Nigerian observer 29 07 2013

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

1

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

Directorate of employment trains 100 youths

SCIENCE cmyk

• Vol . 38 NO.284 • MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013 • N100.00

Pg. 22 Methods Of Preserving And Storing Food

JATTU-Uzairue – The National Directorate of Employment, (NDE) has embarked on the training of 100 youths in Etsako West II constituency of Edo

State under the Rural A g r i c u l t u r a l Development Training Scheme (RADTS) of the

Rural Employment Promotion Programme.

The training programme is under the

auspices of the member representing the constituency and the Continues on page 2

Infrastructure challenges

ARCHIVAL MATTERS Pg 21

Parade Of Criminals

Niger Delta ministry not solution - Ihonvbere

By QUEENETH OROBEDO

BENIN CITY – Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere says the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs by the Federal government is not the solution to the infrastructural challenges facing the region.

Prof. Ihonvbere made the assertion in Benin City at the 2013 SouthSouth Zonal

M a n a g e m e n t conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management (MIN).

Speaking as guest lecturer on the topic “Taxation – A Tool for Infrastructural

Development”, Prof Ihonvbere said unless the Federal Government Continues on page 2

Why we’re against death penalty - ANEEJ

BENIN CITY Executive Director of Africa Network for

Edo State

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT INVITATION TO TOWN HALL MEETING ON EDUCATION EDO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole wishes to invite the executives and members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIBEN and Ambrose Alli University Chapters, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics in the state, Civil Society Groups, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Market Women Association, Student Groups, Women Associations, Non-Governmental organisations, media executives and practitioners, teachers, Parents Teachers Associations in the state, community leaders and indeed other stakeholders in the education sector in the state to a Town Hall Meeting on Education.

Theme of the Town Hall Meeting which will hold from 9.30a.m. on Wednesday, 31st July, 2013 at the Imaguero College Hall, Benin City, is “The State of Education in Edo State”.

Signed: PATRICK OBAHIAGBON, Esq., Chief of Staff.

Environment and Economic Justice, Reverend David Ugolor has called on Nigerian students to study the ways and manner in which murder cases are being investigated and prosecuted in the country with a view to decide whether if it is appropriate for death sentence to remain in the nation criminal code.

The Human rights activist stated this at the weekend while speaking in response to the lecture delivered by the Edo State Attorney General and Continues on page 2

CHILD MARRIAGE: Senate President David Mark (right) discussing with the former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili after meeting with women group on Child Marriage Act and members of the Senate in Abuja. Photo: OMOYE AMINU.

Celebrate religious leaders who’ve made their marks - Oshiomhole

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR/ INNOCENT OMOAKA

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams

Oshiomhole has urged Nigerians to celebrate religious leaders who have made marks in their calling.

He made the

assertion in a goodwill message at the church service to mark the 70th birthday anniversary of Most Rev. Margaret Benson-Idahosa, which

took place in Benin City yesterday.

Represented by the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Pius

Effective tax enforcement: EIRS boss calls

By VICTOR OMOALU IKOGOSI – Effective tax enforcement system can be boosted by innovative strategies

for innovative strategies Chairman of the Edo

that could help enhance the internally generated revenue of any state.

The Executive

State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Chief Oseni Elamah stated

this at Ikogosi, Ekiti State at a tax retreat/ workshop organised by Continues on page 2

Egberanmwen Odubu, the Comrade Governor noted that the celebrant has shown extraordinary strength, mental acuity, intellectual and spiritual vigour as the pastor in charge of Church of God Mission.

He expressed joy that the Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University has been able to pick up the mantle of leadership Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

2 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

News Directorate of employment

Continued from page 1

Majority Leader in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Philip Shaibu.

The training which is expected to last for three months, according to the state Co-ordinator of NDE, Ayo Edegbai was informed by the need to create alternative means of employment for youths in the agricultural sector in the locality in view of the dwindling oil resource of the country.

It involves one month theoretical and two months practical training in crop production animal husbandry, crop processing/ rural technology upgrading and agro services with a view to enhancing productivity, increased income and improvement in the standard of living.

The NDE is expected to provide participants with better productive skills, improved farming techniques, new processing and storage methods as well as help them to identify viable markets within and outside Nigeria through one of the directorate’s scheme.

Speaking at the occasion, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe expressed the need to curb restiveness and unemployment among Nigerian youths through sustainable agricultural programme driven by PublicPrivate-Partnership (PPP).

He noted that agriculture being a fundamental precondition for economic development has the potential of a signpost from which a nation’s development can commence.

While urging participants to take advantage of the inherent benefits of the programme, the Speaker stated it is a known fact that government alone cannot meet all the job requirements of its citizens.

In this regard, he said government has put machinery in place to resuscitate all moribund farm settlements in the state through the implementation

of the House resolution on the reactivation of all farms in the state.

On his part, Hon. Philip Shaibu noted that it was high time Nigeria shifted its attention from monoeconomy which is predicated on over reliance on crude oil and refocus on private sector driven economy which sustainability of agricultural policy is crucial to its survival.

According to the Majority

Leader, the trainees, upon the completion of the training will be guided on how to access soft revolving loans from financial institutions through the intervention of the Commissioner for Agriculture.

These Loans according to Hon. Shaibu would enable them start their agricultural businesses which would see them giving employment and trainings to others.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Abdul Oroh in his remarks assured of preparedness of his ministry to provide assistance to the trainees in accessing loans upon the completion of the programme to enable them practice the knowledge gained from the training as part of the resolve of the state government to complement the effort of NDE.

Continued from page 1

system.

However, he said instead of death penalty, the convict could be in jail for life pending if superior evidence of claim of innocence surfaced.

Earlier, the students

bestowed on the Human rights activist, Reverend David Ugolor, an award of excellence in recognition of his unwavering passion towards equity, justice and good governance.

Why we’re against death penalty

Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Henry Idahagbon during the National Conference organized by the National Association of Edo State Students held at the Edo State School of Health Technology in Benin City.

Representative of the commissioner, Barr. K.B Ugiagbe had explained how one can be judged to have committed a murder.

Reverend David Ugolor who was represented at the event by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Osazuwa Akonedo; said with the way and manner security agents investigate murder cases; it is possible that many innocent men and women may have been innocent victims of death penalty.

He recalled how he was framed up by the police over the killing of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, emphasizing that if not God he would have been a victim of death penalty.

He added that no honest judge can say confidently that all those they have convicted to death actually committed the crime; but judges acting in line with the characters of the law have no choice than to presume someone to have committed a murder most especially on the ground of technicalities.

Speaking further, he said if Nigerians carry out research on the ways and manner murder cases are being handled in the country; they might be convinced that it is entirely wrong to have death penalty in the nation’s law book unless there is an overhaul of our justice

Religious leaders

Continued from page 1 from her late husband with love, zest, focus and uncanny sense of mission, adding that she should be celebrated by all as she docks 70 years.

While thanking God for the life of the Archbishop, the Comrade Governor prayed God Almighty to continue to grant her the grace to achieve greater heights in life.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State who was represented by the State Commissioner for culture and Tourism, Hon. Richard Mofe Damijo praised the leadership qualities and steadfastness of the Archbishop in contributing to the lives of many great Nigerians who came in

Effective tax enforcement

Continued from page 1 the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue for its staff and that of the Judiciary in the state.

Chief Elamah who spoke on the topic, “Enhancing revenue generation through tax enforcement”, described tax enforcement as the application of the relevant laws for the purpose of compelling tax defaulters to comply with tax payment liabilities.

Chief Elamah who was the guest speaker at the event noted that the essence of tax enforcement was not to witch hunt taxpayers, but towards

Niger Delta Ministry

Continued from page 1

implements the recommendations of the Niger Delta Technical Committee which submission is to give a holistic approach to contending issues, the infrastructural deficits in the region will persist.

According to him, the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is only duplicating the function of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which will not effectively address the challenge in the region being exploited on a daily basis.

The SSG who is a fellow

of the Nigerian Institute of Management also posited that legitimate governance, government’s political will, transparency and professionalization of revenue boards amongst others remained the potent ways to ensure effective taxation process which translates to quality infrastructure as evident in Edo State.

He stressed that “Taxation can be a tool, but the politics, policy, leadership and context must be right”.

Prof. Ihonvbere also faulted the over

contact with her.

The Delta State Governor, however, prayed God to continue to grant her maturity in His vineyard for service of humanity, all over the world.

Also speaking, National President of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria Incorporation, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude in a message titled, “Finishing Strong”, described the courage in continuing with the vision of the founding Archbishop of the church, Most Rev. Benson Idahosa of blessed memory as laudable and worthy of commendation.

According to Omobude, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, like Mary, the Mother of Jesus has endured the Spear that has Pierced’ her heart and now triumph beyond many hardships and pains.

concentration of power at the center which he noted impoverished the component units.

Chairman of the session, Sir Peter Edeogho said countries across the world meet their obligations to the people through effective tax system just as he commended the on-going transformation of infrastructure across Edo State by the comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

The SSG was also given a certificate of attendance and an award.

eliciting compliance with the provisions of relevant laws.

He emphasised that towards ensuring effective tax enforcement, there was need for the enactment of a robust state revenue administration law, constitution of tax review committee and the designated courts on revenue matters.

He noted that towards ensuring speedy process in the judicial handling of tax cases, the Edo State Internal Revenue Service had organised a seminar on tax laws guiding the operations of revenue generation in the state.

Chief Elamah however, stated that despite the successes recorded so far, there were still challenges posed by the taxpayers, revenue staff, counsel to tax defaulters as well as the courts.

He maintained that constant tax enlightenment/ sensitization campaign remains a vital tool for boosting effective tax enforcement and compliance.

Former Governor of Ekiti State/Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo maintained that allocation from the federation account was diminishing daily, adding that the more the states helped themselves by exploring other sources of revenues the better for them.

Elema dies at 69

BENIN CITY - The family of Elama of Iyekogba in Oredo Local Government Council of Edo State has announced the death of their patriarch, late Prince (Dr.) Friday Imaghodor Otutu Elema JP at the age of 69 years.

Late Prince Friday Imaghodor Otutu Elema, JP, who died on May 23, 2013 during a brief illness is the Secretary and Administrator of the Elama Estate and the bearer of the family light until his death.

Born in Evbo-Elema area of Iyekogba Village, Prince Friday Elema schooled at Abbot College, Sapele.

A release made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER and signed by the eldest son of the deceased, Prince Pedro Ehi Elema, indicate

that the burial will take place in September 2013 and will be an event which will last for 14 days. The details of the burial arrangement will be made known later. Late Friday Elama is survived by four wives and 14 children.

yesterday described National Assembly’s takeover of the statutory functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly as a violation of the people’s rights.

The National Assembly last Thursday took over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly in a bid to tackle the crisis rocking the state.

The Senate which announced the development said that the action was pursuant to Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

It said that the National Assembly would take charge pending resolution of the political crisis in the state.

The Head, Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, Prof. Solomon Akinboye, told newsmen that the action was unfortunate and violated the rights of Rivers people.

“Taking over the functions of the house is not the solution to the crisis. The situation is becoming more chaotic and calls for concern.

“The people of Rivers should be able to settle their issues internally and amicably in order to move forward,’’ he said.

Dr Samuel Ugo, Senior Lecturer, also of the Department of Political

Science, University of Lagos, alleged that the action was a ploy to get rid of the state government.

Ugo said that the takeover meant that decisions on issues concerning the state would henceforth be taken by the National Assembly.

He expressed the worry that the situation may degenerate into declaration of a state of emergency in the state, whereby the governor would be suspended until return of normalcy.

Prof. Yomi Akinyeye, a Professor of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos, also frowned at the development.

He said that the National Assembly’s action was indirect declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.

“It is only where there are security concerns and a perceived breakdown of law and order that such a decision could be taken.

“One expected the National Assembly to help in putting adequate machinery in place to investigate the issues that led to the crisis.’’

The don added that some members of the public expected the National Assembly to apportion blames where necessary and make a way for the house of assembly to function well,” he said.

Late Prince (Dr.) Friday Imaghodor Otutu Elema JP

Scholars flay takeover of Rivers Assembly LAGOS - Some scholars

NEITI to present 2009-11 audits ABUJA - The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) will today formally present to the public the 2009 to 2011 comprehensive audit report of the oil and gas sector.

A statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by NEITI’s Director of Communications, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said the audit report for the solid minerals sector for 2007 and 2010 will also be presented.

It added that recommendations from the comprehensive audits of the extractive Industries would be made available to a cross section of stakeholders.

The statement said that the audit was to establish

revenue flows and quantity of production as well as appraise the governance processes in the sector.

“A comprehensive report on companies’ payments and government’s receipt, institutional and governance issues in the industries will also be made public,” it said.

The statement said that eminent personalities including the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, legislators, donor agencies and civil society groups were expected at the occasion.

It would be recalled that Nigeria voluntarily signed up to the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in 2003.

THE NIGERIAN

3 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Inside Edo

Edo Commences Construction BENIN CITY – Edo Of Model Schools State Government has embarked on construction of three Model Schools in each of the three senatorial districts of the state.

The locations are Iyahmo, Etsako West Local Government Area for Edo North, Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Government Area for Edo Central and New Era College, Benin City for Edo South Senatorial district.

Arc. Francis E v b u o m w a n , Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development disclosed this while handing over the project site at Iyahmo to the new contractor, Messer A & K Construction Limited.

In his remarks the commissioner said that the contract has to be reawarded as a result of the non-performance of the previous contractor.

The Commissioner advised the management of the contracting firm to

perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement, in order to ensure speedy and qualitative project delivery.

He promised that the ministry officials would be on ground to monitor the execution of the project with a view to ensuring that quality materials are used in accordance with the agreement.

Responding, Engr. Jihad Abbak, the representative of A & K Contractors, the contractors handling the project thanked the state government for giving

them the opportunity and for the confidence reposed in them to execute the project.

He assured the commissioner that his company would execute, complete and hand over the project to the state in fifty two weeks time.

The Model Secondary School project in Iyahmo was re-awarded to new contractors as a result of the unsatisfactory pace of work of the previous contractors that was not in line with the aspiration of the government.

IGARRA - The function of a chief executive is not sitting in the office to receive visitors or to treat files but to go out there, see things himself, meet the people and identify challenges of the terrain so as proffer solution to it.

Joseph Akerejola, chairman of Akoko-Edo Local

Government council said this at Igarra the local government headquarters during his inspection of projects the administration is executing within ninety four days in office.

He said, “This is part of efforts to fulfill my campaign promises to the people.

Council Boss Specifies Mission

DEDICATION: Co-ordinator, Bishop Iyobosa Atoe, Guest Speaker, Bishop Dr. Oyonnude O. Kure; General Overseer, JSM, Mrs. Rev. Evelyn Actor Ovoh and Resident Pastor, Jehovah Shemmah Ministries, Pastor Ayodeji Oiseomaoje at the Church official commissioning and dedication in Benin City

Council Boss Expresses Commitment in assisting the police check IDOGBO – The To Security the activities of criminals.

Chairman, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan OsahonOgbeide said her administration’s committed to the security of lives and property in the locality.

The council boss stated this in Idogbo, the headquarters of the council during a visit by officials of the Neighbourhood Watch.

She disclosed her readiness to ensure that only

Edo State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Francis Evbuomwan (right), handing over the site for the Model School to be established in Iyahmo, Etsako West Local Government Area to Engr. Jihad Abbak, a representative of the Contracting firm, Messrs A & K Construction Limited.

competent and quality people from all the wards in the locality are selected to form the local government area chapter of the Neighbourhood Watch.

According to her, during her first tenure as the council boss, she ensured that Neighbourhood Watch was put in place because of the usefulness to the society, saying that it did very well

Leader of the Neighbourhood Watch, J.E.T. Oshiomogo had told Mrs Osahon-Ogbeide that their visit was to congratulate and identify with her on her now position.

Oshiomogo noted that their visit was also to intimate the council boss of the existence of the Neighbourhood Watch.

The projects included retaining wall buttress at Igarra-Okpe road by police station junction, construction of a block of three classrooms at Odemina Primary school, Ogugu , two classrooms with stores, staff room at Alukpa primary school, Ikiran-Ile; construction of a three classrooms and staff room at Enekhua Primary school, Uneme-Nekhua (near completion).

All the schools are roofed with modern long span roofing sheet, head masters’ office with floor tiles and high quality white board and modern toilet facilities.

Others are renovation/ reroofing of the Okpe maternity staff quarters, at Okpe (all completed) projects already executed within the tenure of Joseph Akerejola so far include, installation a 300 KVA x 33 transformers at Igarra market junction, and Alafia Street at Afekhai quarters, Igarra and Somorika Secondary school junction, Somorika.

The Akerejola led administration has also put the long abandoned council’s Graders and Tractors” in working order waiting dry season to start work with them.

According to the chairman, “this achievement in few days is to tell our people that we will fulfill our campaign promises.

We promised them that we are going to give them dividends of democracy and within this short time have done this and have promised not to disappoint them that is exactly what we have done to give the people the best in

Akoko-Edo. We should tell the people that we know what is good for them and we are going to do more. He added.

In another engagement, the chairman assured of his total commitment to the struggle of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

He made the pledge when the State council of the union led by its chairman, Comrade Emma Ademokun paid a courtsey call to the council.

Ademokun told the chairman that they were in Igarra to oversee the conduct of election to bring new executive members to the local branch of the umbrella labour movement of the country.

Akerejolu who thanked the NLC state leaders for their unrelenting support for the

Governor Adams Oshiomhole said without their sustained support, no government can succeed.

Comrade Ademokun recalled that, “organized labour supported Governor Oshiomhole as a comrade because of his development stride in the state noting that if you do well as a young man, you will receive praises and you will have the support of all the unions in the state.

Meantime, Hon Akerejola has promised to raise and financeda football team for the local government. He made the disclosure in Igarra when he received the coach and players of Akoko-Edo youth side who came 3rd in the recently concluded Governorship Cup hosted by Egor Local Government Area.

BENIN CITY – The family of Aimomwan Eghaghe of Ora, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State has announced the death of their mother, grandmother, greatgrand mother and a relation, Mrs. Patience Enore Ogiegbaen (Nee Ainomwan) who died June 23, 2013 after a brief illness.

She was aged 65 years.

Late Mrs. Ogiegbaen is survived by eight children and 13 grand children the children include Cletus Ikuliuke, Felix Ogiegbaen, Mrs. Christiana Ogiegbaen and Mrs. Joy Ogiegbaen.

A statement signed by her son, Felix Ogiegbaen on behalf of the family indicated that the burial ceremony would commence on Friday August 16, 2013 with the corpse taken from God’s Care Mortuary to her residence, No. 25 Akhere Street, off 2nd Cementry Road, by Children’s Medical Road,

Evbotubu Quarters, Benin City for family rites.

On Saturday August 17, 2013, there would be afternoon dance at her residence while the ceremony would climax on Sunday August 18, 2013 with a thanksgiving service at Believers Ministries International, Upper Owina, Evbotubu Quarters Benin City.

Mrs Ogiegbaen For Burial

Late Mrs. Patience Ogiegbaen

THE NIGERIAN

4 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Inside Edo Tenure Elongation: IPMAN Warns On

By ROLAND OSAKUE

The President Women in Focus for the Actualisation of Dividends of Democracy for the People, addressing the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa in his palace recently. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE

BENIN CITY - The National Executive Committee of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, says it will not tolerate any violation of its rules on tenure elongation.

Consequently, the association, has declared the purported election of some persons at the Benin deport, by a group as illegal, null and void.

Addressing an enlarged meeting of members from the mid-western zone of IPMAN, made up, of Edo and Delta

Council Boss Charges Trad Ruler On Culture

IGARRA - The paramount ruler of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oba Okhishimede Eshimokhai Idogu the 111, the Olokpe of Okpe Kingdom and his subjects have been urged to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the people.

The executive chairman, Akoko-Edo local government area, Mr. Folorunsho Joseph Akerejola gave the charge at Okpe during the celebration of the New Yam Festival.

Akerejola noted with dismay that people in the area have so much embraced western culture and are willingly allowing our admirable culture to be contaminated with foreign types that are inimical and strange to the people, thereby making many to derail from culture which the Africans are known for.

According to him, “since culture is a belief and widely accepted to be way of people’s life, I therefore urge you, your royal majesty and your faithful subjects to work assiduously to protect and preserve our rich heritage culture handed down by the forefathers”.

He saluted the people of Okpe Kingdom for not consenting to be destracted by the cultures that are not only

humiliating, but also dehumanizing to the human being.

The Olokpe said the New Yam Festival is as old as the people and is one of the biggest festivals in the community that every son and daughter of want to participate in it.

According to the monarch, “The new yam festival is very significant and it is a way to say thank you to God almighty that has made it possible for old piece of yam planted to give birth to new tuber of yam and a way of appreciating God for the marvelous works He has done for the community.

You also know that every harvest, some take their own to the church but this community first take their own to the palace a day to the festival, then the palace in turn will thank the ancestors on behalf of the community for keeping this community for a year and for making our product a bounty harvest.

“It’s a very big one that every Okpe child want to identify with and there are certain rules, as an Okpe person which you must follow and it is a privilege

Group Canvasses Support For Etsako Central Boss

FUGAR – The Evidence Group for True Democracy, a socio-political group has called on indigenes of Etsako Central Local Government Area to sheathe their sword and support the Hon. Emmanuel Momoh led administration in the council.

The group said the decision was reached after its general meeting of Friday July 26, 2013.

In a release signed by its coordinator, Chief Friday Musa and Secretary General, Mr. Festus Aluya the group noted that despite the differences that existed before the April 20, 2013

poll, there is presently the need to support the council’s administration for cohesion that could guarantee dividends of democracy for the people in the locality.

While noting that dividends of democracy could guarantee hope for a better tomorrow, the group noted that governance is for the welfare of the people.

The group noted that it would soon present the council chairman Hon. Emmanuel Momoh with a certificate of recognition/congratulation as a mark of extending the groups hand of fellowship.

to participate in the festival.

For instance, couples that have their first child as still birth cannot take part in the precession of the festival that is done in the morning of the D-day.

We cherish the festival so well, it is like our Christmas. It is very significant because it is the only festival that brings all our children, both at home and abroad back home.

Most significantly, till the festival is done, I and other chiefs do not eat new yam. He added.

Violation Of Rules

States, the National Adviser of the association, Elder Peter Agbonkonkon- Ogbeide described the action of the group as unconstitutional.

Elder Agbonkonkon, Ogbeide, said the issue of tenure elongation was very explicit, from unit to zonal levels, adding that, those fanning the crisis are out for their selfish interest.

The National Adviser, also said, that the appointment of Chief Solomon Nosakhare Ogbewe as the acting Mid-Western Zonal Chairman was based on the constitution, at page 38 of Tenure elongation, as applies to units zonal and National levels.

While condemning the ill-fated attempt by those he called miscreants to take-over IPMAN Secretariat in Benin, Elder Peter Agbonkonkon Ogbeide urged members to exercise restraint in the face

Jehovah Shemmah Ministries of the vision of the

By INNOCENT OMOAKA Dedicated realization founder of JSM, Rev Actor O.

BENIN CITY – Christians have been admonished to always believe strongly in God in their daily activities as there is nothing God cannot do in the lives of men.

The advice was givens by Bishop Dr. Oyonnude O. Kure, the guest speaker during the official commissioning and dedication to the Jehovah Shemmah Ministries (JSM) building in Benin City.

Bishop Kure also called on Christians to hold tenaciously to

God saying he works mysteriously in the lives of those who trust in him.

He stressed that the Lord who made the dedication and commissioning of JSM a reality would open up his gate to blessings on the lives of all Christians who believe him.

In a key note address at the ceremony, the General Overseer of JSM, Rev. Evelyn Actor Ovoh described the church dedication and official commissioning as the

Ovoh of blessed memory.

Rev. Mrs. Ovoh also prayed for God’s blessing upon members of JSM, who in their individual contributions made the church dedication and official commissioning of the building a reality.

Highlights of the ceremony were the cutting of the tape, anointing of the alter, prayer for the General Overseer and the rendition of praises by the Shemmah Voices.

The Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah (standing) addressing participants at a tax retreat organised by the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue for its staff and the judiciary. 2nd right is former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola (right) and Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Executive Chairman, Mr. Isola Akingbade.

Ikpoba Okha LG To Establish Adult School BENIN CITY – The Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council is to establish an adult literacy centre to be cited in the premises of Ivbiyenevba Primary School in the locality.

Chairman of the council, Hon. (Mrs) Itohan OsahonOgbeide disclosed this during her visit to the school.

The visit was to enable her

have a first hand knowledge of the state of the school as part of her ongoing visits to schools in the locality.

She expressed her administration’s commitment to creating conducive learning environment for pupils in the

locality by providing schools in the locality with classrooms building, water borehole toilet facilities and other social amenities.

She later presented chairs with desks to the school while urging the staff and pupils to protect them.

of provocation and continue their activities.

According to him “No matter how these miscreants will regroup, they cannot circumvent IPMAN constitutions because, IPMAN constitution is the only document guiding all members and the Holy Bible we all owe allegiance.”

The acting zonal chairman of the mid-western zone of the association, Chief Solomon Nosakhare Ogbewe the Uwayioba of Benin Kingdom disassociated the zonal leadership from the sham electors, emphasizing that those parading themselves are out to cause confusion and mis-inform the public.

The acting IPMAN Zonal Chairman revealed that the same group went to federal Industrial court with a view to restraining the zonal leadership but, failed hence the bid to forcefully take – over the secretariat.

The Uwayioba of Benin Kingdom, buttressed the Supreme of IPMAN constitutions and (NEC) resolutions with volumes of documents, saying “over zealous, group cannot side track, the constitution of IPMAN, lock themselves up in a room, hand-pick people as their leaders, and Televise themselves to the world.”

Contributing IPMAN Organizing Secretary of the unit, Mr. Douglas Iyike frowned at the behaviour of some members of the unit at the Benin depot for aiding and abetting the foiled attempt of the take-over of its secretariat and announced their immediate suspension till further notice.

They are Messrs David Ikhuoria – Vice Chairman, Abraham Osioria, Fred Ufuah and Patrick Okeoguale – both Ex-officials and Enoma Ogbomo, Chief of Staff of the unit.

However, a Petroleum Marketer, Mr. Charles Aiworo, who the splinter group used his name as one of them, has dissociated himself from the group, saying he was not consulted and not part of their struggle.

It will be recalled that the National Vice-Chairman of IPMAN, Elder Okonkwo and National Treasurer Alhaji Pattaeci, were in Benin recently to emphasis the supremacy of IPMAN constitution to both parties.

THE NIGERIAN

5 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

News Don’t Impeach LG Boss, Gov Elechi Warns ABAKALIKI- Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi has threatened to sanction any individual or group who attempted to impeach the Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Chief Nicholas Eze. Elechi handed down the warning on Friday in Abakaliki during a meeting with political stakeholders from the area.

Reports say that the chairman survived an impeachment plot by the councillors last week.

The councillors were said to have been sponsored by some political stakeholders in the area.

Eze, the immediate past Vice Chairman of the council, assumed office in June after his erstwhile boss, the late Chief Obasi Nwode, died in a motor accident in April.

Elechi threatened to dissolve the entire leadership of the council and set up a caretaker

committee if the attempt to impeach the chairman continued.

“I don’t even want to hear the mention of impeachment, not to talk of its implementation. The intention is to remove the chairman for not granting the request of some stakeholders.

The governor also ordered a weekly audit of the council’s income and expenditure to check the incessant pressure on the chairman to tamper with the council’s funds.

“Any irregularity found in the expenditure of the funds would be decisively addressed. It seems the attitudinal change message we preach daily is falling on deaf ears.

“This is the third in the series of council polls in the state since we assumed power in 2007, as against the composition of caretaker committees done by other states,” he said.

PHCN To Recover N34 Billion Debt From Communities AWKA - The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has begun a drive to recover the N34 million owed it by two communities in Anambra.

The Manager of Awka Business Unit of the company, Mr Emmanuel Dim, told journalists in Awka that Mgbakwu community owed it N14.7 million while Isuaniocha community was indebted to the tune of N19.7 million.

Speaking after a meeting with leaders of the communities, both of which are in Awka North Local Government Area, Dim said there was already an agreement to recover the debt.

He said the PHCN would restore supply temporarily to the two communities on the agreement that the youths would mobilise and organise for the payment till the outstanding

debts were liquidated.

According to him, the communities also agreed to provide security to its staff on duty to collect payments on the agreed market days.

Mr Nzekwe Onochie, the spokesman of the communities, said they had been in darkness from March and had suffered huge economic losses.

He said the communities had decided to partner with the PHCN to recover the money.

Onochie, however, complained of the huge bills by PHCN, pointing out that the communities were rural-based and would not have made such huge consumption.

He said the people would comply with the agreement and later register their complaints about the bills.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right), with the outgoing Ambassador of Kuwait, Mr. Saad Alasousi at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.

Reforms In Judiciary

EFCC Commends CJN

ABUJA - The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Muhktar, for the reforms currently going on in the judiciary.

The Head, Media and Publicity of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, commended Muktar at a workshop on “Stop Immunity Campaign,” organised by the Centre for Social Justice.

“The CJN deserves commendation for the reforms currently going on in the judiciary. She has sent a clear message that it is no longer business as usual.“ Uwujaren called on all stakeholders in the judiciary,

especially the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to support her in bringing respect for rule of law and discipline in the judiciary.

He also commended the NBA for setting up an anticorruption committee within the bar to fight corruption among legal practitioners.

“We hope the NBA will live up to expectation by solving the integrity issues within the bar, “ he said.

Uwujaren identified impunity as one of the factors slowing down the efforts of the EFCC to prosecute corrupt officials in the country.

“Many of us will recall what the commission went through for supposedly having the effrontery to arrest and arraign

President Goodluck Jonathan (right), receiving Letter of Credence from the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Maurice Kagim Kuwanku at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.

a former governor, who is currently serving a jail term outside Nigeria.

“Two weeks after the arrest, Nuhu Ribadu was removed as Chairman of the EFCC, demoted by two ranks, dismissed and forced into exile.

“The 170 count-charge filed against the ex-governor was dismissed as lacking in merit.

Yet the same case with the same ingredients landed the accused in jail in the UK.“ He lamented that the commission was confronted with impunity even in the judiciary, noting that judicial

discretion had been abused with dubious orders and injunctions.

“Corruption was driven by impunity and impunity thrives where corruption was pervasive. “ On his part, a legal practitioner, Mr Kalu Onuoha, described impunity as an abuse of legal power by organs of government, whether legislative, executive or judiciary.

Onuoha advocated judicial reforms to bring legislation in line with current realities, saying that some laws in the country are old and outdated.

NEMA Trains 100 Volunteers

Emergency:

JALINGO - The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Gombe Operational Office, has commenced training of 100 youths in Taraba as grassroots emergency volunteers to enhance quick response to disaster in communities.

NEMA Head of Operations, Mr Jediel Apollos, announced this at the training of the volunteers in Jalingo.

He said the programme was designed to recruit and educate youths as first time responders to disasters at the local level.

According to him, the need to involve the people at the grassroots in the process of disaster management could not be overemphasised.

“Our main aim is to take disaster management to the grassroots. We have to get

everyone involved because disasters are inevitable no matter how careful we may be”, he said.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Jubril Adeniji, urged the volunteers to take their duties seriously in order to mitigate the effect of emergencies in their communities.

Represented by ASP Naseer Danlami of anti-bomb department, Adeniji called on all Nigerians to take disaster management tips seriously to save lives.

The volunteers were drawn from the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

Emergency experts from the Police, NSCDC, the Red Cross and Fire Service conducted the training.

THE NIGERIAN

6 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

News Ramadan: Group Donates

To Prison Inmates

Vice President Namadi Sambo (middle), with Master Jacob Kantoma, son of late Trooper Kantoma Daniel, during the burial of officers and soldiers who died in Operation Boyona and UNAMID at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on Thursday. Left is Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada.

Loss Of Mother: Group Commiserates With First Lady ABUJA - The Goodluck Support Group (GSG), a prodemocracy outfit, has commiserated with the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, over the demise of her foster mother.

“While we join the First Lady in grief over the unfortunate incident, we encourage her and the entire family to take solace in the fact that Mama’s death is the will of God. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Deputy Coordinator of the group, Dr Eddy Olafeso.

Reports that Madam Charity Obah, the foster mother to the first lady, died in an auto crash on East-West road in Rivers on July 24.

The statement said, “we are mere mortals and cannot question the authority of God. The deceased has lived a fulfilled life on earth that is worthy of emulation.

“Sese (which means mother in Okrika language) as she was fondly called, devoted her life to the service of God and humanity.

“The virtue endeared her to all those who had the privilege of making her acquaintance.’’

The statement said that as the nation joined the first family in mourning, “ we pray fervently that the Almighty grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss’’.

It said that the death occurred when her motherly role and wealth of experience were needed to build the nation.

Defence Headquarters Inaugurates Joint C’ttee ABUJA - The Defence Headquarters has inaugurated an 18-member committee to screen and categorise persons apprehended connected with terrorism, in the ongoing security operations in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno States.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, the Director of Defence Information.

The statement said that the inauguration was in furtherance of measures to observe the legal rights of persons involved.

According to the statement, the Chief of Defence Staff, Adm. Ola Ibrahim while inaugurating the committee, charged the team to see their assignment as a national call to duty.

Ibrahim represented by Maj.Gen. Lawrence Ngubane, the Chief of Training and Operations at the defence headquarters, urged the members to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the outcome.

“The team, which will classify the detainees, comprises experienced legal officers from security agencies as well as Ministry of Justice and offices of Attorney General of the Federation.

The statement also said the committee is to submit a report to the Chief of Defence Staff within one month.

It stated that the recommendation should be with regards to prosecution, further investigation, deportation and or unconditional release of the detainees.

YOLA - An Islamic group, JIBWIS, has donated foodstuff and detergents to inmates of Yola and Jimeta prisons.

Presenting the materials, the National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala-Lau, said the gesture was in the spirit of Ramadan and to give the inmates a sense of belonging.

Bala-Lau urged other groups and philanthropists to extend support to the under-privileged in the society, noting that it would promote peace and unity.

He re-iterated the group’s commitment to continue to support the less-privileged, saying that JIBWIS had established a Family in Difficult Circumstances Scheme for such support.

Also speaking, the Sarkin

Matasa of Adamawa Emirate Council, Alhaji Abdul-Aziz Nyako, commended JIBWIS for the gesture.

Nyako urged the inmates to accept their position in good faith and make use of their time in prison to reform for good.

“Use the time you have here to reform for good. You need to forget and forgive so that by the time you leave here, you will be a reformed person that will contribute positively to yourself and society,” he advised.

Responding on behalf of the inmates, Aliyu Lawan, thanked the group for the gesture and called on others to emulate them.

Lawan listed drugs, uniform and a vehicle to convey those awaiting trial to courts as some of the pressing problems facing the inmates.

Submit Updated Nominal Rolls, Ministries, Agencies Told ABUJA - Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been directed to submit their updated nominal rolls Dr Ezekiel Oyemomi, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, gave the directive in during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Friday.

Oyemomi said the updated nominal rolls were to enable the office to check payment of entitlements to retirees.

“It would also assist the Federal Government to compare those in service against those who had left, to avoid wastage.’’

He said the federal government was working on software that would operate on the human resource aspect of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to address the problem.

Oyemomi said the IPPIS scheme was facing some challenges because the human resource aspect was not fully developed.

“We are working on the human resource aspect of the IPPIS. By the time it is well developed, we will be able to know every civil servant by data and when such a person will exit the service.

“The system, when put in

place, will automatically send an alert to all the central control agencies notifying them of such a person’s exit from the service and automatically remove the name.

“We do not have the equipment yet. So it is possible that those who have left the service could still be on the IPPIS platform.

“Therefore, it is the absence

Alhaji Alade Odunewu (a.k.a.

Allah De), Mr Segun Odunewu, said his father died of agerelated ailment.

Odunewu told newsmen in Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday that the death of their mother in January 2012 might also not be unconnected with the death of his father.

“Our mother died on January 4, 2012 and the death of my father happened just last night;

so I am still dazed about the development.

“His health condition nosedived after the family celebrated one year of the death of our mother. This might have affected him somehow.

Odunewu wondered why this should happen to the family sixteen months after the death of his mother.

Another family member, Mrs

of this that necessitates the submission of the authentic nominal rolls by all MDAs.’’ Oyemomi said IPPIS was faced with some challenges because it was centralised in the Accountant General’s office.

“When the human resource aspect is activated, each MDA would be able to update the record of its staff either through its portal or through the IPPIS self-service.’’

Odunewu’s Son Explains Father’s LAGOS - The youngest son Oreoluwa Odunuga (nee Death of the late veteran journalist, Odunewu), described the

Relations of officers and soldiers who died in Operation Boyona and UNAMID weeping during the burial of the officers and soldiers at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja last Thursday.

deceased as a very forthright man.

“He was highly disciplined, very caring and God-fearing man.

“He abhorred bribery and corruption and was always reflecting his hatred for such vices in his columns in the defunct Daily Times.

“I will miss his jokes, fatherly advice and his approach to life generally.

“I will also miss his accommodating ability; he made everybody feel at home without any discrimination.’’

Chief Abiodun Adeniyi, a former Director of News, Radio Lagos, said the deceased brought him into limelight in journalism.

“After my training, Odunewu, then at the Daily Times of Nigeria, was instrumental to my working at the defunct Lagos Weekend newspaper as a stringer.

“Through him, I secured a permanent employment with the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

“He was an ardent practitioner of investigative journalism and encouraged up and coming journalists.

THE NIGERIAN

7 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Crime Battery Of PHCN Worker

2 Persons Arraigned

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Lagos Eko project, Ms Ronke Azeez; Gov Babatunde Fashola of Lagos and Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, at the 3rd Lagos Governor’s Education award in Lagos

Forgery, Impersonation

Police Arraign Man, 35 ABUJA - The police has arraigned a 35-year-old man, David Aboko of DutseAlhaji, Abuja, in a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged forgery and impersonation.

The prosecutor, Emmanuel Nnamani, told the court that Sgt. Adeniyi Ayanwale of the Nigerian Army, Ship House, Abuja, reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on June 13.

Nnamani said Ayanwale arrested the accused with some fake documents certifying his posting to the Ministry of Defence as a staff.

He said it was, however, discovered during investigation that the accused had been dismissed from the Nigeria Civil Service in 2002, but had been parading himself as a staff.

The prosecutor added that the offence contravened sections 364 and 132 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, the accused risk a maximum of 17 years

imprisonment or fined or both.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mr Abdullahi Shuaibu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with a surety in like sum.

He said the sure must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the case to August 19.

LAGOS STATE - Two men have appeared before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged battery of a Power Holding Company of Nigeria worker who attempted to disconnect their electric power supply.

Kunle Adeyemi, 22, and Adebowale Peter, 20, both of whom reside at First Gate, Powerline, Ikorodu, are standing trial on a twocount charge of battery

Court Remands Businessman In Prison

Cheating: ABUJA -A Karu Upper Area Court in Abuja on Friday ordered that a 46-year old businessman, Godwin Ekenulo, be remanded in prison for alleged criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Abiola Oyewusi, told the court that one Leonard Onwuharonye reported the matter at the FCT Police Command

He told the court that the accused bought cell phones and iPad valued N1million and deceitfully paid N321,000.

Oyewusi said the accused issued the complainant three Diamond Bank cheques for the balance of N679,000, which bounced on presentation.

He said the transaction took place at the complainant’s ‘H’ Communication Shop, C1b,

Emab Plaza, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.

He said the offences contravened sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, Ekenulo risks punishment with imprisonment which may extend to seven years or a fine or both.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Tardiness Over Criminal Cases

Magistrate Berates DPP LAGOS - An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has deplored the tardiness in handling criminal matters by the state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olatunbosun Abolarinwa, expressed the displeasure while mentioning a case of alleged kidnap, attempted murder and murder preferred against five

men.

Abolarinwa said that he was disappointed with the DPP’s office because the legal advice on such grievous offences was not ready since March 25, when the men were charged to court.

He directed the prosecutor to serve the DPP’s office a hearing notice, warning that he might strike out the case, if by the next adjourned date, the advice was not ready.

Awardees of 3rd Lagos Gvernor’s Education award at the award presentation in Lagos

The five men were charged on 17 counts.

The accused are: Olasunkanmi Adebayo, 41; Beyioku Jamiu, 42; Babatunde Thompson, 52; Shola Adenaike, 48; and Sulaiman Ajibode, 45.

The court could not take their pleas on March 25, as Abolarinwa said that he needed the DPP’s advice.

He consequently remanded the accused in the Ikoyi Prisons and adjourned the case till Friday for mention.

Abolarinwa also reprimanded the police over what he described as their bad attitudes toward Nigerians.

He scolded the police following a request by counsel to the accused persons, Mr Abiodun Onidare.

Onidare had prayed the court to caution the police against alleged harassment of the families of the accused.

“The police should see themselves as friends of the people not enemies, especially when carrying out their constitutional duties.

Meanwhile Onidare urged the court to grant his clients bail following the DPP’s failure to

give advice on their case.

He said that the prosecution had not shown enough reason why the accused should continue to be remanded.

The defence counsel said that further remand of the accused would constitute abuse of judicial process.

However, the Prosecutor DSP P.O. Ogwunba, urged the court to dismiss the application.

He said that the police had served the DPP’s office an order for issuance of legal advice on the matter.

The accused were charged with unlawful killing of a man and attempted murder of six other persons, including three women.

Ogwunba had told the court that the accused committed the offences following a fight between the Adashofunjo and Ajibode families in AyetoroBayeku in Ikorodu, on March 20.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 221, 228, 231, 269 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The chief magistrate adjourned the case till Aug. 7 for mention.

and obstruction.

According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Iyabo Johnson, the duo battered Mr Adeoye Temitope, on July 17 at their residence.

Johnson said that the duo inflicted injuries on the eyes of the worker.

She said that the worker attempted to stop the power supply due to indebtedness of the accused to the company.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 171 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty, and were granted bail in the sum of N200,000 and two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mr B. A. Sonuga, adjourned the case to August 22 for mention.

Man Charged For Stealing Blackberry Phone IKORODU (LAGOS STATE)- A 27 year-old man, Nwabudike David, was on Friday arraigned before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for theft of a Blackberry, Bold 5 phone valued at N50,000.

David, who lives at Igbogbo area of Ikorodu, Offin Road, is charged with a one-count charge of stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp. Fola Takunbe, said that David committed the offence on June 10 at Fingerlink Restaurant, Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

He said that the accused stole the phone from one Miss Eniola Inuolajin, a sales girl, whom he met on Facebook.

“David stole the phone from the girl’s shop. He was arrested when another female friend added the phone pin number and pretended to be dating him.

“The other girl invited David to her apartment and was apprehended by Police.

Takunbe said that the offence contravened section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty of the offence and was granted bail in the sum of N100, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mr B.A. Sonuga adjourned the case to August 15 for mention.

THE NIGERIAN

8 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Across The Nation Fermented Oil Bean Reduces Risk Of Cancer - Dietician

L-R: Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun and Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State at the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Commission in Ibadan recently.

ABUJA - Hajiya Jummai Abdul, a dietician at the Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, said that regular consumption of fermented oil bean seeds could reduce the risk of developing cancer and tobacco-related diseases.

Abdul told newsmen in Abuja that oil bean seed contains phytochemicals that could lower the cholesterol level in the body.

Phytochemicals are nonnutritive plant chemicals that have protective or diseasepreventing properties.

According to her, consumption of oil bean seeds helps to prevent infections while its extracts are useful in the treatment of diarrhoea,

BON To Resuscitate Society Of Broadcasters

ABUJA- The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has in Abuja inaugurated a committee to resuscitate the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters.

Inaugurating the committee, the Chairman of BON, Malam Abubakar Jijiwa, said the aim of the resuscitation is to bring on board seasoned broadcasters that would draw a roadmap for the society.

The committee has Mr Taiwo Alimi as chairman

while Alhaji Lawal Saulawa, Mr Elvis Attah and Mr Yemisi Bamgbose are members.

Jijiwa said the society, as a professional and regulatory council for broadcasters, has the mandate to coordinate the activities of all broadcasters in the country.

He said the society would enhance the professional

Lagos House Plans Emergency Telephone Numbers LAGOS - The Lagos State House of Assembly has held a public hearing over the proposed Emergency Command and Control Centre.

Commenting on the bill, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Security, and Publicity, Hon Segun Olulade, explained that the purpose of the centre is to provide emergency telephone numbers for members of the public in times of emergency. He listed the numbers as 676,112.

He added that the centre is to facilitate quick and efficient response to accidents, emergencies and disasters.

He expantiated that the centre is also to educate the public on the use of emergency telephone lines and to adopt appropriate measures to prevent the misuse of the centre’s facilities.

Hon. Olulade asserted that safety is a very important aspect of life, explaining that both at home, out on the road, at school or at work place.

He added, “The goal of the emergency response and control centre is to protect the health and safety of emergency responders and public at large”.

Deputy speaker, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, who stood in

for the Speaker, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji said public hearing is a ritual of the House.

He disclosed that the state would construct the centre with tax payer’s fund, revealing that the most important function of the House is legitimizing.

Giving overview of the bill, Barrister Olufunke Oluwole explained that the bill is a bold step by the House in handling emergency situation.

She remarked, “There is established centre to be known as the Lagos State Emergency Command and Control centre”.

She explained that it will be a body corporate, with perpetual succession and common seal.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Dolapo Odutolu, disclosed, “We must be ready for litigation when the centre is legalized”.

Also speaking, Dr. Olufemi Oke, said, “No proper dissemination of information, that is why the centre is created”.

However, Mr. Author Worrey the Executive Secretary, Police Trust Fund said “When the centre is legitimatized, it can be exposed to suit because it becomes a legal entity”.

status of all broadcasters through training and retraining of broadcasters.

He said it would also act as opinion molder and play a watch-dog role for the industry to engender discipline and professionalism.

“Let me make it abundantly clear that BON is not the promoter of this society.

“BON is only making the platform available to bring life into the organisation which is for all broadcasters, both retired and contemporary to promote.

“I therefore enjoin all Nigerians, especially stakeholders, to contribute ideas and money, among others, to ensure resuscitation of this body,’’ he said.

In his remark, the chairman of the committee, Mr Taiwo Alimi, said that the quality of life and democracy a society enjoys is reflected in and determined by its broadcasting practice.

Alimi said Nigeria required a broadcasting industry that would enrich the airwaves and serve the needs of the people of the nation at all times.

“Broadcasting must now pursue a national crusade for the promotion, preservation and protection of our ethics, values, tradition and enduring societal goals for development.

“We must also restore professional order in everything we do in broadcasting in Nigeria

because broadcasting today demands integrity, professionalism, credibility ,experience and maturity,’’ he said.

He urged broadcasters to pay close attention to the effects of “today’s digital broadcasting’’ on lives, cultures and the presentation, promotion and preservation

of our values and tradition.

He advised that new media forms be designed around the way people live and interact and not the other way around.

He urged broadcasting stations to direct their creative fervour towards salutary national ends while attempting new concepts of programming so as to become a participatory instrument of social change in Nigeria.

epilepsy, and insomnia (lack of sleep).

“Oil bean contains so much phytochemicals found in most vegetables; it is very good, it’s just like herb which had been linked to lower cholesterol; it is very beneficial for those patients who have cholesterol.

“A patient who regularly consumes fermented oil bean seed has a reduced risk of cancer and tobacco-related diseases; so we can see, it’s very beneficial to our health.

“Also, the oil bean extract is effective for treating diarrhea; it prevents us from getting infection and it stops the diarrhea; it helps in treating insomnia; that is lack of sleep.

“When you are tense and you take it, you sleep soundly.

Epileptic patients also use it to prevent or to reduce the attack of the epilepsy.’’

Abdul said that taking oil bean extracts reduced the incidence of epileptic attacks.

She advised cancer patients to eat oil beans regularly to prevent cancer cells from replicating.

The dietician added that the consumption of the oil bean seeds would go a long way in suppressing the cholesterol level in the body.

Senate President, Senator David Mark (middle), with the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Nikolay N. Udovichenko with other Senators after a courtesy visit to the Senate in Abuja. Photo: OMOYE AMINU.

Court Adjourns Robbery Case Till Sept

ENUGU - An Enugu High Court presided over by Justice Catherine Nwobodo on Thursday adjourned a robbery case till September 30 for adoption of addresses.

Testifying before the court, the mother of one of the accused persons, Mrs Rosaline Igube, said her son was a bread seller and not a thief.

“My son has never missed

sleeping in my house on a day.

Ifeanyi always comes home after selling bread for the day,” she said.

Igube told the court that the police asked her to pay N50,000 for them to release her son but that she couldn’t afford it.

Ifanyi Igube, Samuel Bassey, 20, and Nkeiru Nwaigwe, 19,

were accused of robbing one Mr Gabriel Ogbo on Nov. 26, 2008 at the Radio Nigeria Junction, Ngwo in Enugu.

They were alleged to have robbed Ogbo of his Mitsubishi L300 bus valued at N550,000 and also robbed one Nonso Igwe of his Sagem handset valued at N7,500 and cash of N4,000.

THE NIGERIAN

9 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Abuja

83 Erosion, Flood Projects For Inauguration ABUJA - The Minister of Environment, Mrs Hadiza Malafia, has said that no fewer than 83 flood and erosion projects will be ready for inauguration by December.

Mailafia dropped the hint, while making a presentation to the PDP National Working Committee on the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the environment sector.

She said that the ministry had planned to execute more than 147 projects, but lacked the funds to implement them.

The minister said that 39 capital projects were executed in 2011, while 64 capital projects were executed nationwide between January and June this year.

She said that 15 projects located in South-East geopolitical zone were at between 45 and 100 per cent completion.

Mailafia said, ‘’Three of those projects located at Nekede, Ojoto and St. Kizito are also ready for commissioning. ‘’We have installed 15 Community-based Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) and 4 automated FEWS nationwide. ‘’We increased the installation Web-based FEWS from 307 to 402 across the country to inform Nigerians on flood reports.’’

On desertification control and forest management, Mailafia said that the ministry had, in June, inaugurated the Great Green Wall (GGW) programme in Kebbi to combat desertification.

She said that the programme would be implemented simultaneously in 11 front line states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara,

- Minister

Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno.

The minister said that the programme would cover 43 local government areas in the 11 frontline states, adding that 225,000 hectares of lands would be rehabilitated.

She said, ‘’Resources have been approved for the implementation and participating states, local councils and communities have been identified. ‘’We have started planting in Bachaka, Arewa Local government Area of Kebbi and Mr President will flagoff the programme later this year.’’

Mailafia, however, expressed regrets about the attitude of some Nigerians on issues of sanitation, describing the situation as worrisome.

She said the Federal Government had formulated good environmental policies to transform the environment, but that Nigerians had no respect for those rules and regulations.

According to her, the

ministry has established some integrated waste management facilities to ensure cleanliness.

Mailafia further said that the ministry had identified and implemented various programmes to build Nigerians’ resilience to the impacts of Climate Change.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, commended Mailafia for transforming the environment sector.

Tukur said the manifesto of the party included good environmental programmes aimed at sustaining the environment, secure healthy living and addressing environmental challenges.

He urged the minister to ensure effective implementation of environmental policies and regulations.

‘’We encourage you to make effective use of the environmental health officers

by going to inspect rural communities, all these will

L-R: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission, Engr. Nuru Yakubu and Director General, National Space Development Research Agency (NASDRA), Prof.

Sheidu Muhammed, exchanging plesantries during the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Team on Oversight function to National Space Development Research Agency in Abuja. Photo: OMOYE AMINU.

Fayose Denies Suspension

ABUJA - A former Governor of Ekiti, Mr Ayo Fayose, has described his alleged suspension from the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) as “a rumour’’.

Fayose spoke with newsmen shortly after he met with the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamaga Tukur, in

L-R: NUJ National Treasurer, Mustapha Lamidi; NUJ National President, Malam Garba Mohammed, briefing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday. With them is National Secretary, Malam Shuaibu Usman-Leman.

Abuja.

He said that he only read of the purported suspension in the dailies like every other Nigerian, noting that he had not been officially notified.

The former governor said he would remain focus on his ambition and on the part of truth, adding that nobody could stop him from recontesting the Ekiti governorship seat.

Fayose said those linking him with the violent destruction of properties in Ekiti were those who were out to dent his image and give him a bad name.

He said the way out of the crisis rocking the party in Ekiti was for its leadership to ensure transparent primaries.

He further said that he had handed over documents to the national chairman on the

Presidential Aide Calls For Quick Passage Of PIB

ABUJA - The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, said that the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would create an enabling environment for the sector.

Gulak told newsmen in Abuja that there must be complete deregulation of the oil sector if Nigeria must move forward.

He said, “There must be complete deregulation of the oil sector if Nigeria must move forward; without complete deregulation, private investors

will not come to build refineries.

“They will always apply for licences, they import because there is subsidy to be paid; as long as the subsidy regime is in place, we will always have problems.

“Our petroleum sector will not be developed; private investors will not bring in foreign investment to build the refineries.”

According to him, indigenous

make people to imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices,’’ he said.

investors are not willing to build refineries, if they can go and import petroleum products and be paid subsidy by the government.

“So, if we want development in that sector; if we want availability of the product; if we want to add value to our crude oil, then we must deregulate the sector,’’ he said.

On the state of Nigerian roads, the special adviser said the roads

were dilapidating faster due to the overuse.

He told newsmen that pressure on the roads would significantly reduce once the rail system being planned by the government became functional.

The special adviser urged Nigerians to support the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure rapid growth and development of the country,

create jobs and tackle insecurity.

He advised Nigerians to allow political parties in the country to grow along democratic lines, adding that it would be one way of delivering the dividends of democracy.

He also appealed to Nigerians to uphold justice for the development and sustenance of “true democracy” in the country.

According to him, true democracy will uplift and sustain the integrity of the nation with equity, fairness and justice in place.

recent crisis in the party in Ekiti.

“As one of the aspirants and a force to be reckoned with in the Ekiti PDP, I will not accept any other process than transparent party primaries.

“I am very much aware that there were plots by some PDP aspirants in the state to impose a governorship candidate on the people in the guise of consensus arrangement.

“It will be wrong to impose a consensus candidate on the people after collecting a non-refundable fee of N2 million from each aspirant for expression of interest,” he said.

Fayose alleged that the group involved in the arrangement was working with some members of the state executive committee of the party.

He thanked the media for their balanced report of events, and urged them to continue to hold political leaders accountable while in and out of office.

“I say this because some media organisations rather than put the truth before the public hide it and say only what the authorities want them to say.

“This will not take democracy anywhere.’’

Fayose said.

THE NIGERIAN

10 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Business + Economy 2013 Budget Amendment Bill: Mixed Reactions Trail Passage LAGOS- Mixed reactions trailed the passage of the 2013 Budget Amendment Bill, with some financial experts advising that delay in passing such a bill should be avoided.

The two chambers of the National Assembly — Senate and House of Representativespassed the bill on Thursday, ending the eight-month controversy surrounding the 2013 budget.

The passage of the bill came the same day the presidency reiterated its commitment to its pledge of submitting the 2014 Appropriation Bill early enough to enable the National Assembly pass it before the end of the current fiscal year.

The total budget of N4,987,220,425,601, as passed

by both chambers, consists of N2,415,745,972,812 as recurrent expenditure and N1,591,657,252,789 as capital expenditure.

The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Muda Yusuf, said that the passage would calm Nigeria’s political system after

the long tussle between the executive and legislative arms over the bill.

Muda told newsmen that the development would also reduce the uncertainty created by the inability to pass the bill early.

He remarked that the delay in the passage was better than not passing it at all.

Stock Prices Close On Negative Note

LAGOS- Activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange closed on a negative as stocks of some highly capitalised companies recorded price losses.

The All-share Index at the end of Friday’s trading depreciated by 140.94 basis points or 0.38 per cent to close at 37,145.64 points against the 37,286.50 points recorded on Thursday.

Market capitalisation of all listed securities dropped by N45 billion to close at N11.763 trillion compared with N11.808 trillion transacted on Thursday.

At the end of transactions, Guinness led the price losers: dropping by N22 to close at N230 per share.

Julius Berger share price dipped by N3.76 to close at N79 per share, while Cadbury lost N1.03 to close at N51.17 per share.

Guaranty Trust Bank depreciated by 45k to close N24.70 per share, while Dangote Sugar fell by 33k to close at N11.67 for a unit of its shares.

On the gainers chart, Total led with N7 to close at N159 per share.

Nestle followed with a gain of N5.02 to close at N955.02 per share, while CAP share price grew by N3.48 to close at N46.95.

L-R: Manager, Public Affairs, Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Alhaji Idris Abdullahi, Managing Director, Ejeg Petrol Station, Mr Benjamin Omale and Community Relations Officer, Pipeline Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr Audu Bisallah, during the launch of KRPC Community Kerosene in Kaduna.

Quarantine Service Produces Pest Lists For Crops

ABUJA- The Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), says it has produced a pest list for seven crops that will curtail the importation of pests and diseases into the country.

Dr Mike Nwaneri, the Coordinating Director, NAQS disclosed this, at a news conference in Abuja.

The crops are Rice, Pineapple, Sesame, Sugar Cane, Cashew, Ginger and Palm oil.

The pest list contains names of common pests and diseases that tend to invade human habitation

CBN Urges Rivers To Embrace Cashless Policy

PORT HARCOURT-Mr Eme Eleonu, the Deputy Project Leader of the Central Bank cashless policy has urged Rivers people to embrace the cashless policy to improve its effectiveness and ensure economic growth.

Eleonu made the call during a seminar on Rivers Cashless Policy on Friday in Port Harcourt.

He said that the central bank had initiated the policy on cash transactions in excess of N500, 000 and N3 million for individuals and corporate bodies, respectively.

“The aim is to drive development and modernise payment systems in Nigeria in line with vision of being among the top 20 economies by the year 2020.

“There are so many new channels in the policy to check fraud in banks and to reduce risks.

“These include Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and Point Of Sale devises (POS).

Muda expressed the hope that both arms of government would have learnt lessons from the tussle to improve communication between them.

However, a former Director, Budget Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Titus Okurounmu, said that delay in passing budget bills should be

“With your ATM card and POS, you can deposit your cash, transfer airtime to your phone and check your balance and your money is safe,’’ he said.

Eleonu said that the CBN would soon introduce finger print verification for customers which would enable the bank to identify the rightful owner of an account to reduce fraud.

He urged Rivers people to use their mobile phones for cash transaction to avoid getting stranded by the ATM network.

Eleonu gave assurance to customers of the safety of their cash even if they misplace or are robbed of their phones.

Mr Chris Okorie, a banker from the First Bank of Nigeria Plc, also encouraged Rivers residents to adopt the cashless policy to reduce the risks of moving cash. “You can open an account with your phone without going to the bank with a copy of your utility bill or passport photograph.

and may cause damage to plants, acting as disease vectors, or causing other threats.

Nwaneri said that a nationwide pest survey on the listed crops was carried out by the agency in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

He added that the list was imperative for countries that seek to grow export trade in agricultural products as trading partners with Nigeria.

“It is for this reason that NAQS has taken advantage of the strong partnership it has with the IITA, in conducting a nationwide pest survey and to produce a pest list for each of the follow-

ing crops.

“Rice, pineapple, sesame, sugar cane, cashew, ginger and palm oil and the establishment of pest free areas for yams and leafy vegetables.

“It is hoped that the next one year, if funding permits, a survey for cassava, sorghum and cotton will join the list.”

According to Nwaneri, countries are constrained to base import decisions on the level of risk of importing commodities along with foreign pests or diseases.

He explained that it was on such basis that a Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) was always carried out prior to the decision to

import.

“The greatest tool required for this purpose is the crop pest list of the country from which importation is being considered.

“Without the pest list, it will be impossible to do a PRA and therefore, impossible to take the decision to import from such a destination.”

He also noted that the agency had received a certificate from the IITA in recognition of the accomplishment.

Commenting further on efforts by the agency to curb some of the pests such as fruit flies and the Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD), the director said that control programmes had commenced in pest-prone areas.

avoided.

Okurounmu also advised that signing of such bills into laws should not be delayed to avoid negative impacts on the economy.

PTDF To Establish Oil, Gas Museum

ABUJA- The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has concluded plans to establish an oil and gas research centre and museum in Oloibiri, Bayelsa.

Dr Oluwole Oluleye, the PTDF Executive Secretary, disclosed this during the 2013 Ministerial platform and Mid-Term report of the Fund.

Oluleye said the project would be sited at Oloibiri where oil was first struck in the country in 1958.

“We are establishing an Oil and Gas Research Centre and Museum in Oloibiri, Bayelsa, because it is the host community of the first oil well in Nigeria.

“This is to preserve the historical artefacts in the evolution of the Nigerian petroleum industry as well as serve as a learning centre for technological application and research,’’ he said.

Oluleye said work had reached advanced stage on the National Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt, which is meant to provide vocational and technical training for Nigerians.“The centre when completed, will provide vocational and technical training for technicians and craftsmen in fields such as welding and fabrication, construction, automobile engineering and so on,’’ he said.

Oluleye said apart from its overseas scholarship scheme, the PTDF is also involved in the upgrading of universities in the country.

He said PTDF was working very closely with international oil companies in the country to ensure that the trained scholars are employed on completion of their educational programmes.

Queue during the launch of Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) Community Kerosene in Kaduna recently.

THE NIGERIAN

11 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT FRIDAY(26/07/13) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

1

3,000

1,500.00

7UP

69.5

69.5

0

13

10,561

708,579.72

LIVESTOCK

4.6

4.67

0.07

51

1,185,472

5,493,880.69

ABCTRANS

1.07

1.03

-0.04

29

1,453,026

1,509,969.10

MANSARD

2.18

2.15

-0.03

18

800,917

1,730,114.75

ACADEMY

1.8

1.62

-0.18

1

96,084

155,656.08

MAYBAKER

2.7

2.7

0

12

58,704

155,431.58

ACCESS

10.71

10.7

-0.01

155

12,101,671

129,554,210.54

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.5

0

1

10,000

5,000.00

AFRIPRUD

1.82

1.82

0

31

93,251

170,922.12

MOBIL

116.95

116.95

0

11

15,044

1,713,400.20

2.01

2.01

0

2

7,895

14,289.95

AFROMEDIA

0.5

0.5

0

2

540,000

270,000.00

MORISON

AFRPAINTS

2.86

2.86

0

2

1,100

2,838.00

MRS

32.86

36.14

3.28

32

181,136

6,546,255.04

AGLEVENT

1.45

1.58

0.13

5

249,145

382,345.75

NAHCO

6.8

6.82

0.02

41

547,422

3,726,681.14

AIICO

0.91

0.9

-0.01

26

1,078,383

976,268.73

NASCON

12.65

12.45

-0.2

48

686,890

8,550,730.56

AIRSERVICE

4.8

4.8

0

11

231,753

1,115,960.10

NB

170.01

170.01

0

106

578,049

98,274,720.12

ASHAKACEM

25

25

0

27

319,137

7,990,351.81

NEIMETH

1.61

1.5

-0.11

41

948,346

1,467,681.70

0.73

0.76

0.03

24

2,831,131

2,133,831.44

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

2

22,000

11,000.00

NEM

AVONCROWN

1.71

1.71

0

1

5,600

8,624.00

NESTLE

950

955.02

5.02

45

83,508

80,014,272.21

BERGER

9.36

9.5

0.14

12

269,499

2,461,394.03

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

4

352,000

176,000.00

BETAGLAS

10.9

10.9

0

1

21

251.79

NNFM

26.5

26.5

0

1

250

7,287.50

BOCGAS

6.77

6.77

0

2

50,100

339,240.00

NPFMCRFBK

0.87

0.8

-0.07

8

553,130

444,264.00

CADBURY

52.2

51.17

-1.03

61

830,476

42,833,791.10

OANDO

13

13.02

0.02

224

6,863,000

89,558,180.74

CAP

43.47

46.95

3.48

15

120,250

5,523,342.30

OASISINS

0.5

0.5

0

2

500,000

250,000.00

CCNN

8.6

9.05

0.45

53

954,313

8,564,450.09

OKOMUOIL

42.5

44.5

2

30

246,974

11,064,228.20

CHAMPION

11

11

0

1

10,000

121,000.00

PAINTCOM

1.82

1.82

0

3

15,000

27,000.00

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

1

200,000

100,000.00

PHARMDEKO

1.87

2.05

0.18

5

78,024

159,949.20

CHELLARAM

4.41

4.41

0

2

2,400

9,528.00

PORTPAINT

6

6

0

4

46,000

256,400.00

40

40

0

17

123,821

4,674,530.00

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

2

4,200

2,100.00

PRESCO

CONOIL

33.67

33.67

0

31

126,445

4,682,258.35

PRESTIGE

0.51

0.51

0

6

38,123

19,822.73

CONTINSURE

1.28

1.22

-0.06

20

5,769,542

7,187,925.40

PZ

44.05

44.05

0

43

201,161

8,479,133.75

CORNERST

0.5

0.5

0

9

3,487,088

1,743,544.00

REDSTAREX

4.45

4.85

0.4

9

216,300

987,449.00

COSTAIN

1.4

1.3

-0.1

30

1,295,397

1,779,662.96

RESORTSAL

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

COURTVILLE

0.6

0.66

0.06

12

3,720,000

2,316,435.69

ROYALEX

0.56

0.55

-0.01

17

1,066,662

586,744.10

1.6

1.54

-0.06

13

443,952

701,065.60

CUSTODYINS

1.57

1.57

0

11

202,134

316,869.88

RTBRISCOE

CUTIX

1.89

1.83

-0.06

5

99,366

182,932.74

SKYEBANK

4.5

4.5

0

150

8,524,350

38,156,212.14

DANGCEM

190

190

0

46

698,653

132,744,358.40

SOVRENINS

0.5

0.5

0

1

50,000

25,000.00

DANGFLOUR

9.5

9.5

0

30

326,825

3,106,119.70

STANBIC

16

16

0

27

561,095

8,963,024.97

DANGSUGAR

12

11.67

-0.33

65

1,114,870

13,052,728.47

STERLNBANK

2.55

2.63

0.08

71

10,533,990

27,084,723.53

DIAMONDBNK

6.39

6.8

0.41

55

25,364,779

168,753,803.61

TOTAL

152

159

7

21

26,943

4,175,060.04

1.45

1.4

-0.05

118

30,899,587

43,349,249.71

DUNLOP

0.5

0.5

0

1

2,000

1,000.00

TRANSCORP

ETERNA

3.15

3.15

0

30

1,749,513

5,345,775.82

TRANSEXPR

1.32

1.32

0

3

11,300

13,447.00

ETI

14

14

0

41

6,935,719

97,125,546.58

UAC-PROP

15

15.9

0.9

50

590,277

9,031,244.25

EVANSMED

4.5

4.6

0.1

13

403,251

1,831,899.54

UACN

63

63

0

44

1,086,814

68,293,353.80

FBNH

17.21

17.12

-0.09

461

14,160,482

243,520,268.08

UBA

7.81

7.83

0.02

212

30,068,042

235,268,521.90

1.13

1.1

-0.03

125

12,196,628

13,582,802.75

FCMB

4.63

4.9

0.27

26

530,926

2,542,447.47

UBCAP

FIDELITYBK

2.99

3

0.01

104

8,363,756

25,260,298.81

UBN

12

12

0

76

368,704

4,442,225.92

FIDSON

2

2.03

0.03

21

545,964

1,107,340.22

UNILEVER

62.52

62.52

0

49

347,762

21,762,265.54

FLOURMILL

86.3

86.3

0

62

202,898

17,245,571.16

UNIONDAC

0.5

0.5

0

6

5,235,000

2,617,500.00

FO

43.56

43.82

0.26

140

1,386,935

60,537,481.89

UNITYBNK

0.59

0.61

0.02

59

7,843,553

4,715,176.80

FTNCOCOA

0.5

0.5

0

2

200,000

100,000.00

UPL

4.38

4.38

0

5

51,408

234,904.08

0.85

0.85

0

26

740,453

638,213.55

GLAXOSMITH

60.01

60

-0.01

23

295,627

17,741,204.50

UTC

GNI

0.5

0.5

0

2

500,000

250,000.00

VITAFOAM

4.55

4.55

0

10

77,570

349,536.40

GUARANTY

25.15

24.7

-0.45

512

14,260,466

353,625,456.16

VONO

1.39

1.39

0

5

7,000

8,820.00

GUINNESS

252

230

-22

41

89,927

21,630,299.85

WAPCO

99.5

99.5

0

14

27,090

2,628,425.02

HONYFLOUR

3.08

3.15

0.07

47

2,129,036

6,774,588.02

WAPIC

0.9

0.9

0

10

78,124

68,216.60

IHS

3.38

3.05

-0.33

39

2,141,090

7,038,234.00

WEMABANK

0.98

1.07

0.09

57

4,622,435

4,867,810.81

ZENITHBANK

19.74

19.45

-0.29

414

13,244,826

259,168,405.78

Gain

Stock

Close

Loss

7 5.02 3.48 3.28 2 0.9 0.45 0.41 0.4 0.27

GUINNESS JBERGER CADBURY GUARANTY DANGSUGAR IHS ZENITHBANK NASCON ACADEMY NEIMETH

230 79.99 51.17 24.7 11.67 3.05 19.45 12.45 1.62 1.5

-22 -3.76 -1.03 -0.45 -0.33 -0.33 -0.29 -0.2 -0.18

IKEJAHOTEL

0.94

0.9

-0.04

9

769,885

689,917.65

INTBREW

24.65

24.65

0

24

57,948

1,417,413.04

INTENEGINS

2.25

2.25

0

1

30,000

60,900.00

IPWA

1

1.09 0.52

0.09 -0.01

5 34

162,963 10,333,062

175,800.04

JAPAULOIL

0.53

5,405,747.86

JBERGER

83.75

79.99

-3.76

44

956,557

77,948,942.52

JOHNHOLT

1.35

1.35

0

6

58,214

73,732.16

JOSBREW

0.9

0.9

0

4

4,000

3,600.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.7

1.7

0

6

295,845

502,968.23

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock TOTAL NESTLE CAP MRS OKOMUOIL UAC-PROP CCNN DIAMONDBNK REDSTAREX FCMB

Close 159 955.02 46.95 36.14 44.5 15.9 9.05 6.8 4.85 4.9

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS

THE NIGERIAN

12 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

WHEN the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Mr. Peter Voser recently raised the red flag that security situation in Nigeria worsened last year, 2012, not many saw the implication of that revelation. Voser in a speech posted on the company’s website noted “the stealing and sabotage of crude oil intensified during the year under review thereby threatening its multi-billionairedollar business” and opined that shell alone cannot tackle the issues. THE Company’s chief executive recommended a multi-stakeholder approach as they have pushed for several years which has gone unheeded by the Nigerian authorities.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER, is disturbed over the security situation in the country as the United States of America recently raised alarm over escalating insecurity of lives, property and businesses necessitating in its restricting the movement of its citizens within some states in Nigeria.

WE are even more worried over the implications of corporate citizens’ perceptions of our security on larger businesses and in particular, growth and development of the country. Unfortunately, efforts by Nigerian security to address the challenge have not yielded the desired results.

IT is an incontrovertible fact that there could be no meaningful development in any society where security of lives and property is heavily under threat. Shell’s expose reveals of colossal sums of money lost through oil theft by criminals who, in our view act in concert with powerful and well connected Nigerians in-

THE NIGERIAN

Nigeria’s Investment Climate

cluding even some unscrupulous officials of the nation’s security organisations.

THE sad situation the nation finds itself is an attestation of the lack of political will by government over the years to deal decisively with the various security challenges that have arisen with one leading to the other, some of which now have ethnic, and religious colourations. Kidnapping of multinational oil workers in the Niger Delta went on for too long unaddressed until it metamorphosed into kidnap of innocent low income earners, a situation which speaks volumes of our unpreparedness to tackle the menace of kidnappers until the mother of the Finance Minister and Head of the economic team of Mr. President was kidnapped by hoodlums to the utter embarrassment of the whole nation.

TERROR groups in Northern Nigeria have, since the inception of the Jonathan administration unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens in most parts of the region with security agencies and the presidency promising almost on a daily basis to deal with the insurgence without any headway till date.

CLEARLY, the Nigeria Police Force have

failed woefully to live up to its responsibility as from every indications, the police themselves, including the high authorities are either involved in criminal activities or are pre-occupied in shielding perpetrators of criminal offences.

THE political class have equally not helped the situation as most of them are involved in arming youth groups to do their political billing who in turn go back to the trenches with such arms to perpetrate criminality against the people and the state.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is strongly of the view that if Nigeria must attain its national goals and objectives, the present administration must take proactive steps to fight insecurity in the land and restore hope and confidence amongst all stakeholders.

BUT in all, we believe the President needs to exercise the political will to make this happen. Mr. President needs to throw away ethnic, sectional and other sentimental garbs and wear his nationalistic apparel to deal with insecurity in the country.

GOING forward, we join shell Petroleum Plc to recommend a well organised, multi-stakeholder approach to dealing with insecurity in the country. The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air force, Department of State Security Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Customs and most importantly, the Nigeria Police Force need urgent overhaul. All outfits need better coordination to arrest the situation and make the country safer for all.

THE NIGERIAN

13 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

View Point Human Rights Impact In Constitutional Amendment

A constitution in legal parlance is simply a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.

The above elementary definition of a constitution made by Wikipedia also goes to show that the constitution of Nigeria is the supreme law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The key role of the constitution is to spell out in clear terms, the basic obligations of citizens to the Nigerian nation and importantly the obligation of the state to the citizenry.

The earliest segment of the constitution of Nigeria demonstrates the fact that the primary duty of government is the protection of the security of lives and property of the citizenry and safeguarding the welfare the state owes the people who are the owners of the sovereignty of Nigeria.

The current constitution in use in Nigeria was written during the period of military disengagement from government and was midwifed by some unelected men and women and inherent in the extant 1999 constitution are several avoidable bottlenecks and obstacles to the full realization of the respect to the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.

Some persons with track records of working tenaciously for the enthronement of sustainable and vibrant democracy who actually fought the military intellectually before the military despots disengaged in early 1999, are opposed to the current constitution and have advocated severally for the convocation of a sovereign national constitutional conference during which the real Nigerian people will give ‘WE’ the Nigerian people the true constitution.

But as Rome was not built in a day and since nothing can operate in a state of vacuum, most Nigerians have decided to live with the current

constitutional reality but have also canvassed for major amendments to reflect the will of the people.

Previously, the National Assembly before the current seventh session made attempts to fundamentally alter certain sections of the constitution to make the provisions comply with the global best practices in the promotion and protection of democratic principles, rule of law and respect for the fundamental rights of the citizenry. The past attempts were largely unsuccessful due to some teething challenges that confronted the constitution amendment committees set up in both the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives.

The outcome of past attempts at constitution amendment fell short of the expectations of the broad spectrum of the Nigerian people thereby necessitating another attempt by the current 7th session of the National Assembly.

Both committees in the Federal House of Representatives headed by the Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha and that of the Senate headed by the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu have substantially completed the preliminary national assignment of collating the views of Nigerians in all the constituencies and have presented their respective reports for legislative debates and passage into law in the National Assembly and will subsequently midwife the other strategic stages necessary for completing the ongoing amendment process.

In the Federal House of Representatives, the Emeka Ihedioha-led constitution amendment committee told Nigerians that an aspect of the outcome of the nation-wide public hearing sessions on the constitution amendment was the unanimous decision of Nigerians to elevate chapter two of the constitution to the respectable height of enforceability meaning that the provisions will enjoy same status with those of Chapter 4 which are the

By EMMANUEL ONWUBIKO

fundamental rights principles.

The Senator Ike Ekweremadu-led constitution amendment committee made several human rights milestones in that certain phrases and sections that are inherently damaging to gender equity; child rights protection and the independence of the local government and relevant state institutions in the 36 states of Nigeria were systematically deleted.

through regular, free and fair elections to ensure government of the people, for the people and by the peopleare therefore a key institution in a democracy. As the body competent to legislate and to keep the policies and actions of the executive branch under constant scrutiny, parliament also plays a key role in the promotion and protection of human rights”.

Mr. Nowak further affirmed that parliaments establish the legal frame work that

Specifically, in the area of protecting and promoting gender equity, the senate constitution amendment committee has recommended that section 26(2) (a) of the constitution on citizenship be altered to substitute the word “woman” with person so as not be misconstrued as an anti-gender equity provision.

Similarly, section 29 (4) (b) has been deleted because of concern for lack of sensitivity to issues of gender parity.

The Senator Ekweremaduled Constitution amendment committee has importantly conferred greater autonomy to certain key State-run institutions to make them

landmark legislative bills passed by the National Assembly but get stuck at the table of the president who will neither withhold assent or sign them into law.

By the alteration of section 58 by inserting a new subsection 5(A) henceforth “where the President neither signifies that he assents or that he withholds assent, the bill shall at the expiration of thirty days become law”.

This fundamental alteration will surely strengthen the legislative arm of government and ensure timely passage of laws so that the wheel of democratic progress is not unduly

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu

Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker House of Reps

To a large extent, the recommendations made by the Senate constitution amendment committee to delete anti-democratic and anti-human rights provisions in order to promote greater respect for gender equity; child rights and building of strong institutions to serve the people at the state levels, is a commendable step which is in line with what most scholars say good parliaments should be doing.

Mr. Manfred Nowak, a notable human rights scholar observed thus; “parliamentssovereign bodies constituted

independent from the whims and caprices of the State governors. This revolutionary legislative move if passed in the coming nation-wide referendum by the State Houses of Assembly will ensure that institutions like the State Assemblies; State independent electoral commission; AuditorGeneral of the State; judiciary of the state and office of Attorney General of the State are independent financially thereby making them entitled to drawing their operational fund from first-line charge from the consolidated Revenue fund. The Senate committee has therefore altered section 121 of the constitution to empower these strategic democratic institutions.

One other panacea has being established to the incessant cases of several

guarantees the independence of the judiciary and, therefore the rule of law, a cornerstone of democracy and human rights protection.

Substantially, by professionally dissecting the views of Nigerians and deleting some noticeable draconian provisions in the extant constitution, the National Assembly constitution amendment committees headed jointly by Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Representative Emeka Ihedioha have really fulfilled the key reason for their establishment.

“To a large extent, the recommendations made by the Senate constitution amendment committee to delete anti-democratic and anti-human rights provisions in order to promote greater respect for gender equity; child rights and building of strong institutions to serve the people at the state levels, is a commendable step which is in line with what most scholars say good parliaments should be doing.”

derailed or delayed by unnecessary political bickering.

Granted that there are provisions introduced by the Senate Constitution amendment committee like the controversial single six year tenure provision which are debatable, one fact is that the current social engineering of amending Nigeria’s extant constitution if properly anchored, will positively change the tempo of delivery of democracy dividends and will embolden key institutions to make independent decisions and policies to serve the public good without let or hindrance by the emperor-like powers that the governors enjoy under the constitution being amended. Nigerians expect both chambers to rapidly wrap up the other stages of the mechanism for constitution amendment so that the living standards of Nigerians will be elevated and good governance entrenched in the polity.

THE NIGERIAN

14 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Agriculture

Contributions Of Agriculture To The Economy

NIGERIA is a nation endowed with abundant human and natural resources.

Despite this endowment, the country is still walloping in abject poverty, social economic backwardness, insecurity and malnutrition due to inability to embrace commercial agriculture for national development.

What then is agriculture?

According to Anyanwu (1997) agriculture “involves the cultivation of land, raising and rearing of animals for the purpose of production of food for man, feed for animal and raw materials for industries. It also involves cropping, livestock, forestry, fishing processing and marketing of these agricultural products.

Abayomi (1997) noted that, most developing countries take agriculture as both the main traditional occupation and the key to sustained growth for modern economy. She also said that economic growth has gone hand in hand with agricultural progress.

Stagnation in agriculture is the principal explanation for poor economic performance.

While rising agricultural productivity has been the most important commitment to successful industrialization.

Among the roles, conventionally ascribed to agriculture sector in a growing economy, are providing raw materials to a growing industrial sector, constituting the major source of employment, foreign exchange through commodity exports and providing market products for industries.

Agricultural plays a crucial role in the economy of a nation. It is the backbone of a nation’s economic system.

Agriculture not only provides food and raw materials, but also create employment opportunities to a very large extend of the

population. The following clearly highlights the importance of agriculture in a country.

Sources of Livelihood: Many countries depend on agriculture as a source of livelihood. media report says developed countries depend on agriculture, as about 70% of their population are directly engaged on it.

Significance to the International Trade: Agricultural products like sugar, tea, rice spice, tobacco, coffee etc constitute, the major items of exports of countries that rely on agriculture. If there are smooth development practice of Agriculture, imports are reduced while export increases considerably. This help to reduce countries unfavourable balance of payment as well as saving foreign exchange.

This amount may as well be used to import other essential inputs, machinery, raw material, and other infrastructure that is helpful and support the countries economic development.

Marketable Surplus: The growth of agricultural sector contributes to marketable surplus. Many people engage in manufacturing mining as well as other nonagricultural sector as the nation develops. All these individuals rely on food production that they might meet the nation’s marketable surplus.

As agricultural sector development takes place, production increases and this leads to expansion of market surplus. This may be exported to other nations.

Sources of Raw Material: The main source of raw materials to industries includes cotton and dule

By OSASOBO WINIFRED

fabrics, sugar, tobacco, edible as well as non edible oil. Moreover, many other industries such as processing of fruits as well as vegetables and rice husking get their raw material mainly from agriculture.

Create Employment Opportunities: The

caused by their fast growing population.

Economic Development: The agriculture sector employs many countries and contribute to their economic development. As a result the national income level as well, people’s standard of living is improved. The fast

construction of irrigation schemes, drainage system, as well as other such activities in agricultural sector is important to provide large employment opportunities.

Agricultural sector provide more employment opportunities to the labour force which help reduces the high rate of unemployment in developing countries,

rate of development in agriculture sector offers progressive outlook as well as increased motivation for development hence, it aids the creation of good atmosphere for all economic development of a country.

Therefore, economic development relies on the agricultural growth rate.

The sector has provided food, security, employment,

“The federal government should now do everything possible to provide agricultural infrastructure such as mechanized farming implement, improved seeds fertilizer, silos, construction of dams and irrigation so as to encourage farmers and private sector to participate in the operation feed the nation programme.”

raw materials, industrialization and diversified economy for the survival of many of these nations.

Maybe we need to heed this timely warning that the food insecurity, malnutrition, unemployment, and high dependence on other countries will persist unless we retrace our foot step back

to the way things were in the 60s when great attention to agriculture lead Nigeria to regional agricultural comparative advantage, when other Africa countries were considered.

During President Goodluck Jonathan campaign in 2011, he said “as I travel up and down our country, I see a nation blessed by God with rich agriculture and mineral resources and an enterprising people…….”

There is need for emancipation of the nation from the anarchy of food insecurity and economic dependence on western world. The President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Administration has made the development of the agricultural sector a priority.

The federal government should now do everything possible to provide agricultural infrastructure such as mechanized farming implement, improved seeds fertilizer, silos, construction of dams and irrigation so as to encourage farmers and private sector to participate in the operation feed the nation programme.

Also, according to media report crops such as rice,

cassava, sorghum, cocoa, cotton, wheat groundnut, maize, palm oil.

While fishery poultry, leather, beef and livestock are all being made available to farmers at subsidized rate.

The present administration and federal ministry of agriculture have established many co-operative societies as umbrella and an avenue of making funding available to farmers.

There is need to go back and embrace agriculture fully as a roadmap to achieve food, security, job creation, diversified economy and industrialization. The vision 20.2020 which is a development aspiration for Nigeria will not a actualized until agriculture is enhanced.

THE NIGERIAN

15 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Issues

THE Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act was amended in 2005 so as to strengthen the campaign against human trafficking.

The Act, which also established the National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP), empowered the agency to prosecute human traffickers; while counselling and rehabilitating trafficked victims, among others.

However, a recent report released by the U.S. government indicated that Nigeria had yet to meet the basic minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking and related offences.

In the 2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, Nigeria remained within the “Tier 2’’ category because the report stressed that the Federal Government had not fully complied with the required minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking.

The U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, however, said that more efforts were needed to enable Nigeria to move up to the “Tier 1’’ status.

The secretary of state’s comment was conveyed via a statement issued in Nigeria

by Ms Rhonda FergusonAugustus, the Information Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.

Kerry said that the TIP report did not simply measure the efforts of NAPTIP as an agency, but rather those of the Nigerian government as a whole.

“Despite the notable efforts of NAPTIP, the government is yet to satisfy all the minimum standards set forth in the 2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), as amended, to justify Nigeria’s upgrade to Tier 1.

“For example, the government is yet to pass daft legislation that would

restrict the ability of judges to offer fines in lieu of prison terms, while the Nigerian Police Force continue to experience difficulties in identifying victims of human trafficking.

“Additionally, the Ministry of Labour did not make any new efforts to address labour trafficking during the reporting period, despite the identification of a significant number of labour trafficking victims,’’ he added.

It would be recalled that Nigeria in 2000 signed the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, otherwise known as the Palermo Protocol.

However, NAPTIP, at a recent conference in Abuja, reaffirmed its commitment to check the menace of human trafficking in the country.

Speaking at the conference, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Executive Secretary of NAPTIP, said that the agency would soon come up with a five-year strategic plan.

“The main thrust of the plan is to boost existing synergy between stakeholders and partners involved in the anti-human trafficking crusade,” he added.

Jedy-Agba identified unemployment and poverty as the major factors responsible for human trafficking, stressing that the problems ought to be addressed in a pragmatic way.

“The traffickers usually make false promises of a better life abroad and earning money in dollars.

“Eventually, these girls end up becoming prostitutes to pay their so-called ‘sponsors’ who took them abroad,’’ she added.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, noted that that women and children were the major victims of human trafficking The minister, who was represented by Mrs. Habiba Lawal, Permanent Secretary

Curbing Human Trafficking In Nigeria

at the ministry, described human trafficking as one of the worst plagues of the modern era.

“For as long as this illicit trade flourishes, it will be difficult to achieve the goals and targets we have set for ourselves.

“It is often assumed that the victims of trafficking are the most vulnerable persons from poor isolated communities.

“Extant evidence shows

that some of the trafficked persons are from mediumincome backgrounds and they aspire for a better life; they are usually ensnared by the traffickers’ offers of a good job and sense of belonging.

“This suggests that the strategies for curbing trafficking may have to be far-reaching than what they are currently and will need to involve a wider range of

By FORTUNE ABANG

stakeholders,” she said.

Sharing similar sentiments, Alhaji Abdullahi Yola, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, said that the campaign against human trafficking required a more comprehensive approach.

“Urgent steps must be taken to ensure the promotion, protection and enforcement of the fundamental human rights of

our citizens, irrespective of their socio-economic circumstances,” said Yola, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice Mr. Martin Ocaga, the representative of the International Organisation for Migration in Nigeria, urged governments at all levels to put in place a strategic framework to tackle human trafficking.

Nevertheless, Prof. Yemi

“Extant evidence shows that some of the trafficked persons are from medium-income backgrounds and they aspire for a better life; they are usually ensnared by the traffickers’ offers of a good job and sense of belonging. This suggests that the strategies for curbing trafficking may have to be far-reaching than what they are currently and will need to involve a wider range of stakeholders.”

Akinseye-George of Nasarawa State University called for the effective implementation of the extant laws on human trafficking offences.

Akinseye-George, who spoke in an interview, said that human trafficking could not be effectively addressed without a legal framework to effectively back up the

crusade.

He underscored the need to put in place some measures to safeguard the rights of vulnerable persons who were trafficked.

“The legal framework at the moment is the NAPTIP Act; which is called the Traffic in Person and Prohibition Act. “But this law needs to be more focused in terms of objectives, in terms of sanction; for example, there should be minimum regime of imprisonment for offenders “There must also be a deliberate effort to target the proceeds of human trafficking by imposing huge fines on traffickers.

“There is need for effective implementation of the legal

regime; that means apart from NAPTIP, the judiciary ought to deliberately apply the law in a manner that will ensure, not just punishment but also the certainty of punishment, to deal with each of the provisions.

“If that is done; there will be a need for effective coordination among the agencies; the police would then hand over cases of investigation and prosecution to NAPTIP

because they do not have the capacity to prosecute trafficking offences.

“When there is that synergy, we are on our way to a more effective regime to combat human trafficking in Nigeria,’’ he added.

Akinseye-George stressed that if that was done, it would strengthen the efforts of governments at all levels and the partnership of relevant stakeholders to combat human trafficking in the country in a concerted way.

All the same, analysts urge the Federal Government to put in place all the necessary instruments to facilitate the upgrade of Nigeria to the “Tier 1’’ category of countries with pragmatic anti-human trafficking strategies.

THE NIGERIAN

16 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Focus

THE integrity of a man is not measured by how voluminous he speaks, but by how he shows in his character and attitude, what he speaks.

This is exactly what came to mind after reading an unenthusiastic paid advertorial by a relatively faceless group that parades itself as “Rivers Integrity Group” published in the revered ThisDay newspapers of June 28 2013, pg 46. The piece-of-writing did not only abuse the collective intelligence of Rivers masses and indeed, Nigerians, but speaks volumes of an incoherent organisation, which avoidable errors parade its sentences, hence the question of where the ‘integrity’ of the group lies. Ordinarily, such lies and distortions of facts against the Governor Chibuike Amaechi government are not responded, but for the records of the reading public.

A very boring commentary to read, the group took a swipe against itself by first writing that the likeable Governor Amaechi of Rivers State was insulting his ‘elder’ brother, President Goodluck Jonathan.

What the group meant by this could be the political misunderstandings that have surrounded our polity in the recent times, oozing out from Abuja, in which persons and groups like this “Rivers Integrity Group” are fighting hard in making sure that President Jonathan has more enemies than friends just for the lucre of 2015 elections and, for their continuous lootocracy of the government of the innocent Jonathan, they want to make bad in the annals of the country, after his tenure as president.

Many who have come in contact with Governor Amaechi would attest to the fact that his lifestyle and carriage are far from fomenting troubles as against what the mysterious group wants to sell to the general public. But even though there might be a face-off between Jonathan and Amaechi, the question is when has our politics turned out to be a family affair, where the issue of one being a younger or an elder brother is taken into consideration before any opinion or agenda is put into consideration.

Nigeria is just a populous country with over 250 ethnic groupings, so the issue of younger or elder brother raised by the group is garbage, when it comes to politics and leadership positions in a democracy. Suffice it to say that were there no elderly people in a country like the USA and Barack Obama

became president. Or, is Jonathan the eldest person in Nigeria and he was elected to be president?

Still wondering the stuff that the group is made of on reading a line in its cynical advertorial that Amaechi came to office through what it describes as “through the back door”. You see, those that do not have respect for the judiciary would always see how Amaechi came to power in October 25 2007 as “through the back door”. A peaceful man, many of us knew that in the advent of 2007 elections, Amaechi won the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) primary elections in 2006 for the state’s gubernatorial elections for 2007. Powers that were opposed to democratic norms short-changed him for Sir Celestine Omehia, who later was declared winner of the gubernatorial elections by the electoral umpires. Amaechi, instead of taking to violence, resorted to the court procedures and, after many trials and threats to his life, he won at the court and was declared the authentic winner of that election by the apex court in our country. So, when did one going to court to address issues turn out to be “through the back door”?

There are a lot of inconsequentialities in that article. The group, perhaps, to massage the ego of President Jonathan, wrote that Amaechi came to power as governor the second time on the willpower of President Jonathan. That was a blatant lie, because Jonathan was by 2011 still not sure if he was going to be president, because Northern politicians were saying that the late president (who happened to come from North) whom Jonathan was his vice, had not completed his term, so it was the turn of the North to be president in 2011. We knew how desperation led to the smouldering of the PDP’s zoning agenda or were its formula. It was even Jonathan who rode on the shoulders of Amaechi to become president when the North did not want him. If it was not Amaechi who convinced the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), as its chairman, to endorse Jonathan, Mr. President wouldn’t have contested, let alone, having a strong platform that he is boastful of today.

As if the bible had this group solely at heart when it said in the book of Hosea 4:6 (King James Version) that “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge...” If not for its lack of ‘knowledge’

Integrity Gro

By DR L.D. LIONEL

how could the group have said that Amaechi had no ‘pedigree’ and as a result, he was not supposed to be governor?

What the group meant here was that it must take one to have a ‘pedigree’ to be elected into an office in this era of democracy? This is the kind of crass mentality that the group parades, which questions where the ‘integrity’ is evidenced in the group. Does the group know that it makes mockery of Nigeria before the international community by that singular comment of ‘pedigree’ in leadership position? While such group is still swimming in the irritant called ‘pedigree’ in leadership, these are what the international community has said about the jadedness of ‘pedigree’.

The Monitor ’s Editorial Board of November 15, 2012, in one of it headlines, says, “China’s new leaders can’t rule by pedigree”. Upon that Xi Jinping, the new leader of the Communist Party, who took power along with others as descendants of Mao’s revolutionary elite; reportedly, “China needs rulers open to change, not those who cling to hereditary privilege”. In a critique by Ed Kilgore of the Washington Monthly of October 17, 2012, condemns ‘pedigree’ with the following line: “The Long Pedigree of “Trickle-Down Government”.

Columnist Norman Tebbit of The Times of London says of ‘pedigree’ in a thesis of April 2 2012 thus: “Background shouldn’t matter in politics...”

In a National Review Online titled ‘Without Pedigree or Government Connections’ of July 26, 2012, Jay Nordlinger writes the following: “By any standard measure, Neil Parrott’s place in Maryland politics ought to be toward the very bottom. He’s a freshman Republican delegate in a very blue state, without pedigree or government connections. Yet through dogged organizing and clever use of technology, this tea party leader from Hagerstown has turned a littleused provision of the Maryland Constitution into a tool capable of overturning chunks of the ruling Democrats’ legislative agenda”. Can you see that the so-called “Rivers Integrity Group” talk before it thinks?

In the Kangaroo’s estimation of the “Rivers Integrity

Group”, it believes that Amaechi has expended N2.0 Trillion, without checks and balances. One thing remains sacrosanct: it is very hard to tell lies against a living person.

You may tell lies against the dead, but certainly not the living. And how can a group of persons who have refused to return home but decided to be calling our Rivers State names from Abuja know the developmental strides that Governor Amaechi has counted and is still counting in the state? The group was talking about N2.0 Trillion, but from what Amaechi is doing in Rivers State, we often wonder if he is not using his personal money to do them (to become poor) just for the love of our state.

Without mincing words, Amaechi has brought hope for all, not ‘pedigree’; he has brought infrastructures, not guns; he has brought security, not wars. His government has been an all inclusive government, and not for those who have political ‘pedigrees’.

His government pummelled the unbecoming challenges in the state which those with ‘pedigree’ saw as taboo to venture into because they perhaps were benefitting from them. Amaechi was not fighting the challenges of piracy, kidnapping, illegal bunkering, nuisance, armed robbery and sundry that once characterised the state with microphones as wont those with ‘pedigree’, he is putting every security apparatuses in place and these involve money.

Port Harcourt is today not ranked with Baghdad as where notorieties reign supreme. Port Harcourt is no longer ranked in the global crime index as one of the most hazardous cities for doing business or residing.

It was Amaechi who brought down the ‘Rambo’ practices that were Port Harcourt.

People were living in fears as violence in the state once went circle, with the economy dampened as a result. It is amazing that what the “Rivers Integrity Group” could see were monies expended on vital projects in the state and, not when some assailants from the Niger Delta region took-up arms against the country, during the Dr. Peter Odili government in our state, that pigeonholed the economy of

the state and, Amaechi revived the economy. Over 3, 000 people were killed in that madness.

Never has Amaechi been mentioned as the problem of Rivers State. If not for his quiet self, Amaechi would have gone for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Stakeholders and opinion leaders in the state like the one time Action Congress of Nigeria’s gubernatorial candidate in the state’s 2007 elections says of the glowing strides of Amaechi this way: Rivers State, when Amaechi took over was a garrison state.

Now that things have changed, people refer to him, like they

transparency accountability.

Our happiness is that n would say that Amaechi s cash, not even the though group, as was expedient b Amaechi came to power that act of muffling peo mouth with money lef state underdeveloped. B the myopic stance of “Rivers Integrity Grou only saw the estimatio monies used for such pro and not the projects done the monies. How com group did not see these pro that Amaechi has handle is still handling in R State? This is a man frowns at the inability of

• Gov. Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers State

do to Fashola as a performing governor though the only difference between the two is that Fashola had a foundation in Tinubu but in the case of Amaechi, it was not so!

Governor Amaechi has built schools, hospitals, roads and many other infrastructures in Rivers State and these were done based on the evaluation given to the state government by the contractors handling the projects. Contracts are not single-handedly given by the governor; there are procedures.

There is a body called Rivers Bureau for Procurement, which vet and approves contracts in the state before they are awarded. Rivers State happens to be the only state that has this body, for

elected leaders in prov true governance to their hence he spurred development in all stratu the state.

Did the “Rivers Inte Group” know that it is u Amaechi that the government has comb crimes with mo technologies, with Rivers being the first to acqu mobile scanning van know back scatter and mounte Gantry Scanners at tac access locations in and ar the state? Did the “R Integrity Group” know Amaechi government October 2010 gave the free education and ena every child resident in R State to also enjoy free tex

THE NIGERIAN

17 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Focus

oup And Gov Amaechi and

no one shares htless before r. And ople’s ft our But in f this up” it on of ojects e with e the ojects d and ivers who some

viding state; for ms of

egrity under state bated odern s State uire a wn as ed the ctical round Rivers w that on 1 state abled Rivers xt and

exercise books distributed to the schools? Did the “Rivers Integrity Group” know that the Amaechi government has also given the state 500 new stateof-the art model primary schools across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with over 250 of the schools in use? Where in the successive governments in our state that primary schools were given the benefit to enjoy free Information Communication Technology (ICT) facility? Did the “Rivers Integrity Group” see the modern library, science laboratory, and other sports facilities that these children have been enjoying in the model schools? Did the

Amaechi has built 160 functional model health centres across the 23 LGAs of the state. The government did not stop there: it gave free health care programme to children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the aged persons. The shamefaced group was asking where the state coffers are expended on.

It was the Amaechi government that brought in what is known today and called secondary health care in the state, with an additional three new hospitals added to the fleet of hospitals. If we believe that truth is sacrosanct, is it not true that the three additional powerful hospitals that this

Ogoni that encompasses over 200 hectares? Have these not created jobs for our once jobless youth? What about the available farm space of 3,000 hectares in Etche? Did the faceless group know that the Amaechi government has made sure that in the agricultural sector of the state there are farming houses, agro processing, mobility, machines, pest control, cultivation and sundry are provided before it talked about the seemingly N2.0 Trillion that Amaechi has spent in the cause of governance?

To be honest, Governor Amaechi has opened doors for opportunities that have attracted investors to the state than ever with the hosting of the Pan African Parliamentary; Garden City Literary Festival, Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant, CARNRIV. Just name them! How many shall we mention? Did the “Rivers Integrity Group” know about the Rivers State Investment Forum and Governor ’s Interactive Session with Rivers State Youths, and the Dr.

Claude Ake Memorial Lecture?

The problem that parts of the world has been that some persons do not read. If not, the so-called “Rivers Integrity Group” would have known that Amaechi does not hide how his government uses the state money and that 80% of the projects in the state are awarded to the Indigenes, and not non-Rivers Indigenes, as against what this unashamed “Rivers Integrity Group” wants to mislead the public with. We have even lost count of the many roads that Amaechi has built in Rivers State and is still building.

Did the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and its national Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, in what was regarded as a major step towards restoring peace and putting an end to the long-drawn-out battle between governors elected on the platform of the party not describe the Rivers State governor and chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum(NGF), Chibuike Amaechi, as the best governor,

bearing-in-mind Amaechi’s excellent trail record of performance and achievements in the state as well as the numerous people-oriented projects embarked upon by his administration? Reportedly, Tukur described the development in Rivers State in the few lines: “What I mean by a developed state in the comity of nations is when you can see education being transformed, health, infrastructure are given priority and whatever things (infrastructures) developed countries can be proud of, we also have them in Rivers State”.

In the 27th November 2012 edition ThisDay newspapers with the headline “Rivers Spends N5.5bn on Port Harcourt Primary Schools”, Amaechi says his administration has spent over N5.4 billion in building model primary schools in Port Harcourt, the state capital. His government also says that it would increase the number of classrooms from 14 to 20 classroom blocks to meet the increasing number of school

children seeking admission into the state’s model primary schools.

But the bald-faced “Rivers Integrity Group” said that each of the schools costs N110 million totaling just over N22 billion. With our findings on how much that each of the schools that the Amaechi government builds costs and the gross bloating of the cost by the “Rivers Integrity Group”, there is no gainsaying the fact that the group had a mission for vendetta against Amaechi; but it has failed, as the N2.0 Trillion it wrote that Amaechi government has expended was only the figment of its imagination in order to cast the Nigerians against Amaechi.

We therefore urge the public not to take such wretched and miserable advertorial of the group seriously or any of its ilks. “Rivers Integrity Group” is mischievous and a character assassinator against our indefatigable Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

• Dr. Lionel, Board Member Pilot Group, wrote from Port Harcourt

Let Our Elders Speak Like Statesmen

By DREGO ALI

“Rivers Integrity Group” see the revolution that Amaechi has brought in our state that was once in dearth of teachers with the employment of over 12, 000 teachers that were internationally trained to meet up with the international standards of teaching of the present times? What about the Greater Port Harcourt, Emergency services, and the new stadium at airport road?

It is a ruse by the “Rivers Integrity Group” for saying that Amaechi has expended N2.0 Trillion and wants the public to believe same. It was the bible that says in the book of John 8:32 (King James Version (KJV) that: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

government has built are the Kelsey Harrison Hospital, formerly known as New Niger Hospital on Emenike Street, Diobu; ultra modern Rivers State Dental and Maxillofacial Hospital on Aba Road; the General Hospital at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology? The doctors and staff at these hospitals are also internationally groomed.

The “Rivers Integrity Group” was only talking about money whereas Amaechi dots development in all the areas of human endeavours in the state.

Are there no fish farms in Buguma, Andoni, Opobo and Ubima built by this government? What about the (Songhai at Tai-Eleme?).

What of the Banana Farm in

DEMOCRACY can be defined as a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held, free elections. This kind of government guarantees the freedom of expression.

However, when the freedom of expression is undertaken in a way that will invariably undermine peace and democratic principles, it is important for peace-loving Nigerians to draw attention to this anomaly and possibly, rectify it.

The recent political developments in the Rivers State House of Assembly, which gave demonstration to the most horrifying display of political violence has attracted all shades of opinions by politicians, government functionaries, civil society organizations, opinion leaders and the general public.

President Jonathan in a statement, appealed to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and all other parties of the state to put the interests of the Rivers State and the nation above their personal ambitions. He further

urged those involved in acts of political violence to show greater respect for the constitution and the rule of law.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG in its reaction warned that the incident portends danger for democracy.

Political watchers and well meaning Nigerians have called for restraint by all parties involved. However, it is both reprehensible and lamentable that some of our elder statesmen, who should be seen as pacifist, peacemakers and build-builders are doing the exact opposite.

These individuals are further fanning the embers of discord by their divisive utterance The comments made by Professor Tam David-West, and Professor Wole Soyinka linking the First Lady to the political disturbance in Rivers State does nothing to help the fortunes of the state. Rather, it is capable of sowing unnecessary seeds of hatred and mistrust.

Many Nigerians where shocked to see images on their television screens of a lawmaker being battered and bludgeoned on the head with a heavy object, reported to be the

mace of the State Assembly, the very symbol of authority of the hallowed chamber. The lawmakers, identified in news reports as Michael O. Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor II Constituency had blood streaming down his face, neck and clothes. It was a sad and gory sight. This primordial act of sadistic brutality carried out on the lawmaker was not condemned by the duo, rather, they preferred name calling.

Professor Tam David-West is gradually being infamously known for the deterioration in the logic of his statements. His views therefore often reflect the onset of senility. As an indigene and elder statesman of Rivers State, he should be at the vanguard of perusing and sustaining peace in his state. He has no business linking Dame Patience to the crises in Rivers State simply because she is a daughter of that State.

Like every Nigerian, she is free to visit her State whenever she wants.

In the case of her recent visit, she went to attend the burial of Pa Desetima Nyingierefaka, her paternal grandfather, who died at the ripe old age of 92 years. She attended other events which included the solemnization of holy matrimony of her junior

brother and the Commissioning of the Yitzhak Rabin International School and Resource Centre in Port Harcourt.

During the commissioning, she also received an award from the Yitzhak Rabin Centre for African Development for her successful advocacy for women empowerment and her pursuit of peace on the continent. The award was formally presented to the First Lady by Mr. Yuval Rabin, the son of Late Prime Minister Rabin.

We advise our elders to stop calling names in the Rivers State imbroglio, whether it is the name of the President or his wife.

Rather, these grand old men should try to preach the gospel of peace.

They should be the guiding light for us all, especially the youths of Nigeria; they must not fail us or themselves by behaving in a manner that suggests that they may have been compromised or worse still, they want to perpetuate discord in their communities.

We only have one nation so we must all work for peace.

We want to look up to our elders and we therefore expect them to be exemplary statesmen promoting peace in our dear nation.

THE NIGERIAN

18 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Political Platform

2015:

Sycophancy And Politicking

THE road to 2015 election is being nurtured with lies, deceit and sycophancy in the name of choosing a successor for President Goodluck Jonathan and Governors and the clamour of which zone/ ethnic group produces the President/Governor. Democracy and electing political leaders all over the world has its norms, order, processes and decent way of aspiring to elective political offices. Our Nigerian practices seem to go against the norm. What is it?

Honest appreciation and admiration for quality work and sterling character is healthy and often necessary.

It helps ensure morale and the continuation of top performance and conduct. It is when praise is used as a smokescreen to fog truth and to hide incompetence that it becomes a matter of concern.

From genuine praise it merges into sycophancy (khushamed), a weapon of the weak deployed to lower defenses to those in a position of relative strength. It is meant to subordinate principles to politicking. The key factor, therefore, is the position held by the recipient of sycophancy.

Complimenting a colleague is large-heartedness and encouraging a subordinate is considerateness. Juxtaposed with that, ‘puffing up’ a boss could convey the bad breath of sycophancy. It is in official circles that sycophancy flourishes the most and causes the larger damage. An incompetent boss likes to have his ego massaged by his subordinates.

An inept subordinate overcompensates by flattery coupled with backbiting of his peers to prove to his boss his credentials as a wellwisher. The approach of a sycophant is simple: bully juniors and butter seniors.

However, flattery, according to James Wolcott in the August issue of Vanity Fair, is only part of the “oral repertoire” of a sycophant. A successful sycophant “is also a skillful tattletale… dolling out information” that enhances his “resource value”.

“Most people succumb to gossip just as they do to flattery, unable to resist what they feign to be above”. The objective for the clever sycophant is to “wiggle under the defenses of those being wooed” This is a game in which youth has an advantage: “For the middle-aged

By DR. LEWIS AKPOGENA authority figure, coaching some intern or cub reporter is an opportunity to shape the future and take pride in the progress of a protégé,” The skill subordinate “knows how to play upon these feelings and tickle the ivories of his elders.”

Linked with the human condition, sycophancy is a universal malady. More so, perhaps, in settings where the administration of justice is highly personalized. There sycophancy tends to further override the already weak institutional arrangements.

In a larger sense, sycophancy had pernicious policy implications. It chokes critical feedback of policies, insulates the governing elites by suppressing facts, and by creating a larger than life image, maintains an ongoing dalliance with delusions.

Also it reduces the threshold of tolerance. From the top, the benefits of sycophancy trickle down to the bottom, making the non-sycophant stick out awkwardly.

Who is being pandered to and to what end? Sycophancy is a civilized form of insincerity through which, among other things, yes-men gain upward mobility from their object of supplication. The message is clear: to get along, you go along. Merit is the first casualty. As noted by Richard Stengel, in his book, you’re too kind. A Brief History of Flattery: “Flattery is the choice of a competitor who knows he is likely to fail in direct competition.” Sycophancy assumes then the form of an institution with its own system of rewards and penalties. Especially so, in bureaucratic surroundings, where law is frequently applied against the ‘lawaris’.

The chameleon-like character or the lack of sycophants is never more evident when there is a possibility of a change of administration.

Keeping both their ends covered, they carry out a coy flirtation with the would-be powerbrokers while adroitly reaffirming their loyalties to the incumbents. Yesterday’s traitor becomes tomorrow’s patriot. The sleazy tail left by the changeable convictions of past sycophants has never failed to deter aspiring sycophants who are in the apprentice stage of their careers. The meshing together of the old class-ridden des-

potic order – with its flowery verse and florid prose – with the demands of a quasidefunct colonials order makes the terrain ripe for the breeding of sycophants. The spillover effects of syco-

up with programs and manifestoes of how to either better the lots of the downtrodden or proffer solution to the many socio-economical and political problems bedeviling our nation. We are seeing, yet again, the submerging of the fundamental issues of the day by clumsy but effectively

President Goodluck Jonathan

phants have operated as a hindrance to a maturing of a foreign policy befitting an independent and sovereign nation.

Our political space has been crowded with the activities of these sycophants and political jobbers without shame. Decorum has been thrown to the wind. Since the demise of the third term and just two years into this administration, aspirants upon aspirants from zone to zone has been renting crowed in the name of different interest cum pressure groups, traditional rulers, youth organizations, students, cultural and ethnic base groups calling on perceived aspirants to come forth and context in the 2015 elections.

All of these groups’ meetings press conferences and rallies are paid and sponsored by the supposed interested aspirants. The indignities go to the extent that some aspirants not only consult pastors/marabouts but also hire pastors who set up prayer groups to pray, prophesy and politick in the name of intercession. None come

presented trivia. The desired objectives of a fundamental political shift that involves a radically different way of governance, re-establishing of institutions that will guarantee rights and justice, injection of honesty and inclusiveness in management of public affairs, and a generation handover of power have been closed out of the current discourse and process of choosing a successor for the incumbent leaders.

In a society as plural as ours and locked into present adversarial mechanism of government, the temptations of selfish and/or partisan interest must be sublated in favour of the national interest. Empirical evidence indicates, in no uncertain terms, that leadership and small egos are mutually exclusive. A consequence of this is leaders’ willingness and/or inability to accept points of view different from theirs and the reflexive tendency to see such views as opposition to them. Thus we should not be unduly surprised to discover that sycophants had become the order

of the day. What has factionalized Nigerian Governors Forum? What has driven CPC, ACN, ANPP, and part of APGA to merge?

What is driving ACF, NEF and various groups in the Northern part of Nigeria to say they will not allow the south to rule again at the presidential level? What is driving Governor Amaechi not only ti betray his people, South south region but is putting the resources of Rivers State at the disposal of Northern Governors and political elites from the North to work against President Jonathan presidency in 2015? The dishonourable legislators of Rivers State House of Assembly are just manifesting the degree this symptom of sycophancy has eaten into them that they have lost sense of reasoning, good governance and legislative decorum.

News media has unwillingly or willingly become the tool and medium celebrating and enforcing sycophancy and politicking. What are we begetting to next generations of leaders?

There is an old Hindu saying that goes like thus: “Guru (teacher) blind the chayla (disciple) deaf.” It expresses succinctly the present-day situation. Once the leader is kowtowed to and adoringly worshiped by his followers, he becomes blind to, and hence tolerates, their shortcomings. In this kind of scenario, sycophancy is equated with team spirit and elevated to the level of loyalty. Naturally what follows is the anointing of the sickest sycophant. To maintain their status and privileges, sycophants, always desperately insecure, try to outdo each other in stroking the leader’s ego. They would never disagree with the leader, no matter how misguided his ideas may be, their intent is to reflect the same or an intensified image of that projected by the leader.

Thus when the leader declares, “the bull full,” they would obligingly chorus, “And he having twins”, Ob-

jectivity is to be avoided at all costs, for venturing an opinion that varies from that of the clique would result in a precipitous fall from grace.

Self-preservation thus becomes motivation for loyalty and compliance replaces competence. Mediocrity now becomes King, setting in motion a vicious downward cycle. In this scenario performance is of little consequence, as politicking, posturing and demonizing becomes cycle. This leads to a severe actualization of the motto. “The friend of my enemy is my enemy.”

Ask what have some of these aspirants done to better the lots of people in their constituency? Instead of networking, reaching out to people across all geopolitical groups, some of the aspirants rent crowd and get pastors to prophesy their victory in coming election that only God will determine. “Power seekers are more concerned with how to outdo one another, naira dollar for dollars, rigging for rigging and thuggery for thuggery than addressing the major problem confronting the people” (Ademola Adegbanigbe).

The Bible consistently spoke out against the corruptive effects of fulsome praise uttered to one’s face. It admonitions have not been adequately followed to our collective detriment. It is not which zone/ethnic group should produce the various offices come 2015, but who has what it takes under God to give leadership and offer programs that will meet the needs of majority of Nigerians no matter their ethnic group or religion. Sycophancy as political way of seeking elective office by aspirants only reduces the worth of such aspirants and it offers no program. I hope this kind of politicking will come to an end and we can hopefully see some service delivery… let’s be objective and not let sycophancy cloud our judgment.

“In a society as plural as ours and locked into present adversarial mechanism of government, the temptations of selfish and/or partisan interest must be sublated in favour of the national interest.

Empirical evidence indicates, in no uncertain terms, that leadership and small egos are mutually exclusive.”

THE NIGERIAN

19 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Education THERE was a time in Nigeria when there was no need for the Post UTME (University Tertiary Matriculation Examination) before you entered the University of your Choice in Nigeria.

This was period where announcements and releases are done in the various media by tertiary institutions inviting students to come for screening before they are admitted into schools, as the secondary schools celebrate graduation and passing out parades (P.O.P). For some after being jammed by JAMB multiple times, the Post UTME has presented itself as another mountain to climb; while some others have passed UTME, only to be shown the exit doors by their failures in this PUTME examinations. Some many reactions have trailed the process since its inception, hence proper and in-depth analysis is very important.

Also, it is important to point out that passing JAMB (Joint Admission Matriculation Board) UTME is what qualifies you for any other procedure as regards tertiary education in Nigeria. Prior to the establishment of JAMB in 1978, each University was responsible for the conduct of its own c o n c e s s i o n a l examination and admitted its own system, but consequent on the limitations and inefficiency of this process, a committee was set up by the government:

National Committee on University Entrance Examination under the chairmanship of Mr. M. S. Angulu and the committee recommended setting up of JAMB. In the 1987, the board set performed the exemplary feat of printing examination materials in Nigeria, which have continued till date. The question remains, with a body to conduct examinations into tertiary institutions, what then is the need for the Post UTME? I stumbled upon a piece during my research

by Isaac Oluwadare Busayo on Post UME Screening Examination in Nigerian Universities: The University Of Education, Ikere – Ekiti ,( TUNEDIK) experience, “ Amatareotubo ( 2006) describes how the federal government of Nigeria introduced the policy of Post – JAMB screening

by Universities in 2005 through the minister of education Mrs Chinwe Obaji. This made it mandatory for all institutions to screen candidates after their JAMB results and before giving admission.

Candidates with a score of 200 and above will be shortlisted by JAMB and their names and scores sent to their Universities of choice which would screen again using aptitude tests, oral interviews, or even another examination...”

It will be recalled that in a bid to overcome the shortcomings of JAMB and the questionable manner in which some

The Filter Called PUTME

By OLUGBEMIRO OPEYEMI MICHAEL

unqualified candidates gained admission into higher institutions, Universities were given the option in 2006 to screen their candidates after taking the University Matriculation Examination.

But stakeholders are worried

Lokpobiri, lawmaker representing Bayelsa West, noted that “JAMB has lost its competence at conducting a credible entrance examination as candidates freely cheated, used mercenaries or fraudulently bought JAMB results, most times

the test to rip- off admission seekers; he alleged that there were examination malpractices in JAMB centres in the Universities in the past, adding that it was in bad faith for Universities to argue that the introduction of Post UTME was to restore standard in the University

helped in the selection of candidates to fill in the quota allocated to each institution but also picking the best.

According to them, Post UTME is part of the reason that there have been increases in the quality of graduates, since its inception. Mrs Obaji also condemned the

admission. Professor Salim Bello, who was the Registrar of JAMB when the post UTME test was introduced, opined that there were more malpractices in the Universities and blamed the University authorities for the decay in the ivory Tower. According to him, if JAMB has failed, it is the same University teachers and the vicechancellors who set and mark the JAMB questions that have failed.

However, the committee of Vice chancellors have criticized both the senate and JAMB for their move to want to scrap the Post UTME. Their argument is that the process has

call for the scrapping, according to her, during her tenure as minister of Education that most of students who scored high marks in JAMB could not write correct sentences or defend such scores, even as she agreed with critics that most University had turned the Post – UTME into a means of raising fund.

Moreover, so many points of view abound, but I just chose a few to mention, most of which happened during the hearing of the senate, to either cancel or allow the Post UTME to continue to hold. It is important that my aim is not to

• Prof. Ruquayyatu Rufa’i, Minister of Education

that barely few years after the Post – UTME was introduced, the same problems appear to have rendered the Post – UTME ineffective (TheEconomy).

Furthermore, before I go into the tissue of the issue on ground, let me show the views of some people.

Senator

with the help of the board officials. But Post – UTME which was set up to correct the anomalies of JAMB, unexpectedly has followed suit JAMB’s corrupt trail,” while the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, have also called for the scrapping, accusing Universities of the using

“But Post – UTME which was set up to correct the anomalies of JAMB, unexpectedly has followed suit JAMB’s corrupt trail,” while the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, have also called for the scrapping, accusing Universities of the using the test to ripoff admission seekers; he alleged that there were examination malpractices in JAMB centres in the Universities in the past, adding that it was in bad faith for Universities to argue that the introduction of Post UTME was to restore standard in the University admission.”

Continues on page 20

THE NIGERIAN

20 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Education

The Filter Called PUTME Continued from page 19

assert its rightness or wrongness but to remind us of intentions and the underlying factor that resulted in its initiation.

The Post UTME still remains one of the filters of ensuring that only the best get into the limited spaces in our tertiary institutions, although this those not still mean that sometimes the wrong set have seen found their ways into the system through the same filter.

Fortunately, I had the experience of writing my Post UTME just once, but the day is one of the days I cannot forget in my life, as I saw first- hand the decay of the nation’s academic sector, where people with very high scores in JAMB could not effectively stand their ground in the hall.

Despite delays by invigilators as punishment and sometimes changing of seats, many people still looked for various ways to want to cheat through the process. This underlines the importance of the examination or aptitude test by the Universities.

Irrespective of the points supposedly made by those that want it cancelled, the available opportunities that abound in its usefulness remain obvious. Most times, we hit on the Universities concerning the quality of graduates they produce but when they put in

By OLUGBEMIRO OPEYEMI MICHAEL

measures to improve the quality of intakes which will affect the quality of output, we mete out criticisms.

Furthermore, for some of the students the Post UTME has provided avenue to leave the house and experience the nation more. The first time, I came to Benin properly was during my PUTME exam even though I lived in nearby state. I only passed by Benin as a route to my secondary school in Ondo State (Citadel International College, Ikare Akoko).

But the exam provided an opportunity to leave the house and explore something new, and I think this is the same for good number of students, especially those days when you were allowed to choose two good schools as first choice and second choice i.e. that meant examinations in two prestigious cities for example Benin (UNIBEN) and Ibadan (UI), or Zaria (ABU) and Lagos (UNILAG).

The bounties of the PUTME also include meeting of new friends.

Students would agree with me that some of us had made the best of friends during this examination or Test, and till tomorrow we are still enjoying the dividend of these relationships.

Because the PUTME brings together an

avalanche of great minds and gives them the opportunity to interact.

Either they get admitted into the same schools or not, but most times, alliances that will shake the foundations of this nation are formed through this process.

Sometimes, especially when you are arranged according to your JAMB scores, you get to meet genius minds and people that you cannot just leave without getting their contacts if you have a thirst for knowledge.

Although, this might not be on a great scale, PUTME helps to give student double assurance of their readiness for the

new world. It helps to readjust the mind to the realities that is going to be faced outside secondary school, from the introduction to the various environments to the hurdles that come with application and even the examination itself, leaves lessons that affect

the long course of our life journey.

However, it is important to point out that even the best of intentions can be abused by relevant authorities. It only takes integrity and excellence amidst institutional stakeholders- Families, schools, lecturers etc for abuse not to set in. Hence accusations that schools have used it as

“However, it is important to point out that even the best of intentions can be abused by relevant authorities. It only takes integrity and excellence amidst institutional stakeholdersFamilies, schools, lecturers etc for abuse not to set in. Hence accusations that schools have used it as opportunity to extort money from innocent Nigerian students, invigilators still collaborating with the students to cheat and manipulations of PUTME results to favour a few are not far-fetched.”

opportunity to extort money from innocent Nigerian students, invigilators still collaborating with the students to cheat and manipulations of PUTME results to favour a few are not far-fetched.

But I believe that instead of cutting the branch, digging up the root cause of the matter is preferably better. Let us fight to

you enter.

This is again, another season of the PUTME examinations, different schools with their adverts and announcements on the various news media.

Let excellence be displayed in our examination halls. Let lecturers see a script that they want to mark and keep as a souvenir like “ na me make this one” let

produce students that are not desperate but are ready to do the right thing at all cost, because a good name, heart and conscience is there to protect. Excellence is appreciated everywhere, we might have the conviction that we passed very well, but I still believe that if you had wowed the examiners with your scores, you will be in schools. My earlier assertion might be met with varying degree of vehement disapproval, but if you think you are good and you were not admitted, take the form next year and apply for the University of Benin (UNIBEN), I can vouch to an extent for the transparency of the process, though you are in for an “interesting” time in the school when

the content of your brain be ready to reflect in your score on the paper. Come into the gates of the Universities with excellent goals and visions, and translate it into hard work and efforts.

It is pertinent to point out that the University most times, cannot admit the number of applicants that apply for the various courses and the PUTME is used as an avenue to ease the admission process for them, but excellence always paves way, either now or later in the future.

I congratulate in advance all successful students in this filter process and wish success to all who will be participating. Please be alert in all the news media for releases from the schools on various useful pieces of information.

God Bless Nigeria

THE NIGERIAN

21 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Archival Matters

Opinion

Parade Of Criminals

SINCE April 2013, the Edo Police Command has arrested several criminals out of which about 130 of them have been paraded before the media in Benin City. Certainly, this is an achievement. It is not easy to arrest a criminal in Nigeria where the police literally operate with bare hands, minimal public support, insufficient logistics and poor digital components.

The first parade of criminals, during the period under reference, was on April 15, 2013.

On this day, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, the Commissioner of Police in Edo Police Command, paraded 10 suspects who were arrested within 3 weeks. Other suspects, according to him, fell to the superior police bullets during a shoot out between them and the police.

On April 16, 2013 a high profile suspect called Anthony was again paraded by the command.

P r e l i m i n a r y investigations revealed that Anthony is linked to the kidnap and murder of Bayo Ade, a foremost Benin-based musician.

The suspect was initially in police net but escaped under mysterious circumstances before Foluso Adebanjo arrived as police commissioner.

Now, the suspect has been re-arrested and is on trial for armed robbery, murder and kidnapping.

The beauty in Anthony’s re-arrest is that one of the most

By MICHAEL ODIGBE

dangerous criminals has been put out of action by Edo Police Command.

How else could one describe Anthony?

Imagine after he had escaped from police cell in February, 2012.

He put together an armed robbery gang.

Still, unrepentant.

Incredible. In fact, he was re-arrested by Adebanjo’s rebranded policemen while trying to escape after snatching a car.

Anthony’s re-arrest should therefore be celebrated. He was among the 10 suspects paraded by Edo Police Command on April 16, 2013.

Another set of 18 suspects were again paraded on May 9, 2013.

They were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, rape, kidnapping and carsnatching. Sophisticated firearms, cut-to-size guns, ATM cards, mobile phones, household effects, undisclosed sums of money as well as other items were recovered from the suspects.

They were arrested after diligent tip offs by informants and surveillance by Edo Police Command.

Among the suspects is 25 year-old Emmanuel Okosun (alias FEDECO).

He had been on the command’s wanted list since 2011 for armed robbery and kidnapping in Edo and Delta States.

In other words, he was a cross border notorious and dangerous criminal.

He did not deny being one.

Among his confessed exploits were the kidnap of two bank managers in Irrua from whom his gang extracted N8m as ransom.

Also, he confessed to kidnapping an Irrua indigene who had

cancelled. And so, he returned to Italy a frustrated, depressed humiliated and unfulfilled man.

On June 20, 2013 another parade of criminals by Edo Police Command took place.

The Commissioner of Police paraded 36 suspects, some of whom confessed to kidnapping white men. Ten of the

Pastor Ogbeide reined in for homosexuality with a 20 year-old boy.

Later on July 18, 2013 another set of 32 suspects were paraded.

All these parades demonstrate that crime is becoming a business that does not pay. The new rule book in Edo teaches now that everyday is for the house owner, one day is for the criminal.

In the old order, everybody is for the criminal only one day is

Foluso Adebanjo, Commissioner of Police, Edo State

returned home from Italy for a burial ceremony. A ransom of N5m was paid by the indigene before he was set free. Because of the huge ransom paid, he could not meet the cost of the burial ceremony.

Consequently, it was

criminals were cultists engaged in an inter-cult war in Benin City that claimed many lives.

Again, the Police Commissioner paraded 26 suspects on July 3, 2013. A highlight of this event was a suspect called

“Another set of 18 suspects were again paraded on May 9, 2013.

They were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, rape, kidnapping and car-snatching. Sophisticated firearms, cut-to-size guns, ATM cards, mobile phones, household effects, undisclosed sums of money as well as other items were recovered from the suspects. They were arrested after diligent tip offs by informants and surveillance by Edo Police Command.”

for the house owner.

Invariably, the chances of criminal’s life being cut short at his/her prime by the police have increased.

So, what people with criminal mindsets should be doing today is to have a rethink and migrate to noble professions or vocations.

Of what use is criminality to you when sooner than later, Edo police command will catch up with you? You either lose your life then or end up in prison after the command has named and shamed you during

its routine widely publicized parades of criminals.

Attention criminals!!

Here are more advice for you. Galatians 6:7 says: “Be not deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man soweth that shall he also reap”. No crime ever goes unpunished.

Criminals have no hiding place.

Once more, the bible tells us that bad company corrupts good manners.

Therefore, do not cultivate the friendship of criminals or suspicious persons. A friend to a criminal is also a criminal. His days are doomed, also.

The British B r o a d c a s t i n g Corporation on April 23, 2010 during a features programme on s u s t a i n a b l e environmental security said, “you cannot reach the moon with a hot car balloon.” Indeed, only, honesty, sincerity and positive hardwork can put food on your table. Crime never does.

It is for this same reason, Mount Carmel Ministry, Benin City in a radio talk of September 27, 2011 further pointed out that, “No man can gather smoke, neither can any person fill a basket with dew.” Yet criminals try to do so in vain.

Much, more advice for criminals. Be warned!! A devil does not really give free gifts. Even in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, nothing is free. Therefore, criminals should not allow the devil to mislead them into crime. It is true that crime offers free gifts but do not forget, it extracts a pound of flesh with blood in return.

Lastly Leonardo Da Vinci, the great Italian painter, declares, “Who sows virtue, reaps honour.” So, let us be virtuous and say no to crime.

THE NIGERIAN

22 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Science

Methods Of Preserving And Storing Food FREEZING: The food is kept at a very low temperature of which there cannot be bacteria growth; at this stage, they become inactive fish, fruits and meat are kept in fridges, yams are stored in barns, nuts are kept in leaves like kolanut while grains are stored in silos.

Nowadays, some people have learnt to preserve their garri and beans, wrapped in paper bags or containers and store them inside their freezers as a form of preservation, to stop weevils from destroying or boring holes inside the beans, while the garri’s taste, remains the same. Even the bread we eat are stored inside freezers for as long as we want them to stay there and the taste remains same.

SMOKING/DRYING : Meat and fish, when smoked, water is been removed from them and this makes it unfavourable for micro-organisms to grow on them or this process would kill non-spore forming bacteria. People have even advanced in technology by taking their meat to ovens to be dried, which remains in a very solid state.

This is the method most people, have adopted for preserving their Christmas meat. Vegetables like bitter leaf, could be washed to remove the bitter taste and dried on the sun or oven and then it is put in plastic containers, either it is kept in a cool place or it is placed inside a fridge.

CANNING: Foods that are canned are air tight, they lack air, which prevents the growth of new microorganisms that would spoil the food, such foods that are canned include juices, corned beef, sardines and vegetables.

SALTING It kills or prevents the growth of microorganisms. Salt on the other hand introduces a high cosmetic pressure within the food.

EFFECTS OF ADEQUATE FOOD SUPPLY 1.Population growth is favoured with an increase in birth rate.

2. Mortality rate is reduced due to good or proper functioning of the body.

EFFECTS OF SHORTAGES Food shortage will cause decrease in population; that is through malnutrition, starvation, disease, famine,

emigration, aggression, cannibalism, increase in death rate and decline in birth rate.

GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN FOOD PRODUCTION The government should be able to 1. Provide loan facilities to farmers 2. Provide storage facilities to big time farmers 3. Provide markets for buying and agricultural products should be provided.

4. Irrigation services should be provided for constant supply of water needed by the plants to grow.

5. Farm settlements like lands should be provided for agriculture.

6. Agricultural processing industries should be provided to assist farmers in the process of farm products.

7. Carry out efficient quarantine measures which will enable them check and control inflow of crops, seeds animals and animal products.

8. Provide subsidies to farmers.

9. Vaccines, drugs, pesticides, herbicides fungicides and vaccines should be supplied to farmers regularly.

10. Go into research on proper methods of farming and the storage of crops.

11. Provide road extension to farmers.

12. An awareness on the importance of farming.

13. Provide farmers with improved animal varieties 14. Provide improved seeds to farmers 15. Provide agricultural machines like tractors to big time farmers so that mechanized farming would be encouraged.

16. Provide basic amenities to people in the rural areas to avoid people migrating to urban areas.

REPRODUCTION AND POPULATION GROWTH When there is a rapid increase in birthrate, there is a decrease in infant mortality that may lead to an excessive growth in population which is referred to as a population explosion.

With Oyakhilome Cement

Types Of Diseases DISEASES can be classified according to the way they enter the body of an individual or the way an infected person passes the diseases from one person to another.

Diseases that we cannot see with our naked eyes but with the aid of microscope are referred to as micro-organisms.

Diseases can be spread from one infected person to another healthy person in the various ways which include: (a) Animals (b) Direct skin contact (c) Food borne diseases (d) Water borne diseases (e) Air borne diseases.

AIR BORNE DISEASES These are diseases transmitted through the air.

They affect the nose, throat, trachea, and lungs.

Examples of air borne diseases include, pneumonia, measles, tuberculosis, influenza, cold and mumps.

One could sneeze or cough or spits and the person close by, if the persons immunity is not strong enough, he or she contacts it.

Let us take an example with cough, when some coughs and spits on the ground, it is left there to dry up. And when the winds come by, they blow and the micro-organisms go along the wind, during dusty periods. When some inhales the dust, immediately you notice itchy throat and if care is not taken, the person contacts serious cough, which is transmitted from one person to another.

WATER BORNE DISEASES These are diseases spread by contact with contaminated water. As soon as this gets into the host, they begin to affect the intestines, which will result in diarrhoea and they leave the body of the host through faeces. Examples of water borne diseases include typhoid and cholera.

FOOD BORNE DISEASE This result from the contamination of food if our foods are opened, diseases causing organisms like housefly would perch on the food and when such food is eaten through the mouth, the person’s whole system is disturbed, resulting in diarrhea (vomiting and stooling) not only flies are carriers our food could also be contaminated by contaminated water and infected persons with poor hygiene habits.

DIRECT SKIN CONTACT These are diseases contacted directly from person to person, which are contagious one can get it from using personal effect, with infected person; they affect the mucus membrane.

Examples of these diseases include leprosy, ringworm, yaws, measles, syphilis, gonorrhea and scabies.

DISEASE VECTORS They are animals that transmit diseases to other organism rendering that organism to be weak, with a low productivity. Common vectors include mosquitoes, housefly, tsetse fly, and aphids; we also have rodents like rats, mice.

They can be controlled either physically, biologically, chemically or with environmental method.

THE NIGERIAN

23 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Discourse

Promoting Accountability In Resource Management

SOME analysts describe the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), which was established by Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, as a “sleeping watchdog’’.

They also argue that the agency’s creation is somewhat unnecessary, as its functions could be merged with those of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

However, other analysts insist that that the mandate of RMAFC is distinct and clearly defined in the constitution.

Dr Sylvester Mordi, the Commissioner (Policy and Standards) in the FRC, said that RMAFC was purely an advisory body.

“The constitution says that revenue mobilisation commission is an advisory body; it is to advise the President on the formula of sharing revenue among the three tiers of government and it should do this every five years.

“Ours is to monitor and enforce the Fiscal Responsibility Act, carry out financial and fiscal studies on the economy and publish the result for the public.

“We look at budget preparations, budget approval, budget implementation, and budget evaluation; we also look at the objectives — whether the government is achieving them or not,’’ he said.

Mordi said that the commission had facilitated the return of N114 billion to the

Federal Government’s treasury from the operating surpluses of government agencies within three years, while only N2.45 billion was allocated to commission within the period.

He, however, blamed the inability of the FRC to prosecute erring parties on the Act establishing the commission, adding that relevant provisions of the Act should be amended.

Mordi stressed that a situation where the commission could only ask questions and present reports to the Attorney-General of the Federation left much to be desired.

“We are suggesting that the law should be amended; instead of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission being the police, sent to quell riots without guns, we should be given enough power to sanction people; the power to prosecute,’’ he said.

The former FCT Minister, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, described the FRC as a ‘sleeping watchdog’’ because of the commission’s inability to prosecute offenders.

In a recent publication, elRufai, quoting Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that part of the financial problems facing the country was occasioned by the inability of relevant agencies to check government expenditure.

With particular reference to the FRC, he said: “Many of them are asleep, and if anything, they have become part of the problem.

“COKE and Sprite aren’t the only reasons that more than half of New Yorkers are overweight or obese”.

There is an interesting discussion around initiatives to protect and improve the health of residents of New York City that is instructive for us in Nigeria. Indeed, the entire threeterm tenure of Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been dotted with his desire to use restrictive policies to address health concerns – sometimes earning him the ire of many who say they do not want to live in a ‘nanny state’.

The latest policy he is trying to implement to protect overweight New Yorkers and those arguably in danger of becoming overweight is to cap the size of soft drink offers.

Bloomberg wants to ensure that the 32-ounce size helping becomes illegal and peg offerings at 16 ounces but so far a judge has ruled that the City’s Board of Health is not empowered to limit or ban otherwise legal items in order to control chronic diseases.

In a country like Nigeria struggling to deal with a crippled health care system and trying to make the necessary investments to improve health care delivery, it is anyone’s

guess how long it will be before health care policy advisers decide to turn to the alleged ‘source’ of illnesses the way certain other countries are doing. Are manufacturers of soft drinks, fast food, and alcohol about to feel increased pressure from regulation similar to the way tobacco does?

There are many reasons why international and local manufacturers of alcoholic beverages such as Guinness and Nigerian Breweries, and soft drink manufacturers such as the Nigerian Bottling Company should be nervous. But our Mr. Biggs, Tantalizers et al must not feel too safe either as McDonalds – the subject of many documentaries has also been the target of lawsuits by dedicated consumers. There are many ramifications to the development of regulation and legal jurisprudence around consumer goods which at this stage can only be said to ‘contribute’ to health. The trend around the world makes it important for policy experts in Nigeria and the corporations to start analyzing the implications carefully. For instance, as the New York court has raised in striking out the plans of Mayor Bloomberg to ban super-size soft drink offerings in New York

By IFEANYI NWOKO “The Fiscal Responsibility Act in itself is a laudable legislation if it is implemented as conceived by the economic team.

“The commission was established over five years ago.

But are there any achievements to show for it or is it just another drain-pipe on the nation’s resources?’’ el-Rufai asked.

Rejecting such viewpoints, Mordi stressed that the FRC had recorded some achievements.

He said that apart from the N114 billion which the commission had saved for the Federal Government, it was currently investigating some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said that the agencies included the Bureau for Public Enterprises, Presidential Committee on the Sales of Government Property and the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency.

• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister

Others are the National Sugar Development Council, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Communications Commission and Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, among others “We will soon get our reports and where necessary, report the MDAs to the Attorney General of the Federation for possible prosecution,’’ he said.

Mordi, nonetheless, bemoaned the delay in submitting budget monitoring reports to the commission by the Budget Office of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

He also recommended that the Fiscal Responsibility Act should apply to the states as well.

“In Nigeria, the Federal Government’s share of federally-allocated revenue is not more than 52 per cent. The rest goes to the state and local governments.

“So, if the Fiscal Responsibility Act applies to only 52 per cent, its impact on the economy will be reduced.

Therefore, we want the states to come onboard,’’ he said.

Observers say that the FRC would certainly be an indispensable tool for ensuring accountability in the management of government resources if it is properly repositioned to function effectively.

Nevertheless, Alhaji Aliyu Yelwa, the Chairman of the FRC, underscored the need for Nigerians to show considerable

interest in monitoring public expenditure.

He said that such approach would aid efforts to check violence, poverty, corruption and under-development which, he added, were all symptoms of bad governance.

“In the fight against corruption and financial profligacy, all hands must be on deck. We must all become whistle-blowers.

“Nigerians must take advantage of Section 51 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which grants individuals unhindered access and locus standi to enforce compliance.

“It states inter alia: a person shall have the legal capacity to enforce the provisions of this Act by obtaining prerogative orders or other remedies at the Federal High Court without having to show any special and particular interest,’’ he said.

Moreover, Yelwa stressed that African countries needed strong institutions such as the FRC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to promote accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

Observers note that the FRC’s service delivery, within the short period of its existence, is quite commendable.

They, however, call for the empowerment of the commission to enable it to prosecute the violators of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. (NAN)

What Is The Future Of Public Health Policy

City – is this type of policy regulation the role of the Executive or the Legislator?

Which government arm should be responsible for this type of regulation? The same question would apply in Nigeria and the outcome would depend on the independence of the judiciary and the arguments made on each side. Laws can emanate from the Executive but it must be considered and passed

By OLUSEGUN SAMPSON

into law by the Legislature.

Executives can make regulation to implement law or policy and so the question in Nigeria, in such a case would hinge on how wide existing laws are to provide the Executive with the powers to for example ban the

• Prof. Adesina Akinwumi, Agriculture Minister

sale of fast food around schools.

It is not an accident that if you visit most of the premier universities in the United States, you will find it near impossible to find a Burger King, McDonald or Kentucky Fried Chicken. The schools probably do not have anything in writing but just have enough hold on the real estate within and around the school to prevent such franchises from setting up shop.

Next comes the issue of liberty and personal responsibility. The arguments in the case of the ban of the super size cups are fierce on the issue of freedom of choice. One side claims that individuals have the right to make their own decisions and the state should not be allowed to tell them what to do. If a person wants to eat fast food everyday and subsequently becomes obese and vulnerable to heart disease and other related diseases, then it is that person’s choice. Others argue that consumers are being subliminally manipulated into

buying and eating things which are not good for them and that they do not have the right information.

And finally comes the issue of investments, profit and revenue.

Corporations are in business to make returns on their investments and make money for shareholders and governments need to raise revenue to provide services.

Where lies the balance between making policy which directly impacts on the profitability of a company’s operations and supporting businesses so that they can continue to pay taxes and create employment? It must be tricky and delicate to maintain and it is most unlikely that it happens when one side of the equation acts unilaterally.

In the final analysis the jury is still out on whether Mayor Bloomberg’s policies will actually make a difference to the eating habits of New Yorkers and ultimately to reducing the incidence of obesity. This, along with the other reasons above is instructive for those in Nigeria who make policy and who find themselves at the receiving end of policy – sometimes the means never delivers the desired ‘end’.

THE NIGERIAN

24 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

International

Compiled By ISAH STELLA O.

Many Malian Refugees To Miss DAKAR/MANGAIZE, talks with remaining Election holding Niger - When Talhatou Hallahi rebels and rebuilding the army.

People carry a coffin of a medical student, Laura Naveiras Ferreiro, one of the train crash victim, during her funeral at the San Pedro de Visma cementery in A Coruna, Spain.

Maiga heard that Malian officials had dispatched new ID cards to the desert north in preparation for Sunday’s presidential election, he slipped out of a refugee camp in neighboring Niger and went to collect his.

“I’m a patriot. I want to vote and that is why I did not hesitate to travel,” he said, referring to a 70 km (45-mile) trip by bush taxi from Mangaize in Niger to Menaka, his hometown in northeastern Mali.

Hundreds of thousands of Malians are sheltering in camps in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauritania or are scattered within Mali, having fled the

Spain Train Driver Went Fast SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain - A local resident of the town where a train derailed, killing 78 people, says the driver said minutes after the crash that he had been going fast and couldn’t brake.

In a television interview broadcast yesterday afternoon

by Antena 3, Evaristo Iglesias

said he and another person accompanied Francisco Jose Garzon Amo to a stretch of flat ground where other injured people were being laid out, waiting for emergency services to arrive.

Iglesias says, “he told us that he wanted to die.”

He adds that Garzon said he “had been going fast” and “he said he had needed to brake but

- Witness

couldn’t.”

Garzon is expected to give testimony to an investigating judge later Sunday.

Authorities say forensic experts have identified the last three bodies of 78 people who were killed when a Spanish train derailed at high speed.

They did not reveal the names

EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, USELU AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the underlisted unserviceable vehicles, plants and other equipment are slated for auction to members of the general public on 13th August, 2013 Venue: Egor Local Government Secretariat, Uselu S/N BRAND OF VEHICLE/TYPE 1 Honda Accord 1998 Model 2 Honda Accord 1998 Model 3 Toyota Carina E. 1994 4 Peugeot 505 1990 Model 5 Peugeot 505 6 Toyota Carina 7 Peugeot 8 Peugeot 504 1985 Model 9 Peugeot 504 1990 Model 10 Mitsubishi L400 11 Mitsubishi L300 12 Honda Accord 13 Mercedes Tipper 14 Caterpillar 120G 15 Motor Grader 120 16 Vibrating Rollor 17 Renault Bus 18 Toyota Hiace Bus

ENGINE/CHASSIS NUMBER IHCG55644XA022687 IHCGC6672WA059474 JT153ATK000085992 VF3551A1703150969 VF3551A17D1545878 SB153ABK00133365 VF3551A1701450114 VF50A1106137745 VF3551A17F1807581 JMBNNPA3WSA700500 JMBLZP03WHA001856 JHMCG5549XC008554 3238310662 120G8TV06026 A1203040 DU99 Burnt Scrape Burnt Scrape

LOT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Members of the public are free to inspect the vehicles between 8.00am and 4pm.

Payments for the items are to be made not later than 14th August, 2013 and the purchased vehicles must be removed from the council’s premises within forty-eight hours after payment.

Signed: JOSHUA UWAGBOE, (Secretary to the Local Government), For: Chairman, Egor Local Government, Uselu

of the dead, but said Sunday that all of the families had been notified. They say survivors and relatives can pick up personal things left behind by victims.

The train derailed and slammed into a concrete wall, with some of the cars catching fire. The train sliced through electricity pylons.

Francisco Jose Garzon Amo, the train driver who is currently arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide, is expected to give testimony to an investigating judge later Sunday.

north after it was seized by rebels last year.

Most of the displaced are unlikely to be as determined or lucky as Maiga in securing their ID cards, and will thus miss out yesterday’s vote, which Malians hope will mark the end of a turbulent 18 months that saw their country slip into conflict.

A rebellion in the north by a mix of separatist and al Qaedalinked gunmen was already underway when a military coup in March 2012 caused the frontlines to collapse, accelerating the rebels’ sweep towards the south.

It took a French military offensive launched this January to scatter the fighters and to reestablish Bamako’s still tenuous control over the north.

Western donors see these elections as vital for Mali to regain stability. The new president will be tasked with leading reconciliation efforts,

But some fear technical obstacles in the vote as well as low participation could cast doubt on the winner ’s legitimacy, sowing the seeds for further conflict.

It is unclear how the expected weak turnout from an estimated 170,000 refugees and 350,000 internally displaced will affect the election outcome, but disenfranchising those who suffered most under the rebels could complicate reconciliation attempts.

“The state is not respecting our rights in this election,” said Aziz Cisse, a pastor who fled the Islamist advance on the northern town of Ansongo in April last year and has lived since then in a church near the capital Bamako.

“In June a team registered us and promised to bring us back our (ID) cards but since then we have seen nothing. We cannot vote,” he said.

discovered a way to have ATMs spit out cash and was set to deliver a talk about hacking pacemakers and other wireless implantable medical devices has died in San Francisco, authorities and his employer said.

Barnaby Jack died at his home in San Francisco Thursday, although the cause of death is still under investigation, San Francisco Deputy Coroner Kris Barbrich said.

Jack, who was in his mid30s, was scheduled to speak on Aug. 1 at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas. The headline of his talk was, “Implantable Medical Devices: Hacking Humans,” according to a synopsis on the Black Hat conference website.

Jack planned to reveal software that uses a common transmitter to scan for and “interrogate” individual medical implants, the website said.

The topic is reminiscent of the second season of the TV drama “Homeland,” when terrorists kill the vice president by hacking into his heart device. Jack planned to discuss ways manufacturers could improve the security of the devices.

Jennifer Steffens, the CEO of computer security firm IOActive, Inc., where Jack worked, called Jack one of the most accomplished security researchers. He dedicated his career to exploiting weaknesses in onboard computers in cars, automated teller machines and other socalled “embedded devices” so that they can be better protected.

“A truly visionary man in many ways, Barnaby’s recent critical research into the safety of medical devices such as

ATM Hacker Dies In SAN FRANCISCO, USA A prominent hacker who California

Austrians Flap Over Bell Dedicated To Hitler

VIENNA - Like many others in Austria’s countryside, a tower bell above the red-tiled rooftops of Wolfpassing village marks the passing of each hour with an unspectacular “bong.” But this bell is unique: It is embossed with a swastika and praise to Adolf Hitler.

And unlike more visible remnants of the Nazi era, the bell was apparently overlooked by official Austria up to now.

Ensconced in the belfry of an ancient castle where it was mounted by fans of the Nazi dictator in 1939, the bell has tolled on for nearly 80 years. It survived the defeat of Hitler’s Germany, a decade of post-war Soviet occupation that saw Red Army soldiers lodge in the castle and more recent efforts by

CHANGE OF NAME ELUROMMA - I formerly known and addressed as Miss Eluromma Edith now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Abejegah Chukwuyem Edith. All former documents remain valid. State School of Health Technology, Dumez Road, Benin City, other concerned authorities and general public should please take note.

Austria’s government to acknowledge the country’s complicity in crimes of that era and make amends.

Some of those efforts have focused on identifying relics of that time and ensuring they’re either removed or put in historical context. As an example, officials often cite government moral and material support for the restoration of the Mauthausen concentration camp, where a museum documents atrocities for school children and other visitors.

The Wolfpassing bell pays homage to Hitler for his 1938 annexation of Austria, a move supported back then by the vast majority of the nation’s citizens.

It describes Hitler as “the unifier and Fuehrer of all Germans” and says he freed the “Ostmark” — Nazi jargon for Austria — “from the yoke of suppression by foreign elements and brought it home into the Great-German Reich.”

Local historian Johannes Kammerstaetter says most villagers would have known about it. But village mayor Josef Sonnleitner asserts even the villagers had no clue until the first media reports last month on the “Fuehrerglocke,” or “Fuehrer Bell.”

THE NIGERIAN

25 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Chat

How Nigeria Would Overcome Her Challenges

- Prophet Okoduwa Atorkpa HUMBLE amiably warm- Prophet Okoduwa Atorkpa, is one personality who is very unassuming and clearly devoted to the things of God, especially as it concerns fasting and prayers for Nigeria. There are outstanding testimonies of his ministry. As the coordinator-General of the Annual National fasting and prayer for Nigeria, he has rotated the venue of the national prayer fiesta from city to city, state to state in Nigeria. This year, Imo state is his next port of call, where the Ark of the LORD will berth and anchor. But ahead of the September 2013 event, Prophet Atorkpa Unveils the mystery of the word and prayers, as parecea for resolving Nigeria’s present challenges, especially as touching security and economic hardship.

In this interview with the trio of Tunde Eigbiremolen, Asst Editor, The Nigerian Observer Grace Umeh of the Features Department and Innocent Omoaka, Vintage Prophet Okoduwa bares his fangs. This chat is worth reading for all concerned Nigerians who really love Nigeria.

Excerpts:What is Annual National Prayers for Nigeria all about?

No man can really pray without the Holy Spirit.

Which we become children of God, we talk about tutelage and as such, along the line we can also be baptized with the holy spirit.

The greatest teacher is the Holy Spirit who reveals the things of God. So, to answer your question directly, the annual National Prayers for Nigeria is all about praying for the country as directed by the Holy Spirit and ordered by God Himself.

He gives the leading and direction of prayers for the country, on yearly basis Egypt as we know in the bible represents bondage, where the children of God were made to suffer hardship. Today, Egypt that

was also seen as a cradle of civilization, is looking up to Nigeria as a nation, to help install stability and sanity into their political life what is your advice for Nigeria?

I will like to start from this angle; not many people can attest to what was done during the military and what brought in the present democracy. It was not as they

say it now. You see many people think they just go there. It took a great deal of praying in tears and pains for God to turn around this nation. We were tired of the long rule of the military. We needed a new order in this country and God heard our prayers, that is why today, what is sustaining this country is the advantages we had in

“You see, things will get better with God. We should always pray to God to put things in order. We should be patient with God and the leaders of the country. We are only going through a phase and God helping us, we shall come out of it successfully. God is in control.” terms of revelations of the word of God and prayers, because you cannot separate the word of God from prayers.

I share with you a scripture, Acts 6:4, you know that when the hellenious people were neglected in the early ministration, there was bit of revolt and the bible says the people came together to pray and the holy spirit gave them this caption, “We gave ourselves to prayers and the ministry of the word”. They acted upon this, and that was how they were able to turn the world upside down and they achieved great things. Today, many people are not aware of this great secret. It is not the size of your church, it is the size of God in you. If your heart is not lost and divided, you don’t have any thing to give to God when there is no consecration. One of the things we have seen in the church are people who have determined the size of what they want to give to God. They have not looked at what it really costs to preach Jesus to the world, what they do is bring worldliness into the church. So Egypt per say don’t have knowledge of what has happened in Nigeria. So they believe in one kind of religion which has kept their people in darkness, just like the other parts of the Arab world. But their eyes is now opened as they travel to other parts of the globe and they discovered that they have been covered in the dark and now they are seeking for a new order, that is the reasons for the crisis in the Arab nations.

But how would you want Nigeria to react to the clarion call?

Nigeria has been a friendly nation with other countries globally so they should go and give the people of Egypt a helping hand. They should let the people in Egypt know that the spiritual governs the physical. Most of the time we think that leaders are the ones ruling but the fact is that it is God who is ruling that is the reason in Roman13 they were referred to as the ministers.

Every government in place today is ordained by God. When you try to remove godliness from governance it is like stealing it away from God. Not all the leaders are even conscious of the fact that it is God who is ruling through them. During Abacha days, we prayed for a new order.

You know that from the day we dedicated Nigeria to God, it was not in the hands of man and like I would always say.

Nigeria would overcome its present challenges. So we should learn to pray for our leaders. We should also talk to them. We should learn to talk to them and not just criticizing them. We should learn to talk to them, because government without Godliness breads corruption.

Is prayer and fasting the solution to Nigeria’s problems?

Response: Thirteen years ago, when we started the National Fasting and Prayers, some Christian leaders came out saying it is not prayers that the country needed but today they are going back to say prayers is the key. They were

only holding to their earlier beliefs through ignorance.

They don’t know the battle fought through Prayers. The leaders themselves need to return back to God, because aside the fast that we are praying for them they should not take God as a magicians, He is not. They need to return back to God. So, if any body says prayers is not part of it, they only don’t know what they circumstances, we shall survive. We are also calling on all leaders in authority to take time to spend with God. They can’t be successfully without the help of God. Politics without God is corruption.

How do you relate the situation where Nigerians keep praying for leaders, who only enjoyed the nation’s wealth and the masses keep suffering daily?

Is it not unacceptably ridiculous?

You see, things will get better with God. We should always pray to God to put things in order. We should be patient with God and the leaders of the country. We are only going through a phase and God helping us, we shall come out of it successfully.

God is in control. We can also at lest to some measure of good things happening in the country with the improvement in our roads, light and other infrastructures, it will get better, with endurance and patience on the part of all Nigerian. I repeat, things will get better with Nigeria and Nigerians, when we all embrace God and come is the knowledge of His word concerning us as a nation.

“Nigeria has been a friendly nation with other countries globally so they should go and give the people of Egypt a helping hand. They should let the people in Egypt know that the spiritual governs the physical. Most of the time we think that leaders are the ones ruling but the fact is that it is God who is ruling that is the reason in Roman13 they were referred to as the ministers. Every government in place today is ordained by God.”

THE NIGERIAN

26 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

International

Compiled By EDOBOR HARRISON

Liberals, Smaller Tribes Win Seats members of the ruling Al-Sabah In Kuwait Vote family hold top posts.

KUWAIT - Liberals and candidates from some of Kuwait’s more marginalized tribes have won seats in a parliament which may prove more cooperative with the ruling family after opposition Islamists and populists boycotted the election.

Saturday’s ballot was the sixth since 2006 in the major oil producer where political upheaval

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, center, casts his ballot at a polling station in Takhmau town, south of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, yesterday. Cambodians began voting across the country yesterday to take part in what has become a familiar ritual - the re-election of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been on the job for 28 years and says he hopes to rule for at least another decade.

Tunisian Opposition May Set Up Rival Salvation Government TUNIS - Tunisia’s secular opposition, angered by two assassinations in its ranks and emboldened by the overthrow of Egypt’s president, said yesterday

Cambodian Opposition Claims Election Victicularly younger ones, greeted two official vehicles that had mandate period in 2013,” said tory him enthusiastically, with some been destroyed by rioters. Milithe party’s statement, emailed PHNOM PENH Cambodia’s opposition party claimed an upset victory yesterday in an election the longstanding incumbent had been expected to easily win, but called on supporters to wait for the official results.

The claim, made in an emailed statement by the Cambodia National Rescue Party, was impossible to immediately verify, as no results had yet been released by the authorities.

At a news conference after the statement was released, party leader Sam Rainsy was less clear about whether the claim was that his party had actually won a majority at the polls, stressing that it was a victory for the country.

There was no immediate reaction from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for nearly three decades.

An opposition victory would be an astonishing surprise. On Saturday, Rainsy had virtually acknowledged that his party would lose the election, saying the polls were unfair but that his battle for democracy would go on.

Rainy has a reputation for provocative statements that have sometimes landed him in trouble. His claim, coming before the release of official results or any statements from the ruling party, could be seen as a preemptive move against Hun Sen’s side stealing the election.

It also sets up the possibility of serious post-election confrontations. Hun Sen, in statements suggesting there would be chaos if he lost, had implied he would not accept an opposition victory.

Im Suosdey, president of the government-appointed National Election Committee, said the first official results would be released at 8:30 p.m. (1330 GMT).

“Today is a historical day when the CNRP won the parliamentary elections for the fifth

about 3+ hours after the polls closed at 3 p.m. “CNRP wishes to thank all compatriots heartily that voted for the CNRP so that the party won these elections.”

“CNRP wishes to appeal to all compatriots to maintain calm and order to wait for the official election results that will emerge soon and appeal to all compatriots to avoid to use violence or to create any trouble that could cause social unrest,” the statement said.

Hun Sen, who has been in power for 28 years, cast his ballot just after the polls opened near his home in Takhmau, just south of the capital, Phnom Penh.

Sam Rainsy began his day with a visit to a polling station near his party’s office in Phnom Penh. Hundreds of voters, par-

of the bolder ones hugging him.

Counting of the paper ballots at polling stations began shortly after the polls closed, with representatives of political parties witnessing the process.

The general election was Cambodia’s fifth since 1993, when the United Nations helped stage the country’s first free polls since the 1975-79 genocidal rule of the Khmer Rouge and a subsequent period of civil war and one-party rule.

There were many reports of voting irregularities on social media from local journalists and election watchdog groups, but an overall picture was unlikely to emerge until Monday at the earliest.

Passions boiled over at one polling station in Phnom Penh’s Stung Meanchey district, where Associated Press reporters saw

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday urged divided rightists in his cabinet to approve the release of 104 Arab prisoners in order to restart peace talk with the Palestinians.

Netanyahu postponed the weekly meeting of ministers by an hour to make sure he had majority support for the measure which he described as painful but necessary to help end nearly three years of diplomatic standstill.

“This moment is not easy for me, is not easy for the cabinet ministers, and is not easy especially for the bereaved families, whose feelings I understand,” Netanyahu said in broadcast remarks at the start of the meeting, referring to families who have lost members in militant attacks.

“But there are moments in which tough decisions must be made for the good of the nation and this is one of those moments,” he said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has de-

manded the release of prisoners held since before a 1993 interim peace accord took effect. Israel has jailed thousands more Palestinians since that time, many for carrying out deadly attacks.

The prisoner release would allow Netanyahu to sidestep other Palestinian demands, such as a halt to Jewish settlement expansion and a guarantee that negotiations over borders will be based on boundaries from before the 1967 Middle East war, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.

Israel wants to keep several settlement blocs and East Jerusalem, which it annexed as part of its capital in a move never recognized internationally, in any future deal.

In an appeal for public support posted on his Facebook page on Saturday night, Netanyahu said the prisoners would be released in groups only after the negotiations - set to last at least nine months -

and bureaucracy have held up the vast majority of projects in a 30-billion-dinar ($105-billion) economic development plan announced in 2010.

Kuwait has the most open political system in the Gulf Arab region but parliaments have been repeatedly dissolved over procedural disputes or for challenging the government in which

tary police, who in Cambodia are used in a civilian capacity, were deployed to restore order. The unrest was originally thought to be related to people not being allowed to vote, but other accounts said a brawl broke out when a crowd confronted a man they believed to be ethnic Vietnamese trying to vote without the right to do so.

Rainsy said his party would wait before deciding what to do about the alleged irregularities, but added that if it was clear the voters’ will was being denied, “definitely, there will be protests.”

The streets around Hun Sen’s residence in Phnom Penh were closed Sunday, with police patrolling in an apparent effort to ward off protesters.

it was considering setting up an alternative “salvation government” to challenge the Islamistled leadership.

If agreed, the move would mark a significant escalation by the country’s opposition groups, who say they have no interest in reconciliation with the ruling Ennahda party.

“We will meet this evening to discuss creating a new salvation government and will study the possibility of nominating a new prime minister to replace this failed government,” said Jilani Hammami, a leader of the Salvation Front coalition and Tunisian Workers’ Party.

“There is no longer any doubt that the time for it to go has passed.”

Tunisians are bracing for what many worry may be one of the most tumultuous and critical periods in their transition to democracy since the toppling of autocratic president Zein El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, a revolt that inspired uprisings across the Arab world.

Last Thursday, assailants gunned down the opposition figure Mohamed Brahmi - the second assassination targeting the secular opposition in six months.

“The large number of new MPs gives hope that a National Assembly with greater popular backing can find a way of improving relations with the government,” said Gulf expert Kristian Ulrichsen, at the U.S.based Baker Institute for Public Policy, referring to a 12 percent higher turnout than last time.

“The increased turnout ... signals that many Kuwaitis are ready to put the recent past behind them and move forward,” Ulrichsen said.

The turnout in searing heat and during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan was still lower than in several elections before 2012 when about 60 percent of voters cast ballots.

The U.S. ally has seen street protests in the past two years, including over changes to the voting procedures, but its generous welfare system and relative tolerance of dissent have helped to shield it from more serious Arab Spring-style unrest.

Voters also complained about a lack of development in Kuwait - one of the world’s richest countries per capita.

“The country is reeling from the deterioration of services and we need to treat the wounds to start a new phase with genuine cooperation between the two authorities,” new MP Issa alKandari said, referring to the government and parliament.

Newly-elected Kamel alAwadi said he would “work on all projects that move the economy forward” including housing and infrastructure projects. Many of these were touted in the 2010 development plan and have not been delivered.

Israel To Approve Prisoner Deal With Palestine begin.

The 22-member cabinet was also scheduled to approve legislation that would require a referendum on any statehood deal reached with the Palestinians involving a withdrawal from land Israel captured in the 1967 war.

The U.S.-brokered talks, expected to reconvene in Wash-

ington as early as Tuesday, broke down in late 2010 in a dispute over Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank, which Palestinians say denies them a viable state.

Before the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu told ministers from his Likud party that Israel would pay a price if peace talks did not resume, according to

one official who was there.

The latest diplomatic push follows months of intense shuttle diplomacy by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry who said a week ago the groundwork had been laid for a breakthrough, while setting no specific date for talks to restart.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem yesterday.

THE NIGERIAN

27 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Healthy Living

AS a young, upwardly mobile man, Tony never had a reason for not visiting his favourite hot sport. On a daily basis, mostly in the midafternoon and night, he is seen at one ‘fast food’ shop or the other. For the six-feet dark management executive in his company, these fast food centres, as the name, ‘fast’ implies, provides him a ready and convenient way to feed. How was he going to cope without the services of the centres? He would not mind the financial and other implications of eating almost all his meals in these fast food centres.

Just like Tony, many Nigerians have embraced junk foods mostly sold by fast food vendors. They cannot do without them for the least period of time. Generally, nutritionists and health professionals, have define junk foods as an informal term for food that is of little nutritional value and often high in fat, sugar, and/or calories. Junk food can also mean foods that contribute lots of calories but little nutritional lots of calories but little nutritional value.

Usually, junk food comes in the shape of chips, pizza, crisps, gum, sweet deserts, fried fast food, sandwiches, burgers and a host of others.

According to reports in the media, people patronize fast foods/junks because it tastes delicious, they are relatively expensive, readily available.

For others, “it is a fashion statement to be seen walking through the door of any of these fast food joints. Most people see them as an exclusive reserve of the privileged and would go out of their way to patronize such outlets. Junk food is most seen by majority of Nigerians as “oyinbo food”.

In a news report on the African section of China Central Television news, Johny Rocket outlet in Lagos where a beef burger is being offered for about US$22.00, the report noted that “The most has not in any way deterred consumers from patronizing”.

It is also noted that the younger generation, are major patronizers of the junk food centers. These young

people, are often bachelors or spinsters who have little or no time to “cook at home”. Most families, even go to fast food centers to spend the weekend or day in various junk food centers.

However, as nice and alluring it may look to regularly patronize “junk” food outlets, the health implications and other effects (negative), generated, cannot be overlooked.

Similarly, a health expert, Dr. Katz, Director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center, said.

“Higher intake of fast food may very well increase risks of depression by causing poor health in general, but depression may very well increase fast food intake”.

Also, Dr. Adeyi, a pathologist at the University of Toronto, Canada, said that fathy liver was a looming epidemic both globally and as such, people are refraining from “westernized” diet so as to checkmate it. He said that fathy liver predisposes people to liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

Moreover, diabetes, obesity and other metabolic syndrome have been closely linked to junk food.

Junk food contains large amounts of fat and as fat accumulates in the body, the individual tends to gain extra weight thereby becoming obese. The more weight, the riskier it is for chronic health conditions as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis to affect individuals.

In addition, junk food have often be identified as high in fat and sodium which can contribute to heart disease as it raises blood cholesterol level. This high cholesterol levels, contribute to arterial plaque build up, and then leading to liver dysfunction and disease.

According to the Times of India, scientists have discovered a little-known type of cholesterol which may prove to be the most lethal of all.

The cholesterol known as oxycholesterol is unknown to the public, a serious threat to cardiovascular health threat and found in fried and processed food. Zhen-yu Chen, of Chinese University

Danger In Eating Junk Foods

of Hong Kong, said oxycholesterol had undesirable effects on “artery function. He said that it reduces the elasticity of arteries, impairing their ability to expand and carry more blood. That expansion can allow more blood to flow through arteries that are partially blocked by plaques, potentially reducing the risk

that a clot will form and cause a heart attack or stroke.

Furthermore, a new study claims that individuals who eat fast food often, are prone to experience depression than those who do not. The study revealed that those who consume a lot of fast food and bakery products were disposed to have depression problems and can be less active.

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

Then again, there is the issue of lack of energy associated with high intake of fast foods. The report by nutritionists revealed that

junk foods do not comprise any nutrients needed by the body as there are loaded with harmful fats, carbohydrates and others which do not give any kind of useful energy to the body. As a result, the individual may feel exhausted and weak.

Besides, poor concentration and low 1Q in children have been attributed to high intake of junk (fast

“Furthermore, a new study claims that individuals who eat fast food often, are prone to experience depression than those who do not. The study revealed that those who consume a lot of fast food and bakery products were disposed to have depression problems and can be less active.”

food). They are known to posses a high percentage of hydrogenated vegetable oil and the digestive system finds this oil hard to digest.

Because most often, the blood and enzymes levels needs to be high to digest it, which leads to the divertion of blood to the intestine.

Similarly, constant consumption of junk, results in excessive fat accumulation in the inner watts of arteries, which results in drop in circulation, making the person feel always with reduced concentration.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that research at Bristol University found out that children who eat more chips, crisps, biscuits and pizza before the age of three have a lower 1Q five years

later. The study revealed that the difference could be as much as five 1Q points compared with children given healthier diets with fruit, vegetables and home cooked food.

According to the research,

eating diet with fats, sugar and processed food means less vitamins and nutrients, thereby leading to less growth of the brain to optimal levels.

Quoting keith Ayoob, “it is important to be read and keep it in context, as this is reflective of a lifestyle with many unhealthy aspects”.

Junk foods, fast foods, or whatever it may be called, is inimical to the well being of individuals, although it can be seen as the thing in vogue but its hazards, can be better imagined than felt.

So, no matter how great they may feel, the hazards are much.

THE NIGERIAN

28 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Mikel Off To US With Chelsea MIKEL Obi has returned to Chelsea to be part of the squad for the inaugural Guinness International Champions Cup in Miami.

Nigeria international Mikel, who has been subject of trans-

fer away from Chelsea this summer, is returning to ‘The Blues’ after he was given an extended holiday following his participation at FIFA Confederations Cup. Mikel will be looking forward

to play his first game under Jose Mourinho on his second return.

Chelsea will play their first game at the competition in Indianapolis against Inter Milan on Thursday.

Chelsea full squad for the pre season tourney: Goalkeepers: Petr Cech, Mark Schwarzer, Jamal Blackman Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Kalas, Ryan Bertrandi Midfielders: Michael Essien, Ramires, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata, Oscar, John Obi Mikel, Kevin De Bruyne, Mako van Ginkel, Eden Hazard Forwards: Fernando Torres, Victor Moses, Andre Schurrle, Romelu Lukaku, Demba Ba

Bosingwa Parts Company With QPR

Jose Bosingwa

Jose Respect For ‘Nice Guy’ Wenger Mikel Obi

Real Bid 100m Pounds For Bale

TOTTENHAM Hotspur have yet to respond to Real Madrid’s +100 million bid for Gareth Bale, sources close to the process have told ESPN. The situation is now at an increasingly tense impasse, with the Wales forward determined to go to the Bernabeu this summer, but Spurs chief executive Daniel Levy is just as strong in his refusal to sell.

Despite reports in the Spanish press being widely dismissed in the UK on Friday, it is understood that Madrid did indeed submit the offer and that Bale has also now made up his mind on leaving.

Aside from his long-held aspiration to play for Real, the 24year-old feels it is finally time to experience regular football in the Champions League rather

than potentially infrequent forays with Spurs.

Sources have also stated that there is now growing tension between Bale’s camp and Levy due to the London club’s refusal to even entertain the possibility of a sale. Those close to the player also insist that there are no current negotiations to sign a new contract at White Hart Lane and he actively wants to leave this summer.

When asked about Bale after his side’s 6-0 win over South China, however, Villas-Boas refused to be drawn into a discussion. “I don’t want to comment on anything like that,” he said.

“I cannot speak about anything.”

Bale is not expected to play in Tottenham’s friendly against Monaco on August 3.

Gareth Bale

JOSE Mourinho and Arsene Wenger have not seen eye to eye in the past, but the pair appear to have settled their differences.

Chelsea manager Mourinho has opened up about his newfound respect for the Arsenal boss, which all began at several tournaments once the Portuguese departed Stamford Bridge six years ago.

“I started meeting him in UEFA, at the Euros [European Championships], the World Cup, we had dinner and so on,” Mourinho is quoted as saying in Sunday’s press.

“And when you are not in the same league and when you are not playing against each other,

injuries have sidelined Nani and Antonio Valencia.

Captain Nemanja Vidic has missed the tour with a back problem while Wayne Rooney, who is wanted by Chelsea, flew home with a hamstring problem.

And it has made Moyes’ task harder. He is quoted by the Guardian as saying in Hong Kong, where United are preparing to face Kitchee on Monday: “I’m still getting to know my players. I have several players back home who I’ve not met yet

respect him a lot and I have the feeling that he is the same in relation to me. I wouldn’t bet on one single problem between us.”

Meanwhile, Mourinho says Juan Mata will be a part of his plans at Chelsea this season, with speculation in recent weeks linking the Spaniard to a move away from the club.

“Of course he fits into my plans. I have my idea about him, about where he produces better and where he has more difficulty,” Mourinho said.

“We will try to help him perform better in those situations.

I’ve always liked a right-sided player to be left-footed.”

N’Diaye Joins Eskisehirspor On Loan SUNDERLAND midfielder Alfred N’Diaye has joined Turkish side Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan.

N’Diaye, 23, has made 16 appearances for Sunderland since his arrival from another Turkish club, Bursaspor, in a £3.8 million deal in January.

The France youth international’s move continues the changes being made by manager Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light, after he succeeded Martin O’Neill at the helm.

Arsenal ‘Not Close’ To Suarez

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has spoken publicly for the first time about his pursuit of Luis Suarez and admitted he is “not close” to signing the Liverpool striker.

Wenger confirmed the depth of his desire to lure Suarez away from Anfield after he lodged an audacious £40,000,0001 bid for the Uruguay striker earlier this week, but Liverpool were quick to reject the offer and insist they would need a bid in excess of £50 million before they would consider selling their prized asset.

The Frenchman made no suggestion that he would increase his current offer by the amount Liverpool are insisting upon, and conceded he is

Moyes Uncertain Over United Starting XI DAVID Moyes admits he is unsure what his strongest side is and does not know which XI will line up for Manchester United on the opening day of the Premier League season.

United go to Swansea on August 17 and new manager Moyes is yet to get to know several of his charges.

Javier Hernandez has not yet joined up with United on their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia because of his involvement in the Confederations Cup while

it is easier to know people, it is easier to go deeper. It is easy to speak about football, he’s a very nice guy.”

During his first spell at Chelsea, Mourinho called Wenger “a voyeur” after the latter made several comments about the club.

But Mourinho insists they have buried the past. “I respect him a lot and I will show my respect always. [In] football sometimes even if you are friends and respect each other, you say something the other doesn’t like and you react,” he said.

“But at the end of the day I

QUEENS Park Rangers have confirmed that defender Jose Bosingwa has left the club by mutual consent.

Bosingwa, 30, signed for QPR last summer on a free transfer after being released by Chelsea.

The right-back went on to make 22 Premier League starts as the club suffered relegation to the Championship.

Bosingwa is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Turkish top flight side Trabzonspor.

because of international duties.

“I don’t have a starting XI for the Swansea game formulated in my head yet. We still have three games in Europe before the season starts. We’ll look at it then.”

Moyes has also been frustrated in his attempts to add to his squad this summer, with Barcelona insisting they will not sell Cesc Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara joining Bayern Munich instead of heading to Old Trafford.

not expecting to announce a new arrival at Arsenal any time soon.

“We are not close to signing Suarez or anybody else so there’s no reason why I should talk about it,” he told reporters in Saitama, Japan.

“There is nothing to say (on the Suarez deal). I have been away now for two or the weeks and it’s hard to see how things are advanced because everyone is on tour at the moment and it’s very difficult to get in touch with people.

“We are ready to do quick deals but all the transfers do not depend only on us. We are prepared to wait. It looks unlikely before the Emirates Cup (next weekend), but we still have a strong squad.”

Many Arsenal supporters have become frustrated by the club’s apparently ambitious and so far unsuccessful pursuits of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain and now Suarez, but Wenger has stressed he would not be concerned if he entered the new

close to signing anybody.

“Of course we want to do - Wenger not as many top players as we

season without a big name signing.

“With or without additions we can be title challengers next season,” he proclaimed.

“We try to do the job and we will try to do it well, but nothing has been concluded with anybody.

“What we want is not a name but a good player. The name is less important. What is more important is the quality of the player. At the moment I must tell you we are

Arsene Wenger

can, but we also have to focus on the players we have and develop them.”

The Guardian newspaper is reporting that Arsenal will submit an improved offer for Suarez in the coming days, while reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid are not planning to make a move for the Liverpool hit-man who has expressed a desire to move to the Spanish capital.

THE NIGERIAN

29 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Ranieri Plays Down Nani Speculation CLAUDIO Ranieri has denied that Monaco are interested in Nani, but left open the possibility of another big transfer this summer.

The Portuguese star has yet to sign a new contract at Manchester United, with the super-rich French club reportedly interested in a £10 million move for the winger.

The French club have already spent around £120 million this summer on the likes of Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez.

Although Ranieri stated their business is probably finished, he hinted that could change. As well as Nani, Monaco are understood to have had intensive negotiations about a move for Hulk from Porto.

“No, no, no, just rumours,” Ranieri said when specifically asked about Nani after his side’s 3-0 win over Leicester. “At this moment we are finished our market but until

the end something could happen but no Nani at the moment.”

Despite their lavish expenditure this summer, Ranieri downplayed suggestions that Monaco may be immediately capable of challenging for the French title.

The Italian commandeered their Ligue 2 title victory and promotion last season, and claims they still have to build from that lower base. He is, however, aiming for Champions League qualification.

He said: “We are at the beginning, at the basement, then slowly, slowly. I hope, I hope [Monaco can qualify for the Champions League]! In this moment I think we are ready to achieve from third to seventh position but of course I am ambitious man. My chairman is ambitious.

Maybe something could happen.”

Jordan Ayew Committed To Olympique Marseille

Agnieszka Radwanska

Dortmund Dominate Bayern To Win B O R U S S I A a goalkeeping error from Dortmund broke the he- Tom Starke before Arjen Super Cup gemony of Bayern Munich winning 4-2 at home to lift the German Super Cup after a dramatic and intense encounter on Saturday evening at the SignalIduna- Park.

Six minutes into the match Marco Reus opened the scoring after

Real Down PSG, Barca Hit Seven

KARIM Benzema’s first half strike handed Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Carlo Ancelotti’s former side Paris Saint-Germain.

Real gained the early ascendency, with Cristiano Ronaldo looking dangerous down the left flank, although PSG should have taken the lead through Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Benzema made the most of his first real chance on goal in the 23rd minute, latching onto a Mesut Ozil cross and burying his shot past PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu with what proved to be the decisive goal.

Right-back Daniel Carvajal contained Zlatan Ibrahimovic for much of the match, although the Swede worked his way through on goal, only for his efforts to be saved by a resilient Diego Lopez.

Ronaldo was a clear standout in the second half, with four shots on goal that were all turned away by Sirigu.

Meanwhile, Gerardo Martino made a successful start to his Barcelona career as the Spanish champions eased to a 7-0 win over Valerenga.

The Catalan giants raced out

to a 3-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes, with goals to Alexis Sanchez, Cristian Tello and Lionel Messi, before Jonathan Dos Santos gave

Barca a 4-0 advantage at the break.

Jean-Marie Dongou then took his chance to impress Martino with a second-half brace that added to Valerenga’s woes. Joan Angel Roman completed the rout with a late goal.

Robben equalised after half-time. Two minutes later the home side took the lead after Daniel van Buyten’s own goal and seconds later Ilkay Gündogan struck home to make it 3-1.

As the Bavarians kept pushing forward in search of a goal Robben scored his second of the night to reduce the deficit. However it wasn’t to be as new signing PierreEmerick Aubameyang set up Reus for a fourth as Dortmund rallied to victory with four minutes

to play.

Tennis Isner, Anderson To Meet In Atlanta Open Final THE two top seeds American John Isner and South African Kevin Anderson will meet in the Atlanta Open final after securing semi-final victories on Saturday.

Isner beat former world number one Lleyton Hewitt of Australia 6-4 4-6 7-6(5) while Anderson was too good for American Ryan Harrison 6-3 7-6(3).

The top-seeded Isner fired 21 aces on the way to beating Hewitt in a cracking match,

Radwanska, Cibulkova Set To Clash In Standford Final

AGNIESZKA Radwanska outplayed Jamie Hampton 6-3 6-2 to secure a place at WTA Stanford.

The American quickly beThe fourth ranked Pole will came unsettled , while the quick face third seed Dominika Radwanska played steady and Cibulkova of Slovakia, who raced away with the match. powered past Romanian Sorana Radwanska finished the Cirstea 6-4 6-0 to make her first match with 11 winners and final. seven unforced errors, while Radwanska had fallen to the Hampton ripped 24 winners up-and-coming American at a and committed 35 unforced erpre-Wimbledon tournament in rors.

Birmingham, England, last Radwanska, who has month, but in California on struggled mightily in her three hard courts, she dictated play set quarter-final win over most of the evening, never alVarvara Lepchenko, was lowing Hampton to get on top pleased with the improvement of her. in her game.

The fourth seed Hampton “I played much better than started the match fairly strong, last night, I hit the ball very well but the Pole began to yank her and served well,” Radwanska around the court, mixing in deft said. “She hits very hard, but it drop shots, sharp angles and was night and I could run a lot hard drives.

and it’s tough to finish points.

It was an advantage to me because I could play defense and win the match.”

In her sixth appearance on the campus of Stanford University, world number 25 Cibulkova got through a rough patch at the start of the first set and then battered the fifth-seeded Cirstea with powerful groundstrokes and returns.

Cibulkova managed to hold to 5-3 after a marathon eighth game in which she fought off four break points and the momentum clearly shifted as she reeled off seven out of the next eight games.

“I started really well and the level was quite high from both of us, but that game changed everything,” Cirstea said of the

GHANA striker Jordan Ayew has announced he will remain at French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille.

The 21-year-old, who is under contract at the Stade Velodorme until June 2015, says he is far from leaving the club.

Jordan has attracted interest from Saint Etienne but the son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele wants to stay with Elie Baup’s squad.

“At the moment, I do not see myself leaving Marseille,” the younger Ayew told beIN Sport.

“This is my first club. I come here, I still have years to play here .

“I feel very comfortable here , my family too. I cannot say anything more.”

Jordan made 19 appearances for the club last season and scored seven goals.

He is facing competition from Andre-Pierre Gignac for a starting role this term.

eighth game. “After she won that game she stepped up and my level dropped a level. She played better than me.”

The 23-year-old Cibulkova had few problems in the second set as she made a strategic shift by moving her position on the return of serve and cutting off the Romanian’s favored serves out wide.

Cirstea grew wild and all the Slovak had to do was play steady and keep the ball deep in order to win the match.

“I tried to distract her on the serve and tried to make her think more,” said Cibulkova, who has won two WTA titles, the second of which was at Carlsbad last year.

The last time that Radwanska and Cibulkova faced off,

giving him a chance at shedding his Atlanta bridesmaid’s tag having been runner up twice previously.

The big serving American is seeking a seventh career ATP crown in the $US546,930 hardcourt event.

Hewitt looked set to complete an upset when holding triple break point in the seventh game of the third set but Isner fought back before winning it 7-5 in a tiebreak.

The six-foot-10 (2.08m) American moved to 24-6 in tiebreaks this year, the best on the ATP Tour.

Anderson needed just 91 minutes to beat the unseeded 21-year-old Harrison, riding a 91-percent conversion rate on first service points won and saving all five break point opportunities Harrison earned.

Harrison had two set points on his serve in the second set but could not close out, allowing Anderson to take the tiebreak 7-3.

The six-foot-eight (2.03m) Anderson will be chasing his third career ATP crown in his sixth final appearance having won in Johannesburg in 2011 and at Delray Beach in 2012.

He has been runner up twice already this year in Sydney and Casablanca.

THE NIGERIAN

30 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

2014 CHAN

Keshi Blames Jittery Start For Loss EAGLES coach Stephen Keshi has admitted his team were jittery at the start of the match which led to them conceding two quick goals.

Goals in the fifth and 25 minutes from Sewe Sport striker Kevin Zougloula looked like they would set the tone for Nigeria’s elimination from the competition, but the Eagles fought back in the second half to deny their hosts the decisive third goal.

“If you say it was a game of two halves I may tend to agree with you. Because we started poorly largely due to experience and then when we came into the game they struggled against us, but that is football, we are just grateful to the NFF, Nigerians and God that we made it for the first time to the CHAN tournament,” Keshi said.

Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire Coach Saraka Norbert, on the other hand, said Nigeria were more experienced than his side and that earned them qualification to next year’s CHAN. “Nigeria is a great country economically, socially and even in football. We must admit that when we get to their heights in the near future, Ivorian football will be great again,” he said.

Norbert again reiterated his love for the Nigerian handler, whom he once again described as an Ivorian and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Cranes Qualify For 2014 UGANDA Cranes beat CHAN Tanzania 3-1 in Kampala today to qualify for the 2014 African Nations Championship in South Africa.

The Cranes, who appeared at the 2011 CHAN competition in Sudan, qualify 4-1 goal aggregate after their 1-0 away win in Dar es salaam on July 13.

Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s side gave the Taifa Stars no chance in the second leg played at the Mandella National Stadium, Namboole.

The first half ended 1-1 with Frank Kalanda giving the hosts

the lead in the 6th minute. Amri Kiemba equalized 10 minutes later from a well taken Mrisho Ngasa cross.

But the second half belonged to the Cranes who run rings around the visitors.

Brian Majwega made it 2-1 for the Cranes after 48 minutes from the spot after defender David Luhende handles in the box.

On 62 minutes Kalanda completed his brace to ensure the Cranes booked their second successive CHAN appearance.

BOTSWANA rally to draw 1-1 with 10-man Zambia in 2014 CHAN first round, first leg qualifier at Molepolole on Saturday The Zebras came from behind in the last 10 minutes of the game to ensure they took a valuable goal after a scoreless first half.

The first half was rather

spark-less and Zambia looked deflated and still carrying a hangover from last weekend’s 2013 COSAFA Cup final victory over Zimbabwe.

Zambia goalkeeper Daniel Munyau was also the busiest man in goals in the first half.

Munyau saved a Jackie Mothatego’s diagonal shot in the 28th minute and five minutes before halftime parried Lemponye Tshireletso’s free kick.

Zambia’s best attempt in the open half came from Moses Phiri whose 43rd minute close range shot was saved by Michael Pepukani.

Botswana returned from the break still in command and on 54 minutes, Edwin Olerile was unlucky not to find the target after his effort rolled across the face of goal with Munyau beaten. Tragedy hit Zambia in the 56th minute when Alex Ngonga was sent off for a second yellow card after a two footed challenge on Bonolo Phduhudu.

Tshireletso had another go at Zambia’s goal heading wide in the 66th minute while Moemedi Moatlhaping fired wide a glorious chance in the 73rd minute.

Zambia’s goal came against the run of play in the 79th minute through Festus Mbewe who picked a poor back pass from Mompati Thuma to beat Pepukani and tap in the ball with the easiest of chances.

However, Zambia’s lead lasted just five minutes when Tshireletso whipped in a free kick from the edge of the box after Moses Phiri had fouled Moatlhaping on the edge of the area.

The two sides meet in the return leg decider on August 3 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Winner will advance to the second round to face winner of today’s other first round tie between Zimbabwe and Mauritius.

Botswana Hold Zambia

• Eagles Depender Egwuekwe

I’m Happy We Qualified

SUPER Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi has blamed the 02 loss in the second leg qualifier for Africa Nations Cup Championship (CHAN) to lack of composure of the players.

In spite of the loss, Super Eagles however qualified on 4-3 goals aggregate.

The team had gone into the second leg match with a 4-1 advantage, having outclassed the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on June 6 in Kaduna.

Keshi told newsmen in Abidjan shortly after the match that the game, though an interesting one,

took Eagles about 25 minutes to get composure. “ I must say that it was a good game. We played an Ivorian side that is quite good, my team was a little jittery at the beginning.’’

An elated Keshi added that CHAN would provide good exposure for the team: “I am sure that my team will garner more experience by the time they play in South Africa.’’

The Ivorian Coach, Saraka Nobert, said at the post-match news

- Keshi

conference that his team did well.

“It was not a bad play at all, we tried so hard to get a third goal but the chances were not there, I think my team did not play badly.’’

Zougoula Ahmed scored the two goals in the sixth minute before converting a penalty in 26th minute of the match played at the Robert Champoux Stadium, Macory, Abidjan.

The home-based Eagles will be playing in the championship for the first

time since the start of the competition in 2009.

The 3rd edition of CHAN was originally scheduled for Libya but will now hold in South Africa.

Three un-replied goals would have robbed the Eagles of the opportunity to play in the tournament.

Mike Umeh, Vice President of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) told newsmen that he was impressed with the result.

“It means we are going to South Africa. It will be a good exposure for our team. The result of this match is a good one for us.’’

Eagles Thrilled By Historic CHAN EAGLES ‘B’ have said qualified at the end.”

Ticket they are excited they made Heartland left back

• Stephen Keshi

history with a first-ever qualification for the Championship of African Nations (CHAN).

Despite losing 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan on Saturday, the Eagles qualified for the tournament to be staged by South Africa in January on a 4-3 aggregate.

Nigeria have previously missed out on the championship for domestic league players in 2009 and 2011.

Eagles winger Gomo Onduku told

MTNFootball.com he was delighted to be part of history.

“I am excited with this qualification because it is a dream come true for me and the team. From day one, I believed we will make it and I was positive even when we were down 2-0. I did not panic. I am so happy and thank God for making it possible,” the Bayelsa United star said.

“The game was not too bad as we did our best despite one or two errors from the referee, but the most important thing was that we

Benjamin Francis told MTNFootball.com it was a tough game.

“It was a tough game as expected. I feel great to be part of history. We did our best and achieved our aim which was to qualify. I am on cloud nine,” Francis said.

Sunshine Stars defender Solomon Kwambe added: “It was a tough game, we all know Nigeria/Cote d’Ivoire matches have never been easy games, but we stood our ground, fought like warriors and went through,” he said.

THE NIGERIAN

31 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

2014 CHAN: Coaches, Analysts Hail Eagles SOME top coaches and notable commentators have hailed the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2014 Africa Cup of Nations Championship (CHAN).

Although the Eagles lost most.

0-2 to the Elephants of Cote “We are happy we have d’ Ivoire in Abidjan, the Na- qualified,’’ they said, praistional team booked a place ing Coach Stephen Keshi for in the tournament, to be ensuring the team would be hosted by South Africa. in South Africa for the comEven though some of the petition for the first time, commentators said they did since it debuted in 2009. not watch live telecast of the Christain Chukwu, a match, they noted that the former Super Eagles Coach eventual outcome, which said: “the most important was the qualification of the thing is qualifying and I am team, was what mattered happy we have made it.

“I did not watch the match; I will reserve some of comments until I watch it’’.

For Adegboye Oniginde, this was, “a good one for Nigeria. I am pleased with

Maigari Salutes Resilient THE President of Nigeria Super Eagles

Football Association (NFA), Aminu Maigari on Saturday praised the Super Eagles for earning Nigeria’s first-ever qualification for the finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

A statement by signed by Ademola Olajire, NFA’s Assistant Director, Media, quotes Maigari as saying that “it was never going to be easy, but I was confident the Eagles will pull through and make Nigeria proud.

“Of course, there was bound to be so many odds against them, being on away ground.

“To hold steadfast after that opening barrage on away ground is not easy; it takes a team that has strength of character and determination.

“I commend the players and their officials for a job well-done.’’

The Eagles had taken a 4-1 lead into the return leg in Abidjan, but it was looking pitiably insufficient after the Ivorians raced to a 2-0 lead before the half-hour at Robert Chambroux Stadium, Abidjan.

Kevin Koelly profited from

a mistake by defender Azubuike Egwuekwe to shoot the Elephants ahead after only six minutes.

He doubled the advantage from a penalty kick, 20 minutes later as Rabiu Ali tumbled an Ivorian striker in a goalmouth tussle.

However, the Nigerians held on to a historic berth and will be at the finals to be staged in the South African cities of Cape Town, Polokwane and Bloemfontein in January.

Nigeria joins Morocco, which eliminated Cup holders Tunisia, as well as Libya, Ghana, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Uganda and hosts, South Africa in the 16-team finals due from January 11 - February 1, 2014.

Nigeria missed the first two editions of the championship, exclusively for footballers playing in their country’s domestic leagues.

Ghana eliminated the Eagles from the inaugural edition in Cote d’Ivoire in 2009 while the Eagles were stopped from going to the second edition in Sudan in 2011 by Niger Republic.

Aminu Maigari

are that he is a hard worker.

“He wants to be a top footballer and he wants to improve. With those attributes, that desire and the influences he will have at this club, hopefully we will have a top player on our hands.

“Wilfried can take people on from a standing start. He is quick and direct but what has surprised me more is that he gets his shots off.

I have not watched him loads but obviously he is a winger who has a hunger to get inside and drive into the opponents’ box.

That is a good thing to have.”

the result. I will do anything to support my country’’.

Henry Nwosu said: “I appreciate what God has done for us. I say a big ‘congrats’ to Stephen Keshi and other members of the technical crew for a good job’’.

“It was a good result and I appreciate the home-based players. They did well to ensure a qualification,’’ Paul Hamilton, a former Super Falcons Coach said.

Tayo Balogun, a veteran television commentator: “It is a plus for Nigerian that we qualified. We need to build a more formidable team from among the home-based players before the competition proper’’.

He urged that the handlers would need to step up the

hunt for more talented players; “We need more players because by the time the competition starts, some of them (home-based Eagles) might no longer be home-based and a vacuum might be created’’.

The Eagles had gone into the second leg with a comprehensive 4-1 win in Kaduna, leaving the Ivorians desperately in search of three unreplied goals to turn the table.

But in Abidjan the Elephants were only able to score two goals, leaving Nigeria the winners with 4-3 on aggregate.

Embassy Lauds Support For Super Eagles

THE Nigerian Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire has lauded Nigerians in the country for their massive support for Super Eagles during the CHAN qualifying match on Saturday.

Head of the Nigerian mission in Cote d’Ivoire, Akaninyene Bassey, who hosted the team after the match, expressed joy for the support.

The Nigerian team qualified for the African Nations Championship after beating the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 4-3 on goals aggregate.

The home based Super Eagles had beaten the Elephants 4-1 on July 6 in Kaduna before the return

leg in Abidjan which ended 2-0 in favour of the Ivorian side.

Bassey said the supporters demonstrated the true spirit of unity and kept hopes alive for the team during the match.

“I am so happy, we all came out to support our team, we made them not to have reason to be intimidated, this is how it should be’’, he said.

The soccer fans commended the team for qualifying for the 2014 edition of the African Nations

Championship in South Africa.

Bright Moses, President of the Association of Nigerian Youths in Cote d’Ivoire told newsmen at the reception that the team made the nation proud by qualifying for the tournament. ‘‘We saw how the team rose to defend the game till the end of play; I admire the team’s sense of focus.

“I wish them well in the championship and pray that it enables them have more experience and at the end make them better players for the country’’, he

said.

Mr Paul Eke, a staff member of the Nigerian Embassy, said the team had the potential of developing into one of the best on the continent.

“The result of the match is not a bad one, the team simply proved its superiority against the Ivorian side.

“I am sure that this team will do well on the continent given the right incentives and exposure’’, he said.

won medals for the state at the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) hosted by Lagos.

The governor also offered employment to some of the medallists.

The General Manager, Ekiti State Sports Council, Olusola Adewunmi, described the gesture as a morale booster.

“This will spur athletes to take their vocation seriously,’’ Adewunmi said on Saturday in a telephone interview from Lagos.

He said that gold medallists took home, N250, 000; silver medallists, N200, 000 while bronze medallists went home with N150, 000 each.

According to him, the

coaches were not left out of the largess as those whose teams won gold medals received N150, 000 each, while silver and bronze medal winning coaches got N100, 000.

“This will go a long way in encouraging the athletes to remain focussed and intensify effort in future events.

“I believe that offering them employment will secure their future in a way, because they cannot be athletes forever,’’ Adewunmi said.

Team Ekiti was placed 16th on the medals table with five gold medals, one silver and 10 bronze medals at the festival that ran from November 27 to December 9, 2012.

Ekiti Rewards Athletes GOVERNOR Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has doled out cash awards to athletes that

Ferdinand Backs Zaha For RIO Ferdinand believes Top

Wilfried Zaha has the ability and the attitude to become a highclass footballer for Manchester United.

The 20-year-old was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signing and cost the Premier League champions £15 million.

And he has impressed veteran Ferdinand on United’s pre-season tour, scoring a late equaliser in Friday’s 2-2 draw against Cerezo Osaka.

Wilfried is a fantastic talent.

That is why you pay £15 million for a kid,” said Ferdinand.

“He is raw, with great individual skills and the early indications

Qualification

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State

THE NIGERIAN

CMYK

32 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

N

IGERIA’S gas reserves are quite vast and experts say that the country could become one of the leading gas producing nations of the world if its gas production potential is properly harnessed.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, expressed a similar viewpoint in Abuja when she spoke at the second edition of the Ministerial Platform.

Nigeriaís gas reserves stood at 182 trillion cubic feet as at the end of 2012, as against crude oil reserves of 36.8 billion barrels in the same period.

Alison-Madueke said that Nigeria’s gas supply almost doubled between 2010 and 2013, with the power sector remaining the most dominant consumer.

“The vision of the ministry is to transform the economy of the nation through an efficient oil and gas sector.

“The Federal Government’s gas revolution programme is aimed at galvanising our gas resource to power projects, reducing gas flaring and developing the gas infrastructure as well as gas-based industries across the country.

“It is also aimed at boosting gas supply to the power sector, stimulating gas-based industrialisation around fertiliser, petrochemicals and methanol production, as well as effectively leveraging gas as feedstock for key industries, thus creating jobs.

“It will also transform the gas sector into a value adding sector, while stimulating at least a threefold increase in gas generation capacity by 2015, she said.

The minister, however, underscored the need to deregulate the downstream oil and gas industry, so as to attract potential investors.

“Investors cannot come in a subsidybacked environment like ours; we need to deregulate the sector

for investors to come in.

“We cannot eat our cake and have it; we have to do the right thing to transform the sector, she said.

Alison-Madueke said

when the economy of your country is directly impacted negatively; then, one way or the other, it affects the food that you put on your table, she added.

Moreover, the Minister

that the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of four refineries had commenced, adding that work on the Port Harcourt refinery would be completed by the end of 2013.

She added that TAM activities at the Kaduna and Warri refineries, which were ongoing, would be completed at the end of 2014.

She said that even though the refineries, with the combined installed production capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, could not satisfy the country’s daily fuel consumption needs, it would go a long way in complementing fuel imports.

On the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), AlisonMadueke expressed optimism that it would soon be passed into law by the National Assembly.

The minister, however, warned against the undue politicisation of the issues surrounding the bill.

She, nonetheless, identified oil theft and pipeline vandalism as some of the challenges facing the petroleum sector.

“The incessant crude oil pipeline vandalism, theft and illegal refining, what I call firewood distillers, are not only taking away our oil from us but are also greatly endangering and impacting negatively on the environment.

“Crude oil theft affects every Nigerian; it affects us in ways that many of us may never know.

“But the truth is that

of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who also spoke at the Ministerial Platform, said that the average number of hours of power availability per day had in-

By

By FOLASHADE OKHAREDIAFOLARIN IHIMEKPEN

Boosting Nigeria’s Gas Reserves, Power Supply As part of efforts to boost power supply, the minister said that the Federal Government was currently constructing new

work in the electricity supply industry to attract investors.

Nebo said that the government had also entered

Diezani Alison-Madueke, Minister for Petroleum Resources

creased from eight hours in 2010 to 16 hours in 2012.

He stressed that the nation’s power supply would further be improved via the adoption of an energy mix, which would entail the use of resources such as coal, wind and solar energy.

“Others include biomass and hydro power potentials, which will be fully utilised.

“Feasibility studies on the development of coalto-power plants are ongoing in five coal blocks in the Enugu axis and three coal blocks in the Benue, Kogi and Gombe axis, he said.

hydro power plants at Zungeru in Niger and Mambilla in Taraba, among others.

Nebo said that the government had initiated transmission grid expansion, framework for alternative funding of transmission projects, electricity market development and effective monitoring and evolution schemes to ensure stable electricity supply in the country.

He also said that the government had concluded all the labour-related issues with PHCN workers, while developing the local content frame-

into partnerships with investors from China, India, South Korea, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while creating an enabling environment to attract private investors and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Besides, the minister said that the ministry had improved the access of rural communities to electricity supply, while divesting from the National Independent Power Projects (NIPPs).

While seeking the continuous support and understanding of stakeholders, Nebo stressed that efforts were

underway to complete key projects.

“The ministry will intensify efforts in the implementation of the power sectorís reform roadmap and it will ensure the completion of key projects and programmes with renewed vigour in 2013 and beyond, he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Power, Hajiya ZainabKuchi, said that the privatisation of the power sector was the only way to ensure sustainable power supply.

“When Nigerians start buying power the way they are buying water, when we actually start paying for what we are consuming, that is when we will be able to sustain power distribution efficiently.

“That is why we are saying that commercialisation of power is the only way and we are working towards that, she said.

Observers note that the two sectors are critical to the country’s development and they, therefore, urge the government to fund them appropriately.

They also urge the ministers to strive to improve their service delivery.

“Government should also endeavour to tackle the menace of vandalism which is affecting the power and petroleum sectors, they add.

“The Federal Government’s gas revolution programme is aimed at galvanising our gas resource to power projects, reducing gas flaring and developing the gas infrastructure as well as gas-based industries across the country.”

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