The Nigerian
THE NIGERIAN
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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 PERSPECTIVE Pages 16 - 17
State of emergency must be constitutional
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
• Vol. 37 • NO.241• TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2 0 13 • N 100.00
Edo LG tribunal holds pre-hearing session By ROLAND OSAKUE/INNOCENT OMOAKA
BENIN CITY: The three member Edo state local Government Election Petition Tribunal yesterday had its maiden session with
various counsel at the open court, even as it sued for their cooperation in the course of its proceedings. The chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Iyobosa Okungbowa, leading Hon. Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele and Hon.
Justice Stephen Omonua welcomed the members of the bar, particularly Counsel to the plaintiffs and that of the respondents to the Pre-hearing session of
the Tribunal and urged them to work within the time frame of the tribunal. Justice Okungbowa further advised the counsel to familiarize themselves with the
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Children’s Day DISCOURSE
CMYK
Page 22
Celebrating 2013 children’s day
Oshiomhole tasks institutions, parents By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR/ FUNMI BATATOPE
BENIN CITY - Edo State Government has urged voluntary Organisations, traditional and religious institutions as well as corporate bodies to invest in the up-bringing of children. The State Governor, Deputy Dr. Pius Comrade Adams Egberanmwen Odubu, Oshiomhole made the noted that its is the appeal at this year’s responsibility of all to (2013) National bring up children to be Children’s Day good, productive and law celebration which took abiding citizen. place at the Samuel According to him, the Ogbemudia stadium, present administration is Benin City, yesterday. child friendly and has The Governor who was consequently committed represented by his itself to the
implementation of the child Right laws passed
by the state House of Assembly. The law, he said makes
protection from harm, abuse and exploitation of any kind. While noting that parents must realize that they represent the first line of support for their children, the comrade governor charged
parents to deepen their show of love for their wards and educate them on the proper conduct expected of good citizens. He used the opportunity to reiterate
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Worsening Economic Situation
Senator berates Nigerian media By JOSES SEDE ABUJA – Embattled Sen. Ali Ndume currently facing charges of financing the dreaded Islamist Boko Haram has berated the Nigerian Press for worsening
economic situation in the country. He asserted that the media should be held responsible for the problems bedeviling the country through one sided story reporting and fictitious analyses all
PREVENT FIRE OUTBREAKS Have a Fire Extinguisher in your home today. Courtesy: Edo State Fire Service TIT BIT “When good fortune comes, only then would some persons discover that the diary where they wrote ‘I will always be my brother ’s keeper’ is no longer convenient to carry about’.
- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
bordering on subjective or speculative submissions. Senator Ndume(PDP Borno South), made the submissions yesterday while fielding questions from the Senate Press Corps. According to him, Press subjective or partisanship reportage of most critical issues in the country within the last 14 years of democracy in the
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o
2013 CHILDREN’S NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION: Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu (4th right) his wife, Deaconess Endurance Odubu(3rd right) , wife of the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Jeniffer Igbe (2nd right), Secretary to the State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere(right), the State Head of Service, Princess Ekiuwa Inneh (4th left), Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida (3rd left), Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry (2nd left) and the Reigning Miss Nigeria Beauty Queen, Miss Nomwen Isibor, cutting the anniversary cake to mark the 2013 Children’s National Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City yesterday. Photo: MOSES OBOH.
Army captures 25 insurgents, kills 3 others
ABUJA - The Defence Headquarters said yesterday that it captured 25 insurgents and killed three others, including a high profile terrorist identified as “Abbas’’. A statement issued by Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, Director, Defence Information in Abuja, said Abbas had been on the list of most wanted persons.
The statement, which gave an update on the ongoing military operations in Borno, said
the incident occurred during an encounter between troops of the Special Forces and the
insurgents. It said that the insurgents had finalised moves to carry out
extensive operation around Maiduguri. The statement also said the insurgents succeeded in killing some military personnel. It added that the troops
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UN to honour 103 fallen peace keepers LAGOS - The UN will on May 29 honour 17 Nigerians who lost their lives while serving in its p e a c e k e e p i n g
operations in 2012, according to a statement from the global body yesterday. They are Staff Sgt.
Absalom Umar, Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Abel, Cpl. Julius Emmanuel, Lance Cpl. Bashir Garba and Cpl. Thomas Idu, all of
whom lost their lives while serving with the United Nations Mission in Liberia.
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THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
News Edo LG tribunal holds pre-hearing Continued from page 1 session
electoral laws as the Tribunal was prepared to discharge its duties with all fairness without fear or favour. Responding, George Igbokwe Esq. appreciated the Chairman of the tribunal for his advice, even as he assured him of their co-operation during the period of sitting. He
also promised that they will abide by the rules of the tribunal, just as he said that they would not also hesitate to announce any of their challenges when hearing progresses. On his part, Eki OmoOsagie contended that the High Court Civil Procedure Rules would not suit the time
frame of the sitting of the tribunal just as he sought to know the kind of procedure the tribunal would adopt for its sittings. In a motion ex-parte filed in case No. ED/LG/PET/01/ 2013, against Mr. Eni Afanaja
Adaghebalulu, the petitioner, Mr. Iyile S. Nigeria withdrew the motion dated May 17 2003 and was accordingly struck out by the tribunal Chairman. Similarly, the motions for the first and second respondents were struck out accordingly. Meanwhile, the tribunal has adjourned sine die.
Oshiomhole tasks institutions, parents Continued from page 1 the state government commitment to the implementation of Edo state child Rights law of 2007, which makes provision for the child’s survival, development, participation as well as protection from harm, abuse and exploitation of any kind. Comrade Oshiomhole pointed out that in line with the theme for this year, “Our children, our future, our collective Responsibility”, the state government has through its developmental projects such as renovation of schools, good roads, infrastructural and sports developments prepared a platform for parents and children alike to be part of the sustainable growth and development. He, however, described as unacceptable, the trend whereby re-modeled schools are being vandalized, adding that hence forth, pupils that destroy public school property will be made to pay for such property. In her welcome address, Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Blessing Maigida, noted that children are of great importance to the nation as they form the bedrock for its development. She called on parents and guardians to inculcate the right values in their children and wards, stressing that the Oshiomhole –led administration in Edo state is
committed to the welfare and well-being of children especially orphans and vulnerable children who her ministry has been empowered to support. Some of the children who spoke to the Nigerian Observer including Latifa Dauda, Fabiyi Akpata primary school; Usman Mohammed, Ezomon primary school, and Ufuoma Patrick of Ighogbe secondary school, expressed joy over this year ’s
celebration. In the match past competition, Emotan primary school, Benin City, came out 1st in the public primary school category, while Our Lady of Mercy primary school, came out top in the private school category. The Secretary to the State Government Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and the state Head of Service, Princess Ekiuwa Inneh presented prizes to the schools respectively.
Similarly, Emotan College Benin City came out top in the public secondary school category, while Ascension Group of School clinched the 1 st position in the private school category. Wife of the state Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endarance Odubu and wife of the speaker, Edo state House of Assembly, Mrs. Jennifer Igbe, presented prizes to the schools, respectively, amongst others.
Senator berates Nigerian media Continued from page 1
c ountry, is largely responsible for poor delivery of dividends of democracy to the Nigerian citizens by government at all levels. “The last fourteen years of democracy in Nigeria has recorded very little dividends for the citizenry at all levels due to failure of governance in the land caused by series of factors, one of which is the subjective press that thrives on one sided cum fictitious story reporting. For Nigeria to have concrete things on the ground to celebrate for practising democracy within the next two years, precisely by 2015, there must be change of attitude by the press in the mode of actually being the watch dog of the
society , reporting things as they are, without any colouration”, he stated. Ndume who blamed media for his current ordeal over alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram, added that sensational reportage of the issue by the media without thorough investigation, indicted him even before arraignment in the court of law. “On Boko Haram issue, I’ve been convicted by the press but I won’t comment further for fear of subjudice”, he said. He however appealed to all Nigerians to rally round the government in the fight against the Boko Haram menace, disclosing that the
group, inspite of the on going state of emergency in his state, Borno, still razed the primary school he attended in Gashua town over the weekend and shot dead a Reverend friend. “The problem of Boko Haram needs to be taken more seriously by all Nigerians because it is not the issue of Borno alone. There is no price that is too much for peace”, he declared. For the umpteenth time, Senator Ali Ndume presently standing trial in the court of law over financial link with Boko Haram, the dreaded terrorists group in the country said he has no link whatsoever with the group, let alone sponsoring them financially as alleged.
Army captures 25 insurgents, kills 3 others Continued from page 1 intercepted a message sent to fleeing insurgents urging them not to give up but to fight to the end. “The attempt by some of them to heed the call was foiled during the weekend as they were trailed to some settlements and towns towards the border where they planned to regroup. “The captured ones were all apprehended with their weapons which included rifles, pistols, double barrel guns and various calibers of ammunition during an operation by the JTF in Kumshe and Bulunkutu area,’’ it said. The statement said that Multinational Joint Task Force had raided and destroyed the assembly points of the insurgents at the outskirts of Kaneram Dan Katsina, Tumbu Dabino and Mallam Fatori, north of Baga. It said the towns and settlements had been secured while cordon and search operations were on in the area after the insurgents had been dislodged. The statement said troops of the Special Forces had freed
a man taken hostage in the Sambisa forest in Borno, since 2012 after combing the area. “The freed hostage is being
treated by the Task Force. “The troops are dominating the forest as they find a number of fresh graves, more
arms and ammunition, burnt vehicles and other equipment,’’ it said.
UN to honour 103 fallen peace Continued from page 1 keepers Others are Lt. Martins Anthony, Lance Cpl. Sunday Afolayan, Sgt. Omega Agbalo, Cpl. Suleiman Bako, Cpl. Fali Buluma, Lance Cpl. Oko Idiku, Lance Cpl. Sanusi Jibrin, Lance Cpl. Inalegwu John, Sgt. Birabi Nkpara, Sgt Joseph Ojelade, Lance Cpl. Sarki Samaila and Lance Cpl. Abdullahi Shawai who died while serving with the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur. The statement by the UN Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos, said that the Nigerians were among 103 military, police and civilian personnel who would be honoured in commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. The statement said that the day would be observed at UN headquarters in New York and at its field operation offices in different countries. “This marks the fifth year in a row the United Nations will honour more than 100 Blue Helmets who lost their lives the
previous year while serving the cause of peace. “This sombre milestone is a stark reminder of the risks incurred by individuals who put their lives on the line when they were deployed to UN missions around the world,” it said. According to the statement, UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, will perform the wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the “fallen peacekeepers”. It also said that the late peacekeepers would be honoured with the Dag Hammarskjold medal. “To meet emerging threats and rise to new challenges, United Nations peacekeeping, is adapting its policies to better fulfil its mandate of ensuring lasting peace in war-torn countries. ‘One hundred and three peacekeeping personnel died last year and more than 3,100 have lost their lives during the
UN’s 65 years’ history of peacekeeping. “We salute their bravery and mourn their passing,” it stated.
Ihonvbere, Omo-Ojo, Grace Omoedo Foundation Children’s Fun-Fare By THOMPSON ERHOMONSELE BENINN CITY – Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) were amongst dignitaries that graced the Omoedo Foundation Children’s party held in Benin City yesterday to commemorate the 2013 Children’s Day. Omoedo Foundation, which is a NonGovernmental Organization (NGO) both in Dublin and Edo State; Nigeria Organised the fun-fare strictly for orphans in Edo State in collaboration with The Youngest Old Man. Welcoming the children and dignitaries, the Chief Executive Officer of Omoedo Foundation, Doris Edo said in consonance with the
universal declaration on children’s right to equal education, healthcare, good standard of living, social protection and above all love so that they do not suffer the double jeopardy of not having parents and being neglected by the society. She encouraged the children to take seriously their education and training for any skill they were being trained or to be trained for pointing out that she could see a new generation of future President, Governors, Engineers, Accountants, Lawyers, Doctors as well as a new and re-branded Nigeria in them. The well-attended ceremony, which featured chronographic dance entertainment, also had the boys and girls who are all orphans taking part in a fashion parade.
Govt explains suspension of Neighbourhood Watch By QUEENNETH A. OROBEDO
BENIN CITY - Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere says the suspension on the State Neighbourhood Watch was to enable government carry out proper screening in order to clear those who are actually working for a more effective and result oriented service.” Prof. Ihonvbere made this known yesterday in Government House, while commissioning the surveillance vehicles refurbished by the State Neighbourhood Watch to enable them do their work effectively. He commended them for the initiative taken by refurbishing the abandoned vehicles, to aid their activities in making the society safer for all, adding that other government agencies should take a cue from their laudable efforts, rather than leaving government facilities in
rot. The SSG equally assured of more governments support towards the Neighbourhood Watch in the discharge of their duties. The Chairman Neighbourhood Watch Committee, General Charles Omoregie (Rtd), said of the four vehicles refurbished by the agency, one will be released to each of the three senatorial zones for patrol, while the fourth vehicle will be left at the headquarters in Benin for additional patrol. According to him, it costed them about three million naira (N3 million) to refurbish four vehicles, out of the five they were given. In another engagement, the SSG also commissioned a 40KVA generator at the State Action Committee for Aids (SACA) premises.
Ikpoba-Okha Council boss assures of clean environment remove them and make the
IDOGBO – The Executive Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan Osahon Ogbeide has assured the people of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government of a clean and conducive environment. She gave this assurance while monitoring this month’s environmental Sanitation exercise in the area on Saturday. Mrs. Itohan Osahon Ogbeide who was represented on the inspection by the vice chairman of the council Comrade (Chief) Benson Igie Osifo stressed the need for members of the public to always observe the monthly environmental Sanitation exercise by cleaning around their houses.
At Oregbeni Market, the council boss directed the leader of the market to ensure that those trading along the entrances and pathways to the market were restricted, and ordered the immediate removal of shades and tables in the areas concerned. The council boss frowned at the deplorable state of house No. 80, Saint Saviour Road where a heap of refuse was dumped at the front close to the main road. The chairman ordered the Landlord of the house to immediately evacuate it. Also at house No 83 Saint Saviour Road, where a lot of condemned rods and irons were dumped, the occupants of the house were given 24 hours to
premises clean. The chairman expressed satisfaction with the evacuation of sands by the youths from the drainage at Eke Junction, along Upper Sokponba Road. Amongst areas inspected during the environmental Sanitation exercise were, Oregbeni Market, Ugbekun, Santana Market, by Sapele Road and Ihinrinwmin Market by Saint Saviour Road. The Vice Chairman was accompanied during the inspection by the secretary to local government, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, the Leader of the Legislative arm, Hon. Matthew Ikhide, other councilors and supervisors, including the Special Adviser to the chairman.
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TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
News Reading Culture: Nat’l Library Donates 500 Books ABUJA - The National Library of Nigeria yesterday donated literary 500 books and other souvenirs to children as part of effort to encourage the reading culture among the youth. The Chief Executive Officer of the National Library, Malam Habib Jato, announced the donation at the commemoration of the 2013 Children’s Day celebration in Abuja. Jato observed that the reading culture was on the decline among the youth and said that was why the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration launched the “Bring Back the Book Project’’. He said the problem faced by
the education system was multidimensional and as a result, many people had lost confidence in the system, especially with the “deplorable condition of our public schools”. Jato said incessant strikes by teachers had also contributed in “frustrating the development of the sector”, while the lukewarm attitude of stakeholders in the sector had contributed greatly to the poor reading culture among youths. He said that the Federal Government had set machinery in motion to re-orientate youths toward taking interest in education with relevant curricula to the socio-economic
needs of the youth. Jato called for the reinvigoration of literary and debating societies, reading clubs quiz competition and award of excellence in primary and secondary schools to encourage reading in primary and secondary schools. He said that the government, philanthropists and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) must collaborate to provide a functional educational system that would be affordable for citizens. “Until all stakeholders are ready to promote education, the country will continue to find it difficult to move forward, talkless of attaining the vision 2020. “The goal of education for all
is only a few years away. “They should be made to assist in the training of teachers in addition to book donations to school libraries, assist in building schools or libraries and equip them where none exists. “This will serve as an
incentive that will boost the morale of teachers, ‘’he said Jato said that education could not be treated in isolation without making reference to development of library services. He said that since government could not provide functional libraries alone, it became
imperative for the private sector and development agencies to collaborate with the government to provide library resources and infrastructure. He said that this was the only way that indigent students would have quality education and rise to the top.
A cross section of members of knight of St. John Int’l during installation of Grand Officers in Benin City weekend. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.
Catholic Knights Urged To Proclaim The Faith Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, Deputy Governor of Edo State being presented bouquet of flowers by Divine Imasekha during the children’s National Day Celebration yesterday. Photo: MOSES OBOH.
BENIN CITY - The Secretary General of the Benin Grand Commandery of Knight of St. John Interna-
LG Boss Identifies Key Indicator Of Good Leadership
IGUOBAZUWA – Hon. Morrison Ogunrobo – Ovia, Chairman Ovia South West Local Government Council of Edo State has identified proper planning for the future of the children as key indicator of good leadership and responsible governance. He made this disclosure at
Iguobazuwa during this year 2013 Children’s Day Celebration. Hon. Ogunrobo Ovia said that it is his personal conviction that the road to a greater nation lies in the investment in their children,
hence he said his administration will not fail to prioritize issues that affect every child in the locality. According to him, it was in recognition of the potentials of the children and the overall society of investing in the
Beauty Pageant Donates Educational Materials To 80 Pupils, Students BENIN CITY – A total of 80 pupils of the Edo State Primary and Junior Secondary Schools yesterday received books and other educational materials as part of activities marking this year’s Children Day Celebrations. The gift items donated by Miss Nowe Isibor Guobadia, second Runners up of the Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant 2011 were personally presented to the selected group of pupils at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin
City by the donor. The beauty queen in a brief remark at the occasion graced by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu and other top government officials said the gestured was borne out of her passion for the intellectual, moral and educational development of the Nigerian Child. Miss Isibor noted that as a beauty queen, she has embarked on many child development projects and programmes both in and out-
side the country. She noted that she had to do this for students in Edo State this time because of her firm belief in the philosophy that “charity begins at home.” While emphasizing the need for an all round educational development of the child, Miss Isibor called on stakeholders in the business of child up bring to strive to collaborate with the Edo State Government in its task of achieving its lofty educational policies and programmes.
future of children that the Edo State government began a thorough transformation of the Education Sector through the provision of world class infrastructure as well as the motivation of teachers in the education sector. The local government boss further disclosed that his administration has embarked on the process of implementing twenty projects out of which 70% percent would be on the Education while the balance 30 percent would be channeled to the primary Health care sector. He appealed to parents and guardians to ensure the welfare and safety of their children, adding that with government efforts and the huge investment in the future of the children.
tional, Sir D. A D Igboin has called on all brother and sister’ knights to intensify their efforts in proclaiming the catholic faith which he said was the means to heavenly eternity. Sir Igboin, who made the call in Benin after his installation as the Secretary General of the Benin Grand said it was imperative for the order to join the priests in the evangelization of the people to the Lord’s Vine yard. He noted that the work of harvesting souls, particularly in this year of faith was a paramount assignment to everyone in the order of knighthood, as he pointed out that his recent elevation in the order was a call to service. Sir Igboin, who was swornin alongside others including the former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sir Bright Omokhodion as the Judge Advocate by the President Supreme Subordinate, Nobel Knight Aslem Okafor further stated that his office as the corresponding secretary would coordinate all the affairs of the order in order to have a virile secretariat, especially during meet-
ings. According to him, “we will consolidate and improve more on the work of our predecessor. The Order will not tolerate any form of indiscipline as it is generally a disciplined order known worldwide.” He stated that knighthood was for serious Catholics who are defenders of the faith. He therefore, enjoined all the Worthy Presidents in all the Commanderies across the Benin Grand to organize their commanderies in order to meet up with the challenges of the Order without stress, adding that drills should be a routine.
Sir D. A D Igboin
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Inside Edo Forum Lauds Oshiomhole’s Developmental Stride By KESTER OGIESEWU UROMI – Esan League for Good Governance has commended Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the ongoing massive infrastructural development in the state including Esanland. In a communiqué released at the end of the inaugural meeting of the League held in Uromi recently, it described the provision of boreholes in some communities especially in Esanland, renovation of schools and rehabilitation of roads as a historical landmark in Edo State. In the communiqué which was signed by Hon. Pst Henry Okpamen, Convener Muktar, Secretary General and Cyril Odiboh (Esq), Director of Publicity, the Esan League for Good Governance also lauded the Comrade Governor for the attention he has given to the state owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma especially in the area of completion of abandoned projects especially the administrative building. Members of the League also commended the people oriented policy trust of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led administration which has justified the efficient use of the tax payers money especially in the provision of basic amenities and other social infrastructure for the benefit of the people. “Also worth mentioning is the quality and standard of the infrastructure being executed in all the nook and crannies of the state”, the statement added. The members also congratulated the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) for the successful conduct of the just concluded local government election in the state inspite of initial hitches of late arrival of electoral materials to voting centres and other logistic problems. The organisation however charged the commission to brace up for the challenges of organizing elections in future, even as they called on the opposition party in the state to support and corporate with the
comrade governor in his effort to transform the state. “The level of performance of the state government under the present leadership has demonstrated that he means
well for the people and can be trusted with public fund. Meanwhile, members of the Esan league have solicited for more attention in the area of road rehabilitation in Edo
Central and the provision of borehole. According to the communiqué areas to be addressed include, dualisation of Eguare-
Edo SSG, Prof Julius Ihonvbere (1st left) cutting the tape, to commission the refurbished vehicles for the Neighbourhood Watch yesterday in Government House, while the Chairman of the committee Gen. Charles Omoregie (Rtd) and other members look on. Photo: QUEENETH A. OROBEDO
Amenokhian in Esan North East Local Government Area in Uromi. The association however called on the state governor to appoint more Esan youths and women into government positions and also enjoined Esan sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora to continue to support and encourage the comrade governor to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo people including Esanland. The organisation received solidarity messages from Hon. (Pst) Ken Osifoh, Secretary Ikpoba Okha Locaal Government Council and Pst Bright Omoriwekemwen, former Chairman Egor Local Government Council.
Ibongedi Weds Sunday By WINIFRED OSASOBO
Edo SSG, Prof Julius Ihonvbere (2nd left) Gen. Charles Omoregie (Rtd), Chairman Neighbourhood Watch committee (1st left) and Mr. Raphael Usuomon, Edo South Zonal Commander, Neighbourhood Watch (2nd right) during the commissioning of the refurbished vehicles by the Neighboohood Watch yesterday in Government House. Photo: QUEENETH A. OROBEDO
BENIN CITY – The solemnization of Holy Matrimony of Ibongedi Anthony Essiet and Andrew Sunday Essien, has been held at the Apostolic Church 37, Aruosa Street, Benin City. The wedding ceremony attracted dignitaries from all works of life, including A S Kabiri, a traditional ruler who also was the chairman of the occasion, the Vice President of Akwa Ibom Association, Samuel Ode, Alhaji Mohammed Baba and officers of the Nigerian Immigration Services, Edo State Command. Essiet the mother of the Bride expressed gratitude to God, and urged the couple to love, respect and work together in harmony.
Council Boss Assures On Children/Youth Development
IGARRA – The Executive Chairman of Akoko-edo local government, Hon. Joseph Folorunsho Akerejola has promised to provide opportunities that will
enhance the proper growth and development of the children and youths of the local government area. Hon. Akerejola made the promise during the celebration
of the year 2013 children/ youth day celebration in Igarra the administrative headquarters of the local
Commissioner Decries Slow Pace Of Construction Work
EWOHIMI The Commissioner for Education (Secondary, Tertiary and Technical) Barrister Washington Osifor has decried the slow pace of the construction work at Edo Central Senatorial Model School, Ewohimi and Iyamo Model Secondary School, Iyamo. During an inspection tour to the
Ujeolen-Ihinmindumu road in Esan West Local Government, Ekpoma, renovation and rehabilitation of Ikeken, Idigun, Awo Primary Schools in Ward 7
schools, the commissioner expressed disappointment that the construction of the schools hall and two blocks of classrooms earmarked for the schools had barely taken off, explaining that the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had directed
the completion of these jobs and is anxious to see them completed. He further pointed out that the state governor had plans of providing standard schools with halls for the schools in these areas but regretted that his plans were being thwarted by the unseriousness
exhibited by the contractors on site. At the Edo Central Senatorial Model School Ewohimi, a security man, Mr. Michael Oghama explained that the contractors had not been on site since August while the project site at Iyamo Model School was found to have been abandoned.
government are. In a colourful and well attended ceremony, the local government boss enjoined participants to see the occasion beyond mere celebration but a call for positive action in securing the future of the children in line with the theme of this year’s celebration. He called on all adults and the society in general to show strong commitment to the children by giving them qualitative education, good nutrition, providing a healthy,
physical and social environment conducive for development, noting that neglecting the children portends great danger for the nation. He promised a decent learning environment for the children through construction and renovation of primary school buildings and procurement/distribution of learning and instructional materials to schools. Present at the ceremony were pupils from the various schools in the area, politicians, traditional rulers and a spectrum of the people of the local government area.
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Across The Nation Association Urges FG To Tackle Unemployment LAGOS – Mr. Lanre Ajayi, President, Association of Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has advised the Federal Government to curb unemployment through ICT tools. Ajayi gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. He said that the high rate of youth unemployment could be a threat to the nation’s security. The ATCON chief said that the country would not be able to achieve its plan to become one of the 20 most developed
countries in the world if unemployment was increasing. Ajayi said that the government should harness the modern ICT tools as a major enabler to reduce the unemployment rate which stood at 25 per cent. He urged the government to declare total war against unemployment by training jobless Nigerian youths on basic ICT tools like Internet skills, computer appreciation and website development. “Most of the ICT tools such as internet, computers, laptops, and mobile phones
depend largely on power supply for their usage. “The youths could better use these devices as means of livelihood if power supply improves,” he said. Ajayi described unemployment as “enforced idleness” since youths who were able and enthusiastic to work could not find jobs. “Governments in all states of the federation should use ICT to generate employment, especially in the northern parts of the country, to reduce idleness among the youths,” he said.
Board Urges Inculcation Of Environmental Awareness In Children ABUJA - The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has advocated inculcation of good environmental standards in children to enable them appreciate the need to protect the environment. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Mr. Uche Agbanusi, the board’s Deputy Director, Environmental Health and Safety, said as children celebrated their day, they should be taught a hygienic lifestyle. “ We need to teach them right from childhood so that they will imbibe the culture of cleanness and living healthy. ‘So, we must try as much as possible to make sure that they get the message; it’s for them to take care of their immediate environment and make sure that no paper no, no litter or any dirt is found around them. ‘They must sweep their houses, sweep their classrooms, clean their clothing, and join those people that are cleaning their
immediate environment to make it clean and healthy for their living. “From there, they will imbibe the culture of cleanness instead of living in filth believing that filth is the norm; filth cannot be the norm.“ However, Agbanusi said the board had introduced programmes in schools aimed at bringing environmental awareness to the children. According to him, the programme has already taken-off in some schools in the Federal Capital Territory. “In some schools we have programmes; we call it Environmental Clubs; we have such programmes in secondary schools and primary schools. “We have them in various schools within FCT and we believe that those clubs will make them imbibe the environmental virtues. “Like not cutting our trees, trying to tend the trees make sure that they dispose their waste properly and also try to
maintain even their immediate surroundings. “To maintain them, clean them, sweep them and with this, if they grow up with it, they will love the environment and they will become defenders of environment not destroyers of the environment.“ The United Nations on November 20, 1954, established the Universal Children’s Day to encourage all countries to institute a day to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children. The day is also intended to initiate action that will benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children. Nigeria celebrates its Children’s Day on every May 27.
to enable it meet the challenges of policing the border posts. He further called for the revival of air border patrols to comb to help rid the nation of illegal aliens, noting that some of the current security challenges in the country were attributed to the activities of the aliens. Hamman advised Nigerians not to engage people from
Hon. Washington Osifo, Commissioner of Higher Education presenting the first place winner’s of Voluntary Organisations cup to Scout Association during the children day celebration. Photo: MOSES OBOH.
Residents Lament Power Outage BIRNIN KEBBI - Residents of Birnin Kebbi, in Kebbi are living in darkness following power outage since last Friday. Reports say that the situation has crippled social and
NIS Arrests 103 Illegal Immigrants KADUNA - The Kaduna State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, has arrested 103 suspected illegal immigrants living in the state. The Controller, Alhaji Yerima Hamman told newsmen in Kaduna that the suspects were arrested last Sunday. According to him, 25 of the immigrants were arrested in Kachia, 59 in Kaduna North and 17 in Zaria local government areas. He said three of those arrested were Ghanaians teaching at a school in Zaria without proper documentation. Hamman said the other suspects were from Niger Republic and would be repatriated “this evening” . The controller urged the Federal Government to provide the service with more vehicles and communication equipment
Hon. Patrick Aguinede, Commissioner for Basic Education presenting the 2nd place winner’s cup to Prison Children School during a match-past to mark the 2013 children’s National Day celebration. Photo: MOSES OBOH.
neighbouring countries without valid documents as provided under the ECOWAS protocol. One of the suspects, Ahmed Salisu, a Ghanaian, said he had been in Nigeria for seven years and was teaching at the school where he was arrested. He pleaded with the authorities to allow him regularise his document.
economic activities in the town, including acute water shortage. The residents have also been forced to sleep outside their rooms to avoid excessive heat at night. Malam Lawal Kangiwa, the Business Manager of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), attributed the situation to the collapse of high tension power line at Kainji in Niger State. He said it was difficult to give specific date for the restoration of electricity to the state, but assured the residents that the PHCN was working hard to restore back power supply. Reports also say that water
vendors had taken advantage of the situation to hike prices by about 200 per cent. A 25-litre container of water which was sold for N10 before the power outage, now cost N30, while a barrow of eight water containers had gone up from N100 to N300. A water vendor, Usman Aliyu said the vendors now patronise commercial bore holes to source for water, which was expensive, but failed to say how much the bore hole operators were charging. Malam Umar Farouk, a resident of Birnin Kebbi,
Court Orders NDLEA To Destroy Seized Drugs, JOS - The Federal High seized. Delivering ruling on the Court in Jos has permitted the Vehicles Kassa said that proceeds National Drug Law application made by the Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to destroy more than two tonnes of assorted hard drugs seized from drug dealers. The court also permitted the agency to auction the vehicle that was caught conveying the drugs.
agency’s counsel, Mr. Mike Kassa, the judge, Justice Ambrose Allagoa, declared that the two prayers had been granted. The judge said NDLEA had statutory powers to seize, confiscate and also destroy all banned substances and directed
the agency to act with despatch. Reports say that NDLEA had applied to the court for permission to destroy the substances that had been in its custody for sometime. The agency also prayed the court to endorse the forfeiture of the vehicle used to convey the cannabis sativa when it was
from the auction would be deposited into the Federal Government treasury. It was learnt that two persons conveying the substances abandoned the vehicle with its cargo and ran into a nearby bush when they sighted NDLEA officials.
said he was forced to buy water from the vendors as there was no functional public water tap at the Badariya area of the state capital, where he resides. He said the lack of electricity had forced his family to sleep outside their rooms due to excessive heat. “The rains have not started and no electricity supply, and I do not own a generator,” he said. At the Federal Medical Centre, the Yahaya Memorial Hospital, as well as some public buildings, NAN observed that they now rely on generators for their power needs. Others groaning under the situation include sellers of sachet water and drinks. Malam Bashiru Ali, a provision store owner, said he was making brisk business because of the generator he uses. He, however, complained that most of the customers now charge their cell phones at his shop, adding:“ I cannot send them away because they are my customers.”
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Across The Nation Jigawa Earmarks N3b For Varsity DUTSE - The Jigawa Government has earmarked N3 billion to provide additional infrastructure at its new university in KafinHausa. The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Haruna Wakili, told newsmen yesterday in Dutse that the money had been captured in the 2013 budget. Wakili said that the university would commence academic session in 2013, with four faculties, and has a 20-year development programme. He named the faculties as those of Humanities, Education, Natural and Applied Sciences, as well as Management and Social Sciences. The commissioner added that the university would provide necessary facilities to enable it commence studies in medicine and pharmaceutical sciences in the next five years. “I believe that in 20 years to come, our university will achieve its full growth. “The law establishing the university has already been passed by the state house of assembly and the state executive council has equally approved it
FG Urged To Upgrade Zoological Parks LAGOS – Mrs. Sophia Anyafulu, a Lecturer at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, has urged the Federal Government to upgrade zoological parks in the country to enhance tourism development. Anyafulu told newsmen yesterday in Lagos that the conditions of many of the existing zoological parks could deter tourists from visiting them. She said that the animals were also at risk of being illegally killed due to the lack of knowledge of the economic value of the parks by the inhabitants, especially farmers. She advised that the inhabitants around these parks IGP Mohammed Abubakar (2nd left), cutting the tape to inaugurate Abia Police Command Hospital in Umuahia should be educated on the importance of the parks. recently “Government should take wildlife conservation very seriously as a tool for tourism development and upgrade the ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) security vehicle each to the standard of the existing ones. “Locals around these - Governor Peter Obi of 177 communities in the zoological parks should be Anambra has assured state by the end of the year. educated on how important these inspecting the on-going roads ‘’Every responsible officers and men of the Responding, Col. parks are to tourism reconstruction within the government must assist in Onitsha Military cantonment. building and maintaining Taritimiye Gagariga, development. “Government should from Cantonment in the state of He expressed happiness structures that contribute to Commander, Onitsha time to time import different government’s commitment Military Cantonment, said species of animals to change the with the progress of work on the welfare of the people. to rebuild its dilapidated the roads’ reconstruction ‘’Today, I can tell you that his men were happy that variety for visitors,’’ Anyafulu primary and post-primary we are supporting all Obi’s wonderful efforts at said. within the cantonment. The lecturer advised other tiers schools. ‘’The Anambra organisations that make the rebuilding structures in the of government to develop parks It will be recalled that Obi state had also reached the in their various localities to Government will complete society better for our people. had earlier made available enhance the number of the the on-going re-construction ‘’So far, our government has cantonment. the sum of N100 million for Gagariga promised that existing ones. of roads within the purchased over 300 vehicles “Zoological parks should be internal roads recantonment while we will for security agencies out of the army would continue to developed in every state of the construction at the also come and re-build which the Army has gotten work together with the country to international standard. cantonment. government for the “Tourism must be felt, not just dilapidated structures such as about 40,’’ Obi said. The governor disclosed heard. Therefore, it is wise that schools. He disclosed that the security of the state. this on Sunday while He enjoined other state our zoological parks be upgraded government would give one international standard not only governments to emulate to to lure tourists, but to also the kind gestures of Gov. beautify our environment,’’ she said. Obi.
Anambra To Rebuild Dilapidated Schools In Military Cantonment
Lawmaker Promises 120 Boreholes consequence on their lives, a For Constituents reason that led to my intervention.
BIDA (NIGER) - Alhaji Bala Faruk, a member of the Niger House of Assembly, said on Monday that he had concluded arrangement to drill 120 motorised bore holes worth N60 million in his constituency. Faruk (CPC-Bida South) told newsmen on telephone that the project was aimed at alleviating the perennial water scarcity facing his constituents. “The project is solely being financed by me and I plan to deliver them within the shortest possible time,” he said. According to him, 20 bore holes will be drilled at Nasarafu, Landzun, Dokodza and Mayaki Ndajiya wards, 15 in Bariki and Umaru Majigi (B) wards while Umaru Majigi ‘A’ ward will get 10 as the first phase. “Over five years now the people in these wards have been experiencing difficulty in sourcing for potable water for their daily needs with the attendant negative
“It is unfortunate that Bida and its environs are facing water supply problem despite the state government yearly pronouncement on the problem; it then becomes imperative that I have to intervene,” he said. The legislator promised to
resolve the problem of water scarcity in his constituency to free his people of water borne diseases. “Water is life and it is also a key to the socioeconomic development of the people; and all will be done to see that
the people enjoy regular water supply,” he said. Faruk also disclosed that he had purchased two 500KVA transformers for installation at Banyagi and Esozhi areas at the cost of over N4 million to boost electricity supply in the affected communities.
L-R: Former Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello, Wife of New Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mrs. Cecilia Dikki, the new Director-General, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, at a reception in honour of the new Director-General in Abuja recently.
Agency Recruits 500 Road Traffic Assistants interview and very soon the
KANO - The Kano State Road and Traffic Agency, has commenced the recruitment of additional 500 youths as road traffic assistants. The Managing Director of the agency, Alhaji Mohammed Diggol told newsmen yesterday in Kano that the exercise was approved by Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso. He said the recruitment was part of the efforts of the state government to reduce unemployment. According to him, those recruited will serve as traffic wardens, in line with the mandate of the agency, which is to ensure smooth flow of traffic, particularly in the state capital. “We have shortage of personnel and right now we have the approval of the state executive council to recruit additional 500 persons. “We have commenced the
results will be released in order to commence training of the new personnel,” he said. He added that the new personnel would be deployed to major towns in the state to assist in traffic control. The managing director, disclosed that the agency would embark on enlightenment campaign to all the 44 local government areas, to sensitise residents on its operations. “We want the public to appreciate the fact that the agency is assisting in the control of traffic and that it was established by law.’’ Diggol urged the state government to provide the agency with additional operational vehicles to enable it discharge its duties effectively. He said the agency usually deploys its personnel on market days, to control traffic, particularly where the markets are located on major roads.
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TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
Lagos Babalakin Bemoans State Of Education
Aspirin Reduces Risk Of Stroke, Heart Attack LAGOS -A cardiologist, Dr Oluwole Aderibigbe, says a small dose of aspirin daily can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in hypertensive, diabetic and overweight people. “Taking a small dose of aspirin is a highly effective medical treatment for lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes in hypertensive, overweight and diabetic people,” he told newsmen in Lagos. Aderibigbe said evidence had shown that people who have a high risk of developing heart attack or stroke had benefited from daily dose of aspirin as recommended by doctor. “There is increasing evidence of aspirin’s benefits in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke when taken appropriately. “Some factors like family history of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, having high cholesterol and being overweight predispose people to heart attack and stroke. “Research shows that people who previously had heart attack or stroke have been able to reduce the risk of another attack with daily dose of aspirin,” he said. Aderibigbe said aspirin helps to slow down the formation of blood clots that could block the artery and result in heart attack. “The reason aspirin can be prescribed in small daily dose is because it acts as a means of lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke. “Aspirin helps to inhibit the effect of blood clotting action of platelets in the bloodstream. “Blood platelets cause plaque buildup that block the artery and stop blood flow to the brain or
- Cardiologist heart, resulting in a stroke or heart attack. “Aspirin helps to slow down the process of blood clots in the vessels that supply blood to the brain,” the cardiologist said. He said aspirin could be recommended to men over 50 years and women over 60, if they have increased risk of heart attack. Aderibigbe, however, advised people not to start a daily aspirin therapy unless it was recommended by a medical expert. “Although, aspirin is a highly effective medical treatment when used appropriately, it can’t be daily unless recommended by an expert, even at low doses. “You should take a daily aspirin only if your doctor advises you to do so after proper examination,’’ the expert advised.
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State (left) , congratulating Justice Ishaku Kunda during his swearing in as a High Court Judge in Jos recently.
LASG Shuts Churches, Companies
Environmental Pollution: By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS - The Lagos State Government has shut down two churches and six companies over cases of environmental pollution in various parts of the state in southwest Nigeria. Officials of the State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) shut the affected places after serving them abatement notices, which they failed to comply. The enforcement was led by Mr. Kayode Bello, Director of Enforcement, LASEPA, with a
back up from the police. The churches and companies shut include Eureka Metals Limited and Primlaks Galvanising Industries located at Ladipo Oluwole, Ikeja; Christ Victoria Chapel at Iyana Ipaja; and Christ Chosen Church of God, Onipanu. Others are Wingham Furniture, Abule-Egba; Tin Oil Limited, Muritala Mohammed Way, Yaba; Ikorodu Industrial Steel, Odogunyan, Ikorodu and a bakery in Mushin. Christ Victoria Chapel and Christ Chosen Church of God
Decade Of Progress, Stability - Jakande
Oba Akiolu’s Reign: LAGOS -Alhaji Lateef Jakande, a former governor of Lagos State, has described the 10-year reign of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, as a decade of progress, development and stability. Jakande made the observation, while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of a special prayer session, organised to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of the monarch in Lagos. He noted that the Oba’s reign had stimulated tremendous development and progress in Lagos. Jakande prayed that God would continue to multiply the monarch’s wisdom and knowledge, while granting him more fruitful years to rule the city. Earlier, an Islamic scholar, Alhaji Muhideen Bello, who delivered a lecture as part the anniversary celebrations, urged traditional rulers in the country to always strive to guide politicians in efforts to give good governance. “No matter how the situation may be, politicians will rule for only four years or maximum of eight years, while the reign of traditional rulers is permanent.
“You are to direct the governors on the areas of needs of the people of your communities in terms of provision of social amenities. “It is also your responsibility, as a royal father, to ensure that political office holders fulfill their electoral promises,” he added. Bello said that the role of traditional rulers, as appointed by God, was to assist the politicians in the development of their states. The cleric, however, urged the traditional rulers to desist from answering the name of “Kabiyesi’’, insisting that “only God is the Almighty”. “Any traditional ruler, who answers the name Kabiyesi, will have a query to answer on the last day,” he said. Also, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garuba Ibrahim, who was represented by Alhaji Tijani Gbajabiamila, the Alfa Agba of Lagos, recited the Holy Qu’ran at the occasion. Reports say that the ceremony was witnessed by Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and two ex-governors of the state: retired Brig.-Gen. Raji
Rasak and Chief Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Some of the dignitaries at the event include former Gov. Donald Duke of Cross River, Chief Musiliu Obanikoro, Chief Rasak Okoya, a foremost industrialist, and members of the National Assembly.
were shut over noise pollution after they were warned to abate the nuisance and they failed to do so. Primlaks Galvanising Industries in Ikeja was shut for emitting particulate matter and black soot into the environment, thereby polluting the area as well as extreme noise pollution, while also discharging and releasing hot slurry/sludge waste from the furnace into the environment. It was also observed that the company had poor spent oil management, leading to discharge into public drainage; poor ventilation and exposure of staff to heat and poor aesthetics of environment. LASEPA General Manager, Engr. Rasheed Shabi, said the company’s action constituted health hazard to workers and contributed to the environmental degradation, thereby contravening the provisions of LASEPA Law of 2003, which attract appropriate fines and penalties. The company was fined N5 million and given seven days to
remedy the situation, but it failed to comply, which eventually resulted in its closure on Thursday. Another company, Eureka Metals Limited committed the same offence as Primlaks. The company was ordered to install an abatement plant to adequately collect the metallic particulate and soot emitted into the environment; install noise dampers around machines/ equipment and generators and adequate collection of spent oil to prevent its discharge into the environment. The company failed to carry out the order, which led to its closure. According to Shabi, after warning the affected companies, “their proprietors went about sending people to us. There is nobody above the law. Before we reopen them, they must put our recommendations in place.” He stated that government would not in any way compromise the laid down standard and laws of the state governing pollution of the environment.
Justice Arum Igyem taking oath of office as a High Court Judge in Plateau in Jos recently.
LAGOS -Mr. Wale Babalakin, the Chairman, BiCourtney Ltd., has urged the Oyo State Government to hand over Government College, Ibadan (GCI) to its Old Boys Association for proper administration and management. Babalakin, who is the Chairman of the Lagos branch of the GCI’s Old Boys Association, made the plea at the 2013 Annual Lunch and Merit Awards ceremony of the school in Lagos. He expressed the willingness of the old students to take over the administration of the school, including its funding. “We believe that this step, once taken, would be the harbinger of efforts to restore the past glory of the college,’’ he said. Babalakin said that time had come for the society, led by its elite, to refocus its attention on restoring the lost glory of secondary education in the country. “We have heard of various efforts made by a number of governments to revamp secondary education, none of the efforts has been successful,” he said. He gave the assurance that GCI’s old boys would continue to strive valiantly to uphold the standards of the college and its ideals, “35 years after the downgrading of many secondary schools. “The policy of the Oyo State Government in 1979 turned the exclusive territory of Government College, Ibadan to the domain of other secondary schools. “The near eradication of merit as a criterion for entry into the school was an unpardonable assault on quality education in Nigeria,” he said. Babalakin said that this partly signalled the collapse of secondary education in the country. Also speaking, Prof. Oladipupo Akinkugbe said that the event was organised to bring the old students of the college together to deliberate on how to engender the school’s development. He noted that the school had graduated many prominent personalities in the country. “I am one of the old students; therefore, we all have to join hands together to upgrade the school and maintain its standard of education,’’ he said. Akinkugbe said that the association had intervened in efforts to refurbish and renovate the school. “The old students will not relent in efforts to ensure the quality education standards of the school,” he said.
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News Children’s Day:
Adamawa Children Weep Over Cancellation YOLA - Many primary school pupils who showed up at the Ribadu Square, Yola, yesterday for the usual festivities on Children’s Day, wept openly when they were told to go home, as the event had been cancelled. Reports say that the cancellation was announced by
the Ministry for Women Affairs, citing the current state of emergency imposed on the state for the decision. Reports indicate that hundreds of pupils had besieged the square in anticipation of the celebration only to be told to go home, making some of them to break
Gov Ahmed Charges Parents On Children Well-Being
Deaconess Endurance Odubu, wife of Edo State Deputy Governor presenting the first place winners’ cup to the captain of Emotan College, Benin City after a match past to mark the 2013 children’s Day celebration. Photo: MOSES OBOH
Princess Ekiuwa Inneh, Edo State Head of Service presenting a cup to the children of Family Support Programme Primary School during children’s Day celebration in Benin City. Photo: MOSES OBOH
ILORIN - The Kwara Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed has called on parents and guardians to devote more time for the training and well-being of their children and wards. Ahmed made the call in a statement in Ilorin signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, on the occasion of the 2013 Children’s Day celebration. He said parents and guardians should show greater concern for the training of their children and wards in order to complement governments’ policies and initiatives to nurture them into good citizens. The governor noted that it was necessary that all stakeholders in children’s upbringing rally round to restore cultural values in the children. He added that parents should also ensure the inculcation of moral values in children at both the family and communal levels. This, he said, became necessary especially now in the face of prevailing national moral decadence and security challenges. The governor reiterated his
NSCDC Records 146 Criminal Cases In Jigawa - Commandant
DUTSE - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa said yesterday that it recorded 146 criminal cases in the state in the last three years. The Commandant of the corps, Mr. Muhammad Gidado, told journalists in Dutse that the cases were recorded in the operational zones of the command in the state. He said that the command recorded 47 criminal cases such as theft, rape, assault, vandalism, and possession of cannabis. Gidado said that 99 civil
complaints on communal and family disputes were also recorded and resolved within the period under review. He said that the command had secured 25 convictions and two other cases relating to drug dealing were transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while one rape case was also referred to the police. According to him, 21 out of the recorded criminal cases are pending before the courts.
The commandant commended the government and people of the state for their support, noting that the gesture had enhanced security network in the state. “The security of Jigawa is good; the state government is trying and the security formations are also trying; for now Jigawa is a peaceful state; the government is trying; it listens to security advice. “We have done enough; I know in the past, if you called Jigawa
Ilorin Court Dissolves 5-Year-Old Marriage Over Childlessness ILORIN - An Ilorin Area Court dissolved a five-year-old marriage between Kudirat Saheed and Saheed Razaq over childlessness. Kudirat, 36, a resident of Alore area, Ilorin, had earlier prayed the court to dissolve her marriage with Razaq, saying the marriage had not been blessed with a child. She told the court that her husband’s relatives were fond of accusing her of their childless situation. She added that “my husband
and his relatives have been blaming me for our childless condition. I have been wrongly blamed since 2008 when I married my husband.’’ She cited an instance when her in-laws visited their house just to rain insults on her and continued to call her a witch. “My Lord, I want an end to this marriage because I cannot bear the threats mounting on me by my husband’s relatives,’’ she added. The defendant, however, did
not object the prayer of his wife, saying she was free to go and try another place. “I see no reason why I should keep a wife that is not ready to accept any blame when she is at fault,’’ he said. He prayed the court to grant the prayer of his wife without any claim. The Presiding Judge, Mr. Ibrahim Abdulquadri, then dissolved the marriage and issued a certificate of divorce to the plaintiff.
a temple of atrocities, I think you would not be telling a lie; but now almost 70 per cent of these atrocities have been arrested; my command arrests and prosecutes law breakers day and night.“ Gidado restated the resolved of the command to protect lives and property in the state.
administration’s commitment to child-friendly policies and programmes that guaranteed conducive environment for physical and intellectual development. These, according to him, include maternal and child medicare, tuition-free primary and post-primary education system as well as infrastructural development in the schools. Ahmed also urged the Nigerian child to look beyond the parades and other festivities of this occasion. He urged them to reflect on virtues that could transform them into being good leaders in the future.
down in tears while others asked whether the event had been shifted to another venue. Our Correspondent reports that a lot of them were unable to comprehend the meaning of state of emergency and why it should affect their celebration. Some pupils from Nasarawo and Yelwa primary schools who could not bear the reality conducted a mock march pass before departing the parade ground. Also, some parents who brought their wards to the square complained that the cancellation was not given publicity and criticised the government for the action. “Why should they cancel this children celebration? You can see the children are sad on a day they are supposed to be happy. “The state of emergency did not seriously affect normal activities in Yola, particularly from 6 a.m to 6 p.m. “So I wonder why they cancel a children’s day event that is supposed to take place from 10 a.m to 12 p.m,” Malam Abdu Musa, a parent said.
Edo Govt To Support Cultural Heritage BENIN CITY – Edo State Government would continue to support the rich cultural heritage of the state through cultural festivals, exhibitions, cultural and historical events. The Snr. Special Assistant on Protocol to Governor Oshiomhole, Ambassador Uche James Okoro disclosed this at the weekend when he represented Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere at a cultural festival organized by the Campus Division of Benson Idahosa University (BIU). He disclosed that plans are to organize arts and festival competition both at primary and secondary schools levels with a view to discovering new talents that would also be encouraged by government to sustain the art and craft heritage of the state.
According to him, “it is the intention of this administration to use these means to educate the younger generation on the cultural heritage of Edo State so as to ensure that our history and culture are not lost.” He commended the Campus Division of BIU for organizing the cultural carnival which he said is meant to provide avenue for all the tribes in the institution to showcase their cultural heritage. Dignitaries at the occasion included the Archbishop of Church of God Mission, Dr. (Mrs.) Margaret Benson Idahosa, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, ViceChancellor, BIU, Professor Ernest Izevbigie, President, Igbo Youth Union, Nze Duroha and the Woman Leader, Chief Mrs. Emma Nnaji.
Severe Malaria In Children Can Lead To Renal Disease - Specialist JOS – Dr. Fabong Yildam, a family medicine specialist with the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, said yesterday that severe malaria could cause acquired renal disease in children. Yildam told our reporter in Jos that the increasing incidence of acquired renal disease in children was alarming. He said the disease could be caused by various environmental factors. “The incidence of renal diseases in children is on the increase; and it is not the
congenital renal disease but the acquired renal disease. “Lead-poisoning, bee stings and severe malaria are all the causes of acquired renal diseases in children.“ He said that kidney disease was either acquired or congenital. He explained that congenital renal disease was inherent from birth, due to some malformations in the development of the kidney. According to him, renal disease in children is easy to identify as the children manifest symptoms quickly within the shortest period of
time than in adults. He said that the symptoms of renal failure in children included general body swelling, fever, and sore throat. Yildam said that if the disease was detected in time it could be treated effectively. He called on parents to be observant of their children and wards for the symptoms of the disease. He also urged parents to always seek medical attention from qualified doctors and to desist from self-medication as it was detrimental to the health of the child.
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Across The Nation Board Hails Teachers Courage Basic Education:
Officials of the Fire Stations in the Federal Capital Territory At A Fire Drill in Abuja on Saturday.
ABUJA - The FCTA Universal Basic Education Board has hailed the courage, determination and efforts of teachers in the FCT in their struggle to ensure that every child acquires basic, fundamental education. Mr. Adamu Noma, the board’s director, made the commendation on Monday in his message to children on this year ’s Children’s Day Celebration in Abuja. He told newsmen that FCT teachers had surmounted gruelling circumstances like inadequate learning facilities, unfriendly learning environments and inaccessible roads to ensure that children had a good education. He particularly praised the courage of teachers in FCT rural communities and encouraged them to continue in the spirit of patriotism to make Nigeria a bet-
Don Frowns At Indiscriminate Grant Of Perpetual Injunction
ABUJA- Prof Clement Dakas, the Director, Research, Nigerian Institute of Advance Legal Studies (NIALS), has said that the indiscriminate grant of perpetual injunctions by judges was an abuse of the law. Dakas told newsmen in Abuja that it was important for the judiciary to conduct itself properly in the application of the law in order not to send wrong signals to the public. “There are few judges who unfortunately in applying the law, bring a great deal of discredit to the Nigerian judiciary
and you find this especially in the indiscriminate grant of injunctions. “Where you find that a judge issues an order of perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC for instance or the police or some law enforcement agencies from investigating or from prosecuting certain individuals, I think that it sends the wrong signal. It’s a gross abuse and misapplication of the law.
“ It is important that injunctive relieves and the purpose they serve is kept in mind and I think that the judiciary must conduct itself in a manner that does not send the wrong signal and people then begin to draw the conclusion that the judiciary is part of the corruption in this country.“ Dakas, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the indiscriminate application of the law practice could
affect the integrity of the judiciary. He said that when people lose confidence in the judiciary, they could take laws into their hands. He stressed that the granting of perpetual injunction before the conclusion of court cases was a misapplication of the law. “When we get to that point then people lose confidence in this vital institution of government, then people will resort to
Flood Control, Panacea For Polio Eradiwas highly communicable and is enormous, two cases of the cation could spread widely within a disease have been recorded in “One case of polio within an the Federal Capital Territory short period. - Director “The root of its infection is environment can be transmitthis year, which is an after-
ABUJA - Adequate flood control and proper sanitation management can serve as a solution to total polio eradication in the country, a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Health, has said. Mr Kehinde John, the Deputy Director, office in charge of Health Emergency and Disaster Management, Federal Ministry of Health, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. He said polio was usually transmitted through fecal-oral method of transmission and found in children at the crawling stage, particularly those in a dirty environment. According to him, though the fight against polio in the country
effect of the 2012 flooding. He said that the flood that ravaged the country last year polluted major sources of drinking water. It was gathered that human beings are the only known hosts of the polio virus. According to John, fecaloral transmission is the process whereby fecal matter or feaces is taken into the mouth through contaminated food or fingers, or by ingestion of droplets expelled from the throat of an infected person. John said that the disease
fecal oral relating to sanitation, take for example they discovered two polio cases in the FCT (Federal Capital Territory), this is after effect of the flood of last year 2012. “You know we had heavy flood, especially in Gwagwalada and Kubwa area and those are the places where these things are discovered because we are not taking sanitation as important and polio is transmitted through polio virus and when children are crawling, moving from one place to another.
Car Washer In Court Over Alleged Stealing charge.
ABUJA - The Police have arraigned a 20-year-old car washer, Adamu Muhammad, of Ruga Village, Airport Road, Abuja, in an Abuja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing from his customer. The Prosecutor, Mr Abdulahi Adamu, told the court that, Sani Sadi, of Mabushi village, Abuja, reported the matter to the Wuse police station, Abuja on May 18. Adamu said that the complainant entrusted his car with the accused for washing which had the sum of N100, 000 in it, but the accused allegedly took away the money without the owner’s consent.
He added that Sadi kept the money underneath the foot mat in the car but later discovered the money was stolen when he went back to get his car from the accused. The prosecutor said that the accused could not give satisfactory account of himself when asked during investigation. He said that the offence was contrary to the provisions of Section 288 of the Penal Code. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the
ted to 200 children and that is why it so make it as an epidemic. On sanitation, John spoke of the need for proper management and disposal of human waste (excreta). He advised households to build toilets and maintain a clean environment. “In terms of sanitation, we need to make sure that we have proper disposal of shit (our excreta); every household must have toilet.
jungle justice and our society will be the worse for it. “You normally grant a perpetual injunction at the conclusion of a case, by which time you have heard the parties and you have met the judicial determination at a point at which you settle all the issues between the parties. “Where perpetual injunction is granted when investigation is ongoing, when the case is ongoing, that’s clearly in my view is an abuse and misapplication of an injunction. “An injunction is ultimately what we call inequitable remedy and there are principles that guide the grant of an inequitable injunction and it is important that our judges, particularly those who have misapplied the law come back to the fundamentals of the reality of an injunction as an inequitable remedy.“ Dakas said that a perpetual injunction could be applied only to cases for which perpetual injunctions were sought for. He said that perpetual injunction was “not a blanket cheque that immunises these individuals from prosecution or from investigation into other offenses committed”.
ter place. “I will tell teachers well done, they have been doing very well, we appreciate what they are doing, it is when you understand what it means to be a teacher then you will appreciate a teacher. “People don’t know, they don’t know what teachers go through to handle children; not only that you are handling children, but you are handling other people’s children that are not your own biological children. “These are children that are coming from different socio-cultural backgrounds, it is left for the teacher to handle them and treat them with care to mould them to become better citizens. “So we appreciate what teachers are doing, teachers in FCT are giving out their best and on our own side we equally recognise that we appreciate what they are doing. “That is why we make sure that their salaries are regularly paid, their allowances are given to them, their promotions are given to them as at when due, and then we send them to workshops and seminars both within and outside the country. “Some of our teachers are in China, some just came back two weeks ago, we sent them with our collaboration with Chinese Embassy Cultural Centre so we make sure that teachers capacities are improved so that they can perform better.“ The director also cautioned children against absenteeism, peer pressure and risky behaviors that could jeopardise their education. “I will tell children that they should listen to their teachers, go to school and pay attention to their teachers and whatever teachers tell them, teachers are always telling them what is good for them. “If they do that, they can become great men when they grow up; they should know that those who are in leadership positions today started as they are starting today. “Nobody suddenly went to where he or she has found himself, everybody went through what they are going through today. “I employ our pupils and students to listen to their teachers to go to school, when they go to school they should remain in school. “They should desist from following bad friends, they know friends that they should not follow, obey their parents and behave themselves so that they can become good leaders of tomorrow.“
The Senior Magistrate, Mrs. Mimi Katsina-Alu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 and a surety in like sum. Katsina-Alu said that the surety must have a fixed address and be resident within the jurisdiction of the court. The magistrate said she granted the accused bail because the offence was ordinarily a bailable one, and adjourned the matter to June 13 for further hearing. Firemen representing various Fire Stations in the Federal Capital Territory at the Fire Drill in Abuja on Thursday.
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Across The Nation
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
Don Calls For Public - Private needed the supp Partnership ernment of the public and the priv Developing Education:
From left: Senior Resident Representative, International Monetary Fund, Mr. Scott Roggers, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Special Adviser to the Governor/ Director of Risk Management, MS Folakemi Fatagbe, at the first 2013 National Risk Management Conference in Lagos recently.
IJEBU-ODE (OGUN) Prof. Sunkanmi Gbadamosi, a Senior Lecturer at Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye in Ogun, yesterday, called for public-private partnership in the development of the education sector in the country. Gbadamosi stated this while delivering a lecture at the Tai Solarin University of Education’s (TASUED) Students Union Government’s (SUG) pioneer lecture and award ceremony. Reports say that the theme of the lecture is “Human Capital Development.’’ The lecturer said that gov-
Body Lauds Role Of Children As Change Agents
ABUJA - ActionAid Nigeria, an international nongovernmental organisation, said yesterday that children were agents of change for creating awareness and prompting behavioural change around water, personal hygiene and sanitation. The Education Programme Manager of the organisation, Mr. Andrew Mamedu, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. Mamedu said that sanitation clubs created in schools encouraged cleanliness and positive peer influence among students and pupils. “As agents of change they have been very useful and very effective that’s why for us we don’t plan and involve the children, we plan with the children and then
implement with them. “We don’t see them as just as a figure, no, we don’t do it for them we do it with them. “It will surprise you that children within the club that we engage with, carry out this message to other pupils and they are the greatest peer influencers at that level. “The children listen more to their peers than they listen to the teachers so if you see a child that is within the club, they are very neat and welldressed. “Automatically we have case studies where children have influenced the whole school and we have less than 50 students within the club
and these children turn out as models in terms of hygiene and dressing. “Those children go ahead and influence the school and everybody now tries to be like them in those cases, so those are positive influence for the other children.” He said that water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities in schools increased enrollment as students in schools encouraged school dropouts to get back in school through their behaviours and club activities. “They also go out even outside the school for instance we have what we call ‘Mapping of Out-of-School
Politics Of Tribalism Will Undermine Nigeria’s Democracy LAGOS - A lecturer, Dr Kayode Esuola, yesterday said the dividends of democracy would elude Nigerians if politicians continued to “play politics of rancour, tribalism and sentiments. “A political culture of not playing politics by the rules of the game will further distance us from the dividends of democracy,“ Esuola, of the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, said. He told newsmen in Lagos that an enlightened and politically-conscious public was necessary for democracy to become entrenched in any society. He added that democracy was a form of government that was all-inclusive and required the fullest participation of the citizenry to become meaningful.
“The functionality of Don democratic systems cannot be alienated from the culture and peculiarity of the electorate. “A people’s political culture and way of doing things determine the kind of democratic dividends they will enjoy. “We just have to do things in politics the right way for democracy as a system of governance to serve a utilitarian purpose to us,“ he said. He said that with determination, Nigeria’s democracy would attain the level that developed democratic had reached. “ Democracy takes time to become a way of life to the people. It is one political system that evolves over the years. “Advance countries in the West have been practising democracy for centuries and
are still evolving,“ he said. Esuola noted that to enhance Nigeria’s democracy, government needed to build strong public institutions to make the political system more popular.
Children’ so the children go out of school to also try to bring in children that are out of the school into the school environment. Even children that are out of the school, they look at them and the reason why they listen and respect them is because of the way they are well kept, their hygiene and all. “It attracts more children to school so they are good influence to themselves and to their peers. “We do a whole lot of training programmes for clubs- now within the clubs for instance, the girls club that we have, we have the whole module around hygiene. “For instance there is one of the trainings that talks about washing your hands how long does it take? “You’re supposed to wash with soap and running water it will take you the time of singing ‘Happy Birthday to You’ from the
beginning to the end for you to properly wash your hands so it’s not for you to put your hand in the water and come out. “We do a whole lot of issue again around toilets, toileting system so it depends on what’s available, if there’s water we use the water system, where there is no water system, we use the pit toilets but we try to discourage open defecation. “We train the teachers, not just the students; actually we have facilitators within these clubs and we train them, they are the ones that carry out these instructions with the children.”
sectors in developing the ed cation sector. Gbadamosi urged stak holders, individuals and c porate bodies to contribu their quotas in lifting the sta dard of education in the cou try. “For the development of education sector, there is t need for Public-Private Pa nership. “Government should n be left alone with the finan ing of education sector.” In her remarks, Pr Oluyemisi Obilade, the V Chancellor of the universi commended the SUG exec tive for putting up the awa lecture. Obilade said that TASUE management would contin to provide conducive en ronment for students to lea Earlier in his Speech, M Femi Adeniyi, SUG Pre dent, said the lecture and t award ceremony w organised to honour tho who had been contributing the development of educati in the state. Adeniyi urged the bene ciaries of the award not to lent in contributing to t education sector in the sta Reports say that some of awardees include, Mr Seg Odubela, Commissioner Education, Prof. Oluyem Obilade and Mr Remm Hassan, a member of t State House of Assembly.
Stakeholders Suggest Unhindered Access To LAGOS - Participants at a available to newsm Terminals forum of the Cargo Defence yesterday in Lagos. Fund (CDF) have advised terminal operators at seaports to give cargo surveyors unhindered access to their terminals to access cargoes. The advice is part of the communiqué issued at the end of the forum and made
Participants at the First 2013 National Risk Management Conference in Lagos.
The participants said t would enable surveyors have on-the-spot assessme of damages to or losses cargoes. The communiqué said t the forum observed that t poor roads and other port frastructure were partly sponsible for the incidence cargo damage and losses. “We therefore advocate immediate repair of roads a provision of appropria cargo handling facilities,’ said. The communique also tributed the increasing in dence of damage to cargo to improper packaging. It advised consignees ensure that cargoes we properly packaged. “We considered the imp cation of cargo loss to n tional economy and called marine cargo surveyors a insurance companies to ass consignees to mitigate t rate of losses,’’ it said.
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TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
n e ort ate ueorte nnthe the rtot cof. ice ty, urd D ue virn. r sithe as se to on firehe te. the un for isi y he
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Education ON the wake of the sack of teachers, Assistant Chief Inspectors of Education, ACIEs, and Zonal Inspectors of Education, ZIEs by Edo state government, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, the umbrella body overseeing the welfare of the teachers were up in arms, obviously unhappy over what they termed unfair treatment of their members. Not least in the anger train were civil society groups, individuals and other stake holders who barely understood or simply ignored the issues at stake. They all left no one in any doubt that if they were to have their ways, they would ask for the governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, to be whipped, bare arse and inside out, lfor having the effrontery to announce the sack. It does not matter that by not adhering strictly to the rules of dilligentlly moulding the future of an entire generation, the affected groups violated one of the cardinal tenets of their professions. Fortunately, as part of ceremonies marking international workers‘day, the governor tampered justice with mercy and announced their recall, given that many well meaning individuals and groups intervened on their behalf. More than just recalling them, he ordered that they be paid four out of the six months they stayed at home It is no longer news that the teachers affected celebrated the recall with loads of back-slapping, bear hugs and the likes as they savour the reality of having to collect, with no strings attached at all, four whole months of salary
Teachers, Wake Up By ERNEST OMOARELOJIE
without having to work one minute for it. I can imagine some of their colleagues going green with envy, wishing that by some magical twist, they also could possibly be beneficiaries of the bountiful windfall. Rather characteristically, the NUT was also in an ebullient mood as it issued a
appreciated by those affected, particularly the teachers. Investigations have revealed that rather than learn one or two lessons from their colleagues’ shortlived ordeal, many of them are still involved in same professional misconducts, including truancy, unapproved absenteeism, etc, for which some of their
receiving permission to do so. In addition, no one could account for the whereabout of a number of others who reported earlier for duties but were no were to be found when he (the governor) made an on-the-spot roll call. As if that was not bad enough, several others had their names signed for as present in the school’s teacher’s attendant register
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor one page ‘thank you’ advertorial in appreciation of the comrade’s gesture, in at least, one medium. Sadly however, if findings are anything to go by, there are indications that the governor‘s conciliatory gesture is not being
colleagues, recently recalled, were given the matching order. In one of his on-going project assessment missions to some state public schools, the governor himself found many teachers absent without seeking or
when indeed, they were never present in the first instance. It is true as the saying goes that old habit die hard. However, given the uproar the earlier sack generated, one cannot but nurse the hope that our teachers cannot afford to ignore learning from what
befell their colleagues. This is particularly so as there is a very high possibility that the state government might wield the big axe again. Indeed, it needs not be repeated here that when it eventually falls, those who may be unfortunate to be cut in the swing will definitely not be as lucky as the first victims. The reality expressed above is the more reason all stake holders must wake to their different responsibilities by advising the teachers on the need to take their duties very seriously before it is too late. Sadly, not many of the stake holders seem to see the need to urgently admonish the teachers and other employees of the state government who appear to be notorious truants to wake up to their various responsibilities. Particularly more disturbing is the inability of those that embarked on a smear campaign against the governor for the sack order earlier effected. The truth of the matter is that for reason of fairness, these same stake holders cannot afford to be quiet now or wait till another sack is announced before dusting up their toga as critics. The time has come for them to prove that beyond rabid criticism, they can also offer advise when and where it is needed. The time to offer some to the tachers is now. Fortunately, the state government has not made any policy statement on what it intends to do with regards to the development. However, as sure as the sun shines, a policy decision will certainly be made if the
development persists. But just before it happens again, it will be nice to hear all stake holders’ voices by way of reprimanding those teachers who appear to be chronic truants, if only because of what my befall them. In particular, the silence from the state chapter of the NUT is too deafening for comfort. If in conjuction with other stake holders it ceaselessly riled the state government for daring to give the marching order to some of its erring employees, the union owns itself, the teachers and the people of the state the moral obligation of speaking now that there is an urgent need for the teachers to reciprocate the state government’s gesture. Indeed, for reasons of fairness, they should, with the same zeal with which they heckled the government, be making commentaries that seek to remind the teachers and indeed, all other workers in the payroll of the state government to live up to their part of the employment bargain or be ready to face the music of not doing so. I am (and I dare say, other concerned people of Edo state are) waiting to hear from them. If everyone must be reminded, the case of the teachers is very peculiar because it is the ultimate pedestal on which the foundation of every society stands. Therefore, it must be taken for what it is-one that involves the forming and building of the character and life of young people that will lead this great country one day. It needs not be repeated that if this onerous responsibility is balanced on an impaired foundation, we may, sooner than later, be heading for an avoidable moral crash.
“It is no longer news that the teachers affected celebrated the recall with loads of back-slapping, bear hugs and the likes as they savour the reality of having to collect, with no strings attached at all, four whole months of salary without having to work one minute for it”.
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TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
TO curtail the menace of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, and stem the tide of insecurity in the country, especially in parts of Northern Nigeria, the Federal Government on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 declared a State of Emergency in the three Northern States of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno. BEFORE the emergency rule, the Boko Haram Sect had wreaked unimaginable havoc on lives and property. REGRETTABLY, over 60 lives perished recently, following the suicide bombing of a bus, at a motor park in Kano. The terrorist act traceable to Boko Haram. The unfortunate event which shook the city of Kano to its foundations came at a time when some powerful forces in the North are asking for amnesty for Boko Haram. SINCE the incident, a lot of condemnations and protestations have trailed the blast from the UK, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and lawyers of note in the country. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER strongly condemns Boko Haram orchestrated terrorist attacks. But beyond that, we call on the Federal Government to urgently prosecute those already arrested and others with records of complicity. The reason for this position is not far-fetched. ALMOST on a daily basis, there are accounts of several security threats arising from armed robberies, assassinations, armed militancy and banditry, kidnapping, bombings and of recent, the blood-let from a religious sect called the Jaamatus Alhus Sunnah Lid Daawatis Wal Jiliad (otherwise called Boko Harm) who say they are opposed to Western education and are ready to attack every vestige of western civilization. INDEED, the rate of crime and criminality, as exemplified in the high incidence of kidnapping, bombings and other organised crimes has sadly moved from the realm of security threat to an area of real and present danger. THE frightening security condition in Nigeria has not only been a source of worry, it has also dented Nigeria’s International status.
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NIGERIAN
Ending Boko Haram Insurgence FOR instance, on August 26, 2011 the terrorist group, Boko Haram bombed the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s Federal capital city. The consequences of that attack, as of today, are yet to abate. IN the wake of the UN building attack, Nigeria, lost her hosting right of the global food security meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) which was moved from Abuja, to Senegal. The meeting was an assemblage of experts and food administrators all over the globe. ASIDE the UN building bombing on August 26, 2011 that claimed 23 lives including 11 UN personnel, local Islamic fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram, had until late, been orchestrating series of isolated attacks predominantly in Northern Nigeria. The sect is believed to be targeting centres of international attraction, especially in the Federal Capital Territory. CURIOUSLY, the presidential committee on security challenges in the North East Zone has identified security lapses, inter-service rivalry and lack of collaboration as factors that have encouraged the proliferation of security crises in the Northern part of the country. It also blamed the security breaches on high level of poverty, unemployment and other social ills. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is however of the considered opinion that serious security collaboration and intelligence sharing must be urgently evolved to arrest security breaches and this needs to go beyond the shores of the nation. The federal government must build inter-agency cooperation through diplomatic channels/pacts, and international intelligence to ensure that crime of whatever scale is nipped in the bud.
MOST importantly, there is the overriding need to promptly move to demilitarize the Nigerian society and reduce the heavy influx of arms and ammunition in the country which have unfortunately gone into the wrong hands. TO this extent, the Customs and Immigration Services, in tandem with the Ministry of Interior should work round the clock to protect the porous Nigerian borders. SOMETHING fundamental equally needs to be done to reduce, if not totally eliminate the existence of private militias that were established, funded and used by politicians and individuals who later dumped them after having been trained to handle arms. ALSO, the various security agencies, beside the need to be technologically equipped and funded to carry out their assigned tasks, would need to be restructured. The structure and duties of our security agencies must be revisited so as to ensure that each organ very well knows its specific roles and function, while the laws establishing these agencies must be made clear on who does what. THE government at all levels, particularly the federal government, urgently needs to carry out reforms in the security sub-sector to eliminate inertia created by inter-agency rivalry and react decisively to security threats with dispatch. ON their part, the citizens must cooperate with the security agencies by supplying them with prompt, useful and relevant information on likely security breaches. This can be facilitated by the existence of a well-coordinated biometric database of Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike indicating where people live, their nature of jobs and background. This will assist in fishing out the bad eggs in the society. DECISIVE steps should be taken to cripple Boko Haram Sect and their operations as well as end their menacing reign. If anything, a safe, secure and peaceful environment is what the present democracy needs to be strengthened and sustained, as such the government and people of Nigeria cannot afford to leave this to the whims and caprices of miscreants.
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TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
After Oshiomhole, Cutting Edge What Next
PHILIP of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great, was a mighty man of valour, who had conquered most of the ancient Greek city-states and other neighboring kingdoms by the time Alexander, his son and heir apparent was born. At his demise, the gauntlet naturally fell on Alexander to administer a kingdom that stretched across the whole of the Mediterranean region. On mounting the saddle of leadership, the greatest challenge that confronted a young Alexander was not the formidable task of administering Philip’s vast kingdom, but how to surpass the remarkable achievements of a great King. This is one of the most common challenges men who succeed great men encounter — consolidating on the achievements of their departing bosses, and taking it to the next level. “It is not easy to step into a great man’s shoes”. The story of Philip and Alexander came to my mind as I ruminated over the colossal accomplishments being churned out by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)-led Government in Edo State, ably marshaled by the ex-labour leader turned political iconoclast, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; a man who qualifies as a conqueror and trailblazer in his own right. The scenarios evoked by my reflections where as awesome as they were nerve-wracking — the former, because of the magical manner and speed the Governor ’s transformational agenda was playing out, and the later, when I imagine the quandary his successor would be in
when the Governor ultimately leaves the stage at the official expiration of his stewardship. After Oshiomhole, what next? Any close observer of developments in Edo politics would ask the same question; a question that becomes more glaring when one does an objective, nonpartisan appraisal of the Governor ’s score card since assuming the mantle of leadership in Government House. When you do this analysis, a truer, more heartwarming scenario begins to emerge; a scenario of light overcoming darkness; of freedom sprouting from slavery; of abundance emerging from lack; of wealth replacing penury; of beauty obviating ugliness; lots of soul-lifting scenarios begin to pop up from left, right and center. That Oshiomhole has set a benchmark for future chief executive officers of the state to emulate is there for all to see. He is simply the standard to beat. Since becoming the Governor of Edo State, this man has consistently set and broken his own records to the admiration of members of his constituency, setting precedents that will be difficult for anybody to match in the future; an unassailable pace that is the logical result of selfless, purposeful, peopleoriented leadership. The fearless manner he has gone about executing his transformational agenda for the state is as breathtaking as it is
impressive. When Oshiomhole took up the mantle of leading Edo State in 2008, he, like Philip of Macedonia, was faced with a legion of odds: From a demoralized, dejected and depressed populace in dire need of inspirational leadership, a shambolic public service staffed by a disgruntled workforce, a dearth of functional infrastructural facilities and basic amenities, a stone-age educational system, a peripatetic health sector, a regime of joblessness, a
With Obuseh Jude GSM: 08033510173
allow the aforementioned demons of underdevelopment to deter him, like they did other before him, Oshiomhole like Philip, took on them headlong, determined to take the state out of the doldrums it had been wallowing in prior to his coming; determined to build
Governor Adams Oshiomhole
state of mind-bending insecurity, to other equally disheartening pitfalls, the Governor had his hands full. However, rather than
a state of marbles out of a state of mud; determined to make heaven out of hell; determined to create an order of bliss out of a
“Today, Edo State is working again, thanks to the visionary, goal-oriented, altruistic leadership style of one man; a man whose doggedness in the face of intimidation, and personal commitment to assuaging the desires of the people has resulted in the Edenic prosperity Edo State and its people enjoy in the present dispensation; an era that has witnessed the meteoric growth of a state that was once likened to a dilapidated vehicle in need of urgent repairs.”
regime of squalor; determined to turn hollow dreams into practical realities; determined to turn Edo State into a fluid working machine. That is what he has been doing since 2008. Today, Edo State is working again, thanks to the visionary, goal-oriented, altruistic leadership style of one man; a man whose doggedness in the face of intimidation, and personal commitment to assuaging the desires of the people has resulted in the Edenic prosperity Edo State and its people enjoy in the present dispensation; an era that has witnessed the meteoric growth of a state that was once likened to a dilapidated vehicle in need of urgent repairs. The developments currently unfolding before our very eyes, in all sectors, are fitting testimonies to the effectiveness of his developmental programs; worthy practical expressions of the potency of his policy thrusts. Thanks to Oshiomhole, our hospitals are no longer mere consulting centers, but places of refuge for the infirm; our schools are no longer sheep pens, but true citadels of academic excellence; our roads are no longer death traps, but smooth and broad expressways fit for driving; our civil service is no longer staffed by dissatisfied parttimers, but by dedicated full-timers; the crime rate is no longer burgeoning, but decreasing drastically. Thanks to the divinely propelled administration of this man, Edo State is gradually graduating into the true “Heartbeat” of the nation. At this juncture, some of us might want to ask whether Edos are happier, today, than they where prior
to the appearance of Oshion+le on the state’s political kaleidoscope. Others might want to know whether Edo State is physically better-off for it, since the coming of this man. The answer to the first question is an emphatic “yes”! Edos are not only happier, today, than they were before this man’s coming, they are walking in the clouds. They are in ecstatic frenzy — a condition of limitless joy created by the flawless justice that is being wrought In all facets of their once miserable lives by the tender loving care of a leader who has sacrificed his all to give them better lives. To answer the second question, a personal assessment tour of all completed and ongoing development projects scattered across the length and breath of the state will be a major eye-opener for all disciples of good, transparent, and accountable governance. But rather than engaging in sterile, profitless rhetoric, the chief question that should be animating our minds is: “Who replaces Oshiomhole when he vacates Government House? Who takes over the baton from this silent, jet-heeled pacesetter? Who can succeed Oshiomhole and take Edo State to newer heights in the manner of Alexander the Great, when he took over from Philip and turned Macedonia into a powerful empire by conquering most of the known world? Is there any man in Edo State fit enough to step into this great man’s shoes? If there is, who is that man? To find out who this man is, remain glued to this page. Until next week, I sign off.
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TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
Nutritional Health And Dietetics
Disease Of Cancer
THIS terrible disease is rightly referred to as the “Scourge of humanity.” It is becoming ever more widespread and up to the present time it still has not been possible to being it under control. Millions of people are stricken with it. Tens of thousands of scientists and medical men are striving to discover the cause of this disease. Millions are spent on cancer research every year. Experiment are constantly carried out in laboratories in order to find a solution. However, many cancer agents must have something in common, which allows the health cell to become a cancerous cell. Therefore, the fundamental process must be sought. In doing so, we must include those beyond earthly spheres which we are in a position to grasp only with the inner perception of our spirit. First let us consider the cells of which the human body is composed. At the beginning of the embryonic development, there are no differing cells. Only during the development of the growing child’s body do the cells differentiate from one another and form the individual organs of the body. Now how do the cells come to unite into different organs? What forces regulate out of them, are formed, for instance, the heart, the grain, the liver, the lymphatic system? Who provides the information for this? Forces of nature that have taken on form, which we can also, call nature- beings are at work here. On the astral plane, which lies nearest to the world of Gross matter, to the earthly, they create the astral body as a model, as a prototype, after which the child’s body is only subsequently formed (vollmann, 1981). In this astral body, which is of finer matter the whole design of the body, after design of the body, after which the corresponding
cells then unite into organs and so on, must therefore, be preformed or “programmed” by way of radiation. The astral body or the astral clock is an important connecting-link between spirit, soul and body during the whole of earth-life with physical death it disintegrates. Vollmann (1985) asserted that there is a good indication of the existence of the astral body, the phantom –pains which occur in a limb that no longer exists. Why? Because the astral body, which has the form of the physical body, is not damaged when a limb is severed. It retains the limb severed from the physical body. Hence, the pains in the missing physical limb, which really make themselves felt on the still existing astral limb, hitherto a described as phantom because it is not visible to the physical eye. Phantompain cannot be without foundation but must have a body, where they can be locally felt. Until now the often unbearable phantom- pains could mostly be treated only for a limited time with painkilling drugs. But of late good results are being achieved with acupuncture, originating in China which applied to sound limbs. Through this, phantompains can often be absent for month. But let us return to the cells. It has been stated earlier that the whole physical structure is preformed by the nature beings on the astral plane
beings on the astral plane. This also, includes the building stones of the individual organs, the body cells with all their components. Many of these components have been investigated. These include for instance, the nucleus and the protoplasm surrounding the nucleus. In the nucleus are to be found the
above the paradise of men right down to us into the world of across matter where they rise to the formation of elementary particle They are of course also, to be found in the cell molecules, which are composed of atoms and they have contact with the spiritual radiation of the human spirit incarnated in
chromosomes, in which the genertic information or “heritage” is stored. All the processes in the cell, which include above all the important cellular respiration, are regulated from within the nucleus (vollmann, 1981). Now, there are yet other component are the cell, which are not visible to the physical eye. To these belong for instance minute spirit particles, which stream from spiritual power-centre lying far
the physical body. For this reason they deserve special attention in the investigation into the cause of cancer. Today the radiation of the human spirit is greatly weakened and dimmed through the predominantly materialistic attitude of earthmen, which is directed to this world. Therefore, the radiation is hardly able any longer to exert an animating influence on the functions of the cells and organs, in order to achieve a radiant health”
With
O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 If we now imagine that to this generally weakened spiritual radiation, there is further added a physical damage caused by longlasting irritation of cells through toxins, then the structure of the cell
molecules will be so altered that the cells is greatly impeded. They cell molecules, which are composed of atoms and they have contact with the spiritual radiation in the physical body. For this reason they deserve special attention in the investigation into the cause of cancer. They can no longer receive the right information. This results in faulty regulation and the oxygen supply gradually fails. As a consequence the cells begin to ferment and
“If we now imagine that to this generally weakened spiritual radiation, there is further added a physical damage caused by long-lasting irritation of cells through toxins then the structure of the cell molecules will be so altered that the regulation of the cells is greatly impeded. They can no longer receive the right information. This results in faulty regulation and the oxygen supply gradually fails.”
together with substances of the nutrient fluid form an unrestrainedly increasing gro-with the cancerous tumour as the final stage of a prolonged spiritual and physical disturbance. The degeneration and unbridled growth of the affected cells also, permeates even the surrounding healthy parts of the body. At the same time there is in addition the danger of parts of the cancer reaching distant areas of the body with the lymphatic or blood stream and giving rise to similar cancerous formations (metastases) there (vollman, 1981). But the prolonged irritation of the cells through toxins cells for reference to one physical organ which should be given special attention in the investigation of cancer the liver it is a miraculous work in itself, its task is so many sided that it can be described as an extraordinary organ. A part from its activity as the most important detoxification centre, it helps in multifarious ways with metabolism, among other things. Therefore, its disorder always affects the whole body profoundly. On the other hand, the liver is capable of regenerating its own damaged cells and even of rebuilding missing cells. With normal activity, vollmann said everything is carefully converted, sifted and filtered in the liver. In the course of this, toxins are broken down, made harmless and secreted. Hence, the liver needs constant good blood circulation. A healthy liver ensures pure blood, if however, it becomes diseased, it is no longer in a position to break down the various toxins sufficiently, these will penetrate into the circulation. Causing chronic conditions of irritation in the cell-tissue and so create the soil for concer.
THE NIGERIAN
15
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
WE live in a world of tales and rumours hence before we accept any form of information, we should be able to reflect and determine if what we have heard is true, good or useful. When I was a parish priest, some people will come to tell me all sorts of stories about others. Very often, the informant would say: Please, what I am telling you is confidential. Reflecting
and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Proverbs 21, 23). It is therefore very important to “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit (Psalm 34, 13). If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless (James 1, 26). For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him
institution or to the people who are receiving it. Must the information be used, and if so to what extent and to what end? Even though “the truth shall set you free”, the intention of the informant must always be evaluated. Supposing you are in charge of formation and training of people, how do you manage the information the students tell you about themselves and
BOTTOMLINE With Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua GSM: 08034006260
Dialogue And Information Management on the principle that the ordinary minds discus people, simple minds discus events and great minds discuss ideas, I tried my best to ask myself, “Is this information really for me?” “What do I do with this information? Very often, some of the information I was given needed some management at the level of discernment. One day, a woman who often comes to my office to tell tales about her colleagues came with very damaging news about the president of her society. I asked her, would you like me to call the accused so that you can say these things in her presence? She replied, “It is meant to be confidential but I do not mind”. I sent for the accused woman who has been presented to me as a “devil incarnate.” When she arrived, I told the informant to repeat her story. I was shocked that she was telling a completely opposite story, and now praising the woman she had earlier destroyed, Fortunately I had the tape of what she had said and I played it back to her in the presence of the accused and she fell on her knees begging the colleague and saying that she was tempted by the devil to tell lies against her. Any information that is not well managed can destroy a whole community or an institution. If we are interested in listening to gossips or tales and acting on the information, we make those living with us and/or working with us become insecure and remain suspects as long as we keep saying: “I heard that…” “I was told that….” As a matter of fact, matured and secure people do not talk and/or act that way. It is worse when leaders and ministers behave like that and even act on anonymous letters. Very often those who say, “They say”, “I heard” betray their own ignorance and insecurity and will end up causing confusion in the communities and institutions they manage; so let us heed the Word of God: “whoever keeps his mouth
keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit (1 Peter 3, 10). In information management, the tongue must be properly controlled to reflect the character and integrity of the owner. It can be very embarrassing when some pastors because they have the opportunity and privilege to mount the pulpit dish out to the congregation the gossips they have pleasantly listened to. Some use the information they got from uncertified and unverified sources to insult people on the pulpit. It is worse when the preacher is speaking against people of other religions with the intention of causing religious acrimony. The mark of a gentle and self-confident person depends to a large extent on the ability to control the manner of speech as prayed by the psalmist: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141,3)! Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits (Proverbs 18, 21). In dialogue, every information reflects on the temperament of people. How we react to the information can to some extent define the content of our character and maturity. Even dreams and visions have to be subjected to matured reasoning, examination and a critical testing of the spirit because some people may be manipulated by evil spirits in the form of dreams and visions. Even in dogmatic theology dreams and visions are not articles of faith; at best they can be treated as private opinions that must not be imposed on others. Consequently, dreams and visions are not relevant in jurisprudence because they do not pass the rules of logic. There is information that is a privileged knowledge. Even if the information is true, the question is whether the information is useful for the community or the
others. Let us assume that you are aware that a person has committed adultery, do you need to go and tell the partner? If you do, what will be your intention and motive? Would you be happy if your information (truth) leads to divorce; and disintegrate the
children reason to hope that you would allow them to repent of their sins (Wisdom 12: 19).” A dialogue and information manager should be able to control the level of dialogue and strategy that can help bring about the intended consequences of positive building in relationship. This may include the courage and the skill of identifying the
you enjoy listening to people who bring you all kinds of tales about others. This can help you define your identity and maturity in dialogue and information management. Some people have turned themselves into information machines whereby the speech is converted to plain text by the system’s input recognizer/decoder and simply executed like an
family including the innocent children? Will telling the truth here, lead to freedom or destroy the purpose of freedom? According to the sages God is always willing to bring the sinner to repentance: “You taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are righteous must be kind; and you gave your
reason for the information, the intention of the informant and what he or she hopes to achieve. Ask yourself if the informant wants something from you and would want to destroy someone else to get what he or she wants by gossiping about other people. Also ask yourself if you have become a lover of gossips, or
output robot or avatar. It is not everything that the eyes see that the mouth must say therefore, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4, 29). The most successful warrior
in the world is a person who has the capacity to conquer his or her own temperaments. “We all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. Know that whatever comes out of your mouth speaks of yourself first, and then to others, who will judge you by your words. It is said that it is not the person who insults the King in his back that is killed, but the one who relays the insults to the King. Therefore, be
careful of how you manage information and dialogue. Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua is the Director of Mission and Dialogue of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja; and Consultor of the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims (C.R.R.M), Vatican City.
“A dialogue and information manager should be able to control the level of dialogue and strategy that can help bring about the intended consequences of positive building in relationship.”
THE NIGERIAN
16
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
Perspective IN 1962, the then Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, declared a State of Emergency in the then Western Region of Nigeria as a result of the political crisis in the Action Group which was the ruling political party in the Region at that time. The Prime Minister ordered the removal of the Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Akintola, from office, and appointed Dr. Moses Majekodunmi as Sole Administrator of the Region. On May 18, 2004, former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a State of Emergency in Plateau State as a result of the sectarian crisis which plagued the State at that time. President Obasanjo (as he then was) suspended Governor Joshua Dariye and the House of Assembly from office and appointed General Chris Ali as Sole Administrator of Plateau State. On October 19, 2006, former President Olusegun Obasanjo again declared a State of Emergency in Ekiti State as a result of the crisis that arose out of the struggle for political power in Ekiti State which culminated in the impeachment of the Governor, Ayo Fayose. President Obasanjo in the declaration of the State of Emergency removed the Acting Governor, suspended the House of Assembly of Ekiti State and appointed Major General Tunji Olurin as Sole Administrator of Ekiti State. That was the precedent of unconstitutionality set under the guise of a State of Emergency by past civilian Governments which Nigerians, including some lawyers and jurists, had become accustomed to over the years and constituted their knowledge of the idea and operation of a State of Emergency in Nigeria. On Tuesday May 14, 2013, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in a national broadcast proclaimed a State of Emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. The proclamation of the State of
Emergency in those States was necessitated by the sustained terrorist activities of Boko Haram in some northern parts of the country. However, unlike in previous proclamations of States of Emergency which suspended executive and legislative political offices, a striking feature of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s proclamation of a State of Emergency in these States was the continued existence of political offices and institutions in the affected States. This has led to the debate whether it is a partial state of emergency; and whether there is a distinction between Emergency Rule and State of Emergency. Furthermore, it has made some public affairs commentator to call for what they describe as a full State of Emergency in the affected States; by which they mean the suspension of the Governors, the law-makers and other political office holders from office during the Emergency Period as has been the historical political precedent of States of Emergency in 1962, 2004 and 2006. Section 305 of the Constitution provides: (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the president may by instrument published in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency in the federation or any part thereof. (2) The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the Proclamation. (3) The President shall have power to issue a Proclamation
State Of Emergency Mu of a state of emergency only when (a) The Federation is at war; (b) The Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war; (e) There is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security; (d) There is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger; (e) There is an occurrence or imminent danger, or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of the community in the Federation; (f) There is any other public danger which clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; or (g) The President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section. (4) The Governor of a State may, with the sanction of a resolution supported by twothirds majority of the House of Assembly, request the President to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency in the State when there is in existence within the State any of the situations specified in subsection (3)(c), (d) and (e) of this sections and such situation does not extend beyond the boundaries of the State. (5) The President shall not issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency in any case to which the provisions of subsection (4) of this section apply unless the Governor of the State fails within a reasonable time to make a request to the President to issue such Proclamation. (6) A Proclamation issued by the President under this section shall cease to have effect (a) If it is revoked by the President by instrument
published in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation; (b) If it affects the Federation or any part thereof and within two days when the National Assembly is in session, or within ten days when the National Assembly is not in session, after its publication, there is no resolution supported by twothirds majority of all members
By AUSTIN OSARENKHOE (d) At any time after the approval referred to in paragraph (b) or the extension referred to in paragraph (e) of this subsection, when each House of the National Assembly revokes the Proclamation by a simple majority of all the members of each House;
President Goodluck Jonathan of each House of the National Assembly approving the Proclamation; (c) After a period of six months has elapsed since it has been in force; Provided that the National Assembly may, before the expiration of the period of six months aforesaid, extend the period of the Proclamation of the state of emergency to remain in force from time to time for a further period of six months by resolution passed in like manner; or
“However, unlike in previous proclamations of States of Emergency which suspended executive and legislative political offices, a striking feature of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s proclamation of a State of Emergency in these States was the continued existence of political offices and institutions in the affected States. This has led to the debate whether it is a partial state of emergency; and whether there is a distinction between Emergency Rule and State of Emergency.”
From the extensive provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution, three fundamental issues are clear, namely: (a) Section 305 of the Constitution does not provide that the Governor or other elected officers of the State affected by a proclamation of a State of Emergency should be removed or suspended from office during the Period of Emergency. The law is that it cannot be put or read into the Constitution provisions that are not expressly stated therein: See Attorney-General of Kano State v. AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (2007) 6 MJSC 161 at 176 paragraphs C-D. (b) Section 305 of the Constitution is subject to other provisions of the Constitution. This means that Section 305 of the Constitution is subordinate, limited, inferior to and governed by other provisions of the Constitution which are antithetical to Section 305. The provisions of
the Constitution Section 305 is subject to include Sections 1(2), 176, 177, 178, 179, 180(1) (2), 181 and 182 of the Constitution: See NDIC v. Okem Enterprises Ltd (2004) 50 WRN 1 at 66-67 lines 3510; KLM Royal Dutch Airlines v. Kumzhi (2004) 46
oc of fu St ef va em by th la N no
Late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Bale WRN 59 at 82 lines 25-35; Achebe v. Nwosu (2002) 19 WRN 42 at 55 lines 15-20. Section 1(2) of the Constitution provides: The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof; except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. The only way or means by which any person or group of persons can govern or take control of the government of Nigeria or a State in Nigeria is by a valid election conducted under and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended: See Sections 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146; 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 190, 191; Ojukwu v. Obasanjo (2004) 40 WRN 72 at 124
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THE NIGERIAN
17
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
Perspective
ust Be Constitutional I submit that no person can cupy the office of governor a State or perform the nctions of governor of a ate or functions to the like fect when he has not been lidly elected, enabled or powered to do so under and virtue of the provisions of e Constitution and other ws made there under. The igerian Constitution makes provisions for a Sole
ewa dministrator or a Caretaker an Interim Governor of a ate which cannot be justified sustained by constitutional ovisions. The suspension or moval from office of the overnors of Plateau and kiti States and the ncomitant appointment erefore by the then President lusegun Obasanjo of Sole dministrators in their stead as an act of treason and a lonious breach and violation Sections 1(2) and 180(2) of e Constitution: See Obi v. EC (2007) 9 MJSC 1 at 40; Ladoja v. INEC (2007) 10 JSC 1 at 16; Marwa v. yako (2012) 6 NWLR (PT 96) 199 at 280-286. Sections 180(1) and (2) of e Constitution provides: (1) Subject to the provisions this Constitution, a person all hold the office of overnor of a State until(a) When his successor in fice takes the oath of that fice; or (b) He dies whilst holding ch office; or
(c) The date when his resignation from office takes effect; or (d) He otherwise ceases to hold office in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section the Governor shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of four years commencing from the
(ii) By the mandatory, peremptory, superior and binding provisions of Sections 180(1) and 191(1) of the Constitution, a governor of a State can only vacate or be removed from office in the following situations: (a) At the expiration of four years when another validly elected person is sworn in as governor under Sections 178, 179, 180(2), 185 of the
Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo date when(a) In the case of a person first elected as Governor under this Constitution, he took the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of office; and (b) The person last elected to that office took the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office or would, but for his death, have taken such oaths. Two irrevocable facts are clear from Sections 180(1) and (2), namely: (i) A governor of a State holds office as such for an uninterrupted, irreducible period of four calendar years. A governor of a State cannot be removed from office even for one day before the expiration of four clear years except under the situations and conditions clearly defined by the Constitution. A State of Emergency is NOT one of them: See Obi v. INEC (2007) 9 MJSC 1 at 40-42; Ladoja v. INEC (2007) 10 MJSC 1 at 16; Marwa v. Nyako (2012) 6 NWLR (PT 1296) 199 at 280286.
Constitution, or (b) When the governor dies in office and the deputy governor is sworn in as substantive governor under Sections 180(2), 181, 187, 190, 191 of the Constitution, or (c) When the governor voluntarily resigns from the office of governorship of a State under Section 306 of the Constitution, or (d) The governor is impeached by the House of Assembly of the State under Sections 188 and 189 of the
Constitution, or (e) The governor is unable as a result of permanent incapacity to perform the functions of office of governor under Sections 180(1)(f) and 191(1) of the Constitution. I submit that proclamation of a State of Emergency in a State is not one of the situations or reasons for the removal of a governor of a State from office under Sections 180(1) and 191(1) (2) of the Constitution and Section 305 of the Constitution itself does not state so. I submit that the duties, or functions or powers of the President of Nigeria does not include or extend to the suspension or removal of a validly elected governor of a State on the proclamation of or during a Period of Emergency in the State. The suspension or removal by President Obasanjo from office of Joshua Dariye and Ayo Fayose, governors of Plateau and Ekiti States, respectively, in 2004 and 2006, was ultra vires the then President. (c) The governor himself in conjunction and collaboration or consensus with the House of Assembly of a State can ask the President to proclaim a State of Emergency in their State under Section 305(4) of the Constitution: This makes it doubtlessly clear that a State of Emergency in a State does not include the removal of the executive governor and the legislators. If a State of Emergency included the suspension of the governor and other elected officers from office on the proclamation of or during the Period of Emergency, the Constitution would not have provided that the governor and the house of assembly could call on the President to declare a State of Emergency in their State which in effect would mean a call to suspend or remove them from office. That cannot be the intendment of the Constitution. That would be political suicide for the governor and the legislators. A governor does not need the guise or cover of a State of
Emergency to leave office. A governor can resign from office under Sections 180(1)(c), 190, 191(1) and 306 of the Constitution if for any reason he does not want to continue as governor of the State. What then is a State of Emergency? And what is not a State of Emergency? A State of Emergency is not a coup detat. A State of Emergency is not the overthrow or takeover of Government of a State. A State of Emergency is not a violation or suspension of the Constitution. State of Emergency is the actual taking of extra-ordinary measures to restore peace and security to a State in actual breakdown of public order and public safety: See Sections 45 and 305(3)(c) of the Constitution. A State of Emergency is the operation by a State or Federal Government of a Government of Emergency within a State usually for an interim period of six months known as a period of emergency: See Sections 45(3), 305(1), (4), (6)(c) and 318 of the Constitution. The tenure of a Government of Emergency is a Period of Emergency which is six months in its first term and may be renewed for further terms of six months: See the proviso to Section 305(6)(c) of the Constitution. What makes a state of emergency an extra-ordinary measure is not necessarily the massive deployment of the armed forces of the State by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces to the troubled spot, or the suspension of constitutional governance in the affected area. It is essentially the restriction or suspension of enjoyment or activation of constitutional rights during the period of the Operations of the Government of Emergency in the areas concerned: See Section 45 of the Constitution which provides:(1) Nothing in sections 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 of this Constitution shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. (a) In the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public
health; or (b) For the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons. (2) An act of the National Assembly shall not be invalidated by reason only that it provides for the taking, during periods of emergency, of measures that derogate from the provisions of section 33 or 35 of this Constitution; but no such measures shall be taken in pursuance of any such Act during any periods of emergency save to the extent that those measures are reasonably justifiable for the purpose of dealing with the situation that exists during that period of emergency: Provided that nothing in this section shall authorize any derogation from the provisions of section 33 of this Constitution except in respect of death resulting from acts of war or authorize any derogation from the provisions of section 3 6(8) of this Constitution. (3) In this section, a “period of emergency” means any period during which there is in force a proclamation of a state of emergency declared by the president in exercise of the power conferred on him under section 305 of this Constitution. President Jonathan’s State of Emergency is therefore a commendable reversal of the precedent of unconstitutionality pioneered in the First Republic by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 1962 and followed by President Olusegun Obasanjo in the Third Republic in 2004 and 2006. President Jonathan by his brand of State of Emergency has demonstrated clear understanding of the provisions and operations of the 1999 Constitution. Unlike the States of Emergency of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in the Western Region in 1962 and President Olusegun Obasanjo in Plateau and Ekiti States in 2004 and 2006, which were clearly unconstitutional, the State of Emergency declared by President Goodluck Jonathan on May 14, 2013 in Adamawa, Bornu and Yobe States purely is constitutional.
“What makes a state of emergency an extra-ordinary measure is not necessarily the massive deployment of the armed forces of the State by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces to the troubled spot, or the suspension of constitutional governance in the affected area. It is essentially the restriction or suspension of enjoyment or activation of constitutional rights during the period of the Operations of the Government of Emergency in the areas concerned:”
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
Culture AT any point in time everywhere and anywhere, the signs are obvious. Nigerians have adopted them hook, line and sinker. It is not uncommon to hear DJ, newscasters and presenters speaking through their nose. While walking through the streets, you see youths dressed in “shabby-looking” clothes most of them, even go “unclad” just to be in tune. Can I now talk about languages (local) which have become almost extinct. The rate at which Nigeria’s cultural heritage are drowning, is alarming. Almost everything about Nigerian’s culture, has been outran by western culture. It is like a norm in today’s Nigeria to see men (boys), wearing earrings while dancing around the streets with ear-deafening headphones. One of the commonest definition of culture is that it is a way of life in a particular geographical entity. According to Sir Edward Burnett Taylor (1871), culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. Also, ward Goodenough, saw a society’s culture as consists of whatever it is one has to know or believe in order to operate in a manner acceptable to its members, and do so in any role that accepts for anyone of themselves. Furthermore, A.D Nzemeke and E. O. Erhagbe, identified some basic characteristics of culture. These features include, integration, dynamism, others are that culture is shared, learned and is material and non-material in nature. Before the coming of the colonial masters, Nigeria had a glorious cultural heritage. Traditional food were in vogue. Crafts and arts such as pottery, weaving, painting to mention but a few, were held in high esteem among Nigerians before the white man came with his “luggages”.
Otite (1990), said that the number of cultural groupings in Nigeria is about three hundred and seventy-four. This represents one-third of the cultures of Africa. Writers have over time described Nigerian cultures as a very rich heritage. Unfortunately, this rich heritage, is on the verge of extinction. Everybody wants to speak through the nose. Every child wants to be like those he/she watches in foreign movies. Let me start first with language. It is a known act that our languages are at a higher risk of extinction than most components of culture. English, is the country’s official language as bequeathed to her (Nigeria) by the colonial overlords. According to statistics, there are about 400 languages in Nigeria and some of them are threatened with extinction (www.nigerianembassy.ru). The major languages are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. It is no longer odd to hear Nigerians saying while beating their hands in their chest that, “like seriously, I do not understand or speak my local language!”. Even for those that manage to speak, they cannot do that without imputing English language. For instance, an Igbo man might say “Nna biko switchie on the television set”. Also, in most schools, teaching and learning of local languages is minimal. In short, local languages are brandished the derogatory name, “Vernacular”. The story is so sad that students/ pupils are punished for speaking “vernacular” in schools and homes. What about dressing? It is a basic component of Nigeria’s cultural heritage that has suffered continued neglect. In dressing, the Nigerian society is blessed with coral beads, and dresses as Babbar nga, kaftani, jabba, gambari, dondogo and gbariye. Dresses perform almost the same as languages/ again, I am so surprise most times when people are putting on “alien dress even if the tropical weather does not
Nigeria And Her Dying Heritage permit it”. According to Maiwada, a visit to any bank will confirm cultural colonization via dressing. Right from the security men at the gate to the top management efficacies, they are seen in suit with tie. In some cases, expectant mothers are not out of the show! This is unlike nationalists as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kano and
others who promoted Nigeria’s culture by adorning themselves with native attires. Some Nigerians will say that dressing in foreign attires, makes them look smart. However, Maiwada, who spoke at the 2008 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), contended that dansiki, caftani and the jumper dress can also be sown and worn as corporate
By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU
dresses. I was taken aback recently when I saw someone eating “eba” with a spoon as he did not want to use his bare hands. What a crass insult to the Nigerian culture! There are occasions where people tell you that they can’t imagine themselves allowing their
Onugbu, Banga soup, etc have been relegated to the background. Talking about cultural heritage that have been abandoned, some native technologies or crafts, equally share in the burden. The Nigerian Embassy in Russia, has noted that since the dawn of the colonial era, western
hands touch “stinking” foods as “funfun”. It is also unfortunate that many Nigerians cannot cook/ prepare native meals. For those that can even prepare, they cannot do it without having a recipe nearby. The “in thing” is to prepare foods as spaghetti or noodles which are believed to be faster than “native foods” in terms of preparation time. Delicacies as Edikai Ikong, Efo Riro, Ofe
influences have challenged and threatened Nigerian culture. Oral literature which ranges from proverbs and dilemma tales of common people to elaborate stories memorized and performed by professional praise-singers attached to royal palaces, were evident before the white men visited. Crafts as potter, weaving and others, have either become “old school” or not been practiced at all. Gone were the days when renowned potters as Ladi Kwali, exhibited their pottery prowess. Even the Europeans who came to Nigeria, were startled with the great art works they saw. Some of the great artworks in the country were, ‘hijacked to foreign lands by these merchants (Europeans).
“Let me start first with language. It is a known act that our languages are at a higher risk of extinction than most components of culture. English, is the country’s official language as bequeathed to her (Nigeria) by the colonial overlords.”
Again, the Nigerian society is blessed with such musical instruments as flutes, trumpets, stringed instruments, xylophone which are connected to specific events as marriage, harvest, festivals among others. However, modern instruments as drum sets, guitar, keyboard (piano) to mention but a few, have taken over the afore-mentioned traditional instruments. It is
now a norm to hear Nigerians sing “Yoyo ma Nigga” songs. Masquerades back then were a key instrument of social control and political commentary especially in traditional southeastern Nigeria. Also, traditional wrestling known as Mgba in Igbo language, no longer holds. Traditional wrestling were sources of entertainment and a measurement of physical prowess. Before you can talk about moving forward, there is need to know where we are coming from and know where we are going to. To be Nigerian is not backward. It is not a sin to know and represent your culture. Until this is taken to heart, the Nigerian culture will keep on fading!
THE NIGERIAN
19
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
Drumbeats
How To Generate Money For Investment (3) “IT is said, that if YOU remove all the physical assets of brand coca cola world wide, the brand name will uplift the company from the ashes in a short time”. What made cocacola successful in business and popular amongst other products? It’s because of the importance they attach to the marketing of the product. What makes MTN or GLO successful, strong and viable in the communication sector today? It’s due to the level of marketing of their product. Friends, how do you market yourself in your place of work, house, church and in your community? Suffice it to say that the reason why many people fail in their businesses, politics and ministry is due to lack of proper marketing of themselves and their products. There is this popular saying that ‘all men are not born equal”. In my opinion all men are born equal. The reason is that God made us in his image and likeness and so we are all equal in the sight of God. It is true that some are born with silver spoons in their mouths, but this should not make you believe that others are better than you or possess the key to your greatness in life. The difference between the rich and the poor in our society is the level of marketing they attach to themselves. You can’t place less value on yourself and product and expect others to place a higher value on them. It baffles me each time I see the way most people or Christians dress in churches, markets, places of work and the way they eat and talk in public. The way you value yourself is the same way God and people value you public. “And there cane an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which in Opharah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite, and his son Gidoen threshed wheat by the wine press, to hide it from the midianites And the angel of the lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, the lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. And Gideon said unto him,
Oh my lord, if the lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? And where be all this is miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? But now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the midianites. And the lord looked upon him, said, go in this is thy might, and thou shall save Israel from hand of the midianitie; have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my lord, where with shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is poor in manasseh, and l am the least in my father’s house. And the lord said unto him, surely I will be with, thee and thou shall smite the midianites as one man. And he said unto him, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then show me a sign that thou talkest with me” Judges ( 11— 1 7. The reason why most people lack value and fail to market themselves is because of the way they act, live and talk, synonymous with the ways and languages of Gideon. They believe that their family poor background is the reason why they cannot succeed in their life career and contribute meaningfully to the society. Each time you fail to market yourself you are degrading your value and mortgaging your destiny for someone else. If you want to increase your finances, then increase the rate of your marketing of yourself and product to the general public. If you want to be noticed and respected in your society and by those in government and the world in general. then invest in the marketing of yourself and your product. Stop looking down on yourself and your family background. God had to persuade Gideon before Gideon could change his image, attitude and value about himself. God has no waste product and you are not
a waste product. A good question asked at the right time, at the right place and with a good attitude could be an answer to your financial breakthrough. God gave you the mandate to ask anything in his name and also assured of his ability to grant your requests. For example, a question like, ‘how did God create the world within six days” has brought a wealth, fortune, fame and influence into the lives and destinies of many people. Warren Bulffet and Bill
Gates are recongnised as the world richest men, because of their ability to ask useful questions. The question we fail to ask today will lead to millions of dollar to others who dare to ask. You should form the habit of asking questions like, what are the things that make people rich, while others are poor? Your findings could lead to your writing a best-seller book and bring you fame and fortune. I have found out that the reasons successful men and women are always accorded great respect in our society and enjoy the dividends of democracy lies in their ability to ask useful questions. When Adam and Eve sinned against God, the first thing God did was to ask “Adam
where fin thou?” Instead of Adam to ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness, he started to blame God. His inability to give useful answers to God’s question led to his dethronement and suffering. The reasons why most people go to prison is inability to give useful answers to questions asked by the prosecuting lawyer or Judge in court. The right question you ask could be an answer to your financial breakthrough,
success in business and favour from God and men. Often times we read in the bible how the pharisees, The scribes and sadducees asked Jesus difficult questions to ascertain whether he was actually the awaited messiah. The reasons why most Christians hardly receive answers to their prayers lie in their ignorance and inability’ to ask useful questions from God and genuine servants of God. The disciples of Jesus Christ achieved several successes in their assignments because they often asked Jesus to explain vital questions or topics which they had no knowledge of. During Jesus earthly mission on earth Peter and the rest of Jesus disciples were told by Jesus to go ahead of him in their missionary
“You should form the habit of asking questions like, what are the things that make people rich, while others are poor? Your findings could lead to your writing a best-seller book and bring you fame and fortune. I have found out that the reasons successful men and women are always accorded great respect in our society and enjoy the dividends of democracy lies in their ability to ask useful questions.”
With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593
assignment. While they were sailing in the middle of the night, they saw Jesus walking on the water on the sea. This incident put fear, worry, tears and anxiety in their lives. In fact Peter asked, master if it is you, bid me to come. Jesus then ordered Peter to come. This as how Peter walked on top of water. What Peter did was astonishing and a big surprise to millions of Christians
around the world till now. What led to his success and greatness? His success in ministry was attributed to his ability to ask question and take risk. I will therefore, urge you to form the habit o[ asking useful questions. This can be the gate way to your financial success. Money is a by-product, it comes as a result of what we do. If what we do in business, ministry, politics and banking etc. are the things that generate our income, then the need to be more diligent becomes very necessary. The greatest challenges in Christendom today is that many Christians want to substitute prayer for diligence. They believe that prayer can earn them money, food and shelter. Jesus we claim to be emulating or serving was never lazy in his earthly mission. He laboured day and night to ensure a speedy fulfilment of his earthly assignment. Others blame witches and wizards for their poverty and inability to meet their financial demands. Diligence in your duties is the key to your financial
breakthrough. Success embrace people who are active and diligent in their profession. I am yet to meet a great and prosperous banker, president, governor, pastor, preacher, engineer, military personnel, politician or a trader who becomes very successful by sitting down in one place. Wishing to be rich and famous will never bring you wealth and popularity, it only respond to people who are diligent in their duties. “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise. Which having no captain, overseer or ruler. Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest, How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man “. Proverbs 6v6- 11. We may not consider the ants as significant but God through King Solomon who was known for his wisdom on earth admonished us to learn diligently from the ants. Friends, are you aware that there are numerous people weeping day and night for their parents inability to help them? They strongly believe that it is the responsibility of others to liberate them from poverty and make them millionaires. To be candid with you your greatest achievement or wealth does not come by what others give you, but it comes by what you achieve to yourself through diligence. I have learnt by experience that hard work and diligence do not kill people, rather they help to energise their goals and dreams in life. For instance, the book you are reading now is a product of diligence. I wrote it in the night while others were sleeping and probably dreaming of building castles in the air. I f you don’t activate your goals and dreams in life, satan and his agents will contribute to making your life and destiny dormant. I urge you to emulate people who through diligence built empires, became rnillionaires and billionaires without the help,of government, friends or relatives.
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Book
an excellent work. Scholars and policymakers should pay attention to the section on Policy Brief. A Policy Brief is often
all, an example of a policy brief is provided. Chapters 9 — 11 provide discussions on r e f e r e n c e s / bibliographies as well as the different referencing styles. It is very useful to note the difference between Referencing and Bibliography — the author clarifies the distinction Furthermore, the referencing styles
Modern Language Association Style (MLA), Chicago Style, Modern Humanities Research Association (MHRA), Vancover Style, American Chemical Society Publishing (ACS) Style, Australian Government Publishing Service (AGPS) Style, and American Medical Association (AMA)
geared towards readers who are very busy to read complicated technical reports and make a practical decision. The author provides essential elements, and structure of a policy brief; above
are examined and illustrations provided for selected disciplines induding the medical sciences. The styles discussed include: Harvard, America Psychological Association (APA),
Style. However, the author focuses on the APA and Harvard referencing styles in chapter O and MLA and Chicago styles in chapter 11. Examples on all types are provided. Furthermore, how to
A Review Of Research Process, Report Writing And Referencing Author: Prof. Mike I. Obadan Reviewer: Prof. Akpan H. Ekpo Title:
INTRODUCTION For those of us who know and have been influenced by the volume of research and publications of Professor Mike I. Obadan, it is not surprising that he has finally written a book on Research Process, port Writing and Referending. Professor Obadan is an outstanding scholar, a prolific writer, knowledge provider and has a passion in seeing that Nigeria becomes a modern developed economy. All his writings are contributions towards the emancipation of a sleeping giant called Nigeria. I am also sure that this book was written to fill the existing gap or dearth of available and properly written literature on the subject. In addition, the Professor without being explicit has noticed the decline in the use of adequate research process and proper referencing among students and even scholars. If you still supervise final year projects, master’s and doctoral, thesis you would appreciate the deficiencies of students
when it comes to research processes and referencing. This trend is rather disturbing because in years back the situation was positively different. THE REVIEW The book has eleven (11) chapters, a comprehensive bibliography, and index. It has tables, figures and boxes for proper illustrations’ of relevant issues. The book is written for all disciplines and institutions such as research organizations, polytechnics, colleges of technology, universities, processes are not only fully explained but also the author works through4n a meticulous manner,exp1es. Students and scholars in economics and related disciplines would appreciate this chapter. Chapter 8 fully elucidates the subject of report writing and presentation. The outcome/output of a research project is a research report. The chapter is comprehensive; in WAIFEM, we offer a course on Report Writing And Presentation and I can state with all certainty that the author has done
Review reference Internet sources, electronic newspaper articles, Wikipedia, etc are clearly stated by the author. 3. CONCLUSION There is no doubt that Professor Obadan in his usual style has written a book that would assist all categories of researchers and report writers understand the rudiments and application of the research process. The book teaches how to start a research, the elements required as well as the presentation of its outcome. It is both a textbook and compendium of research processes and related issues. The book is highly recommended to disciplines that offer courses like Research methods, Research design, Qualitative Research, Qntitative methods, Statistics and Econometrics. When the book is to be revised (years from now), the author should provide footnotes on certain topics for those who wish to familiarize themselves with the advanced discussion pf the relevant subject matter. Professor Obadan, on behalf of your former students, current and future students as well as those of us you have mentored I say a big thank you for simplifying our work by writing this book.
“The book is highly recommended to disciplines that offer courses like Research methods, Research design, Qualitative Research, Qntitative methods, Statistics and Econometrics. When the book is to be revised (years from now), the author should provide footnotes on certain topics for those who wish to familiarize themselves with the advanced discussion pf the relevant subject matter.”
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View Point
Improving Nigeria’s Transportation System Via The Dutch Model
BY most accounts, an effective transportation system is a fundamental component of any solid economy, as it enables the citizens to achieve their set goals at appointed schedules. The Netherlands or Holland, as it is unofficially referred to, has a very organised and unique transport system that makes it easy for its citizens to move around. The major means of transportation in the Netherlands are bicycles, cars, buses and trains. Bicycles are the preferred means of transportation for short distances in the country and many riders usually park their bicycles at designated spots at bus or train stations while going on long journeys. Similarly, most people often drive their cars to these stations and park there before going aboard buses or trains for longer trips. Some even haul their bicycles into trains, while setting out on long journeys, to enable them to use the bicycles to complete their journeys after disembarking from the trains. Riding a bicycle in the Netherlands is somewhat a thing of pride and it is not restricted to any particular status of class because every citizen of Holland, from 15 years and above, owns a bicycle. Besides, there is always a train in every 20 minutes at every train station, while a bus leaves a bus stop in every 30 minutes. Whenever there is going to be a delay in the arrival of a train at a railway station, the expected period of delay would be displayed on the electronic board at the station and this is usually about 5 minutes and never more than 20 minutes. And within five minutes or
ten minutes later, depending on the time indicated on the electronic board, the train arrives. Even train or bus commuters in the Netherlands can check arrival or departure times for trains and buses on the Internet, meaning that they do not have to linger at the stations waiting for the arrival of a train or bus. Mr. Edwin VanScherrenburg, the Public Relations Officer of Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the Dutch railway company, however, conceded that the country’s weather was largely unfavourable to the transport business. He noted that the snow in winter and the falling leaves from trees in autumn, for instance, usually made it somewhat difficult for trains to operate efficiently during the seasons. Va n - S c h e r r e n b u r g , however, said that in spite of these challenges, some measures were put in place to ensure that passengers were not delayed for too long. One notable feature of the transportation system of the Netherlands is the synergy between buses and trains. Information usually comes on the bus about the next train and the nearest train station and so, if you are interested in catching a train, the information becomes quite handy. Va n - S c h e r r e n b u r g expatiated that the symbiotic relationship between NS and bus companies was aimed at connecting the two modes of transportation in a way that would ensure the smooth movement of passengers, while reducing travel disruptions via unnecessary
By WANDOO SOMBO
delays. He, nonetheless, acknowledged that there was still room for improvement, saying: “We are continuously looking for ways to improve the relationship.’’ Funny enough, you hardly hear anyone in the Netherlands talking about
scheduled travel times. “These days, you can hook on to the Internet and know the precise time you’ll be arriving at your destination; honestly, it will work exactly that way,’’ he added. Ogbuneke, however, noted with disappointment that Nigeria’s transportation system was still facing a
boarding a plane to another part of the country. Planes are only used by those travelling outside the country. Some Nigerians, who have lived and worked in the Netherlands for some years, attested to the efficiency of the Dutch transport system. They agreed that if the system was adopted by Nigeria, living in the country would be well structured, orderly and more appealing. Mr. Kingley Ogbuneke, who has lived in the Netherlands for over four years, said that the country’s transportation system was so effective, noting that trains and buses usually kept to
huge challenge, even after five decades of political independence. “In Nigeria, we still rely heavily on private vehicles for our transportation because our public transportation system is not well organised,’’ he said. Ogbuneke stressed that if more resources were invested in the country’s transport sector, the ordinary Nigerian would not have to rely solely of private vehicles for his or her transportation. “Here in the Netherlands, people hardly use their cars because the public transportation system is very effective,’’ he added.
“Riding a bicycle in the Netherlands is somewhat a thing of pride and it is not restricted to any particular status of class because every citizen of Holland, from 15 years and above, owns a bicycle. Besides, there is always a train in every 20 minutes at every train station, while a bus leaves a bus stop in every 30 minutes.”
Ms Sylivia Oheme has been living in the Netherlands for the past 20 years. She said that the Dutch transport sector was well structured and organised, stressing that for instance, when a person wanted to travel from Amsterdam to The Hague, he or she would know exactly how long the journey would take, barring instances where there were
a few minutes’ delays. Oheme emphasised that Holland’s transport sector was very efficient because of the constant electricity supply in the country She particularly attributed the efficiency of the country’s railways to the stable electricity, as the trains are all electricity powered trains. “Here the Prime Minister rides bicycles, the Prince rides bicycles; even the Queen rides bicycles and I ride bicycle too; and we all enjoy it. “In the Netherlands, cycling is a way of life; the mere fact that you see a man riding a bicycle does not mean he is poor. “It also takes a lot of pressure off the roads as well,’’ she added. Oheme bemoaned the fact that road transportation was the in-thing in Nigeria, as the country’s railways was now in a derelict state. She recalled with nostalgia how she took a train ride from Lagos to Jos in the
1970s and lamented that government and other stakeholders allowed the railways to go into a comatose state. In the Netherlands, rail transportation is very popular, as trains are readily available. There are also trams and bus networks in and around the major cities, while an extensive railway system connects all the
cities. Besides, there are concentric canals around the cities, especially Amsterdam, the country’s capital, where tourists could make boat trips. In spite of the unpredictable nature of the country’s weather, the citizens of the Netherlands still ensure that everything in their country works. The orderliness of the country will surely excite a first-time visitor and official statistics from the Dutch government reveal that not less than 10,000 Nigerians reside in the Netherlands. Analysts, however, maintain that Nigeria stands to gain a lot by adopting the Dutch patterns of development. They insist that Nigeria should make tangible efforts to take a cue from the Dutch development patterns if she is truly serious about its ambition to transform into one of the world’s 20 largest economies by the year 2020.
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Discourse
Celebrating 2013 Children’s Day By CHARLES I. SOEJE IN 1954, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly recommended that all countries should set aside a universal Children’s day (UCD) to be observed as a day to celebrate children and draw attention to their problems. Despite this, it is disappointing to say that since then the challenges facing our children especially in Africa and their third world countries is frightening and calls for quick solutions. Happily, the UN General Assembly recognized that children all over the world have rights that must be documented, adopted by major states, promoted, projected as well as enforced and subsequently adopted in 1959, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which addressed the rights of children and youths under 18 years of age. In 1989, the UN General Assembly adopted the convention on the Rights of the child which covers in its 54 articles, all the rights of children, from health care to education, to the freedom from exploitation and the right to hold opinion. I believe that towards this direction, President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan popularly known as ‘’GEJ’’ and the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Kin-moon on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 canvassed for a quick intervention to check child and maternal mortality just as it was disclosed that to achieve zero malaria deaths by 2015, Africa would need N5 trillion ($32 billion). According to Ban, 800 women and more than 20,000 children in some developing countries including in Nigeria, die from preventable causes, especially in child birth related circumstances due to bottlenecks that prevent them from receiving Medicare that can both save and improve their lives. There is a popular saying ‘’Morning shows the day, just as the child shows the man’’. This indicates why a day is set aside every year to evaluate progress made in efforts to promote, protect and project the rights of children. All over the world, children’s day are usually celebrated on the 27th of every May. As we celebrate this year’s Children’s Day parents should realize that they are the first educators; the family is the ‘first school’ of education in justice and peace to enable them refrain from youth’s restiveness and aggressiveness. In other words, those in charge of educational institutions have a duty to ensure the children are able to receive education in line with their families’ consciences and principles. Celebrating children’s day take special forms in each member country of the United Nations. For example in Gambia, children take over the reigns of government for this one day in the year, to expose them in the practice of governance, in other countries children are sometimes given the opportunity to take over the television stations and subsequently direct, produce and anchor programmes that show the major issues that affect them. In the case of Nigeria, school children usually troop to various stadia, public places in towns and cities all over the country to engage in march past and listen to speeches from our leaders, while some establishments participate sometimes by organizing parties, excursion as well as visits for students. In spite of the fact that most member-states of the UN are signatories to the convention, the basic rights stated in this convention are still being abused and neglected both at the family, community and government levels. Whatever the case may be, Nigeria adopted May 27 of every year as its Children’s Day and this remained faithful, loyal and honest to the observance of the Day. It is crystal clear that children’s issues go far and above celebration of children’s day. Apart from the celebration, there is the need to look at how children fared before and after the passage of the child Right Bill that was passed into law by the National Assembly in May 2003. Nigeria, being a signatory to several international conventions on children, is obliged to take legislative, social and educative measures to further protect children from the following physical or mental violence, neglect or maltreatment while in the care of parents or guardians, employment that is likely to be hazardous to their health or to interfere with their education and development, sexual exploitation and abuse among others. According to the International Labour organization (ILO), 215 million children are in hazardous work and that Africa is worst hit. The Labour 2010 events with a clear message to member-nations on the negative impact of child Labour and the danger inherent in the slow pace at efforts by nations of the World to end the phenomenon. It was revealed by the ILO that the events were held in more than sixty (60) countries. It
included governments, employers and workers, other United Nations Organizations and non-governmental organizations and high level panels who organized media events, awareness raising campaigns, cultural performances and other public events. In Geneva, Scotland where global event, international Labour conference took place, hundreds of local Schools were joined by the Conseiller d Etat Mr. Charles Beer, ILO officials and visiting delegates, who participated on a Children’s Solidarity event at the place des Nations (United Nations House). Furthermore, the ILO Director General, Mr. Juan Somavia, used the occasion to paint the pathetic picture of hazardous conditions of many children around the world who were
involved in child Labour. In Africa, it was a pathetic story as Somavia stated that the Situation was worrisome in Africa where the worst form of Child Labour takes place and more Children were working in hazardous conditions. Somavia added that the world Day against Child Labour (WDACL) came at a critical juncture in the global campaign ending its worst forms by 2016. In Nigeria, little efforts are being made by both government and Organizations to reduce or eliminate the worst form of child abuse because we are deeply rooted in poverty, ignorance and cultural attitudes of the people. However, these efforts, in most cases are not backed by appropriate data to enable national authorities and the international communities to measure the nature and perhaps the extent of child labour in the country and identify areas where actions is required to take it. It is flabbergasting to say that in Nigeria like many other African countries, ILO policies are often violated, despite the fact that many countries of the World have developed statistical monitoring and information systems on child labour , often with the support of ILO’s Statistical Information and Monitoring Programme on Child Labour (SIMPOC) In her speech at the presentation of’’ the State of the World Children report 2002’’, the then first lady, Chief (Mrs.) Stella Obansanjo (of blessed memory) said, ‘’many more children are still engaged in exploitative child labour, putting them at risk of human trafficking, with ten Nigerian children daily passing through the Nigeria border into slavery in other lands, and figures in respect of HIV/AIDS among Nigerian children are extremely alarming and it is getting worse by the day’’. According to her, ‘’if you look at current statistics in the state of World children report, the situation of the Nigerian child in education, health and protection are particularly bad, when compared to some other poor countries in sub-Saharan Africa’’.
It seems to me that ugly development is strangulating children gradually out-of-existence. Economic down-turn or economic ‘cuyoyo’ according to the late Dr. Tai Solarin, Former Headmaster of mayflower school has suddenly turned children into breadwinners for many families. They can be seen in our streets hawking all sorts of wares, some begging for alms, with forlorn hope of augmenting the poor earning of their financially weak parents. Street hawking has turned a lot of them into hopeless youths with a bleak future. The families among them are exposed at tender ages to sexual harassment and molestation. Others are sometimes rendered useless or in extreme cases lose their lives after being hit by reckless drivers.
Many first time visitors to Nigeria are usually appalled at the number of children engaged in street hawking and begging on our roads, and the advent of sachet water popularly called ‘’pure water’’ has increased the number greatly. In order to proffer solutions to the above, there is the need for an apostle of accountability and probity in public service. In other words, we should preach and practice the gospel for the benefit of our children. In this connection, we should see our children as Ethiopia tikdem an Amharic expression meaning ‘’Ethiopia First’’. It is therefore no exaggeration to say that our children suffer because many aides in Africa are victims of extreme flatters and sycophants whose only delight is to be at the corridors of power, lick, wash and watch the boots of our leaders and, in the process enrich themselves even to the level of stupidity and irresponsibility quite noticeable before the mass audience. In the 1997 joint UNICEF and Federal Office of Statistics report on the progress of Nigerian Children, it was stated that children in especially difficult situations made up the bulk of the domestic labour force. This is not astonishing in view of the increasing poverty that forced many families to take their children out of school and utilize their labour to add to the family income for survivor. In order to check abuses of the rights of children, state governments that are yet to adopt the child Rights Act (CRA) should get their legislatures to pass them into law in the state. It is my candid opinion that the federal and all state governments should commence immediate enforcement of all the provisions of the law, including prosecuting and convicting those that flout the law. Finally, for our children to develop properly and compete favourably among children from other countries and to enable Nigeria move forward in the right direction, we should think clearly, correctly and scientifically which is the greatest of all powers that a man can possess.
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Agriculture “No other continent depends on cassava to feed its people as Africa, where 500 million people consume cassava daily,’’ EXPERTS have identified cassava as a multi-purpose crop that could serve not only as food but as raw material for manufacturing. They say that cassava is an important component for the production of adhesives, wall paper, bio-fuel, stain remover and drugs, among others. Aware of the economic importance of the crop, research institutes have been collaborating to develop pestresistant, high yielding and early maturing cassava species. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, and the Nigerian Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike, Abia, recently released two improved cassava varieties which they jointly developed. Mr Godwin Aster, IITA’s Corporate Communications Officer, said the new varieties would enable the country to maintain its lead as the world’s largest producer of cassava. He said that the maximum yield of the two varieties was between 49 tonnes and 53 tonnes per hectare, according to pre-varietal release trials conducted from 2008 to 2010. Aster said that local varieties produced less than 10 tonnes per hectare. “The varieties are also resistant to major pests and diseases such as cassava mosaic, bacterial light, anthracnose, mealy-bug and green mite,’’ he said. Dr Chiedozie Egesi, Head of Cassava Breeding at NRCRI, also said that the “next generation cassava’’ would enable smallholder farmers to have access to best cassava varieties. Egesi said that Africa’s smallholder farmers produced more than half of the world’s cassava. “The tough woody plant is predicted to be one of the few crops that will benefit from climate change. “It requires few inputs and can withstand drought, marginal soils and long-term underground storage.
“No other continent depends on cassava to feed its people as Africa, where 500 million people consume cassava daily,’’ Egesi noted. The Lagos State Chapter of Cassava Growers Association of Nigeria, however, wants the Federal Government to enforce the implementation of cassava inclusion in bread baking. Mr Funmi Dawodu, the chapter treasurer, said that the policy would impact positively on the nation’s economy if religiously implemented. Dawodu said that the Federal Government should
Harnessing Cassava To Boost Economic Growth also put appropriate infrastructure in place for its effective implementation. “The truth is that farmers do not have access to infrastructure. A common farmer cannot afford to buy necessary machinery to process cassava into flour. “The government should buy this equipment and give to farmers on lease to encourage them,’’ he said. Dawodu said that flour dealers constantly import flour and urged the government to reverse the trend by devising ways to enforce the 10 per cent cassava inclusion in bread baking. “This is not beyond the government and until we remove the bottle-neck, we should not talk about cassava
By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO bread,’’ he said. Many states are also showing interests in cassava production to boost their internally-generated revenues as well as to create employment. Kogi Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi said there were plans to resuscitate the abandoned cassava processing plant in Ijumu Local Government Area of the state. Awoniyi stated this when he received Nigerian representatives of Korean International Cooperative Agency (KOICA), who were in the state to explore areas of possible collaboration. He noted that cassava was a
major commodity in the ongoing Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government. Awoniyi said that the state government had approved the electrification of the community where the project was located to fast-track its completion. Prof Martin Anikwe, Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture, said that the state government had dedicated 100,000 hectares at Isi-Uzo Local Government Area for cassava cultivation. According to him, Enugu State will benefit from the cassava processing projects meant for cooperative cassava farmers in the
country. Plateau Government and a Brazilian firm, EBS Fedeta de Fedates, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a cassavaprocessing factory in the state. Governor Jonah Jang signed on behalf of the state government, while the President of EBS Fedeta de Fedetes, Mr Waldfried Schurt, signed for the firm. Jang said that the collaboration would stimulate economic growth. “We produce well over 431 tonnes of cassava annually and with the establishment of the factory, the number can be doubled. “When the industry comes on board, it can produce 50 tonnes of starch per day, even
“The truth is that farmers do not have access to infrastructure. A common farmer cannot afford to buy necessary machinery to process cassava into flour. The government should buy this equipment and give to farmers on lease to encourage them.’’
though we will need 500 tonnes of cassava to meet up,’’ the governor stated. The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, also restated the importance of promoting cassava cultivation as the country would save about N300 billion annually through the use of 10 per cent cassava flour for bread baking. Maku said the amount spent on wheat importation had been brought down by N200 billion, following improvement in the production and processing of cassava flour. He said that the “Ministry of Agriculture is expanding market for cassava through the development of high quality cassava flour to substitute 40 per cent of wheat importation into the country.’’ Maku said that a market had been secured for 2.2 million tonnes of cassava chips in China, while the exportation of one million tonnes has commenced. Although experts and stakeholders commend the current drive to boost cassava production, processing and export, they want government to sustain the effort. (NAN)
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International
Compiled By OKHELEIGBE FAITH
Israel Deputy Foreign Minister JERUSALEM — Zeev Elkin has faced a wave of criticism Proud To Be Settler since he was made the de facto
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Zeev Elkin listens during an interview with the Associated Press in Jerusalem. Elkin makes no apologies for his ideology or background, and says the world better get used to Jewish settlers holding positions of influence in Israel.
U.S. National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, attend their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China
chief of Israel’s Foreign Ministry two months ago: He isn’t prepared for compromise with the Palestinians. He doesn’t speak English well enough. He is a West Bank settler. But Israel’s deputy foreign minister, who is the top official until a new foreign minister is named, makes no apologies for his ideology or background, and in fact thinks they are an advantage. Claiming to reflect the “real positions” of most Israelis, Elkin says the world should get used to dealing with Jewish settlers and right-wing Israeli politicians. “It is a mistake to think the Foreign Ministry needs a person whose views the world would rather hear but do not reflect the government or the majority in Israel,” Elkin said in an interview. “You cannot fool the world.”
week to prepare an agenda and straighten out other technical issues. He told Xi that Obama is “firmly committed to building a relationship defined by higher levels of practical cooperation and greater levels of trust, while managing whatever differences and disagreements might arise between us.” Meeting earlier with State Councilor Yang Jiechi, China’s senior foreign policy official, Donilon said the summit is a chance for the two presidents to work through problems. Though they did not identify those challenges in their public remarks, ties are strained across the board, from longstanding differences over the Iranian and North Korean nuclear programs to new disputes over cyberattacks and China’s more assertive pursuit of territorial claims against U.S. allies Japan and the Philippines. “The meeting will be an important opportunity for our presidents to have in-depth discussions about U.S.-China relations, and a wide range of global and regional challenges facing both our countries,”
Donilon said. That Xi agreed to an informal summit has been seen by Chinese and U.S. experts as positive. His predecessors always preferred formal state visits, splashing images of White House ceremonies and banquets in the Chinese media to bolster their standing as world statesmen. Good will aside, distrust has deepened in relations in recent years as the U.S. feels its world leadership challenged and China, its power growing, demands greater deference to its interests and a larger say over global rule setting. Chinese officials and state media regularly say Washington is thwarting China’s rise, strengthening alliances in Asia to hem in Beijing and discouraging Chinese investment in the U.S. on grounds of national security. The official Xinhua News Agency reported yesterday that ships and submarines from the Chinese navy’s three fleets staged drills in the South China Sea late last week. The area is already a flashpoint, with Beijing’s aggressive claims to disputed islands having rattled
the chairman of Netanyahu’s governing coalition, one of the most important and influential positions in parliament. Elkin is among a group of young, hard-liners who rose to prominence in Netanyahu’s Likud Party during a primary vote last year. These officials, including Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon and the Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein, are skeptical of reaching peace with the Palestinians and strong proponents of building settlements in the occupied West Bank. Edelstein also lives in the West Bank. Lieberman, the would-be foreign minister, is also a settler, and Netanyahu’s trade minister, Naftali Bennett, leads a prosettler religious party and himself is a former head of the settlers’ council.
Suu Kyi Slams 2-Child Limit For accused the government and YANGON — Opposition Muslims security forces in Rakhine of leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Islamic leaders expressed dismay yesterday over plans by authorities in western Myanmar to revive a two-child limit on Muslim Rohingya families, a policy that does not apply to Buddhists and comes amid accusations of ethnic cleansing. Some Buddhists, however, welcomed the plan for addressing their fear of a Muslim population explosion. Authorities in strife-torn Rakhine state said this past weekend that they were restoring a measure imposed during past military rule that banned Rohingya families from having more than two children. Details about the policy and how it will be enforced have not been released, sparking calls for clarity and concerns of more discrimination against a group the U.N. calls one of the world’s most persecuted people.
US, China Set The Stage For Obama-Xi Summit
BEIJING — An upcoming summit with President Barack Obama comes at a “critical juncture” in relations between China and the U.S., Chinese President Xi Jinping said yesterday, underscoring the challenge they face in confronting divisive security issues and overcoming growing distrust. Xi told U.S. National Security Adviser Tom Donilon — who was in Beijing to prepare for the June 7-8 meeting — that he expected positive results from the talks, which will be their first face-to-face meeting since Obama’s re-election and Xi’s promotion to head of the Communist Party last November. “The current China-U.S. relationship is at a critical juncture,” Xi said. The sides must now “build on past successes and open up new dimensions for the future.” In a sign that both sides want to stem a drift in ties, the summit is taking place months earlier than the two presidents were supposed to meet. The setting — at the private Sunnylands estate of the late publishing tycoon Walter Annenberg in southern California — is supposed to be informal, giving Xi and Obama a chance to build a rapport. Donilon flew to Beijing this
Elkin, a rising star in Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party, was handed the No. 2 spot at the Foreign Ministry following parliamentary elections early this year. Netanyahu has promised the foreign minister’s job to his political partner, Avigdor Lieberman. With Lieberman on trial on fraud and breach of trust charges, he is unable to assume the post. For now, Netanyahu has taken on the foreign minister’s job until Lieberman’s trial ends, handling many key diplomatic functions while Elkins oversees the ministry’s day to day affairs. The job is the latest stop for the fast-rising Elkin, a 42-year-old immigrant from the former Soviet Union who holds degrees in mathematics and history. In the previous government, he was
the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. On Sunday, Li Keqiang — on a visit to Germany in his first trip abroad as China’s premier — pressed China’s claim to a cluster of East China Sea islands held by Japan. Traveling to Potsdam, where allied powers declared the terms for Japan’s surrender 68 years ago in the waning days of World War II, Li told reporters that Japan must not “deny or glorify the history of fascist aggression.”
“If true, this is against the law,” said Suu Kyi, the opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Suu Kyi has faced criticism for failing to defend the Rohingya following two waves of deadly sectarian violence last year. She told reporters she had not heard details of the latest measure but, if it exists, “It is discriminatory and also violates human rights.” The policy applies to two Rakhine townships that border Bangladesh and have the highest Muslim populations in the state. The townships, Buthidaung and Maungdaw, are about 95 percent Muslim. Nationwide, Muslims account for only about 4 percent of Myanmar ’s roughly 60 million people. The order makes Myanmar perhaps the only country in the world to level such a restriction against a particular religious group, and is likely to bring further criticism that Muslims are being discriminated against in the Buddhist-majority country. The central government has not made any statement about the two-child policy since Rakhine state authorities quietly enacted the measure a week ago. Calls seeking comment from government spokesmen have not been returned. Longstanding antipathy toward the Rohingya erupted last year into mob violence in which Rakhine Buddhists armed with machetes razed thousands of Muslim homes, leaving hundreds of people dead and forcing 125,000 to flee, mostly Muslims. The New York-based group Human Rights Watch has
Zimbabwe Honors Deputy Intelligence Chief HARARE — Zimbabwe held a state funeral yesterday for an intelligence officer convicted by a court of attempted murder. Elias Kanengoni, deputy director of the Central Intelligence Organization, died Wednesday after collapsing at his country home. He was 60. He was buried yesterday with full military honors at Heroes’ Acre, a shrine for politicians and fallen former guerrillas in the bush war that led to independence in 1980.
Kanengoni, an ex-guerrilla, and an associate were sentenced to seven years in jail for repeatedly shooting an opposition politician during an election campaign in 1990. They were freed on an immediate pardon from President Robert Mugabe. The politician survived severe groin injuries and was a lawmaker in the prime minister’s party before his death in 2009.
fomenting an organized campaign of “ethnic cleansing” against the Rohingya, who are regarded as aliens. Since the violence, the religious unrest has expanded into a campaign against Muslim communities in other areas, posing a serious challenge to President Thein Sein’s reformist government as it attempts to implement democratic reforms after nearly half a century of harsh military rule. Rakhine state spokesman Win Myaing said over the weekend the policy was meant to stem population growth in the Muslim community, which a governmentappointed commission last month identified as one of the causes of the sectarian violence. He said authorities have not determined how the measure will be enforced, but it will be mandatory. “This is the best way to control the population explosion which is a threat to our national identity. If no measure is taken to control the population, there is a danger of losing our own identity,” said National Affairs Minister for the Yangon Region Zaw Aye Maung, an ethnic Rakhine member of parliament. He said restricting the number of children in the poorer Muslim community will benefit them because smaller families are better able to feed, clothe and educate their children. A Buddhist monk in Maungdaw township was also enthusiastic. “It’s a good idea. If the government can really control the Bengali population in the area, the other communities will feel more secure and there will be less violence like what happened in the past,” said monk Manithara from the Aungmyay Bawdi monastery, using the name “Bengali” that most Buddhists prefer to “Rohingya.” ‘’It’s also a good step to develop the living standards of the people in the region. China also has this kind of policy.” China has a one-child policy, but it is not based on religion and exceptions apply to minority ethnic groups. “This restriction violates human rights,” said Nyunt Maung Shein, head of Myanmar ’s Islamic Religious Affairs Council. “Even if it existed under the military regime, it should be considered inappropriate under the democratic system.”
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International
Compiled By OKHELEIGBE FAITH
Center Left Leading In Rome Mayor Election
ROME - The center-left candidate for Rome mayor in an election seen as a test of Italy’s fragile coalition government was leading the field, projections showed yesterday, but the ballot is likely to go to a run-off next month. Ignazio Marino of the Democratic Party (PD) would get between about 39 and 42 percent, according to the projections. His center-right rival, incumbent Gianni Alemanno of Silvio Berlusconi’s center-right, would get between about 28 and 32 percent. If the projections are confirmed by results, a run-off election will be held on June 910. This will further drag out the
race between the two sides, who are uncomfortable bedfellows in the right-left coalition government of Prime Minister Enrico Letta. Letta’s month-old government is struggling against slumping popularity, rising unemployment and the longest recession in Italy’s post-war history. A PD victory would give Letta a much-needed boost, while a failure by Marino to oust Alemanno could further fuel dissent among PD voters and factions in the party. The PD was thrown into crisis by its failure to win February’s national election outright and
imploded last month in disagreement over the election of Italy’s president. The projections showed the candidate of the antiestablishment 5-Star Movement, which won 25 percent of the vote in its first national election in February, with about 13 percent and therefore excluded from a run-off. Turnout figures showed a steep drop to 53 percent, down 20 points from previous mayoral elections in 2008. While attention is on Rome, new mayors will be elected in 564 towns and cities involving 7 million voters.
Military Exemptions Threaten Isreali Coalition JERUSALEM — The leader of Israel’s second largest party warned yesterday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition could collapse if it fails to reform the military draft system and end exemptions for ultraOrthodox Jewish seminary students. Finance Minister Yair Lapid made the threat after a committee meeting tasked with changing the draft rules ended without results. Lapid’s party surged in January’s parliamentary election by vowing to force the ultraOrthodox to “share the burden” of military service. Military service is compulsory in Israel from age 18, but thousands of ultraOrthodox Jews get exemptions each year to pursue religious studies. The ultra-Orthodox insist military service would compromise their strict religious lifestyle, while Israelis who serve in the military charge that the system is unfair. “Whoever thinks that Yesh
CHANGE OF NAME ASEMOTA – I, formerly called Dr (Miss) Osatohanmwen Josephine Asemota now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Osatohanmwen Josephine Igbinovia. All former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, other concerned authorities and general public take note.
Atid will fold on the issue of sharing the burden simply doesn’t know us or understand us,” Lapid said at a meeting of his party. “There will be an equal sharing of the burden, or this government will fall apart,” he said. His comments appeared to be an opening salvo in what will likely be a lengthy debate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said there will be many “headlines and crises” until all the issues are ironed out. But he said that in the end, solutions will be found and the law will be passed. In the early days of the Jewish state a small core of a few hundred ultra-Orthodox Jewish scholars were granted draft exemptions, partially in order to encourage scholarship after the great European schools of Jewish thought were destroyed by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. Over the years the numbers of exemptions mushroomed into tens of thousands, and the
CHANGE OF NAME ESEKHAIGBE – I, formerly Miss Sylvia Amenawon Esekhaigbe now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Sylvia Amenawon Akhimien. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the general public should please take note.
Tiger Escaped Pen To Attack Keeper - Police LONDON — When zoo keeper Sarah McClay was mauled to death by a Sumatran tiger at an animal park in England, its owner alleged she had entered the animal’s pen against safety rules. But police said yesterday that’s not what happened. After conducting an investigation, police said the tiger escaped from its pen and attacked
24-year-old McClay on Friday as she was working in a staff area at South Lakes Wild Animal Park in northwestern England. She later died of her injuries at a hospital. Cumbria police said they are trying to find out how and why the tiger escaped. The park owner claimed McClay broke the rules by entering the tiger’s pen for an unknown reason.
Rome’s Mayor Gianni Alemanno gestures as he speaks onstage during his final mayoral campaign rally at the Colosseum in Rome
legitimacy of the scholarly pursuits of so many young people came into question. A committee tasked with composing draft reforms met late into the night Sunday but ended in acrimony over disputes about penalties for draft evaders and other clauses. Under the new proposed system, seminary students would be allowed to continue their studies and would not be required to perform military service until age 21. That could signal a relatively easy term of service, since older soldiers typically serve for shorter periods of time and usually not in combat units. The system under consideration would not go into effect for three years, meaning that thousands of seminary students who are studying now Syrian forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad take their position during would not have to serve. clashes against Syrian rebels, in Aleppo, Syria on Sunday.
EU Divided On Easing Syria Arms Embargo
BRUSSELS — European Union nations struggled yesterday to overcome deep divisions on whether to ease sanctions against Syria to allow arms shipments to rebels fighting President Bashar Assad’s regime. Britain is the most outspoken proponent of relaxing the arms embargo but faces strong opposition from EU members like Austria who feel that more weapons will only increase the killings and tarnish the EU’s reputation as a peace broker. The EU foreign ministers meeting yesterday in Brussels were facing a Friday deadline when the current arms embargo against Syria expires. If no new deal is found, each nation can independently decide if they want to arm the rebels. More than 70,000 people have died since the uprising against Assad erupted in March 2011. Assad has been using extensive firepower against lightly armed rebel factions. Austria’s foreign minister said Monday if there is no agreement the arms embargo will collapse. “The positions are far apart,” said German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, adding it was not clear if the ministers will reach a deal Monday.
The EU nations have been steadfast opponents of Assad in the conflict and have steadily increased the restrictive measures against his regime, including visa restrictions and economic sanctions. In February, the 27nation bloc also amended the arms embargo to allow for nonlethal equipment and medicine to protect Syrian civilians. If not renewed, all those measures expire at the end of May. Meanwhile, Assad’s government has agreed in principle to participate in peace talks in Geneva next month. The United States and Russia hope to bring together the Syrian government and opposition for direct talks, but the exact date, agenda and list of participants for the conference remains unclear. EU nations were looking at a compromise to create more pressure on Assad by threatening a limited arming of the opposition in the coming months, an EU official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because she was not allowed to discuss ongoing EU discussions on the record.
Several nations say arming the opposition would create a level playing field that could force Assad into a negotiated settlement. “It is important to show we are prepared to amend our arms embargo so that the Assad regime gets a clear signal that it has to negotiate seriously,” said British Foreign Secretary William Hague. Austria argued that sending more weapons into the Syrian war zone would only acerbate an already horrific situation. “We just received the Nobel Peace Prize and to now go in the direction of intentionally getting involved in a conflict with weapon deliveries, I think that is wrong,” Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said. But he also was not happy about just letting the sanctions against Syria expire. “If there is no compromise, then there is no sanctions regime,” said Spindelegger. “In my view that would be fatal, also for those who now absolutely want to deliver weapons.”
Hague insisted however that standing still was no option and that the moderate opposition needed to be boosted. “Most of the world denies them the means to defend themselves, so that is creating extremism radicalizing people. We are reaching the limits of how long we can go on with that situation,” Hague said. In that sense, there were bigger issues involved than EU unity, he said. “It is important to be doing the right thing for Syria. That is more important than whether the EU is able to stick together on every detail on this,” Hague said. There were also fears that delivering weapons to the opposition would open the way for extremist groups to get hold of weapons. Despite the apparent incompatibility of views, diplomats still held out hope for a common stand sometime before the embargo expires. “Disagreement in the EU, that would be the wrong signal,” said Westerwelle. “The more cohesive Europe acts, the more influence we will have on overcoming the current violence in Syria.”
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Compiled By FAITH OKHUELEIGBE
US Intelligence Embraces Debate In Security Issues WASHINGTON — In the months leading up to the killing of Osama bin Laden, veteran intelligence analyst Robert Cardillo was given the nickname “Debbie Downer.” With each new tidbit of information that tracked bin Laden to a highwalled compound in northern Pakistan — phone records, satellite imaging, clues from other suspects — Cardillo cast doubt that the terror network leader and mastermind was actually there. As the world now knows well, President Barack Obama ultimately decided to launch a May 2011 raid on the Abbottabad compound that killed bin Laden. But the level of widespread skepticism that Cardillo shared with other top-level officials — which nearly scuttled the raid — reflected a sea change within the U.S. spy community, one that embraces debate to avoid “slamdunk” intelligence in tough national security decisions. The same sort of high-stakes dissent was on public display recently as intelligence officials grappled with conflicting opinions about threats in North Korea and Syria. And it is a vital part of ongoing discussions over whether to send deadly drone strikes against terror suspects abroad — including U.S. citizens. The three cases provide a rare look inside the secretive 16 intelligence agencies as they try to piece together security threats from bits of vague information from around the world. But they also raise concerns about whether officials who make decisions based on their assessments can get clear guidance from a divided intelligence community. At the helm of what he calls a healthy discord is Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who has spent more than two-thirds of his 72 years collecting, analyzing and reviewing spy data from war zones and rogue nations. Clapper, the nation’s fourth top intelligence chief, says disputes are uncommon but absolutely necessary to get as much input as possible in far-flung places where it’s hard for the U.S. to extract — or fully understand — ground-level realities. “What’s bad about dissension? Is it a good thing to have uniformity of view where everyone agrees all the time? I don’t think so,” Clapper told The Associated Press in an interview Friday. “...People lust for uniform clairvoyance. We’re not going to do that.” “We are never dealing with a perfect set of facts,” Clapper said. “You know the old saw about the difference between mysteries and secrets? Of course, we’re held equally responsible for divining both. And so those imponderables like that just have to be factored.” Looking in from the outside, the dissension can seem awkward, if not uneasy — especially when the risks are so
high. At a congressional hearing last month, Rep. Doug Lamborn, RColo., read from a Defense Intelligence Agency report suggesting North Korea is able to arm long-range missiles with nuclear warheads. The April 11 disclosure, which had been mistakenly declassified, came at the height of Kim Jong Un’s sabre-rattling rhetoric and raised fears that U.S. territory or Asian nations could be targeted for an attack. Within hours, Clapper announced that the DIA report did not reflect the opinions of the rest of the intelligence community, and that North Korea was not yet fully capable of launching a nuclear-armed missile. Two weeks later, the White House announced that U.S. intelligence concluded that Syrian President Bashar Assad has probably used deadly chemical weapons at least twice in his country’s fierce civil war. But White House officials said the intelligence wasn’t strong enough to justify sending significant U.S. military support to Syrian rebels who are fighting Assad’s regime. Because the U.S. has few sources to provide first-hand information in Syria, the intelligence agencies split on how confident they were that Assad had deployed chemical weapons. The best they could do was conclude that the Syrian regime, at least, probably had undertaken such an effort. This put Obama in the awkward political position of having said the use of chemical weapons would cross a “red line” and have “enormous consequences,” but not moving on the news of chemical weapons use, when the occasion arose, because the intelligence was murky. Lamborn said he welcomes an internal intelligence community debate but is concerned that the North Korean threat was cavalierly brushed aside. “If they want to argue among themselves, that’s fine,” said Lamborn, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. However, he also said, “We should be cautious when evaluating different opinions, and certainly give credence to the more sobering possibilities. ... When it comes to national security, I don’t think we want to have rose-colored glasses on, and sweep threats under the rug.” Clapper said that, in fact, U.S. intelligence officials today are more accustomed to predicting gloom and doom. “We rain on parades a lot,” he said. Current and former U.S. intelligence officials say the vigorous internal debate was spawn from a single mistake about a threat — and an overly aggressive response. Congress demanded widespread intelligence reform after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, to fix a system where agencies hoarded threat
information instead of routinely sharing it. Turf wars between the CIA and the FBI, in particular, were common. The CIA generally was considered the nation’s top intelligence agency, and its director was the president’s principal intelligence adviser. The system was still in place in 2002, when the White House was weighing whether to invade Iraq. Intelligence officials widely — and wrongly — believed that then-dictator Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. By December 2002, the White House had decided to invade and was trying to outline its reasoning for doing so when then-CIA Director George Tenet described it as “a slam-dunk case.” The consequences were disastrous. There were no WMDs, but the U.S. wound up in a nearly nine-year war that killed nearly 5,000 American soldiers, left more than 117,000 Iraqis dead, and cost taxpayers at least $767 billion. The war also damaged U.S. credibility throughout the Mideast and, to a lesser extent, the world. Tenet later described his “slam-dunk” comment as “the two dumbest words I ever said.” Two years later, Congress signed sweeping reforms requiring intelligence officials to make clear when the spy agencies don’t agree. Retired Amb. John Negroponte, who became the first U.S. national intelligence director in 2005, said if it hadn’t been for the faulty WMD assessment “we wouldn’t have had intelligence reform.” “It was then, and only then that the real fire was lit under the movement for reform,” Negroponte said in a recent interview. “In some respects it was understandable, because Saddam had had all these things before, but we just allowed ourselves to fall into this erroneous judgment.” To prevent that from happening again, senior intelligence officials now encourage each of the spy agencies to debate information, and if they don’t agree, to object to their peers’ conclusions. Intelligence assessments spell out the view of the majority of the agencies, and highlight any opposing opinions in a process similar to a Supreme Court ruling with a majority and minority opinion. The result, officials say, is an intelligence community that makes assessments by majority vote instead of group-think, and where each agency is supposed to have an equal voice. In effect, officials say, the CIA has had to lean back over the last decade as officials have given greater credence to formerly marginalized agencies. Among them is the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research, which warned before the 2003 Iraq invasion that the CIA had overestimated Saddam’s prospects to develop nuclear weapons.
Israel’s Finance Minister Yair Lapid attends a Yesh Atid party meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem
UK Police Arrest 10th Suspect In Soldier’s Death LONDON — Police investigating the vicious killing of an off-duty British soldier on a London street in an apparent Islamic extremist attack say they have arrested a 10th suspect. London police say the 50year-old man was arrested east of London yesterday on suspicion of conspiring to murder 25-year-old soldier Lee Rigby. Police didn’t provide further details about the suspect’s identity. Rigby was walking near his barracks in southeast London’s Woolwich area last week when he was run over by a vehicle and repeatedly stabbed with knives and meat cleavers. Police have already arrested
nine others, including two main suspects shot by officers at the scene of the killing who
are hospitalized under armed guard.
France Consults Partners Over Syrian Chemical Weapons BRUSSELS - France is consulting its partners over how to respond to increasing evidence of chemical weapons use in Syria, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said yesterday. “There is increasingly strong evidence of localized use of chemical weapons,” Fabius told reporters at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers. “That must all be verified, we are doing
that with other partners.” “We are consulting with our partners to see what concrete consequences that we are going to draw from this,” he said. He was speaking after French newspaper Le Monde said it had first-hand accounts that forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had repeatedly used chemical weapons against rebel fighters in Damascus.
The mother of killed Drummer Lee Rigby, Lyn Rigby, centre, holds onto a teddy bear as she joins his stepfather Ian, and other family members looking at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visit the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London
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Issues IT comes in different sharpes and sizes, in different qualities. It has fake and originated in the United States of America, it’s an electronic, a few years ago was expensive, but now affordable by many. We are all familiar with what a computer is in a contemporary sense. Personal computers (PCs) are found in most aspects of our daily life, and for some it is hard to even imagine a world without them. But the term means more than simply the Macs and Pcs we are familiar with. A computer is, at its most basic, a machine which can take instructions, and performs computations, based on those instructions. It is the ability to take instructions-often known as programs-and execute them that distinguishes a computer from a mechanical calculations, a calculator. While both are able to make computations, a calculator responds simply to immediate input. Infact, most modern calculators are actually computers, with a number of pre-installed programs to help aid in complex tasks. Computers range from the very small to the very large. Some are capable of doing millions of calculations in a single second, while others may take longer periods of time to do even the most simplest calculations. But theoretically, anything one computer is capable of doing another will also be able to do. Given the right instructions, and sufficient memory, a computer found in a wristwatch should be able to accomplish anything a super computer canalthough it might take thousand of years for the wristwatch to complete the operation. In modern work places, computer holds tremendous importance and some companies many find functioning without them virtually impossible. As a result, computers have become an important part of how companies conduct business as well as how workers perform their job tasks. Computers now can even impact where
Computer And Your Vision employees do their jobs, as they can often work miles from their official place of business. Virtually all professions in the present world make use of computer in one way or one way or the other. Accountants, Journalists, Engineers, Farmers, Doctors, Soldiers, Teaches, Fashion designers, and so on, they all now make use of computer. Computers can increase speed and accuracy of many work processes, which improves overall work efficiency. Documents can be written and edited much more quickly with the aids of a word processing program, and procedures, such as billing and accounting, computers can produce reports with great speed with fewer errors and allow for the easy insertion of enhancements such as charts, graphs and pictures if desired. Computers also help companies in administrative tasks, such as keeping up-to-date and accurate records. It can improve communication both within the workplace and when dealing with customers. An e-mail can convey a large amount of information at the convenience of the recipient. This can eliminate the sometimesendless game of slowness of sending written information via postal mail. Computers also give customers an additional way of making inquiries or receiving information. As workplaces depend more heavily on computers, the need for paper may also increase some companies may even institute a policy of eliminating the use of
By EDEKO ABUMERE MICHAEL paper wherever possible with the ultimate goal of becoming a paperless organisation. Reducing paper may lead to a reduction in office supply cost and open more work space that had previously been used to store paper documents in file cabinets. Paperless offices need to develop contingency plans to guard against computer crashes or the loss of data.
computer use is computer vision syndrome (CVS). Experts say CVS is not one specific eye problem. Instead, the term encompasses a whole range of eyestrain and pain experienced by computer users. Research shows computer eye problems are common somewhere 50% and 90% of people using it at work have at least some
No doubt, the importance of computer to our everyday activities cannot be over emphasized. Unfortunately, there is a negative side of it with regards to vision. Steering at computer monitor for hours has become part of the 21 st century workday. And inevitable, all of that staring can put a real strain on your eyes. The name for eye problems caused by
symptoms of eye trouble. In addition, working adult aren’t the only vulnerable to computer vision syndrome. Kids who stare at portable video games or who use computers throughout the day at school also can experience eyes problems related to computer use, especially if the lightening and computer position are less than ideal. There’s no evidence that computer vision syndrome
causes any long-term damage to the eyes; for example, cataracts. However regular computer use can be the source of significant eye-strain and discomfort. Experts say, if you have computer vision syndrome, you may experience some or all the following symptoms! Blurred vision, double vision, dry/red eyes, eye irritation, headaches, neck and back pain. Ways to relieve computer vision syndrome are
however available. Making a few simple changes in your work environment can help prevent and improve the condition. Change the lightening around you to reduce glare on the computer screen. If a nearby window is casting the shades until the glare disappears. Ask your employer to install a dimmer switch for the overhead lights if they’re too bright, or buy a desk
“Steering at computer monitor for hours has become part of the 21st century workday. And inevitable, all of that staring can put a real strain on your eyes. The name for eye problems caused by computer use is computer vision syndrome (CVS). Experts say CVS is not one specific eye problem. Instead, the term encompasses a whole range of eyestrain and pain experienced by computer users.”
lamp with moveable shade that distributes light evenly ever your desk. Putting a glare fitter over the screen monitor also can help protect your eyes. Rearrange your desk. Researchers find that the optimal position for your computer monitor is slightly below eye level, about 20 to 28 inches away from the face. At that position, you shouldn’t have to stretch your neck or strain next to your computer monitor and place any printed materials you’re working from on it. Then, you won’t have to look up
at the screen and back down at the desk why you type. Give your eyes a break. Look away from the screen about every 20 minutes and blink your eyes as often as you can for about 20second. This is to help in lubricating the eye and if eyes are getting overly dry, try using lubricating eyedrops. Tweaking your computer setting can also help. Adjust the brightness and contrast among other settings on your computer. Finally, visiting your eye doctor is the best recommendation. Regular eye check up will help determine whether you can just wear regular glasses or if you need special computer glasses to help increase contrast perception and filter out glares and reflective lights.
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Barcelona Close To La Liga Record
BARCELONA will be in search of maximum points when they host Malaga in their final La Liga clash for the season at the Camp Nou on Saturday. The Catalans won their fourth league match in a row on Sunday night, beating city rivals Espanyol 2-0. Tito Vilanova’s side remain at the top of the standing with 97 points, need three more from
their final fixture to reach the record 100-point mark which was set by Real Madrid last season. Malaga on the other hand are currently in 6thplace with 57 points and also high in confidence following their 3-1 win over Deportivo La Coruna. The result keeps them two points ahead of Real Betis and
they will qualify for the Europa League should they hold on the spot. However, it is unclear if they will be allowed to participate in the competition next season as they were handed a one-year-ban from UEFA competitions. The club subsequently appealed the decision and the outcome of the hearing is still pending.
Rogers In Galaxy Debut As Openly Gay Player
ROBBIE Rogers became the first openly gay sportsman to play in a major US professional team league when he made his debut for Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy in a 4-0 win over Seattle. Los Angeles were already leading the Sounders 4-0 when the 26-year-old Rogers entered the contest in the 77th minute Sunday, to an ovation from the crowd at the Galaxy’s Home Depot Center ground. Ireland’s Robbie Keane scored a first-half hat-trick, after feeding Sean Franklin for the opening goal, as the Galaxy dominated the first half. The only real drama in the second half was over whether or not Rogers would play. He hadn’t played a competitive match in months, and Galaxy coach Bruce Arena had said he would bring him in slowly.
Sepp Blatter Rafael Nadal
“The most important thing is today we got three points,” said Rogers, who came in for Juninho. “It’s a huge game for us. It’s a Western Conference game, and the guys played amazing. “Robbie was clinical in front of goal and it was a pleasure to watch. They made it easy for me.” Rogers revealed his sexual orientation in February in a blog posting in which he also announced his retirement from football. He had played briefly for Leeds United in England this season, but left the club after a loan deal to English League One side Stevenage expired in January. Rogers said in March that he
didn’t believe he could pursue a football career as an openly gay player, but in recent weeks he had returned to training with the Galaxy and found his fears receding and his passion for the game returning. His debut came a day after the Galaxy confirmed they had signed him, trading Mike Magee to the Chicago Fire to acquire Rogers’ MLS rights. Rogers said Saturday that the Galaxy’s willingness to sign him was another indication that the sports world was becoming more receptive to the idea of gay sportsmen, which could encourage more to come out.
French Open
Nadal Pushed Hard In Roland Garros Opener RAFA Nadal was forced to dig deep into his near bottomless resolve to salvage a 4-6 7-6 6-4 6-3 first-round win over Germany’s Daniel Brands on Monday that had threatened to turn nasty for the seven-times French Open champion.
The Spaniard who has lost only once in eight years at Roland Garros, was a set and 3-0 down in the second-set tie-break before finally subduing the 59th-ranked Brands. Playing his first grand slam match since crashing out of last year’s Wimbledon to lowlyranked Czech Lukas Rosol, history threatened to repeat itself as Brands, who had never won a match at Roland Garros in four attempts, dictated the early stages. Nadal, down to fourth in the rankings after seven months out injured, broke in the first game of both the third and fourth sets to wrestle back control of the match. “I know he was playing unbelievable tennis,” Nadal said in his courtside interview. “I tried to find my game and to resist his
fantastic shots. I am very happy to be through in this fantastic game.” Nadal surged on to the court with his usual bouncing gait, but that was where all familiarity with the king of the Parisian clay ended. Since returning in February, Nadal has won six of his eight tournaments and is on a 15-match winning streak, but he looked heavy-footed as Brands’s steeplejack serve and pounding flat forehands blew holes in the Spaniard’s defences. Murmurs of disbelief echoed around a sun-bathed Philippe Chatrier court as Brands pulled off the unthinkable feat of breaking Nadal in the ninth game when the 11-times Grand Slam champion dumped a second serve into the net.
...Robson Kicked Out By Wozniacki TENTH seed Caroline Wozniacki ended Laura Robson’s French Open challenge with a swift 6-3 6-2 victory in round one. Wozniacki, who came into the tournament on the back of a poor run on clay this season, looked like a possible scalp for the improving Robson, but took full advantage of an error-strewn performance from the Brit. Wozniacki was the more
consistent in the first set, and raced into an unassailable 4-1 lead in the second, allowing herself the luxury of giving away one of her breaks of serve before seeing out the match in just 71 minutes. Robson, 19, made 39 unforced errors against a player who had lost her previous five matches. The Dane moves on to face either Barbara ZahlavovaStrycova or Bojana Jovanovski next at Roland-Garros.
The German wrapped up the set in 36 minutes with one of many huge forehand winners and had Nadal looking listlessly to the skies for inspiration when he failed to convert a breakpoint in the second game of the second set. The turning-point came in the tie-break, when after conceding the first three points, Nadal won seven of the next eight to level the match. An immediate break at the start of the third brought back something resembling the natural order and with the German’s resolve weakened, Nadal strode clear with two further breaks in the fourth. Next up for Nadal is a secondround clash with Slovakia’s Martin Klizan or American Michael Russel. Local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga barely broke sweat as he brushed aside Slovenian Aljaz Bedene 6-2 6-2 6-3 to book his place in the second round. The sixth-seeded Tsonga, the last French man to reach a Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in 2008, will next take on either compatriot Paul-Henri Mathieu or Finn Jarkko Nieminen. Tsonga, who could run into second seed Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, simply had too much power and pace for Bedene, who was playing his only second grand slam match. The 28-year-old Frenchman ended the contest on Court
Suzanne Lenglen on his first match point with a service winner. Men’s results Lukas Rosol (Czech Republic) beat Pere Riba (Spain) 6-3 6-4 64 3-Rafa Nadal (Spain) beat Daniel Brands (Germany) 4-6 7-6(4) 64 6-3 11-Nicolas Almagro (Spain) beat Andreas Haider-Maurer (Austria) 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-3 30-Julien Benneteau (France) beat Ricardas Berankis (Lithuania) 7-6(5) 6-3 5-7 7-6(5) 10-Marin Cilic (Croatia) beat Philipp Petzschner (Germany) 61 6-2 6-3 Pablo Cuevas (Uruguay) beat Adrian Mannarino (France) 6-3 2-6 6-3 5-7 7-5 Tobias Kamke (Germany) beat Paolo Lorenzi (Italy) 6-3 6-3 3-6 0-6 6-3 Grega Zemlja (Slovenia) beat Santiago Giraldo (Colombia) 61 6-4 6-1 6-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) beat Aljaz Bedene (Slovenia) 62 6-2 6-3 Evgeny Donskoy (Russia) beat Jan-Lennard Struff (Germany) 76(7) 2-6 7-6(2) 6-2 Nick Kyrgios (Australia) beat Radek Stepanek (Czech Republic) 7-6(4) 7-6(8) 7-6(11) Feliciano Lopez (Spain) beat 31Marcel Granollers (Spain) 7-5 26 6-4 4-6 6-4 Edouard Roger-Vasselin (France) beat Martin Alund (Argentina) 62 4-6 6-1 6-0 32-Tommy Robredo (Spain) beat
Juergen Zopp (Estonia) 6-3 6-2 61 Igor Sijsling (Netherlands) beat Jurgen Melzer (Austria) 6-4 6-3 6-2 13-Kei Nishikori (Japan) beat Jesse Levine (Canada) 6-3 6-2 60
Robbie Rogers
New Inter Coach Compared To A Cheating Wife NAPOLI’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis has compared recently departed Walter Mazzarri to a cheating wife in a marriage between himself and the coach. The 51-year-old ended a
Walter Mazarri
four-year spell at the Partenopei this month having led them to second in Serie A and, on Friday, he was confirmed as the new Inter coach in place of the sacked Andrea Stramaccioni. The Stadio San Paolo chief claims Mazzarri was being unfaithful by leaving the Neapolitan club, though he does insist he remains fond of the new Nerazzurri boss. “The marriage was split in two,” he told reporters on Saturday.”You can use money to convince a wife to stay with you but if the wife wants to sleep with another man, and then she will sleep with another man. “Mazzarri is a great coach, is a very nice man, we have had four happy years, it was nice to work with him but the project continues.”
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Nani Back In Portugal Squad For Russia Qualifer MANCHESTER United’s winger Nani is back in the Portugal squad for next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Russia in Lisbon. The 26-year-old has suffered a frustrating injuryplagued season and was not part of the squad for the last Group F matches against Israel and Azerbaijan. The one new face in coach
Paulo Bento’s group is Sporting Lisbon midfielder Andre Martins. Portugal, who lost 1-0 in Moscow in a previous qualifier, are desperate for a win on June 7 to keep their direct qualification hopes alive. Russia have a maximum 12 points from four matches, one more than Portugal and Israel, who have both played two more games.
Neymar Chose Barca Over Money - Tito
BARCELONA’S boss Tito Vilanova insists Neymar’s decision to join the La Liga champions was based on “a sporting project and not a financial one”. Vilanova spoke following Barcelona’s 2-0 defeat of derby rivals Espanyol, and praised the Brazilian starlet for choosing his club over the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. “We have to congratulate
the technical staff for the signing of Neymar,” Vilanvoa explained. “It is an important signing. We have been very attentive for some time because he could have had other, and better, proposals.
Lopez To Fight Casillas For Starting Spot DIEGO Lopez says he plans to stay at Real Madrid and compete with Iker Casillas for the goalkeeper’s jersey next season. Lopez was signed by Jose Mourinho in January when Casillas was sidelined with a hand injury, then kept his place even when the long-serving club captain returned to fitness amid speculation that personal issues between the Portuguese coach and ‘San Iker’ were playing a part in team selection. With Mourinho now leaving the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu many assume the new boss will return Casillas to the starting lineup, while Lopez’ impressive performances in recent months have led to rumours that AC Milan and Monaco are poised to offer him assured first team football elsewhere. But the Galician, speaking with reporters after a man-of-thematch performance in Madrid’s 3-3 draw at Champions League chasing Real Sociedad on Sunday, said he had no intention of leaving and was looking forward to competing for the position next term. “The coach gave me an opportunity today and I tried to take it, like everyone,” he said. “I have a contract for many years. It is difficult to be unhappy at Madrid. I believe in competition for places and I believe the goalkeeping position will be open like any other place in the team. I am relaxed, trying to do things as well as possible.” Lopez, 31, made a string of superb saves during Sunday’s game, frustrating the Txuriurdin’s Champions League qualification hopes as the result leaves them two points behind Valencia in the race for fourth spot with just one game remaining.
Iker Casillas
Neymar
“I also have to congratulate Neymar for choosing a sporting project and not a financial one. I have confidence he will do well in Europe and he will help us to become even greater. “Neymar is the player we were looking for. We asked two and a half years ago. The club has been very successful and has done things very well, as we did with Jordi Alba last year. He progressed very well with the rest. “His qualities are well known. All we are interested in is that he is a high-level player. “If they say Neymar is a ‘YouTube player’ then it’s a good thing, because he has had some great games and great goals. He has chosen Barcelona because he believes he can adapt well to our play. If he had been looking for money, there would have been nothing for Barca to do. “It’s a dream to have an attack like this. With so many better players we will have more chances to win. Now, we have to combine them in the best way, as we have done before. If Neymar comes it is because Barca are a long-term
Welbeck, Walker Doubts For England
DANNY Welbeck and Kyle Walker are injury doubts for England’s friendly double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil. Manchester United striker believed that Walker picked Welbeck and Tottenham up a knock during Spurs’ enddefender Walker both missed of-season friendly draw with training on Monday morning Jamaica last Thursday. but took part in a separate The rest of Roy Hodgson’s gym session giving hope that 21-man squad took part in the they could return in time to training session at St George’s play a part. Park, including Manchester The full extent of the City’s Joe Hart, Joleon injuries are expected to be Lescott, James Milner and revealed later, although it is Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, Ashley
La Liga: REAL Madrid will
Cole and Frank Lampard who have returned from their clubs’ end-of-season tour of the United States. Between 100 and 200 Three Lions’ fans affected by the decision to delay England’s World Cup qualifier against Poland in October watched the training session after being invited by
the FA. The game was put back a day due to severe rainfall meaning supporters with pre-existing travel plans missed out. England face the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Wednesday evening before travelling to Rio de Janeiro to face Brazil on Sunday.
Osasuna Visit Madrid
look to end the La Liga season with a win when they host Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. It has been a disappointing season all round for the Whites as they surrendered the La Liga title to rivals Barcelona with weeks to spare before finishing as runners-up in the Copa del Rey. The Whites have also failed to win their last
two league matches, playing to a 1-1 draw against Espanyol before they were held to a 3-3 draw by Real Sociedad on Sunday night. Jose Mourinho’s side are guaranteed to finish in second place but will look to increase the tally to 85 in front of their home fans. Osasuna are currently in 15th place with 39 points but will go into this final match with a
lot of weight off their shoulders after securing their safety on Sunday. Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side came back from a goal down to beat Sevilla 2-1, a result which ensured their 14th straight season in top flight football. Both sides have nothing to lose, but the pressure to do well at home may swing the game to Madrid, while Osasuna will believe this could be their chance to get a good result at the famous Bernabeu
option for him.” Neymar played his final game for Santos on Sunday, starting in a 0-0 draw with Flamengo. Afterwards he revealed his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside Barcelona’s stars. “To play with Messi, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta is a great honour,” he said. “It’s a dream to be going to Barca. I leave Santos through the front door. I hope to return to my second home [in future], which is Santos. “I feel fantastic, very happy and grateful to Santos and I’m already thinking about Barca.” Meanwhile, Vilanova whose side remain on track to notch 100 competition points in La Liga next weekend - took time to wish outgoing Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho well as he prepares to exit the Santiago Bernabeu. The pair clashed on numerous occasions, including an infamous ‘eyepoke’ incident while Vilanova was Pep Guardiola’s assistant. “His arrival created a real buzz. He is one of the best coaches, and one of the most successful. I wish him well and wish him luck,” Vilanova added. “He has always managed to win. It’s in his own way, but he has always managed to win.”
Rogers Cheered On Galaxy Debut ROBBIE Rogers was given an ovation by LA Galaxy fans when he came on as a substitute against Seattle Sounders and became the first openly gay male athlete to play in a professional American League. Rogers, a former Leeds midfielder who came out as gay earlier this year, made his Galaxy debut after 77 minutes of their 4-0 victory. His name was chanted by fans, while Sounders substitute Marc Burch highfived him as he made his way onto the pitch. Sigi Schmid, a former Galaxy coach, had given Rogers a supportive hug before the match began. Rogers joined Galaxy from Chicago Fire in an exchange deal for Mike Magee, who moved to his home town club.
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Great Advert For Foobtall In Germany THE German media has been carried a picture of the Bayern voicing its pride in the country’s badge and skipper Philipp Lahm football after Bayern Munich lifting the trophy. “Mia san defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Helden” (we are heroes), it said at Wembley to win what has been a play on the club’s motto “Mia widely acclaimed as one of the san mia” (we are we). Bayern’s Germany best Champions League finals of international Bastian recent times. Schweinsteiger was praised as he “A great advert for the game itself and for football made in lifted his first European title after Germany,” Germany’s leading three defeats in finals. “One year ago, he was the loser football magazine, kicker, said. With bars packed all over in the final. Now, after a perfect Germany and public screenings season, Bastian Schweinsteiger having sold out within minutes, also played a great final, at times an average of 21.61 million as a libero,” Die Zeit wrote. “Bastian Schweinsteiger got Germans watched the game on up again and came back stronger free TV alone. than ever. He has been at the heart “The Champions League final between FC Bayern and BVB of Bayern’s game during this was a great advert for the entire perfect season. And late on country. Innovative, inspirational Saturday night, he was nearly and creative,” Die Welt wrote, unstoppable. He danced and noting that “the two sides did a jumped and was finally able to fine job of showing the whole kiss the Champions League world what German football is all trophy.” Jose Mourinho about”. In another article, the paper looked back on countries to have dominated European football and suggested the German game could soon follow suit, with Bayern becoming an intimidating force. “Schalke, Leverkusen and, in the future, Hamburg, Bremen or Stuttgart will also be needed so that the one-off moment of glory of German club football at Wembley can turn into a whole JOSE Mourinho was in London for the Championship play-off final, adding to speculation the Real Madrid head coach’s return era.” Kicker said Europe was to Chelsea is imminent. “already stunned by the Mourinho has long been linked The 50-year-old Portuguese dominance of German football, will leave Madrid at the end of to a return to Stamford Bridge with its fine technique and this week, following Real’s final where he was Blues boss from modern tactics” which had been match of the Spanish season June 2004 to September 2007, demonstrated in an “impressive against Osasuna at the Bernabeu winning two Premier League titles and both domestic cup show at Wembley”. Its cover on Saturday.
Pellegrini Confirms City Interest OUTGOING Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed Manchester City is among a number of “very good options” as he considers his managerial future. Pellegrini has been heavily backed to replace Roberto Mancini at the Etihad Stadium, although there has also been interest from Roma, Napoli and PSG.
Spanish La Liga
Mourinho At Wembly For Play-Off Final
Ancelotti Awaits Future To Be be one of them. CARLO Ancelotti’s future “He’s been the key to winning Resolved remains uncertain after Paris the title, because he’s shown Saint-Germain wrapped up their Ligue 1 campaign, but the Italian coach told the press “no news is good news”. Ancelotti, 53, saw his side cap off their title-winning season with a 3-1 win at Lorient on Sunday, leaving them 12 points clear of second-placed Marseille in the final standings. The former AC Milan and Chelsea boss’ position is far less definitive, however, with PSG yet to give an answer to the request he made eight days ago to leave the Parc des Princes this summer. “Everyone knows my situation, there’s nothing new. No news is good news,” Ancelotti told the media in Brittany, adding that his players had not made a personal plea for him to stay. “It’s between myself and the club, no-one else, and there is no meeting scheduled with the club. We have to speak to find a solution. I don’t have a deadline.” Real Madrid remain favourites to secure Ancelotti’s services should PSG agree to free him
from the final year of his contract. Media speculation has suggested that a number of players could follow their boss out of the door during the summer transfer window, but Ancelotti insisted Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 31, who scored a league-high 30th goal of the campaign at Lorient, would not
character and professionalism and been a very good example for everyone. He gave 100% of his ability,” Ancelotti said of the Swede, who penned a three-year deal in the French capital upon arrival from AC Milan last summer. “It’s not true that he’s asked to leave the club. Our relationship is good, just like with the other players.”
competitions - and watched Crystal Palace versus Watford at Wembley. Watford forward Nathaniel
Chalobah is on loan from Chelsea, who are seeking a new manager after Rafael Benitez’s interim appointment ended.
Wilson Completes Hearts Switch LIVERPOOL’S central defender Danny Wilson has joined Scottish Premier league side Hearts, signing a three-year contract. Wilson, 21, struggled to establish himself at Anfield after arriving from Rangers for £2 million in July 2010, making only one Premier League start in three years and playing nine games in all, the last of them a League Cup tie at Brighton in September 2011. The defender, whose Liverpool contract was set to expire this summer, had loan spells in the Championship with Blackpool and Bristol City before joining Hearts on loan in January. Having completed a
permanent move to Tynecastle, he told Hearts’ official website: “I am delighted to have my future sorted out. “It didn’t take me long to decide about committing myself to Hearts once the club made it known they were keen to keep me. I just want to play football, and I firmly believe that staying at Tynecastle will benefit my career. “I really enjoyed my time on loan here, and am very pleased the move has been made permanent. This is a great club with great supporters, and I’m looking forward to helping bring more success to Hearts. “I believe the club has a bright future, with a lot of good young players, and being part of that excites me.”
Cleverly Ruled Of England Friendlies MANCHESTER United’s midfielder Tom Cleverley has been ruled out of England’s friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil because of a calf injury. Cleverley picked up the injury in the Red Devils’ last game of the season against West Brom and hasn’t recovered in time to join up with his English
Carlo Ancelotti
teammates. England manager Roy Hodgson has already called up Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell to replace Cleverley in case the 23-year old failed to regain his fitness. The United youngster joins England midfielders Jack Wilshere and Steven Gerrard as well as striker Andy Carroll on the injury list.
The Chilean coach revealed he is leaving Malaga to “fulfil his sporting ambitions” and, although he has previously refused to hint at his next destination, Pellegrini admitted he is in talks with City. “I am fortunate to have some very good options and Manchester City is one of them,” Pellegrini said. Malaga’s 3-1 win over Deportiva la Coruna on Sunday was Pellegrini’s final match in charge at La Rosaleda and the 59-year-old believes he is leaving the club in good shape. “You cannot ask for a better farewell,” he added. “I wanted to leave here winning, and that’s what I’ve done. I leave here with the team in Europe for the second successive season. I’m going to remember this for a long time. “Our goal was to be in Europe because this club deserves it. It’s been a historic two and a half years here. There have been days that I will never forget.” Pellegrini’s style of play and man management are expected to make him more valuable than Mancini and Manchester City chief Ferran Soriano admits the club’s next manager must follow a strict criteria. “I think the boxes are right. You know what we want,” he said. “The analysis of the candidates goes beyond the results that we can see. Age is not relevant at this point, but with the kind of squad we have, we want a senior manager. “We want a manager who knows about football but we want somebody who knows about man management and this is something we are convinced about - myself, the board, the owner - that it is impossible for us to win, win the Champions League, if we don’t have a group that behaves like a family.”
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Aguero Extends City Stay MANCHESTER CITY’S striker Sergio Aguero has committed his future to the club by extending his current contract by a year. The new deal will keep the Argentine at the club until 2017. The 24-year old has become a cult figure at the Etihad Stadium after notably scoring the goal that secured the Citizens first National first division title in 44 years. Aguero has scored 47 goals for City in 69 starts since joining
the club from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in 2011. Speaking to the Citizens official website, the striker expressed that he is very happy at the Manchester club. “I’m very happy at City and I feel very appreciated. It’s been barely two years since I’ve arrived
and sometimes I feel like I’ve been here for all my life,” said Aguero. The Argentine joins Gael Clichy, Yaya Toure and David Silva on the list of big name players that have recently committed their future to the Sky Blues.
Reds Are Top-Four Contenders LIVERPOOL winger Raheem Sterling is confident the Anfield club can challenge for the topfour of the Premier League next season. The Reds finished outside the top five this season, failing to grab a spot in Europe and, most galling
Falcao Close To Monaco Switch ATLETICO Madrid striker Radamel Falcao is to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of a +60 million switch to Monaco, according to widespread reports. Monaco, funded by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, secured promotion back to Ligue 1 this month and have already agreed the double signing of Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez for a reported +70 million. On Friday, Monaco assistant coach Jean Petit had confirmed to Radio RCN that Falcao, who had been strongly linked with Chelsea, was likely to follow. “Yes, we are expecting Falcao and four or five other players of his quality,” Petit said. “We have spoken and we continue to speak with Falcao and his representatives - negotiations are ongoing. We hope to seal a deal as soon as possible. “Monaco need a player like Falcao because he can help us a lot and because he can attract other top players, and that’s the best way of confirming out project is big and interesting. Signing Falcao is a big coup on sporting and media levels for French football.” It is now widely reported that the 27-year-old Colombia striker, who is set to play for Atletico on Sunday against Real Mallorca, is to attend a medical on Monday. Atleti coach Diego Simeone has already given his blessing to the move, saying last week: “I have known him since he was a child and I wish him all the best. If he feels that he needs to make a move, I’ll be happy for him. If he stays with us, I’ll be happy too.”
Radamel Falcao
for the club’s massive contingency of fans, ended the campaign behind cross-town rivals Everton. And Sterling, missing much of the second half of the season through injury, could only watch on as the team struggled to make an impact on the ladder. But the 18-year-old believes the club are better than their position on the ladder and has hinted that a resurgent Reds will quickly rise up the table. “We can definitely be in the top four,” Sterling told BBC Sport. “We finished the season strongly, so hopefully we can start the new one that way and push for a good position.” And Sterling believes new
recruits Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, combined with the philosophy of manager Brendan Rodgers, will be the catalyst for the club’s ascension. “The two signings we brought into the club in January Coutinho and Sturridge - really kicked the team on,” added Sterling. “I am really looking forward to getting a chance to play with them and have a good season for the team. “You have to remember this was the manager’s first season in charge. “But you can see the difference he has made, even though we haven’t finished in the top four.
Torres Named In Confed Cup Squad SPAIN’S coach Vicente Del Bosque has recalled Fernando Torres and Javi Martinez to what is a conservative 26-man provisional squad for June’s Confederations Cup in Brazil. Manchester City’s Javi Garcia is one of eight Premier League players included, alongside his City team-mate David Silva. Torres is joined by fellow Chelsea players Juan Mata and Cesar Azpilicueta, while Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal are in, as is Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo has been left out, but one of Torres, Roberto Soldado (Valencia) or Barcelona’s David Villa could be
Michael Essien
Essien To Return To Chelsea Next Week GHANA’S midfielder Michael Essien will return to Stamford Bridge next week when his season-long loan deal ends at Real Madrid. appearances for Real and scored At the English Premier League one goal. club, he is likely to reunite with departing Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho. Mourinho helped Essien to revive his flagging career as the N E W C A S T L E versatile player made 28 UNITED’S managing
Essien’s contract with Chelsea runs out in June 2014. He saw full-time action on Sunday when Real Madrid were held to a 3-3 draw by Real
Sociedad. His final match will be against Osasuna at home next Sunday as the Spanish La Liga season ends.
Pardew Is Safe In Manager’s Role
director Derek Llambias insists manager Alan Pardew’s position as Magpies manager was never under threat despite the club’s disappointing end to the 2012/2013 season. Pardew guided the Tyneside club to 16th position on the log after steering the Magpies to fifth position on the EPL log the season before. Pardew took over at Newcastle at the end of 2010 and his position as manager has come under threat after finishing a mere five points above the relegation zone. Talking to BBC Sport Llambias had the following to say: “There has been a great deal of speculation in recent weeks but our desire is to bring long-
term stability to this club,” said Llambias.
Alan Pardew
Former Reading, West Ham, Charlton Athletic and Southampton manager Pardew signed an eight-year contract in September last year.
among the three names pared from the list after Spain’s domestic season ends next weekend. Betis playmaker Benat Etxebarria, Garcia and Monreal are also candidates to be cut. Barcelona’s Carles Puyol is a notable absentee, but Del Bosque has kept faith with the core of Spain’s World Cup and Euro 2012 winners, choosing not to rest players such as Xabi Alonso or Xavi Hernandez, who have had demanding and injuryhit club seasons. The coach said all his senior players wanted to make the trip and he had not thought about giving anyone a longer summer break. “We are at the end of the season, and whenever there is a tournament of this type it is impossible that the players arrive fresh,” he explained. “I do not think any of the players of Nigeria, Uruguay, Brazil or Spain will arrive in perfect condition. I believe they are players with extraordinary physical talent. If we had any doubt, none of them would go. If the club doctors or the players themselves see that they cannot go, we will not force anyone.” Younger players including Isco, Thiago Alcantara and David de Gea have been left with Spain’s Under-21 side as they defend their European Championship title in Israel next month, but Del Bosque said they were part of his plans for the future. “We all have breakfast together almost every day and we are in permanent communication,” he said. “It [the decision not to call them up] could be criticised, but we have a permanent dialogue between all the coaches and the senior team. “I understand about Isco, Thiago, [Cristian] Tello, [Asier] Illarramendi, Inigo Martinez. But we have preferred to keep with the ones who were with us recently. There are no reasons to leave them out.” With Puyol not having recovered from a knee operation in March, the squad contains just three specialist centre-halves, but Del Bosque said other players could cover that position if required.
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BEYOND the rumours of an inebriated President, miffed by his first real political shocker, and an utterly stunned group of men who found it impossible to believe that their own plot could turn on them, I guess the National Governors Forum (NGF); election episodethough still unfolding has been a well timed revelation of the intrigues that define our famously feral political turf. There is very little doubt
the state, or the impounding of the state owned aircraft, as unconnected with the events that are playing out now. Also, there is no denying the influential role that the governors play in the political process that determines who stands out as the party’s Presidential flagbearer; we have seen this since 2003 when a president almost lost his candidacy to the financial force of a few governors, and found himself almost on his
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013
attention. For some time now, there have been clear signs of a growing conflict between the Presidency and Governor Amaechi. One episode stands out, and seems now to have been a precise prediction of events: A few months back, governor Amaechi had attended an event and was quoted in one of the national dailies as saying that those who oppose the powers-that-be
These Are Interesting Times
Amaechi’s Re-Election: that it will leave quite a few more casualties in its trail, just as it will continue to expose the puerile antics of an intellectually deficient political elite. These are interesting times indeed. We haven’t heard much about the reaction of the PDP executive to this obviously knee numbing blow delivered by a man whose alleged conflicts with the President should certainly have scuttled any political ambitions he may have nursed, but I am certain we will be hearing more with each passing day. We will also see the true feral disposition of our political leaders and their unyielding preference for vile plots. Not that it has not started already; the public appearance of nineteen PDP governors, evidently reeling from the shock of an election loss- something completely unexpected in a game plan that had the names of the traditional fixers written all over itexposes the extent these men would go to scuttle the same democratic process they have always claimed to support whenever it suited their whims. The Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati’s statement that the president had no interest in the event that played out is a very weak argument for disguising executive whim. I wonder why Abati would even attempt such a defence of his boss rather than simply feign some concern over the issue and say that the Presidency was still observing events as they unfold. That would have made more sense, considering that no Nigerian in their right senses would believe that the president, who is the most influential figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would not be interested in a process that involves state governors who are members of his party’s influential executive ilk. I do not think we are expected to just write off PDP’s onslaught on Amaechi’s men in the legislature, or the suspension of local government chairmen in
knees begging their benefactor, his second-inCommand, for a chance to govern again; we witnessed the heated battle for the
are harassed with EFCC,ICPC and the Police. He added that this sort of harrasment will intensify ahead of the 2015 general
President Goodluck Jonathan Presidential seat in 2007, which seems to have finally set the rules that the presidential race is an exclusive preserve of governors. In 2010, the influence of the NGF was evident in the National Legislature’s final endorsement of the “Doctrine of Necessity” that eventually brought president Jonathan to power as much as it was the key force behind the plot that finally scuttled former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ’s presidential ambition. I am sure the president will not forget in a hurry the intense lobbying and sometimes hard-to swallow compromises that got him the party’s presidential slot. Abati’s attempt at shielding the president from the debacle is expected but lacks tact. It is only obvious that the activities of a body with such influence over the president’s political relevance would have his unwavering
elections. He was obviously referring to the stifling influence of the Presidency over those who dare to oppose its ambitions and whims. I say obvious because we all know that no one else but the president has constitutional powers over the organs of state that Amaechi mentioned. It was later reported that the Presidency frowned at Amaechi’s speech and even cautioned him. However, Amaechi, in his usually brutal candour has never relented when the need to be critical has arisen. It is only logical that Amaechi, who has also never hidden his abhorrence of the first lady’s undue interference in Rivers state affairs and his refusal to surrender control of the party machinery in the state, would be considered an obstacle to the president’s men. To such people, Amaechi poses a real threat. He has never openly endorsed, or countered, the call for
president Jonathan’s 2015 agenda. His silence is causing ripples as much as his candour does. Political
Jonathan in 2015. A man like Amaechi at the helm of affairs of such an influential forum is a serious obstacle to such ambitions, Akpabio
Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State analysis in Nigeria has always been done with a fine balance of rumours and facts: chances are that the rumours would be proven to be correct faster than the facts would play out. Allegations of a plot to present Amaechi as a vicepresidential candidate on a northern presidential ticket may not be so implausible. The influence the northern governors wield, based on their position as the majority in the NGF, could determine the position of the forum on some issues just as much as the PDP majority gives the party some influence also. Amaechi must strike a fine balance. The struggle for control is partly responsible for what is playing out in the NGF now and the refusal of governor Amaechi to compromise his neutrality poses a threat to the machinations of some governors who have made public their support for the reelection of president
already exposed some of the intrigues playing out in the party and the NGF when he accused some governors of being “Judases” fighting against party interests. Governor Akpabio’s reasons for rejecting the election result is laughable, even for the politically naive: first, he and his evidently stunned pack of 18 say there had not been an election, then he probably realises that there could be recorded evidence that they had endorsed the process, he fashions another reason for the group’s rejection; this time, he unwittingly admits that they had never cared for an electoral process when he says that a prior document signed by nineteen governors endorsing the “candidacy” (I emphasise this word for a point I will explain) of another governor should be accepted as the results of the election. What governor Akpabio probably does not realise is that an
endorsement does not stand as an election anywhere- and he can only assume that it is because he has always been used to inhouse vote casting and imposition of personal whim over popular choice; it is also impossible to try and sell that document as proof of the unequivocal choice of the nineteen governors when there is no proof that the decision of each of the governors was reached without undue pressure of some sort. Akpabio- his men includedfinally destroys any strain of validity his argument may have had when he insists that an endorsement of a candidate supersedes the election in which the candidate has been endorsed to partake in. I am sure it would have been clear to the PDP governors involved in the endorsement fiasco that they were not electing a candidate but choosing a candidate they wanted as their choice; the word, candidate, should have made it obvious to them that there would be a process by which their endorsement would be tested. Another point they do not seem to recognise is the fact that the PDP, albeit holding the majority in the Governors Forum, cannot assume that the right to vote would simply be surrendered by the governors of the opposition parties. By demanding that an endorsement- obviously squeezed out of some governorsshould supersede an actual election, Akpabio spells out to the world the kind of intrigues that may have been employed to get them to the positions they occupy now. Rather than simply accept the results as proof of a scheme gone horribly wrong, and start an in-house weeding process to rid his pack of any who has chosen conscience over vicious connivance, the steps Akpabio has taken have exposed his lack of political tact and obvious disrespect for prevailing opinions, which may prove detrimental to the ambitions of his “Oga at the top”.
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