Nigerian observer 28 10 2013

THE NIGERIAN

1

The Nigerian

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 NO.341 • MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013 • N100.00

FOCUS Pgs. 16/17

cmyk

Citizenship And Community Leadership

SECURITY Pg 20 Death Threats And Political Assassination In Nigeria (1)

Army introduce new measures against MAIDUGURI - The 21 Boko Haram in the state Boko Haram Armoured Brigade of the because we are here to state.

The acting Commander of the brigade, Col. Ibrahim Yusuf, made the disclosure at a news

conference in Maiduguri.

He said “I want to assure you that the army is doing everything possible to ensure that no civilian is attacked by

ensure the safety of all Nigerians.’’

He linked the recent attacks on travellers and Continues on page 2

LAGOS - Dr Tunji Braithwaite, Coordinator of the Southwest Consultative Forum for the National Conference yesterday described those opposing the planned national conference as selfish.

President Goodluck Conference Advisory Jonathan on October 1, Committee, naming set up the National Senator Femi

Okurounmu as its chairman.

The committee was to facilitate the convening of a national conference by the Federal

Government.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos after a closeddoor meeting of the group, Braithwaite cautioned politicians

Nigerian Army in Maiduguri yesterday said it had introduced new measures to counter Boko Haram attacks on civilians in the

Those opposing nat confab, selfish - Braithwaite speaking against the planned dialogue.

“The interest of those opposing the planned conference is to seize

power for political gains.

“The advocates of national conference are not calling for the Continues on page 2

Fishermen demand N250b compensation

MBO (AKWA IBOM) Fishermen in Unyenge community, Mbo Local Government Area of

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DIALOGUE/CONFERENCE The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue/Conference will visit Edo State on Monday, October 28, 2013.

All stakeholders including Civil Society Groups, Traditional Rulers, Women/Youth Organisations, Religious Groups, Ethnic Nationality Groups, Professional Groups, the Judiciary, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Organised Labour, Student Leadership, Leadership of the National Assembly, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assemblies, Organised Private Sector, the Physically Challenged, Edo in Diaspora and other interest groups are invited to make presentations at the Conference.

Venue of the Dialogue/Conference is Imaguero College Hall, Sapele Road, Benin City from 1:00pm.

All stakeholders and interest groups invited through this announcement are advised to be seated by 12:30pm.

SIGNED: DR. AKILU SANI INDABAWA Committee Secretary

Akwa Ibom, have demanded N250 billion compensation from an oil company, Universal Energy Resources Ltd. (UERL).

The fishermen told newsmen in Mbo that they made the demand under the aegis of Famous Fishing Organisation (FFO).

The chairman of the organisation, Mr. Johnson Harry, told newsmen that the members were affected by the August 15 oil spill from the company’s oil field in Stubb Creek.

According to him, the spill emptied about Continues on page 2

PRAYER: President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd left) praying with other Nigerian Pilgrims at the side of River Jordan, the place where Jesus Christ was Baptised by John the Baptist weekend.

Fake election result: Accord Party threatens court action

BENIN CITY – The Accord Party is to institute a legal action against the Edo State

chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for misleading the public through the declaration of “fake parallel results”

saying it was in bad taste to Accord Party (AP).

National Secretary of AP, Dr. Samson Isibor

warning passengers to

events in Edo State, especially the just concluded rescheduled local government elections.

Rescheduled elections were conducted in Unhunmwode, Etsako Central, Etsako West, Ovia North East and Esan North East Local Government Areas of

Continues on page 2

Continues on page 2

said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting held in Benin City weekend to review the unfolding political

NCAA debunks claims of increase in A statement issued by It attributed the IKEJA - The Nigerian airfare speculated the NCAA on Sunday, increase to Civil Aviation Authority signed by its General the activities of touts, (NCAA) said it has not authorised any airline to increase its airfare.

Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke,

advised travellers to ignore any misleading information on fare hike.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

News Fishermen demand N250b compensation Continued from page 1 2,000 barrels of crude into the Ede Akpa River in the area and has prevented them from fishing – the only source of their livelihood.

He also said that the oil company should pay adequate compensation to farmers in the community who were also affected by the oil spill.

“The oil flowed to Ede Akpa River where we do our fishing activities and destroyed our fishing equipment and as a result, we can no longer fish in the river again,’’ he said.

He said that the oil spill also destroyed farmlands in the area, affecting the livelihood of 5,000 farmers in Unyenge community.

Harry said that the spill had caused untold hardship to the people of the area, and that some of their members had died of hunger and starvation, as a result.

“We cannot farm, and according to international standard, if there is an oil spill, you have to wait for 10 years before you can start farming again,’’ Harry said.

“The hazardous substances coming from the spilled crude has destroyed aquatic life, raffia palms and fishing nets.

“Even the air we breath in

the area have been affecting our health and we no longer go out for fishing,’’ he said.

Harry urged UERL to clean up the affected lands and waters in the area, according to international standard.

Contacted, the Public Affairs Officer of the company, Mr. Aniefiok Iwaudofia, confirmed the incident, saying the cause of the spill was equipment

failure from a ruptured flange on the tank outlet.

He, however, said that the quantity of crude spilled into the river was only about three barrels.

“It is important to note that the spill was immediately and effectively contained within the Stubb Creek well pad.

“The little that poured on

Continued from page 1 breakup of Nigeria but a dialogue to redefine the basic existence of the country.’’

He said that all Nigerians should embrace the dialogue as it would give birth to a new Nigeria with equal opportunities for everyone.

“The timing of this conference is divine because next year is the 100 anniversary of the Nigerian union.

“The dialogue will strenghten the continued union of the nation on the terms of Nigerians.’’

Braithwaite commended Jonathan for buying into the idea of a national conference.

“President Jonathan by this conference has taken a very big step. If the conference is well managed, the pres+dent would have succeeded in writing his name on the

sands of time.’’

He, however, said that the forum had its reservat+ons, regarding the outcome of the dialogue.

The forum coordinator suggetsted that the outcome should be subjected to a referendum and not be subject to the approval of the National Assembly.

“The purpose of the conference is to give Nigerians a new nation and

Those opposing nat confab

Fake election result

Continued from page 1 the state. The Accord Party was one of the political parties that fielded candidates in some wards.

Isibor said his party’s action was in response to the calculated attempts by the PDP to distract the State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from delivering dividends of democracy to people of the state, “a feat the PDP could not attain in over 10 eventful years on the saddle of leadership in Edo State”.

The Accord Party advised the PDP to accept the defeat as there is always a winner and a loser in any election.

The National Secretary of AP, Dr. Samson Isibor in a statement noted that, “the beauty of democracy is better demonstrated when gallant losers congratulate winners who are magnanimous in victory,” adding, “anyone who loses election today may win another day.”

“Accord Party is surprised that a political party that prides itself as the largest party in Africa could not obey simple electoral rules that govern the conduct of local government election.”

“The PDP embarked on a finishing expedition by declaring parallel election results duly signed by one self acclaimed factional chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih on the pages of some national dailies, instead of

the UERL acquired Right of Way (ROW) was scooped and the top soil excavated and back-filled with fresh sand,’’ he said.

Iwaudofia assured the host community that the management would continue to engage in practice and processes designed to effectively manage the hazards of its operations.

exploring the vista of hope by contesting the election in court as provided for in the electoral law and the 1999 constitution (as amended).

“It is the duty of electoral body EDSIEC to conduct local government election and so declare the results and announce winner,” the AP Scribe National Secretary noted.

Isibor noted that the “Abuja Politicians” were said to have held electoral officers hostage on the day of the election, and threatened them to announce fake result in favour of the PDP chairmanship candidate, John Yakubu.

He remarked that, “Accord Party frowned at some Abuja Eased politicians loyal to the opposition party who converged on Uromu, the Local Government Headquarters of Esan North East of Edo State during the election with barrage of armed men from Abuja and Lagos to intimidate defenceless voters at some polling units.

Accord Party therefore commended the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) leadership for living up to its promise to conduct free, fair and credible election.

The party also commended Governor Oshiomhole “for giving EDSIEC the free hand to conduct the election that was adjudged credible by political parties.

a people’s constitution.’’

He, however, urged the advisory committee to ensure that all ethnic groups and nationalities in the country were recognised for presentations.

“Representation must also come from each zone, gender group, professional bodies and civil society groups among others,’’ he said.

Measures against Boko Haram Continued from page 1 villagers by suspected Boko Haram militants on highways to frustration.

The acting commander said “most times, the Boko Haram members go to remote villages to kill innocent civilians in cold blood because they have been frustrated by the army.

“They cannot operate in the open, so they vent their anger on innocent civilians.’’

Yusuf, who said that the military was equal to the task, noted that “we cannot be taken by surprise by the Boko Haram, the recent attacks are nothing but signs of weakness.

“We are also evolving strategies to make sure that we prevent future attacks, no matter how small.’’

He said the army was willing to give safe passage to members of the sect who wanted to quit.

“I want to assure you that we will give a safe passage to members of the sect, including foot soldiers who are ready to surrender.

“Those involved can either surrender themselves at any military out post or go to their ward or district head.

“Let me say again that all those who surrendered will not be killed but will be given safe passage,” he said.

Fake election result

Continued from page 1 desist from patronising the touts.

It stated that any increase in airfare without the authorisation of the agency, should be regarded as null and void.

“They (passengers) should also lodge any complaints of attempt by anybody to defraud them in the purchase of tickets, to our consumer protection desk/counter,

nearest to them at the airport,” it said.

NCAA also advised air passengers to use the option of online booking and direct counter purchase, among others, to purchase their tickets in advance.

It also warned airline operators against any arbitrary increase, adding that any such act, would attract sanctions.

Delta takes delivery of measles vaccine

ASABA - Dr Jude WinfulOrieke, Permanent Secretary, Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, says the state has taken delivery of measles vaccines ahead of the November National Measles Campaign day.

Winful-Orieke told newsmen in Asaba that the vaccines supplied from the National Strategic cold store in Abuja, had been adequately preserved.

He said that the state Ministry of Health was collaborating with the federal authority to ensure that the disease was completely eliminated from the country.

He said that in order to have an effective exercise,

the Delta government had trained personnel and sensitised the Local Government Chairmen in the state to support the programme.

He said that the target of the campaign was to cover 95 percent of children under five years of age in the integrated measles campaign.

Winful-Orieke said that children in the state would also be vaccinated against polio during the campaign.

“We are going to vaccinate children aged nine months to 59 months against measles and we will also vaccinate children aged zero to 59 months with oral polio vaccine,’’ he said.

ABUJA Commercialisation of research findings can only work when conditions are made attractive for the private investor to appreciate the inherent benefits of such findings, says Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

Adamu, the National President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, and the Chairman, Board of Trustees, National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN), an NGO, stated this in Abuja at a forum with newsmen.

He said that the apparent lack of interest on the part of the private sector in commercialising local research findings was due to inadequate advocacy and sensitisation on the part of government.

“Because we are a developing economy, because government has not addressed issues to a point where the private investor can appreciate what advantages will accrue to him or her over any subject matter of research he can’t do anything.

“If you take the example of the United Kingdom under Mrs. Margaret Thatcher of blessed memory or United States of America, during Reagan, before they went into full privatization, the

ordinary Briton, the ordinary American before privatisation of the railway system knew what was railway, knew it was functioning.

“They knew the advantages of travelling by rail as compared with travelling by road in a car or lorry; they knew the difference between travelling by train and travelling on the high seas overseas or by ship; they knew the implications.

“The private sector, if they want to do sacrifice they do a foundation; that is a different ball game; they can do it; by then they have made enough money on what they are doing.

“But if you want them to be involved in these things, there must be good advocacy on the side of the government. ‘‘You must publicise this and say, this research if put to use, is to the advantage of ABCDE and you develop literatures that will sell or that will promote or propagate what you have researched upon, the outcome and the advantages.

“Anybody who has that outcome to his disposal that is the only weapon you can get to become attractive to the investor or the private sector; Government must show the way.“

Commercialisation of research: Govt must show the way - NAFN

Aviation unions seek ways to reposition the industry IKEJA - The three aviation unions in the country said they were prepared to offer solutions in the ongoing crisis in the sector with a view to repositioning the industry.

The unions are the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).

Mr Isaac Balami, the National President of NAAPE, made the unions’ position known in a statement on behalf of other

unions on Sunday in Lagos.

He said a meeting would be scheduled with notable elders and prominent professionals in the industry in order to brainstorm on the contending issues.

Balami added that the meeting would seek to chart a course for more participation by stakeholders in the aviation sector for the purpose of moving the industry forward.

“We are going to focus on critical areas of the Nigerian aviation industry such as the need for continued and greater levels of investment

in civil aviation.

“We shall also look at the training of the nextgeneration pilots, engineers, traffic controllers, among others.

“We, therefore, collectively call upon these elders and experts to attend this crucial meeting.’’

The union president said one of the objectives of the meeting was to collectively make valuable contributions on how to proactively move the industry to greater heights.

He said: “if Nigeria is to attain its vision of 20:2020, it

must grow its aviation sector to a level befitting of the physical size and population of the country.’’

The meeting was also aimed at complementing the ongoing efforts of Federal Government to reposition the civil aviation sector, he added.

He noted that the present transformation in the sector would place the industry back on the path to rapid and sustainable growth.

Balami said an industry veteran, Capt. Paul Tahal, would moderate the one-day meeting, scheduled for Abuja on October 29.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

News 80 Percent World Population Rely On Traditional Medicine - Expert LAGOS - The West African Society for Pharmacology, Societe Quest Africaine de Pharmacologie (WASP-SOAP), said about 80 per cent of the world population relied on traditional medicine for their healthcare needs.

Prof. Helen Kwanashie, the President of the society, made this known at the society’s 37th Annual Conference in Lagos.

The theme is: “Promoting Profitable Pharmacological Research In West Africa.”

“The use of traditional medicine is something that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been grappling with since 1978.

“They called for the recognition of co-integration of traditional medicine with conventional medicine, for a more effective healthcare delivery.

“This is because they found that about 80 per cent of the world population, including Nigeria, use traditional medicine to meet their healthcare needs.

“The ultimate goal is to provide the requisite scientific validations, in line with the WHO’s declaration for the corecognition and integration of both conventional and traditional medicine practices globally,’’ she said.

According to her, pharmacology is the study of the properties and actions of drugs, especially in relation to their

therapeutic uses or side effects.

“Drugs may be described as substances that are used for diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseases.

“For the pharmacologists, however, drugs are not limited to medicinal products, but include all substances that are foreign to the body, including pesticides, cosmetics, alcohol and tobacco,’’ she said.

Kwanashie said that there were challenges regarding the integration of both types of medical practices.

“But, there are many challenges regarding this recognition and integration.

“One of this is that there is frequently no scientific validation of the claims by traditional medicine practitioners and that is where we, as pharmacologists, come in.

“Because, we take their products, we test them in the laboratories and there has to be active collaboration.

“Based on the experiments we carry out, we can tell at the preliminary stage, that the drugs which they claim they use to arrest certain conditions can actually do so.

“And so, that becomes the first stage in drug discovery and development,’’ she said.

Also, Dr Douglas Oliver, a Professor of Pharmacology at the North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa,

said that major transitions were rapidly reshaping Africa.

According to him, despite the accelerated growth in economies and technologies, major uncertainties are still being faced, especially in drug development, medicines, quality healthcare delivery and healthcare science and research development.

Oliver said that there was an urgent need to bring these under control and advance the education of people.

He said that WHO had emphasised six areas for a successful health system.

“They are healthcare services delivery, health work form, health information system, access to essential medicine, health systems financing and leadership and governance.

“Research will have greater impact when locally relevant and regionally contextualised, with country specific data and practices included in the analysis,’’ Oliver said.

Dr Theresa John, the conference chair, said it had become imperative for a smooth blend of the study of nature and science.

According to her, the future will be brighter with a more profitable research in West Africa, and Nigeria, leading to improved products and services, sustainable entrepreneurship and alleviation of most societal problems.

Remains Of EIRS Scribe Interred

By VICTOR OMOALU

BENIN CITY – The remains of the late Permanent/Board’s Secretary of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service. Elder Sunday Nosakhare Okundia has been laid to rest, in Benin City

with dignitaries from all walks of life in attendance.

The personalities included the Executive Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the State Head of Service, Princess Ekiuwa Inneh,

OHANMI (EDO) - The Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Hon (Barr) Jimoh Ijegbai has inaugurated another set of three classrooms block, with a charge on the benefiting communities to protect the facilities against vandalism since government may not be disposed to replacing vandalised facilities against other competing needs.

The council boss gave this charge at Ohanmi, Ikao and Uroe where he commissioned the newly constructed three classrooms blocks fitted with modern facilities at Ivbigom, Inumai and Ubiale Primary Schools respectively.

The commissioning brings to fix, the number of classrooms blocks inaugurated by Barr.

Ijeagbai – led administration, while 10 others are at various stages of completion.

He said his administration decided to invest heavily in education in order to ensure that primary education is given a boost as it serves as the bedrock of the nation’s future

leaders.

The chairman appealed to the pupils to take advantage of the facilities provided in the schools, while urging the communities to protect them against theft and vandalism.

At the various communities, school children, community leaders and politicians turned out in their thousands to appreciate the chairman’s gesture.

In their various addresses, they thanked the council boss for his restoration agenda which is evident in the execution of projects in their communities.

Other projects inaugurated during the ceremony were an ultra modern shopping complex and a modern motor park in Afuze, a 500 KVA transformer and water projects at Ohanmi and Uroe.

On the commissioning tour were the Vice-Chairman, Leader of the Legislature Arm, Councillors, Secretary to the Local Government, Supervisors and other political appointees.

LG Inaugurates School Building

Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah; a leader of the All Progressive Congress Party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as well as business associates, family members, friends and well wishers.

Chief (Sir) Elamah who spoke with newsmen during the service of songs for the deceased extolled the late Okundia’s virtue while alive.

He described the deceased while alive as a man of character and honour who dedicated himself to duties.

Stating that the late Okundua would always be remembered for his diligent work which he said premised on transparency, accountability honesty and value for taxpayers’ money, Sir Elamah urged the people to take solace in the fact that God has called Okundia to be with him.

In his homily, Revd Godwin Josephs of the Church of God Mission, Benin City, admonished those in authority to use their position for the wellbeing of the people.

“It does not matter the position one occupies, the most important thing is to know that you are there for a purpose and do that which pleases God if you must live a fulfilled life”, stated Rev Josephs.

He said that the late Okundia has served his generation diligently, to the benefit of humanity and therefore urged the people to emulate the legacy left behind by the late Okundia.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

News Foundation Urges Taraba To Eschew Violence

WUKARI (TARABA) The DSK Foundation, a NonGovernmental Organisation, has urged the people of Taraba to eschew violence and embrace peace so as to enhance the socio-economic development of the state.

The foundation’s President, Chief David Kente, gave the advice in Wakari at the end of a two-day workshop on “Peace as a Panacea for Development’’, organised by the foundation.

Kente stressed that the recurrent acts of violence in parts of the state had slowed down economic activities, adding that the development had further aggravated the rate of poverty and hunger in the society.

“We must eschew violence and imbibe the spirit of ‘give and take’, so as to promote peace and development in the state.

“The government, communities and all the people of this state must make deliberate efforts to ensure that those, who ran away from the state because of violence, come back.

“We must ensure that those, who closed their shops for fear of another crisis, re-open them.

“That is the best way to fight poverty and hunger in the state and better the lot of all the citizens,’’ he said.

Kente said that all the 85 workshop participants, who were drawn from the 16 local government areas of the state and Yangtu Development Area, had become the foundation’s peace ambassadors.

Reports say that several papers on peace and conflict resolution as well as allied issues were presented during the workshop.

NSCDC Arrests 2 Suspects, Recovers 750 Litres Of Diesel

L-R: Treasurer, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba; Acting General-Secretary, Mr. Chris Uyot; National President, Abdulwaheed Omar and Vice President Namdi Sambo at the meeting of the NLC Executive with the Vice President in Abuja recently.

President Goodluck Jonathan (5th left) at the Church of St. Peter in Callicantu (where Peter denied Jesus three times).

With Him are from left: Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Gbenol; Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau; Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akin Adesina; CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. Johnkennedy Opara.

LASG Harps On Personal Hygiene

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

LAGOS - The Lagos State Government has reiterated the need for members of the public to maintain high standard of personal and environmental hygiene at all times as part of the measures to prevent the spread of cholera epidemic which has been detected in the State.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Aderemi Ibirogba who disclosed this in a statement issued from his office listed measures to be taken to reduce

the risk of contracting the disease as including washing of hands with soaps and water frequently and thoroughly; boiling of water before drinking if the source of the water is in doubts; washing of fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating; cooking of food thoroughly before eating; disposing of waste material properly; and keeping of water containers clean.

Said he “Our surveillance

Tanker Explosion Kills 6 In Kaduna State KADUNA - Six persons were killed in a fire from a tanker explosion in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

It would be recalled that FERMA had constructed a trailer park at the Maraban Jos axis of the Kaduna-Zaria expressway to reduce the high rate of fires caused by petrol tankers and accidents caused by articulated trucks parked along the road.

Alhaji Abdullahi Kwarau, the Chairman of Igabi Local

DUTSE - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa said that it had arrested two suspects (names withheld) for allegedly stealing diesel.

Mr. Muhammad Gidado, the NSCDC Commandant in the state, told newsmen in Dutse that the suspects were arrested on the DutseHuguma road by NSCDC officers who were on patrol of the area.

He explained that the suspects were arrested in a

Government Council, said that the accident, which occurred recently involved two fuel-laden tankers.

He appealed to the state government to expedite action on the construction of more trailer parks on major roads in the state to avoid a recurrence of such accidents.

Gov. Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State, who condoled with the families of those who died in the accident, urged drivers, particularly those of petrol

tankers, to be extra vigilant while driving or parking their vehicles.

He assured the people that efforts were underway to ensure the timely completion of new trailer parks being constructed in Igabi, Kagarko and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas.

Yero said that the state government was also collaborating with the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure the speedy completion of ongoing road projects to forestall recurring accidents on the major roads.

activities and investigations revealed that the suspected cases of cholera in Lagos were contracted from food sources such as the African food salad popularly called ‘Abasha’, wellwater sources and other infected foods from food sellers, and other unhygienic habits. This is the reason why we are advising the public to keep away from the African food salad popularly called ‘Abasha’ and boil their water before drinking if not sure of the source of it.

Ibirogba urged members of the public to ensure proper disposal of waste and ensure they avoid possible backflow connection between water and sewer system adding that people should wash hands thoroughly if and when they have been in contact with a cholera patient or touch any item or surface that may have been contaminated “Cholera is acquired through the ingestion of an infective dose of contaminated food or water and can be transmitted through many mechanisms like direct or indirect contamination

of water or food by feaces of infected individuals. The disease should be suspected in any person who develops diarrhoea with or without vomiting, weakness, excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration), restlessness, irritability, or person who dies from frequent stooling”, he explained.

Golf car that was fully loaded with 30 jerry cans, containing 25 litres of diesel each.

Gidado said that the diesel was suspected to be stolen from the yards of Dantata and Sawoe, as well as Setraco construction companies.

“The command has commenced investigation into the case and if the suspects are found culpable, they will be charged to court immediately,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has also paraded one Chukwuemeka Ugwu in Enugu for allegedly snatching a motorcycle at gun point.

The commandant of the corps in Enugu State, Mr Nathaniel Ubong, who briefed newsmen while parading the suspect, said he was arrested by the Isiuzo command of the corps for motor cycle snatching.

He said the suspect was arrested on October 17 after he disguised himself as a passenger to climb a motorcycle but snatched it from the owner on the way.

He said that two motorcycles with no plate number and a pistol were recovered from the suspect.

Ubong said that Ugwu would be handed over to the police for further investigation and appropriate action.

Meanwhile, Ubong said the command also recovered a Toyota Camry with Registration number SG 23KJA in a bush in Igboetiti local government.

He said the vehicle was suspected to have been use for robbery and called on the owner to report for identification and recovery.

JISACA To Provide HIV Drugs In General Hospitals

DUTSE - The Jigawa State Agency for the Control of AIDS (JISACA) said that it had concluded plans to provide HIV drugs in 14 general hospitals in the state.

The agency said this in Dutse via a statement signed

by Malam Mati Ali, the Public Relations Officer of the state’s Ministry of Health.

The statement said that the Secretary of JISACA, Dr Bashir Ahmed, gave the assurance when members of the Society for Family Health (SFH) visited the agency.

It said that Ahmed explained that the drugs would be provided, in

collaboration with the SFH, in 14 general hospitals across the state, in addition to the Rasheed Shekoni’s Specialist Hospital, Dutse.

The statement said that Malam Yahaya Waziri, the leader of the visiting SFH members, said that they were in Jigawa to conduct an awareness campaign on HIV testing and referral of identified victims.

It said that Waziri explained that the campaign was also aimed at assisting persons living with HIV/AIDS to access counselling and treatment services.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

News

Chief Loses Bid To Reclaim Title IIORIN - A High Court in Ilorin has struck out a suit filed by the deposed Balogun Gambari of IIorin, Alhaji Mohammed Adebayo, challenging his removal by the Emir of IIorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

The deposed Balogun and two

others had in November 1995 dragged the Emir to court over the removal.

But in his ruling, Justice Mathew Adewara said the matter raised in the case was defective, stressing that the writ was signed by an unknown person to the court.

Adewara also ruled that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter and advised the aggrieved parties to look

elsewhere to settle their grouse.

The judge, however, counselled the deposed Balogun and other parties not to toy with

the harmonious relationship existing in the state.

It will be recalled that the Emir sacked the Balogun and his

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on information, Rep. Umar Jibril; Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Jones Afolabi and Acting Managing Director, Otunba Jide Adebayo, during the visit of the House Committee to NAN headquarters on oversight function in Abuja recently.

Murder Of Robbery Suspect

Security Guard Remanded

LAGOS - An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has remanded a security guard at the Ikoyi Prisons, over the alleged murder of a suspected armed robber.

The accused, Musiliu Shodipo, is facing a two-count charge of unlawful killing and unlawful possession of firearm.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.A Demi-Ajayi, said the accused should remain behind bars, pending legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Reports state that the plea of the accused was not taken by the court.

Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Etim Nkankuk, told the court that the offences were committed on September. 23 at 11.50 p.m. at Tebun Fagbemi Street, Alagbado, Lagos.

He said that the accused was

on his official duty when the deceased, one Mr. Okiki Bamigbose, 30, and others still at large, attacked the community.

Nkankuk said that the accused resisted the attack and shot the deceased with a locally-made single barrel gun on the chest.

The prosecutor said that the accused was in possession of the gun, without a valid licence, issued by the appropriate authority.

He said that the offences contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and Section 27(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, Cap 28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Reports state that the accused may be sentenced to death on conviction.

The case was adjourned till November. 25, for mention.

AFIKPO (EBONYI) - A former minister of police affairs, Chief Francis Orji, has cautioned Nigerians against frivolous petitions to distract political office holders.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony for Chief Celestine Eze, the outgoing chairman of Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, Orji said such act was inimical to the growth and development of any society.

He condemned the 472 petitions written against Eze during his six years in office.

He commended the peaceful disposition, dynamism and visionary leadership of Eze which stood him out as one of the best local government chairmen in Ebonyi.

“In spite of the numerous frivolous petitions against his administration, the chairman was undaunted in his efforts to improve the living condition of his people.

“This is a proof of his commitment, determination and hard work and I want other office holders to emulate this posture,” he said.

In his speech, Eze said that frivolous petitions and blackmail against any leader were detrimental to development.

“Persons who engage in such practice are enemies of progress and do not mean well for the society.

“With a deep sense of commitment, I want to sincerely appeal to all frivolous petition writers, blackmailers and enemies of progress to allow my successor to work so that at the end of his tenure, they will be able to evaluate him properly,’’ he said.

Ex-Minister Cautions Nigerians Against Frivolous Petitions

counterparts from Alanamu and Ajikobi as well as Magaji Are in November 1995.

The Emir said they were removed for gross insubordination to him and the IIorin Emirate Council.

Assault Of Father, Son

Businessman Docked

LAGOS - A businessman, Jamiu Olayiwola, who allegedly assaulted a man and his son at their residence in Mushin, Lagos, was charged before an Itire Magistrates’ Court.

The 39-year-old, who lives in Mushin, is facing a four-count charge bordering on assault, unlawful damage and threat to life.

According to the prosecution, Olayiwola went to the house of the complainants, Alhaji Jimoh Rufai and his son, Oladimeji, and assaulted them.

Insp. Olakunle Shonibare told the court that the accused committed the offences on

October. 20 at No. 26, Adeyemi St., Mushin.

He said the accused physically assaulted Rufai and in the process, he fell down three times.

“He also assaulted Oladimeji, son of the complainant and hit him on the forehead with a stick thereby causing him bodily harm.’’

Shonibare alleged that Olayiwola threatened to terminate the life of Rufai before the end of the year.

A Honda Accord saloon car marked KER 173 AA, property of Rufai, was also damaged by the accused, he added.

Reps. Committee on information during their visit NAN Headquarters in Abuja.

He noted that the offences contravened Sections 171, 230 and 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused entered a plea of not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N150, 000 with

two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mrs. A. O. Gbajumo, adjourned the case to November.27 for mention.

Reports state that Section 230 provides seven years jail term for offenders.

Amnesty Programme: Niger

Delta Youths Commend FG ABUJA -The Niger Delta Youth Leaders Administrative Council (NDYLAC) has commended the Federal Government for the presidential amnesty programme, saying it had transformed the lives of youths

in the Niger Delta region.

Mr. Emeka Uzoka, the President of NDYLAC, commended the government for the programme when he addressed newsmen in Abuja.

He also commended Mr. Kingsley Kuku, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, for his efficient coordination of the amnesty programme.

Uzoka said that the amnesty programme had recorded laudable achievements in the Niger Delta.

“Mr. Kuku has contributed immensely to the empowerment of our youths, especially in the area of capacity building.

“Through this programme, most of the ex-militants and youths have been trained as pilots, shipbuilders and skilled personnel in the oil and gas industries.

“Also, there are engineers and other professionals among the beneficiaries of the presidential amnesty programme”, he said.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

South-West Ekiti Spends N1.6b On Facilities At Ikogosi Resort LAGOS - Mr. Segun Ologunleko, the Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Public Private Partnership has said the state government spent N1.6 billion to improve facilities at the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort.

Ologunleko told newsmen in Lagos that the development of the resort was in line with the state government’s eight - point transformation agenda.

Ologunleko said that the fund was used to build a 91room chalet, construct two warm swimming pools, as well as 150 and 500 capacity conference halls.

According to him,other

facilities provided include 320-seat capacity amphitheatre, shopping mall, roads, restaurant and bar.

“In the past, the road to the resort was bad during all seasons, the few chalets had no facilities and the pool was decrepit.

“Also, there was actually no life or activities of any kind at the resort. But today, the story has changed.

“The massive infrastructural development, has infused life into the resort.

“The facilities at the resort are of international standards that can rival any resort of this nature, anywhere in the world,” he

Osun Screens 500 Women For Breast A participant, Mrs. Cancer Adebayo Olaitan, OSOGBO - The Osun Government has screened more than 500 women for breast cancer in order to detect early signs of the ailment.

The screening exercise, which took place at Asubiaro State Hospital in Osogbo, attracted a huge turn-out of women across the state.

Reports state that the exercise was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and the management of the hospital.

commended the state government for its effort at ensuring that breast cancer among women was eradicated.

Olaitan said many were dying because of ignorance and urged women to see the screening exercise as an opportunity to ascertain their health status.

Another participant, Mrs. Adebola Adeshina, commended the Ministry of Health for the initiative and urged other women to come out for screening.

said.

Ologunleko said that the park would provide over 150 employment opportunities for indigenes, thereby improving the standard of living in the community.

“The rural tourism development idea is to utilise the tourism opportunities in the area to boost tourism potentials of the state.

“Doing so will boost government revenue and make the state a preferred tourism destination in the world,” he stated.

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa (left), welcoming his Adamawa counterpart, Governor Murtala Nyako during the visit of the later to Dutse on Thursday

Brothers Remanded Over Rape, Kidnap OSOGBO - An Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of two brothers for abducting and raping a 14-year-old girl.

The duo, Feyisola Olatunji, 25, and Olabode Olatunji, 28, allegedly conspired and committed the offences on Oct. 12, at about 9.45 p.m.

at the Old Governor’s office area in Osogbo.

The police prosecutor, Insp.

Wilson Meriti, had told the court that the accused persons committed felony with abduction and rape when they kidnapped their victim and unlawfully had carnal knowledge of her.

He said that the offence committed by the accused contravened Section 227 of the state Criminal Code 2003 and Section 31(1) and (2) of Child Right Law of Osun, 2007.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the

charges read out to them.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, remanded the accused in Ilesha prison custody and directed his counsel, Mr Henry Odunayo, to file a formal bail application on their behalf.

Aluko later adjourned the case to Nov. 25 for mention.

Ekiti Happy At Lifting Of Ban On Ado-Ekiti Stadium ADO-EKITI - The Ekiti Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Kayode Olaosebikan has expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) over its decision to lift the ban placed on the Ekiti State Stadium.

The Fountain FC of Ekiti and Prime of Osogbo had clashed during a match on the facility.

Olaosebikan told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti that the state government was shocked at the level of misconduct displayed by players of Fountain and Prime that led to the ban.

The commissioner said the ministry and Ekiti State Sports Council would ensure that such ‘ugly incident’ did not re-occur.

Olaosebikan enjoined security operatives in the

state to always secure the stadium each time matches were to be held in the stadium.

The commissioner thanked the NFA for considering the interest of youths in Ekiti by lifting the ban.

Also reacting, the General Manager, Ekiti Sports Council, Olukayode Adewunmi, expressed dismay at the circumstance that led to ban.

He said it was regrettable that the ban stopped the state from hosting National league matches, which he said was unfair to youths of Ekiti.

Adewunmi, however, expressed his delight at the decision of NFA to lift the ban, promising that henceforth, maximum security regulations would be adopted to avert future reoccurrence.

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Adesanmi Popoola; Guest Speaker, Dr. Lolu Ojo and Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, Mr. Lekan Fashesin at a Business Summit on Entrepreneurshp and Pharmacy Practice in Ibadan on Thursday.

Agriculture Deserves More Govt Attention ILUPEJU (EKITI) - Dr Nigerians earn their living funds for execution of - Expert Alabi Fafiyebi, a directly or indirectly from projects that will have consultant on agriculture, said government must give more attention to the sector if the country was to develop.

Fafiyebi stated this in an interview with newsmen at Ilupeju, Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti.

According to him, a greater percentage of

agriculture and related services.

“Apart from providing food for the citizenry and raw materials for agroallied industries, the sector plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. “ It should be accorded the deserved attention through allocation of more

direct impact on farmers, especially those engaged in mechanised farming,’’ Fafiyebi said.

He lauded the efforts of the Federal Government in revitalising the sector, citing the rebirth of cocoa and palm trees through distribution of seedlings to farmers.

Fafiyebi, however, appealed to government to provide loans and other incentives to interested youths interested in agriculture.

He said the involvement of youths, especially graduates, in food production would reduce unemployment.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Lagos N115,000 Fraud

Estate Agent Docked LAGOS - An estate agent, Aduni Olonade, 33, who allegedly duped an accommodation seeker of N115,000, has appeared before an Abule Egba Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Olonade, who resides at No. 50, Unity Road, Aboru, Lagos, is standing trial on a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretences and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp Rachael Williams, told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 11 on Unity Road, Aboru, Lagos.

Williams said that Olonade collected the money from Mrs Bose Bello on the pretext of assisting her to secure an accommodation.

“The accused failed to provide

the accommodation, and later told the complainant that she would vacate her own apartment

by December for her to move into,’’ she submitted.

Williams said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 312 provides that obtaining by false pretences is a felony and a person convicted of it is liable to 15 years imprisonment.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following the plea, the Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, granted him N100,000 bail with one surety in like sum.

Elias adjourned the case to November 13 for mention.

Members, Education Rights Campaign (ERC) protesting over ASUU strike in Lagos recently.

$6,000 Theft: Money

Dealer Arraigned

LAGOS - The Police in Lagos have arraigned one Abdullahi Laraba, for allegedly defrauding a man, Muyiwa Cole, of $6,000 (about N900, 000).

Laraba, 52, who lives at No. 76, Glover St., Ebute Meta, Lagos is facing a two-count charge of stealing and conversion to personal use, before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, SP Austin Orji, told the court that the accused committed the offences on December 7, 2012, at a Bureau de Change in Lagos Island.

Orji said that the accused, a Bureau de Change dealer, collected from Cole, the sum of $23,000 for sale.

“He sold part of it but failed to remit the balance of $6,000, which the accused claimed he converted to his personal use, ’’ the prosecutor said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 409 and 312 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs S.K. Matepo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till November 11, for mention.

Doctors Advise Against Excessive Use Of Insecticides LAGOS - Some medical experts have advised Nigerians against excessive use of insecticides, saying that fumes from them were injurious.

They told newsmen in interviews that excessive inhalation of insecticide fumes could cause diarrhoea, excessive drooling, sweating, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, palpitation and confusion.

Dr Kingsley Osagie, a Consultant Chest Physician at the National Hospital, Abuja, warned that inhaling insecticide fumes could damage the lungs.

“When exposed to insecticide fumes, difficulty in breathing increases, especially for individuals at risk of developing chronic lung diseases such as asthma or obstructive airway disease, “he said.

Osagie recommended the use of insecticide-treated bed nets instead of insecticides.

Also, Dr Awolusi Abiodun, a General Physician with the same hospital, told newsmen that excessive use of insecticides

could be harmful to the brain.

The physician said: “Insecticides are made to kill insects. When you spray them in your house, the fumes you inhale contain a poison referred to as organophosphate.

“When an insecticide fume is inhaled, it prevents haemoglobin and oxygen from combining, and thereby reduces the oxygen flow in the body.

“The more you stay in an environment with this organophosphate, the more you inhale the chemical and deprive your body of enough oxygen.

“It may get to a level when the oxygen available in the body becomes low and affects the brain, causing headaches and can make a person to faint.’’

He advised those using insecticides to go out of their rooms immediately after spraying them.

“Close the rooms and wait for, at least, 30 minutes; when you get in, open all the windows and doors.

Environmental Sanitation Community Development Service (CDS) Group of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Environmental Sanitation and Awareness Campaign in Gombe metropolis recently.

Imbibe Cultural Values, Association Urges Youths

LAGOS - Mrs Nneka Moses of Goge Africa, a cultural and tourism outfit, has urged Nigerian youths to imbibe local cultural values to enhance the development of the nation.

Moses, the Managing Director of the firm, told newsmen in Lagos that globalisation had negatively impacted on African cultural values.

She said that the huge African culture had been lost to Western values, adding, “there is need for youths to imbibe local cultural values”.

“The only way to make our cultural heritage valuable is to let our youths imbibe our rich cultural values,’’ she said.

Moses said that Goge Africa was partnering the Lagos State

Ministry of Education to imbibe the national cultural values in the children.

She said that the programme would form the basis of a cultural festival being planned for school children in Lagos State in December. “ If our cultural values and norms are inculcated in the youths, they will not depart from it when they grow up,’’ Moses

said.

The Goge Africa chief urged parents to instil cultural norms in their children, “especially to ensure that they speak their indigenous languages.’’

“Language is very important in every society because it is a strong cultural tool which shows our identity.

To Promote Early Diagnosis, Treatment, NGO LAGOS - An NGO, Health Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Matters Incorporated (HMI), in Uses Mobile Clinics while those that are HIV positive Lagos has said it embarked on the use of mobile clinics in Lagos for early diagnosis and treatment to reduce preventable deaths.

Mr Oluwatosin Yusuf, a Health Worker with the organisation, told newsmen that “HMI is a non-profit NGO established in 1995 with the aim of promoting `Disease and Poverty Free Nigeria’.”

He said that the clinics were screening passersby for malaria, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV and abnormal blood sugar

levels in some markets and busstops in Lagos.

Yusuf said that many Nigerians had died avoidable deaths because they did not take time to go to the hospitals before things really got bad.

“That is why we provide these screening for everyone, so that they can check their health status before it is too late,” he said.

Yusuf said that HMI had four mobile clinics visiting some market places in Ojota, Ikorodu

and Ojuelegba with the aim of bringing services closer to the people.

He said that the tests were being done free at the designated markets.

According to Yusuf, HMI also offers free health counselling and free malaria medication.

“If they tested positive to malaria, we offer them free treatment.

“If they have diabetes, we refer them to the Lagos University

are referred to Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba,” he said.

Yusuf urged Lagos residents to take advantage of the mobile clinics to know their health status.

He said that the screening was not a substitute for comprehensive annual medical checkup.

Yusuf also urged government at all levels to create awareness among the citizens on the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Across The Nation

Sokoto Shuts Excavation Sites

SOKOTO - The Sokoto State Government has announced the immediate closure of some gravel and white sand excavation sites in Wamakko Local Government Area.

The affected sites are located in Arkilla, Barkeji and Kammata villeges.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Jabbi Kilgori, made the announcement in Sokoto during a meeting with the leadership of the state chapters of quarry and articulated vehicle owners’ associations.

Kilgori said “the decision was informed by the various threats posed by activities of the excavators to human lives and the environment.”

The commissioner, who said that Gov. Aliyu Wamakko had approved the closure of the sites, added that gravel and white sand had been excavated over the years in the area, “but that has to stop now.

“The closure is aimed at saving lives and property, as well as protecting the

environment.”

He also announced the immediate sealing of all the roads leading to the affected sites.

He added that the meeting was summoned to intimate the unions about the decision of the state government.

Strict measures would be put in place to ensure

Missing Service Riffles Commission Seeks Traditional Ruler’s Intervention NASARAWA-EGGON (NASARAWA STATE) - The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the May 7 killing of security personnel at Alakyo Village in Lafia has appealed to the traditional ruler of Eggon to assist it.

The commission wanted the Aren Eggon, Bala Angbazo, to intervene and assist it toward the recovery of service riffles which got missing during the incident.

A member of the commission, Retired AIG Hamisu Jos, made the appeal during an interactive session

Zamfara Revokes Leasehold On Hotel GUSAU -The Zamfara Government says it has revoked the leasehold on its hotel, Halal, located in Abuja and managed by Bina Consultants Ltd. Alhaji Ibrahim BirninMagaji, the state Commissioner of Information, disclosed this to the newsmen in Gusau.

He said that government took the action due to improper documentation of the lease rights.

He said following a complaint by the hotel’s supervising ministry, the state government set up a committee in March which reported some abnormalities in the lease rights.

compliance by the affected stakeholders, he noted, stressing that security agents would be involved to assist in ensuring adherence to the directive.

He, however, announced 10 alternative approved sites for the excavators in Lokobi, Ruggar Mande, Gatare, Yarome, Kulafasa, Munkeri, Mungorori, Kwalkwalawa, Gwamfar Gebe and Kurungu.

Magaji said that the hotel was leased to the consulting firm at N465 million for 20 years by the immediate past administration of Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi without back-up documents.

The commissioner said the hotel, which was commissioned by the Yariman Bakura administration, was a four storey building of 120 rooms located at the Central Business District in Abuja.

Magaji said the state government had re-acquired its property and would look for new partners.

He said that due process would be followed in the new lease arrangement.

at the palace of the paramount ruler in Nasarawa-Eggon.

Jos said since the ugly incident of May 7, a large number of service riffles belonging to the slain security operatives have yet to be recovered.

He added that the riffles, which were now in the hands of the wrong people, would further endanger the lives of innocent citizens and stressed the need for concerted efforts to recover them.

The retired AIG said “bodies of some of the slain officers are yet to be recovered and given proper burial.’’

Mrs Funsho Lawal, Counsel to the commission, also appealed to the traditional ruler to facilitate the appearance of Baba Alakyo, the perceived “Ombatse’’ priest to testify before the commission.

Responding, Angbazo said he would do his best to ensure that Baba Alakyo testified before the commission.

He, however, added that the testimony had to be taken at his palace in Nasarawa-Eggon and not in Lafia.

The Chairman of the commission, Retired Justice Joseph Gbadeyan, said members of the commission were at the palace to interact with the traditional ruler with a view to finding a lasting solution to the incessant crisis in the state.

L-R: Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Joy Ogwu; IGP, Mohammed Abubakar and Defence Adviser, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Brig-Gen, Lincoln Ogunewe, during the IGP’s visit to Nigerian Mission in New York.

Emergence Of 2 Council Chairmen:

Tension In Madagali LG YOLA - Security personnel have been drafted to Madagali Local Government secretariat in Adamawa following the crisis that erupted over the emergence of two council chairmen.

Reports state that , a Yola high court presided over by Justice Ambrose

Mammani, ruled that Madagali Council Chairman, Mr. James Watharda, should vacate office for Mr Maina Ularamu.

The court said Ularamu was the authentic candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2012 local government polls in

Kaduna: Laundry Operators

Smile To Banks, As Business Booms

KADUNA - Laundry service operators in Kaduna metropolis are smiling to the banks, as they record boom in the business, Reports say.

A check in the city reveals that more people, including graduates are embracing the trade because of its quick returns on investment.

While local operators charge between N100 to N200 per set of cloth, the corporate wash men charge customers between N500 and N1,000.

Mr. Felix Gambo, who runs a laundry outfit in Sabon Tasha told newsmen that,

IGP Mohammed Abubakar (left), being welcomed by D e f e n c e A d v i s e r, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Brig-Gen. L i n c o l n Ogunewe, during the IGP’s visit to Nigeria Mission in New York recently.

most people view dry cleaning business “as a lesser job, but those of us in it are smiling because the business is lucrative, challenging and labour-intensive”.

Gambo said he makes between N100,000 and N150,000 a month from washing and ironing clothes.

He said patronage was high, adding, “most people who previously wash and iron their clothes at home are forced to engage the services of dry cleaners so as to reduce electricity charges”.

Malam Abdullahi Usman, a local laundry service provider on Kano road, also said he rakes in an average of N100, 000 a month after deducting electricity charges and the allowances of his seven apprentices.

“As you can see, there are so many clothes here and I am not dry cleaning them for free; i use the money to pay my electricity bills, pay my boys and take care of my domestic needs.”

Miss Halima Ali, the branch Manager of Focal Point Dry Cleaners said: “Most of our clients are professionals whose tight job schedules would not allow them do some of the domestic chores like washing and ironing ”.

According to her, such customers pay N500 to get their shirt washed and N1,050 for a suit.

the state which PDP won.

Ularamu had dragged Watharda, Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSEIC) and PDP before the high court as first, second and third respondent respectively.

In his ruling, Mammani ordered the immediate return and swearing in of the plaintiff (Ularamu) as the duly nominated candidate of PDP. This development led to the swearing-in of Ularam as chairman of Madagali Council immediately by a Notary Public, Mr. A. B Pantyi, in the premises of the High Court.

However, Watharda whose Counsel, Mr. Shabo Hyacinth had filed an appeal and stay of execution of notice on the ruling, described the swearing in as illegal.

He insisted that he is still the local government chairman pending the determination of his appeal.

Also commenting on the development, the Adamawa SIEC Commissioner for Public and Legal Affairs, Mr. Modibbo Bakari confirmed receipt of Watharda’s notice of appeal and stay of action.

Bakari said the commission had asked its lawyer to join the appeal and protect the position of the commission where necessary.

Meanwhile, reports from Gulak town, the headquarters of Madagali Local Government area indicated that security personnel had been drafted to the secretariat which remained deserted since Monday.

This was because workers kept away for fear of possible violence between supporters of Ularamu and Watharda over who is the genuine chairman of the council.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Abuja Eviction: SERAC Calls For Legal Frame Work ABUJA - Mr. Andrew Maki, Staff Attorney of the Social and Economic Rights Action Centre (SERAC), in Abuja called for a legal framework to protect people from forceful evictions.

Maki made the call in an interview with our reporter.

He said the call for a legal framework became necessary, following increasing cases of forced eviction across the country, which leaves residents poorer and more vulnerable.

Maki said there was need for a legal framework or legislation to protect people, particularly the poor, from forced eviction, adding that it was an infringement on their rights.

“There is a need for a clear legal framework on evictions to fight against forced evictions, which often affect the poor that will have a legal binding effect,” he said.

He also advised that people who live in slums should be given security of tenure or legal rights to remain in areas earmarked for demolition for a period of time while upgrading is being done on them.

“The solution to slum problem is to give the people some sort of security of tenure, which means legal rights, be it ownership or rent or a form of

lease.

“This will make them have confidence that government will not bulldoze them out of their residents on short notice.

“If you find ways to give poor people security of tenure, they will upgrade their houses and communities and slums will begin to get transformed,” he said.

Reports state that SERAC is a non-governmental organisation that promotes and protects economic, social, and cultural rights in Nigeria.

SERAC aims to increase public participation in the design and implementation of social and economic policies and programmes through its monitoring and advocacy programme, community action programmes and legal action programmes.

ABUJA - The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme(WAAPP) in Nigeria says it will produce 250 million fast growing fingerlings as well as high quality brood stock in one year for farmers.

Prof. Damian Chikwendu, WAAPP’s National Project Coordinator, said this while addressing newsmen on the sidelines of a stakeholders meeting in Abuja.

According to him, the programme is also working to ensure that it helps promote some newly introduced

agricultural technology among farmers.

“We have about 120 communities we are working with while the research institutes and colleges are working with some secondary schools as well.

“We are trying to promote interest in agriculture among students in secondary schools.

“We are also working with research institutes to multiply breeder seeds, improve foundation seeds as well as working with the private sector

Director of Security Services, Akwa Ibom, Mr. Tamo Minti (left), receiving an award from the President, Nigerian Institute for Industrial Security (NIIS), Alhaji Isa Salami at the 6th Annual Conference of the Institute in Uyo recently.

Allocate More Funds To Leprosy Control, NGO Urges FG

ABUJA - The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (LMN), a nongovernmental organisation, urged the Federal Government to allocate adequate funds to the country’s leprosy control programme.

Dr Udo Sunday, the Mission’s National Director,

made the plea at a sensitisation workshop on “The Rights of Persons Affected by Leprosy’’ in Abuja.

He noted that the biggest challenge facing the country’s

leprosy control programme was insufficient funding and inadequate attention from the governments.

“Leprosy is faced with a situation where it has to

WAAPP To Produce 250M Fast Growing Fingerlings, Brood Stock to multiply certified seeds.

“We are also working with the research institutes and universities to multiply fast growing fingerlings and high quality brood stock; our target for fingerlings for one year is to provide 250 million fingerlings.

“The seeds and fingerlings that are being produced are for farmers and they are getting them already.

Chikwendu said that the programme was also working toward popularising all local

FCT Cultural Troops performing at the United Nations Day celebration in Abuja recently.

genetic materials.

He cited the ‘Shika brown’, a layer breed of chicken developed by the National Animal Production Research Institute as an example, saying that the “brown parent stocks” of the new breed would be reproduced with the parent stock and day old chicks distributed to farmers for adoption.

He added that WAAPP was strengthening the research system to be able to contribute towards an improved sector.

Reports say that WAAPP is an ECOWAS initiative coordinated at the sub-regional level by the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development.

It aims to make agriculture more productive and sustainable and also to support sub-regional integration.

It also helps to provide enabling conditions for Nigeria to cooperate with the West African sub-region in technology generation and dissemination.

In Nigeria, it was approved by the World Bank and is being coordinated by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), an agency of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

compete with a bigger burden disease like tuberculosis because leprosy control is merged with tuberculosis control.

“There is a lot of money going into tuberculosis control because everybody is rushing toward its eradication.

“Unfortunately, not much attention is given to leprosy management,’’ he said.

Sunday underscored the need for the Federal Government to give equal attention to leprosy management so as to ensure its total eradication from the country.

He said that persons affected by leprosy should also benefit from the government’s health insurance scheme, urging the government to provide them with basic amenities as well.

Sunday said that the mission recorded at least 4,000 new leprosy cases, adding that stigma and discrimination against persons and communities affected by

leprosy were still high in the country.

“Every year, between 200,000 and 300,000 persons are diagnosed with leprosy around the world and they are disabled because of it,’’ he said.

Sunday stressed that persons affected by leprosy and their family members should be treated as people with dignity.

He urged government at all levels to also promote, protect and ensure the full realisation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons affected by leprosy.

Also speaking, Mr. Pious Ogbu, the mission’s Operations Manager, called on the Federal Government to allow persons affected by leprosy to have access to affordable health care services.

He also urged the government to put in place an earlydetection scheme to facilitate prompt treatment of the disease, while neutralising any reactions and complications which might crop up.

31 Pilots Enroled In Aviation Institutes Abroad - Maku ABUJA - Mr. Kingsley Kuku, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, said 31 pilots had been enrolled for training on Type/Jet rating in aviation training institutes in the UK and Germany.

Kuku told newsmen in Abuja that the pilots had earlier been trained in South Africa under a scholarship scheme approved by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said 22 pilots were enroled for jet/type-rating training at the Lufthansa Pilot Institute, Germany while nine pilots were sent to CAE Oxford Aviation Academy in the UK. Kuku said the pilots would be equipped to fly modern Boeing 737 next generation aircraft used by most countries in the world.

He said that for the two years the 31 pilots spent in South Africa for their earlier training, they did break any law there.

“Only one of the people sent to South Africa violated the code of conduct by travelling without permission and we sent him out of the programme.

“Today if he sees his 22 colleagues in Lufthansa and nine of them in CAE Oxford Aviation Academy in UK, I am sure that the young man will regret his actions,’’ Kuku said.

He urged the beneficiaries to be of good behaviour and obey the laws of the host country, adding, “We trust and believe in them; they cannot afford to fail us.”

THE NIGERIAN

10

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Business + Economy Experts Foresee Lull In Banking Sector Stocks

Members, Rotary International District 9140, Zone 4, marking the World Polio Day in Awka on Thursday

LAGOS- Two capital market operators have said that the banking sector might witness a lull as investors shift investment to other sectors.

They told the newsmen in Lagos that the shift was due to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) tight monetary policy.

According to Mr David Adonri, the Chief Executive Officer, Lambeth Trust & Securities Ltd., Lagos, the lull will remain till the end of 2013.

Adonri added that the lull in the sector might slip into 2014, should the banks payout low dividends at the end of this financial year.

“Investment emphasis has shifted away from banking stocks due to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) monetary policy.

“This is because investors are afraid that banks’ earnings will decline following the tight monetary policy.

Adonri said that consumer goods and petroleum sectors would likely dominate the market, till the end of 2013 as emphasis shifts from the banking sector.

He said that investors had developed a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude following fears that bank profits and dividends payout would decline in the 2013 financial year.

Mr. Wale Onigbode, the Managing Director, Calyx Securities Ltd., Lagos, said that the rush for bank stocks had slowed down in the last two months.

According to Onigbode, this is due to fears by investors that the apex bank may further tighten the monetary policy.

Onigbode said that investors had embarked on portfolio swap to minimise their exposure to banking equities due to the policy.

He added that the 2013 financial results of the sector, when released, would determine the direction of the capital market and banking equities.

It should be recalled that the CBN in July raised the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) on public sector deposits from 12 per cent to 50 per cent.

The deposits comprised deposits from all tiers of government.

CRR is bank’s deposit balances, which banks must have as reserve in cash with the apex bank.

The reserve ratio is one of the instruments used by the apex bank to mop or check money supply in circulation

Stakeholder Wants Tax Holiday For Park LAGOS- Mr. Abraham Owners Ololade, Chairman, Rosellas

Students attending a workshop on Relevance of Oral Therapy by the Nigerian Association of Occupational Therapists in Benin recently.

Amusement Park, Iganmu, has advised the Federal Government to give 20-year tax holiday to investors to revive obsolete parks in the country.

Ololade told the newsmen in Lagos that many amusement parks in the country had gone into extinction due to multiple taxes impose by government on operators.

He said that such rebate would help investors to put the parks together, secure facilities, employ staff and give them the opportunity to put necessary facilities in place.

Institute Tasks Freight Forwarders On Training

LAGOS - The Nigerian Institute of Freight Forwarders says it will henceforth tie the renewal of its members’ licence to participation in mandatory training programmes.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the institute, Mr. Valentino Buoro, made this known to the newsmen in Lagos.

Buoro said the institute came up with the initiative because most of its members were not attending mandatory training programmes.

He said that members must attend the mandatory training programmes for their licence to be renewed.

“The licence of any member who fails to attend the next mandatory training programme scheduled for November.16 will not be

renewed.

“Their names will not be in the directory of registered freight forwarders,” he said.

He said that this year’s training was necessary because it would discuss the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) Act and ethical issues relating to freight forwarding.

“The Act is still relatively new to a number of persons, particularly the professionals who need to have a good understanding of what the Act is all about.

“Other courses will be on: Tariff interpretation; the role of the Customs and classification of goods; cargo handling and port clearance procedure,” Buoro said.

He said that the CRFFN had approved 10 institutions for

training in freight forwarding.

The institutions are Benue State University, Makurdi, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria, Maritime

Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Modibo Adama University of Technology, Yola.

Others are the Redeemers University, Mowe in Ogun, Fortune Business School, Lekki, Lagos, Multi-mix Academy, Surulere, The

Certified Institute of Shipping, Badagry and the International Maritime Training Centre, Ikoyi.

He urged those yet to be trained to update their professional skills through the institutes.

“The 20-year tax free period will assist investors to put necessary facilities in place, relieve them from multiple taxes and make them to survive for a long period.

“The idea is for government to create conducive business environment for foreign and local investors in the country to thrive.

“Foreign operators survive for long periods due to tax free tax periods given to them,“ Ololade said.

The operator listed some of the parks that had gone under as Fantasy Land, Leisure Land, Apapa, Troopers and Frank Kids as well as the Amusement Park.

He said that revival of the parks would boost tourism potential of the country and create employment opportunities for citizens.

Ololade also called on the Federal Government to give park operators intervention funds to expand their businesses.

“Doing this will boost government’s revenue as it is mandatory for operators to repay such grants, “ he said.

Ololade appealed to all tiers of government to patronise the parks to boost their incomes.

NSE Market Capitalisation Rises By N34 bn LAGOS - The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) appreciated by N34 billion following price gains by some blue chip equities.

Reports state that the market capitalisation, which opened at N11.905 trillion, rose by 0.29 per cent to close at N11.939 trillion.

Also, the All-Share Index inched by 104.94 points or 0.28 per cent to close at 37,368.10 against 37,263.16 achieved on Monday.

Forte Oil led the gainers’ chart

with a gain of N6.58 to close at N70.88 per share due to what market analysts attributed to improved nine months result released on Monday.

Guinness trailed with N6.06 to close at N246.02, while Nigerian Breweries appreciated by N4 to close at N176 per share.

Conoil chalked up N1.92 to close at N40.48, while Betaglass improved by 60k to close at N13.10 per share.

On the contrary, Cadbury recorded the highest price loss of N2.50 to close at N56.50 per

share.

Larfarge Wapo followed with a loss of 47k to close at N98.03, while Ashaka Cement dipped 45 kobo to close at N22.55 per share.

Unilever and Zenith Bank lost 42k and 32k each to close at N60.62 and N21.55 per share, respectively.

Reports state that GTBank emerged investors’ delight with 77.07 million shares worth N1.97 billion.

It was followed by Transnational Corporation of

Nigeria which accounted for 33.39 million shares valued at N57.41 million, while Access Bank traded 24.93 million share worth N257.37 million.

FBN Holdings recorded a turnover of 15.36 million shares worth N253.31 million, while AIICO sold 14.79 million shares worth N13.822 million.

In all, investors staked N4.26 billion on 308.03 million shares in 5,180 deals against 295.69 million shares worth N3.91 billion traded in 5,921 deals on Monday.

THE NIGERIAN

11

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT FRIDAY (25/10/13) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.5

0

0

10,000

5,000.00

7UP

68

68

0

0

19,956

1,341,439.27

MOBIL

120

116.05

-3.95

0

37,772

4,388,857.14

ABCTRANS

0.79

0.76

-0.03

0

347,490

269,788.83

MRS

37.56

37.56

0

0

165,712

6,098,946.00

ACCESS

10.1

10.39

0.29

0

6,416,115

64,587,861.40

MULTITREX

0.51

0.51

0

0

1,000

530

AFRIPRUD

1.86

1.88

0.02

0

521,961

985,861.88

MULTIVERSE

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

AGLEVENT

1.65

1.65

0

0

3,600

5,652.00

NAHCO

6

6.18

0.18

0

841,982

5,174,667.02

AIICO

0.96

0.92

-0.04

0

8,517,932

7,925,236.04

NASCON

12.11

12.35

0.24

0

594,404

7,321,554.65

AIRSERVICE

3.69

3.51

-0.18

0

245,123

860,381.73

NB

173.5

170

-3.5

0

564,065

95,919,130.69

ASHAKACEM

22.04

21.17

-0.87

0

343,442

7,266,528.97

NCR

16.83

16.83

0

0

2,000

31,980.00

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

0

800

400

NEIMETH

1.2

1.2

0

0

88,800

101,582.00

BERGER

8

8.4

0.4

0

249,766

2,097,524.68

NEM

0.61

0.64

0.03

0

4,994,822

3,113,094.83

CADBURY

56.5

56.5

0

0

287,639

15,672,233.40

NESTLE

1050.06

1051

0.94

0

229,238

239,476,186.40

CAP

46.87

48.99

2.12

0

355,559

16,946,148.54

NNFM

24.37

24.37

0

0

2,300

53,360.00

CAPHOTEL

4.55

4.55

0

0

1,000

4,330.00

NPFMCRFBK

0.77

0.77

0

0

3,000

2,400.00

CCNN

9.5

9.75

0.25

0

423,234

4,070,378.30

OANDO

11.31

11.3

-0.01

0

8,489,222

98,477,155.02

CONOIL

49.15

49.15

0

0

264,923

13,110,175.46

OASISINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

15,000

7,500.00

CONTINSURE

1.06

1.06

0

0

1,721,416

1,828,452.90

OKOMUOIL

44

45.99

1.99

0

1,295,336

58,397,793.01

CORNERST

0.5

0.5

0

0

12,250

6,125.00

PAINTCOM

2.2

2.09

-0.11

0

108,000

225,720.00

COSTAIN

1.07

1.07

0

0

240,149

249,949.74

PORTPAINT

4.85

5

0.15

0

386,857

1,934,285.00

34.5

34.5

0

0

10,735

366,295.00

COURTVILLE

0.63

0.6

-0.03

0

2,053,350

1,243,426.50

PRESCO

CUSTODYINS

1.67

1.74

0.07

0

2,044,859

3,519,718.94

PRESTIGE

0.57

0.55

-0.02

0

199,359

111,013.45

CUTIX

1.9

1.81

-0.09

0

134,000

242,540.00

PZ

39

38.99

-0.01

0

439,678

16,909,942.98

DAARCOMM

0.5

0.5

0

0

2,000

1,000.00

REDSTAREX

4.6

4.4

-0.2

0

414,606

1,825,587.00

DANGCEM

190

190

0

0

6,845

1,290,171.30

ROYALEX

0.5

0.5

0

0

12,000

6,000.00

DANGFLOUR

9.4

9.5

0.1

0

696,500

6,590,929.05

RTBRISCOE

1.4

1.4

0

0

107,118

146,002.66

DANGSUGAR

11.51

11.43

-0.08

0

1,005,849

11,553,571.54

SCOA

5.32

5.32

0

0

33

166.98

DIAMONDBNK

6.6

6.57

-0.03

0

6,044,643

40,143,755.29

SKYEBANK

4.65

4.63

-0.02

0

5,050,465

23,356,264.06

DNMEYER

1.88

1.88

0

0

250

447.5

SOVRENINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

125,767

62,883.50

EQUITYASUR

0.5

0.5

0

0

118,178

59,089.00

STACO

0.5

0.5

0

0

90,253

45,126.50

ETERNA

2.7

2.66

-0.04

0

743,956

2,005,792.14

STANBIC

19.3

19.1

-0.2

0

892,803

17,057,025.61

ETI

14

13.8

-0.2

0

7,813,501

105,823,121.00

STDINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

98,178

49,089.00

ETRANZACT

3.13

3.13

0

0

1,000

2,980.00

STERLNBANK

2.5

2.39

-0.11

0

3,585,644

8,671,246.81

FBNH

16.6

16.45

-0.15

0

10,071,513

165,881,802.20

TOTAL

167

167

0

0

26,172

4,306,428.75

FCMB

3.6

3.73

0.13

0

3,071,546

11,149,580.25

TRANSCORP

1.9

1.83

-0.07

0

31,588,133

57,932,422.28

FIDELITYBK

2.72

2.71

-0.01

0

4,222,700

11,455,013.95

TRANSEXPR

1.32

1.32

0

0

13,520

17,616.00

FIDSON

2.04

2.1

0.06

0

5,278,019

10,604,412.10

UAC-PROP

18.99

18.96

-0.03

0

1,587,558

29,204,961.20

FIRSTALUM

0.5

0.5

0

0

2,000

1,000.00

UACN

64.99

64.99

0

0

347,896

22,774,709.04

FLOURMILL

84

84.75

0.75

0

446,791

38,056,472.29

UBA

7.98

7.6

-0.38

0

40,006,542

311,834,986.20

FO

74.55

72.98

-1.57

0

472,183

34,020,750.70

UBCAP

1.32

1.3

-0.02

0

2,772,489

3,692,311.83

10.51

10.5

-0.01

0

1,495,603

15,692,412.89

FTNCOCOA

0.5

0.5

0

0

300,000

150,000.00

UBN

GLAXOSMITH

65

65

0

0

46,875

3,048,461.64

UNHOMES

0.5

0.5

0

0

89,253

44,626.50

GUARANTY

25.25

25.2

-0.05

0

22,493,469

568,279,611.80

UNILEVER

59.99

60

0.01

0

396,076

23,740,076.26

GUINNESS

241

238

-3

0

1,509,616

359,430,483.50

UNITYBNK

0.53

0.53

0

0

13,682,021

7,180,457.24

HMARKINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

300,000

150,000.00

UNITYKAP

0.5

0.5

0

0

120,700

60,350.00

HONYFLOUR

2.97

2.97

0

0

789,421

2,366,183.61

UPL

3.8

3.8

0

0

10,563

40,176.23

IHS

2.41

2.41

0

0

15,450

39,060.50

UTC

0.7

0.7

0

0

139,000

94,390.00

IKEJAHOTEL

0.75

0.75

0

0

12,650

9,218.00

VITAFOAM

4.11

4.15

0.04

0

168,000

693,640.00

INTBREW

22

22

0

0

278,775

6,139,778.46

VONO

1.67

1.59

-0.08

0

85,394

135,776.86

INTENEGINS

0.72

0.69

-0.03

0

627,711

444,118.92

WAPCO

98.5

98.5

0

0

147,743

14,466,684.12

IPWA

0.85

0.81

-0.04

0

100,000

81,000.00

WAPIC

0.95

0.91

-0.04

0

124,178

113,019.90

JAPAULOIL

0.5

0.5

0

0

279,412

139,706.00

WEMABANK

1.11

1.14

0.03

0

7,773,508

8,530,882.87

JBERGER

77

77

0

0

35,070

2,688,532.17

ZENITHBANK

21.75

21.7

-0.05

0

6,060,296

131,667,659.70

JOHNHOLT

1.3

1.24

-0.06

0

115,000

142,600.00

JOSBREW

3.6

3.6

0

0

3,300

11,930.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.7

1.77

0.07

0

100,100

177,177.00

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

100,000

50,000.00

LIVESTOCK

3.9

3.86

-0.04

0

1,806,323

7,121,371.08

MANSARD

2.04

2.04

0

0

92,500

196,375.00

MAYBAKER

2.02

2.03

0.01

0

286,366

586,680.56

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock CAP OKOMUOIL NESTLE FLOURMILL BERGER ACCESS CCNN NASCON NAHCO PORTPAINT

Close 48.99 45.99 1051 84.75 8.4 10.39 9.75 12.35 6.18 5

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain 2.12 1.99 0.94 0.75 0.4 0.29 0.25 0.24 0.18 0.15

Stock

Close

Loss

MOBIL NB GUINNESS FO ASHAKACEM UBA ETI REDSTAREX STANBIC AIRSERVICE

116.05 170 238 72.98 21.17 7.6 13.8 4.4 19.1 3.51

-3.95 -3.5 -3 -1.57 -0.87 -0.38 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2 -0.18

THE NIGERIAN

12

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

FOR the second month running, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is prosecuting an indefinite strike action to press home their demand for the implementation of a 2009 agreement reached with the Federal Government and a Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the same government based on the 2009 agreement and how best to implement.

FROM our understanding, the crux of the matter is the Federal Government’s irresponsibility as it enters into agreement with the striking teachers only to renege on implementation. We consider the action of government as irresponsible and we condemn such official rascality, given the fact that ASUU in 2011 also dislocated the nation’s public universities for the same grievances.

WE are deeply concerned with the severe impact of strike actions on our public Universities across the country, which has led in the past to even loss of academic calendar and incalculable losses as it pertains to dislocation of learning process by affected university students.

STRIKE actions have also contributed significantly to the decline in the quality of graduates of our public universities as students are hurried with lectures as soon as such strike actions are called off. Also, as a result of hurried academic calendars, little attention in most cases is paid to research, which is an important component of academic pursuits.

THE on-going ASUU strike undoubtedly has disrupted examinations in a number of public universities and paralysed academic activities in all others. This is unacceptable

THE NIGERIAN

Resolving ASUU Strike and we urge both parties to the dispute to always consider the future of the students first, above all other considerations.

IN the light of the forgoing, while we believe that the university lecturers will from time to time have legitimate grounds to be angry with their employers, the frequent resort to the strike option is also unacceptable.

WE are, however, disappointed at the poor handling of the dispute between it and the University teachers by the Federal Government as evident in the empty claims of the former Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruqayyatu Rufai who merely tells the teachers to call of strike action after some poor coordinated meetings of some officials.

WE urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to be a responsible corporate citizen who respects agreements with other parties and institutions. Government disputes with university teachers lately have been largely due to broken promises and unfulfilled agreements, very often on the part of government.

WE expect ASUU to equally resort to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms used by organized labour in other parts of the world to safeguard our public University system, which is the only option available to children of the poor who would not be able to afford private university education.

ON funding, ASUU must understand that Government (Federal or State) alone cannot fund university education in Nigeria. It is important for ASUU and university authorities to begin to look inwards for internal revenue generation. Elsewhere, public Universities’ research and business activities operated by the universities generate substantial amount of income for funding teaching and learning. A situation where public universities depend almost one hundred percent on government is deplorable.

IT is on this score we want to call on the federal government to immediately revisit the issue of university autonomy with a view to divesting its grip on the nation’s universities and provide a policy framework for responsible internal revenue generation and transparent as well as accountable and judicious use of such revenues for the overall development of each of the public universities.

ALSO, we call on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to respect its 2009 agreement with ASUU and implement all provisions to the letter.

LASTLY, we want the federal government to carry out a comprehensive review of all conditions of service of all government workers whether academic, non-academic, hazardous or non-hazardous with a view to harmonizing all wages/salaries, allowances and entitlements across its workforce and eliminate all disparities that tend to fuel all kinds of chain agitations from various trade unions and professional associations with an ultimate goal of ending the resort to strike actions once and for all.

THE NIGERIAN

13

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Issues

WITHOUT doubt, the main campus of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, is wearing a new look due to the fast paced infrastructural upgrading taking place at its main campus. A first timer visitor will surely be held spellbound by the sight.

Spedfically, the institution’s landscape that includes a modern gate, in the east and west end of the polytechnic, perimeter fencing around the school which, hitherto, wore a decrepit garb is now glittering all over, giving it the tag of one of the fastest growing campuses in the country.

In a way, Auchi Polytechnic authorities are doing a lot to earn the confidence of its critical stakeholders, specifically the students, while also tackling it in bold and most creative way. Indeed, as they say in media parlance, the school is hilling the headlines for the right reasons. At this rate, it is only a matter of time before it, as the sole federal polytechnic in the whole of Edo State, joins the league of best adjudge polytechnic across the globe in terms of both its physical facilities and academic contents.

A unique thing about ongoing projects at Auchi Poly is the way both staff and students alike embrace it as shared responsibility.

This new spirit of collaboration is what has set Idogho’s era apart.

The pursuit of students’ happiness motivated the need to fashion student friendly policies and that accounts for the near absolute calm on the campus because, evidence shows the students appreciate the good job done so far and are willing to lend their support.

The latest revolution in Auchi Polytechnic is Idogho campus 2. To a first timer in Auchi, that name might sound like another school within the locality due to the popularity among students, bike riders and others, but that is basically wrong, rather the campus is just an

Idogho Campus 2

By SAM DADA AYOKHAI overstretch existing facilities at its main campus, the school’s management took the bull by the horn and decided that it was imperative to develop a

acted promptly and did not wait for violent school protests or any of such to erupt. By so doing, Dr. Idogho has displayed a rare trait among our leaders with

Dr. Mrs. Phillipa Idogho, Rector Auchi Polytechnic extension of the main campus of the school named after the rector of the school, Dr. (Mrs.) Phillipa Idogho.

Idogho Campus 2, according to sources, caters for the students population and admission seekers into the school’s rejigged evening part-time programme, called SPATS, i.e., School of Part-time Studies, which turned out to be a sellout. The selling point of the programme is the unique chance it afforded its participants to work and learn simultaneously.

Also as not to

new campus besides the old one which will act as a buffer and in such a way those standards were not compromised. What is the most intriguing part about it all is the fact that the school management

the welfare of students on top of her agenda as she intensified efforts at repositioning the school and making it a top choice among those seeking technical education.

The Idogho Campus 2 is a beauty to behold though planned as a gated community; the structures are gradually being shaped by the architects and builders on site. It is obvious, however, that the masterpiece will serve the dual purpose of beautifying the landscape and providing functional education resource centre replete with lecture halls, access roads, security, pathways and other modern conveniences. As an aside, one is compelled to state herein that the high ratings being enjoyed by Auchi Poly of recent predicated on the doggedness and courage of its Rector to confront issues as she searches for workable solutions that will aid her turn Auchi Poly into a centre of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

So, when it came to naming of the school, Dr. Idogho was the least person to expect the school would be named after, if she had her way, she would have rejected the offer so as not to be tag self glorifying but this is a matter she was not given an option but to accept the honour conferred on her by the school stakeholders in recognition of her doggedness in administering the

school.

Thus, looking at the latest revolution, aptly called Idogho Campus 2 in her honour, from onset in 2008, Dr. Idogho, since her appointment as Rector, she quickly picked herself up and hit the ground running with her hot agenda and in no time, began to churn out a string of fantastic results which earned her accolades. As alumnae, she knows her position in history and has resolved to make the difference.

Dr. Idogho; the administrator, scholar, mother, and wife is a pride to her gender, academia, womanhood, community and nation at large.

Whichever way one examines her credentials, it is worthy to note that Dr. Idogho’s greatest asset is her ability to think outside the box, something that brings different results unlike the conventional way of doing the same thing and expecting different results. When juxtaposed against the backdrop of the silent precincts of Auchi Poly, it is clear even to her critics that this woman of virtue sure knows her onion.

Sam Dada Ayokhai Media Consultant Benin City Edo State

“The latest revolution in Auchi Polytechnic is Idogho campus 2. To a first timer in Auchi, that name might sound like another school within the locality due to the popularity among students, bike riders and others, but that is basically wrong, rather the campus is just an extension of the main campus of the school named after the rector of the school, Dr. (Mrs.) Phillipa Idogho.”

THE NIGERIAN

14

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Tourism UNLIKE other Nigerians cities and towns, Abuja is adorned with numerous parks and gardens that serve as relaxation spots for city residents and visitors.

One of such facilities is the Jabi Lake Park, named after the Jabi District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and occupying about 23 hectares.

Banked by an elongated artificial lake, the park is supposed, in the expectation of many, to be the number one recreation park in the FCT. With its serene atmosphere of calmness, the park which is adorned with dwarf palm and mango trees has paved walkways to keep visitors off the lawns.

It is situated in an uppermiddle class neighbourhood of beautiful mansions, away from the ever busy districts of Garki, Wuse, Kado and Wuye.

Given its location and features, stakeholders in the tourism sector agree that Jabi Lake Park is indeed a suitable tourist destination. However, the park is fast losing its attraction and essence.

The artificial lake that was designed and created to provide fun and adventure for boat-sailing now seems to be half of its original size.

Weeds have taken over much of the lake, even as its dept appears silted due largely to discharge of flood waters into it from the s u r r o u n d i n g neighbourhoods.

The lake is now used only for boat regatta event during the annual Abuja Carnival, and seldom for swimming and boat riding, as observers say it could be

very dangerous for both activities.

However, some city dwellers use it for picnics, horse riding, and for other sporting activities as a few traders and food vendors provide services for the few fun-seekers at weekends.

They note that the park is disorganised, describing it as a wasteland; while some tourists argue that with its space and location, it should have been an interesting tourist attraction.

But some observers say with available games and sporting facilities, the park should be reorganised and restructured to justify its status.

In view of the tourism potential of Jabi Lake Park, a foreign company of architects recently proposed a comprehensive plan for the development of the area.

The plan aims to create “a new destination for the city as a place to live, work, shop, be entertained and above all, to enjoy’’.

“Rather than committing to a cluster of larger buildings, the proposed plan aims to break the building units into clusters of two, three and four components to achieve both density and retaining multiple roof gardens.

“The flexibility that the residential tower can offer allows for potential high rise buildings to be positioned alongside the streets and cascading low rise buildings towards the lake-front, creating variable skylines.

“The waterfront, rather than a waterfront promenade, the proposed design for the waterfront park aims to create a truly vibrant public space by

Reviving Jabi Park In Abuja including specific activities through its length with a double frontage concept,’’ the proposed plan said.

Experts attest that the proposal is laudable and should be towed; but query the current status of the park and lake.

Mr Innocent Mochan, an Abuja-based entertainer, says that the Jabi Lake Park is a veritable site for entertainers, if developed and well managed.

“If Jabi Lake is profitably managed; even we, the entertainers, can come here pay for space, entertain people and get paid for it.

In fact, we can make a good living from this place.

“Instead of going to enclosed places that lack natural ambience, one can organise shows here, but

By IFEANYI NWOKO

because of the lack of security and other essential facilities, we cannot use this beautiful environment.

“We complain of unemployment but this place, if put into proper use, can provide jobs for youths. The government should intervene to give it a facelift,’’ he said.

A visitor, Mr Jimoh Garuba, complains about indiscriminate dumping of refuse due to lack of waste disposal bins in the park.

He observes that the development had made the few visitors to throw wastes into the lake.

“You can see that people throw used bottles and other items everywhere, even in the lake; see the

“Given its location and features, stakeholders in the tourism sector agree that Jabi Lake Park is indeed a suitable tourist destination.

However, the park is fast losing its attraction and essence. The artificial lake that was designed and created to provide fun and adventure for boat-sailing now seems to be half of its original size.”

damage it is causing.

“The lake where we used to fish has been blocked by solid wastes, and now you can hardly see any fish except tadpoles.

“Weeds have taken over the surface of the pond and such activities can no longer be carried out here,’’ he said.

Mr Ndubuisi Okoye, who often visits the park on weekends, says he is uncomfortable with the state of security at the area.

“The gates have broken down and manned by no one, thus leaving people to come and go the way they like,’’ he observes.

But observers have been asking about the purpose of the Jabi Lake Park, its operators and whether or not it has been completed.

Mr Roland Ologun, Director, Parks and Recreation Department of the FCT, says “Jabi Lake is conceptualised to be one of the active recreational centres and parks in the FCT.

“It has an advantage of having a water body close to it; in that wise, water parks and water- related activities should be well pronounced in the park.

‘It is supposed to be a comprehensive family park where you should have a section for children and sporting activities’’.

He says that the park was concessioned to a company by the Department of Parks and Recreation under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, but litigation had stalled its management.

“Nevertheless, it remains the responsibility of the department to manage it like other parks in the FCT. “So no matter what goes on, we still have our staff to do skeletal activities in those parks.’’

Irrespective of the court case, observers insist that efforts should be made to revive the Jabi Lake Park in good time to boost tourism in the FCT and provide recreational services to residents and visditors. (NAN).

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

View Point Much Ado About Edo House

THE raucous noise emanating from the opposition camp in the wake of the recent announcement by the Government of Edo State of its plans to sell Edo House (a property belonging to the state, located in Lagos State) and use the proceeds to build a befitting five star hotel has been reverberating across the state and beyond since the proposal was muted. On every available medium of mass communication, the squealers have once again gone to town with reasons why they feel the proposed sale should be completely rejected by the good people of Edo State. In their traditional exhibitions of blind desperation, the selfproclaimed “puritans” in our land have vainly tried to whip up public sentiments against this novel idea.

In keeping with its penchant for unnecessarily slaloming all the good intentions of the All Progressive Congress (formerly Action Congress of Nigeria)-led administration of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, the illmannered Marabous of Edo politics have villainously gone about carpeting what is obviously a brilliant idea. The dust being raised over the Issue is as unnecessary as it is distractive – the former, because it lacks substance of any sort; and the later, because it has the potential of turning public attention away from more pressing issues of development.

Edo House - for all its cosmetic grandeur - is simply a shibboleth of the past; a fading relic that has become an eyesore and source of embarrassment to the state and its people; an avoidable drain on the lean resources of the state. I don’t think the critics of this brave decision carried out research of any kind to arrive at the cockeyed facts that informed their uninformed censorship of the government’s intentions: Are they aware of the deplorable

By OBUSEH JUDE

condition of the building in question? Do they know the exact amount that is being paid annually to the Lagos State Government as Land Use Tax? Do they know how much is being expended annually on the maintenance of this sprawling edifice which has constituted an enormous drain on the state’s lean exchequer? Had they done their home work properly, they would have saved themselves the embarrassment of publicly exposing their gross ignorance of what is common knowledge to all discerning minds both within and outside the state.

The APC-led government in Edo State, arrow-headed

by Governor Oshiomhole, has consistently demonstrated its goaloriented sense of purpose since it took over the reins of governance in Edo State.

Unlike the practice in Nigeria where the executive heads of most ruling parties act with impunity when taking crucial decisions of public concern, the Oshiomhole-orchestrated APC government has constantly acted with an uncanny sense of maturity and responsibility in its dealings with the public (and the opposition camp), never towing the lines of indecency nor engaging in unnecessary turf wars. This high sense of accountability can be deciphered from the traditional manner it takes pains to involve the people of the state in all matters of governance. A classic example of this sense of responsibility was the recent convening of a Stakeholder’s Forum on Edo House and Security at Idia College Hall, on the 21st of October, 2013, where these urgent matters of public importance were thrown open for debate.

Unlike the chief opposition in the state, which, while it held the diadem of governance,

acted without recourse to public interest in taking decisions of general importance, this administration has always carried everyone along. By throwing the proposed sale of Edo House open to public debate, this administration has, once again, justified the

knowledge. In keeping with the exemplary tradition that has seen him turn around the once waning fortunes of the state within a few calendar years of being in office, the governor has exhibited how investment savvy he is. A five star hotel will not only boost the state’s revenue base, it will also promote the state’s promising tourism industry, coupled with the large

off.

According to a saying in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, “it is only the eyes of childhood that fears a painted devil”.

The dark lords of the chief opposition camp in Edo State have obviously refused to give peace a chance. As practically demonstrated by their atavistic acts of intimidation, these masquerades have vainly tried to create a state of anomie in Edo State, using all fair and foul means. But

they have been bested by better prepared opponents.

I have always been piqued with the manner opposition politics is played in this part of the world. Our brand of opposition politics is largely adversarial and antiprogressive; a war without any known rules of engagement; an absurd gladiatorial contest in which participants fight to the death in a bloody amphitheater; an uncouth challenge where only the fittest survive; a

regardless of the demonic machinations of these evil geniuses, the operators of the State’s machinery of administration have refused to be cowed. Together with the equally resilient people of Edos State, they have withstood all the barrages from the battering rams of the opposition Cyclops, proving consistently that “no army – no matter how formidably armed – can withstand the collective will of a united and committed people”. This communal show of defiance against terror has consistently defined relations between Edos and the desperately wicked members of the defeated, disgraced, and disgruntled old brigade; inane ostriches who have refused to bury their heads in shame; unproductive invalids who are tired, but have refused to retire from a game at which

rumble in the jungle where the most vicious come out victorious. Unlike the traditional order in more civilized climes, where opposition politics is played with a lot of decorum, the practice in these parts contradicts all known principles.

The mud that is being slung at the present administration is uncalled for. Rather than achieving its intended goal of branding the government an enemy of Edos, in other to derail the sale of Edo House, the ongoing campaign of calumny against the government has ended up exposing the true colours of the chameleons in the opposition camp. Our penchant for playing politics with bitterness must stop.

Let’s give peace a chance for governance to proceed fluidly, lucidly, productively, and progressively!

Gov Adams Oshiomhole

huge trust reposed in it by Edos, when they on two historic occasions – 2007 and 2012 – gave it two consecutive mandates to manage their affairs.

By coming up with idea of auctioning off a crumbling edifice and using its proceeds to invest in a multi-purpose five star Hotel, governor Oshiomhole has displayed a sense of financial propriety that is rare among contemporary Nigerian leaders, whose penchant for profligacy is common

number of the jobless army of youths in the state it will take off the streets. Whether we want to look at it from either the security, investment, employment generation, or any other angle for that matter, the proposed luxury hotel project stands to be of greater benefit to the state, compared to the harebrained suggestion by the self-styled Cognoscenti of Edo Politics to the effect that a non-profitable structure like Edo House should be maintained rather than sold

“The APC-led government in Edo State, arrow-headed by Governor Oshiomhole, has consistently demonstrated its goal-oriented sense of purpose since it took over the reins of governance in Edo State. Unlike the practice in Nigeria where the executive heads of most ruling parties act with impunity when taking crucial decisions of public concern, the Oshiomhole-orchestrated APC government has constantly acted with an uncanny sense of maturity and responsibility in its dealings with the public (and the opposition camp), never towing the lines of indecency nor engaging in unnecessary turf wars.”

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Focus IN any democracy, citizens are both governed and governing and make up the process of government.

How good government is therefore depends on the actions of citizens. If citizens are treated as customers, or as passive members of society, the potential of this type of government is not achieved. The UK operates a form of democracy known as “representative democracy” where representatives act on the behalf of citizens. This however is only effective if there is an active process where citizens can be heard and listened to. Although some representation can be achieved through elections, there is an ongoing nature to representation that is more than this. To represent someone politically is to serve on behalf of that person and some how to be held accountable to that person.

In a representative democracy, deliberation is an important concept.

Different political preferences normally conflict with one another and the purpose of democratic institutions is to resolve this conflict. In an open environment of debate, the final solution may not correspond to any starting position. Creating new solutions through this kind of reflection is at the heart of democracy because deliberation is able to transform ideas. Speaking, listening and reflecting can lead to the discovery of new possibilities where interests can be reconciled. If deliberation were not to happen, the majority would simply be in tyranny over the many minorities by simply holding a larger share of the vote. Deliberation in search of a practical agreement is therefore a necessary element in representative democracy. The more that citizens are involved in deliberation, the more informed will be the representative. Participation therefore strengthens the nature of representative democracy.

If there is to be a strong bond between citizens and government there must also be public accountability.

There are two elements to this. Firstly, those who exercise public power must be able to give account.

Secondly, there must be means to hold to account those who exercise public power. This means that citizens need to be able to hold representatives to account, and need to be able

to have the right information to make a judgment about the actions of representatives.

Accountability is not about control, but about the way in which control is exercised. It is not an administrative tool, but a moral principle. If every citizen counts in the accounting, a limited relationship is not enough.

Accountability is a process that is part of the creation of a community and society. For it to happen requires a lot of participation by citizens.

Voluntary bodies, community groups and worker co-operatives are all forms of participation in society, and therefore can enable representative institutions (parliament, councils etc.) to achieve representation by exposing them to a wider process of deliberation by the citizens.

Public bodies can, if they choose, use their basis in election to ignore or even go against genuine protests against their decisions. When this happens, they become enclosed and citizens feel powerless against them.

This essay is going to examine the way in which community regeneration processes that have been developed in the past few years are (or can be) effective, if at all, in improving representation and Community Involvement in Partnership Working Partnership is a concept that implies equality or balance, and reciprocation between parties. But there’s often inequality in so-called partnerships, mainly because partners have different levels of power i.e. the ability to make things happen.

According to Luke’s, power is divided into three dimensions the power to make decisions; the power to shape a particular agenda and the power to shape people’s desires. The last dimension is directly related to the way in which attitudes, knowledge and beliefs are developed in society.

When partnerships are formed between communities and public authorities, it is important to understand powerrelationships. According to Mayo and Taylor, there is a large gap between rhetoric and reality when discussing regeneration partnerships.

Perhaps it is time to look beyond the simple achievements of outputs and evaluate success also on the basis of outcomes in terms of changes in the relative power of different stakeholders.

On the basis that citizens are central in a democracy, it is fair to suggest that

community involvement should be central in the regeneration processes. It is not just about giving communities more voice, but making sure that there is space for them to assert their opinions and lay claim to their rights. There are two main ways in which this can be facilitated. a) Assisting communities to build networks and relationships between different groups within each community - bonding; and b) Assisting communities to build networks and relationships with external organizations - bridging.

According to Goss, consultation is often designed around the priorities of powerful agencies instead of the preoccupations of local people.

Community definitions of need, problems and solutions are different from those put forward by service planners and providers . A strong voice for citizens as authorisers is essential if action is to be taken that might challenge the interests of some sections of the community in the interests of the whole, It is the process of being heard and of having an equality of power over what is considered important to talk about that makes the relationship work.

If community representatives cannot represent the interests of their communities because key community interests are defined as “off limits”, they are in fact disempowered.

Their communities accuse them of being part of the process only for their own self-interests.

It is also often assumed that communities are homogenous when in fact they are made up of many groups. Important divisions within communities include race, ethnicity, gender, disability, age, social class, sexual orientation and housing tenure. Community representatives clearly have a problem in trying to represent all of these interests on regeneration boards that want simple answers rather than the variety of differing and sometimes competing community views. Also, according to Goss, traditional methods of consultation attempt to crush difference and create a single answer There are ways to start addressing these issues.

Fundamentally, there needs to be a change in the way in which communities are regarded. To bring them in as partners, and to try to

Citizenship An

empower them implies that the rights of communities are to be given inevitably by more powerful groups such as public authorities.

However, a right cannot be given. Rights are claimed and exercised, or in other words, taken. Any action to empower communities therefore must seek to create enabling environments, promote social trust and prevent exclusion. There is also room to build capacity within communities so that they can effectively claim and exercise their rights as citizens.

However, according to Goss, there is always a simple but strong drag factor against change created by complex bureaucracies and elaborate systems that pull back towards continuity. She calls for new paradigms to recognize the complex relationship between public organizations and the citizens they serve, that recognize the roles of citizens and government organizations in maintaining and recasting the relationships that make up governance.

Communities have a great deal of knowledge about them and, if their voice is respected, can provide important information about their priorities, what will and won’t work, and ideas for solutions to community problems. Any efforts therefore to improve active participation need to work to provide tools for communities to be part of setting agendas, to pick apart flawed attitudes, knowledge and beliefs that underlie proposals for regeneration activities, and finally to make decisions. Approaches that try to build capacity by preaching at communities or to strengthen their ability to conform to external agendas do not do this. Rather, as has happened with community programmes in the South,

there is scope to develop wider participatory tools that facilitate communities to analyse and communicate their knowledge and priorities. To date, practical methods to do this include the use of ‘power mapping’ and ‘community audits’. If communities are to be able to resist pressures from outside agendas and make sure that their issues are central to the community

regeneration programme, they also need to be in a position to be able to organise themselves and gain sufficient capacity to be able to make their voices heard.

The above discussion has highlighted the main issues that make communities and their representatives feel marginalised. There have been attempts to redress this

By BAMIDELE balance by analysing the nature and results of participation. One of the most significant steps so far has been the concept of “Auditing Community Participation”.

Community participation is a process of pushing democratic processes, beyond institutions of

ac T be wi bu as ab re av ru

representation, to communities. As stated above, participation strengthens the nature of representative democracy.

On the basis of the arguments above, effective community participation must enable communities to become part of processes of deliberation, and to be able to hold their representatives

me an co pa han pr dif qu abo an en are dec

“The concept of audit has been us bodies and business organisations about the use of money and resou abiding by rules, using quantifiab and exerting external control.”

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Focus

nd Community leadership

E MICHAEL

countable.

The concept of audit has een used for many years ith public bodies and usiness organisations to sess compliance to rules bout the use of money and sources, It is about voiding risk, abiding by les, using quantifiable

easurements, doing tasks nd exerting external ntrol.

Community rticipation on the other nd is about building trust, omoting flexibility, is fficult to measure using uantifiable indicators, is out creating public value nd in the end, about suring that communities e able to make autonomous cisions.

The development of audit tools for community participation therefore seems at first sight to be inappropriate. In part, this is because the idea of audit is normally associated with bureaucracy, and many external rules tend to discourage participation.

However, Burns and Taylor have made a significant attempt at defining a type of audit to see how well communities are empowered

to define the agendas and influence the work of public organisations and other partner groups working for them.

The Audit of Community Participation (ACP) seeks to approach the task in a ways that facilitates learning, reflects the diversity within communities and take into account the many complex relationships between

communities and partners. In order to measure some of these “non-measurable” dimensions, it uses scales and checklists to measure community perceptions and feelings.

The ACP process is cyclical with step 1 starting again after the implementation of plans has been completed. The assumption that underlies this approach is that such an audit would stimulate the ‘evolution’ of the structures of public authorities and partnerships in ways that facilitate genuine participation and take community issues and views on board.

Conclusion Regeneration of local areas in the Nigeria has historically been seen as a role of government, where citizens are regarded as customers of public service providers.

This approach has lead to regeneration programmes that do not effectively address the needs of communities that they were designed to do. The reasons for this are many, but they all originate in three factors.

1) Power differences between communities and public service providers mean that the ‘rules of the game’ are set from above.

2) The cultures and structures of public sector partners are not compatible with effective community involvement; 3) Communities themselves do not have the organizational capacity and resources for effective involvement.

Treating citizens as customers (individually or in communities) runs against the concept of democracy because it denies citizens their role as the governing as well as the governed.

Deliberation by citizens in search of a practical agreement is a necessary element in representative

sed for many years with public s to assess compliance to rules rces, It is about avoiding risk, ble measurements, doing tasks

democracy. The more that citizens are involved in deliberation, the more informed will be their representatives. Participation therefore strengthens the nature of representative democracy.

The existing structures and cultures of public sector partners are not compatible with effective community involvement, but there is a new political will from

central government that requires community participation in regeneration and neighborhood renewal strategies, in addition, community participation gives local residents the opportunity to develop skills (capacity) and networks that they need to address social exclusion.

If measures are taken to actively audit the levels of community participation by

public authorities, their structures and culture might also evolve in ways that facilitate genuine participation and take community issues and views on board. To this extent, new tools have been developed to audit community participation, and to use the results of these examinations to take active measures to reduce the current gap between rhetoric and reality.

ASUU Strike: Negotiating

Through the Barrel of the Gun THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has overstepped the bounds of reason. To say that most discerning Nigerians are angry with the union is an understatement. Whoever anticipated that ASUU’s show of shame would last this long?

At first, we all sympathised with the pedagogues, thinking they were protesting to secure better learning conditions for the younger generation.

Alas, we were wrong! Now, the varsity teachers have made it clear that they are more interested in their personal comfort than the future of our nation.

At the beginning of the strike, the union bought us over by presenting poor infrastructure as the ostensible reason for their action; yet even after government has made concessions, releasing 130 billion naira and making a commitment to do even more, the lecturers have remained implacable. Isn’t it clear that they have less than noble intentions?

To make matters worse, ASUU has resorted to ludicrous antics in a bid to hoodwink Nigerians into thinking that they are national heroes fighting for the evolution of a better educational system.

Obviously, this is far from the truth. Rather, they are simply using our young ones as pawns in a ruthlessly brutal duel to prove some political point, which is best known to them and their sponsors.

In times past, ASUU has called off strikes even when their requests were not acceded to. Why is it that they have remained adamant now that government is responding positively? I am especially appalled at the manner with which these people continue to insult our sensibilities by maliciously passing the buck to the government and deliberately maligning well meaning people like the Minister of

By ISSACHAR ODION Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, who interestingly has nothing to do with the whole thing.

Being a daughter of academics and an academic herself, Madam Finance minister understands the

it will be unwise to overdo it in a way that it will not be sustainable, she has appealed that they should accept what government has offered.

Now, what is wrong with that?

Unfortunately, members of ASUU have continued to blackmail the woman for

Dr (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Finance Minister

need for a viable educational system, which explains why she has played a major role in ensuring that funds are released to cater for the provision of infrastructure in our universities. The last I heard, 100 billion naira has been released to put needed infrastructures in place on our campuses. Furthermore, the Federal Government has also committed to spending N200 billion in the 2014 budget on the universities as well as in each of the next three-four years until the universities are brought to world-class standard. This is in addition to the N100 billion dedicated and already made available for 2013. Not stopping there, the government has also increased to N40 billion the first instalment of funds for the payment of earned allowances to the striking lecturers, an improvement from the N30 billion previously released.

Any objective observer can easily see that the Finance Minister is in total support of improved emoluments for university teachers. But since

taking such a stance in the interest of national good. For them, it doesn’t matter if the entire economy shuts down as long as their own bank accounts are well funded.

Isn’t that the height of irresponsibility?

Every university student knows that most lecturers don’t take their responsibility seriously. Most of them run personal ventures at the expense of the students they are being paid to teach. Yet, they keep agitating for pay raise. What an irony!

It is time for Nigerians to wake up and nail the real culprit. Like I observed in one of my recent articles, one of our major problems is the fact that we don’t take time to analyse issues for ourselves.

Rather, we flow with the tide of public opinion which is most often defined by a few opinion shapers. We must tell ASUU that we cannot contain their excesses anymore. We will not allow them to continue to make scapegoats of our bright young minds, who incidentally are our hope and pride, in a bid to satisfy their selfish ends.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Opinion

Need To Strengthen Local Govt Administration In Nigeria THE local government in Nigeria refers to that form of government that is closest to the people at the grass-root. Many experts in local government administration have referred to it as third tier of government. Others say it is a form of micro government.

Be that as it nay, the local government system of administration in Nigeria was popularized by the military administrator.

Although, there was a form of local government put in place by the European or Western imperialists and the traditional or indigenous leaders. While the western system was quite political and capitalist oriented, that of traditional or indigenous system was anchored on culture, tradition, norms and belief of the people.

Today there are 774 local government councils in Nigeria spread across the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, with the exception of Lagos State which in addition have Development Area Council though not constitutionally recognized.

The local governments are expected to bring about political, social and economic development of the people.

Constitutionally, the local governments in Nigeria are charged with the responsibilities of providing primary health care, primary education. motor-able roads, water and electricity among others. The 774 local government council authorities receives statutory allocation from the federation account on monthly basis and also source revenue internally through the collection of rates, levies, taxes etc.

At this point one may ask how well the local governments in Nigeria

have performed over the years.

A critical survey of the performance of local governments conducted by various experts have revealed that the much desired developments are not there for the rural or grass-root people to enjoy.

According to the experts, there are absence of ’ portable water, electricity, motor-able roads, health cane services and quality schools in many rural and semi urban communities in Nigeria. Statistics also revealed that over 65 percent of Nigeria population lives in rural areas, which of course have serious implication for local government administration in Nigeria.

Experts therefore scored the performance of local governments in Nigeria low, considering the continuous increase in statutory allocation accruing to this tier of’ government from the federation account since the democratic dispensation started in 1999.

The experts accused local government administrators of not being sensitive and alive to their responsibilities of providing basic amenities for the benefit of the people. Perhaps, that is responsible for the call in some quarters for the abolition of the local government system of administration in Nigeria.

Be that as it may, the problem is not with the system, but with those who operate the system.

Legislators, lawyers, academics and experts in local government administration have condemned the call for the scrapping of the 774 local governments in Nigeria.

Instead, they have suggested the strengthening of the local government system through further devolution

By DESMOND AGBAMA

of powers to create room for district authorities.

This they argued will help

government, coming after the Federal and state governments. The local

President Goodluck Jonathan

further bring local administration nearer to the door steps of the people. They also called for the nomination and election of credible, committed and transparent individuals into leadership positions in the various councils.

By and large, the widespread corruption among local government administrators have been identified as the greatest bane to actual development of the 774 local government councils in Nigeria, as monies meant or developmental projects arc in most cases diverted into personal use or used to settle political jobbers.

Again, local governance lies in the third tier of

authority is no doubt the closest to the people at the grass-root, especially rural dwellers.

Therefore, the bulk of the responsibility of developing the council area falls on the local authority, as the people look up to the council in meeting their yearnings and aspirations.

In the present Nigerian system of government power and resources are concentrated in the hands of the federal government.

In other words, there is a centralization of power and resources in the hands of the apex government at the federal level. This is means that fund for development of states and local governments is determined and disbursed

by the Federal government.

The practice has led to series of debate and scholarly writing on the need for a change. This change according to many should he in the autonomy for states and local governments be the control and allocation of resources in their areas of jurisdiction.

Those belonging to this school of thought based their argument on the fact that the local authorities being the closest to the people are in better position to know the immediate and peculiar needs of the people and how much fund that is needed to actualize it.

Others argued that autonomy to states or local government does not mean total isolation from the federal government, rather it means granting state and local government the power to control and determine what is to he done in their area of jurisdiction especially as it relates to the provision of education, health care services, portable water and motor-able roads among others.

Many observers are of the opinion that because state and local governments are apparently isolated by the federal government in planning some strategic polices and programmes that are meant for Nigerians it has led to failure of such government policies and programmes in the past. For instance, the Universal Primary Education of 1973, The

National Directorate of Employment, DFFRI just to mention a Few. In advance democratic society, power and resource control and allocation are highly decentralized, This is done in order to bring speedy development to the people in the district or ward levels. Such district or local authority under the constitution are given the power to control their resources, determine the project to be executed, while paying taxes to the federal authority for the running of its affairs.

An ideal democratic government therefore is the one that develops its society up from the grassroot. This is so because majority a the populace live in rural areas. And to stem urban migration and over stretching of the infrastructure and facilities in the cities, there must be the speedy development of rural areas.

That of course is enough reason to justify the call by different groups on the federal government to giant autonomy to state and local governments in resource control and allocation.

Resides, autonomy will help eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy that often constitute a clog on the wheel of progress.

Consequently, there should be plan to address the clause in the nation’s constitution, especially as it relate to power, resource control and allocation, in order to evolve an ideal democratic society where development truly thrive.

Desmond Agbama is the Chairman, Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ)

“The local governments are expected to bring about political, social and economic development of the people. Constitutionally, the local governments in Nigeria are charged with the responsibilities of providing primary health care, primary education. motor-able roads, water and electricity among others.”

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Media

Social Media And Public Information Management In Nigeria

THE National Council on Information met recently at its 44th session in Osogbo and focused on the role of social media and public information management in Nigeria.

The deliberations centred on access, knowledge, use and indispensability of social media in facilitating discussions among the citizenry.

The speakers were unanimous in their agreement that social media had potential to address the challenges of public information management in the country.

Information minister Labaran Maku set the tone of the deliberations when he stressed on the potential and influence of social media, and urged information managers to take advantage of the emerging trend.

He observed that there was governance deficit in Nigeria, noting that the high level of distrust and skepticism among the people called for a new approach to public information management.

He said that the need for the citizens to participate in governance process, and ensure public trust in governance highlighted the imperatives for the adoption of the new technologies.

“The growing internet access across the country, the availability of a variety of mobile and web-based devices for information gathering, storage, and i n s t a n t a n e o u s dissemination on a mass scale across extensive distances, offer new possibilities and challenges for public information management,

and mobilisation of the citizenry for development,’’ he said.

Maku called on public institutions, officials and information managers to establish their presence more visibly and actively on social media circuits.

He urged them to show greater openness and readiness to engage with citizens in a two-way communication process for effective service delivery.

‘Social media, indeed, afford enormous opportunities for building public trust and confidence in government and diligently encouraging public participation in governance.

“Popular participation is, of course, key to democratic consolidation, effective policy monitoring, evaluation and efficient delivery of services,’’ he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Osun Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, stressed the need for officials at all levels to harness opportunities in the social media for effective public information management.

He urged policy makers to use the new media to engage the youth in governance processes so as to build trust between them and government.

“I urge you to also give thoughts to how governments at different levels can tap into the vast potentials of social media and Information Communications Technology to enhance accountability and transparency in governance,’’ he said.

By JUDE ZOHO

The council also deliberated on the complementary roles social media play in the development of traditional media.

The issue was highlighted to create necessary awareness on the changing roles of traditional media in the internet era.

It was assumed that the era

While many believe that traditional media would continue to compete with social media, others argued that the emergence of the later would not undermine the role of the former.

Some experts also argued that the future of information dissemination and management in

medium in isolation of the others.

He stated that the social media empowers the citizenry to act more decisively, and hold their leaders to account.

The participants noted that many contemporary challenges, including floods and other challenges, voter registration and electoral apathy, could be

Labaran Maku, Information Minister

of total dependence on traditional media for public sensitisation and mobilisation of the public to government activities is over.

For the participants, it was imperative for information managers to understand that dissemination of information could be managed better if opportunities provided by social media were properly harnessed in collaboration with traditional media.

Nigeria would largely depend on the convergence of social and traditional media.

Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere, argued that rather than see the emerging media as a threat, experts must find a meeting point between the two.

He said that effective information management cannot be successfully pursued using a particular

“The growing internet access across the country, the availability of a variety of mobile and web-based devices for information gathering, storage, and instantaneous dissemination on a mass scale across extensive distances, offer new possibilities and challenges for public information management, and mobilisation of the citizenry for development.’’

tackled through social media utilisation and engagement.

Maku affirmed the view and presented a model of social media use in the Federal Ministry of Information.

He, therefore, urged the participants to adopt the model in eliciting mass participation in government programmes and policies.

He said that the ministry had set a new standard in the use of social media for public information dissemination and management.

He said that the National Good Governance Tour and the Ministerial Platform programmes were hinged on effective use of social media.

“Many Nigerians and others from around the

world watched the Ministerial Platform 2013 videos on YouTube, and FMI dedicated live streaming channel.

“YouTube and live streaming, Facebook and Twitter were employed to relay the Ministerial Platform to Nigerians and the world,’’ he said.

In her addressed, Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information, expressed the hope that far-reaching decisions would be taken on the use of social media to facilitate national development.

She noted that the new publicity strategy should be well adopted as the world was now driven by digital technologies.

However, analysts have called for caution in the use social media, noting its side effects on policy makers.

According to them, abuse of social media including identity thefts, cyber bullying, and defamation were inherent challenges that must be carefully balanced against the many benefits of social media.

Maku had noted that the handling of Boko Haram insurgency by some social media information platforms had brought to the fore the flip side to information management on social media.

He said that Boko Haram had always deployed social media to coordinate deadly attacks on citizens and to spread its evil ideologies and hate campaigns within and across nations.

The participants reminded Nigerians of the challenges and prospects of social media in Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.

It was the view of the participants and other stakeholders that social media could be used to invigorate public information management in Nigeria, and to steer the nation on the path of unity, peace, progress and prosperity.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Security

Death Threats And Political Assassination In Nigeria (1) RIGHT from 1999, when democracy was reestablished in Nigeria, political assassinations and death threats had assumed a worrisome dimension.

In the pre-election and post election period, political assassination has become one of the hallmarks of our party politics. One may be prompted to ask the reasons for this dastardly act of inhumanity to man.

The reasons are not far fetched. It may be promoted for religious, ideological, political or military reasons.

Additionally, assassination may be motivated by financial gains, revenge or personal or public recognition.

The major reason for political assassination is to get rid of a potential political adversary in order to get an easy ride to electoral victory either at the party primaries or in the general elections. This is the height of desperation for power.

According to a report released by the international society for civil liberty and the rule of law, there has been over 160 political assassinations in Nigeria since 1999, when the current democratic journey commenced. “It was also reported recently by the UNCHR that Nigeria ranks high among countries whose nationals are seeking for political asylum across the world today.

What gives me worry is that the tendency for some disgruntled elements to resort to self help is common, when there is the

By FAMOUS IGUISI

likelihood that the perpetrators won’t face justice for their nefarious activities.

One must be guided with the fact that assassinations and death threats do not only happen with those who are officials of political parties. “Serving ministers, governors and members of parliament with fortified security officials at the state and federal level are not spared”. What then happens to the common masses that do not have such security officials?

Death threats and political assassinations are mostly organized through phone calls and text messages; and they are regular occurrences in Nigeria today. It is my candid advice to those who receive death threats not to take them with kid glove.

You have to be on guard and maintain low profile if you value your life. Those who had been assassinated must have received one form of death threat, but merely waved it off.

Anyone who engages in that may not live to tell the story.

I am aware that in most countries of the world, once you buy a phone, it is immediately registered with your passport, so that if you commit any crime, you are easily traced. The same system should operate here in Nigeria.

Let MTN, GLO, Etisalat and other networks operating in Nigeria continually register all the Sims that have been bought in the past and those that are just been

bought., this will go a long way to trace anyone who transact ungodly businesses with his or her phone.

Political assassination should be a primary security concern in Nigeria given the fact that most of them have remained unresolved. “Our peculiar brand of democracy,

lands to return home. It behooves the government to create an atmosphere of safety and security for all its citizens. There is need in this regard, for the inspector general of police to not only resolve the unresolved killings, but prepare his men for the challenges ahead.

Assassination has been part and parcel of human history. “It should not

“We should all arm ourselves with the fact that whoever wants to assassinate his opponents are usually bent on achieving that ugly end, no matter how long it might take to get their victims.” step forward, but even then freedom for the accused is just one requested bribe away”.

There are rumors of assassinations everywhere.

Someone who doesn’t believe in violence won’t

• Mohammed Abubakar, IG of Police

combined with the use of armed factions has made assassinations a widely used political tool”. With the 2015 polls fast approaching, there are concerns that there could be an increase in the spate of assassinations.

That makes it ultimately unsafe for those already seeking protection in other

surprise anyone that murder is seen as expeditious political and business maneuver in Nigeria. Since the concept of forensics, evidence gathering and fingerprint analysis all remain distant abstractions to the Nigerian police force.

Murders are only ever solved when informants

“Political assassination should be a primary security concern in Nigeria given the fact that most of them have remained unresolved.

“Our peculiar brand of democracy, combined with the use of armed factions has made assassinations a widely used political tool”. With the 2015 polls fast approaching, there are concerns that there could be an increase in the spate of assassinations.”

kill. People just kill as if it is a normal thing to do.

Unfortunately, many of those they kill are innocent souls. Why can’t we all get along and be lovers of peace and tranquility? Are there no alternatives to killing? Can’t issues be resolved through dialogue and in a more decent ways?

The issue at hand requires that the security agencies should wake up to their primary responsibility which is to protect life and property. The federal government should give enough funds to the police force. If they are well funded, they will be able

to provide enough databases to track criminals.

This will go a long way to enhance police investigations. Lack of effective policing as a result of inadequate funding slows down police investigations. As a result, most of the investigations into political assassinations and assassination threats have been largely inconclusive.

We should all arm ourselves with the fact that whoever wants to assassinate his opponents are usually bent on achieving that ugly end, no matter how long it might take to get their victims.

The only kind of assassination that Nigerians were familiar with was the coup d’état.

In 1986, a new dimension was introduced when Dele Giwa, a radical editor of the Newswatch magazine was assassinated with a parcel bomb.

Assassinations of political figures became a social problem during the Abacha regime and has increased over the years and till date.

It is quite unfortunate that the spate of political assassinations has increased tremendously.

The police are yet to identify so many killers of innocent souls for decades or years.

If you have the guts to ask the police what has happened to series of assassinations across the country, you might be lucky to receive an answer, “we are still investigating”.

The police should rise up to its responsibility by exposing anyone who kills and be made to face the wrath of the law.

To be continued.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Archival Matters Ugolor: From Celebrity To Global ICON

REVEREND David Ugolor, executive director of the ANEEJ, an international NGO based in Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria has been a celebrity since the 1990s when he formally launched his NGO career.

In case you aren’t aware, his NGO took an active role in the Jubilee Movement of the early 1990s which radically campaigned for foreign debt cancellation.

This was because the debts were not only illegal and unsustainable but moral reprehensible. It was this campaign that culminated in the cancellation of part of Nigeria’s Paris debt during Obasanjo era in government.

Also, name it. Is it the campaign against water privatization? Or the advocacy for local government revenue autonomy as well as good governance, public accountability and transparency in the marginalized Niger Delta region? How about the campaign for publishing federal revenue inflows and expenditure out flows in the Nigeria extractive industrial sub-sector of oil, gas and mineral resources? ANEEJ and Ugolor have been involved in these campaigns and advocacy that takes him round the world.

Similarly, some of us don’t know Ugolor worked tirelessly to stop Edo State Government from repaying the ADB loan for urban water supply in Benin City which suffered military haemophilia during the regime of Lt. Col. Mohammed Onuka in 1993/94. Still, how many

By MICHAEL ODIGBE

of us know that Ugolor facilitated the establishment of EDSOPADEC in Edo State by Chief Lucky Igbinedion in 2007? Only a few of us.

Well, this is not a biography of Ugolor. All I have done is to lay the infrastructural foundation of this articles to show that he has long been a celebrity in NGO activism.

Fortunately, he has now progressed from this celebrity status to that of a global icon.

Why? It is because of the ungodly persecution he endured in the hands of the Nigerian Police in 2012 when he was wrongly accused of conspiring to murder comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, former principal private secretary of the governor of Edo State, on May 4, 2012.

Imagine, although topranking DIG Peter Gana from the Force Headquarters in Abuja was assigned the case by the Inspector-General of Police, investigation into it was dead-on-arrival, to use a medical term in morbid anatomy. This was because DIG Peter Gana was working from the answer to the question in the case for reasons best known to him.

For instance, without any visible iota of diligent investigation for a whole 61 days, Ugolor was pickup like a common criminal on July 27, 2012 for the May 4, 2012 murder of his bosom friend Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde. This was on the flimsy grounds of gaseous suspicion and the forced confessional

statements of suspects like Garuba Maisamari, Danjuma Musa and Murtala Usman.

The BBC African proverb of 8 th October, 2010 says: “A lie has a

been put to shame.

A prophet may not be accepted by a section of our disingenuous Nigerian Police but the knowing world do. This explained why recently in October 2013. Ugolor had jampacked international engagement abroad. He was first in Germany for a meeting with officials of the German Ministry of

his travails as well as those of his compatriots in Rivers State, today.

Indeed, persecution doesn’t mar an innocent, a strong-willed person. It only makes him or her a greater earthly being.

Remember Oba Ovonranmwen (18881897) of Benin Kingdom.

As a King, he was a heaven-baked celebrity already. However, the British punitive expedition to his kingdom which was

Rev. David Ugolor short life but truth lives for ever.” So, after 41 days in three different, unsanitary detention facilities in Edo State and Abuja, a court of competent jurisdiction set Ugolor free. His bitter ordeal ended.

No doubt. Ugolor went into detention as an NGO celebrity. However, he emerged from it as a global human rights icon of the struggle to make society a better place for humanity. This is why he is a toast of the world, today because more mileage has been added to his NGO activism. All his enemies who thought ANEEJ and his career, as an NGO personality would be destroyed have

Economic Development and the human rights community. After the event, he jetted to Oslo, Norway for a date with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From Norway, he went to Geneva in Switzerland where he attended the 17th session of the UN Universal Periodic Review Conference. Also, during the extensive trip, he was in England for a date with the human rights community. Finally he was in Dublin, Ireland to brief the world assembly of F R O N T L I N E DEFENDERS (an organization committed to the protection of human rights activists at risk) on

“No doubt. Ugolor went into detention as an NGO celebrity. However, he emerged from it as a global human rights icon of the struggle to make society a better place for humanity. This is why he is a toast of the world, today because more mileage has been added to his NGO activism.”

nothing but a territorial trespass, criminal invasion and cultural breach of his royal privacy transformed him into a global icon.

Dele Giwa, the founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch Magazine had a similar biographic. From 1979 to October 18, 1986, he had made a name for himself as a millennial writer/journalist. But beginning from October 19, 1986 when he was innocently murdered by a letter bomb, his reputation under went binary multiplication into that of a global icon.

Enter the Mandiba, I mean the great Nelson Mandela. He was already a household name in1963 when he was arrested with 10 other South African Compatriots for fighting for a multi-racial country and democracy. His iconic image however loomed large like Olumo rock when he was unjustly jailed for life by the evil apartheid regime of South Africa.

In 1990, twenty-seven year later, he was set free unconstitutionally with his

global iconism untainted.

Subsequently, in 1994 he became the first democratically-elected President of a multi-racial South African, still a world citizen and a No1 statesman. Then, the United Nations declared July 18, 2010 Mandela Day to mark his birthday.

All these harvests for Mandela are rewards for his innocent persecution in the hands of the enemies of humanity. They are God’s gifts for his 67 years as an activist, a lawyer, a humanist, former president of South Africa, a public servant and a one-time prisoner of conscience from 1964 – 1990 in South Africa.

As it is with Ugolor, Oba Ovonranmwen, Dele Giwa and Mandela so it is with 16 years-old Malala Yousofzai of Pakistan. On October 9, 2012 she was shot in the head by a Taliban for advocating girl-child education in her country. She was flown abroad for treatment in several countries before she finally berthed in Birmingham, England for the continuation of her education.

Before the shooting incident, Malala Yousofzai was already known as a heroin of girl-child education. On being shot, however, her campaign metamorphosed into a global one. It was no more a limited country affair in Pakistan. Fortunately, the UN has stepped in to enhance her world stardom by declaring July 12, her birthday, Malala Day – nay a world holiday. This year she was invited to New York to address the UN Youth Assembly on the theme ONE CHILD, ONE BOOK CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. Indeed, what unjust persecution has done for Reverend David Ugolor, Oba Ovonranmwen, Dele Giwa, Nelson Mandela as well as Malala.

Yousofzai is to crystallize their extant celebrity status into global iconnism. All of them have demonstrated that they are unpardonable by the inhumane travails of life concocted by visceral enemies of mankind. The quintet are like gold which beauty is further enhanced by smithic polishing.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Science

Food Substances FOOD is any substance that when taken in by living organism serves as a source of energy for material growth, repair of worm out tissue of the organism, making the organism healthy to enable it fight against infections diseases. It is also used to build substances like enzymes, hormones that are needed by the body.

Animals are holistic in nature and their feeding processes involve the following stages.

Ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and egestion.

Ingestion- This is the taking in of food by an organism.

Digestion - Digestion is the breaking down of insoluble food like yam into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the body.

Absorption – This is the diffusion of soluble food substances into the body of an organism.

Assimilation –This is the making of soluble food substances into the body.

Egestion – This is the removal of undigested food from the body of the organism.

Carbohydrates - Carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen of which hydrogen atoms of the ratio 2:1.

Starchy products, sugars, cellulose and glylogen are made up of carbohydrates. Carbohydrate can be broken down, into 3 major groups namely; monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides.

They are reffered to as simple sugars, reducing sugars or six carbon e.g C6 H12 O6 glucose C 5 H 105 O ribose POLYSACCHARIDES It is made up of many molecules of monosaccharides like starch, cellulose and they comprise of a general formular (C6 H10 o5) N. Cassava, yam, bread, cereals, potato, corn, rice, wheat, tapioca, potato are all common source of carbohydrates.

Disaccharides They are double sugars (complex sugars) non-reducing sugars like maltose, sucrose and lactose. They have a formular (C12 H22 O11) meat.

Deficiency of iron in the system leads to anaemia.

SODIUM (NA) They are responsible for maintaining the osmotic pressure of the blood, conduction of nerve impulses, sensory cells and muscles for normal cell membrane permeability.

It can be gotten from common salt, natural foods, milk, eggs beef, fish, chicken, bacon and yam.

When one is deficient of it you get, muscle cramps, heat stroke, dehydration, fatigue, kidney failure while excess sodium in human causes dedema and hypertension

By OYAKHILOME CLEMENTINA Potassium (K) It is involved in the conduction of nervous impulses.

Potassium function is similar to that of the function of sodium. They are gotten from the eating of banana, green vegetables, chicken, apples, yam, milk, potato, beef and butter. All natural foods have high content of potassium.

There is malfunctioning of muscles and nerves when one is deficient of potassium in the system.

Copper Deficiency of copper leads to albinism. Copper could be gotten from fruit, meat, fish and vegetables.

COBALT It is responsible for the development of red blood cell. Deficiency leads to Anaemia. It could be gotten from red meat and liver.

Magnesium Deficiency leads to convulsion in children. It helps in the proper functioning of the muscles and nerves.

It is gotten from apple, bread and green vegetables.

Florien It is gotten from milk, green vegetables, some toothpaste and water. It protects the teeth and bones from decay. Deficiency lead to tooth decay, sometimes with sulphur and phosphorus.

Calcium (CA) When we lack calcium in our system, we are anaemic, rickets in children emerges, and there is softening of bones.

We could get calcium from liver kidney, plantain, meat, egg, salt, milk, fruits and leafy vegetables.

They are the main constituent of bones and teeth, they are needed for blood clotting and helps in muscle contraction and nerve function.

Mineral salts The most important mineral salts are calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, chlorine, phosphorus iodine, florine, cobalt, copper and magnesium. They are basically essential in the metabolism of living cells and the structural constituents of the body.

Iron It is one of the components of Haemoglobin in the red blood cells of man. Iron is gotten from leafy vegetables liver, kidney, plantain, salt, egg.

A disaccharide is formed when 2 molecules of simple sugars combine and one molecule of water removed.

Fats and oils (LIPIDS) They are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen with a lower proportion of oxygen atoms to hydrogen atoms. More energy is liberated through the oxidation of lipids than the carbohydrates.

Fats are solid at room temperature, while oils are liquid at room temperature. Liquid fats are known as fats and fats serve as heat insulators to our bodies.

We get fats and oils, through animal fats, butter, vegetable oils, beef fats, egg yolk, nuts, milk, seeds palm oil, coconut oil, fatty fish, soya bean, cod liver oil, melon, groundnut.

Proteins They are gotten from meat, fish, milk, bean, egg white, some vegetables, lean meat, grains, chicken, snail, pea, fruits and groundnuts. They are built from a thousands of amino acids and are complex molecules. They consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Issues

MRS Martha Ogwe, 52, fled by boat from her Odogwu village in Lokoja to Idah, 10 kilometres away following the August 2012 floods that submerged many communities in Kogi.

Ogwe, who is a widow, remained in Idah with her children and depended on food hand-outs by goodspirited individuals until the floods receded.

“When I returned to Odogwu in November, I saw that my house had been severely damaged and all my property swept away.

“The mud walls had collapsed and I lost virtually everything including my children’s certificates,’’ she said.

Many communities in the country experienced similar flood disasters in 2012 in which livestock, farmlands and crops were destroyed, leaving thousands of people displaced.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) announced that 148 people were killed by the floods in 21 states.

A coordinated response was provided by some humanitarian organisations including the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Red Cross Society, governments, and civil society organisations to establish camps for the affected persons.

The NRCS also assisted in the provision of meaningful post flooddisaster settlements for the victims in their different localities.

Mr Umar Mairigi, the NRCS Programme Coordinator, said that 3,795 households received emergency shelter support in Edo, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, Benue, Taraba and Adamawa.

The society resettled the returnee flood victims, particularly in Kogi, in their areas by constructing 100

units of flood-resilient houses, comprising 40 units in Ozahi community, and 30 each in Odogwu and Ose. According to Mairigi, the society built the houses to a certain level, leaving the victims to complete them through the help of volunteer groups of their societies.

He said that the Red Cross ensured that wooden frames were set in cement foundations, lined with polythene; a cost-effective means of making the houses more resilient to floods.

Noting that resettlement camps are global, Mairigi said: “A perfect world would have no refugees.’’

“There are 27.1 million Internally Displaced Persons and 10.4 million refugees globally; onefourth of these populations live in camps.

“Camps are often the only location where displaced persons and refugees can be protected and assisted,’’ he said.

Mairigi recommended the use of quality materials for durable shelter as effective settlement in response to persons affected by disasters.

Mr Musa Salihu, a flood victim and father of six in Mozum Ose in Kogi, said that floods swept through his village and destroyed his house and property.

“I moved my family by canoe to a village five kilometres away from the river where they remained for more than two months.

Salihu, a teacher in his village school, said he joined the NRCS volunteer group to offer assistance to other flood victims.

“I could see that my people were suffering, and I did the best I could to help them with the little resources I had; but when these were exhausted I

Coping With Post Flood Disaster Management

could do no more.

“The Red Cross helped the community in so many ways, and since I became a volunteer I have learned so much,’’ Salihu said.

Observers, however, noted that volunteers like Salihu, played invaluable roles in supporting victims of the disaster by helping in the distribution of basic relief items, sanitation activities and construction

people are suspicious of my intentions, and my family also found it difficult to understand why I am helping others.

“But when I became a volunteer, I was able to explain to them what I was doing and why; then the community members understood and many of

new home,’’ she said.

The NRCS’ Acting Deputy Head of Disaster Management, Mrs Altilina Simon, said the organisation trained 36 disaster management coordinators on emergency and first aid services.

According to her, the training which took place

of shelters.

“Before the Red Cross came, I did not even know how to use a trowel, but now I can build a wall to a house myself.

“I have also been trained as a hygiene promoter, visiting other communities on the river banks to provide people with health and hygiene awareness information.

“Helping others without being a volunteer in NRCS has not been easy because

them joined as volunteers,’’ Salihu said.

Recalling her experience, Ogwe said that local carpenters and masons were recruited and provided with roofing sheets, timber, cement and other tools to repair or rebuild some damaged houses.

“If the NRCS had not helped me, I would have been living as a beggar, looking for a place to sleep; I am very happy with my

recently in Benin was conducted in conjunction with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company to sharpen the skills of the participants in humanitarian services during emergencies.

“Disaster management is the backbone of the Nigerian Red Cross Society; every other thing is by the way.

“The NRCS aims at preventing and alleviating human suffering; it promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace among nations.

“The society is guided solely by the need to give priority services to most needful areas of distress,’’ she explained.

Mr Abdulkadir Bello, the

By ABIEMWENSE MORU

“Analysts have suggested that there are a lot to be learned in disaster management given the experiences from the 2012 floods that affected many states of Nigeria. They noted that besides the use of early warning systems, evacuation of persons from flood prone-areas, effort must be made to adequately care for the victims, especially in resettlement and provision of post-floods accommodation.”

NRCS Shelter Focal Point Officer, said that shelter was essential in emergency situations when providing humanitarian services to people affected by disasters.

“In providing shelter, the centre of attraction must be on providing adequate shelter for the duration of its expected use, adapted to the needs of the populations affected,’’ he said.

According to him, access to health services, education and local resources, fuel for cooking, lighting and heating, food storage and protection of goods are necessary in providing shelter.

Analysts have suggested that there are a lot to be learned in disaster management given the experiences from the 2012 floods that affected many states of Nigeria.

They noted that besides the use of early warning systems, evacuation of persons from flood proneareas, effort must be made to adequately care for the victims, especially in resettlement and provision of p o s t - f l o o d s accommodation.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

International News Army Retakes CAR Town After Vigilantes Attack BANGUI (CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC) Central African troops seized back control of the western town of Bouar Saturday from hundreds of vigilantes who in recent months have been targeting Muslims, officials said, adding that four people had died in the violence.

The vigilantes “surrounded the town early this morning and shots from light and heavy firearms could be heard in several areas of Bouar”, an officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The self-defence groups, who call themselves “antibalaka” (anti-machete, in the local Sango language), were carrying machetes of their own as well as various other weapons, he said.

These groups were formed in response to killings, looting and abuse committed by those ex-rebels who did not integrate the army after a coup in March but went rogue, sowing terror across the country.

The clashes between the vigilantes and the former Seleka rebels which are now part of the Central African armed forces “killed four among the self-defence groups and left several people wounded in both camps”, said the military official.

Fighting was heard in several areas of the largely deserted town throughout the morning, said the officer, who was unable to say whether it had caused any casualties.

By mid-afternoon, “the army had taken control of the city”, Bouar’s mayor Ali Aoudou Moumini, told AFP by telephone.

Moumini said the few people who had not fled before the attack remained holed up at home.

The head of the now disbanded rebel Seleka group,

Michel Djotodia, was installed as the impoverished country’s first president to hail from the Muslim minority in August.

Many ex-Seleka commanders wreaking havoc in the Central African Republic are Muslims and the creation of vigilantes to

is located some 400 kilometres (250 miles) northwest of the capital Bangui, estimated the number of attackers at between 300

US President Barack Obama (left) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

and 500 men.

Maxime Lalai, a local civilian who spoke to AFP by telephone, said “the attackers have surrounded the town, we are trapped, we don’t know which direction to flee to”.

Ali Camara, who works for the international nongovernmental organisation Cordaid, said he went to take refuge in a church, “but it is full there... I went back to my home where I stayed on the floor with my family”.

Bouar has some 40,000 inhabitants and is located on the strategic axis connecting landlocked Central African Republic with Cameroon, where its main imports come through.

Former colonial power France has warned that the country risked becoming a Somali-style “failed state” and has pushed for greater international support.

On October 21, the Central African Republic’s neighbours pleaded for more robust action from a regional peacekeeping force, which is ill-funded and has so far failed to make an impact.

Activists Rally Against NSA Surveillance, Edward Snowden Calls In

WASHINGTON - Antisecrecy activists rallied in front of the Capitol Saturday, protesting NSA spying. US citizens and world leaders are rattled at reports of vast surveillance of phone and Internet communications.

At a rally in Washington Saturday, self-exiled whistleblower Edward Snowden described “a system of pervasive surveillance” operating against American citizens, and he urged technology and free rights activists to spread awareness of the spying violations in the name of reform.

Mr. Snowden, the former contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA) who

provided leaks about agency phone and Internet interceptions, is a key figure in the current controversy involving the agency. His message to the rally came as a statement sent from Russia, where he now lives under temporary asylum to avoid prosecution in the United States.

Just last week, leaks linked to Snowden revealed that the NSA had allegedly eavesdropped on cell phone calls by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This follows protests by other world leaders from Brazil, France, Spain, Italy, and as many 30 other countries – most of them

Obama Aware Of Merkel Spying Since 2010 - Report

BERLIN - US President Barack Obama was personally informed of mobile phone tapping against German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which may have begun as early as 2002, German media reported yesterday.

Bild am Sonntag newspaper quoted US intelligence sources as saying that National Security Agency chief Keith Alexander had briefed Obama on the operation against Merkel in 2010.

“Obama did not halt the operation but rather let it

combat them has sparked fears of growing sectarian strife.

Awalou Mamadou, a local shopkeeper in Bouar, which

continue,” the newspaper quoted a high-ranking NSA official as saying.

Meanwhile newsweekly Der Spiegel reported ahead of its Monday issue that leaked NSA documents showed Merkel’s phone had appeared on a list of spying targets since 2002, and was still under surveillance weeks before Obama visited Berlin in June.

The spying row has prompted European leaders to demand a new deal with Washington on intelligence gathering that would maintain

an essential alliance while keeping the fight against terrorism on track.

Germany will send its own spy chiefs to the United States next week to demand answers following the allegations that US intelligence has been tapping Merkel’s mobile phone, as the row threatened to fray transatlantic ties.

Merkel confronted Obama with the suspicion in a phone call on Wednesday saying that spying on allies would be a “breach of trust” between international partners.

US allies – who say NSA spying is a violation and could seriously impair their relationship with the US. “Today, no telephone in America makes a call without leaving a record with the NSA. Today, no Internet transaction enters or leaves America without passing through the NSA’s hands.

Our

representatives in Congress tell us this is not surveillance.

They’re wrong,” Snowden said.

“Now it’s time for the government to learn from us.”

Although the US officially denies the monitoring, tensions continue to mount.

Last week, President Obama called French President Francois Hollande regarding a

report in Le Monde that the NSA accessed more than 70 million phone records of French citizens in a single month in 2012. Also in Europe, Der Spiegel reported that NSA surveillance was tracked in the offices of senior officials of the European Union.

Merkel spokesman Steffen Seibert said the German Chancellor told Obama “she unmistakably disapproves of and views as completely unacceptable such practices.”

Bomb Attacks On Iraqi Soldiers, Shi’ites Kill 49

BAGHDAD - Ten cars rigged with explosives blew up in predominantly Shi’ite Muslim areas in and around Baghdad yesterday, and a suicide bomber attacked soldiers queuing up for their pay in northern Iraq, killing 49 people in total, police said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for any of the blasts, but Shi’ites are seen as apostates by hardline Sunni Islamists linked with al Qaeda, which has been regaining momentum this year.

Soldiers and security personnel are also prime targets for Sunni militants seeking to destabilize Iraq’s Shi’ite-led government.

Yesterday’s deadliest attack took place in the northern city of Mosul, when a man driving a

car blew himself up outside a government bank where soldiers were waiting to collect their salaries, police said. Twelve people were killed.

A further 37 people died in apparently coordinated blasts in and around Baghdad. In the worst of those, two car bombs exploded moments apart near a busy market in the town of Nahrawan, south of the capital, killing seven.

“I was eating my breakfast when a powerful blast shook the building, shattering the window of my apartment and covering the dining table with pieces of glass,” said Suad Ahmed, a woman living in Baladiyat, where another car bomb killed three people.

“I was terrified, I heard

women and children shouting next door. I started to cry. I was afraid of death.”

Al Qaeda was forced underground in 2007 and violence eased in the following years, but is now on the rise again, with around 3,000 civilians killed so far this year, according to monitoring group Iraq Body Count.

Insurgents have exploited growing anger among Iraq’s Sunni minority, which complains it has been marginalized under the Shi’iteled government that came to power following the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

A raid on a Sunni protest camp in April touched off a violent backlash by militants that is still ongoing.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

International Features

Britain To Build Europe’s First Nuclear Plant Since Fukushima BRITAIN is set to sign a deal with France’s EDF for the first nuclear plant to start construction in Europe since Japan’s Fukushima disaster raised safety concerns worldwide, at a cost estimated at around $23 billion.

Under the deal, expected to be announced on Monday, the French utility will lead a consortium, including a Chinese group, to construct two European Pressurised Water Reactors (EPRs) designed by France’s Areva.

Industry estimates, based on other nuclear projects, put the cost at around 14 billion pounds or more than 16 billion euros.

EDF’s long-time partner China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), possibly in combination with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), is expected to have a 30 to 40 percent stake in the consortium, with Areva taking another 10 percent, according to newspapers including France’s Les Echos and Britain’s Sunday Telegraph.

EDF and the British prime minister’s office declined to comment on the media reports.

The two reactors, each with a capacity of 1.6 gigawatts, would together make up nearly five percent of British generating capacity and increase energy security in the country, which needs to replace 20 percent of its ageing and polluting power plants over the coming decade.

The project is a boost for the global nuclear industry, which has seen

projects canceled since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

Germany decided to phase out nuclear power, Italy scrapped a planned nuclear program and France has pledged to cut atomic power to 50 percent of its electricity mix from 75 percent today.

Britain’s government and main opposition parties support nuclear power and anti-nuclear sentiment among the population is muted by comparison with other parts of Europe.

George Borovas, nuclear specialist at law firm Pillsbury, said Britain is a unique environment for nuclear, given political support, a relatively strong economy and an existing nuclear fleet.

“If nuclear can’t work in the UK, where else?” he said.

Two other groups have put forward plans to build new nuclear plants in Britain and will be scrutinizing the EDF deal closely: Japan’s Hitachi via its Horizon project and the NuGen project of France’s GDF and Spain’s Iberdrola.

HUGE RISKS Under the deal, the EDF-led consortium will build the two reactors at its own risk, but the government will guarantee a minimum price for power generated from the proposed Hinkley Point C plant in Somerset, southwest

England, adjacent to an existing nuclear power plant run by EDF. EDF operates 15 nuclear reactors in the UK following its 12.5 billion pound takeover of British Energy in 20082009.

The so-called strike price, over which EDF

have to pay back money in excess of the price.

The suggested deal comes amid an increasingly bitter row over electricity prices in Britain, with two of the main six utilities announcing more than 8 percent rises for this winter. Several British

unprecedented in Europe since liberalization started two decades ago, and Britain will be the first country to seek consent from the European Commission’s competition department for this.

Earlier this month the

• David Cameron, British PM

and Britain have wrangled for more than a year, is expected to be set at about 92 pounds per megawatt-hour, more than twice current market levels, and could be valid for 35 years, according to some media.

If British electricity market prices fall below the agreed threshold, EDF would be reimbursed for the difference, while it would

media were critical of the Hinkley Point project, saying it would increase power prices.

Analysts said it was too early to estimate the impact of the Hinkley Point deal on EDF’s outlook and share price as details had yet to emerge, and the deal still needs to get European Commission clearance.

Direct market support for new nuclear plants is

Commission ruled out including a reference to nuclear power in revised state aid rules, an indication the UK request could be difficult.

Critics say that by freezing the power price for a nuclear plant for decades ahead, the government is taking huge risks.

“Why would anyone begin to imagine that you know what the price of

“Direct market support for new nuclear plants is unprecedented in Europe since liberalization started two decades ago, and Britain will be the first country to seek consent from the European Commission’s competition department for this.”

wholesale electricity will be in be 2058?” said Tom Burke, environmentalist and former government energy adviser.

For EDF too the project is a major risk. At the EPR reactor EDF is building in Flamanville, France, costs ballooned from a budgeted 3.3 billion euros in 2005 to 8.5 billion euros late last year. An EPR built by Areva in Olkiluoto, Finland, has suffered similar overruns and is also years behind schedule.

“If the Hinkley Point project ends up costing 20 billion euros, the consortium will have to cough up the 4 billion euro difference,” a Parisbased equities analyst said.

But two EPRs being built by EDF’s Chinese partner CGN are on schedule and on budget, and EDF hopes that the Chinese, besides financing, will bring project management skills gathered from constructing more than a dozen nuclear plants in recent years.

British finance minister George Osborne signed an agreement in China on Thursday allowing Chinese companies to enter Britain’s nuclear power sector.

China, which is developing its own reactor, sees the Hinkley Point deal as a first foot in the door in Europe and hopes to use the British reference to sell nuclear plants worldwide.

Eventually, this could bring it into competition with EDF and Areva, on whose technologies the Chinese designs are based.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

International

A top Chinese official speak at the opening of the ruling party’s conference weekend.

China Leader Promises ‘Unprecedented” BEIJING - A top Chinese Reforms At Key Party Meeting leader has promised “unprecedented” economic and societal reforms at the Communist Party’s much anticipated plenum meeting next month, state media reported on Saturday.

Yu Zhengsheng, the fourthranked member in the elite Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party, said the closed-door meeting would “principally explore the issue of deep and comprehensive reforms”.

“The reforms this time will be broad, with major strength, and will be unprecedented,” he said, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

“Inevitably they will strongly push forward profound transformations in the economy, society and other spheres.”

Yu’s comments are among the first from China’s top leaders about the plenum, where President Xi Jinping is expected to press for greater economic reforms.

The broad reform agenda is expected to steer the world’s second-largest economy, which is experiencing slowing growth, from a reliance on debt-fuelled investment to a more balanced model driven more by consumption, services and innovation.

The meeting will mark the third time China’s elite 200member Central Committee has gathered since a leadership transition last year.

Historically, third plenums in China have served as a springboard for key economic reforms. Political reform is not expected to be a major point of discussion.

China’s cabinet has called for greater effort in revamping the economy because a recovery is not yet solid.

China’s $8.5 trillion economy grew at its fastest pace this year between July and September in a rebound fuelled largely by investment, although signs are already emerging the pick-up in activity may lose some vigor.

China still expects to meet its

economic targets for this year, including growth of 7.5 percent.

China this week launched a new benchmark lending rate, aimed at letting markets set the cost of funds and reducing

distortions that have led to excessive investment and overcapacity now dogging the economy.

At the plenum, the reform agenda is likely to feature financial and tax reforms, but

may also address persistent issues such as hastening urbanization through land reforms and liberalizing China’s household registration system, which restricts migration between rural areas and cities.

Czech Left Poised To Win Election

PRAGUE - The main opposition center-left Social Democrats looked set to win most votes in a Czech parliamentary election ending on Saturday but new protest parties were also expected to do well, complicating the formation of a new government.

Opinion polls predict Bohuslav Sobotka’s proEuropean Union Social Democrats will win about 25 percent of the vote as Czechs punish center-right parties, in power for most of the past seven years, over painful budget cuts and corruption scandals.

A leftist government led by former finance minister Sobotka would slap new taxes on banks, utilities and high earners to pay for social programs and help keep the budget deficit below the EU’s prescribed level of 3 percent of national output.

The Social Democrats, out of power since 2006, aim to form a minority government backed in parliament by the Communists, heirs to the totalitarian party that lost power in the 1989 “Velvet Revolution”. It would be the first time the far-left party has had any share in power in the post-communist era.

• Shinzo Abe, Japan Prime Minister

Japan Ready To Be More Assertive Against China - PM TOKYO - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in an interview published on Saturday, said Japan was ready to be more assertive towards China as Beijing threatened to strike back if provoked.

A top retired Chinese diplomat said any move by Tokyo to contain China could amount to an attempt to conceal ulterior motives in the region and prove to be “extremely dangerous”. And the defense ministry warned Japan not to underestimate China’s resolve to take whatever measures were needed to protect itself.

Abe, interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, said Japan should take the lead in guarding against what he said might be an attempt

by China to use force to attain its diplomatic goals.

He said he had realized at recent meetings with South East Asian leaders that the region sought leadership from Tokyo in terms of security amid China’s more forthright diplomacy.

“There are concerns that China is attempting to change the status quo by force, rather than by rule of law. But if China opts to take that path, then it won’t be able to emerge peacefully,” he told the newspaper.

“So it shouldn’t take that path and many nations expect Japan to strongly express that view.

And they hope that as a result, China will take responsible action in the international community.”

China took issue with a Japanese media report saying Abe had approved a policy for Japan to shoot down foreign drones that ignore warnings to leave its airspace.

“Don’t underestimate the Chinese army’s resolute will and determination to protect China’s territorial sovereignty,” Defence Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said on the ministry’s website. “If Japan does resort to enforcement measures like shooting down

aircraft, that is a serious provocation to us, an act of war.

“We will undertake decisive action to strike back, with every consequence borne by the side that caused the trouble,” Geng added.

Relations have deteriorated sharply in the past year, with the main sticking point being conflicting claims to uninhabited islets in the East China Sea, known in Japan as the Senkaku islands and in China as Diaoyu.

Ties have taken a further battering over visits by Japanese lawmakers this month to the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo honoring both war dead and Japanese leaders convicted as war criminals.

Financial markets have mostly ignored the election thanks to the Czech Republic’s economic stability, underpinned by low public debt load and the lowest borrowing costs in emerging Europe, but they may be rattled by an uncertain outcome and the risk of drawnout coalition talks.

Polls opened at 1200 GMT on Friday and close at the same time on Saturday. Complete results are expected to be known

by Saturday evening.

“I voted for a left-wing party because the right-wing parties have discredited themselves.

They played unfairly,” said Jan Klepl, a Prague resident in his 50s.

The snap election was called after center-right prime minister Petr Necas resigned in June in a scandal over alleged illegal surveillance and bribery.

His Civic Democrats are tipped to win only 6.5 percent and its former coalition partner, the conservative Top09, 9 percent.

Anger over sleaze in the central European country of 10.5 million people gave a big boost to new protest parties in the final weeks of the election campaign, raising the prospect of prolonged haggling over a new coalition between the Social Democrats and smaller groups in the coming weeks.

The biggest of the new parties is ANO, set up by Forbes-listed billionaire businessman Andrej Babis, which polled at 16 percent in the latest opinion polls.

“What I want from this election is that this outrageous mess finally ends. I have voted for ANO. I want a change. Babis seems capable,” said Petr, a doctor who declined to give his surname as he cast his ballot in Prague.

Babis’s anti-graft message has struck a chord with voters who seem willing to overlook his pre-1989 membership of the Communist Party and links to the then-secret police.

“The current parties have messed it up. They all lie just to protect each other,” said Vilem Zajicek, 50, making clear he was voting for one of the new groupings.

Sobotka’s hopes of becoming prime minister will hinge not only on the smaller parties entering parliament.

President Milos Zeman, himself a former Social Democrat prime minister, has made clear he expects to have a say in the post-election negotiations.

Zeman’s position will be all the stronger if the margin of the Social Democrats’ victory is relatively modest and if more of the newer parties - including a small leftist grouping that strongly backs Zeman - make it into parliament.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Sports Features WHEN the Super Eagles arrived in Addis Ababa on October 12 for the first-leg of the 2014 FIFA World Cup play-off, nobody envisaged that the match with the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia would end in hostility.

At the Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopian football fans lined up at strategic locations to receive the Super Eagles and members of the Nigerian delegation, including men and women of the supporters club.

Many of the Ethiopian fans made efforts to take photographs with some of the Eagles immediately on their arrival.

The warm reception notwithstanding, Nigerian football officials alleged that the team was assigned a bus infested with cockroaches.

Not only this, they also accused the Ethiopian police escort team of deliberately taking them through gridlock routes to ensure that they arrived late at their training ground.

During the match at the Addis Ababa National Stadium on October. 13, the Antelopes played very hard and aggressive football to humble the Eagles.

Analysts said that the Ethiopians were desperate to secure a win at home, and for this reason they adopted different tactics to subdue the Eagles who were able to contain them.

Terrified by this superior performance, the Ethiopian fans pelted the

Eagles and their fans with soft drink bottles when the Ethiopians thought that the Antelopes had scored a goal in the first half but was disallowed.

At the end of the match, the Eagles beat the Antelopes 2-1, leading to attacks by Ethiopian football fans who threw stones at their bus as they returned to their hotel.

One of the Eagles, Nosa Igiebor, was injured, although the Nigerian Football Association said the matter had been reported to FIFA and the Ethiopian police.

The Eagles and the Nigerian delegation, led

by Aminu Maigari, Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), thereafter, arrived in Nigeria on October 14, complaining of illtreatment from the Ethiopian fans.

Football enthusiasts have, on many occasions, noted that it is unfortunate that intrigues, intimidation, harassment and provocation are common during matches such as this encounter.

They recalled that hostility, in the case of Nigeria-Ethiopia match, began when Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles Head Coach, pleaded that the dry pitch of the Addis Ababa stadium be watered in preparation for the match to avoid injuries on players.

Yigzaw Bizuayehu, the Secretary-General of the Ethiopian Football Federation, replied Keshi that the Eagles were not the only team to have played on it.

However, a rainfall after days of dryness in Addis

Super Eagles Victory Amidst Harsh Treatment In Ethiopia Ababa, made the pitch wet as Keshi had suggested.

Beside this, Keshi said that Ethiopian security personnel denied some Nigerian players, team officials, Nigerian journalists and some board members of the Nigeria Football Association entry into the stadium.

According to him, eight

Super Eagles players were locked out, while 15 were allowed, noting that Shola Ameobi and Azubuike Egwuekwe were among the players who were locked out.

It took the intervention of Mr Bulus Lolo, the Nigerian ambassador to Ethiopia for the eight Super Eagles players to

By EMMANUEL AFONNE

enter the stadium later.

Bizuayehu said he was angry when the centre referee disallowed his team’s goal, arguing that the ball had crossed the goal line before it was cleared off by Super Eagles’ defender Godfrey Oboabona.

“Nigeria is a big country and we respect Nigeria;

but Nigeria didn’t deserve to win today. We were far better than the Nigerian Eagles.

“The referee denied us the opportunity that could have changed the game for us, and we are not happy.

“The officiating was really poor and the whole

“To curb hooliganism, a Kenyan sport analyst, Angwenyi Gichana, suggested that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other stakeholders should hold seminars to educate fans on how to conduct themselves with decorum at stadia. He suggested that national football organisers should blacklist of known football hooligans from entering stadia, while CAF should also punish countries prone to hooliganism by making their national teams to play in empty stadia.”

of Ethiopia is not happy.

You can see how they left the stadium disappointed,’’ he said.

Spectators have, therefore, noted that these are some of the complaints that could cause violence in matches if not properly addressed.

Irrespective of the position of the Ethiopian

football authority, Mike Umeh, the ViceChairman of NFA, said the matter had been reported to FIFA security team at the match venue, noting that an action would be taken.

He also assured football enthusiasts that Nigerians would not retaliate when the Ethiopians come for the return-leg tie of the qualifier scheduled for Calabar on November 16.

Lolo, nonetheless, said: “certainly, security is a challenge and there is reason to be afraid because of the behaviour of some fans’’.

To curb hooliganism, a Kenyan sport analyst, Angwenyi Gichana, suggested that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other stakeholders should hold seminars to educate fans on how to conduct themselves with decorum at stadia.

He suggested that national football

organisers should blacklist of known football hooligans from entering stadia, while CAF should also punish countries prone to

hooliganism by making their national teams to play in empty stadia. “ I think CAF has to take a hard line positions, such as suspending some stadia and ordering matches to be played behind closed doors if only to send a strong message to hooligans,’’ another analyst, Daniel Asongwe in Nashville, U.S., suggested.

THE NIGERIAN

28

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Neymar Outshines Bale In Big-Money Buys Battle GARETH Bale was given his chance to shine on the biggest stage of all on Saturday as he made his El Clasico debut for Real Madrid against Barcelona on Saturday.

However, unfortunately for the Welshman, it was another expensive import making his bow in the fixture who shone, as Neymar scored Barca’s opener and then teed up Alexis Sanchez to make the game safe 12 minutes from time.

Jese Rodriguez pulled a goal back for Madrid in stoppage time to make the final score 2-1, but Bale had long since departed by that point as he was replaced by Karim Benzema with half an hour remaining.

“I am very happy to score such a special goal, but above all for the three points that we

achieved,” said Neymar.

“It was very exciting to score in the game that every player wants to play in.”

The contrast between the summer’s blockbuster signings couldn’t have been greater and merely summed up the difference in how they have adapted to La Liga in their first two months in Spain.

Neymar has benefited massively from the relatively swift process that saw his 57 million euro ($78.1 million, £48.3 million) move from Santos completed before Barca had even completed last season.

The Brazilian arrived to a hero’s welcome in the Catalan capital on the first Monday in June before returning to his homeland to take the world, and even some of his new

INTER Milan resisted a spirited fight back to secure a 42 win over Verona at the San Siro and leapfrog the league newcomers into fourth in Italy’s Serie A on Saturday.

A day after club president Massimo Moratti set a date of November 15 for an official takeover by Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir, Inter closed the gap on leaders Roma to five points.

Roma, who have won nine games out of nine, face Udinese away Sunday when secondplaced Napoli and Juventus, in third, face Torino and Genoa respectively in a bid to close their own five-point deficit on the leaders.

Inter, Italy’s last winners of the Champions League, in 2010, have made a solid start to this campaign following a disastrous ninth-place finish last season.

But despite dominating an entertaining and open encounter at the San Siro, Walter Mazzarri’s side were aided by the defensive lapses which have been one of Verona’s unwelcome characteristics so far this season.

Verona’s second goal in the 71st minute from Romulo, however, underlined Inter’s own lapses and Mazzarri told Sky Sport Italia: “We showed unnecessary naivety at times —

we can’t ever afford to let our guard down in this league.

“We played really well up to a certain point but if we want to be a side to be reckoned with, we can’t afford to have these kind of slip-ups.”

Inter were gifted a welcome early lead when Vangelis Moras deflected a volley from unmarked Brazilian defender Jonathan past compatriot Rafael in the Verona goal in the ninth minute.

More dubious defending from the visitors allowed the Nerazzurri to double their lead only three minutes later.

Rolando nodded the ball into the path of Fredy Guarin and although his shot was cleared off the line it ricocheted off the chest of Rodrigo Palacio and into the net from point-blank range.

Inter Resist Verona To Move Up

teammates, by storm by guiding his country to the Confederations Cup with a 3-0 win over Spain.

On Saturday night, it wasn’t merely that the 21-year-old outshone Bale, he was he standout player on the pitch, overshadowing the world’s best in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

His goal may only have been his fourth in 14 appearances, but his through ball from which Sanchez finished the contest with a nonchalant lob over Lopez was already his seventh assist, making him the chief goal creator in a side boasting the talents of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas.

“Neymar played a great game,” Barca boss Gerardo Martino added.

“To score a goal in the Clasico creates a huge impact.”

Bale, by contrast, had a much more anxious summer as he waited to see if his dream move to the world’s richest club would finally come off.

By the time it did, on the first day in September, his chance of a bedding-in period and preseason with his new teammates had disappeared.

Ancelotti Bemoans Penalty Decision

CARLO Ancelotti bemoaned the referee’s decision not to award Real Madrid a penalty as they went down 2-1 to Barcelona in El Clasico. it 2-0.

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed he Jese grabbed a late goal for had been bundled over in the Real after Ronaldo’s through ball penalty area by Barca centrebut Barca saw out the remaining back Javier Mascherano but the two minutes to go four points official waved away his protests. clear at the top of La Liga.

The game was delicately “The penalty seems very clear, poised at 1-0 a that stage, Barca it seems that everyone has seen leading through Neymar’s firstit, but not the referee, who has half strike, before a delightful not called it,” Ancelotti told Real chip from Alexis Sanchez made

Rodgers Hails Magical Suarez LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers hailed a “magic’’ performance from Luis Suarez after his first Anfield hattrick demolished West Brom.

The Uruguay international scored twice before half-time in the 4-1 win, added another 10 minutes after the break and after James Morrison had converted a

contested penalty Daniel Sturridge applied the coup de grace with a delightful inchperfect chip.

Suarez departed just before the end to a standing ovation less than three months after accusing the club of reneging on a deal to allow him to join a Champions League side following Arsenal’s £40,000,001

Sunderland Owner Admits Hiring Dicanio Mistake

SUNDERLAND owner Ellis Short has admitted he got it wrong when he appointed Paolo Di Canio as head coach.

The 45-year-old Italian lasted only 13 games in the job despite guiding the Black Cats to

Barcelona’s Coach Gerardo Martino (left) is congratulated by Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti at the end of their La Liga Clasico.

Barclays Premier League safety last season, and was replaced by Gus Poyet earlier this month.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of Sunday’s derby

Paolo Di Canic, former Sunderland Coach

clash with Newcastle, Short said: “With the euphoria from our successful survival fight at the end of last season and the optimism surrounding our preseason, we could never have imagined in our worst nightmare being in the position we are in now.

“The club has been in turmoil as a result of the change of head coach so early in the season.

“I have to take the blame for that. Clearly at least one of the decisions I made over the last several months was the wrong one.

“I believe this period of uncertainty is now over with the appointment of Gus Poyet.

“Gus’ challenge at Sunderland is to establish stability, get what I consider to be a good squad of players together as a cohesive unit and to begin fighting our way back up the table.

bid - and gladly reciprocated. He departed Anfield with the match ball, his fourth in a Reds shirt, and Rodgers felt the performance helped put a lid on all the shenanigans of pre-season.

“It was a difficult summer for him but it was for everyone and we managed as a club and he has managed himself well and he has come out the other side performing as he always done,’’ said the manager. “I knew once I had got the commitment from him in the summer he has been great. He is a tireless worker and I knew if he stayed it was going to be the case of working in training as he’s always done.

“I thought the front two were brilliant. Suarez’s first goal was exceptional, we really exploited the space in front of their centrehalves and he showed wonderful invention and creativity to nutmeg (Jonas) Olsson before taking his shot early.

“The second was a good team goal, I thought we moved it well, the cross came in early and he’s guided the header in fantastically well. “His third goal is from a great ball from Steven (Gerrard) and he could’ve had more after hitting the crossbar. “It was his first hat-trick here at Anfield, I think you have seen his commitment to the team and what we are trying to do. It was a wonderful performance.

Magic.”

Madrid’s website.

“I think in the second half the game was very good. We pushed more, played more, we had control of the game and we had good chances to score.”

“The team fought toe to toe against a very difficult team, and by the end we had them on the ropes, it’s rare that you see Barcelona trying to waste time at the end of a game.

“But there were two clear penalties and although I don’t like to try and justify defeats by talking about referees, there are some things you cannot fight

against.”

Ancelotti’s decision to play Sergio Ramos in midfield raised a few eyebrows and Real looked disjointed in the first half before putting their opponents under more sustained pressure in the second period.

But the Italian denied his team selection was defensive: “I do not think we played with three defensive midfielders because Modric is not one. Khedira and Ramos played defensively to give balance. I think that Barcelona did not play with so many attackers.

...Backs Beleaguered Bale REAL Madrid boss Carlo

Ancelotti has backed Gareth Bale to come good despite another insipid performance from the Welshman in the 2-1 defeat by Barcelona on Saturday night.

Bale was handed just his second start since joining Los Blancos for 91 million euros ($125.5 million, £77.6 million) last month, but failed to make an impact on the game before being replaced by Karim Benzema after an hour.

The 24-year-old occupied a variety of positions across the frontline during his time on the field, but Ancelotti explained that his starting position in the centre of the pitch was merely a defensive tactic to pressure Sergio Busquets before moving into wide areas when Madrid had the ball.

“They are his first games and he needs to learn the combinations with the other players.

“He played a good game, he worked hard for the team.”

“He didn’t change positions from the wing to the centre a lot.

He just looked to pressure

Busquets when they had the ball and then play on the wing where there was more space.”

Goals either side of half-time from Neymar and Alexis Sanchez were enough to hand Barca victory as Jese Rodriguez’s reply for Madrid in stoppage time was merely a late consolation.

However, Ancelotti was convinced his side should have been awarded a penalty with the score at 1-0 when Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to have been caught by Javier Mascherano inside the area.

Gareth Bale

THE NIGERIAN

29

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Moyes Revel In United Dramatic Fightback

DAVID Moyes believes he has seen a glimpse of the old Manchester United after a dramatic late comeback secured a 32 win against Stoke. last kick of the first half, restored United boss Moyes was in a Stoke advantage that lasted danger of suffering another until the closing stages. dispiriting defeat in an already Even allowing for the defeat, troubled start to his reign when the manner of the performance Stoke took a shock 2-1 lead at and the difficulty Moyes’ men half-time at Old Trafford on had in winning the game, left Saturday. former United star Hughes But United claimed a 78th believing Old Trafford is not the minute equaliser from Wayne impenetrable fortress it once Rooney before substitute Javier was.

Hernandez, whom Stoke “I think we were encouraged manager Mark Hughes claimed by what other teams have done should have been sent off, won here West Brom, the match two minutes later in a Southampton,” he said. manner that recalled so many “I felt we had the capabilities famous victories under Moyes’ to do a similar performance if we predecessor Alex Ferguson. committed to it and that’s what “I thought in the end we had we worked on this week, getting to go for it,” said Moyes, who at them and causing problems. made three attacking For the most part, thats exactly substitutions in a bid to win the what we did.” contest.

However, the Stoke manager “I thought we did a lot of good does believe that one facet of life things but an awful lot of real at Old Trafford remains constant poor things that put us in the - the pressure that is applied to situation we were in. match officials by the packed “Some of the play we had was stadium. very good but it wasn’t leading Hughes was insistent that to any goals.

Hernandez should have been “I thought inside the ground shown a red, instead of yellow, with 15-20 minutes to go, the card by referee Lee Mason after supporters were terrific, they leaving in a trailing leg on a late drove the team on and played a challenge on Stoke defender big part in getting the result.

Robert Huth “Of course they were a little “It was a poor challenge on disappointed. They wanted to Robert Huth, reckless in my see their team win, maybe more view,” he said. “Why the convincingly, but they’ve had a assistant referee didn’t see fit to lot of games like that here in the do something about it, I don’t past. know.

“It was very good, very “It was a reckless challenge. I exciting. I really enjoyed it and the three centre forwards we had on the pitch all scored a goal today and that was pleasing.”

After a sub-par start to the campaign had seen United go into the game 11 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, defeat would have been unthinkable for the defending champions, especially coming MANCHESTER United have on the back of a home defeat at apologised to supporters who the hands of West Brom and were offended when a graphic in poor home draw with an email they sent out was Southampton. deemed to resemble a swastika.

Now Moyes hopes this hardIt was alongside an article fought victory can transform the about the younger generation of campaign. players at Old Trafford, “It can do,” he said. “But we headlined “New Order”, and will go about it quietly.” with pictures of Adnan Januzaj, Stoke stunned United when Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones, Peter Crouch handed them an David de Gea and Rafael da early lead which was cancelled Silva. out just before the interval by That was intended to be a Robin van Persie. reference to the Mancunian pop A free-kick from Marko group of the same name but New Arnautovic, with practically the

think the lad himself will agree with that. You can’t use your leg like that, its dangerous.

“I’m a little bit disappointed with that decision from the referee.

“I think referees and assistant

referees see what they see and make decisions accordingly.

“It’s very difficult to go against a 70,000 crowd here. It has a big influence on people but at times you’ve got to be strong as a referee as well. But there you go.”

Manchester United Manager, David Moyes speaks to Wayne Rooney during their 3-2 win over Stoke City

...United Apologise For email Blander Order was also the term Nazis used to impose their control and political ideology on countries they had conquered.

United are adamant that this was utterly unintentional and are investigating how this happened on the email newsletter ‘United Uncovered’.

Capital One Cup. It’s what you should be aiming for when you want to be the best.

“The manager always tells us that we have the squad to challenge in everything and that he will always try to put a strong team to win every game.

“Last season hurt us. We finished second to United and lost the FA Cup Final and this club cannot accept silver medals.

“That experience has made us more focused, I think.”

And the Argentina international believes City boss Manuel Pellegrini has built a squad capable of fulfilling the City manager’s lofty ambitions.

“We have a better squad now than when we won the title in 2012,” Zabaleta said. “Some big players have left, but some big players have arrived. It feels

ARSENE Wenger praised Arsenal’s mature performance as the Premier League leaders survived Mikel Arteta’s red card to clinch a gritty 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Arteta was dismissed with 25 minutes left to play after the Spanish midfielder had opened the scoring from the penalty spot early in the second half at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

But two superb saves from Wojciech Szczesny kept Arsenal ahead and the visitors, who struggled to play with their trademark fluency in possession, eventually finished off spirited Palace when Olivier Giroud’s fifth Premier League goal of the season sealed the points in the closing minutes.

And after suffering their first defeat since the opening day of the season against Borussia Dortmund in midweek, Wenger was impressed with the way his players returned to winning ways with a run of difficult games to come including league fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester United.

“It was not a game of brilliance but efficiency and patience,” he said.

“Maybe were not at our sharpest but we were serious and determined.

After the disappointment of Tuesday night, it was important to respond with a win straight away.

“We dealt well with the situation. We were mature, organised and didn’t become nervous. Szczesny made two great saves at an important moment of the game and eventually we got the second goal.”

In a week that saw manager Ian Holloway leave second bottom Palace after a fifth successive defeat, the hosts could consider themselves unlucky not to have earned something from this game.

Yet they did have a stroke of luck when Arteta was harshly given his marching orders for bringing down former Gunners team-mate Marouane Chamakh

wide on the right flank.

However, with a League Cup tie against Chelsea to come this week, Wenger revealed he does not intend to appeal that decision.

A groin injury that forced the returning Mathieu Flamini off in the seventh minute could leave Arsenal down to the bare bones in midfield for the meeting with Jose Mourinho’s side.

Yet in line with his usual policy, Wenger will select a largely reserve team for that match.

Despite his injury worries, though, the French manager remains confident that his squad can cope with the real challenges yet to come.

“The only thing we can do is keep winning our games but we have some difficult games coming up and that will be a big test,” Wenger said.

“We are ambitious and we want to do as well as we can.

It’s a good feeling (to be top), but without any massive significance “We had an opportunity to put pressure on all the rivals and we did that.”

Holloway’s former assistant Keith Millen took charge of Palace, but he couldn’t stop the south Londoners suffering their eighth defeat in nine league matches since being promoted via the Championship play-offs last season.

Olivier Giroud

West Brom Boss Backs No-goal Anichebe WEST Brom boss Steve Clarke has backed Victor Anichebe and other Baggies strikers even as they are yet to

City Aiming For Trophy Haul

MANCHESTER City defender Pablo Zabaleta revealed that the club are aiming “to win all four competitions” on the eve of their clash with Chelsea.

City have had a steady start to the season, currently sitting in sixth position in the Premier League while they sit second behind Bayern Munich in Group D in the Champions League.

But Zabaleta said it was not only the major domestic and European competitions that were on the club’s radar.

“The manager told us that this time we must aim to win all four -competitions,” Zabaleta told the Mirror.

“The Premier League and the Champions League are the most important options for every team, but he is also serious about winning the FA Cup and the

They said: “This has caused offence which was entirely unintended. For this, United Uncovered unreservedly apologises.”

Head to media David Sternberg apologised for the incident on Twitter after being criticised by user David Roberts.

Wenger Impressed

By Matured Arsenal

now like we have at least two top players for every single -position in the team. I think the balance we have is very good.

get their first goal this season.

The Baggies head coach insisted he is happy with his front men despite a lack of output so far.

Youngster Saido Berahino, who is yet to operate as a centreforward for the first team having been deployed in a wide role, is the only recognised forward to find the net so far this term with

Olofinjana Glad To Rejoin Sheff Wednesday SEYI Olofinjana has said he is delighted to return to former club Sheffield Wednesday.

The former Nigeria international midfielder signed a deal on Friday as a free agent and debuted the next day at Barnsley.

Having trained with Wednesday all season, the former Hull City ace jumped at the chance to re-sign for the Owls and said: “I’ve waited patiently, trained hard and bided my time. I was offered a contract

here and I couldn’t wait to sign it.

“There have been other options available to me but I wanted this to be my club.

“I enjoyed my time here last season, the manager told me to keep working hard and my chance could come.

“It did and I’m happy to be back. I could see the potential here last season and was very keen to come back and be a part of it again and work under the manager.”

Nicolas Anelka, Shane Long, Victor Anichebe and Matej Vydra still looking for their first goals.

Clarke said: “None of them have scored yet but they have contributed to team success and that’s the most important thing.

It’s great for strikers to score because every striker wants and needs goals.

“But the day I start worrying

Victor Anichebe

about them is the day they’re not getting in positions to score goals.

“They’ve all missed chances in the games they’ve played and it’s more worrying if they’re not getting in those positions.”

Anelka, who was Clarke’s highest profile summer recruit, was left on the substitutes’ bench for last weekend’s goalless draw at Stoke.

But Clarke insisted the decision was no reflection on the early-season form of the 34year-old former Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool man.

The Scot said: “Nobody is guaranteed their place.

“We’ve got good competition for all the places and from game to game my job is to decide what the best starting XI is for that particular game.

“That was the thinking last week and it will be the thinking again this week, next week and the following week.

“We have to make the best of what we’ve got.”

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Blatter Wants Racism Teams Kicked Out

British boxer Kell Brook decleared winner by referee in round four to beat Vyacheslav Senchenko to IBF Welterweight title

Boxing:

FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants tougher sanctions over racism in football with teams kicked out of tournaments and points deducted.

Blatter, speaking at the Football Association’s 150th anniversary gala in London, became the latest high-profile figure to react to accusations of racism in the game.

Manchester City’s Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure claimed he was the target of monkey chants during the midweek Champions League clash at CSKA Moscow.

“It has been decided by the FIFA congress that it is a nonsense for racism to be dealt with by fines, you can always find money from somebody to pay them,” said Blatter.

“It is a nonsense to have matches played without spectators because it is against the spirit of football and against the visiting team, it is all nonsense.

“We need to eliminate teams from a competition or deduct points. Only by such decisions

Brook Stops Senchenko To Earn World Title

KELL Brook put on one of the performances of his life to stop Vyacheslav Senchenko in the fourth round and win the IBF welterweight title eliminator.

Brook, in front of his home crowd in Sheffield, extended his spotless record to 31-0 with a consummate performance against the Ukrainian fighter.

The victory came moments after Brook’s worst moment of the fight as Senchenko - who pummelled Ricky Hatton into a retirement last November rocked the 27-year-old in the fourth round.

But the British star

immediately got back into the fight and finished off his opponent, earning the right to a world title shot next year.

“I believe I’ve made a statement here,” Brook said.

“When I hurt him I knew I could take my time.

“I nearly got lackadaisical and I got caught myself, but I thought ‘I’m going to get you back for that’.

“I wasn’t really hurt, it was just

Ageless Hopkins Retains Light Heavyweight Crown AMERICAN Bernard Hopkins, already the oldest world champion in boxing history, improved on that milestone by retaining the IBF light heavyweight crown with a unanimous decision win over Germany’s Karo Murat in Atlantic City on Saturday.

Hopkins (54-6-2), who turns 49 in January, took control in the second half of the bout against an opponent 18 years his junior.

“The plan was to let the dog follow the bone into the dark

alley,” Hopkins said after defending the title he won in March by defeating Tavoris Cloud in another unanimous decision.

“I wanted the knockout so you have to take risks. I’m an entertainer and this is what the people wanted to see.”

Although he was unable to secure an early victory, two ringside judges scored the 12round bout 119-108 in favour of Hopkins, while a third saw it 117110.

a bit of a buzz. I’m glad to have got revenge for Ricky.”

Brook floored his opponent in the third round after dominating the opening exchanges and looked likely to finish off Senchenko early on.

Admitting complacency after the match, Brook stepped off and gifted the Ukrainian a foothold in the contest – dropping his guard as Senchenko shook the home-favourite midway through the fourth round.

Brook stood strong, however, shaking off the punch before unleashing a flurry of jabs that put Senchenko down for a final time. The 36-year-old beat the count but the referee deemed the contest over, waving off the fight and awarding Brook the victory.

Earlier on the same fight card, Olympic Champion Anthony Joshua stopped Paul Butlin in the second round to extend his professional boxing record to 20.

The fight was hardly a contest with Joshua dominating from the off. Butlin scraped his way through the opening round but was unable to compete against

Racism Charges Against CSKA Be EUROPEAN football’s governing body UEFA must Proved - Minister prove charges of racism against CSKA Moscow fans during their Champions League game with Manchester City before they hand out punishment, Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko said on Saturday.

But Russia would accept any sanctions levelled against the club if there was evidence to back the accusations, he said.

“If there were any racist chants at the venue the referee could stop the match or even cancel it,” Mutko said. “But no actions of that kind were made during Wednesday’s match. These

accusations should be proved.

“In case the outbreaks of racism really took place at the match, the fans, the club and the arena would have to undergo punishment.

“It will be a fair decision and we will accept it unconditionally to avoid repetitions of racist outbreaks in the future.”

On Wednesday, Manchester City’s Ivorian captain Yaya Toure claimed he was the target of racist chanting during City’s 2-1 win.

Toure, who speaks some Russian after playing two

seasons with Ukraine’s Metalurg Donetsk, was adamant that the chanting was directed specifically at him.

But the Moscow club’s general director Roman Babayev claimed to have heard nothing offensive coming from the terraces.

“We did not hear any chanting,” Babayev was quoted as saying by Russian media.

“Moreover, there were various calls and noises addressed at other players beside the darkskinned ones.”

Joshua’s speed and strength.

Butlin’s corner eventually threw in the towel after their man had returned to his feet after a big knockdown that had left him looking shaky thereafter.

Brian Rose earned himself a world title shot with a superb points victory over Argentina’s Javier Maciel.

Maciel split his Blackpoolborn opponent’s nose early on as he appeared to have the better of the early rounds. The two entered a number of gruelling encounters inside the ring throughout the duration - Rose somehow withstanding a gruesome

combination from Maciel in the eighth.

The home-favourite appeared to have done enough to at least earn a draw after an impressive final few rounds, but was awarded the split decision. The judges’ scorecards read: 117-111, 113-115, 116-113 - though Spanish judge Fernando Laguna’s card was greeted with a number of boos inside the Motorpoint Arena.

The vacant WBO lightmiddleweight belt is to be contested by Demetrius Andrade and Vanes Martirosyan in November.

ENGLISH Football Association chairman Greg Dyke marked the governing body’s 150th anniversary by pledging to help stamp out the evil of racism.

Dyke was addressing guests and dignitaries, including FA president Prince William and FIFA president Sepp Blatter, in a speech at a gala dinner in London on Saturday and he used the occasion to insist his organisation is determined to drive racism out of football.

The issue has become a hot topic again this week after Manchester City’s Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure was subjected to racist abuse from CSKA Moscow fans during a Champions League tie in Russia on Wednesday.

“It is the 20th year of the kick racism out of football campaign - congratulations to Kick It Out and to the outstanding work it has done,” Dyke said.

“It has achieved real success but we all know there’s more to

be done and the FA mustn’t stop here.

“Of course things will change, nothing stays the same. But where they do it must be for the better.”

The FA chose the Grand Connaught Rooms in Holborn for their anniversary dinner as it

is it possible to go against racism and discrimination. If we don’t do that it will go on and go on, we have to stop it, we need the courage to do it.

“We can do something better to fight racism and discrimination.

“This is one of the villains we have today in our game but I’m sure, with the combined efforts of everybody we can go on, but it is only with harsh sanctions that racism and discrimination can be washed out of football.”

Earlier, Football Association chairman Greg Dyke marked the governing body’s 150th anniversary by also pledging to help stamp out the evil of racism.

Dyke was addressing guests and dignitaries, including FA president Prince William and Blatter, and he used the occasion to insist his organisation is determined to drive racism out of football.

“It is the 20th year of the kick racism out of football campaign - congratulations to Kick It Out and to the outstanding work it has done,” Dyke said.

“It has achieved real success but we all know there’s more to be done and the FA mustn’t stop here.

“Of course things will change, nothing stays the same. But where they do it must be for the better.”

The FA chose the Grand Connaught Rooms in Holborn for their anniversary dinner as it was at the same venue where the first rules of the game were drafted by Ebenezer Cobb Morley a century and a half ago.

Dyke saluted the efforts of the FA to remain strong guardians of the game and promised to continue that tradition, saying: “There has been a huge historical focus this year, and rightly so.

“We should be proud of what our founders created and what The FA has continued in their name. But we should also be proud of what we are currently doing.

Dyke Marks FA Anniversary

By Pledging To Fight Racism was at the same venue where the first rules of the game were drafted by Ebenezer Cobb Morley a century and a half ago.

Dyke saluted the efforts of the FA to remain strong guardians of the game and promised to continue that tradition, saying: “There has been a huge historical focus this year, and rightly so.

Britain’s Prince Willaims (left) and Greg Dyke, FA Chairman pose with original FA minute book from 1863 as they mark 150th Anniversary

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

Fashola Challenges Media On Lawn Tennis Etiquette

U-17 World Cup

Eaglets Will Outclass Iran - Ugbade

GOLDEN Eaglets assistant coach Nduka Ugbade has said his team will outclass Iran on Tuesday in a U17 World Cup Round of 16 clash in Al Ain. The Eaglets have won the U17 World Cup three times, while Iran are making only their third appearance at the competition.

And Ugbade said he believes the experience and pedigree of the Golden Eaglets will come in handy on Tuesday evening.

“We have been keeping tabs on all our likely opponents and I paid so much attention to the game between Iran and Austria on Friday which they won by a 1-0 margin,” stated Ugbade, who captained Nigeria to win the trophy in 1985.

“The Iranians are a good side no doubt, but with all modesty, we should be able to cope well against them.”

Ugbade said the Golden Eaglets are not being carried away after an impressive first round performance, where they scored an impressive 14 goals in three matches including a 6-1 thrashing of defending champions Mexico.

“Of course, we are getting better since we defeated Mexico and the boys did well against Iraq on Friday with a 5-0 win, but I have no doubt that we would overcome the Iranians if we can correct some specific lapses we have noticed,” he noted.

Super Eagles’ Brown Ideye in an aerial contest with a Kenya player during a World Cup qualifier match

World Cup Qualifier

Ideye Dismisses Injury Reports, Ready For Ethiopia Clash BROWN Ideye has said he is fit while dismissing reports he will miss next month’s World Cup playoff against Ethiopia due to injury.

Speaking in a special Ukrainian base, Ideye said, “I interview with am only serving my threeMTNFootball.com from his match suspension, I am not in

Eguavoen Satisfied With Eaglets — 1985, 1993 and EX-INTERNATIONAL, Progress times 2007..

Austin Eguavoen, on Saturday expressed contentment at the progress made by the Golden Eaglets at the ongoing 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Eguavoen, a member of the 1994 Nations Cup winning squad, told newsmen in Lagos that the team’s handlers had also done a commendable job.

Nigeria had qualified after topping Group F with seven points from three matches, following 6-1 and 5-0 wins over Mexico and Iraq, respectively, and a 3-3 draw with Sweden.

The Golden Eaglets will on Oct. 29 face Iran in one of the second round matches of the competition. The match will hold at Al Ain City at 4 p.m., Nigerian time.

According to Equavoen, the Eaglets’ spectacular performance in the first round showed that they prepared adequately for the tournament.

“Manu Garba, Nduka Ugbade and Emmanuel Amunike have been fantastic.

They have done a good job, I’m impressed. These boys have wowed us.

“Their matches are entertaining, they are former

THE 13th Edition of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) tagged ‘Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis’ competition on Saturday ended with the State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) calling for an improvement in the quality of media coverage and crowd participation.

The Governor who spoke with newsmen at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan after the Men’s Singles Finals appealed to journalists to update their knowledge on how to cover tennis tournaments.

He explained that at such international lawn tennis tournaments, flash photography should not be used when play is in progress just as there should be no noise or movements, as these could distract players “I saw a lot of people moving around when the game was being played.

champions and they could not have performed below expectation.

“The tournament is meant for football development, which is what we should be particular about.

“But I must say that this tournament has brought out the best in these boys,’’ Eguavoen said.

Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles coach, added that his expectation was to see members of the country’s U17 team progress into the Super Eagles.

“We have a good chance. It is just to develop these players. They should be allowed to progress to the U20 and then the Super Eagles, but people should not put these boys under pressure.

“We need to ensure their progress into the next cadre; with that, our football development will be guaranteed,’’ he added.

Reports say that eight winners in the round of 16 will advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

The competition, which began on Oct. 17, will end on Nov. 8.

Eaglets have won the competition a record three

They were runners-up in 1987, 2001 and 2009.

any way ruled out. I am shocked at these reports back home.

“I have not been in the team because I was also asked to rest after the muscle strain I suffered.”

Brown, who was a second half substitute in Addis Ababa against Ethiopia in the first leg World Cup qualifier, further stated:”I have resumed training and

will join the full squad by next week and hopefully be available for selection in next weekend’s game.

“I am fit and ready to go for the Eagles. There is no truth in the report that I am injured and ruled out.”

The Eagles go into a November 16 return leg match in Calabar with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Ethiopia.

Emenike Reveals Eto’o’s Chelsea Goal Pushed Him

EMMANUEL Emenike has said that Samuel Eto’o’s first Chelsea goal lifted him to also score his first goal for Fenerbahce.

Last week, Cameroon superstar Eto’o scored his first goal for Chelsea against Cardiff City after going several games without a goal.

And Nigeria international striker Emenike followed suit the next day with the winner at Erciyesspor, before he scored twice on Friday to ensure his Turkish club stay top of the table.

He has now scored three goals since his big-money switch to Turkey from Spartak Moscow of Russia in the summer.

“I was lifted when I watched Samuel Eto’o celebrating his first goal for Chelsea after he had gone some games without a goal. My spirit was lifted and I got my first goal after that for Fenerbahce. He is a friend and brother, we have same vision and wear same jersey number too,” Emenike specially told MTNFootball.com The AFCON 2013 top scorer

revealed to MTNFootball.com that hard work, dedication and self belief have helped change his fortunes in front of goal.

“It is obvious that as a striker my job is to score goals. I love playing as a point man because that is when you will see my best, aside that I think hard work, self belief and focus are really paying off for me,” he said.

On the number of goals he wishes to score for the Turkish giants this term, Emenike said he just hopes to keep getting the goals.

“I think it is too early to set a goals’ target, so I won’t set any now, but I am confident of getting more goals for my club and I won’t relent,” he further told MTNFootball.com “On my arrival here, right from the airport, the fans and everybody here gave me a rousing welcome. They have great confidence in me to get the goals.

“They have been supportive even when I was not getting the goals, so it is a special moment

for me whenever I see great fans celebrating my goals. I am happy with my form and hope to make them happier.”

Emmanuel Emenike

This is an International Tennis Federation ranked tournament and this is not just the standard that takes us that far. We all just need to improve our knowledge of the game. How to conduct ourselves and the ethics of the game, it distracts the players.

There should be no flash photography on a tennis court”, Governor Fashola reiterated.

The Governor who also spoke on crowd participation advised people to always note that tennis is a regulated sport that restricts movement during rallies when the ball is in play and also restricting noise and conversation adding that conscious efforts must be made to conform with set rules of the game.

Governor Fashola gave kudos to the organizers for a job well done and to the players while expressing the conviction that the noticed shortcomings would be corrected in the next few weeks such that subsequently there can be better participation and better coverage at subsequent tournaments.

He described the standard of the championship as one which cannot be taken for granted considering the quality of the tennis that has been played and the quality of players that it has attracted since it started about a fortnight ago.

“Players who did well in a major grand slam in the US Open didn’t go beyond the early rounds here and it shows you that the standard is improving on a yearly basis. It was a good tournament so far”, the Governor said.

The Men’s Singles final match was won by Mr Ante Pavic from Croatia who defeated Mr Jeevan Nednchezhiyan from India.

Prominent among those who watched the finals were Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mr Enitan Oshodi, President, Nigeria Tennis Federation, Alhaji Sanni Ndanusa, Group Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, Mr Ladi Balogun and a representative of Etisalat, Mrs Ndidi Okpaluba, Tournament Director, Prince Wale Oladunjoye (Snr), Dr Bolaji Ojo-Oba and Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the Tournament, Chief Pius Akinyelure.

THE NIGERIAN

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013

CMYK

“WITH all the billions of dollars that are accruing to the nation from the proceeds of oil, our educational sector is criminally under funded and allowed to rot. The attendant effect is that the standard of education has fallen abysmally, it has withdrawn systematically over the years; inward and outward” – Quoted in WHERE WE ARE (Page 90).

What must have pushed Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Governor of Osun State to embark on a radical programme of repositioning the educational sector in the state? The reason is not far fetched. In 2010, when he finally overwhelmed Prince (General) Olagunsoye Oyinlola using the court process, and became the Governor of Osun State, Aregbesola mat appalling rot and decay everywhere.

Perhaps, it was in the educational sector, that Ogebni Rauf Aregbesola met the worst kind of eye sore, which has necessitated his scintillating initiative which he named ‘OPON IMO’ meaning (tablet of knowledge).

Recently, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was in the news as a key component of his educational reform – re-classification or merger of schools attracted stiff opposition from some stakeholders in the state.

Today, before I will look critically at Aregbesola’s “OPON IMO” and the merger of school which has g e n e r a t e d controversies and comments from within Osun State and across the federation, I add my voice to berate the Minister of Aviation, Stella Odua, who compelled the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to purchase two bullet proof cars at the amazing price of N255 million for her personal

on and on.

The fact remains that we live in a country where impunity has become legalized.

People do all sorts of things and get away with resounding applause. My only

discovered that iron rods are being constructed on those places where flowers were planted as pent of the beautification programme of the area.

I was excited because I

concern here is that the Federal Government should never allow Stella Odua to get away with this gigantic mess she has landed herself.

All findings that will emanate from the present probe should not be swept under the carpet.

President

had written profusely on the need for iron bars to be installed in those places to protect the flowers. Though, all the flowers have been killed by passers by, but it is positive that those saddled with the responsibilities of beautifying the king’s

Aregbesola’s ‘Opon Imo’ use.

The Odua gate is one too many. Many of our public officials still carry on as if Nigeria is the richest country in the world; they squander our resources so mindlessly and often get away. If at a time like this when Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is on strike while students are at home roaming the streets because the Federal Government felt the money ASUU is asking for to reposition the universities is too much, what Stella Odua has done is simply outrageous and unkind?

Stella Odua is not alone in this reckless and mind boggling corruption avenue in Nigeria. Many Ministers, public servants, Executive Directors, high profile politicians etc are neck deep in this shameless and greedy game that has put our country in a precarious angle among the comity of nations.

How many erring public servants have been properly and effectively dealt with according to the provisions of the laws of the land? How far has LAWAL FAROUK and MICHAEL ODETOLA case gone?

Has anything happened to Minister of Petroleum Resources, AllisonMadueke over mountainous issues against her? What has happened to those that looted our common wealth using the famous subsidy deals? I can go

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State

Jonathan must use Stella Odua as an example this time around.

Really, it will be a great embarrassment to us if Stella Odua gets away unpunished. Any way, I dare declare that Stella Odua will be given a safe landing; it is either she will be sacked and allowed to walk away free or she will remain on her job and heavens won’t fall in Nigeria. What a country.

Something gingered my spirit last Friday as I was driving round the king’s square.

I

square have heeded my previous appeals to protect the flowers. Now this development will add to the beauty of the kings square.

Honestly, since Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola came on board as the Governor of Osun State in 2010, no policy of his has met bitter challenge like the recent re-classification and merger of schools in the state, which he flagged off on October 2nd, 2013.

The official commissioning of salvation Army Middle School Alekuwodo, in

Oshogbo, built, to standard with modern facilities by Ogbeni Aregbesola, displayed the Governor’s seriousness and determination to reposition the educational sector in the state.

Those who have been following the state of things in Osun State will attest to the fact that the General Olusegun Oyinlola’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rule of seven and half years ended in gigantic fiasco. Worst hit was the educational sector. It is when we look at where Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola met Osun State, that one will applaud the brave efforts he is making presently in that state.

Having studied the disruption and disaster which General Oyinlola caused in Osun State, and having looked at the recent development in Osun State vis-à-vis the recent re-classification of schools that I doff my hat for Ogbeni Raud Aregbesola.

Osun State is now the only state that runs 4-53 system, that is to say that the first four years.

Pupils will be in primary schools.

Reclassification includes the merger of public and missionary schools, that guarantees that all schools will go coeducational and only one colour of uniforms.

Apart from the fact that education is free from primary to secondary schools, the re-classification

exercise, according to the Governor: “was aimed at offering a complete education system that will produce a sound and an all round mind in the present generation of children in the state.”

More heart warming is the ‘OPON IMO’ (tablet of knowledge), a key component of Aregbesola’s bold transformation agenda in educational sector.

This is an electronic learning tablet that enables senior secondary students to access contents required to prepare for school and public examinations.

It has 3 major content categories text books, practice questions and tutorials. This electronic device is the first of its kind in the country. The courses are synchronized to a library of relevant e-books and a computer- based testing environment etc.

I indeed fell in love with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola when I first got wind of this wonderful initiative called tablet of knowledge.

If anything the recent re-classification of schools in Osun State along with “OPON IMO” will certainly radicalize and turn things around in a sector which the state prized most. There is no doubt that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is walking in the foot steps of the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Nowinta, wrote WHERE WE ARE

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