Nigerian observer 30 08 2013 by Nigerian Observer

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

EDUCATION cmyk

Page 21 Quality Education For National Transformation

A Collective Responsibility

ISSUES Page 25

A Culture Of Low Expectations

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

• Vol . 38 NO.300• FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2 013 • N100.00

Ugolor gives IGP 14-day ultimatum over unreturned property

BENIN CITYExecutive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, Reverend David Ugolor

who was arrested and detained following the killing of the principal private secretary to the Edo State Governor,

Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar over his

unreturned property which were removed from him inspite of having been discharged Continues on page 2

Taraba Crisis

Acting Gov Umar still in charge JALINGO-The Taraba State House of Assembly yesterday reaffirmed Alhaji Garba Umar as the Acting Governor of the state. efforts to see the The assembly also governor since his advised ailing Governor arrival, but till Danbaba Suntai to Wednesday they were proceed for further not allowed access to treatment. him. In a statement signed “The ailing governor by 16 out of the 24 spoke in a manner that members of the House brought more doubt to of Assembly, the his letter purportedly legislators said the transmitted to the decision was taken in speaker. the interest of the state. “In view of the above, “The leadership of the we, the undersigned assembly made several

- House of Assembly

members of the state assembly unanimously resolved at our meeting

that the Deputy Governor, upon whom power was earlier

transmitted to by the state Assembly, still remain the acting

Governor of Taraba. “He will continue to act in that regards until such a time the governor is capable of administering the affairs of the state,” the statement said. The lawmakers, who signed the statement include the Speaker, Haruna Tsokwa, Deputy Speaker, Tanko Maikarfi, Continues on page 2

Oshiomhole ASUU insists on inaugurates implementation NSCDC Areaof Command Office agreement By THOMPSON EREHOMONSELE BENIN CITY- Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday in Benin City, officially inaugurated the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and praised their effort at combating crime and criminals inspite of obvious challenges. While noting that the effort has earned the NSCDC a place in the task of security and protection, he assured the Corps of government support. In a goodwill message, Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP), recalled how he and members of the NSCDC

intercepted oil thieves and got their trucks burnt pointing out that the officers and men were really diligent. Besides emphasizing inter-security agency collaboration, the Commissioner also disclosed that NSCDC and Edo State Ministry of Special Duties, Oil and Gas, were already in a working relationship saying it would lead to the reduction of Oil thieves and theft. The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Moris Yusuf, who represented Edo State Police Commissioner and Ajayi Suru, representative of the Zonal Commander of NSCDC, Pharmacist Chike Alfa Ikpemoue, thanked the state government for its support to the corps and appealed for perimeter

fencing of the NSCDC Area Command Office. The Edo South Area Commander, NSCDC Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC), Esokwu Charity Oluchi, expressed gratitude to all those who facilitated the actualisation of the Area Command’s Office Continues on page 2

VISIT: L-R: Leader of the Patriots Group, Prof. Ben Nwabueze; Vice President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan and former Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Interim National Government, Mrs. Bola Kuforiji-Olubi during the visit of the Patriots Group to the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday.

Stowaway: FAAN tightens security at Airports IKEJA – Mr. Yakubu Dati, General Manager, C o r p o r a t e Communications, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria

(FAAN), said that additional security measures would be put in place to prevent a reoccurrence of a stowaway from the

runways of the nation’s airports. Dati said this yesterday while

e x p r e s s e d dissatisfaction with Dr Mimiko’s election arguing that INEC

Ikeja. He stressed that the additional security measures would specifically be placed on airports without perimeter fencing. He said that the decision was inline with the recent stowaway incident which occurred at the Benin Airport on Aug. 24.

Continues on page 2

addressing aviation correspondents at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport,

Supreme Court upholds Mimiko’s election

ABUJA -The supreme court of Nigeria has upheld the election of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state dismissing the appeal

filed by the candidates of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (A C N) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu of A C N now APC and Olusola Oke of the PDP

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

News

PHCN targets local firms to supply pre-paid meters

LAGOS - The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company says it will soon call for open bidding from local pre-paid meter

APC pledges to accelerate national economy ABUJA -The Interim National Women Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, has pledged the party’s readiness to accelerate national economic growth, if voted in 2015. Ikeazor told journalists in Abuja that the party had planned to ensure integrated transport network as well as accelerate power supply to boost rural and urban products toward national development. She said the party would provide affordable health care and free education to Nigerians. The women leader added that APC would also combat corruption and food insecurity. Ikeazor noted that the country needed to educate citizens to enable them translate resources for the benefit of the electorate. She advised members of the party to promote national unity and justice to take the country to greater heights. Ikeazor said that unity was imperative for the party’s success at all levels, adding that the party could not afford to disappoint Nigerians. The women leader further urged APC members to work hard to realise the party’s agenda.

Oshiomhole

Continued from page 1 and requested for improved working environment and tools for a more secured and prosperous Edo State

manufacturing firms for the supply of pre-paid meters. Mr Abiodun Ajifowobaje, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, made this known to newsmen in Lagos.

FAAN tightens security at Airports Continued from page 1 “First, at every airport without fully functional perimeter fence, a FAAN security vehicle will be deployed to a point within full view of the aircraft as it taxies out to take off. “And the FAAN security will maintain visual scrutiny and, if necessary, respond to any situation, until every departing aircraft is safely airborne. “Secondly, bushes at all airports are to be cleared to ensure full view of the perimeter, the control tower, FAAN Fire and Rescue observation posts. “And also to allow aviation security patrol teams have a sweeping view of the entire perimeter of an airport from their duty posts, `` he said. According to him, static observation posts would be erected at strategic locations within the perimeter fence of all airports to forestall premeditated and

Chief Whip, Mohammed Gwampo and Deputy Majority Leader, Josiah Kente. Others are Deputy Chief Whip, Mohammed Umar, the Minority Leader, Ibrahim Imam and the Minority Whip, Yahya AbdulRahman. Also in the list are Mr Iratsi Daki, Rashida Abdullahi, Aminu Umar, Emmanuel Dame, John Bonzena, Dr Abubakar Jugulde, Hamman Adamu Abdullahi, Abdulkarim Mohammed and Edward Baraya. It will be recalled that Suntai was flown out of the country for urgent medical treatment following injuries sustained in a plane crash in October 2012. Suntai, who returned to Jalingo on August 24, wrote to the House of Assembly

inadvertent unauthorised access to the airside. He said that the measure would be complemented by motorised and foot patrols. Dati noted that the absence of perimeter fences at most of the airports had always posed a challenge to FAAN because of the huge capital outlay required in constructing the fences. He said that some of the fences were as long as 40 kilometres, across the 22 network of airports in the country. “Most of these projects are expected to commence in 2014, while the remaining ones will be executed in 2015, in line with the Transformation Agenda in the aviation industry,” he said. He said that FAAN has taken the issue of security at the country’s airports more seriously in recent times, as shown in the dismantling and removal of abandoned aircraft.

Ugolor gives IGP 14-day ultimatum Continued from page 1 and acquitted by a Benin Magistrates Court. Ugolor in a petition signed by his lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi, addressed to the Inspector General of Police and made available to newsmen in Benin City yesterday said the items comprising one Blackberry cell phone, one Samsung cell phone, two Nokia cell phone,

Acting Gov Umar

Continued from page 1

Ajifowobaje was reacting to an appeal by pre-paid meter manufacturing companies for patronage by PHCN. He said that PHCN was willing to partner with any company that met its

informing the lawmakers of his return and readiness to resume office. The assembly, however, asked Suntai to appear before it to enable it decide on his request. Instead of accepting the invitation, Suntai dissolved the state executive council, and appointed a new Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and new Chief of Staff, Government House. Mr Silvanus Giwa, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, announced the dissolution at a news conference on Wednesday. Giwa, who claimed he spoke on the orders of Suntai, named the outgoing Commissioner for Justice, Mr Timothy Kataps, as the new SSG and Alhaji Aminu Jika as Chief of Staff.

one Ipad, UBA cheque book number 33788914, two Glo sim card packs, two MTN welcome sim packs, four sim lines, one Airtel sim card were collected from him during interrogation when he was unlawfully arrested and detained by the police for forty one days. “We quite believe that the Inspector General of Police will give the appropriate directive to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (D -Department) in charge of the case for the release of our client’s properties. “Our client has been denied the use of the various property despite the legal advice in respect of the matter which was in his favour”. He said he willingly submitted the property according to him to the police to investigate him if he has any hand in the death of the principal private secretary. Rev’d Ugolor also said he has written several letters to the police authority for the police investigative team who collected the seized items to return them but to no avail, hence the petition became necessary. He, however issued a 14 day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police to return his property else he would be forced to take appropriate legal steps to get them returned to him.

standard. Ajisofobaje said that the company must also meet specifications of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). He said that PHCN would ensure that all meter manufacturing companies in Nigeria were involved in the bidding process. A pre-paid meter manufacturing company, Unistar Hi-Teck System Ltd. in Lagos, told newsmen on Tuesday that lack of patronage by PHCN might force the company to close down. Mr. Oludotun Taiwo, the Project Manager, said that the firm was operating at less than 10 per cent of its installed capacity due to poor patronage. He said that the firm had produced over 150,000 prepaid meters which government nor any firm had applied for. “The company has the capacity to produce more than three million pre-paid meters in a year, but currently under producing due to low patronage. “We had staff strength of 100 workers apart from expatriates when we started in 2004, but most of the Chinese hands have left due to low patronage. “We have been forced to reduce our staff strength to 40 and our product is of high standard when compared to the imported ones,” he said.

Supreme Court Continued from page 1 colluded with the governor to rig him back into office. In their separate petition, Mr. Akeredolu wanted an outright cancellation of the election while PDP candidate, who came second in the election asked the Supreme Court to declare him the winner of the election. However, Justice Walter Ononghen who led other six Justices held that the appellants fail to prove beyond doubts that the hitches claimed in their petitions substantially affected the conduct of the Ondo state governorship election.

Muslims urged to support Edo beautification efforts By FUMILAYO BABATOPE

BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida, has enjoined the Benin Muslim Congress to support the developmental strides and beautification programme of the state government. Mrs. Maigida who gave the advise yesterday in Benin City, while playing host to Benin Muslim Congress urged the congress to assist in this direction by checkmating the unpleasant activities to beggars and lunatics who roam the streets, especially around the Oba Ovoranmwen Square, Benin City. The congress was led by the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Enabulele. The commissioner noted, that the advise became imperative in view of the fact that beggars and destitute are seen around the mosque which is centrally located at the Oba Ovoranmwen Square thereby defacing the city centre. She also told the congress that, the beggars are brought from other states to Edo State to Constitute nuisance in Edo State. On the increasing incidence of lunatics and destitutes roaming the street in Benin City, Mrs. Maigida disclosed that, her ministry normally embark on routine

raid of lunatics on the streets, after which they are taken to government approved traditional Lunatic Healing Home where they are treated and cured from their ailments. Expressing displeasure over their menace, she said it is not in tune with the beautification and urban removal agenda of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s led administration in the state. Hon. Maigida thanked them for appreciating the state government equitable distribution of beverages to Muslim faithful across the three senatorial districts of the state during the just concluded Ramadam fast. She promised to extend similar gesture of government to them in the forth-coming El-del Kabir celebration. She sued for their support to the Oshiomhole’s led administration with prayers to enable the people enjoy the dividends of good governance. Earlier, on behalf of the Benin Muslim Congress, the Chief Imam of Benin, Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Enabulele congratulated the commissioner on her appointment. He also appreciated the state government kind gesture to Muslim faithful across the three senatorial districts of the state during the Ramadam fast.

Edo to launch open Data Portal Sept 12

BENIN CITY - As part of events to mark the 2013 Edo Technology Day, the State will officially launch its Open Data Portal on the 12th of September, 2013 The day would also enable major global and local technology venders and solution providers exhibit their products and services. Tagged “Fostering Governance with Technology” the annual event which began in 2010 in the State promises to be uniquely different from previous years as galaxy of IT consultants, vendors and solution experts would be in attendance from international communities. This would enable them analyze, diagnose and

proffer solutions to IT challenges with particular attention being paid to Broadband Delivery and Management in Nigeria. Other areas of focus would include education at the Brink of Digital Revolution as well as security implications of Big Data and Actualizing a Workable National IT policy. The 2013 Edo Technology Day which would parade notable speakers including Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Honourable Minister of Communication Technology and no Hakeem BelloOsagie, Chairman, Etisalat and several stake holders who have accepted to be discussants at the event.

NUJ arrests fake CNN correspondent

YENAGOA - The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State chapter, has apprehended a suspected impostor who was parading himself as a correspondent of the Cable News Network (CNN). The 36-year old suspect identified as Paul Yempe was immediately handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution. The suspect who was alleged to have hoodwinked unsuspecting government officials with his pretence was

unmasked by the state Chairman of NUJ, Mr. Tare Akono who immediately reported the matter to the police. After claiming that he was working for CNN, the suspect could neither produce an identity card nor any document linking him to the broadcast company. He was said to have defrauded a few commissioners. He was said to have been found with an identification card of the Rivers State

Broadcasting Corporation popularly known as Radio Rivers and a fake Identification card of the CNN. The NUJ chairman was said to have unmasked the true identity of the alleged impostor in the office of the state’s Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Akio Francis. He went to the office under the pretence that he wanted to conduct an interview with the commissioner for a purported CNN documentary.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Inside Edo Owan East Chairperson Advises Mothers On Exclusive Breast Feeding AFUZE – The Chairperson of Owan East Women Development Programme, Mrs. Florence Omolegho Ijegbai has said that the Annual World Breastfeeding Week Celebration is designed by the Federal Government to keep mothers abreast of the importance breast milk to babies, especially during the first six months of life. Mrs. Ijegbai made this known during the Flag-off of the Annual World Breastfeeding Week at the Model Primary Healthcare Centre, Emabu, Ihievbe, Owa East Local Government Area.

Agbontaen Family Remembers Late Eson BENIN CITY- The family of late Chief Palmer Iyi Ewuare Agbontaen, the Eson of Benin Kingdom at the weekend held a two year memorial gathering in honour of the late Eson who died in 2011. The event which held at his residence, No 31 Edebiri Street, Ekenwan Road, Benin City featured special prayer session at the grave side by religious faithful from the Holy Aruosa Cathedral, led by Ohen-Osa Harrison Okao. Speaking at the occasion, eldest daughter of the late Eson, Miss Joyce Eki Agbontaen described her late father as a man of immense capacity and benevolent spirit. She said the children and all persons who know him would continue to cherish his tender love, compassion and unwavering support. She therefore prayed God and the ancestors to grant the soul of their father eternal rest. In attendance were the Enogie of Odighi, Prince Osaretin Akenzua and Princess Theresa Erediauwa, the Edo State Executive Director/ Focal person of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). The late Chief Agbontaen died at the age of 80 years. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Dora Usi Eresoyen and children.

Late Chief Palmer Iyi Ewuare Agbontaen

She noted that exclusive breastfeeding should commence within 30 minutes of birth and continue till two years old. She advised husbands to assist their wives morally, emotionally and financially in order to make exclusive breastfeeding a success in the locality. In his remark, the coordinator of the Primary Healthcare Centre, Dr. Iraoya who spoke through Dr. James of the Referral Medical Centre, Afuze, stated that breastfeeding is economical,

healthy and suitable for all babies. He noted that the fist breast milk moment after birth is the first immunization to babies and therefore discouraged the use of cow milk. Also, speaking, the Ukor of Ihievbe HRH, Alhaji Jimah Awudu said that exclusive breastfeeding, aside been a healthy practice also create a strong and lasting bond between mother and child. He appealed to mothers to adhere strictly to exclusive breastfeeding in order to promote a healthy nation.

Alhaji Latif Jakande, first Executive Governor of Lagos State (right), congratulating the Permanent Secretary, Office of Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Festus Okunrobo over an award as Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Management at a ceremony in Lagos.

Development: HOS Urges Trade Unions

BENIN CITY - Trade Unions in Edo State have been called upon to extend their hands of friendship to the Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s led administration in the determined efforts to create the needed environment for the Trade Unions to thrive in the state. The Head of Service, Process (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh made the call when she received members of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Edo State Chapter who paid her a courtesy call. Princess Inneh posited that the

To Complement Govt

State Governor has done creditably well in meeting the needs and expectations of the workforce considering the lean resources at the disposal of the state. The Head of Service urged the Union Leaders to demonstrate understanding by cooperating with the government in its avowed determination to sanitize the education sector. She pointed out that events in the recent past is an indication

that all is not well with the sector, appealing to the Union Leaders to educate their followers. The Head of Service stated that non payment of gratuity was not peculiar to the teachers saying that the state government is concerned and was already looking into ways to clear the backlog. Princess Inneh assured that the government will look into

Managing Director, Real Estates Nigeria Limited (2nd right), cutting the tape to formally inaugurate the Iguobazuwa Town Hall which was donated to the community by the company. With him is the Odionwere of the community, Pa Williams Omorogbe (middle) and members of the community.

Orhionmwon LG Boss Expresses Commitment To Open Door Policy ABUDU - The Chairman, Orhionmon Local Government Council, Chief Roland Ibierutomwen has reiterated his administrations commitment to operate an open door policy. Disclosing this in Abudu, the headquarters of the council when the executive members of Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) visited him, the council boss said his government accommodates all shades of opinion that would enhance the wellbeing of people in the locality. He said his desire to vie for the council chairmanship position is predicted on the need to bring positive changes to the local government. The NLC Chairman in the

state, Comrade Emma Ademokun said their visit was to formally introduce the newly constituted executive of the local government chapter of NLC.

Congratulating the council chairman over his victory at the April 20, 2013 local government poll, the Comrade Ademokun urged the council boss to be committed to the people’s welfare.

Owan West LG Boss Offsets Medical Bill Of Teenage Patient SABOGGIDA ORA - The Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Barr Godwin Aigbodion has called on the federal government to put in place health policies that would be beneficial to all members of the society. Hon. Aigbodion made the call when he visited a 15 years old girl, Jenefe Osedei, a Senior Secondary I student of Holy Trinity Grammar School, Uhunmora at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua. She was knocked down by a hit and run driver on her way from the farm in April 2013 and had her left leg amputated in the process. The council boss who offset her N150,000 hospital bill however frowned at the attitude of the institution to the plight of the citizen. The teenage girl was detained because her parents could not pay the medical bills incurred during her stay in the hospital even after being certified fit by

the doctors. He said it was unfortunate that people are made to pay for health facilities when everyone ought to get the benefit of free health care. The chairman expressed shock that health workers whom he said are supposed to provide essential services to the people could go on strike without consideration for the lives of the people saying it is not encouraging and therefore urged the federal government to wake up to its responsibilities. While encouraging the young girl not to see her present predicament as the end of the road, Hon. Aigbodion added that the welfare of the citizen of Owan West Local Government Area is paramount to his administration. He therefore, ordered the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Hon. Enahoro Aikpokpo to see to the needs of Miss Jenefer Osedei and reintegrate her back to the society.

CSR: RENL Donates Town Hall To Host Community By OSAZUWA AKONEDO

Chief Roland Ibierutomwen

the inclusion of technical school instructors in the payment of the just approved 10.5 percent Teachers Salary Allowance. President of ASUSS, Comrade Charles Faluyi had observed that teachers in technical schools in Edo State were not included in the teacher’s allowance recently approved by the state

government and therefore called on the state government to urgently include them in order not to dampen their morale. Comrade Faluyi called on the state government to release the promotion of its members who have already been screened and asked the Post Primary Education Board to jettisoned the plan promotioned examination as the idea would cause further delay of the promotion which is already over due.

IGUOBAUWA-The Real Estates Nigeria Limited RENL has donated a modern Town Hall to its host community Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo state. Speaking during the commissioning and final hand over ceremony of the Town Hall to the community. Managing Director of RENL, Mr. Eric Hocepiede said the town hall is

part of RENL measures to encourage members of the community to come together and chart a way forward for the community. Odionwere of the community, Pa Williams Omoregbe thanked the company for the donation saying it would be of immense value to the community. On his part, Chairman, Nigerian labour Congress (NLC), Ovia South West Local Government Area, Comrade Felix Osawe said the

community had yearn for the project for some time now. “The people were seeing it as a thing that is impossible but today, RENL has made it possible. The building is well designed, well structured. It is a good accommodating environment”, he said. The community Youth Chairman, Mr. Osarenren Ojo and a former women leader in Iguobazuwa, Mrs. Bose Ojo said RENL has addressed a big challenge facing the community.

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Lagos Lagos Assembly Approves 2013 Supplementary Budget

FG To Implement National Council On Health’s Resolutions LAGOS- Alhaji Sani Bala, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, said Federal Government would implement all resolutions reached at the 56th National Council on Health meeting. He said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on the sideline of the 56th National Council on Health meeting tagged: “Health Sector Now and Beyond 2015“ . Bala said that policies articulated, debated and formulated during the meeting would be effectively implemented. “The National Council on Health meeting is an annual event that the Minister of Health meets with all the commissioners for health, their officials and delegates and other development partners in the health sector, the UNICEF, WHO, and so many other NGOs. “During which policies on health are articulated, debated and formulated. “Some of them implemented immediately after being sanctioned and approved by the council. “Some of them require the endorsement of the Federal Executive Council. “So, this is the highest policy making body as far as the health sector is concerned in Nigeria. “By the time the policies cut across so many issues, almost all the health sector related issues are going to be debated during this meeting and there are lots of memos. “We have over 100 memos from the Minister of Health, commissioners from the states and other agencies like the NHIS, NAFDAC and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and all these affect the healthcare delivery in Nigeria. “And we are going to faithfully and effectively implement all the policies that will be adopted at meeting.’’

L-R: Ag. Registrar, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON), Mrs. Onwochei and representative of Lagos Commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Iyabo Phillips at the 5th Annual Mandatory Training Workshop of ICCON in Lagos on Wednesday.

LAGOS- The Lagos state House of Assembly has approved a request by the executive to acquire the existing concession rights and toll revenue benefits held by the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the concessionaire for the Eti-OsaLekki -Epe expressway. The House gave its approval for the buy-over of the LCC at an emergency plenary session when it approved Gov. Babatunde Fashola’s request for a supplementary budget for 2013. The supplementary budget proposal to the House, signed by Fashola and dated Aug. 19,

Child Rights Act: Psychologist

Tasks FG On Enforcement

LAGOS- A psychologist, Dr Peter Ogunnubi, has called on the Federal Government to compel the state governments to enforce the Child Rights Act to mitigate child labour. Ogunnubi, a senior resident doctor at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), IdiAraba, Lagos, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. “Child labour is the enforcement of a child that is below a particular age to work for a living when that child should actually be dependent on the parents or caregiver. “You notice now it is reemerging child labour, does no child any good and that is why some states have actually adopted the child rights acts, unfortunately it’s just in paper”. “It has not been enforced, first of all Nigerian government should be serious about Child Rights Act”. “It shouldn’t be something that will be adopted from state to state, it should be a national thing and the states should be made under compulsion the same way universal basic education was made compulsory for all the states. “Then, each state should be given adequate power to back it up. “Statistics indicate that this country has the largest percentage of children that are out of school under no condition should parents send their children to the streets. “They brought them to this world and so they have to cater for them. ” According to Ogunnubi, child labour interrupts a child’s education, adding “not only that there are many physical dangers related to child labour, the psychological effects are even bigger. ” He said that child labour could affect the overall social

development of the child. Ogunnubi said that children, who worked were exposed to dangerous working conditions and took on physical tasks that were too advanced for them. “The problem is that there is poverty in the land, unemployment on part of the parents, so the children have to go and make money to make ends meet. “They learn hard communication, evil languages, evil deeds from the supposedly elderly ones who are also miscreants and so in their tiny age they grew up to become hardened and they have all these

anti-social behaviours. “From there, they may learn to smoke, they learn to drink substance abuse and from there they play pranks. “Some can even go into robbery; they may join gangs. “All these begin to take toll on their psychological wellbeing, some of them will have mental illness at a very early stage, while some will have mental illness in their later life, their IQ is depressed because there is no school to sharpen and broaden their horizon.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia says, “Child labour refers to the employment

of children in any work that deprives children of their childhood. “Interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful. “This practice is considered exploitative by many international organisations. Legislation across the world prohibit child labour. “These laws do not consider all work by children as child labour; exceptions include work by child artists, supervised training, certain categories of work such as those by Amish children, and others.

was read on the floor by the Clerk of the House, Mr Ganiyu Abiru. The reports state that the Commissioners for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Ben Akabueze; Finance, Mr Ayo Gbeleyi; and Works and Infrastructure,Mr Obafemi Hamzat, came to defend the proposal. After a question and answer session with them, the House approved the amendment of the budget and re-ordered the existing revenue heads. The reports say that with the latest amendment, the revised budget increased from N499.6billion to N507.1billion. The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was reduced by N22.5billion and external loans by N30 billion, and both were added to bond issue requirement totaling N87.5billion. The house also approved N7.5billion to the existing internal loans of N44.5 billion— making it N51.9billion— and also reduced the recurrent expenditure from N229.7billion to N214.7billion. The Capital Expenditure was supplemented from N269.8billion to N292.3billion. The governor’s letter stated that the amendment would effectively accelerate the transfer of ownership of the Lekki-Epe expressway to the state.

Stock Exchange: Association Wants Telecomm

LAGOS- The President, National Association of Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, has canvassed for the listing of telecommunication companies on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), to improve telephone service. Ogunbanjo told newsmen in Lagos that quoting the

Companies Listed

companies on the stock exchange would broaden investment in the sector. The reports state that the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, said that efforts were on to persuade telecommunication companies to support the move.

The NATCOMS official said that operators would have access to public shares through the stock market, to expand the scope of their operations, hence service delivery would be improved. According to him, the move is in the interest of the country, and it will also aid some ailing

Laboratory Scientists working at the Lagos State University Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos following the resumption of Health workers on Wednesday

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators, to deepen investments for the industry’s growth. “Telecoms firms would have access to public funds that can be used in expanding and some ailing networks efficiently and consequently bring an end to the lingering poor service,” he said. Ogunbanjo also urged government to desist from using any legislative enforcement; rather, they should be encouraged, since the market was a free entry and exit. “Government should not force them to get listed through any legislative means but the Ministry of Communications Technology should make them see reasons why Nigerians want them on the exchange. “Sincerely, we are in support of the ministry to get telecoms firms listed on the stock market, but the government, through the capital market regulator, should encourage them.

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Across The Nation Nasarawa Assembly Bans State-Owned Media From Covering Activities

Wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Margaret Obi (2nd right), pre-

LAFIA - The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has banned the state owned media outfits from covering its activities. The assembly took the decision because the media organisations demanded payment from the assembly for live coverage of events at the assembly. The assembly took the decision after deliberating on a letter from the Nasarawa State Broadcasting Service (NBS), demanding N10 million monthly as against N500,000 for live coverage of the assembly’s sitting. Mr. Godiya Akwashiki (PDPNasarawa Eggon West) raised the issue at a plenary session while discussing the letter sent

senting cash for empowerment to orphans and vulnerable children during the annual sensitisation of women for Economic empowerment and change at Ogidi, Idemili North LGA of the State recently

Man, 32, Docked For Rape ENUGU - The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned one Kelechi Meje, 32, of AlorUno in Nsukka, Enugu State before an Enugu North Magistrates’ Court for alleged rape. The Police Prosecutor, ASP. Peter Eze, told the court that the matter was reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department on May 24. He said the accused was arrested and arraigned for allegedly raping a 32-year-old lady. Eze said the complainant was absent in court because she was hospitalised, following the injury sustained from the rape. Counsel to the accused Mr. Joshua Orji pleaded with the court to grant the accused bail. He said that the allegation was made against his client because of a land dispute. The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. Emmanuel Nwaru, refused to grant the accused bail. Nwaru ordered that the accused should be remanded in prison, pending an advice from the office of the director of public prosecutions. He adjourned the case indefinitely.

Wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Margaret Obi (right), greeting the traditional ruler of Umuoji community, Igwe Cyril Enweze during her annual sensitisation of women for Economic empowerment and change at Ogidi, Idemili North LGA of the State recently

A/Ibom To Boost Rice Production UYO - The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, in Akwa Ibom, Mr Godwin Afangideh, has said that government would acquire 10 power tiller machines to boost rice production in the state. Afangideh made the announcement in Uyo at the official presentation of two power tiller machines and

opening of a training on SAWAH Eco-Technology on rice production for rice farmers. SAWAH is a multi-functional wetland and ecology based sustainable farming technology applicable to local and sociocultural systems to increase farming productivity and improve the environment. He said that the machine which had capacity to till one hectare of rice farm in a day

Disengaged Textile Workers Receive N200m headed by Alhaji Aliyu Dantata KADUNA - Finetex Nigeria Pay Off

Limited, a textile company closed down in 2003 in Kaduna, has commenced the payment of over N200 million benefits to its disengaged workers. The General Manager of the company, Alhaji MT Usman said in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna that, more than 2, 200 workers would be paid off. According to him, the money is the final agreed benefit to be paid the affected workers through their various banks. “The payment of the benefits is the first step to eventual return

of the company’’, he said, adding that the exercise had since commenced. Usman said the company was forced to shut down due to uncontrolled inflow of cheap textile materials from China, a situation, which he noted, had also affected most textile industries in the country. The general manager disclosed that the management of the textile firm was working hard to resuscitate it to full production. “The Board of Trustees

would soon meet to decide on when to reopen the firm”, he stated. He assured that some of the disengaged workers who meet the new criteria for reengagement would be employed. One of the disengaged staff, Mr. Abel Abraham, confirmed that some of the workers had started receiving their benefits, while the bank account numbers of others had been collected by the company.

would spur all inactive stakeholders to embrace the production of rice. “As a boost to the acceleration of rice production in the state, the ministry of agriculture and natural resources will place order for 10 power tiller machines through the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM). “Sawah Eco-Technology training for rice farming will not only further sensitise our people on rice production, it will also spur all inactive stakeholders such as youths and women to action.” He asserted that since the major problem militating against rice production was poor land preparation, a lack of capital and drudgery among others, the machine would reduce labour used by farmers. Afangideh said that since most of the field preparation work would be done by the tiller machine the irrigation and drainage of the field would be properly managed by farmers to

improve yield. He said that under the Rice Value Chain of the Federal Government Agricultural Transformation Agenda, the state had been allocated two modern rice mills. According to Afangideh, the mills are to be operated under public private partnership to address the issue of rice paddy processing.

to the house by the management of the NBS. Akwashiki, who is also the Majority Leader of the house, told his colleagues that the General Manager of NBS, Mr. Yusuf Musa, said that five commissioners and some advisers had directed that the outside broadcast van (OB Van) should not be brought to the house for live coverage during proceedings. “It is uncalled for and unfortunate for the general manager to take that decision to deny the people of the state the live proceedings of the activities of the house,” he said. Mr. Peter Mbucho (PDPAkwanga North) also urged his colleagues to ban the state media outfits from covering the activities of the house.

Hostilities In Benue Communities

MAKURDI - The Benue State Police Command has confirmed an outbreak of hostilities in some villages in Ukum and Katsina Ala Local Government Areas of Benue. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Adams Audu, confirmed the development in Makurdi at a news conference. He said that the police were still investing the cause of the hostilities, assuring that the investigations would be made public. He said that the chairmen of the two councils and the police were holding consultations on how to resolve the recurring crises in the affected Local Government Areas. An witness, Mr. Terhemen Chior, a resident of Dyom in Ukum Local Government Area, said that about seven people were killed in Agena while four others were killed at Agbaaye, a village on the Benue/Taraba boarder. Other unconfirmed accounts claimed that more than 18 people had been killed in the crises which they attributed to armed robbery.

Ebonyi To Inaugurate Pipe Production Factory ABAKALIKI - The Ebonyi Government is to inaugurate a pipe production factory, built at a cost of over N200 million to produce pipes for reticulation from the two mega water schemes in the state. The two water schemes are located at Ukawu in Onicha Local Government Area and Oferekpe in the Ikwo Local Government Area. The state’s Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr. Chike Onwe, made the disclosure in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State’s Executive

Council meeting. Onwe said that inaugurating the factory would reduce the cost incurred by the government to import pipes for the reticulation of the water schemes. “The cost of reticulation from the 52 Kilometre distance from Oferekpe to Abakaliki costs N9.3 billion, one would now imagine the cost of reticulating the whole state of about 590 Kilometres. “Inaugurating the factory would help us reduce costs by 60 per cent, as less cost would now be expended on the reticulation itself.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Abuja Man Arraigned For Possession Of Stolen Property ABUJA - The police have arraigned 21-year-old Ezekiel Onyekani in an Abuja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly being in possession of property suspected to have been stolen. The property included one mini laptop computer, one I-pad computer, 16 sets of wrist watches, four cell-phones of various make, and some pieces of jewellery. The police prosecutor, Sgt. Salihu Mohammed, said that on August 4, a police patrol team, led by Police Superintendent, John Nanzing, arrested the accused with the said items. Mohammed said the accused was brought to the Gwarimpa Police Station, Abuja with the suspected stolen items on the same day. The prosecutor said upon interrogation, the accused could not give a satisfactory account of how he came about the property. When the magistrate, Abdullahi Illela, asked the accused to respond to the allegations brought against him, he answered, ‘It is not true, My Lord, all the items belong to my sister who owns a supermarket. “She gave them to me to sell.’’ Following the not guilty plea by the accused, his counsel, Stephen Oluebube, asked the court to grant his client bail and go into full trial. Illela granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two reliable sureties each in like sum. The magistrate said the sureties must have a definite address and live within the court’s jurisdiction. He adjourned the case to Aug. 28 for trial.

FCT Hospitals Treat Over A Million Patients

L-R: Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Oluyole Local Government Area, Mr. Ayodeji Abas-Aleshiloye; Chairman, Chairmen Local Government Caretaker Committee in Oyo State, Mr. Yekini Popoola; Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence at the inauguration of waste bin donated by the Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSWA) recently.

Anioma Endorses Jonathan For 2015 Presidency

ABUJA - Leaders of Anioma in Delta said that their people would support President Goodluck Jonathan, if he seek for a second term in office in 2015. The leaders under the aegis of Anioma People’s Congress said this in an interview with State House correspondents after a meeting with Jonathan at the

Presidential villa, Abuja. Chief Benjamin Elue, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said that considering the antecedents of Jonathan, “he is eligible to rule the country again’’. ‘We are here to pledge our support for Mr. President and his government, and to highlight some of the key needs of the area

in terms of development and politics and governance. ‘We are looking at his antecedents and pedigree since 1999 till today that he is the president. “We are thinking that as we approach 2015, the area of Anioma, and indeed, all Deltans are behind him to run for a second term because he merits

trade in Nigeria. “Anything you need we will give you, we will brief you about the FCT to know areas you will be interested to trade,” he said. Earlier, the Nigerian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Amb. Dauda Danladi, said that Nigeria

established relations with Pakistan about 40 years ago and that the two nations’ trade potential had not been exploited well. Also speaking, the Pakistani High Commissioner to Nigeria, retired Lt.-Gen. Mohammed

Salim, said that Nigeria and Pakistan had a long time relationship. He assured that Pakistani investors and industrialists would launch their presence in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja by establishing educational and health institutions in the FCT.

FCTA To Strengthen Nigeria, Pakistan Relations ABUJA- The Minister of the FCT, Mr. Bala Mohammed, said that the FCT Administration would strive to boost trade relations between Nigeria and Pakistan. Mohammed who made the statement in Abuja when a Pakistani Trade Delegation to Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit, said that this would help to strengthen the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Pakistan. “The area of trade is the area we are looking forward to seeing partnership between Nigeria and Pakistan. “We will give you (Pakistan) enabling environment in the FCT, we have established a one-stop shop for you to come and do business with us.” Mohammed stressed that Nigeria and Pakistan had a lot of similarities, especially in culture and beliefs, which he said, were supposed to be exploited for greater advantage of the two nations. He said the administration would provide the necessary platform needed by Pakistan to

L-R: Chairman, Health And Management Care Agency, Dr. Kolawole Owoka; Board Chairman, Wetlands Health Services Limited, Dr. Tari Sekibo and Executive Director, Wetlands, Prof. Charles Amanze, at the Health And Management Care Agency Nigeria, South-South Providers Forum, in Port Harcourt recently.

it and that is what we are asking for. ‘That is why we are here apart from other requests that are key and germane to our lives. “We want to give him our unflinching support for 2015, and we are there as always, for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).’’ he said. On the 2015 governorship elections in the state, Elue said: “it is now the turn of Anioma people of Delta North to produce the next governor of the state since the people of Delta North and South had already produced governors for the state’’. ‘Now it is the turn of Delta North, which is Anioma and we are thinking that when we present a suitable candidate for the governorship of Delta, if states are not created before that time, then it will be our slot to present the governor. “We will present a credible and acceptable candidate for Delta. “This is in line with the rules of equity, justice and fair play, and the principle of rotation,’’ he said. A women leader, Dr Ngozi Olejeme, said Anioma people would ensure that it produced a credible and acceptable governorship candidate for the benefit of the state. Reports say that the delegation was led by the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien. The others are: Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Ndudi Elumelu, Victor Nwokolo, Mercy Almona-Isei, Chief Sonny Odogwu, Chief Ben Elue, Chief Peter Okocha, and traditional rulers from the Delta North Senatorial District.

ABUJA - Secondary health institutions in the FCT attended to and treated 1,051,313 patients across the territory from July 17 to Aug. 13, FCT minister Bala Mohammed said. A statement issued by Muhammad Sule, the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, said Mohammed disclosed this at the ministry’s bi-monthly FCT operations briefing. The minister said the institutions included the district and general hospitals owned and managed by the FCT Administration. He said of the more than one million patients, 689,581 patients were General OutPatient, while 206,406 were for specialist clinics, comprising gynecology, surgical, medical, paediatrics, dental, ophthalmology and HIV/AIDS. Mohammed said that during the period under review, the FCT “Free Antenatal Programme’’ attended to155,326 pregnant women, including 116,515 and 38,811 for old and new pregnant women, respectively. According to him, the administration has procured assorted medical equipment, comprising Patients Monitors, Electrocardiography (ECG) machines, Defibrillators, Fetomaternal Monitors, Oxygen Concentrators and Binocular Microscopes. He said the equipment had been distributed to the 12 FCTA hospitals to enhance the quality of clinical services and improve access to a minimum standard of health care delivery. According to him, a new Mammography machine for breast cancer screening has been purchased and installed at the Asokoro District Hospital, bringing the number of mammography machines in the FCT hospitals to two. The minister said the machines would be test run and inaugurated soon. He said the five-bed VIP ward in Asokoro District Hospital had been upgraded to a High Dependency Unit to complement the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Mohammed added that the ward had been fully equipped with multi-parameter patient monitors, all linked to a central monitor. He said two new Medical Imaging Units equipped with Static X-Ray, Mobile X-Ray, Automatic Film processors and ultrasound scanners were recently inaugurated at Gwarinpa and Kubwa General Hospitals. Three new ultrasound machines, including a top-ofthe-range Mindray DC-8 with capacity for Echocardiography has been procured for Asokoro and Wuse district hospitals and Kubwa General Hospital . Minister said the Health and Human Services Secretariat had been directed to designate award in one of the FCT hospitals for admission of lunatics and psychiatric patients.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Business + Economy SON Destroys Fake Products Worth N3bn

ABUJA - The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) destroyed sub-standard products worth N3 billion from January to date, the Director General of the organisation, Mr. Joseph Odumodu, has said. Odumodu stated this while

speaking with newsmen at the national sensitisation workshop on zero tolerance for substandard products, organised for the National Association of Nigeria Traders, Abuja chapter. “Today, sub-standard goods in the markets have dropped and it

is around 50 per cent; we are committed to reducing it to 30 per cent by the end of the year,’’ he added. He said the agency would continue its zero-tolerance campaign against sub-standards products, adding that a new

legislation is currently being worked on to penalise marketers of fake products. “A lot of products are not registered, we gave a deadline and the deadline expired in June but people who have registered are less than five per cent of the

products. “Why are they avoiding registration?; it is because they know they are not selling the right products and they don’t want us to subject them to any evaluation and that is why we are doing this sensitisation. “After this exercise, from September, we will carry out inspections in the market to remove products that are unregistered.’’ Odumodu said there were seized fake products worth billions of naira in its warehouse that had yet to be destroyed. He said the huge amount being lost as a result of destruction of substandard products would have been used for genuine businesses. According to him, anytime products are destroyed, Nigeria’s wealth is being destroyed. Odumodu had earlier called on the traders to support the fight against sub-standards products as the sale of inferior goods was undermining the good name and

reputation of the country. “SON needs your support, stop dealing in fake products. Nigeria will not fail. We have seen the worst; with or without you, we will succeed,’’ he said. The President of NANTS, Mr. Ken Ukaoha, said that some of the traders and importers were ignorant of the fake products they buy and sell. “Many find it difficult to identify these products, but because life is involved and there are rules, importer can no longer be shielded from the blame. “This poor knowledge of identification of fake and substandard products is what the SON has decided to tackle in a more collaborative manner rather than shifting blames,” he said. He said that NANTS would collaborate with SON in the fight against fake products, adding that any trader found with substandard products would be punished.

FG Plans To Establish Silicon Valley Senator Gyang Pwajok (left), presenting gifts to an orphanage, Vision Foundation, in Jos recently on behalf of Cornerstone Foundation.

Northern Govs Want 49 Percent Sold NNDC Equity: KADUNA - The Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF), advised the New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC) to sell 49 per cent of its equity to members of the public. The Chairman of the forum and Niger Governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu made the recommendation on behalf of his colleagues in Kaduna. He spoke at the opening ceremony of a 3-day management retreat for workers of the company. Aliyu explained that the poor performance of the NNDC has necessitated the need for some of its investments, such as the Arewa Hotels, to be sold off to the public. ‘You may therefore find it expedient to work out the investment portfolios of each state and issue certificate appropriately, while at the same time proposing private placement of about 49 per cent for the consideration and approval of the governors.” The chairman noted that the company must evolve ways of refocusing and improving on its performance in order to survive. “ We should be concerned that after 56 years of operations, the NNDC is performing epileptically when similar companies in the other parts of the country have grown into gigantic business conglomerates. “ We must encourage and support the company to make private equity investments in Northern-based enterprises”, Aliyu said. According to him, such a step would attract capable individuals with a view to re-capitalising

same and realising revenue from divestments. He said it would also enable NNDC “take strategic investment positions in public quoted companies whose operations are of economic relevance to the north’’. Aliyu also urged the company to invest in “the untapped potentials inherent in the northern region particularly in agriculture, education, mining and infrastructure”. He charged the company to strengthen its human capital development programmes to enable it compete and negotiate favourably with international businesses and communities. The NSGF chairman called on the participants to use the platform as an avenue to brainstorm and ensure that the company’s 5-year strategic plan bears fruit. Also speaking at the occasion, Gov. Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna state stressed the need for collaboration with the state for economic development and capacity building. Yero was represented by his Deputy, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga. The governor noted the challenges that had bedevilled the company, such as ‘pursuance of non-profitable projects, lack of viable plan to guide activities and other management oriented problems”. Yero was however optimistic that the NNDC’s five-year strategic plan would aid in restructuring and enhancing the economy of the region. The Group Managing Director of NNDC, Dr Ahmed Muhammed said the retreat would enable participants to

assess long term business assumptions and conduct traditional SWOT analysis. He said the participants would also discuss issues on monitoring and evaluation of the plan. Earlier in an address, The Chairman, Board of Directors of the company, Prof. Halidu

Abubakar challenged the northern governors to ensure strict and regular monitoring of the implementation of the proposed strategic plan. Also, Mr Philips Folunsho, Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group stressed the need for the company’s management to imbibe positive attitudinal changes to achieve set goals.

ABUJA - In its bid to catch up with other technologically advanced countries in the world, the Federal Government plans to establish a Silicon Valley at the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO). The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Ewa, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja at a one-day stakeholders meeting on the SHESTCO Silicon Valley. He said that the establishment of the valley would serve as a platform for developing and Chairman, Transition Committee, Malumfashi Local Government Area, Alhaji Mansur Rabi’U-Banki (left), measuring grains sold at half the market price to less priviledged families in the area yesterday. Right is the District Head of Malumfashi and former President, Court of Appeal, Justice Mamman Nasir.

Commisssioner Sues For Peace Among Christians, Muslims IKARE (ONDO STATE)Mr. Jide Adejuyigbe, the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, tasked Christian and Muslim faithful on the need for peaceful coexistence. Adejuyigbe made the appeal at Ikare Akoko in Akoko NorthEast Local Government Area of the state during a peace meeting with the representatives of

Christians and Muslims of Ekan and Oyinmo communities. The meeting was held to address concerns over the planned building of a mosque at Ikare Grammar School. “Christians and Muslims in the state must shun violence and see themselves as members of the same family to avoid religious crises.

“They should continue to cooperate with the government of the state in sustaining the peace being enjoyed,” he said. He advised individuals, groups and organisations planning to erect any structure within the premises of government-owned schools to seek approval from the appropriate authorities.

harnessing the potential of silicon technology, solar technology and integrated circuit technology for job and wealth creation. The establishment of the valley, Ewa noted, would assist Nigeria to develop a knowledgebased economy that would help to drive rapid and sustainable development. He added that valley would also help Nigeria to become the main hub for technological inventions, development and manufacturing, for both the Nigerian and African regional markets. The minister described the project as ‘one aspect’ of Nigeria’s Science and Technology Park and its Science and Technology policy. He listed the focal areas of the valley to include production of solar cell, ICT industry development and applications, biotechnology and agricultural technologies. Ewa said that Poland had given Nigeria seven million dollars worth of waste-to-wealth facilities where all waste materials that evolved from the valley would be turned to wealth. He said that UNESCO/World Technopolis Association would on Aug. 27 commence feasibility studies and the development of business plan for the project. In her remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Rabi Jimeta, expressed optimism that the meeting would promote partnership in science and technology between Nigeria and rest of the world. She said that the meeting would also update Nigerian scientists on breakthroughs to serve as road maps to socioeconomic development.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (29/08/13) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MANSARD

2.28

2.3

0.02

420,319

973,669.50

7UP

15,989

1,069,238.48

MAYBAKER

2.48

150,531

356,927.22

ABCTRANS

0.86

0.79

-0.07

237,573

190,385.67

MOBIL

112

28,708

3,231,079.40

ACADEMY

1.9

3,824,678

6,740,123.45

MRS

36.14

7,796

253,603.88

ACCESS

10.7

189

7,936,179

84,444,937.55

MULTITREX

0.65

0.63

-0.02

100,000

63,000.00

AFRIPRUD

2.01

-0.01

3,590,057

7,153,872.05

NAHCO

6.52

6.2

-0.32

323,756

2,021,259.69

AGLEVENT

1.55

1.7

0.15

525,294

881,384.58

NASCON

11.05

-0.05

569,037

6,256,771.98

AIICO

0.96

0.04

12,282,457

12,125,814.74

162

167.99

5.99

140

1,239,154

203,302,217.82

AIRSERVICE

3.82

38,300

147,995.00

NCR

16.83

183.7

ASHAKACEM

21.6

510,179

10,785,895.87

NEIMETH

1.21

54,017

70,458.75

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

500

250

NEM

0.71

1,811,552

1,276,253.51

BECOPETRO

0.5

100

NESTLE

934.97

137,318

128,293,059.51

BERGER

8.7

11,070

94,347.55

NIG-GERMAN

7.36

1,737

11,516.31

BETAGLAS

13.18

3,773

47,162.50

NIGERINS

0.5

5,600

2,800.00

BOCGAS

6.5

7,130

41,781.80

NNFM

29.3

28.49

-0.81

80,655

2,273,162.95

CADBURY

52.85

1.85

492,213

25,487,648.54

NPFMCRFBK

0.75

0.78

0.03

1,165,000

876,600.00

CAP

43.65

41,272

1,634,774.97

OANDO

11.2

175

2,629,295

29,248,314.21

CCNN

21,455

182,880.01

OASISINS

0.5

52,000

26,000.00

CHAMPION

15.49

17.03

1.54

214,345

3,648,617.85

OKOMUOIL

317,441

14,614,032.76

CHAMS

0.5

1,000

500

PAINTCOM

1.86

1.83

-0.03

579,910

1,066,975.50

CILEASING

0.5

11,500

5,750.00

PORTPAINT

5.01

960,700

4,878,596.00

CONOIL

29.8

72,722

2,166,250.16

PRESCO

35.11

0.11

115,425

4,051,675.00

CONTINSURE

1.22

1.23

0.01

25,956,779

31,149,405.80

PRESTIGE

0.6

410,000

239,768.43

CORNERST

0.5

6,742,317

3,374,104.50

37.61

37.8

0.19

417,198

15,828,280.60

COSTAIN

1.3

49,305

61,808.20

REDSTAREX

4.61

4.76

0.15

562,272

2,456,606.60

COURTVILLE

0.7

0.67

-0.03

532,500

358,074.00

REGALINS

0.5

550,000

275,000.00

CUSTODYINS

1.5

1.47

-0.03

511,146

736,133.95

ROADS

9.06

1,440

14,342.40

CUTIX

1.86

88,382

153,559.36

ROYALEX

0.52

0.55

0.03

173,586

95,672.30

DAARCOMM

0.5

10,380

5,190.00

RTBRISCOE

1.53

1.38

-0.15

658,759

914,533.08

DANGCEM

190

711,912

135,222,613.04

SCOA

5.32

1,215

5,819.85

DANGFLOUR

1,842,070

16,600,378.48

SKYEBANK

3.92

-0.08

2,996,326

11,909,658.74

DANGSUGAR

10.54

10.9

0.36

1,481,738

16,102,794.25

SKYESHELT

100

70,000

7,000,000.00

DEAPCAP

1.21

15,000

16,350.00

SOVRENINS

0.5

50,000

25,000.00

DIAMONDBNK

6.4

6.24

-0.16

2,075,292

13,000,536.50

STANBIC

16.18

16.23

0.05

555,111

9,015,884.55

DNMEYER

1.3

1.43

0.13

75,345

107,713.38

STDINSURE

0.5

12,500

6,250.00

DUNLOP

0.5

10,000

5,000.00

STERLNBANK

2.55

2.57

0.02

4,118,665

10,659,783.98

ETERNA

3.06

16,000

47,700.00

TANTALIZER

0.5

3,000

1,500.00

ETI

14.7

14.6

-0.1

117

179,648,291

2,563,046,721.66

THOMASWY

0.81

2,455

1,792.15

EVANSMED

4.74

4.27

-0.47

258,836

1,105,229.72

TOTAL

159.9

157

-2.9

29,619

4,655,071.72

FBNH

15.75

15.5

-0.25

641

11,575,944

179,736,528.62

TRANSCORP

1.42

1.37

-0.05

240

44,722,853

62,259,504.72

FCMB

3.8

-0.2

494,378

1,899,654.00

TRANSEXPR

313,788

313,413.00

FIDELITYBK

2.68

2.61

-0.07

126

7,259,370

19,186,374.78

UAC-PROP

16.18

46,307

740,612.60

FIDSON

2.02

-0.02

1,637,324

3,289,108.46

UACN

58.15

85,686

4,813,702.45

FIRSTALUM

0.5

25,000

12,500.00

UBA

7.5

390

14,021,906

102,842,780.69

FLOURMILL

83.78

262,829

21,033,014.17

UBCAP

1.33

1.4

0.07

122

10,951,270

14,863,629.46

38.87

238,179

8,670,274.94

UBN

10.38

259,461

2,679,319.12

GLAXOSMITH

-5

778,157

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351,649

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25.15

25.13

-0.02

444

22,238,595

559,635,327.85

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0.5

100

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255

84,835

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0.52

0.51

-0.01

46,647,967

23,538,818.57

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0.5

124,700

62,350.00

UPL

4.3

373,504

1,473,138.26

HONYFLOUR

3.01

3.05

0.04

751,500

2,280,472.71

UTC

0.69

0.65

-0.04

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2.41

2.35

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0.79

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VONO

0.89

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20.88

20.62

-0.26

974,265

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94.2

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1.1

1.2

0.1

165

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WAPIC

0.81

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0.84

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1.04

136,282,470

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JAPAULOIL

0.51

0.5

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ZENITHBANK

19.65

19.6

-0.05

316

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JBERGER

71.93

74.71

2.78

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1.26

100,618

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JOSBREW

2.43

2.67

0.24

84,060

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JULI

1.93

500

870

LASACO

0.5

278

139

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1.55

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LINKASSURE

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TOP 10 GAINERS Stock GLAXOSMITH TOTAL NNFM EVANSMED NAHCO INTBREW FBNH FCMB DIAMONDBNK RTBRISCOE

Close 60 157 28.49 4.27 6.2 20.62 15.5 3.8 6.24 1.38

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

Loss

-5 -2.9 -0.81 -0.47 -0.32 -0.26 -0.25 -0.2 -0.16 -0.15

NB JBERGER CADBURY CHAMPION DANGSUGAR JOSBREW PZ AGLEVENT REDSTAREX DNMEYER

167.99 74.71 52.85 17.03 10.9 2.67 37.8 1.7 4.76 1.43

5.99 2.78 1.85 1.54 0.36 0.24 0.19 0.15 0.15 0.13

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

13 Praise be to Allah, we praise Him and seek His help, guidance and forgiveness, and we repent to Him. We seek refuge with Allah from the evils of our own selves and our evil deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can lead astray, and whomsoever He sends astray, none can guide him. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner or associate. He decreed that those who obey and believe should attain good and honour, and that those who do evil and disobey should be brought low and humiliated. And I bear witness that our Prophet Muhammad is His Slave and His Messenger, His chosen one and close friend, the one whom He entrusted with His Revelation. He brought glad tidings and warnings; he conveyed the message and strove his utmost in Jihad for the sake of Allah. He did not leave anything good but he told his Ummah about it, and he did not leave anything bad but he warned them against it. May Allah sent blessings and peace upon him and upon his Family and Companions who followed his guidance and adhered to his way, and those who follow them in truth until the Day of Judgement. Muslims, fear Allah your Lord and obey Him; remember that He is always watching and do not disobey Him. O slaves of Allah, Allah has blessed this Ummah and made it an Ummah of guidance and leadership. Allah chose it to convey the noblest of His messages. He sent to it the best of His Messengers, and sent down to it the greatest of His Books. He promised to support it if it supports His religion, and He promised it dignity and honour if it adheres to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet This Ummah had the honour of leading the world for many centuries, then its position of leadership was taken from it, and it lost its power and authority; its enemies called one another to attack it and calamities, disasters and turmoil came one after another. This is a bad state of affairs, and the deterioration of the Ummah has become a concern for those who care among the Muslims, those who are looking forward to a bright future and a better tomorrow for the Ummah, In Sha’ Allah. The question is: what happened to us, 0 Muslims? What befell our Ummah so that it sank to this level of humiliation? What are the factors that caused it to reach rock bottom after it had been at the highest peak? What caused this steep decline to the depths of calamity? The answer, on which no two people disagree, is that the cause of this decline is falling into sin and disobeying Allah. One thing that no one can deny is that Allah has natural laws in this universe that do not change, laws that have to do with the universe and creation are never altered, laws that govern the lives of individuals, nations and peoples, and never change. The Ummah that adheres to the laws of Allah and follows the example of the Messenger of Allah will reach its goals and attain its aspirations. Allah, by His grace and favour, guides it, supports it and looks after it. However, there is no bond of kinship or the like between Allah and any of His creation. If the Ummah forsakes the command of its Lord and goes against the Sunnah of its Messenger, Allah will lead it to the way of misery and hardship until it comes back to its religion. How insignificant creation is before Allah, if they neglect His commands, openly commit sin and fall short in following the rulings of His religion! Was any nation, past or present ever punished except because of its sins? “Allah does not change a people’s lot unless they change what is in their hearts” (ar-Ra‘d 13:11) “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much” (ash-Shoora 42:30). “Allah has a sense of protective jealousy, and the protective jealousy of Allaah, is provoked when the believer, does something that is forbidden to him.” I saw that sins deaden the heart and persisting in sin leads to humiliation. But forsaking sin gives life to the heart and the best thing for the nafs is to disobey It. 0 Ummah of Islam, sins have a far-reaching effect, both physically and spiritually, and they lead to bad consequences in the lives of nations and people. The great scholar Imam lbn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) summed this up when he said: “One of the matters that should be known is that sins cause harm; there is no doubt that their harmful effect on spiritual wellbeing is like the effect of poison on physical wellbeing. Is there any problem or disease in this world or the Hereafter except because of sins?” What was it that brought our parents out of Paradise? What was it that caused Iblees to be ejected from the kingdom of heaven, and caused him to be expelled and cursed, and deformed him both physically and spiritually, and replaced his closeness to Allah with being cast far away, and replaced mercy with curses, beauty with ugliness, and the garden of Paradise with the raging fire of Hell? What is it that caused all the people of earth to be drowned, until the water covered the mountain tops? What is it that caused the barren wind (51:4I) to be sent against the people of ‘Aad until it threw them dead on the face of the earth, as if they were hollow trunks of date- palms (69:7), and destroyed everything they had — houses, farmland, crops and livestock — until they became a lesson for all nations until the Day of Resurrection? What was it that sent the mighty blast upon Thamood, which cut their hearts inside their bodies and they all died, to the last man. What is it that lifted up the cities of Loot (as) then turned them upside down until they were all destroyed, then that was followed by stones of baked clay raining down on them, and they are not ever far from the Zalimoon (wrongdoers) (Cf. 11:83)? What is it that caused the clouds of punishment to be sent upon the people of Shu’ayb (as) like canopies, and when they appeared above their heads, blazing fire rained down upon them. What was it that caused Pharaoh and his people to be drowned in the sea, then their souls were transferred to Hell, so their bodies

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Voice Of Islam Every Friday With Mallam AbdulFattah Enabulele Chief Imam Of Benin

Effect Of Sin On Societies And People were drowned and their souls were burned? What was it that caused Qaroon to be swallowed up by the earth along with his house and his wealth and his family? What was it that destroyed the generations who came after Noah (as) with various kinds of punishments and ruin? What was it that caused people to be sent against the children of Israel. “We sent against you slaves of Ours given to terrible warfare. They entered the very innermost parts of your homes. And it was a promise (completely) fulfilled” (al-Isra’ 17:5). And they killed the men, enslaved the women and children, burned the houses and plundered the wealth? Then what caused them to be sent against them a second time and they destroyed whatever they were able to and to destroy with utter destruction all that fell in their hands’ (al-Isra 17:7)? What was it that caused various kinds of torment and punishment to overwhelm them, sometimes by killing, enslaving and destruction of their land, and sometimes by the persecution of kings, and sometimes by transformation into monkeys and pigs? Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, promised them further punishment when He said: “And (remember) when your Lord declared that He would certainly keep on sending against them (i.e. the Jews), till the Day of Resurrection, those who would afflict them with a humiliating torment” (al-Araaf 7:167). And he (Ibn al-Qayyim) went on to list punishments for sin and disobedience and their spiritual and physical impact in this world and in the Hereafter, quoting texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah, referring to historical events and the history of the stubborn, arrogant disbelievers. One of the punishments of sin is being deprived of knowledge and provision, alienation, hardship, confusion, being in a bad state both spiritually and physically, being deprived of doing acts of worship, the loss of Barakuh (blessing), and becoming insignificant before Allah. “And whomsoever Allah disgraces, none can honour him. Verily! Allah does what He wills” (al-Hajj 22:18). Other punishments include being unable to think properly, low resolve, sealing of the heart, apathy, loss of shame, loss of blessings, going through troubles, fear, panic, anxiety loss of intuition, withholding of rain, and bringing about different kinds of punishments, calamities, vengeance and misery in this world, in the grave and on the Day of Resurrection. To sum up, everything that goes wrong in water and in the air that affects grains, crops, buildings, people, countries, land and air and sea, in this world and in the Hereafter, the cause of all of

“Allah does not change a people’s lot unless they change what is in their hearts. And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much” (ashShoora 42:30). “Allah has a sense of protective jealousy, and the protective jealousy of Allaah, is provoked when the believer, does something that is forbidden to him.”

that is sin and disobedience. The Book of Allah confirms this law of cause and effect, especially when it tells the stories of the disbelievers among previous nations, to serve as a lesson and a reminder. “Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful” (Qaaf 50:37) “So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hasiban (a violent wind with shower of stones) (as the people of Lout (Lot)), and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah (torment awful cry, etc. as Thamood or Shu’aib’s people), and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow (as Qaroon (Korah), and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of Noah (Noah), or Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and his people). It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.” (al‘Ankaboot 29:40). If you are enjoying some blessing, take care of it, for sins take away blessings. Persist in thanking Allah for it, for thanking Allah takes away hardships. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: Good deeds bring brightness to the face, light to the heart, abundance in provision, physical strength and love in people’s hearts. Bad deeds bring gloom to the face, darkness in the grave and in the heart physical weakness, shortage of provision and resentment in people’s hearts. Al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allah have mercy on him) said, speaking of those who commit sin; “No matter how much pride and honour they think they have and no matter how much they prance like fancy horses, the humiliation of sin does not depart from their hearts; Allah insists that those who disobey Him should be humiliated.” O brothers in faith, hasn’t the time come for the Muslim Ummah to realise that what has befallen it in these times - of weakness, disputes, division, the prevailing of its enemies over it — has only come about because of its people’s falling into sin and disobeying Allah? Isn’t it more befitting for the Ummah - when it is going through all kinds of suffering in both spiritual and worldly terms, tangibly and intangibly, that is caused by indulging in Haraam things — to reconcile with its true religion? Isn’t it time to realise that the chaotic situation the world is going through in all aspects of life, and what many regions are suffering from such as crushing wars that wreak utter destruction, fatal diseases, horrific famines, destructive floods, earthquakes, volcanoes and other terrifying events - all this is only because of people’s sins and turning away from their Lord. ‘And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord (i.e. this Qur’aan, and practice not its laws and orders), He will cause him to enter in a severe torment (i.e. Hell)” [aIJinn 72:17] ‘Do then those who devise evil plots feel secure that Allah will not sink them into the earth, or that the torment will not seize them from directions they perceive not? Or that He may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allah’s Punishment)? Or that He may catch them with gradual wasting (of their wealth and health). Truly! Your Lord is indeed full of Kindness, Most Merciful?” [al-Nahl 16:45-47]. Don’t you see, O Muslims, the pain and suffering befalling nations and peoples around you? Was it caused by anything but sin and disobedience towards Allah? Sins destroy and devastate everything. Many societies are drowning in a life of Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era of Ignorance) that affects their beliefs and ideas, and the attitude of their boys and girls. Association of others with Allah has become widespread, as has going against the Sunnah, of the Messenger of Allah by committing acts of innovation (Bid’ah). The sacred limits of Allah are transgressed, major sins that incur the wrath of Allah are committed; immorality and corruption are widespread in homes, streets and marketplaces. All of that is happening with no objections or attempts to change it. The fact that these satellite channels spew forth all kinds of indecency and permissiveness is not hidden to anyone who cares. And Allah is the One Whose help we seek! Indeed, nowadays some sins have become something to boast about among some people. There is no power and no strength except with Allah. Indeed the Muslims today are living in an era in which Islam is a stranger amidst callers to Hell - Allah’s refuge is sought How great is Allah’s patience towards His slaves. Are these warnings not sufficient for you, 0 slaves of Allah? Have you not learned lessons from the past and present? “Verily, your Lord is Ever Watchful (over them” (a!-Fajr 89:14). This serious matter should be studied by the Muslims today at the level of leaders, scholars, thinkers, Daa’iyahs and reformers, so as to put a stop to this overwhelming onslaught that is exposing the entire Ummah to the wrath of Allah in this world before the Hereafter. Those who care are pinning great hopes on this new Islamic revival, this resurgence of sound faith, and this praiseworthy awakening that is spreading throughout the Muslim world - praise be to Allah - to bring the Muslims and their youth back to the source of glory and happiness in this world and the Hereafter “And for Allah that is not hard or difficult” (Ibraheem 14:20; Faatir 35:17), May Allah bless me and you with the Holy Qur’aan, and with the guidance of the best of the Messengers. I say these words of mine and I ask Allah to forgive us and you and all the Muslims, so ask Him for forgiveness and He will forgive you, for He is the best of those who forgive.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

International Is Obama Good for Black Americans?

BURIED in a New York Times story about the economy was this arresting statistic: Median family income for black Americans has declined a whopping 10.9 percent during the Obama administration. It has declined for other groups as well — 3.6 percent for nonHispanic whites and 4.5 percent for Hispanics - but the figure for blacks is huge. This decline does not include losses suffered during the financial crisis and the recession that followed, but it instead measures declines since June 2009, when the recession officially ended. That’s not the only bad news for AfricanAmericans. The poverty rate for blacks is now 25.8 percent. The black labor force participation rate, which rose throughout the 1980s and 1990s, has declined for the past decade and quite sharply under Obama to 61.4 percent. The black unemployment rate, according to Pew Research, stands at 13.4 percent. Among black, male, high school dropouts, PBS’ Paul Salmon reports, the unemployment rate is a staggering 95 percent. Does any of this affect the standing of the nation’s first black president with black Americans? Not a whit, apparently. This is not to suggest that any president should gear his policies to one or another ethnic group. The president serves the nation as a whole, or should. But if unemployment, poverty and the black/white income gap had expanded under a different president to the degree is has under Obama (the income gap is now larger than it was under George W. Bush), it wouldn’t go unreported and the president would not escape responsibility. The advent of an AfricanAmerican president surely brings psychic dividends to black Americans (and the rest of us, to a degree), but those intangibles may be pretty much all they get from his presidency. In terms of material prosperity, his leadership has delivered nothing but decline. He plays the psychological card very skillfully —

showboating his identification with Trayvon Martin and sticking up for Henry Louis Gates — but more and more his gestures in this regard seem like substitutes for results. Black poverty is up, employment is down and wealth is down. The dissolution of the black family continues unabated, with 72.3 percent of black children born to unmarried mothers. Black males constitute just 6 percent of the population yet comprise more than 40 percent of those incarcerated in state and federal prisons and jails. One-third of black men aged 20 to 29 are in the purview of the criminal justice system (incarcerated or on probation or parole). The press resolutely ignores these figures, while the propaganda arm of the Democratic Party in Hollywood serves up distorted history to distract and pacify the public. The latest entry appears to be “The Butler,” which misrepresents President Reagan (as I gather from those who’ve seen it) as, at best, insensitive to blacks, and at worst as racist. Eugene Allen, the actual White House butler on whom the film is supposedly based, kept signed photos of Ronald and Nancy Reagan in his living room (pictures of the other presidents he had served hung in the basement). According to a 2008 Washington Post profile, Allen served eight presidents for 34 years until his retirement. He did not, as the movie portrays, resign to protest Reagan’s policies on

• President Barack Obama

civil rights or South Africa. His wife happily reminisced to the Post about the time the couple were invited by the Reagans to attend a state dinner in honor of the West German chancellor. “Drank champagne that night,” Mrs. Allen recalled with pleasure. The film apparently depicts the invitation as tokenism. The filmmakers also insert a horrific childhood “memory” for Allen — his mother being raped and his father shot by a white landlord. Didn’t happen. Would it interest black moviegoers to know that under Ronald Reagan’s policies, median African American household incomes increased by 84 percent (compared with 68 percent for whites)? The poverty rate dropped during the 1980s from 14 percent down to 11.6 percent. The black unemployment rate dropped by 9 percentage points. The number of blackowned businesses increased by 38 percent and receipts more than doubled. Obama’s economic record is dismal because he is inflexibly attached to the wrong ideas. Hollywood is, of course, free to worship at his tattered shrine. But to smear Reagan — a man who deeply loathed bigotry in any form and actually improved the lives of all Americans including blacks — in an attempt to prop up the drooping Obama standard, is contemptible. To find out more about Mona Charen and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Insight Being a pre-ramadhan lecture on the Essence of Ramadhan by Prince Edore Oyakhire, PhD, OON, held in the Central Mosque, -Benin City recently. BISMILLAHIRRAH’MANIR-RAHEEM. AI-Hamdu Lillahi RabbilAlamin. Subhanaka Allahumma. In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful and The Ever Merciful. The Chief Imam, the league of Imams, eminent Islamic scholars, respected elders in Islam, Muslim Brothers and Sisters, other Protocols are obeyed, observed and respected. As-Salamun Alaikum. I welcome all faithful Muslims heartily to today’s lecture organised by the respected League of Imams in Edo State. I am happy to be recorded by history as a participant and moreso as the Chairman of today’s religious event having previously been privileged to do so on a few occasions in recent years. Ramadhan fasting is obligatory for true Muslims referred to as Believers. We thank Almighty Allah greatly for His fidelity, mercy, tolerance and sustenance inspite of our disobedience, imperfection, inadequacies, iniquities, transgression and unrighteousness. HINTS ON HEALTH MATTERS (PART ONE) We live in Nigeria, a Country in West Africa, with a growing population of over one hundred and sixty million people who are often prone to diseases, trepidation, hunger and poverty because of under development caused by bad and insincere leaders. Muslims should eat a variety of healthy meals from the five different food groups, rich in nutrients and balanced diets to be mentally and physically healthy to participate effectively in fasting during Ramadhan. Balanced diets help to lower blood pressure such as potassium, calcium and

magnesium. They prevent and reduce the occurrence of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart related problems. Prevalent among the many diseases that often kill Nigerians are cancer, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, typhoid and aids because education and health are not treated as issues of priority by Government. Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in human body. Prostate cancer kills men only beyond the age of forty. Breast, cervical and ovarian cancer, fibroid and vesico vagina fistula kill women mainly. Everybody wants to be in good health and live long. The act of decent living and being healthy is practicable and desirable for long life. Factors which sustain healthy living include balanced diets, alkaline antioxidant water, drugs, hygiene, regular exercise and good behavioural pattern. A balanced diet increases flavonoids and antioxidants in human body (chemistry). It is mandatory to eat good and easily digestable food items because many diseases will almost be gone with the right diet. Resources will be dissipated on medication in the absence of balanced diets. The Heart is a major Organ being the power house of the body. It pumps blood, nutrients and oxygen which sustain humans consistently to all parts of the body. It must remain medically healthy to function strongly for happiness in life. The rational consumption of carbohydrates and protein reduces the effect of obesity and its complications that may affect human heart. The deliberate reduction of calorie and salt intake with regular consumption of dark chocolate and red tomatoes is part of healthy diet that

increases longevity. Please, eat good meals consistently, regularly and timely as a matter of necessity because life is good and is worth living well but be modest, careful and act wisely always. Besides, obey medical advice, be disciplined, protect and do not ruin your health. Indeed, the aphorism that health is wealth is expressly elaborate. Diabetes is a disease that kills silently. It is a condition that results from excess sugar in blood in which sugar and starchy food cannot be properly absorbed. It results in the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Insulin is a homone produced in the pancreas. Its complications cause blindness, loss of memory and loss of limbs by amputation when surgicalised. It is easily controlled when identified early. It is important for adults to eat starchy food moderately. Insulin injection is the best treatment for diabetic patient. The cost of insulin in Nigeria is the most expensive in the World because it is not subsidised even though health care is on the concurrent list. Insulin is free in most Countries in the World except in West Africa where drugs are preposterously expensive, unaffordable and frequently adulterated. A diabetic person who is also hypertensive can easily die if the combination is not seriously controlled. Fluted pumpkin is a panacea for diabetes and prostate cancer. The limit medically allowed is 140 by 90 for hypertension or high blood pressure. Availability and consumption of metformine tablets (500mgs - one tablet daily), Gliclazide tablets (80 mgs - two tablets daily), avandia tablets, endive (bitter leaf) and aspirin assist in the medical control of diabetes. Oyster mushrooms are nutritive and medicinal. They have balanced amino acid contents. They control diabetes and hypertension. Ganoderma lucidum

The Essence Of R

mushroom suppresses the propagation of cancer cells. It reduces tumour, cancer and fibroids. Drugs for diabetes and hypertension are not currently manufactured in Nigeria. The persistent inadequacy of insulin makes the management of diabetic cases by medical staff in Nigeria most unsatisfactory. A condition of obesity will result with excess intake of food items far beyond what the body requires. Persons who are obese or overweighed are candidates for diabetes. Malaria parasites are in five categories, namely, falciparum, malaria, ovale, plasmodium and vivax. Malaria fever is deadly, occurs and recurs within 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours respectively. It constitutes the highest single endemic factor of population decimation as it kills more people in Nigeria yearly than Aids. Falciprum is the most deadly. Nigeria accounts for a quarter of all malaria cases in the forty five malariaendemic Countries in Africa. An estimated 25% to 30% mortality in pregnant women and children under five years or estimated 300,000 deaths occur each year in Nigeria due to malaria. Four out of ten Nigeria children have malaria. Adult female mosquitoes only bite humans and animals with their proboscis to get sufficient blood meal with which they develop eggs. Male mosquitoes feed only on plant juices for survival. Drugs for the cure of malaria fever are available, accessible and affordable. Sleep under mosquito insecticide treated nets and use insect killers e.g. Mortein. Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella organism. It is easily cured with the consumption of aloe-vera and honey. The therapy kills salmonella organism expeditiously.

“It is mandatory to eat good and easily digestable food items because many diseases will almost be gone with the right diet. Resources will be dissipated on medication in the absence of balanced diets.”

Please, drink boiled, clean or treated water and ensure its safety for consumption because most diseases are water borne. Wash hands after each outing or a visit to toilet facility. Keep the teeth clean always. Healthy people are happy people because prevention in health matters is far better than cure. True Muslims are aware that there is no absolute answer to health but it is occasionally necessary to check the body medically to ascertain the currency of sugar level, blood pressure and malaria parasites in the

weapon against ill-health. It reduces cholesterol and protects the heart, keeps gut healthy and is essential in all ramifications. A healthy work force promotes increased productivity. The swelling usually noticed on faces, hands, legs and other visible parts of the body must be immediately reported to a Doctor because it could be a sign of renal failure (kidney). Almighty Allah appreciates the value of good health for mankind and pronounced cure for diseases for His

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body. It is desirable to live in well ventilated homes, clean environment, use clean language, exhibit clean manners, display clean traits and maintain clean relationship. Muslims should stay far away from intoxicants including alcohol, cigarette, air pollution, fatigue, excessive salt and glucose consumption. Muslims must regularly consume red tomatoes, dark chocolate, green leafy vegetables, carrot, garlic, water-melon, fruits, nuts, poultry, low-fat dairy products, moringa plant and fluted pumpkin. Also eat predatory fish but the mercury and omega-3 fatty acids in shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish are dangerous to good health. Shark is the only animal never known to be sick. Tomato is nature’s secret

Prophets in six Chapters in the Holy Quran, notably, 82 80 Q11-7, 914, 1057, 17 , 26 and 44 41 respectively. Muslims must be very careful with health matters because only the healthy and living can diligently and faithfully worship Allah. The dead does not praise Allah. Reasonably socialise and be merry. MISSION IN RELIGIOSITY (PART TW0 This submission will volubly make references to the Torah, that is, the Ten commandments; the Gospel, that is, the Holy Bible and the Noble Quran. Religiously and scientifically assembled facts are not contentious. They represent facts and other facts relevant to facts in issue because they are absolutely authentic. The

many abou thing repea beca relig conta Com the QUR is a y and Mus natur and f even figur viola can b Relig easil void irrel iniqu unri comp fastin pers

By PRINCE EDORE OYA

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Ramadhan

YAKHIRE, Ph D, OON

t Christian Bible was not blished until 1516. I will mprehensively talk on four ues, notably, the origin of ting, Ramadhan, Islam d the Holy Quran. I am a re facilitator and a cursor mandated to pare a loaded preamble. is a civil conspiracy ween the Lecturer and self for the benefit of nkind. Please, listen entively to the Lecturer en he begins shortly to ak to us because he has

y good things to tell us ut Ramadhan. Similar gs will be said and ated by other Muslims ause they are true, ious and sacrosanct as ained in the protective mpact of “ISLAM” and inviolability of the RAN. Truly, Ramadhan yearly Refresher Course a Divine Purifier for slims. Humans are rally fragile, imperfect frequently oblivious of nts, ideas, facts and res. Every law can be ated just as every duty be vitiated. Fasting is a gious duty that can be ly rendered null and d. It is unislamic and ligious to return to uities and ghteousness at the pletion of Ramadhan ng. Please, be patient, evere and wait for

Allah’s blessings. Allah, the Lord, is not irascible (easily angered) even when disbelievers abuse, disobey or tell lies against Him and His Messengers or make pictures which visibly imitate His creations. Please, number your days, work hard, do not do evil and apply wisdom so that you will be prosperous in life. Honour seeks only the Worthy. The THEME of today’s lecture is the “ESSENCE OF RAMADHAN”. Firstly, it is necessary to explain briefly the meaning of

Ramadhan, the desirability, relevance, benefits derivable from it, who practises it and its essence in totality. Ramadhan is an Arabic word which literally means an “excessively hot thing or situation”. Expectedly, the excessive “religious heat” in Muslims in search of Allah’s mercies, blessings and forgiveness is greatly exhibited in Ramadhan with the noble Quran being consistently, highly, religiously and vociferously recited. Ramadhan fasting attests clearly to conscience, consciousness, biological fitness, devotion, endurance, ethics, gratitude, kindness, love, morality, patience, piety, tolerance, unselfishness, the power to bear hardships and Divine obedience to Islamic Faith. Ramadhan is a period of serious devotion, meditation, purification and regeneration.

Insight It entails mental, moral, physical and religious discipline. In Ramadhan, Muslims compulsorily refrain from aggressive, uncivilised, unhealthy, irreligious and unrighteous behaviours which are either auditory, documentary, physical, verbal or visual. Evil people who cause mischief in the Land will be punished but the righteous will be immensely blessed by Allah. Indeed, it is obligatory for true Muslims to fast in Ramadhan because those who observe fasting in Ramadhan are among the best of Allah’s creations. ORIGIN OF FASTING (PART THREE). Allah Commands mankind to fast, pray and give alms (Zakat) regularly with good intentions in line with civilised behaviour and the natural rules of decency, generosity, humility and compassion. Fasting is not found in the PENTATEUCH but often in historical Books. The first recorded fasting by the Jews occurred in 1400BC. The colossal loss of over forty thousand soldiers in two encounters in war with the Benjaminites prompted the people of Israel to fast. It is recorded in the Book of Judges*. Similarly, in Leviticus* fasting speaks of “affliction in soul” and in Psalms* (Zabur), King David, Allah’s Vicegerent, a man after God’s heart, declared that “he humbled his soul with fasting”. He never repeated any sin he previously committed. He fasted regularly and also particularly fasted when King Saul his enemy died. Prophet David was 30 years old when he became a King. Allah made David a Prophet, honoured him ‘ with Zabur (Psalms), blessed him with a wise son, Solomon and ordered animals, birds, trees and mountains to join him in the worship of Allah. He ruled Israel for 40 years. King Saul desperately sought to kill David but failed because Allah protected

David. King David succeeded King Saul as a mission in destiny. Nehemiah* fasted and prayed for the successful rebuilding of the broken walls of Jerusalem-City. An outstanding success was recorded as the project was completed within 52 days. Fasting is a shield (screen) with which a true Muslim protects himself or herself from Hell because it increases piety. Hell is real and Paradise is also real. May Allah accept true Muslims into Paradise. During the captivity of Jerusalem, Israel fasted four additional times before the Day of Atonement*. Esther” and Israel fasted and prayed for three days for Israel’s victory over Hamman’s plot to exterminate them and Israel succeeded. Daniel*, the Prominent Dreamer, fasted and prayed for 21 days for the restoration of the Nation of Israel. Prophet Ezra* fasted and prayed with all the people of Israel for a safe return home to Jerusalem and succeeded. Fasting must be accompanied with a definite intention, penitence and copious prayers. The relevance and importance of fasting in our lives are historically and religiously epitomised by the examples of mankind in the mythology of past generations clearly symbolised in this presentation. Other legitimate Authorities for fasting are inscribed in the 18 Noble Quran; Q2 19° & 142 Q7 and Holy Bible in 2nd 3 Chronicles 20 9,11,18 & 25 Deuteronomy 9 & 10 28 310 ; Exodus 34 ; Isaiah 58 2 33-35 2 Luke 4 & 5 ; Matthew 2 16-18 14&l5 18-20 4,6 &9 Mark 2 12 and 2nd Samuel 1 respectively. Nigeria has all the endowments needed for greatness but corruption, cupidity, mediocrity and indiscipline have seriously inhibited her desire to achieve greatness. A free Society that cannot help many people who are

despondent and poor cannot definitely save a few who are rich. In the last days, perilous times shall come. Men shall be boasters, blasphemous, covetous, disobedient to parents, lovers of their ownseives, proud, unthankful and unGodly. *The Lord will allow the people to be *governed by immature boys. Everyone will take advantage of everyone else. Young people will not respect elders and worthless people will not respect their superiors. When that time comes, as it is today. *seven women or more will hold on to one man and say, “we can feed and clothe ourselves but please let us say that you are our husband so that we won’t have to endure the shame of being unmarried”. Nigerians must fast in sincerity, pray seriously in humility and give alms widely to the needy and the less privileged in the Country. Never let your Heart be troubled with the trials of life instead make life a castle of forgiveness, peace, love, tolerance and fill it with the fear of Allah. The fasting prescribed for us as true Muslims was similarly prescribed for our forefathers and those before us, principally, the 25 Scriptural Prophets e.g. Moses, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad. It is not the intention of Allah to unjustifiably place hardship upon His people (mankind). Truly, Allah does not place upon a person a burden* that is incompatible with his ability. In other words, Allah burdens not a person beyond his capacity. Allah shows great love and faithfulness, forgives sins and rebellion and is the most Merciful of the Merciful. Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah makes fasting a compelling necessity for true Muslims on Monday and Thursday of every week, on the 13th, 14tb R and 15 days of every month and also from time to time. We are advised to pray two Rakat of Duha prayers (forenoon prayers) and also to pray Tahujjud* prayers

(Witr) before we sleep in the night. Constancy in fasting, prayers and dispensation of charity are logical yardsticks with which a person’s degree of piety or religiosity is determined. The odour in the mouth of a fasting person is more pleasant to Allah than the fracirance of a first class perfume (musk). Fasting is both an outward sign of humility and regret for sins. It is an inner discipline that clears the mind of sins and keeps the spirit at alert. True Muslims traditionally fast in RAJAB, the 7th month and one of the four sacred months in Islamic lunar Calendar to CLEANSE their bodies as they repent from sins. They regularly fast in SHA-BAN, the 8th month to PURIFY their hearts and obligatorily fast in RAMADHAN, the 9th month to SANCTIFY their souls in preparation for entry into PARADISE. Fasting can also be done by true Muslims at any time of the year except during the six days of prohibition. Fasting is a matter of sincerity. In the four Sacred Months* of January, July, November and December battles were prohibited in the days of the Prophet including RAJAB being a prelude to the month of Ramadhan because RAMADHAN follows it after the intervening month of SHA-BAN. The moderate values inculcated in people who regularly fast invariably affect the character of society. Allah has not made for any man two hearts inside his body. A person’s heart plans his ways but Allah directs his steps. May Allah give us good and proper directions always. The Holy Prophet on sighting the moon of Rajab would pray to Allah as follows: “OAllah, make the months of Rajab and Sha-ban blessed for us and let us reach the month of Ramadhan. 0 Allah, prolong our lives up to Ramadhan so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings’. To be continued

“The fasting prescribed for us as true Muslims was similarly prescribed for our forefathers and those before us, principally, the 25 Scriptural Prophets e.g. Moses, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad. It is not the intention of Allah to unjustifiably place hardship upon His people (mankind).”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 With FRANCIS ODUPUTE

Art Alive International Visual Art Teachers Workshop THE quiet, serene and ecotourism-friendly land of Okene in Kogi State, last week witnessed a rare concourse of Nigeria’s most creative brains, academic leaders of thought and teachers from all levels of education in Nigeria. It was the 1st International Visual Art Teachers Workshop organized by the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State, in the bid to research and brainstorm on various ways to mitigate the deteriorating image and position of Visual Arts in Nigeria’s educational system, as well as update the teaching of Fine Arts at all levels of education in Nigeria. “Rebranding the Teaching of Fine Art” was the apt theme of the strategic workshop which began on a high note with a memorable opening ceremony on Tuesday, August 20, and climaxed with a decisive communiqué issued on Friday, August 24, 2013, at the end of the workshop. An imbuing welcome address by Dr. Abdullahi Muku, Director General of the National Gallery of Art (NGA) on day one, set the mood for the international event and filliped participants’ critical interactions and dialogues within the thematic framework of the workshop which the DG described as not just a workshop but “…a trainingthe- trainers engagement; a refresher’s programme for result-oriented Art teachers…” expected to provide comprehensive academic and vocational exercises, especially for Nigerian Art teachers at the grassroots level of our educational system. “The programme takes a more proactive look at the structures, the curriculum, the restructuring of Art teaching and its techniques; and comprehensive prognosis of enhancing Nigeria’s educational system”, the DG said. According to Dr. Muku, “As an agency of Government tasked with the responsibility of creating an auspicious terrain for Art development at all levels, we are sincerely committed to the ideals of Art teachers’ constituency within the Visual Art sub sector of the Nigerian economy. Our commitment towards improving, creating, researching into, and discovering new ways of updating teachers in the field of art, is the underlying factor leading to this workshop.” Provost of the Federal College of Education, Okene, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, in his address, lamented the systemic killing

of Visual Art education in Nigeria. While calling on the NGA to sustain such collaborative agenda with educational institutions across Nigeria, as that would steadily but surely help in broadening the frontiers of Art education in the country, Dr. Ajayi said: “It is also heartwarming to note that teachers at all levels of education in Nigeria, from the university to the primary, are captured in this workshop. There has to be organic linkage or synergy within the various levels of education to ensure credibility of the products of our educational system. It is noted, sadly though, that secondary school leavers who are qualified to offer courses in Art programme in Nigeria are thinning out. The reason is not

heated dialogues, technical paper delivery/ knowledge sharing workshop, practical drawing and painting exercises, creative tourism/ cultural exchanges, social interactions on ways to right the wrongs in the Nigerian educational system in the context of rebranding the teaching of Fine Art in Nigerian schools for a better future. A lucid lecture by Prof. Ola Oloidi of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, UNN, Nsukka, Enugu State, preceded the formal opening of the workshop on the first day which was characterized by a variety of events including speeches by special guests, royal blessings from the Royal Father of the Day, HRM Alhaji (Dr) Ado

Advocate Paradigm Shift

Dr Abdullahi Muku, DG, National Gallery of Art, listens to the representative of the Provost of Federal College of Education, Okene, during the opening ceremony.

development of creative spirit of every man, woman and child. Having realized this, the Federal Government has propagated the need to develop the country’s aesthetic value, social and cultural heritage in the mind of the child through the school. However, the local Government Authorities, who were in charge of education at the primary schools, did not appear to be implementing the Federal Government’s efforts. Children have to supply the materials used in their Art classes, and where they cannot, they are deprived of

presented a paper, titled “REBRANDING THE TEACHING OF FINE ART” in the context of Textile Fibres and Trushing: An appraisal of modern Fabric Decoration. The old man took his time to slowly reel out salient points he felt should generally guide the discussions and quest for solutions at the international workshop. The don began by x-raying the need to get our children engaged in art early in life by providing them with all necessary art materials. He said “Children enjoy drawing if you give them the materials.

English and Mathematics.” He said “Rebranding is easier said than done” and that with improper funding and motivation, rebranding will remain a wishful thinking in Nigeria. He argued that funding is basic, and that Art teachers are not motivated in anyway in Nigeria, otherwise their output would be greater. While frowning at the improper supervision of Art teachers by the school authorities, Prof. Okeke called on Nigerians to “have a rethink about the present attitude of the public about

Prof. Ola Oloidi, delivering the lead lecture.

far-fetched. Very little of art teaching is going on presently in our primary and secondary schools. A workshop of this nature should provide the impetus for a renaissance of effective teaching of Art at all levels of Nigerian educational system especially at the primary and secondary levels,” the Provost advised. Also adding his voice to buttress points already made in agenda setting for the international Visual Art teachers workshop, Honourable Ben Nwankwo, Chairman, (Senate ) House Committee on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, in a speech pointed out that “One of the objectives of this workshop is to engage the Art teachers and allow them to interrogate the knowledge they already possess while opening up to consume fresh ideas and new knowledge.” And so it was that for four days, under the leadership of bookish art scholars and erudite resource persons from within and outside Nigeria , Visual Art teachers from various primary schools, secondary schools, colleges of education, polytechnics and universities throughout Nigeria, slogged it out in Okene last week, through

Ibrahim, cultural performances by the Angelina Theatre Troupe, refreshments, etc, after which the participants/visitors retired to their various hotels. Day two began with a voluminous paper delivery by Prof. Jimo B. Akolo on THE TEACHING OF ARTIN PRIMARY SCHOOLS. Prof. Akolo’s paper chronicled the history of Art education in Nigerian primary schools from the pre-colonial era to the present time, and pilloried the ignorance and negative attitudes of most policy makers and school authorities towards the Fine Art subject and Art teaching in general. The paper said in part that, “…the aim of Art education is the seeking of the highest

Prof. C.S. Okeke, argues that Art should be made a compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools, like English and Maths.

the sensory and perceptual experiences that go with Art in their formative years which later inhibit their creative potentials and aesthetic sensitivity.” Next was Prof. Chukwuanugo S. Okeke, who

Let them play with it, let them spoil or mess with it- it’s all part of the creative process and development of the child.” Prof. Okeke continued, “Teaching of Art should be made compulsory in primary through secondary school like

A cross section of participants at the workshop. (PHOTOS BY FRANCIS ODUPUTE)

Art” generally, pointing out that “Understanding the value of Art is the beginning of wisdom in technological advancement.” Getting down to his main topic, the Professor said Textiles is an employer of labour and produces opportunities for employment as well as contributes immensely to national economy. He however lamented the negligent attitude and underdevelopment of the Nigerian textile industries over the years. “Where are the over 250 textile industries in Nigeria gone? Rebranding is easier said than done. With improper funding and motivation, rebranding will remain a wish…” (To be continued next week)

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Art And Culture

PLENIPOTENCE Angels are guardian spirits with full powers and are believed to live in the spirit world interceding for human long life. They are responsible for favourable and unfavourable h a p p e n i n g s . Plenipotentiary Angels is believed to be with human beings, each with a person at the day and at the night gives account to Almighty God. It is a personification of predestine, and the way a person has to go. It is the symbolic recognition that people are born with different endowments, with different potentials for social achievements, is an independent entity which allows things to be done and also leaves open the door to hope because it can be approached to set things right. At the same time, the notion that the Angel is really another aspect of human self recognizes that the failure is ultimately in one’s own make up. In theory, the successful person is as much more beholding to the Angel as people do indeed to thank their Angels from time to time, but in practice there is a strong tendency to blame one’s plenipotence, for failure. Plenipotentiaries in their own powers mediate divine providence and human beings in culture, exercise intercessory role. There is also the possibility of human beings direct access to the Supreme Being. They are subtle symbolic patterns of reference through which the interplay of innate potentialities, birth, character, skill enterprise, cooperation

With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI

Plenipotence Angels In Culture

and competition can be recognized as governing the progress of the individual to adjust emotionally and intellectually to the vicissitude of life in human society. They probably assist the person to shed some of the guilt for failure and provide vehicle for the expression of selfsatisfaction. Numberous spirits with more or less specialized spheres of influence or activity can be found. It is said that every human being is assigned at birth to one angel or more guardian angels, that every blade of grass has over it, an angel, and that every child has its protecting spirit angel. There are also Seventy (70) Guardian Angels of Nations, one in charge of each state. These seventy tutelary princes of nations are either angels or demons. They are invested with full powers as special a m b a s s a d o r s Plenipotentiaries and of the Seventy tutelary Angels, only those of four nations are named, Dobiel for Persia, Samuel for Rome, Rahab, Uzza, Duma, Semyaza for Egypt and Michael for Israel. Dobiel means bear god, the guardian angel of Persia. In the light of the Legend all 70 or 72 tutelary angels of nations, except Michael became corrupted through national bias.

Dubbiel, Dobiel was regarded as corrupt and evil angel. Samuel belongs to the order of

of the sea, and in Lore, Rahab emerges as the great whore, triple goddess of Heaven,

Israel. Michael is one who provides sustenance for mankind; Christians invoke Michael as the benevolent angel of death in the sense of

Seraphim and is the first of the art critics. Samyaza was Leader of the evil angel who fell. In Legend, he is the Seraph tempted by the maiden to reveal to her the explicit name of God. Rahab means violence, the prince of the primordial sea. Rahab designates Egypt as an earthly power of evil, an angel of insolence and pride. Rahab is called the angel

Earth and Hell, while Uzza like Rahab is the tutelary angel of the Egyptians. Michael who is like God, ranks as the greatest of all Angels, whether Jewish, Islamic, Christian writings, in secular or religious lore. Michael is the Chief of the order of virtues, Chief of archangels, prince of presence, angel of repentance, righteousness, mercy, sanctification and tutelary angelic prince of

deliverance and immortality and for leading the souls of the faithful into eternal light. Michael is victory of Heaven. He is depicted as wing angel with unsheathed sword, the warrior of God and slayer of the Dragon. He holds in his hand the scales of Justice. He is the Angel of Sunday, the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day. In the war of the sons of Light against the sons

“There are also Seventy (70) Guardian Angels of Nations, one in charge of each state. These seventy tutelary princes of nations are either angels or demons. They are invested with full powers as special ambassadors Plenipotentiaries and of the Seventy tutelary Angels, only those of four nations are named, Dobiel for Persia, Samuel for Rome, Rahab, Uzza, Duma, Semyaza for Egypt and Michael for Israel.”

of Darkness, Michael is called the Prince of light. He leads the Angeis of Light in battle against the Legions of the angers of darkness. Michael as the angel of light brought Asenath from Palestine as a wife to Joseph in Egypt. He

saves Daniel companions from fire. He is the destroyer of Babylon, Babylon falling to rise no more. Michael is the spirit of the planetmercury, and brings the gift of pahence. Pope Pius XII in 1950 declared Michael the Archangel, Patron of Policemen. The Catechism teaches that Angels are friends and brethren and their prayers have great power with God. There is joy before the Angels of God upon a sinner being sorry and trying to make satisfaction for sin. In all Plenipotence Angels have direct access with full power to mediate divine providence for human long life with favourable and unfavourable happenings in Culture.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Ricky, My Son: Need For Parental Guidance IN this month of August, no news has devastated me as much as the news of a massive African Rock Python, (it hurts too that it’s a snake from the kept black continent) kept as a pet by its weired owner, escaping its glass compartment, slithering through a gaping void in the ventilation duct in the ceiling and falling into the room of two innocent brothers, Noah and Connor Barthe, aged four and six, and strangling them to death in their sleep right in their neighbour’s apartment! That sad incident happened in far away New Brunswick, Canada, but it wracks my soul silly. Now, the second one is our own Edo boy, Ricky Daniel Ohikhena, 13 years of age, who stole his way through the Airport gate, beating aviation security operatives and ‘boarding’ a flight in Benin through the tyre compartment and landing safely in Lagos, albeit to his greatest disappointment because he actually wanted to be in America, God’s own country, land of promise. In both incidents, the boys asphyxiated by python and Ricky, the stowaway’s case, parental negligence had been perceived. Noah and Connor Barthe’s parents

were very busy, always on the move a couple who actually don’t live together. They left their kids to the mercy of a weired neighbour

who kept a zoo in his living home and a giant constrictor snake as a pet in the living quarters. The boys even assisted in cleaning an

FEMINIQUE With IJEOMA UMEH email: ladywithegoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 08182382839 years old son, he could have been anyone’s son, but he lived dangerously too. He watched wild movies (said to be a movie freak) and his parents were no where to be found when he left home early that morning. It’s a sad occurrence, and I am sure by now, parenthood, or motherhood, will be rumbling. It’s frightening to think about all this. It jangles the bones off

my flesh! Oh, we are damned too busy! We are freaking out on our responsibilities! Oh, blame the government, blame the economy… what about our propensity to bring forth kids without catering for them? I don’t know what else to say, but I think we need parental guidance too! That’s what I have for you!

“To children, parents are (a) big image someone thirty feet tall, weighing a thousand pounds.); (b) the source of love, caring, comfort, dry diapers, etc; and (c) the ones who protect them from all those other thirty-foot, thousand-pound monsters. In addition to all that, parents control the food.”

Childhood: Psychological Basis Of The Comfort Zone

By PETER MCWILLIAMS No, this is not going to be one of those chapters in which our parents are blamed for everything we are and are not. Parent’s seldom look in the eyes of a newborn baby and say, “How Can We Screw this Kid Up?”

Our parents (or whoever raised us) loved us – in the most fundamental sense of the word. Maybe they didn’t hug us all we wanted, but we are alive today because they (at least minimally) fed us. The primary reasons parents don’t raise their children free from trauma are:

No Help, No Mate, But There’s deficit, the mother should SOMETIMES, a family is steps to expose her A Child! take a woman raising kids by children to male role models. herself, bringing home the bacon and cooking it, too. Through death, divorce, or pregnancy out of wedlock, these women find themselves the one adult in a household of children. They are responsible for paying the bills, discipline the children, going to PTA meetings and coaching little league.

anaconda’s habitat. They lived dangerously and died horribly. Now, I am the one who suffers the heartbreak! The nightmare! And now, Ricky! He could have been Richy, my four to five

They are trying to be both mother and father. But no matter how diligent they are, how loving, doing a phenomenal parenting job in less than an ideal situation, the fact remains that there is a lack of a male presence in the house. To compensate for this

Words on Marble If your parents didn’t have any children, there is a good chance that you won’t have any. - Clarence Day I Learned the way a monkey learns – by watching its parents. - Queen Elizabeth II If you want a place in the sun, you must leave the shade of the family tree. - Osage Saying

Young boys need to be around men who can be positive influence who can act as a prototype they can aspire to. It is just as important for daughters to have a male presence in the home. Without it, she will pine after masculine love but not understand a man when she gets married. She will find herself used and abused by men because of her need to receive the adoration, affection and male love that she never had when she was a child. Now, I’m not saying that single mothers should indiscriminately bring every Tom, Dick, and Harry into the house and lives of her children. Much more harm than good will come from providing inappropriate role models. It should go without saying that physically emotionally and sexually abusive men should not be allowed to cross the threshold of your home.

Parents don’t know any better: Most parents have as much training for being parents as children have for being children. Children learn by example: If parents knew how to live their own lives better, naturally they would – and that learning would be passed onto the child. Parents have other things to do besides raising children: Making a living, keeping house, maintaining a relationship with their spouse, dealing with their own parents. Life can be overwhelming even without children Who on earth knows what a child needs and when: Some complain their parents ruined them by not giving enough attention – they needed more loving; others claim their parents gave them too much attention – they needed more freedom. Many complain about both. To have given us precisely what we wanted, precisely when we wanted it, our parents would have had to be psychic – which some children would have considered painfully intrusive. Children require different rules than adults. Children are not as capable as adults. The less capable we are, the more rules we need. This, of course, can seen terribly unfair. Given this preamble, let’s look at childhood – the place where we learned to use the elements of the comfort zone to limit ourselves. Fear: Young children don’t know the different between playing in the street and playing on a play ground, between drinking poison and drinking milk, bet wean petting the nice neighbour’s poodle and petting

the nasty neighbour’s pit bull. In order to let their children out of their sight, parents must teach them not to do things that might cause themselves physical harm. The parent’s tool is fear. In turning children loose on the world, (and vice-versal) parents give the basic message. “Don’t do anything I haven’t personally shown you how to do.” In other words, “Don’t do anything new.” While most of the “new” a child could do is perfectly safe, a small percentage of it is deadly, and that small percentage is what the parents want to protect their child from. Guilt: Naturally, children sometimes ignore the warnings of parents – curiosity is more powerful than rules. So, the parents “lay down the law.” (Actually, the law already has been laid down! Now they’re laying down the punishment). Punishment can include yelling (which includes the perceived removal of love), deprivation (of freedom, food, toys), or physical pain. From a parent’s point of view, this may not be much, but from a child’s point of view, this can be devastating. To children, parents are (a) big image someone thirty feet tall, weighing a thousand pounds.); (b) the source of love, caring, comfort, dry diapers, etc; and (c) the ones who protect them from all those other thirty-foot, thousand-pound monsters. In addition to all that, parents control the food. Little wonder, then, that when parents exact punishment – even though they are doing it for ‘your own good’ the child reacts strongly. Sometimes the child hates the parents and sometimes he or she feels self-hatred for doing whatever provoked the

parent’s wrath. When the latter happens, it’s called guilt. First, we learn to sue fear as a reason not to do anything new; then if we do it anyway, we learn to feel guilty afterwards. Unworthiness: This is programmed in at the same time. If the child plays for two hours within the parents’ comfort zone (Toy in the living room for example) all is well. There is little interaction with the parents; they are reading or watching TV or whatever parents do when children are being “good”. When the child goes beyond the parents’ comfort zone and that’s playing with, say, a can of shoe polish, the interaction with the parents becomes suddenly intensified – and almost entirely negative. Bad, wrong, nasty, no good. What does the child remember from an evening at home with “the folks”? The hours of harmonious play, worthy of a Rockwell painting? Or the moments of intense, negative interaction? The intensity, probably. After enough negative memories, a child can build a self-image of being bad, wrong, nasty, naughty and no good – in a word, unworthy. Hurt Feeling: From a very early age, we are taught what happens outside us should affect what happens inside us. Someone jangles keys, and that’s supposed to make us, fascinated. Someone makes faces and silly noises, and that’s supposed to make us happy. Someone gives us a Teddy bear (or a bear hug) and that’s supposed to make us feel loved. Eventually, our inner feelings are linked to external events. When those external events don’t go the way we want them to go, we feel hurt.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Education Quality Education For National Transformation

A Collective Responsibility INTRODUCTION IN all aspects of the school and its surrounding education community, the rights of the whole child, and all children, to survival, protection, development and participation are at the centre. This means that the focus is on learning which strengthens the capacities of children to act progressively on their own behalf through the acquisition of relevant knowledge, useful skills and appropriate attitudes; and which creates for children, and helps them create for themselves and others, places of safety, security and healthy interaction (Bernard, 1999)(UNICEF, 2000). What does quality mean in the context of education? Many definitions of quality in education exist, testifying to the complexity and multifaceted nature of the concept. The terms efficiency, effectiveness, equity and quality have often been used synonymously (Adams, 1993). Considerable consensus exists around the basic dimensions of quality education today. Quality education includes: Learners who are healthy, well-nourished and ready to participate and learn, and supported in learning by their families and communities; Environments that are healthy, safe, protective and gender-sensitive, and provide adequate resources and facilities; Content that is reflected in relevant curricula and materials for the acquisition of basic skills, especially in the areas of literacy, numeracy and skills for life, and knowledge in such areas as gender, health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS prevention and peace; Processes through which trained teachers use child-

centred teaching approaches in well-managed classrooms and schools and skilful assessment to facilitate learning and reduce disparities; Outcomes that encompass knowledge, skills and attitudes, and are linked to national goals for education and positive participation in society. This definition allows for an understanding of education as a complex system embedded in a political, cultural and economic context. This paper will examine research related to these dimensions. It is important to keep in mind education’s systemic nature, however; these dimensions are interdependent, influencing each other in ways that are sometimes unforeseeable. This definition also takes into account the global and international influences that propel the discussion of educational quality (Motala, 2000; Pipho, 2000), while ensuring that national and local educational contexts contribute to definitions of quality in varying countries (Adams, 1993). Establishing a contextualized understanding of quality means that there is need to include relevant stakeholders. Key stakeholders often hold different views and meanings of educational quality (Motala, 2000; Benoliel, O’Gara & Miske, 1999). Indeed, each of us judges the school system in terms of the final goals we set for our children, our community, our country and ourselves (Beeby, 1966). Definitions of quality must be open to change and evolution based on information, changing contexts, and new understandings of the nature

By PROF IGNATIUS ONIMAWO, PH.D, FNSN, KSJI

of education’s challenges. New researches ranging from multinational research to action research at the classroom level contributes to this redefinition. Systems that embrace change through data generation, use and selfassessment are more likely to offer quality education to students (Glasser, 1990). Continuous assessment and improvement can focus on

Edo, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Kano, Imo etc) in Nigeria to make the mark. Among these States, Edo State government has become a shining example and a reference point. In his remark at the Rev. Tony Akinyemi Scholarship Foundation (RTSF) public presentation of scholarship grants to no fewer than 50

any or all dimensions of system quality: learners, learning environments, content, process and outcomes. Each of these will be discussed later. As the 2015 deadline set by the UN for her over 153 member-countries to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially in the area of education draws near, the need for Nigeria to improve its quality of education to be free from vicious poverty has been sued for. This has propelled some State Governments (such as

students cutting across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions weekend, Prof. Yemi Osibajo (SAN) urged government and stakeholders in the education sector to work towards the funding and provision of quality education across the country, noting that quality education is the best way to tackle Nigeria’s high poverty rate. Studies have shown that if an individual is given the slightest quality education, such one possesses every tendency to redeem him/her out of poverty caused by

“School systems work with the children who come into them. The quality of children’s lives before beginning formal education greatly influences the kind of learners they can be. Many elements go into making a quality learner. These include health, good nutrition, early childhood experiences and home support.”

various economic factors in the world. Aside corruption and other problems, Nigeria is today bedevilled with poverty amidst our abundant resources. It is no secret that majority of the deadly Boko Haram terrorists are products from uneducated street children who become veritable instruments for evil indoctrination. Nigeria is stricken with poverty today because there’s no education for a larger part

of the country’s populace. It is a known fact that any nation which fails to educate its citizens will continue to remain in spiral poverty. The five dimensions to quality education are as follows: I. Quality Learners School systems work with the children who come into them. The quality of children’s lives before beginning formal education greatly influences the kind of learners they can be. Many elements go into making a quality learner. These include health, good nutrition, early childhood experiences and home support. Good health and nutrition. Physically and psychosocially healthy children learn well. Healthy development in early childhood, especially during the first three years of life, plays an important role in

providing the basis for a healthy life and a successful formal school experience (McCain & Mustard, 1999). Adequate nutrition is critical for normal brain development in the early years, and early detection and intervention for disabilities can give children the best chances for healthy development (Onimawo 2011). Prevention of infection, disease and injury prior to school enrolment are also critical to the early development of a quality learner. Early Childhood Psychosocial Development Experiences. Positive early experiences and interactions are also vital to preparing a quality learner. A large study in 12 Latin American countries found that attendance at day- care coupled with higher levels of parental involvement that includes parents reading to young children is associated with higher test scores and lower rates of grade repetition in primary school (Williams, 2000). Evidence from the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Turkey, has shown that children who participate in early intervention programmes do better in primary school than those who do not benefit from formal early child programmes. Also, studies from India, Morocco and Latin America demonstrate that disadvantaged children benefit the most from such programmes (UNICEF, 1998). In addition to cognitive effects, the benefits of good early childhood programmes include better psychosocial development. Effective and appropriate stimulation in a child’s early years influences the brain development necessary for emotional regulation, arousal and behavioural management. A child who misses positive stimulation or is subject to chronic stress in the pre-school years may have difficulty with psychosocial development later in life (McCain & Mustard, 1999). To be continuedd

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Issues

A Culture Of Low Expectations

ONE of the most tragic aspects of Nigeria’s aborted promise is that too many Nigerians have now imbibed a terrible culture of low expectations. They look daily at the series of crises bedeviling their country, and they manage, somehow, to see something admirable. It is sad to encounter this attitude in Nigerians who have never traveled outside their country, and who are, therefore, blind to the dramatically higher levels of efficiency in most other countries, including some of Nigeria’s neighbors on the western hump of Africa. Lacking a reference point, these Nigerians may be forgiven for believing that the intolerable state of affairs in their country is a mirror of how things happen elsewhere in the world. But it’s always a case of sheer exasperation when one comes across well-traveled Nigerians infected with the virus of low expectations. These world-wise Nigerians have no excuse. They have been to other efficiently-run countries; they have seen other societies where institutions work fluidly and high quality services are expected and delivered; often, they function within these well-choreographed societies, helping to sustain a culture of excellence. So, why do some of these “exposed” Nigerians nevertheless rush to rationalize, defend or excuse their country’s mediocrity and ghastly performance? Visiting London last week, I was interviewed by Kayode Ogundamisi on his live political program on BEN Television, “Politricks with KO.” The interview touched on the subject of presidential performance. I asserted that President Goodluck Jonathan, like Olusegun Obasanjo before him, had failed to deliver result-

oriented leadership. Soon after, two or three callers questioned my assessment. One, a resident of London, reeled off a few roads he alleged that the Jonathan administration was building. He, or another caller, reminded me that the president had set up new universities. They insisted that the president deserved praise for getting round to roads and the setting up of new universities. Another, resident in London, sought to remind me and viewers that Mr. Obasanjo’s presidency was marked by impressive feats, among them the payment of a huge chunk of Nigeria’s external debt and the husbanding of mobile telephony. The sense of fervor in the two callers’ voices was sad to behold. If they had never been to a society where things work, I would have understood their misplaced advocacy. I reminded them that no serious leader today would have the temerity to list the building of roads as one of his or her achievements. The mayor of London, I argued, would be run out of the city if he ever tried to campaign on his road repair record. British citizens and residents take good roads for granted, which is, as it should be. On the matter of Mr. Jonathan’s new-fangled universities, it was enough to tell my interlocutor that the government had not lived up to its obligation to fund existing universities. What, then, was the sense in creating more? Mr. Obasanjo’s payment of jumbo sums to Nigeria’s external creditors never struck me as an achievement – not when he made the payment and not in retrospect. A more visionary leader might have used all that cash to improve his country’s ghastly infrastructure. Why transfer

By OKEY NDIBE

nearly $20 billion to creditors when Nigerians have no healthcare, no electric power, no dependable network of roads, and no waste disposal system? Why hand over such princely sum when our public schools, from kindergartens to universities, are in heartrending shape? Why invest in the Paris and London Clubs when the failure to address Nigeria’s electric power woes remains a huge impediment to

Nigerian Musa, Okoye and Adebayo? One of the callers to BEN Television scolded me for the sin of holding a Nigerian president to the same expectations I would apply to President Barack Obama. Nigeria was not America, he stated. It was, on the face of it, a salient point; but it was also a deeply troubling point. Here’s why. Nigeria is in such dire straits that it is in more

Nigerian businesses, hampers economic enterprise, and leaves hordes of Nigerian graduates unemployed? What was the sense in serving the interests of external creditors – many of them complicit in the mismanagement of the loans they gave – when Nigeria’s climate of insecurity gets worse by the day? In short, why hasten to pay the foreign Peter and Paul whilst neglecting the plight of the

desperate need than America (or Britain, Norway, Germany) for tested, committed leaders. In other words, Nigerians need a leader with vision, energy, passion, and drive far more urgently than do Americans. And there are Nigerians who have the intellectual acumen, vision and leadership skills to stand toe to toe with the best leaders anywhere in the world. For some reason, however, the Nigerian state

“It baffles that some Nigerians are at peace with the lavish payments to Nigerian public office holders, from municipal officials to the president. Yet, these same Nigerians raise their hackles the moment a critic demands that our obscenely remunerated officials demonstrate a semblance of engagement. It boils down to that disease of low expectations.”

is rigged by and for mediocrities. Here’s another slice of the argument. Many Nigerians are quick to contend that it’s unfair to demand Americangrade performance for Nigerian public officials. But the same Nigerians are hardly ever outraged at the outlandish payments and perks enjoyed by their officials. Consider this fact: Each member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives hauls away enough cash in a year to pay Mr. Obama’s

expectation? If they’re in the highest paid league, what’s wrong with insisting that their performance be Messilike? Nigerians who have never had the privilege of traveling to other parts of the world – and who, therefore, have never seen the fruits of true leadership – deserve our patience when they mistake the substandard roads most Nigerian governments build as evidence of sagacious leadership. As one caller to BEN Television noted, many

salary several times over. In fact, many local government chairmen take home enough cash to make Mr. Obama – whose salary is $440,000 a year – look, by comparison, like a chump. It baffles that some Nigerians are at peace with the lavish payments to Nigerian public office holders, from municipal officials to the president. Yet, these same Nigerians raise their hackles the moment a critic demands that our obscenely remunerated officials demonstrate a semblance of engagement. It boils down to that disease of low expectations. Given how much money Nigerian officials are paid – to say nothing of the additional sums they steal – why is it out of place to hold them to the highest levels of

Nigerians are so dehumanized that they praise governors for paying salaries! The greater tragedy – absolutely inexcusable – is when those who have seen the world, who ought to know better, embrace the culture of low (even no) expectations. In the end, as I tried to tell the viewers of “Politricks with KO,” Nigeria – on such indices as healthcare, education and social services – lags many countries with significantly less resources. Countries like Ghana, Uganda, Jamaica, South Africa, Botswana and the Philippines are way ahead of Nigeria where it counts. Part of the reason is this: Nigeria is cursed with “leaders” who intone that they’re “moving the nation forward.” But they neither know what “forward” means nor how to move in its direction.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Reflection

What Will Jesus Say To Our Generation?

WITH the level of injustice, corruption, insecurity, and immorality that has spread all over the world, especially here in Nigeria, what do you think Jesus will be saying to our generation today? The few years he spent in this world, he was neither silent nor indifference as most religious leaders are today in the face of injustice and corruption. Jesus cried out! He confronted the evil system that was marginalizing the poor widows, the orphans and other vulnerable people in his society. That is how Jesus gained the title the ‘Voice of the voiceless’ and the ‘Defender of the defenseless.’ He was the most courageous preacher the world has ever known. He was not afraid of anybody or any system. He proclaimed the truth without fear or favoritism. To the leaders, the Pharisees, the law makers, and even the lawyers of his time, he said, “Woe to you Pharisees! For you neglect justice and the love of God; Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and salutations in the market places.” As he was reproaching them, one of the lawyers said to him, “Teacher, in saying this you reproach us also” Jesus did not spare the lawyers either.

Instead of apologizing to them, he faced them squarely, saying, “Woe to you lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourself do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers…” (Luke 11:45-46). Each time I reflect on this passage and consider the level of crime and injustice that is prevalent in our society today, I kept asking myself, if Jesus was to preach to our nation today, what kind of message do you think he would be preaching to Nigerians? What will he tell those who are controlling the proceeds from our fuel and oil subsidy, yet thousands of youths are graduating every year and are roaming about with their CV looking for employment. People are dying on road accident due to bad roads. Lecturers and other civil servants are still going on strike? ASUU, for instance, has been on strike since July 1, 2013. When two elephants fight, who suffers? The grass, of course! Will the students who have paid through their nose be compensated in any way after the strike? Mark my words, as soon as the strike is called off the next thing you will hear is preparation for examination, on what students have not learnt. What will Jesus say concerning the ongoing

religious war among the Senators over the controversial Child Marriage Law, which has to do with the retention of section 29 (4) (b) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that “any woman who is married in Nigeria is of full age,” even if that woman is less than ten years of age; by so doing, our law makers are directly encouraging child marriage. What will Jesus say concerning the level of insecurity in Nigeria? People are being kidnapped, raped and robbed almost on daily basis. Yet our political leaders are receiving security allowances. What will Jesus tell all these lecturers that are sleeping with students young enough to be their granddaughters and those who are collecting bribe before they could release student’s grades? What of teachers and other civil servants who falsify their age and result? What will Jesus tell all those civil servant and even politicians who have refused to retire from office so that millions of young people who are graduating every year can find a space for employment? What will Jesus tell religious and political fanatics who are killing innocent people, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria? What will he

say to those faceless politicians who are sponsoring boko harram and other forms of political thuggery in our nation today? What will Jesus say to selfish and greedy contractors who have slowed down the pace of their job hoping that the current regime will one day come to an end then another strange government that doesn’t believe in continuity will come to power and the project will be completely abandoned and forgotten. What will Jesus say to all these heartless taskforce and tax collectors who waiting at every junction like a hungry lion waiting and praying for people to make the slightest mistake and they will descend on their vehicle like hungry-wounded lions? What will Jesus say in a situation where those who steal the state and federal government money are granted presidential and state pardon whereas those who steal ordinary goat are rotting in Nigeria prisons still on awaiting trial list? What of those who are bombing churches, killing innocent souls that are being considered for amnesty whereas those who are involved in peaceful demonstration are detained indefinitely. What do you think Jesus will tell all these leaders that are making life unbearable

With REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE PHONE: 08076635886

and unlivable for the poor people? Poor people will struggle over the years to develop a rural area. When the place is finally developed by the poor, the rich and the leaders will come in the name of town planning, which always favors their interest. They will start demolishing houses built by these poor people over the years without any compensation. What about governors who are deporting poor people from big cities, thereby rendering citizens refugees in their own nation? Yet, the federal government is keeping quiet. Only God knows if we are still practicing Federal system of government. What do you expect Jesus to tell our lawmakers who have turned to lawbreakers? I mean those who have turned the law chamber into a wrestling room, a place where people could pond their fellow honorable members as though they are pounding yam? What will Jesus be saying concerning the legalization of gay marriage by the so-called ‘world superpower’ and their attempt to introduce gay marriage to other parts of the world, especially here in Africa? What do you even think he will be telling our own leaders on top who have refused to sign into law the bill on gay marriage as prepared by the Honorable members of House of Representatives thereby giving room to future ambiguity? You cannot serve two masters at the same time: you either listen to the American President or those who elected you into office. After all, Nigeria is supposed to be an independent nation. What will Jesus tell all those greedy people that are seating on old people’s pension and gratuity? What of those who abandoned their old parents in the poor village and are living in mansions in the big cities waiting for their parents to die before they could declare ‘celebration of life’ after the renovation their old buildings? What will Jesus say concerning our political leaders who are acquiring debts for the future generation? According to the recent report released by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of finance, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s total indebtedness has risen to $6.67 billion or 3% of the GDP, yet we are still claiming to be “Giant of Africa.” who will pay these debts? Imagine what future generation will

inherit from us, their predecessors – huge amount of debt! Yet, we meant to believe that someone is somewhere saving the proceeds from our fuel subsidy. What will Jesus even say to false prophets who are using their so-called prophecies to steal from people and in the process end up destroying people’s homes? God Himself told Prophet Ezekiel to prophesy against such prophets, “prophesy and say to those who prophesy out of their own minds: ‘Hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God, Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! They have spoken falsehood and divined a lie; they say ‘Thus says the Lord’ when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word” (Ezekiel 13:2-6). Am sure Jesus would be saying a similar thing to the present day false prophets. What about Shepherds who are feeding on the people and are not ready to cater for the sick, the poor and the needy? According to the Prophecy God gave through Ezekiel concerning our shepherd, the Lord says, “Ho. Shepherd of Israel who has been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatling; but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the crippled you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them” (Ezekiel 34:2-6). What will Jesus say to such Shepherds who, instead of feeding the sheep are feeding on the sheep? The day Jesus will visit the Churches in Nigeria I will not be surprise if he comes with a whip as he did in the Gospel of John 2:14-17. With these few instances you can agree with Professor Chinua Achebe of the Blessed memory that things are falling apart. But what then is the way forward? We need honest, just and hardworking leaders who have the interest of the masses at heart, like Jesus Christ. We equally need courageous preachers and visionaries who will inspire the leaders in the right and proper direction. Not those who tell leaders what they would like to hear. God bless our nation, Nigeria!

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

International Mandela In Critical But Stable PRETORIA - Nelson on life support, but his Mandela remains in a critical condition has been lately Condition but stable condition, South described as serious but African President Jacob Zuma said yesterday, more than two months after the anti-apartheid hero was hospitalised with a recurring lung infection. “Former president Mandela is still in hospital receiving treatment and remains in a critical but stable condition,” Zuma said in speech issued by the presidency. Mandela, 95, has been receiving treatment for a recurring respiratory illness at a private hospital in the capital Pretoria since June 8. He was previously said to be

improving. Early this month, his former wife Winnie MadikizelaMandela told Sky News that he was “now breathing normally” and that doctors had kept draining fluid from his lungs. Zuma gave the latest health update during a visit to Malaysia, where he received an award on Mandela’s behalf. The southeast Asian nation honoured the ailing statesman with the inaugural Mahathir Global Peace Award, named after the country’s former

prime minister. Zuma said South Africans were humbled to share South Africa’s revered peace icon with the world. “While wishing him good health, we also have to celebrate his legacy and learn from it, in order to build a better world.” Madiba, as he is known by his clan name, has been in and out of hospital since last year, with lung related complications. In December, he spent nearly

three weeks in hospital where he was treated for a lung infection and gall stones. This is his longest hospitalization since he walked free from jail in 1990 and went on to become the country’s first leader to be elected in all-race elections. Political leaders from across the world and the South African public have been sending Mandela messages of support since his admission.

Gbagbo’s Party Reorganises ABIDJAN- The Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), party of former President Laurent Gbagbo, has announced plans to reorganise its leadership following the recent release of its officials from detention. The FPI said in a statement on Tuesday that a ceremony would be held on September 7 where the freed National President of the party, Pascal N’Guessan would be reinstated. Reports say that N’Guessan, and Gbagbo’s son Michel, are

among the 14 FPI members granted provisional release by the Ivorian judiciary on August 5. The FPI stated that its National Secretary, Laurent Akoun, had already taken over duties from the Interim Secretary Richard Kodjo. The party also said it would use the hand-over ceremony to hear the presentation of the interim executive committee’s report.

Former German President To Face Corruption Charges HANOVER (GERMANY)Former German president Christian Wulff is to appear before a court on charges of accepting benefits as a public official, sources told dpa on yesterday. Prosecutors in Hanover filed corruption charges in April against Wulff, who was appointed to the largely ceremonial post of president in July 2010 and stepped down in February 2012 amid corruption claims and official moves to lift his immunity. If Wulff is convicted, once a leading figure in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats party, he could face a jail sentence of up to three years. The court hearing is expected to begin on November 1. The prosecutors’ move against

Italian Coast Guards Rescue Over 300 Migrants

TRIPOLI-Italian coast guards rescued more than 300 illegal African migrants near the island of Lampedusa in three separate incidents. In the first two incidents, 204 migrants, most of whom are from Sub-Saharan African countries sailing in two boats, were rescued near the island of Lampedusa. A statement from the Italian coast guards obtained in Tripoli said an Italian patrol arrested a boat carrying 100 illegal migrants facing difficulties about 120 km off the coast of the island of Lampedusa. After they were rescued, the migrants told the patrol about the presence of another boat carrying other illegal migrants about 49 km off the coast. During the same night, the Italian coast guards rescued another 100 illegal migrants of Eritrean nationality in the same region.

Wulff came as Germany entered the run-up to an election on September. 22. Wulff is alleged to have accepted partial payment for a stay in a luxury hotel during the 2008 Oktoberfest in Munich from a film producer friend, David Groenewold, whom he later helped by lobbying the conglomerate Siemens to provide money for a movie ‘Groenewold’ hw was making at the time. The hotel costs paid for by Groenewold amounted to 1,030 dollars, newspaper Die Welt said. Wulff 54, who has strongly denied the accusations, was at the time the premier of the state of Lower Saxony. Earlier this year, Wulff ruled out a deal with public prosecutors where he would pay a fine of 27,000 dollars in exchange for having the charges dropped. Instead, he has vowed to fight the claims in court in a bid to clear his name. At the time, prosecutors said it was probable that Groenewold’s payment of hospitality in Munich “was done with the intention of encouraging the accused Wulff to use his office as premier of Lower Saxony to approach Siemens for support in the marketing of the

film John Rabe.’’ Hamburg-born John Rabe was a Siemens official in China who is credited with saving the lives of more than 200,000 Chinese people during the Japanese invasion in 1937. Groenewold’s film was released in 2009. It was a critical, but not commercial success.

United States Secretary of State, John Kerry addresses the media on the Syrian situation in Washington.

US Fingers Assad Over Gas Attack WASHINGTON- Secretary of State John Kerry laid the groundwork on Monday for possible military action against the Syrian government over a chemical weapons attack, implicating President Bashar alAssad’s forces in a “moral obscenity”. In the most forceful U.S. reaction yet to last week’s gas attack outside Damascus, Kerry said President Barack Obama “believes there must be accountability for those who would use the world’s most heinous weapons against the world’s most vulnerable people”. Kerry spoke after UN chemical weapons experts

interviewed and took blood samples from victims of the attack in a rebel-held suburb of Syria’s capital, after the inspectors themselves survived sniper fire that hit their convoy. “What we saw in Syria last week should shock the conscience of the world,’’ Kerry told reporters. “Let me be clear: The indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, the killing of women and children and innocent bystanders by chemical weapons is a moral obscenity.’’ Kerry’s tough language marked an increased effort by the administration not only to point the finger at Assad’s government but to prepare the

war-weary American public for a potential military response. He accused the Syrian rulers of acting like they had something to hide by blocking the UN inspectors’ visit to the

scene for days and shelling the area. “Our sense of basic humanity is offended not only by this cowardly crime, but also by the cynical attempt to cover it up,’’ Kerry said.

Syria: US Postpones Hague Meeting MOSCOWRussia yesterday said it regretted a decision by Washington to postpone talks on an international peace conference on Syria, underlining growing diplomatic tensions over the civil war. The U.S. State Department said yesterday it had postponed

Tamil women cry as they hold up images of their disappeared family members during the war against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at a protest in Jaffna, about 400 kilometres (250 miles) north of Colombo

the meeting between senior diplomats, scheduled for today in The Hague, because of “ongoing consultations’’ over an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria. “It is regrettable that our partners decided to postpone the Russia-U.S. meeting on calling an international conference on Syria,’’ Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov, who would have taken part in the talks, said on Twitter. “Working out the political parameters for a resolution in Syria would be exceptionally useful now, when the threat of military force hangs over this country.’’ The U.S. has served Syrian President Bashar al-Assad notice that it believes he was responsible for chemical weapons being used against civilians last week. Russia, Assad’s key ally and arms supplier, says rebel forces may have been behind the attack and has urged Washington not to use military force against Assad.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

International Obama Makes Case For Punishing Syria WASHINGTON- President Barack Obama made the case for a limited military strike against Syria in response to last week’s chemical weapons attack even as he faced new obstacles with British allies and U.S. lawmakers that could delay any imminent action. Casting the need for intervention in Syria’s civil war on the basis of U.S. national security interests instead of humanitarian grounds, Obama presented his clearest justification to war-weary Americans for confronting Syrian President Bashar alAssad’s government with “international consequences.” While saying he had not yet made a decision on military action, Obama left little doubt that the choice was not whether to act but when to retaliate for last Wednesday’s gas attacks, which killed hundred of people in a rebel-held suburb of Damascus. “We have concluded that the Syrian government in fact carried these out,” Obama told “PBS Newshour” in a televised interview, saying it was now important to send a message that “it better not do it again.” There were growing signs, however, that the timeline for launching any military strike on Syria could be complicated not

only by the U.N. weapons inspectors’ continued presence there but by the Obama administration’s efforts to coordinate with international partners and growing demands for consultation with U.S. lawmakers. Britain - a key player in any air assault on Syria - changed its stance on Wednesday, saying the U.N. Security Council should first see findings from international weapons inspectors and the UK parliament would hold two votes before any military action is taken. Arguing for measured intervention after long resisting deeper involvement in Syria, Obama insisted that while Assad’s government must be punished, he intended to avoid repeating Washington’s errors from the Iraq war. “I have no interest in any open-ended conflict in Syria, but we do have to make sure that when countries break international norms on weapons like chemical weapons that could threaten us, that they are held accountable,” Obama said. Despite opinion polls showing most Americans oppose deeper involvement in the 2-1/2-yearold Syrian conflict, Obama has been under pressure at home and

yesterday that Syria needed a political solution, but that could only happen if the international community could halt killings like last week’s chemical attack and better support the opposition. Hollande sounded a more cautious note than earlier in the week, when he said France stood ready to punish those behind the apparent poison gas attack that killed hundreds of civilians in Damascus. He indicated that France was looking to Gulf Arab countries to step up their military support to the opposition to President

Bashar al-Assad, after Paris said this week it would do so. “Everything must be done for a political solution but it will only happen if the coalition is able to appear as an alternative with the necessary force, notably from its army,” Hollande told reporters after meeting the head of the opposition Syrian National Coalition, Ahmed Jarba. “We will only manage this if the international community can put a temporary stop to this escalation in violence, of which the chemical attack is just one example,” Hollande said.

abroad to enforce the “red line” against large-scale chemical weapons use he established just over a year ago. He argued on Wednesday that a “tailored, limited” strike, not a protracted engagement like the unpopular Iraq war, could be enough to send a strong message that the use of chemical weapons cannot be tolerated. The likeliest option, U.S. officials said, would be to launch cruise missiles from U.S. ships in the Mediterranean in a campaign that would last days. Obama cited chemical weapons dangers to U.S. Middle Eastern allies Israel, Turkey and Jordan plus U.S. bases in the region, and said America’s national interests could be at risk if Syrian chemical arms fell into the wrong hands.

Syria: Ghosts Of Iraq War Force Britain To Delay LONDON- Prime Minister David Cameron’s plans for an imminent military strike on Syria were in disarray yesterday after a revolt by lawmakers warning him to heed the “lessons of Iraq”. After imploring the world not to stand idly by over Syria’s suspected use of chemical weapons, Cameron was forced into an awkward climbdown on Wednesday when the opposition

Political Solution The Ultimate PARIS - French President Francois Hollande said Goal For Syria - France

• David Cameron, British PM

• President Barack Obama

France took no part in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, which it strongly opposed, but joined Britain, the United States and others in military intervention that helped oust Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Hollande sent troops to the west African nation of Mali this year to drive out Islamist rebels. French diplomatic sources said Hollande spoke with Jarba about providing more military means, after Jarba told the daily Le Parisien the opposition needed much more help from outside.

Labour party and lawmakers in his own party said they wanted more evidence before voting for military action. The government was due to publish an opinion from one of its top advisers on Thursday about the legality of such a strike, as well as an intelligence dossier expected to back up its assertions that the Syrian government was to blame for an apparent poison gas attack that killed hundreds last week. Dogging Cameron’s steps is the memory of events a decade ago, when Britain helped the United States to invade Iraq after asserting - wrongly, as it later turned out - that dictator Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. Britain, already embroiled in Afghanistan, was sucked into a second quagmire and lost 179

troops in eight years of war after Iraq descended into savage sectarian conflict. It was the defining moment of Tony Blair ’s 1997-2007 premiership, provoking huge protests, divisions within his Labour Party and accusations that his government misled the public by manufacturing the case for war. “We have got to learn the lessons of Iraq because people remember the mistakes that were made in Iraq and I am not willing to make those mistakes again,” said Labour’s current leader Ed Miliband. It was unclear how Cameron’s failure to master domestic British politics could affect U.S. and French plans for a swift

cruise missile strike against Syria, which denies using chemical weapons against its citizens, or what the impact would be on Cameron’s standing in Washington. President Barack Obama has made the case for a limited military strike on Syria, but some U.S. lawmakers say they have not been properly consulted. Conservative officials were furious at the delay, accusing Miliband of opportunism. “Ed Miliband is playing politics when he should be thinking about the national interest and global security,” a Conservative source told Reuters. “He keeps changing his position, not out of principle but to achieve political advantage,” the source added, saying Cameron wanted to “do the right thing” in the right way.

Russia Sends Warships To Mediterranean MOSCOW - Russia is As Syria Tension Rises sending two warships to the east Mediterranean, Interfax news agency said yesterday, but Moscow denied this meant it was beefing up its naval force there as Western powers prepare for military action against Syria. Interfax quoted a source in the armed forces’ general staff as saying Russia, Syria’s most powerful ally, was deploying a missile cruiser from the Black Sea Fleet and a large antisubmarine ship from the Northern Fleet in the “coming days”. Any strengthening of the navy’s presence could fuel tension, especially as the United States has said it is repositioning naval forces in the Mediterranean following an alleged chemical weapons attack which it blames on Syrian government forces. “The well-known situation now in the eastern Mediterranean required us to make some adjustments to the naval force,” the source said in a reference to the events in

Syria. It was not clear when the vessels would arrive but Interfax said the Moskva missile cruiser was currently in the North Atlantic and would set sail in the next few days. President Vladimir Putin has said the naval presence is needed to protect national security interests and is not a threat to any nation. Russia cooperates with NATO navies against piracy and its ships call at Western ports. The navy later indicated a deployment was imminent in the Mediterranean but gave no details except to say it would be part of a long-planned rotation and suggested it would not increase the size of Russian forces there. “This is not a new group ... but a planned rotation,” an highly-placed navy official who was not identified told state-run RIA news agency. The reason for the

discrepancy in the reports by Interfax and RIA was not clear but confusion has at times surrounded previous Russian deployments in the Mediterranean because of the secrecy involved. The Defence Ministry declined comment. Washington accuses Syrian government forces of carrying out last week’s chemical weapons attack and has made clear it could soon launch a military strike. Russia is one of Assad’s biggest arms suppliers. It opposes any military intervention in Syria and has shielded Damascus against further sanctions at the U.N. Security Council. Defense experts said the deployment of the two warships identified by Interfax could give Assad early warning of cruise missile launches, particularly by submarine, or jam radars or navigation systems although they might never be used for this.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

EVERY FRIDAY WEEK 07, 2013 LAST SEASON RESULT Anderson Richwell 1.2. X. Forecast

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THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Suarez To Return In Time For United Clash

LUIS Suarez is expected to make his return from suspension when Liverpool face Manchester United in the League Cup in September. The two rivals were pitted against each other when the draw was conducted on Wednesday night and the fixture will come just the end of Suarezí ten-match ban for biting Chelseaís Branislav

Ivanovic. Suarez has been linked with a move away from Anfield but the Reds have so far rejected two bids from fellow Premier League side Arsenal. The 26-year-old was also ordered to train away from the squad early in August following some comments he made to the media that were

deemed disrespectful towards the club. Click here for Liverpoolís Suarez returns to training He has since returned to full training with the first team and looks set to remain at Anfield as the transfer window draws to a close. Suarez scored for the Reds during Wednesdayís 2-2 draw against Port Vale in a friendly match that was played behind closed doors.

Hull City Target Anichebe HULL City boss Steve Bruce wants to sign Nigeria striker Victor Anichebe to strengthen his attack before the transfer window closes. But it remains unclear as to whether Everton would be willing to see the gifted 25year-old depart. Hull City in the past showed interest in the big Nigerian striker with 5 mil-

lion pounds deal, but may now request for him on loan as they may find it hard to raise the cash for his outright transfer, according to the Hull Daily Mail. Unlike the last three seasons in the Championship, where City have been able to make the most of loan deals outside of the window, the squad Bruce has at his dis-

Buoyant Liverpool Await United

LIVERPOOL will be looking to maintain their perfect start in the Premier league when they host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. The Reds have collected maximum points from their first two matches courtesy of back-to-back1-0 wins over Stoke City and Aston Villa. Brendan Rodgers; men are currently in second place on the table with six points, one less than leaders Chelsea, who have played one more game. The Red Devils on the other hand are sitting in fourth place with four points after beating Swansea City and then playing to a 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Monday night. Liverpool will go into this clash with some injury concerns following their 4-2 cup win over Nottingham Forest, which left Kolo Toure, Aly Cissokho and Joe Allen nursing knocks.

However, captain Steven Gerrard believes they have enough depth in their squad to put up a good performance at home should the three players be declared unfit for Sundayís encounter. “We know it’s going to be a very tough match,î said Gerrard. ìI think they’ll come here and probably look to play on the counterattack, but we’re at home and have got to take the game to them. “Our tails are up. We have won three games in a row, even if with the third one we did it the difficult way. Confidence is still high, even if the injury situation is not ideal going into such a big game. But we have got a squad that can cope.î Meanwhile, Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck says he is also expecting a heated affair but insists that his side will go

Ameobi Brothers Ease Pressure On Newcastle

AMEOBI brothers Shola and Sammy scored to ease the pressure on Newcastle in a 2-0 win over Morecambe in a Capital One clash on Wednesday. Newcastle were given more than enough scare by Morecambe, who created chances upon chances in the first half, but could not get a goal. “The Magpiesí attack got more bite after Nigeria international Shola Ameobi was introduced in the 46th minute to join Sammy, who was on for the entire duration of the game. Shola Ameobi broke the deadlock in the 84th minute, when his shot was deflected in for the opening goal mak-

ing up for his earlier miss when he fired wide after he was clear on goal. Younger brother Sammy then broke free to seal the tie in stoppage time. “Shola made the difference because we needed some power up front and he gave us that,î saluted a grateful manager Alan Pardew. ìI thought Sammy gave a really good account of himself as well. Heís starting to put it all together now and knock on the first-team door. “Itís a nice moment for the Ameobi family to see both boys on the scoresheet. This result takes the pressure off a bit and it will give everybody at the club a lift.î

there with the intention of claiming maximum points. “I canít wait for the game,î said Welbeck. ìEver since Iíve been at the club, coming through the under9s to 15s, 16s, youth team and reserves; no matter what the situation is, itís massive. “Obviously weíll want to go there and win but itís going to be another intense game and I think the whole club is really looking forward to it.”

• Anichebe

posal after Mondayís 11pm deadline will be the one that guide them through 16 Premier League games until January. Anichebe says no to Eagles again The City boss is aware of his squadís current limitations and the huge demands that will be placed on them until the new year. You always question yourself whether youíve got enough strength in depth because after Monday weíve got to go with what weíve got until January. A manager never says never,î Bruce said. “Itís going to be difficult. Thereís going to be something like 16 games before the window opens again and you have to hope you get the rub of the green. “If you get a bit of luck weíve got a chance. If we lose five or six to injuries then weíll be up against it. “Iíve said it before, weíd only be interested in people who could improve us.”

Arsenal, Spurs Clash In Derby Match

NORTH London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will clash on Sunday afternoon in what is expected to be a heated Barclays Premier League match. Kick-off is set for 17h00 (CAT) at the Emirates Stadium. Spurs, who have been big pect of going into the North spenders on the transfer marLondon derby without Lukas ket this season, have had a Podolski, Jack Wilshere or good start to the season comAaron Ramsey. The Germany pared to their neighbours, who attacker, who scored a double have been reluctant to spend against Fulham last weekend, and have had a reasonably went off with a hamstring inshaky opening to the 2013/14 jury against Fenerbahce in campaign. midweek and is expected to be Arsenal are facing the prosout for three weeks.

Ramsey scored three times over the two legs to help secure Arsenal’s passage to the group stage of the Champions League for the 16th consecutive season, but suffered a knock. Wilshere was also a victim of the Turkish side’s tough tackling late on, but finished

Flamini Signs Two-Year Arsenal for a third year. Deal Arsenal will announce the

THE 29-year-old will rejoin the club he left in 2008, having been released by AC Milan earlier this summer, after putting pen to paper on a contract worth £50,000-a-week Mathieu Flamini has become an Arsenal player for the second time after signing a two-year contract with the Gunners.

• Flamini

The Frenchman put pen to paper on the deal after reaching an agreement with the club following a final round of talks on Wednesday. Goal understands Flamini will be paid £50,000-a-week and that the contract includes an option

deal after receiving the final clearance from the Premier League. Flamini will be the second signing of the summer for Arsene Wenger ó both free transfers ó and the fourth old boy the manager has re-signed in recent years, following Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann and Thierry Henry. Arsenal anticipate the deal will herald an intensive recruitment drive in the last five days of the window. Wenger’s top target is Angel Di Maria and he has not given up hope of signing Wayne Rooney, Yohan Cabaye or a new goalkeeper. Flamini was released by AC Milan at the end of last season and he has been training with the Gunners for the last three weeks while working on his fitness and looking for a new club.

the game despite looking visibly hurt. With the match against Tottenham only days away, three new injuries are the last thing Arsene Wenger needed after a period of frustration in the transfer market. Two wins from their opening two matches have added to the positive vibe emanating from White Hart Lane, which has not been dampened by the impending world-record transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid. It is a feeling not shared by Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who rejected suggestions that Tottenham’s activity in the transfer market makes them stronger than their rivals. “Not at all, I feel we’re very, very strong,” he was quoted as saying by British media. “Everyone makes out our squad is very weak and there are not many of us, but we showed in the last few games that we can bounce back from a bad result, proving a lot of people wrong. “Every club is different and Tottenham invested their money very well. For us players we just want to do a job on Sunday, we don’t care if they have brought in 30 million pound stars.” Spurs have suffered 5-2 defeats in their last two visits to the Emirates Stadium.

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Di Maria Wants To Stay At Madrid

Espanyol Confirm Wakaso Departure GHANA midfielder Wakaso Mubarak has completed his switch to Russian side Rubin Kazan from Espanyol on a £5.2 million deal. Espanyol have confirmed the agreement with FC Rubin and the 23-year-old will travel to the city of Kazan to undergo a medical and complete the move. “Espanyol and Rubin Kazan have reached an agreement on Wednesday for the transfer of Mubarak Wakaso to the Russian team, as soon as he has passed a medical with his new club. Los Pericos blocked several offers from a flock of clubs including Juventus, Swansea City and Newcastle United but the workaholic winger will now leave the club. Wakaso told Espanyol TV: “I want to say sorry to the club, the players and the fans because I have asked to leave although they didnít want me to.” “It was the right opportunity for my future.” Wakaso spent just a season at the Estadi Cornell‡-El Prat after joining from Villarreal.

• Muburak Wakaso

• Angel Di Maria

Milan Hoping To Bounce Back Against Cagliari

MILAN will be hoping to make their opening day defeat a thing of the past when they host Cagliari on Sunday afternoon, fresh off a confidence boosting Champions League qualification. The match will take place at ency so far this season, having the San Siro, kick-off at 15h00 fallen to a shock 2-1 defeat to (CAT). the newly-promoted Hellas VeMassimiliano Allegriís men rona last week, before claiming remain the epitome of inconsista resounding 3-0 win over PSV

Roma Confirm Erik Lamelo Sale have yet to conROMA have announced the To Spurs firmTottenham the deal for the Argentina sale of Erik Lamela for Ä30 million to Tottenham Hotspur, while confirming Adem Ljajic has arrived from Fiorentina. Roma revealed Lamela’s departure to Spurs on their official website, stating that the deal could rise by another Ä5 million, subject to bonuses, while Lamela later bid his goodbyes to the Giallorossi. “Iím proud to have played with a Roma shirt,” he said. “I hope to return one day. “Maybe I havenít managed to show everything that I would have wanted and been able to show. Itís also true that we lacked something as a team. I hope that things go better this season (for Roma). They all seem very focused. I hope that the club, the coach and my team mates go as far as possible. “As for me, I hope to do well also at Tottenham. Iíd like to thank and say goodbye to the

fans, who always treated me well. I send them all a big hug and they will always have a place in my heart.”

international, who has been strongly linked with the club as speculation over Gareth Bale’s future has intensified.

Milan. Verona was a one of the worst games whereas this evening we took to the pitch compact and focused. It wasnít easy as PSV are a good team,î goalkeeper Christian Abbiati said after the game. “I think we deserved the result. Itís the perfect end to the comeback that we started last season and we got our goal. I think that the credit for this evening goes to all my teammates, especially Boateng for his double. Heís worked hard and heís earned it. ìFrom tomorrow weíll be thinking of Cagliari which wonít be an easy game as they tend to shut up shop and get you on the counter-attack.î Even though Verona managed to stun the seven times European winners, it will be a tall ask for Cagliari to do the same thing in front of the Diavoliís home crowd.

Juve, Lazio In Super Coppa Re-Run

• Erik Lamela

Leverkussen, Schalke In Titanic league top scorer Stefan Battle Kiesling taking the opportunity the first leg of their Champions

TWO of the Bundesliga’s quartet of Champions League contenders, FC Schalke 04 and Bayer Leverkusen, go head-tohead in Saturday’s late Bundesliga match. Kick-off at the Veltins Arena is scheduled for 18h30 (CAT). Even at this early stage, Schalke find themselves dangerously off the pace after having taken just one point from their first three matches following defeat at Hannover last time out. They were also struggling in Europe after a disappointing home draw against PAOK FC in

Eindhoven on Wednesday. The defeat at the Bentegodi was of their own doing, as Allegriís men once again disappointingly failed to defend well on set-pieces and corner kicks, which allowed for the towering Luca Toni to turn the central pairing of Philippe Mexes and Cristian Zapata into rookies. A positive, however, has been the attacking flare and fluidity of the movement that Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy pose, while KevinPrince Boatengís return to form has only gifted the Rossoneri with a formidable attacking force. The Ghanaian struck twice in Milanís win over the Dutch giants, while Balotelli grabbed a goal and El Shaarawy nearly added a fourth with one of his efforts rattling of the crossbar. “We played as a team, like

League group stage play-off meeting but they rallied back in the second leg to win away and claim the tie. The Royal Blues need to find their form in double-quick time, not least because visitors Leverkusen, in sharp contrast, take to the pitch at the Veltins Arena on a club record eightgame Bundesliga winning streak. Sami Hyypia’s men set it with the 4-2 home victory over Mˆnchengladbach, last season’s

to nab his 100th Bundesliga goal in the process. Now Bayer aim to extend that sequence by claiming the scalp of one of their direct rivals. In their last five matches, both teams have won two matches a piece with the other match being a draw. Last season Leverkusen had the upper hand as they won their home match against the Royal Blues whilst the match at the Veltins Arena ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

JUVENTUS have been on top of the Serie A table for over 500 consecutive days, but Lazio stand in their way on Saturday evening when they return home to the Juventus Stadium. The fixture will be the Bianconeriís first home game of the season and it will also mark a re-run of the Italian Super Cup final which took place two weeks ago in Romeís Stadio Olimpico. Antonio Conteís men will be buoyed by the result of that encounter, beating Lazio 4-0 on their home turf, and they will no doubt be looking to produce the same sort of magic in front of their home fans. confidence is by no means a factor the Old Lady will be lacking when taking on their Roman rivals and defender Giorgio Chiellini is adamant to make the most out it.

ìI would have preferred there to have been a bit more time between the two meetings. It has only been a few days since the Super Cup, and honestly I donít think the gap between the two sides is as big as that scoreline might have made it seem,î he told Sky Italia. ìWe were good at striking for the jugular and making the most of our opportunities, but Lazio are a great side and they made that clear in their first game of the season. They will be out to show people what theyíre made of and get revenge against us on Saturday, so it will be a very tough game and we will have to be strong to get the better of them.î Striker Carlos Tevez settled into life in Turin quickly after his switch from Manchester City, which saw him grab a crucial winner for the champions in their top-flight opener at Sampdoria last week.

REAL Madrid midfielder Angel di Maria says he is happy to stay and fight for his place despite the tough competition. The Whites have already signed Isco from Malaga and are on the verge of signing Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur, a transfer that would see the Argentine winger getting limited game time. The 25-year-old has been linked with Arsenal and Galatasaray and could be sent to Spurs as part of the Bale deal, but he says he is happy to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu for another season. Click here for Madrid offer Di Maria in huge Bale bid ìI understand that the club is strengthening and they are precise in what they do,î he told AS. ìBut I signed up to 2018 just a year ago and my desire is to stay at the Bernabeu.î Di Maria joined Real Madrid from Portuguese side Benfica in 2010 and he was in the starting lineup during Mondayís 1-0 league win over Granada.

Martino Happy With MessiNeymar Link

BARCELONA coach Gerardo Martino says he was pleased with the way Lionel Messi and Neymar performed in the first match they started together. The pair failed to produce a goal as the Catalans played to a 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid, but the result was enough to see them crowned as champions based on the away goals rule as the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. Nonetheless, the Argentine coach says he was content with his star players and believes their partnership will improve with time. “They played a good game, even though itís true that they didnít link-up much,î he said. “Iím certain, however, that they will find each other on the pitch. Martino also said he was not concerned about the lack of goals from their last three performances as they only managed to find the back of the net twice. ìWeíre not doing too badly considering that the season just started,î he added. ìWe intend to do much more and we want to insist on working for these types of games. “We have to have more pace, more precision and attack into space. The goal is to play more like we did in the first 20 minutes, when we were at our quickest.”

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Murray Opens Defence With Dominant Win MURRAY was not happy about having to wait until Wednesday night to open the defence of his US Open title but the Briton was quite pleased with the result after delivering a masterly thrashing of Michael Llodra. Wimbledon champion Murray, whose starting time was further delayed after four hours of rain delays had stalled proceedings at Flushing Meadows, raced through an entertaining 6-2 6-4 6-3, 98minute drubbing of the 49thranked Frenchman on centre court. “The rallies were quick, sharp. Wasn’t much time between points. He was playing quickly on his serves in between points,” the third-seeded Scot rattled off like winners from his racquet. “It was a fairly, I thought, high standard match. Lots of reactions and dropshots, and definitely tested my movement today. I thought I moved well. I didn’t make too many errors. “It was a solid match.” The world number three’s only lapse on Arthur Ashe Stadium court was when he allowed the Frenchman to break his serve in the second game of the second set. Murray, who made only five unforced errors, faced just two break points while converting a tidy five-of-seven to set up a second-round clash against Leonardo Mayer of Argentina, a 7-6 (4) 6-4 3-6 7-6 (4) winner against Romania’s Victor Hanescu. The Briton put on a splendid show of athleticism, with his catlike agility, timing at the net and piercing angles on his groundstrokes. Llodra entertained with a ‘hot dog’ shot between his legs, an underarm serve, a juggling of the tennis ball with his feet and a futile tossing of his racquet into the air as Murray’s soft, tantalising lob carried over him on match point. Despite those good vibes, the 26-year-old from Dunblane still registered his disdain over waiting so long to join the fray in the last Grand Slam tournament of the season. “I think playing at that time for your first round is not ideal,” Murray said. “It’s just not ideal. “I don’t know how many guys have played their first match at 9 p.m. on a Wednesday. “You just want to get on the court and play.” When all was said and done, Murray enjoyed his return to the scene of his maiden Grand Slam victory a little less than a year ago, a five-set triumph over long-time rival and friend Novak Djokovic. “It was nice. Going back onto that court again for me was the nicest part about it because, obviously, I have great memories here from last year. “I didn’t necessarily feel like I had much time to enjoy last year because I was so relieved. I was also a little bit in disbelief as well. “To actually be out there and play a night match in front of a big crowd was really nice. I performed well. It was good.”

World Cup Qualifiers

Belgium Coach Names Squad

Celtic celebrate at full time the UEFA Champions League play-off match, second leg at Celtic Park, Glasgow.

BELGIUM coach Marc Wilmots on Thursday named a 24-man squad for the World Cup qualifier against Scotland on September 6. Squad Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels (Hoffenheim/GER), Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid/ ESP), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool/ENG) Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Ajax/NED), Laurent Ciman (Standard Liege), Guillaume Gillet

Champions League

Injury Time Winner Sends Celtic Into Group Stage

FORREST hit a last-gasp winner as Celtic overturned a firstleg deficit to secure a 3-0 win over Shakhter Karagandy and book a place in the Champions League group stage at Celtic Park. The diminutive attacker fired home in the second minute of injury-time after some sublime approach play by Anthony Stokes to clinch a 3-2 success on aggregate. The Scottish champions had trailed 2-0 from the first-leg but reduced the arrears on the stroke of half-time through Kris Commons’ blockbuster. And they pulled level in the tie just three minutes after the restart courtesy of Georgios Samaras’ composed finish. Both sides then had chances to turn the contest in their favour, with Stokes crashing the bar with a volley and Sergei Khizhnichenko smacking the woodwork for the visitors. However, it was Celtic who finally got the match-winning strike deep in injury-time as Neil Lennon’s team earned a deserved place in Friday’s draw for the group stage.

KEY MOMENTS 5í CHANCE ñ Aleksandr Mokin pulls off a stunning stop to keep out Mikael Lustig’s goalbound header following a pinpoint centre by Commons on the right. 12' CHANCE - Mokin continues to almost single-handedly keep Celtic at bay, producing another sensational save to palm away Anthony Stokes’ bouncing header. 45+1' GOAL! - CELTIC 1-0 SHAKHTER. What a goal! Commons takes the ball off Samaras 25 yards from goal and unleashes a stunning shot that arrows into the corner. Game on. 48' GOAL! - CELTIC 2-0 SHAKHTER. Samaras levels the tie. A corner is only halfcleared and when an attempted shot falls for the big Greek, he shows great composure to take a touch and fire past the keeper from 10 yards.

DEFENDER Eric Abidal has said he would happily take on the captaincy of the France national side if Didier Deschamps decided to take the armband from Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Lloris, 26, has led the team since Laurent Blanc’s tenure as national coach, continuing in the role when Deschamps was appointed following Euro 2012. However, while Lloris does not captain Spurs, Abidal leads Monaco — despite having only joined the club this summer — and told RMC: “I’ve never refused the captain’s armband, re-

gardless of the coach. “Didier Deschamps has a huge amount of experience. He was captain himself. It’s a question that you have to ask him, but I think Hugo Lloris is an excellent captain. But if he wants to give me it, I’ll accept it willingly.” Abidal is expected to be named in the France squad named on Thursday for the World Cup qualifiers in Georgia and Belarus. It is a remarkable comeback for the defender, who underwent a liver transplant between appearing in a friendly against Germany in February 2012 and returning to the squad to win his 62nd cap in

60' OFF THE BAR! A fantastic run from Forrest on the left ends with a delicious cross that Stokes meets on the volley, but his effort crashes back off the woodwork. 63' OFF THE BAR! Vicius’ long throw causes Celtic all sorts of problems once again and they

are so lucky to survive as the ball cannons back off the crossbar via a touch off Khizhnichenko. 90+2' GOAL! - CELTIC 3-0 SHAKHTER. Forrest fires in a sensational last-gasp winner after some superb approach play by Stokes on the left side of the area.

THE Rossoneri coach has praised the controversial attacker and was pleased with his side’s qualification for the group stages AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has hailed Mario Balotelli’s positive influence following their Champions League play-off win over PSV. Balotelli scored Milan’s second goal at San Siro on Wednesday as Allegri’s men triumphed 4-1 on aggregate to qualify for the Champions League group stages and Allegri lavished praise on the Italian. “Balotelli played a great game,” Allegri told the club’s official website.

“He has taken on a lot of responsibility. He’s a real professional. “We drew the toughest team out of the draw and the players have done really well and they deserve the win.” Allegri was delighted with his side’s qualification for the group stages at the expense of the Dutch giants. “It would have been a shame to let the Champions League out of our grasp after all that we did in getting third place last term,” he added. “The players did well and they get the credit. We’re a young team and sometimes we pat ourselves on the back too much for what we’ve done but that shouldn’t happen again.” Milan will find out whom they will face in the group stages when the draw is made later on Thursday.

Allegri Hails Balotelli

I’d Be Happy To Captain France - Abidal

a friendly draw in Belgium earlier this month. “I’m very happy to be back in the French national side. It’s come around very quickly, but nothing is certain. I need to have a great season, and why not dream of Brazil 2014?î he said. ìI prepared myself well to get back into the French team. I had a very good pre-season with Monaco. I hope we’re going to qualify — the most important thing is to get there. That’s our primary objective. The French team has a huge amount of quality.”

Mario Balotelli

(Anderlecht), Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Sebastien Pocognoli (Hanover/GER), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich/GER), Jelle Van Damme (Standard Liege), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham/ ENG) Midfielders: Nacer Chadli (Tottenham/ENG), Steven Defour (Porto/POR), Moussa Dembele (Tottenham/ENG), Marouane Fellaini (Everton/ ENG), Timmy Simons (Bruges), Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS) Forwards: Zakaria Bakkali (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Christian Benteke (Aston Villa/ENG), Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea/ENG), Eden Hazard (Chelsea/ENG), Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea/ ENG), Dries Mertens (Napoli/ITA), Kevin Mirallas (Everton/ENG)

And France Too

COACH Didier Deschamps named the following 25-man squad on Thursday for the World Cup qualifiers in Georgia on Sept 6 and in Belarus four days later: Squad: Goalkeepers: Mickael Landreau (Bastia), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Olympique Marseille) Defenders: Eric Abidal (Monaco), Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Adil Rami (Valencia), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) Midfielders: Etienne Capoue (Tottenham), Clement Grenier (Olympique Lyonnais), Josuha Guilavogui (St Etienne), Geoffrey Kondogbia (Sevilla), Blaise Matuidi (Paris St Germain), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Marseille) Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Samir Nasri (Manchester City), Dimitri Payet (Olympique Marseille), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille)

THE NIGERIAN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

THE NIGERIAN

CMYK

RIBALISM and democracy are incompatible,’ Dr Elizabeth Rata, associate professor in the School of Critical Studies at the University of Auckland and member of New Zealand’s Independent Constitutional Review Panel, said this January. In contrast to Africa, most European nations follow the parliamentary system of governance. Complex and diverse nations like India, Lebanon and Israel also utilize the parliamentary system. As Africa awakens, there is a push for the parliamentary system of government, as a solution to the continents ethnic and political related woes. While in Francophone Africa, the presidential system was in effect from independence, almost all former British colonies started out as Westminsterstyle parliamentary systems. The list includesNigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi, Mauritius, Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, the Seychelles, and Botswana. In most all, except Botswana and Namibia, the prime minister eventually became president and the nations practically operated on a one-party system. The World Bank rates South Africa, Mauritius, Gabon and Botswana, uppermiddle income economies. It is more than a coincidence that of these four nations, three run p a r l i a m e n t a r y democracies. South Africa, which has the largest economy in Africa, adopted a parliamentary system, which is working well for the nation. Botswana which has operated the parliamentary system since independence has remained stable and had the highest economic growth in the world. Parliamentary Namibia is one of the few countries that have consistently enjoyed peace and stability in Africa, with virtually no political turmoil or related civil strife. The same can hardly be said of the presidential African nations. The other African nation that had a parliamentary system, Libya, despite ‘Dictator’ Gaddafi, had the highest Human Development Index (HDI) in all Africa till he was toppled. The continental drought of this safer and more sensible system does appear to be some form of mega conspiracy or mega corruption. Nana Owusu-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 Nkwantabisa said in Modern Ghana that the Western style of democracy that we have embraced—in followfollow style—without adapting it to our traditional system is hurting. He

democratic atmosphere in the continent, is that an intellectual, culturally cognizant review of our systems is pertinent with view to amendment. There are problems in the continent, and these

ByBy DR. PEREGRINOIHIMEKPEN BRIMAH OKHAREDIA

The Parliamentary Fix To Our Broken Democracy

further stressed that the presidential system was alien to Africa and that Africans need to utilize the parliamentary system of government which is very much akin to our traditional system, and that each constituency must be represented in national

problems do not appear to be abating by any measure. The discussion on reinstituting the parliamentary system has

• President Goodluck Jonathan

parliament, and each community should elect and sponsor its parliamentarian. Going on further, he expressed that the western democracy Africans have adopted introduced the concept of the opposition which is opening old wounds and fueling ethnic fracas. In Nigeria, a group under the aegis of Youth Alive Network Nigeria, on August 25th also called for the re-introduction of the parliamentary system to cut millions in electoral financial waste. The 2011 elections in Nigeria cost 123 billion naira, and yet failed to yield worthwhile results. That is gross waste, in addition to the ethnic fractionating results. Nationwide political campaign money sploshing further violates the nation while ripping it apart. Reviewing many contributions to the discussion, what can be agreed upon with the present political

been rife in Kenya, as politicians desire to tame the powers of the president— one of the advantages over the presidential system. With a colonial wrought problem similar to Nigeria, many politicians clamor for a ‘Majimbo’ political devolution of power to the country’s regions. The 1964 revised Kenyan constitution, which adopted a presidential system, spawned years of political crises and post election violence in the nation, and resulted in a split of executive powers. This May, former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga called for the adoption of the parliamentary system, saying it offers Kenya’s best solution to tribalism. “Africa is moving away from the big man syndrome, the days of Mr. President, the big man…” He said. Advancing that the parliamentary system works well in mature democracies, he described the presidential system as divisive and only served to entrench tribalism and the big man syndrome. The parliamentary system

will curb the supreme powers of Africa’s presidents. In April, former National Chairman of the defunct Progressive Action

reaction to the 2011 drop in the nation’s credit rating due to a deadlock as a result of the polarizing effect of the nations presidential system. He

Senator David Mark, Senate President

Congress (PAC) of Nigeria, Chief Charles Nwodo as reported in Daily Trust, said the parliamentary system was so favourable to Nigeria to “an extent that Nigeria was competing favourably with the developed countries, especially the socalled Asian Tigers”. He opined that, “in 1979 when the country started presidential system of government, Nigeria started having economic problems in spite the oil boom,” describing the presidential system of government as “the most expensive system practised in the whole world” and clearly not the best for a developing country like Nigeria. “With presidential system of government, you may end up using one third of the total annual budget to service political office holders at the expense of infrastructure development.” Challenging the system in response to financial and political pressing realities, Time editor and CNN host, Fareed Zakaria queried whether the United States needed a Prime minister, in

said, “After the S&P downgrade of the United States, no country with a presidential system has a triple-A rating from all three major ratings agencies. Only countries with parliamentary systems have that honor (with the possible exception of France, which has a parliament and prime minister as well as an empowered president).” These are very important considerations to be made by progressive statesmen. Fareed further referenced Juan Linz, a professor of social science at Yale, who argued that parliamentary systems were superior to presidential systems for reasons of stability. In a parliamentary system, Juan Linz contended, the legislature and the executive are fused so there is no contest for national legitimacy. A parliamentary system, in addition to being highly efficient, fosters economic growth and is most favorable for nations rife for ethnic and tribal crises. In operation, all the electorate does, is

selects its local representatives. It is these Members of Parliament (MP’s) that then choose the house leader and potential Head of State from within the legislative branch (parliament) in an internal process. The biggest party (or biggest coalition) gets to form the government. The process not only drastically saves in cost, but also abates ethnic fracas and a violently heated polity. No system is perfect, all systems ultimately being are as good as the people; but in view of Africa’s history and conundrum of crises and conflict, the parliamentary system holds better promise. The parliamentary system does of course have its challenges, a major one being the in-parliament bribing of representatives, though the World Bank found in a 2001 study, that parliamentary systems are less prone to corruption. Many other analysis have collaborated this. The MP’s are the best representatives we selected from our communities. As they conduct their duties, they represent us. The Prime minister is a member of the parliament and not a ‘foreigner.’ If he or she loses the support of the majority in the legislature on a significant vote, he or she resigns and elections are immediately called. Thus his powers are significantly limited. Accountable to the legislature, he defends his job every day. This is identical to what obtained under many kingdoms in pre-colonial Africa where the elders could pass a no confidence vote on the king, sentencing him to suicide or self exile. Senegal’s Serer elders informed the King his time was up by drumming a particular beat, while Yoruba people of Nigeria had the Bashorun notify the King it was time for him to kill himself by giving him an empty calabash or gift of parrot’s eggs. There is urgent need for robust public discussion, review and referendum—if needed—on the democratic and political systems in Africa with focus on the reintroduction of parliamentarism. We need to move forward.

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