THE
The Nigerian
NIGERIAN
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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 OPINION Page 20
Examining contending issues in plea bargain
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
• Vol . 37 • NO.236 • TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2 0 13 • N 100.00
EDHA summons NDDC Commissioner By KEN ABU/ WINIFRED OSASOBO
BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly yesterday adopted a resolution inviting the Edo State Commissioner in the board of
the Niger Delta Development Commission to appear at plenary tomorrow, May 22, 2013. This is to enable him
brief parliament on the problems militating against the completion of the 2010 Orhua Water project in Uhunmhode
Local Government Area and other abandoned projects across the state.
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Protest HEALTHY LIVING CMYK
Page 23
Coping with rainy season
Students to pay for damaged properties By EUBALDUS ENAHORO
BENIN CITY- Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said that the protesting students of Idogbo Secondary school in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area should replace facilities destroyed during their protest in the school just as he directed that all structures on government land should be demolished by the Ministry of Lands and Survey. The Governor who school facilities no matstated this yesterday ter the provocation, addwhen he paid an un- ing that if teachers could scheduled visit to the be sanctioned for flouting school to access the level directives, students were of damage to the facili- no exemption. ties noted that the stuHe also said that the dents had no reason to behavior of children must resort to destroying the be conditioned by their
environment, explaining that he feels hurt whenever he sees students destroy school properties
put in place by tax payers money. ‘’ The students must pay for the destroyed fa-
cilities, if they fail, then they must be suspended,’’, he said. The Governor however said that the parents of
the students would be given time to pay and admonished the teachers of the school to see the students as their own children and apply ‘’leadership by example’’ while handling the children. It was gathered that the
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FG to shut down private museums if ... By ADAMS OYIBOKE BENIN CITY- The Director General, National Commission for Museums Monuments, (NCMM), Mallam Yusuf Abdullah Usman has threatened to shut down any private museums in the country that fails to regularise their opera-
tions with the commission. Mallam Usman gave the warning in a goodwill message delivered during the 2013 International Museum Day Celebration held on Monday in Benin City. The NCMM Director General represented by the Head/ Curator Na-
PREVENT FIRE OUTBREAKS Have a Fire Extinguisher in your home today. Courtesy: Edo State Fire Service TIT BIT
“Words are the fairest weapons ever created, but when used indiscriminately, they turn back to hurt the users.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
tional Museum, Benin City. Mr. Theophilus Umogbai said the celebration was declared in 1977 by International Council of Museums (Icom) and is celebrated around May 18 each year. He said the occasion was shifted because the date fell on a weekend. The Director General said the occasion was to
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o
INSPECTION: Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, inspecting a damaged windows at Idogbo Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area yesterday. With him are the two Commissioners for Education in the State. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.
Mark decries insurgents influx in nation’s borders
ABUJA - The Senate President, Sen. David Mark yesterday decried the continuous influx of mercenaries, terrorists and insurgents across Nigeria’s borders. He made the remark at a one -day public hearing, organised by the joint Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human rights and Legal Matters and States and Local
Government Administration. Represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Af-
fairs, Sen. James Manager (PDP-Delta), Mark said that the Border Communities Development Agency Act was
established in 2004 and amended in 2006. “The agency has the responsibility of improving the social and eco-
nomic lives of Nigerians living in various settlements, villages and towns spread across 96
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Gully erosion sacks Auchi residents ... threatens Hospital, Schools By MORRISON HAYBLE
AUCHI – Residents of Auchi in Etsako West
Local Government Area are being faced with imminent ejection following the menacing gully which
has continued to plague the town for some time. The gully of frightening magnitude and of exten-
sive width and depth has worsened in
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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
News EDHA summons NDDC Commissioner
Continued from page 1 water project in the commuThe resolution also ordered the appearance of the state Project Engineer and the contractor of NDDC to plenary for the briefing. It further urged the NDDC to liaise with the House Committee on Energy and Water Resources, the state Project Engineer and its contractor with a view to urging them to complete the water scheme and other projects in the state. The adoption of the resolution followed the deliberations on Matters of Urgent Public Importance raised by Hon. Elizabeth Ativie bothering on the 2010 abandoned Orhua Water Project in Uhunmhode Local Government Area during plenary session. Hon. Elizabeth Ativie, while explaining the state of abandonment in the 2010 NDDC
nity said that the non-completion of the Orhua water project has increased the hardship of her people who have resorted to walking a distance of up to five kilometres to get water from the river. Lending their voices to the deliberation on the Orhua water project, Hon. Peter Aliu expressed the need for parliament to invite the Commissioner of NDDC to explain
why shoddy jobs executed by the commission abound in the state. The views of Hon. Peter Aliu were further corroborated by both Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusor and Hon. Johnson Oghuma who expressed displeasure over the preponderance of abandoned and shoddy projects initiated by NDDC stressing that the Orhua water project underscores the need to invite the
FG to shut down private Continued from page 1 museums if ... raise awareness on the importance of museums in the development of the society. According to him “A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development; It is open to the public which acquires, conserves, research and communicate” .
He described museums as a store house for the memory of the society encapsulated in the objects. According to him,” the objects themselves tell the stories of the various cultures of the peoples of the world and of their natural heritage”. “The skills, the inventiveness,
Gully erosion sacks Auchi is quiet about it. It Continued from page 1 residents Everybody looks like they don’t hear in
recent times with the heavy rains as it continued its devastation having extended its fingerlinks far and wide covering the entire southern axis of the town. A visit to the area by The NIGERIAN OBSERVER revealed a pathetic scene as many houses had been swallowed up, thereby rendering their occupants homeless while many others being threatened are relocating in droves. Areas worst hit are Audu Momoh, Egbeadokha, Momoh and Inu-Umoru streets where the only primary school had also been taken by the gully while the several fingerlinks are bulldozing their way to the Central Hospital
commissioner to parliament to explain the factors working against the execution of projects in the state. The Speaker of the House Hon Uyi Igbe condemned the preponderance of shoddy projects initiated by the commission across the state.
and other places. Another area under the threat of the gully and massive erosion is Aboitse quarters, now completely devastated as residents, awaiting forced evacuation are living between hope and despair and without manageable access to their homes. A terribly disturbed community leader, Prince GAZ Momoh whose storey building is at the edge of one of the gullies described the situation as pathetic, horrible and unbearable lamenting that the problem appeared not to be receiving the listening ears of the authorities. “Nobody is listening to us.
Nigeria what is happening in Auchi. It appears they regard us as outcasts, as if we are not Nigerians for whatever reason we don’t know” Prince Momoh regretted. He recalled that over 50 houses had gone with the gully while many owners of lost buildings had died before their time from extreme frustration adding that more houses were being lost daily as the rains continue. Momoh who invited those in positions of authority to see for themselves appealed to the federal authorities to listen to their cries irrespective of political affiliation and tackle the gully menace.
the creativity of mankind are all embeded in the material culture of the people”. In his address the chairman of the occasion, chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom reminded the people on the Circunstance surrounding the sitting of the Benin museum on its present site by the then Governor of Mid-western state, General Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemdia.(Rtd). Chief Esogban however called on the federal government to speed up action against the insurgents of Boko-Haram and other forms of militancy in order to finance the repatriation of artifacts stolen by Europeans into the country. In a lecture titled, “Museums: Memory Plus creativity equals social change’s Prof. O. S. B. Omoregie, harped on museum as technology geared towards social, economic, political and cultural transformation of any given society. Prof. Omoregie stressed the need to reengineer museums and monuments that would evolve of people’s ability to put memory and creativity into developing a commensurate fullness in its civilization through museum.
Mark decries insurgents influx in nation’s borders
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local governments in the 21 states along Nigeria’s borders,’’ he said. According to him, in spite of the amendment, the condition of border communities in Nigeria has yet to improve. The Senate president also decried the rise in human trafficking in border communities and attributed it to the inability of government to meet the needs of the people. “The situation is worsened by the dearth of amenities, such as good schools, hospitals, markets and even water and it makes the inhabitants cross to neighbouring countries for them,’’ he said. Mark expressed optimism that the amendment bill
would enable the agency to function efficiently to improve the lives of people and tighten security around the borders. In his remarks, the sponsor of the bill, Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin (ACN-Oyo) noted that although the Border Communities Development Act was signed into law a decade ago, the condition of people at border communities had not improved. He attributed the situation to poor funding of the agency and added that the fund got smaller every year with only N436 million budgeted for it in 2013. “The downward trend of the
Students to pay for damaged properties Continued from page 1 students of the school had destroyed facilities in the school during a protest on the shoddy manner the principal of the school Mr. Bright Omoregie was said to have handled a case involving one of the students who was involved in an auto crash. The students blamed the death of their colleague on the delay by the principal in rushing the deceased student to
the hospital. Similarly, the Governor directed the Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Donald Boi to demolish all structure on government land and within the premises of government schools. He said that owners of the demolished properties would be made to bear the cost of demolition, warning that they were at risk for encroaching on government property and land.
budget allocation must be arrested coupled with the need to strengthen the institutional framework of the agency,’’ he said. Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Umaru Dahiru (PDP-Sokoto), said some border towns had become a hub for trafficking of arms, stolen goods, drugs and hostage taking by criminals. Dahiru stressed the need for
the Senate to tackle the poverty and dearth of basic infrastructure at the border towns. According to him, the Border Communities Development Agency needs to be strengthened and adequately funded to carry out its duties. He said this would go a long way in curbing crime, infiltration and smuggling of small arms, light weapons and ammunition across the borders.
ITV/Radio Beauty Pageant
Commissioner advises By THOMPSON contesERHOMONSELE and other necessary artants BENIN CITY- With few rangements were perfected days to the Independent Television (ITV) and Radio Miss Hot Legs Beauty Pageant scheduled for May 26, Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Oil and Gas, Hon Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) has advised the contestants to shun all forms of vice including drugs that will jeopardize the chances of emerging the winner. He encouraged them to brace up to the competition with boldness, coportment, self-esteem and to exude confidence in order for them to be at their utmost performance. The Commissioner gave the advice when the bery of young ladies contesting for the crown and members of the organising commttee led by Sunny Duke Okosun paid a courtesy visit to the ministry in Benin City yesterday. Speaking from his residual knowledge and experience as front-line organiser of similar beauty competitions of high magnitude, Hon. Omo-Ojo urged the organizers of the ITV/Radio hot leg beauty pegeant to ensure that the stage, equipment
for the successful hosting of the event. Hon. Omo-Ojo enumerated previous events like face of Edo, African University Beauty Pageant and Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) hosted in Benin City as inclinators that Edo state is an enviable hob of entertainment that boosts tourism and hospitality sector of the economy pointing out that Edo state has a good number of standard clubs for such parts of Nigeria. According to the Commissioner, the state Ministry of Special Duties, Oil and Gas is empowered to build human capacity hence it will support the hot leg competition to encourage the youths to acquire skills to better their lives in future. Earlier, the leader of the Organising Committee and contestants, Mr. Sunny Duke Okosun hinted that their visit was to intimate the commissioner with the forth-coming Miss ITV/Radio Hot Legs Beauty Pageant scheduled for May 26, 2013 in Benin City as well as to solicit his support towards the success of the event.
State Of Emergency
More Troops Arrive Adamawa YOLA - Some 200 troops arrived in Yola yesterday in continuation of the deployment of troops in the state following the declaration of a state of emergency. President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the three north-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe on Tuesday, May 14, following prolonged insurgency by the Boko Haram Islamic group. Addressing the troops at the headquarters of the 23 Armoured Brigade in Yola, the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Fatai Alli, urged the soldiers to adhere to all necessary rules of engagement in their assignment.
Alli said necessary areas for deployment in the state had been identified for action and that more troops were on their way to join those on ground. He appealed to members of the public to accord maximum support and corporation to the troops to facilitate the successful execution of their assignment. The commander commended the support and cooperation so far shown by the public in the state since the declaration of the state of emergency and urged the people to sustain the relationship. Meanwhile, the dusk to dawn curfew imposed on the state is still being enforced
Over 9m die of hypertension yearly UMUAHIA - More than nine million people die annually of hypertension worldwide, Dr Moses Dike, the Medical Director, Priscilla Memorial Hospital, Umuahia has said. Dike, a general physician, made the disclosure at a seminar organised by St. Finbarr’s Catholic Church, Umuahia, to mark the 2013 World Hypertension Day. The World Hypertension Day (WHD) is commemorated on May 17 every year. The theme for the 2013 event is “Healthy Heart Beat - Healthy Blood Pressure’’.
He said that more than one billion people also have hypertension across the world. Dike said that the figures emanated from the recent report of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Dike, who spoke on the topic, “Hypertension, Causes, Effects and Solution’’, said that high cigarette smoking, alcohol, snuff and salt were among factors that caused hypertension. He said people suffering from hypertension were at risk of stroke, heart attack
and kidney failure. Dike identified neck pain and shortness of breath as some of the signs and symptoms of the disease. He urged participants to check their blood pressures regularly and also reduce their intake of alcohol, snuff and cigarettes. Dike urged them to reduce consumption of red meat and fatty foods as well as attend various health awareness programmes on other ways to check and handle the problem of hypertension. Also, Rev. Fr. Leo
Amafili, the Parish Priest of the church, urged participants at the seminar to educate others on the prevention, detection and treatment of hypertension. Some of the participants, Messrs Sampson Mba, Chinedu Anyaso and Lucy Isha said the lecture would assist them to guard against hypertension. The World Hypertension Day is an initiative of the World Hypertension League, an umbrella organisation of 85 national hypertension societies and leagues.
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Inside Edo HOS Commiserates With Family Of Retired P/S
President Goodluck Jonathan (right) salutes the former President of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki after a high level panel meeting on illicit financial flow in Africa at the presidential villa in Abuja yesterday.
BENIN CITY - The Head of Civil Service, Edo State, Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh has commiserated with the family of the Late Barrister Hilarion Napoleon Ogbeiwi Awoyegbe, a retired Permanent Secretary who died at the age of 88 years. Princess Inneh assured the family that the state Government will actively participate in the obsequies. The Head of Service who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Central Administration, Mr. E.T. Idahosa and his Establishment Counterpart, Mr. A.A. Omo-Olaye urged the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that the late retired Permanent Secretary lived a fulfilled, productive and successful life. She said the late Barrister Awoyegbe will be greatly missed by those he associated with, describing him as a God fearing
Ovia S/W Council Boss Swears In Supervisory Councillors BY DANIEL EDOBOR
L-R: Deputy Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa, Mr. Abdalla Hamdok; Chairman, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Mr. Segun Apata; former President of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki; President Goodluck Jonathan; Panel member, World Bank Inspection Panel, Zeinab Elbakri and Director, Global Financial Integrity, Mr. Raymond Baker, after a high level panel meeting on illicit financial flow in Africa at the presidential villa in Abuja yesterday.
IGUOBAZUWA - Ovia South West Local Government Council has sworn-in five new Supervisory Councilors to perfect the administrative frame work of the council having sworn-in 10 councilors some weeks ago. The supervisory councilors are Hon. Solomon Agbonlahor, Prince Thompson Iyase for Udo/ Ora ward, Lady Helen Ogiemudia, Barrister Ernest Oronsaye, and Henry Okerien respectively. Addressing the newly sworn in supervisors, the council chairman, Hon. Morrison Ogunrobo said he was particularly delighted with the caliber of persons selected for the position. According to him, judging by their antecedents, they have been tested and found to be men of
NGO Empowers 40 Widows By VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY –In its quest to touch the lives of the people through humanitarian services, a non-profit and Non Governmental Organisation, the Norion Foundation. (N.F) in Benin City has donated items worth thousands of naira to about 40 widows in Benin City. The Foundation is geared toward restoring hope to the hopeless, renewing their minds through God’s word through, counseling, empowering through skills acquisition, and financial aid, as well as ensuring total transformation. Presenting the items which included rice, soaps, air fresheners, perfumes, cloths to the beneficiaries, the commissioner. For Arts culture and Tourism, Hon.
Aanena Jemitola lauded the initiator, Dr. Nosa Peter Ighodaro for establishing such humanitarian based project aimed at addressing the yearnings and aspirations of the people. The commissioner who was represented by the Head of Department research, Documentation in the Art Council, Mrs. Blessing Iyekekpolor describe the initiation vision as a God-given one. She advised (Dr. Nosa Ighodaro to inculcate the spirit of inner strength, if he must succeed. Earlier, the chairman of the NGO, Dr Nosa Ighodaro said the foundation was established for the purpose of empowering people, especially widows through soft loan to enable them empower themselves economically. He disclosed that the foundation is also involved in the train-
ing of youths in various skills, adding that about 500 persons have so far benefited from the foundation especially through its
Hand of Hope programme. Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Mrs. Lucy Usiosfe, Deaconess Elizabeth Agho and Grace
and discipline person while he was alive. Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Iredia Godwin appreciated the Head of Service for her benevolence to the family. He stated that the visit is symbolic in the sense that the services rendered by the late Barrister is appreciated by the State Government. The burial ceremony released by the family showed that on Thursday May 23, requiem Mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church Benin City and is to be followed by interment at his residence, No. 22 Etete Road, G.R.A., Benin City. There would be social dance at George Idah Memorial Primary School Ihama Road, G.R.A., on Saturday, May 25, 2013. The ceremony will climax on Sunday May 26, 2013 with a thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church 9:30 a.m.
Soni thanked the initiator for his magnanimity and urged other affluent citizens of the country to emulate same with a view to moving the society forward.
proven integrity who would not compromise the noble intentions of the administration for the development of the local government area. He called on the supervisors to see the appointment as an opportunity to contribute their quota towards the development of the local government area, while urging them to bring their wealth of experience to bear when making decision that would have positive impact on the lives of people in the locality. Hon. Morrison Ogunrobo Ovia promises that his administration would do its best to see to it that the local government area becomes a role model by taking it to an enviable height. He therefore called on the people of the local government area, individually and collectively to join hands with his administration to achieve this noble target. Responding on behalf of the Supervisory, Barrister Ernest Oronsaye thanked the chairman for the appointment and promisd on behalf of other members for full-cooperation towards moving the council forward.
Baptist Church Holds Revival Service By KESTER OGIESEWU BENIN CITY – The 2013 revival of Central Baptist Church titled “my year of Higher Glory” has been described as an avenue for the glory, transformation and divine manifestation of God in the lives of the people. Speaking in an exclusive interview during the revival in Benin City with the Nigerian Observer, the senior Pastor of 1st Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja and chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abuja
chapter, Revd Dr. Israel Akanji stated that the revival is meant to interpret the manifestation of the work of God in the lives of the people. Revd. Akanji disclosed that the revival will focus on location dislocation and relocation, in the life of a man which according to him bothers on the life of the people. Revd Dr. Akanji who stressed the need for every church to beef up security against the incessant insurgence of terrorists in the name of Boko Haram and other
hoodlums also added that, self defence is a natural law which the Christians must uphold as a way of protecting their lives and property. Commenting on the state of insecurity in the country, Revd Akanji commended the federal government for taking a Decisive step by sending military troops to deal with insurgence the Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. He stated that Nigeria as a nation cannot afford to fold its arms and allow terrorists espe-
cially the notorious Boko Haram Sect to kill and maim innocent citizens. Revd Akanji said that amnesty can only be possible if member are ready to surrender for the purpose of ensuring lasting peace. He also advised members of the public to assist the less privileged in other to get the blessings of God. Revd. Akanji also condemned the insinuations that churches should be made to pay tax, adding that even the mosque do not pay tax. “This idea will never have the light of day,” he added.
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Across The Nation FG To Address Technical Hitches In GES ABUJA - The Federal Government said yesterday, that it would address all the technical hitches threatening the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme. Dr Charles Momo, the FCT Federal Director of Agriculture, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. The GES scheme is a Federal Government initiative under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), aimed at susbsidising the cost of major agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and seeds. Under the initiative, farmers access inputs through an electronic distribution channel known as the e-Wallet. The conditions of the e-Wallet scheme stipulates that a farmer registered under the scheme, pays 50 per cent of the cost of farm inputs, while the federal and state governments pay 25 per cent each. One of the requirements for the scheme is the farmers’ registration exercise, where farmers’ data are captured into the ministry’s central data bank. It was also gathered that some farmers who registered within the metropolis had received an SMS alert to redeem their inputs at Abaji, a suburb of the FCT. Also, some poultry farmers complained that they received
alert to redeem fertiliser and seedlings instead of day-old chicks and poultry feeds. The director said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had captured some of the challenges associated with the programme. “We are aware of some of these problems and we are poised to solve them within the shortest period of time. “For the farmer who registered in the metropolis and got an alert to redeem in Abaji; I will advise that the person go to Abaji to collect the inputs.’’ According to him, some of the technical hitches can be as a result of the farmer not entering the correct data about himself. He recalled that the Federal Government had introduced the Optical Mark Reading (OMR) forms early 2013 to address some of these problems. He added that farmers that are under the specialised value chain would soon receive another alert to redeem some other inputs for their farming. Momo said that the redemption exercise had gone on smoothly in some of the redemption centres he visited. “I have been to Tungan-maje and some of our staff went to Jikwoyi, Karshi and Lugbe, and the report has been that all is well, but we need to address one or two problems,’’ he said.
The Chairperson, Ovia North-East Local Government Council, Barrister (Mrs) Lucy Omagbon (left) receiving a congratulatory card from Mr. Ogboghodo Nosa on behalf of members of National Youth Service Corps in the Local Government Area. Photo: IMUAGBONHEN JOHNSON.
Oredo Council Boss Advocates Market Sanitation
BENIN CITY – In complementing the Edo State Government efforts at beautifying the state, an Environmental Sanitation Task Force was yesterday inaugurated by the chairman, Oredo Local Government Council, Mr. Osaro
Obazee at the New Benin Market to sensitize traders on the need to keep their sur-
roundings clean. Addressing the traders, the council boss who led the task force headed by Mr. Elisha Osayande frowned at street trading saying it was wrong for traders to display their wares on the road side instead of going into the market. While acknowledging that it is the responsibility of the council to provide suitable shops for the traders’ noted that shops are available at the ‘New Market popularly known as Ogiso Market along Second East Circular Road. He said it was expedient for
roadside traders to relocate to the newly provided facilities, adding that the state government is planning to expand the New Benin Market for the purpose of accommodating more traders. The traders appreciated the visit of the Oredo Council boss but however highlighted some of the challenges they had to contend with. Mr. Elisha Osayande, the chairman of the Task Force on Environmental Sanitation who sensitized the traders on the functions of the body said it was constituted to help ensure that the state is clean and anyone who violates the relevant sanitation laws are prosecuted.
...As WDP Chairperson Visits Queen Mother
The Chairperson, Ovia North-East Local Government Council, Barrister Mrs Lucy Omagbon (left) receives a congratulatory card from the Vice President, Movement for Progressive Change, Edo State, when members paid a courtesy visit to the council at Okada. Photo: IMUAGBONHEN JOHNSON.
Tenant Sues Agent Over Breach Of Trust
KADUNA - A tenant, Florence Abbas, has dragged one Inusa Inusa, a property agent, to the Kaduna Sharia Court II, Magajin Gari for breach of trust. Abbas told the court that she was forced to vacate the oneroom apartment she rented through Inusa, after she had spent N49,450 in repairing it. “When the building collapsed I told Inusa about it and he asked me to repair and present the list of my expenses to him. It
amounted to N49,550 but he only paid N4, 000 out of the money,’’ she said. She further told the court that when her rent expired, the landlord demanded for payment and when she asked about the money she spent on the repair they feigned ignorance. “They frustrated my life in that house and I had to pack out to
another one,” she said, and pleaded with the court to order Inusa pay back the money. Inusa, represented by his counsel, Khamis Banihashim, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The counsel told the court that his client was not the owner of the house and that the N4, 000 he gave to her was for a new door she fixed.
He further told the court that there was no written agreement between her and his client. When asked to present her witness, the complainant told the presiding officer, Khadi Ibrahim Inuwa that it was a gentlemen agreement between her and Inusa. Inuwa adjourned the case to May 27, for the court to take a decision on the matter.
BENIN CITY – The Chairperson, Women Development Programme (WDP), Oredo Local Government Council Mrs. Christiana Obazee has visited the Queen Mother in Benin Kingdom, Oloi Omoye Erediauwa at the palace of the Benin Monarch where she described the Queen Mother as an epitome of excellent motherhood. Mrs. Obazee was accompanied on the visit by the Council Vice-Chair, Mrs. Sweet Ikponmwosa, Oredo Action Congress of Nigeria (A.C.N) Women Leader in Oredo Local Government Area, Mrs. Joyce Osagie other top local government functionaries. The visit was to formally say ‘thank you’ to the Queen Mother for her support and ‘display of excellent motherhood’ which Mrs. Obazee acknowledged has contributed greatly to the prevailing peace and progress in the kingdom. She acknowledged the Queen Mother’s unflinching support to the growth of a demo-
cratic culture in the state through prayers and therefore called for its sustenance. The wife of the Oredo Council boss also acknowledged the tireless prayers for he husband’s aspiration which translated to his victory in the April council poll. While promising to give her husband the necessary support to enable him deliver on his electioneering promises, Mrs. Obazee assured that women and children would be accorded better sense of belongings in the scheme of things. In a remark, the Queen Mother who was flanked by other palace Queen – expressed delight over the visit. She underscored the role of a dependable house wife in the success of any man and charged the wife of the Oredo boss to accord her husband the desired support to enable him succeed. The Queen Mother thanked God for the peaceful co-existence of all in Edo State and assured of sustained prayers for hitch free tenure for the Oredo Local Government boss.
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Across The Nation Edo LG Election Tribunal Yet To Disclose Number Of Petitions Received BY ROLAND OSAKUE BENIN CITY – The Electoral Tribunal set up to look into petitions arising from the April 20, 2013 Local Government Elections in Edo State is yet to come out with the total number of petitions it has so far received for hearing. It will be recalled that filing and submission of petitions in respect of the local government elections, according to electoral laws, ended on Saturday May 18, 2013, besides the local governments in which
elections were postponed which still have up to Friday this week to file petitions if any. When The NIGERIAN OBSERVER visited the Tribunal premises in Benin City yesterday, the officers were seen signing and affixing stamps on documents to ensure that the Tribunal Commence hearing soonest. Speaking with this reporter, the secretary to the Tribunal, Mr. Kingsley Obasuyi said the office was till collating files but could not disclose the numbers of the petitions it has so far re-
ceived. At the premises of the court, a Vice-Chairmanship candidate for Labour Party in Egor Local Government in the last state local government election, Hon. Princewill Ewemade Agbonkonkon told The NIGERIAN OBSERVER that he had filed and submitted his petition before the expiry date. Hon. Agbonkonkon however, hoped to get judgement from his petition following his prayers from the court, as well as his hope on the judiciary, which he said was the last resort of the oppressed.
Teachers Earmark N2.3m To cruiting new teachers. He noted that the regular inTrain Colleagues spection of schools by officials of
BIRNIN KEBBI - A group of teachers in Kebbi, have set aside N2.3 million to train their colleagues in primary schools on effective school management and classroom control techniques. The group called Teachers in Support of Positive Leadership of Saidu Dakingari, said 1,750 primary school teachers would be trained in five centres located in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Suru, Yauri and Zuru. Alhaji Muhammadu Gulma, Chairman of the group told newsmen yesterday in Birnin Kebbi that 350 teachers would be trained in each of the five centres. “This effort is to support government in the improvement of the education sector,’’ he said, adding that the organisation had visited schools to assess the impact of the dearth of teachers in schools. “We will assist by training teachers on school management and classroom control
considering that pupils learn things outside the classrooms which may not be conducive for learning,’’ he said. Gulma commended the state government for constructing additional primary schools and re-
the state primary education board had reduced truancy among teachers. Reports say that the state government has recruited 7,000 additional teachers to bridge existing dearth of teachers especially in rural schools.
Ovia South West Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Morrison Ogunrobo congratualting Hon. Solomon Agbonlahor, one of the newly sworn-in supervisory councillors for the Council shortly after their swearing-in.
Fashola Inaugurates Tribunal Of Inquiry On Collapsed Building
IKEJA - Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Monday inaugurated a six -man Tribunal of Inquiry to look into the frequent cases of collapsed buildings in the state. The tribunal, made up of members from various professional backgrounds, is chaired by Mr. Abimbola Ajayi. Other members are: Mrs. Roli Graig, Mr. Segun Adedeji, Mr. Moses Ogunleye, Mr. Joseph Adewale and Mr. Biodun Rufai. Inaugurating the tribunal in Ikeja, Fashola said the issue of collapsed buildings posed a big
threat to lives and properties in the state. He explained that the problem had challenged the capacity of government to protect lives and the tribunal was a major step to put an end to the unsavoury development. “Over the years, building collapse has been an issue that has challenged the capacity of government to protect lives and
properties and this is giving us a big cause to worry. “The problem facing the state used to be incidents of buildings under construction suddenly giving way, but now, what we have is buildings constructed under 10 years ago suddenly collapsing. “This really is a big challenge,’’ he said, noting that while defective buildings could be replaced, lost lives could not. “We understand housing is still
a big challenge in the state, but citizens should not risk their lives in the process of getting the house that would send them to their early graves. “While the government will strive to protect all citizens under our care, residents and all stakeholders should take some responsibility by ensuring that they do things in the appropriate manner,“ he said. The governor said building pro-
Gov Aspirants Jostle For Positions In APGA AMUAHIA - The ongoing reformation of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia has attracted more than ten governorship aspirants to the party, Chief Onapuruagu Ukegbu, the party Chairman in the state, said. Ukegbu told newsmen yester-
day in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, that the more than ten aspirants were considering contesting in the 2015 governorship election in Abia on the platform of the party. He said that the party in Abia was undergoing reformation to
make it the bride of the people of the state whom, he said, already believed in the party’s ideals. “APGA doesn’t need to source for candidate. Candidates are already sourcing for APGA in Abia state. In the next election, we are not just going to put up a credible
candidate. “We are going to put up a candidate who has all it takes to deliver not just in winning the election but in delivering the dividends of democracy to the masses just like we’ve been doing in Imo state and in Anambra state. “A political party is driven by
L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Phillip Aduda, discussing with Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed during the inauguration of the the newly elected FCT Area Council Chairmen in Abuja yesterday.
their manifesto and the ideals in which that political party was formed. That is why when you look around it appears APGA government in the South East are doing far better than their counterparts elsewhere.`` Ukegbu said that the current crisis in the party would not affect its fortunes in the days ahead, noting that the party was poised to emerge stronger from the current turbulence. “Factions are normal in any moving political party. That’s the way we play politics but the important thing is that at the end of the day for the party to reorganise, restructure and forge ahead. “The crises are just manmade and people are coming back to the fold. In no time, you will find out that the so-called crisis in APGA was sponsored and they will fizzle out in no time.`` He said that the future of residents of the state was guaranteed in the party. “The people of the state are incensed in the way their destiny had been toyed and our party hopes to leverage on turn things around in the state. Ukegbu said that APGA provided better opportunities for aspiring politicians.
fessionals were partly to blame for the situation as a good number of them used inferior building materials to execute their work. He pointed out that some professionals also contributed to the problem by executing work on buildings outside of the approved plans. “Often times, residents apply for building permits to construct a storey building, but end up constructing a four-storey building and professionals are involved in all of these. “Now, if you build against the approval we have given, we will pull down the house or we will compel the person to reduce it to the approval he or she got from us,“ he said. Fashola said the reluctance of residents to vacate defective buildings after they had been warned by government officials had contributed to losses arising from collapsed buildings. He said it was impossible for government to solve the problem alone, appealing to stakeholders to collaborate with the state in bringing the menace to an end. The governor said the government would not hesitate to deal with any of its officials found contributing either directly or remotely to the problem. He urged the tribunal to justify the confidence reposed in them by helping the state with solutions and recommendations that would address the problem. “Your responsibility is to inquire into the immediate and remote causes of building collapse in the state, especially those that collapsed recently. “You should look into the quality of materials used in buildings and inspect buildings and estates in the state to ascertain their state. “You should, within three months, help by submitting measures and recommendations that could help prevent cases of building collapse in the state,“ he added.
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Across The Nation Association Clamour For Increased Skilled Birth Attendants ABUJA - Mrs Margret Akinsola, the National President, Commission of Professional Midwives of Nigeria, has called for increased use of skilled birth attendants to reduce childbirth-related deaths. Akinsola made the call at an event to commemorate the International Midwives Day yesterday in Abuja. She said that currently, only 39 per cent of births in the country were attended to by skilled birth attendants hence the need to recruit more midwives, especially in the rural areas. Akinsola said midwives had been assisting in the prevention of maternal and child mortality, and morbidity by providing nutritional education, family planning services and safe sex information. She also said that modern contraceptive prevalence still stood at 15 per cent, adding that women and girls needed choices in reproductive health rights. Akinsola called on government to ensure sustainability of family planning commodities and effective supply chain management to save lives of women and girls. She said that the term, safe motherhood, needed to be expanded beyond physical safety. “The notion of safe motherhood must be expanded beyond the prevention of morbidity and mortality to encompass respect for women’s basic right,” she said. She added that the association would continue to create awareness on the importance of family planning as a vehicle to reduce deaths. The UN Fund for Population Activities, UNFPA, reiterated the importance of quality midwifery to reduce maternal and child mortality in the country. The agency emphasised the role of midwives in ensuring universal access to family planning, which could help to prevent 87 million unintended pregnancies. It noted that “ about 222
million women want to delay or avoid pregnancies but lack the modern means to do so. “Midwives’ invaluable counselling skills are instrumental in empowering young couples and women to make the decisions that are right for their particular situations.” May 5, celebrated as International Day of the Midwife, is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of midwives. L-R: Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem; President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State at the inauguration of the Court of Appeal building in Ibadan yesterday.
Residents Tell Govt To Rid Bus Stops Of Hoodlums M A R A R A B A (NASARAWA STATE) Some residents of Mararaba and environs in Nasarawa State have appealed to the state government to check the activities of hoodlums at various bus stops within the area.
Reports say that some touts have become a thorn in the flesh of many residents and passengers waiting at the bus stops to board vehicles to their destinations. Speaking with newsmen yesterday, the respondents observed that the activities of touts at the bus stops had made
life unbearable for the passengers and passers-by. Mr Baba Ibrahim, a passenger, who spoke with newsmen, urged the state government to chase away the petty thieves from the area, saying their conduct was becoming embarrassing to innocent Ni-
gerians. ‘’This set of people parade themselves as passengers around the bus stops to snatch people’s handbags and mobile phones. ‘’Early in the morning and evening period, you will see them lined up here at the bus stops under the pretence of
A woman dancing to a talking drum at the inauguration of the Court of A p p e a l building in Ibadan yesterday.
being passengers only to snatch people’s phones and other valuables,’’ Ibrahim said. Ibrahim, who observed that the illegal parks operating along the Keffi - Abuja road were attracting all sorts of people to the area, urged the government to nip the activities of the pick pockets in the bud. He also advised the government to dislodge the illegal park operators on the highway, pointing out that they were contributing to the traffic challenges on the road. Also speaking, Miss Iniobog Ekpang, who supported Ibrahim’s observations, said government should be proactive in curbing the activities of undesirable elements in the area. ‘’As you know, a lot of people have been forced to relocate to Mararaba, and this has seriously increased the population in the state. ‘’And this is the reason why we have more criminal activities everywhere because you don’t know who is who,’’ Ekpang said. Ekpang, therefore, urged government to provide more security to save the lives and property of its citizens.
Sen Ningi Seeks For Mambilla Plateau’s Development GEMBU (TARABA) The Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi, has called on the Federal Government to urgently develop the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba. Ningi told newsmen in Gembu that Mambilla had been “forgotten” by the government and other stakeholders. He regretted that the area, which is endowed with enormous economic potentials,
had no single completed federal or state government project. The lawmaker observed that successive administrations at the three levels of government in the country had failed the people of the area. Accompanied by seven other senators, Ningi noted that the Mambilla Plateau had about five million herds of cattle based on the last livestock census. He said that it also had a vast arable land which could grow
virtually all tropical crops, and more than 50,000 hectares of land suitable for growing world-class tea and coffee, amongst others. According to him, the area is capable of not only being the food basket of the nation, but also the economic engine room of the North Eastern region. He lamented over what he described as the “total neglect of an area that is capable of being transformed into the
tourism haven of Nigeria.” Ningi said that Mambilla could also be developed to an international holiday resort that could improve the country’s economic fortunes and encourage sports development at very low cost. While challenging political office holders to rise to the occasion and contribute to the development of the area, he assured of the National Assembly’s support to the lo-
cal, state and federal governments. According to him, this is with a view for them to provide facilities that can attract local and internal investors because of the plateau’s clement weather. Ningi led an eight-man delegation to Gembu to represent Senate President David Mark at a reception organised for Senator Abubakar Tutare (PDPTaraba Central).
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Business + Economy Increased Inflation Rate No Threat To CCI LCCI Economy - L LAGOS - The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) yesterday said that the 9.1 per inflation recorded in April was still satisfactory. Mr Muda Yusuf, the Director General, LCCI, told newsmen in Lagos that the inflation rate was still single digit and did not pose any threat to the economy. It would be recalled that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on April 16 said the inflation rate increased from 8.6 per cent in March to 9.1 per
Soldiers on arrival in Yola for the enforcement of the state of Emergency
NIA To Develop Lagos Into Megacity LAGOS - The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) said building professionals have the responsibility to ensure urban development and the evolvement of Lagos into a megacity. The institute made this known in a communique issued at the end of the three-day “Lagos Architects Forum 2013’’ held from May 15 to May 17 in Lagos. The body said one of
the hindrances to urbanisation was the inability of professionals to have access to requisite planning documents that may guide and specify building regulation requirements. It also observed that absence of collective ownership or participation gives rise to urban social conflict. “It has been observed that building professionals lack coherence
in corporate practice which has impinged on the rapid urbanisation process of the city,’’ the communique said. The NIA further stated in the communique that various levies imposed by government for building approval process were too enormous and they had hindered development in Lagos State. It also said while the Lagos State government had spent resources to acquire the
Ensure Wide Acceptance Of Cheques,
Ex-AMAN Chief Urges CBN LAGOS - Dr Samuel Nzekwe, a former President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), has advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to popularise the use of cheques. Nzekwe told newsmen in Lagos yesterday that many Nigerians preferred cash to cheques in financial transactions due to lack of trust. “There is lack of trust because those who issued dud cheques in the past were not punished, “ he
said. Nzekwe suggested that there should be more collaboration between the CBN and law enforcement agencies to ensure those who issued dud cheques were punished. He said that the banks where such acts were detected, but failed to report to appropriate authorities should also be sanctioned. “The ability of the CBN to successfully build confidence in the country will boost CBN’s cash-less policy, “ he said. Nzekwe said that the
use of cheques would complement the services of Automatic Teller Machines. He said that such regime would create a platform for the cashless policy to thrive.
Geographic Information System, information generated was yet to be evenly distributed amongst government’s ministries and organs. The institute said further that the process of land and title acquisition was yet to be streamlined. “The building approval process needs to be simplified to ensure speedy project delivery, which will impact positively on the overall economy of a city,’’ the communique stated. According to the body, the challenges of the Land Use Act of 1978 had made it difficult for intending developers to
acquire requisite land documents for building approval.
cent in April. Yusuf also said that the development was an indication that the economy was stable. He advised the Central Bank of Nigeria to strengthen its inflation targeting measures to ensure that the rate did not exceed the single digit. Yusuf also advised the Federal Government to focus on stimulating the economy to produce more goods and services for local consumption and for export. “ An improvement in the production of local goods and services will drastically reduce inflation rate and create job opportunities for unemployed youths in the country, “ he said.
86 Ships Expected At Lagos Ports
LAGOS - The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) yesterday said 86 ships carrying various products would sail into the Lagos ports from May 20 to June 14. This is contained in its daily publication, “Shipping Position”, made available to newsmen in Lagos. The publication says the ships are laden with petroleum products, bulk fertiliser, new and used vehicles, rice and frozen fish.
It says some of the ships are also carrying steel products, bulk salt, general cargo, bulk sugar, bulk gypsum, bulk wheat, containerised goods and crude palm-oil. The publication says 10 fuel laden ships are also waiting to berth and discharge kerosene, petrol, diesel and aviation fuel. It says also the ships are to berth at Single Buoy Mooring (SBM), New Oil Jetty (NOJ), Atlas Cove Jetty (ACJ) and Bulk Oil Plant (BOP).
Operations Commander, Brig. Gen. Fatai Alli (Left) addressing soldiers on arrival yesterday in Yola for the State of Emergency operation.
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Across The Nation Monarch Seeks US Support In Tackling Terror OYO (OYO STATE) The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has solicited the support of the U.S. Government in tackling security challenges currently facing Nigeria. Adeyemi made the call in Oyo, while receiving a delegation of U.S. diplomats in his palace. The delegation was led by the U.S. Consular General, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, who was accompanied by his wife, Annie. The monarch used the opportunity to call on the U.S. Government to assist Nigeria in fighting terrorism, which he described as the major problem facing Nigeria at the moment. “Let me use this opportunity to call on the American Government to assist our dear country in tackling terrorism which is bedevilling the nation at this present time.”
The monarch said that the support would enrich the mutual relationship that existed between Nigeria and the U.S. He commended the consular-general for seeking to understand Yoruba culture, which he said, was a display of the American ‘spirit of exploration’. Earlier in his speech, Hawkins said that the visit was to explore, understand and appreciate Yoruba culture. He noted that it was the first time the American Consulate in Nigeria would visit the Alaafin in large number that included the Head of American Corps in Nigeria. He described Oyo kingdom as the centre of Yoruba culture, adding that Oyo was the greatest kingdom in Nigeria, spreading across West Africa.
Hawkings assured the monarch the support of the U.S. Government. A prince of the Oyo Kingdom, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, urged the monarch to ensure a return visit to the U.S. Ladigbolu commended the consulate for appreciating Yoruba culture and Oyo Kingdom, pledging the readiness of Oyo kingdom to partner with the U.S. Reports say that the programme which featured cultural displays, was attended by staff of the U.S. Consulate and the Oyo Mesi or Chiefs-in-Council). Also in attendance was Alhaji Badaru Suleyman, a presidential aspirant from the Republic of Benin and a host of other well wishers.
L-R: Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Taiwo Ayinde, member, Panel of Inquiry into Collapsed Buildings in Lagos State, Mr. Joseph Adewale, Governor Babantunde Fashola of Lagos State, Panel Chairperson, Mrs. Abimbola Ajayi, another member, Mr. Biodun Rufai and Lagos Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, at the inauguration of Panel of Inquiry into collapsed buildings in Lagos State by Governor Babatunde Fashola in Lagos yesterday.
Cleric Kicks Aganist Controversy ABUJA- The Primate of the Over Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop “In Things Fall Apart you Maku and the Deputy-Governor Achebe’s Burial Nicholas Okoh, has described find that the old order was of Anambra State, Mr. Emeka the controversy over Prof. Chinua Achebe’s burial rites as a clash between “the old and new.’’ Speaking at a commendation service held in honour of Achebe on Sunday in Abuja, Okoh said that what the literary icon depicted in his epic novel, Things Fall Apart, caught up with him at death. “I was amused when I learnt that the Ogidi people were struggling for his body and they want the burial done the traditional way. “The discussion we had with Ikechukwu (Achebe’s elder son) is that he will be buried by the church. ‘‘I said the professor had become an example of what he had written, the old order struggling with the new order,’’ Okoh said in his sermon at the commendation service. The cleric recounted the story of Achebe’s epic novel, where he depicted the clash between African traditional religion and Christianity. Eulogising the late author’s literary prowess, the cleric said: “ Achebe had a gift from God and he presented it to the world. “Achebe offered what he had to God and to the world and from their African was known, the Igbo man became known and the tradition of the people became known. “We were exposed to the conflict between the old order and the new order, just like the kind of things you see in the New Testament. “When Jesus came to the sick, the old order of the Jewish system was struggling with the New Testament covenant order being introduced by Jesus Christ.
struggling with the new order of Christianity.’’ Okoh, who had earlier expressed disappointment at the poor attendance of the commendation service, advised young people to emulate Achebe’s positive use of his God-given “gift’’. The cleric expressed concern that young people in the country were bereft of ‘role models to adopt.’ “People like Achebe are role models we should recommend to our young people to emulate because people of today would only choose those who have made money. “If we have more young people like Achebe there will be round transformation and we will be restored to wholesomeness.’’ Okoh told the congregation at the National Christian Centre that the key lesson from Achebe’s death was for “everyone to prepare to meet his creator. “Achebe was a world-class professor but the news today is he is dead. So great men die. “The lesson is for us to prepare to meet our God and we have to do that by living responsibly and accountably,’’ he said. The Coordinator of Achebe’s Burial Committee, Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, apologised to the audience over the poor attendance. He promised that subsequent events lined up for the burial would be well-attended before the final funeral rites at Ogidi in Anambra on May 23. Dignitaries present at the service include the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Information Minister Labaran
Sibeudu. Also present were the ANPP Chairman, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, a former Governor of Old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo and the immediate past Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe. According to the organisers, Achebe’s body is expected in Abuja from the U.S. on May 21, and will depart for Enugu the same day to begin his final journey. Members of Panel of Inquiry into Collapsed Buildings in Lagos State at their inauguration by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State in Lagos yesterday.
2 Persons Electrocuted In Igbanke
IGBANKE - Two persons were electrocuted within the space of three days, last week, in Igbanke, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. The first victim, Mr. Ibrahim Traore, a Malian in his early twenties, had met his untimely death on Thursday, May 16, 2013 while trying to open a freezer in his rented apartment at Ake-Igbanke. According to his compatriot, Mr. Bilalu Coullybali, the man who was until his death an itinerant ice-cream vendor had been outside the house doing some washing when PHCN suddenly restore power that had earlier been switched off. The second victim, Mr. Endurance Ogboi was electrocuted on Saturday, May 18, 2013 while at work in his welding workshop along Owa/Oligie Road, Idumodin – Igbanke. Many other indigenes, who could be said to be lucky are being hospitalized as a result of electric shock sustained in their various residences across the
town. Property worth millions of naira have also been burnt following fire sparks from electrical faults. Meanwhile, people have blamed the calamity in Igbanke on PHCN. The company is being accused of negligence, incompetence and
indifference. The people of Igbanke, therefore, are calling for a thorough investigation to ascertain the main cause of electricity problem in the town. It would be recalled that most parts of the town have been
without electricity supply for more than two months. Presently, most artisans have abandoned all their electricity-propelled machinery while residents have been forced to yank off the PHCN lines connected to their houses.
DHA Says 14 Terrorists Killed In Ongoing Operations
ABUJA-The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that 14 terrorists had been killed in the ongoing military operations in the Northern part of the country. A statement by Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information said that three soldiers died and seven who sustained injuries were being treated in a military medical facility. The statement, which did not disclose the location of the latest assault between the military and the insurgents, said one soldier was still missing. It said that a total of 20 terrorist were apprehended as they fled while seven vehicles and 13 mobile
telephones were recovered after mop-up operations. The statement noted that troops had continued the advance and attack on identified terrorist camps in the three North eastern states under emergency rule. President Goodluck Jonathan had imposed state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa on May 14. According to the defence spokesman, the military patrols will continue to secure towns and villages from infiltration while the curfew on identified flash points are being enforced. The military statement claimed
that the dislodged terrorists “are in disarray with a large number of them heading backwards to various border. “There bases are being deserted but they are making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics including scores of vehicles in their holdings,’’ it said. According to the statement, the Defence Headquarters is quite satisfied with the high standard of compliance with operational order and strict observance of the rules of engagement so far. It said the forces had been directed to ensure that civilians were kept out of “harms way as much as possible”
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Abuja
Industrial Court Orders Coy To Pay Oneyear Salary To Ex-Employee
ABUJA - The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has ordered S.W Global Ltd to pay one-year salary to its former employee, M. Alfred Okoh, whose employment it terminated in 2011. Justice Oluseun Shogbola gave the order on Monday while delivering judgment in a case of
unlawful termination of employment filed by Okoh against the company. By the court’s judgment, the claimant is expected to be paid a total of N4.6 million, being N391,188.93 monthly salary for
the period. The claimant, who was employed by the company in June 2011, told the court that the defendant terminated his employment after he had relocated from
Minister Tasks Council Chairmen On Security ABUJA - The FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, has advised the six area council chairmen to beef up security in collaboration with FCTA. He said the measure became necessary to protect lives and property in the territory. Mohammed gave the advice during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected chairmen of the FCT area councils on Monday in Abuja. He said that security of lives and property was a major concern to the FCT administration, adding that it had set up machinery for effective surveillance in the territory. “We have set up machinery for effective security monitoring in the FCT, and the area councils are expected to immediately commence effective security measures to achieve a round-the-clock watch over their domains. “Abuja is the centre of our national unity and ours is a plural society. “There must be guaranteed harmonious coexistence among the various segments of Nigerian population as well as the international community living in your area councils,’’ he said. The minister gave assurance that the FCT administration would continue to make sure the six area councils receive all the statutory allocation due to them. He, therefore, called on the new chairmen to reciprocate the FCT gesture by avoiding waste, ensure accountability
in the management of public resources and complying fully with the Procurement Act. “The FCT administration will not shirk its responsibility for effective supervision of operations in the councils and any chairman found wanting will be made to account fully for his commission or omission,’’ he said. Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, urged the new chairmen to complement the efforts of the FCT administration to fast-track development at the grass roots. Akinjide said, ‘’the welfare of the people remains the greatest law and the greatest manifesto above political parties, section or creed.” “The election is over and the forest fires are over; what remains is the challenge of development, which neither turns in winner nor loser, neither victor nor vanquished. “We will remain committed to building a plural and inclusive society in the FCT in particular and Nigeria in general,’’ she said. The new chairmen are Yahaya Gawu, Abaji Area Council; Micah Jiba, Abuja Municipal Area Council and Yohanna Ushafa, Bwari Area Council; Others are Abubakar Jibrin, Gwagwalada Area Council; Ishaku Shaban, Kuje Area Council and Daniel Ibrahim, Kwali Area Council.
the UK to Nigeria. Okoh told the court that he was living and working in the UK when he saw a job advert on the Internet by the defendant for which he applied. He explained that he was given a letter of employment as a project manager via e-mail after he had exchanged correspondences with the company. The claimant further explained that the defendant asked him to assume duty on July 4,
but failed to engage him after his arrival until it terminated his employment in October 2011. Okoh prayed the court to make a declaration that the defendant owed him a duty of care in executing the terms of his contract of employment. He also prayed the court to order the defendant to pay him N20 million as damages and N2 million as cost of the suit. NAN recalls that during the hearing of the case, the defence counsel, Mr Chris Eke, argued
L-R: District Head, Faskari Local Government Council, Alhaji Tukur Sa’Idu; wife of the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Hajiya Lubabatu Garba; Village Head of Zamfarawa, Maiunguwa Muhammadu and the Council’s Transition Committee Chairman, Alhaji Isiyaku Faskari-Ahmed yesterday at the distribution of relief materials to the people of Zamfarawa Village who were raided by armed robbers on May 11.
that the company fulfilled the requirement in terminating the employment of the claimant. Eke submitted that the defendant paid the claimant a month’s salary in lieu of one month notice as required by law and 1,000 U.S. dollar as relocation allowance. He said the defendant was unable to engage the claimant due to the failure of the SIM registration contract with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC). The claimant’s counsel, Mr. Mabruk Kunmi-Oloyiwola, however, argued that the employment of his client was not tied to the contract with the NCC, and urged the court to grant the claimant’s payers. In her ruling, Shogbola held that the defendant did not have the capacity to offer the claimant the employment if it tied it to the said contract. She also held that the claimant was entitled to damages since he lived and worked in the UK before his employment with the defendant. “There was no need to offer the claimant the employment because it was clear that the defendant had no capacity to engage him. “I hold that the claimant is entitled to general damages since he was living and working in the UK before his appointment by the defendant. “The court hereby awards a cost against the defendant in the sum of N100,000 and one year full gross salary of the claimant be paid to him as damages: this is the judgment of this court,’’ she ruled.
Establish More Water Related Courses In Varsities, Consultant Urges FG ABUJA – Mr. Inoue Kazunori, a Japanese consultant on river, erosion and ocean, has advised the Federal Government to establish more water-related courses to enhance the capability of engineers in the sector.
Kazunori told newsmen in Abuja on Monday that such effort would help engineers to understand the hazards and risks involved in the management and operation of dams across the country. He said that in spite of the fact that Nigeria had many universities, only a few of them offer water-related courses. ‘’Prof. Salihu Mustafa, an author on Hydrology and Water Resources, recently revealed that only six universities offer courses in water resources, meaning that we have a few trained personnel in the field. ‘’For example, Japan had invested a lot in research and capacity building to be able to prevent and manage its environmental problems, so Nigeria should do same.’’ The consultant, however, stressed the need to train engineers in water resources and hydrological information, saying that the benefit was enormous in terms of preventing environmental disasters.
On flooding, the consultant urged the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to develop hydrological modelling to understand flood pattern on rivers in order to mitigate the effects. Hydrological modelling is a statistical method for analysing hydrological data for proper understanding of parameters that contribute to hydrological cycle. In addition, he said that those states prone to gully erosion should conduct hydrological monitoring to manage the environmental problem. The expert said that the government should put more effort in the operation and management of hydrometric system to mitigate the effect of erosion in the country. Kazunori, who is also a member of Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) team on review of water resources master plan, commended the cooperation of the Nigerian counterpart in the project. The consultant said the team
was able to partner with Nigerian experts to identify and analyse the hydrological potential of the country at every stage of the review process. According to him, the team is working with all the parastatals agencies under the Ministry of Water Resources to review the plan. Kazunori said the master plan, once reviewed, would help Nigeria to achieve the set targets on water and sanitation by 2020. ‘’Since Nigeria has operational targets and for the country to meet the targets, we need to identify water volume to meet the set targets. ‘’The plan will help the Federal Government to allocate investment to the right place and at the right time; it will also help the government to deliver and be accountable in water projects,’’ he added. The consultant, however, said the security challenges in the country remained a problem to the project, noting that the team had not been able to visit some states in the northern part of the country to gather data.
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Politics
When The Comrade Governor Received Honour At Home By NASAMU JACOBSON
IT is biblical that “a prophet hath no honour at home’’ but the Traditional Rulers of Afemai Land, Edo North Senatorial District of Edo State have shown that it may not always be so. On Saturday May 11, 2013, the royal fathers led by the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe 111, gathered the people of the six local government areas of the north senatorial district to honour their son, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, Governor of Edo State. The event, which was attended by dignitaries from within and outside the state, was held at the Auchi Polytechnic sports ground. It was a carnival of sorts as several cultural and traditional dances and displays spiced up the colourful occasion. The Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Eheneden Erediauwa, Edaiken of Uselu, who chaired the reception, noted with delight that the occasion was put together by the royal fathers to honour their son which , he added, was “a departure from the biblical saying that ‘a prophet is not always honoured in his own country.’” According to him: “Conventionally, traditional rulers are not expected to participate in party politics, because as father of all, the development of their domain, state and country by extension, and well-be3ing of their people are paramount in their hearts.’’ Prince Erediauwa, who described Comrade Oshiomhole as a messiah of Edo politics, commended the governor for championing the one-man one-vote approach to elections in the state. He said: “we must commend our indefatigable governor for his relentless effort to combat the God-fatherism syndrome in Edo politics which I hope other parts of Nigeria has drawn a lesson from. We must also commend His Excellency Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for demonstrating that a free and fair election can hold in Nigeria without the usual attendant violence. Therefore, Oshiomhole that became popularly known as Oshio Baba, became a shining touch bearer and flagship of democratic practice in Nigeria and has demonstrated that Nigeria can get to the promised land of a desired level of democracy. I have no doubt that Edo state in particular and, Nigeria in general, will forever be grateful and indebted to you.’’ The Crown Prince pointed out that Comrade Oshiomhole’s performance in infrastructural development in the state was glaring. According to him, ‘’there are positive comments galore akin to a photograph or picture of ‘before and after’. ‘’A few years ago, Edo was like an abandoned project and, thanks to the governor for turning all that around and making Benin City in particular and Edo State in general a destination of choice’’, he added. He recalled when, as Ambassador in Rome, he heard that the governor had introduced taxes which were akin to ‘’chastising people with scorpions’’. Prince Erediauwa said: ‘’I spoke to some of his critics on phone that the governor was only implementing tax laws, and that payment of tax was a sine-qua-non in developed countries. I said payment of tax was a necessity for development and that I had confidence that the governor would use the tax money judiciously. Some of the persons I spoke to who started to see what the governor was actually using the tax money for eventually said I was vindicated and even promised to mount the campaign podium and campaign for the Comrade’s re-election for a second term. Today, we are all witnesses to
more of the projects the governor had done with tax payers’ money in the state’’. He also described Comrade Oshiomhole as a messiah of the traditional institution in the state, noting that ‘’there has been no governor in the history of Edo State, defunct Bendel and old Midwestern Region that has shown so much respect, recognition and, uplifted the traditional institution as much as our very amiable governor. “Of course, some might say that the governor may not have been successful without the blessing of the royal fathers, but remember and, I dare say that some of his prede-
pertinent as it showed the Comrade Governor that his people in Edo North and indeed all Edo State appreciate him for his achievements, ‘’and say they are solidly behind him to do more for the state. We are proud of the Comrade Governor and I hereby encourage him not to be deterred by detractors but
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Governor of Edo State cessors have received royal blessings and support as well as that of the masses, without a corresponding measure of reciprocity and performance’’, he said. To those who, in spite of the Comrade Governor’s achievements, criticise him, the Crown Prince likened Oshiomhole’s case to that of Jesus Christ reputed by Christians to be the son of God who had done so much for mankind but was still heavily criticised and crucified, saying, however, that ‘’we must please, therefore, commend the Governor for his bold, resolute, resilient and principled approach in his handling of the many issues that have undermined the political, economic and social development of the state. Our amiable governor is a source of pride and hope for all of us in Edo State, Nigeria and Africa at large. He has given the correct meaning to governance in Edo State. The Comrade’s developmental strides are highly conspicuous in every sector in the state. That was why the people overwhelmingly renewed his mandate in July 2012, making him the first 18/18 democratically elected governor in Edo State and perhaps the first governor of a state in Nigeria who won in all the local governments’’. An achiever like Comrade Oshiomhole, he said, deserves encouragement, pointing out thst the occasion was very
to continue his development agenda for the state. I urge all well meaning individuals, groups and agencies in the state to continue to render unflinching support to the Comrade Governor to encourage him to take Edo State to the next level.’’ Also speaking on the occasion, the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji A.H. Momoh, on behalf of the Edo North Traditional Rulers, said the reception was in recognition of the outstanding performance of the Comrade Governor in the state. The Otaru disclosed that the traditional rulers of Edo North, in appreciation of the good work Comrade
Oshiomhole has done in the state, ‘’we now wish to declare as witnesses to these outstanding performance as witnesses to God for the truth which has been embedded in Edo State. In his response, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole promised to continue to do his best to meet the expectations of the people. He said: ‘’Let me thank our Royal Fathers from different local governments in Edo North for your decision to honour me. It is not every day you find respected royal fathers from various kingdoms and domain coming together in unison to acknowledge and to give honour to their son’’. Comrade Oshiomhole noted that by their acknowledgement of his achievements, the royal fathers had ‘’increased my burden because as they say to whom much is given much is expected. Last year, I had the fortune of being recognized and appreciated by the royal fathers from Esan land, Edo Central, when they all agreed to confer on me the Adolor of Esanland. When I understood the full interpretation in English and that which you conferred on my today, it will appear that the minds of our royal fathers are working the same way’’. ‘’I am humbled and I am grateful. I am indebted and committed to continue to do my best using the instrument of my privileged office to deliver joy, happiness and prosperity to the greatest number of our people ion Edo State’’, Comrade Oshiomhole added. Highlight of the reception was the conferment of the traditional title of ‘’OSHIOSIMUA’’ or Divine Redeemer on Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The reception programme climaxed on Sunday May 12, 2013 with a well attended thanksgiving service at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi.
THE
NIGERIAN
11
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (20/05/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
LIVESTOCK
3.25
3.39
0.14
72
4,732,582
15,612,802.80
2.5
2.3
-0.2
17
694,671
1,657,771.57
0.16
12
233,259
450,172.88
7UP
50
50
0
15
23,871
1,229,485.83
MANSARD
ABBEYBDS
1.5
1.5
0
2
34,000
51,000.00
MAYBAKER
1.81
1.97
ABCTRANS
1.03
1
-0.03
24
2,095,883
2,095,761.00
MBENEFIT
0.5
0.5
0
2
30,000
15,000.00
ACADEMY
1.7
1.7
0
8
96,405
165,981.30
MCNICHOLS
1.43
1.43
0
8
21,100
29,751.00
ACCESS
11
11.1
0.1
225
14,141,743
155,531,768.63
MOBIL
114
114
0
25
15,230
1,805,705.58
AFRIPRUD
1.68
1.7
0.02
48
316,867
539,722.66
MORISON
2.23
2.23
0
1
15,281
30,714.81
AGLEVENT
1.65
1.66
0.01
10
163,477
271,412.36
MRS
19.8
18
-1.8
33
293,644
5,329,304.86
AIICO
0.89
0.9
0.01
69
4,133,352
3,724,929.30
NAHCO
6.9
7
0.1
64
1,238,666
8,642,374.48
12.9
11.8
-1.1
159
3,416,676
41,410,376.24
179
176.17
-2.83
184
724,082
128,036,426.78
AIRSERVICE
4.8
4.5
-0.3
9
144,000
660,322.00
NASCON
ARBICO
6.91
6.91
0
1
100
622
NB
ASHAKACEM
24.2
24.01
-0.19
47
313,597
7,537,919.39
NCR
17
18.7
1.7
12
136,860
2,544,870.98
BECOPETRO
0.5
0.5
0
2
125,509
62,754.50
NEIMETH
0.83
0.83
0
6
15,079
12,515.57
BERGER
8.25
8.25
0
10
20,585
176,305.50
NEM
0.81
0.84
0.03
41
1,462,564
1,184,429.74
BETAGLAS
10
10
0
6
79,650
809,700.00
NESTLE
950
945
-5
52
166,670
157,496,754.90
BOCGAS
8.5
8.5
0
1
10,000
76,500.00
NIG-GERMAN
8.17
8.17
0
1
1,512
11,128.32
CADBURY
44.5
44.5
0
91
1,461,289
64,833,764.48
NIWICABLE
0.5
0.5
0
1
10,000
5,000.00
21.42
23.56
2.14
3
50,749
1,195,646.44 1,424,000.00
CAP
67.5
62.51
-4.99
64
574,003
37,655,738.28
NNFM
CAPOIL
0.5
0.5
0
5
600
300
NPFMCRFBK
1.08
1.18
0.1
4
1,208,000
CCNN
9.7
9.9
0.2
33
508,536
4,992,426.83
OANDO
15.1
15.5
0.4
139
3,216,865
49,384,447.16
CHAMPION
4.78
4.78
0
3
4,200
20,922.00
OKOMUOIL
53.94
51.8
-2.14
107
872,169
45,108,741.23
CHAMS
0.5
0.5
0
1
36,508
18,254.00
OMATEK
0.5
0.5
0
1
36,508
18,254.00
CHELLARAM
5.43
4.89
-0.54
1
511,536
2,501,411.04
PAINTCOM
1.4
1.54
0.14
6
400,000
616,000.00
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
26
2,265,024
1,140,052.90
PRESCO
28.99
30
1.01
99
1,699,182
50,976,878.84
CONOIL
24
24
0
28
69,473
1,674,137.00
PRESTIGE
0.62
0.62
0
13
1,258,900
717,222.60
45
49.45
4.45
60
1,397,302
66,178,568.75
CONTINSURE
1.15
1.19
0.04
19
1,069,635
1,236,310.60
PZ
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
5
290,000
146,000.00
REDSTAREX
4.3
4.73
0.43
26
398,759
1,823,595.50
COSTAIN
0.94
1.03
0.09
39
9,429,190
9,712,065.70
ROYALEX
0.6
0.56
-0.04
6
259,486
149,416.56
COURTVILLE
0.96
0.94
-0.02
40
4,126,551
3,826,001.09
RTBRISCOE
1.8
1.8
0
25
219,450
411,862.06
CUSTODYINS
1.72
1.7
-0.02
25
11,061,787
19,084,831.98
SCOA
5.42
5.42
0
1
308
1,503.04
CUTIX
2.3
2.07
-0.23
14
371,500
793,087.30
SKYEBANK
5.05
5.18
0.13
269
42,399,278
216,315,646.90
DAARCOMM
0.5
0.5
0
1
10,000
5,000.00
SKYESHELT
100
100
0
9
90,639
9,063,900.00
DANGCEM
187
183.01
-3.99
31
251,600
46,040,995.59
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
500
250
15.1
15.12
0.02
26
322,029
4,875,947.89
2.89
2.94
0.05
228
27,617,482
78,837,585.35
DANGFLOUR
9.2
9.5
0.3
78
7,456,099
70,668,809.17
STANBIC
DANGSUGAR
8.49
8.5
0.01
93
5,888,705
50,023,429.66
STERLNBANK
DIAMONDBNK
6.99
6.95
-0.04
110
25,722,774
180,410,750.42
STUDPRESS
2.52
2.52
0
1
960
2,400.00
DNMEYER
1.8
1.81
0.01
6
128,334
232,582.33
TOTAL
165
165
0
17
18,039
2,928,108.66
DUNLOP
0.5
0.5
0
1
103,700
51,850.00
TOURIST
4.53
4.53
0
1
5,000
20,400.00
EQUITYASUR
0.5
0.5
0
1
50,000
25,000.00
TRANSCORP
1.3
1.29
-0.01
105
8,089,247
10,469,901.57
ETERNA
3.93
3.99
0.06
43
918,354
3,619,867.92
TRIPPLEG
2.29
2.29
0
2
1,505
3,115.35
ETI
15.35
15.5
0.15
106
15,111,764
232,082,861.22
UAC-PROP
17
16.7
-0.3
30
281,025
4,725,174.00
70.8
70.99
0.19
92
639,988
45,404,448.11 215,069,009.49
EVANSMED
1.8
1.97
0.17
11
480,608
948,216.84
UACN
FBNH
18.57
18.66
0.09
560
19,510,518
366,058,690.80
UBA
8.7
8.59
-0.11
482
25,070,985
FCMB
5
5
0
76
21,875,254
109,362,824.18
UBCAP
1.28
1.28
0
86
3,942,983
4,943,086.58
FIDELITYBK
3.07
3.1
0.03
178
27,899,629
86,549,542.69
UBN
9.53
9.7
0.17
101
624,941
6,093,038.86
FIDSON
1.56
1.7
0.14
66
5,172,773
8,759,047.10
UNILEVER
65.04
70.79
5.75
107
1,096,228
74,263,164.89
FLOURMILL
85
85
0
87
1,064,300
90,418,684.41
UNITYBNK
0.67
0.64
-0.03
81
19,658,515
12,529,001.13
FO
14.24
14.24
0
30
219,593
3,368,883.67
UNITYKAP
0.5
0.5
0
5
1,100
550
FORTISMFB
6
6
0
3
8,000
52,800.00
UPL
5.77
5.2
-0.57
8
207,818
1,083,423.60
0.92
0.83
-0.09
11
709,975
590,450.50
3.22
3.26
0.04
53
1,988,667
6,544,637.25
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
1
36,508
18,254.00
UTC
GLAXOSMITH
49
49
0
17
48,872
2,414,233.70
VITAFOAM
GUARANTY
26.66
26.99
0.33
344
10,074,552
270,677,709.92
VONO
2.34
2.34
0
1
500
1,055.00
GUINNESS
275
278
3
70
776,149
215,731,098.60
WAPCO
92.15
94
1.85
54
899,778
83,930,306.24
HMARKINS
0.5
0.5
0
4
31,700
15,850.00
WAPIC
0.9
0.92
0.02
10
289,175
265,931.19
HONYFLOUR
2.89
3
0.11
50
3,162,956
9,431,904.70
WEMABANK
1.24
1.23
-0.01
26
283,486
343,849.35
IHS
1.8
1.8
0
2
2,500,000
4,068,000.00
IKEJAHOTEL
0.89
0.82
-0.07
14
465,660
387,450.00
INTBREW
28.67
28.4
-0.27
166
3,314,537
96,005,362.57
Gain
Stock
INTERLINK
4.9
4.9
0
1
1,000
4,410.00
IPWA
0.7
0.63
-0.07
2
55,930
35,235.90
JAPAULOIL
0.55
0.55
0
44
4,003,034
2,244,429.62
JBERGER
58.25
58.69
0.44
54
693,365
39,806,172.65
JOHNHOLT
1.54
1.54
0
8
87,420
146,516.10
JOSBREW
1.33
1.33
0
1
200
240
LEARNAFRCA
2
2
0
8
51,078
101,390.68
TOP 10 GAINERS Stock UNILEVER PZ GUINNESS NNFM WAPCO NCR PRESCO JBERGER REDSTAREX OANDO
Close 70.79 49.45 278 23.56 94 18.7 30 58.69 4.73 15.5
TOP TOP10 10LOSERS GAINERS 5.75 4.45 3 2.14 1.85 1.7 1.01 0.44 0.43 0.4
NESTLE CAP DANGCEM NB OKOMUOIL MRS NASCON UPL CHELLARAM AIRSERVICE
Close
Loss
945 62.51 183.01 176.17 51.8 18 11.8 5.2 4.89 4.5
-5 -4.99 -3.99 -2.83 -2.14 -1.8 -1.1 -0.57 -0.54 -0.3
THE
NIGERIAN
12
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
TO curtail the menace of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, and stem the tide of insecurity in the country, especially in parts of Northern Nigeria, the Federal Government on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 declared a State of Emergency in the three Northern States of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno. BEFORE the emergency rule, the Boko Haram Sect had wreaked unimaginable havoc on lives and property. REGRETTABLY, over 60 lives perished recently, following the suicide bombing of a bus, at a motor park in Kano. The terrorist act traceable to Boko Haram. The unfortunate event which shook the city of Kano to its foundations came at a time when some powerful forces in the North are asking for amnesty for Boko Haram. SINCE the incident, a lot of condemnations and protestations have trailed the blast from the UK, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and lawyers of note in the country. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER strongly condemns Boko Haram orchestrated terrorist attacks. But beyond that, we call on the Federal Government to urgently prosecute those already arrested and others with records of complicity. The reason for this position is not far-fetched. ALMOST on a daily basis, there are accounts of several security threats arising from armed robberies, assassinations, armed militancy and banditry, kidnapping, bombings and of recent, the blood-let from a religious sect called the Jaamatus Alhus Sunnah Lid Daawatis Wal Jiliad (otherwise called Boko Harm) who say they are opposed to Western education and are ready to attack every vestige of western civilization. INDEED, the rate of crime and criminality, as exemplified in the high incidence of kidnapping, bombings and other organised crimes has sadly moved from the realm of security threat to an area of real and present danger. THE frightening security condition in Nigeria has not only been a source of worry, it has also dented Nigeria’s International status.
THE NIGERIAN
Ending Boko Haram Insurgence FOR instance, on August 26, 2011 the terrorist group, Boko Haram bombed the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s Federal capital city. The consequences of that attack, as of today, are yet to abate. IN the wake of the UN building attack, Nigeria, lost her hosting right of the global food security meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) which was moved from Abuja, to Senegal. The meeting was an assemblage of experts and food administrators all over the globe. ASIDE the UN building bombing on August 26, 2011 that claimed 23 lives including 11 UN personnel, local Islamic fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram, had until late, been orchestrating series of isolated attacks predominantly in Northern Nigeria. The sect is believed to be targeting centres of international attraction, especially in the Federal Capital Territory. CURIOUSLY, the presidential committee on security challenges in the North East Zone has identified security lapses, inter-service rivalry and lack of collaboration as factors that have encouraged the proliferation of security crises in the Northern part of the country. It also blamed the security breaches on high level of poverty, unemployment and other social ills. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is however of the considered opinion that serious security collaboration and intelligence sharing must be urgently evolved to arrest security breaches and this needs to go beyond the shores of the nation. The federal government must build inter-agency cooperation through diplomatic channels/pacts, and international intelligence to ensure that crime of whatever scale is nipped in the bud.
MOST importantly, there is the overriding need to promptly move to demilitarize the Nigerian society and reduce the heavy influx of arms and ammunition in the country which have unfortunately gone into the wrong hands. TO this extent, the Customs and Immigration Services, in tandem with the Ministry of Interior should work round the clock to protect the porous Nigerian borders. SOMETHING fundamental equally needs to be done to reduce, if not totally eliminate the existence of private militias that were established, funded and used by politicians and individuals who later dumped them after having been trained to handle arms. ALSO, the various security agencies, beside the need to be technologically equipped and funded to carry out their assigned tasks, would need to be restructured. The structure and duties of our security agencies must be revisited so as to ensure that each organ very well knows its specific roles and function, while the laws establishing these agencies must be made clear on who does what. THE government at all levels, particularly the federal government, urgently needs to carry out reforms in the security sub-sector to eliminate inertia created by inter-agency rivalry and react decisively to security threats with dispatch. ON their part, the citizens must cooperate with the security agencies by supplying them with prompt, useful and relevant information on likely security breaches. This can be facilitated by the existence of a well-coordinated biometric database of Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike indicating where people live, their nature of jobs and background. This will assist in fishing out the bad eggs in the society. DECISIVE steps should be taken to cripple Boko Haram Sect and their operations as well as end their menacing reign. If anything, a safe, secure and peaceful environment is what the present democracy needs to be strengthened and sustained, as such the government and people of Nigeria cannot afford to leave this to the whims and caprices of miscreants.
THE
NIGERIAN
13
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
THAT Edo State is wearing a much more beautiful look, today, compared to what obtained in the past, is a heartwarming and longawaited development. The miraculous turnaround in the appearance of a state that was once the definition of all that is ugly and repulsive, is worthy of note. Truth be told that the ongoing
decay in the state, the attitude of some of us towards this rare display of goodwill is highly regrettable. During the yuletide, for want of something to do, I took a casual drive with my kid brother through the ancient city of Benin to personally access the state of some of the recently constructed infrastructural fa-
flooding and gradual wearing off of our roads during the rainy seasons. A dirty environment impairs aesthetic beauty, coupled with its concomitant health hazards. Security threats increase when street lights, Power Holding Company of Nigeria [PHCN] cables are vandalized. These are just a few of some of the
Cutting Edge With Obuseh Jude GSM: 08033510173
Developing Maintenance Culture In Edo State
revolution in the state that has witnessed the massive overhaul - and in some cases, complete replacement - of once dilapidated infrastructures and basic amenities, such as roads, drainages, recreation facilities, culverts, markets, schools, hospitals, public utilities etal, is gradually transforming the ‘Heartbeat of the Nation’ into a wonderland of sorts – a centre of aesthetic splendor and a tourist destination. Infrastructures and basic amenities, the world over, constitute the key foundations on which the superstructures of development and growth are built upon. Roads facilitate vehicular, pedestrian and other forms of mobility – they also make production and distribution activities fluid. A good drainage system helps in controlling flooding by draining off excess water during the rainy seasons. Hospitals, clinics and other health facilities serve as havens for the infirm. Recreation facilities create avenues for people to escape from the rigors of life – they make room for people to unwind, socialize, and even meditate, as the case may be. Markets are formal centers of exchange between buyers and sellers of goods and services. The significance of adequate, functioning infrastructures and basic amenities to the development of any modern society are legion. However, despite the altruistic intentions of the present administration towards checking the spiraling level of infrastructural
cilities scattered across the capital city. My excursion turned out to be an eyeopener that left a very bitter pill in my mouth as I came face to face with the carefree attitude of some of us towards the infrastructural facilities that were been built with taxpayer’s money. From individuals littering the roads with pure water sachets, market women openly selling their wares outside designated spots – despite directives not to do so - traders dropping refuse into gutters, people making thoroughfare passes across well paved lawns, dangling electric cables and empty poles of street lights that had been vandalized, to several other irresponsible attitudes that bordered on pure sabotage, they were scenarios of complete madness; unpatriotic dispositions towards development by the people it was meant to serve; a mockery of the development exercise being embarked upon by the present administration. These sad pictures are been replicated across the state, according feelers I received from friends leaving in those areas. We simply lack a maintenance culture. The consequences of our lack of maintenance culture are overwhelming. There is simply no way we can develop and grow as a state if the basic facilities that are supposed to drive that growth are continually cannibalized by those it is supposed to serve; that is the simple truth. Blocked drainages can result in the
ricochet effects of the lack of a maintenance culture in any human society. Above all, the lack of a maintenance culture constitutes a
alone. I am using this medium to formally call on all indigenes of Edo State to change their attitudes to-
While it is the social responsibility of government to develop the state through the provision of infrastructures and basic amenities for the enjoyment of the public, it is the reciprocal responsibility of the citizenry to ensure
wards the infrastructures being put on ground across the state by the current administration. We must imbibe a maintenance culture that would help prolong the lifespan of these facilities.
that these facilities are maintained. Development is a collective task that involves a wide gamut of participants, each playing their individual complementary roles, all geared towards the
achievement of group goals. Let us develop a maintenance culture today! The continued
King’s Square, Benin City
drain on the resources of the state as funds that would have been channeled towards the provision of other equally significant services are continually concentrated on infrastructures
growth of our state is largely premised on our attitude towards the ongoing transformation agenda of the present administration. A word is enough for the wise. God bless Edo State!
“The consequences of our lack of maintenance culture are overwhelming. There is simply no way we can develop and grow as a state if the basic facilities that are supposed to drive that growth are continually cannibalized by those it is supposed to serve; that is the simple truth.”
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Nutritional Health And Dietetics
You Are What You Eat (2) HUMANS are contracted beings. We belong to the animal kingdom; so it is our nature to seek sweet, expanding tastes in an effort to balance the contraction. New born babies tiny, contracted beings thrive on breast milk, because it is sweet and watery, it is expanding. The body system diet satisfies this need with a natural sweet herb, stevia. The sweet vegetables such as onions, carrots and butternut squash also, satisfy our sweet taste. We use them abundantly in our recipes. You will feel well nourished by these foods and no longer crave foods containing sugar. Stress causes the body to contract. This too explains why we often crave expanding foods such as candy, alcohol and even tobacco, because in our fast-paced world, we are usually under great stress. Whenever you eat contracting foods, it is vital to balance them with expanding foods that promote health. Since fruit is not on the diet and substances such as coffee, alcohol and sugars inhibit healing, that leaves land and ocean vegetables, high quality oil butter, ghee and simple herbs. These are excellent, healing foods, which contain all of nature’s vitamins and minerals. Fish is the preferred animal food on the diet. Among the contracting foods, fish ranks closest to the desirable shaded area of balanced centre area of the expansion/ contraction spectrum. Coldwater fish, such as tuna, salmon and halibut, are the healthiest to eat. Since a healthy body always strives toward balance, too much expanding food
creates a craving for contracting food and vice versa. For example, if you eat too much salt or animal food, you will crave sweets to make a balance. Eating this way, puts your body on an undesirable seesaw. Its best to eat foods in the middle of the expansion/contraction spectrum and when you do eat slightly toward one end or the other, choose foods that make a balance within the meal. Salt: Is the most contracting food, but its role has been completely misunderstood. The ordinary table salt most of use eat is too refined, it lacks the minerals we need and has harmful effects on the body. High quality sea salt, however, is essential to life and has medicinal value in our diet. Beside sugar, note that alcohol, coffee and drugs have an expanding effect. When consumed in excess, they cause too much expansion and you can feel “spaced out”, confused, and unfocused. The typical American diet is high in foods that cause our bodies to become acidic. It is no wonder, then, that these serious conditions are becoming more prevalent. If you have an acidic condition from eating an acid-forming diet, your body constantly is trying to return to an alkaline minerals: Sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium. If you continue eating foods that are highly acid-forming, you leach even more alkaline mineral from your body, creating a mineral deficiency that become severe over time. The Simple Obvious Solution: To overcome an acidic condition, eat alkaline-forming foods – most land vegetables, ocean vegetables, sea salt, herbs and herb teas, lemon, lime etc. Fruits create an alkaline condition when metabolized and
are usually very good for us. However, when you have immune system disorders, they are too high in sugar and they feed yeast and other parasites. Highly acid-forming foods not on the diet include: Sugar, candy, soft drinks, flour products, beans, soyabean products nut, butter, wine, beer, alcohol, processed foods with preservatives and chemicals are acid-forming please avoid them. Acid-forming foods you can eat are: Animals foods such as beef, poultry eggs,
have a neutral PH balance. What else causes acidity: Acidity in the blood/body fluids can be due to: constipation, a deficiency of minerals – calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium etc. liver or kidney weakness. Over-consumption of protein from animal foods. Improper food combining. Overeating: People with body system imbalances almost always overeat. They can’t seem to satisfy their cravings, especially for sugar, bread, dairy and fruits. This
fish and shellfish, buckwheat, organic, unrefined oils, herbs. Alkaline Forming Food: All alkaline forming meals heal and balance. They are yam, vegetable – onion, garlic, broccoli, red pepper, yellow squash, salad etc. Neutral group foods are: Raw butter and ghee they
is partly because of the insatiable appetite of the yeast. Also, the lack of an inner ecosystem to help us properly digest food causes us to have n u t r i t i o n a l deficiencies…some quite severe. So our body is desperately signaling us to feed it real food.
“People with body system imbalances almost always overeat. They can’t seem to satisfy their cravings, especially for sugar, bread, dairy and fruits. This is partly because of the insatiable appetite of the yeast. Also, the lack of an inner ecosystem to help us properly digest food causes us to have nutritional deficiencies…some quite severe. So our body is desperately signaling us to feed it real food.”
With
O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 Drug Use:-Both medicinal and hallucinogenic stimulate the organs, releasing homones and increasing the blood sugar. Taking drugs has the negative effect as eating sugar. The body needs a large amount of minerals to return to balance. Stress: Negative emotions, such as anger, resentment,
guilt and fear and fatigue caused by stress. Excessive blood acidity weakens the respiratory system, resulting in less breathing, less oxygen inhaled and therefore, less oxygen available to the cells. This leads to further fatigue. No wonder that chronic fatigue exhaustion is a common symptom of candidiasis, chronic fatigue, AIDs and cancer. That is why we strongly recommend deep breathing and aerobic exercise to get more oxygen into your system. So, if you feel that you are forgetful, spacy or constantly disorganized, it could be because an acidic blood condition causes a lack of mental clarity. An alkaline body contributes to clear thinking and precise action.
When cells live too long in an acidic condition, they adapt to it by mutating and becoming malignant. Longterm acidic conditions in our bodies provide perfect environments for cancer and autoimmune diseases like AIDs to flourish. Most people with these fatal diseases also, have candidiasis, which results
from destroying the body system. Exercise: This makes the blood acidic, but when you breath deeply and rapidly as you exercise, your body releases carbon dioxide and the blood then becomes more alkaline. Once you become familiar with all the elements of the diet and learn the wonderful variety of foods available to you; you will soon be incorporating this principle easily into your menu planning. Our medical community must begin crossing natural healing methods with modern scientific technology with an emphasis on wellness, prevention and wholesome nutrition.
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15 WHEN I was a child, my father Okhifo Omonokhua inculcated in me the strength of unity akin to the priestly prayer of Christ for unity: “Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they may be one like us” (John 17, 11). It is important that every Christian should read the whole of John 17 to feel the passion and flavour of this prayer. Jesus admonished the disciples to resist the temptation for selfish ambition, worldly gains, desire for power and vain glory. After the ascension of Jesus Christ, the unity of his community was threatened in the time of the apostles. This was occasioned by the admittance of the Gentiles into the Church. This led to the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). This Council was convoked by the apostles of Jesus. The disagreement between Peter and Paul (Galatians 2) was reconciled in such a way that none of the apostles saw the need to begin a separate Church to become a general overseer. St. Paul appealed to the Christians in Corith: “I urge you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, not to have factions among yourselves” (I Cor 1, 10). This appeal is most relevant in our world today. It is interesting to note that the Church in the time of the Apostles remained united and survived as one Church for a very long time and thereafter the divisions which may be summarised as follows: • The post Chalcedonian schism (about 470 AD) which gave rise to the Neophisite churches of the East. • The Great Schism of 1085, caused by an unfortunate quarrel between the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople over jurisdictions, which gave rise to the present Orthodox Churches, under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (Istanbul - Turkey). • Luther’s Protestant Reformation of the 16th century that gave rise to the split of what was left of the Church in the West into Catholics and Protestants. The Protestants have continued to split since then. The division in the Church was indeed a scandal and contradiction to the will of Christ (I Cor I, 13). Efforts to restore Christian unity by some separated Churches was conceived in 1910 but not much was achieved until 1961 when Christian bodies merged with the International Missionary Council to form the World Council of Churches (WCC). The Catholic Church declined membership and has remained a nonmember until today, even though there is a lot of common reflection and action between the two bodies. The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) was formed as a Nigerian counterpart of the WCC. This was why the Catholic Church in Nigeria, following the position of Rome, did not join the CCN. In November 21, 1964, the Second Vatican Council came out with a document, “Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Reintegration’ to provide guidelines and principles for Ecumenism. On August 27, 1976, some Church Leaders of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Catholic Church in Nigeria arrived at the decision that they should form an organization to work together on common concerns. The Christian Association of Nigeria founded in 1976 was like an expanded form of the CCN plus the Catholic Church. Right from the beginning there were some other churches in Nigeria who did not belong to the two groups mentioned above. They were accommodated under the general vague title of “Others’. The “others” eventually became two groups within CAN, the “Aladura Group of Churches” as they were called then, and the rest who came under the name of “evangelical
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 fellowship”. These were the FOUR groups within CAN for a long time. It is only recently that the fifth group sought and was given an autonomous identity as Pentecostals. It is on record that their admission was not without a heated debate! Today, there are branches of CAN: Zonal, State and Local Gov-
BOTTOMLINE With Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua GSM: 08034006260
Ecumenical Dialogue! ernment. CAN has Women and Youth Wings, a National Executive Council consisting of 105 members (which elects the President), and a General Assembly of 304 members (which ratifies the President’s election). The Motto of CAN was and remains: That they all may be one (John 17, 21). The founding fathers of CAN did not envisage that a time would come when a state CAN, would need a civil court to validate or invalidate an election as against the biblical injunction that Christians should settle their differences internally to avoid scandal in secular courts. Perhaps some Christians have forgotten St. Paul’s exhortation: “With all humil-
ity and gentleness, and with patience, support each other in love. Take every care to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together” (Ephesians 4, 2). This chaos
“CAN is not an army put in place to defend Christians against Muslims. Rather CAN is an association whose main objective is to promote unity among Christians and peaceful coexistence with people of other faith. This is the essence of the directorate of Inter-faith and Ecumenism of CAN. It is unfortunate that the present terrorism in Nigeria has become a major distraction to CAN who cannot just sit down to watch the destruction of Christians and Churches. This is however giving a negative impression that CAN prefers “defence” to dialogue”
consequent upon struggle for power is a key indicator to reevaluate the original vision, mission and specific objectives of CAN through a thorough study of the principles of ecumenism and the theological basis for Christian unity. I hope to develop this in the next publication. CAN is not an army put in place to defend Christians against Muslims. Rather CAN is an association whose main objective is to promote unity among Christians and peaceful coexistence with people of other faith. This is the essence of the directorate of Inter-faith and Ecumenism of CAN. It is
unfortunate that the present terrorism in Nigeria has become a major distraction to CAN who cannot just sit down to watch the destruction of Christians and Churches. This is however giving a negative impression that CAN prefers “defence” to dialogue. I plead that while Christians continue a serious inter-denominational dialogue (ecumenism); let the Muslims too not relent in their inter-sect dialogue to enable both religions prepare adequately for inter-faith dialogue in the name of one God, to restore peace and security in Nigeria. Otherwise the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC) and all other inter-faith bodies will be seen as a photo trick. Indeed, the present situation in Nigeria calls for a thorough examination of conscience. We need to ask ourselves what exactly we want from ecumenical dialogue. hi the Old Testament, all the true prophets claimed that they were not worthy whenever God called them to a specific mission. It was that feeling of unworthiness that created a space in their lives for God to take charge and use them as his divine instruments. May God deliver us from any ambition that is contrary to his will! Amen.
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Perspective EVERY weekend and even on some week days most residential buildings are deserted. My school hostel is no different from the above scenario. In most cases people spend their last kobo to watch Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid, AC Milan and a host of other European clubs. Major Leagues in Europe as English premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga and Italian series A, have become enmeshed in the heart of Nigerians. The cult following enjoyed by these foreign European leagues has led to the death of some persons. Seeing these things going on, I began to ruminate on the state of the Nigerian premier league that has failed to dominate the innate love state of Nigeria for the beautiful game by “illuminating” it. To most Nigerians, there is nothing like Nigerian premier league. The rudest surprise you will get is when a child of about five years will name all the players in a European club without being able to mention a single professional club in Nigeria. Like ants/ bees glued to nectars, Nigerians are cult followers of major European championships because of the excellent organization of these leagues. You may be tempted to ask-what has happened to the Nigerian premier league? Is it still functioning or has it gone to extinction? The Nigerian premier league has long being in existence. It was founded
in 1972 with six teams and rechristened the “Professional League” with a goal to modernize the game and make clubs self-sufficient (Wikipedia, 2013). The Nigerian Premier League, has 20 teams. In the first season, mighty Jets of Jos, won it while Bendel Insurance won the trophy the following day. In time past, people file out in droves to stadia to see their darling team play. According to a report on information Nigeria, an elderly man back in 1977, once traveled from Bauchi to Kano to watch I.C.C F.C take on Rangers FC. That was the level of passion that submerged the Nigerian fan back then. Now, take a closer look at major clubs in Europe, their stadia are filled to the brim weekly. In Arsenal’s 60,000 capacity Emirate stadium, Manchester United’s Old Tradford and Real Mardrids santiago Bernabeu, the seats are always filled. The same cannot be said about the Nigerian league matches. At stadia across Nigeria, it is very “normal” to see scanty seats. Go to Teslim Balogun stadium in Lagos where Lagos Islanders are playing, and you will concur to what I just said Nigerians prefer to spend their weekends in tight corners in jam-packed halls with poor Ventilation, watching the English premier league (E.P.L) than to go and watch the Nigerian premier league at a nearby stadium. As once said by Minis-
Addressing Cha Prem By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU
ter of sports, Mallam Bolaji Abodullahi, “We have players who are ready to play. But there is no league for them to express themselves” what would make a Nigerian footballer to be said into slavery in countries that you will never imagine? Why is the Nigerian premier league not making waves? Funding / sponsorship in one of the reasons for the growth of any business. Football is not left out. Over the years, sponsorship for the league has been a bane. Before the 2013 season, the league was without a sponsor. The sponsorship drift between total promotions and Globacom, dragged Nigerian league to the slaughter house. According to Chris Maduewesi of all sports.com, the last season that ended, saw Kano Pillars emerge as champions, but didn’t get any monetary rewards for their efforts. Can you imagine that? Again, the clubs in Nigeria are mainly run by state governments. This situation often causes troubles between team managers and government officials. The rift that often erupts as a result of this, causes players, who are key stakeholders in football business to be left unpaid. Back in February, players of heartland FC. Threatened to embark on strike action to protest their non-payment of salaries
by the state government. How many times have you heard of players embarking on strike in major European league due to unpaid salaries?
progress for the league. According to sport minister, it is only in Nigeria that a match will go on In same path, violence, for three hours until a molestation and other particular club wins; it is vices, have long rocked the only league where
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Bolaji Abdullahi, Sports Minister Infact, in such climes, it is very rare to hear one thing or another about government in terms of football. The government they do not have much business with football. It is the only of the league body to source for sponsors for the league. The same story cannot be said about Nigeria where sponsorship has become a cloak in the will of
matches are fixed and as such, nobody will want to watch the league. Match-fixing is a very big problem facing the “globalization” of the NPL. Team want to win at all cost, no one wants to lose. In 2012, Sunshine and Dolphins were fined N20m and N10m respectively for matchfixing. This is just a case of one among many.
“At stadia across Nigeria, it is very “normal” to see scanty seats. Go to Teslim Balogun stadium in Lagos where Lagos Islanders are playing, and you will concur to what I just said Nigerians prefer to spend their weekends in tight corners in jam-packed halls with poor Ventilation, watching the English premier league (E.P.L) than to go and watch the Nigerian premier league at a nearby stadium.”
the Nigerian premier league. There is hardly a week that passes by in the Nigerian league that reports of beaten referees, players or officials, are not replete in the media. In the 2011/2012 premier league season in Nigeria, fans of Kwara United attacked officials and players of their rivals. The Kwara United supporters battered the match officials and some members of Sunshine stars (Goal.com, March 6, 2012). Nigeria league, does not give a fair playing around for teams. Just recently, a player from one of the teams slapped a referee in one of their matches. This scenario, cannot happen in major European
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Perspective
allenges Before Nigerian mier League eague. Even if it happens, the perpetraors will not be given a slap on the wrist. ho wants to watch a football match in n atmosphere that is “decorated” with iolence. No wonder fans prefer Euroean league. Having said these things, I humbly and incerely believe that no meaningful rogress can be achieved in the Nigeian league without these problems ris-
ing the dust. Let there be a reflection of football as the beautiful games be so that the fans who are key stakeholders; live wire in football, can enjoy the memories of I.C.C, Rangers, and Bendel Insurance days!
“Having said these things, I humbly and sincerely believe that no meaningful progress can be achieved in the Nigerian league without these problems raising the dust. Let there be a reflection of football as the beautiful games be so that the fans who are key stakeholders; live wire in football, can enjoy the memories of I.C.C, Rangers, and Bendel Insurance days!”
... And The Legend Rested Collins English Dictionary and the Oxford English viduals. Though during Dictionary. his 26 years reign over Sir Alex Chapman Manchester United he has taken a “My way or the highway” approach to his dealings with his players. Some of these players include: Gordon Strachan, Paul Mc Grath, Paul Ince, Japp Stam, Dwight Yorke, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Gabriel Hainze and David Beckham. The later was even alleged to have been injured by Ferguson in a dressing room burst up. In 2003 Ferguson sued the then major united shareholder John Manier over Studrights for race horse Rock of Gibraltar. Not withstanding this and so many other controversies. Sir Alex has produced so many managers; Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes, Roy Kaane, Paul Ince, Chris Casper, Darren Sir Alex Ferguson Ferguson, Ole Gunnar Ferguson is also known Solskjaer and Henning to be strongly involved in Berg. Phil Neville and politics. Ferguson was Ryan Griggs are among mentioned in a list of the others considering a fubiggest private financial ture in Management. donors to the Labour The phrase “squeakyParty in 1998. He has bum time” which means openly declared that he is the tense final stages of a a life long labour voter league competition and they have been for his coined by Ferguson has adoption into the house been included in the
By OGBOLU GEORGE
HE has the heart of a lion. A discipliarian to the core. He was knighted by he Queen. Seasons came and went but e weathered every storm. His soldiers hanged but his ideology still remained. hat more can we say of a man who ommands unrivalled respect from playrs, staff, colleagues and authorities. He s the retiring manager of Manchester nited, a great football club that plays n the English Premier league. SIR ALEX CHAPMAN FERGUSON as born on the 31st of December 1941 t a small town known as Govan in lasgow Scotland. Most people don’t now that Sir Alex was an active and uccessful footballer during his youth ays. He played for many clubs includng: Rangers, St. John Stone, Falkirk and any others. Alex also had spells coachng East Stirlingshire, St. Mirren, Abereen and Scotland before making a ove to Manchester United in 1986 here he won 38 trophies including 13 remier league and two UEFA champins’ league titles. When he started his anagerial career he was just 32 years ld and he struggled to command repect from his players. St. Mirren had he destruction of being the first and only lub to sack Sir Alex Ferguson in his areer. Alex Chapman Ferguson was at time offered the managerial job at angers, Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur nd Arsenal. All this offers he rejected. e was also considered at Liverpool. He ater took charge of Manchester United fter the sack of Ron Atkinson. The then anager of the team. Only praise can be given to a man who ave so impacted the lift of many indi-
Ferguson. of Lords. He is also a Chapman Ferguson career has been strong supporter of the flooded with trophies. Could bet that “all party and non party there would not be space left in his troBetter Together Cam- phy cabinet for more trophies. He is the first manager to have won the premier league three times consecutively twice. He is the longest serving Manchester United Manager with 26 years and about 1500 games, surpassing Bursby who had 24 years to his name. He has a total of 49 trophies to his name. Such trophies include two UEFA Champion league, two UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, two UEFA Super Cup, one intercontinental Cup, One FIFA Club world Cup. Four League Cup trophy, ten FA Charity/ Community Shield, Five FA Cup, a whooping 13 premier league title in England, one Scottish League Cup, Four Scottish Cup, three Scottish Premier Division and one Scottish First Division. Alex Ferguson has a staggering to personal award to his name so far. What more can be said of this living legend. No wonder, after the announcement of his impending retirement. World wide praise came pouring down on him. This include The Guardian announcing it as “The end of an era.” While UEFA president describe him as “a true visionary”. British Prime Minister David Cameron said he is a “remarkable man paign” which is in favour in British football.” of Scotland remaining a David Moyes the newly announced part of the UK. Manchester United Manager would have In 1966, Sir Alex a very big boot to fill. Would he be able Ferguson married Cathy to build on Fergie’s success. Alex beHolding (the woman he lieves Moyes is the right man, that is why thanked profusely after he recommended him to the board of announcing his retire- directors. ment). They have three With all this remarkable feat, it is truly sons Mark Ferguson and the right time for the legend to rest. twins Darren and Jason
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Opinion WHILE delivering some findings of psychology as aid to educational policy at the centenary hall, Ake Abeokuta, on Monday, 22nd January, 1973 at 4 p.m. Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo (of blessed memory) the best president Nigeria never had according to the late exBiafran warlord, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu stated that education has two functional and inseparable facts: learning and development (L&D). There can be neither without the other. Therefore, it is a truism to say that teaching automatically implies learning and vice versa. However, while teaching implies the existence of living people or students, there can be learning without the existence of a living teacher. It is therefore appropriate to say that a good deal of our knowledge in life derives from natural phenomena and from the general setting of the society in which we live. In this connection therefore, education has been a means of transmitting one’s culture from one generation to other. It is the process of bringing about permanent change in the students and pupils behaviour. Since it is the oldest industry, it has been applied by the society to preserve, maintain, and upgrade its social equilibrum. Generally, education in any country is expected to bring about social changes in attitude; motivation and incentive which will culminate to technological change, invention and imitation. Education is also expected to play a vital role in the structural integration of a plural society by equalising occupational and economic opportunities, raise
Cult Activities:
Dent On Image Of Institutions the level of self-reliance, deduction, responsibility, nationality, loyalty, a sense of co-existence, cooperation, fair-play and understanding (Wang: 1976). Education as a whole therefore should broaden the outlook of the recipients who work for peace and harmony in times of stress and strain. Obviously, Nigeria’s realization of education’s potency as the key factor to social, economic and political development formulated a new policy on education as an expression of government’s way of achieving that part of its national objectives through education as tool (Adeyemi 1999). These objectives as stated in the second, third and fourth national development plans are, the building of a just and egalitarian society; a united, strong and self-reliant nation; a great and dynamic economy; a free and democratic society; and of bright and full opportunities for all citizens. Currently, secret cult activities have dented and denigrated the image of our tertiary institutions including primary and secondary schools, this is a dangerous dichotomy and should be urgently addressed. One can say that there are good reasons to believe that many of the early secret cults in the world were originally founded as benevolent associations for laudable and objectionable purposes. It is claimed that in China, secret associations have always played vital roles in the life of the Chinese, which extend to their politics, religion,
By CHARLES I. SOEZE commerce, trade unions and the criminal underworld. In Nigeria, according to Fadipe (1970), among the Yoruba, there existed in the past, the Ogboni Secret Society which was associated with the making of laws and administration. It also existed among top civil servants in the defunct Midwest Region. Mem-
cults on campus dated back to the formation of the pirate confraternity in the 1950’s by a group of undergraduates of the University of Ibadan among whom was the Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka. At this period, university education was an exclusive preserve of the children of the rich or high class. The poor
problems through strict conventions which must be followed and adequately obeyed. These acts of ‘’Colonial Aristocracy’’ made some students which include Wole Soyinka, Aig Imoukhuede, Nathaniel Oyelola, Olumuyiwa Awe, Ifeghale Amata, Ralph Opara and Pius Obeghe formed the confraternity to fight against these negative tendencies of
Prof. Ruquayattu Rufa’i, Education Minister
bers became power brokers in the appointments and promotions of top civil servants. The beginning of secret
children of the less privileged who managed to gain admission into the system were made to encounter a lot of
“It is appropriate to say that cult activities on our campuses, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education including primary and secondary schools now pose a serious threat even on national unity. The human and material losses that often attend the operations of cults have become scandalous, leading to calls for a decisive measure by government and the larger society to stop their devilish and
colonial mentality, elitist behaviour, and all other forms of social ills. The association fought seriously against moribund convention, fight for humanistic ideals and to fight against corruption and tribalism, the pirate confraternity, it is clear that the pioneers had benevolent purposes. Without mincing words, campus cult activities have taken a new dimension which is not only tarnishing but denigrating the image of students, staff, management and the education industry generally. It is abundantly clear that the cultists in Nigerian ter-
tiary institutions have made nonsense of higher education. The cultists now use the association as a tool for perpetrating violence, killings, robbery, vendetta, hooliganism, gangsterism, force, unjust denial of other students, false confidence, examination malpractice, fraud, violation of rules and regulations of schools among other bad acts that are against acceptable societal norms and valves. No doubt, the pride of higher education has been wiped off, as no student feel too proud to introduce himself or herself as an undergraduate or student of a tertiary institution because the cultists have soiled the image of the large number of students. It is appropriate to say that cult activities on our campuses, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education including primary and secondary schools now pose a serious threat even on national unity. The human and material losses that often attend the operations of cults have become scandalous, leading to calls for a decisive measure by government and the larger society to stop their devilish and criminal acts. Recently, Idiong Bassey Nathaniel and Ekanem Bassey Nathaniel who were rusticated for cult activities in different tertiary institution allegedly murdered their father Professor Nathaniel Bassey who retired from the Department of Economics, University of Calabar, over his N45m gratuity. Where do we go from here according to a popular musician? Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, fswc, cpae, chnr, son, emba, ksq is a mass communication scholar from first degree to doctoral level and currently Assistant Director (Administration)/ Head, Academic and Physical Planning (A&PP) of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria ( 0 8 0 3 6 7 2 4 1 9 3 ) charlessoeze@yahoo.ca
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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
Drumbeats
How To Generate Money For Investment (2) THE beauty of democracy and dividends of Christianity enable us to express ourselves freely and associate with one another, whether rich, poor, educated and illiterate. Approaching rich men and women in your society for help should not make you inferior or dress poorly. God did not bless rich men and women in our society to live for themselves. The essence of their wealth is to assist the poor and needy people in the society. A rich wise man should know that his protection, expansion and longevity of life is tied to his ability to assist others in their hours of needs. There are numerous rich men and women in your locality, cities and nation who are willing to help young entrepreneur who are sincere, trust worthy, obedient and dedicated. Requesting for assistance from rich men or women in your society should not make you a beggar or take begging as a profession. The Bible did not say, beg and you shall receive, rather, it says ask and you shall receive. In begging you lose your identity and self value, but in asking you build your self respect and value. One of the ways or methods of asking for an assistance from rich men and women for investment purpose is through letter writing. In your letter state your name, age, local government origin, state and the country you come from. You must also not forget to include your (C.V). If you have attended university, state it also. If you are poor and uneducated also state it in your (C.V). Most young men and women resort to begging and hawking due to fear on how to meet and approach a rich man or woman for help. Others sore their destiny, because of fear of being disappointed by the rich. Any man or woman who fails to take risk will eventually get destroyed by the thing they fear most in life. It is quite certain that it is not every rich man or woman you meet for financial assistance may gladly oblige you. But if you are courageous and persistent then your request will be granted. Most rich men and women will rather give you consolatory gift, than assisting you with good money that will aid your life ambition. If twenty rich men and women give you consolatory gift won’t that be enough to start any business and consolidate it for greater tomorrow? Meet The Bank Manager Or Marketer Meeting a bank manager or a marketer for financial assistance or money to invest in
business should not be seen as a weakness or a task too difficult to achieve, but an avenue to implement your goals and dreams in life. The reason why many investors or those who are willing to go into business shy away or avoid meeting a bank manager or marketer in a bank for financial advice or money to implement ones dream in life is because they feel bankers attend to the rich in society only. Banks are opened to anybody. The rich, poor, educated, uneducated and illiterate are supposed to benefit from bank services. Before a bank manager or a marketer will attend to you properly, the first thing they will want to see or hear from you is about your business plan, knowledge, experience and collateral. Most investors run away from banks when they hear managers or marketers demanding for business plan, knowledge, experience and collateral. One Major thing an investor ought to know which many investors are ignorant of is that the words in our mouth can serve as collateral in the bank. A Bank manager or marketer can only give you money or invest in our business only if he trusts you. If he is not sure of your ability to deliver, even when you have a house, land or shares as collateral he will certainly not give you money. Some years ago I went to meet a bank manager in one of the leading banks in PortHarcourt (Nigeria) for financial assistance to enable me invest in a project. The moment I finished discussing with her, I showed her my business plan and convinced her of my ability to deliver, she willingly gave me her personal money as gift to aid my project. I partially agree to the fact that some managers will not respond to our needs or request due to their lack of trust and confidence in you and your proposal, but if you will be persistent other banks will listen to you and help you with money to finance your project. Though the interest rate is high, if you know how to use bank money to trade properly you will not suffer liquidation or losses in your investment. Suffice it to say that there are bad and good debt you can fall into as an investor who genuinely needs money from a bank manager or marketer for investment. BAD DEBT Bad debt occurs when you borrow money from the bank
to build house, buy a car, get married or invest in shares. In the first place, most bankers will hardly give you money to invest in shares. They know the risk involved and as such will not loan you money to invest in shares. Most parents borrow money from the banks to sponsor their children’s education within or outside the country. Such venture is bad debt. 1 have heard and seen many families use their houses as collateral to borrow money from the hank in order to send
business includes farming, transportation, construction and sales of major company products If you are a good and intelligent investor, you can use bank money to achieves your goals. dream and be very comfortable and in life.
their children aboard for greener pastures. Their concept or belief is that the moment their Sons or daughters settle down overseas they will begin to send huge amount of money to them to build a better house The risk such parents encounter most times is loss of money and bad fortune in their children’s lives. Though few succeed in their efforts, but the truth is that such investment is bad. GOOD DEBT Good debt occurs when you borrow money to invest in a meaningful business. Such
positively only to those who have foresight, listening ears and ability to sight the location where their dream is leading them to. For example the reason why many pastors are lagging behind or fail in their pastoral assignment is because they have forsaken their dream and followed someone else’s dream. Friends, if God will open your eyes to see the way most pastors pursue contracts and beg top government officers for contract, you will weep bitterly. If such times, energy and resources were to be used in pursuing and winning lost souls
Follow Your Dream It is very easy to dream about ones future in life, but following ones dream is a major task which many people find difficult to achieve. Our dreams are likened to a moving object. It responds
With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593
into Gods kingdom, crime rate would have been minimize d in our society. Do you still wonder why many investors fail in business? Go to our higher institutions, primary and secondary schools. Most time the teachers and lecturers are hardly at their duty post due to the fact that they need more money to change their status in society. Our educational system is decaying because interests for
effective services are no more there. The idea of running around with other people’s dream will certainly not help us to achieve meaningful development to ourselves and destiny. Let’s shun the idea of dabbling into so many things at the same time. There is no way you can lose sight of our dream and expect to be a champion in your carrier? Any person who diligently follows his or her dreams has numerous testimony to share with other people. Jesus Christ is our perfect
“Most people shy and run away from their dream and follow someone else’s because of the pain accompanying their own dreams. If Jesus had allowed the obstacles and pains that accompanied his dream to hinder him, he would not have fulfilled his mission on earth. You must follow your dream irrespective of any obstacle that may tend to disorganise your dream. Your dreams will only respond to you if you know how to courageously pursue them and subsequently harness it.”
example on how we ought to pursue our dream. “Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob ‘s well was there Jesus therefore, being wearing with his journey, sat thus on the well, and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water; Jesus saith unto her, give me to drink. For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat. Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, how is it that thou, being a Jew, asked drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, if thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, give me to drink; thou woudlest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water”. John 4v5-10. Most people shy and run away from their dream and follow someone else’s because of the pain accompanying their own dreams. If Jesus had allowed the obstacles and pains that accompanied his dream to hinder him, he would not have fulfilled his mission on earth. You must follow your dream irrespective of any obstacle that may tend to disorganise your dream. Your dreams will only respond to you if you know how to courageously pursue them and subsequently harness it. Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Paul, Peter and John are used as reference point positively in our society because they constantly followed their dreams to the end. There is no man or woman without a dream. I have seen children from a very poor background rose up to be governors, senator, president of companies and nation. Others from less privileged homes grew up to the surprise of many to become major billionaires in our country and beyond. Dreams have no racial discrimination or barrier. They respond and respect only those whose interest are to serve the interest of other positively I therefore urge you to avoid any act of intimidation, fear and doubt and diligently pursue our dreams to the end. If you do this always, then fame, influence, affluence, wealth and power will respond to you in no distant time.
THE
NIGERIAN
20
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
Opinion
Examining Contending Issues In Plea Bargain OPINION is divided on the desirability of plea bargain, as enshrined in Section 14(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act of 2004. The section provides inter alia: “The Commission may compound any offence punishable under this Act by accepting such sums of money as it thinks fit, not exceeding the amount of the maximum fine to which that person would have been liable if he had been convicted of that offence.’’ According to legal experts, plea bargain may take the form of a charge bargain in which the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge or a sentence bargain in which the accused agrees to plead guilty to the charge in exchange for a light sentence. Mr Okey Wali, the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), said that the use of plea bargain, as a concept in the court of law in Nigeria, was legal. He said that in spite of the fears that plea bargain had contributed to increased rate of corruption in the country; it had a lot of benefits, if properly applied by judges. “Plea bargain is legal. It is its applicability or practice that is a problem in Nigeria. “There are some provisions of our law like the EFCC Act and our Common Law Practice that make provision for it,” he said. Wali said that plea bargain had several advantages if properly applied, adding that it could help judges to verify facts about criminal
By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO
charges. He also said that it could save the cost of prolonged investigations into criminal matters. “If practised in its real sense in Nigeria, as it is practised in other jurisdictions of the world, plea bargain will help in verifying facts on criminal acts, as well as save cost. “Judges can do a lot with the evidence of a man that pleads to the fact that he actually committed a crime. “Judges can equally use the evidence supplied to prosecute those that are part of a crime and are denying it. “It is not a bad thing itself, what is bad is its applicability in this county,” he added. The NBA president underscored the need to strengthen all relevant institutions charged with responsibilities of applying plea bargain. “The NBA has always advocated strong judicial institutions that will ensure proper judicial procedures. “If we have institutions and people who are ready to go by the rules, the use of plea bargain will help in judicial processes. “However, reverse is the case, where institutions charged with these responsibilities are weak and cannot apply the provisions of the law appropriately,’’ Wali added. However, Chief Akin Olujimi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that
plea bargain could mar the objectives of setting up the EFCC. Olujimi, who is a former Attorney-General of the Federation, argued that granting such leniency to accused persons in criminal matters could spur others into crime.
tion,’’ he said. Mr Ahmed Yusuf, an Abuja-based lawyer, however, stressed that plea bargain was unconstitutional, adding that it was smuggled into the country’s judicial procedures. “Plea bargain is an unconstitutional practice in Nigeria; it is a practice in other jurisdictions which was
Mohammed Adoke, Attorney General of The Federation and Minister of Justice
“In the context of the efforts being made to tackle corruption in the country, we have to consider whether plea bargain will not be contrary to the objectives of setting up the EFCC. “Such concepts could encourage others to get into crime; it is not a good instrument in fighting corrup-
smuggled into our own jurisdiction. “It does not have any constitutional backing, as far I am concerned. “Anything that will accelerate justice can be entertained in prosecution, but the fact that people enter into plea bargaining does not mean that it is constitu-
“The problem we (EFCC) are facing is that many (legal) practitioners and members of the public do not understand the concept of plea bargain. Another problem is that people continue to argue that it is not in the constitution and it is, therefore, unconstitutional but we are using this medium to appeal to the National Assembly to include plea bargain in the constitution.”
tionally recognised. “I think while we are trying to speed up justice delivery, we are, on the other hand, encouraging corruption, so we should prosecute offenders based on the penalties that are stipulated in our statute books. “We should abide strictly by the Criminal Procedure Code, the Criminal Procedure Act, the Penal Code and the Criminal Code,” he said. The issue of plea bargain also re-echoed at a public hearing on the “Administra-
constitutional but we are using this medium to appeal to the National Assembly to include plea bargain in the constitution,’’ Lamorde said. Mr Dele Adesina (SAN), a former General-Secretary of the NBA, said that there was no need to remove plea bargaining from the EFCC Act. He noted that most times, people felt the accused person did not get the type of custodial sentence they were expecting. “The essential element of
Ibrahim Lamorde, EFCC Chairman
tion of Criminal Justice Bill, 2013.” The EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, pleaded that plea bargain should be included in the constitution. He said that the issue of plea bargain had generated unnecessary controversy because of the ignorance of the police and the general public on the issue. “The problem we (EFCC) are facing is that many (legal) practitioners and members of the public do not understand the concept of plea bargain. “Another problem is that people continue to argue that it is not in the constitution and it is, therefore, un-
plea bargain system is the opportunity to retrieve what has been acquired illegally,’’ he said. Stakeholders insist that any method that could be useful in efforts to curb corruption in the country should be promoted, adopted and appropriately applied. They, however, warn that the concept should not be manipulated via legal technicalities to promote the interests of the looters of public funds. “If plea bargain will give embezzlers soft landing, then it should be put off until we are mature for it,’’ some of the stakeholders say. (NAN)
THE
NIGERIAN
21
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
Issues Issues
Baking Edo Police Cake BEFORE Edo Police Commissioner, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo was posted to Benin City, nearly everyone was complaining about the need for one. This was because the absence of a substantive police commissioner allegedly compromised Edo Police Command’s ability to take effective crime-control of the 19,794 square kilometers of the state’s territory, according to some people. Well, thank God, that at last, he is here now as Edo Police commissioner. Like his forebears, he is a crack superior police officer that has been tried, tested and trusted by his bosses before he was assigned to take charge of Edo Police Command. High Command in Abuja only sends tough, professionally competent, academically sound, technically proficient and managerially effective police commissioner to Edo State. Why? It is because of the polymetric challenges of security in the state that is a microcosm of Nigeria. Remember Umar Manko who was posted to Edo State in 2012 and was subsequently redeployed to Lagos State barely two months later. He is doing a great job there, today. In case, you have forgotten it was his command that cracked the riddle of Cynthia Osukogu’s brutal facebook murder last year. Mr. Olayinka Balogun succeeded him as police commissioner on March 16, 2012. Before he retired in November 2012, he wrote his name in gold in the police hall of fame. Briefly, all I am out to show is that po-
By MICHAEL ODIGBE
lice commissioners deployed to Edo State are usually among the best in the police force. Edo State doesn’t deserve less. Therefore, it is with this background information in our minds we should look at Mr. Foluso Adebanjo. But this doesn’t mean that, like his peers, he is a superman cop who can bake Edo security cake all alone. Such an assumption is too elastic since he has no divine, omnipotent powers being a mortal. Security in Edo State is everybody’s business, not only that of a police commissioner. Afterall, security is a collective asset while criminals don’t differentiate human categories before picking their hapless victims. So, what is the bottom line? It is high time Edo people collaborate with the police commissioner to fight crime in the state. It takes two to tangle: People say that: ‘Na because of co-operate, na him make broom day sweep house well well.’ To start with, Edo people must learn to be security conscious. Impliedly, if you haven’t copied police emergency numbers into your phones, do so now. They are displayed on billboards in strategic locations in Benin City. Here they are : 08077773721……080376462672. Next, it is imperative we know our neighbourhood like our palms. Through this conscious effort, we become pro-active in identifying strange objects or persons in the neighbourhood before they wreck havoc. If we
don’t know our neighbourhood, we become the great astronomer Galileo who spent all his days studying the planets. One day, while looking at one of them with his telescope outdoors he fell into a deep ditch at his backyard. In-
pute resolution channels and/or judicial mechanisms for seeking redress. Similarly, it is advisable land speculators bury their vexatious pastimes because they are sources of acrimony in society and task the police commissioner’s sources in Edo State that should have been channeled to combating armed robbery, assassination, kidnapping as well
old and new land developers. Violence is not the exclusive preserve of anyone. Land developers could sometimes be provoked to return the violence of youths gangs. A case of balancing their terror. When this situation draws blood, everybody remembers the police. Yet the police didn’t send anyone on crime errand. Neither did the police commissioner. What a pity! Stoking the fires of crimi-
Mr Foluso Adebanjo, Edo State Police Commissioner
credible!! He didn’t even know a ditch was there. That is the prize of exuberant and outlandish ignorance of our neighbourhood. Furthermore, we should always be good citizens by self-educating ourselves that crime, violence and impunity are not productive investments. Consequently, our golden rule should be to use peaceful alternative dis-
as other sundry violent crimes. Enter some Philistine Community Development Associations. Stop using DEVE cover to extort money from land developers because this behaviour triggers altercations when the red lines are transgressed. Also, youth gangs should watch their Anini mannerisms of terrorising
“To start with, Edo people must learn to be security conscious. Impliedly, if you haven’t copied police emergency numbers into your phones, do so now. They are displayed on billboards in strategic locations in Benin City. Here they are : 08077773721……080376462672. Next, it is imperative we know our neighbourhood like our palms. Through this conscious effort, we become pro-active in identifying strange objects or persons in the neighbourhood before they wreck havoc.”
nality is not how to help Edo police commissioner bake his security cake. It is not fair making him drink panadol for your headache. He is a human being like you, afterall. Not God. So keep the peace, always be security conscious. To achieve these two goals also, cultivate the habit of partnering with him. It is for this reason, this writer/journalist commends Mr. Festus Alenkhe of Edo Broadcasting Service, Benin for his programme CRIME WATCH every Tuesday on both radio (6.30pm-7pm) and television (7pm7.30pm). The programme goes a long way to help the police commissioner to bake
his security cake. Check out the programme. All it does is to read the commissioner’s riot act to criminals in Edo state. The act? It is: “Crime is an apocalyptic, degenerative viral disease that wastes its protagonists. Stay out of crime and live. Remain in it and perish.” Mr. Festus Alenkhe gathers with Edo Police Commissioner not scatter like the fowl. But his attitude cannot be said to be part of the mental paraphernalia of some traffic managers, soldiers, parents and landlords/ tenants in Edo State. See, the worrisome ways of these traffic managers, was the subject of a news analysis by Nelson Omoruyi and aired on EBS, Benin on May 1, 2013. there is a saying that “If noise too much deaf man dey hear-am.” How about some of our soldiers? They often assault civilians without recourse to the rule of law, this creating a window for a breach of public peace the police commissioner would be invited to address later on. Some parents, too, try to frustrate the police commissioner’s work by breeding children afflicted with the cowardly delusion syndrome of “NOTIN DAY HAPPEN.” Such children keep the police commissioner, his men and Edo people awake all night until they are nipped. Landlords and tenants don’t help matters because they create neighbourhood paradise for criminals. All because of sleazy rents and lackadaisical cowardice. On a final note, it needs to be stated here that when you attempt to drag Edo police commissioner into dirty politics or create unnecessary challenges for him by making undemocratic policies, you are not helping him to bake his security cake. He doesn’t require any distraction. What he needs is the collaborative assistance of all stakeholders, big and small. Let’s help him to bake his security cake. If he fails, it is all of us that have failed. We will lose our sleep. Criminal will celebrate. God forbid!
THE
NIGERIAN
22
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
View Point
X-Raying Pains Of KidnapInduced Doctors’ Strikes IT is gradually becoming a tradition for the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to direct its members to embark on strike anytime a medical doctor is kidnapped. Last week’s strike by doctors in Ebonyi was the most recent, as the state branch of NMA directed its members, both in the private and public hospitals, to withdraw their services to protest against the kidnapping of a medical doctor. The state NMA Chairman, Dr Chidi Esike, who addressed newsmen on Monday, May 6, said that Dr Pius Maiyike, a consultant paediatrician who works with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, was kidnapped on Sunday, May 5, in Abakaliki. He stressed that doctors could no longer continue to operate under an unsafe and insecure environment. “During this period, there will be no skeletal services by the doctors. It is a pity that doctors now work under siege. “We shall, however, resume our services immediately our colleague is released by the kidnappers. “The kidnappers should know that doctors do humanitarian work and they are not
By OBIKE UKOH
wealthy,’’ Esike said. However, apart from the Ebonyi incident, similar cases have been recorded in Edo, Enugu, Delta states, among others. For instance, the Edo branch of NMA ordered its members in April 2010 to embark on an indefinite strike, following the kidnap of Prof. Michael Ibadin, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The association directed all medical and dental practitioners in the state to immediately withdraw clinical services, until “Prof. Michael Ibadin is released alive and well, while adequate institutional security arrangements are put in place.” The state NMA chairman, Dr Osahon Enabulele, nonetheless, directed the doctors to still attend to emergency cases. “Despite the current state of insecurity of our members in the workplace, as a mark of goodwill to members of the public, all medical and dental practitioners in Edo State are to attend to emergencies (accident victims, women in labour and other medical emergencies) during this pe-
riod,” he said. In March 2012, medical doctors in Delta also embarked on a strike to press for the release of their kidnapped member, Dr Ngozi Chukwuebulim, an employee of Warri Central Hospital. Oil workers were also drawn into the fray, as they similarly embarked on a strike to protest against the kidnap of their members at various locations in the state. The Warri Central Hospital and filling stations across Warri were shut, resulting in untold hardship for the residents. In February 2012, medical doctors in Enugu State threatened to embark on an indefinite strike to protest against the kidnap of Dr Chidima Okwor of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu.
Okwor, a mother of four, was abducted in front of her residence by Nike Road, Enugu. Dr Kenechi Madu, the state NMA Chairman, described the kidnap of Okwor, who was incidentally pregnant at that time, as “abominable,’’ vowing that doctors would embark on the strike if she was not released. He noted that medical doctors were always at their duty posts, even during general strikes, to attend to emergency cases, warning, however, that the doctors’ roles in the society ought to be better appreciated. All the same, analysts do not totally condemn the doctors’ decision to go on strikes to press for the release of their kidnapped colleagues. But Gov. Martin Elechi of Ebonyi appealed to the striking doctors in the state to call off their strike. “I want you to know that
kidnapping is not targeted at your members; it is a national crisis. “Even some developed countries with highly developed security surveillance systems still experience the phenomenon of kidnapping. “So, ours is not different. Nigeria is currently facing an unprecedented wave of security challenges,” he added. Elechi, however, stressed that if the doctors continued their strike, the society would be worse for it. He reiterated that the doctors’ withdrawal of services was not a solution to the problem. “Let us appreciate the fact that it is a problem confronting the entire country. We should all cooperate with the law-enforcement agencies to reduce the scourge. “Army generals and highranking police officers, who are supposed to be instruments of peace keeping, are also victims of kidnaps and assassinations,” he said. Sharing similar sentiments, Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo said that it was unfair for doctors, who were trained to save lives, to embark on strikes. “It is wrong for doctors, who are trained to save lives, to go on strike in protest against the kidnap of their colleagues, while several persons in need of medical care are unattended to and left to die. “It is not every matter that should be resolved by strikes. “What is the immediate issue? Doctors are kidnapped, you go on strike. What happens when transporters are kidnapped and they withdraw their vehicles from the road? “When everybody withdraws services when a colleague is kidnapped, who will survive? Your rights stop where my own begin. In what way does their going on strike now help the situation?’’ Oshiomhole asked.
Nevertheless, Mr Gerald Ukeni, the Secretary General of Nigeria Civil Service Union, said that the strikes embarked upon by doctors were to compel the government to intervene in the matter. He argued that if doctors were over-using the strike option, then “government is over-neglecting its responsibility.’’ Ukeni stressed that a decision to embark on the “doctors’ type of strike’’ was usually determined by the strength of the profession, its negotiating power. He urged the government to find lasting solutions to the problems of insecurity across the country, adding that the government’s action would reduce the incidence of crimes, including kidnapping. An activist, Mr David Ugolor, also said that the decision of doctors to embark on strikes was to spur the government to action. Ugolor, who is the Executive Director, African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), noted that current insecurity was a threat to everybody. He, however, conceded that the withdrawal of services by doctors to protest against kidnapping was not the best option in efforts to address the problem. Ugolor emphasised that innocent people, and not kidnappers, usually suffered the pains of the doctors’ strikes. He said that it would not be reasonable to compound a problem while seeking a solution for it. Just like Ugolor, several analysts are of the view that the pains of kidnapping should not be compounded by doctors’ impulsive strikes over the issue. They insist that kidnapping is a crime with no boundaries, adding that anyone can be a victim.
“It is wrong for doctors, who are trained to save lives, to go on strike in protest against the kidnap of their colleagues, while several persons in need of medical care are unattended to and left to die. It is not every matter that should be resolved by strikes.”
THE
NIGERIAN
23
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
Healthy Living THE rainy season is here again how prepared are we in coping with it’s health hazards? This is the question that should be on the mind of health conscious members of the society at this point in time. This is the season farmers yearns and earnestly prayed for. It is the time for sowing. The time they engage themselves in farming activities. They worry themselves all day long on the best choice of crop to plant, how to get fertilizers, tractors and the rest. Unfortunately on the other hand, many members of the society are weary of the season as it brings health challenges to them. As the rainy season approaches, they are in fear and panic on how to cope with it. Painfully one cannot escape the season as long as he or she remains in this country Nigeria. As the time comes for us to witness abundance of rain, which is beneficial to some and hazardous to others, there is the need for health enlightenment on how to cope with the season. Rainy season brings lots of fun, greenery and cool climate with it. However, it also invites lots of health disorders which are not difficult in dealing with. You should be aware of certain quick remedies if you find this season challenging. Parents need to be extra careful during this season if their kids are allergic to it. Precaution is the watch word to any health challenges in this season. The most common illness is related to respiratory system and water, and food borne diseases should not be overlooked. Cold and flu are commonly found in rainy season and this is usually due to fluctuation in the atmosphere temperature. If you are a student, a worker or a mum, you need to protect yourself from these
illnesses and prevent yourself from getting sick. No one is perfect in predicting the weather. We wake up get set for work, prepare the kids for school and leave the home in a fair weather, hoping its going to be a bright and dry day. Only to see the clouds gathering and the rains start falling few hours latter. When the rains start pouring it is best to first look for a shelter and try to save yourself from being drenched. However, a shelter can save you from getting wet in rain but will not protect you from catching cold especially when your immune system is very low. As part of precautions, the most effective thing that you can do is to keep your rain gears always ready in your cars, bikes and bags as you go out in rainy season. Raincoats, umbrellas and waterproof shoes are among the best items. Increase in vitamin C intake,
Coping With Rainy Season By EDEKO A. MICHAEL either in natural form or as food supplement will help you drive away the cold virus faster. It is still a matter of debate among doctors whether vitamin C will activate your antibodies and reduce the severity of clod undoubtedly. Although this may sound unusual because if one is drenched in the rain, he or she will never want to take another shower. But taking a shower after you have been caught in the rain will protect you from many infections. In this situation hot or warm water bath is best as this helps in restoring the normal body temperature and chasing away cold which could degenerate. What about hot drinks. After you come home in the
rain, take a shower, dry yourself and wear dry and clean clothes. The best thing to do at this time is a hot cup of tea, preferably pure milk. This will prevent you from cold and save you from getting any kind of infection that can occur due to sudden change in temperature of the body. Furthermore, cleanliness is very important during this season. Even if you cold, you should wash your hands regularly and use a sanitizer. Drink plenty of purified or boiled water. This will help to drain toxins from your body. However, water intake may reduce naturally because of the sudden change or drop in the temperature of the environment. It is good to drink plenty of water and do not wait to get
thirsty to drink water. No one wants to get sick. But if anyone is sick in your home, try to give him complete comfort and keep him or her warm especially when it is cold or flu. Do not take any kind of risk if the temperature or symptoms persist after 24 hours, consult a doctor. When the person is sick, he or she might feel depressed and so you can put on light and soothing music so that it helps him feel relaxed. Again, if the cause of the illness is lack of cleanliness, either inside or outside the house, get it clean first. Cleanliness in every aspect should be paramount during rainy season. Always wear clean and dry clothes, if possible, keep one extra set of clothing with you when you go out so that even if you get caught in the rain, you can change into dry clothes.
“When the rains start pouring it is best to first look for a shelter and try to save yourself from being drenched. However, a shelter can save you from getting wet in rain but will not protect you from catching cold especially when your immune system is very low. As part of precautions, the most effective thing that you can do is to keep your rain gears always ready in your cars, bikes and bags as you go out in rainy season. Raincoats, umbrellas and waterproof shoes are among the best items”.
To dermatologists, rainy season is the time when bacteria and virus spread more vigorously, they say this is the time we get different types of diseases, especially of the skin which is caused by fungus. They recommend that we keep our skin clean and adjust our diet this season. They say moisturizing the skin is not necessary during the rainy season. If at all it is required apply very lightly, Alpha hydroxyl oxide contained in the face wash render freshness to the skin. But it should be used only once a day. Rubbing the skin is not good during this season. Sunscreen cream should be applied without fail. The cream protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Non-alkaline cleansers are suggested to be used to cleanse the skin. The cleanser penetrates the pores on the skin and removes the dirt from the inside. Heavy make-up should be avoided during rainy season. Foundation cream can also be avoided. Talcum powder can be applied, it will make the face look fresh. Experts say our hair gather more dirt during rainy season, it is better to have shampoo bath on alternate days. This will also
arrest hair fall. While buying umbrella or raincoat, choose beautiful shades so that you will feel joyful while going out. Avoid white and light color dresses as they will get dirty if muddy water is splashed on them. During rainy season stomach problems like diarrhea, nausea, indigestion etc. will be common. So, it is better to choose our diet to suit the season. Some might develop difficulty in breathing. Some people can get fever, so avoid light food. Milk is very good, it stabilizes our health. Easily digestible food should be preferred during the early days of the season. Oil should be included in the food in lesser quantity. Wheat, rice, fruits, beans, fresh juices, fresh curds, can be taken in large quantity. Experts say foods that have sour taste should be avoided. Also fried food should be taken in lesser quantity. Before food is taken, it is advisable to take lemon juice with sugar or fruits. This will help in digestion during rainy season, vegetarian food is more recommended if you follow these tips and stay protected, you will stay away from infections, allergies and diseases during this season. It is well said-prevention is
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International
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Pakistan: Protesters Denounce but the mood of protests in Khan. Imran Khan lence, Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city, The May 11 elections gave
Ugandan Police surround the office of the Daily Monitor Newsapaper, preventing all journalists from leaving according to the paper’s political editor in Kampala,
ISLAMABAD - Supporters of an influential Pakistani political party took to the streets of Karachi yesterday to protest against cricket-hero-turnedpolitician Imran Khan, who has accused it of killing one of his senior staff a week after a general election. Furious members of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) have denied responsibility for the killing of Zara Shahid Hussain on Saturday outside her home in the upscale Defence area of Karachi, capping a bloody election in which about 150 people were killed nationwide. MQM leaders condemned the killing by unidentified gunman and demanded a retraction from
the MQM 18 of 19 national assembly seats in Karachi, which has long been the party’s power base. Khan’s party won a re-vote in part of one constituency of Karachi on Sunday, giving it one seat and also angering the MQM. About 3,000 MQM joined the protest to denounce Khan, whose Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) party was to hold a rally later in the evening and elsewhere in the city. “We won’t allow Imran Khan to come Karachi if he continues with these baseless allegations,” senior MQM member Nabeel Gabol said as protesters chanted anti-Khan slogans. There was no sign of vio-
can turn quickly. Karachi generates about half of the government’s revenue and is home to Pakistan’s main port, stock exchange and central bank. Stability in the city is key to the stability of the nuclear-armed country. The MQM, a secular party, is locked in a battle with various rivals for influence in Karachi, including Pakistan’s Taliban movement, which has sought to gain a foothold in various districts on the outskirts of the city in recent years. The general election handed a landslide victory to opposition leader Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). But Khan’s campaign electrified many Pakistanis, pushing the PTI from the margins to Pakistan’s
Uk Tries Out New Model For Gene Testing In Cancer Patients
Imran Khan, Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician and chairman of political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), addresses his supporters after his visit to the mausoleum of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, founder and first Governor-General of Pa
LONDON - Britain launched a research programme yesterday that should eventually allow all cancer patients to have access to the kind of genetic analysis that led Hollywood star Angelina Jolie to decide to undergo a double mastectomy. The project, involving the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, the U.S. gene sequencing firm Illumina, geneticists and cancer doctors, aims to find a way to allow more cancer genes be tested in more people. Researchers announcing the 2.7 million pound (2 million pounds) project, funded by the
Uganda Police Raid Newsapaper Over General’s Letter KAMPALA - Ugandan police disabled an independent newspaper’s printing press after forcibly entering its premises to look for evidence against an army general who recently questioned the president’s alleged plan to have his son succeed him, witnesses said yesterday. Alex Asiimwe, the newspaper’s managing director, said in a statement that the company was “horrified by this act.” About 50 plainclothes police forced their way into the Daily Monitor’s premises in the capital, Kampala, and prevented all journalists from leaving, said Henry Ochieng, the newspaper’s political editor. “There are lots of plainclothes individuals inside the premises. You can come in but you can’t leave,” he said. News editor Alex Atuhaire said the police presence on the newspaper ’s premises was “obviously related” to the case against Gen. David Sejusa, who recently wrote to the internal security service asking for an investigation into reports that those opposed to the president’s son as a future
leader could be assassinated. Atuhaire said police were treating the newsroom like “a scene of crime.” The Daily Monitor obtained and published Sejusa’s letter, which has been dismissed by the army’s top leadership as propaganda that undermines unity in the army. Three Daily Monitor journalists have since resisted efforts by the police to have them submit their copy of the letter and to explain how they obtained it. The Sejusa letter has attracted national attention here because he is the first top official to publicly raise concerns that President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power for nearly three decades, is grooming his son to replace him as president when he retires. The son, a brigadier named Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been rapidly promoted in the military over the years and now commands the country’s special forces. In that position he is in charge of his father’s security. Police spokeswoman Judith Nabakooba said the police secured a warrant to search the newspaper’s premises for
Sejusa’s letter. “The journalists had been told to give to the police a certain document but somehow they did not hand it in,” she said. Sejusa, who is traveling in Europe, is under investigation for allegedly violating an official code of conduct. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, the army’s top commander, has said Sejusa’s letter “champions the agenda of the radical and anarchic political opposition, hence rendering him partisan.” Sejusa’s lawyer, Joseph Luzige, said his client is likely to be arrested when he returns to Uganda, the reason he has chosen to stay away until his legal team prepares for any potential cases against him. Analysts say Sejusa’s letter suggests a power struggle among the military elite as the older generation of army officers gradually loses power to the new guard, of which Kainerugaba is the most prominent member. Sejusa is one of the original bush-war fighters who were at Museveni’s side when his rebels took Kampala in 1986. Bernard Tabaire, a media trainer with the Kampala-based
African Centre for Media Excellence, said the police’s heavy deployment at the Daily Monitor’s premises was “an affront on media freedom” that also shows “the regime has been rattled by
Wellcome Trust medical charity, stressed this was not a response to reports last week of Jolie’s decision to undergo surgery to reduce her breast cancer risk. “What we’re trying to do here is develop processes that will allow comprehensive and systematic use of genetic information in cancer medicine so that (more people) will be able to benefit from the types of information and situations we were hearing about last week (with the Jolie story),” said Nazneen Rahman, head of genetics at the ICR and a leader on the new project. Mutations in some genes, known as cancer predisposition genes, greatly increase the risk that a person will get cancer. Jolie tested positive for a high risk gene mutation that made her about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than women who do not carry this mutation, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute. There are nearly 100 other
known cancer predisposition genes, but in Britain - where most healthcare is part of the taxpayerfunded National Health Service - testing for them is currently very restricted. Yet recent advances in reading the genetic code, known as gene sequencing, mean that looking for gene mutations is now faster and cheaper than ever - paving the way for gene testing eventually to become routine for all cancer patients. “It is very important to know if a mutation in a person’s genetic blueprint has caused their cancer,” Rahman told reporters at a briefing in London. “It allows more personalised treatment, so for example such people are often at risk of getting another cancer and may choose to have more comprehensive surgery, or may need different medicines, or extra monitoring.” The programme, called Mainstreaming Cancer Genetics, will use a new Illumina test called TruSight that can analyse 97 cancer predisposition genes within a few weeks for a few hundred pounds, Rahman said.
Russia Targets Pollster For ‘Political register as “foreign agents,” in defining “political activity,” inActivity a term that recalls Soviet-era cluding appealing to the EuroMOSCOW - Russia’s only independent polling agency said yesterday it may have to close after prosecutors targeted it for “political activity” under a law spearheading President Vladimir Putin’s crackdown on civil society. Levada Center published a letter, dated last week, from prosecutors who said its polls and publications are “aimed at shaping public opinion on government policy” and demanded it cease publication until it registers as a “foreign agent” under a law passed last year. Russia has pushed strongly in recent months to enforce the law, which requires all foreignfunded NGOs that engage in ill-defined political activities to
propaganda casting suspicion on foreigners. The measure is seen as an attempt to restrict Kremlin critics and undermine their credibility. Putin has long been suspicious of NGOs, especially those with American funding, which he has accused of being fronts for the U.S. government to meddle in Russia’s political affairs. Levada receives between 1.5 and 3 percent of its funding from foreign sources, including longtime bêtes noires of Putin’s foreign policy like the National Institute for Democracy and George Soros’ Open Society Institute, according to center director Lev Gudkov. Prosecutors and courts have cast the widest possible net
pean Court on Human Rights, almost any kind of advocacy work, publicizing rights violations, organizing a roundtable with a U.S. Embassy political officer, and environmental and gay rights activism. Hundreds of groups have been raided since Putin gave a speech in February demanding the law be enforced. At least 44 NGOs have had legal actions brought against them, according to AGORA, a legal aid NGO. The campaign has stoked public opinion against NGOs, according to a poll Levada released last week. Only 19 percent of Russians polled thought NGOs did any work of value, while more than half supported a total ban on all foreign funding for groups that criticize
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International Egypt:
EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT USELU, BENIN CITY EDO STATE OF NIGERIA INVITATION TO TENDER Egor Local Government hereby invites tenders for the execution of the under listed projects; (1) (2) (3)
(4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
Supply of 15 Nos. 300KVA transformers Supply of 15 Nos.500KVA transformers Installation of transformers in selected parts of the Local Government Area Renovation of 2 blocks of 6 classrooms each in Edaiken Primary School and construction of fence, water bore-hole and toilet compartments. Renovation of selected Primary Schools in Egor Local Government Area Supply of 5,000 Nos of 2 in 1 school chair and desk. Construction of 4Nos Solar powered bore-hole Construction of open and lock-up market stalls at Iguedayi and Urumwon community. Purchase of one Toyota Landcruiser Prado Jeep. Purchase of 2 Nos Toyota Corolla. Purchase of 2Nos Toyota Hilux. Installation of Street lights in some selected streets in the Local Government Area. Construction of 2 Nos community town halls in Egor Local Government Area. Renovation of Enigies’ palace Construction of Comprehensive Health Centres in Egor Local Government Area. Purchase of 2 Nos. Toyota Camry
REQUIREMENTS FOR TENDERS (a Be a registered contractor with the Local Government; (h) Six months bank statement, (c) Evidence of payment of non-refundable tender fee of N50,000 for projects below N3m N100,000.00 for project above N3m N150,000.00 for projects above N10m (d) Evidence of tax clearance certificate (e) Certificate of Company’s incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission. SCOPE OF WORK Tenderers are to obtain detailed specification of the projects from at the office of the Director of Works, Land and Services, Egor Local Government Secretariat behind Edaiken Market, Uselu SUBMISSION Each Tender’s must be submitted in a sealed wax envelope addressed to the Chairman, Egor Local Government, Uselu, to reach him not later and than six weeks from the date of this publication. The Local Government is not bound to accept any or the lowest tender.
Signed Hon. Joshua Uwagboe (Secretary to the Local Government) For: Chairman Egor Local Government, Uselu.
Compiled By OKHELEIGBE FAITH
Security Beefed Up In Sinai After Abduction
CAIRO — Dozens of Egyptian military and police armored vehicles crossed into Sinai yesterday, beefing up the security presence in the volatile peninsula five days after suspected militants kidnapped six policemen and a border guard there. The security deployment comes a day after the release of a video of the captive security men, blindfolded and with their hands tied behind their backs, pleading for President Mohammed Morsi and his defense minister to free them by granting the kidnappers’ demands. Morsi has said all options are open to free the seven men and there was no room for dialogue with “criminals,” but officials have also said mediators and local tribesmen have been in touch with the captors. They say they do not know if the deployment is a prelude to a rescue attempt. The hostage crisis is a new embarrassment for Morsi, already facing political protests and major economic woes. His government vowed to restore security to the peninsula following a major militant attack on troops last year. Yesterday, presidential spokesman Omar Amer repeated that the presidency is not engaged in negotiations, but said information is “highly sensitive” at this stage and should not be revealed. “This is a sensitive, important and very critical issue,” he told reporters when asked what the options are to deal with the crisis. “The aim is that those (kidnapped) are released and safely.” The kidnapping also highlights the growing instability in the peninsula, particularly the northern part which borders the Gaza Strip and Israel. Criminal gangs, militants and local tribesmen disgruntled with what they say is state discrimination and heavyhanded security crackdowns have exploited the security vacuum brought by Egypt’s 2011 uprising. Armed groups smuggle weapons, attack security forces and kidnap tourists to trade for relatives held in Egyptian jails. Security officials said they know the kidnappers, who are suspected Islamist militants. They said the group abducted the hostages following reports that a jailed colleague was tortured in prison. Once they had the captives, a person familiar with the negotiations says, they demanded the release of
hundreds of prisoners from Sinai, some of whom have been held since before the 2011 ouster of authoritarian leader Hosni Mubarak. Security officials said 17 military and more than 20 police armored vehicles and personnel carriers were deployed in northern Sinai yesterday as a response to the kidnapping. It was not clear if they were there as a prelude to a rescue attempt. Early yesterday, gunmen opened fire on a police camp along the border with Gaza, forcing troops to return fire. No one was injured, officials said. A senior security official in Cairo said there were no orders to start a rescue operation and that mediated negotiations appear to be the preferred option so far. The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Several members of jihadi and ultraconservative Islamist groups as well as local tribesmen have been involved in the negotiations.
China Offers India Talks Over Himalayas NEW DELHI - India and China will study new ways to ease tensions on their ill-defined border after an army standoff in the Himalayas, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said yesterday on his first official foreign trip. The number two in the Chinese leadership offered New Delhi a “handshake across the Himalayas” and said the world’s most populous nations could become a new engine for the global economy if they could avoid friction on the militarized border. “Both sides believe that we need to improve the various border-related mechanisms that we have put into place and make them more efficient. We need to appropriately manage and resolve our differences,” Li said
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Mohammed Abu Samra, a member of the Islamic Party who is familiar with the talks, said a security operation would complicate matters and put the military in direct confrontation with local tribes and criminals. He said security officials and local groups are still keeping in touch with the captors. “There is nothing wrong with negotiations. It is not a shame,” Abu Samra, whose party is the political arm of Islamic Jihad, which itself fought the government in the 1990s. In a statement late Sunday, Morsi stressed the “need to quickly release the kidnapped security, protect their lives and in a way that preserves the state’s prestige.” The crisis appears to be eroding the already shaky authority of the state in Sinai. Disgruntled border policemen there have gone on strike, shutting crossings into the Gaza Strip and Israel to demand the release of their colleagues. Hundreds more policemen joined them yesterday, closing down police stations in North Sinai’s capital el-Arish and other towns.
CHANGE OF NAME OGHOSOMI – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghosomi Patience now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egharevba Patience. Former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
at a joint news conference with India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The two men appeared smiling and relaxed. India’s Foreign Ministry said they got on well. There were small breakthroughs on trade, but no major agreements were signed. China and India disagree about large areas of their 4,000 km (2,500 mile) border and fought a brief war 50 years ago. Among the measures being looked at to reduce the risk of confrontation is allowing higher level meetings between regional military commanders, an Indian official said. While there has not been a shooting incident in decades, the long-running dispute gets in the way of improving economic relations between the neighbors, who account for 40 percent of the world’s population and whose fast growing markets stand in contrast to the stagnant economies of the West. Bilateral trade reached $66 billion last year but both sides believe the potential is much greater. India runs a $29 billion deficit with China, a sore point that they sought to address in a joint statement, with specific reference to pharmaceuticals, IT services and agriculture. However, similar promises made in previous joint statements failed to slow the ballooning trade gap. India’s Essar Group conglomerate is nonetheless set to sign a $1 billion loan deal with China’s China Development Bank and China’s largest oil and gas producer PetroChina during the trip, sources said. They said the loan would be backed by the supply of refined products to PetroChina. After a welcome ceremony at India’s presidential palace, Li said he wanted to build trust and cooperation.
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International
Compiled By OKHUELEIGBE FAITH
Kerry Moves To Mideast To Advance strikes in recent weeks on weapSyria Peace Plan ons convoys to Hezbollah show WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry is heading back to the Middle East this week to press his case for peace talks between Syrian rebels and President Bashar Assad’s regime amid increasing signs the new U.S. strategy to halt the war is being undermined by Russia. Kerry departs Monday for discussions with the sultan of Oman. He then goes to Jordan to gather with 10 of America’s closest European and Arab partners to discuss how to advance a political transition and end more than two years of bloodshed in Syria, before traveling on to Israel. For the Syria negotiations to succeed, the Obama administration is banking on Russia’s help. The U.S. and Russia have wrangled repeatedly while more than 70,000 Syrians have died, but they now say they’re working together to start direct talks between Syria’s government and the opposition in Geneva next month. Washington demands Assad’s ouster, while Russia continues to provide the Syrian leader with military aid and diplomatic cover, but President Barack Obama this week said the meeting “may yield results.” The optimism echoes the message of Kerry, who during his Moscow visit earlier this month declared that the old Cold War foes, by rejuvenating Syrian peace hopes, were demonstrating how they “can accomplish great things together when the world needs it.” For all the heady talk of cooperation, however, Russia has continued to rebuff American demands that it cut off military support for Assad. Moscow is preparing to give Syria state-of-the-art ground-toair missile systems, Israeli officials say. It is beefing up its naval presence near its base in northwestern Syria, reports suggest. And, in the latest revelation, U.S. officials say Russia has provided the Assad regime with anti-ship cruise missiles. Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the transfer of the advanced anti-ship missiles is “an unfortunate decision that will embolden the regime and prolong the suffering.” On the diplomatic front, the situation isn’t much better.
There, Russia has repeatedly blocked a proposal for an expanded Security Council trip to Turkey and Lebanon to study Syria’s refugee crisis, according to U.N. diplomats. The continued friction between Moscow on the one hand and Washington and its partners on the other comes as the Obama administration is evaluating a range of options, including military ones, to break the stalemate in Syria’s civil war and respond to evidence that Assad’s forces used small amounts of chemical weapons in two attacks in March. Obama previously declared chemical weapons use his “red line” for a more forceful American intervention, though Kerry and other U.S. officials have since suggested that no such step would be taken while the new peace push still has hope. Russia’s missiles support significantly boosts Syria’s capability to target manned planes, drones and incoming missiles after its systems were easily circumvented in 2007 when Israeli jets bombed a suspected nuclear reactor site along the Euphrates River in northeastern Syria. Apparently successful Israeli
the Syrian defenses are still far from impregnable, but the new weaponry adds further considerations as the United States tries to change Assad’s calculation that he can prevail in Syria’s civil war. While more and better antimissile systems wouldn’t immediately change the fight between Syria’s government and armed opposition, they would make it more dangerous for the U.S. and other governments to try to enforce a no-fly zone in the country or otherwise intervening militarily. And with Washington mulling over the options, the war continues. The refugee toll has topped 1.5 million people and much of the country has slipped into lawlessness. Kerry’s weeklong trip will also see him try to advance his two-month effort to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian government forces pushed deeper into a strategic opposition-held town near the Lebanese border Monday, battling rebels in fierce street fighting, state-media reported. An activist group said at least 23 elite fighters from Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant
23 Hezbollah Members Killed In Syria
Car Bombs In Ba ghad, Baghad, South Ir aq Kill At Least Iraq BAGHDAD (AP) — A wave No one immediately claimed 34 of car bombings across responsibility for the blasts but Baghdad’s Shiite neighborhoods and in the southern city of Basra killed at least 34 people on Monday, Iraqi officials said. The attacks are the latest in a recent spike of bombings that has hit both Sunni and Shiite civilian targets over the past week. The bloodshed has raised fears of a return to the widespread sectarian violence of 2006-2007 that brought the country to the edge of civil war. In the Iraqi capital, nine car bombs went off, striking at bus stops, market places and in the streets of Shiite areas during the busy morning hours, killing 24 people and wounding 112, according to police officials. In the southern city of Basra, two car bombs — one near a restaurant and the other at a bus stop — killed at least 10 people and wounded 27, according to police officials in the oil-rich city.
In this Saturday, May 18, 2013 citizen journalism image provided by Qusair lens which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrians inspecting the rubble of damaged buildings due to government airstrikes, in Qusair, Homs province, Syria.
such large-scale bombings bear the hallmarks of al-Qaida in Iraq. Hospital officials in Baghdad and Basra confirmed the casualty tolls. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. Tensions have been intensifying In Iraq since the country’s minority since Sunnis began protesting what they say is mistreatment at the hands of the Shiite-led government, including random detentions and neglect. The protests, which began in December, have largely been peaceful, but the number of attacks rose sharply after a deadly security crackdown on a Sunni protest camp in the country’s north on April 23.
group fighting alongside regime troops have been killed in the clashes. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks Syria’s civil war, said that more than 100 Hezbollah members also have been wounded in the fighting around the town of Qusair. If confirmed, the casualties would be a significant blow to the Shiite group, which has come under harsh criticism at home in Lebanon for its involvement in the war next door. A staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Hezbollah is heavily invested in the survival of the Damascus regime and is known to have sent fighters to aid government forces. The Lebanese group’s growing role in the conflict also points to the deeply sectarian nature of the war in Syria, in which a rebellion driven by the country’s Sunni majority seeks to overthrow a regime dominated by the president’s Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. The Observatory, which relies on a wide network of activists in the ground in Syria, cited “sources close to the militant group” for the death toll but declined to reveal their identity. It said at least 50 Syrian rebels were also killed in the battle for Qusair on Sunday, including two commanders. Qusair has been the target of a withering government offen-
sive in recent weeks, and the countryside around the town has been engulfed in fighting as regime troops backed by Hezbollah fighters seized villages as they closed in on Qusair itself. The opposition estimates that some 40,000 civilians are currently in the town. The intensity of the fighting reflects the importance that both sides attach to the area. In the regime’s calculations, Qusair lies along a strategic land corridor linking Damascus with the Mediterranean coast, the Alawite heartland. For the rebels, overwhelmingly Sunni Qusair has served as a conduit for shipments of weapons and supplies smuggled from Lebanon to opposition fighters inside Syria. Regime troops and Hezbollah fighters, who laid siege to Qusair weeks ago, launched an offensive to regain control of the town, with Hezbollah’s elite fighters advancing from the east and south, an opposition figure said. He added that Hezbollah troops took control of the main square and the municipal building in the center of the town in a few hours. By the end of the day Sunday, they pushed out rebel units, including the alQaida-affiliated Jabhat alNusra, from most of Qusair, he added Monday on condition of anonymity, for fear of retaliation by both sides.
Iran Election Overseers May Bar Former President
In this Saturday, May 11, 2013 file photo, former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, 78, waves to media, as he registers his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, at the election headquarters of the interior ministry in Tehran, Iran.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s election overseers say they will bar candidates who are physically weak from running in next month’s presidential election, a clear nod toward a former president. The entry of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, 78, into the election race could reduce chances for conservatives loyal to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the June 14 vote. Rafsanjani’s opponents say he
is too old to run the country. Iran’s constitution does not set an age limit for presidential candidates. Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei, spokesman of the Guardian Council, which vets election candidates, said Monday, “A person who is able to work only few hours a day can’t be approved.” His comments were carried by several Iranian news agencies. The council is set to announce
He said fighting was focused in the northern part of the town on Monday. The account matched that of Syria’s state news media, which said President Bashar Assad’s troops took control of most of Qusair on Monday. State-run TV said forces restored stability to the entire eastern front of the town, killing scores of terrorists there. An official in the Homs governor’s office told the AP on Monday that more than 60 percent of the city is in government hands after scores of gunmen were killed or surrendered Sunday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to give information to the media during an ongoing military operation, more than 1,500 resident fled the city due to intensified fighting. Qusair-based opposition activist Hadi Abdullah denied official reports that the army was advancing in the town, saying they were still trying to storm it. “They go in and out, until now I can say with confidence that they have not been able to enter the town and stay there,” Abdullah said. Hezbollah members have made use of their expertise in guerrilla tactics to significantly boost regime forces in the fight for Qusair. Their presence, along with that of Hezbollah-backed Shiite fighters, is meant to shore up overstretched troops fighting on several other fronts. Residents on the Lebanese side of the border just across from Qusair reported seeing more than 30 plumes of smoke billowing from inside Syria and hearing the heavy thud of artillery and airstrikes late into the night Sunday and on Monday morning. “Nobody could sleep last night from the sounds of battle,” said Ali Jaafar, deputy mayor of the Lebanese border town of Hermel, adding that residents did not send children to school Monday for fear of fighting spilling over into Lebanon. Lebanese security officials confirmed at least four funerals were being held Monday morn-
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Environment
City In Throes Of Noise Pollution By FELIX OMOH-ASUN MR. Paul Aideyan held his handset tightly against his right ear. He tried to pick what the caller was saying but all to no avail. Furiously, he quickened his steps, away from that particular spot where massive speakers were drowning every other noise with high life music. To the surprise of Aideyan, another corner where he tried taking refuge, a mega phone hung on top of the building, and in a blaring voice urged passersby to come into the shop to purchase bible. In frustration, Aideyan hung up, assuring his caller he would call back later to continue the aborted discussion. The above scenario which played out at the New Benin of the city of Benin sometime ago is replicated every minute all over the city on daily basis. In what looks like a siege on the city, noise pollution from the activities of music shops, bookshops, religious houses, drinking joints and hawkers of various items have reduced verbal communication into a shouting competition, where the loudest noise maker gets the attention. Talking between two people is always on top of the voice. Even at that it is difficult to understand what the other party is saying. Indeed, outside this riotous situation, noise pollution poses health hazard to those who daily carry out their work in noise proned areas. Experts agree that noisy environment poses danger to both the producers and the receivers. They assert that apart constituting nuisance, health implications vary from one individual to another. Unfortunately, those who engage in producing noise do not even know or care about the consequences of their action. A music shop owner at New Lagos Road, who gave his name as Gideo told The Nigerian Observer that he has never for once thought about the hazard of playing his music so loud neither has he got other options. He says all he is after is to attract customers to his shop. “If I do not put speakers outside and play music loud, nobody will know what I am doing here. I use the music to bring customers to the shop”, he says. He refuses to accept the fact that customers can walk in on their own to buy their kind of music. Despite the fact that
people are already aware that he sells CDs, cassettes and DVDs, he argues, it is not sufficient to lure customers. Reminded that rather than blast of music, signboard could attract customers, he notes, Nigerians have not reached that stage of walking into a shop and demand choice of music. Years in the business have taught him to help customers make choice and in a way influence them by the loud sound from his speakers “When people pass by and hear some music they (customers) usually come in to buy. If I do not play the music like that they will not know that I have such music”, Gideo emphasises A bookshop owner, who has mega speakers hang on top of a storey building and throughout the day calling on passersby to come into his shop to buy their bible at Ibiwe Street, also remarks that his ultimate aim was to attract customers. The shop owner, who refuses to give his name, says customers needed to be reminded that a bookshop existed in the area. Though his signboard tells that, he notes that people who are in a hurry hardly have time to look at signboards and what they convey. “I am not aware that there is a law against noise pollution. I am just doing it to make sales and make profit. If I do not sell how do I pay for my shop”?, he queries. Madam Vero who sells wares beside a music shop at Uselu Market area of the city could not hide her disdain for the emittance of loud sound of the speakers which she sits beside everyday. When asked if her continuous exposure to the loud sound has no effect on her, she was quick to answer that she has hearing problem. “At times when people talk to me in low voice I hardly hear them. At times
too I shout on top of my voice when talking because I am now used to shouting to make people understand me especially where I sell everyday”. Dr. Amina Okhakhu of Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin, agrees that Madam Vero’s case is not far from the hazards of exposure to noise. She sees a city that is gradually degenerating into a noisy chaos.
her, acute noise damage trauma known in medical term as acute acoustic comes as a result of a loud blast. “This single loud blast like bomb explosion can result in a momentary lose of hearing ability. But the one that is more damaging is the chronic noise exposure. This is the one which comes when a person is exposed to a continuous sound or noise everyday for a very long period of time.
Okhakhu defines noise as “an unpleasant sound to the ear” which may come in form of a single loud explosion, emittance from music speakers or megaphones or heavy dirty machines. She believes that when discussing noise pollution and its effects, duration is important. Noise pollution, she notes, is upsetting and has untoy effect on health. According to
The irony is that the person is not even aware that he is gradually losing hearing ability”. Dr. Okhakhu states that apart from the damage to the ear linings, exposure to noise pollution can cause nervous break down. It can also cause rise in blood pressure of people suffering from high blood pressure (H. B. P.). “It can affect general well-
being of individuals apart from ear. Many people complain of increase in their blood pressure and nervous breakdown when in a noisy environment.” She advises people to run away from noise especially from generating sets, music from loud speakers and avoid sitting close to speakers in churches. She tasks government agencies responsible for the control of pollution to wake up to their responsibilities by enforcing existing laws. Dr. Okhuahesuyi Iguagie, assistant director in the Department or Physiotherapy, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin, in defining noise, states, “It is a sound which
is not pleasurable to the ear, it is not fair and has some health implication. When a sound reaches some pitch, it becomes injurious to the ear drum.” Although occupational sound also does damage, he says, it is not as serious as when people are not aware of the threat they are exposed to in a continuous noisy environment. According to him, music sellers, those who use
“Experts agree that noisy environment poses danger to both the producers and the receivers. They assert that apart from constituting nuisance, health implications vary from one individual to another.”
generating sets for long hours daily, should be made to understand that they are at risk of noise pollution. “When speakers or generating sets vibrate that distort physiological structure of the ear, it can lead to alteration in perception of sound, thus hearing is affected”, he told The Nigerian Observer. Dr. Nosa Obasuyi, who practices with Mount Gilead Hospital, Uselu Benin, says that damage to the ear and other health implication come in a gradual process that may not at first result in medical attention. But as time goes on “The person who is always exposed to noise will find out that his ear drum has completely been shattered and ability to articulate properly becomes a problem. It is unfortunate many a music sellers do not understand this implication.” He notes that the fad of plugging I-phone or handset to the ears for music, all day long can also damage the ear drum. “This should be discouraged because when you plug music to your ears always, it has the potential to damage hearing ability”, he opines. Christopher Alabi, who spoke to The Nigerian Observer on behalf or director, Pollution Unit, Edo State Ministry of Environmental and Public Utilities, observes that there are laws guiding noise pollution in the state. “Yes, there are laws guiding the level of noise decibel in the state. The law says nobody should make a noise above a level of 90 decibels of up to four hours a day”, he says. He accepts the fact that there are health implications like hearing ability and increase in blood pressure. “It affects speech, emotional and behaviourial stress. It increases heart beat, construction of blood vessel and dilation of pupil. It may also cause damage to the liver, brain and heart” and for this reason a law was passed in 2010 to guild against noise pollution, he remarks. According to Alabi. “Edo State Sanitation and Management Law No.5 of 2010 stipulates that no equipment or facility capable of producing noise shall not produce noise above 90 decibels for more than four hour a day. “No person shall subject himself or any worker/person to noise to a level above 90 decibels for four hours a day”. He remarks that the law also stipulates that offender “upon conviction pays a fine as prescribed in Section 38 sub-section 1-3 of the sanitation law”. On why the ministry has not acted on his existing law, Alabi says it is when a person complains that the ministry can actually act. “We need information to work on but I think with time we will put in place holistic and scientific approach to noise pollution”, he sums.
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NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
Fiorentina Furious Over Milan’s ‘Gifted’ Penalty
Napoli Coach Mazzarri Resigns WALTER Mazzarri has quit as coach of Napoli after almost four seasons despite leading the club into the Champions League for the second time in four years. Mazzarri announced his departure immediately after the end of their final game of the season against Roma. “I won’t be the coach of Napoli next season,” Mazzarri, whose side had already clinched second place, told RAI television. “I think I’ve got the most out of this group of players,” he added following a 2-1 defeat. The 51-year-old, a former journeyman midfielder who spent most of his playing career in the lower leagues, said that a clean break would be best for everyone. “My cycle at Napoli has ended,” he said. “They have been four fantastic years, I want to thank the lads and everyone who has been close to me. “Napoli is a great club to work at and I’m leaving because I need a new challenge and so do the players.” Last season, forward Ezequiel Lavezzi left the club for Paris St Germain and there is speculation that talismanic
Walter Mazzarri
striker Edinson Cavani could also be bought by one of Europe’s big-spending clubs. The Uruguayan finished the season as Serie A topscorer with 29 goals. “I took this decision a while ago,” said Mazzarri. “I think I’ve brought Napoli as far as they can go, and I think this is the right time to leave. “Fabio Capello has said that a coach in Italy cannot stay at the same club for more than four or five years and I think the players need something new.” The club confirmed on their website that Mazzarri was leaving. Mazzarri also led Napoli when they made their Champions League debut last season, reaching the last 16. Carlo Ancelotti
PSG Block Ancelotti’s Madrid Swtich PARIS St-Germain are ready to instigate a legal battle to claim maximum compensation if want away coach Carlo Ancelotti tries to join Real Madrid. PSG president Nasser Al with us for one more year…for Khelaifi said the Spanish giants me, he’s here next year. will have to pay up if they try to “There will be no arm-wressecure Ancelotti’s services. tling. We just respect principles, “I don’t believe he has signed contracts and what we said we a pre-contract with Real Madrid. would do. I can’t imagine Real Madrid will “You have methods, situations sign an agreement with him or in law and negotiations in order there will be a legal problem,” to make everything well.” he told Al-Jazeera. On Sunday Ancelotti con“He has a one-year contract firmed he wants to leave the with us. I was asked in March to French champions after weeks of extend his contract, but since speculation that Real have lined then Real Madrid have arrived. him up to replace Jose Mourinho. “Madrid came and I discussed “I have asked the club to leave it with them. He’s got a contract and I am waiting for their answer
Boxing-Browne To Fight Towers In big belts and big dollars.” HATTON Promotions’ unAustralia theTowers has been getting in beaten heavyweight prospects Richard Towers and Lucas ‘Big Daddy’ Browne will face each other Down Under this summer. The battle, scheduled for 12 rounds, will take place on a show promoted in association with Barry Michael Sports at the Melbourne Pavilion in Flemington, Australia on Thursday July 25. The pair were due to meet in Hong Kong last December, but Towers was forced to withdraw because of a perforated ear drum sustained in sparring. “I believe this is a fight that boxing fans are going to enjoy,” said Browne’s manager Matt Clark. “Two big undefeated heavyweights going at it without a hint of trash talk. “It’s the kind of fight where anything can happen at any moment and that’s what the heavyweight division needs. “It’s another great fight for Lucas to learn from and propel his career to greater
heights. He’s hungry to reach the top and to do that he needs to beat Richard Towers. I believe he will.” Browne will be on home soil this time, but he doesn’t feel that will play a huge role in the outcome of the fight. He does, however, believe a win will move him towards a potential world title shot. “I’m so excited for this one and I just hope it goes ahead this time,” Browne said. “I’m sure Richard will be well prepared and will be ready so I don’t think being at home will be a big advantage. “Beating James Toney last time was the step forward I needed and it also gave me a little more exposure in the US. Now I’ve got a different challenge to overcome and I think if I win a legitimate world title shot is a year or so away, provided I keep learning and keep winning. “I’ve got the WBF title at the moment, but am chasing
some quality sparring of late, including Wladimir Klitschko and, most recently, Mike Perez.
because I am under contract,” he said at the Ligue 1 awards ceremony. Earlier on Sunday, PSG’s sporting director Leonardo said Ancelotti had asked to go - in order to take the Real Madrid job soon to be vacated by Mourinho - but the club wanted him to stay. “Carlo asked to leave for Real Madrid but we want him to stay,” he told L’Equipe. “No decision has been made. Our priority is still that he stays. We have never contacted other coaches.” BeIN Sport, who have television rights for Ligue 1, said on their Twitter feed: “Carlo Ancelotti will not be the PSG coach next season. He met [alKhelaifi] and Leonardo this afternoon in Paris for more than an hour.” Ancelotti joined PSG, who are owned by Qatar Sports Investments, in December 2011, leading them to their first title since 1994 last weekend.
The 53-year-old boss won league titles with PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, also taking the Italian club to the Champions League title in 2003 and 2007. His contract at PSG was automatically renewed by one year until June next year when the club secured a Champions League spot for next season.
FIORENTINA’S players and officials were furious after being deprived of a place in the Champions League play-off by two late goals from AC Milan, who clinched third place in Serie A and qualified at their expense. Milan, needing to beat relegated Siena to hold on to third spot, won 2-1 after equalising with a controversial penalty won and converted by Mario Balotelli before Philippe Mexes grabbed the winner. The goals were both scored in the last six minutes and allowed Milan to finish two points ahead of fourth-placed Fiorentina, who thrashed Pescara 5-1. “Milan were gifted a penalty,” defender Manual Pascual told the Mediaset Premium cable channel. “It was disappointing to see the dream disappear like that. ... we believed in the Champions League.” Defender Gonzalo Rodriguez commented on Twitter: “If I say everything I think, I won’t play again in Italy.” Sporting director Daniele Prade said he was not surprised by the outcome. “We feel impotent in the face of these situations,” he said. “There aren’t words at the moment. We deserved a lot more, we have never been gifted anything. “We went from euphoria to misery but I can say we had expected it. The epilogue had already been written.”
Eriksson In Talks With Chinese Club A Chinese football club is ager would be announced at in talks to appoint SvenGoran Eriksson as their next manager, a spokesman said yesterday, despite reports linking the former England boss to the Cameroon national side. “Eriksson is one of the candidates,” said Chen Jie, a spokeswoman for Guangzhou R&F, based in the capital of the boom southern province of Guangdong. “The club is currently in talks with him, however (the appointment) has not been finalised yet,” she told AFP, adding the club’s new man-
Big Daddy Browne (right) ready for Richard Towers showdown
a yet to be confirmed date in the future. The appointment would put Eriksson in the same city as former Italy coach Marcello Lippi, who has been manager of rivals Guangzhou Evergrande since last May and led them to last season’s China Super League championship. Guangzhou R&F — the initials stand for “rich and force” — finished seventh in the competition. Swede Eriksson has had a stellar career as a club manager for several European sides, including Lazio, who he steered to Italy’s Serie A championship in 2000. He then took charge of England, guiding the Three Lions to the World Cup finals in 2002 and 2006. His last game in charge was England’s penalty shootout defeat to Portugal in the quarter-final of the tournament eventually won by Lippi’s Italy. Eriksson returned to club management with English Premier League Manchester City in 2007. He left after just a year in charge and had a spell in charge of the Mexico national side before taking Ivory Coast to the 2010 World Cup finals. The Cameroon football association said in April that they were considering Eriksson for the job of national coach.
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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
Moyes In Talks With Utd Players
DAVID Moyes met the Manchester United squad yesterday morning as he begins the task of following in Sir Alex Ferguson’s footsteps. Moyes was due to meet decide which areas of the United players and staff at present squad he needs to Carrington for the first time improve. in order to outline his plans It is a tricky position for the for the future. outgoing Everton boss. On Although he does not offi- one hand it would be natural cially start work until July 1, for Moyes to insist on makrealistically, that start date is ing his own mark, and havimpractical as United head on ing people he knows well tour on July 10 and return to around him. On the other, the pre-season training before 50-year-old will be loath to then. Moyes will also have to unsettle a system that has
Farewell To Premier League Icons THE end of the Premier League season on Sunday truly marked the end of an era. England’s top flight will be a much changed place from next season with these five familiar faces departing the scene having illuminated the world’s richest league. Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) Quite simply the greatest manager in the history of football, and a founding father figure of the Premier League era. Ferguson enters United folklore having managed the Red Devils for a 1,500th and final time in the 5-5 draw at West Bromwich Albion. Ends his 27-year spell as United manager having collected 38 trophies at Old Trafford. It has been well documented but here is how the silverware breaks down: Two Champions Leagues, one European Cup Winners’ Cup, one European Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, one Club World Cup, 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and 10 Charity/Community Shields. Add that to his collection at Aberdeen: One European Cup Winners’ Cup, one European Super Cup, three Scottish Premier Leagues, four Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup. Simply astonishing. Paul Scholes (Manchester
Paul Scholes
United) Described by Barcelona midfielder Xavi as the best midfielder of the past 20 years, Paul Scholes ends his United career having made over 700 appearances. Emerged from the youth ranks at United. Made his debut in a 2-1 win over Port Vale in a League Cup match in 1994. Scored both goals that day, and hasn’t really looked back collecting 718 appearances for the club to leave him behind only Ryan Giggs (940) and Bobby Charlton (758) in the all-time list of United appearances. Bows out alongside Ferguson having won two Champions Leagues, one Intercontinental Cup, one Club World Cup, 11 Premier Leagues, three FA Cups, two League Cups and five Community Shields. Scored 155 goals for United while earning 66 caps for England before retiring in 2004 to focus on the club game.
proved to be so successful for so long. He should at least meet a group of players in high spirits following Sunday’s incredible 5-5 draw at West Brom. It was the highest scoring draw in Premier League history and matched a result United have recorded just once, in 1895, when they were still known as Newton Heath. After the crazy 26 years Ferguson has spent at Old Trafford, it seemed a fitting way to go out, although Golden Boot winner Robin van Persie did wish for a “Fergie Time” winner. “I was waiting for some Fergie time at the end,” joked the Dutchman. “It didn’t happen but to score 10 goals was good fun for everyone, so I think the fans are pleased.” Van Persie does not expect the transition to working under Moyes to prove problematic. “Everybody wants to work for each other and share the success and I’m 100 per cent sure that we will play for trophies every year and, hopefully, win a few every year. That’s our standard for this team,” he said. “Of course, we get a new manager next year and everybody is looking forward to that. It’s a new challenge for everyone. We’ll have a nice break now and then we go again.”
David Moyes, Manchester United Manager
Permanent Carroll Deal Now Hammers Priority MANAGER Sam Allardyce says signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal from Liverpool is West Ham’s “main priority” this summer. The 24-year-old played the final match of his season-long loan in Sunday afternoon’s 4-2 win over relegated Reading at Upton Park, where captain Kevin Nolan netted a hat-trick. “It is our target to make it a permanent situation,” Allardyce said. “Hopefully we can get somewhere in the near future to do that. It’s our main priority. There are negotiations between the club and
Chelsea Will Challenge For Title - Benitez
RAFAEL Benitez insists he has left behind a Chelsea side capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season after ending his six-month reign with the 2-1 victory over Everton that secured a third-placed finish. Benitez had also masterminded last week’s Europa League final triumph over Benfica, but the interim manager’s absence from the post-match celebrations following the final-day win at Stamford Bridge highlighted his troubled relationship with the club’s supporters. The Spaniard, though, is adamant he has succeeded in winning over many doubters among the Chelsea fans and in the dressing room during his spell at the club. And he maintains he leaves Chelsea in a better state for his
successor, likely to be Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, than when he took over from Roberto Di Matteo in November. “It has been a great experience,” said Benitez. “You take a team that was in transition, with young players, and now we have left a good team with more experience, more character, scoring goals, more balance. “I think it will be good for the next manager, who will have a very good team, and the owner will bring in more players. This team will challenge for the title next year. “I received a lot of messages on the website, saying thank you very much, people appreciating what we were trying to do, but it (the lap of appreciations) was for the family and players.
Sterling Assault Case Dropped
Ferguson bids Farewell
A common assault charge against Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling has been dismissed after two witnesses failed to turn up to court. Sterling, 18, was due to stand trial over the alleged assault of a 27-year-old woman in November 2012.
However, the prosecution offered no evidence against the England international after two witnesses failed to attend. District judge Richard Clancy then dismissed the case and awarded the player defence costs.
Liverpool.” He added: “We have to pursue it to the very end one way or another and we will find out as quick as we can if it is a yes or a no. If we can start with Andy Carroll that would be a great achievement for us as he can only get better and better. “Then we build around that in terms of how we want to improve next year, with better quality. “Andy is a player that is wanting to enjoy his football. He lives for his football and wants to play every game. He wants to use his strengths and score as many as he can - but he also works very hard for the team.” The Irons were in complete control against Reading after a mistake from a new England call-up, goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, gifted Nolan the opener on 23 minutes, with Ricardo Vaz Te sweeping home a second following more good work from Carroll. The Royals responded with two quick goals at the start of the second half through Garath McCleary and substitute Adam Le Fondre. But the Hammers made sure of a top-10 finish when Nolan netted again and then completed his hattrick with a header three minutes
from time. Reading’s fate had long been sealed and they finish the season in 19th place. However, Royals boss Nigel Adkins maintains there are plenty of positives to take ahead of a return to life in the power Championship. “There is a good feelgood factor going forward for next season, which is important,” said Adkins, who replaced the sacked Brian McDermott in March. “We have changed the way the club has played football - we are looking to be more in control with keeping the football for longer periods of time and that takes time to get everyone ready to go and do that.”
Andy Carroll
Villas-Boas Tells Spurs To Raise Game ANDRE Villas-Boas has cause sixth-placed Chelsea won told his Tottenham players they will have to raise their performance levels to new heights next season after they once again failed to qualify for the Champions League despite a club-record Premier League points total. To finish fourth Villas-Boas’ side had to beat Sunderland, which they did thanks to Gareth Bale’s 88th-minute winner, but also needed Arsenal to fall short at Newcastle. Instead, Tottenham’s north London neighbours also won 1-0 on Sunday. Tottenham had to be content with a Europa League place even though their 72 points and 21 league victories were both improvements on last season, when Harry Redknapp’s team finished fourth but also failed to qualify for the Champions League be-
the competition and qualified as holders. “It’s disappointing,” Villas-Boas said. “Reaching 72 points and not making Europe means that we will have to get more than that next season, particularly as the other clubs are already great, great squads and they will continue to add quality. “Next year we will have to raise the bar once again and be extremely competitive because our competitors will do the same. “The difference between the three London teams is very short. We got ever so close to them. “They will do their job in the transfer window and we will do ours in the Tottenham way — look for good grabs in the window to make ours an even
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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
Martins Scores Again In USA
Pillars Spend N35m Naira To Clear Bonuses KANO Pillars have settled all outstanding match bonuses and other allowances totalling 35 million Naira, officials said. Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa told MTNFootball.com the board led by Abba Yola promised the players a good welfare package. “We paid all outstanding match bonuses for our players and some other expenses amounting to 35 million Naira. The board chairman
Abba Yola told the players that their welfare is the top priority and tasked them to keep doing their best, Malikawa told MTNFootball.com “He also thanked the state Governor for his support to the team and said he hope the government releases more funds for payment of sign-on fees soon.” Champions Pillars are currently second on the league table with 22 points.
Musa Says Russia Double Dream Intact NEWLY crowned Russia league champion Ahmed Musa has said he is now on track to clinching a league and cup double with CSKA. CSKA pipped champions Zenit Saint Petersburg to the championship with a game to spare after they drew 0-0 with Kuban Krasnodar to record 64 points. “My dream is to win double, I have one of the trophies already so I am looking forward to winning the cup on June 1 against Anzhi,” said Nigeria international Ahmed Musa. The forward also told MTNFootball.com his first Russia Premier League title is for his son Musa Ahmed Musa, who he said has been a blessing to him since he was born.
Ahmed Musa with league trophy
“I thank God for the title. It was a dream come true which did not come on a platter of gold. It was not easy to have come this far. I am dedicating the title to my son Musa Ahmed Musa. He has been a source of joy to me and has brought me luck,” Musa revealed.
Mr. Gbenga Elegbeleye (left) now Director-General of NSC with Sports Minister, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi
Footballers Congratulate Elegbeleye On Appointment THE Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON) has congratulated Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye on his appointment as the DirectorGeneral of the National Sports Commission (NSC). This is contained in a Players Welfare Trust statement by APFON’s Fund, was appointed NSC Chairman, Austin Popo, D-G on May 16. and made available to the It said that Elegbeleye’s newsmen in Lagos appointment would enyesteday. hance sports administraNAN reports that tion in the country, and Elegbeleye, who is the cur- commended President rent Chairman, Board of Goodluck Jonathan for Trustees of the Nigeria recognising his integrity
Ahmed Musa with League Confed-Cup: Rangers Upbeat Despite trophy.
Rangers are confident they will reach the league stage of the Confederation Cup despite a slim 1-0 home win over CS Sfaxien on Sunday. Ugonna Uzochukwu scored the only goal of the match in the 87th minute, but the defender will miss the reverse fixture after he was sent off for a second booking in the dying minutes of the encounter. The third round return leg in Tunisia is in a fortnight and Rangers striker Oghogho Oduokpe told MTNFootball.com the Enugu club hope to get a result on the road so as to make it to the mini-league phase of Africa’s second-tier club competition. “What matters now is that we won. Though it was a narrow win, we can go to Tunisia and get draw or even beat them. We will work harder ahead of the second
Slim Win
leg,” said Oduokpe, who watched the game from the
stands due to injury. CS Sfaxien will host Rangers in the weekend of May 31June 2.
and commitment to sports development. ‘’APFON, on behalf of all Nigeria’s professional footballers, extend its warmest congratulations to Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye for his appointment as DG of the NSC. ‘’The union believes that Elegbeleye will bring his wealth of experience to move Nigeria’s sports forward. His passion for sports, and especially football, is unequalled. ‘’The players’ union hails Mr President, Dr Jonathan, for approving
Enugu Rangers’ Taro in Aerial contest with Sfetxien player.
his appointment,’’ the statement said. It said that the association hoped to build a good working relationship with Elegbeleye, the one-time Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports. ‘’The union looks forward to a healthy and most rewarding working relationship with him especially in the areas of athletes’ welfare and development,’’ it added.
OBAFEMI Martins is now proving his worth in the USA as he scored in Seattle Sounders 4-2 win over FC Dallas on Sunday. Nigeria forward Martins, who was a 63rd minute substitute for Mario Martinez, netted the fourth goal in the 83rd minute. The former Inter Milan striker has now scored three goals in three straight games. Martins praised the team effort. “The players did well before my coming in and I did my best scoring a goal as well and we won. We scored four goals which is good, so I am very happy for that,” Martins said. “I spoke to Lamar and Eddie and playing close to each other because the more we pass the ball to each other it is easier to play. We have been doing that in training, which is good. I’m happy for that because we did well. “Scoring goals is always important, we can pass the ball around but the striker is why I am here-scoring goals, and it’s happening. “We worked hard for it and it was a good win. We hope to continue like this since we have a long way to go.” The former Levante striker said he is getting back to full fitness. “I am getting there. The fact that I am playing from the second half and trying to help the team as well, I think it’s good,” he said. “When I first came I said I wanted to score a lot of goals and it’s happening now. I hope it continues to be like this, and the important thing is to win, to get the three points.”
Kaduna Utd Beat Lobi STRUGGLING Stars Kaduna United FC on Sunday earned the maximum three points as it defeated Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi by a lone goal in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League. The match which was played at the Kaduna Township Stadium, was watched by sizeable number of spectators, the newsmen reports. After a drab 45 minutes, striker Ali Adamu scored the only goal of the match 13 minutes into the second half to to clinch victory for the team which is stuck at the bottom of the table.
Several efforts by the visitors to equalise were abortive, as the home side defended tenaciously to win the maximum points. The victory has enhanced the position of the United team as they battle to pull away from the relegation zone, having found themselves at the foot of the log after 10 matches. NAN reports that the new Chairman of the club, Sabo Babayaro has pledged that the team would earn a continental ticket at the end of the season.
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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
Real Madrid Meet As Mourinho Exit Speculation Grows REAL Madrid directors have called a board meeting for Monday as speculation mounts that coach Jose Mourinho is heading for the exit after a season he himself described as the worst of his career. : decide.” Directors brought forward a But al-Khelaifi insisted that weekly meeting, usually held later in the week, yesterday, a club spokesman said. “There is indeed a meeting of the board of directors scheduled for today,” said the spokesman. “I have no idea what topics will be raised,” he added. Real Madrid suffered a shock 2-1 loss to derby rivals Atletico Madrid in the final of the Spanish Cup on Friday, leaving Mourinho’s players with no silverware this season since they lifted the Spanish Super Cup last August. “This is the worst season of my career with a title that is not sufficient to satisfy Real Madrid and therefore it is a bad season,” Mourinho, who is widely expected to return to Chelsea next season, said after their defeat. “I have a contract for three more years and I have still not sat down with the president to talk about my future,” Mourinho said when asked if he expected to be in charge at the Bernabeu next season. “I have to be honest. Until the day that the president sits down with me and the club does something official, it has to be like this.” Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Sunday, however, that he wants to leave the French champions to FRANK Lampard has lauded take over at Real Madrid. the man-management credentials “My wish is to leave the of former Chelsea boss Jose club,” said the Italian after Mourinho ahead of an expected meeting PSG club president second coming of the Special One this summer. Nasser al-Khelaifi. Midfielder Lampard was part of “I have asked the club to leave. We are going to wait for Mourinho’s successful side bea response from the club who tween July 2004 and September are going to take a few days to 2007, when the Portuguese left in
Ancelotti, who this season led PSG to a first title since 1994, is going nowhere. “He said that he wanted to leave for Real Madrid. I said it’s
not possible because he has a contract for another year — that is our decision,” al-Khelaifi told www.beinsport.fr.
Champions League:
Italian Rizzoli To Ref Wenilley Final ITALIAN Nicola Rizzoli has been named as the referee for this Saturday’s Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich at Wembley. UEFA confirmed yesterday that the 41-year-old Rizzoli, who was in charge of the 2010 Europa League final and was on duty at Euro 2012, had been selected. He will be assisted by fellow Italians Renato Faverani and Andrea Stefani with the fourth official, Damir Skomina, coming from Slovenia.
Boxing: David Price Back
In Contention DAVID Price has returned from his Canadian training camp and is convinced he’s back on track to become world heavyweight champion. The 6ft 8in scouse powerhouse and his trainer Franny Smith have spent three weeks in Canada working with former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and conditioner Courtney Shand. Price believes he’s bang on course to get revenge over Tony Thompson when they clash in a return 12 rounder at Liverpool’s
Jose Mourinho
Lampard Says Mourinho Was The Best
Tennis: RAFAEL Nadal warmed up for the French Open in perfect fashion with a 6-1 6-3 demolition of Roger Federer to defend his Rome Masters title. Nadal, who will move back up to fourth in the world when the new rankings are released on Monday, has now won seven titles in nine years in the Italian capital and has also picked up six titles in eight tournaments since returning from injury in February. Alongside titles in Sao Paulo, Acapulco, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid and now Rome, Nadal has also reached
Rafa Nadal
Rizzoli
acrimony before achieving success at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, who he is expected to leave imminently. Asked what makes Mourinho so successful, Lampard told TalkSPORT: “It’s a presence and an aura and a way with people. “He galvanises people. His
own self-confidence reflects back on his teams. He did that to me personally. “Tactically he’s fantastic. He’s very astute. As a team he sets you up brilliantly. “But what he does is he gets the best out of players and gets this togetherness that I’d never known until he came to the club
and I haven’t seen it again since then. “He might rub people up the wrong way. [But] as a manager, he’s brilliant with his team, tactically, he’s brilliant with individuals and I think he’s brilliant with the press. I know it creates a storm, but he does protect his players.”
Echo Arena on Saturday July 6. The veteran Washington DC southpaw stunned the boxing world when he KO’d Price in two rounds in February. Price who is now training again in familiar surroundings at Salisbury ABC in his home city said: “I’m learning all the time from Lennox. Courtney is pushing me beyond what I thought I was capable of and I’m preparing for the fight of my life. “I’m ready to win it and get right back in the mix.” Lewis will fly into Britain for the final ten days ahead of the big fight. Price’s promoter Frank Maloney added: “David’s confidence is soaring and I am confident he will redeem himself.” Also on the big bill, Darren Hamilton defends his British light-welterweight title against Adil Anwar. A second title fight will be announced later this week with further undercard news.
Nadal Destroys To Defend Rome Matters Title
the finals of Vina del Mar and Monte Carlo since he re-joined the ATP tour after seven months on the sidelines with his troublesome left knee injury. The Mallorcan broke in the second, fourth and sixth games to race through the opening set in just 24 minutes. And he looked set to do the same in the second only for Federer to secure consecutive games in the dying stages. But it was only a temporary blip from Nadal, who barely put a foot wrong all afternoon, and he wrapped up victory after 68 minutes with a forehand winner.for his 36th victory in 38 matches this year. “It’s a very important day, a very
happy day for me after a difficult year last year,” Nadal, speaking in Italian, told the crowd after the trophy presentation. “It is really emotional for me to win a tournament with such a long history as Rome. See you next year. “I am just enjoying the moment and valuing it more than ever because I know where we were just a few months ago. Being here a few months later with all I have achieved is really more than a dream.” Nadal, who has not always looked at his best all week - dropping sets to Ernests Gulbis and David Ferrer - made a blistering start to the match with a break in just the second game when Federer sent a forehand long. The Spaniard then followed that up with a second break two games later, with an angled cross court forehand winner, before sealing the first set at the first attempt when Federer pulled a forehand volley wide across court. Yet another break followed in just the second game of the second set, Nadal easily anticipating a cross court forehand volley winner from Federer and returning it with interest for a backhand passing shot winner across court. When Federer squandered
game points two games later, instead allowing Nadal to break for a fifth time with a sensational backhand passing shot winner down the line from outside the tramlines and two metres behind the baseline, it looked as though the world number three was go-
ing to be restricted to just the two games for the afternoon. But there was still a little life left in Federer as, with Nadal serving for the title, he broke back to love before also holding with ease to put a little more pressure on the Spaniard.
It was inconceivable that Nadal would drop serve two games in a row, however, and so it proved to be; the fifth seed serving out the match to love to firmly install himself as favourite to lift an eighth French Open title in three weeks time.
Darfur Gov Assures Teams Of Security At Kagame Cup NORTH Darfur governor has assured participating teams of maximum security when they host the 2013 Cecafa Kagame Club Championships from June 18-July 2. Governor Osman Mohamed Yousif Kibir told newsmen in an interview in Darfur on Sunday that although many foreign teams have apprehensions with the mention of Darfur because of its past, his state is very ready to host the event and matters of security are being handled with the highest concern. Kibir also met with Cecafa and Sudan Football Federation officials over the weekend who were in the Sudan state to carry out a final inspection of facilities before the event. “Be sure that security in this place is handled
with high regard and nothing wrong will happen here during the tournament,” promised the governor. He said their biggest reason they were hosting the event was to bring the people of Darfur together because there has existed lots of division. “I want football to bring people of Darfur together and also to bring teams from the Cecafa region to understand what situation exists in Darfur and not what people around the whole think of Darfur,” added Kabir, a former football himself. Meanwhile, Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye said they were impressed with what they had seen on the ground interms of the hotels, training
pitches and the two venues Al Fasher and Al Neyha Stadiums. “We are contended with what we have seen on the ground and are optimistic we shall have a good tournament that comes to Darfur and South Kordofan for the first time in the history of Cecafa,” added Musonye. Musonye also disclosed that the draws for the tournament will be made on May 21 in Khartoum. Tanzania’s newly crowned league champions Young Africans are the cup holders of the regional club event. The other teams expected in the event include; Express FC from Uganda, Tusker FC of Kenya, Rwanda’s APR FC, Tanzanian club Simba SC and Burundi’s Vital’O amongst others.
THE
NIGERIAN
CMYK
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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013
BETWEEN fighting the insurgency in the north and tackling the growing opposition against his 2015 presidential ambition, it is difficult to say which is the tougher battle for President Jonathan at this time. It is certain that both are intertwined in some way. Obviously, winning the battle against the Boko Haram insurgency would boost his chances in the political battle ahead but It could also distract from other
ion, this is where the real victory lies and so far, Mr President has failed on this front. There is no doubt that the president has scored the first point by launching this offensive, but there is the possibility that it would not do much in building public confidence and winning the battle if the goal ends only with driving the insurgents from the positions they occupy and neglects the rehabilitation of a long suffering population.
spots before they were marked out. Among these local government areas where massive military presence, extended curfews, house to house searches and military assaultthe usual accompaniments of a State of Emergency- were ordered, were Banki Bama and Jere, two local government areas that have remained key spots in the continuing violence. If the initial State of Emergency didn’t work there, it is
State Of Emergency: A Cautionary Note
As The President Fights On Two Fronts key issues that are already defining the political trajectory. Beyond the staggering offensive against Boko Haram strongholds, the other alleged key offensive of the president seems to be reaping same rewards: twenty seven members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, believed to be loyalists of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, have been suspended by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and there is increasing pressure on governor Amaechi over allegations of corrupt dealings in the purchase of a private jet. All these have been made possible by the removal of the party’s state exco, also believed to be made up of the governor’s men, and its replacement by a speedily inaugurated group believed to be a creation from the national headquaters allegedly under the influence of the president. As it turns out, the President seems to be fighting on two fronts and going strong so far. However, there are some cautionary steps that should be considered: first, on the Boko Haram front, it is important that the president realises that a ground battle against Boko Haram is not the final solution in fighting terrorism. Terrorist cells hardly survive conventional battles with state troops but they thrive in unconventional warfares where their positions are hardly known and their identity remains shrouded; second is that as much as most Nigerians welcome the imposition of the state of emergency and the swift response of the Nigerian Armed Forces, there is a need to understand that the social repercurssions of such decisions are usually greater. It is important that the government understands the magnitude of its commitment to rebuilding the lives of the innocent victims of this conflict once the battle has been won and the pressing need to assimilate the communities that have been affected by the conflict over the years. In my opin-
So, now the president stands high above his detractors and critics who have all given scathing assessments of his actions in the north until now; the question that has not been addressed - and
difficult to see how much success, even if there will be some, will come out of this operation. Increasing the bombings just a notch above the devastating blitzkrieg that
President Goodluck Jonathan seems to be a taboo for many now- is whether this is a political move or a clear strategy to address a pressing issue that has stifled government functions for years. It is impossible to say, and understandable that many would refuse any connotations of political undertones, considering the devastating effect of the four year long conflict on Nigerian lives, but it is important that a clear perspective is drawn to fully understand the intended goal of the government’s decision. We must understand certain facts: this is not the first time the president is imposing a State of Emergency in the North East- even if the target communities of the previous one were limited and the locations different. A state of Emergency was imposed for six months in parts of Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and Niger states. several local government areas were the targetsand I’m guessing that these local government areas were identified as the key trouble
has been going on there, and curfews slightly extended beyond what is presently evident may claim more lives- including many innocent ones undoubtedly- and put many more people behind bars, but it cannot halt clandestine attacks on cities and towns in other parts of the north. To some on the opposite side of the political fence from the president, this is one more ace that the president has pulled from his pack of cards to deal a deafining blow to an alleged political force from the north that is alleged to be behind the insurgency. I personally do not agree with that view for the simple fact that the north itself, including the elite and masses, have been major victims of this assault by Boko Haram. I also do not agree that the president’s decision to launch an all out assault is hinged on any desire to destroy a political force built against his 2015 agenda in any way. My opinion on this issue may be a bit uninformed, however, I do agree
that, no matter the intention of Mr President, this event will undoubtedly become a factor in determining how he is percieved by the northern electorate come 2015, and he
of intellect as far as I’m concerned. As long as the buck stops with president on security issues, he must take full responsibility. The candid reality here is
Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State knows that. I believe this must have played a key role in his consideration of the state of emergency. It is for this reason that I describe the decision as another front in his political battles. Also, for those who continue to harp on the State of Emergency as proof of the president’s decisiveness against the incompetence of northern governors, they must understand that the prerogative of security and defence have always been the president’s and no one else’s. If the campaign has failed up to this point, then the buck stops with Mr President because he is the sole Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies. Northern governors can hardly do more than plead for federal help and it is the prerogative of the president to listen to their pleas or act independently of them. Any attempt to paint this imposition of Emergency as an affront on the governors who have failed to act is totally wrong and lacks depth
that beyond the presence of stern military men and the imposition of martial laws, there is hardly anything else to show in those states that would stand as monuments to the President’s Transformation Agenda so far. Residents of communities that have already been rid of terrorist cells and networks have not been resettled and have become refugees roaming wild in their own country; victims of horrible violations and families of victims of extrajudicial killings have never been compensated. If this is yhe legacy that remains after four years of the hunt for Boko Haram then we may start bracing ourselves for an even worse outcome after the “indefinite” military incursion is over. If the president thinks that a State of Emergency is a smart political move, then I am sorry to say that he is most likely wrong in his assessment. A State of Emergency does not begin to address the relevant issues that would score political points.
He has never really shown himself to be a part of the people’s sufferings. In four years he has visited Borno state, the key trouble spot, just once and never paid solidarity visits to people who have been victims of the terror attacks: rather, he chided local leaders for asking that the joint military task force be withdrawn from the state without questioning the reasons for such demands. It does not do much for future intelligence work if the security service intend to obtain information through torture and threats because they will slowly build an undercurrent of dissent in the process; I guess this is how we have gotten to such a pass. As the war rages on, the PDP is coordinating its own machinery in preparation for what promises to be a defining period in the life of the president. To borrow from Shakespeare’s lexicon, the question that the president and the party would be asking now, regarding the president’s position, is “To be or not to be?”. That is a most befitting question, considering the immense challenges that the country is dealing with at the moment. For some reason, President Jonathan has become more emboldened, either by his incumbency or a desire to hold a strong position. I find this a significant transformation, as it concerns Boko Haram, but not a very good step, as it relates to fighting political opposition. Rivers state cannot be won by suppressing the voices of dissent within the party there; it may even blow up in the face of the party and become the scale that finally tilts the balance against the president’s men. While the battle may have one aim- that is the preservation of presidential might and relevance- the wars are very different. Two key factors that have not been considered in the raging battle so far are a respect for innocent lives in the north and a respect for public opinion in the south. In both cases, the president and his team are obviously riding on a much higher altitude than Nigerians.
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