The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vo l . 39 • NO. 088 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 20 14 • N100.00 NUTRITIONAL HEALTH AND DIETETICS Page 14
Asthma
ENVIRONMENT
APC plans mega rally for Oct 25 BENIN CITY - The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako Central Local Government Council Area of Edo State has been repositioned and put on winning ways in preparation for the forthcoming general
stakeholders meeting in Fugar, administrative headquarters of the local government. The meeting was attended by leaders,
Edo House passes 2015 Appropriation Bill By KEN ABU
Page 18 Shell and Environmental degradation of Niger-Delta
elections. This was announced at the weekend by Leader of the party in the local government, Chief Julius Brai Aloye, after an all-
elders, elected and appointed political office holders, of the APC in the area including Chief M.Z. Naboya, leader of South Uneme; Alhaji Waziri Oshomah, leader of Ekperi; Retired Continues on page 2
BENIN CITY-The Edo State House of Assembly has passed the year 2015 Appropriation bill of N159, 348,802,916, indicating an increase of N3 billion over the earlier proposed N156 bn presented by Governor Adams Oshiomhole on September 23 to parliament for consideration and passage. The appropriation bill parliament for has a capital expenditure consideration at the of N88, 672, 249, 800 committee of the whole. and a recurrent The one-point expenditure of N70, 726, recommendation of the 553, 116. The passage report directed that the followed the presentation 2015 Appropriation bill be of the report of the given consideration committee on ahead of its passage. Appropriation and Budget Consequently parliament Monitoring by the however resolved into the Committee Chairman, committee of supply Hon. Peter Aliu to through an application by
Hon. Phillip Shaibu The Majority Leader, having suspended section 55 (2)(17) of the House
Rules and section 98 of the amended 1999 constitution to consider the Appropriation bill.
At the committee of supply, parliament approved the appropnation of N88, 672, 249, 800 billion for
capital expenditure under schedule one of the appropriation to be appropriated from the consolidated revenue funds while N70, 726, 553, 116 to be appropriated from the considered revenue fund under schedule 2 of the Continues on page 2
Good Governance
Ihonvbere advocates dynamic pol structure By QUEENNETH A. OROBEDO BENIN CITY – Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere says a dynamic political structure is the answer to good governance and positive leadership. He was speaking yesterday in Benin City at the 2013/2014 Award Ceremony of the Coalition of Registered
Political Party, Edo State, held in honour of some political office holders. The SSG who was also a recipient of the award said that people are aware that commitment to due process has changed the political scene and are well informed to make the right decisions in the upcoming general elections. According to him, the
TIT BIT “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” - Plato
presence of government can be seen in every part of the state ranging from infra structural development to complete
INAUGURATION OF HOLY MOTHER AND CHILD CLINIC: L-R: Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’Ad Abubakar III; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Bishop Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, during the inauguration of Holy Mother and Child Clinic in Sokoto yesterday.
Oshiomhole threatens to revoke contracts at AAU
Continues on page 2
By OSE EHEBHA
EKPOMA - Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has threatened to revoke the contract for the construction of administrative building at the state owned Ambrose Alli University EkpomaEdo State, following slow pace of work. The Governor handed
down the warning while commissioning two 500Capacity Lecture Theatres, one each on main campus and Emaudo Annex of the university; and a block of Professors’ offices, executed by the state government at the cost of N250 million. Comrade Oshiomhole who likened the pace of
work to a snail speed, said he was embarrassed
by the contractor ’s handling of the project, threatening to revoke the
contract, if no appreciable Continues on page 2
500 PDP members defect Governor, Pius Egberanmwen Odubu to APC North ward, Orhionmwon who assured them of
URHONIGBE- At least 500 members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Urhonigbe
local government area of Edo state. They were received by the state Deputy
equal treatment with other members of APC. On arrival at Urhonigbe, Continues on page 2
News
APC plans mega rally for Oct 25
Continued from page 1 government area and assured Commissioner of Police, Jacob Oshiomogho, leader of Avhianwu; House member, Honourable Johnson Oghuma, Council Chairman, Honourable Emmanuel Ozimede Momoh and Chairman of SUBEB, Chief Steve Alao. Other key stakeholders in attendance included members of the legislative and executive arms of the local government council, members of the local government area, executive of the party, ward leaders, members of ward executive committees and aspirants to various elective positions in the forthcoming general elections. Chief Aloye, who noted that with the resolve of the various interest groups in the party to embrace peace and work together for the good of the party and the people, there was no doubt that the APC would sweep the votes in the February 2015 general elections. He congratulated all members of the party for their commitment to the unity and stability of the party in the local
that the interest of every member would be protected in the scheme of things. Chief Aloye particularly commended the Council Chairman, Hon. Momoh as well as Edo State House of Assembly member, Hon. Johnson Oghuma, for their untiring efforts in seeking peace and reconciliation among members of the party, adding that a level playing field would be provided for all aspirants in the coming elections. A standing ovation was given to Hon. Oghuma for
standing solidly behind the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and his development agenda. Also speaking, Hon. Johnson Oghuma restated his resolve to continue to provide qualitative and effective representation for the people and assured that he would continue to place premium on attracting projects which impact positively on the lives of the people in the local government. Highlight of the meeting was the introduction of Mr. Harry Igbadumhe, former Personal
Oshiomhole threatens to revoke Continued from page 1 contracts at AAU difference is notice by October. The en raged Governor
said three letters of warnings had already been issued to the contractor, as part of his government’s determined efforts to ensure completion of the project before year end. “The time allowed for the contract has lapsed and the
contract is competing with snail in terms of speed. I have asked the commissioner to issue several warnings. “I believe we have issued up to three letters of warning. If those warnings are not heeded and I come back by October, we will revoke the contract and get someone
500 PDP members defect to They expressed their Continued from page 1 APC willingness to collaborate the Deputy Governor visited the Okaeubo of Urhonigbe, Chief Igie Aimuyo who gave his blessing to Dr. Odubu for the infrastructural development of the community. Addressing the defectors, Dr Odubu stated that the former PDP members would not regret their decision to pitch tent with the ruling APC in the state. He outlined some achievements of the present administration in Edo state to include the construction of Ogan-Ugo – Urhomehe Urhonigbe road which he added enables the comrade bus to ply the route; the refurbishment and renovation of Idumwogo primary school, the renovation of Urhonigbe General Hospital as well as provision of the hospital in the community. Dr. Odubu also advised other party members to keep their temporary voters cards in preparation for the issuance of permanent voters cards by the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) which is billed to last for three days.
2015 Appropriation Bill Continued from page 1 year 2015 Appropriation bill as recurrent expenditure. The year 2015 Appropriation bill was however given its third reading by the Clerk of the House while awaiting the ascent of the Governor.
Assistant (PA) to Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State and immediate past Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, who dumped the PDP for APC with his supporters. A 15-member planning committee headed by the Council Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ozimede Momoh, was also constituted to plan a Mega Rally for the local government at which more than 3000 former members of the PDP in the local government would be
He urged those who have attained 18 years to register, adding that those whose card have been lost or mutilated should go to court to swear to an affidavit to enable INEC replace them with permanent ones that would enable them vote during elections. Spokesmen for the defectors Mr. Friday Osazee and others said their decision to dump the PDP followed the unprecedented performance by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led government in the community. Other defectors enumerated the state government’s achievements to include the renovation and equipment of their hospital, schools, Urhonigbe road and other welfare packages.
with other members of the party in the quest to enhance the future of APC in the locality and the state generally. Leader of Orhionmwon Local Government legislative arm, who represents Urhonigbe North, Hon. Saturday Ekhator described the defection as historic while the ward chairman, chief Isaac Omoruyi said the defectors’ decision has dealt a mortal blow to the PDP in the ward. The Deputy Governor and his entourage also had a stop over at Urhonigbe south ward where he urged the people to continue to work for the progress of the party, while encouraging party members and leaders to always see themselves as one family is spite of provocations.
Ihonvbere advocates dynamic pol structure Continued from page 1 and on-going projects, just as he enjoined the people to protect the legacy put in place by Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The SSG equally remarked that “When you work hard and know that power belong to the people you will be recognised”. Chairman, Coalition of Registered Political Parties, Edo State, Dr. Samson Isibor in his welcome address stressed that the ceremony was not just to applaud the government of the day, but
to commend and give credence to those occupying positions and deserving of such awards, just as he admonished them to aim higher, do more and sustain the peoples confidence in them. Amongst those awarded were Hon. Melik Afegbua, Chairman Etsako East Local Government Council, Chief Useni Elamah, Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Post Primary Secondary and Tertiary Education and others.
else to who will complete it. “We are obliged to keep our promise. Our selling point is that when we make promise, we keep our word. So I will do a letter under my own signature to ensure the project is completed before the end of 2014”, he warned. He commended the university management for judicious use of the fund provided by the statement government, describing the vice-chancellor, Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku “as the best manager of all time”. He also praised her for the prevailing peace on campus, and later pledged to provide her with a brand new SUV, as well as provide more funds for provision of more infrastructures in the university. Governor Oshiomhole similarly promised the sum of N20 million for the department of Media and Theatre Arts, as appreciation for their dramatic display at the event. The Pro-chancellor who was represented by the Prof. Theophilus Audu lauded the Governor for his avowed determination to move the university to the next level in infrastructural development. The Governing Council chairman, who expressed gratitude to the governor for another recent N500 Million grant to the university, itemized eight projects to be executed with the fund, adding that the governor would return soon to commission the projects. The vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku said the governor has demonstrated his love and concern for the university with the projects executed by his administration in the university. She however craved the indulgence of the Comrade Governor fro his intervention towards the accreditation of the department of Medical and Laboratory science programme in the College of Medicine. The three commissioned intervention projects were executed with the sum of N250 million provided by the state government to the university management.
Hundreds homeless as rainstorm devastates Agbede By MORRISON HAYBLE AGBEDE -A mid day down pour which occurred Sunday at Agbede in Etsako West Local Government Area has left devastating impact on its trail as hundreds of residents are now homeless following destruction of about twenty houses in the community. The heavy rain accompanied by a gale, according to a resident, pulled down many buildings while others had theirs completely deroofed and deposited several meters away. No life was however lost in the incident but property worth millions of naira were destroyed even as many electric poles were also pulled down thereby compelling unavoidable
blackout in the next few weeks. A particularly unfortunate resident, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu suffered double misfortune of loosing the roof of his house which also served as instrument for the destruction of his car parked out side his house An opinion leader in the community, Mr. Oyakhire who spoke with Our Correspondent explained that they had not experienced any rainstorm of such magnitude for decades and appealed to the state government and relevant authorities for urgent assistance so as to assuage the plight of the displaced persons some of who are infants and children presently squatting with neighbours.
Be firm, Mark urges judiciary By JOSES SEDE ABUJA - Senate President David Mark, yesterday, enjoined Nigeria judiciary to be more creative in interpreting the laws of the land so as to ensure quick and conscientious dispensation of justice. Making the call at a Public Presentation and Launching of three books titled “Understanding Bill”, “Legislative Drafting: Mathematics and other Devices’’, “Ultra Vires and New Grounds for Judicial Review”in Abuja, Sen. Mark urged the judiciary to emulate the West by ensuring efficient dispensation of justice through effective interpretation of laws. “In other climes, it is the judiciary that determines and defines the character of democratic practice”, the Senate President who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Sen. Anthony Manzo, stressed. He also encouraged Nigerians to cultivate the culture of reading in order to encourage scholars to continue to write books, adding, “it is good to admire scholarly write-ups but unfortunately in Nigeria, we attach more importance to other things” and hoped that “as a nation, we will accord importance to reading.’’ He also called for restoration of the democratic powers of local government councils as enshrined in the constitution and decried the present practice, where some local government chairmen, were not democratically elected. According to the Senate President, “the powers in the constitution with regard to local government councils are usurped in spite of the fact that Section Seven of the Constitution guarantees democracy”. He however commended the author for the scholarly
write-up, adding that it would go a long way enabling ordinary Nigerians understand the laws. The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Ben Angwe in his remarks noted that the books would simplify the process of legislative engagement. The executive secretary, who was represented by Head of the Directorate of his office, Mr Harry Obe, said simplification of legislative engagement was key to the mandate of the commission. “As you know, one of the critical mandate of the commission is to review bills, laws and administrative policies to ensure that they are in conformity with human right norms and simplification of legislative engagement will help in this regard. We believe that with works like this, the mandate of the commission will be made easier in terms of our engagement with legislative processes,’’ he said. The author of the book, Daniel Adem, said he was inspired to write the books in order to simplify legislative drafting for the common man to understand. Adem, who is the Secretary, Directorate of Legal Services in the National Assembly, said the books would equally assist the judiciary in easy interpretation of laws. “In the books, I talked about legislative drafting made in simple language and it is to encourage our laws to be drafted in ordinary language; If laws are written in ordinary language, it will also assist the judiciary in the interpretation of the law”, he continued. He further noted that the responses from the public on his previous publications indicated that ordinary Nigerians appreciated his effort to simplify the law in his write-ups.
News NSMA Donates Ambulance To FRSC
Easter Prayer Breakfast Fellowship Holds Tomorrow By STANLEY UGAGBE
BENIN CITY – The Edo Easter Prayer Breakfast Fellowship is to hold its 6th Edition of Independence Day prayer Rally tomorrow, Wednesday October, 1, 2014. In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman Majemite Onosode and the secretary, Day Aigbavboa, these session will hold at Gloria Event Centre, 14, Commercial Avenue, Near Police officer mess off Ikpokpan street G.R.A, Benin City, beginning at 1pm. The theme of the programme is “Rend Your Heart And Hot Your Garments” taken from the book of Joel 12: 13. The statement also revealed that the programme will feature intercessory prayer session for Nigeria. Which marks its 54 th Independent anniversary tomorrow The statement enjoins all Nigerians to join the fellowship in interceding for Nigeria as different anointed ministers of God will be ministering.
President Goodluck Jonathan (left), presenting a ‘member of the order of the Federal Republic (MFR)’ award to a taxi driver, Mr. Imeh Usuah, who returned the sum of N18m (Eighteen Million Naira) forgotten in his car by a customer, in Abuja yesterday.
ABUJA - The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulance to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to strengthen its operation in the FCT. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Manzu Ezekiel, Press Officer of the agency and made available to newsmen on Sunday, in Abuja. It explained that the Director-General of NEMA, Mr Sanni Sidi, said that delivering the ambulance to
FRSC Issues 1,334 New Driver’s Licences
OSOGBO -The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Osun state on Monday said it issued 1,334 driver’s licences to motorists in the state in August. Mr Muhammad Husaini, the State Sector C ommander of FRSC, announced the figure to newsmen in Osogbo. He said the figure was a compilation of applicants for the new driver’s licence and those upgrading to new ones. According to Husaini, “information on new driver’s licence are uploaded into the FRSC data base and it is only licences issues by the commission that are certified authentic”. He, therefore, called on motorists not to patronise touts or middlemen in processing or procuring their licences. According to him, “any driver’s
licence procured without the bearer going to the commission’s office for physical image capturing and provision of bio data is not authentic”. “Anybody using a driver’s licence procured through payment to a middle man without making a physical appearance at the commission’s registration and capturing office
is using a fake driver’s licence,” he said. He also said there were procedures to follow in procuring the document and upgrading old ones. He said whoever intended to apply could get more information by contacting the commission or visiting its web site.
He warned motorists not to patronise any middleman or touts in procuring their licences, stating that the commission had not authorised anybody to act on its behalf. He said that anybody caught using a fake licence on the road would be apprehended, stating that using of fake document was an offence.
FG Mounts Tight Security As Dignitaries Receive National Honour Awards ABUJA - Security is tight around the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, venue of the 2014 National Honours Award Investiture Ceremony being performed by President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday. Heavily armed security personnel are stationed at strategic locations in and around the venue. The personnel comprise men of the military, police, civil defence corps, the Department of State Security and Federal Road Safety Commission. All roads leading to the ICC have been cordoned off, while both vehicular and human traffic are being diverted through alternative routes. All guests and awardees are subjected to thorough screening before given access to the venue, which is beautifully decorated in green and white curtains and ribbons. Meanwhile, a total of 313 citizens who have contributed to the
development and progress of the country are receiving the awards. According to the event programme, 25 of the awardees will receive the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) award, while 60 will be conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Fifty-four awardees are listed to receive the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OFR) award, and 63 will be decorated as Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON). The Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) awards are going out to 53 and 56 recipients respectively. Two of the awardees will each receive the First and Second Class of the Federal Republic Medal. None of the awardees made the highest honours of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) this year.
Mr. Victor Dimka (left), Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Nigeria Customs, showing a trailler load of seixed items in Benin yesterday.
the FRSC was in line with the roles of NEMA to facilitate support for response agencies. Sidi said that the gesture was also in furtherance to its mandate on coordinating disaster across the country. The statement noted that the newly acquired MICU ambulance was well equipped with the state-ofthe-art facilities that were capable of providing emergency Health Care to patients on transit to the hospitals. It said the ambulance was presented to the FRSC by Air Commodore Charles Otegbe, Director, Search and Rescue, of the agency, who represented Sidi. Responding to the gesture, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, expressed appreciation to NEMA for the assistance. It stated that Oyeyemi was represented by Mr Adei Abu, the Deputy Corps Marshal, Operation, of the commission. NEMA had recently presented one unit each of the MICU ambulances to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society. It added that Sidi promised that under his leadership, the agency would continue to build synergy among the stakeholders, sustain human capacity development and facilitate the necessary tools for efficient and effective management of disasters. “More attention would be given to the promotion of disaster risk reduction, awareness creation and effective coordination of resources required for dealing with emergency situations. ’’ President Goodluck Jonathan recently approved the reappointment of Sidi for a second term as contained in a letter from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
2015: Rivers Community Urges Parties
To Zone Governorship Slot To Its Area PORT HARCOURT -The Ogoni Leadership Forum on Sunday called on political parties to zone the 2015 Rivers governorship slot to the area. The forum, comprising all groups, associations and politicians from the four Ogoni-speaking councils of Rivers, made the demand at a meeting in Port Harcourt. Prof. Walter Ollor, spokesman of the forum, told newsmen that the people
would support parties that fielded Ogonis as their candidates for the governorship election. He said since the return to civil rule in 1999, Ogoni people had not produced the governor of the state and that equity and justice demanded that the slot should be given to them in 2015. ‘’ The people of Ogoni land will support only that political party which fields our candidate for the
gubernatorial election. ‘’ Political parties that enthrone Ogoni candidates as second fiddle office holders will not enjoy the support of Ogoni people,’’ he said. Ollor urged other ethnic groups in Rivers to support their course because Ogonis supported them when their candidates contested elections to produce the governor of the state. Dr Peter Medee, President, Kagote Ogoni, said the
decision by the forum was a step in the right direction. ‘’ This decision was taken in the interest of all Ogoni people and we will stand by it. ‘’ Equity, justice and fairness demands that Ogoni people should produce the next governor of Rivers. ‘’ Since the return to civil rule, Ogoni people have not produced the governor, deputy governor or speaker of the state house of assembly,’’ Medee said.
News Car Rams Into Nat’l Museumof the Fence car attributed the cause
Abuja - Lokoja Road Crashes
Wada Laments Pressure On Health Facilities LOKOJA - Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State said incessant accident on the Lokoja-Abuja road has put serious pressure on public health institutions in the state. Wada, who spoke at the 2014 special marshals’ workshop in Lokoja yesterday, noted that public hospitals had been receiving on daily basis corpses of victims of road mishaps and those injured. According to him, the trend has posed a great danger to the health of the people of the state. The Governor said that medical personnel in the state had continued to spend more time to attend to accident victims at the expense of other patients, who needed medical attention. Wada, however, called for a concerted effort to stem the tide of crashes on Okene-LokojaAbuja and other roads in the state. The governor, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Abdulrahman Wuya, promised that the state government would continue to support the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to minimise road accidents. Government, he said, had awarded contracts for the expansion and dualisation of some roads in the state to ensure safety and urged motorists to obey traffic rules and codes. In his remarks, the FRSC Corps Marshall , Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, commended the special marshals for collaborating with the organisation to reduce carnage on the highways. He said the theme of the workshop, “Improved regulatory and Enforcement Capacity in FRSC: Way forward in road traffic crashes and fatality reduction” , was deliberately chosen to allow marshals and other stakeholders reflect on and analyse issues bordering on road safety and reduction of accidents.
By IKPONMWOSA OSAZEE / OMORODION LAWRENCE
Payloader clearing refuse in one the major roads in Auchi the administrative headquarter’s of Etsako West Local Government during last Saturdday’s monthly environment sanitation monitered by the Local Government Chairman, Hon. (Barr.) Hassan Kadiri.
Ocean Surge: Bayelsa
Community Seeks FG’s YENAGOA - The coastal Assistance Koluama community of
A Toyota Sunny Saloon car with Registration No. AE 740 BKN that crashed into the fence of the National Musuem at the Oba Ovonramwen Square, dirctly opposite Airport Road, Benin City yesterday. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE
Bayelsa State has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently halt the ocean surge threatening to submerge part of the area. Chief Ogbion Mienye, the Paramount Ruler of Koluoma 2, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, made the call in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Koluoma. Mienye said that the surge from the Atlantic Ocean posed great a danger to his domain and if not checked would spell a disaster to the community. He recalled that there was an ocean encroachment on the community in June, which led to the missing of a child.
Govs Task NDDC To Deliver Legacy Programmes
ASABA - The Governors of the nine Niger Delta States yesterday charged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to build major legacy programmes to grow the economy of the region. Dr Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state disclosed this to newsmen at the end of the Governors’ meeting with the NDDC management. The meeting spanned through Saturday night to early Sunday morning in Asaba, Delta, he said. He noted that the NDDC
Chairman has given an insight to the governors into its programmes, adding that the major challenge of the commission has been funding. “So, we are looking at all these to see how we can help the commission leverage on some of the outstanding fund from the oil majors who are supposed to make some contributions to NDDC. “Some of these oil companies have defaulted in their
contributions and we have also as an advisory body in our own way encouraged NDDC to place emphasis on major legacy programmes. “Such projects that will grow the economy of the Niger Delta region and essentially increase the level of economic activities that will create jobs for our people,” he said. He noted that the only way to develop a state economy beyond oil was for NDDC to ensure that
Vincent Oritsematosan Jemide For Burial Oct 4 BENIN CITY – The family of Jemide in Koko, Warri North Local Government of Delta State has announced the death of their father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Late Hon. Vincent Jemide who died on Saturday August 30, 2014. He was aged 70. According to a funeral programme announced by his family and signed by his son, Pastor Aminoritse Jemide, there will be Service of Songs at his residence, No 101, Aerodrome Close, By Trade Fair Ground, Benin City, Edo State on Thursday October 2, 2014. His remains will depart
BENIN CITY – Tragedy was yesterday averted in Benin City when a Toyota Saloon Car rammed into the fence of the National Museum before it crashed into premises at the Oba Ovonramen Square, Benin City. When The NIGERIAN OBSERVER visited the scene of the incident at about 2 p.m., the green Toyota saloon car with registration number AE740BKN was seen suspended on the fence. Speaking, Hon. Ekpen Bazuaye who witnessed the incident noted that, the driver
of the accident to brake failure, adding that, the driver escaped from the scene thereafter. In a related development, citizens who made frantic effort to reserve the accident victims narrowly escaped death when a car coming from Airport road towards the square hit them. Hon. Ekpen Bazuaye hinted that five of the accident victims including two Mobile Policemen, assigned to the Edo State House of Assembly were seriously injured, adding that, they were rushed to the Central Hospital. A visit to the accident ward of the hospital revealed that they were receiving treatment.
Central Hospital Mortuary at 8.00am in a motorcade to Ubeji, Warri South on Saturday, October 4, 2014 for a funeral Service/Interment at his building site located at Deeper Life Road, Ubeji, Warri fixed for 10.00am. – 12noon. There will be a reception for guests at 1.00 – 4.00p.m. same day at Ubeji Grammar School, Ubeji. The Late Hon. Vincent Jemide was a member of House of Representatives, who represented Warri North Local Government on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP)
during the third republic. He is survived by a wife, Mrs. Grace Jemide (Nee Mabiaku), three children and five grand children brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. His children are: Barr.(Mrs.) Oritsemueyiwa Ohiro Atakpu, Mrs. Okpetoritse Kudu and Pastor Aminoritse Jemide. The Late Hon. Vincent Jemide is the father-in-law of the Deputy Editor, Nigerian Observer Comrade Leo Ohiro Atakpu. Comrade Atakpu is also the Deputy Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), a Benin-
based Non-Governmental, Non-political and Non-profit organisation.
Late Hon. Vincent Jemide
the commission put on ground such projects that would ensure sustainable economy for the region even after oil. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, who chaired the meeting, said that the forum was a regular one between the governors of the nine oil producing states and the management of NDDC. “The nine Niger Delta state governors, the Chairman of NDDC and the Managing Director of NDDC as secretary holds a regular meeting and toady we held another meeting,” he said. Also in an interview, the Managing Director, NDDC, Bassey Dan-Abia, said that the commission has listened to the advice of the Governors and assured that things would be done differently to develop the region. “We want to assure you that we have taken note of the advice of our leaders and we have stated a new NDDC and not just slogan, and I want to say that things are getting better,” Abia said. Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers; Abia, Theodore Orji; Bayelsa, Seriake Dickson, and Imo, Rochas Okorocha, attended the meeting. Those absent were Mr Adams Oshiomole of Edo, Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom and Chibuike Amechi of Rivers.
The paramount ruler also recalled that the community lost a substantial part of its land mass to ocean surge in 1953. “In 1970 we lost two communities along this coastline and now the encroachment is progressing very fast. “In fact, this ocean encroachment is just like terror living with us; the ancient Koluama was washed away by the ocean in 1953. “Before we erected electricity poles in this community, we gave a distance of about 50 metres from the shoreline. “Sadly, between 2010 and now four of the poles have been lost to the ocean encroachment,’’ he said. According to him, the community was at the verge of extinction due to the advancement of the Atlantic. Mienye said that the community had informed all the relevant organs of government, including the National Assembly and Presidency, but had yet to get any response. Chief Christian Munghenbofa-Kpele, the Chairman of Koluoma 1 Council of Chiefs, also expressed worries over the situation which he described as “impending disaster”. He said: “We are in a very precarious situation; we are very much endangered. “The most recent surge occurred on June 12, and this community may be washed away in no distant time if nothing is done. “Tamazo and Betogbene have been eaten up by the Atlantic and we the people along the shoreline have no hope. “We are appealing to government of Nigeria and international development agencies to come to our rescue.” Munghenbofa-Kpele called for the reclaiming of the lost land and construction of an embankment in the area to forestall further encroachment by the Atlantic.
News Zamfara Releases 500 Rams GUSAU (ZAMFARA) Zamfara Government says it has released 500 rams to be distributed free to the poor, for the forthcoming Eid El Kabir celebrations. The state’s Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Prof. Abdullahi Shinkafi announced this on in Gusau during a preaching
For Sallah
session. The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Sani Maradun, added that the government would distribute 40 cows, also free, to some selected groups for the same purpose.
According to him, the gesture is to enable the poor in the state celebrate the festival with members of their families. He said both the rams and the cows were meant to go to the targeted groups, and warned those charged with the responsibility of the distribution to be guided by that.
Don Charges Students On School’s GWAGWALADA – Prof. Rules, Regulations Theresa Odumuh of the Faculty of Education, University of Abuja (UniAbuja), has urged sandwich students to comply with the rules and regulations of the institution. Odumuh gave the advice at the matriculation/orientation of sandwich students of the Institute
of Education, UniAbuja. According to her, ethics are set standards, expectations and aspirations of all educators and students are expected to comply with the stipulated rules and regulations. She said that both students and
Plateau Increases Access To Tourist Sites JOS – Mr. Yiljap Abraham, the Plateau Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, says tourist sites across the state have been made accessible through massive road construction. In a statement he issued to mark the World Tourism Day in Jos, Abraham said that tourist sites in rural communities were now easily accessible to tourists. The statement stated that the roads were necessary to facilitate access to tourist sites located across the rural areas of the state. It also stated that the state government had begun the construction of an indoor theatre at Jos North Local Government Area to boost tourism. The statement further said that the government had completed the construction of an ultramodern Olympic-size stadium in Jos with facilities to host events. In consonance with the theme of this year’s celebration,
“Tourism and Community Development,” the statement said that government had established a museum to preserve the cultural heritage of the people. The statement also said that the theme highlighted the role of the communities in advancing sustainable development. It called on local communities to engage in tourism activities in order to enjoy the economic, social and cultural benefits that it generates. Besides, it called on the communities to properly harness their tourism potentials as a source of livelihood. The statement said tourism would only prosper if its socioeconomic benefits trickled down to the communities. According to the statement, this year’s United Nations World Tourism Day, was to create awareness and advocate support for tourism development from the government and the private sector.
2015: UPP To Form Alliance ENUGUThe United Progressive Party (UPP) says it is ready to form an alliance with any interested political party ahead of the 2015 general elections. The National Chairman of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said this in Enugu at a reception organised for him by party stalwarts. Okorie said the party had put in place its traditional structures ahead of the elections. According to him, members of the party represent over 25 per cent of the voting population across the country. Okorie said that in the absence of an alliance by interested parties, UPP would field candidates to contest various positions in the elections. “UPP is very ready for the 2015 general elections but if per chance there is an alliance because it is always a possibility, then we will come in to ensure a blend. But if not, we will field
candidates for the presidential election and others,’’ he said. On the forth coming 54th Independence anniversary celebration of the country, the national chairman called on Nigerian leaders to reflect on the past with a view to improving the future. He appealed to the Federal and State Governments to create more jobs for youths in the society. “We have to thank God for being together. This is a time of deep reflection because it is coming at a time when the general elections are around the corner. “Nigerians should decide on whether they should remain the way they are or use their Godgiven franchise, which is their ballot papers, to effect positive changes,’’ Okorie said. He also called on government, security agencies as well as individuals to step up the fight against insurgency in the country.
lecturers had a collective responsibility to obey the rules and regulations, embrace and practise them. “This will enhance the achievements of a qualitative education and give the teaching profession the honour and dignity it deserves. “This will also make your stay in the campus fruitful and you will imbibe and receive the necessary preparation for your professional practice. “So as professionals, so much is expected of you and your behaviour must reflect the ideals of the Nigerian society,’’ Odumuh said.
107 Arrested Over Sanitation Offences
KANO - No fewer than 107 persons were arrested for various sanitation-related offences in Kano State during last Saturday’s monthly sanitation exercise. It was gathered that the defaulters, who were arrested in the eight metropolitan local governments, paid a total sum of N362, 650 in fines after they were tried in 10 mobile courts. The state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, who doubles as the Chairman of the State Sanitation Committee, monitored the exercise in Kano. He said more sanitation committees would be established in local councils in addition to the eight already established. “We are sure that the local government sanitation committees that were recently set up will enable the exercise have a great impact in local governments,’’ he said. The chairman added that more local committees would be set up soon as the eight in the metropolitan councils were inaugurated. *****
South-West Cleric Tasks Parents On Child Upbringing AKURE- A Catholic priest in Ondo Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Afariogun, has advised parents to always bring up their children in the way of God. Afariogun gave the advice in Akure during a thanksgiving service and launching of two books, ‘Face to Face with Death’ and ‘Education under the State and the Church’. The cleric urged parents to always play active roles in the upbringing of their children so that they would not become criminals in future. “I am giving this advice because one of my books, ‘Face to Face with Death, ‘ is about my encounter with men of the underworld who kidnapped me and took me to rob a bank.
Don Blames Violence On Family Upbringing SANGO-OTA (OGUN) Prof. Amos Alao, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, attributed violence in the society to failure in fostering etiquette at the family level. Alao, who is the Deputy Dean, School of Human Resource Development Studies at the university, said this in Ota at the 37th Public Lecture organised to mark the 60th Birthday of the university’s Chancellor, Pastor David Oyedepo. The topic of the public lecture was: “ Fostering Psychology Adjustment; Pathways to National Wellness.’’ The lecturer said the significance and relevance of marriage in wellness cannot be over emphasised “because it opens the doors to many of life rewarding blessings. “However, marital conflicts and disharmony lead to strained relationships and violence, alcoholism and abuse.’’ He said individuals, couples, families and communities have vital roles to play in ensuring the wellness of wards and children in the country. He added that “ensuring wellness in the nation must begin with ensuring wellness at the family level, in interpersonal relations between two individuals and at group levels, in the community and in the society.’’ Alao said that if there were challenges in fostering wellness at the lower level of relationships, achieving national wellness could become difficult. He stressed the need for those handling students’ welfare matters in the university and other tertiary institutions to have some level of competence in recognising students in distress and assisting them appropriately. He said health and psychosocial services on campus should be easily accessible in terms of time, location and professional outlook. “Counselling services in our
“Thank God that he spared my life as many people died during the robbery; I used the book to thank God for his saving grace,” he said. Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Mr Dominic Adebusoye, described the event as a day of testimony. “It is motivational for us to be closer to God and a testimony to the fact that the God we serve is a living one,” he said. Earlier, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State had urged the clergy to pray against the spread of Ebola in Nigeria. Represented by the Chairman, Ondo State Christians Welfare Board, Mr Lawrence Akinlolu, Mimiko urged people to avoid contact with victims of the virus and to always wash their hands with soap.
Ember Months
FRSC Intensifies Patrol
Screening of intending Christian Pilgrims for Ebola in Bauchi yesterday.
Participants at a North West Z o n e Sensitisation workshop on P e n s i o n Management Under Pension Tr a n s i t i o n a l Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) in K a d u n a yesterday.
SANGO-OTA (OGUN) - The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Ota, said it has intensified efforts on patrol and public enlightenment to reduce road accidents in the “Ember Months.” The Ota Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr Sunday Omafu, told newsmen in an interview in Ota that the command had embarked on pre-trip inspection twice a week in all parks in Ota and its environs. He said “the unit inspects vehicles going outside the state with defects like bad tyres, side mirrors and wind screen. “We stop motorists with defects on their vehicles from embarking on a journey until those faults are rectified,’’ he said. Omafu said that the command, in collaboration with the transport union in the state, embarked on the inspection and screening of vehicles. According to him, the commission intends to do radio and television jingles during the ember months to warn drivers against overloading and speeding. “We have written to companies operating in Ota and its environs to come to our aid in sponsoring the jingles,’’ he added. The ember months, he said, should not be seen as different from other months, he advised. The months, which formed the last quarter of the year, were observed to be busier than other months of the year as motorists, businessmen and women rushed to make ends meet in speedy manner. The FRSC official said that to achieve that, commercial motorists try to make more trips during those months to make more money.
Ekiti: CJ Shuts Courts Indefinitely ADO-EKITI - All courts in Ekiti State have been shut down indefinitely on the orders of the state Chief Judge, Justice Ayo Daramola.
The Chief Registrar of the state Judiciary, Mr Obafemi Fasanmi, stated this in a statement in AdoEkiti. Fasanmi said the decision
was taken as a result of series of attacks launched on the court premises by hoodlums since Monday which, he said, had continued unabated.
He said the action of the chief judge had become necessary in order to protect the lives of judges and other judicial officers who were being harassed
and man-handled by thugs on a daily basis. The chief registrar said that a new date for the reopening of the courts would be announced later.
Group Advocates Better Funding Of Technical Schools IBADAN - A Yoruba sociocultural youth group, Yoruba Youths Congress (YYC), has called for better funding of technical schools by the Federal Government as a way to eradicate poverty. It also advised that such schools should be better equipped.
The group gave the advice through a press statement issued and signed on Friday in Ibadan by Mr Habib Olalekan, the group’s National Leader. The group said that it believed that more Nigerians would have good skills to create employment not only for themselves, but for others with
more equipped technical schools. The group called for stable power supply and a ban on importation of some products. “If the government can achieve stable power supply, equip technical schools and ban importation of some products,
committee to the expanded meeting of the Special Projects Office (SPO), Ministry of Works and representatives of contractors. “The Runway Orientation of the MKO Abiola International Airport, Ido-Osun, has been upgraded from 04/22 to 05/23. “This is to ensure maximum safety of the facility when completed and to comply with
global best practice in the aviation industry,’’ he explained. “Another critical aspect of the project reviewed was the option of a multi-dimension approach to the construction of the runway, instead of the initial single dimension approach. “The implication of this is that aircraft will be able to take off from both ends of the runway in
poverty will automatically be eradicated. “There is also the need to curb corrupt practices as poverty can be linked directly to corruption. “We urge the government to take the fight against corruption as a significant battle that must not be handled with kid gloves,”
it said. The group expressed optimism to see Nigeria free of violence, corruption and impunity. “These should be the set goals of the government and if those in authorities are determined to lead by example, the country will be better for it,” it said.
Proposed Abiola Airport Undergoes Design Upgrade OSOGBO - Mr Aderonmu Agbomeji, Chairman, Revised Estimated Total Cost (RETC) Committee, said on Thursday that the design of M.K.O Abiola Airport in Ido-Osun, Osun, had been upgraded. The committee is charge of the construction of the airport. Agbomeji stated this while presenting a report of the
case the weather is inclement on the other side.’’ Mr Abiodun Isola, Head, Special Projects Office, remarked that the review would cause “a slight adjustment in the cost’’. He stated that the enumerated reviews were important “because, what is worth doing at all is worth doing well’’. Isola, who commended the Revised Cost Committee,
disclosed that when completed the airport would boast of “a state-of-the-art fire facility that has ninety (90) seconds response ability to emergencies’’. It will be recalled that Osun government had in 2013 approved an initial sum of N4.5 billion for the take-off of the airport’s construction.
News Expert Urges INEC To Ensure Displaced Nigerians Vote
Governor Lauds NIS For Introducing 64-page E-passport DUTSE- Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has commended the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for introducing 64-page e-passport system for frequent travelers. Lamido made the commendation while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after receiving the newlyintroduced travelling document from the NIS Comptroller in the state, Alhaji Isa Gere, in Dutse. Describing the innovation as ‘’a positive step’’, the governor said that the initiative would address the problems faced by frequent travellers for unnecessary request and renewals of international passports. He said that before the introduction of the 64-page passport, frequent travellers had difficulties in handling multiple passports which, he explained, was a burden. “For instance, when I was a Foreign Affairs Minister, I had about seven passports before the end of my tenure, which was a burden on me,” Lamido said. Earlier, Gere said that the new passport was part of reforms by the Service to reduce frequent request and renewal of passports. According to him, the N8, 750.00 cost for the old 32-page passport remains, adding that the 64-page e-passport costs N20,000.00 per unit. ‘’Both the old and the new passports have same security features,’’ Gere said.
Acquittal By FHC Victory For Democracy -Ikuforiji By SURAJU RAJI
LAGOS - The Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has described acquittal by the Federal High Court, Lagos as a victory for Democracy. Addressing the press in his office on the “No Case” ruling by the Federal High Court over 56 -count charge of the said money laundering of 600 million naira brought against him, Rt Hon Ikuforiji said, “the concocted case which was dismissed by the court, was nothing but a distraction orchestrated by certain political detractors who are still cowardly to identify themselves.” The speaker explained that his acquittal by the court is a reminder that the mill of justice grinds exceedingly fine....
Deputy Director, Admin Yaba College of Technology, mr. Moruf Adebakin (left) receiving a research grant from Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State at the presentation of Research Grants to Universities and Polytechnic by Lagos State Government in Lagos State. With them is Chairman, Research and Development Council, Prof. Olufemi Bamiro.
ABUJA - A U.S. election security expert, Dr Patrick Quirk, has called on INEC to ensure that Nigerians displaced by conflict in the country cast their votes in the 2015 general elections. Quirk said this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday after completing a twoweek tour on electoral security in the run-up to the 2015 elections. He observed that there were “positive signs related to election security’’ in Nigeria, despite the vicious attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in the country that had killed no fewer than 13,000 since 2009. “One positive sign is that there is a planning and coordination going on as it relates to electoral security and there seems to be some level of coordination between relevant stakeholders. “However, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that the
University Vice Chancellors and Dons at the presentation of Research Grants to Univeristies and Polytechnic by Lagos State Government in Lagos.
Chairman Empower 5,700 People
Poverty Alleviation: By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS -Conference of chairmen of 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State have distributed different empowerment equipments for 5, 700 people including disabled to alleviate poverty in the state. The distribution exercise which was the second time this year includes fridges, deep freezers, out board boat engines, generators, food stuffs such as rice and garri, pop-corn machine, mobile phones, spray painting machine, mechanic tools box, soft drinks, sewing machines, and hair dryer machine, just to mention but a few. In his keynote address the
Lagos State Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Hon. Henry Ajomale expressed appreciation to the council chairmen for the gesture to stamp out poverty from the people in the state. “I personally commend you for the gesture because you took out of nothing to take care and empower the residents so that they can be self sustained and say bye-bye to poverty. You are all commended, unlike the other parties who are siphoning Nigeria’s money anyhow”, he said. Ajomale however assured that the present corruption in the country will be a thing of the past if Nigerians give all their votes to APC in 2015 general elections, adding that the
disabled, women folks and youth’s empowerment will top his party agenda if elected into power. Earlier, the chairman of the conference, Hon. Sulaimon Akeen in his speech said, “It is obvious that most poor people in this country cannot provide for themselves the basic needs of life. The persistence of poverty in the world and indeed in Nigeria has made it imperative for us to embark on some developmental programmes so as to ensure improved standard of living for the less privileged in our society”. “Today, as part of our measures to alleviate poverty and empower our people, we will be giving out several
materials. It will interest you to note that our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) is focusing on meeting the basic requirements for a permanent reduction of poverty in Lagos State, through the provision of basic needs such as health service, education, quality water supply, food, housing, micro finance among others”, he said.. Akeem remarked, “Finally, we enjoin all of you here present to see this measure as an oak seed means of empowerment, that we believe if properly nurtured will grow to become an oak tree”. The occasion was witnessed by 80 percent of all the chairmen of the 20 local government and 37 local council development areas in the state.
elections are free, fair, transparent and peaceful, and this is of high priority to the U.S Government. “So we hope to work with Nigerian Government, with INEC and other political parties to ensure that 2015 elections reflect the will of the people of Nigeria,’’ he said. Quirk, a Senior Conflict and Stabilisation Advisor within the Bureau of Conflict at the U.S Department of State, reiterated the need for Nigeria to set up an electoral offences tribunal. According to him, the prosecution of electoral offenders will serve as a deterrent to those who want to use violence to achieve political gains. The official, who has performed electoral security assessments in more than 16 countries, including Afghanistan and Burundi, said electoral security went beyond the police and military. He stressed the vital role of civil society and faith-based groups in communicating the potential for violence to appropriate authorities for them to take actions to prevent it. He said both groups were also in a vantage positions to dissuade those planning to use violence before, during and after elections. The U.S expert, who said he met with representatives of the two main political parties in Nigeria, cautioned politicians against the use of violent rhetorics that could lead to armed clashes by their supporters. “From the U.S to Nigeria to the Philippines, you always have heated rhetorics and in some cases, it does devolve into armed clashes. “This is where two best practices promoted across the world come in: first, is to ensure that political parties agree to a code of conduct that they will not employ violence and not use violence provocative rhetorics. “Second, there should also be a body that enforces that code of conduct and prescribes certain penalties. He said the local media had a role to play to ensure that it did not fan embers of hatred and discord during elections. The It would be recalled that, the U.S Government had announced that it would provide approximately $51 million dollars (N8.4 billion) over five years to support the conduct of credible and peaceful elections in 2015 and beyond. The information is contained in a fact sheet issued on August 4 by the White House on U.S. Support for Democratic Institutions, Good Governance and Human Rights in Africa. It said the U.S was working with other donors to support Nigeria’s electoral management bodies and strengthen the ability of Nigerian civil society to promote electoral reforms. The U.S. Government also pledged commitment to work with the Nigerian civil society to expand voter education and monitor electoral processes in the run-up to the 2015 elections.
Across The Nation Dry Season Farming
FG Targets 150,000 Farmers YOLA - The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has said it has captured 150,000 rice and maize farmers for the 2014/2015 dry season farming in Adamawa. Dr Wali Hamman, a Director of the ministry in the state, told newsmen in Yola that the effort was to actualise the national food security programme. Hamman explained that farmers from eight Local Government Areas in the state would benefit from the programme. “The dry season farming programme is part of government’s effort to actualise the national food security under the Growth Enhancement Scheme. “So far, a total of 150,000
farmers have been registered for the 2014/2015 dry season farming in Adamawa,’’ he said. The director listed Lamurde, Numan, Demsa, Guyuk and Shelleng as well as Girei, Fufore,Yola North and Yola South as the benefitting local government areas. On farmers’ complain of lack of market outlets for their farm produce, he said government was making arrangements to partner with private stakeholders to establish a national agriculture market board. Hamman said that the board, when established, would replace and take over all other existing agriculture market boards to cater solely for farmers.
L-R: Former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Senate President, David Mark and the First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan at the 54th Independence Anniversary Interdenmominational Church Service in Abuja on Sunday.
Kogi: Teachers Shun Resumption LOKOJA- Teachers in public primary and junior secondary schools in Kogi have refused to resume for the 2014/1015 academic session on September 29 as directed by the State Government. The teachers, under the
Create More Registration Centres, Kwara Residents Urge INEC KOSUBOSU (KWARA) - Residents of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara have pleaded with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create more voting registration centres in the area. A cross-section of voters, who queued for registration at the INEC local government headquarters in Kosubosu, said they had difficulty trooping to the council headquarters from their various communities. Mr Lukman Adamu, a resident of Okuta town, told newsmen that it was difficult, stressful and risky for people to travel to Kosubosu
because of the terrain. “INEC should create additional registration centres, at least one in each district. Coming to the headquarters is difficult, stressful and risky. “This is making many people to abandon their civic responsibility. One centre is too small for the whole of Baruten because of our mass land and population,’’ Adamu said. He, however, lauded INEC officials for expediency in attending to people, saying that the exercise was recording a success. Adamu also commended the large turn-out of
residents and their peaceful conduct. Meanwhile, the local government’s Electoral Officer, Mr Abdulganiyu Bello, has commended the large turn-out, describing it as encouraging. “With reports from other local governments, it really shows that our people here are well informed. That, I think is responsible for why they trooped out enmass for the exercise,’’ Bello said. On the call for more registration centres in the area, Bello said that it was only the INEC national headquarters that could take such decision.
aegis of Basic Education Staff Association of Nigeria (BESAN), said in a statement in Lokoja on Sunday that they would not resume duty until they were paid the N18,000 national minimum wage. The statement, signed by the state Chairman of the association, Mr Suleiman Adomu, said that the issue of promotions and incremental steps without cash backing should be addressed by the state government without further delay. Another demand made by the association was a stop to irregular payment of salaries to its members and full payment of the arrears of leave allowance being owed
teachers from 2011 to date. They claimed that their grievances preceded the issue of Ebola Virus Disease. They maintained that the devastating effects of infrastructural decay and the unresolved issues of welfare of teachers had rubbished the basic education sector in the state. According to BESAN, which has ordered its members out of classes since April, schools will not resume until all issues are resolved. The group also decried what it described as incessant inconclusive and fraudulent screening /verification of staff exercise, which it said had aggravated the plight of
teachers in the state. It advised the state government to summon the necessary political will and release the results of the previous exercises. BESAN then directed its over 1,500 members to remain at home until further notice, urging them to remain steadfast and committed to the uncompromising stance until all the issues raised were addressed once and for all. It would be recalled that the state Commissioner for Education, Dr Magret Okhai, had on September 17 directed all schools in the state to resume normal academic activities on September 29.
Alhaji Lawalli Zayanna, as the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa (District Head). The Sultan also turbaned the state’s Accountant-General, Alhaji Kabiru Tafida, as the Sarkin Fadan Sokoto, Alhaji Aminu Iya as the Iyan Sokoto and Alhaji Fodio kyari as the Wamban Sokoto. Abubakar appealed to politicians in the country to close ranks and work together for the peace and unity of Nigeria. He urged the politicians and leaders in the country to work for the people and not for themselves. “You should eschew politics of personalities, bitterness and hatred; these obnoxious acts should not feature during the 2015 general elections. “The ongoing war against insurgency and terrorism is succeeding but more can be achieved with a united Nigeria.’’ The Sultan said that the celebrators were bestowed with titles for their honesty, loyalty and dedication to the service of the people of the state and
Nigerians. The monarch urged them not to relent in doing good, saying “to whom much is given, much more is expected.’’ Responding on behalf of the honoured, Tambuwal commended the Sultan for finding them worthy of the titles and for his commitment to the peace and unity of Nigeria. He said “we will continue to emulate our fore-bearers and support the Sultanate Council of Sokoto to ensure the success of its laudable activities.’’ The event was attended by former Head of State, Retired Gen.Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Duputy Senate President Ike Ekweramadu and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Emeka Ihedioha. Others were Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, serving and former governors, National Assembly members, emirs, obas and chiefs from across Nigeria.
Sultan Turbans Tambuwal, Sokoto Speaker, 3 Others SOKOTO- The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has conferred on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, the traditional title of Matawallen Sokoto. Reports state that Abubakar also turbaned the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly,
President Goodluck Jonathan (3rd left) being welcomed by Service Chiefs at the Christian Centre for the 54th Independence a n n i v e r s a r y interdenominational church service in Abuja on Sunday.
News To Curb Moral Decadence: Students Union
President Goodluck Jonathan speaking at the 54th Independence Anniversiary Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Center Abuja on Sunday.
ABUJA -The University of Abuja Students Union Government (SUG), has solicited the support of the media to curb the increasing rate of moral decadence among the youths in tertiary institutions across the country. Mr Olajengbesi Pelumi, President of the institution’s SUG made the call in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the newsmen by the executive members of the union. Pelumi said the challenge facing the country since independence had been the search for genuine nationhood, peace and progress in the face of ethnic and cultural diversity.
Solicits Media Support
He identified social and political injustice, corruption and impunity as major challenges facing the country. “It is worrisome and disturbing that this moral decadence has also been allowed to find its way into Nigerian universities. “Our students across the country now see prostitution, robbery, cultism, internet fraud and examination malpractices as a way of life at the expense of our future. “We like to use this privilege to appeal to the authority of the News Agency of Nigeria to direct
Commissioner Pledges To Attract Investors By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
BENIN CITY- The recently sworn-in Commissioner for Investment, Public Partnership and Order Related Matters in Edo State Hon. Dennis Idahosa has pledged to attract uncommon and valuable investors to the state. Hon. Idahosa stated this during a chat with newsmen shortly after he was sworn-in by Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in Benin City. He noted that as a worldclass businessman he would tap from his experience to showcase to local and foreign investors the juicy areas they can invest in Edo State. “My primary goal is to sell our mineral resources to foreign investors and to educate them in various area they can invest. “I am very conversant with the business world, so I hope to build my office in a way that my successors would have less work to do”. Hon. Idahosa stated. The Commissioner however solicited the support and cooperation of Edo people towards achieving his goals as he is prepared to take the investment profile of the state to an enviable height.
Cross section of Christian Faithful during the 54th Independence anniversary Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Center, Abuja.
its searchlight to our tertiary institutions to salvage this pitiable situation,” he said. Pelumi urged the management of Nan to strengthen its partnership with the university to ensure that students’ activities were given adequate publicity. “We will like to appeal to you to partner with us in our programmes, particularly our forthcoming uncommon ‘University Rebirth Week. “The event will feature the inaugural Public Lecture of the Students Union Government, orientation of new students, creative instinct development activities as well as social and sporting activities,” he added. In his remarks, Mr Isaac Ighure newsmen Editor-inChief, commended the union executives for their visit and pledged the commitment of the agency to support the activities of students of the institution. Ighure said NAN was established to ensure that adequate publicity was given to every section of the country irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliations. He called on the students to remain optimistic that Nigeria would continue to be a united country, adding that the misunderstanding among different groups would not result to the disintegration of the country. The E-I-C warned the students against use of violence to resolve disputes and urged them to always embrace peace in the interest of their education and future.
Jonathan Extols Oyedepo At 60
ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan has extolled the contributions of Bishop David Oyedepo, the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, to the education of Nigerian children. A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said that Jonathan gave the eulogy in a congratulatory message to Oyedepo on his 60th birthday held on September 27. The president, according to Abati, stated that the cleric’s “massive accomplishments as a devoted servant of God’’ made his life worthy of
celebration. “I write on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to
rejoice with you as you mark your milestone 60th birthday anniversary. “Yours is, indeed, a life truly worthy of celebration.
You have attained lofty heights not just as an accomplished selfless servant of God, but also in the committed service of
recent robbery attack in town. He said that the robbers made away with some valuables, including a 32 inch LG TV, five cell phones, an LG home theatre, Samsung DVD Players, some computers and other accessories. The prosecutor further said that the accused person was fully aware that the said properties were stolen yet he bought them, contravening the provisions of Section 317 of the penal code.
Adolka said that one of the robbers, Ikechukwu Olu, said during investigation that the group sold the stolen items to the accused. However, the accused pleaded not guilty to offence. The Presiding Judge, Magistrate Sharon Ishaya, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum. She said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and should be responsible and adjourned the case until November 5.
Man Arraigned For Receiving Stolen Items ABUJA - The police have arraigned one Emeka John of A n g u w a n - D o d o , Gwagwalada, FCT, in a Senior Magistrates’ Court sitting in Karu, FCT, for receiving stolen property. The prosecutor, Sgt Daniel Adolka, told the court that the matter was reported at the Kuje Area Council and later transferred to the State CID, FCT on September 10. Adolka said that a group of armed robbers were arrested at Kuje in connection with a
community, country, and our common humanity. “You have not only committed to giving your all in pursuit of the massively impactful propagation of the Word, you have also embraced the cause of providing quality education for our children. “As the almighty God continues to bless you with robust health and many more years of happiness, uncommon accomplishment, and fulfilling service, it is my prayer that you will continue to partner with us in our quest to reposition Nigeria for peace, progress and prosperity,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Business + Economy Coy Spends N210m On Power Supply JOS - The Jos Electricity Distribution plc., has said that it spent N210 million to improve power supply to rural communities in Plateau. The Head of Public Affairs Division, Mr Paul Ikwu, told newsmen in Jos that more transformers were purchased and many sub-injection units beefed up to meet expanding demands. Ikwu said that the renewed investment had ensured tremendous improvement in power supply since November 2013 when the new owners took over. “The desire of the company is to provide quality services to our customers in Jos, Bukuru and the rural areas. “We are working round the clock to rectify some of the faulty equipment that had slowed down progress in some areas; our aim is to ensure that all customers benefit from the new improvement,’’ he said. Ikwu said that more improvement would soon be recorded as some staff had been sent to some foreign countries to purchase and bring in more transformers to serve the growing customers. He attributed the improvement on the sanity brought into the network which minimise massive inefficiency and corruption that had always worked against stability in the system. “Many of the problems had always bordered on vandalism, shortage of gas supply, indebtedness by customers, but we have tackled all of those issues,’’ he said. Ikwu said that the new owners assessed the situation and started a customer audit, which enabled the company to plan, using the effective database. He said the new owners had a platform put in place by the National Electricity Regulatory Company which served as a guide to encourage and help them to know areas that deserved special attention. On the billing system, he said that the company was still using the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO), an inbuilt mechanism, which runs for five years in a roll before it could be changed.
L-R:Country Director, African Bank, Dr. Ousmane Dore; Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Dr. Sarah Alade and President, Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, at the NES’ Annual Public Lecture in Abuja yesterday.
Ikwu further said that power outage had indeed gone down, but pointed out that it was not determined by the company alone as several factors like generating, transmitting and distributing of power were all factors on the power supply chain. “It is what they generate and transmit to us, that we try to distribute fairly,’’ he said. On prepaid meters, he said that they were still in short supply, and not readily available for applicants. “Right now, the management team is in overseas to bring them together with the transformers; when that happens, customers can be assured of even better service,’’ he said.
N213bn Loan Will Reduce Electricity Cost - Former Envoy
ABA (ABIA) - A former Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Dr Okey Emuchey, has said that government’s N213 billion loan to private electricity companies will reduce electricity charges for poor consumers. Emuchey made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Aba, Abia. He said the loan was meant to cushion the cost of producing and distributing power to the poor and rich at affordable rates. He said the poor and rural Nigerians would not find the cost of buying power from the companies high when the companies invest the loans to boost electricity. “What I know is that the issue of provision of power in Nigeria is a huge challenge and the pricing, the tariff the people have to pay to have power is a huge problem. “You know how Nigeria is, a lot of it is rural. “Some of the operators are private companies that have borrowed money from abroad and they have to generate and distribute power.
“In between, is the National Asset of Nigeria, the distribution lines have not been privatised. So, if they have to provide power to poor and rural people in very faraway places, cost has to come in. “You know how President
Goodluck Jonathan feels about the poor and the rural people. “If it is true that government has given money to the electricity companies, it is just to cushion the cost of power,’’ he said. Emuchey said that left alone without the loans, the companies which had just taken off might
find it hard to survive and to serve their customers satisfactorily. He urged Nigerians to bear the present tariff for the time being, adding that there would be a reduction in due course. On Aba’s business status, the diplomat said that the city had overstretched its capacity and
needed concerted effort to inject fresh infrastructure to make it more productive. He said that the improvement of infrastructure in Aba would create new businesses, opportunities and wealth for the citizenry.
Clean Energy: Bank Of America Announces ABUJA - Bank of America has announced a Catalytic Finance Initiative, designed to stimulate at least 10 billion dollars of new investment into high-impact clean energy projects. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said in online statement on Wednesday that the bank made the announcement at the just concluded UN Climate Summit in New York. The statement quoted Brian Moynihan, Bank of America’s Chief Executive Officer, as saying that “the initiative will focus on developing or advancing innovative financing structures.’’ It said such innovative
A view of Abuja International Trade Fair yesterday.
$10bn Investment
financing structure reduced investment risk and attracted a broader range of institutional investors. “We want to take a leadership role in helping remove barriers to investment in clean energy projects around the world. “The capital we commit and our strong global client and institutional investor relationships can lead to considerable additional investments in a lower carbon future,’’ Moynihan said. The statement also said that as part of the initiative, Bank of America would commit one billion dollars in capital to investment structures that
employed a range of de-risking tools. It said it would develop the investment in conjunction with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), insurance providers, foundations and institutional investors. “The goal of the initiative is to make clean energy investments more financeable, particularly in emerging markets where project impact is often amplified. “This goal will address other large-scale issues like health, education and job creation,’’ it said. The statement further stated that the Catalytic Finance Initiative would broaden the impact of the bank’s work with partner organisations. “The initiative will ensure that at least 10 billion dollars of incremental capital is deployed in investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy access. “It will target primarily largerscale financing opportunities that use de-risking structures such as first loss and mezzanine tranches. “It will risk guarantees and new insurance products to crowd-in capital that would not otherwise be deployed in this sector. “The bank will also explore opportunities to work with foundations and impact-focused clients to support smaller, energy
access opportunities, using innovative catalytic first-loss capital and other forms of credit support,’’ it said. The statement quoted Purna Saggurti, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch Chairman of Global Corporate and Investment Banking, as saying that “in recent years, there’s been increased focus on de-risking tools. “The de-risking tools can be used to support clean energy and energy efficiency investment. “We look forward to expanding our work with DFIs, investors and peers to develop approaches to credit enhancement, blended finance and aggregation structures that will open the door for a rapid rise in investment in this area.’’ The statement further quotes Rachel Kyte, Group VicePresident and Special Envoy for Climate Change, World Bank Group, as saying , “ the financing gap is significant and we really welcome Bank of America’s leadership in this area. “We look forward to working with them and other global banks to accelerate private sector investment into renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy access.” In addition, the statement said Mr Achim Steiner, UN UnderSecretary-General and Executive Director of UNEP, stated that “Bank of America’s bold contribution demonstrates the leadership and public-private partnership required.’’
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (29/09/2014) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
NAHCO
5.05
ABCTRANS
0.67
0.65
-0.02
0
2,601,000
1,706,997.43
NASCON
5.03
-0.02
0
887,579
4,480,428.77
9.09
9
-0.09
0
1,032,311
9,285,382.61
176
177.26
1.26
0
4,760,844
842,314,356.20
ACADEMY
1.4
1.4
0
0
25
34.75
NB
ACCESS
8.9
8.94
0.04
0
14,995,509
133,890,976.30
NEIMETH
1.05
1.05
0
0
253,540
265,861.60
AFRIPRUD
3.18
3.16
-0.02
0
470,238
1,484,303.36
NEM
0.8
0.8
0
0
1,806,994
1,445,208.00
AGLEVENT
1.54
1.54
0
0
153,010
235,175.20
NESTLE
1055
1100
45
0
190,952
205,076,721.00
AIICO
0.82
0.8
-0.02
0
3,295,029
2,636,676.28
NEWGOLD
1929
1934
5
0
11
21,274.00
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,500
750
AIRSERVICE
2.01
2.01
0
0
2,200
4,642.00
NIWICABLE
ANINO
0.21
0.22
0.01
0
50,000
11,000.00
NNFM
21.99
21.99
0
0
100
2,090.00
ASHAKACEM
33
32
-1
0
427,985
13,697,459.56
NPFMCRFBK
0.98
0.94
-0.04
0
2,820,000
2,709,600.00
BERGER
8.6
8.6
0
0
27,942
236,792.86
NSE30
1861.61
1876.73
15.12
0
173,552,641
4,525,280,414.00
2017.06
2032.65
15.59
0
199,704,801
4,630,644,815.00
BETAGLAS
18.85
18.85
0
0
730
13,659.60
NSE50
CADBURY
52.5
52.5
0
0
112,032
5,823,516.90
NSEASEM
951.03
951.09
0.06
0
51,000
12,410.00
CAP
39
39
0
0
119,449
4,598,753.03
NSEASI
40819.72
41105.38
285.66
0
273,970,093
4,739,679,476.00
CAVERTON
5
5
0
0
1,169,706
5,742,227.00
NSEBNK
420.3
423.03
2.73
0
92,617,578
1,683,598,919.00
CCNN
14.15
14.7
0.55
0
476,558
6,913,056.71
NSECNSMRGDS
1010.92
1028.06
17.14
0
10,898,961
1,423,250,298.00
CHAMPION
9.7
10.18
0.48
0
366,039
3,597,501.48
NSEINDUSTR
2748.03
2754.67
6.64
0
3,880,790
542,190,359.70
CHAMS
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,000,000
500,000.00
NSEINS
149.16
148.77
-0.39
0
15,066,276
16,068,559.01
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
0
308,000
154,000.00
NSELOTUSISLM
2705.81
2732.54
26.73
0
6,650,465
846,402,790.00
CONOIL
47.01
47.01
0
0
28,439
1,336,359.07
NSEOILGAS
451.76
451.96
0.2
0
7,475,136
207,065,837.70
25
25.06
0.06
0
6,482,742
162,379,264.90
CONTINSURE
0.96
0.95
-0.01
0
700,000
666,049.40
OANDO
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
0
2,000
1,020.00
OKOMUOIL
34
34
0
0
47,115
1,556,961.45
COSTAIN
0.99
0.95
-0.04
0
755,100
717,349.00
PAINTCOM
1.6
1.6
0
0
20,000
30,400.00
COURTVILLE
0.53
0.53
0
0
246,757
129,739.41
PHARMDEKO
2.49
2.49
0
0
50
124.5
CUSTODYINS
4.3
4.3
0
0
309,814
1,333,495.10
PORTPAINT
5.32
5.5
0.18
0
91,061
499,760.50
CUTIX
1.82
1.77
-0.05
0
311,286
557,260.66
PREMBREW
4.63
4.4
-0.23
0
100,060
440,264.00
DANGCEM
220
222
2
0
2,284,628
500,159,566.10
PRESCO
37.5
37.5
0
0
54,900
2,029,921.48
DANGFLOUR
6.55
6.55
0
0
82,882
541,497.23
PRESTIGE
0.5
0.5
0
0
10,000
5,000.00
DANGSUGAR
8.22
8.3
0.08
0
848,903
7,036,255.17
PZ
33.85
32.99
-0.86
0
635,485
20,590,007.75
4.59
4.59
0
0
7,000
31,770.00
DIAMONDBNK
6.18
6.19
0.01
0
1,572,310
9,719,284.60
REDSTAREX
DNMEYER
1.1
1.1
0
0
1,435
1,650.25
RESORTSAL
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,200,000
600,000.00
ELLAHLAKES
4.26
4.26
0
0
50
202.5
ROYALEX
0.55
0.57
0.02
0
200,305
114,173.85
ETERNA
3.8
3.61
-0.19
0
761,577
2,776,475.91
RTBRISCOE
0.97
0.93
-0.04
0
274,575
255,414.75
ETI
18.16
17.9
-0.26
0
3,568,529
64,303,838.42
SKYEBANK
2.67
2.69
0.02
0
11,165,743
29,798,713.33
EVANSMED
2.1
2.1
0
0
108,534
206,314.60
STANBIC
32
32
0
0
158,459
5,116,395.98
FBNH
14
13.7
-0.3
0
37,261,117
515,579,975.00
STERLNBANK
2.15
2.2
0.05
0
1,999,706
4,396,203.90
FCMB
4.45
4.3
-0.15
0
4,040,821
17,197,951.19
TOTAL
179
180
1
0
31,985
5,731,233.21
FIDELITYBK
1.98
1.96
-0.02
0
1,950,424
3,868,385.36
TRANSCORP
5.79
5.76
-0.03
0
33,650,339
192,337,140.60
1.35
1.35
0
0
8,190
10,599.90
FIDSON
3.4
3.4
0
0
60,000
204,000.00
TRANSEXPR
FIRSTALUM
0.5
0.5
0
0
2,000
1,000.00
TRIPPLEG
1.86
1.86
0
0
200
354
FLOURMILL
63.88
61.98
-1.9
0
540,812
33,149,700.59
UAC-PROP
15
14.53
-0.47
0
242,700
3,554,741.21
FO
228.98
224
-4.98
0
118,017
26,241,628.58
UACN
57.49
57.49
0
0
272,853
15,847,205.56
6.9
6.66
-0.24
0
4,609,311
31,184,050.57
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
0
1,305,100
657,335.00
UBA
GLAXOSMITH
64.59
64
-0.59
0
239,286
15,306,111.91
UBCAP
2.13
2.05
-0.08
0
2,654,999
5,483,768.67
GOLDBREW
0.8
0.8
0
0
12,236
10,278.24
UBN
9.1
9
-0.1
0
402,330
3,627,140.06
GUARANTY
29.4
29.73
0.33
0
24,905,708
741,449,560.80
UNILEVER
49.2
46.9
-2.3
0
632,276
29,811,928.24
GUINNESS
190
199.5
9.5
0
1,249,589
245,717,365.80
UNITYBNK
0.5
0.5
0
0
152,700
76,350.00
HONYFLOUR
4
4
0
0
259,299
1,036,783.26
UPDCREIT
9.13
8.68
-0.45
0
105,000
911,400.00
IKEJAHOTEL
1.45
1.52
0.07
0
46,481,766
65,293,436.84
VETGRIF30
18.58
18.76
0.18
0
10
187.5
INTBREW
30.01
30.01
0
0
36,752
1,056,430.32
VITAFOAM
4.29
4.29
0
0
39,055
161,316.30
INTENEGINS
0.51
0.53
0.02
0
1,544,809
782,922.66
WAPCO
128.68
128.65
-0.03
0
121,151
15,483,650.70
0.75
0.72
-0.03
0
6,537,403
4,734,290.33
JAPAULOIL
0.5
0.5
0
0
507,569
253,784.50
WAPIC
JBERGER
67.2
67.2
0
0
3,484
222,547.04
WEMABANK
0.9
0.88
-0.02
0
675,285
603,506.09
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
0
100
50
ZENITHBANK
24
24.4
0.4
0
27,448,008
661,360,766.00
LEARNAFRCA
1.4
1.35
-0.05
0
299,970
416,942.94
LIVESTOCK
2.94
2.85
-0.09
0
348,117
1,000,879.78
MANSARD
3
3
0
0
2,103,750
6,249,925.00
MAYBAKER
1.96
1.87
-0.09
0
1,020,159
1,922,380.79
MBENEFIT
0.54
0.54
0
0
621,000
335,340.00
MCNICHOLS
1.48
1.48
0
0
1,000
1,410.00
MOBIL
176
172.04
-3.96
0
48,876
8,414,676.06
MRS
56
56
0
0
3,500
186,200.00
TOP 10 GAINERS Stock
Close
NSEASI 285.66 NESTLE NSELOTUSISLM NSECNSMRGDS NSE50 NSE30 GUINNESS NSEINDUSTR NEWGOLD NSEBNK
41105.38 1100 2732.54 1028.06 2032.65 1876.73 199.5 2754.67 1934 423.03
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain
45 26.73 17.14 15.59 15.12 9.5 6.64 5 2.73
Stock
Close
Loss
FO MOBIL UNILEVER FLOURMILL ASHAKACEM PZ GLAXOSMITH UAC-PROP UPDCREIT NSEINS
224 172.04 46.9 61.98 32 32.99 64 14.53 8.68 148.77
-4.98 -3.96 -2.3 -1.9 -1 -0.86 -0.59 -0.47 -0.45 -0.39
THE worry today, in a world continually ravaged by conflicts and wars is not the use of small-caliber arms and other relatively sophisticated and unsophisticated weapon but the threat of weapons with the capacity and capability to annihilate, wipe out and destroy completely villages, large communities, metropolitan and cosmopolitan cities and invariably whole nations. MAJOR advances in science and technology have changed the manner, methods, designs and strategies of modern warfare compared to a world of 100 years ago. While the competition between the East and West intensified in the heydays of the collapsed Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, (USSR), representing the glory of the East, and the United States, the symbol of resilient West, the collapse of the U.S.S.R. gave growing confidence that the arms race will soon witness a slow down. THE collapse of the U.S.S.R left open a single power block in the world as represented by the United States which is nicknamed the “policeman� of the world. THIS becomes the basis of the belief that we are in an era of security and peace where the world would not experience the devastation of nations and annihilation of world communities by power hungry nations. CONSEQUENTLY, the current posturing of Russia against the rest of the world is disturbing. The recent shooting down of a Malaysian plane with 298 passengers on board is condemnable. THIS perhaps forms the background in the fight against nuclear acquisitions by some nations and the stance by the United States that world peace currently being experienced would be shattered by nations who thirst for wars on the basis of their new found strength. RECENT searchlight appears to suggest that Iran, a close neighbour of Iraq is perhaps
THE NIGERIAN
Proliferation Of Nuclear Weapons engaged in the acquisition of nuclear technology but investigations are yet to completely ascertain the correctness in the affirmative. THE quest by North Korea perhaps may lead to the conclusion that nations have not entirely jettisoned the idea to abandon the development of weapons of mass destruction and therefore a clear signal that probably world peace may one day come under very serious threat that the United Nations was set up to preserve, FOR instance, the Gulf war of 1991 was a pointer that world peace was still under threat and despite the invasion of Iraq and the enthronement of a new order, more worries emerge everyday. THE question that becomes inevitable is what posture should the comity of nations take to stop the production or building of weapons of mass destruction? WHILE small-arms can be tolerable, nuclear weapons are not. The incidence of World War II where atomic bombs were dropped in two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the U.S. should be important lessons for the world to learn that nuclear weapons are dangerous to mankind. The Japanese have come to recognize this fact and could invariably hold the view of the nuclear deterrence school of thought as amplified by Swedish Industrialist, Alfred Nobel and inventor of dynamite who held the position that the destructive power of nuclear armaments was so immense as to render future warfare unthinkable. THE dropping of atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, heralded the beginning of the
nuclear age, with huge quantities of resources devoted to developing, building and maintaining nuclear arsenal weapons built throughout human history combined. IN the face of the quest to acquire nuclear technology, though some nations claim for domestic reasons, and since nations are not deterred by its devastating effects, concerted effort by countries of the world will become inevitable to halt the zeal to acquire weapons of mass destruction. THE government of the United States, though acting in good faith in its drive to halt the acquisition of these destructive weapons, should seriously work in collaboration with the United Nations in this task. WE are suggesting that the bond of partnership between the U.S. and UN in tracking down nations acquiring nuclear arsenals should be stronger than it is currently and working together in unison is needed to score success in this regard. WE are further suggesting that the campaign to halt the acquisition of nuclear weapons should be a task that should also be assigned to the Security Council of the U.N. with its five permanent members of France, U.K. Russia, U.S. and China all playing significant roles to checkmate the threat to world peace. WITH expansion already being contemplated in the Security Council, the need for world peace and security is becoming more imperative and it is significant that the UN exercises all powers backed by the Security Council to ensure a safe world for all humanity. THEREFORE, Russia and indeed, all nations should be brought under some treaties and conventions prohibiting the use, manufacture or spread of nuclear arsenals or weapons of mass destruction, because the world is still under threat and in present danger of these weapons which could one day, from the anger of an insane leader, be unleashed on the world.
About The Federal Republic Of Nigeria WE THE PEOPLE of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: HAVING firmly and solemnly resolved: TO LIVE in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign Nation under God dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace, international co-operation and understanding: AND TO PROVIDE for a constitution for the purpose of promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in our country on the principles of freedom, equality and justice, and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of our people: DO HEREBY MAKE AND GIVE TO OURSELVES the following constitution:PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERRIA 1999. Equally laughable is the assumption that Nigeria is a “Republic”; a supposition that sounds as hollow as a clanging cymbal. Like federalism, it is simply an idea without a firm practical base. A republican system of government in actual sense is based on the idea that the people, through their elected representatives, are supreme. At the head of a republican system is a popularly elected president who is expected to work for the common good of all members of the polity. The legislature is supposed to ensure that the president does not become tyrannical, and that the original articles establishing the republic are adhered to. These principles of popular rule are based on the ideas that spurred the American and French Revolutions, and which subsequently formed the foundations of the new republics; principles that have since been borrowed by other states. Truly speaking, can the circus show currently being played out in Nigeria, where elections are brazenly rigged and candidates standing for political offices handpicked and forced on the people, be said to be based on republican principles? Can Nigerians be said to be truly supreme under the current cosmetic political arrangement where, despite being Nigerians, they debar the rights of Nigerians? How representative are representatives who hardly consult their various constituencies - made up of people who supposedly elected them to protect and project their interests - before contributing to the law-making process? Can legislators who hardly visit their constituencies to ascertain the wellbeing of their electors be called true representatives of their people? Can a lawmaker who collects constituency allowances running into billions of naira over a period of four (4) calendar years without executing a single, laudable project be called a representative of his people? Can a legislator whose preoccupation is fighting for committee portfolios, furniture and other beggarly allowances be termed a representative of his people? Legislative bodies at the various levels of government in Nigeria qualify as assemblies of fowls; they are simply cocoons of
caterpillars, where the grandest schemes against the people are concocted and executed. The parliament should naturally be the protector of the people’s liberty in a true republican sense. A virile parliament checks executive excesses and is the only hope of the common man. It is the closest arm of government to the people, and is the only forum through which they can participate in governance. The American and French republics are founded on the ideals of popular representation. This is in recognition of the novel role played by the people in the independence struggles of both countries. These ideals have continued to drive citizenstate relations in these countries. That is why the security of the lives of Americans is treasured above those of other nationals. That is why America is ready to go to war to protect the common interests of its people globally. That is why American leaders listen to the opinions of their people before hashing out policies – domestic and foreign - that will affect them in the long run. But the truth of the matter is that Nigeria represents a poor copy of these original models. Parliaments in Nigeria have generally been speech-making forums where passing references are made to the supposed needs of the people. This is very unfortunate considering the significant input of Nigerians to the achievement of the country’s independence. But what am I even jabbering about? Why should we expect anything productive from a pack of Wolfhounds who get into office through the back door? We all know how floored the processes of political succession in this country are. We know how skewed the conduct of elections from the primaries to actual voting are. So, why should we expect manna from those who ceaselessly defraud and circumvent the system at will to become our rulers? We have politicians who become arrogant once they are in office, forgetting all their post-election promises (empty slogans they impudently call manifestos), and assuming the garbs of demigods. They transform themselves into emperors, who develop egos as large as cathedrals and become encapsulated in self-love: that all-natural poison. To worsen issues some of us aid and abet these malpractices either by omission or commission. When you help a politician to rig himself into office, and get paid for your indiscretions, how can you expect anything from him once he consolidates on his position? Has he not paid his dues to you already? Have you any moral grounds to ask anything from him in return once he is in office? No wonder the culture of impunity has continued to fester in this country. No wonder those who ultimately succeed to political offices become impassive to the demands of the people to deliver the much-vaunted dividends of democracy. Why not? Have they not paid the pipers? Why shouldn’t they dictate the tune? The federal republic of Nigeria is in reality an oligarchy
that operates in the full mode of an absolute monarchy; a system of government run by a few people with practically unlimited powers. At all the three cadres of government – federal, state and local - you have principalities aping republican federalism. At the head of this hierarchical structure is the president who acts as the potentate, ably assisted by an advisory council of elders made up of “selected” members of both the legislature and “appointed” top members of the bar. At the state level, you have a similar formation with the governor, together with an advisory council of Satraps performing the same functions as its counterpart at the centre. The
Cutting Edge With Obuseh Jude GSM: 08033510173 the belt-tightening Austerity Measures of the Shehu Shagari era, etc. The most annoying part of the whole mess is that ordinary citizens are forced to bear the brunt of the careless actions of the blind bats misleading this country whenever these policies fail; which they always do. From poorly conceived economic policies, profitless foreign policy
President Goodluck Jonathan local government, at a lower level, replicates the scenarios at the top of the ladder. Our political system is simply a kingdom arrangement that is based on hereditary succession, where parents build political structures and live them to their children and children’s children; an establishment that is closed to the ordinary Nigerian without financial or any clout whatsoever; a political Cosanostra in which important decisions of public importance are deliberated upon and the innocent citizens are compelled to swallow the quack prescriptions of these physicians of death. Forget all the doctored consultative sessions that are held from time to time by government and its agencies before policies are pronounced: they are mere public show-offs. Most decisions are taken before they are brought to the public realm. Have you ever wondered why most government policies are decreed into existence whether the public likes it not? Flash back to the adoption of various economic policies prescribed by Breton wood institutions - International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank et al - such as the asseverating Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the Ibrahim Babangida years,
initiatives, to visionless development plans, the princes of this country have continued to act with daring effrontery; they have continued to test the will of Nigerians, pushing them closer daily to the wall. What they have created is “their” republic, not “our” republic. The ricochet effect of this impunity is better not imagined. Our oppressors have no legitimate authority whatsoever to rule over us because what they claim as authority was invented and foisted on us by the precedent set by the first generation of spoilers that ever set foot on our soil. This precedent assumes the right to rule forever, which has been firmly embedded in our politics; a precedent that has been copied to perfection by succeeding generations of hitch-hikers who have bestrode this country’s political landscape like colossuses. That is why the “kings” of Nigeria see their positions as divinely ordained and their children – political and biological - as the rightful heirs to their imperial positions. When you hear of political godfathers “anointing” their protégés for political positions, they are simply expression their assumed king-making powers which should not be challenged by mere mortals, for challenging them is
said to be the same thing as challenging God. Talking of kings, the Nigerian president is reputed to be the most powerful president in the world. He is the Zeus to whom other lesser divinities must bow - the boss of all bosses whose decisions must never be questioned. Ironically not even the American president, the natural claimant to that exalted position possesses the degree of powers exercised by his Nigerian counterpart. Our president has maximum powers at his disposal. Despite the sterile attempts in recent times especially since the return of civil rule in 1999 – to check this ugly trend through constitutional reviews, judicial proclamations, and other feeble moves, not much has changed. Our president has powers comparable to that of an absolute Monarch. He literally controls the flow and exercise of power among the three arms executive, legislature and judiciary - and levels of government – federal, state and local government. He virtually does no wrong. We are well aware of how the presidency controls the ruling party, consistently influences elections into the national assembly (Senate and House Of Representatives), determines who becomes governor in all the states controlled by the ruling party, appoints, controls and removes principal judicial officers at the national level at will, controls all other significant agencies (public and private) outside its core jurisdiction, appoints and – covertly - controls all principal electoral officers at both the national and sub-national levels, and influences the whole political process - both during and after elections - using the currency of corruption, subterfuge, and naked force at its disposal. This coupled with the dependency toga foisted on its constituents and other related bodies through a sickly federal structure, results almost in complete fusion - or concentration of powers - in just one man and his gang of courtiers. These overbearing attitudes are replicated at all levels of government by the chief executives in office. Only almighty kings exercise such omnipotent authority. In the Nigerian republic there are two classes of citizens: the “real citizens”- that is those who control the machinery for the authoritative allocation of values - and the “associate citizens”the larger population. The real citizens control all aspects of national life. They decide those that are qualified - or not qualified - to hold public office; decide the kind of policies that best suits the state; and own, control and distribute the resources of the state. The real
citizens are the only ones who enjoy full human rights, for the republic is theirs. For the associate citizens, their membership of the state is a privilege and not a right. They are supposed to follow the orders of the real citizens and to refrain from complaining. The few privileges they enjoy are premised on how obediently they kowtow to the whimsical dispositions of their betters. That is why our laws are discriminatory in their application. That is why when a poor man commits a crime he is made to feel the full brunt of the law either through jungle justice or by other damnably punitive measures deemed necessary by our apostles of moral correctness. Compare this scenario to the case of the rich, who are treated with kid’s gloves even when they commit more grievous offences. In very serious cases, they are kept under house arrest where they have access to all their previous luxuries; when they are convicted - which is very rare they are given very light terms to serve compared to the magnitude of their crimes; and when they are released, some of us sow uniforms to celebrate them. Nigeria is simply a country made up of two separate and unequal classes. That is the painful truth. Ours is a closed caste system in which on one hand you have a class of the “superiors”, and on the other hand, you have a class of the “untouchables”. It is an immobile, hierarchical system in which those at the lowest rungs of the ladder have no chance of ever advancing beyond their subhuman conditions; they are supposedly born into squalor and are expected to die in it. That is why I cringe any time the word “equality” is mentioned as being one of the basic cornerstones of governance in this country. How can there really be equality in a society where an ever widening gulf separates the super-rich from the deplorably poor? This brand of Apartheid hurts to the very marrow. This aggressive order of segregation is as unacceptable as it is preposterous. This invented system of inequality must not be allowed to stand. This archaic monstrosity must be overcome, for no human being created by the almighty is in any way inferior to his fellow man. No man imbued with all the natural rights required to pursue the greatest happiness on earth to the zenith, and mandated by His awesome grace to become the best that he can possibly be, should in any manner be deprived of these freely given rights, by his fellow man. We are all equal in the sight of the almighty creator who decides the fate of all men ultimately; for “the true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen”, according to Thomas Jefferson.
Nutritional Health And Dietetics
Asthma
ASTHMA is a chronic (long term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. It is a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs causing difficulty in breathing. It is usually connected to allergic reaction or other forms of lipper-sensitivity. Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult. There is inflammation of the air passage. It is therefore a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms. When you have asthma, the muscles in the airways tighten and the lining of the airways swells and produces sticky mucus. These changes cause the airways to become narrow so that there is less space for the air to flow in and out of your lungs. Asthma is a disease of the airways, the small tubes which carry air in and out of the lung. Causes. Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. During normal breathing, the bands of muscle that surround the airways are relaxed and air moves freely. But in people with asthma, allergy causing substances, cold and respiratory viruses and environmental triggers make the bands of muscle surrounding the airways tighten and air cannot move freely. Less air causes a person to feel short of breath and the air moving out through the tightened sound known as wherzing. Fortunately, this airway narrowing is reversible, a feature that distinguishes asthma from other lung disease. Inflammation –People with asthma have red and swollen bronchial tubes. This in flammation is thought to contribute greatly to the long-term damage that asthma can cause to the lungs. And therefore, treating the inflammation is key to managing asthma in the long run. Airway Irritability-People with asthma have extremely sensitive airways. These tend to overreact and narrow due to even the slightest triggers such as pollen, animal hairs, dust or fumes. Asthma may occur at any age but more common in people under the age of 40. People who have family history of asthma have an increased risk of developing the disease. Allergies and asthma often occur together along with eczema. Types of Asthma –Asthma includes: Child-onset asthma that begins during child hood, hence, the name child onset asthma. It happens because a child becomes sensitized to common allergens in the environment most likely due to genetic reasons. The child is atopic –a genetically determined state of hypersensitivity to environmental allergens. Allergens are any substances that the body will treat as a foreign body, triggering an immune response. These vary widely between individuals and often include animal proteins, fungi, pollen, house –dust mite and some kind of dust. The airway cells are sensitive to particular materials making an asthmatic response more likely if the child is exposed to a certain amount of an allergen. Adult –Onset Asthma –It affects women more than men and it is also, much less common than child – onset asthma between the ages of 20 and above. It can also be triggered by some allergic material or an allergy. A substantial proportion of adult –onset asthma does not seem to be triggered by exposure to allergen and is called nonallergic adult –on set asthma. This non-allergic type of adult onset asthma is also, known as intrinsic asthma
Exercise –Induced Asthma If you cough, wheeze or feel out of breath during or after exercise, you could be suffering from exercise induced asthma. Obviously, your level of fitness is also a factor. A person who is unfit and runs faster for ten minutes is going to be out of breath. However, if you’re coughing, wheezing or panting it does not make sense, this could be an indication of exercise induced asthma. Cough-Induced Asthma is one of the most difficult asthma to diagnose. The coughing can happen at any time of day or night. Occupational Asthma-This is triggered by something in the patient’s place of work. Factors such as chemicals, vapours, gases smoke, dust, fumes, or other particles can trigger asthma. It can be caused by a virus (flu), molds, animal products, pollen, humidity and temperature. Stress Occupational asthma tends to occur soon after the patient starts a new job and disappears not too long after leaving
the job. Nocturnal Asthma : It occurs between midnight and 8 am. It is triggered by allergens in home such as dust and pet dander or by sinus, conditions. Severe Asthma, that is, steroid resistant asthma some are steroid resistant. Symptoms of Asthma: symptoms of Asthma vary. Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes with increased production of sticky secretions inside the tubes, tiredness, colds, running. Symptoms include coughing especially, at night, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, pain or pressure. you may have these symptoms or have different symptoms at different times. Some may go for extended periods without having any symptoms interrupted by periodic worsening of their symptoms
“Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult. There is inflammation of the air passage. It is therefore a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms. When you have asthma, the muscles in the airways tighten and the lining of the airways swells and produces sticky mucus. These changes cause the airways to become narrow so that there is less space for the air to flow in and out of your lungs. Asthma is a disease of the airways, the small tubes which carry air in and out of the lung.”
With
O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 called asthma attacks, others might have asthma symptoms everyday. Some during exercise. Symptoms of asthma attack include severe wheezing when breathing both in and out. -Coughing that won’t stop -Very rapid breathing -Chest pain or pressure - Tightened neck and chest muscles called retractions -Difficulty talking -Feelings of anxiety or panic -Pale, sweaty face -Blue lips or fingernails Asthma, whether mild, moderate or non allergic can be
managed. All the medicine in the world won’t help an asthma sufferer if he or she smokes. The key is to understand asthma and track down your triggers or as completely as possible, eliminate them from your life. Decrease protein to 10 percent of daily caloric intake Replace animal protein as much as possible with plant protein. Omega -3 fatty acids found naturally in high fat fish such as Salmon, mackerel or cod enable the body to make more products that tend to decrease inflammation. Nigerian researchers uncover herbal remedies for asthma. People living with asthma no longer need to despair. In fact they no longer need to worry about taking their inhalers wherever they go. A local preparation might have provided a solution. For more counselling, the writer will be of help to you. Asthma is a serious disease that affects breathing. It is a disease of the chest that affects respiration when a person has asthma, the breathing piper inside the chest will be contracting and relating. This will give poun and discomfort to breathing. Asthma is a disease that suddenly makes the sufferer to fight for breath, wheezing and coughing. Fruits and vegetables are good for you. Bitter kola has score of beneficial effects on the body, valuable for asthma patient. Banana is also, useful for asthma patient. Peace and love.
Perspective “ALL the ills of democracy can only be cured by more democracy” (Alfred Smith -1873-1944) DEMOCRACY, by isochronal and intertextual condensing, including but not limited to Jeffersonian, Lincolnian and Grecian normative standard is the political doctrine that recognizes the institutionalization of liberal structures of governance that enfranchises and gives the people the rights to elect and remove their leaders. It concretizes the basis of their participation in the decision– making process and enhances their freedoms. Indeed, a government of the people, by the people for the people. But in the Nigerian so-called democratic ambience, the above–mentioned definition of democracy is a consummate misnomer. Democracy in Nigeria is the wresting and larceny of power by rigging, thuggery, assassinations, kidnappings and total Machiavellian acrobatics. It is the stealing of power by a criminal league, concourse and clique called Political Party for and through their individual members leading to the pauperization of the franchise and breach of all tenets of universal adult suffrage. It is the selling of souls to the devil with power as the quid pro quo. This politically weird means of power acquisition has often given rise to despotism, political impunity, unthinkable corruption and fascism. Fascism grew out of the unstable political conditions that followed on the heels of World War I. Its mass appeal derived from its promises to replace weak democratic governments with strong leadership and to rectify the grievances of individuals and states of the post war settlement. In the 1920s fascist dictators began to gain power in several countries. Once they did, tensions arose between themselves and the democratic states-tensions that would lead eventually to war. Fascism was not a coherent
doctrine like Marxism, but all fascists believed in strong, nationalists, authoritarian State, ruled by a charismatic dictator backed by a single paramilitary party, like the PDP in Nigeria. Fascists are fanatically opposed to democracy, socialism, Marxism and liberalism, and were often racist and antiSemitic. Both in opposition and in power, fascists made effective use of propaganda and terror to win support and to dispose of opposition and political rivals like the PDP is doing in Nigeria. The Nigeria so-called democracy of today reflects all the characteristics of fascism and despotism. We have no opposition, indeed Nigeria is a one-party (PDP) state sunken in the Cauldron of masqueraded totalitarianism. The APC is locked in somnambulistic political slumber. We therefore need to build structures, reorientations and bowdlerizations that will enhance and concretize the democratization of our democracy. Otherwise, we will be reechoing the observations of the political analyst Dr .H. L. Mencken (1880-1956) that, “The saddest life is that of a political aspirant under a cursed democracy. His failure is ignominious and his success is disgraceful”. We need transparent and credible election process and electoral infrastructures that will make the vote of every Nigerian count as authentic vote. This can only come about through a drastic revolutionization of the electoral and election process and not the bastardization (Iwuruwuru) of the system. The INEC as it is presently constituted cannot conduct a free and fair election in 2015 based on its antecedents and precedents in our political history. If Professor Jega wants to take any iota of integrity home, he should resign now. The INEC must then be completely overhauled at National and State Levels. We call for political socialization and enlightenment for all
2015 Elections And Th Of Dem
politicians. The mind-set of the politician which believes that politics is a do-or-die game, hideous power tussle and a mutually assured destruction for all, through the acquisition of power by all means must be completely deracinated and exorcised from his/her political psyche. It is this edacious and murderous mind-set that constitute 99% of the problem because they are insincere and want to win elections by any means, including but not limited to bribing INEC officials, thuggery, kidnapping, rigging, ballot box snatching, assassinations and manipulation of the judicial process. We find that the vast majority of Governors, legislators etc which we call our leaders are not really our leaders, hence they owe us no political obligation because, they got to power through illegitimate means and not through our votes. They therefore cannot meet our aspirations and needs. We call for the implementation of the recommendations on electoral reforms in the UWAIS REPORT. The composition of the Electoral Commission should be the responsibility of a broad spectrum of Nigerians and not the exclusive preserve of the predominant and ruling political party. We must have representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, Civil Society Organizations, Labour Unions, Women Organizations, Student Unions and Youth Organization etc. This will ensure a free and fair electoral process and will help to lessen political tension. The question of frivolous and sometimes marathon legal battles after elections have tended to alter our political calendar and precipitate political cataclysm in some areas (ANAMBRA) etc. This is not good for our democracy. It is in the light of this, that we call for the harmonization of the political calendar by
ensuring that no one should be sworn into office or assume position until all judicial interventions and election discrepancies in the matter have been concluded. We believe as recommended by Justice UWAIS that there should be an Electoral Offences Commission (EOC) and that prosecution under the Electoral Offences Commission (EOC) should be by an Independent Prosecutor not by the fiat of the Attorney General of either of the
Federation or the State. The snatching of ballot boxes and rigging will be greatly ameliorated if elections are held simultaneously on all fronts across the nation. The democratization of democracy will be consolidated if we hold elections between 9am-10am till 12 noon. A voter can come for accreditation, confirm his name in the voters registers and goes home. From 11 am the voter queues up, collect ballot paper, go into the closet, do the thumb printing there and then bring the thumb printed ballot paper to the open and drop it in
“We find that the vast majority of Governors, legislators etc which we call our leaders are not really our leaders, hence they owe us no political obligation because, they got to power through illegitimate means and not through our votes.”
the ballot box. The voting process can be over in just one hour. The votes are then counted and the result sheets are given to everybody. This process will not allow professional vote riggers to manipulate the voting process. The electoral reform process is critically crucial if our democracy must survive beyond 2015. The electoral process is the barometric gauge with which any democratic system is measured and our
political history has shown that the electoral process in Nigeria is still submerged in the tortuous labyrinth of gross imperfection. In the federal election of December 1959 which was meant to usher in the political independence of Nigeria, the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) won 148 eats, the national council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) and the Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU) won 89 seats, the Action Group (AG) and the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) won 58 seats. No party won majority vote. This led to grotesque coalitions, political manipulations and ward alliances that culminated in Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, former premier of Eastern Nigeria being sworn in as the first indigenous president of Nigeria under a parliamentary system of government. Chief Obafemi Awolowo,
By BOB
former Premier of western Nigeria became the leader of opposition at the federal level. The Sadauna of sokoto remained the Premier of Northern region, Chief Akintola who was deputy leader of the Action Group became premier of Western region and Dr. Okpara became
Premier of Eastern region. Setting a strong matrix for a political system based on insecurity, mistrust and Parochialism because of massive election rigging and manipulations. The political bad blood between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Akintola continued. This soured political feud led to a spiral of political bellicosity and Cartesian maneuver, which plunged the whole of the Western region into anarchical entropy (The Wild, Wild West). However, our long sought after independence finally came, but it turned out to be a “Barmecidal dish”, as our leaders were staple chasing in the tenebrous abyss of self-destruct, because of their nepotistic and narcissistic proclivities. The Nigerian Nation (1960 – 1966) was wallowing in the
dunge unthin indece ludicr bigotry and so The comm electo
military disturbe machinati error of culpable leadership One thin giving ris 15, 19 DAMISS coup de Sokoto, S Chief P Nigeria, S Balewa, C (Omimi assassinat These adumbrat necessar leaders an the dang antics of corruption signals in without reforms attitudina of the arro
Perspective
he Democratization mocracy
SON GBINYE
eon and crypts of nkable corruption, ent opulence, ous antics, ethnoy, political farrago ocial somnambulism. international munity, the Nigeria orate and nay the
institution was d by the dubious ions, the fundamental judgment and the e omission of our p and our politicians. ng led to the other e to the putsch of Jan 66 (PERATION SA).In the resultant tat the sardauna of Sir Armadu Bello, the rime Minister of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Chief Okotie –Eboh – Ejoh) etc were ted. historical tions have become ry to remind our nd our politicians of gers inherent in the f elections rigging, n and the schismatic n the 2015 elections adequate electoral and their total al reorientation. One owheads of the coup,
Major Kaduna Chukwuma Nzeogwu said ‘the military has taken over to bring an end to gangsterism and disorder, corruption and nepotism. My compatriots you will no longer be ashamed to be Nigerians”.
However, many political analysts saw the spate of killings to be in favour of the East (Igbo) and called it an “Eastern Coup”. It will be recalled that politicians of Igbo extraction like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akanu Ibiam, Dr, K.O. Mbadiwe etc were not killed or assassinated in the coup and furthermore, an Igbo Major General J. T.U. Aguiyi
Ironsi took over as Head – of – State. These selective Killings sent the wrong signals to the Northerners. The rest is a sordid and hideous history for the Nigerian Nation. Finally, we must learn from our past and endeavour to reshape our nation through fundamental change in our electrical process. Our democracy will be lifted from paleolithic backwardness to progressive heights if we
sincerely make positive review of the electoral process through electoral reforms. We call on members of the legislative arm of government at all levels to rise to the occasion. We commend the efforts of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER), Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), the NBA, the Labour Congress and the Nigeria electorate etc for their efforts so far. But they must continue to agitate for the democratization of democracy and make sure that our democracy is not reflective of Lenin’s argument in his book
“State and Revolution’ that “No, Democracy is not identical with majority rule. Democracy is a state which recognizes the subjection of minority to the majority, that is, an organization for the systematic use of force by one class against the other, by one part of the population against another”. This is not our model and mode of true democracy. On true democracy Nigerians must trust and stand. CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE, MANDATE AGAINST POVERTY (MAP) WARRI. 08023250378
Politics And Prostitution
IN more ways than one, many Nigerian politicians are like prostitutes who have found a kindred spirit in the country’s on-going, all-comers pseudo democracy, where honour appears to be an aberation. To be relevant, they merely mouth populist slogans or associate with other more credible characters to acquire validation by default and use it to hoodwink unsuspecting electotates. Sadly, a lot of them have been accepted, more or less, as true democrats. However, one can identify them in the way they jump from one political party to another at the drop of a hat as soon as they realise no one is willing to put state resources in their control. Increasingly, the trend is taking a frightening dimension in Edo state where the newest turn-coat, Chief Tom Ikhimi, is struggling to convince whoever cares to listen that he has not been a mole of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, as alleged by his erstwhile political room mates. There are many reasons why the allegation that Chief Ikhimi played the role of a mole in the APC. The Igueben born, self acclaimed Oduma (lion) of Africa, is himself, not likely to doubt his rich anti people political pedigree. There cannot be any argument either that he is acutely aware that those who refuse to ignore lessons of the country’s political history will always regard him as a political liability. The records speak volume. At the behest of the defection saga in Edo state, when some members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, alongside some APC renegades, held the state by the jugular, many well meaning individuals thought Chief Ikhimi would bring his weight, as a political leader, to bear on aggrieved members in order to sort out the discord once and for all. Instead, it was clear from his
By ERNEST OMOARETOJIE
comments and body language that he was tacitly in support of those fueling the discord. Like everyone else, Chief Ikhimi reserves the right to seek self fulfilment. Definitely, nothing is wrong if he chooses to seek further self actualization in the PDP, the same party he defected from with celebrated zeal before teaming up with the ACN, now APC, a few years ago. What is not acceptable is his attempt to create the impression that rather than his quest for undue relevance, he is a victim of political intrigues. Chief Ikhimi has a rich dossier that can serve as an encyclopaedia for doctorate thesis in political oppotunism. At the behest of former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s political engineering which produced the Social Democratic Party, SDP and the National Republican Convention, NRC, he became the inaugural national chairman of the latter. But no sooner had General Sani Abacha, rtd, notoriously cancelled the presidential election that resulted from the novel two party arrangement, adjudged nationally and internationally as the fairest and freest than Ikhimi sold out both his party and the country’s democracy to take up the position of the junter’s foreign affairs minister. But for the death of the maximum ruler, Ikhimi occupied a ringside position among those who were willing to do anything to manipulate himself into relevance, including helping to transmutate the late army general from a Khaki wearing
monster into a Babariga pulling dictator. Even as the country tethered on a cliff hanger, his only preoccupation was to hold onto any
convinced that the gail of defection that plagued the ruling APC in Edo state meant the end of the party, he began the move to find solace in PDP.
Chief Tom Ikimi
position of prominence. On the demise of the Abacha era, Chief Ikhimi managed to wax his way into public consciousness by teaming up with those who formed the PDP. But as it turned out, his co-travellers schemed him out of the party as soon as his selfish tendencies resurfaced. Very instructive is his controversial handling of the PDP primary in which, to the chagrin of most delegates, he allegedly counted opponents’ votes in favour of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Thus ostracized from the party, he defected and joined the ACN, now APC. Since then, Ikhimi’s quest for relevance remains his sole concern. For instance,
But in a hurry to distance himself from what to him was an inevitable disaster, he failed to realise that the Comrade Governor is gifted with an uncanny capacity to turn seeming impossible situations around. He found that out too late, having gone too far to retrace his defection steps. Like the governor and the party have said, “APC is much stronger now than before because those who are in this party now are people who are here not because of what is in it for them; or what is in it for me and this is what distinguishes this party from others.” The truth of the matter is that
nobody was surprise when Chief Ikhimi announced his resignation from the APC on Wednesday, 27 May, 2014. However, it is amazing how quickly he forgot that in announcing his resignation, cum defection, he re-echoed the same reasons for dumping the PDP not long ago. The only difference now is that he just changed the name of individuals he held responsible for his woes, the latest culprit being Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state. Demons ratably, Chief Ikhimi’s political value is that he is a liability. Even as party chieftain, he was defeated in his ward in two elections-the first, a local government chairmanship and state House of Assembly elections respectively. But for the goodwill of the Comrade Governor, he was heading the same road during the last governorship election in the state. His status as a liability is as captured by Tinubu why explaining why APC leaders could not afford to have him as the party national chairman. “It was clear to practically everyone who had the interest of the party at heart that we could not have a man of Tom Ikhimi’s antecedents as chairman of the NRC, one of the only two political parties in the country under the military transition programme. If Ikhimi were the chairman of APC, the party would have to sleep with both eyes open lest its chairman sells off the party before day break. I cannot be accused of supporting incompetent or morally lightweight individuals for important political positions...” Need we say more?
“The truth of the matter is that nobody was surprise when Chief Ikhimi announced his resignation from the APC on Wednesday, 27 May, 2014. However, it is amazing how quickly he forgot that in announcing his resignation, cum defection, he re-echoed the same reasons for dumping the PDP not long ago. The only difference now is that he just changed the name of individuals he held responsible for his woes, the latest culprit being Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state.”
Issues Environment
Shell And Environmental Degradation Of Niger-Delta
WHEN it comes to the very lucrative extractive industry of oil and gas exploration and production in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which Royal Dutch Shell has spearheaded in Nigeria for over 50 years now, nothing has been more devastating and disturbingly-pronounced than the adverse environmental degradation often left behind by this economic venture. The environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region by the over five decades of The Royal Dutch Shell operations in the region is so pronounced to the extent that it has been observed by foreign neutral individuals and organizations. For instance, in a recent report, as highlighted by John Donovan, Germany’s Development Minister Gerd Müller, attacked the ‘production practices of Shell’ during a speech at the Berlin Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK) event. Müller denounced “Shell’s poor regard for the environment” and said that during a recent trip to Nigeria, he witnessed the pathetic oil production methods of Shell. In his words: “If you went to the Niger Delta and saw the standard of oil extraction, none of you would use the petrol stations of that oil firm.” The German Minister said the company prioritized profit over concern for the environment. “That is unacceptable,” Müller added. Though, Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, Agip and Total are also active in Nigeria, Shell is the major oil extractor in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The report also noted that Environmental activists have long protested Shell’s oil production in the Niger Delta. Amnesty International and other groups released a report in August 2014 that stated the oil company had done little to clean up pollution from its oil production. Such production has left at least 10 communities in the area with contaminated drinking water,
according to the report. A United Nations (UN) assessment of the pollution in 2011 estimated that it could take up to 30 years to clean up. In their defense as usual, the report noted that Shell has blamed the spills on local villagers of host communities who “drill holes into the pipelines to steal oil, leaving the pipelines open and causing spills.” Aside the fact that the company’s figures on the frequency of these incidents have been contested by Amnesty International and Friends of the Earth International, the question is; whose responsibility is it to protect the pipelines and sustain good practices of environmental protection? Shell is the one that placed/ laid these pipelines/ flowlines in different areas of the Niger delta region for their oil exploration and production business. And if the pipelines and flowlines are broken by oil thieves, who will now be held liable to clean-up and remediate the environment and bring it back to its natural state? There is a Nigerian saying that “if a dog should bite and injure people, it is the owner of the dog that will be held liable.” Also, aside the issue of oil theft, there are countless incidents of “equipment failures” of Shell pipelines and facilities that have impacted the environment of the Niger Delta region. The crux of the matter is that Shell has not done enough with its environmental policy when it comes to protecting and restoring the Niger Delta environment that were adversely impacted by its operations. For instance, Shell did not do enough in restoring the environment before the Divestment of its assets/interests in Delta State. And it is not too late for the company to come make amends and do what is expected of it in restoring the oil-impacted environment. Some years back, when the unexpected British
By ZIK GBEMRE
Petroleum (BP) Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico (South America), happened, it built up a global storm of agitations and awareness on the real ‘cost of oil exploitation and its adverse effects on the environment’, especially in Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta area, that have been subjected to all manner of environmental degradation and related issues for more than five decades. The Nigerian government and the
independent experts, which carried out a painstaking research and traversed the Niger Delta in 2006, revealed that up to 1.5 million tons of oil, 50 times the population unleashed in the Exxon Valdez tanker disaster, has been spilt in the technologically precious Niger Delta over the past 50 years. With the mind-bugging revelation that oil spill in Niger Delta is estimated at
International Oil Companies (IOCs), particularly the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), were fingered as the main culprit that should be blamed/held responsible for not doing enough to address the situation with oil spills in the Nigeria. It was reported then that oil spill accidents worst than the spillage in the said Gulf of Mexico have happened in the course of Nigeria’s 50-years history of crude oil exploitation. In fact, a panel of
$10 million per day, many believe it is high time IOCs like Shell should reposition itself to adequately address oil spill incidents during their operations (even if they have divested and left the place), and for the Nigerian government to become more ‘responsive’ like the US Government had done on the Gulf of Mexico example, in addressing oil spill incidents in the Niger Delta area. While some are of the opinion that Oil companies prefer “ad-hoc repair of pipelines (where,
“In their defense as usual, the report noted that Shell has blamed the spills on local villagers of host communities who “drill holes into the pipelines to steal oil, leaving the pipelines open and causing spills.”
rather than overhaul oil pipelines for longevity, they prefer to respond to repairs when the pipelines fail); others have thrown their blame on both the government and IOC’s like Shell for continuing with their “tunnel vision-option” of protecting profits, at the expense of human livelihoods and health. From the standpoint of the host communities in the Niger Delta region, the IOCs and the Nigerian government are to blame for all the oil spills in the region. In the words of the Paramount ruler of Kpor Community in Ogoni
“Ogoni 9”, which culminated in the murder of human rights activist Ken Saro-wiwa and eight others. The Ogoni crises, which is yet to be resolved by Shell and the Nigerian Government till today, will always remind us of how oil giants like Shell creeps into oil-bearing countries and practically hold host governments’ by the jugular to have their way in sustaining ‘oil profits’ over and above human lives and environmental degradation. However, it is never too late to make amends. Firstly, Shell is expected to render an unreserved apology to the
area, Chief Taoh, he identified that: “Shell only cares about clamping the Oil and forget about the Community. They did not pay compensation or even clean up the affected environment (referring to a Spill in Ogoni Community and Edagberi of EgenniRivers State). There has been a lot of oil spill in Kpor and yet nobody bothers. My fishing pot was affected and economic trees were destroyed. In fact, no person can farm in the areas that were impacted by the Spill”, he said. Chief Toah regretted that the Nigerian government and Shell have remained insensitive to the plight of his own community, which has according to him, continued to suffer monumental and costly damage due to oil”. Many of us will never forget “The Ogoni crises” of the Niger Delta region, famously known as the
Niger Delta people, especially those in Ogoni, OML 42, 34, 30 etc, for the company’s poor environmental policy and practices in the last five decades. If Shell really has “Respect For People” as they usually preach, then they have to show it by doing this. After which, Shell should promptly take practical steps in permanently addressing all the pending and evident environmental degradation issues caused by oil spills left behind by Shell operations in some of these areas in the Niger Delta region, especially the company’s Divested areas in the region. These moves, we believe, is the only ‘little’ remedy that Shell should muster to somewhat ameliorate the grievous environmentdegradation-legacy left behind by The Royal Dutch Shell Plc in Nigeria.
Drumbeats
Power Of Dream (1) God’s Dream ANALYZING God’s dream is like a child who takes a cup to the sea to dry the water in it. Such a mission is detrimental to the life and destiny of the child. In other words, God’s dream is unfathomable. His dream can never be quantified by any human being on earth. Infact, God is dream personified. Everything about God speaks of his greatness. The size of Nigeria alone is with a total area of 923, 770, sq km. The population of Nigeria is over one hundred and sixty million people (160,000,000) Nigeria accommodates 25% of the entire black race. Friends compare the size of Nigeria and use it to comprehend the size of the whole world. The entire universe came as a result of God’s dream. A thorough and a careful study of the Solar System will unveil to you the size of God’s dream. The solar system consists of the sun and the nine planets. The sun is at the center of the Solar System and all other planet revolves around it in their elliptical orbit. THE SUN: The sun is the largest star in the solar system and with over 6,000°c with an interims temperature of over 20, 000,000°C. In size, the sun is about 300,000 times as big as the earth. The stars which appear singly when viewed from the earth actually exist in groups or clusters which are better referred to as galaxies or nebulas. MERCURY: this is the smallest, hottest and the closest planet to the sun. It takes 88 days for Mercury to go round the sun being very close to the sun, the gravitational pull of the sun is very strong. Mercury, has the shortest orbit around the sun and its distance is 57, 600, 000km. Mercury has no satellite of its own. VENUS: Venus is the second closest planet to the sun and the closest to the earth. Although Venus contains no living thing but it is similar to the earth in terms of size, weight and density, hence, it is termed as Earth twin. It has no natural satellite, but it takes 225 days to complete its revolution round the sun. Its distance from the sun is about 107, 200, 000km. EARTH: spacemen have often described the Earth as a beautiful “Jewel” when seen from the space. Earth is the only planet which supports the existence of plants and animals. It lakes the Earth about 365 V days to complete ITS orbit. The distance between the sun and the Earth is about I 48,800 it has one natural satellite called the moon which revolves eastward around
the Earth once in every 27days. The distance of the Earth from the moon is 384,629km. MARS: Astronomers think there may be the possibility of some tiny plants living on Mars. Pictures taken from space by spacecrafts have shown pictures which give indication of two natural satellites. Mars distance from the sun is about 227,200,000km. And it takes 687 days to complete its orbit. JUPITER: This is the largest ii) the solar system and its surface contains hydrogen and n gases with light and dark bands. The aim o sphere am tin d Jupiter is said I K characterized by violent thunderstorms many times stronger than those natural satellites than these natural satellites and its distance from the sun is 772,800,000. it takes Jupiter 119 years to complete its orbit around the sun. SATURN: Saturn is the second largest planet after Jupiter. It takes about thirty years to make one trip around the sun, compared with one year from the earth. Saturn has three rigs and ten natural satellites. The distance of Saturn from the sun is about 1,4,17,600,000km. URANUS: Uranus is about fifty times the size of the earth. Its orbit unlike other planets around the sun is a clockwise direction from east to west. This plant has five natural satellites around it and its distance form the sun is 2,854,400,000km hence it takes about 84 years to complete its orbits. NEPTUNE: Neptune as planet is cold with two natural satellites. It takes Neptune about 164.8 years to complete its orbit. The distance of Neptune front the sun is 4,468,800,000km PLUTO: As a planet it was discovered in ‘i930, it is the last planet known to exist in the solar system. Very little is known about Pluto because of its remote Location from the earth. This planet is the coldest and the longest orbit round the sun, hence it takes about 247.7year to complete its orbit. The distance of Pluto from the sun is about 5,850,000km. From the Solar system you could see how big God is and his dream. There is no doubt in my mind that there are some other Planets which have not been discovered by man. The earth in which we live is the least among all the Nine Planets. If God through His dream was able to use Nine planet to achieve his plan for mankind, then I see no reason why you and I can not use our dream to enhance our aims and objective and effect positive changes in our lives and destiny and beautify the world around us. God’s dream and love for mankind motivated him to send
With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593
his only begotten son to die for the remission of our sin. Our sin, disobedient wickedness and rebellion towards God and our fellow neighbours are sufficient to make Him abort His plan toward us, but His dream propels Him to endure and be patient towards us. God bothers about His dream for mankind, why we bothers about lack of money, shelter, family and friends. I will therefore appeal to you to learn from God’s dream and use such experience to beautify the world around you. How Big is Your Dream? The size of your dream
realize it makes sense. The size of what you give birth to seems to determine the size of your dream and how long your gestation period lasts. I accede to the fact that our physical size or height does not determine the size of our dream, neither does it determine the height of our success in life, but the truth is that there is nobody without a dream. Suffice it to say that our educational background does not determine the size of ones dream. I have heard, read and met thousands of people who claimed that their lack of success could be tied to their
Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, the Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, ho my Lord, if Lord be with us, why them is all this befallen us? And where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? But now the Lord hath, forsaken us, and delivered us into the
unfulfilled destiny. “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones. And caused me to pass by them round about, and, behold there were very many in the open valley, and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, son of man , can these bones live? And answered O Lord God, thou
determines the size of your financial growth, spiritual and physical growth. How big is your dream? if God through his dream for humanity can create the heavens and earth and made us in his image and likeness and told us to reproduce after his kind and also assured us of doing greater works, then I see no reason why we should fail. “Verily, Verily, I say unto you lie that believeth on me, tire works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do, be cause I go unto any father” (John 1 4v 12). The size of your dream determines your input and output in your generation. For example it takes 21 days for a rat to reproduce and 22 days to hatch a chick. The dog gives birth in 61 days and cat in 64 days. The donkey and the Zebra both require 365 days for their pregnancy, while it will take 624 days (21 months) for an elephant to reproduce. When you think about it for a moment, you
lack of education. Friends, I say to you again that your lack of formal education does not determine the level of your dream or success. Every human being on earth has been endowed with a dream by God to enhance his or her status in any given society. We fail in life because of over dependent on others to help interpret our dreams. Each time we approach rich people in our society for money or help to achieve our aims and objective we are simply telling them that we lack the power, wisdom and strength to interpret or implement our dream. I have also discovered that the size of our dream determines our language in public and in privates ate places. “And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat wider an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abierite: and his son Gideon Threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the
hands of the Midianites. And the Lord looked upon him, and said, go in this thy might and thou shalt Save Israel from the hand of the Midianites, have not 1 sent thee? And he said unto him, oh my Lord, where with shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is poor in Menasseh, and I am the least in my Father’s house. And the Lord said unto him surely I will be with thee, and thou shall smite the Midianites as one man” Judges 6v I - 6. The Biblical passages of the scripture unveil to you the language of Gideon as regards fulfilling God’s dream in his life. God has to persuade Gideon time without number before Gideon could believe in Him and in himself. Friends, our negative language have the potent weapons that could pull down the actualization of dreams and then end up generating
knowest Ezekiel 37 1-3. The language of prophet Ezekiel in his life time as reflected in the biblical reference is synonymous with our life and language as regards implementing our dreams which more often than not, are characterised by fears and doubts. God already knew that you can succeed in this world by the size of the dream which he mercifully gave to you and I. If we fail to implement our dream and succeed in this world the fault lies in our weaknesses and laziness Friends, I ask you again how big is your dream? God expects you to affect your generation positively by the size of the dream which he placed upon your life. Beloved, you have divine enablement to fulfill your dream and achieve your aims and objective in life. Dare to do the impossible by constantly speaking positively about your dreams to others.
Political Platform
2015: Need To Elect
Credible Leaders
2015: Need To Elect Credible Leaders By Omeiza Robinson Ofuje MOST African leaders, particularly in Nigeria which is the subject matter here, need to learn a lot from those who have been found transparent, responsible and credible both in character and conduct, as it relates to governance and their private dealings. In Nigeria, leaders in most cases, have been found to seemingly be above the law in their modus operandi. They have been found to have manifested remorseless composition, and a ‘heart of stone’ in speaking the truth when faced with any corruption allegation of any kind. To most of them, they do not owe Nigerians any explanation whatsoever, as relating to their controversial public and private behavioural pattern, which continues to agitate the minds of many citizens on the grounds of whether or not, they truly deserve to lead the people. In some instances, allegations of corruption that call for clarification by public officers have been consciously “swept under the carpet” even by legal practitioners and those who occupy sensitive anti-corruption offices. Many leaders have come and gone! Most of them have been accused of misappropriation of public funds, and have enjoyed the benefit of impunity, thereby parading themselves about with pride as ‘god fathers’ while some are classified as being “above the law” in such a way that even the long arms of the law cannot catch –up with them. For those who have been faced with criminal charges, they still have not been found guilty during trial here in Nigeria. They even parade themselves with pride around the nation and also show interest to still contest for public office. 2015 general election is right” under our nose” and Nigerians are in search of a suitable candidate who is completely free from being entangled in anyway, though not wholly perfect; someone who has the mind of a true leader, truthful and humble with sincere character and conduct, and that would be pragmatic. However, it is a different ‘ball game’ altogether in developed nations. There are cases where public officers have been tried and found guilty. Cases also abound where officers have been
By OMEIZA ROBINSON
made to face the wrath of the law. In other instance, public officers came out in public to make speeches, addressing the entire nation on cases of misconduct on their own part, for clarity before the citizens. Some of such cases may include the speech that former United State of America President Bill Clinton made in respect to the secret affair he had, the senior public officer who was convicted in China and the case of James Ibori, former governor of Delta state, who was convicted in the United Kingdom; and lots more. The charismatic US President Bill Clinton was born William Jefferson Blythe III in Hope, Arkansas, in 1946. Taking his step father ’s name, Clinton suffered a troubled childhood but following a chance meeting with President John F. Kennedy in 1962, he knew that he wanted a career in politics. A Rhodes scholar, Clinton overcame electoral defeat (as Arkansa Attorney-General) to become the country’s youngest governor at age 33, in 1980. In 1992 presidential race, the “New Democrats” charm and sincerity made him a viable alternative to the staid, conservative incumbent, George Bush Senior and despite the exposure of a “discreet” relationship with Jennifer Flowers, the public took a liking to the Southern governor and his articulate, equally ambitious wife, Hillary Rodham. Bill Clinton’s first term as president (1993-1997) saw the Republican party seize control of the House of Representatives for only the third time since the end of World war 11. Clinton was in danger of becoming a “lameduck” president but he had the unique ability to reinvent himself and to slip out of the highest political situations (earning the nick name “slick Willy”). In 1997, he made a phoenix – like comeback in the polls to win a second term as president Clinton made many political enemies when he under took a government shutdown in November 1995. When Paula Jones sued the President for sexual harassment over alleged incidents during his time as Arkansas governor, independent council Kenneth Starr unearthed evidence of a cover-up of a sexual relationship between Clinton and white House intern Monica Lewinsky in 1995. Both parties originally lied about the affair, with Clinton famously declaring in a televised statement, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman”.
The media scandal effectively brought Clinton’s presidency to a standstill in 1998 before he came to his senses in August and admitted to the affair. “This has gone on too long, cost too much and hurt too many innocent people”, Clinton told the American people in a fourminute, personal confession on 17 August, 1998. The following month, Bill
get to the end of this, to the rockbottom truth of where I am and where we all are. “I agree with those who have said that in my first statement after testified, I was not contrite enough. I don’t think there is a fancy way to say that I have sinned. It is important to me that everybody who has been hurt know that the sorrow I feel is genuine; First and most important, my family; also my
Bill Clinton Clinton and his wife hosted the annual white House breakfast for Washington’s clergy. There, a contrite US President apologized for his actions. Bill Clinton in his statement said “Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House and to this day to which Hillary and the vice president and I took forward to so much every year. This is always an important day for our country, for the reasons that the vice president said. “It is an unusual and, I think, unusually important day today. I may not be quite as easy with my words today as I have been in years past, and I was up rather late last night thinking about and praying about what I ought to say today. And rather unusual for me, I actually tried to write it down. “So if you will forgive me, I will do my best to say what it is I want to say to you… and I may have to take my glasses out to read my own writing. First I want to say to all of you that, as you might imagine, I have been on quite a journey these last few weeks to
friends, my staff, my cabinet, Monica Lewinsky and her family and the American people. I have asked all for their forgiveness. “But I believe that to be forgiven, more than sorrow is required at least two more things. First, genuine repentance- a determination to change and to repair breaches for my own making. I have repented. Second, what my Bible calls a broken spirit; an understanding that I must have God’s help to be the person that I want to be; a willingness to give the very forgiveness I seek; a renunciation of the pride and the anger which cloud judgment, lead people to excuse and compare and to blame and complain. “Now, what does all this mean for me and for us? First, I will instruct my lawyers to mount a vigorous defense, using all available appropriate arguments. But legal language must not obscure the fact that I have done wrong. Second, I will continue on the path of repentance, seeking pastoral support and that of other caring people so that they can
hold me accountable for my own commitment. “Third, I will intensify my efforts to lead our country and the world toward peace and freedom, prosperity and harmony, in the hope that with a broken spirit and a still strong heart I can be used for greater good, for we have many blessings and many challenges and so much work to do. “In this, I ask for your prayers and for your help in healing our nation. And though I cannot move beyond or forget this indeed. I must always keep it as a caution light in my life-it is very important that our nation move forward. I am very grateful for the many, many people-clergy and ordinary citizens alike-who have written me with wise counsel. “I am profoundly grateful for the support of so many Americans who somehow, through it all, seem to still know that I care about them a great deal, that I care about their problems and their dreams. I am grateful for those who have stood by me and who say that in this case and many others the bounds of privacy have been excessively and unwisely invaded. That may be. Nevertheless, in this case, it may be a blessing, because I still sinned. And if my repentance is genuine and sustained, and if I can maintain both a broken spirit and a strong heart, then good can come of this for our country as well as for me and my family. “The children of this country can learn in a profound way that integrity is important and selfishness is wrong, but God can change us and make us strong at the broken places. I want to embody these lessons for the children of this country for that little boy in Florida who came up to me and said that he wanted to grow up and be president and to be just like me. I want the parents of all the children in America to be able to say that to their children. “A couple of days ago when I was in Florida, a Jewish friend of mine gave me this liturgy book called Gates of Repentance. And there was this incredible passage from the Yom Kippur liturgy. I would like to read it to you: “Now is the time for turning. The leaves are beginning to turn from green to red, to orange. The birds are beginning to turn and are heading once more towards the South. The animals are beginning to turn to storing their food for the winter. For leaves, birds and animals, turning comes instinctively’. But for us, turning does not come so easily. It takes an act of will for us to make a turn. It makes breaking old habits. “It means admitting that we have been wrong, and this is never easy. It means losing face. It means starting all over again. And this is always painful. It means saying I am sorry. It means recognizing that we have the ability to change. These things
are terribly hard to do. But unless we turn, we will be trapped forever in yesterday’s ways. “Lord help us to turn, from callousness to sensitivity, from hostility to love, from pettiness to purpose, from envy to contentment, from carelessness to discipline, from fear to faith. Turn us around, O Lord, and bring us back towards you. Revive our lives as at the beginning, and turn us towards each other, Lord for in isolation there is no life”. “I thank my friend for that. I thank you for being here. I ask you to share my prayer that God will search me and know my heart , try me and know my anxious thoughts, see if there is any hurtfulness in me, and lead me towards the life everlasting. I ask that God give me a clean heart let me walk by faith and not by sight. “ I ask once again to be able to love my neighbour-all my neighbours- as myself, to be an instrument of God’s peace, to let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart and, in the end, the work of my hands, be pleasing. This is what I wanted to say to you today. Thank you God bless you”. President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives but escaped conviction in the Senate in February 1999. it was as if the American public disapproved of his behaviour but did not want him removed from office. Clinton always wanted to be remembered as an above average; if not a great president. Although he was capable of important things-not least the continued economic growth at home or internationally the forced back –down by Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic to avoid a ground war with American forces in Kosovo in June 1999-Clinton’s credibility as a leader was overshadowed by the ‘Lewinsky Affair’. Bill Clinton’s speech, on television, after admitting to a grand jury investigation that he had had a relationship with a former White House intern, a fact which he had previously seemed to deny. The admission (and the evidence that provoked the admission) led Independent Counsel investigator, Ken Starr, to accuse the president of perjury. Clinton used this speech to appeal over the heads of the senators, who would conduct his trial, to the American public. He needed to avoid incriminating himself, show remorse to a public who felt let down and get people to leave this issue behind and focus on more positive aspects of his presidency. His speech helped to achieve all three by sticking to his legal defence that he had not broken the law; admitting and apologizing for personal wrongdoing and depicting the investigation as a partisan distraction from the real problems of the American Continues on page 21
Political Issues Platform Continued from page 20 people. The speech that Bill Clinton delivered in respect to his private affair with Monica Lewinsky goes thus: “Good evening. This afternoon in this room, from this chair, I testified before the office of Independent Counsel and the grand jury. I answered their questions truthfully, including questions about my private life, question no American citizen would ever want to answer. Still, I must take complete responsibility for all my actions, both public and private. And that is why I am speaking to you tonight. “As you know, in a deposition in January, I was asked questions about my relationship with Monica Lewinsky. While my answers were legally accurate, I did not volunteer information. Indeed, I did have a relationship with Ms Lewinsky that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong. It constituted a critical lapse in judgement and a personal failure on my part for which I am solely and completely responsible. “But I told the grand jury today and I say to you now that at no time did I ask anyone to lie, to hide or destroy evidence or to take any other unlawful action. I know that my public comments and my silence about this matter gave a false impression. I misled people, including even my wife. I deeply regret that. I can only tell you I was motivated by many factors. First, by desire to protect myself from the embarrassment of my conduct. “I was also very concerned about protecting my family. The fact that these questions were being asked in a politically inspired lawsuit, which has since been dismissed was a consideration, too. In addition, I had real and serious concerns about an independent counsel investigation that began with private business dealings twenty years ago-dealings, I might add, about which an independent federal agency found no evidence of any wrongdoing by me or my wife over two years ago. “The independent counsel investigation moved on to my staff and friends, then into my private life. And now the investigation itself is under investigation. This has gone on too long, cost too much and hurt too many innocent people, now, this matter is between me, people I love most, my wife and our daughter- and our God. I must put right, and I am prepared to do
whatever it takes to do so. “Nothing is more important to me personally. But it is private, and I intend to reclaim my family life for my family. It’s nobody’s business but ours, even presidents have private lives. It is time to stop the pursuit of personal destruction and the prying into private lives and get on with our national life. Our country has been distracted by this matter for too long, and I take my responsibility for my part in all of this. That is all I can do. Now it is time in fact, it is past time-to move on. “We have important work to doreal opportunities to seize, real problems to solve, real security maters to face. And so tonight , I ask you to turn away from the spectacle of the past seven months, to repair the fabric of our national discourse, and to return our attention to all the challenges and all the promise of the next American century. Thank you for watching. And good night. Bill Clinton made these speeches as at the time he was still the president of America. It was obvious that he truly possessed the qualities of a good leader. All the processes involved in his trial is a true reflection that, irrespective of the fact that he was America’s number one man, and possessed enormous political power, he was still not above the law! It was also a reflection that Clinton had respect for the people of his country, and that national interest should come first before other issues. And that if you must lead by example, you must be ready to be truly humble, sincere and remorseful with true repentance before the general public, in the case of implied or express involvement in any kind of unethical manifestation. In Nigeria, the rhetorical question is “Has any public officer who have been involved with unethical conduct, whether it relates to their private lives or public office, been brought to book?” “Has any public office, in Nigeria, ever admitted with remorseful repentance before the general public that he/she had truly been involved in misconduct? “Do Nigerians have documented speeches just like the example of Bill Clinton, that were made by their leaders, in a bid to mitigate tension among the people concerning their corrupt act?” “Should we still breed the conventional kind of leaders and produce same for 2015?” The
... Need To Elect Credible Leaders answers to these questions may not be far fetched. Recently in China, a trading company executive and countless others snared in a multibilliondollar smuggling and payoff scandal went on trial amid deep secrecy in China’s biggest corruption case in 51 years of communist rule. Court officials said hearing began in five cities in the southeastern province of Fujian, but they had little other information. They said most court staff were banned from the courtrooms, and judges and prosecutors kept tight control on the proceedings. It “seems very mysterious” said a duty officer at the intermediate people’s Court
Zemin, who heads the 61 million members Communist party, has declared clean government a goal of his rule. But the Fulian scandal has tainted members of the elite ruling circle, among them one of Jiang’s protégés. The government has used occasional prosecutions of highlevel officials to show the party’s determination to end rampant corruption that has eroded support for communist rule. State-run newspapers carried reports about a death sentence given to the deputy head of transport for Sichuan province for taking bribes and amassing wealth beyond his means. The court sentenced Zheng Daofang’s wife and son to 15 and 12 years
James Ibori in Zhangzhou who declined to give her name. Among the unspecified number of defendants were the General Manager of the Fujian –based Orient Group Cao-Xinghai, put on trial in Putian, and two other defendants in Zhangzhou, court officials in the two cities said. They refused to specify the charges against Cao or the other two, identified as Liu Fenghe and Li Lanying. The secrecy illustrates the scandal’s troubling scope for China’s leaders. President Jiang
in prison, respectively, and seized property worth $ 209, 000. By contrast, no mention was made of the Fujian trails. At the centre of the trial is the bustling post of Xiamen, opposite Taiwan, and Yuanhua Group. The company smuggled oil, cars and cigarettes through Xiamen, and other ports and spent lavishly to buy official protection or silence. As part of the operation, Coa Xinghai of the Xiamen-based orient Group and the 11 other defendants provided Yuanhua with certificates, seals and other
“We have important work to do-real opportunities to seize, real problems to solve, real security maters to face. And so tonight , I ask you to turn away from the spectacle of the past seven months, to repair the fabric of our national discourse, and to return our attention to all the challenges and all the promise of the next American century. Thank you for watching. And good night.”
“Conveniences”, allowing it to engage illegally in import-export trade, the Hong Kong Commercial Daily reported. For their help, Cao and the others received $ 2.4 million annually in rents and payoffs, the Hong Kong newspaper said. Officials have called Yuanhua’s web of smuggling and payoffs China’s biggest corruption scandal, although they put no amount on the value of goods and money that illegally changed hands. Hong Kong media have said the smuggled goods were worth $ 9. 5 billion. Among those arrested in the investigation were the national police force’s immigration Chief, the provincial deputy police Chief, two deputy Xiamen party secretaries, a vice mayor, the city’s customs head and the officials in charge of Xiamen’s under cover police. Because of the number of defendants, the cases were being heard in courts in Xiamen, Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Putian and Zhangzhou. Nigerians are indeed eager to have an emerging president in 2015 who will not only be truly transparent, but one that would legally enforce laws that will bring about the truism in sanction, irrespective of who may be involved, and regardless of the height and position that such persons may occupy in the country. The death sentence that was given to the deputy head of transport for Sichuan province for taking bribes and amassing wealth beyond his means, and the sentence on Zheng Daofang’s wife and son, including the siesure of property worth $ 209,000, is an example of steps that should be taken in Nigeria in a bid to curb the menace of corruption, by the next elected president come 2015. Similarly, former Director of the Public Utilities Board (PUB) Choy Hon. Tim’s case involved the largest amount of bribes uncovered in CPIB’s history-$ 13.85 million. Investigated in 1995, Choy had received kickbacks in exchange for awarding contracts to suppliers and Contractors of PUB whilst he was the Chief Electrical Engineer. He was convicted and sentenced to a 14 years’ jail term and the $ 13.85 million bribe obtained by him was forfeited to the state. In another case involving abuse of power, former Chief Executive Officer of the Trade Development Board, Yeo Seng Teck had used forged documents to cheat the organisations he was working for, involving the purchase of Chinese antiques worth about $2 million. Yeo was charged and convicted for cheating offences and sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment. Lim How Seng, former director
of the Singapore History Museum, corruptly received two loans of $ 20,000 each from a private vendor named 3G Studio. In exchange, he recommended a contract for the production of a new 3-dimensional show at the museum to be awarded to the company. He was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment and ordered to pay a $ 20,000 penalty. SAF Lieutenant Coloel Ong Beng Leong, was the commanding officer of Training Resource Management Centre from April 1999 to December 2001. He knowingly accepted fictitious quotes submitted to him by a Construction agency and awarded the contract to them, instead of following financial procedures and sourcing for quotation from other contractors. He was charged and convicted for using false documents to deceive his employer; and was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. The question now is, will the struggle to become Nigeria’s next president in 2015 birth sanity in the system by the hand of whoever that will emerge the president? Here in Nigeria, the case of James Onanefe Ibori who was born on 4th August 1958,was a former Governor of Delta State, from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007, who before he was convicted, was a member of the People’s Democratic party (PDP), was found guilty of corrupt practice outside the country. Born to the family of late chief Ukavbe Ibori and Mrs. Comfort Oji Ibori Otefe in Oghara Clan, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, he attended Baptist High School, Oghareki, now Oghareki Grammar School, before proceeding to the University of Benin where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Statistics. Ibori moved to London, England in the 1980s where he married his wife, Theresa, Ibori worked as a cashier at Wickes DIY store in Ruislip, Middlesex. In 1990, the couple were arrested for theft from the store, and fined £300. Returning to Nigeria, between 1994 and 1997, he served as a consultant to the Federal Government of Sani Abacha who was the Head of State then, in the areas of public policy formulation and implementation in 1999, Ibori took out a mortgage on a property in Abbey Road, London. To mask his previous convictions in the UK, he obtained a false birth certificate and then passport, medically impossible as it was dated a month after his younger sister’s birthday.
Opinion
Addressing Problem Of Procrastination
PROCRASTINATION is the act of putting off essential task until a later time; most of the time non essential tasks are done in lien of the time more critical ones. Procrastination in an easy and simple term, is the act of deviating from the main and important work and carrying out the minor and the less important ones, therefore reserving time for important ones to be done. When you begin to think about today’s society, there is less and less time in the day, so it is very important that we manage our time efficiently and stop procrastinating as much as possible. For some reason, we have an emotional reaction when we have to do something we don’t enjoy doing, or are convinced we simply cannot do. Learning to acknowledge this reaction will not only make us aware that we may be procrastinating, but will also help us on our quest to stop procrastination. Or maybe there is a belief in us that we just don’t have the ability to complete whatever task that is set before us. Whatever your reason for procrastinating, it is very important that you identify why you consistently do things at the last minute or completely put it off altogether. Once you figure out why you put things off, you will be in a better position to come up with a solution to your procrastination problem. If you do not deal with your problem of procrastination may be life altering, and not for the better. By ignoring this issue, you will do a great disservice to yourself, especially considering there are so many ways you can overcome procrastination. Procrastination is a habit, and like any other habit it can be broken. If you don’t break your procrastination habit, it can have serious consequences in your life and the lives of those who you care about. Also, if it goes unchecked, procrastination may affect your mental and physical health. The emotional aspect to procrastination: One of these emotions is fear; if we eliminate fear from the equation we are better able to tackle the task. CAUSES OF PROCRASTINATION There are many reasons for procrastination; Obviously some of the reasons are more evident than others, one in particular may surprise you. And that is perfectionism. There have been many studies that suggests that there may be a link between procrastination and perfectionism. What you are probably thinking is that, that just doesn’t make sense, how can a perfectionist procrastinate? Well even though this may not qualify as one of the more common causes of procrastination to you, there is certainly some validity in this argument. Think about it, how hard is it to believe that some people are so bothered by the idea of them not doing something perfect. They end up not doing it at all? Studies that examine the relationship between perfectionism and causes of procrastination often vary in their arguments and often come to different conclusions about the two. According to one school of thought people who strive for perfection are bound for success. The other suggests
By OMORODION LAWRENCE/OLALEYE OYINDAMOLA
that perfectionists are obsessive compulsives that need to have everything neat, clean, and in order. Although this may be counter intuitive, this model suggests that perfectionist have a natural inclination toward procrastination. Finding Work-Life Balance is another important and active cause of procrastination; finding balance is one of
President Goodluck Jonathan
the most difficult things you will be faced with in life. In particular, finding balance between work, school, and your personal life. Highly successful perfectionists may obtain a huge amount of success at work, but at the expense of success in other parts of their lives. Most people spend a great deal of time and effort at work, making sure that things are done so well that they neglect other areas of their life. If you are spending most of your energy at work, by the time you get home your energy has dissipated, so you don’t have that same drive or intensity to be successful in those other aspects of your life. If the drive is not there for responsibilities outside of work, those tasks that are considered necessary will often fall on a friend or a sponse. Even though you are tired from working all day, you
“PROCRASTINATION can Negatively affect your personal life. It is very unhealthy to continue to put your body through this type of stress, not only is it unhealthy for you, it puts unnecessary strain on your relationships.”
should find the energy and time to do these things. Don’t tell yourself “I am too tired to do this” or I will do it tomorrow”, because all you are doing is Justifying why a certain task is not getting done, in other words you are procrastinating. This also apply to most of our government officials and politicians, whereby most of them make plans and promise to do a lot of things but at the end of the day, none or little will be done. The procrastination in this form is even worse because the effects and the consequences does not only apply or affect them alone, it affects all the people they are meant to serve and even affect their subordinates, and even affect their personalities because it had deuted their images in the face of the public. This group of people, instead of finding solution to what is affecting them, they tend to continue with it because it is somehow benefiting them in one way or the other. It is therefore important to challenge yourselves to do things that don’t necessarily come easy. Keep in mind that helping with other tasks was to help you get experience doing something you wouldn’t regularly do. Even though you may not be good at it, you have just proved to yourself that you can do an unfamiliar job without thinking of a million other things to do instead. If you share tasks and after doing so decide that it is indeed more effective to deal with your “designate” jobs, than you should stick with it, Just make sure that you are not missing out on a potentially valuable life experience just because you assume you don’t have the ability. EFFECTS OF PROCRASTINATION More often than not, procrastination results in task being put off until the very last minute. If fear of failure or success made you anxious when faced with a difficult task, imagine the anxiety you will feel when you have a deadline approaching for a critical task that will not be completed because of your procrastination . Now think about if you have multiple tasks that are to be completed around the same time. You are probably getting nervous just thinking about situations like this you have either put yourself in or are about to put yourself in. Time and time again, for whatever reason. We put things off until the last minute and every time we do we have that same nervous feeling come over our body. For the sake of our physical, mental, and emotional well being we must learn how to stop procrastination. If you are not careful, the effects of procrastination can have damaging consequences on your health. PROCRASTINATION can Negatively affect your personal life. It is very unhealthy to continue to put your body through this type of stress, not only is it unhealthy for you, it puts unnecessary strain on your relationships. There have been studies that suggest that anxiety may compromise our immunes systems, and therefore render it susceptible to infections diseases. When we are feeling anxious about things, we tend to lose our ability to focus, therefore increasing the chances of being involved in accidents. When we decide not to deal with things and put them off, all we are doing is heaping more work for ourselves in the long run. The more work you have, the more stressed you will feel because of all the backlogged of work you still have to do. You know just because we avoid completing a task today doesn’t mean it will not need to be done tomorrow. An ideal situation for us is to just go to sleep tonight and wake up and magically the task is done, but that’s not how it works. Instead we wake up and we have an even heavier burden than the day before. This stress or anxiety we feel over long periods of time can lead to more serious situations such as depression and other forms of mental illnesses. Stress in moderation may be good for us, it can make us more competitive or drive us to be more innovative, Continues on page 23
Opinion Continues on page 23
but it may also drive us to a mental institution. If we do not learn to manage stress it may lead to other issues that will make our live much harder to cope with. When we convince ourselves to procrastinate, we are not doing anything but deceiving ourselves into thinking other things are more important than what we should be doing at that time. One reason we are easily distracted is because of our lack of self control. In order to get more out of life, we may want to learn how to better control ourselves, especially when it comes to our personal finances. If we are procrastinating when it comes to paying the bills, this can lead to mounting debt, which may have lasting effects on us. This debt not only affects us it may affect our children and loved ones. For example, if you accumulate debts, it is possible that your children may inherent your debt and therefore you are responsible for it. That is not a burden you want to put on your kids just because you were being irresponsible. Or if the mortgage is not paid in a timely manner, the bank or mortgage company may proceed with a home foreclosure. So as you can see, it is very easy to tell ourselves that we will pay that bill later or put the check in the mail tomorrow. What is not easy though is dealing with consequence of getting the check in mail too late and losing a home as a result.
... Problem Of Procrastination
Procrastination can negatively affect our employment. The effect of procrastination are not limited to our finances , this may also have serious consequences on other vital area. How many times have you heard stories of people having aches and putting off going to the doctor? When they finally go to the doctor it is only out of absolute necessity and then they find out the ache was something serious. We have all heard these stories, fortunately sometimes the person gets to the doctor just in time to catch something life threatening, other times they are not so lucky. Or what about the time when you had a tooth ache that you ignored that could have been fixed with a simple sealant that now needs a roots canal? We all procrastinate to some degree, just make sure it is not about something that can be life threatening. The effects of procrastination can also be noticed at work. At our place of employment we have to work toward deadlines, these deadlines can help organize work load and help stay on task. Putting off undesirable task can have serious implications. For example, you may be viewed as unreliable, incompetent, or just plain lazy. It is important that when we have a responsibility at work that we execute it to the best of our ability for the sake of our integrity and relationship with colleagues and co-workers.
“In order to get more out of life, we may want to learn how to better control ourselves, especially when it comes to our personal finances. If we are procrastinating when it comes to paying the bills, this can lead to mounting debt, which may have lasting effects on us. This debt not only affects us it may affect our children and loved ones.”
It Is All Well, That Ends Well
YES, the national conference has wind- up to a successful or glorious end against the earlier thought of some Nigerians who were pessimistic over the procedure and what would be the outcome of the conference. We salute the courage of these patriots and we say kudos to these leaders of the conference. The conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi who even lost his spouse in the course of the sitting, yet he continued the national assignment with much zealousness, we salute his courage. Again, we equally appreciate the erudite scholar, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, kiaw leader, Chief Edwin Clerk, Dr Peter Odili, former Governor of River State, Professor Jerry Gana Professor A.B.C Nwosu, Chief Femi Falaria (SAN), Haliru Mohammed, Rtd Gen. Jerry Useni, Rtd Gen, Ike Nwchuku, former
By OSHOMAH BONIDFACE
Newswatch Chief Editor, Ray Ekpu, Rtd Gen. Zamani Lekwu (rtd), Tanko Yanlassai, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Mike Ozekhome, (SAN), Chief Olu Falae Chief Femi Okunrounmu, Rtd Ibrahim Coomasive to name but a few. For remaining steadfast for the Nigerian project against all odds of ethnicity, geopolitical and religious hegemony or interest. Compromise had been made on various key issues on major issues of devolution of powers from federal to state, cum, local government, resource control, derivation principles and allocation to mineral producing areas, local government as the lower tier is being tinkered with but its percentage on revenue allocation still being maintained, a percentage is set aside for
the troubled region of the North East, though not agreed on. Some of the issues were controversial, but suffice to say that at the end, common sense prevailed at last. The need for Nigeria to remain as an entity ensured
Justice Idris Kutigi
the compromise of both delegates inrespective of initial hidden agenda of the delegates. It has been noted that the Yugoslavia, Soviet Union, South Sudan that were polarised and broken into different entities till date, there is no peace in these
In our lives there are many things that need to be done to ensure we are able to function day to day. These tasks ranges from brushing our teeth to paying the mortgage; no matter how insignificant a task we may think we are faced with, it is important to avoid procrastinating as much as possible. You can be certain that postponing tasks will almost always result in unexpected problems arising. So as much as you would like to do something other than the job at hand, just buckle down and take care of what you are faced with. Whatever you are faced with should always be taken as important and should always be the first to be tackled. Procrastination affects our relationship with people, our family members, our friends. There are things which needs to be done and these things or tasks are known by those around us, but by the time we start skipping those tasks for something else or because of anxiety or laziness. Those people around us or maybe our family at home begin to have or reduce their confidence in us. It is a human tendency to get bored with something after some time. When we get a new job, for the first couple of weeks we are like the peasant boy who walked into a new palace. Everything is new and interesting and our interest is completely captured. We try to learn things as quickly as possible and are eager to impress and prove to the world that we are fit for the job. But after a few months we get used to everything and slowly everything begins to lose the charm. We get bored and start looking for greener pastures. We are so ignorant and unaware that we can easily make that boring place much more lively and greener for ourselves and others. Every job loses its charm after some time if nothing out of the way is done to make the job interesting. In every reason as possible, humans needs motivation and encouragement so as to carry on with tasks or jobs. Humans need motivation just as they need to take their bath every day of their lives. L regions, many lives have been lost in the endless violence and nothing positive has been achieved. It is of commendation the doggedness of these patriotic Nigerians, their courage and sacrifice for national interest in these trying moments of nationhood; stooping to conquer where other might have failed such a national calling is appreciated by many Nigerians’ However, the ball is in the court of the President as the report of the conference or draft had been submitted to him. It is hoped that the report would not be dumped into a waste paper basket like other previous reports on national issues of this magnitude. Many Nigerian had expected, a referendum instead of the report being submitted to the National Assembly for an approval or for an act of parliament which would serve as an amendment to the 1999 constitution that has been heavily criticized by some Nigerians. The time frame or
purpose is very limited because of the 2015 general election is around the corner. The National Assembly members must not dilly daily to peruse into the report and correct or fine tune some areas that need final touch, by resolving areas of conflicts in the constitution that had been addressed by the report.’ Nigeria is in a hurry to join the comity or league of developed nations of the world. She has all it takes to be developed. The report certainly will become an act of parliament and being entrenched in the constitution which will help to remove all the hiccups against the national quest for statehood or development. The earlier the report of the conference is considered by the National Assembly or any other body appointed by the president, the better for Nigerians. A stitch in time saves nine. By OSHOMAH BONIFACE 07059533880
International Karaszic Genocide Trial Nears judges he had not had THE HAGUE - Final Climax telling adequate time to prepare. arguments begin yesterday in the genocide and war crimes trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, charged with some of the worst atrocities in Europe since World War II, including the Srebrenica massacre. The hearings before the UN’s International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) start at 9:00 am (0700 GMT) but Karadzic, who is conducting his own defence, is not expected to address the court before Wednesday. As the marathon five-year trial draws to a close, the outspoken one-time president of the self-proclaimed Bosnian Serb republic will have a final chance to proclaim his innocence. Karadzic, 69, is facing 11 charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in the 1990s Bosnian war which claimed more than 100,000 lives and displaced 2.2 million people. Prosecutors say Karadzic along with late Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic and Bosnian Serb general Ratko Mladic acted together to “cleanse” Bosnia’s Muslims and Croats from Serb-claimed territories after the collapse of Yugoslavia in 1991. “Under his command and oversight, Karadzic’s subordinates and those cooperating with them expelled, killed, tortured and otherwise mistreated hundreds of thousands of Muslims and Croats,” said the prosecutor’s final trial brief, released on Friday. Muslims were “not only inherently incompatible with Serbs, but posed a demographic threat.” “The scale and scope of these criminal campaigns is vast,” the brief said, adding that a life sentence would be “the only appropriate sentence.” Karadzic is notably accused of masterminding the July 1995 massacre in the small eastern Bosnian enclave of Srebrenica, where Bosnian Serb troops slaughtered almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys and dumped their bodies into mass graves. Apart from genocide, Karadzic is also facing charges over the 44-monthlong siege of the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, which ended in November 1995 with some 10,000 people killed. During the siege, “fear pervaded daily life — the most mundane acts such as crossing the street or fetching water carried the risk of death,” the prosecutor said. Prosecution and defence have 10 hours each for their arguments, with prosecutors speaking first. Karadzic is expected to close his own defence on Wednesday and
Thursday. Karadzic’s legal advisor Peter Robinson told Journalists the hearings mark a “milestone” in his client’s case. It is “a final chance for him to make his case to the judges and the public,” Robinson said, with the defence to publish its final brief yesterday. Milosevic died midway through his own trial in March 2006 and Mladic went on trial in May 2012. Karadzic was dramatically arrested on a Belgrade bus in July 2008 disguised as a faith healer and his trial opened in October the following year. He was absent at the start,
When he finally made his opening statement in March 2010, he told judges the wartime atrocities blamed on Bosnian Serbs were “staged” by their Muslim enemies and that the Srebrenica massacre was a “myth.” Later in his trial he told judges that he “should be rewarded” for doing everything possible to avoid Bosnia’s bloody civil war. His trial also saw high drama, when last year his military alter ego Mladic refused to testify. Mladic called the court “satanic” and refused to answer Karadzic’s questions before being escorted out.
WASHINGTON — When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President Barack Obama for the first time at the White House, the welcome will be very different from the response Modi got nearly a decade ago when he wanted to visit the U.S. His visa request was denied. But his election in May as the new leader of the world’s largest democracy has transformed Modi into a welcome visitor. The
two leaders will first break the ice over dinner yesterday as they seek to reinvigorate soured relations between their countries. Obama’s courtship of Modi continues today with an Oval Office meeting, marking a rare second day of attention from Obama. During their talks, Obama and Modi will focus on economic growth and cooperation on security, clean energy, climate
Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic, in the courtroom of the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), in the Hague, the Netherlands.
Modi Heads For White House change and other issues, the White House said. They will also address regional concerns, including Afghanistan, where the U.S. is wrapping up its 13-year military involvement, and Syria and Iraq, where the U.S. is ramping up its military engagement as Obama builds an international coalition to target Islamic State militants operating in the both countries. Obama visited India in 2010 and held up the U.S.-India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India waves as he is introduced before giving a speech during a reception by the Indian community in honor of his visit to the United States at Madison Square Garden
relationship as the “defining partnership” of the 21st century. But the relationship has been lukewarm at best. While military cooperation and U.S. defense sales have grown, the economic relationship has been rockier, with Washington frustrated by India’s failure to open its economy to more foreign investment and address complaints over intellectual property violations. A landmark civil nuclear agreement exists between the two countries, but Indian liability legislation has kept U.S. companies from capitalizing on the deal. Further fraying relations was the arrest and strip search last year in New York of an Indian diplomat on visa fraud charges. A major aspect of this week’s visit is the chance for Obama and Modi to begin building rapport, administration officials said. Obama was among the first Western leaders to telephone Modi with congratulations after his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party swept into power after May’s landslide vote. The visit also is a victory lap of sorts for Modi, a former tea seller. “He’s gone in just a matter of a few months from persona non grata to person of honor to be received warmly in the Oval Office,” said Milan Vaishnav, who studies South Asia at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think tank. Modi’s acceptance of Obama’s
US-Led Raids Hit Islamic State In Syria
DAMASCUS - U.S.-led forces launched air strikes on Islamic State-controlled territory in northern and eastern Syria overnight and the Syrian army continued bombing areas in the west, a group monitoring the war said yesterday. The United States has been carrying out strikes in Iraq against the militant group since last month and in Syria since last week with the help of Arab allies. It aims to damage and destroy the bases and forces of
the al Qaeda offshoot which has captured large areas of both countries. The raids hit Islamic State in the northern Syrian town of Manbij, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which gathers information from sources in Syria. Manbij sits between Aleppo city in the west and the town of Kobani on the northern border with Turkey, which Islamic State has been trying to capture from
Kurdish forces, forcing tens of thousands of Syrian Kurds to flee over the frontier. Syria’s army also carried out air raids in Aleppo province overnight, targeting areas east of Aleppo city with barrel bombs and other projectiles, the Observatory said. The army also carried out air strikes in Hama in western Syria. Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have been battling Islamist fighters around Aleppo, which is held by a
number of groups in Syria’s war, In eastern Syria, U.S.-led forces bombed a gas plant controlled by the Islamic State outside Deir al-Zor city, wounding several of the militant group’s fighters, the Observatory said. The United States has said it wants strikes to target oil facilities held by Islamic State to try to stem a source of revenues for the group. The raid hit Kuniko gas plant, which feeds a power station in
invitation to the U.S. suggests he has moved beyond the resentment of being denied a visa in 2005, three years after religious riots killed more than 1,000 Muslims in the state of Gujarat, where he was the top elected official. Modi has denied involvement and India’s Supreme Court has said there was no case to bring against him. Yet lingering suspicions about the riots threaten to distract from his fiveday visit. The American Justice Center is offering $10,000 to anyone who can serve Modi with a summons issued by a federal court in New York to respond to a lawsuit the human rights group filed it filed accusing him of serious abuses more than a decade ago. The lawsuit is on behalf of two unnamed survivors of the violence. White House spokesman Josh Earnest doubted the lawsuit would dampen Modi’s “very important visit here.” Sitting heads of government, while in the United States, are immune from lawsuits in U.S. courts and cannot be personally handed or delivered papers for a lawsuit, Earnest said. Heads of delegations to the U.N. General Assembly also enjoy immunity while in New York for the annual gathering of world leaders. Modi arrived in the U.S. on Friday and delivered his first address to the U.N. General Assembly on Saturday. Before heading for Washington, Modi addressed a sold-out audience of more than 18,000 people, mostly IndianAmericans, at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday. He called on Indians living abroad to “join hands to serve our mother India.” About 30 U.S. lawmakers attended the event. Besides joining Obama for dinner, Modi is also scheduled to attend a State Department lunch Tuesday with Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry. But there is one small issue: Modi is fasting to honor the Hindu goddess Durga and is consuming only water or lemonflavored water.
International Contradictory Syria Policy Helps Assad -Obama
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA
145TH INAUGURAL LECTURE The Vice-Chancellor, Professor O. G. Oshodin (JP), on behalf of Senate, Staff and Students, cordially invites the general public to the 145th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University of Benin to be delivered by: PROFESSOR LEO ENAHORO OTOIDE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: • B.A (Hons) History, University of Ibadan1978 • M.A. History, University of Ibadan-1980 • Ph.D History, University of Benin-1989 • M.B.A, University of Benin- 1991 · Professor of Diplomatic History TOPIC: “DYNAMIC IMPARATIVES OF NIGERIA’S INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES” The Lecture will be delivered under the distinguished Chairmanship of Professor O. G. Oshodin (JP), Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Benin City. Date:
Thursday, 2nd October, 2014
Venue: Akin Deko Main Auditorium, Ugbowo Campus Time:
4.00p.m. Prompt
Guests are to be seated by 3.30p.m. Signed: G. O. OGBOGHODO (MRS) Registrar
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is acknowledging that the U.S.led military campaign against the Islamic State group and alQaida’s affiliate in Syria is helping Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, a man the United Nations has accused of war crimes. “I recognize the contradiction,” Obama said in an interview aired on Sunday on CBS’ “60 Minutes.” ‘’We are not going to stabilize Syria under the rule of Assad,” whose government has committed “terrible atrocities,” Obama said. But Obama said he had no choice but to order U.S. air strikes on Assad’s enemies, the Islamic State and the Khorasan Group because, he said, “those folks could kill Americans.” The Islamic State group, which derived from but has broken with al-Qaida, has taken control of large sections of Iraq and Syria. The Khorasan Group is a cell of militants that the U.S. says is plotting attacks against the West in cooperation with the Nusra front, Syria’s al-Qaida affiliate. Both groups have been targeted by U.S. airstrikes in recent days; together they constitute the most significant military opposition to Assad, whose government the U.S. would like to see gone. Obama said his first priority is degrading the extremists who are threatening Iraq and the West. To defeat them, he acknowledged, would require a competent local ground
force, something no analyst predicts will surface any time soon in Syria, despite U.S. plans to arm and train “moderate” rebels. The U.S. has said it would not cooperate with the Assad government. “Right now, we’ve got a campaign plan that has a strong chance for success in Iraq,” the president said. “Syria is a more challenging situation.” Earlier on Sunday, House Speaker John Boehner questioned Obama’s strategy to destroy the Islamic State group. Boehner said on ABC’s “This Week” that the U.S. may have “no choice” but to send in American troops if the mix of U.S.-led airstrikes and a ground campaign reliant on Iraqi forces, Kurdish fighters and moderate Syrian rebels fails to achieve that goal. “These are barbarians. They intend to kill us,” Boehner said. “And if we don’t destroy them first, we’re going to pay the price.” Obama, though, made clear he has no interest in a major U.S. ground presence beyond the 1,600 American advisers and special operations troops he already has ordered to Iraq. “We are assisting Iraq in a very real battle that’s taking place on their soil, with their troops,” the president said. “This is not America against ISIL. This is America leading the international community to assist a country with whom we have a security partnership.” Only the U.S. can lead such a campaign, Obama said. “That’s always the case,” he said. “We are the indispensable
Dozens Of Students Missing After Mexican Protest Crackdown ACAPULCO (MEXICO) - Mexican authorities searched on Sunday for 58 students who went missing after protests turned deadly in the troubled southern state of Guerrero. The state public security agency deployed a helicopter to join the search in the tense town of Iguala and surrounding communities after students from a teacher college went missing on Saturday, the state government said in a statement. At least six people, including two students, were killed as municipal police and unknown gunmen shot a protesters and a bus in Iguala on Friday. Students from the rural teacher university of Ayotzinapa are participating in the search. The student union said some comrades
may be in the custody of the military. The Guerrero prosecutor’s office is in contact with the parents of the missing students to find out if some of them have come home, the government said. The rural university students protested against what they consider to be discriminatory hiring practices that favor urban students. Iguala municipal police chased the students, some of whom had seized passenger buses, and shot at them. State authorities initially detained 282 local officers but released most of them, keeping 22 under arrest under suspicion of firing at the students. Guerrero is one of Mexico’s poorest and most violent states, marked by drug gang turf wars and frequent protests by teachers resisting reforms.
nation. We have capacity no one else has. Our military is the best in the history of the world. And when trouble comes up anywhere in the world, they don’t call Beijing. They don’t call Moscow. They call us.”
Turkey Can’t Stay Out Of Anti-IS Fight -Erdogan ANKARA - Turkey cannot stay out of the international coalition fighting Islamic State (IS) jihadists, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday, as Ankara prepares in the coming week to define its military involvement. Turkey has for months frustrated the West with its cautious position against IS, but there appears to have been a sea change in its policy following Erdogan’s trip last week to the United States. “We will hold discussions with our relevent institutions this week. We will definitely be where we need to be,” Erdogan said in a keynote address to a World Economic Forum meeting in Istanbul. “We cannot stay out of this,” he added. IS militants have now advanced in Syria to just a few kilometres from Turkey, sending tens of thousands of people fleeing across the border. Turkey has so far taken in over 160,000 refugees who fled the IS assault around the town of Ain al-Arab, but Erdogan said it would be better if they could live safely in their own country. The president also reaffirmed his call for a buffer zone and nofly zone within Syria to protect Turkey’s borders and the refugees. He also indicated ground forces could be needed. “It is not possible only from the air, there is also a ground dimension,” he said. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced on Sunday that the government would send motions requesting extended mandates for military action in Iraq and Syria yesterday. In a hugely rare intervention, Turkey’s top general, Necdet Ozel, will speak to the cabinet today, Davutoglu added. Parliament will then debate the mandates on Thursday, paving the way for military action, although what that will involve is still not clear. Erdogan, who has long pressed for the ouster of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, indicated that he did not think military action would be enough to thwart IS and long-term solutions were needed to solve political problems in Syria and Iraq. “Dropping bombs from air only brings a temporary solution,” he said, adding that coordinated action needs to be taken against IS in both Syria and Iraq, attacking Britain for only planning strikes on targets inside Iraq.
International
Hong Kong Protesters Defy Tear Gas To Renew Democracy Call
HONG KONG - Hong Kong democracy protesters defied volleys of tear gas and police baton charges to stand firm in the center of the global financial hub yesterday, one of the biggest political challenges for Beijing since the Tiananmen Square crackdown 25 years ago. The unrest, the worst in Hong Kong since China resumed its rule over the former British colony in 1997, sent white clouds of gas wafting among some of the world’s most valuable office towers and shopping malls before riot police suddenly withdrew around lunchtime yesterday, after three nights of confrontation. “Since calm has been largely restored to the streets where citizens gathered, riot police have withdrawn,” the Hong Kong government said in a statement. It called on protesters to stay calm and disperse peacefully “as soon as
was available. The protests, led mostly by young tech-savvy students who have grown up with freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China, represent one of the biggest threats confronted by Beijing’s Communist Party leadership since its bloody 1989 crackdown on prodemocracy student protests in and around Tiananmen Square. Cracking down too hard could shake confidence in market-driven Hong Kong, while not reacting firmly enough could embolden dissidents on the mainland. Televised scenes of the chaos in Hong Kong over the weekend have also made a deep impression on many viewers outside Hong Kong. That was especially the case in Taiwan, which has full democracy but is considered by China as a renegade province that must one day be reunited with the Communist-run mainland. “Taiwan people are watching
Hong Kong shares fell 2 percent. Some protesters erected barricades to block security forces early yesterday, although a relative calm descended after dawn. By mid afternoon, hundreds of protesters were seen streaming again into downtown areas of Hong Kong island. A bus draped with a banner reading “Democracy” was parked haphazardly across a main road. People placed discarded umbrellas over students sleeping in the sun, while others distributed water and masks to guard against tear gas and pepper spray. Only hours earlier, police had baton-charged a crowd blocking a road into the main government district in defiance of official warnings that the demonstrations
of protesters, including some secondary school students, also gathered in the Mong Kok district of Kowloon. Some of the younger students said they would return to classes yesterday afternoon. In 1989, Beijing’s Tiananmen crackdown sent shockwaves through Hong Kong as people saw how far China’s rulers would go to keep their grip on power. Thousands of protesters still milled around the main Hong Kong government building yesterday, ignoring messages from student and pro-democracy leaders to retreat for fear that the police might fire rubber bullets. Some teachers, and union members from Swire Beverages went on strike yesterday, and vowed to join the student protesters.
At the height of the clashes police, in some places lined five deep, used pepper spray against activists and shot tear gas into the air. The crowds fled several hundred meters, hurling abuse at police they called “cowards”. “I don’t care what they do because the more violence they use, the more people they attract to come here,” Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media magnate and an outspoken critic of Beijing, told Journalists. “It’s very frightening for Beijing but it’s very cheering for us. Look at these kids. This is our future,” said Lai, choking back tears. The “one country, two systems” formula guarantees Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China, with universal suffrage set as an eventual goal. However, Beijing last month rejected demands for people to freely choose the city’s next leader, prompting threats from activists to
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I, Ebose Ikponwosa Efosa Frank wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Ebose Ikponwosa Efosa. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Ebose Ikponwosa Efosa Frank. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
BAZUAYE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bazuaye Frances Oghomwan now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikpoto Bazuaye Frances Oghomwan. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
PUBLIC NOTICE Protesters flee from teargas fired by riot police, during clashes after thousands of protesters blocked the main street to the financial Central district outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong recently. possible”. China rules Hong Kong under a “one country, two systems” formula that accords the territory limited democracy. Tens of thousands of mostly student protesters are demanding Beijing give them full democracy, with the freedom to nominate election candidates, but China recently announced that it would not go that far. As riot police withdrew yesterday, weary protesters slept beside roads or sheltered from the sun beneath umbrellas, which have become a symbol of what some are calling the “Umbrella Revolution”. In addition to protection from the elements, umbrellas have been used as flimsy shields against pepper spray. Nicola Cheung, an 18-year-old student from Baptist University, said the protesters in the central Admiralty district were assessing the situation and planning what to do next. “Yes, it’s going to get violent again because the Hong Kong government isn’t going to stand for us occupying this area,” she said. “We are fighting for our core values of democracy and freedom, and that is not something violence can scare us away from.” Organizers have said that as many as 80,000 people have thronged the streets after the protests flared on Friday night. No independent estimate of numbers
this closely,” Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou said in an interview with Al Jazeera. The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong issued a brief statement calling for all sides to “refrain from actions that would further escalate tensions”. Banks in Hong Kong, including HSBC, Citigroup, Bank of China, Standard Chartered and DBS, temporarily shut some branches and advised staff to work from home or go to secondary branches. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the city’s de facto central bank, said it had activated business continuity plans, as had 17 banks affected by the protests. The HKMA said the city’s interbank markets and Currency Board mechanism, which maintains the exchange rate, would function normally yesterday. It said it stood ready to “inject liquidity into the banking system as and when necessary”. Hong Kong witnessed extraordinary scenes at the weekend as thousands of protesters, some armed with nothing more than umbrellas, blocked the main road into the city and police responded with pepper spray, tear gas and baton charges. Markets more or less took the weekend’s unrest in their stride, proof yet again of the pre-eminent place trade has always taken in Hong Kong.
were illegal. Protesters called on Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying to step down. Several scuffles broke out between police in helmets, gas masks and riot gear, and demonstrators angered by the firing of tear gas. “If today I don’t stand up, I will hate myself in future,” said taxi driver Edward Yeung, 55, as he swore at police. “Even if I get a criminal record it will be a glorious one.” Across Hong Kong’s famed Victoria Harbour, smaller numbers
RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Ikuoyemwen Itohan wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Ikueyemwen Rose Osatohanwen as appeared in my Bank Account. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Ikuoyemwen Itohan. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, First Bank Plc and the general public should please take note.
FOR SALE Generator set FG. Wilson Perkins 110KVA (20 months old) for sale. Interested Buyers should please contact the following Nos. 08037195655, 08055163399, 08084012950 and 08094965602. PUBLIC NOTICE
FOR LEASE Land measuring 200ft x 200 ft situated at No 8/10 Igiesota Street, Beside GN PLC Brewery, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, Edo State, for lease, interested Corporate bodies should please contact the following Nos. 08037195655, 08055163399, 08084012950 and 08094965602
shut down the Central business district. China wants to limit 2017 elections to a handful of candidates loyal to Beijing. Communist Party leaders worry that calls for democracy could spread to cities on the mainland. Hong Kong leader Leung had earlier pledged “resolute” action against the protest movement. A spokesperson for China’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said the central government fully supported Hong Kong’s handling of the situation “in accordance with the law”
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Education
Edo State Needs More Than Science To Develop
I have seen – and experienced — the worst and best of education in Nigeria. Being a beneficiary of the Awolowo-inspired free education programme in the defunct Western region, I experienced learning under a mango tree, before graduating to learning in an uncompleted classroom. Part of my secondary education – at the old Iyekeorhionmwon (now Urhonigbe) Grammar School – was received in the old assembly and recreation halls of the defunct Iyekeorhionmwon District Council, which were converted into classrooms when the Ogbemudia development revolution unfolded in the old Midwestern region. Later, I had the good fortune of receiving education in what I consider to be one of the most conducive learning environments when I had to complete my secondary education at the famous Ika Grammar School, Agbor. In the two years that I spent in the institution, I can’t remember ever feeling homesick – until a few days
to vacation. And although it only 30 minutes separated Agbor and Urhonigbe, there was no incentive to go home if it was not inevitable – such as was occasioned by a student unrest some time in 1971. I missed the chance to reconnect with the institution a couple of years back when I couldn’t make it early enough to Agbor for an alumni reunion. So I don’t know what the school looks like these days, but will soon go and find out as part of my inspirational encounters for the next personal activist engagement with development process. Here was a school established by the Ika community but run by the Anglican Mission with grants-in-aid from the regional government. Ika Grammar School had everything – an expansive compound with a surfeit of classroom blocks, hostel accommodation, staff quarters, laboratories, a wellstocked library and an endless array of playgrounds for different sports – including even cricket! But its greatest asset was a
By TOMMY ODEMWINGIE
staff strength that included fathers and friends of the students under their watch – inside and outside the classroom. It was where I was taught English Literature by Emeka Okeke-Ezigbo, one of the literary prodigies unleashed on the Nigerian public by the civil war, who was involved in Okike journal. He would go on to teach at the University of Benin. But the most compelling of my teachers was Obi Anene from Ubuluku, the author of Thunder, a 35-page poetry collection publishe in 1977. With a B. Sc in political science from the University of Lagos, Anene made his apartment available to students, who used his typewriter to produce a magazine named Mermaid. Mr. Anene, who would go on to join the Benin Citybased Nigerian Observer as features writer, used less than
one year to prepare a set of students to earn distinctions in Government at the 1972 WASCE! The scienceinclined among the students have similarly sweet memories of their teachers, notably Mr. Ikeji the maths master, who was also the games master. He was the one who recruited a couple of hardened footballers from Zikson College, Ozubulu (now in Anambra State) from the Easter region to take Ika Grammar school to the verge of emerging as the schoolboy champions in Midwest. Indeed, only a handful of the more than a hundred candidates that Ika Grammar School enrolled for the 1972 WASCE failed to make the mark. Going by the recent results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Edo, which emerged as the third best performing state –
“But perhaps, as the example of the Ika Grammar school of old would show, the most critical area is the development of new leaders and the provision of the enabling environment for the education sector to thrive.”
with 57.82% —, would appear not to be doing too badly in the delivery of secondary education. But what it means is that 42.18% of the candidates from Edo State who sat the examinations were unsuccessful. I have just read a vacancy advertisement in the Vanguard newspaper of today (4 September 2014) wherein the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Post Primary Education Board (PPEB) are seeking to recruit teachers in the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, interScience (Integrated Science?) and Agricultural Science. Notice that teachers in the humanities (arts and social sciences) are not being recruited, although English language is the major hurdle for most Nigerian pupils. Neither is there any mention of physical education. You can say it underlines the state’s commitment to improving the state’s position on the WASSCE performance league, looking at a scientific/ technological/industrial revolution on the horizon. Those are very desirable goals, no doubt. However, the state government must be encouraged to recruit teachers across the broad spectrum of high school subjects. The humanities have as much potential to take the
development of the state to its development destination as the science subjects. Sports have provided more alternatives to the teaming youth of the state than government-created employment opportunities. At the height of its greatness, America led the world as much in nonscientific exploits — entertainment, music, drama, etc – as in the technological field. The Chinese resurgence that is challenging the combined strength of the Western world is both about technology and arts and entertainment, not to mention the food business. So, beyond the imperative of improved WASSCE performance, Edo SUBEB and PPEB should also recruit teachers in catering, carpentry; cabinet making (or woodwork, if you like); bricklaying (or masonry, if you like); fashion designing; plumbing; automobiles; handicraft; fine art; barbing and hairdressing; etc. But perhaps, as the example of the Ika Grammar school of old would show, the most critical area is the development of new leaders and the provision of the enabling environment for the education sector to thrive. Odemwingie, a former Features editor of The Guardian, was Education Team Leader at ActionAid International, Nigeria, from 2005 to 2008.
Samson Siasia Ready For Eagles thing of pride to be the coach Return once again,” he continued.
AS uncertainty continues to trail Stephen Keshi’s stay as Eagles’ gaffer, the former national team gaffer has declared his readiness to handle the African champions if called upon Former Nigeria head coach Samson Siasia has expressed his readiness to manage the Super Eagles if approached by the Nigeria Football Federation. Siasia was relieved of his job after failing to qualify the country for the 2012 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations staged in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The former Flying Eagles coach said he learnt from his past errors and would be willing to prove his doubters wrong if given a second chance. “I have been there before and I did my best. Yes, I am always ready to come back and continue from where I
Samson Siasia
Council Boss Declares Group D Of Gov’s Cup Open
UROMI The Adams Oshiomhole Governor’s Cup Tournament has been described as a major football event aimed at discovering new talents, particularly at the grassroots. The chairman of Esan North – took the kick-off to declare the East LOCAL Government Area, comonencemrnt of Group D Edo state, Hon Sam Oboh made the matches which has Esan North – remark at the opening ceremony of East (Host), Owan East, Egor and Group D’ of the state governor’s Etsako central local government football competition ( for male ) areas as the competing teams, which took place at Uromi, the hailed the superlative performances administrative headquarters of of the teams. Hon. Oboh expressed his Esan North-East local government gratitude to the comrade governor area, last Friday. The council boss who formally for instituting the prestigious
football townament for local government councils in the state, and promised to invest more into the development of sports in the locality. On his part, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esan North-East local government area, Engr. Lawrence Osuman lauded the rationale behind the Adams Oshiomhole Governor’s Cup Toumament, adding that
“when you empower the youth, they will be free from crime”. The first match of group D which was between Esan North-East and Egor ended 1-1, which Owan East defeated Etsako central 1-0. The opening match of group D was watched by football loving fans in the locality including the wife of the council chairman, Mrs. Oboh, Vice Chairman Esan NorthEast, Hon. Jimmy Igene and APC chairman in the council area, Hon. Vasco Agwi.
stopped,” Siasia was quoted by DailyNewsWatch. “Honestly, I will be delighted to come back if the Nigeria football authorities need my services. “I have learnt my lessons and this time round I am ready to shame my critics. I had no time to prove myself with the team. “I was there for only 10 months, which was not enough. It takes time to build a good team. Of course it is a
FC Taraba Dressing Room Burgled THE dressing room of FC Taraba used for Sunday’s Nigeria league Week 29 clash at Enugu Rangers was burgled. The dressing room at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu was broken into during the league match and the phones and monies of the players were stolen. “This was possible because there is no burglary proof protecting the dressing room,” a top source informed. It was a double tragedy for the Jalingo side who also lost to the hosts 1-0 courtesy of a first-half goal by Samuel Agba.
Hart To Return To Manchester City Lineup
JOE Hart will regain his place in the Manchester City side for Tuesday’s Champions League Group E clash against Roma. Hart, 27, has been an unused substitute for City’s last two games after Willy Caballero was given a chance in the 7-0 Capital One Cup thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday and the 4-2 Premier League win at Hull. However, manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has said he wants to use a squad rotation system with his goalkeepers as well as outfield players, confirmed the England international will return for the match at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. “Yes, yes,” he told reporters who asked if Hart would play against last season’s Serie A runners-up. “He is in a very good moment also. It’s a crucial game because Roma won their first match and we lost. It will be a very tough group and we cannot drop points here at home. It’s very important for us to win that game.” Hart began City’s Champions League campaign in fine form during their 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich but has added competition this season after the arrival of Caballero, who played for Pellegrini at Malaga. Joe Hart impressed in the defeat to Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany has come to the defence of his
centre-back partner Eliaquim Mangala after the France international endured a traumatic afternoon against Hull on Saturday. The 32 million-pound summer signing scored an own goal, conceded a penalty and was booked, but Kompany told reporters: “It’s part of being a defender. If your children ever choose to play football, sign them up as strikers and then this won’t happen to them. “As defenders, we have to deal with this, it’s part of the job. But I always look at the reaction and we saw it from him in the second half. It could have been so dangerous because it had gone to 2-2, but he just got on with it and stood up to the task. The rest of the game, he played well, he stayed professional. You could not have asked for more. “Sometimes you get half an hour like this, but you still have an hour to play well. That’s all you can do, it’s always about the next minutes and that’s how I think about it. I’ve seen in him a great reaction and, in the second half, he was spot on. “There’s no harm done. Sometimes you say: ‘get these things out of the way early.’ As a defender, it’s a bit like being a goalkeeper, you kind of know these things will happen to you. You just never know when.”
“I have always felt I’ve an unfinished business with the Super Eagles considering the way I left. We had a great team that I could have built on for the future, but I was denied the opportunity and I really felt bad about it.” Meanwhile, the exinternational has strongly denied holding any pre-contract talks with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation as a potential replacement for out-of-contract Stephen Keshi. “Which NFF are you talking about? This is news to me. Nobody has discussed anything like that with me. May be they are talking about the NFF getting a new coach after its Congress. “If they want me fine; if they don’t want me fine. I wish Keshi well and I have no grudges against him. He has done well for the country,” he concluded.
Rooney Apologises Over Red Card
MANCHESTER United captain Wayne Rooney has apologised to his team mates after being sent off against West Ham United during Saturday’s Premier League match following a rash challenge on Stewart Downing. “It was probably the right decision,” Rooney was quoted as saying on the BBC website. “Of course I did (apologise).” Rooney, who said he would not appeal the decision, will be unavailable for his club until the derby against Manchester City on Nov. 2 as he received an automatic three-match ban for the dismissal. Rooney’s challenge was described as “crazy and irresponsible” by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce while Manchester United’s Louis van Gaal backed referee Lee Mason’s decision. “I saw the West Ham player making a counter-attack and I tried to break-up the play, but I just misjudged it,” Rooney said. “I am just grateful that the lads were able to hold on.” Rooney’s team sealed a 2-1 win despite playing the last 30 minutes with 10 men.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.
Efugh Hails Heartland Spirited Display At Enyimba
HEARTLAND skipper Chinedu Efugh has said a 0-0 draw recorded at Enyimba on Sunday in a Nigeria league Week 29 clash was down to determination and hard work. Efugh said they all knew ‘The Oriental Derby’ will be tough, but they were fired up to end a poor run in Aba, where they have not
recorded a point in over three years. “It was a tough and good game. I am happy that we finally got a point off Enyimba in Aba after we have not been able to do so for three seasons now,” he said. “We achieved this feat because
we were determined not to lose, we worked hard and prayed for God to crown our efforts, all these worked together for us.” ‘Naze Millionaires’ Heartland are now 10th on the table with 41 points from 28 matches.
Wayne Rooney
MANCHESTER United manager Louis van Gaal questioned the fitness levels of summer signing Luke Shaw shortly after his arrival at Old Trafford, but now the teenage full-back has hailed the veteran Dutch tactician as “a great inspiration” after he made a belated debut for the club on Saturday. Shaw was forced to wait for his first United appearance following his 27 million pound move from Southampton as injury ruled him out of the start of the season, but it seems as if Van Gaal’s initial negative comments about his physical condition were well received. The veteran Dutch coach has since offered some positive sentiments about Shaw’s prospects at United and it seems the young England international is eager to please his new boss. “He’s been a great inspiration to me and hopefully I can carry that on,” Shaw told the Manchester United website when asked about Van Gaal. “For him to say I’m an example at a massive club like this is something to be really happy about. Like I’ve said, the aim is to win the next three games and carry on producing good performances and getting the points.” Shaw admitted he feared West Ham had snatched a draw when Kevin Nolan fired the ball into the United net in the closing stages of his Old Trafford debut on Saturday, but relief was the overriding emotion after the 2-1 win was secured. “My heart sank,” he said of the Nolan strike, that was ruled out by an off-side decision by the
Van Gaal
Shaw Has Van Gaal To Thank assistant referee. “It was close. We haven’t had much luck either with decisions. Manchester United Louis Van Gaal praised his side’s never-saydie attitude against West Ham on Saturday. “It was a tough debut. Obviously, we went down to 10 men and it’s never easy but we all fought hard and showed how much we wanted these three points. It means a lot to us. Overall, I’m really pleased with how my debut went, but the main thing, for me, was to get the win. “We have actually had a lot of bad luck, even with Wazza’s [Wayne Rooney] red card as I
would say there was a handball before that but the referee didn’t stop play. Earlier in the game, Diafra Sakho did the same to me, but I just focus on winning games and I’ll keep doing that.” “I felt really good, especially in the first half, but it was going to be tough as we went down to 10 men. I felt a little bit of cramp but it’s normal as I’ve not played 90 minutes for four or five weeks. I was glad to get through it.” Sakho may face an FA disrepute charge for the challenge Shaw referred to, with officials reported to be studying video of the incident that was missed by the match referees.
Pearce Wants Permanent conversations HunttoDeal try to keep him at
THE full-back is on loan at the City Ground from Palace after struggling to break into the firstteam following his move from Huddersfield Town last year. A broken ankle in his first training session with Palace meant Hunt was unable to be part of their impressive campaign last season and was sent on loan to Barnsley in January. He failed to help them stay in the Championship and returned to Palace to fight for a starting berth. However, with Martin Kelly’s arrival at Selhurst Park the 23year-old found his chances limited so moved to Forest on a six-month loan. Pearce has been impressed with Hunt’s displays so far and revealed there had been initial
the club for a longer spell. “We are attempting to keep him here on a permanent basis,” Pearce told the Nottingham Post. “We are speaking to his representatives and we have had a conversation with Palace, prior to the window shutting. “There is an opportunity for us to extend his stay on a permanent basis, even before the window opens again. That is something we are working on doing. “He is very keen to stay here, he is enjoying his football and is clearly enjoying working with us at the club. Hopefully we can get something done.” Hunt has featured in all nine of Forest’s league games this season, helping them to second position in the table.
Gundogan Nears Dortmund THE 23-year-old has been comeback. sidelined for over a year due Comeback “I felt like a 90-year-old 0 Bundesliga win over to a back problem, but could soon return to match action Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is hopeful of making his comeback from injury after the international break in October. The Germany international has been out of action with a back injury ever since the 4-
Luke Shaw
Borussia Dortmund Will Recover From Defeat - Klopp JURGEN Klopp admits that Borussia Dortmund must start picking up results after another miserable week, but the coach is convinced the club will return stronger from their current crisis. Dortmund lost touch with the top of the Bundesliga after a disastrous week left them with just one point from a possible nine. Klopp’s side have conceded six and scored just three in their last three games to leave them in 12th place, with further injury problems adding to their concerns. On Saturday, BVB lost 2-1 at rivals Schalke, who celebrated their first Reiverderby win in 18 months. Dortmund conceded two
easy goals from set pieces: First, captain Mats Hummels forgot to man-mark Royal Blues centre-back Joel Matip, and then Adrian Ramos cleared the ball straight into the box instead of passing it to the wing. Joel Matip headed home Schalke’s opener completely unmarked by a poor Dortmund defence. But while Bild suggests that the club have hit a crisis — collecting only seven points from their first six league games — with football magazine kicker on Monday running a two-page editorial explaining the reasons behind the club’s false start, BVB’s coach remains confident that they “will be back” following the international break in early October.
EDEN Hazard has hinted that his future lies with Chelsea, and suggests that potential suitors Paris SaintGermain need to win the Champions League in order to become a “top club.” Hazard, 23, starred for Jose Mourinho’s side last season, scoring 17 goals to attract interest from the Ligue 1 giants among others. But the Belgium international believes he can become a stronger player by staying at Stamford Bridge, stating he would only return back to France to play for his boyhood club Lille. “When I left Lille, I wanted to leave France, so I couldn’t have signed for PSG,” Hazard told Canal+. “Every year I’m the priority of PSG. But I’m at Chelsea and this is where I want to
I’m Transfer Priority For PSG
Augsburg in August 2013, but he is confident he can return within the next two weeks. “I feel that I’m edging evercloser to my former self,” Gundogan was quoted as saying by Kicker. “My comeback isn’t too far away any more. I could be back after the international break. “I have already pencilled out the entire day and I will thoroughly enjoy my
- Hazard
grow. This is the most important. “Never say never, but if I came back to Ligue 1, it would be with Lille, the team I support and I still love. “Today, Paris is in the same world as Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern [Munich], but if they want to be part of the best, they must win the Champions League.” Mourinho has moved to defend the forward’s below-par performance during Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, with the Blues coach stating there are “no dramas” over the Belgian’s slow start to the campaign.
Klopp
when I had just picked up the injury. “I never considered the option that I could be forced to retire from football, but it was obviously the worst experience of my career.” Dortmund meet Koln on October 18 in their first game after the international break. They are currently preparing for the Champions League match against Anderlecht, before taking on Hamburg at the weekend.
VTennis Ferrer Suffers Finals Blow After First-round Exit In Japan
Inter Milan Boss Walter Mazzarri Takes Blame For Nemanja Vidic’s Poor Form Inter Milan coach Walter Mazzarri has taken responsibility for Nemanja Vidic’s poor start to life in Serie A which continued in the 4-1 defeat at home to Cagliari on Sunday. The Nerazzurri went into the clash unbeaten but were thoroughly humbled by a side that had taken just one point from their opening four league matches. Cagliari could even afford to miss a penalty while 3-1 ahead, with midfielder Andrea Cossu’s spot kick saved by Samir Handanovic following Vidic’s clumsy challenge on Marco Sau in the area. It was the second time this season the defender has given away a penalty following his move from Manchester United in the summer, while he was also shown a red card on his debut for the club. Playing for the third time in eight days on Sunday, Mazzarri conceded he may have been expecting too much from the 32-year-old. “I perhaps also made a mistake with Vidic by playing him too much,’’ he told Inter’s official website. “I take responsibility for it. There are players that can’t take three consecutive matches in this period. Is it physical or mental? A combination of the two.’’ In an explosive first half, Dani Osvaldo cancelled out Sau’s opener, before Inter completely imploded when captain Yuto Nagatomo was sent off for two bookable offences as Albin Ekdal scored a 15-minute hat trick. The result left the Nerazzurri stunned and Mazzarri hopes lessons can be learned from the disappointing defeat. Nemanja Vidic has endured a difficult start to life at Inter
Milan. “We’re sorry for the fans, who are suffering as we are,’’ he said. “I got a few decisions wrong regarding squad rotation and didn’t look at how much energy we would expend, which is crucial in the modern game. “When things go badly like that it all contributes to everything else going worse. A more experienced team that goes down to 10 men becomes compact and waits for the things to blow over. We’ll all learn from this lesson. We don’t need to discuss it too much.’’ Inter face Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday, and club president Erick Thohir is hoping for a much-improved performance, according to director of sport Piero Ausilio.
David Ferrer
Jordan Henderson Says Steven Gerrard Is ‘Still One Of The Best’
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson has offered up a stout defence of his midfield partner Steven Gerrard and claimed he is “still one of the best players in the Premier League” after his return to form in Saturday’s Merseyside derby. Gerrard’s future at the heart of the Liverpool midfield was being questioned by some of his critics after his disappointing displays for England in last summer’s World Cup finals were backed by indifferent performances for his club side at the start of this season. The Liverpool skipper suggested he provided an answer to his doubters with a wonderful goal and an improved display in the 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park and Henderson has now stated that the question marks over the 34-year-old veteran are not justified. “Stevie’s still one of the best
players in the Premier League,” Henderson told reporters. “There’s no doubting his quality. A lot of teams have been putting someone to manmark him, which shows just how good he is. I don’t think he deserves any criticism. He’s been the best player this league’s probably seen in a long time and still is.” Henderson went on to admit Liverpool were crushed by
singles champion Nadal, who had been sidelined for over three months with a wrist injury. The world number two teamed up with compatriot Pablo Andujar in the men’s doubles but they lost 5-7 6-4 10-4 to Czech Tomas
Serena Williams
the pitch, we worked hard, we were more fluent going forward and we made chances as well. Also, we defended really well throughout the game so that was pleasing. “We did quite a lot of work during the week on defending and I think we showed just how well we can defend, so that needs to be the case from now on. Then with the goal, there’s not much you can do about that, it’s a great strike.
Redknapp Wants Temporary Subs
Harry Redknapp has called on the Premier League to consider temporary substitutions in a bid to improve concussion treatment. The QPR boss was left frustrated after medics withdrew Sandro just 11 minutes into Saturday’s 2-1
Tennis - Serena And Cilic Advance In and American John China, Nadal Loses On Return Berdych Isner in his first match since US Open champions Marin Cilic and Serena Williams kicked off their China Open campaigns with straight sets victories against battling underdogs on Monday, but Rafa Nadal suffered defeat in a rare doubles outing on his return from injury. Serena Williams of the U.S. returns the ball during her women’s singles match against Silvia Soler-Espinosa of Spain at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing September 29, 2014 (Reuters) Williams, who won her 18th grand slam singles title in New York earlier this month, started sluggishly and found herself 50 and 40-15 down to Spanish qualifier Silvia Soler Espinosa. However, the world number one saved four set points in a brilliant fightback before taking the match 7-5 6-2 to set up a second round clash with another qualifier, Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova. It was the American’s first outing since retiring in the first set of her opening match against Alize Cornet at the Wuhan Open last week because of illness. Also returning after an absence, albeit a longer one, was 14 times grand slam
Phil Jagielka’s late wonder-strike that denied them all three points in Saturday’s game at Anfield, but he took encouragement from an improved display by the Reds. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praises captain Steven Gerrard and his side following their 1-1 draw with Everton. “It’s disappointing, but the performance was very good, back to the level we expect,” he added. “The intensity was good all over
losing in the last 16 at Wimbledon. The Spaniard is the second seed in the men’s singles draw and will face Richard Gasquet of France in first round action on the Beijing blue courts later in the week.
defeat at Southampton, only for the Brazil midfielder to be deemed “fine” at half-time. Sandro suffered a heavy blow to the head and manager Redknapp admitted doctors must take no chances with such complex injuries. Club doctors now have the final say over whether players who suffer head injuries are withdrawn, after widespread criticism last season when Spurs’ Hugo Lloris returned to action despite being knocked unconscious. The ex-Tottenham boss suggested football take a leaf out of rugby’s book and implement short-term replacements, to allow extended assessment of head injuries. “You couldn’t wait 10 or 15 minutes with 10 men, you just couldn’t do it,” said Redknapp. “So you couldn’t give medics that amount of time to look at a player. “But it doesn’t sound the worst idea for a temporary replacement, so that the doctors could have a longer look at the player with the potential head injury. “That is something worth looking at. “Medical people have got to be so careful, they can’t take a chance because if anything went wrong there would be massive trouble. “If someone is very bad you cannot expect them to carry on because if something went wrong we would all be very sorry. “At half-time there didn’t seem to be a lot wrong with Sandro to me though. “He was fine in the changing rooms, he didn’t look too bad at all but obviously the doctors have got to err on the side of caution.” Graziano Pelle’s scissor-kick
volley trumped a fine blast on the spin from Charlie Austin to deny QPR any points on the south coast. Former Saints boss Redknapp admitted Rangers are continuing to count the cost of losing Loic Remy to Chelsea in the final stages of the transfer window. Redknapp believes QPR are missing “16 goals” after being unable to secure a replacement for France striker Remy, with a deal for Jermain Defoe falling through. “I thought Bobby (Zamora) was excellent when he came on, held up the ball well, but we are short and we don’t have an awful lot of striking options,” said Redknapp. “We have lost 16 goals when Remy went.
Harry Redknapp
David Ferrer suffered a huge blow in the race to London after suffering a first-round exit at the Japan Open in Tokyo. The world number five’s poor start to the ATP’s Asian swing continued when he was dumped out by fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers. Granollers, ranked 44th, fought back for a 4-6 6-4 6-4 win on the Tokyo hard courts as Ferrer’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals in November took another knock. Ferrer also lost in the first round of the Shenzen Open last week to Viktor Troicki and, despite being fifth in the overall rankings, is currently seventh in the ATP Race standings for this season, with the top eight qualifying for a place in London. Ninth-placed Milos Raonic and 11th-ranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga open their Japan Open accounts on Tuesday as they look to pick up precious points to put the heat on Ferrer. Andy Murray is also closing in on Ferrer after victory in China at the weekend. It was a first win for Granollers over his compatriot in six attempts and his reward is a second-round match-up with American Steve Johnson, who served 12 aces in dispatching local qualifier Hiroki Moriya 7-6(4) 6-2. Home hopes in Japan rest with U.S. Open finalist Kei Nishikori, who begins his campaign later in the week against Croatia’s Ivan Dodig. Nishikori, who became the first Asian man to reach a grand slam singles final in New York earlier this month, won last week’s title in Malaysia to move up to a career best seventh in the world rankings.
Arsene Wenger Baffled By Arsenal’s Latest Midfield Injury Woes
Arsene Wenger
Gbolahan Salami Shoots Wolves High
culprit three times in 15th, 43rd and 63rd minutes. Bartholomew Ibenegbu was also denied by Warriors goalkeeper John Gaadi in the fifth and 26th minutes.
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger says he doesn’t understand why his club are suddenly in the midst of an injury crisis as both captain Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey will miss the upcoming games against Galatasaray and Chelsea after picking up injuries in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham. Jack Wilshere also suffered a new ankle injury in the north London derby and, with two huge games coming in the space of a week, Wenger wants his medical team to look closely at why his players have picked up these injuries. “We have to really look at what happened,” he said. “There’s no logic as it’s two players who were not involved in the week — no Arteta, not Ramsey — and they had quite a light week for them. We have to analyse what happened there. I don’t understand.” Young Calum Chambers, 19, looks likely to be used in midfield against Galatasaray in the Champions League to fill the void, but has been filling in for the injured Mathieu Debuchy at right-back and is one booking away from a suspension as well. “He’s been excellent in every position. And from the first to the last minute he has an
GBOLAHAN scoring chances with Salami’s 86th minute goal Joseph Osadiaye the major was all Warri Wolves need to beat Abia Warriors 1-0 on Monday and climb to second place on the THE German champions will “We have respect for CSKA; Nigeria league table. MEET their Russian counterparts they’re a good side,” he said. in the UEFA Champions League Wolves now have 46 “We’re only thinking about three an empty Arena Khimki. points from 29 games, four inNo points. supporters will be in “We simply have to give it our points adrift of leaders attendance as CSKA were all. This is the Champions sanctioned by UEFA in February Pillars. League, only the best teams are Salami converted a after fans displayed “a range of involved.” and far-right symbols” in a penalty after Michael racist Champions League match with Egbeta was brought down Viktoria Plzen last December. Sporting Chelsea Preview Looking for their second win inside the box. from two matches in Group E He has now scored 15 following a 1-0 success over Mournho’s Men Attempt To goals to go top of goal APOEL last time out, Guardiola End Hosts’ Unbeaten Run scorers’ chart. concedes it is an unfamiliar CHELSEA travel to that the striker is doing little Warri Wolves thus scenario for him. Sporting aiming to maintain training during the week as he “I’ve never experienced it,” he completed a double over said. “We’ll have to be wary of their unbeaten start to the season seeks to find full fitness after Abia Warriors having won the situation. under Jose Mourinho. hamstring trouble. It will not be an easy Costa was only able to make a in the first stanza 1-0 in “We have a big opportunity assignment for the Premier Umuahia courtesy of an we can take a small, but good step League leaders, with Sporting brief cameo appearance in the Schalke draw, with Didier Drogba Austin Amutu’s 20th forward.” defending a 16-game unbeaten Robert Lewandowski, run in European fixtures on unable to fully replace the red-hot minute goal. meanwhile, warned of the threat home turf, while they have only Spain international’s presence up Wolves missed several posed by the Russian champions. lost once in their last nine games front, and Loic Remy could be a
Guardiola Entering Unchartered Territory
Pep Guardiola
to English visitors. Mourinho returns to a club he served as assistant manager to Sir Bobby Robson in the early 1990s, but there will be no warm welcome for the former Porto and Benfica manager who will look to get his side’s campaign on track when the two teams meet on Tuesday. The 2012 winners were in control of their opening Champions League encounter at home to Schalke, leading through Cesc Fabregas’ first for the club. But they were denied all three points by a second-half Klaas-Jan Huntelaar strike and will want maximum points in Lisbon. Mourinho’s men go into the game high on confidence after beating Aston Villa 3-0 at the weekend to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League. The win over Villa saw Diego Costa score his eighth goal for the club since his summer move from Atletico Madrid but Mourinho admitted afterwards
more likely starter in Portugal if the former Atletico Madrid man requires resting again. Brazilian midfielder Ramires is ruled out and is not expected to feature until after next month’s international break. Like Chelsea, Sporting go into the game having surrendered a winning position in their first Champions League game since 2009. On-loan Manchester United winger Nani put Marco Silva’s side ahead with 10 minutes to go against Maribor but were pegged back by an injury-time Luka Zahovic strike. Last season’s Primeira Liga runners-up have had a slow start to the campaign. Although undefeated, Sporting find themselves six points behind leaders Benfica having drawn four of their six league games. Their last game ended in a 1-1 draw against Porto. Jonathan Silva put Sporting ahead in the second minute but a Mouhamadou-Naby Sarr own goal in the second half ensured the spoils were shared.
unbelievable engine. He gets forward and puts crosses in as well,” Wenger added. “I would consider playing Calum there (in midfield). But I only have four defenders at the moment. I don’t know what I’ll do yet. Give me a bit of time, but [Mathieu] Flamini is the only option I see at the moment.
“It was a very harsh yellow card against Tottenham, and the one before at Villa was very harsh as well. It’s a shame you can’t appeal globally for the cards you get. “I thought he played well and I will tell him to keep playing his game. The fact that he’s keen and committed maybe sometimes leads him to commit spectacular fouls.”
Referee Got It Right
UNITED were 2-1 winners at Old Trafford, but they were forced to do it the hard way as Rooney went from hero to villain after lashing out at Stewart Downing on the hourmark. After opening the scoring for United in the fifth minute - becoming the Premier League’s third highest scorer of all time Rooney almost cost his team-mates victory when he kicked down Downing, who was attempting to break on the counterattack. Rooney decided against appealing the three-match ban, meaning he will miss October’s Premier League fixtures against Everton, West Brom and Chelsea. “It was probably the right decision,” said the 28year-old. “I saw the West Ham
Gbolahan Salami
- Rooney
player making a counterattack and I tried to break up the play, but I just misjudged it. “I didn’t absolutely volley the lad. I tried to trip him up and, to be fair to him, he got further away from me and that’s why my leg is straighter than it should have been. “As he pushed the ball away, my leg straightened out and that is obviously why the referee deemed it as a red card.” Rooney added: “I think everyone knew [I was in the wrong]. “It’s always tough against 11 men when you are a man down, especially when they are throwing a lot of balls into the box as West Ham were doing, so I am grateful that we held out.”
CMYK
Repositioning RMAFC For Effective Service Delivery AFTER listening to the presentations of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) at the just-concluded National Conference, members of the Committee on Public Finance and Revenue agreed that there was a need to amend the enabling law establishing the commission. The Chairman of RMAFC, Mr Elias Mbam, had told the committee that the commission lacked the powers to monitor how the funds it allocated was spent. Mbam was responding to questions about the fat salaries paid to political office holders, especially members of the National Assembly. He recalled that in 2002, the commission was taken to court for monitoring the use of money already allocated to a tier of government. Mbam said that the Supreme Court, in a lead judgment read by Justice Niki Tobi, ruled that the commission’s act was in contradiction of its mandate, which should be monitoring accruals into the Federation Account and ensuring that the beneficiaries got their dues. “The court ruled that it was not our responsibility to monitor how monies disbursed to the tiers of government are being spent. ‘Although it is not our wish to go against the ruling of the Supreme Court; we feel strongly that our job should not end in monitoring the disbursement of revenue. “We should be able to check how judiciously the recipients have applied the resources at their disposal, but unfortunately, the laws do not allow us to do that. “If the commission is to be able to satisfactorily deal with its responsibilities, there is need for its Act to be amended, while it is better funded and motivated,” he said. Sen. Adamu Aliero, the Chairman, Committee on Public Finance and
Revenue, who agreed with Mbam, noted that his presentation reflected RMAFC’s readiness to perform its mandate. “Your commission is a very important agency of government and we will rely on your presentation, while also considering other presentations from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. “We will make a recommendation that if the commission is to continue to perform its duties objectively and effectively; its independence must be guaranteed. “Allowing RMAFC to be under the control of the executive arm of government will mean that he who pays the piper dictates the tune,’’ he said. The presentation which Aliero alluded to was Mbam’s explanations regarding the remuneration of political office holders. Mbam informed the committee that RMAFC never approved fat salaries for political office holders, insisting that no legislator earned more than N1 million as monthly salary. He wanted the committee to propose the amendment of the Act establishing RMAFC, so as to grant it autonomy and enforcement powers to effectively monitor revenue utilisation. “Contrary to what is written on papers; from what is approved for senators and members of the House of Representatives, none of them receives up to N1 million per month and they can testify to that. “This is consolidated salary, it is not salary alone. All the allowances and takehome pay are not up to N1 million. Anything in addition to that is not known to the commission,’’ he said. Mbam said as far as the law was concerned, RMAFC still retained the power to determine the remuneration of political office holders, adding that whatever was decided by the commission as remuneration for the
National Assembly members was final. As for the executive and judiciary arms of government, the RMAFC chairman said that their remuneration was subject to further approvals by the National Assembly. On the widespread allegations that a senator receive as much as N240 million as salaries and allowances, as against the recommendations of the commission, Mbam argued
empowered to: “Monitor the accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account. “Review, from time to time, the revenue allocation formula and principles of operation to ensure conformity with changing realities; provided that any revenue formula, which has been accepted by the Act of the National Assembly, shall remain in force for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date of commencement of the Act.
MATTERS IN FOCUS With OBIKE UKOH Cake’ rather than dissipate all our energy on how to share a shrinking cake,’’ he said. However, in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, RMAFC has refrained from monitoring how the funds it allocated were spent, even though it did not subscribe to the decision. The recognition of this glitch, perhaps, compelled the Stephen Oronsaye-led Presidential Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals,
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
that it was the duty of the Clerk of the National Assembly to ensure compliance. He stressed that the Clerk of the National Assembly was the government’s accounting officer in the National Assembly, adding that anybody who contravened the provisions regarding remuneration and its disbursement could be charged to the court. “If any accounting officer fails in his function; of course, he should be held accountable and the same rule applies to the Auditor General of the Federation. “These are agencies of government responsible for monitoring the use of public funds,’’ he added. According to Mbam, the RMAFC is constitutionally
“Advise the Federal, State and Local Governments on Fiscal Efficiency and methods by which their revenue can be increased. “Determine the remuneration appropriate to political Officer Holders. “Discharge such other functions as may be conferred on the commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any Act of the National Assembly.’’ Mbam, however, stressed that in discharging these functions and responsibilities, the commission was guided by the appropriate provisions of the constitution and all the relevant enabling Acts of the National Assembly. “We shall be concerned more with how to increase the size of the ‘National
Commissions and Agencies, to recommend the merger of Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) with RMAFC. In reaction to the proposed merger, Dr Sylvester Mordi, the Commissioner (Policy and Standards) in the FRC, argued that RMAFC was purely an advisory body. He stressed that the proposed merger would be counterproductive because the two agencies performed distinct functions. “The constitution says that RMAFC is an advisory body; it is to advise the President on the formula of sharing revenue among the three tiers of government and it should do this every five years. “Ours is to monitor and enforce the Fiscal Responsibility Act, carry out financial and fiscal studies on
the economy and publish the results for the public,’’ Mordi said. In 2012, the RMAFC, in line with its mandate of boosting the revenue generation capacity of all tiers of government, organised zonal workshops on “Economic Diversification and Enhanced Revenue Generation’’ in the six geopolitical zones of the country. In all the zones, Mbam underscored the need for states to reduce their dependence on monthly allocations from the Federation Account. At the South-South zonal workshop in Asaba, for instance, Mbam underscored the need for Nigeria to reduce its overdependence on oil revenue. He stressed that the goals of the Federal Government’s programmes such as Vision 20-2020 and Transformation Agenda could only be attained via the adoption of effective economic diversification strategies which could provide steady, sustainable sources of revenue. He, nonetheless, urged the three tiers of government and the private sector to make pragmatic efforts to exploit the vast natural resources which abound in all parts of the country. Besides, Mbam underscored the need to place tangible emphasis on the development of agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals and tourism sectors, insisting that the sectors held the key to Nigeria’s economic prosperity. Moreover, he argued that challenges such as poverty, unemployment and insecurity facing the country, could be effectively tackled via the diversification of the economy to expand access to additional resources. Perceptive analysts, however stress the need to give RMAFC more powers to enable it to monitor how funds allocated to the different tiers of government are being spent. (NANFeatures)
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