THE
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The Nigerian
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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 INSIGHT
Pages 16 - 17 Reporting Climate Change
The Local Media doing enough?
FEMINIQUE Pages 20 State of Emergency ‘Soldiers won’t hunt extremists, they will hunt our women
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
• Vol. 37 NO.234 • FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2 013 • N 100.00
State of emergency, long overdue - Obahiagbon
BENIN CITY – The declaration of a state of emergency in three states in the northern part of the country by President Goodluck Jonathan has been described as long
over due. Chief of Staff Government House, Benin City, Hon. Patrick
Obahiagbon stated this in Benin City in a chat with newsmen on the development.
Hon Obahiagbon commended President Jonathan in his resolve to Continues on page 2
Military imposes curfew in Adamawa
YOLA - Nigeria’s army has imposed a duskto-dawn curfew across the north-eastern state of Adamawa to curb attacks by militant Islamists. the operation against It is the first area to fall Boko Haram. under a curfew since a When asked state of emergency was whether this would not declared in three states. put civilians in harm’s A report from way, Brig Gen Adamawa says the Olukolade said the decision is surprising, as enemy bases to be the security situation targeted were in there is less serious than in Borno and Yobe states. unpopulated areas close to Nigeria’s Boko Haram militants borders. have waged an Report, however insurgency in Nigeria says the hardest part since 2009. of this campaign will More than 2,000 have be in urban areas like been killed in the conflict, the Borno state which has its roots in capital, Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria. where the Islamist Nigerian military militants are living spokesman, Brig Gen among the civilian Chris Olukolade said population. “every resource Mobile phone available” to the armed networks were not forces would be used in
functioning in many parts of north-east Nigeria on Thursday, but our reporter says it is not clear if this is related to the current military offensive.
Militants have previously attacked mobile phone masts in the area in an effort to d i s r u p t communications. Our reporter adds that
there is no sign of a huge military build-up in the city since President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in the three
states. The president said the army would take “all necessary action” to “put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists”. Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is forbidden” in the local Hausa
Continues on page 2
Senate fixes May 21 to debate Emergency Rule ABUJA -The Senate has fixed May 21 for discussions on the state of emergency declared by President Goodluck Jonathan in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, announced this on Thursday when he requested the senators at plenary session and those absent to be present on the day. Mark said their presence was imperative for the senate to form a
quorum to deliberate on “an important national issue”. “I would like to appeal to all distinguished colleagues here present and those who are not here, that they should be present on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.” He said this was necessary “so that we form quorum to deliberate on a sensitive matter that will be before us on that day’’. Out of 109 senators, 54 attended Thursday’s session.
TIT BIT “The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end too soon. Haste makes waste, so give time. There is simply more to life than increasing its speed.” - Hon. Peter Eson
Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution provides that the proclamation of a state of emergency has no effect unless the National Assembly Continues on page 2
LETTER OF CREDENCE: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) receiving a letter from the Special Envoy of Cameroon, Amb. Ahmadou Ali at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday.
EDSG to enforce Colour Code Permits
BENIN CITY – The Ministry of Transport has advised owners of buses and motor cars who use same for commercial purposes that they are expected to obtain colour code permits after payment of specified fees from the Edo State Ministry of Transport. The Ministry also observed that taxis, buses, pick-up, cars lorries and trucks used for commercial purposes in Edo State were yet to pay their
permit fees. In a statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Barrister
Isimeme Iriogbe, the ministry further warned that it is an office for vehicles that fell under the aforementioned
categories to be used for commercial purpose without obtaining the necessary permit from the ministry.
The ministry informed the general public particularly motorists, that enforcement team comprising V.I.Os, Traffic control officers and the Nigeria police had been activated by Edo State Continues on page 2
Flooding: FG needs to be more proactive and prepare for the flood so as to proactive Mark bring to the barest ABUJA - In view of
By JOSES SEDE
the prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency that the country will witness a one
hundred per cent increase in rain volume this year (2013) as against that of last year
(2012), Senate President David Mark has challenged the government to be more
minimum, number of possible deaths that could occur. Continues on page 2
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News
EDSG to enforce Colour Code Permits Continued from page 1 Ministry of Transport to stop, demand for and enforce the order of colour code and parking permits from commercial vehicles in the state.
The ministry also gave a two-week grace period to corporate organisations, Transport Companies, Motor parts and business enterprises using vehicles for their businesses to respond to
the demand notices served on them, to pay up their corporate permits and colour code permits for year 2013, as the enforcement team had been given a marching order to arrest any vehicle
belonging to such defaulting organisation or parks. The statement directed that all payments should be made at the ministry of Transport, No. 4 Forestry Road, Benin City, from 8am – 4pm, Monday’s through Friday.
State of emergency, long over due Continued from page 1 firmly tackle the insurgency which is politically motivated under the guise of religion. He affirmed that the directive by Mr. President to allow political office holders in the affected states remain in power under the emergency rule attest to his respect for the nations presidential system of government. Hon. Obahiagbon was however quick to point out that the state of emergency only represents more military presence in the states which have been under siege by the Boko Haram sect. The former house of representative member noted that what is most important is for President Goodluck Jonathan to take more decisive steps to curb the excesses of the sect who are bent on making Nigeria ungovernable. The President last Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states as part of measures to curb the increasing wave of killings and terrorist acts prevalent in some Northern states of the country. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has announced the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Adamawa state. The curfew took effect yesterday. It will be recalled that
Adamawa is among the three states where a State of Emergency was declared by President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday. A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of 23rd Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yola, Lt. Ja’afaru Nuhu on Thursday in Yola, said the curfew would be between 6
p.m and 6 am until further notice. “Sequel to the Presidential declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states by the president and commander in chief of the armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck
Jonathan, a 6 pm to 6 am curfew had been imposed on Adamawa state. “All law abiding citizens are advised to abide by the curfew,” the statement said. Meanwhile, business and other activities are going on normal in Yola in spite of the deployment of soldiers and policemen to strategic places.
FG needs to be more proactive something is really wrong; we
Continued from page 1
Making the remark after a motion to that effect has been passed yesterday, presiding Senate President, David Mark recalled that in last year flooding, there was hardly a state in Nigeria that was not affected one way or another, stressing that there is ample evidence that the flooding this year will be w o r s e . ”Our level of preparedness in this country is never good enough; we always take the fire brigade approach to everything which shows our inability to prepare for emergencies; government should be proactive and take adequate measures, so that when the flooding comes we will be adequately prepared.“ It will be overwhelming if the prediction comes to pass; NEMA was overstretched last year and if we get warned and don’t do anything about it then
need to pray and at the same time back it up with action”. The motion titled: “Emergency Preparedness For 2013 Flood And Rainfall Prediction: Urgent Need For Dredging And Desilting Of The River Niger, The Cross River, River Benue And Other Inland Water Ways In Nigeria”, was sponsored by Sen. Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom) and 39 others. In the motion, Sen. Enang warned that unless concerted efforts was made by Federal and State Governments and relevant ministries, department and agencies statutorily charged with the responsibility of planning for and mitigating the effect of natural disasters such as clearing of obstruction along water routes such as bridges, the channels through which excess water can flow through the Benue and Niger
river to the confluence in Lokoja for subsequent emptying to the ocean will continue to be obstructed. The Senate however directed its committee on Water Resources, environment, marine transport and special duties to check the level of preparedness by the Federal government and NEMA in checking the seasonal flooding and report back to the Senate in two weeks.
Military imposes curfew Continued from page 1 language, is fighting the government to create an Islamic state in the north. Although they often attack Christians and government targets, they have also killed many Muslim civilians.
Celebration of World Culture Day will be colourful in Edo - Hon. Jemitola
BENIN CITY - The Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Edo State, Hon. E Aanena Jemitoal has said that the World Culture Day has been scheduled to hold on 21st May 2013, by the United States Organisation. Speaking to the media on the event, Hon E. A. Jemitola stated that the theme for this year ’s celebration is “The imperative of culture as catalyst for Human Development creativity, inter-ethnic/intercultural Dialogue, Sustainable Peace and Cooperation among ethnic groups and civilization.” The Hon. Commissioner stated that the theme for 2013 aims at encouraging people of various cultural backgrounds to interest and appreciate the beauty and value of variety, adding that the theme also raises awareness worldwide about the importance of intercultural dialogue, diversity and inclusiveness while building a world community of individuals committed to support diversity with real everyday life gestures.
Commenting further, the Hon. Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism and Edo State, Hon E. Aenena Jemitola revealed that the goal was to combat polarization and stereotypes and improve understanding and cooperation among people of different cultures. She enjoined Edo People and Nigerians to join other countries of the world in the celebration of this great event, by showing understandin of one another’s cultural beliefs values norms, custom and traditions. Hon. Jemitola disclosed that the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and been exemplary in the area of boosting culture and Tourism by constituting a cabineteas of persons from all 18 local government Areas of the state with all the variants. of Edo culture and uniting Edo State making the Bini language compulsory in schools, adding that for the first time, Government has
appointed artists as special assistants on entertainment, culture and tourism The commissioner said that the implementation of the 2013 budget in the area of culture would improve general entrepreneurship and employment in the areas of Arts and Culture, with the
4 die in Umuahia building UMUAHIA - No fewer than collapse four persons were reported dead, following the collapse of a three-storey building at Road 7 in the Agbama Housing Estate at Umuahia in Abia. The building which was under construction was inhabited by some households including some construction workers. One of the construction workers told journalists on condition of anonymity that they noticed some cracks on the building two days ago. “We decided to reinforce
Senate fixes May 21 to debate Emergency Continued from page 1 National Assembly is in Rule passes a resolution, session.” supported by two third majority of each house. It adds that the proclamation is to take place within two days when the National Assembly is in session and 10 days when not in session, after the
publication in the Official Gazette of the Federal Government. “A Proclamation issued by the President under this section shall cease to have effect if it affects the Federation or any part thereof and within two days when the
resultant effect of tourism development. This according to her was an indication that the present administration in the state is desirous of using culture to accelerate socioeconomic development and effect poverty eradication through the commercialization of objects of arts and crafts.
The Leader of the senate, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, said the delay in the debate could not breach the constitution since the proclamation had not been published in the government gazette.
the building to avoid its collapse but our efforts turned to nothing,” he said. The source who witnessed the collapse of the building said “we even worked on the building yesterday”. A member of the Red Cross Society who also spoke on condition of anonymity said that three corpses were recovered, while three other victims were in critical condition. He said that the victims were taken to the Intensive Care Unit of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia. “Rescue operation is still going on but we have discovered three corpses while three others are in critical condition,” he said. An eye-witness, Mr Noble Udeh, said that a six-monthold child was among the dead.
Maigida sues for team By FUNMI BABATOPE work BENIN CITY – The new Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida has sued for Maximum co-operation and team work from staff of the ministry in order to take the ministry to the next level. The commissioner stated this yesterday during her maiden meeting with the permanent secretary, Directors and other members of staff of the ministry. According to Mrs. Maigida, “I need your co-operation and support to achieve and drive the positive changes that is required to fast track the socio economic development in line with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s vision.” While enjoining staff to imbibe the culture of being punctual to work, the commissioner however warned the staff against lateness to work as well as atmosphere of acrimony. Mrs. Maigida assured them that her doors are open to any one with useful suggestion and ideas that will move the ministry forward.
She urged everyone to discharge their duties diligently and be united with one another for the overall benefit of the ministry. Responding on behalf of other staff, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Deaconess Florence Ebomwonyi – Idun dinn welcomed the commissioner to the ministry and pledged staff co-operation and support in her drive to move the ministry to enviable heights. The Permanent Secretary had earlier presented the handing over note to the commissioner having acted as head of the ministry for about a year. On his part, a staff in the ministry, Abraham Obode, while welcoming the commissioner on her assumption of office also commended the permanent secretary, for being able to direct the affairs of the ministry while she acted.
Pastor Abiola Omobude, Beacon of hope - Mrs Odubu By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR
BENIN CITY – Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endurance Odubu has described the new National Chairperson of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Theodora Abiola Omobude as a beacon of light to Christendom in Nigeria. She made the remark at the inauguration of Pastor Theodora Abiola Omobude as the National chairperson of PFN, Women’s Wing, in Benin City yesterday. Deaconess Odubu further described Pastor Theodora Abiola Omobude as a hard working and dedicated Christian who has contributed to the advancement of the Kingdom of God. While attributing Pastor Omobude’s new position to her commitment to the work of God, the wife of the deputy governor prayed God to strengthen Pastor (Mrs.) Omobude to enable her effectively pilot the affairs of the Women’s Wing of PFN. On her part, the founding National Chairperson of the Women’s Wing of PFN,
Pastor Helen Oritsejafor said the women’s wing of PFN was formed in order to bridge the gap between the men’s ministry and the women as well as encourage women to be more active in the ministry. She assured of her support in the quest to ensure that the Women’s Wing of PFN achieves greater heights. Responding, the new national chairperson of PFN, Women’s Wing, Pastor Theodora Abiola Omobude, thanked God for making it possible for her to become the leader of the group. She paid glowing tribute to the founding national chairperson of the body for her commitment to the advancement of the group. Pastor (Mrs.) Omobude assured that she would build on the foundation laid by the founding national chairperson with a view to taken the body to greater heights.
Ikpoba-Okha Council boss assures Teachers IDOGBOThe Chairperson, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council, Hon. Itohan OsahonOgbeide has assured teachers in the locality of a conducive learning environment. Giving the assurance at Idogbo when members of the Nigeria Union of Teacher (NUT) Ikpoba-Okha chapter paid her a courtesy visit, she advised them to be patient with her government since she just assumed office. She also advised the teachers to brace up to their responsibilities of their office
as her administration would not condole laziness. Earlier, the chairman, of NUT, Comrade Steve Obasuyi told the council boss that they were in her office to congratulate her on her assumption of office and to intimate her of the challenges were facing. Also, the Chairman played host to members of the fruitful Vine Healing and Miracle International Church who came to congratulate her on her new appointment.
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Inside Edo Who Am I For Launch May 19
Community Commends Benin Monarch, EDHA By ROLAND OSAKUE Crisis Resolution:
By TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN
BENIN CITY- A Christian Literature, entitled: “Who Am I” authored by a young Economics graduate of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Ugochukwu Kelechi is billed for launch on Sunday May 19, 2013 at the White House, 205, Upper Mission Road, Benin City, Edo State. The book launch expected to kickoff at 2:00 pm will have in attendance, educationists, preachers of the gospel, youths, students and government functionaries. According to a statement by the young author, the book is designed to change and help believers in Christ, especially the youths to understand their true personality and maximize their living standards in this modern world. Ugochukwu Kelechi is a minister of the gospel and a motivational speaker and an icon of purposeful living. Her passion and commitment to the vision has led to various initiatives that cause stir among youths and teens. She has received several awards and recommendations for her significant contributions in mentoring and mobilizing youths.
Madam Ayo Dies At 75
THE families of Amasowowan and Obue of Urohi, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State have announced the death of madam Ayo Obue. She died after a brief illness on February 18, 2013 at the age of 75 years she is survived by five children, seven grand children brothers, sisters and other relations. A programme for the burial ceremony signed by her eldest son, Mr. Godday Obua indicated that today. Friday May 17, her remains would leave Guobadia Hospital for her husbands residence in Urdi, Ekpoma, for a social wake/entertainment of guests from 8 pm till dawn. Tomorrow Saturday May 18, the remains would live for the family’s compound for interment. The ceremony would climax with a thanksgiving service on Sunday May 19, 2013.
Late Madam Ayo Obue
Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole in a handshake with Hon Barr Washington Osa Osifo, the new commissioner for Higher Education shortly after his oath of office in Government House, Benin City.
R-L: Prince Clem Agba, Barr. Henry Idahagbon and Hon Philip Shaibu at the swearing-in of the Commissioner for Higher Education, Hon. Barr. Washington Osa Osifo at the Government House, Benin City.
O G H E G H E (ADUMAGBAE)The Odionwere and Council of Elders in Ogheghe-Adumagbae community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State have expressed their appreciation to the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly over their resolutions of the crisis that rocked the community few years ago. The elders also thanked the Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa over his fatherly role during the crisis, and as well as brining lasting peace to the area. Speaking to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER yesterday at the community, the Odionwere, Pa Ehizonmwangie
Edo Govt Plans To Partner FG On NHIS By FRIDAY OBANOR
BENIN CITY – The Edo State government has expressed its readiness to partner with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as part of measures to strengthen the state policy on quality and affordable health care delivery system. Disclosing this in Benin City while playing host to the Zonal Co-ordinator of the South South Zone of NHIS Mr. Nasiru Ikharo the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Aihanuwa Eregie said the scheme is a laudable goal for ensuring good health for everyone in the country. She therefore urged the coordinator NHIS pilot programme so that more communities could benefit from the scheme as demonstrated in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state during its maiden launch at Auchi. Earlier, the zonal co-ordinator of the scheme said the goal of NHIS is to ensure universal cov-
erage of every part of Nigeria with qualitative and affordable Healthcare as enshrined in the National Council for HealthPolicy. Mr. Ikharo further stated the challenges against the effective take-off of the scheme which bothers on contribution and who to manage the fund between the
federal and state government. He said the issue has been resolved while states can now manage the fund in partnership with the federal government. According to the coordinator, “The state is to pay 10 percent and workers 5 percent
while the contribution come back to the state for management in partnership with the federal government.”. He described the Health scheme as the best way for government to effectively enhance Health Care delivery system in Nigeria, saying that the scheme was put together by the National Council for Health.
Amayo applauded the State House of Assembly in finding a lasting solution to the feud that led to the destruction of lives and property worth millions of naira in the community. Pa Amayo, said the recent resolutions by government on the matter corroborated the palace’s decision, which he said have paved way for the existing peace among inhabitants of the community. According to him, “we quite appreciate the members of the Edo State House of Assembly over their recent findings and resolutions on Ogheghe community crisis. We are very optimistic that setting up of a Police Post in the area would curb any such reoccurrence”. He however pledged the community’s unalloyed support to the legislators and the palace, of Benin Monarch On the wanton destruction of property during the crisis, the Odionwere said the community will would address the matter internally in order to ensure that justice is done to all concerned.
Oil Marketer Wants Licence For IPMAN BENIN CITY – The Adviser to the National President of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, (IPMAN), Elder Peter Agbonkonkon Ogbeide has called on the federal government to give licence to independent petroleum marketers to enable them operate in the upstream oil business. Elder Agbonkonkon Ogbeide made the call in Benin City at a reception organized as part of activities to mark his 60th birthday anniversary.
According to him, there are presently over 20,000 independent petroleum marketers with over 100,000 petrol stations and retail outlets across the country who have the capacity to operate in the upstream business. “We should be encouraged with oil blocs so that we can go into oil exploration; there are so many derivatives from crude oil, all these are in the hands of foreign refineries and we are simply wasting these by-products”, he said.
He disclosed that, instead, states in Nigeria should establish refineries, at least one in each of the six geo-political zone of the country with their products allocated to independent marketers who are also licenced to operate in the upstream petroleum sector. With this system in operation, he stated that local value would be added to petroleum products before they are exported. He commended the Petroleum Industry Bill presently before the National Assembly,
noting that the passage would provoke discipline in the consumption habit of Nigerians.
Pa Ehizonmwangie Amayo
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Across The Nation Police Kill Robbery Suspect, Recover N2.3m Generator
GOMBE - The Police in Gombe State have shot dead an armed robbery suspect in Shabbal Village in the Akko Local Government Area of the state. The Gombe State Police Command, Public Relations Officer, DSP. Fwaje Atajiri, confirmed the incident in an interview with newsmen in Gombe recently said that a generating set valued at N2.3 million, stolen from the base station of a communications outfit at Shabbal Village, was
discovered in the suspect’s possession. Atajiri said that the suspects were many in number but that only one was arrested after he was shot but died in the hospital. He said that the robbers had removed the generator from the base station when the police were alerted by villagers when they noticed unusual movement. The spokesman said that on getting the information, the police drafted it men to the scene and saw a Nissan J5 van with registration number Lagos AV
251 KSF, driving off. “Upon seeing the policemen the hoodlums opened fire on them, then the police responded while one of them was shot and he later died in hospital. He said that the vehicle and the generator were recovered and that investigation was on to know the suspects on the run. Atajiri called on the public to report any unusual movement to the nearest police station for
immediate action. “Any time you see unusual movement report to the police because we cannot be everywhere. “Once information is given to us we will do our best and ensure that we stop these criminals. He said that security business was for everybody, hence the need for the public to assist with useful information that could help to save lives and property.
Skill Acquisation: Corp Member To Train 500 Women IBADAN - No fewer than 500 women residing in 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Odogbo, Ibadan, are to be trained in various vocations under the skills acquisition programme organised by a member of the NYSC. The women, who were mostly traders within the barrack’s market, are to be
LASUTH Commended For Undertaking Knee Replacement Surgeries By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS - The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has been commended for successfully undertaking regular 12 total knee replacement surgeries since the commencement of the Free Total Knee Replacement Surgery and Implantation Programme three years ago. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris who made the commendation at a press conference and presentation ceremony of the latest beneficiaries of the exercise at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) noted that the exercise was started in realization of the high numbers of patients who applied to the state government for financial assistance to travel abroad, usually India, to have the knee replacement surgery procedure done at high cost. According to him, “as a government we thought it wise to discontinue the trend of taking our resources abroad for surgical exercise that can be done in the country. We felt by starting this exercise, we would not only discourage patronage of overseas treatment, but we would build local capacity for surgical procedures like this”. Idris added that the exercise is also an avenue for training resident doctors aspiring to become certified specialist as well as nursing staff and physiotherapists who will be responsible for patients’ nursing and rehabilitation management. The Commissioner, who stated that though the numbers of knee replacement implant carried out since inception are inadequate for training, noted that the inadequacies informed the need to make provision for a fixed number of free total knee and total hip prosthesis every month, no matter how few. “This way, the surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists get to manage such cases frequently and therefore become more proficient. Also, the less fortunate Lagosians, who would otherwise have been unable to afford this treatment on account of cost, would be the ultimate beneficiaries of this exercise”, he said. Idris also said that the state government through this effort would be saving lot of the funds that would otherwise have gone to India and other places abroad aside from performing the roles of caring for its citizens which it is well known for, whilst also building human capacity and developing enduring physical and institutional infrastructure. The Commissioner noted that in the latest exercise, two total knee replacement surgeries sponsored by the Lagos State Limb Deformity programme were
carried out in LASUTH on Saturday, 27th and Sunday 28th, April 2013. “Both patients had severe osteoarthritis of the knees, a condition characterized by wornout cartilage at the ends of the bones that come together to form a joint. The worn-out cartilage and some of the underling bone is surgically removed and replaced with prosthesis during total joint replacement”, he said. Idris said that the surgical procedures were carried out using INDUS total knee implants made in India, adding that an Indian surgeon, Prof. Nagare was in attendance to demonstrate the peculiarities of insertion of that particular implant to the LASUTH surgeons and exchange personal experience while giving few tips and tricks.
L-R: Mr. Austin Atakpu , SA on Revenue, (1st left), Chief (Mrs.) Evelyn Omokhodion, Executive Director, Poverty Alleviation Agency, SSG, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Dr. Tony Akande, President, Afemai World Outreach, Mr. Omokhodion, Mrs. Mary-Jay Etu, and Dr. Princewill I. Oyakhilomen, Director, Amagzing Grace Medical Outreach, during a courtesy visit in Government House.
L-R: Dr. Ighodalo Oyakhilomen, Director, Amazing Grace Medical Outreach, Chief (Mrs.) Evelyn Omokhodion, Executive Director, Poverty Alleviation Agency, Mrs. Mary-Jay Etu, Dr. Tony Akande, President Afemai World Outreach, Mr. Nathaniel Osemwende while taking delivery of Free Medical Supplies donated by PREZENS for Charity, USA.
trained in soap making, bead making, confectionery production as well as bead making. Speaking at the three-day programme, Mrs. Uzoma Jibrin, the President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) in the Division, commended the corps member’s initiative. Jibrin said the gesture was timely as the women would be self employed while contributing to the upkeep of the home. She advised the women to participate fully in the programme, adding that it would serve as a secondary vocation to their present trade. Jibrin said NAOWA was working on other areas of empowerment in order to provide succour for women. The initiator of the programme, Dr Temilade Adeyanju, said she launched the programme as her personal community development project. Adeyanju, a corps member in the Division’s hospital, said: “I was moved to do this because I found out that some of the women in the barracks are idle. “ Whenever some of them bring their children to the hospital, you find them in critical conditions. “ When you ask them why, they reply by saying Oga is not at home, “she said. Reports say that the occasion featured the inauguration of a toilet built by the corps member.
Security: Enugu Begins Registration ENUGU - The Enugu State Government has commenced registration of commercial buses operating in the state’s capital as part of measures to ensure security. The state’s Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Chuka Utazi, told newsmen in Enugu that the registration was to put in place a comprehensive data on the buses. He said the exercise would help identify defaulters, ensure adequate security and reduce lawlessness on roads in the city. The commissioner expressed concern over the level of ignorance on the part of some
Of Commercial Buses bus drivers on the registration exercise, adding that anyone without the fleet number would be arrested and fined. “Now that we are registering commercial buses, many people are busy chasing money until we have gotten the number of buses we want to ply the roads. “We cannot allow all the buses that are in Enugu today to remain in Enugu. That will amount to making movement chaotic. “The government is here to
enforce orderliness so, we are doing that. “We want to get the specific number of vehicles that will be in every route in the city. “We want to balance the mode of transportation in the state. We will not allow one mode of transportation to dominate the rest,’’ he said. Utazi said that the ministry had registered 2,500 tricycle operators in the state, adding that the ban on non-registered commercial buses, taxis and
tricycles would commence after the registration. Some of the drivers who spoke to NAN commended government for the action, noting that it would bring sanity into the transportation sector. A commercial bus driver, Mr Ignatius Ebo, said the registration process was easy, adding that he paid three thousand naira for the registration form. According to him, the action will help distinguish fake bus
drivers from the real drivers. “I am happy for this registration because most times, people just bring any type of bus on the road and start carrying passengers. “At least, our union recognises everybody here doing the registration.’’ Another bus driver, Mr. Nicholas Idu, said the action was a right step by the government. He, however, appealed to the government to hasten the pace of work on some roads under construction to reduce traffic. It was learnt that the registration would end by the end of this month.
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Inside Edo Youth Empowerment To Receive Priority Attention - Council Boss IDOGBO – The Chairperson, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan OsahonOgbeide has promised the people of the locality that the administration will give priority to youth empowerment. She stated this when she received members of IkpobaOkha Vibrant Youths Forum in her office at Idogbo. The council boss noted that youths empowerment would reduce crime. She thanked the youth body for its support during the last council poll. Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr. Oduwa Omoragbon told the councils boss that they were in her office to congratulate her on her victory and subsequent swearing-in. He said the victory of the council boss is a result of hard work and achievement during her first term in office Hon. Mrs. OsahonOgbeide assured the people of the locality of a meaningful development to every community in the local gov-
ernment area. She made this pronouncement while playing host to the elders of Oka-I community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area. She thanked them for the role they played during her campaign and the election proper. Earlier, the leader of the group Pa. Samuel Ekhator told the chairperson that they were in her office to congratulate her on assumption of office and also to present to her some of the challenges they are facing in the community. L-R: Director-General, Advisory Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Prof. Jerry Gana; Senate President, David Mark, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, Senator Simeon Ajibola, during the Advisory Committee's visit to the Senate President in Abuja yesterday.
Etsako Central LG Boss Commissions Vet Clinic
By ELIAS INAEDE
FUGAR- The Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Momoh has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the Lo-
cal Government to be committed to the development of the council. Hon. Momoh gave the charge on Tuesday in Fugar during the commissioning of a veterinary clinic. He disclosed that his administration would place priority on
the welfare of NYSC members who distinguished themselves in their field of endeavour. The council boss emphasized the need for all hands to be on
desk in order to take the local government to the next level of development while promising to take the council area to the a high level of human capacity and infrastructral development. He commended the donor of the vet clinic, Dr. Mohammed Osu for the initiative to put such a project in place stressing that the corps members has written his name in the sands of time. He urged other corps members serving in the local government to initiate ideas that would help transform the locality and promised to reward hardworking persons. The Etsako Central member
boss also disclosed that plans are in top gear to increase the monthly allowances of the corps members. On his part, the donor, Dr. Mohammed Osu thanked the council boss and staff of the council for giving him the opportunity to serve, stressing that the vet clinic would go a long way in saving the lives of sick animals and called on the people to take advantage of the clinic by bringing their sick livestock or pests for treatment. Also speaking, the Head of Department of Agriculture in the council, Mr. Erie expressed optimism that sick livestock now stand a better chance of survival as a result of the vet clinic. He, therefore called on farmers to ensure that their animals are brought to the clinic for the right medication.
... Swears In S A
L-R: Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Abu Ibrahim; Minister of Women Affairs, and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, and Senate President, David Mark during the visit of the Minister to the Senate President in Abuja yesterday.
PMO Passes Vote Of Confidence On Gov Oshiomhole EGOR – The Peoples Movement for Oshiomhole (PMO) has moved a vote of implicit confidence on the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. The vote of confidence came on the heels of a congratulatory visit of PMO to the Chairman of Egor Local
Government Area, Hon. Victor Osayande Enobakhare in his office at the Uselu. Speaking during the visit, the council boss who extolled the leadership qualities of the governor noted that Comrade Oshiomhole has demonstrated exceptional determination to transform Edo State. He noted that, the resolve
of the Comrade Oshiomhole has brought life to the economic and socio-political life of the state such that the state now ranks high among the committee of states in Nigeria. In an earlier address, the patron of PMO, Comrade Clement Ojo noted the sterling qualities of Egor Coun-
cil boss, stating that he (Enobakhare) is a result oriented and dependable leader. He expressed optimism that Comrade Victor Enobakhare will deliver the dividend of democracy to the people in the locality in line with the dreams and aspirations of the Comrade Governor.
FUGAR- The Chairman Etsako Central Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Momoh has sworn-in a new Special Adviser. He is Mr. Saliu Momodu Obemeata. Performing the swearing-in ceremony, the council boss, commended the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the honour done him by giving him the priviledge to swearin the Special Adviser, He stated that with the swearing of the Special Adviser, the new Executive Council of the local government can now function effectively. Hon. Momoh described the new Special Adviser as a responsible and cool headed young man who has what it takes to pilot the affairs of the council. He reminded him of the responsibilities placed on him by virtue of the position and urged
him to be focus, stressing that the responsibility of leadership had just been placed on him as Special Adviser. The council boss called on his followers to make less demand from him as he is now representing the entire local government area. “I am not running an appointed government, this is a government that was elected by the people and we must be accountable to the people,” he said. He noted that “we must follow due process so that we will be able to explain every action that we will take, we are not slow. Everything is on board Hon. Momoh added. Responding, the Special Adviser thanked the council chairman for his purposeful and visionary leadership qualities that have stood the test of time and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.
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South West Accord, ACN Trade Words Over Ajimobi’s Performance
IBADAN - The Accord Party in Oyo State and its ACN counterpart in Ibadan disagreed over the performance of the Abiola Ajimobi-led administration in the state. The Accord Party in a statement urged the governor to play down the celebration of his newly acquired title of Atunluto of Ibadan land in deference to the plight of
teachers in the state. The statement signed by its Media Director, Mr Dotun Oyelade, said that the governor was celebrating the title at the expense of worker’s welfare. “The governor has refused to pay the 27.5% Teachers’ Enhanced Salary and the N18’000 minimum wage in the past 18 months inspite of the huge resources it had collected,” it said.
The party claimed that the state collected N78, 801,000,000 billion between January and December last year. It also alleged that the administration collected N37, 600,000,000 billion from statutory allocation, N18,997,000,000 billion from
Excess Crude Oil revenue and N13,804,000,000 billion from Internally Generated Revenue. The party expressed worry that the administration was waiting till June 1 for teachers to go on an indefinite strike over their “ legitimate entitlement.’’ The ACN, however,
described the quoted figures as a “ sensational bandying of fake state earnings to earn undeserved heroism in the minds of the people.’’ ACN Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, said in a statement that the administration had paid the 27.5 percent Teachers Enhanced Salary as well as minimum wage of N18,000 to the least paid worker. The party also said the
administration had touched the lives of workers in the last two years through training and retraining as well as other welfare programmes. The ACN further said that the earnings of the state in the last two years was a far cry from the “fake figures” claimed by Accord Party. It said government had used its financial engineering skills to construct many roads, adding that this remained unprecedented in the history of the state.
Subsidy Protest
Dismissed DPO Remanded For Murder
Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly (left) receiving his art portrai photograph from Emmanuel Francis and Dickson Onah at Edo State House of Assembly, during their visit to the Majority Leader recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.
IKEJA - An Ikeja High Court has remanded a dismissed Divisional Police Officer at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, Lagos, over alleged murder during the January, 2012 protest against fuel subsidy removal. Justice Olabisi Akinlade remanded Segun Fabunmi, a former Divisional Police Officer of the Yaya-Abatan Police Station, Agege, Lagos, after his arraignment for the alleged murder of one Adedamola Daramola. Fabunmi was charged on seven counts bordering on murder, attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm. The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, said that he committed the crimes at about 9:30a.m., on Jan. 9, 2012, at Yaya-Abatan, Agege, Lagos.
Aborisade Makes Case For Independent Press
IBADAN - Human rights activist, Mr. Femi Aborisade, said only an independent press would ensure equitable allocation of the nation’s resources. He spoke in Ibadan while delivering a lecture entitled: “The Role of the Press in an
Ideal Democracy.’’ Aborisade was the guest lecturer at the Annual Week of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) NUJ Chapel in Ibadan. He argued that there would be no meaningful
Court Strikes Out Suit Against Defendants N16m Theft:
IBADAN - Three miners, Idris Isa,32; Stephen Mark,30; and Dan-Azumi Abubakar,35; were discharged by an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged theft of precious stones worth N16 million. Chief Magistrate Olaide Amzat discharged and acquitted the defendants when the counsel to Ahmu International Mining Company, Mr. Akinyele Sanyaolu, brought a withdrawal letter from his client. Sanyaolu said the company and the defendants had settled the matter amicably and urged the court to strike out the case. The prosecutor, Insp Aliu Samad, also supported Sanyaolu’s position seeking the striking out of the case.
Amzat consequently discharged and acquitted the defendants. The defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen items. The prosecutor had said Isa and Mark conspired to steal the precious stones belonging to Ahmu International Mining Company while Abubarkar received them knowing they were stolen. The incident, he said, happened in February 2012 at Abuja Leather, Komu area of Ibadan. Samad said the alleged offences contravened section 516, 390 (9) and 427 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Laws of Oyo State, 2000. The defendants had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and were then granted bail.
development in the country without the desire to effect changes, adding that the press remained a powerful tool to effect change. Aborisade urged the press to adopt investigative reportage, saying this would promote in-depth reportage. “I call on the Nigeria Press to adopt the type of investigative journalism
which comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. “The afflicted are mainly the poor, the deprived, the forgotten, the voiceless and the vulnerable classes in the society,’’ he said. Aborisade also said the press should set an agenda that would advocate job creation rather than job cut. He decried the poor welfare packages for journalists in the country and urged
government to introduce welfare packages to serve as incentive. “An average journalist in such a miserable condition can hardly bother to observe the ethics of the profession. “The NUJ must therefore join the labour movement in actively campaigning for decent wages based on the principle of ‘scalar mobile’ or wage indexation such that wages and salaries rise as inflation rises,’’ he said.
Rivers Grassroot Women on a protest in Port-Harcourt recently.
Ogungbesan said that the accused shot an AK 47 rifle at some youths, who were protesting the subsidy removal by the Federal Government. She said that Fabunmi murdered Daramola in the process and caused three others to sustain serious injuries. According to her, the others are Alimi Abubakar, Samuel Egbujor and Chizorba Odoh. She said Abubakar and Egbujor were shot on their left legs while Odoh was shot on his right index finger. Ogungbesan said that the offences contravened Sections 221, 228 and 243 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Fabunmi, however, pleaded not guilty. His Counsel, Mr. Ike Okafor, prayed the court to entertain his bail application, but the judge refused on the grounds that it was premature. The judge adjourned the case till June 14 to hear the application.-
Oyo CAN Condemns Cleric’s Killing IBADAN - The Oyo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the killing of its secretary in Borno, Rev. Faye Pama-Musa. Pama-Musa was killed on Tuesday by unknown gunmen. Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, Pastor Ayo Olabisi, the Oyo State CAN Chairman, said the cleric’s murder came as a shock. He said: “It is sad news and one we did not expect at this time. “Honestly, it is not a good thing because this is what we have been condemning and will continue to condemn. “What do you gain in taking a fellow brother’s life?’’ Olabisi, however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan over the declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, saying it was long overdue. He urged the president not to relent in his effort in fighting terrorism, stressing that any action taken must fully adhere to the constitutional provision. It was gathered that PamaMusa, who heads a Pentecostal church in Maiduguri, was shot dead at his residence after being trailed home by his assailants.
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Lagos 157 LASTMA Officials Sacked By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS - No fewer than 157 officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been sacked by the State government over cases of corruption certificate forgery, bribery and negligence of duty. The names of 100 LASTMA officers sacked in April were published in the in-house newspaper of the state government, Alausa Alert, while 57 others were sacked a few weeks before the latest cleansing. It was also gathered that the names of another batch of about 50 LASTMA officers, who may also be sacked in a few weeks to come, have just been forwarded
2 Policemen Dismissed For Murder By RAHEEM IBRAHIM LAGOS - Two trigger-happy policemen who allegedly killed two innocent men in Lagos have been dismissed by the police authority and charged for murder before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The accused policemen, Adejoh John 31 and Abbey Adekunle 33, who were accused of killing two persons, Dele Oroja and Muyideen Fatai, served at Ebute Meta and Meiran divisions, respectively before they were dismissed from the Police. They were arraigned before the Ebute-Meta Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday on a count charge of unlawfully killing the victims in their divisions in Lagos. In the separate charge, John was alleged to have shot dead Muyideen Fatai at Okobaba area in Ebute-Meta, while Adekunle allegedly murdered Dele Oroja at Meiran in Lagos. According to the police, John killed Fatai with his AK47 rifle with registration number 6415, while Adekunle murdered Oroja with his AK47 rifle with registration number 4611. Before their arraignment, the accused were interrogated and detained at the Special Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba to ascertain their involvement in the allegation.
to the Personnel Management Board (PMB), the disciplinary organ of the government to look into cases of gross misconduct against them. The dismissed LASTMA officers, whose pictures were published in Alausa Alert were made to face the PMB to prove their innocence but failed to do so. The Civil Service Commission has already issued sack letters to the affected officers. Last year, over 250 LASTMA officers were dismissed by the state government over issues ranging from gross misconduct, corruption, among others. The state government had stated that LASTMA would not tolerate indolence and indiscipline in any form, adding that officers whose behavior could tarnish the image of the state would be shown the way out. It added that the public should report officers found misbehaving in the course of performing their official duties to the government
for appropriate sanction and discipline. Since last year, LASTMA officers had been undergoing career evaluation training in batches where they were taught to be professionals and civilised in dealing with the public and were even made to undergo community service. The State Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, at a news conference at the weekend said government would not condone any form of indiscipline among LASTMA officers. “The LASTMA authority is strict in applying disciplinary measures. Nobody that has done wrong will go unpunished,” he said, adding that it was not in his position to disclose issues of sack of LASTMA officers in public domain as such information were usually pasted in the inhouse notice board.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina (right),m welcoming UK Under-Secretary of State for International Development, Ms Lynne Featherstone, to a roundtable discussion on G8 Events in Abuja yesterday.
Lagos Lawmakers Condemn Declaration Of State Of Emergency By SURAJU RAJI
LAGOS - The Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned the alleged move by the Federal Government to declare a State of emergence in three Northern States of Nigeria. The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Hon. Segun Olulade, condemned the alleged plan of the President Jonathan
administration to put Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States under emergency rule. Olulade added that the amnesty programme that is already set in motion by the Federal Government would help in bringing a considerable, if not lasting solution, to the killings in the Northern part of the country just like it did in the NigerDelta region of the country.
Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDS), Jigawa Command, Mr. Muhammed Gidado (left), presenting a Certificate of Peace and Conflict Resolution to a participant at the training in Dutse yesterday.
Lagos Distributes Guns, Handcuffs To Neighbourhood Watch
LAGOS - The Lagos State Government has distributed 500 stunner guns and 1,000 handcuffs to officials of Neighborhood Watch, a community security outfit, to beef up security in the state. The State Commissioner for Rural Development, Cornelius Ojelabi, who disclosed this on Tuesday at a ministerial press conference at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, added that 20 garret metal detectors with batteries were also handed over to the officers.
He stated that the guns, handcuffs and the metal detectors were handed over to the officers by the Lagos State Security Fund to further equip the watchers for community policing. According to him, “These security gadgets have since been distributed to the coordinators. In addition, 2,000 uniforms were
provided and distributed to the officers of the security outfit in addition to the 855 distributed last year. 11 patrol vans were purchased and distributed to the officers last year, while 28 patrol vans were refurbished in January 2013”. The commissioner also disclosed that the government need N262 billion to provide roads and potable water for
Lagos Organises Workshop For Council Workers LAGOS - The Lagos State Local Government Establishment and Pensions Office has organized a three day workshop for all its Human Resources Officers in all the 57 Local Government/Local Council Development Areas in line with the on-going policy reforms to improve their performance for efficient service delivery at the grass roots level. Declaring the workshop open, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Moshood Oluwole Ojikutu, stated that the
capacity development is imperative for efficient and effective service delivery at the grass root level. He enjoined the officers to embrace the on-going reforms that would enable these Human Resources Managers bridge the observed gaps in service delivery at their various Local Government. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Establishment and Pensions Mr. Ashimi J. Adewale stated that, diverse training would be given to
Staff of Local Government in line with the Public service reforms in the state to reposition the State Local Governments to meet the demands of modernization, improved quality service delivery and uplift the economic and social wellbeing of the citizens at the grass root level. The reforms, according to Ashimi, would include putting in place a uniform scheme of service for the entire Staff in the State; for smooth inter service
transfer and would ensure deployment of Staff at both levels for optimal service delivery. The reforms also encompass the appointment to the position of Council Manager based on merit. Eligible Staff on Grade Levels 14, 15 and 16, would go through a written Examination and Oral interview to test leadership skills, understanding the working of the Local Government system to ensure that only the best are considered for the job of Council Managers to lead the Administration of LGs in the State.
rural areas in the state. Ojelabi said while it would require N256 billion to tackle road infrastructure in rural areas, provision of potable drinking water for rural dwellers would gulp about N6 billion. He stated that government was committed to ensuring development of rural areas in the state to minimise the frequent rural-urban migration, adding that the demand for social amenities and basic infrastructure has continued to increase by the day due to the influx of thousands of people into Lagos daily. “The challenges we face in transforming our rural areas are enormous while resources at our disposal are limited. The estimate we have for provision of bridges, rural roads, jetties and drains alone for this year is more than the budget of the whole state,” he said. While appealing to corporate
bodies, donor agencies and philanthropists to assist government in providing amenities in the rural areas, the commissioner said, “Organisations, companies and philanthropists could adopt projects in rural communities as part of their corporate social responsibility and brand them in their names on completion. With this we can together take Lagos to the next level and make it a model mega city”. “We need the public to come and aid us to provide culverts, mini bridges and quality roads that will enhance a better living condition for rural people and open up rural areas. We need nothing less than N256 billon. To also be sure that the majority of rural dwellers have a good source of water supply, we need about N6 billion,” Ojelabi said. Speaking on rural electrification projects, he said about N1billion had so far been spent in the last one year to light up rural areas, adding that most of the transformers installed have been connected to national grid.
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Across The Nation Parents Clamour For Reintroduction Of Moral Instruction In ABAKALIKI- Parents in decay in the youth, with devas- and curtail security challenges. They maintained that moral in- school was the child’s next point Schools struction They said that peer influence Abakaliki have called for the re- tating consequences on the sociin schools helped to of contact after the family where introduction of moral instruction in all public primary and secondary schools to curb the increasing wave of crime. A cross section of the parents told newsmen that the abolition of moral instruction in public schools had led to serious moral
ety. They called on the government and stakeholders in the education sector to revisit the policy and reintroduce a compulsory moral instruction in the schools. They added that it would help restore good morals in the youth
among the youth was high in the school environment and played critical role in their character formation and upbringing. The parents said that moral instruction was essential in shaping the minds of the youths. Messrs Alex Chukwu, Stan
Elom and Benson Igboke agreed that the abolition of moral instruction from the school curriculum had adverse effects on the youth. They said this had caused unimaginable consequences on the family and the society in general.
nurture the children, and helped them to imbibe the right attitude, had value for human life and respect for constituted authority. They said the upsurge in crime among the youth, such as prostitution, armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, vandalism and indulgence in corrupt practices, was due to lack of moral ethos. They said the reintroduction of moral instruction in schools would be effective in combating and curbing anti social behaviours among the youth and also restore the nation’s lost glory. Mrs Angela Okey said the
he interacted with his peer group to learn the good, the bad and the ugly. Okey said academic programmes in schools should be designed to incorporate instructions on morality that would give proper orientation to the child and make him acquire desirable positive life style. “My advice to the government is to reintroduce moral instruction in schools because its abolition has caused more harm than good. “If our children are exposed to the right moral code, it will be good for them, their families and the society at large,’’ she said.
Appeal Court To Hear Motion Stopping INEC From Conducting Guber Poll
Sympathisers and rescue workers at the site of a collapsed three-storey building on Road 7, World Bank Housing Estate, Agbama in Umuahia, Abia yesterday.
ENUGU- The Court of Appeal in Enugu has accepted to hear a motion for preservative injunction filed by Mr. Ifeanychukwu Okonkwo from Anambra against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Okonkwo, the candidate of Nigeria Advance Party (NAP) in the 2003 gubernatorial election
FRSC Records Reduction In Fatality Rate first quarter of 2013, 318 KADUNA- The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that it recorded a 16 per cent reduction in deaths arising from road accidents in Kaduna State in 2013. The Sector Commander of the corps in the state, Mr. Mike Olagunju, told newsmen in Kaduna that 141 people were killed in 318 crashes in the first quarter of 2013. Olagunju said that figure represented a 16 per cent reduction in the rate of death through road crashes when compared to the 168 lives lost in 235 crashes during the corresponding period in 2012. “The delightful achievement is that people that got killed in the first quarter of last year in the command was 168, while 141. people lost their lives in 2013.’’ Olagunju said the reduction was observed from the data collected in the first quarter of 2012 and in the same period in 2013. According to him, 1,035 persons were injured in the first quarter of 2012 crashes, while 899 persons received various degrees of injury in the 2013 crashes. The commander attributed the reduction in the rate of road crashes to prompt rescue operations, increase in safety consciousness amongst motorists, good roads, and improvement in road safety enforcement. “During the first quarter of 2012, 235 crashes were recorded. Incidentally, during the
crashes were recorded. “So, when you look at it, it’s about 16 per cent reduction in fatality. Meanwhile, our target this year is 30 per cent reduction.’’ He appealed to motorists to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of driving on the highway and advised motorists to avoid night journeys as much as possible. The commander also urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles were in good condition always.
Ibrahim Katsina Foundation youths clearing the drainage to avoid flood disaster in Jos North Local Government Area yesterday.
in Anambra, is seeking to stop INEC from organising any governorship election in the state till it restored the party on its list. Arguing for his position, Okonkwo said by delisting the party, the commission had challenged the jurisdiction of the court in a case pending before it in which NAP was a party at the time of the delisting. He said INEC should be stopped from further action to “bury the party’’ that should be alive in the presence of the court. Okonkwo also applied for leave to submit his written address and serve all the parties within five days. The counsel for INEC, Mr Dennis Mba, said he had no objection to the motion and also asked for five days to respond to the written address from the day his client received the service. The judge, Justice Abdulkadir Jega, ordered the two parties to file their written addresses as applied and adjourned hearing to June 4 when the substantive appeal would also come up. Also joined in the motion is Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra.
CAN Urges FG To Dissolve Amnesty C’ttee ABUJA- The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr. Ayo Oristejafor, has urged the Federal Government to dissolve the committee constituted on granting amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents. Oritsejafor’s reaction, contained in a statement in Abuja and signed by his media aide, Mr. Kenny Ashaka, also commended government for declaring emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. He said the committee, tagged “the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North’’, was no longer relevant, following government’s decision. Reports say that the committee, headed by Mr. Kabiru Turaki, was set up to design a plan for granting amnesty to the
Boko Haram sect. Oristejafor said that government’s decision to explore a more intensive military action to end the insurgeny was a vindication of CAN’s stand that amnesty for the sect’s members was not a solution. “With the declaration of a state of emergency in the three states, the amnesty committee is no longer relevant and should be dissolved. Government should suspend the amnesty committee. “The declaration of a state of emergency in three north-east states is a justified action and a vindication of CAN’s position that negotiation with terrorists will always end up a futile exercise. “We are being vindicated that no reasonable agreement can be reached with terrorists,’’ the
statement quoted the CAN president as saying. It stated that President Goodluck Jonathan deserved commendation for the resolve to adopt a measure that would bring an end to the bloodshed in parts of the North-East. The statement further expressed CAN’s support for the kind of emergency rule adopted by the Federal Government. It described Jonathan as a “true democrat and an advocate of human rights protection’’. Oristejafor, the statement said, called on political leaders in and outside the affected states to reciprocate Jonathan’s gesture by co-operating with security forces to end the mayhem. “While saying that the state of emergency declared in the three states is not unexpected, CAN calls on the three concerned gov-
ernors to reciprocate the kind gesture by co-operating with those charged with the responsibility of bringing down the insurgency,’’ it stated. It will be recalled that Jonathan had in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, on Wednesday dragged the Head of Service of the Federation and six others before the National Industrial Court, for alleged unlawful dismissal. The others are the Federal Civil Service Commission, Ministry of Interior, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, the Senate, the Clerk of the Senate and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Maina is praying the court to make a declaration that his purported dismissal as chairman of the task team was illegal, null and void. He is also praying the court to order the defendants to reinstate him into the service. It will be recalled that Maina was dismissed by the Head of Service for allegedly absconding from duty and attempting to evade arrest. When the case came up for mention on Wednesday, the claimant was not in court. He was represented by his counsel, Mr. Mahmud Magaji (SAN). Reports also say that two of the seven defendants were represented in court when the case was mentioned. Mr Polycap Hamman, a Principal State Counsel, who represented the office of the Head of
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Abuja NLC Backs NUT On Planned ABUJA - The Nigeria Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Strike Osun, Labour Congress (NLC) has Nassarawa, Zamfara, Plateau,
From left: Director, Administration and Human Resources, Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Hajiya Aishatu Abubakar; Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ado Muhammad and Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Mohammed Abudullahi, at the National Stakeholders’ meeting on Primary health Care Reviews in Abuja on Wednesday
expressed support for the National Union of Teachers’s proposed indefinite strike over non-payment of their 27.5 per cent enhanced allowance. The NLC president, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, made the NLC’s position known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. The NUT is planning to go on an indefinite strike as from June 1. He said that the 18 states that are yet to pay the allowance defaulted in the
agreement reached with labour on the payment. “It is the responsibility of the NLC to support the states whenever they think it is time for them to embark on a strike. “We have written to the union to furnish us with details of the defaulting states, and I am glad that the union’s National Executive Council took a decision on this,’’ Omar said. The defaulting states are Benue, Cross River, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Ekiti,
Taraba, Borno, Kogi, Niger and Sokoto. The NLC boss said that the congress was also battling with the payment of minimum wage as some states are yet to commence payment. He said that the congress had agreed on the modality of payment, adding that the state congress would decide the manner of implementation. Omar said the states’ councils are expected to negotiate and come up with the salary table, noting that “the NLC is on the negotiating table with the states on how to commence payment.”
FCDA Demolishes Structures In ABUJA - The Federal Chikakore Village Capital Development
Prof Na’Iya Sada (left), Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Discussing wth Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, Vice-Chancellor, at the Commissioning of a Modern printing machinery and book exhibition at the main campus, Samaru, in Zaria on Wednesday
Authority (FCDA) has embarked on the demolition of some structures in Chikakore Layout in Byazhin, Kubwa, Abuja. A court order made available to newsmen shows that the agency carried out the demolition against the advice of the court. Justice Yusuf Halilu on May 2 ruled as follows: “An interim injunction restraining the respondents …from taking such further steps that will adversely affect the claims of the plaintiffs pending hearing of determination of the motion is hereby granted.’’
The suit was instituted on April 26 by Mr. Ikechukwu Ezekwe (SAN) on behalf of residents of Chikakore Layout and had the FCDA and the FCT minister as respondents. The head of the demolition team and the district officer of the FCDA Development Control, Mr. Abdullahi Sodangi, said that the FCDA had not seen any such order. “If there is any court order we are not aware,’’ he claimed. Sodangi said that houses in the area were illegal structures which had no
Industrial Court To Set Up Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre
ABUJA - The National Industrial Court has concluded arrangements to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADR), Justice Babatunde
Adejumo, the President of the court, has said. Adejumo said this in Abuja, while addressing the
bar during the hearing of a case filed by former pension boss, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, challenging his
dismissal from office. He said the centre would be saddled with the responsibility of settling
ThisDay Bombing: Court Admits 5 Confessional ABUJA - Justice Adeniyi torture the accused. Statements or beaten in the process.
Ademola of the Federal High Court has admitted the five documents tendered as confessional statements made by Mustapha Umar. Umar is standing trial for allegedly masterminding the ThisDay Newspaper House bombing in Kaduna. Giving the ruling, Ademola held that the court was not convinced about the allegation of torture made by the accused person. The Judge said the court was rather convinced that the injuries sustained by the accused at the scene of the bombing in Kaduna did prevent any intentions to
“It is, therefore, the decision of the court to admit the five statements in evidence. “We believe the prosecution witness (PW7) who testified to the fact that the accused was not coerced to give the statements.’’ Mr Sulyman Nurunee, the defendant’s counsel, had objected to the admissibility of the five statements credited to his client. At a trial-within-trial session granted by the Judge, the prosecution witness, who claimed he supervised the taking of the statement, said the accused was not coerced
The witness, a police investigator in charge of the Investigation and Terrorism Unit of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), Abuja, said the accused voluntarily gave the statements. He explained that the accused was handed over to him with serious injury he sustained from the scene of the bombing, adding that “nobody in his right senses could have mistreated him’’. However, Umar had said the police neither recorded any of his discussions with them as his statements nor did he (Umar) voluntarily
sign any documents as his confessional statements. He said the police in their bid to extract information hung him and beat him. It will be recalled that the police brought a one-count charge against Umar under the Terrorist Prevention Act 2011. ThisDay office in Kaduna was bombed on April 26, 2012, by a suspected suicide bomber. Ademola adjourned continuation of trial to May 28, while June 4 to June 6 was fixed for the accused to open his defence.
disputes lodged in the court through alternative dispute resolution mechanism. “If a case is filed at the court and all parties filed their processes, it can be referred to the centre for possible out-of-court settlement. “After a case is filed and the parties in the suit have properly joined issues, they will be sent to the ADR Centre, and if they fail to settle, they will return to the court for hearing to commence,” he said. Adejumo said the centre would be a very important means of resolving industrial disputes in the country, and urged counsel to always embrace out-of-court settlement of industrial disputes.
approval from the ministry. “The chiefs in this area have assumed the powers of the minister who is vested with the authority to allocate land. “In spite of several warnings and markings for demolition, the people continued to build and we have no option than to maintain the master plan,’’ he said. But some residents of the area faulted Sodangi’s claim. Mr. Hope Onyekwere, a resident of the area, said land was allocated to them by the FCDA. “We got allocation from the government but some weeks back, we got information that there was plan to demolish the place. “We quickly headed for the court to obtain an injunction restraining them from carrying out the exercise but you can see that they flouted that injunction,’’ he said. Another resident, Mr Samuel Alade, said part of the layout carved out for indigenes of the area, was encroached on by some settlers resulting in petitions by the affected indigenes. “They are supposed to restrict their activities to areas within the layout but they have extended the demolition to the abode of indigenes. Alade added that land in the area was initially allocated by the Bwari Area Council but was later regularised by the FCDA. “The FCDA should be able to differentiate between land reserved for the indigenes and illegal land occupants,’’ he said. Mrs Temitope Samuel, also a resident, advised the FCDA to allow indigenes to enjoy areas carved out for them in the interest of peace. “Even if they say they are developing Abuja, these people should be allowed to occupy their ancestral land to avoid the kind of violence in some parts of the country,’’ she advised.
THE
NIGERIAN
10
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
Across The Nation Forum Tasks Guber Aspirants On Job Creation
Corruption
Threat To National Security - NLC SOKOTO - Abubakar Tambuwal, Vice Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sokoto State chapter, said corruption was the major factor militating against the nation’s growth. Tambuwal told newsmen in Sokoto that the time had come for the Federal Government to take appropriate measures that would end corruption. He said the prompt arrest and prosecution of those involved in corrupt cases would bring about sanity in the system “The country has suffered too much in the hands of corrupt leaders, hence the need for the Federal Government to take decisive measures against them for the common good of the country. “The earlier the anti corruption agencies would be given free hand to operate without interference from the government, the better for the political stability of the country. “Nigerians should also contribute by condemning corrupt leaders instead of celebrating people with ill gotten wealth,” he said. Tambuwal attributed the current security challenges facing the country to corruption. He therefore called on the government to make stringent security measures that would end the killings of innocent Nigerians. “Nigerians must be seen to be living in peace with one another, irrespective of tribal, religious, ethnic and political differences. “And this would only be a reality through well coordinated security
Rt. Hon. Uyigue Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (left) receiving an award from a distinguished parliamentarian as the 1st person in Edo People’s Parliament Hall of Fame From Prince (Sir) Greg Ogiegwa, Speaker, Edo People’s Parliament during the Parliamentarian courtesy call to Mr. Speaker’s Office in Benin City recently. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUA.
Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly (right) receiving an award of recognition as laureated phonix personality at year 2012/13 from Dr Chinedu Adesina, President, Laureates Phonix during the President’s courtesy call to the Majority Leader’s Office recently in Benin City. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.
Scarcity Of Qualified Teachers Threatens the previous 1: 50. A/Ibom’s Free Education Scheme The state had 234 public UYO - Inadequate number of qualified teachers in public schools is threatening the free education policy of the Akwa Ibom Government. The state’s Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Eunice Thomas, who confirmed the development, told newsmen yesterday in Uyo that scarcity of qualified teachers had been a major challenge to the free education policy of the state. It would be recall that the free education policy was introduced by the
administration of Gov. Godswill Akpabio in the 2008/2009 academic session. She said that government had just employed 1,400 teachers, noting that additional teachers would soon be employed. “Every development comes with one or two challenges, our challenges in the area of free and compulsory education have to do with enrolment and facilities.’’ She said that the State Government was determined
Uduaghan Sends Traffic Management ASABA Governor. Bill To State Assembly Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta has sent a bill for a law to establish the Delta State Traffic Management Agency to the State Assembly. The bill was contained in a letter read by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Victor Ochei during the proceedings of the assembly. According to the letter, the bill seeks to regulate and control
ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) - Ogbaru Stakeholders Forum in Anambra has tasked governorship aspirants in the state to show evidence of what they had done to create employment for the youth in the state. Chairman of the forum, Chief Peter Okala, told newsmen in Onitsha, that each aspirants should base their campaigns on what they had done individually to reduce restiveness among youths through job creation. Reports say that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has tentatively
traffic in the state. Receiving the bill, the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Johnson Erijo, moved a motion for the House to receive the bill for further consideration. The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the assembly was seconded by the lawmaker representing Ughelli North II in the State Assembly, Mr. Edoja Akpodiete.
The assembly also on Wednesday, received the report of its Committee on Rules, Business, has Legal and Judicial matters on a bill to amend the State Customary Courts. The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Edoja Akpodiete. Reports say that the assembly will consider the report on May 28.
to solve the problem of inadequate manpower in public primary and secondary schools in the state. “We are already seeking to employ more, just last week we graduated a backlog of students from the state’s College of Education about 20,000 of them. “Now that we have these ones in the market we will employ them and support our free and compulsory education,” Thomas said. Reports say that as at 2011, the state had a total of 1,143 public primary schools and a total of 15,000 primary school teachers. With the introduction of free education policy, the number of pupils in public primary schools as at 2011 increased from 751,301 to 1, 396,878. The implication of the increase is that teacher-pupil ratio in primary schools is now stands at 1:93 as against
secondary schools as at 2011 and 9,000 secondary school teachers in the government’s employment. Before the introduction of free education, there were 159,280 students but the population increased to 318,000 with the introduction of the free education policy.
scheduled the Anambra governorship election for November. Okala said that it was no longer enough for politicians to make promises during their campaigns because most of them always failed to keep the promises. ‘I want to call on the Federal, state government to look inwards, to really come up with a life-style - our leaders in particular, should come up with a lifestyle that would give our children the future that is sustainable. “I see people clamouring to be governor; clamouring to take one public office or the other promising heaven and earth. “My question is what have you been able to do on your own to really protect the future of our children? If you are thinking of being the governor of Anambra, I challenge you to show to the people what you have been able to do to fight the insurgency; to fight the joblessness in the area.“ Okala, however, thanked individuals and groups that had contributed to creating jobs in the state, saying that their contributions had helped in checking restiveness and criminality in Anambra. “I want to use this avenue to thank the likes of Sir Patrick Sule Ugboma, an Ossomala indigene in Ogbaru LGA, who had employed directly over 110 youths including graduate in his St. Patrick Farms Limited in the remote Ossomala community and through the farm provided electricity and potable drinking water to the community. “With what is on ground, if it can be put to full capacity, it would employ over 1,000 youths; thus creating a lot of jobs as well as having a huge positive multiplier effect on thousands of families within Ogbaru and the state.“
13 Fuel Laden Ships To Discharge At Lagos LAGOS - Thirteen ships are Ports waiting to discharge petroleum products at the various oil terminals within the Lagos ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said. The Shipping Position, a daily publication of NPA, issued yesterday in Lagos, indicated that eight of the thirteen ships would discharge petrol, while three would discharge kerosene. It said that a ship would discharge diesel, while another would discharge aviation fuel. According to the document, two other ships will discharge bulk wheat and fertiliser. It said that 84 ships carrying different cargoes would sail into the ports from May 16 to May
30. The document indicated that nine of the ships would arrive with petroleum products, while 14 others would sail in with new and used vehicles. Reports say that other ships would arrive with containers, bulk salt, general cargoes, bulk sugar, fresh fish, bulk fertiliser, bulk wheat, rice, steel, bulk crude palm oil, bulk gypsum and palm olein. Reports also say that 25 ships are currently discharging containers, soya bean, fresh fish, bulk sugar, bulk wheat, truck head, bulk urea and petroleum products.
THE
NIGERIAN
11
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(16/05/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
MBENEFIT
0.5
0.5
0
1
70
35
7UP
50
50
0
10
25,845
1,301,000.49
MOBIL
114
114
0
26
67,438
8,252,633.85
ABCTRANS
0.97
1.02
0.05
40
3,786,600
3,916,892.41
MORISON
2.23
2.23
0
1
60
133.8
18
19.8
1.8
40
410,792
8,020,949.71
ACADEMY
1.67
1.7
0.03
9
374,070
628,127.40
MRS
ACCESS
11
10.9
-0.1
180
20,646,217
223,633,208.72
MULTIVERSE
0.5
0.5
0
1
800,000
400,000.00
AFRIPRUD
1.88
1.85
-0.03
59
423,252
775,204.88
NAHCO
6.5
6.65
0.15
96
8,001,338
54,601,135.26
AGLEVENT
1.65
1.65
0
8
42,578
75,574.52
NASCON
12.27
13.3
1.03
162
4,832,962
61,779,409.50
AIICO
0.88
0.88
0
53
4,620,178
4,136,524.33
NB
173.03
174.5
1.47
125
383,848
66,683,023.74
AIRSERVICE
4.07
4.47
0.4
10
249,253
1,110,774.62
NCR
17
17
0
1
1,000
17,000.00
ALEX
10.55
10.55
0
1
50
475
NEIMETH
0.75
0.76
0.01
9
261,941
199,321.78
ASHAKACEM
24.01
24.2
0.19
43
899,367
21,631,498.30
NEM
0.8
0.8
0
43
5,327,680
4,353,817.93
BERGER
8.25
8.25
0
5
35,074
297,861.28
NESTLE
945
945
0
94
364,305
342,477,166.21
BETAGLAS
10
10
0
6
1,482,285
14,822,940.00
NIG-GERMAN
8.17
8.17
0
1
60
441.6
0.5
0.5
0
4
367,789
183,894.50
CADBURY
42.01
44
1.99
119
1,316,961
57,395,124.94
NIGERINS
CAP
62.03
65.05
3.02
74
646,054
42,695,383.12
NIGROPES
7.85
7.85
0
1
60
424.2
CCNN
9.37
9.45
0.08
34
1,116,367
10,425,842.98
NNFM
21.42
21.42
0
1
420
8,400.00
CHAMPION
4.78
4.78
0
3
1,060
5,066.80
NPFMCRFBK
0.9
0.99
0.09
43
6,667,931
6,485,704.74
CHELLARAM
5.43
5.43
0
1
1,000
4,890.00
OANDO
15.5
15.5
0
116
1,997,491
31,168,690.94
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
24
1,935,000
977,500.00
OASISINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
100
50
CONOIL
23
23
0
18
40,748
1,022,347.20
OKOMUOIL
51.02
53.94
2.92
135
997,287
53,033,237.38
CONTINSURE
1.14
1.1
-0.04
7
488,100
536,629.00
PAINTCOM
1.45
1.4
-0.05
10
1,117,000
1,566,550.00
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
5
264,743
132,381.50
PHARMDEKO
2.07
2.07
0
1
200
414
COSTAIN
0.79
0.86
0.07
34
16,198,358
13,323,775.48
PORTPAINT
5.9
5.9
0
1
70
371.7
26.7
27.5
0.8
43
418,210
11,726,391.54
COURTVILLE
0.8
0.88
0.08
7
500,000
440,000.00
PRESCO
CUSTODYINS
1.76
1.75
-0.01
30
18,372,604
30,312,310.00
PRESTIGE
0.62
0.62
0
8
249,375
150,684.89
CUTIX
2.3
2.3
0
9
78,990
184,586.20
PZ
45
45
0
37
505,949
22,768,737.86
DANGCEM
180
180.11
0.11
13
44,325
7,982,652.35
REDSTAREX
4.4
4.3
-0.1
14
258,360
1,097,074.80
DANGFLOUR
9.18
9.12
-0.06
66
551,128
5,048,252.21
REGALINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
100
50
DANGSUGAR
8.11
8.25
0.14
61
1,462,859
12,038,839.64
ROYALEX
0.55
0.55
0
6
46,004
25,972.02
DIAMONDBNK
7.11
6.92
-0.19
98
13,999,757
98,449,644.70
RTBRISCOE
1.98
1.81
-0.17
34
1,153,741
2,154,556.01
DNMEYER
1.82
1.8
-0.02
14
608,652
1,095,980.50
SKYEBANK
5.18
5.12
-0.06
197
13,801,278
71,240,805.99
DUNLOP
0.5
0.5
0
2
111,580
55,790.00
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
4
790,000
395,000.00
ENAMELWA
32.27
32.27
0
1
60
1,743.00
STANBIC
15.06
15
-0.06
41
1,982,730
29,906,615.17
2.7
2.74
0.04
97
9,915,927
26,914,213.69
ETERNA
3.26
3.58
0.32
28
1,749,354
6,047,630.32
STERLNBANK
ETI
15.15
15.15
0
88
11,926,523
179,080,819.34
TOTAL
172
172
0
13
27,337
4,460,787.69
EVANSMED
1.63
1.79
0.16
8
151,056
270,281.61
TOURIST
4.53
4.53
0
2
60
244.8
FBNH
19
18.99
-0.01
471
7,404,384
140,533,624.88
TRANSCORP
1.26
1.27
0.01
160
25,425,860
33,323,571.49
FCMB
5
5.02
0.02
83
31,121,927
155,534,551.34
UAC-PROP
16.5
17
0.5
16
528,711
8,898,794.00
FIDELITYBK
3.1
3.09
-0.01
139
14,289,141
43,555,988.21
UACN
70.6
70.69
0.09
35
135,739
9,634,481.67
FIDSON
1.55
1.56
0.01
22
1,382,307
2,184,550.42
UBA
8.49
8.7
0.21
475
26,007,574
226,852,726.91
FLOURMILL
85.65
85
-0.65
71
763,284
64,868,734.84
UBCAP
1.34
1.31
-0.03
103
8,741,760
11,359,657.75
FO
14.24
14.24
0
29
85,545
1,318,601.87
UBN
9.45
9.6
0.15
96
1,423,047
13,762,166.12
GLAXOSMITH
47.5
49
1.5
20
176,297
8,578,647.19
UNILEVER
63.1
64
0.9
59
594,059
38,128,894.20
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,200,000
600,000.00
GNI
0.5
0.5
0
1
100
50
UNIONDAC
GUARANTY
26.6
26.57
-0.03
290
10,205,924
271,374,020.19
UNITYBNK
0.64
0.68
0.04
94
24,281,211
16,740,783.58
GUINEAINS
0.5
0.5
0
3
68,921
34,460.50
UPL
5.25
5.26
0.01
11
696,700
3,659,952.74
GUINNESS
275
275
0
67
740,231
203,773,255.58
UTC
0.78
0.84
0.06
16
863,092
647,607.24
HONYFLOUR
2.81
2.85
0.04
47
6,336,508
18,228,436.51
VITAFOAM
3.18
3.22
0.04
33
1,419,840
4,577,667.80
IKEJAHOTEL
0.9
0.81
-0.09
15
818,550
709,030.36
WAPCO
95
95
0
62
1,274,608
122,037,877.73
INTBREW
23.7
26.07
2.37
53
786,999
19,849,371.33
WAPIC
0.88
0.9
0.02
14
643,660
545,300.70
INTENEGINS
0.5
0.5
0
4
5,344
2,672.00
WEMABANK
1.29
1.27
-0.02
78
13,611,932
16,506,486.50
IPWA
0.7
0.7
0
3
385
265.7
ZENITHBANK
21.65
21.85
0.2
266
22,912,451
495,280,717.32
JAPAULOIL
0.57
0.56
-0.01
70
7,814,827
4,427,877.59
Gain
Stock
3.02 2.92 2.37 1.99 1.8 1.5 1.47 1.03 0.91 0.9
FLOURMILL MANSARD DIAMONDBNK MAYBAKER RTBRISCOE ACCESS REDSTAREX IKEJAHOTEL DANGFLOUR SKYEBANK
JBERGER
53.59
54.5
0.91
49
667,360
36,220,215.92
JOHNHOLT
1.54
1.54
0
11
75,751
115,243.76
JOSBREW
1.33
1.33
0
1
60
72
LEARNAFRCA
1.97
2
0.03
7
230,000
456,470.00
LIVESTOCK
2.8
3.08
0.28
52
2,528,024
7,561,715.30
MANSARD
2.7
2.5
-0.2
6
205,752
509,625.40
MAYBAKER
1.99
1.81
-0.18
26
533,430
998,967.61
TOP 10 GAINERS Stock CAP OKOMUOIL INTBREW CADBURY MRS GLAXOSMITH NB NASCON JBERGER UNILEVER
Close 65.05 53.94 26.07 44 19.8 49 174.5 13.3 54.5 64
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Close 85 2.5 6.92 1.81 1.81 10.9 4.3 0.81 9.12 5.12
Loss -0.65 -0.2 -0.19 -0.18 -0.17 -0.1 -0.1 -0.09 -0.06 -0.06
THE
NIGERIAN
12
THE crushing poverty level in today’s Nigeria has become so overwhelming that over 70 percent of Nigerians have unwittingly bowed to the pangs of biting hardship. POVERTY is today a generic term and has been so since attempts at its classification by various study and academic groups with Non Governmental Organisations (NCOs) ever more vehement and critical on the problems associated with large scale poverty and ways to improve the economic status of those classified in the group. SOCIAL scientists in attempt at plausible stratification and definition of the term find it necessary to contrast it with such opposite terms as richness, wealth, comfort, affluence and the likes as the terms carry inherent semantic undertones that most limes solicit sympathy, empathy and compassion from those afflicted with the plague which poverty has come to symbolise. HOWEVER, by daily interactions within society and among communities and nations, it is clear that poverty has striking universal perception and similarities because of its crosscountry feature and characteristics. The basic feature being that people suffer hunger and deprivation with not enough to eat, lack shelter and clothing as well as basic necessities required for human existence. FOR instance, the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights aptly sums pp poverty as a “human condition characterised by the sustained or chronic deprivation of the resources, capabilities, choices, security and power necessary for the enjoyment of all adequate standard of living and other civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights”. THERE is, as a result, conscious efforts by many organizations to mitigate the harsh effect of poverty which is more endemic in developing countries and many parts of Asia while in Nigeria, government’s effort at providing palliatives and
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
THE
NIGERIAN
Tackling Poverty putting in place workable measures from some of its economic policies that cause poverty shocks are yet to yield the desired impact. IT is the concern for the world’s poor and to find solution to speeding poverty crisis that the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) is celebrated worldwide in order to push people up the ladder of comfort where health care, food, shelter, clothing among others are assured the citizenry without experiencing the pain of deprivation. IN Nigeria, however, government has put in place social programmes as National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies (NEEDS), the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to tackle problem of youth unemployment, a crucial poverty indicator among the socio-cultural stratification. IT presents a sad scenario that despite several policy initiatives the menace of poverty is a staggering reality and may have accounted for the loophole in myriad of social vices, most notably are high incidence of armed robbery, kidnapping, corruption, advance fee fraud (419), prostitution Rings, human trafficking and the likes, perpetuated and perpetrated by the authors as the quickest route to scale the poverty barrier. THE United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) in its 2000/2001 Human, development report on Nigeria, states that 70 per cent of Nigerians are in abject poverty while massive unemployment of people and the under utilization of resources are the order of the day. Since the report nothing about the poverty level has changed dramatically. IN assessing Nigeria’s poverty level, based on its oil wealth which it described as a mixed blessing, the report explained that it was not the oil resources that are the problem, but the management of those resources. A general overview of Nigeria’s poverty crisis indicates therefore that there is a fundamental problem which the Federal Government needs to identify and tackle in order to address the continuing poverty level in Nigeria. The NIGERIAN OBSERVER urges the government to re-appraise some of its economic policies and those geared towards poverty eradication. Beside, It is remarkable that government insensitivity to suggestions put forward to it is increasing and is not being addressed as they should. A holistic reappraisal is therefore inevitable at all sectors of the economy and mitigating measures put In place if government is to succeed in its poverty eradication drive. IN the face of glaring discontent at the increasing poverty level, the World Bank proffered in its report. that “oil and natural gas will generate continuing wealth for many years on which Nigeria can build, if it manages this wealth well. If it channels more of this wealth to the development of its people and to the productive use of its land and other resources, then Nigeria has a promising Future”. WE implore the Federal Government to continue to put policy measures in place to scale down poverty level. Corporate bodies and organisations can play a part by partnering with the various governments to alleviate poverty in the land.
THE
NIGERIAN
13
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
A
bdullah ibn Salam said: When the Messenger of Allah ) arrived in Madinah the people came out to meet him. It was said that the Messenger of Allah had arrived, so I went among the people to get a look at him. When I gazed upon the face of the Messenger of Allah I knew that his face was not the face of a liar. The first thing that he said was: O people! Spread the Salam (peace and the greeting of peace), feed (others who are hungry), and perform prayers while the people are sleeping, and you will enter paradise with ease. (an authentic hadith recorded by at-Tirmidhi) COMMENTARY ON THE HADITH Peacefulness and spreading peace in society is another virtue taught by Allah’s Messenger for which the whole world is craving. It has often been falsely claimed by the enemies of Islam that Islam is a religion of war and violence: however that is not true. We can clearly see in the above hadith that the first thing that came out of the lips of Allah’s Messenger when he arrived in Madinah to be its leader was that people should be peaceful and spread peace among themselves. He also advised them to feed the needy and offer the prayers in the night so that they might hope for Allah’s mercy and enter into paradise with ease. It is obvious that meeting people with greetings full of peace, love, affection, sympathy and feelings of well—wishing promotes in a society. Couple this with sincere hearts devoted to the obedience and worship of Allah and people will earn the pleasure of Allah and an unimpeded smooth entry into paradise. On the Day of Judgement. Allah will address His devoted and loyal friends who consistently feared Him in their worldly life: “To the righteous soul will be said: O you soul, in complete rest and satisfaction! Come back to your Lord, well pleased to
yourself and well—pleasing to Him! Enter, then, among My devoted and honoured servants. Yes, enter My paradise! (Qur’an 9:27-30) Peacefulness, be it within an individual’s mind and soul or within society in general, has become a very rare virtue in our contemporary world. The current times are full of all sorts of unrest ranging from insecurity, Oil thelt, armed robbery with violence, kidnapping, cultism, domestic violence. oppression and suppression, double standard in allocation of resources, the diabolical manipulation of the political, social, economic and religious sphere to favour a few and injustice, and uncalled for national and international wars which are all due to uncontrolled materialistic greed and desires to own more and more of the pomp and glitter of this world. The truth of the matter is that Islam is a religion of peace that does not advocate for perpetual war or silence.
Voice of Islam Every Friday With Mallam Ikponmwosa Abdulfattah Enabulele Chief Imam of Benin
Peacefulness And Spreading Peace in Society
lslam advocates for peace because it is a religion of peace. The name Islam itself means peace. This implies that when we consciously choose to totally submit ourselves to Allah through obedience and submission to living according to His laws and regulations, then Allah grants us peace our hearts and minds, peace between us and our fellow human beings, peace between us and other creatures and the environment, and foremost peace between us and Himself. If we Muslims truly believe that Islam is the right way to paradise and that we are the best set of people ever raised up
for mankind. We should know and understand that our actions must speak louder than our words. No matter how much we try to convince people that Muslims are generous, peace loving, tolerant, kind, amicable, charitable and so on, wordds alone are not convincing enough. If our moral values and compassion are not reflected in our actions, the words become meaningless. Demonstrating kindness, leniency, tolerance, patience and benevolence is the best way for the beauty of Islam to be seen in our own lives with our non-muslim family members, neighbours, colleagues, workmates, schoolmates and all our fellow human beings that we interact with. Benelovence in whatever actions we undertake is the best form of dawah that we can give to another person. In fact, it seems that everyone is wishing for and wanting peace, yet it is becoming inceasingly difficult to find this noble
Disaster of this nature can be avoided if there is justice, equity and fairplay in all that we do.
“We should know and understand that our actions must speak louder than our words. No matter how much we try to convince people that Muslims are generous, peace loving, tolerant, kind, amicable, charitable and so on, words alone are not convincing enough. If our moral values and compassion are not reflected in our actions, the words become meaningless. Demonstrating kindness, leniency, tolerance, patience and benevolence is the best way for the beauty of Islam to be seen in our own lives with our non-muslim family members, neighbours, colleagues, workmates, schoolmates and all our fellow human beings that we interact with”
virtue in spite of the high standard of living that many people have today. Though they live an easy life full of all kinds ot material comfort, most people have neglected the true source of peace and looked for it elsewhere. They looked for inner peace in music, sports, movies. wealth, power and positions of influence, promiscuity, alcohol, drugs and other things, all in vain. The true source of inner peace and peacefulness is in understanding the purpose of our creation: knowing and believing in our sole Creator. Cherisher, and Sustainer: and calling on Him constantly, seeking peace from Him as the Prophet used to do: It was narrated that Thawban said: When the Messenger of Allah had finished prayer. he would ask for forgiveness three times, and then say: Allahumma anta as-Salamu wa minka assalamu, tabarakta ya dhaljalali wal-ikram. (O Allah, You are Peace and from You is all peace. Blessed are You, 0 Possessor of majesty and honour.) Al—Waleed said: I asked Awzi’i: How does one ask for forgiveness? He replied: Say, Astaghfirullah astaghfirullah. (I ask Allah for forgiveness. I ask Allah for forgiveness) Allah also confirmed in the Glorious Qur’ an that hearts will find inner peace and tranquillity in believing in Him, always remembering Him with words of glorification, supplicating to Him, being grateful to Him, and seeking for His mercy, forgiveness, and bounties. Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction (inner peace) in the remembrance of Allah; for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction (inner peace). (Qur’an 13: 28). 0 Allah! You are the true source of peace and mercy. Grant us inner peace in our hearts, minds, and souls, and make us peaceful people who love peace and spread peace. Ameen.
Politeness Is Another Moral Virtue Missing In Our Society
POLITENESS is moral virtue that helps us to reduce the number of our enemies and to guard ourselves from the evil and harm that can be avoided from simple—minded people when we behave politely to them. According to the words of Allah’s Messenger in this hadith evil people who are well known for their vile and evil speech should he avoided. Furthermore, it does not cost us much to be gentle and amicable to our fellow human beings even if they have wronged us. Similarly, it would not cost us anything to he polite and avoid embarrassment and vile behaviour from rude and
uncouth people, who are always looking for any excuse to cause trouble and create a mountain out of nothing. Such people if not avoided and guarded against by behaving politely to them may become a great source of pain and discomfort in our lives, Hence, Allah’s Messenger gave us the apt advice to avoid them by all means. This is also what Allah said when He was
praising his devoted righteous servants who are humble, polite and amicable to people: Those who witness no falsehood and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it honourably and avoid it. (Qur’an 25: 72) Politeness is not a manifestation of weakness or cowardice as some people may misinterpret it. Rather it is a sign of maturity and strength in dealing with fellow human beings. This is why the Prophet promised great rewards for those who leave off argumentation with people once they sense or realize that continuing with it would not bring any good results, even though they think they are right and even when they have a better or stronger argument. The Prophet said: I am a guarantor of a house in the outskirts
of paradise for a person who refrains from opinion—based arguing, even if he or she is in the right. Moreover. Allah’s Messenger (promised paradise to those who speak nicely to their fellow human beings, who feed people, and who are concerned with their devotional prayers and fasting. Ali (may Allah be please with him) narrated that the
Messenger of Allah said: Indeed in paradise there are chambers whose outside can be seen from their inside and their inside can be seen from their outside. A Bedouin stood up and asked: Who are they for, Messenger of Allah? He said: For those who speak well, feed others, fast regularly, and perform prayer during the night while the people are asleep.
“Politeness is not a manifestation of weakness or cowardice as some people may misinterpret it. Rather it is a sign of maturity and strength in dealing with fellow human beings. This is why the Prophet promised great rewards for those who leave off argumentation with people once they sense or realize that continuing with it would not bring any good results, even though they think they are right and even when they have a better or stronger argument”
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CLASSIFIED:CHANGE OF NAME IMOBIOH – I, formerly Miss Imobioh Augusta Oghomen now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Okojie Augusta Oghomen. All former documents remain valid. General public and Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN) please take note.
formerly known and addressed as Miss Selekeye Tekmeka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Selekeye Elisheva Anabui. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
AZIKE – I, formerly Miss Azike Isioma Oriohan now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Ogbeide Isioma Oriohan. All former documents remain valid. General public and Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN) please take note.
OGBOMO – I, formerly known and addressed as Monday Ogbomo now wish to be known and addressed as Michael Ernest. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
ORUA – I, formerly known and addressed as Ikoedem Orua Antia now wish to be known and addressed as Iko-Abasi Orua Antia. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the general public should please take note. OKUOIMOSE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okuoimose Faith now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Osas Tarighobe. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. AIWORO – I, formerly known and addressed as Samuel Aiworo now wish to be known and addressed as Samuel Nosakhare. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, First Bank Nig. Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Fin Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc and the general public should please take note. IGBINEDION – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igbinedion Juliet Osarugue now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oshionwu Juliet Osarugue. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. OKWUOSA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Uzonwanne Okwuosa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Uzonwanne Inomwan. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. TEKEMEKA – I,
EDOBOR – I, formerly known and addressed as Edebor Enogieru Jude now wish to be known and addressed as Augustine Enogieru Jude. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note. MUSA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Musa Helen Pius now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oshiotse Enakhe Helen. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, State Universal Basic Education Board Edo State (SUBEB) and the general public should please take note. OSAGIE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osagie Omoyemwen Patience now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikponmwosa Omoyemwen Patience. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, Local Government Service Commission Edo State and the general public should please take note. NWOSA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Linda Nwosa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chioma Linda Nnamdi Ozuruigbo. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities, First Bank Nig. and the general public should please take note. OKWILAGWE – I, formerly known as Miss Emike Sametu Okwilagwe now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Maureen Emike Imimole. All former documents remain valid. E.C.T.S and the general
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PUBLIC NOTICE
THE REVEALED-WORD-CHRISTIAN The above named church has CHURCH applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission
Abuja for registration in accordance with provision of Companies and Allied Matters Decree No. 1 of 1990 of Federal Republic of Nigeria. THE TRUSTEES ARE: Sede Igbaudumhe Peter (Ph.D) (Pastor and Overseer) Sede Thomas Trustee Sede Joses Trustee Okunima Solomon Trustee Abba Alex Trustee AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) To preach and teach the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus-Christ 2) To ensure and encourage the observation of the Holy-Scriptures by the Lord Jesus-Christ. 3) To assist in the growth and development of the Christian faith in members and the church at large. 4) To conduct baptism for converted souls. 5) To conduct and encourage Christian marriages 6) To conduct prayers, as need arises, for members of the church and the nation. 7) To provide Christian services for members and the church Any objection to the registration should be directed to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, P. M. B. 198 Garki, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.
Signed Sede Igbaudumhe Peter (Ph.D)
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Opinion
Governor Orji And Foreign Trips IT has become obvious that the Abia State Government House, Umuahia, is no longer conducive to Governor T.A Orji, as he is supposedly bent on spending more time abroad than at home. So-they-said, he just returned from a weeklong trip from Canada that his kowtowing aides dubbed economic trip and aswell described it as “a huge success”. Whatever this means! The “huge success” Orji could not give to Abia people in the cause of governance is what he has always enjoyed abroad where government knew the through meaning of governance and has made sure that success always comes to play, while the governor was mouthing that his trip was investor-friendly. Addressing Abians who thronged the Umuahia Government House Banquet Hall, shortly after his return, he said he had discussed areas of interest with the interested investors. Always making cymbal out of any journey he made to overseas, Orji would rent his cronies and friends to throng the Government House, Umuahia, to celebrate his return. Hooey! This is typical when he nearly not returned from overseas last year after weeks it was said that he visited his daughter who put to bed. Orji took last year and celebrated himself as a governor in the Diasporas and was making blast out of nothing, in guise that he was having town hall meeting with Abia people in precisely, the USA. The same last year, he was travelling like school children
By ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE
on excursion to Abuja and Lagos, luring and lobbying Abia people in those states to believe his speechifying that works were going on in Abia State, when such speechmakings were only but ruse. Governor Orji’s freshly trip to Canada will not make a difference from other ineffectual trips he had made and told the world that very soon Abia State would be flooded by investors. The saddening part of the whole nuisance is that his government functionaries who always enjoy the trips with him will not call him to order that Abia people are asking questions about the much touted Monorail and Waste management projects that his government spent the Abia people’s hard earned money in the media advertising elusive projects that only existed in the minds of the Orjis than those projects could possibly be drawn on ground in Abia State. But at his back, you hear those government functionaries bemoaning their unhappiness with the ‘Emperor of Abia State’. Do we still remember the German company which only came for presentation on the waste management project in the state and the government advertised the visit in the media as if it had a contract signed with the German company? The same thing is about to happen as it was news that Orji had instructed some of his aides to make sure that the apparently Canadian investors visit the state soon. It can be construed that the Government of Abia State-led
by Orji is doing everything within its reach to launder its decrepit representation. If not, how could the same government which last year amplified how it gave and shared (N10B?) to farmers be
the Canada would strengthen the two-pronged relationship between Nigeria and Canada, as if he is the president of Nigeria. No doubt, Orji lacks
people in the state also wear baked tears with only repose on fate to give them a better governor in the future who would polish the state from the ruins it has come to suffer under Governor Orji. It should not surprise us by tomorrow if we read from
• Governor Theodore Orji, Abia State
talking about imploring the services of a Canadian company in the area of agriculture? We are not even talking about environmental control in the state that many billions of naira have been spent on contracting the services of indigenous contractors, yet Abia State is changing from bad to worst in waste management. The issue of oil and gas in Abia State is a story for another day. Can anyone imagine that Governor Orji was quoted as saying that his ‘business’ trip to
“Do we still remember the German company which only came for presentation on the waste management project in the state and the government advertised the visit in the media as if it had a contract signed with the German company? The same thing is about to happen as it was news that Orji had instructed some of his aides to make sure that the apparently Canadian investors visit the state soon.”
the perimeter of governance! The trip can never be in the overall interest of Abia State as he wanted us to believe, when Orji could not utilise the resources already in the state. He expected that the peopleoriented programmes that Abia people have always been tasty of under his government can only see the light of the day when foreign investors come and manage our affairs. Where is the EFCC? Does somebody smell something like misappropriation of Abia people’s fund on foreign trips and the contracting of foreign investors? Was it not the same Canada that the governor said that would be building monorail in Abia State? Where is the Monorail? Why is it that anytime Governor Orji returned from any trip overseas, he calls for celebration? When he has nothing to show in Abia State in term of dividends of democracy and when Abia
Governor Orji’s ingratiating aides that this writer is not certified to judge their public servant; if they will not even call Yours Truly names and fabricate stories against him because they are experts in such, and tell the world how their bible said that the masses should pray for their leaders, even in the face of tyranny. It is annoying that Governor Orji always run to overseas to contract companies there to come and help develop Abia State, even when he has refused to yield to the purportedly call by the Akwa Ibom State Government to enter into an agreement with it, so that Akwa Ibom would extend its networks of good road projects to Abia State, since Orji has an inadequate approach to good governance. • Odimegwu Onwumere, Poet/Author, contributed this piece from Aba, via: apoet_25@yahoo.com
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Insight GLOBAL warming, climate change and sustainable development are perhaps the major themes that have dominated the centre stage in scientific debates or researches over the last couple of decades. The worrisome conclusions emanating from such scientific researches and public debates are that global temperature has been on the increase over the last couple of decades as a result of human activities. Therefore, scientists across the globe have issued serious warnings about the possibility of global ecological catastrophe if such human activities remain unchecked. Although many scientists believe and have demonstrated that global temperature has indeed been on the increase, however, a handful of scientists believe strongly that human activities are not in any way responsible for global warming/climate change. Thus, against the background of climate change denial or skepticism, the paper seeks to examine among other things, the science, politics and economics of climate change on the one hand, and the role of the local media in reporting climate change on the other. Thus, having carefully considered, consumed or rather digested the myth and facts of global warming/climate debate against the background of evidential data, the paper submits that global warming/climate is indeed a reality and worth giving enormous coverage both in electronic and print; local and international media. The author laments why the local media is not doing enough reportage on global warming/climate compared to western media. 1.0 INTRODUCTION
It has been asserted that change is the only constant thing in the universe. Global climate/temperature by extension has equally witnessed appreciable change overtime as observed by scientists and reported by the media. From the continent of Africa to America, Asia, Australia, Europe or somewhere across the globe, the negative impact of global warming/climate change has been quite manifest in one way or the other. For instance, the wanton destruction of lives and property occasioned by hurricane Katrina some years back and more recently super storm Sandy in far away America, the flooding of River Niger in our own backyard and its resultant effects; the increasing desertification in North Africa, the melting of the polar ice are but a few classic phenomena that have been attributed to global warming/climate change. And mind you, there have been apocalyptic predictions that some islands, coastal towns and cities will be obliterated as a result of rising sea level while some plant and animal species will go extinct in no distant time if nothing drastic is done to reverse the colossal damage that has already been done to global climate. In other words, unless there is a deliberate effort aimed at cutting down the emission of green house gases into the atmosphere, humanity could face a bleak prospect of going the way of the dinosaur. Let us at this point imagine a SCI-FI or a scenario whereby aliens in another planet (if they exist) write classic stories about the destruction of the ozone layer and the planet Earth using the 5 Ws and H
Reporting Climate Change: principle: Once upon a time, a beautiful planet called Earth located among several other planets within the solar system and with a population of about 7 billion people spread across six continents once existed. And the inhabitant of the planet by their actions and inactions collectively decided to destroy or rather annihilate every living creature on the beautiful planet that were created by Almighty God through his infinite wisdom. With technological advancement, the inhabitants of the planet increased global temperature through the emission of green house gases (Carbon Dioxide C02) consequently destroying the ozone layer. Ultimately, it got to a regrettable stage when every creature was gasping for breath as a result, everything on Earth melted away! Perhaps, with this doomsday scenario in mind, the alarm bells from scientists, activists and environmental crusaders are becoming louder and louder while the local media seem to be ill prepared in the business of propagating the gospel of global warming/ climate change. Therefore, the paper seeks to provide valid answers to fundamental questions such as: To what extent is global temperature actually rising? Is human activity actually the cause of global warming/climate change? And is the media doing enough reportage on climate change? 2.0 PERSPECTIVES ON E N V I R O N M E N T, GLOBAL WARMING
The Loc
CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT As earlier mentioned, Global warming/climate change and Sustainable Development are perhaps the major themes that have dominated the centre stage in scientific debates or researches over the last couple of decades.
affecting the life and development of organisms.” Sada (1988) conceive environment as a system within which living organisms interact with the physical elements. This system is referred to as the ecosystem. Having carefully studied the complex interaction among
not exceeded. The third law is the of persistence which st that “many spec especially dominants o community, are capabl surviving and maintain their spatial position a their habitat and even
Therefore, a clear understanding of these terminologies, concepts and other related terms will no doubt enhance our deeper understanding of the content of this paper. So let us quickly examine the following definitions: ENVIRONMENT According to Webster’s New College Dictionary, “Environment is the aggregate of all the external conditions and influences
organisms within the ecosystem Dausereau (1 966,P.425- 62) identified twenty -seven “ecological laws.” Some of the laws that are relevant to this discussion are: The first law is the law of in optimum which posits that “no specie encounters in any given habitat is the optimum conditions for all its functions.” Man therefore tends to modify his environment to satisfy his needs and desires. The second law is the law of tolerance, which posits that specie is confined to, ecologically, and geographically by, the extremes of environmental adversities that it can withstand. Therefore, the goal of the environmentalist as far as this law is concerned is to ensure that the limits of tolerance are
climate itself have cea favour full vitality” S U S T A I N A B DEVELOPMENT There are many definit sustainable developmen World Commission Environment Development’s Brundtland Commi defines sustai development succinc “Development that mee needs of the present w compromising the abi future generations to me own needs.” The refort further illu contentious issues relat sustainable developmen Take a minute and jot five to ten needs that yo in your own life. Hav listed any needs that c with one another? For ex if you listed clean breathe, but also listed a transportation, your
“With technological advancement, the inhabitants of the planet increased global temperature through the emission of green house gases (Carbon Dioxide C02) consequently destroying the ozone layer. Ultimately, it got to a regrettable stage when every creature was gasping for breath as a result, everything on Earth melted away!”
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Insight
cal Media Doing Enough? By AIGBOKHAE DOMINIC
law ates ies f a e of ing fter the
might conflict. Which would you choose, and how would you make your decision? If within ourselves, we have conflicting needs, how much is that multiplied when we look at a whole community, city, country,
sed to world? For example, what happens when a company’s L E need for cheap labor conflicts with workers’ needs for ions of livable wages? Or when t. The individual families’ needs for on firewood conflict with the and need to prevent erosion and (the conserve topsoil? Or when ssion) one country’s need for nable electricity results in acid rain tly as that damages another ts the country’s lakes and rivers? How do we decide whose ithout lity of needs are met? Poor or rich Citizens or et their people? immigrants? People living in strates cities or in the countryside? ing to People in one country or t thus: another ? You or your down neighbor? The environment u have or the corporation? This e you generation or the next onflict generation? When there has ample, to be a trade off, whose needs air to should go first? The Long car for and the Short of It’s People needs concerned about sustainable
development suggest that meeting the needs of the future depends on how well we balance social, economic, and environmental objectives— or needs— when making decisions today. Some of these needs are itemized around the puzzle diagram. What social,
economic, or environmental needs would you add to the puzzle? Many of these objectives may seem to conflict with each other in the short term. For example, industrial growth might conflict with preserving natural resources. Yet, in the long term, responsible use of natural resources now will help ensure that there are resources available for sustained industrial growth far into the future. Studying the puzzle raises a number of difficult questions. For example, can the long term economic objective of sustained agricultural growth be met if the ecological objective of preserving biodiversity is not? What happens to the environment in the long term if a large number of people cannot afford to meet
their basic household needs today? If you did not have access to safe water, and therefore needed wood to boil drinking water so that you and your children would not get sick, would you worry about causing deforestation? Or, if you had to drive a long distance to get to work each day, would you be willing to move or get a new job to avoid polluting the air with your car exhaust? If we don’t balance our social, economic, and environmental objectives in the short term, how can we expect to sustain our development in the long term? Elliot (2008) identified seven tenets or keys to achieving sustainable development ( see Table 1). Tablel: Seven Tenets of E n v i r o n m e n t a l Management Tenet Explanation Environmentally! ecologically sustainable That the measures will ensure that the ecosystem features are safeguarded Technologically feasibility That the methods and equipment for ecosystem protection are available Economically viable That a cost- benefit assessment of the environmental management indicates sustainability Socially desirable/tolerable That the environmental management measures are as required or at least are understood by the society as being required Legally permissible That there are regional, national, European or international agreements and/or statutes which will enable the management
measures to be preformed Administratively achievable That the statutory bodies such as governmental departments, environmental protection and conservation bodies are in place and functional to enable the successful and sustainable management Politically expedient That the management approach and philosophies are consistence with the prevailing political climate The summary of the tenet is that in our quest for development, our actions must be environmentally! ecologically sustainable, economically viable, technologically feasibility, socially desirable or at least tolerable, legally p e r m i s s i b l e , administratively achievable and of course politically expedient. 3.0 THE SCIENCE, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS OF GLOBAL WARMING! CLIMATE CHANGE The summary of the science global warming/ climate change is that global climate change is attributable to a number of factors, but most recently to the increasing atmospheric concentration of green house gases (GHGs) including Carbon Dioxide (C02),methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbon(CFCS).These gases are capable of destroying the delicate ozone layer thereby compromising ozone’s layer capability of protecting the earth from harmful ultra violet rays. Thus, scientist elaborating the Arrhenuis Theory of global warming are highly
worried about the increasing concentration of atmospheric GHGs and the unprecedented rise in global temperatures are increasingly having harmful impacts on the environment and human health. Similarly, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC] (2001) warned that if actions are not taken now, global temperature may rise by as 1- 3°C by the year 2100. Despite the weighty scientific evidence in favour of global warming climate change, some scientist and commentators have conceived the issue of global warming climate change in the light of conspiracy theory, fictional or make believe story. Thus, such skepticism may have strengthened the position of some developed economies who are unwilling to pay the economic price of cleaner technology. In other words, there is cost/benefit question. Until we have green technologies ready to deploy, the changes proposed are not practical. Even then, it will still take time to replace the existing infrastructure. The poor in developing countries will pay the price in poverty and lives if they are forced to wait for the arrival of some new green tech before they can gain full access to the energy they need to enter first world status. 4.0 THE MEDIA REPORTAGE ON CLIMATE CHANGE: A C R I T I C A L COMMENTARY Now, here come the fundamental questions that this paper seeks to provide answers to: Is global temperature actually rising? The answer is simply emphatic YES! Is human activity the root cause of
rising global temperature? Again, the answer to the second question is simply emphatic YES! Is the local media doing enough reportage on climate change? The answer to the third question is emphatic NO! A close examination of the content of our local media (both print and electronic) reveals that global warming/ climate change issues is yet to gain sufficient reportage because of a variety of reasons. One of the obvious reason being that most local media practitioners are not conversant with the scientific Jargons associated with the science of global warming/climate change. Of course the science of climate change is not rocket science hence, local media practitioners can be encouraged to effectively report global warming/ climate change. All that is required is for local media practitioners to simply align themselves with global trends while learning skills, terms and concepts in the business of global warming climate change reportage. 5.0 CONCLUSION It is indeed true that global warming/climate change debate has so been characterised by politics. However, the paper submits that beyond the politics of global warming/climate change lies the incontrovertible facts that our planet earth is warming and hence the need to reverse human activities that are responsible for the increase in global temperature or be ready to face the consequences of environmental disaster. Hence local media practitioners are encouraged to be willing disciples in the business of propagating the gospel of global warming/ climate change.
“A close examination of the content of our local media (both print and electronic) reveals that global warming/climate change issues is yet to gain sufficient reportage because of a variety of reasons. One of the obvious reason being that most local media practitioners are not conversant with the scientific Jargons associated with the science of global warming/climate change.”
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Art Alive Int’l Museum Day 2013: Memory Plus Creativity Equals Social Change With FRANCIS ODUPUTE
INTERNATIONAL Museum Day (IMD) is a celebration that held every year on or around 18 May, coordinated by the “International Council of Museums”International Council of Museums (ICOM). The event highlights a specific theme that changes every year and that is at the heart of the international museum c o m m u n i t y ’s preoccupations. The International Museum Day provides the opportunity for museum professionals to meet the public and alert them as to the challenges that museums face. Indeed, following the definition of museums provided by ICOM, a museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, r e s e a r c h e s , communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment. International Museum Day therefore serves as a platform to raise public awareness on the role museums play in the development of society today, on an international level. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day in 1977 to encourage public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society. From America to Oceania, through Europe, Asia and Africa, International Museum Day is a special moment for the museum
community. On this day, participating museums interpret an issue that concerns all cultural organisations. International Museum Day is also a fantastic opportunity for museum professionals to meet their public. At the heart of society, museums are institutions dedicated to its development. Traditionally, International Museum Day is
the richness of our historical heritage, preserved and displayed by museums, together with the inventiveness and vitality that have characterised the museum sector’s action in recent years, are where the strength of museum institutions lies today. This truly optimistic theme in the form of an equation dynamically gathers several concepts that
•A paper deliver by Dr. Irene Odaro at an International Museum Day in Benin City
organised around 18 May. It can last a day, a weekend or a whole week, the objective being to meet at the museum with the motto: “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”. Each year, IMD gathers more museums from all around the world. In 2012, 32,000 museums from 129 countries on five continents participated in the event. The theme: Museums (Memory + Creativity) = Social Change The theme of the blank” “IMD”International Museum Day 2013, Museums (Memory + Creativity) = Social Change, aims at showing that
are essential to define what a museum is today, highlighting the universal nature of those institutions and their positive influence on society. Activities around the world Museums take advantage of the International Museum Day to meet their public and organise original activities. For instance: In Canada, the Bank of Canada’s Currency Museum offers to gather around collections brought in by the visitors; In Nigeria, objects from the reserves of the National Museum Lagos will be displayed in the museum courtyard on 20 May. The next day, a conference on the IMD theme will be animated by a museum professional, followed by a traditional dance show and a theatre play performed by the
“This truly optimistic theme in the form of an equation dynamically gathers several concepts that are essential to define what a museum is today, highlighting the universal nature of those institutions and their positive influence on society.”
museum staff; at the National Museum, Benin City in Edo State, the celebration will be spiced with cultural displays, public lectures and Miss Museum contest, etc. In Mexico, the Museo de la Luz in Mexico City organises the reading of tales in the museum’s rooms, s p e c t a c u l a r demonstrations on the use of lights, a science rally and a conference on the theme “The Scientific Culture in Museums and the Informal Education”. P a r t n e r s Since 2011, ICOM patronizes the European Night of Museums, which is held every year on the Saturday closest to the International Museum Day. In 2013, both events will coincide since the European Night of Museums will take place at the same time as International Museum Day, on Saturday, May 18. On the occasion of the International Museum Day 2013, ICOM is partnering with the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012. Finally, the European Museum Forum (EMF) will grant the European Museum of the Year Award on May 18, 2013, in the GalloRomeins Museum of Tongeren (Belgium), within the frame of a partnership with ICOM. *Additional information courtesy: Wikipedia and ICOM Press Release.
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Art And Culture THE Portuguese were the first European travellers to visit Benin, which they called Beny, this was during the reign of King Ozolua c1472 and 1486 AD. The Portuguese admitted finding a highly developed kingdom with a very advanced system. This visit and subsequent interchanges led to King John II of Portugal who reigned between 1481 to 1495 exchanging correspondences with the King of Benin on a peer like basis. Between 1504 and 1550 AD, the Portuguese established diplomatic and trade relations with Oba Esigie and his kingdom of Benin By the 16th century the Oba sent an ambassador to Lisbon and the king of Portugal reciprocated by sending Christian missionaries to teach the Binis the gospel. The English made their first call in 1 553. This visit was a harbinger of lucrative business, for significant trade relationship soon developed between England and Benin. The British anthropology writer and curator, Henry Ling Roth, described Bini as Great Benin. Other European visitors to Benin in the 16th and 17th centuries brought back to Europe tales of the Great Benin”, a fabulous city of noble buildings and efficient administrative system. The state developed an advanced artistic culture and wrought with unequalled mastery works of arts in bronze, iron and ivory. They expressed events that they considered history-making in carvings. Benin also developed a formidable military establishment. The Benin Bronzes The Benin Bronzes are a collection of more than 3000 brass plaques from the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin. They were seized by a British force in the Benin
With AMBROSE EKHOSUEHI
The Great Benin Kingdom Expedition of 1897 and given to the British Foreign Office. Around 200 of these were then passed on to the British Museum in London, while the remainder were divided among a variety of collections, with the majority being purchased by Felix von Luschan on behalf of the Königliches
Robert Phillips and Captain Gatlwey (the British vice-Consul of Oil Rivers Protectorate) who were pushing for British annexation of the Benin Empire. Britain needed to establish a sphere of influence so that no other European power could later claim Benin as its
local chiefs, fly its flag there, and establish an administration in the territory to govern it. The colonial power must also directly use the economic resources of this colony; otherwise it could not claim it to the exclusion of other European nations. Thus it became imperative to make local
Museum für Völkerkunde in Berlin (the present-day Ethnological Museum). Bronzes are now believed to have been cast in Benin since the thirteenth century, and some in the collection date from the 1 5th and 16th centuries. Between Benin and Britain At the end of the 19th century, the Kingdom of Benin retained its independence and the Oba exercised a.monopoly over trade which the British found irksome. Pressure was mounted by figures such as Vice-Consul James
own. This period in world history was the period of the scramble for Africa which brought about the Berlin Conference of 1884 and 1885 which partitioned Africa amongst the then European powers. The agreement at the end of the Berlin Conference was contained in the General Act which has in part the rule of the Principle of Effectivity or Uti Possidetis “as it stands at the present”, which is that a nation could only claim a colony if that nation actually possessed the colony. To lay claim it must have treaties with the
chiefs to put hand on paper and sign treaties with the European nations. Expeditions were therefore dispatched to coerce traditional rulers into signing treaties. At the time of concluding the Berlin conference in 1885, only the coastal areas of Africa were under European rules, 80% of Africa was effectively under the rules of their traditional kings. But by 1902, 90% of all the land that makes up Africa was under European control. By June 5, 1885, Britain named her Sphere of Influence as extending from Lagos to River Rio Del Ray near Cameroon. This sphere of influence Britain called Oil Rivers Protectorate. But Benin in the middle was not part of it. In March 1892, Henry Gallwey, the British ViceConsul of Oil Rivers Protectorate (later Niger
“At the end of the 19th century, the Kingdom of Benin retained its independence and the Oba exercised a.monopoly over trade which the British found irksome. Pressure was mounted by figures such as Vice-Consul James Robert Phillips and Captain Gatlwey (the British vice-Consul of Oil Rivers Protectorate) who were pushing for British annexation of the Benin Empire.”
Coast Protectorate), visited Benin City hoping to annex Benin Kingdom and make it a British protectorate. Although the King of Benin, Omo n’Oba (Ovonramwen), was sceptical of the British motives he was willing to endorse what he believed was a friendship and trade agreement. He refrained from endorsing Gallwey’s treaty when it became apparent that the document was a ploy intended to make Benin Kingdom a British colony. Consequently the King issued an edict barring all British officials and traders from entering Benin territories. Since Major (later Sir) Claude Maxwell Macdonald, the Consul General of the Oil River Protectorate authorities considered the ‘Treaty’ legal and binding, he deemed the King’s reaction a violation of the accord and thus a hostile act. Between September 1895 and mid 1896 three attempts were made by the Protectorate to enforce the Gallwey ‘Treaty’. The “Benin Massacre” In November in a letter to Lord Salisbury, the British Foreign Secretary, Vice-Consu Phillips requested approval to invade Benin and depose the Oba, adding the following footnote: “1 would add that I have reason to hope that sufficient ivory would be found in the King’s house to pay the expenses incurred in removing the King from his stool” In late December 1896, without waiting for a reply or approval from London, he embarked on a military expedition, He had a few Europeans and 250 African soldiers masquerading in part as porters. The force’s weapons were hidden in the baggage carried by the porters’. The Benin king preferred to let the British enter the city so that it could be ascertained whether or not the visit was a friendly one. The head of Benin Army felt otherwise and without obtaining the kings permission ordered the formation of a strike force to destroy the invaders. On 4 January 1897, the
strike force caught Phillips’ column totally unprepared. Only two British officers survived the annihilation by the Benin soldiers. Benin Punitive Expedition On 12 January 1897, Rear-Admiral Harry Rawson was appointed to lead an expedition to capture the Benin king and destroy Benin City. The operation was named Benin Punitive Expedition, and on 9 February 1897 the invasion of Benin kingdom began. The field commanders were instructed to burn down all Benin kingdom’s towns and villages. The invasion force of about 1200 British Marines, sailors and Niger Coast Protectorate Forces, and composed of three columns. They reached Benin City after 10 days of bitter fighting. One column was routed by Benin soldiers. Immediately after the British invaders secured the city, looting began. Monuments and palaces of many high-ranking chiefs were looted. Homes, religious buildings and palaces were deliberately torched. The British Admiralty confiscated and auctioned off the war booty to defray the costs of the Expedition. The dispersal of the Benin art to museums around the world catalyzed the beginnings of a long and slow European reassessment of the value of West African art. The Benin art was copied and the style integrated into the art of many European artists and thus had a strong influence on the early formation of modernism in Europe. The King of Benin was eventually captured by the British consul-general Moor, deposed and sent to live out his days in Calabar. On December 27, 1899, Britain at last was able to proclaim and promulgate the Protectorate of southern Nigeria, to take effect from January 1, 1900. A new beginning It is in the light of this history, the clamour by many notable persons, the efforts of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the positive attitude of these men and women of goodwill, representatives of some of the greatest museums in the world that a new beginning of rapprochement is being fashioned out.
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State of Emergency
‘Soldiers Won’t Hunt Extremists, They will Hunt Our Women’ – Northern Herdsmen
IT’S no longer news that our President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) has taken what has so far been described as the toughest policy decision since he assumed office in his recent ordering of army into three states of the federation in an attempt to curb the increasingly violent attacks by the armed group known as Boko Haram, a move which the President himself says is “extraordinary measures,” thereby disappointing his critics who say his administration has been the weakest in this democratic experiment. The state of emergency, imposed in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno comes after a spate of attacks on security forces and government targets by Boko Haram in its north-eastern stronghold this month. Jonathan has made it clear that more troops would “immediately” be deployed to the areas. The implication of this is that there will be foot soldiers lurking round every nook and cranny of these states, whether in their full military gear or in combatant, camouflaged appurtenances all in a bid to restore public safety and security. Presently, over 2,600 soldiers are said to have been deployed. The declaration is in accordance with the provisions of section 305 (3(c) (d) (f) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, which states that the President shall have power to issue a state of emergency only when there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety, there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and safety in the federation or any part to require extraordinary measure to restore peace & security or to avert such danger! And if there is any other public danger which clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the federation. The President argued away other issues, that the terrorists have established control over several parts of the nation, destroyed state property and hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty in some parts of the country and send in more troops into the affected states and equip them with sweeping powers of arrest, detention, search, etc. The utility of this remains doubtful especially within the context of the recent Baga debacle where over 200 citizens were allegedly murdered by security agents and thousands of houses were burnt and destroyed. However, a cross section of the Nigerian populace has however criticized the President’s move, saying there
was no need for it since the amnesty programme was already set in motion by the Federal Government. “Declaration of state of emergency rule is a backward approach to critical situations in a democratic society, to the extent that the rule of law is subverted, people are psychologically traumatized, real governance is suspended, development is jettisoned and the essence of the emergency
particularly the affected states, expressed their worry about soldiers lurking around their neighbourhoods and their comments were posted on social media. “We are worried… about soldiers …they could be terrible when they are armed.” They noted that armed military personnel could subject people to all sorts of ordeal, including asking men to do frog jumps in the presence of their wives and
said under condition of anonymity. On their part, women from the affected states are already washing and sunning their hijab, the religious shawl which apparently gives an element of protection. A seamstress from Yobe said more women are coming around to sew hijabs together and the demand for it has increased overnight. “While the ‘war’ would last,
FEMINIQUE With IJEOMA UMEH email: ladywithgoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 08182382839 “Let the women or girl who has attained the age of maturity be free to chose what she wants to do with her life, whether to go with a soldier or civilian and she should do it willingly not under the force of arms. That would amount to subjugation of rights and subvertion of justice.” around with innocent people. We are also in the band wagon of fighting extremists, so if the soldiers come here and behave in a manner suggestive of acting
• President Goodluck Jonathan rule itself is defeated!” Says Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Lagos State House of Assembly. The argument flows from the fragility of the Nigerian State and the intent of some mischief makers who are bent on destabilizing the country and pushing it toward anarchy and disintegration. Residents of these states are already said to be ‘very NIgerians knowing how the present scheme of things would affect them, emotionally, psychologically, economically and otherwise. Four Herdsmen from Borno State, apparently speaking the minds of their contemporaries in other Northern States,
children, flogging family men with ‘koboko’ (cowhide lash) and touching women’s vital organs before their men’s very eyes and that some of them even organize rapes, forceful abduction of women and girls from families, torture of family heads and obtaining whatever caught their fancy by trick or force of arms. Aside that, they complained, accidental discharges become rampant and while the soldiers appear to be battling insurgents, families appear to be mourning more frequently from loss of loved ones. “The soldiers are temperamental. Let government tame them before sending them into our streets” a village head
we will be comfortable in our hijab” one young wife was quoted as saying. However, a critic of the state of emergency, a leader of a Northern youth coalition says the soldiers should come here and mind the orders they have been given and not to mess
extremely, we will treat them as extremists.” To support the youth, Sharia exponents are also threatening to put Sharia to work if anyone is found acting in a manner that would violate the provisions of the Sharia Law. “We are cautioning everyone, both our women, our young
daughters and even the soldiers. We are ready to declare fatua on anyone who does not act according to Allah’s command, whether soldier or civilian.” Meanwhile, Gender Advocates are calling on government to be alive to its responsibilities by ensuring that all the social variables for the declaration of a state of emergency are fully reconsidered and properly addressed, including the adequate safety of lives and property, the upholding of the people’s fundamental right to life, freedom to fend for their families and safety from aggression and resultant effects of such a period as this. The Country Director, Partnership for Women and Justice, an NGO, Maryam Akande stated that the safety of women and children, even the safety of husbands and property should be the primary aims of a good State of Emergency. According to her, women and children suffer so much in such war situations, and their wellbeing, the calculable loses and hardships they would suffer in such situations should be curtailed. She also stated that their freedom of choice should also not be overlooked and their rights to equal and fair treatment should be upheld. “Let the women or girl who has attained the age of maturity be free to chose what she wants to do with her life, whether to go with a soldier or civilian and she should do it willingly not under the force of arms. That would amount to subjugation of rights and subvertion of justice.” She however added that AIDS is real and that informed choice should also include use of contraceptives and antibiotics. Nigerians are also calling on the president to, as a matter of importance, fortify the men of the Joint Tax Force with all the necessary equipment, arms and ammunition. And, if we may add, moral discretion.
Words On Mareble
The one “word you will need is no” -
Bette Davis To Robin Williams
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Viewpoint
Executing A Survival Benefit Support System For Police Families
MR. President, as you and your administration face a Nigeria submerged in the Boko Haram uproar in the North, kidnapping upheaval in the South, militancy hullabaloo in the Niger Delta, and rampant violence, vicious schemes, and institutional exploitation all over the country, the receiving hands from all of these disasters is that lone security agent or law enforcement officer. Mr. President, as you deliberate what type of policy or order to give in regard to the security crisis, think about the mounting corpses of slain officers being recovered after falling victim to the primitively arranged police operations in Nasarawa State and think about the murdered and burnt bodies of officers in Borno State and elsewhere. These are husbands, fathers, and sons, as well as breadwinners to wives, children and to parents. Notwithstanding the reality that they are part of a highly troubled, messy, and higgledy-piggledy police establishment, they made the ultimate sacrifice in their efforts to keep us safe. Now they are gone! As a consequence, their families, especially their wives and children, are left to grieve and to fend for themselves with no well-defined, legislative, survival benefit system. While there is nothing wrong with a state governor making it
By JOHN E. OSHODI Ph,D
known that each of the families of the dead security agents involved in the Nasarawa operation would get N1 million, it is essential to note that these victims are federal officers as there is yet to be an established State police system. Mr. President, the nation lacks a federal based system of life insurance policies for close family members and survivors. There is no Police Health Plan with a package for trauma therapy for families of deceased officers. The traumatically injured officer lacks a systembased insurance or longterm financial plan to cover their hospital bills and other basic needs in their respective place of abode. While from time to time we hear of how a set of monies is presented to survivors, it is usually a one-time deal that is paid out, and at best such collected benefit generally comes late and only brings brief aid to the grieving family. Mr. President, it will interest you to know that the nation currently has a Police Force with no specialized training in p r o f e s s i o n a l psychological services nor does it have a system for trauma therapy and grief counseling/ psychological assistance for grieving families. In many cases these families might be encountering
emotional reactions such as flashbacks or nightmares and undergoing experiences of painful emotions marked with physical sensations of fear and body pain which could be long term. The police force also lacks a system of death and grief studies and a “Family Orientation to Police Life” that could help make the experience of premature death less
“It is time that the Nigeria Police have individual and group counseling and other related services, which should be provided at various commands or locations by trained grief response teams across homes and schools.” should institute a therapeutic system for grieving families seeking comfort and closure. Certainly, there will be police officers killed in the line of duty and as such the use of
executive order to help families of police officers as well as other security agents killed in the line of duty, you will exert pressure on the National Assembly to enact legislation that will
Mohammed Abubakar, IG of Police
President Goodluck Jonathan
shocking to families. Given the fact that premature police deaths are statistically higher overall compared to many professions, the federal ministry of police affairs
peers, and colleagues is more meaningful when the kind of benefits collected by a spouse or family is highly sustaining as these post duty death benefits affect the length and intensity of the whole
psychological resources to attain stability and a support system to help the family cope becomes vital. A line-of duty psychological treatment for grieving families,
“Mr. President, it will interest you to know that the nation currently has a Police Force with no specialized training in professional psychological services nor does it have a system for trauma therapy and grief counseling/ psychological assistance for grieving families. In many cases these families might be encountering emotional reactions such as flashbacks or nightmares and undergoing experiences of painful emotions marked with physical sensations of fear and body pain which could be long term.”
grieving period. It is time that the Nigeria Police have individual and group counseling and other related services, which should be provided at various commands or locations by trained grief response teams across homes and schools. There is a need to begin a telephone program where families and peers of the dead leave information in regard to counseling assistance or other needs. Mr. President, hopefully, as you setout to issue an
provide lifetime worker compensation benefits to survivor families that should also include counseling and other technical supports for the families to help them rebuild their lives. John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D. President, Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation Center for the Study and Advancement of Nigerian Psychological Health Jos593O458@aol.com
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Gender Issues SOME call them the weaker vessel. Others see their roles as restricted to the kitchen. To some, they are just children bearers. They have suffered dissemiation, marginalization and intimidation in the nations of the world including our nation Nigeria. The word woman, is an adult female human. In Nigeria, women have played major roles. Before the coming of the colonial masters, women have made enormous contributions to the growth of their sphere of living. Ever heard about Queen Amina of Zaria? She was a great warrior who built the Zaria wall that is still present till today. What about Queen Idia of the Great Benin empire whose artworks bearing her face have been “hijocked” by the west? Coming to the –colonial and post –colonial days, persons such as Ladi Kwali, whose pottery works were Exhibited at independence; Professor Grace Alole Williams, the first female Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Okonjo-Iweala, the Managing Director, World Bank, Africa and Asia, have shown that a women’s place does not just “end in the kitchen”. In their various capacities, these women have contributed to the growth of the nation. According to Charles Malik, the fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world. Greater roles, await woman in the quest for national growth in Nigeria. With the current spate of immorality rocking the nation, what the women can do is unquantifiable in halting its spread. The Holy Bible, said that if you train up a child in the way, he should go, when he grows, he will not depart from it. The home is the basics or foundation of any society. A good home, a good society and a bad societies, a bad home. The problem we are facing now can be tackled at the root which is the home. Furthermore, one cannot talk about a good society without a good home. Over the years, women have managed their homes excellently. Hardly can you see a mother eat when her child has not done so. The women make sure that their hoseholds are fit to face the challenges of the day’s work. Also, in the agricultural sector, the women farmed alongside their husbands and children (Effah Attoe, 2002). In South eastern Nigeria as at then, women were part and parcel of the oil production. Women were also participants in the procurement and sale of food items and various commodities. In the coastal areas of Calabar, Oron and Niger Delta, women were involved actively in fish drying and other fishing activities. What about the women of Okposi, Uburu and Yala who were active in salt production? Bearing in mind this great role there is no gainsaying that women must be given the opportunity to farm and take part in agricultural activities. According to Wikipedia, more than 50% of agricultural activities while producing 60-70% of food in the region (Sub-Saharan Africa). Again, with these women taking active part in agriculture, food security will be guaranteed. How will more women be in the agricultural sector with improved facilities and merchanized farming and we will be talking about hunger? No it is not possible Additionally, empowerment of women is very important if they are to contribute something
Women As Nation Builders BY EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU
• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy
tangible to the nation. The Bible in Genesis 2:18, made it known that it is “not good for the man to be alone” India great, Mahatma Gandhi, said that the woman is gifted with equal mental capacity as the man. Currently, there are only nine senators out 54 million women (Lisa Denney; opendemocracy. Net). Although, there is a National Gender Policy in Nigeria, it has not fully given women the opportunity to take part in governance and leadership fully, As earlier noted, great women leaders as Queen Amina of Zaria and even. Liberian’ president, Ellen Johnson-sirleaf, have given us a clue that when given the opportunity, women can deliver good governance and leadership. Can I talk about Dr. Dora Akunyili who fought with everything she had back then when she was the Director-General of National Agency for food, Drugs Administration and control (NAFDAC), to “fight fake drugs” in the country. Moreover, the level of illiteracy among women in Nigeria is heart-rending. The Universal Declaration on Human Rights of 1948 recognized education as a basic human right. Wikipedia (2013), stated that women in Nigeria have had various challengers in
obtaining equal education. It further revealed that a positive correlation exist between the enrollment of girls and the gross national product. Currently, the female adult literacy rate in Nigeria is 59.4% as against 74. 4%. With the completion of the Millennium Development Goals target of “education for all”, there is a high chance that the dream might not come to reality. Most people see the education of female as a “taboo” Most times, you hear people say “Na u go train women wey go answer another man name?”. This is the mentality or mindset of most Nigerians. The women are seen as not “profitable” and only fit for the kitchen”. I wonder if educated, if she would have been contributing to the world’s economy. Although, there have been some great achievers in Nigeria ie women achievers, there is more still untapped. There are more Queen Aminas, Iwealas, Margaret Ekpos and Ladi Kwalis waiting to be discovered. Nigeria can achieve greater things if men and women compliment each other in national affairs. Let the fastest way of changing society, according to Charles Malik, which is smobilizing women, be taken to heart in Nigeria.
“Liberian’ president, Ellen Johnson-sirleaf, have given us a clue that when given the opportunity, women can deliver good governance and leadership. Can I talk about Dr. Dora Akunyili who fought with everything she had back then when she was the Director-General of National Agency for food, Drugs Administration and control (NAFDAC), to “fight fake drugs” in the country.”
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FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
Reflection
With Rev Fr John Damian Adizie 08076635886
The Ascenson Of Jesus And His Farewell Address THE feast of ascension is usually celebrated forty days after Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is one of the significant celebrations among the Christians. It marks the handing over and the glorious departure of Jesus Christ into heaven. Within a short period of his public ministry, just three years! Jesus completed his mission on earth. He did what most leaders, especially African leaders, could not do. He courageously handed his authority, his ministry and even his mother, to his apostles, without demanding for a second term or extension. Before his departure, Jesus prayed to his Father, expressing his satisfaction, “Father, I have shown your glory on earth; I have completed the work you gave me to do. Father! Give me glory in your presence” (John 17:4). Jesus did not leave any stone unturned. He knew exactly when his work on earth was completed. Having completed his work on earth, for him, hanging around makes little or no difference. Instead of hanging around he handed over to his Apostles for them to continue from where he stopped. The mission of Jesus was to evangelize the whole world. He came to proclaim the Gospel of God’s kingdom. He wanted everyone to know about His Father and His kingdom. At the early stage of his ministry he went through Galilee preaching the Good News, saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15). This mission was to be accomplished within three years! But how is it possible to move round the world, without plane or jet, within three years? It would have been very difficult if not impossible for Jesus to move round the world the way he did in Galilee. As a wise leader, Jesus chose twelve Apostles and seventy-two disciples. He trained them, empowered them, and commissioned them, and finally he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). These Apostles and disciples were actually the ones God used as instrument to evangelize other parts of the world. The mission of Jesus on earth was successful because it was human oriented and human empowerment. Jesus empowered those who empowered others. With this you can agree with me that human empowerment remains the essence of development. Before his ascension into heaven Jesus made several promises to his followers. These promises were the foundation of Christian hope. Promise is the essence of hope. The writer of the book of Hebrew defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrew 11:1). According to St. Paul, “…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5). Your hope as a child of God will not be in vain. Here are ten farewell promises of our Lord Jesus Christ
before his ascension into heaven. They are motivational statements that propelled the Apostles into action. May God use them to inspire and motivate you! Jesus assured his followers: “I will not leave you like orphans”: God is our father. 1. He is the Father of the fatherless, the Voice of the voiceless. The ascension of our Lord Jesus into heaven does not mean that Jesus will ever abandon his own. There in heaven where
He is seated at the right hand of the Father, He is still interceding for us. Before his ascension he said, “I will not leave you all alone like orphans” (John 14:18). God also assured us in Isaiah 49:15 that even if a mother forgets her child, He will not forget or abandon us. No matter the situation you may find yourself, God will never forsake you. “I will be with you always until the end of time”: 2. The Gospel of Matthew concludes with a promise by our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus assured his followers that he will remain with them forever. He said, “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:20). God is ever with us. His name is Emmanuel: God with us” (Matthew 1:23). In Isaiah 43:2, God said, even “when you pass through waters I will be with you.” Child of God, you are not alone! Stop feeling lonely. God is with you and He will remain with you forever! 3. “I am going to prepare a place for you”: Jesus has gone to prepare a better place for us. He assured his followers:
“These Apostles and disciples were actually the ones God used as instrument to evangelize other parts of the world. The mission of Jesus on earth was successful because it was human oriented and human empowerment. Jesus empowered those who empowered others. With this you can agree with me that human empowerment remains the essence of development.”
“In my Father’s house there are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that go to prepare a place for you…, (John 14:2-4). Your house here on earth may be poor and wretched, or you may not even have a decent house here on earth but remember, you have a glorious home in heaven. “I will come back”: Jesus assured his followers that 4. he would come again. In the Gospel of John chapter 14:18, he said, “…I will come back to you” After promising his followers that he would prepare a place for them, he said, “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). Two men told the followers of Jesus after his ascension, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Act 1:11). No matter what is happening around you, never you give up, remember, Jesus is coming again. He is coming to save you! 5. “The Father will give you the Counselor:” Jesus told his followers, “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive…” (John14:16-17). The best gift Jesus gave his disciples after his resurrection was the gift of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit in your life, your family, your business, your ministry and your office – No shaking! 6. “You will do greater work”: Jesus guaranteed his followers that as long as they believe in him they will perform greater works. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John14:12-14). May God use you to do exploits and any time you cry to him in prayer may He answer you. 7. Your sorrow will turn into joy: Jesus assured his followers, “So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22). No condition is permanent! No matter how sorrowful you are, no matter how sick or vulnerable you may be, with Jesus, I see things turning around for your good. Your sorrow will turn into joy! Your failure will turn into success! Your setback will turn into a stepping stone. 8. “You shall be baptized by the Holy Spirit”: As he was about to leave, Jesus said, “John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). Child of God, wherever you are, right now, reading this reflection -Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit! 9. “The Holy Spirit will teach you all things”: The Holy Spirit is your teacher! Jesus said, “But when the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name comes, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). May the Holy Spirit enlighten your mind and may He grant you retentive memory! 10. You will receive power: The Holy Spirit is not coming empty handed. He is coming with power. He is coming to empower you. He is coming as a Liberating power, He is coming as a Healing Power, He is coming as Anointing power. Jesus said “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). Be filled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit! Receive the power, the healing and the blessing of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name – Amen! After addressing his followers, and as they were looking, Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While they were still gazing into heaven as he went, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:9-11). Jesus is alive! He is with us always! He is coming very soon! We shall see him again as He really is. May His name be glorified forever – Amen!
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FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
International
Compiled By FAITH OKHUELEIGBE
South African Army Prepares For PRETORIA, South “intervention brigade” for Congo Africa - The head of the Congo with an
Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki, second left, visiting members of National Guard, hooded, and military officials in Jebel Chaambi, western Tunisia and close to the Algerian border
South African army says soldiers who will join a United Nations military mission in Congo will be adequately prepared even though his overall force is overstretched and underfunded. Lt. Gen. V.R. Masondo also told media at a breakfast meeting yesterday that the South African units bound for Congo are being helped in their training by troops who participated in a mission in Central African Republic, where rebels killed 14 South African soldiers in March. Masondo says the army learned lessons in Central
Kabul Car Bomb Kills 2 NATO Troops, 4 Contractors
KABUL - A suicide bomber rammed his car into a NATO convoy in the Afghan capital yesterday, killing at least 12 people, including two coalition troops, four civilian contractors and two children, officials said. A Muslim militant group, Hizb-e-Islami, claimed responsibility for the early morning attack and said it had targeted an American convoy. NATO did not immediately release the nationalities of the killed troops and contractors. Six Afghan civilians, including children, were also killed in the explosion, Kabul provincial police spokesman Hashmad
Stanakzi said. Hizb-e-Islami said its newly formed special “martyrdom” unit had been stalking the convoy for weeks. The announcement could mean a steep escalation for the movement, based in northeastern Afghanistan, which has fought against the American-led coalition but is also a fierce rival of the Taliban. Severed body parts littered the scene of the blast in eastern Kabul, and one coalition vehicle was reduced to a mangled pile of metal. The explosion, which wounded more than 35 others
people, was powerful enough to rattle buildings on the other side of the city. The suicide bomber struck about 8 a.m. with a car packed with explosives. “The explosion was very big. It set the nearby buildings on fire,” Stanakzi said. Kabul Deputy Police Chief Daud Amin said it was difficult to count the dead because the blast had shredded many of the victims. “We saw two dead bodies of children on the ground,” Amin said. “But the rest of the bodies were scattered in pieces
RUTH WEDS AYO The Solemnization of marriage between former Miss Edobor Ruth Eseosa (A Businesswoman) and Mr. Falodun Ayodele (A Businessman) took place on Thursday, 16th May, 2013 at the Oredo Local Government Council Marriage Registry in Benin City. Amongst those present were Pastor Samuel Falodun, Elder Isaac Edobor, Mr. Kenneth Okotie, Miss Victoria Odeleye, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the Registry. Congratulations. PHOTO: SONNIE .E.
around.” A spokesman for Hizb-eIslami, Haroon Zarghoon, told The Associated Press that one of the movement’s operatives carried out the attack on what he described as two vehicles of American advisers. He claimed that most of the American advisers were killed and their vehicles destroyed.
African Republic. He did elaborate. The U.N. Security Council has authorized a new
unprecedented mandate to take offensive military action against rebel groups to help bring peace to the east.
Bahrain Demonstrators Jailed For Flag ‘Insult’ MANAMA - A Bahrain demonstrator was sentenced to three months in prison yesterday for hanging a Bahrain flag from his truck during a 2011 rally, a defense lawyer said, in one of the first cases based on tougher codes for alleged insults to the Gulf nation’s ruler or symbols. The specific charges were unclear, but prosecutors argued that draping the flag over the truck during the protest gathering was an offense under the new rules. Many people in Bahrain, however, fly flags from vehicles during celebrations and other events. Flags also are common during antigovernment marches.
In April, Bahrain announced stricter penalties for insulting the Gulf state’s king or national symbols. The measures seek to quell more than two years of protests led by Bahrain’s majority Shiites seeking a greater political voice in the Sunni-ruled nation. Defense lawyer Hashim Saleh said 62-year-old Abdulla al-Sayegh plans to appeal the sentence and the 100 dinar ($265) fine. AlSayegh acknowledged he attended pro-reform rallies during the early days of the Arab Spring uprising. On Wednesday, six Twitter users in Bahrain were given one year each in prison for posts deemed offensive to the king.
VACANCIES FOR TEACHERS SJ CHOSEN SCHOOLS in Evboligun, Benin City has vacancies for subject Teachers in: * Physics * Chemistry * Biology * English/Lit, * Christian Religious Knowledge MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: NCE, BSC, BA Interested candidates should send CV with photocopies of Credentials immediately to: C/o St Joseph’s Chosen Church of God Int’l 1, Ogiamien Street, By Nene Filling Station Sakponba Road, Benin City.
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NIGERIAN
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FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
International
Compiled by FAITH OKHUELEIGBE
Residents Shout ‘Protest!’ Over KUNMING, China More than 2,000 people in Refinery In China southern China unfurled banners and shouted “Protest! Protest!” yesterday to oppose plans for a petroleum refinery, in a large environmental rally that local authorities allowed to go forward in order to let the public vent frustration. The gathering in downtown Kunming — the second one in the city this month — was largely peaceful, though there were minor scuffles with police. Witnesses said at least two people were briefly detained, though it was noteworthy that authorities — apparently eager to appear open and inclusive — made no effort to shut down the rally. A city vice mayor, He Bo, even tried to meet with the demonstrators, but his attempts to explain the refinery project to the crowd were cut short by the cries of a protester. Kunming officials said this week that the refinery planned by powerful state company PetroChina Co. will meet environment standards and is crucial for the local economy, but residents are worried about the air and water pollution that will result. “We don’t need speedy development. What we need is a healthy and peaceful country,” Kunming resident Liu Yuncheng said. “I still haven’t given birth to a baby. I want to be pregnant
and I want a healthy baby.” But while police allowed the protest to proceed, censors scrubbed posts in China’s social media that were critical of the project planned by the powerful state Petro China Co., and employees of state companies were asked to promise not to participate in any rally or talk about the project in public venues or online. The scene in Kunming was in contrast to a planned protest against a petrochemical plant earlier this month in the city of Chengdu , where authorities thwarted the gathering by flooding the streets with police in a supposed earthquake drill, reflecting the balancing act of Chinese officials as they seek to promote economic growth while maintaining social stability. Members of China’s public, especially among the rising middle class, have become increasingly outspoken against environmentally risky factories, in reaction to a decade of development-at-all-costs policies that have polluted the country’s air and waterways. However, they have virtually no say on industrial projects, and have instead turned to organizing protests. Several of those turned violent last year, in some cases prompting local governments to scrap plans for factories.
In response to a May 4 protest by Kunming residents, local government officials and PetroChina held a series of public meetings and promised that operations at the 20 billion yuan ($3 billion) refinery would be environmentally clean. The facility is expected to produce up to 10 million tons of refined oil annually. But officials also said the project’s environmental evaluation report remains confidential, aggravating a public already upset with a lack of information about the project. Residents remain skeptical about any government claim that the project will be safe. “We cherish blue skies and white clouds, as well as good air. If you want to build a refinery with 10 million tons of capacity here in the place where we live, we resolutely oppose it,” said a Kunming resident who identified herself only by her surname, Liu. “We want a good life. We women want to be beautiful.” Kunming Mayor Li Wenrong was quoted in state media last week as saying the public’s opinion would be taken into account in a democratic way in the approval process for another upcoming project — plans to build factory that would produce p-xylene, a toxic chemical used in the production of polyester and other materials.
Chinese demonstrators shout slogans during a protest against a planned refinery project in downtown Kunming in southwest China’s Yunnan province, yesterday. About 2,000 demonstrators concerned about pollution took to the streets in southern China to protest plans for a planned refinery on the outskirts of Kunming. Placards and T-shirts read: “The placards read: “No to Kunming PX
Yemen: 3 Red Cross Workers, expanding 2 Egyptians and using assassinations and abductions of Released foreigners as a way to challenge
SANAA - Three Red Cross workers and two Egyptian technicians who were abducted by armed men in Yemen’s southern province of Abyan have all been released, Yemeni security officials said yesterday. The three staffers from the International Committee of the Red Cross had been held since Monday morning, when armed men stopped their ICRC-marked vehicle in the vicinity of Jaar, near the southern port city of Aden, the ICRC said in Geneva. The three — two international staff and a locally hired employee — were on their way back from a field trip. The two Egyptians were kidnapped a week earlier by the same tribe in an area north of Jaar, the Yemeni officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. The officials said the kidnappers were demanding the release of one of their relatives who is accused in a murder case dating back more than a year ago. Tribal mediation facilitated the release of the abducted, the officials said, without
elaborating. Cedric Schweizer, who heads the ICRC delegation in Yemen, said the Red Cross workers were now safely back in Aden but did not provide more specifics on the identities of the three, their kidnappers or details on how the release came about. “We are relieved and extremely happy to have our colleagues back with us,” Schweizer said, and thanked “all those who gave us their support unconditionally with the aim of getting our colleagues back safe and sound.” The Egyptians were also safe in Aden, the officials said. Kidnapping of foreigners by tribesmen is frequent in Yemen, where hostages are used as bargaining chips to secure the release of Yemeni prisoners or to get cash. But in rare cases, the kidnappers sell their captives to al-Qaida, which then demands ransoms. Yemen’s President Abded Rabbo Mansour Hadi warned last week that the al-Qaida branch in the country was
Claims Of Pakistan Vote Rigging Affect 8 Seats ISLAMABAD Pakistan says it will conduct a recount or re-do the vote for eight national assembly seats following allegations of vote rigging in the recent election. Pakistan election commission official Khurshid Alam said yesterday there are three other seats where the voting remains to be done, either because a candidate was killed in the run-up to the May 11 election or security was too poor to hold the vote.
Alam says the commission has finished counting the votes for 261 of the 272 directly elected seats. The Pakistan Muslim League-N party led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has won 124 seats so far, setting it up to form the next government. The outgoing ruling Pakistan People’s Party won 31 seats. Former cricket star Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party won 27.
the central authority. ICRC has been operating in Yemen since 1962, delivering aid for civilians affected by conflicts in the impoverished Arab nation that has struggled to beat back al-Qaida militants and the country’s political divisions. The Geneva-based humanitarian organization has more than 200 staff in the country, including 50 international employees, working in Sanaa, Aden, Saada, Amran and Taiz. They provide health care, deliver relief assistance and work to improve water supplies.
People sit outside a campaign office of a candidate in Pakistan’s nationwide elections in Islamabad’s slums on Tuesday. The final vote count from weekend’s nationwide elections in Pakistan on Tuesday confirmed a big win for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s party
Cambodia Factory Collapse Kills 2 PHNOM PENH - The ceiling of a Cambodian factory that makes Asics sneakers collapsed on workers early yesterday, killing two people and injuring seven, in the latest accident to spotlight lax safety conditions in the global garment industry. About 50 workers were inside the factory south of Phnom Penh, the capital, when the ceiling caved in, said police officer Khem Pannara. He said heavy iron equipment stored on the floor above appeared to have caused the collapse. Two bodies were pulled from the wreckage and seven people were injured, he said. Rescuers combed through rubble for several hours and after clearing the site said that nobody else was trapped inside. At a clinic where she was being treated for her injuries, worker Kong Thary cried on the telephone as she recounted the collapse. “We were working normally and suddenly several
pieces of brick and iron started falling on us,” the 25-year-old said. An initial investigation showed the ceiling that collapsed was poorly built and lacked the proper building materials to support heavy weight, said Ou Sam Oun, governor of Kampong Speu province, where the factory was located. Chea Muny, chief of a trade union for factory workers, identified the factory as a Taiwanese-owned operation called Wing Star that produces sneakers for Asics, a Japanese sportswear label. He said shoes made at the factory were imported to the United States and Europe. An Asics spokeswoman in Tokyo confirmed the factory was in contract to make Asics running shoes. She said Asics was trying to determine what happened. “We understand that some people have died, so first we offer our condolences,” said
spokeswoman Masayo Hasegawa in Tokyo. She said she did not have information on the last time the building structure had been inspected but added, “We want the highest priority to be placed on saving lives.” The factory complex, which opened about a year ago, consists of several buildings and employs about 7,000 people, said Pannara, the police officer. The structure where the collapse occurred was mainly used as a storage warehouse for shoeproduction equipment but had a small work area for about two dozen people, Chea Muny said. The garment industry is Cambodia’s biggest export earner, employing about 500,000 people in more than 500 garment and shoe factories. In 2012, the southeast Asian country shipped more than $4 billion worth of products to the United States and Europe.
The accident comes about three weeks after a building collapse in Bangladesh killed 1,127 people in the global garment industry’s deadliest disaster. “This shows that the problem is not only isolated to Bangladesh, and that companies (elsewhere) are trying to drive prices down by taking shortcuts on workers’ safety,” said Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch. Last month, the U.N.’s labor office released a report that called for “urgent attention” to worker safety violations in the Cambodian garment and footwear industry. The report by the International Labor Organization found “a worrying increase in fire safety violations,” including that only 57 percent of factories kept paths free of obstructions. It reported “unacceptable” heat levels, abuse of overtime hours and a lack of worker access to drinking water.
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FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
International
Compiled By FAITH OKHUELEIGBE
Gunmen Kidnap 6 Egyptian Security Men In Sinai CAIRO - Suspected militants in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula abducted six security personnel, including a border guard, as they headed to Cairo for holidays early yesterday, security officials said. The officials said masked gunmen ambushed two taxis at gunpoint outside the city of el-Arish, the capital of North Sinai governorate, early yesterday. The gunmen then fled with five policemen and one border guard, none of whom were in uniform. The officials earlier said seven men had been kidnapped but revised the figure after they confirmed one of the policemen was already on holidays. Four of the policemen work in the Rafah border terminal leading to the Gaza Strip, and one was in a riot police unit deployed in the peninsula. The border guard was a member of the military.
Greek Strikes Halt Air Travel ATHENS — Flights in Greece have been halted for four hours as the country’s two largest labor unions staged work stoppages to protest austerity measures and the government decision to cancel a teachers’ strike. Flights are being grounded between 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. (0900-1300 GMT) yesterday as air traffic controllers joined the protest called by labor unions GSEE and ADEDY. The government this week issued an emergency order to force high school teachers to work through the May 17-31 university entrance exams and cancel plans for rolling strikes. It was the third time the conservative-led government used the emergency civil mobilization order to end a strike this year.
The officials said they have identified the kidnappers and suspect they held the security members hostage to demand the release of other militants held in prison. It was the first time members of Egypt’s security forces were kidnapped by suspected militants. Egypt’s state news agency said President Mohammed Morsi held an emergency meeting with the defense and interior ministers to discuss the kidnapping. Disgruntled Bedouin tribesmen in the increasingly lawless peninsula have briefly held tourists to demand the release of their relatives held on criminal charges. Criminals and Islamic militant groups have exploited a security vacuum that developed in the Sinai since the 2011 uprising against longtime autocratic leader Hosni Mubarak. The militants have increased their presence in the area, which lies along the border with Hamas-ruled Gaza as well as Israel. They often target police stations and security forces there, and were last year suspected to be behind one of the worst attacks in modern history against the Egyptian military — a raid near the border that left 16
soldiers dead. The perpetrators of the August 2011 attack however remain unidentified. Weapons have also flowed into the peninsula from Libya, posing an additional challenge to the security forces there. The security officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters. They said forces in the Sinai were on high alert, particularly along the border with the Gaza Strip.
Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian man during clashes that erupted during a rally marking Nakba Day in Jerusalem.
Israel Police Ban Jews From Jerusalem JERUSALEM — Israeli above the ruins of the and will reopen for others police have temporarily biblical Jewish Temples. Holy Site after security assessments. barred Israeli Jews and tourists from entering the most hotly contested Jerusalem holy site after Palestinian demonstrations. Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the ban, announced yesterday, is a precaution. On Wednesday, violence erupted as the Palestinians held an annual day of mourning and protests over the displacement of Palestinians following Israel’s creation in 1948. Police say Jewish worshippers inside the Old City were attacked during the unrest. Jews and Muslims revere hilltop the site, where the Al-Aqsa Mosque was built
The competing claims are a key issue in the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict Rosenfeld said the site remains open for Muslims
Palestinians see visits by Jews as a provocation, and disturbances often erupt.
Car Bomb, Shootings In Iraq Leave BAGHDAD - Four car amid growing bombs killed over a dozen 15 Dead comes tensions between the Shiitepeople in sprawling Shiite neighborhoods of the Iraqi capital and in a northern city yesterday morning, while gunmen cut down the brother of a Sunni lawmaker, officials said. Baghdad police said the first blast struck a bus and taxi stop around rush hour in the eastern Sadr City neighborhood. Nine people were killed, including a 7year old child, and 16 were wounded, two officers said. Another car bomb hit a small market at a taxi stop
Civilians inspect the aftermath of a car bomb attack while Baghdad municipality workers clean up in Baghdad, Iraq.
in the eastern suburb of Kamaliya, killing three civilians and wounding 14 others, they said. In the northern city of Mosul, a suicide attacker rammed his car into an army check point, killing two soldiers and wounding three others, another police officer said. The attack came just after a car bomb wounded two civilians, he said. Mosul is located 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of Baghdad. In Baghdad’s southwestern neighborhood of Baiyaa, drive-by shooters shot and killed a brother of a Sunni lawmaker and wounded two of his guards, two other police officers said. Four medical officials in a nearby hospital confirmed the causality figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to brief reporters. The attack followed a wave of bombings on Wednesday that struck in mainly in Shiite neighborhoods, killing 33 people. At least seven of them died in Sadr City when a bomb in a parked car detonated at a bus stop. The spike in violence
led government and Iraq’s Sunni minority over what they consider second-class treatment. A bloody government crackdown on militants last month in a protest camp in the country’s north fueled the tension. Iraq’s embattled Shiite Prime Minister Nouri alMaliki blamed sectarian tension for the latest attacks. “We have to know that today’s bloodshed is the result of sectarian hatred and also the result of a stirring up of these sectarian tensions,” al-Maliki said at a government-sanctioned conference addressing atrocities committed under dictator Saddam Hussein. Incitement could be coming from inside or outside the country, he added. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the Wednesday and yesterday attacks, but car and suicide bombings are a hallmark of al-Qaida’s Iraq branch. The spike in attacks, after a general decrease in violence, has raised fears of a return to the sectarian bloodshed that pushed the country to the brink of civil war in 2006-2007. Shiite militias have so far been largely restrained in their reactions to such bombings.
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FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
By SAM EHEBHA GSM: 08056626091
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Copa del Rey Final ’ll Be Strange - Ronaldo CRISTIANO Ronaldo says playing today’s Copa del Rey final in an Estadio Santiago
Bernabeu half full of Atletico Madrid supporters will be strange, but should not stop Real
Cristiano Ronaldo,is set for Copa del Rey final against Atletico
Madrid winning the trophy. Spanish authorities set the ‘derbi’ final venue earlier in the season, with the Friday evening kick-off agreed so as not to clash with the following night’s Eurovision song contest on Spanish TV. The 80,000-seater ground will now have about 30,000 fans of each team, although reports have suggested that ticket prices of up to 275 Euro mean the game may not sell out. The Portugal international told Real Madrid TV that so many away fans inside the Bernabeu would feel odd but would not affect his team’s approach. “It is going to be a strange final because we are playing in our stadium, but the fans will be divided 50-50,” Ronaldo said. “That is not going to take away our ambition to win this cup. We know that the stadium will be divided and we hope the best team wins. If we go out strongly and play as we know how, that will be us.” Ronaldo said he hoped his side
Juninho Says Barca Needs Neymar FORMER Brazil and Atletico Madrid midfielder Juninho has backed Santos striker Neymar to move to Barcelona in the summer, insisting the 21-yearold “needs European experience”. Neymar has been linked with a move to the Spanish champions either this year or following the 2014 World Cup, with Barca president Sandro Rosell confirming the Brazilian is part of the club’s future plans. Juninho, 40, believes his compatriot would benefit from playing in Spain next season, leading into the World Cup, and claims Barca could do with some added attacking flair. “Everyone’s saying that
Neymar will leave in the middle of the year, and Barcelona have been mentioned [as his new club] all along,” he told Onda Cero. “I do believe Neymar needs European experience. He will need to adapt at first because Brazilian football is a little different. “From what I know, he might go to Barcelona, it’s what everyone has been saying in Brazil since forever. Barcelona don’t have the unity they had a few years ago, they need to bring in reinforcements. I think he [Neymar] would enjoy Barcelona more because of their playing style. He would fit better there.” Juninho, who retired from
football in 2010, went on to praise Atletico for keeping pace with Real Madrid and Barcelona this season, backing his former side to take the honours in Friday’s Spanish Cup final against Real.
difficult moments after the defeat against Rennes, and the one against Nice. I’ll take my decision after that,” the PSG coach, who has a year left on his current deal in the French capital, told L’Equipe. “Today, it’s 5050. I’m well settled here and I’m someone who doesn’t like change. I was disappointed when I left Chelsea. If I leave Paris, there will of course be sadness, it’s normal. In the meantime, I want to clarify everything.” The question Ancelotti hopes to resolve is that of the vision of the club’s owners, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), who have spent more than +200 million on assembling the squad. QSI reportedly threatened their coach with the sack after the team
Thibaut Courtois
Coutois Eyes Madrid Upset
THIBAUT Courtois believes Atletico Madrid’s European Super Cup success over Chelsea shows they can defeat Real Madrid in Friday’s Copa del Rey final. Atletico went into August’s showpiece game against Chelsea as underdogs but beat the Champions League holders with a 4-1 win that featured a stunning hattrick from Radamel Falcao. Los Colchoneros are similar outsiders - around 5/1 with the bookies - for this week’s Copa final at Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but their Belgian goalkeeper said his team were used to overcoming such odds. “With their budget and players it could be that [Madrid] are favourites,” Courtois said, “but finals are different. Chelsea were also a clear favourite.”
Lewandowski To Make Way For Hyypia said. “We now At Leverkusen Lewandowski have a functioning team that has
BAYER Leverkusen head coach Sascha Lewandowski is to step down after the final match of the season, making way for Sami Hyypia to become the club’s sole boss. Lewandowski and Hyypia have been working in partnership since April 2012, first leading the club into the Europa League and then securing third place, and a Champions League spot, in their
Ancelotti To Discuss Future With PSG up four points from five CARLO Ancelotti will meet Board Today picked league games before Christmas with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on today to discuss his future with the coach claiming it is “50-50” whether or not he remains at the Parc des Princes. With intense media speculation linking Ancelotti with a summer switch to Real Madrid, the Italian has stated frequently in recent weeks he would turn his attention to his personal situation once PSG had clinched the Ligue 1 title. With a third French crown secured last Sunday, the former AC Milan and Chelsea boss will sit down with Al-Khelaifi to clear the air over certain incidents which occurred during PSG’s poor month of November. “Things happened during the season that I want to clarify,
received a reception similar to that before the second-leg match against Borussia Dortmund when Blancos fans along the streets outside the Bernabeu cheered the team bus towards the stadium. “It was amazing,” he said. “Since I have been here I have never seen a reception like that. It was a really special, unique moment that none of us players will ever forget. I hope that the same happens on Friday because it motivates us to give our all when we hit the playing field. We are very excited about this trophy and we want to win. We know it is going to be a really hardfought game against an opponent from the same city. It is going to be a great show. Hopefully Real Madrid can win.” The former Manchester United man headed an extra-time winner against Barcelona in Madrid’s last Copa del Rey final appearance in 2011. He said he felt an extra responsibility to do something special again. “I am approaching it as I do any other match, but with added responsibility,” Ronaldo said. “In my head I go into all matches in the same manner, but this is a final. It is a special match, but my ambition will always be the same - to help Real Madrid as best I know how, which is trying to play well, scoring goals, assists. My team-mates and I are playing well.
with PSG’s 2-1 Champions
first full season in charge. However, there have been reports in the German media of rifts between the pair, and Hyypia told ZDF in March that “the arrangement is not easy for either of us”. Lewandowski, formerly in charge of the Under-19 side, will thus make way after Saturday’s game at Hamburg, and become head youth coach with the club. “I’m happy that I’ve been able to help over the past 14 months after taking charge of the first team alongside Sami Hyypia in a difficult situation,”
Sagna Wants PSG ARSENAL’s defender Bacary Move Sagna says a move to Ligue 1 champions PSG would be appealing. The 30-year-old enters the final year of his Arsenal contract in the 2013/2014 season. “Of course it makes me proud to read PSG are interested. They are a very attractive club,” Sagna told Le 10 Sport. “Personally I’ve not been approached by PSG. I don’t know if they have contacted my agent or if these are rumours. “At Arsenal, in the dressing room they tease me every day telling me I will leave to play at
PSG, but it is speculation. “I don’t know what is going to happen. I could very well extend my contract here in London but equally I could leave at the end of the season. I only have one year left on my contract. We will see. “At the moment I am fully focused on Arsenal. I don’t know what will happen this summer. “I have to see the directors again regarding an extension to my contract. Monaco would be a new challenge. I don’t close any door to PSG, Monaco or Arsenal.”
great potential and is playing good and successful football. “It hasn’t been an easy decision as I have to give up the excellent collaboration with the players and the prospect of a great challenge in the Champions League. On the other hand, I’m very much looking forward to my new job.”
Courtois, who turned 21 last week, said press stories about splits in the Madrid camp were of no interest to him or his Atleti team-mates. “We have to look at ourselves,” he said. “I do not know what happens in their dressing room. These are things the press talks about. Maybe they all get on well...” Facing up to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored six goals against him in just three games, was not a problem, Courtois maintained. “I am not concerned,” he said. “[Ronaldo] is a good player with a good shot. You learn from these things.” Atletico coach Diego Simeone’s plan was to keep things tight and look to hit Madrid on the break, Courtois suggested: “It will not be easy. If we defend well and we keep a clean sheet, then we can catch them on the break.” If the game finishes level and goes to penalties, the goalkeeper said he would be prepared. “We have not practised them yet,” he said. “We will look at the video today or tomorrow. If we win the final on penalties it would be pretty good too.”
Rooney Tipped For England Captaincy ENGLAND’s manager Roy Hodgson insists he has no qualms over Wayne Rooney’s ability to fire for the Three Lions in the coming weeks, despite the striker facing growing uncertainty over his future at Manchester United. Rooney, 27, has been heavily
Wayne Rooney
linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer after dropping out of favour under Sir Alex Ferguson on occasion this season. But Hodgson insists he is unfazed by Rooney’s domestic struggles and has suggested the forward may be named captain in Steven Gerrard’s absence for the upcoming friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil. “He knows he is right up there,” Hodgson said. “He has captained England once for me, at home to San Marino. I know he enjoyed that experience and I am pretty sure there are times when he will captain England again. “There are rumours circulating about whether he wants a move and if Manchester United are prepared to sell him.
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Gunners Fear UCL Failure
Van Persie Claims Man Utd Fans’ Award
- Walcott THEO Walcott has revealed the fear of failure is driving Arsenal players to secure the club’s return to next season’s Champions League. Victory at Newcastle on Sunday will secure Arsene Wenger’s side a 16th successive season in Europe’s elite competition, with Tuesday night’s 4-1 win against Wigan fuelling the Gunners belief heading into the final game of their campaign. “The Champions League big for the future of the club and the players,” Walcott told reporters. “We have been in it for the last 15 years and we don’t want to be the players who are not part of that. “We just have great experience in knowing what to do when the time is right. It happens every year and we tend to finish very strong. I think it is just because the players want it so much. “It was a massive three points (against Wigan). It is going to be a tough game at Newcastle, but we want to upset them and try to qualify for the Champions League. Walcott went on to reveal a half time dressing down by boss Arsene Wenger was crucial to their improved second half showing against Wigan, with the veteran Arsenal manager clearly inspiring his player with a half time rallying cry. “We got a rocket at half-time,” confirmed Walcott. “We’ll keep that in the dressing room, but it’s great that the manager has that passion and it got a bit more out of the players. The manager gave us a kick up the backside. “It was probably a fair score line going into the second half because Wigan played some good football at times. It was always going to be difficult but we managed to hold on. “We showed our quality and we managed to take our chances, and that’s important. The morale is great, it always has been, and that showed with our second-half performance.”
Robin Van Persie
Fergie Reveals Reasons For Retirement
MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he “had to go out as a winner” as he prepares for his final Premier League game this Sunday. As Ferguson prepares to take charge of his 1500th and final game as a manager against West Bromwich Albion this weekend, he has given further insight into the thought processes behind his decision to call time on his recordbreaking career. It was during a discussion with his wife Cathy some five months ago that Ferguson made his decision to step down as United boss, so long as his side backed up their solid lead at the top of the Premier League table by reclaiming the trophy from neighbours Manchester City. “When Cathy and I chatted about this at Christmas, I said ‘I really need to go out a winner ’,” said Ferguson, speaking at United’s end of season dinner. “At that point
Man City Plans Stadium Expansion MANCHESTER City’s Etihad Stadium is set to become the third-largest ground in the Premier League as the result of a £50 million expansion plan, the Independent reports. The club will submit an application to have the capacity of their ground increased by 6,000 to 54,000, taking them above Newcastle United’s St James’ Park and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light in terms of the number of fans they can fit in on match days. Manchester United’s Old
MANCHESTER United striker Robin van Persie has scooped the club’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, voted for by Red Devils fans worldwide. Van Persie, who leads the campaign. Premier League scoring charts “I have to be fair - it’s beyond with 25 goals from a fruitful expectations,” he said at debut season at Old Trafford, Wednesday’s awards gala at Old topped the poll with 45.1% of the Trafford. “It made such an vote, ahead of Michael Carrick impact on me from day one, (29%) in second place and David being involved with all the guys. De Gea (11.5%) third. The way they welcomed me The prolific Dutchman was a made such an impact and, of key figure as United wrested the course, to be able to work with title from neighbours Sir Alex and Mike [Phelan] and Manchester City, delivering Sir all the staff is more than a Alex Ferguson his 13th pleasure. championship in his final season “I have to say that winning a with the club. trophy is fantastic. It’s great but And Van Persie, whose the road to the whole trophy is memorable volley against Aston maybe even nicer. Being Villa last month was selected as together every day and working United’s Goal of the Season, on details, getting better stepadmitted he had achieved more by-step, beating opponents and than he had hoped in his first then the best feeling of all that
Trafford has the highest capacity for a football club’s ground in England, with 75,000, with Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium the second-largest at 60,300 capacity. The planning application will be submitted this autumn, according to the report, subject to a consultation process with the local area, and may include provisions for further expansion in the future that could mean the city of Manchester has the top flight’s two biggest football stadiums.
we had a five-point lead and I thought we had a great chance. “After the disappointment of last season we couldn’t take a second one. I was hopeful we’d win it and we did. We had a terrific points lead. “The problem is, when you have a lead and you start to lose a point. When we lost to City in the Monday night game you start to think ‘Christ, you can’t throw this away’.” Ferguson went on to pour praise on his successor David Moyes in comments broadcasts on the club’s MUTV channel. “What I know of David is he’s hard working, there’s integrity about him, he’s got a work ethic about him and he’s a serious football man,” he added. “These are qualities he’s going to need. “One thing you have to do here is sacrifice and persevere. It’s not always a golden path of riches. There are hard days,
there are difficult days, there will be bad losses. Our supporters have suffered many things but they’ve also enjoyed many things.” Ferguson looked on as Robin
van Persie claimed the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award and Michael Carrick won Player’s Player of the Year at United’s end of season celebrations.
Howard Says United Must Be Prepared For Moyes TIM Howard insists that Manchester United’s squad cannot expect an easy time from new boss David Moyes next season because ‘he keeps you on your toes’. The American goalkeeper has played under Moyes since he signed him from United in 2006 and he has been one of the key men at Everton since he arrived. Howard admits Moyes is going to be a huge loss to Everton, but he will make a big impression at Old Trafford. “By coming to work every day and not taking any short
cuts. He does not allow players to rest or slacken off,” said Howard. “Look at a player like me, selected for damn near every game, so I think he has the utmost trust in me. But I can tell you with my hand on my heart that in training, when the goalkeepers get called over to work with the rest of the first team, I feel a bit of nerves. “You might think it’s only the training ground, but if I throw one in, it’s not as if he looks the other way, he gives me a hammering from the touchline.
Benitez Proud Of Blues Achievement OUTGOING Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez delivered the Europa League trophy to Stamford Bridge and then pondered whether fans will now start to think he has done a decent job. Since arriving in November to replace Roberto Di Matteo on an interim basis, Benitez has operated to a background of simmering supporter discontent. However, he has still managed to guide the Blues into next season’s Champions League and goals
from Fernando Torres and Branislav Ivanovic, the latter in stoppage time, clinched a 2-1 win over Benfica at the Amsterdam ArenA to secure some silverware as well. “If you have to win for people to realise the job we are doing? Well, we won. Hopefully now people will say it is not bad,” he said. “It depends on the perception. But if you analyse everything, we won the Europa League with one striker for every single game. “We managed players with
yellow cards. Here we only had 18 players. “If you put everything together you will realise how hard it is. I think
is the result and the trophy. “This whole year has been incredible. I have to thank all the boys, the staff and the fans, who since day one, have been unbelievable. It’s been an honour. It’s made such a big impact on me and I’m still thrilled about what’s happened in the last 10 months or so. Hopefully, we can do even better, crack on and win even more trophies.”
Spurs Look To Secure Euro Spot TOTTENHAM Hotspur go into the final game of the season knowing only a victory over Sunderland at White Hart Lane will give them a shot at qualifying for next seasons UEFA Champions League. Even If Spurs manage to gather all three points, they will still have to rely on Arsenal failing to win against Newcastle United. Spurs have enjoyed a stellar season in England’s top flight, but it will be considered an unsuccessful one if they fail to finish in the top four. The North Londoners welcome a Sunderland side that have struggled throughout the season and currently find themselves one place above the relegation zone. Luckily for the Black Cats, the relegated sides have already been decided and even if they suffer a 17th defeat of the season they won’t return to the Championship. Spurs came from behind to beat Stoke City 2-1 in their last encounter, while Sunderland played to a 1-1 draw against Southampton in their last home game of the season.
• Rafael Benitez lifts Europa League trophy
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Bayern, Dortmund Financial Models CHAMPIONS League finalists Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are proof that clubs do not have to spend beyond their means to achieve success, UEFA president Michel Platini believes. The head of European football’s governing body said the German sides, who meet at London’s Wembley stadium on May 25, were an example for other clubs to follow. “You don’t have to make losses and shortfalls to be in the Champions League final. It’s the proof that you can have a clean, virtuous, moral game that everyone wants,” Platini told AFP in an interview in Amsterdam on Wednesday. “Yes, the Champions League finalists are model pupils, they’re not in the red, they’ve got good stadiums and what’s more they’re winning. It’s a very
• David Beckham
David Beckham Retires From Football
DAVID Beckham has announced his retirement from football after one of the most storied careers in English history. The midfielder, who turned He will quit at the end of the 38 earlier this month, was season, with his final game reportedly offered a new oneaway to Lorient on May 26. year-contract by Paris SaintHe said in a statement: “I’m Germain but has chosen to end thankful to PSG for giving me a 20-year football career. the opportunity to continue but
Carroll Gets England Recall
ANDY Carroll has been handed an England recall for the upcoming international friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil. Liverpool striker Carroll, currently on a season-long loan at West Ham United, has not played for his country since coming on as a substitute in the 5-0 home victory over San Marino in October but the 24year-old will again get the chance to impress. England face Ireland at Wembley on May 29 and then take on Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on June 2, having already beaten Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men 2-1 in a home friendly in February. Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, having returned to action after four months out through injury, receives his first call-up. Hodgson had indicated in recent days that he planned to
• Andy Carroll
usher in the new generation as part of a “changing of the guard”. Rio Ferdinand then announced his international retirement, while the England boss said that John Terry is unlikely to make a return to the fold. However, Frank Lampard, 34, is again included in the squad on the day he signed a new one-year contract with Chelsea. England squad to face Ireland and Brazil: Goalkeepers: Ben Foster (West Brom), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Alex McCarthy (Reading). Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham). Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Theo Walcott (Arsenal). Forwards: Andy Carroll (West Ham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).
I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level.” Beckham won league titles in four countries with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and PSG, and also enjoyed two spells on loan at AC Milan. He won 115 England caps,
placing him second all-time behind Peter Shilton, scoring 17 goals and playing at three World Cups. PSG wrapped up the Ligue 1 title on Sunday with a 1-0 win at Lyon - Beckham has played 13 times for the French team since joining on January 31.
- Platini good image.” Concern about heavy spending, particularly at major European clubs, prompted UEFA to introduce Financial Fair Play rules, threatening tough sanctions, including suspension from European competitions, for sides that spend more than they earn. The rules are designed to ensure a more level playing field and prevent wealthy clubs from having an unfair advantage over smaller sides. Platini assessed that the rules had prompted a change in attitude among clubs to get their finances in order and that no club, no matter how big, would be exempt from punishment. Spanish side Malaga, beaten quarter-finalists in this year’s Champions League, were the first major casualties of the
it doesn’t, the referee abandons the game. “It’s what we’ve done in our European competitions for four years. We’re going to propose guidelines in London at the UEFA executive committee meeting (on May 24) to standardise (rules), so that what we do in our competitions also happens in the leagues.” UEFA secretary-general Gianni Infantino last month outlined tough new sanctions both on and off the pitch to rid the game of the scourge of discrimination and abuse. They include a minimum 10match ban for players found guilty of racial abuse, plus forcing clubs to play behind closed doors in the event of proven racism by fans. Racism has been an unwelcome hot topic in European football this year, notably after AC Milan star Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off in protest at taunts during a friendly match in Italy in January. His decision, backed by teammates who also left the field in support, was hailed by antiracism campaigners. But it prompted differences of opinion about whether his action was correct and renewed debate about whether the
• Robert Lewandowski
Bayern To Screen UCL Final In Allianz Arena BAYERN Munich will turn their Allianz Arena into a free giant public-viewing stadium to screen their Champions League final at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund live on May 25 with a crowd of 45,000 expected after tickets became available on Thursday. With Bayern having received 250,000 ticket requests for the
UEFA Wants Standard Rules On Tackling existing system of sanctions, UEFA is seeking to Racism particularly fines for players and implement Europe-wide rules on tackling racism at football matches, the organisation’s president Michel Platini has revealed, following a string of high-profile incidents this season, particularly in Italy. Platini said that European football’s governing body will push for agreement when its members meet in London later this month on steps to take in the event of offensive chanting from the terraces. Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi had given a textbook example of how to handle such a situation by temporarily stopping the match when AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli was subjected to racist taunts from Roma fans last weekend, he added. “I congratulate Mr Rocchi for what he did. Respect for differences is more important than winning,” Platini told AFP in an interview in Amsterdam on Wednesday. “Stopping matches, making an announcement via the tannoy, even if it means halting the match completely if it (the chanting) doesn’t stop, is what we’ve recommended for a long time. “It’s worked. You stop the match, you make an announcement and if (the chanting) stops, you restart. If
system. Last December, the Qatariowned club’s failure to pay players and other clubs on time saw them banned from European competition the next time they qualify. They could face a second year-long ban if they fail to honour their debts, although Malaga have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
clubs, were an effective deterrent. Platini’s counterpart at world governing body FIFA, Sepp Blatter, said he could not condone the idea of players or teams abandoning games to protest racism. On Monday, the Italian league said it applauded Rocchi’s actions and backed UEFA plans to close whole sections of grounds in the event of incidents similar to those against Balotelli at Milan’s San Siro stadium.
Wembley showdown, the first time two German clubs have contested the European final, the Bavarian giants are offering free tickets to fans to watch the game in Munich. Two of the Allianz Arena’s three tiers will be open for fans to watch the game on giant screens, dropping the stadium’s capacity from 60,000 to 45,000, with each fan able to claim a maximum of four tickets from the stadium’s box office. A second public-viewing location will also be open in Munich’s Theresienwiese, where the worldfamous Oktoberfest beer festival is held each September. When Bayern lost the 2010 Champions League final 2-0 to Inter Milan, some 60,000 fans filled the Allianz Arena to watch the defeat in Madrid. Last May, 65,000 supporters crammed into Munich’s Olympic Stadium to watch Bayern’s penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Chelsea in their own Allianz Arena stadium.
Sakho Faces Punishment For Marseille Chants PARIS Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho potentially faces suspension after joining in obscene antiMarseille chants during his club’s Ligue 1 title celebrations on Monday. Aboard the open-top bus carrying the PSG squad, Sakho, 23, was seen singing along with the crowd lining the Parisian streets as they insulted OM, their club’s arch-rivals. The France international will now appear before the National Ethics Council (CNE) next month - most likely on June 3 and could be fined and banned for his behaviour. • Blog: More positives than negatives after title parade Sakho, Paris born-and-bred,
apologised for the incident on his Facebook page. “We were on the bus, and the supporters were singing as we passed,” he wrote. “Being a Paris kid, I spontaneously took up a refrain with them. In no way did I do that to inspire hatred, but rather in a jokey tone and to be in harmony with the supporters. I admit it was a mistake, and I would very much like to apologise for it.” The CNE has already shown it takes a dim view of such incidents. In 2011, it handed then-Marseille defender Taye Taiwo a one-match ban after he joined in anti-PSG chants following his club’s Coupe de la Ligue victory at the Stade de France.
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Attracting Foreign Investments Via Nigeria-Turkey Business Summit (1) Entrepreneurs and industrialists from Nigeria and Turkey recently converged on Istanbul to explore and exchange ideas on how best to grow the economies of the two countries. The meeting tagged “Nigeria-Turkey Business Summit’’ — held between May 6 and May 12 — was organised by the Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey. Declaring the summit open, the confederation’s President, Mr Rizanur Meral, expressed the desire of Turkish industrialists to invest in Nigeria. Meral, who conveyed the confidence of Turkish businessmen in Nigeria, said that they would be willing to make substantial investments in the country. Specifically, Mr Ugur Nazli, one of the Turkish businessmen, pledged to invest massively in Nigeria’s housing and tourism sectors. He expressed his intention to construct affordable houses and world-class hotels in Abuja and Kano, as part of efforts to bring down the cost of accommodation in the two cities and boost tourism. Nazli noted that Nigeria had the potential for economic growth through foreign investment flow, adding that it also had a large market for industrialists because of its large population. He, therefore, called for closer cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey to promote business in the two countries. Nazli said that Nigeria and Turkey shared similar cultural values, urging Nigerian and Turkish businessmen to take full advantage of existing opportunities to grow the economies of the two countries. As part of efforts to
By SANI ADAMU exploit the emerging economic opportunities in the bilateral relations, the Kano State Government has pledged its readiness to provide land and other incentives to any Turkish investor who is interested in investing in the state. Alhaji Sarki Ibrahim, the Makaman Kano, gave the assurance during a reception organised for businessmen from Kano state by a Turkish investor on the sidelines of the summit. Ibrahim stressed that Nazli’s decision to invest in Nigeria and in Kano, in particular, showed the confidence which the Turkish businessman had in Nigeria. He conveyed the readiness of the government and people of Kano State to provide the necessary support to foster the actualisation of the proposed projects in Kano State. Similarly, the Bauchi State government says that it is also negotiating with a Turkish company for the construction of a modern shopping mall in the state. Hajiya Amina Katagum, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, who was part of the state delegation to the business summit, said that negotiations for the signing of an MoU for the project had reached an advanced stage. She said that the project would involve the construction of more than 5,000 shops in the state. She said that the Turkish investors would be in Nigeria in the next two weeks to complete the necessary modalities for the agreement. Besides, Katagum said that another group of Turkish investors had also indicated interest in investing in the state’s tourism sector. The commissioner also said that apart from the Turkish investors, the state government had also signed agreements with some foreign companies on the construction of some power plants in the state.
Katagum said that efforts were also underway to resuscitate all the ailing companies in the state. Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya M+ya, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, urged the Turkish businessmen to take due advantage of the investment opportunities existing in the state’s tourism sector. He particularly urged the
enhanced business transactions between both countries, the trade volume would further increase before the end of this year. He noted that Nigeria was one of Turkish biggest business partners in Africa, adding that Nigeria was also the 47 th largest exporter of goods to Turkey, going by the 2012 records. Mohammed, who represented the National President of NACCIMA, Dr Ademola Ajayi, urged
• President Goodluck Jonathan
Turkish businessmen to invest in the Yankari Game Reserve, which he described as the largest eco-tourism park in West Africa. Miya also expressed the willingness of Bauchi State to host the next edition of the Nigeria-Turkey Business Summit. Available statistics reveal that that the volume of trade between Nigeria and Turkey has risen to more than one billion dollars (about N160 billion) annually. Malam Dahiru Mohammed, Deputy National President, National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said that the volume of trade between the two countries had grown significantly. Mohammed, who addressed the summit which was attended by more than 100 entrepreneurs from Nigeria, stressed said that with
Turkish businessmen to take advantage of Nigeria’s large market and invest heavily in the country. “Nigeria, with a population of over 160 million people and a large market in Africa, possesses enough potential for profitability of foreign investment. “Enormous investment opportunities exist in virtually all sectors of the Nigerian economy,’’ he added. Mohammed listed agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, construction, oil and gas, tourism, power and telecommunications as well as ICT as some of the sectors that could be explored by Turkish businessmen investing in the state’s tourism sector. The commissioner also said that apart from the Turkish investors, the state government had also signed agreements with some foreign companies on the construction of some power plants in the state. Katagum said that efforts
Matters In Focus were also underway to resuscitate all the ailing companies in the state. Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya M+ya, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, urged the Turkish businessmen to take due advantage of the investment opportunities existing in the state’s tourism sector. He particularly urged the Turkish businessmen to invest in the Yankari Game Reserve, which he described as the largest eco-tourism park in West Africa. Miya also expressed the willingness of Bauchi State to host the next edition of the Nigeria-Turkey Business Summit. Available statistics reveal that that the volume of trade between Nigeria and Turkey has risen to more than one billion dollars (about N160 billion) annually. Malam Dahiru Mohammed, Deputy National President, National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said that the volume of trade between the two countries had grown significantly. Mohammed, who addressed the summit which was attended by more than 100 entrepreneurs from Nigeria, stressed said that with enhanced business transactions between both countries, the trade volume would further increase before the end of this year. He noted that Nigeria was one of Turkish biggest business partners in Africa, adding that Nigeria was also the 47 th largest exporter of goods to Turkey, going by the 2012 records. Mohammed, who represented the National President of NACCIMA, Dr Ademola Ajayi, urged Turkish businessmen to take advantage of Nigeria’s large market and invest heavily in the country. “Nigeria, with a population of over 160 million people
and a large market in Africa, possesses enough potential for profitability of foreign investment. “Enormous investment opportunities exist in virtually all sectors of the Nigerian economy,’’ he added. Mohammed listed a g r i c u l t u r e , manufacturing, solid minerals, construction, oil and gas, tourism, power and telecommunications as well as ICT as some of the sectors that could be explored by Turkish businessmen. The NACCIMA chief urged the summit to enhance the volume of trade between Nigeria and Turkey, while eliminating the challenges facing the smooth flow of trade between the countries. Mr Foluso Adesh+da, Nigeria‘s Deputy Head of Mission in Turkey, assured the Turkish investors of the safety of their investments in Nigeria in spite of the prevailing security challenges facing the country. He said that the Federal Government had also put concrete measures in place to guarantee the safety of foreign nationals doing business in Nigeria. Adesh+da, who spoke at the beginning of the summit, said that Nigeria remained one of the safest places in world for investments and urged the Turkish industrialists to take advantage of the huge investment opportunities existing in Nigeria. He said that the Federal Government had made the cost of doing business in the country somewhat easy, adding that foreign investors in Nigeria were also free to repatriate their profits to their respective countries unhindered. NAN Features To be continued
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