services and better transportation and housing.”

Fifteen people were also reportedly arrested in another host city, Natal, though elsewhere there were more peaceful protests — including in Rio de Janeiro, where the World Cup final will take place on July 13.

Lucho Quitting Porto For Qatar Kwesi Appiah

AFC Plans Asian Cup Expansion To 24 Teams THE Asian Football Confederation plans to expand the Asian Cup from 16 to 24 teams as part of a raft of changes designed to increase the number of international matches for member nations.

The AFC competitions committee made the proposal at a meeting in Oman on Saturday, at which they also announced plans to merge regional preliminary qualification rounds for the World Cup and Asian Cup. “Competitions are the main products of AFC and I am happy that it is in good hands,” AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim

Al-Khalifa said in a statement.

“We must market our product and generate income to sustain football across the continent.

“I am sure that the changes that happen will have big impact in Asian football and will benefit our member associations.

Australia will host the 16th edition of the quadrennial Asian Cup next year with the first expanded tournament likely to take place in 2019.

Any proposals made by the AFC competitions committee must first be ratified by the confederation’s executive committee to take effect.

There are 47 member nations in the AFC.

Sepp Blatter, FIFA President

Australian Open

Wawrinka Survives Nadal Scare

STANISLAS Wawrinka held firm in a match of high drama to defeat an injured Rafa Nadal 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3 and win the Australian Open on Sunday.

The eighth seed roared to a two-set lead after top seed Nadal struggled with an apparent back injury sustained early in the second set, but the Swiss was left

South Korea See Off Nine-Man Costa Rica KIM Shin-Wook scored the only goal as South Korea battled past nine-man Costa Rica 1-0 in a friendly in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup. Midfielder Kim’s ninthminute strike on Saturday proved to be enough in a tempestuous match that saw Costa Rica have Christopher

Meneses sent off for a straight red in the 68th minute and Mauricio Castillo given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow in the 84th.

The narrow victory gave South Korea a good start to their three-match North American tour, which will include a clash with Mexico on Wednesday in San

Antonio, Texas, and a friendly against the United States in Los Angeles on February 1.

South Korea play in Group H versus Belgium, Algeria and Russia in the World Cup finals in Brazil later this year.

Costa Rica are in Group D along with Uruguay, England and Italy.

stunned as his opponent suddenly revived in the third at Rod Laver Arena.

Though restricted in his movement, Nadal fought back into the match with a barrage of clean hitting, completely throwing the Swiss off his game who surrendered the third set in a hail of unforced errors.

Running Nadal around the court, Wawrinka raised two break points in the sixth game of the fourth set and unleashed a withering forehand down the line to capture the break.

The Swiss then surrendered a terrible service game with a shanked forehand that sailed metres past the baseline and another that sprayed long down the line.

Despite the setback, Wawrinka recovered, firing a shot into Nadal’s shoelaces to

raise break points and whacked a forehand down the line to earn a chance to serve for the match.

Wawrinka stayed cool when it counted, serving strongly and sealing his maiden grand slam title with an imperious forehand rocketing down the line.

Lucho Gonzalez

A R G E N T I N E international Lucho Gonzalez is leaving FC Porto for a lucrative contract with a Qatari side, it was reported here on Sunday.

Paulo Fonseca, manager of the Portuguese club, confirmed the player was quitting his team, without specifying the identity of his new employers.

“FC Porto were sensitive to the wishes of the player who wants to go in a separate direction,” Fonseca told local media.

The 33-year-old midfielder joined former European champions Porto from Marseille in 2012 having already played for the side from 2005 to 2009.

On the international stage he starred for the Argentina team that won gold at the 2004 Olympic Games, and played at the 2006 World Cup where Argentina lost to hosts Germany on penalties in the quarter-finals.

2014 CHAN ... 2014 CHAN ... 2014 CHAN ... 2014 CHAN The Triumph Of The Jonathan Nigerian Spirit Yet Again Applauds those who are flying the NIGERIA have again proved country’s flag so proudly and that it is not over until it is over Super high at this tournament. following a stirring comeback Through self belief, dogged against Morocco at the 2014 Eagles CHAN on Saturday.

The Eagles fought back from a three-goal deficit against Morocco to win 4-3 after extra time and march on to the semifinal of CHAN in only their debut appearance.

The indefatigable, never-saydie Nigerian spirit has yet again triumphed against all odds.

Coach Stephen Keshi will again praise his team of battlers for such spirit when it looked like all had been lost.

This performance brings back memories of ‘The Dammam Miracle’ when the Nigeria U20s battled back from 4-0 to draw level with Russia and went on to win 5-3 on penalties to qualify for the semi-finals of the 1989 FIFA U20 Championship in Saudi Arabia.

There was also the Nwankwo Kanu-inspired comeback against mighty Brazil in the semi-finals of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Brazil were cruising to a 2-0 victory over The Dream Team, before Kanu turned on the magic to eventually win 3-2 and reach an historic Olympic soccer final on the way to winning an even more historic Olympic Gold.

On Saturday in Cape Town, Nigeria suffered from indiscipline in defence and were dearly punished by Morocco.

But with their backs against the wall, they rose to the Moroccan challenge after the interval to restore parity before they took the game in extratime.

The team in South Africa may not be the best from the Nigeria league, but no one can fault the character and commitment of

determination and hunger for glory they have made the impossible possible.

Here is a team who have improved with every game after a disastrous start against Mali in the opening game to CHAN that caused millions to demand they head back home immediately.

The momentum is now in the Nigerian corner and this team must now put their latest heroics behind them and go all the way to landing the CHAN trophy, just as they had done by winning a third Africa Cup of Nations also in South Africa last year against all the odds.

The main Super Eagles would also do well to draw from what their colleagues in the domestic league have so far achieved – you are only as good as your last result and with such a positive

• Uzoenyi

Super Eagles’ Dramatic Comeback Thrill Football Enthusiasts NIGERIAN football enthusiasts on Saturday reacted with ecstacy to Super Eagles’ 4-3 defeat of the Atlas Lions of Morocco to qualify for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) semi-finals.

In separate interviews with correspondents, they hailed the team’s “unexpected victory’’ saying “the team virtually came back from the dead’’.

The Super Eagles had rallied from a 0-3 deficit at half-time to defeat Morocco 4-3 in extra time in their quarter-final match at Cape Town in South Africa.

In Lagos, Paul Hamilton, a former Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, said the team’s comeback into the game was simply “intriguing”.

“They started on a low note, but ended up well. I thank God they improved and won the match.

“They are now in a crucial stage and must be ruthless and tactical in the remaining matches. I commend the boys for their determination in not losing concentration when they were down,’’ he said.

Hamilton however called for more work to be done on the team’s goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim.

I Did Not Panic When We Were Down 0-3 SUPER Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, on Saturday said he did not panic when his team was down 0-3 against Morocco in a quarter-final encounter of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Keshi told newsmen in a postmatch conference that he charged the boys to show the stuff they were made of in the second half of the pulsating encounter.

“I told them that in the second half I will want to see a different character, the type of character we brought against Bafana Bafana.

“So, they took on from there, and for now, we are not going home.

“There was one thing going for us, and we capitalised on it; we knew the Moroccans were good when they were with the

- Keshi

ball, and poor when they were not with the ball.

“We began to use our strength to exploit the weakness of the Moroccans, and inflicted whatever damage we could inflict on them.

“That was how the match was won, ’’Keshi said.

In the same vein, Chigozie Agbim, the Captain and the goalkeeper of the Nigerian team, said that that, in spite the uphill task ahead of the team, he was calm.

“I told my teammates at halftime that we were not playing our usual game, and that we needed to step up our game to stand a chance of winning the match.

“At the resumption of the second half, we played

differently, and God helped us to win the match.

“I want to thank all Nigerians for their support for the team,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Super Eagles literally snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the Cape Town Stadium.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco stunned the Eagles in the 36th, 39th and 41st minutes in a match that could be described as one with two halves.

“The Eagles had to reduce the scores and eventually scored the equalising goal at the 90th minute.

The goal resulted from the mercurial display of Ejike Uzoenyi and Abubakar Ibrahim of Nasarawa United FC in the 110th minute of the match.

In Akure, Mike Idoko, the Director of Ondo State Football Agency, said the Eagles showed they have the character to win the championship.

The director said the match could be one of the best matches played in CHAN history.

“The game was one of the best games I have watched in CHAN so far.

“When the Eagles were three goals down, they never lost their cool, but continued to play with great determination to eventually win,’’ he said.

On his part, an ex-Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju, said: “We could have lost the match.

But I thank God that the boys were able to come back.’’

He, however, warned the team not to take such chances in future matches.

“Coach Stephen Keshi should not relent now. He needs to psyche up the boys, as they have entered a more crucial stage of the competition,’’ Adepoju said.

Lawrence Akpokona, the Technical Adviser of Crown FC of Ogbomosho, described the match as a nice performance.

“It was the raw test of a team’s strength and their ability to recover when they are down.

“The defence in the first half allowed the Atlas Lions space to operate, which gave them the edge in that half.

“But in their next match, I do know that the technical crew will improve on the lapses noticed today (Saturday). All in all, it was a good outing. Kudos to the team,’’ he said.

In Enugu, Edwin Eze, the Co-

ordinator of the Enugu Pepsi Academy, said the victory was well-deserved.

“The boys used the first half to size up themselves and in the process made mistakes which they eventually corrected,’’ he said.

Eze, who is also the Director of Information, Enugu State Sports Ministry, said he was happy that one of his boys, Ejike Uzoenyi, made an impressive mark in the team.

At the Nigerian border community of Okuta in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara, fans were in a state of ecstasy over the victory.

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday congratulated the Super Eagles on their exhilarating come-back victory over their Moroccan counterparts in the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Super Eagles rallied from three goals down to beat Morocco’s Atlas Lions 4-3, after extra time, to reach the semi-finals of 2014 CHAN in Cape Town, South Africa.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said Jonathan applauded the indomitable spirit with which the Super Eagles fought back to claim victory.

“President Jonathan applauds the Super Eagles’ spirit from being three goals down to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and win a most memorable victory with almost the last kick of the match,” he said.

Abati said that the President commended the courage, patriotism, determination and dedication to national service exhibited by the Super Eagles.

He said the President urged the team to maintain their exemplary commitment to national duty until ultimate victory in the continental soccer championship for home-based players was achieved.

Abati said the President assured the team and its handlers that they would continue to receive the fullest support possible from the Federal Government and Nigerians.

Uzoenyi CHAN MVP In Waiting EJIKE Uzoenyi is closing in on being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2014 CHAN after he scooped his third man of the match award Saturday.

Like Nigeria, the Enugu Rangers left winger got off to a slow start, but he has now proved that form may be temporary, but class is permanent.

While Sunday Mba opted to take the Euro deal on the table and so skipped CHAN, the 21year-old Uzoenyi may have taken the wiser decision to showcase his talents that he will now most certainly get him another shot at football in Europe.

He and Kano Pillars playmaker Rabiu Ali have carried this team to the last four of the tournament.

His trickery on the left wing

and his goals have seen him shine against Mozambique and South Africa, where he was only denied a hat-trick by the crossbar.

And he crowned another virtuoso display at CHAN with a master-class showing against Morocco on Saturday.

Several other players have caught the eye at this championship reserved for players featuring in their respective domestic leagues.

They include Bernard Parker (South Africa), El Ouadi, Mouhssine Iajour and Abdessamad Rafik of Morocco, Kuda Mahachi (Zimbabwe) and Yahaya Mohammed (Ghana).

The Enugu Rangers left winger, who was on the squad to the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, is also a goal away from equalling the four-goal tally of leading scorer Bernard Parker of South Africa.

CMYK

“For never can true reconcilement grow, where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep” [JOHN MILTON-1608-1674] ‘PARADISE LOST’ Dialectical logicians in their anthropomorphic dissertations, corroborated by classical scholars in their Age of Reason and buttressed by the French enlightenment philosophers, agree that man is of great cerebral prolificity [Homo Multarum Litterarum man of great learning].

But concurred that nature dealt an immedicabile vulnus (irreparable injury) on man through the base instinct of HATRED. Hatred is a passive or active expression and feeling of arrant dislike for something or somebody. It is extreme aversion, intense animosity, vehement malignity, enmity, malice, malevolence, bitter abhorrence and resentment.

But hatred is an instinctive and base infusion by nature which can only be marginally controlled by deep reverence for God, sound education, mind training, civilizational traits and self-implosion.

Hence, Henry W. Longfellow [1807-1882] posited in his book “NATURE” that “so Nature deals with us and takes away our playthings one by one, and by the hand leads us to rest”.

Hatred, silhouetted on the disposition of man, brings out the therioromorphic (beast-like) nature of man. The inability to control, husband, harness and manage hatred has led to unthinkably great disasters in relationships, horrendously ghoulish wars, profane perversions, World wars, Peloponnesian wars, 100 days war, the Nigeria/Biafra civil war, Middle-East war, Boko Haram’s terrorism, Ife – Modakeke, Ijaw/Itsekiri/ Warri Urhobo unrest, Kokori, Ododegho ,

Plateau, Benin massacres are all partial fallouts of hatred.

The tragedy of hate/hatred is that it has an adventitious and

dreamer and mere m e t a p h y s i c a l abstractions. But we betray our ignorance about how God and the laws of Nature work. We are at birth impregnably fortified by a positive aura and the aura is consolidated by the verve, spirit and élan of

By BOBSON IHIMEKPEN GBINIJE ByCHIEF OKHAREDIA Nelson Mandela and Chief P.A Gbinije etc will glow eternally because they gave love and

truncated by Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. But that same great Napoleon one day stood back and

Dialectics Of Hatred As Mankind’s Albatross scandent growth. Hatred exponentially intensifies the growth and existence of hatred and murderously dangerous evil in our global community. Hence, our world is in apocalyptical topsyturvydom with hatred growing with arithmetical to geometrical progression. We are all so cocooned in the dungeon of hatred, so much so that we cannot know the difference anymore. The essayist Cervantes (1547 - 1616) in his masterpiece “DON QUIXOTE” said “Love and War are the same thing, and stratagems and policy are as allowable in the one as in the other” what a shame!

In the fifth chapter of the synoptic gospel as recorded by Saint Matthew, we read these very arresting words flowing from the lips of our Satyagraha, Supreme Sovereign and Generalissimo of the Cosmogony. JESUS THE CHRIST, ‘ye have heard that it has been said, “thou shall love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy’. But I say unto you, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven”.

Certainly, some will quickly conclude that these theological effusions are humanly impossible to abide by. They claim that it is not just possible as they are the impracticable submissions of a quixotic clairvoyant, utopian

forgiveness and the love and tolerance we give and show to others. But it is depreciated by hatred and evil works.

The effulgent

forgiveness to a world full of hate. Martins Luther King Jr. observed in his didactic speech, titled “LOVING YOUR ENEMIES” delivered on

looked across the years, and said “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I have built great empires, but upon what did they depend? They

November 17, 1957 that “we will be able to matriculate into the university of eternal life because, we had the power to love our enemies, to bless those persons that curse us, to even decide to be good to those persons who hated us, and we even prayed for those persons who despitefully used us”.

N a p o l e o n Bonaparte at a very young age virtually conquered the world until his feat was

depended upon force.

But long ago Jesus started an empire that depended on LOVE and even to this day millions will die for him” Our world is bemused and befuddled by lycanthrophical hatred and lovelessness notwithstanding the plenitude of ethical philosophers sermonizing Priests, Pastors, Churches, Mosques, Altars, Shrines, the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, Arab League,

Pope Francis

luminosity of powerful light shows from us and around us when we love, but the light turns into Erebus darkness when we hate making us vulnerable to attacks etc. Hatred, therefore betrays spiritual ignorance and a consumate manifestation of bestial intuitivity.

Jesus is love and all the Great Grand Masters (GGM) preached, practiced and imbibed the concept of love. The light of Mohandas Ghandi, Martins Luther King Jr.,

ASEAN etc. They have all become mawkish bugaboos and hogwash institutions, because there is no sincerity of purpose of LOVE with them and amongst them.

Our world is cascading down the gedarene precipice, because of the selfinduced syndrome of Mutually Agreed Destruction (MAD) through lovelessness and hatred amongst our common humanity. We must urgently supplant leadership inertia, greed, corruption, poverty, wickedness, religious bigotry, terrorism, tribalism, Lesbianism, Gayism and thievery with LOVE. We should not hate but love. The commentators C. Joy and Bell C. posited that “If you want to forget something or someone, never hate it, or never hate him/her.

Everything and everyone that you hate is engraved upon your heart, if you want to let go something, if you want to forget, you cannot hate”.

Finally, hate is like a poisonous doubleedged sword. It corrodes the core essence and soul of the hater and the hated. It certainly destroys the nucleus of our cerebral virtuosity and spiritual immaculacy.

Hate at any point in time is a cancer that gnaws away at the foundational root of our lives and existence. It is like a corroding acid that wears away the base of our common humanity and the best in us. Let us deracinate the roots of hatred not only from grass root level, but from root hair base to tree top heights. Let’s shun hatred and imbibe love.

CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE IS OF MANDATE AGAINST POVERTY (MAP) WARRI

Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor: BARR. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI)-(07030699646), Deputy General Manager-Marketing (08023457566), Assistant General Manager-Advertisement (08023808856) Lagos Office: 3/4 Amode Close, Kudirat Abiola Way, By Olushosun Bus Stop, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to: 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com (ISSN 0331-2674)